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Target Audience: Action Adventure Games Who Love Exploration and a Link to the Past

Summary:

When it's obvious from the get go that a game like Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past has a strong influence on a game's development, some games can fall into the trap of feeling too similar and being a carbon copy of the game without its budget. Under The Island however goes for it's own mood and feeling, taking elements like the sword swipes and some key animation parallels in their game, but remixing it into a fresh adventure experience. Exploring the world and finding its little details is the star here, rewarding you with playing around with areas while not bringing in certain “staples” like quest markers and map pins to force you to keep exploring naturally: and it works. The developers put energy into the right places: like the sound design being so effective in its simplicity, and great animation work that keeps you want to look for more.

With that said, those expecting a difficult experience will need to look elsewhere: the game won't challenge you in complexity in combat or even in puzzles at times, although occassionally you'll get the smug satisifaction of figuring things out without being told. The game obviously hooks itself to Link to the Past in certain ways, yet elements like boss fights may leave something to be desired. Sometimes the game hooks itself a little too much to the old school mentality, as story elements, in particular with Nia and Avocado, could have done more to elevate the game. Not to say that you won't get a good joke and laugh out of the game however, and there are moments where the simple writing shines through.

The thing is, this brought be back to the days of sitting in front of a CRT and just having a child like wonder, and in that aspect: Under The Island succeeds. As long as you're not expecting a game to push you to the limit, it's a great action adventure game that won't blow your socks off, but will just let you enjoy the simple things in gaming.


Review Video: : https://youtu.be/nea5BXRZpUY

Lists:
Positives:

• Exploration has new elements around every corner and brings a child-like wonder with it.
  
• Good variety of things to keep the gameplay fresh while not being too out there.
  
• The details shine through in presentation, with animation and sound quality leading the way.
  
• Reasonable amount of side elements to look for, will do well in the content area for those completionists out there.
  
• Good gateway game to newer players/people getting into gaming. Mixture of all the right things for entry.

Negatives:

• Those needing difficulty will need to look elsewhere: you're not getting high complexity here.
  
• Story could use more oompf in terms of execution, in particular with Nia and Avacado (even though there was some good stuff)
  
• Little nitpicks with collision (running into ladders sometimes feels a little more cumbersome then it should be).

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Target Audience: Familiar Players to the Genre With Good Tolerance

Summary:

Abra-Cooking-Dabra is an alright game that is at times good, but feels like it could be great with the right changes control wise. The core formula works in constructing dishes, and when the game is hitting on all cyclinders: providing a little stress but allowing you to succeed using the pause function, you can be really enjoying yourself in that OCD like manner. The slight presentation flourishes help to keep things visually stimulating without being over the top, and the UI tooltips/recipe system does a great job in allowing flexibility. The loop of gameplay is calming but not to the point where it puts you to sleep.

With all that said, the game undercuts itself at several points. The games pace with levels can start to wear: when you're getting into 20 minutes levels with a lot of customers, and you make one mistake that isn't easily recoverable, you will start to get frustrated. It doesn't take some of the nice mechanics from other games to make organization easier, or specifically doesn't teach you about mechanics/control schemes to make it easier. You'll run into a bug here and there as well that'll make you question your gameplay, or not learn that yes, you can feed a cow something other then a carrot/potato to make them make milk. It's a lot of little things that start to add up over time.

But I think the game starts to suffer with the lack of your topping on the ice cream of gameplay. The game is rigid on most of the things you can do: you make a set of pancakes over and over again, and you can't add flair to it. There's rarely an option to choose what to make (something baked, etc), and even then it feels like the game could give you more “choice” in that area.

Is the game bad? No. Is it worth playing? Yes. Is it worth rushing out and getting. If you're looking for a fix, sure, but otherwise, it's a game to watch for a sale on.



Review Video: : https://youtu.be/Hz6RRdda1m8

Lists:
Positives:

• Solid mechanics for the recipe elements, good formulas at the core.
  
• Good UI for recipes and interactivity....for the most part.
  
• Visual elements, especially animation flair, helps to keep things interesting over time.
  
• Good background game, podcast/youtube video keeping you other attention.

Negatives:

• Inconsistent rules can lead to frustration especially when you don't know what to do.
  
• Needed better tutorials at time, especially for the small mechanics of controls.
  
• Pacing with level length can start to wear, especially in the later levels.
  
• Little time wasters (cycling through for the one item you need).

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Target Audience: Mid Level Strategy Rougelike Players Who Like Pool

Summary:

Rogue likes are numerous lately, and a good amount of them bring something unique table. Flick Shot Rogues pool like mechanics and unique perks and abilities do bring some enjoyable gameplay, and when you hit a skillful shot, it feels fantastic. When the game is firing on all cylinders and putting you into situations that make you think about what angle and power you need, it can be one of the better games in the genre. The presentation does well in complimenting the gameplay with small effects and a little bit of personality, and it does feel like the perfect game to play on the Steam Deck. Runs may not be entirely quick, but it's also a good pick up and play a little here and little there game.

With that said, there are decisions made that make me wonder if the game could have been so much more. Some of the perks feel bad to use, and the lack of information at times when it comes to your enemies and specifically turn order can get on your nerves when damage comes falling strongly out of nowhere. This can lead to frustration that feels way out of your control, and they start to add up over time, especially if the game puts you in a long fight that could have been avoided for one piece of information you couldn't have gotten before that point. Which yes, some roguelikes do have at times, but here it does feel like the information it does give you that you haven't scene before isn't easily decipherable. The nautical theme, while cute, could have used a little more variety especially in taking advantage of a tropical setting as well.

Do I think it's worth playing right now? Yes, although it's not a rush out and get right away unless you're looking for a roguelike fix. However, I do think this game, with the right additions and tweaks, could be in the top third of the genre with its premise. The core pieces of the structure here, and when the game hits, it hits. It just needs to hit on a more regular basis to be considered a MUST buy.


Review Video: : https://youtu.be/yDeloXnmjhI

Lists:
Positives:

• When the core concept is firing on all cylinders, you'll be enjoying the game left and right.
  
• Good variation in characters to change things up. Good variety in enemies.
  
• The Froggomancer.
  
• Solid sound design that gives you the information you need to make informed decisions.
  
• There are some cool creature designs that make me want to know more about this world.

Negatives:

• A lack of information (visual, tool tips) at times can really start to detract from the experience, feeling like the game is punishing you for no reason.
  
• Bad losses can start to frustrate as they usually occur in two ways: either very quickly in one turn, or a really overly extended sequence that you can't recover from that wastes your time in bad ways. Recovery mechanics could use some balance at times.
  
• An overuse of Green can start to wear on the eyes in the later levels, and could have used more variety in the tropical/pirate setting.

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Target Audience: Those Needing Stress Relief/Liking Simple Task Games

Summary:

One Man's Trash is one of those games where you will play it, enjoy it, have a good time, but not remember in a few years. Which is perfectly fine: the game's low cost yet relaxing gameplay that has some good elements of discovery does the job in being engaging and yet not overly frustrating. There are times the game will change the formula enough to keep your interest, and the lightning system does well in strategic placement being rewarded without being too overly complicated/necessary. Granted, the game isn't going to blow you away in any one area, and the fact is that if you're looking for longetivity in gameplay, you're not going to get it here.

A lot of my complaints are little things that do add up at times. The reward system for your vaccum heads just lacks any pizzaz, and the game does have a visual style that doesn't draw the eye. The sound design is extremely lacking: games like this are really enhanced by immersive/appropriate sound elements (like the right sound for vaccuming up a specific material could have really done a lot). I did want more content in the big picture, but I do think the game is priced appropriately.

If you're looking for a game that you can relax to, this is up your alley. Just don't expect that much depth


Review Video: : https://youtu.be/zAhWDI-Jwjo

Lists:
Positives:

• Watching dirt being vaccumed up has a hypnotic and satisifying element to it: very calming.
  
• When game introduces new challenge, it can help mix things up rather well. A few moments stand ou in that way.
  
• Lightning system works well in deep dark areas and adding a sense of exploration
  
• Good upgrade progression that keeps you reasonably “capable” as you go deeper and deeper
  
• Good pace for the most part.

Negatives:

• Visual Presentation does not have a pizzaz that really draws your attention.
  
• The game is priced appropriately for the content, but I will admit I wanted more in the end. Wish there was a little more randomization/oddball elements
  
• Sound Design is really lacking and could have done a lot to really enhance the experience if more focus was put on it.

If you want more reviews/information regarding games I've reviewed, visit my curator. Dragnix Curator

Target Audience: Survivor Like Players Who Want Something a Little Different

Summary:

Friend of a Slime is the definition of a solid game: a game that understands the little details that make a Survivor type game successful, and the Slime mechanic does add a layer that makes things a little more interesting while still feeling familiar in the genre. The weapons here are what you'd expect with some more interesting iterations: such as the Ax/Boomerang and the Tornado Wind weapon. The combinations of weapons allow for movement patterns that are strategic, and the progression while a little bit up and down, does the job in terms of difficulty. Granted, I wish there were some more additional gameplay mechanics in the environment and the enemies, but I won't sit here and say that the price of the game really justifies that much extra mechanics. You'll get 10-20 hours out of the game at its default level, and it's the kind of game you can watch a Youtube video in the background with.

The presentation is fine, but lacks the oompf of the top games in the genre. Don't get me wrong, there's some good art and animation on a lot of the work here, and it doesn't get in the way of the gameplay. With that said, the 2% of artwork/effects that stand out in a negative way will draw your attention in a bad way: such as the constant sounds of the sword or the weird zombies look will annoy you. The music and sound design aren't the strongest, but this is mostly about the gameplay: and if you like the genre: you'll be fine here. It's worth the price of admission.

Review Video: : https://youtu.be/hO5Y8UbrUx4

Lists:
Positives:

• Solid movement/gameplay mechanic for the survivor like gameplay that has strong moments of fun and reward.
  
• Some of the upgrades are really well designed (The Ax/Boomerang comes to mind)
  
• Good progression of difficulty for the most part.
  
• Has its own unique style that works to give you the information that you need while still being somewhat visually fun to look at it.

Negatives:

• Could use a mechanic or two to take the gameplay to the next level.
  
• May rely on luck a little too much in the big picture.
  
• Sound/Music design isn't anything to write home about

If you want more reviews/information regarding games I've reviewed, visit my curator. Dragnix Curator

Target Audience: Puzzle Players Who Like Challenge....and Pain.

Summary:

Look, it's a game for a more hardcore puzzle audience, because After Light Fades is not the kind of game to get into the sokobon genre with. It ramps things up quickly, doesn't have tools to really give hints/help new players, and could really be hard to keep focused on specific elements with the presentation at hand. With that said, it's also the type of puzzle game that addicts of the genre would want: a twist on mechanics with the interaction of items, the challenge of a difficult puzzle and the gratification of when you succeed. That's where the game is at its best, but you're going to be really pushing

It's story is alright, but may be better as time goes along with mechanics seemingly connected to it (ritual spells type ideas). It's presentation does the job but can get in the way of puzzles at times. Sound Design is alright, but nothing special.

Really, it's all about the main puzzles here: and if you like spending half an hour on one puzzle smacking your head against the wall as you try to figure out the one specific element to get through it: then this game is definitely for you. If you like puzzle games but aren't great at them: keep an eye on the level editor and additional features.

If you are new to puzzle games, go play other ones before this one.


First Impressions Video: : https://youtu.be/2osPIKvxHmg

Lists:
Positives:

• Puzzle Element do work well in challenging the player and making them feel like gold when completing the puzzle.
  
• Some of the interactions between items and tiles works well and is atypical of Sokoban, but still fits into the game.
  
• Concepts of Spells/Branching story optional elements is interesting at core (again, theory here) and makes me want to finish it when I have the chance. Like the focus on Grief.
  
• Re-emphasizing the challenge part of puzzles: it really can be awesome when stuff works out.

Negatives:

• Not friendly to newbies: game ramps up quickly and is unforgiving in a lot of ways.
  
• Could expose players to undo/better system for hints earlier on. Level system could do better easing into mechanics.
  
• Presentation can get in the way as sometimes it's hard to notice what's the playable area and what's not
  
• Would like to have seen some stats at the end of levels to see how many steps/etc were done.

If you want more reviews/information regarding games I've reviewed, visit my curator. Dragnix Curator

Target Audience: Old NES Platformers/Alternate Platform Lovers/ Coop Players

Summary:

Flora and Fang introduces a new difficulty in the Bubble Bobble type gameplay with the vertical nature of the game, relying on level design and smartly constructed enemies to push your reflexes and intelligence. It may be simple, but it's simple in the right ways, despite it taking a little time to get used to how close you can get to enemies. Granted, it's not going to blow you away in the action/platforming genre: but what it is going to feel is a little nostalgic for NES players, along with working well CO-OP wise. Boss fights were a good challenge from what I experienced, and the difficulty curve was good. Granted, score chasers may get annoyed with some of the randomization, and I admit that I wanted a little more chaos at times.

A lot of my complaints are small ones. Things like not having high scores per level, or not starting a level at full health. They do lead to moments where you want to put the controller down, but nothing that will stop you from wanting to continue at a later time. The sound can be adjusted a little bit volume wise, and the game won't blow you away in any specific category.

It's a solid game, and if you like anything like Bubble Bobble: it's definitely worth a look


First Impressions Video: : https://youtu.be/VCTTr7FZ0kg

Lists:
Positives:

• Core level design allows for escalation from level to level that enhances the vertical gameplay.
  
• Protecting gameplay does well to reward strategy and thiniking and allows for some flexibility.
  
• Cute designs on main characters, good enemy design gameplay wise.
  
• Small animation details give the characters/environment life especially from an animation
  
• Good sound design that gives you the information that you need ithout being overbearing.

Negatives:

• Could use some more “chaos” in the big picture.
  
• Randomization can end up hurting the high score runs and can feel a tiny bit cheap if unlucky.
  
• Spacing on getting under enemies for vertical attacks takes a little bit to get used to: a lot of early deaths in knowing the right spacing.
  

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Target Audience: JRPG fans, Story fans

Summary:

Keylocker's unique take on the JRPG genre shines in the combat area, allowing for a tight strategy experience while keeping the fun counter mechanic from Virgo vs the Zodiac. In addition, the charge element and grid based combat makes for even more strategy and I found myself really enjoying every battle, as no battle was a simple encounter. The Paper Mario elements come off strong, but I do love the focus on the weapons and attacks more then anything else. Granted, new players to the genre may get overwhelmed as there's a lot of small statuses and elements that can be confusing even to veterans: and sometimes the game doesn't explain all its mechanics well. The side missions are fun, and there's a good amount of side quests to look for: despite the fact that you'll probably get lost at times especially with some of the weaving natures of the maps.

The game is colorful with interestingly designed characters, and the underlying plot embeds the themes of society and roles rather nicely, while still being fun to listen to.I do like the characters here (Rocket in particular), but it falls a tiny bit short compared to the top tier characters within Virgo vs the Zodiac. That's a high bar to clear however, so you really shouldn't hold that against it: it's going for a different type of plot: one focused on the themes more then anything else. It makes you ask questions in the right way, and it does seem like there will be a lot of references to search for. Granted, the rebellion element may feel familiar, but there's enough twists along the way here to make it worth wild (without spoiling anything). The presentation uses color extremely well, and the music, while not having the impact that I hoped, wass still fantastic.

Is it as good as Virgo vs the Zodiac? I don't think so: but that's a really hard bar to cross. It's just under it though: and may be above it if you really like the story content themes for a dystopian cyberpunk universe. Buy it, and enjoy it.


Review Video: : https://youtu.be/jK9P6zihR08

Lists:
Positives:

• Strong RPG and strategy elements that have unique aspects to make it stand out from the rest.
  
• Themes are strong and will resonate with many while still being accessible to others.
  
• Character/Enemy designs have a great variety and fun to them, always like to see the references.
  
• Those writing elements, when they hit, are a home run. There are small and big moments that you'll remember.
  
• Music hits a wide range and is something to listen to outside the game, but....

Negatives:

• Able to get lost where to go/find quests next: it can get frustrating if it involves backtracking/
  
• Can be tough on newbies to the genre and can do a better job of explaining certain mechanics.
  
• Music doesn't have the impact at times that I would hope it would. May want to mess with audio sliders.

Target Audience: Those looking for laidback exploration platforming without a lot of thought

Summary:

I admit, despite me saying this is recommended to play, that's only going to be a subset of players out there from day one. It's one of those games where despite some moments of intrigue and a concept of shadow jumping that is interesting on the surface, it doesn't hit the heights that I really think it could given enough time and resources.

Don't get me wrong: the game when it's firing on all cylinders and using things like night flickering lights and playing around with moving people, it can be a bunch of fun. The visuals are sleek and the animation work is great, and there's some very charming moments in the game. There was obviously a lot of effort put into it, and there's a baseline it hits that's satisifying from a platforming perspective.

It's just that, I couldn't help shake the feeling that it was meant to be a lot more. It doesn't explore some out there ideas with the shadow based platforming that would have taken it to the next level: things like a rave or even sudden rain clouds and storms that could have been interesting. The story that it tells is a little confusing, almost forgetting about the character of the shadow you are playing as, and again, feels like it misses the mark because there's some gaps that don't make sense. The pacing is probably the worst part of it: you could go from a level that is tremendously long and frustrating, and then follow it up with something that's 20 seconds. The last half of the game has parts that feels like filler at times, and in a game that does the same thing a lot that can be killer.

The elephant in the room is the price. Look, I'm going to say from the get go that for me, games are usually under priced. I know that's controversal, but for the amount you get out of them a lot of the time and the cost to make them, I feel that yes, in most cases it is. But it's hard to sit here and look at Schim at that launch price, and not recommend games in the alternate platforming genre before it. It's just a hard sell at that point, and for some it's going to be a game you put on your wishlist and wait until it's at a deep sale.

Did I have fun? Yes. Do I think the game has problems? Yes. Is it worth playing? Eventually, for the price you're comfortable in buying it at.


Review Video: : https://youtu.be/wGnOZ8inAnU

Lists:
Positives:

• When using the shadow jumping concept at its most creative, the game can be rather unique and really stand out in certain sequences.
  
• Controls are just where they need to be at without making it too frustrating.
  
• Key moments in the game will linger with you on an emotional level
  
• Strong sound design with appropriate volume levels and clear captured tones that enhance the experience from left to right.
  
• Visual design is striking especially in its animations.

Negatives:

• Pacing, especially from a gameplay perspective, is all over the place in a bad way and makes for an uneven experience.
  
• Feels like the concept falls short on several occassions and could have been more creative with the design at times.
  
• Story falls short with the integration of the shadow and feels like a missed opportunity.
  
• 
  
• Implementation of the objective button feels like it could use an overhaul especially in longer more complex levels.

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Target Audience: Like any NES platformers

Summary:

So far, Fallen Leaf is proving to be in the upper echelon of 2D platformers in the first few hours that I've played, and I will continue to do so in the upcoming week. But I wanted to write a review after the first stream because it was that good of an experience, and we all know the algorithm could always use another good review.

Great controls and some straight forward yet varied level design keeps things moving throughout the playthrough, and its clear from the get go that the developers have a love of all things 8 Bit platformer. The influences of games like Mega Man, Shovel Knight, and Super Mario Brothers 2, are present in the DNA of everything: from the presentation following the old school color schemes, to the level and enemy design will remind players of the NES era of those old games. This is done with class and feels like an inspiration, and the music is fantastic in setting up the levels feelings and energy they are going for.

The writing is clever, and I like how they explain even the smallest things in universe. The comedy got me on several occassions, setting up jokes well with simple yet effective characters. There's reasonable things to search for in terms of extras like items to give to people in game, and quite frankly there's really not a lot of negatives I can say about the game right now. Everything has a good explanation, there's a good sense of fun, and it really transports me back to the days in front of the CRT.

If it keeps it up, it may be a GOTY candidate, and well, that's saying something. I'll be finishing another video review and other streams, but first chance I get, I'm back here.


Video Review: : https://youtu.be/u3C4xYH2dqM

Lists:
Positives:

• Great controls and level design that keeps the challenge up without being annoying. Fun
  
• Influences from NES type platformers is obvious and yet feels woven into the gameplay and world with precision and care.
  
• Enemy design is reasonable and yet takes advantage of the different characters strengths and weaknesses. There's reasons to switch between characters, and yet isn't required a good amount of the time.
  
• Writing has been fantastic so far. Several large laughs with good “heh” moments, and the in-universe explanation for certain items/things actually makes sense and I'm surprised that I haven't seen them before.
  
• Great 8bit color and presentation that somehow gets emotions off, and some of the best animations that I've seen in a while.
  
• Good secrets/looking for paths.
  
• Music is fantastic and top tier.

Negatives:

• Uh........Honestly, the difficulty starts easy.....but there's time to get people into the game. It's not a real complaint.
  
• That I don't have the time right now to take the day off work and play more of it.

If you want more reviews/information regarding games I've reviewed, visit my curator. Dragnix Curator