Acceptance Review

Adam has feelings of self-doubt, mood swings, and countless other grievances, Adam finds himself going through the motions of his life. His career is a grind, and he’s finding himself running behind on projects and working himself to the point of blackout to catch up. He’s not even interested in being social with his friend group. There’s also his partner Emily, who’s going through some rough times on her end.

Throughout the title, players will come to see the difficulty Adam is attempting to contend with. Let’s be perfectly clear – this is the polar opposite of a feel-good title. However, as players move around and interact in this walking simulator, they’ll get a general picture of Adam’s life in just a short amount of time.

It’s just unfortunate that Acceptance whacks players over the head with its messaging; subtlety is thrown out the window for spectacle. While it does paint a good picture as to the distortions of a disturbed mind, it doesn’t quite have the worldbuilding or length to really drive the point home. It also proves to be a bit heavy-handed; while there are different stages that players go through, it is a bit too direct with the way it displays Adam’s grief.

The way it sets things up is far too direct; while denial and fighting back make sense, the nuance of these emotions is a bit lost in Acceptance. We get that ghostly apparitions and weapons (with attack and block functions) to overcome, it ends up focusing a bit too much on the game angle as opposed to the deeper meaning of it all. As a result, there is a bit of a disconnect when it comes to really knowing the struggles that Adam is going through – especially when you’re spamming the attack button to get through waves of different enemies.

There’s also not too much gameplay to speak of in Acceptance. Players will be able to walk from different points, speak to people, and collect certain items, but most players will have the same experience when all is said and done. If anything, there’s too much walking – there’s a lot of times where players will move in one direction for a set period of time; however, these parts are a bit too dragged out. While there are some missable achievements, there is nothing quite so daunting that it will be a massive undertaking.

Acceptance covers some serious topics, but its combat makes it feel more like a shallow game than something with a deeper message. Everything is a bit heavy handed, and as a result feels a bit more surface level than anything else.

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Acceptance Review

Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Moving Out 2 Review

The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?

Posted Aug 13, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Sclash Review

Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?

Posted Aug 12, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Atlas Fallen Review

Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

The post Acceptance Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

Moving Out 2 Review

With a fresh new Furniture Arrangement and Relocation Technician (F.A.R.T.) certification in hand, the team at Smooth Moves is back on the beat once again to bring one’s personal belongings from their old place to the new. As it turns out, everybody wants to get out of dodge – what a perfect opportunity!

One might think this is a daunting task, but one should know off the bat that nothing is off-limits in Moving Out 2. Want to chuck a boombox off the second floor? Go for it. Arcade machine stuck in place? Yank it out the wall! Pesky window blocking your way? Break right through it! Channeling the best shady movers on Craigslist, grabbing, slapping, and throwing are all on the menu, and the physics engine is well suited for the job. As long as it’s in the designated area, it doesn’t matter the steps it takes to get there.

You’d think a game about moving objects from one point to the other would be an exercise in tedium, but the fun of Moving Out 2 comes in its chaos. Playing solo is certainly a viable option, but things get a lot more fun when another player (or three!) jump into the mix. Players fighting to get a bed through a narrow doorway, throwing a crab at each other, or racing against the clock is primarily what this title was designed for. The more people play, the zanier things get to – we won’t spoil the surprises, but don’t expect to see these places on HGTV any time soon.

Thankfully, Moving Out 2 has the tools needed to get the job done. Crossplay support can be turned on, and there’s also online play through Steam friends lists and Team17 friends. We stuck with local co-op for our adventures, but we do appreciate the option for those with some distance between them.

As players progress, they’ll be able to earn themselves stars that allow them to move on to bigger and better things. Those that finish quickly under the Pro Time can get themselves additional stars, and completing each move unlocks additional objectives. There’s plenty of incentive to come back, giving players the chance to truly get absorbed with each house map.

There’s also a number of unlockables that can be had from crates. The team at Smooth Moves is a stylish one, with multiple design options and choices to pick from. If you want to dress up as a taco man or a man with a cassette head, this is your title.

On that note, the humor in this game is top notch. Dad jokes aren’t for everyone, but we do appreciate how lighthearted and carefree this title is.

Between its humor and its off-the-wall action, Moving Out 2 is sure to be a hit at one’s next shindig. Those flying solo will have fun, but be sure to bring a friend or three along to get the best Smooth Moves experience.

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Acceptance Review

Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Moving Out 2 Review

The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?

Posted Aug 13, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Sclash Review

Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?

Posted Aug 12, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Atlas Fallen Review

Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

The post Moving Out 2 Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

Sclash Review

Set in a different world a long time ago, Sclash puts the spotlight on the samurai Jinmu. Looking to make a name for himself in Aki village, he takes the fight to the Natsu clan and their leader Amaterasu as the latest recruit Jinmu under the guidance of Susanoo and their almighty god Tengu. However, Jinmu comes to realize that things aren’t quite what they seem.

It’s a bit of a cliche story with the usual beats that players can see coming from a mile away, it simply serves as window dressing for the action of this title and nothing more. At the very least, the art style makes a compelling case to keep engaged – even if the voice acting leaves something to be desired.

As players set off on their journey for the truth, one will quickly realize that one needs to be methodical in their strikes. One is able to end things quickly by parrying, dodging, and parrying oncoming attacks with precise windows of opportunity for a counterattack of their own.

However, much like the Soulsborne games we have all come to know and love, Sclash also has a stamina meter one needs to track. If actions are interrupted by a kick, Jinmu will find himself at a distinct disadvantage as he scrambles for his life. However, one can turn the tables by doing a punch or kick of their own to throw opponents for a loop – just the thing to get an edge in battle.

This might sound like a lot to manage, but the end result comes down to timing and reflexes. Fighting games are all about reading your opponent and planning accordingly, and Sclash boils this down to its most basic elements. The suite of options is paired down a considerable amount – almost to an extreme. We’re not looking to do Drive Rushes or Roman Cancels, but it feels like it still needs something a little more. We do realize this is a single-player narrative adventure, but a bit more folds to the formula would have gone a long way.

It’s not like this title has exceptionally long legs; the credits will roll in Sclash in a little more than an hour. For a game at this price point, it doesn’t quite have the staying power required to justify the price of admission.

Sclash offers an interesting concept that boils action down to its most basic elements, but its cliche story and short runtime make it an easy pass.

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Acceptance Review

Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Moving Out 2 Review

The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?

Posted Aug 13, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Sclash Review

Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?

Posted Aug 12, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Atlas Fallen Review

Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

The post Sclash Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

Atlas Fallen Review

Players will step into the shoes of a refugee stuck in a camp that is hanging on by a thread. The camp’s soldiers abuse and use the inhabitants for their own means. However, when something is stolen from camp, players will set out to find the thief. From there, one is called by something known as “The Voice,” leading players to a magical Gauntlet. Using this Gauntlet, you can access newfound weapons and skills to fight back against the Wraiths surrounding your camp. After this, you eventually find the thief, and your camp is wiped out by what is known as a Watcher.

Escaping the Watcher, players will then enter a large desert filled with more Wraiths and Watchers. Coming across a small town of survivors trying to find their way out of the desert, they turn to the player and their Gauntlet to escape.

Before one can do that, however, players will need to power up and do some side missions.

Atlas Fallen’s open-world has plenty to see, but it’s also pretty generic. Most side quests involve finding someone, killing something, or powering yourself up. Some early quests feel more like additional tutorials than actual quests. Still, getting the power-ups is the only way to survive some of the harder enemies and boss fights. You grind the quests to get more essence, and from there can upgrade your armor and Gauntlet stones.

The stones are how you get new skills and passive buffs, including more damage, higher defense, and better counterattacks. Unlike most games, you don’t unlock these by leveling up. Instead, you must find blueprints and fuse them or find the skills in chests. You can equip up to three skills and eight buffs at a time, leaving plenty of room for experimentation. Once I found what worked for me, I rarely switched unless it was to do more damage to flying enemies (because screw flying enemies).

While exploring, other things to do include traversal puzzles, animal discovery, elite enemy fights, and Watcher Tower destruction. Animals lead you to chests and sometimes rare materials for upgrades. Elite enemies are like they sound: mini-bosses with more skill stones and upgrade stones. The puzzles are hit-and-miss, but most of them are following one line to another, then another, and another within a specific time limit. The Towers have you facing waves of enemies until a boss pops up, with beating it down clearing the region of the Watcher’s influence. Everything here is pretty typical open-world checklist stuff.

The combat itself is fast and hectic. At first, you can easily spam attacks and bust enemies into pieces. However, as you progress, enemies start having certain body parts that must be destroyed to kill them. This is fine on land since you can move around quickly and destroy pieces, but air enemies are different. You have multiple air dashes and double jumps, but maneuvering the air against enemies is never fun. It’d work great if you could just hit wherever you wanted and destroy enemies. I’m not sure why the “breaking parts” system was needed; it just drags the combat down.

One of the game’s best features can be found in its traversal mechanics. I already mentioned the sand surfing, but the vertical movement is also excellent. You start off with a double jump and one dash. As you upgrade, you can do multiple jumps and dashes in mid-air. It is fluid and precise, allowing for sudden direction changes if needed. There is one downside to this freedom, though. You will often run into invisible walls or slide down mountainsides that you think you can climb. It’s annoying, but you get used to it.

Tech-wise, I did have a few frame drops. I also had one crash, but thankfully the auto-save functionality only brought me back about a minute.

While Atlas Fallen is a perfectly fine game, fine doesn’t quite cut it in 2023. If you’re dying to hunt down Wraiths, wait for a discount first.

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by johnny-hurricane
in Game Reviews

Acceptance Review

Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by johnny-hurricane
in Game Reviews

Moving Out 2 Review

The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?

Posted Aug 13, 2023 by johnny-hurricane
in Game Reviews

Sclash Review

Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?

Posted Aug 12, 2023 by johnny-hurricane
in Game Reviews

Atlas Fallen Review

Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

The post Atlas Fallen Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

HYPER METEOR Review

Lost in space, this pixel adventure has one objective: survive. How do you do that? By ramming into anything and everything, of course!

Using either a mouse or gamepad, players are able to steer, thrust, and use screen-cleaning smart bombs to get ahead. In true arcade fashion, there are weak spots, bonus lives, and combo scores for players to set out and conquer. However, one must watch out for the dark spots, as those that mean certain death.

So how does it play? While it is ultimately a simple game with just a few options, the momentum of HYPER METEOR really sells this title. When you give it a bit of juice, players will then have to adjust the trajectory of their ship from there. There’s always the danger of oversteering or ending up topsy-turvy; quite the predicament when there’s plenty of threats on the screen and things loop over from one end to the other. While the Playdate might not have provided enough real-estate, its transition to the PC makes this our preferred way to play.

There’s no high-level play that will have tier lists or anything of the sort, but finding the ebb and the flow of each stage (which pop up every couple of minutes) can provide a zen-like feeling.

Well, when you’re not crashing into objects or foes, that is.

Those that succumb to death will be judged by their score, kills, max combo and time – typical arcade stuff. It doesn’t quite have the same draw as Asteroids – there’s just not enough variables in play. However, time will tell if it will catch on in the long run.

HYPER METEOR also gives players the chance to customize their experience with the “High Contrast,” “Athletic,” and “Cranky” filters. While it is the default option, we highly recommend the green hues of the Athletic theme, though we do appreciate the option. There’s not too much else to adjust, unfortunately – what you see is what you get.

To keep players going in HYPER METEOR, there are 50 achievements, an Endless Mode that players can come back to, and some unlockables. For a game of this scale, it is nice that there is a reason to come back.

HYPER METEOR’s momentum-based gameplay channels the finer points of Asteroids in what amounts to a unique take on the formula. It’s a bit simple at its core, but it has the underpinnings of being a cult arcade classic.

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Acceptance Review

Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Moving Out 2 Review

The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?

Posted Aug 13, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Sclash Review

Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?

Posted Aug 12, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Atlas Fallen Review

Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

The post HYPER METEOR Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Review

Having just watched the credits roll after nearly 90 hours of time in Baldur’s Gate 3, I really don’t know where to start. There are so many experiences I want to share, countless stories I want to tell, and shocking consequences I’m still processing. I want to say everything, all at once, which leaves my brain a confuddled mess and unable to say much at all. Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of those games that transcends mere entertainment; it’s not simply a game you finish and forget about. It’s an experience that will stay with you for years.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a shining example of a talented, dedicated, and passionate development studio working to the very highest of standards. I can’t even begin to imagine the complexities of developing a game with so many moving pieces, so many variables, choices, decisions, consequences, and outcomes, and it’s delivered in such a way that nothing else really comes close.

Nothing here is really new; most of it has been done before. However, rarely does a game deliver on every single aspect of development, every promise, every expectation.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is that good.

The story begins as your hero finds themselves trapped aboard an Illithid vessel. Infected with a deadly parasite, you race to find a cure before you turn into one of Dungeons & Dragons most iconic enemies: the Mind Flayers. It’s a story that begins very black and white. If you don’t find a cure, you turn into a monster that eats brains in order to survive. Those first few moments of simplicity soon fade away to unveil a narrative that any Dungeon Master would be envious of creating.

I really don’t want to spoil anything more than has been shown in the trailers and pre-release footage, but it’s a fantastic story and one that is entirely unique to your hero. Baldur’s Gate 3 is far from the first game to feature dialogue choices but in recent years the illusion of choice has been more prevalent, decisions that appear to put the power in the hands of the player only for the choice to not really matter. Baldur’s Gate 3 is so far on the opposite end of that spectrum, the line has become a dot.

Decisions I made during my first hours of the game provided opportunities and consequences 80 hours later. Whilst exploring I stumbled upon an Owlbears nest, a cave filled with the bones and the remains of unfortunate adventurers that had trodden this path before me. It’s a fearsome creature and one I’ve encountered many times in my D&D days. Approaching quietly, I cast Speak with Animals, hoping to negotiate with the monstrosity before I became its next meal. As I got closer I noticed it was protecting a cub, so the outcome was looking bleak.

Needless to say, things didn’t go to plan and I ended up slaughtering the beast right in front of its offspring, which then began eating its mother before I’d even sheathed my sword. Rummaging around I looted an Owlbear egg and thought nothing more of it. That Owlbear cub then somehow manages to make its way to a goblin camp and can be “saved” as an optional companion to help populate your camp.

But wait, there’s more.

About 15 hours later, I stumbled upon an old lady that wanted me to steal a Githyanki egg, but there was an option to convince her to take the Owlbear egg instead. Then, about 60 hours after that, I meet the lady in Baldur’s Gate and learn what happened with the egg. This is one of hundreds, if not thousands of events that shape and alter the world of Faerun. Baldur’s Gate 3 has everything, from massive changes that shake the very foundation of The Forgotten Realms, to charming and heartwarming stories featuring just a mother and daughter, in a single home in the games biggest city. The depth and scope of the choices and consequences system is unrivaled and creates one of the most immersive and rewarding game worlds the genre has ever seen.

I know I waffled for about five minutes there, but I really wanted to drill in just how expansive this world is. There’s nothing else like it, and I lack the articulation to really do it credit. I’m a gamer, not a writer. So now that you know Baldur’s Gate 3’s living and breathing Dungeons & Dragons experience nails the narrative, how fares everything else?

Baldur’s Gate 3’s combat, not all too dissimilar to other works of Larian Studios, is the most enjoyable and accurate representation of the Dungeons & Dragons combat system in the industry today. It somehow manages to conform to the necessary rules and mechanics of a video-game whilst simultaneously allowing for the ridiculously creative and near limitless possibilities of a game that was designed to be played with a pencil, a piece of paper, and your imagination.

It’s turn-based roots will immediately turn some folk away. It’s slow, methodical, and pure strategy. Some of the battles can last over an hour, so it’s definitely not going to work for everyone. However, if the turn-based genre is one that appeals, the combat on offer is incredible. Each environment is unique, verticality and the environment play a huge role. Leaping over chasms to reach distant enemies, shooting chandelier’s down onto unsuspecting enemies below, triggering traps at just the right time, no two battles ever feel the same and while some improvements to AI speed and decision making wouldn’t hurt, the combat never got stale.

And that’s just about where you fight, that’s not including what you fight, and who fights at your side. Even now, after nearly 90 hours, I’m finding new and exciting ways of combining my different characters abilities. Throwing out an ice spell to try and trip enemies, followed up by a fireball to melt the ice, and then an electric jolt to fry anyone still standing. These powerful combinations are present across every class and the synergy potential in combat is rewarding from start to finish. I suppose you could just use Gust of Wind and knock 12 goblins off the edge of a cliff too; both work.

I’m not usually keen on games that require me to manage entire parties, as I much rather focus on developing a single character. While the micro-managing of items and inventory definitely felt overwhelming at times, the characters themselves made it worthwhile. I don’t think any of the companions are guaranteed. Certain choices you make mean you may never meet, while others mean they die at your feet, and that makes me sad.

It’s sad because each character is entirely unique, expertly voiced, and each with an intricate and emotional story to tell, and some people may never experience those stories. Every companion has their own story arc, often playing roles alongside the main story itself, but every character grows with you and changes based on their experiences. What do you do when a character you’ve grown to love for their combat prowess needs to make a decision that you find morally questionable? Do you back them up through fear of losing an ally, or is the weight of the consequence of an immoral act too much to bear? Even these complicated stories, most of which last the duration of the entire game, have multiple paths at multiple points, each offering insight into different aspects of the characters past and future.

That’s not to say that every encounter is an exhausting exercise in morality and consequence. During my adventures I had “romantic encounters” with a bear, a rather aggressive Githyanki, a flamboyant vampire, and a succubus that then proceeded to imitate my form and spread delight amongst The Forgotten Realms on my behalf. I spoke with a military-like pigeon, Commander Lightfeather, leader of the finest aerial communication regiment this side of the Chionthar. A pig who was all too eager to share its newly formed stubble, an ox that turned into some gelatinous demon of one form or another. Every counter, be it pigeon or pig, has be crafted with such care and attention. Moments will disgust, horrify, but also charm and entertain.

What’s even more remarkable is the technical state of the game. For the vast majority of the experience, I didn’t encounter any bugs. My game still hasn’t crashed once, and none of the dialogue or encounters have had any issues but unfortunately, the latter stages of the game do struggle. Exploring Baldur’s Gate, while a visual feast and an explorers playground, the frame rate is horrible, nearly unplayable in certain places. Much can be said for the final battle, while absolutely epic, it definitely needs some post-launch TLC.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is nothing short of a masterpiece. The story is incredible, the world gorgeous and immersive, voice-over and writing of the highest quality, an amazing soundtrack, everything comes together in near perfect harmony. It’s not only the best RPG of the year, it’s the RPG of a generation.

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by captaincamper
in Game Reviews

Acceptance Review

Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by captaincamper
in Game Reviews

Moving Out 2 Review

The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?

Posted Aug 13, 2023 by captaincamper
in Game Reviews

Sclash Review

Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?

Posted Aug 12, 2023 by captaincamper
in Game Reviews

Atlas Fallen Review

Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

The post Baldur’s Gate 3 Review – The RPG of a Generation appeared first on GamersHeroes.

Astrality Review

As a bounty hunter, players will seek out their next big score in this title. However, there’s just one problem – everybody out to get them. Never fear, though; with the AI assistant Broomer at your side, even the biggest ship doesn’t stand a chance against your might.

In order to get ahead, players will have to dodge debris and blast everything in sight. Controls use a WASD setup, with firing mapped to the mouse. Those that sit still can fire faster, but that is often a luxury that does not come up quite too often. Rather, players will always be kept on their toes.

This somewhat works, but can oftentimes feel like walking and chewing bubble gum at the same time. Some might claim this is a skill issue, but we’d counter by saying it’s not quite as intuitive as titles like Star Fox. There are some added perks like a bomb called the Ultra Killer 3K and a dash ability, but these all have cooldowns players need to be mindful of. In short, it can sometimes feel like you don’t quite have the resources you need to kick butt and take names.

Another thing players need to be mindful of in Astrality is the bar at the bottom of the screen. Everything lives and dies by this bar, with it gradually increasing the more you defeat enemies. Top it off, and players can get themselves a nice double that dishes out twice the pain. However, each hit drains some of the bar, and it is constantly moving ever so lower. Empty it out, and it’s game over for the player.

This is most certainly a unique mechanic, but it can oftentimes feel like it is a bit unbalanced. There were times where we were kicking butt and taking names due to the sheer amount of enemies on the screen. However, there were other instances where the foes were few and far between. A bit of balance with the enemy placements would have gone a long way.

However, Astrality does not give players too much of a chance to grow, with the title running a little less than an hour. It’s just a shame too that things wrap up before they even get the chance to really kick things into stride.

Astrality does some interesting things with the rail shooter formula in the form of its meter, but the awkward shooting is like walking and chewing bubble gum at the same time. Those that can tolerate a bit of awkwardness will dig this interstellar adventure.

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Acceptance Review

Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Moving Out 2 Review

The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?

Posted Aug 13, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Sclash Review

Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?

Posted Aug 12, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Atlas Fallen Review

Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

The post Astrality Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

The Expanse: A Telltale Series – Episode 1 Review

Set in 2347 aboard the Artemis ship, Camina Drummer may have very well come across the haul of the century aboard the UNN Urshanabi. While modern times show that this discovery had horrible consequences, Episode 1 of this tale tells of Drummer’s relationships with the crew and the moments that got them into this sticky situation.

And there are plenty of moments to speak of throughout the first episode’s one hour runtime. Drummer has got her work cut out for her, and along the way players will get a chance to know more about her relationship with Cox, her history, and her relations with the other crewmates.

It’s just a shame that this episode is made by and for the fans. For those who have yet to dive into The Expanse’s multiple seasons (like us, admittedly), they’ll be a bit in the lurch as they try to piece together why they are speaking in an alternate language or the history behind it all. As a result, newcomers might feel a bit disconnected compared to the more diehard fans among us when it comes to things like the lore and the alternate language that repeatedly pops up.

Players will spend most of their time interacting with the crew of the Artemis, chatting with teammates along the way. There are both Artemis Logs and Mission Logs, and players will be able to take on objectives and side missions along the way. This episode really goes above and beyond in making sure you are absorbed in this ship, and the worldbuilding is well done. It goes to show how well the video game medium works.

In true Telltale Games fashion, players will be tasked with making some tough decisions. While it is too soon to tell how the consequences will play out, they do set the stage for some serious outcomes. Other choices are a bit more minor, with crewmates “remembering” actions, but it is still welcome nonetheless.

Just note that things aren’t quite sunshine and rainbows between the crewmembers in The Expanse. Curse words are common, and everybody constantly seems to be at each other’s throats. As a result, it can be tough to find these crewmembers likable, making for an acquired taste. Don’t expect a crew akin to Star Trek and everything will be fine.

Episode 1 of The Expanse: A Telltale Series is designed by and for the fans, but sci-fi aficionados will appreciate its worldbuilding and deep atmosphere. Those that like a good story will enjoy their time exploring the UNN Urshanabi.

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Acceptance Review

Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Moving Out 2 Review

The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?

Posted Aug 13, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Sclash Review

Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?

Posted Aug 12, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Atlas Fallen Review

Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

The post The Expanse: A Telltale Series – Episode 1 Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

Remnant 2 Review

The plot of Remnant 2 is pretty simple: The Root has taken over Earth, and you and a few other survivors must fight back. While searching for supplies, you and a fellow survivor stumbled into a settlement called Ward 13. It’s basically a shipping yard with containers and a few buildings. Here you meet up with Ford, who shows you the World Stone and how to use it. With this, you are able to set out to find your missing friend and clear out some Root.

From there, the story will vary from player to player due to how things are set up. My first area was a forest zone where an eternal struggle between something known as the Doe and the Ravager has been going on. Our other editor ended up on this dying planet where a giant creature wanted him to find some Star Seeds. You eventually see all the zones, but your story and how you get there is random. Most of the game is procedurally generated, which works for the most part. I did occasionally get lost using the map, due to the placement.

Remnant 2 is best described as Dark Souls with guns. The combat is brutal and quick, leaving you dead if you don’t react quickly enough. The dodge is generous, but you can still go down in a couple of hits. The shooting is on point, and unloading a clip into an enemy feels excellent. You also get abilities from the classes you take. For instance, I had a dog that could bring me back up if I went down or attack enemies. They took what made the original Remnant good and improved it, which is exactly what I wanted.

As for classes, those are new to the series. At the start, you can choose from four different archetypes that will give you certain buffs and skills. You start with the dog handler, the gunslinger, the medic, and the challenger (melee class for those crazy enough to want to play that). There are also other classes you can unlock as you play the game. Some of them are VERY hidden, which I respect. Do you think Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will let you miss Vincent or Yuffie? Not a chance. Players willing to explore are rewarded.

To encourage this exploration, you get what is called Adventure mode. So I told you the story splits depending on the planet you start on. Well, there are multiple different storylines on the planets as well. For instance, while I was in Losomn, I was asked to find evidence against a king. When I returned to Adventure mode, I was in a city instead of a palace like before. The king wasn’t even mentioned this time, and I found an insane asylum in the city instead. That is just one example of many; I’m still not sure I’ve seen them all.

Puzzles in Remnant 2 are both more difficult and less frequent. Alternate boss kills were a big thing in the original, and Remnant 2 still has them; just far less frequently. There is a new inspect mode for items that aren’t used much but is a cool new feature. Mostly you are putting together cryptic clues or looking for specific keys for puzzles. That’s not to say that they are bad; I just felt like there weren’t as many. Also, Ward 13 only has a couple of puzzles in this game, which is a bummer.

There are quite a few weapons in the game. You have the stand assault rifles, snipers and hunting rifles, shotguns, LMGs, and even some bows. I started as the Handler, and they started with an assault rifle. I never switched my gun until I beat the game. Everything else I came across fired too slow for my liking, or were the LMG which took forever to reload. I’m also not sure if I had bad luck or what, but nearly every weapon I found in the worlds was a bow or crossbow, and I had no interest in those. I eventually switched after some boss Alt Kills, but the AR is the way to go.

To go along with your weapons are your weapon mods. These are extra abilities on each of your guns; think fire bullets, grenade shots, summoning vine allies, or shields. You need to kill the bosses and return to Ward 13 to get them made. While there are a ton to choose from, I still stuck with fire bullets, just like I did the last game. Combo that with acid bullets on my sidearm, and I still melt enemies. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it – that’s my motto.

There were some tech issues I ran into. I did have a few crashes (after reviewing this game, I am replacing my PlayStation 5, so I’m not 100% sure it was the game). I also encountered several frame drops, especially when bosses were doing big moves. We also ran into the bug where an enemy would be stuck somewhere, and we couldn’t use the world stone since we were still stuck in combat. There were some minor annoyances, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the game.

I find myself thinking this about a lot of games this year, but in a weaker year Remnant 2 could be a GOTY contender. Don’t hesitate to check it out if you like these types of games.

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by johnny-hurricane
in Game Reviews

Acceptance Review

Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by johnny-hurricane
in Game Reviews

Moving Out 2 Review

The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?

Posted Aug 13, 2023 by johnny-hurricane
in Game Reviews

Sclash Review

Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?

Posted Aug 12, 2023 by johnny-hurricane
in Game Reviews

Atlas Fallen Review

Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

The post Remnant 2 Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors Review

As one does in beat-em-ups, the tyrant Banglar has a number of mooks that need thrashing in this title. Taking control of a ninja of their choosing, players will be able to use arm grappling, razor-sharp kunais, spiral slashes, and boost dashes to take down machete-wielding goons en masse and save the day. Combat is fluid, and there’s plenty of variety across each stage as players traverse mansions, shopping malls, remote compounds and other venues ripe for a fight. As an added bonus, each character plays wildly different from each other, providing additional incentive to come back after saving the day.

Everything in this 2D side-scroller revolves around its Battery Gauge. Charging up over time, players will be able to use Charge Attacks once they reach a certain level. However, there’s a catch – take damage and it empties out, leaving players back at square one. Each character does have a decent amount of moves at their disposal, but keeping that meter nice and topped off is a great way to prevent enemies from chipping away at your armor to nothing.

As a result, it pays to be prudent. Going out guns-a-blazing means that players will be at a big disadvantage when the foes swap out knives for guns and chainsaws. While players can take a few hits and there are health pickups to gather, there are still many threats to deal with at any given time. In true side-scrolling fashion, deadly bosses and countless threats dot the landscape of its overall hour-long runtime. This title definitely provides a challenge as well, and there’s a hard mode for those looking for it.

Unfortunately there’s not too much to explore outside of the main mode of The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors. Time attack segments for each stage can be unlocked, and there’s also the ability to jump into the Online Rankings for single player (both normal and hard) and multiplayer. There was nobody present as of our review period, but it is still admittedly too soon to tell.

Despite all of this, The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors is a stone-cold stunner. The aesthetics of the 16-bit Super Nintendo original have been improved a considerable amount, with detailed sprite work, rocking tunes, and great aesthetics all around. It’s truly got a timeless look, one that will still hold up for years to come.

The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors is a bit light on content, but what is here is a worthy follow-up to the side-scrolling cult classic. Those that don’t mind a short runtime will have a great time minmaxing the Battery Gauge to cause massive damage.

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Acceptance Review

Players will have to come to terms with suicide with the release of Rasul Mono and Ratalaika Games' Acceptance. Should players traverse this dark path in this story-driven thriller?

Posted Aug 16, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Moving Out 2 Review

The residents of Packmore need players’ help once againi with the release of SMG Studio, Devm Games, and Team17's Moving Out 2. Promising to be even wackier than its predecessor, should players move out and get to work?

Posted Aug 13, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Sclash Review

Quick kills are back on the menu with the release of Bevel bakery, Just For Games, and Abiding Bridge's Sclash. A game where timing is everything, does this 2D samurai fighter turn the traditional formula on its head?

Posted Aug 12, 2023 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Atlas Fallen Review

Roughly a year after being first shown, Deck13 and Focus Entertainment's Atlas Fallen arrives between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Does the game do enough to stand out in what has proven to be a stellar year for gaming, or will it fall by the wayside?

The post The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.