Hello! I have an exciting announcement from our newest friend from Reky Studios, with their newest title Cinnabunny preparing to enter crowdfunding. The single Dev studio behind the positively received Bunhouse, released in 2021 has a brand new project in the works expanding the bunnyverse. This new project is planned to go live on Kickstarter soon, and I have some details about this game to share with you today.
All of the information below has been graciously provided by the developer, with permission to use assets from the steam page and a provided press kit. Check out the details in the announcement below to learn more about this title, along with a link to the Kickstarter at the bottom of this piece.
About the Game
Oh no! Your cute, hoppy bun family is fighting a nasty drought. They’ll be okay for a while, but your mother has tasked you with finding a new place for the family to live. After a long journey, you’ve found it! Welcome to Sugar Creek Burrows, a paradise among buns. Run your new bakery and save up so your family can move here too!
Cinnabunny is a cute couch co-hop game focused on running a bakery and living in a village with fellow buns. Drawing inspiration from games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, Cinnabunny is meant to be a relaxing, cozy experience designed for gamers and non-gamers alike. It can be played locally by one or two players. On this adventure, you will be tasked with building up your own bakery within the village of Sugar Creek Burrows.
As you keep building your new baking business, learn new recipies to make pies, bread and cookies with the ability to add your own flair to them. As a baker, you want only the freshest ingredients and this is accomplished with your own farm, you can even go into the forest for eggs and mine salt in the caves. As you expand your mastery of the bakery, your skills will improve and you can use these new abilities to help foster relationships with the community.
But baking isn’t all that you can do with this adventure. Become the interior decorator with the floppiest ears by adding furniture, decorations and maximize the coziness of your home bakery. While out and about you can learn about the local ecosystem, taking snaps of the local birds and discovering a variety of mushroom species. You can even help out a local scientist, who has been having a little trouble with experiments that have gotten out of hand.
Features
Tons of base recipes with the ability to find unique ingredient combos
Fun NPCs each with their own unique taste preferences you must discover
Decorations to personalize your bakery
Birdwatching, mushrooming, deer-riding, and more
Couch co-op gameplay for two players splitscreen
Keyboard/mouse and controller support
Adorable virtual bunnies
Platforms: Steam / PC for Windows
Cinnabunny is a passion project developed by Patrick Gauthier aka Reky Studios, a solo indie dev from Michigan (and now South Carolina), USA. For his games, Patrick does all the modeling, animating, game design, programming, original scores, and, well, pretty much everything else.
To help achieve their goal of bringing Cinnabunny to the world, Reky Studios is launching a Kickstarter on March 20th to help fund this title. Following their successful project with Bunhouse, they are looking to bring a whole new experience to those who love Bunnies. They have chosen Kickstarter to be able to bring you their adorable vision, all while keeping their property for themselves so they can remain truly independent.
If you want to save this project and back it when it goes live (I know I will), you can find the link to Kickstarter (HERE) and if you want to follow the developer to see what they are doing, they can be found on X/Twitter (HERE). The Steam page is also live now, with the ability to Wishlist Cinnabunny (HERE).
Overview – developed by Sunsoft and Tasto Alpha with publishing handled by Red Art Games, Ufouria: the Saga 2 (Hebereke 2) is a brand new sequel to the cult classic NES release form 1991. Take on a brand new adventure set in a felted arts and crafts world, with the penguin Hebe and his friends as they set out to save the world. This title is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch and Steam, with a link to each version of the game at the bottom of this review.
Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank Red Art Games for providing the copy of Ufouria: the Saga 2 that was used for this piece, via the Keymailer service. The provision of this title has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.
Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review, starting with the story. Please note that I will be referring to this game as Hebereke 2 during the review for the sake of brevity, this is the Japanese name for the game. I will also be focusing on the core mechanics of this game, as there are some surprises that I feel players should discover for themselves.
Story – one day Hebe the penguin was sleeping at his house, but he was awoken by a sudden loud noise. Getting up from his bed and heading towards the disturbance, he encounters Utsujin, an alien invader that has crashed on earth. This UFO is armed with a sticky threat called a Bumyon, which has covered the land in their icky presence. However, Hebe and his friends can use their Popoons to counteract these blobs and clean up the planet to thwart Utsujin.
Gameplay – Hebereke 2 is a side scrolling platformer, utilizing aspects of the original title with brand new mechanics to create a fresh and exciting experience. This new version of the game features an interconnected world, using a metroidvania style of gameplay and a procedurally generated stage system. The objective is simple, clear the stages and complete the objectives while pushing the story forward with each area that is explored.
As a side scrolling platformer, the player can jump and slam down on enemies using an attack called a butt bounce. Then there is the Popoon, a colored blob that the player can throw at Bumyons, purple blobs that stick to the environment and some characters. The Popoon can also be thrown at enemies to stun them, allowing for players to butt bounce on them easier. The enemies aren’t the only thing that players need to be aware of in stages.
Throughout the course of the game, players can collect gold coins that are scattered through the world. These coins will be put on platforms, can be dropped by enemies and put in hidden places for players to discover. The coins collected will be added to the bank, which happens when a stage is cleared and the player returns to Hebe’s home by riding Bobodori the bird. The coins collected can be used at vending machines, which provide a range of benefits.
There are two types of vending machine, the first is Hebe’s home vending machine which contains upgrades and power-ups. Then there are the stage vending machines, which will give the player the ability to buy health items, replenishing lost hearts. Speaking of hearts, the player starts off with three hearts and 3 extra lives, with a life lost when all hearts are gone. Total hearts can be upgraded at Hebe’s home, with power-ups related to hearts also available.
When clearing a stage for the first time, players will be encounter bosses that they will engage in battle with. The loop for bosses is pretty easy to get to grips with, the player must hit the boss with a Popoon and then butt bounce on them. When the boss has been hit enough times, they will be defeated and the player can progress. At set points during the story, the boss will be one of Hebe’s friends who will be available to recruit when returning home.
In order to recruit a friend to join in on the adventure, the player must buy them an item from the vending machine at Hebe’s home. These items may be locked, with the player needing to collect Utsu-Cans in order to unlock them. To obtain Utsu-Cans, the player will find them in areas of the stages, with some being harder than others to obtain. There are a set number of cans that will appear in an area, with the chance for a can to appear varying.
Utsu-Cans as well as coins can also be obtained by completing stage challenges, which will give the player an objective to accomplish. These challenges include defeating a set number of enemies, reaching the goal within a time limit and not taking a limited number of hits. The difficulty of a challenge is determined by the number of stars, ranging from 1-3. As the stages are randomized, the challenges and rewards are also random.
Once a character has been added to the party, the player can freely switch between them and use their abilities to progress further. As the game has a metroidvania-lite style to the progression, these characters will be crucial to being able to get further into the game. The skills that characters introduce allow the player to swim, hover across gaps and even have better traction on ice. This makes all of the characters in the team important.
Each of the characters has their own unique special abilities, unlocked by buying them from Hebe’s vending machine if the requirements are met. These special skills can provide the player with a boost through tougher section, expanding their overall toolkit for the adventure, allowing hard to reach areas to be a little easier. When there is at least one more character in the team, they can also give players coins by pressing the prompt that appears on screen.
There is a need for some backtracking and replaying of stages to progress, which serves two purposes. The first is to collect more Utsu-Cans/coins to complete objectives and the second is to reach new areas. As the world is interconnected, the player will need to move through already cleared areas to reach new ones when they are opened. This can be mitigated later when new features and skills are unlocked.
The gameplay loop is fun and doesn’t have the issue that a lot of metroidvania style games have, as there are new layouts which keep it from being tedious. The way that vending machine items alter the stages makes return visits more enjoyable, giving added depth to the game the more time the player spends in the game. All of the different elements of the game come together, creating an experience that is unique and fresh with each play through.
Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to discuss the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.
Controls – Hebereke 2 is a platformer, so there is a fairly simple system for the inputs, with the face button for jumping, throwing Popoons and interacting. The front shoulders are for switching characters and the back triggers are for quick butt bounces. The movement and inputs are very responsive, with no issues when it comes to lag. There is no trouble when playing the game in handheld or docked modes, with all control types working well.
Difficulty – there is a fairly moderate difficulty curve to the game, with it being easy to pick up and play by everyone. The biggest part of the challenge are the objectives, especially the time and damage missions. In later stages of the game, no damage missions are the most difficult parts of the game, but they can be cleared if the player takes their time. If the player wants a bigger challenge, a harder difficulty can be unlocked during the course of the game.
Presentation – the overall look and feel of the game is adorable, with the world having an arts and crafts feel to it. The playable characters have a stop motion feel to them, enhancing the overall style with iron bead sprites and details which complement the felted look. There is an equally cute vibe that comes from the sound design, with the soundtrack having a happy and bouncy feel to it, taking the original music and remixing it make it fresh.
Final Thoughts – Hebereke is a franchise that I have known of for many years, having played the different games on Super Famicom and Sega Saturn long ago. When I saw this game was available in Japan, I was interested in checking the game out as an import, but then I discovered that Red Art Games were bring it to the west. I can say with no uncertainty that this is one of the best platformers I have played in recent years.
The world that has been crafted for Hebereke 2 is gorgeous, with the whole arts and crafts look of the sewn together landscape and felted characters. This style has been done in a few ways before, but this may be the most adorable variation. I can’t recommend this game enough as both a Hebereke and a Platformer fan, this is perfect everyone regardless of if you have played the first game or not. The whole package is a delight.
I was a little bit sceptical when I saw the words procedurally generated and metroidvania in promotional material, but the implementation of it works to great effect. I had so much fun figuring out the little pluzzles, unlocking new abilities and exploring the world. This is a wonderful experience, with a story that is entertaining and has references to the past, which ties this new game to the original from over 30 years ago.
In the end, I give Ufouria: the Saga 2 a final score of 5/5. This is an adorable platformer, with a story that is engaging and self-aware moments that added to the comedy of the narrative. The random generation of stages, challenges and unlockable content makes this a game that can be enjoyed by everyone. If you want to check this title out for yourself, a link to the game will be available below.
Hello, I have exciting news from friends of the site Shady Corner Games, who have announced two new releases that are planned to come very soon. Following the Success of Marble Maid on both steam and the subsequent console release on Nintendo Switch, Marble Maid 2: the Negative Levels, is on its way. But that’s not all, one of the first games created by Shady Corner Games, Flambeau is getting the DeluXXX treatment with new content, improved gameplay and enhanced presentation.
Check out the details below to learn more about these upcoming releases, coming soon to the Steam platform. You can also wish list these games on their official steam pages, which will be linked further down on the page.
Mature Content Warning: please be aware that the games in this announcement contain content that are intended for Adults only, with sexual themes, graphic sexual content, explicit imagery and audio of a sexual nature. If you are under the age of 18 or you are uncomfortable with this, please check out the other content on the site.
Marble Maid 2: The Negative Levels
Following on from the release of Marble Maid, this sequel takes the formula established in the first title and expands on it. Bringing new mechanics, gameplay features and over 60 levels of ball rolling puzzle action. This title will also feature concepts, elements and ideas that were cut from the first, creating the ultimate Marble Maid experience. There will also be a whole host of saucy unlockables for players to obtain, with new images costumes and maybe more?
Set before the events of the first game, players will be able to use the Nega Maid, a malevolent trickster who awakes in the dungeons of an abandoned manor house. This little bundle of mayhem is hell-bent on causing as much chaos as she can, using her powers to collect dust bunnies from the dungeons she finds herself trapped within. Can the Nega Maid succeed and accomplish her task of making a mess of the Manor House above.
This title contains all new levels to challenge, a brand new soundtrack, special elemental abilities and secrets to uncover. New to this release will be the introduction of a brand new Golf Mode, unique boss battles and more for players to sink their teeth into. If you want to check this title out and add it to your wish list, you can find it (HERE)
Flambeau DeluXXX
Flambeau was one of the first games created by Shady Corner Games, originally released back in 2018. Now as we get closer to the 6 year anniversary of the original, the team are gearing up to bring players the definitive Flambeau experience, with updated presentation, code and cut content. This remastered DeluXXX release features redrawn art, enhanced gameplay and a whole heap of content that is unique to this new updated version.
On the outskirts of town, there is a mysterious mansion with a nearby offering free candy to all the adults out for a fun Halloween night. However, all is not as it seems as the owner of the house is Flambeau, a living candle who craves the souls of those who enter her domain in order to satisfy her. With her powers, she takes control of her house, eating up the souls of those who step foot within her halls, while getting her kicks in the process.
This brand new version of the classic Flambeau includes over 40 levels of soul consuming action, including content cut from the original release and brand new modes to unlock. There has also been extensive reworking of the presentation, with enhanced art, remastered soundtrack and a new dub by the original voice cast. The original game will also be included for those who missed it or want to return after playing the new version.
You can wishlist Flambeau DeluXXX on steam (HERE) and you can keep up with all the happenings at Shady Corner games at their official site (HERE) and through X/Twitter (HERE).
Overview – developed by FRENCH-BREAD in collaboration with Arc System Works, Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes is the latest entry in the fast paced anime style fighting game franchise. Engage in fast paced battles with a colorful and diverse cast of 24 characters, including new additions to the series in this numbered sequel. This release is available for Steam, PlayStation 4/5 and the Nintendo Switch, with a link to each version of the game available at the bottom of this review.
Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank Arc System Works for providing the copy of Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes that was used of this piece, via the keymailer service. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.
Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review, starting off with the review. Please note I will be referring the game as UNI2 during the review, as this is the commonly used way to shorten the title. I will also be talking about the most basic core mechanics of this release, as there are many advanced elements to the game and its systems.
Story – taking place after the defeat of Hilda the Paradox, peace seemed to return to the world, but another threat was lurking within the shadows, Kuon the Eternal Re-Birth. The event called the Hollow Night is upon the chosen few again, with Kuon wishing the pierce the Veil between worlds. If this malevolent force succeeds, the world will be plunged into darkness. Now the chosen rise to battle Kuon, as the fate of the world hangs in the balance.
Gameplay – UNI2 is a mostly traditional 1 on 1 fighter, where battles take place in two out of three round matches by default, with all of the typical mechanics of fighting games. However, this title has several mechanics that are unique to it, as well as features shared with its sister series Melty Blood, also developed by French-Bread. First, the game uses a 4 button input system, going from A-D with light, medium and heavy attack, as well as EXES Action.
All characters have access to an auto combo, which can be activated by tapping the light attack button repeatedly if contact is made. Then there are the more advanced combos which utilize all attack inputs, allowing for more varied and damaging attacks, as well as aerial and crouched strikes to be used. Alongside the standard strikes, there are also command moves allowing for more powerful attacks, with all characters having their own unique special moves.
Next is the EXES action, which serves several functions during a fight. There is the shield that is activated by holding back and pressing the EXES button. If the player presses forward, down forward or up forward the player will perform an evasive maneuver. Alongside the standard attacks, special moves and EXES actions, there are special combo skills used by pressing two or more normal buttons, including throws and character specific skills.
Moving onto the other battle mechanics, there is the EXS System. This bar at the bottom of the screen fills up during a battle, with different effects being available when the bar reaches 100% and 200% respectively. When the bar is at 100% or more, players can use enhanced versions of special attacks. At 200% the player is able to perform special variants of auto combos, culminating in that characters ultimate Infinite Worth move for huge damage.
At any time if the bar is at least half full, the player can activate an effect called Veil OFF. In this mode the player is given more power for their attacks, as well as the ability to use enhanced EXS attacks and Infinite Worth attacks regardless of the energy they have. Please note that the Infinite Worth attacks have two variants, both can be activated in both Veil Off and if the bar is at 200%. However, the ultimate version has special restrictions to use.
Then we have the GRD system, which consists of a bar in the middle of the screen with a timer attached. This feature has a tug of war style system, where actions that players take will affect it during battle either positively or negatively. When the timer in the middle does a full cycle, the player with more energy in the bar will enter a powered up Vorpal State. When this happens the character can add the energy to their EXS bar with the EXES button.
Now onto the game modes that are featured in UNI2. This release has a nice variety of options when it comes to single player, which are available for all characters in the roster. The modes available for solo play are Arcade (story mode), Score attack, Time Attack, Survival and Mission. The Arcade, Score and Time modes all have the same flow, with the player going through a set number of opponents. Survival mode has endless battles and Mission features combo challenges.
Going a little more into the Arcade mode, this mode features narrative segments for all of the characters. These scenes have a visual novel style of presentation, with voiced dialogue for the character interactions. There is also a set of characters that must have their stories played through, with the ability to unlock the final boss when the requirement is met. Please note that the season pass unlocks the boss character immediately, with three new characters coming in the future.
Then we have the in depth tutorial, where players can learn all of the basic mechanics of the game as well as advanced techniques. These lessons feature on screen inputs, as well as explanations of the mechanics and demonstrations for players to see how they look in motion. This gives all players an entry point for the game, regardless of their skill level and makes this an accessible fighter for new players. There is also a free training mode along with the tutorial.
Last to talk about is the online and multiplayer features for UNI2. In this title there are both online and local battles, with players able to battle all over the world or in the same room. The network mode has Casual, Ranked and Player room matches, with leaderboards for multiplayer and challenge modes, alongside replay features. Then there is the offline VS modes where players can battle people in the same room, challenge CPUs and also watch A.I. battles.
Now with the core features of the game covered, it is time to move onto the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.
Controls – UNI2 uses a rather simple 4 input system, allowing for players to jump straight into the action. The combined input skills and moves can be done by pressing the required buttons, but there are also hot keys that can be used to make it easier to use these inputs. The game plays well with all controller styles, but I personally recommend using a controller with a good D-Pad or a dedicated Arcade stick.
Difficulty – there is an adjustable difficulty setting for the arcade mode and offline VS against the CPU, but there are no options for the other game modes. In general the difficulty that players will face offline is going to be tied to overall skill level, but players will be able to use the training mode to practice. The tutorial is a good way for players to get used to the mechanics, preparing them for the game and this along with the arcade difficulty options make this accessible for all.
Presentation – visually UNI2 looks phenomenal, the sprite work and art used for the characters has that distinct anime look which the UNI and Melty Blood games are known for. This gives the game its trademark style, with the clean character designs that are accompanied by fluid animations and vibrant environments. There are also cinematic attacks that knock it up a notch, with all characters having their own unique special cutscene attack.
The sound is as good as ever, with new and returning music tracks from long-time French-Bread collaborator Raito. The music features a mix of electro, synth and heavy rock with all character themes fitting the look and style of them. In the story mode, there is voiced dialogue entirely in Japanese with the voice work being performed well. Included as an extra feature in the gallery, where players can unlock art, music and voice lines.
Final Thoughts – I have played previous UNI games as well as the Melty Blood series, so there was a lot of anticipation for this release. The new characters, mechanics, expanded move sets and improved balance make this a natural evolution of the series being the first numbered sequel. I had an excellent time with this title, putting a lot of time into the different offline game modes. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get a great deal of time with the online multiplayer.
I am happy to recommend this title to everyone, as there is a lot of content for players to sink their teeth into. During play, the action is smooth with little issue in terms of performance when it comes to the Nintendo Switch, with the game playing well in either docked or handheld play. The in-depth tutorial makes this game accessible for players of all skill levels, being a good way for new and returning players to get into the action.
In the end, I give Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes a final score of 5/5. This is a perfect follow up to the previous Under Night In-Birth and its updates, with an expanded roster, enhanced move sets and new features that breathe fresh life into the series. All wrapped in the signature French-Bread Style. If you want to check this title out for yourself a link to the different version of the game are below.
Overview – developed and published by Pinblend Studios, Slot Shots Pinball Ultimate Edition is the definitive experience for fans of the Slot Shots Pinball game. Enjoy 13 tables of ball flipping action across a range of themes, including the classic tables and brand new additions, all presented with improved sound and visuals. This release is available exclusively for the Steam platform, with a link to the game will be at the bottom of this review.
Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank the publisher for providing the copy of Slot Shots pinball that was used for this piece, via the keymailer service. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.
Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review. Since there is no plot or story for this release, I will be going directly into covering the gameplay. Please note that some information used is provided by the publisher on their Steam store page. For this review I will be calling the game simply Slot Shots Ultimate for brevity.
Gameplay – Slot Shots Ultimate is a relatively Traditional Pinball sim style game, utilizing the traditional 3 ball gameplay mode, along with special features and slots in each of the tables. When starting the game, the player can select one of the 13 available tables, each with their own theming and gimmicks. This is an upgraded version of Slot Shots Pinball Collection, released back in 2022, featuring the original 7 tables along with a set of all new tables.
Here is a rundown of all of the tables featured in Slot Shots Ultimate that players can challenge;
Draclua’s Pawn – take on the challenge of count Dracula and his castle, with a gothic style soundtrack, vampire themed targets and voice lines for Dracula.
Neon Nights Ultra – an ultra-vibrant cityscape, covered in neon lights and accompanied by a pulsing soundtrack.
Ocean Breeze – rack up big points at the beach, with this seaside themed table and score big points by hitting the beach house.
Mystic Ballistic – a verdant deep jungle holds many mysteries, with ancient tribal artifacts and ruins that hold secrets to discover.
Tomb Keeper Manor – encounter a haunted graveyard and investigate an abandoned house, with this being a revamped version of a previous table.
Dream World – a bright and colorful table, filled with rainbows, candy and a colorful edible town.
The Kraken’s Cove – a pirate themed table, with sunken treasure, a pirate ship and the mythical Kraken which will appear in the center of the board.
Super Vixel Land – a retro themed pixel/voxel super wide table that has missions on both the upper playfield and a lower playfield that has a revolving wheel.
Slot Shots Casino – a fantasy themed casino playground with card suits and table game themed aspects, there is also the lucky wheel and the special plinko style bonus.
Bass Hunter – a fishing themed table where players can try to catch the “legendary” fish, while also collecting bonuses based on Bass fishing.
Neon Nights 2 Skylines – a cyberpunk styled purple and blue neon themed table with a pulse pounding synth style soundtrack.
Outergalactic Aliens – this galactic themed table features multiple flippers, captured aliens and special skill shot bonuses within this extraterrestrial experience.
Neon Nights Original – the first table that was created by Pinblend, featuring vibrant neon details and elements of the city that were expanded in later iterations of this table.
The base goal for each table featured in the game is rather simple, you have to get a high score. With the three balls provided, the objective is to hit targets, achieve skill shots and activate the slots to rack up the highest score possible. There are also bonus missions and table features that will provide the player with big bonuses, really pumping scores up. The tables also have the traditional features of multi-ball and extra ball bonuses.
However, getting a high score can be easier said than done, as there are some minor issues when it comes to the overall table gameplay. The speed of the ball and the table physics can be a little inconsistent at times, this is most noticeable on tables with kickback/side lanes. There are moments where the ball will clip through the smallest gaps, going down the side lanes and causing a lost ball. This can be quite frustrating during play.
There is also the common issue that applies to all pinball games, which is the ball can simply roll down the middle of the table leading to a ball loss. This can be the most frustrating thing that can happen, but players can hit a tilt button to try and stop the ball being lost. Unfortunately, the tilt feature can also be a bit hit and miss, but this is a known problem with pinball games in general. In terms of physics, the ball will be react when hit most times, but sometimes it can seem heavier.
The positives for this release are that there is a wide range of different table features, targets and mechanics that work well. There are unique touches to each of the tables, making them stand out from each other and offering something for everyone. These touches can be grounded in reality, like the Neon Nights and Casino Slots tables, this is in contrast to fantasy based tables like Dream World and Kraken’s Cove, giving a nice variety to gameplay.
The last thing to talk about is the score system. All of the tables have their own leaderboard, where scores can be uploaded to after finishing a game of classic three ball mode. When the score has been uploaded, players can check the online leaderboard to see where they stack up with others. There is also the chance for high scores to be shared in the loading screens, where the developer highlights the best scores for players to honor their achievements.
Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to move onto the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.
Controls – this game support both keyboard and controllers for the inputs, with the ability to map out all keyboard inputs in a comfortable manner. The controller inputs are shown on screen for players, with the layout being easy to use for players who prefer to use a range of controllers. There is also steam deck support for the game listed on the steam page, offering a portable way to enjoy this release.
Difficulty – there is little in terms of difficulty when it comes to this title, as the challenge comes from a players overall skill with pinball games in general. The biggest challenge for this game is activating slots, which can be quite tricky. There is no way to alter the way that the game works, with the only way to get better scores is to improve general skills. As a rather casual pinball title it is easy for players to get into, with tables that can fit all player tastes.
Presentation – Slot Shots Ultimate looks good for an indie pinball title compared to the other big hitters in the genre. There is a good variety of table designs, with the different fantasy elements working in favor of this release. The performance is solid too as there are settings to allow the game to run on a range of hardware set-up. The sound for the game is pretty good too, with the different table themes featuring complimentary soundtracks.
Final Thoughts – I do enjoy pinball games, with my favorites being those from the 16 and 32 bit era, but I also like to dive into newer titles from time to time. This title scratched that itch, with the different themed tables being enjoyable to play. Sadly the usual issues that occur with pinball games were there, but they don’t impact the gameplay too much aside from being a frustration when they happened. I also like the online scoreboards and the way they are implemented.
I can make this an easy recommendation for people who enjoy pinball games, especially those who play the expensive titles like Pinball FX and Zen Pinball. This title offers 13 tables all for one price, with something for everyone. Yeah, they may not have licenses or feature tables from times past, but they are fairly unique and are available for a one-time payment. If you have previously owned the other Slot Shots Pinball game, you can also upgrade to this for a small fee.
In the end, I give Slot Shots Pinball Ultimate Edition a final score of 3.5/5. This is a solid pinball title, with a good selection of tables to play all for a single price. What it lacks compared to others in the genre, it more than makes up for with creative table designs, fun gameplay mechanics and all of it is available right off the bat. If you want to check this title out for yourself, a link to the game will be below along with an upgrade for previous versions.
Overview – developed by Compile Heart and Idea Factory with publishing handled by Idea Factory International, Neptunia: Sisters VS Sisters is the latest entry in the long running Neptunia Franchise. In this action RPG hybrid, Nepgear must take the place of her sister Neptune in the wake of her absence, with the fate of the world on her shoulders. This version of the game is available for Nintendo Switch, featuring content exclusive to this release with a link to it at the bottom of this review.
Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank Idea Factory International for providing the copy of Neptunia Sisters VS Sisters for this piece, via the keymailer service. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.
Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review, starting off with the story. I previously covered this game for Steam, with the review readable (HERE). Like that review, I will be covering the core elements and mechanics of this title, to prevent spoiling the events of this game. However, I will be covering the content exclusive to this release.
Story – As the Goddesses of Gamindustri were responding to a distress call from the PC continent, the Goddess Candidates were sent on a mission to investigate a monster outbreak. During this assignment, Nepgear and her friends encounter the Ashen Goddess within an abandoned research facility. After this encounter, the mysterious Goddess trapped them in a stasis capsule, placing them in a deep sleep to protect them from danger.
After emerging from their deep slumber, Nepgear and her companions learn that two years have passed, as well as the news that Neptune was missing. In the absence of both the Goddess and Candidate, Planeptune had been ravaged by the mysterious Trendi Phenomenon. Finding that her home and sister are gone, Nepgear faces her greatest challenge, to solve the mystery of the Trendi outbreaks and save Planeptune in the absence of her sister Neptune.
Gameplay – this title is a dungeon crawling JRPG, set in locations across Gamindustri with a visual novel style presentation to story events, told over several chapters. In order to push the narrative forward, players must explore the different environments, fight monsters and complete quest objectives. There are two types of quest objectives for players to take on, with the first being main quests that use a red marker and side quests with a blue marker.
The majority of the game plays out in the dungeon environments, with the player having the option of an active party of up to three characters. The party members will change during the course of the game, but for this release, 4 additional characters will be added to the party after the intro section is cleared. While in a dungeon, players will be able to move freely around the map, uncovering treasures, encountering monsters and overcoming obstacles.
While roaming the dungeons, players will encounter monsters that spawn throughout. These encounters can be avoided or the player can charge into battle. If the player attacks the enemy from behind, the monster is alerted by seeing the party or a preset quest battle is reached, combat will begin. When the player can successfully strike the enemy from behind, the battle will start with the party getting an advantage in the beginning.
Combat in this title takes place in a circular arena, with the player having control over the leader as the other party members move on their own. The battle system has a real time feel to it, with attacks that can be used in sequence to make stylish combos. But each attack uses a resource called Action Point (AP), with the player being unable to attack if they run out. This adds a tactical element to battles, as players must wait for that characters AP to recharge.
However, the player is able to change the character in the active party leader, allowing for tactics to be switched on the fly and combos to be extended. During attacks, a prompt will appear under the support character icons called chain, quickly switching characters and using an enhanced attack for more damage. This system allows attacks to be chained together, increasing the damage that is dealt with each successful switch during a battle.
As well as the combo and chain attacks, the player can also use special skills that have the potential to deal significant damage to enemies. The special skills that can be used have requirements in order to be used, but the payoff is worth the effort. First, there is the Tactical Skill, which can be used when the TAC bar is filled during battles. All characters will have one skill as standard, with the ability to unlock additional skills as the game progresses.
Then we have the EXE Drive, which is a powerful attack activated by using half of the Goddess Gauge. These attacks are much stronger than the other abilities, but they pale in comparison to the Goddess Transformation. This Ultimate, yet temporary ability can be activated when the Goddess Gauge is fully filled in battle. While active, all stats are boosted, combo attacks don’t consume AP and an enhanced Drive attack can be accessed at the cost of reverting to normal.
The different characters that can be in the party can fit a variety of roles, with some excelling at offense and others as support. The different skill sets for the characters allow for a range of party builds to be put together, adding to the tactical style of combat. It is important for players to have a cohesive party build, as item use in battles is restricted unless the TAC meter is filled, making support skills very useful in the heat of battle.
A combat encounter in this title can end in one of three ways, victory, defeat or escape. The first two are self-explanatory, with escape having a special meter that needs to be filled by staying at the edge of the screen. However, it is important to keep in mind that the player cannot escape from some battles, so make sure to monitor the status of the party often. If the party is defeated in battle, the player will get a game over, but they can retry and load data to continue.
When a battle has been won, the party will gain resource rewards, money and experience points. As the active party members earn EXP, they will level up at set milestones and make them stronger, unlocking new skills when set level requirements are met. Inactive characters wont level up as much, but later additions to the party as the story progresses will be sufficiently leveled, adding some balance to the overall progression of the game.
The final element of dungeon exploration to discuss is the safe zones. These points in the dungeons allow players to recover their party with items, save the game and even leave the dungeon to the world map. These points can also be used to fast travel, teleporting between different the different safe zones making them very useful for backtracking. It is important to use these safe points often, as the player can lose significant progress if they are defeated.
Outside of the main story, there are more locations and features that will open up as the player makes their way through the game. Players are able to move between most of the locations that have been discovered, using these areas to grind experience and resources. There will also be side missions that players can challenge, including requests from NPC characters using the “Chirper” system. These different requests provide rewards for success.
There is also a crafting system in this title called Disc Development, where special equipment items can be crafted that provide a range of bonuses for party members. To create a Disc, the player must combine Genre, Scout and Support resources together at the cost of Coins. All Genres are available immediately, but the Scout and Support items must be collected during play. Each Disc takes time to develop and the results will vary.
The Discs can be added to the different characters within the party, with the ability to assign up to 4 discs to a character. When equipped to characters, they can open up new skill possibilities, passive skills and more for players to experiment with. Discs aren’t the only way to augment party members however, as each character can be given better equipment. This gear includes weapons, armor and accessories that will alter their overall stats.
Then we have the Lily System, which will give the active party members additional bonuses when they are paired with another character. These pairings have the potential to provide up to 3 bonuses for the character, increasing the further the player gets into the adventure. In this version of the game, there are 4 additional characters available immediately, with guests Higurashi and Shanghai Alice, along with exclusive versions of Maho and Anri from the main story.
Last to discuss, we have the SHARE system, which will affect the way that the narrative plays out for this release. Depending on the SHARE level that the player has reached, the ending that is obtained will change. The level of the Goddess shares will change depending on a various factors, positive effects include leveling up party members and completing requests. However, the Share rate can be lowered by events such as the party being defeated in battle.
Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to discuss the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.
Controls – Neptunia Sisters VS Sisters makes the leap to Nintendo Switch well, with the input layout for the controllers working well. The inputs have zero lag and work well with all control options, regardless of if the player chooses to play handheld or on the big screen. I found that the Joy-Cons didn’t have the usual issue with travel that they have with most games, which made it easy to enjoy the game for long play sessions away from the TV.
Difficulty – I feel that this release has a lower difficulty curve to the other release, given the addition of extra characters in the party at the start of the game. If players choose to use these characters, there is an advantage in the early game as the party would otherwise only have one character active. Sometimes there will be difficulty spikes, but this can be reduced with effective leveling, Disc upgrades and character equipment. Overall, this version does feel more balanced.
Presentation – making the leap to the less powerful Switch hasn’t compromised the visual fidelity of this release. The game has been optimized well for the hybrid system, with the vibrancy of the world and the smooth animations of the Live 2D characters, prominently featured during the VN segments. There is nothing noticeable in terms of Lag or frame stutter during play, but there is a slight increase in loading times, but it doesn’t affect the overall gameplay experience.
The music is wonderful as always, with the opening theme Fight For Victory setting the tone for the experience, accompanied by the gorgeous character art. The music used in game fits the setting and events well, with each composition enhancing the overall feel of the experience. The dialogue for this game is available in English and Japanese, with the EN voice cast featuring the talents of Sarah Williams (Jujustu Kaisen), Carrie Keranen (Madoka Magica) and Lindsay Sheppard (Tribe Nine).
Final Thoughts – Having previously covered this game on steam, I was excited to see what the Nintendo Switch version brought to the table. I can happily say that my experience was a very positive one, with the experience feeling fresh and new with the addition of the exclusive characters. I spent a lot of time with this title in handheld mode, which I find is a more personal experience for these types of adventure given the nature of handheld gaming.
I am more than happy to recommend this game to fans of the Neptunia series, especially those who want to enjoy the games away from the big screen. This title fits the Nintendo Switch perfectly, even with the restrictions of the hardware in general, the game looks and plays amazingly on both the big and small screen. There are some reductions in terms of textures and the like, but the title has been optimized very well for the system and is an excellent handheld JRPG adventure.
In the end, I give Neptunia: Sisters VS Sisters for Nintendo Switch a final score of 5/5. This adventure made the transition to the Nintendo switch flawlessly, with perfectly optimized gameplay and presentation. The addition of bonus content in the form of exclusive characters makes this release feel fresh, with the overall experience being perfect for the big or small screen. If you want check this version of the game out for yourself, a link to it will be below.
Overview – developed and published by 91Act in partnership with Arc System Works, BlazBlue Entropy Effect is an action roguelite style title, with fast paced action and stylish combat systems. Take on a new adventure set in a universe adjacent to the main BlazBlue series, with an all original story and gameplay style, with well-known characters from the franchise. This title is exclusive to the Steam service on PC platforms, with a link to the game at the bottom of this review.
Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank 91Act for provision the copy of BlazBlue Entropy Effect that was used for this piece, via the Keymailer service. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own. (please note images used are from the offical steam page so they may not match the final product)
Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review, starting with the story. For this review, I will only be covering the base mechanics of the game and its features. This is to prevent spoiling any major plot points, story beats or secrets that the game holds.
Story – In the future where the world has been plunged into chaos, people enter a cyberspace called ACE, seeking their last chance to resolve the crisis. If you are the only person in this world who knows the truth, how will you react? The ending is also the beginning. Your decision will decide humanity’s future. Do you have what it takes to save the world, using the Mind Training system and unlocking the secrets hidden within the cyberspace of ACE.
Gameplay – BlazBlue Entropy Effect is an action roguelite, combining the characters and style of the main fighting games into a side scrolling action brawler. Take control of a virtual representation of one of ten characters from the franchise (more may be added in the future), as you battle your way through vibrant environments to save the world. When first starting the game, the player will go through a simple tutorial, where mechanics are explained to the player.
Once the mechanics tutorial is cleared, the player will be able to explore the world as their ACER, a small robot that can move around and interact with the NPC characters. During the course of the game, players must talk to the various inhabitants of the world, complete objectives and push the narrative forward. This largely occurs between the different combat exercises, where the player will take on challenging battle stages.
These are called Mind Training, where the player will go through a set of challenges fighting enemies unique to this release as well as bosses made of enemies from the main series. During each run, the player battles through 5 stages, with the sub levels for the first 4 being randomized with a boss at the end of each. The final stage is a labyrinthine maze, where players will encounter multiple boss rooms, alongside the final boss of the run.
However, before the player can even take on mind training. The player must unlock a Prototype, from the available roster, with the ability to unlock only one character at the start. This makes for an interesting flow to the gameplay, due to players being able to unlock more of the roster the more they play. The resource used to unlock a prototype is called a Prototype Analyzer, which are rewards for story progression and can also be purchased in game.
Each of the prototypes have their own unique mechanics and play styles, which have translated quite well from the mainline fighting game series. The basic tool kit for all characters is a standard combo attack, special attack and dash attacks. Along with the standard tools for characters, are the unique “gimmicks” that make each of them stand out from the others. There are characters that will fit a range of playstyles, offering something for everyone.
While taking on mind training, the player will engage in combat with a variety of enemies, while also navigating some traps and platforming challenges. When a sub-stage is cleared (called a space), the player will be given a selection of options to choose from. The first space reward is always potential, which will provide the player with a new attack, ability or upgrade a current skill. These rewards will also be provided upon defeating a stage boss.
There are additional space types that players can select from, usually with multiple options but sometimes there will only be one. Here is a quick breakdown of the different space types that players can encounter;
Tactic – Gain a range of special abilities, usually a passive one that will augment the player and provide an additional effect that can be used in combat. These can be improved through a mechanic called ascension, which will empower them further.
Max HP/MP – these spaces will allow grant the player a bonus to either their max HP or MP, with these bonuses stacking up with additional bonuses.
Exchange – enter the shop and use exchange points that have been collected by defeating enemies to purchase bonuses, allowing useful effects and bonuses to be obtained.
Event – activate the event space for a selection of effects that can provide bonuses for mind training, but these come with some risks as some may bestow negative effects on the player.
Rest – use this space to recover a percentage of health that has been lost in battle.
Sortito – here players can spin the wheel of the Sortito, with the chance to win some big bonuses ranging from HP boosts, exchange points and more.
At the end of a stage, the player will engage with a boss in a challenging combat encounter. These battles will be one of two boss battles in the standard stage, with three battles that can occur in the final Omega Space stage. When the bosses have been defeated, the player may gain a Potential, as well as a Fragmented Mind resource. These are awarded the first time a prototype defeats each boss. Bosses can also award a special item called Phenomena, but I won’t spoil that.
As the player will likely take damage during a run, there are special items that can be used to keep the player alive. The first is the HP mixture, which will recover a portion of the players health when a set of inputs are pressed. These can be interrupted, so it is important to get some distance before using them. The other is a revival item that is used when all HP is depleted, reviving the player and restoring a portion of health for players to keep going.
During the mind training, a run will end in one of two ways, if the player clears all of the stages and beats the final boss or are defeated after using all revives. When a session of Mind Training is complete, the player will be given a choice of tactics that have been obtained during the run. These tactics will be added to a version of the prototype called an Evotype, which can later be used to augment a prototype in a future run using a system called Legacy.
When the player starts a new session of mind training, if they have at least one other Prototype character unlocked, they can use some skills for that character. This is the Legacy system that was mentioned previously, where tactics and special skills can be given to the current Prototype. Up to two character Evotype Legacies can be applied, with one per character allowed, meaning characters are advised to use their best Evotypes.
There are a limited number of Evotypes that can be saved, with the option to dispose of unwanted characters for resource rewards. This allows players to make the most out of the weaker Evotypes that have been generated, collecting useful resource points that can be used in different areas. The resource that is earned is called AP, which can also be collected by defeating enemies in Mind Training, as well as completing other objectives.
AP is mostly used to improve the characters overall power. In the main hub world, the player can speak to NEO after a set point, allowing the player to unlock Mind Upgrades. These mind upgrades will increase the overall base stats for all Prototypes, along with unlocking the ability to implant Mind Crystals for a variety of bonus effects. Mind Crystals can be purchased with Fragmented Minds earned during play and can be powered up with AP.
As well as NEO, the player can encounter DOR, who will let the player purchase Prototype Analyzers to unlock characters, Fragmented Minds and AP by trading resources. DOR will also provide the ability to check objectives, see the tactics that have been unlocked and see how they evolve. There is also B.C. (the Beauty Creator) who will allow players to change the look of their Avatar, in exchange for AP, there is also DLC that provides skins that can be used immediately.
Then we have the ACE Mind Challenge, a special mode where players can take on various bosses in battle using Evotypes that have been created during Mind Training. When a boss has been defeated, the next will opponent will be available to challenge. These battles can be fought by any registered Evotype, however, win or lose, an Evotype can only be used once in Mind Challenge. If the player succeeds in battle, the player will be rewarded with AP.
The last thing to discuss is the multiplayer mode called Battlefield of Entropy. This special mode is a unique PvPvE mode, where players across the world will battle each other and CPU enemies to complete objectives. Up to 12 players can engage in these battles, leading to the potential for chaos to ensue. Unfortunately, during my time playing the game, I was unable to test this mode out as I could not connect to other players to be able to test this mode out.
Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to discuss the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.
Controls – as a PC release, there is both keyboard and controller options for players to use. The keyboard mappings work well for those who prefer to use that style, but I would recommend a controller for this title as it is way more comfortable. There are onscreen inputs for most input styles, which are very useful for players getting used to the game. All inputs can be modified, allowing players to modify controls to fit each play style.
Difficulty – as a roguelite, there difficulty curve to the gameplay experience. When starting out, it can be tough to make progress and players may fall before reaching the final boss. This can get easier the more time players put in, as the Evotype and legacy system can help offset the challenge. For those looking for a greater challenge can utilize the Entropy system, which allows players to add modifiers to Mind Training, increasing the overall difficulty.
Presentation – visually, BlazBlue Entropy Effect looks gorgeous, with vibrant environments and sprite work that brings the world of ACE alive. The animations and action flows very well, with the gameplay style of the main series translating to this style of gameplay well. There is no issue with lag and the game works well with a variety of hardware, allowing for players to be able to enjoy this game on medium-low end systems, as well as high power rigs.
The sound for this title works well with the setting, featuring a good range of compositions for the stages and bosses in Mind Training. These music tracks contrast well with the ominous and rather empty soundscape of ACE. There is a choice of voice acting for the various characters that exist within ACE where used, offering Japanese, Chinese and English, which is implemented very well. The playable characters also have their voice lines present, but only in Japanese.
Final Thoughts – as a fan of the BlazBlue franchise, I was intrigued by the concept of a roguelite featuring characters that are tied so close to the fighting genre. I will say that this transition from straight fighting to side scrolling action went well, with the characters and their unique fighting styles crossing genres smoothly. It may be a little jarring for some as most of the action is simplified, but the more that you play the game, the more natural the action will feel.
I am very happy to recommend this title to everyone that is a fan of the BlazBlue series, side scrolling action and roguelite titles. There is a lot of content on offer, alongside almost endless replay value on offer with the Legacy/Evotype systems, I just wish I could have been able to play the online multiplayer. There are also updates planned, with more content to come in the future. The only issue I can see is the time needed to get good at the game, which may put some players off.
In the end, I give BlazBlue Entropy Effect a final score of 4.5/5. This title takes the characters established in the mainline BlazBlue series, transitioning them and their unique play styles into the roguelite genre perfectly. There is almost endless replay value on offer, with more updates coming in the future to expand the game further. If you want to check this title out for yourself, a link to the game will be below.
Overview – developed by Ten Pennyfingers and Shady Corner games, with porting and publishing handled by Eastasiasoft, Dreamcutter is an action platformer set in a dreamscape filled with nightmares. As Haley, wield the power of the Dreamcutter, a powerful otherworldly scythe that can cleave through the nightmares that cloud her mind. This version of the game is available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch, with a link to it and the original steam release at the bottom of this review.
Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank Eastasiasoft for providing this version of Dreamcutter. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own. Please note, I was involved with some post release development of the PC version, with my name in the credits of that release.
Mature Content Disclaimer: this title is intended for adults only, featuring strong language and content of a sexual nature with some explicit imagery included. If you are under the age of 18 or are uncomfortable with sexual content, please click off this review and check out the other coverage presented on this site.
Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review, starting with the story of Dreamcutter. Note, I previously covered the steam release of Dreamcutter, with a link to that review (HERE).
Story – College student Haley has been struggling to sleep, plagued by nightmares of monsters and strange places. While in class, she falls asleep and becomes trapped in a dreamscape, unable to escape the nightmare that is unfolding around her. As she seeks to escape, she finds a mysterious weapon, the Dreamcutter, a scythe that is capable of destroying the nightmares. With this new power in her hands, Haley sets out on a quest to defeat her inner demons and gain freedom.
Gameplay – Dreamcutter is an action platformer, with challenging platforming and combo focused combat, wrapped in a visual novel style narrative. The player controls Haley, the college girl who wields the Dreamcutter, granting her the power to fight the monsters in her dreams. When starting the game, the player is given the option of Story Mode or Arcade. The Story mode is the standard gameplay mode, with cutscenes and boss reward events (discussed further below).
During story mode, the player will encounter narrative scenes of characters talking which is presented like a visual novel. These scenes convey the story well, with instances where players are able to select between dialogue options. The dialogue choices that players can make will give different outcomes, but have little influence on the ending of the story. Then we have Arcade mode, where the action plays out the same, however, the only events that occur are the reward scenes.
During the introductory segment of the game, the player will be given a tutorial where all of the core mechanics and moves are detailed for the player. once this opening has been cleared, the player will be sent to the hub world called Sanctuary, where the player can access the 5 worlds of Haley’s mind. The 5 worlds are made up of a set of stages and a boss battle, with the challenge increasing as the player progresses through the dreamscape.
Within the stages, the player must cleave their way through the nightmare creatures, while also using the Dreamcutter to help traverse the terrain of stages. The Dreamcutter serves many uses, as not only can the player swing it to damage enemies, but Haley can throw the scythe, dealing damage as well as using it to launch her upwards when stuck in walls. There are also terrain elements that can be hit by the player, allowing gaps and pitfalls to be covered with ease.
The last part of the Dreamcutter toolkit is the spin glide, which allows the player to spin the scythe and slow their descent or ride air currents. All of these tools will allow the player to pass all of the hazards as well as explore the stages, uncovering the many secrets that are hidden through the game. These skills will also be useful for those who want to try and beat the game as fast as possible, especially as the Arcade mode comes with a timer built in.
While battling the monsters in stages, a combo will occur with a rank from D to A, increasing the more hits that the player adds to the chain. However, there is a meter that will go down over time if hits haven’t been landed on enemies, ending the combo when it is empty. When the combo ends, the player will be given a coin bonus based on their performance, which is added to the total along with the coins that are on the stage and are dropped by enemies.
At the end of the stage, the player will encounter a Nightmare orb that must be destroyed at the end of each level. When the player attacks the orb, waves of enemies will be spawned endlessly, with the player needing to hit the orb until it breaks, clearing the level. When all of the main stages have been cleared, the boss stage will be opened up for the player to challenge, with each of them having their own unique challenges that will push players to their limits.
When the boss battle is cleared, the player will be rewarded with a special intimacy scene, depicting characters in sexual situations. These scenes have been altered from the original, with creative modifications made to the artwork in order to fit the allowed content standards. But these aren’t the only saucy rewards that players can unlock. In the main hub of Sanctuary, there is a shop that players can access, using coins earned in stages.
The coins that players collect can be used to buy upgrades for Haley, increasing her health, damage and more that will come in handy during the adventure. Alongside the upgrades, there are also bonus challenges that the player can unlock, with special rewards for completing the objectives. All of these challenge rewards and the intimate event scenes are added to the gallery. The bonus images are provided by a range of artists. The shop and its contents add more replay value to the game, giving players a reason to return to stages and earn coins.
Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to cover the other aspects of this game, starting with the controls.
Controls – the control method for this release fits the Nintendo Switch controller well, with all of the key inputs matched to the face buttons. During the tutorials and at set points of the adventure, there are button inputs that will pop up on screen showing the player what they need to do. All of the inputs have low input lag, making the transition to the Switch quite well. The game plays comfortably in both handheld and docked, regardless of the controller that is being used.
Difficulty – there is a fairly moderate difficulty curve to this title, where the challenge will build the further the player gets. This is noticeable during the later parts of the game, with new hazards and stronger enemies that appear as a roadblock for players. To offset some of the challenge, there are checkpoints that will let the player resume if they are defeated. The player can also spend time gaining coins to buy new upgrades, increasing the chances of success.
Presentation – visually, the game has a classic pixel platformer look to it, consisting of vibrant sprite work, rendered backgrounds and gorgeous CG arts. The sound for this release is excellent, with a range of compositions that complement the environments that they are featured in, alongside some voice work by HaruLunaVO. These elements come together to create an experience that feels familiar and fresh. There are some performance issues, with frame stutters but there have been patches to deal with this.
Final Thoughts – having played, performed QA testing and reviewed the steam release of this game, I was very excited to get this on the Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately I do have to say that it is a bit of a mixed bag, due to the performance issues that occurred. These problems aren’t present in the Steam version and appear to be a byproduct of the porting process. There has been a patch, but it is unknown if there will be more patches in the future.
Now aside from the issues, the game feels right on the Nintendo Switch with the fast paced action, challenging platforming and the capability for speedrunning. There is a lot of fun to be had with this release, but there are improvements that can be made by the porting team. I am unable to give this a recommendation currently, but once the game is more stable, then this will be a definite purchase for fans of action platform titles.
In the end, I am not sure if I can give Dreamcutter a score due to my involvement with the PC release. I will say that this is an excellent game, but is unfortunately marred by some technical issues. Overall the game is still fun to play, but the stuttering can be frustrating for players and potentially spoil the experience. If you do want to check this game out for yourself, a link to both the Steam and Switch version of the game is below.
Overview – developed and published by SleepTeam, Bulanci: Extremely Aggressive Pillows is a multiplayer party shooter, where players will take control of sentient pillows in an all-out war. Take the action to the big screen or on the go, with solo or multiplayer shooting action only needing one system. This title is available for the Nintendo Switch and Steam, with a link to each version of the game available at the bottom of this review.
Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank SleepTeam for providing the copy of Bulanci: Extremely Aggressive Pillows that was used for this piece, via the Keymailer service. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.
Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review. There is little in terms of a plot for this release as it is a party game, so I will be going straight into discussing the gameplay for this release. I will be referring to this title as simply Bulanci for brevity. Please note that there may be differences between the Switch version and the release on steam, so I will only be focusing on the console version that is available.
Gameplay – Bulanci is a relatively simple multiplayer party game, where players take the role of sentient pillows that are engaged in an all-out pillow fight. There are three game modes available for the player, with deathmatch (and team deathmatch), capture the flag and the single player Elite Training. In deathmatch and team deathmatch the objective is to score as many points as possible, players will gain points for kills but lose points if they are killed or suffer friendly fire.
During capture the flag, the players are split into two teams, with the objective being to get the opposing flag and bring it back to the team base. If the flag carrier is killed, then it can be picked up, if the owner team picks it up they can return it, if the opponent picks it up they can still score. There is also friendly fire in this mode, which can lead to some tense and frustrating moments where multiple combatants are in one area.
The last mode is the Elite Training Mode, where a single player challenges A.I. bots in a 5 minutes battle to get the highest score possible. This is a way that players can practice, improving their skills in a standard set format alongside a local leaderboard making it a challenge. Across all of the modes, there are 4 different map themes, with the ability to select variants in the deathmatch and capture the flag modes, but only the standard 4 are available in training.
During battles, the player can move in the four basic directions, left, right, up and down, with no option for diagonal movement. Then it comes to firing weapons, which can only be fired in the direction the player faces, going in a straight line with the standard pistol. Speaking of the pistol, all players start with the pistol which has 5 shots and a long reload rate. Then we have the special weapons that can be picked up which spawn on the stage.
The special weapons that can appear are the spread shot gun, automatic machine gun, rocket launcher and proximity mines. Each of these weapons functions differently, with the standard bullets dealing damage to the target that it makes contact with, whereas the explosives deals radius damage. The different weapons add to the chaotic nature of the game, as they spawn quite often and once they are used the player goes back to the pistol.
The last thing to talk about is the basic customization system. The player has access to 16 different pillows, which can be customized with a few different options. There are several accessories that can be applied to a pillow, along with colors and patterns that can be added to give the pillows some personality. Players can also change the name of the pillow to personalize it as well as adjusting the voice of that specific character.
Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to move onto the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.
Controls – the controls are very basic with the four way directional movement, alongside the simple button inputs. The movement in general works well enough, but the button to enable strafing and walking backwards doesn’t seem to work at times. In multiplayer, there is the option for up to 8 players, using a pro controller or single Joy-Con to play the game. generally, the game is fairly comfortable to play with controls that can be picked up by everyone.
Difficulty – there are no difficulty options with this game, as it is a party shooter the challenge comes from random weapon drops that occur. The difficulty of A.I. opponents can also be affected by the stage that is selected, as the different maps will have elevated areas which can be tough but the A.I. can see all. The inability to alter the difficulty of the CPU controlled characters can be a pain, but that adds to the chaos that can occur.
Presentation – the visual style is fairly simple with all of the maps being a single screen, with colorful assets that work well for the game setting. The only issue with the graphical presentation of the game is the way it can impact visibility, as it uses an angled camera, it can be tough to judge depth at times. There is zero lag that occurs during play, which is good as there can be 12 characters on screen. The sound is simple, with music and sound effects that work well for the game.
Final Thoughts – This title is quite simple and as a party title it works well, but it is unfortunate that the game lacks some of the features present in the Steam release. However, for a budget release on the Nintendo Switch there is a lot of content on offer for players to enjoy, even if the game is currently lacking online multiplayer. While the base game is free on Steam, all of the additional content in the Switch version is sold separately as DLC.
I think that this game is for those that enjoy party games and have regular meet ups with friends, game nights with family or just want something to have some fun with the kids. As a single player experience, it does feel a little lacking with the reliance on bots and the limited gameplay modes that are present. But it does scratch that twitch gaming itch, especially if you want something that can be played for 10 minutes then put down.
In the end, I give Bulanci: Extremely Aggressive Pillows a final score of 3.5/5. This is an enjoyable party shooter for a modest price, with plenty of content available for a low barrier of entry at the cost of online multiplayer and some hiccups in terms of design. If you want to check this title out for yourself, a link to each version of the game is below.
Overview – developed and published by Industry Games, Dungeons of Sundaria is a multiplayer dungeon crawling RPG where players take on sprawling dungeons, fiendish monsters and deadly bosses. Travel the land of sundaria, completing quests and collecting loot as you set out to make your mark as an adventurer. This title is available for the PlayStation, Xbox and Steam platforms, with a link to each version of the game available at the bottom of this review.
Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank Industry Games for providing the copy of Dungeons of Sundaria that was used for this piece, through the Keymailer service. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.
Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review. I will be skipping the story segment as a narrative is drip fed throughout the game, via conversations and information in quest explanations, so I will be moving straight into discussing the gameplay. Please note that while this is a multiplayer title, I am discussing this from the perspective of a solo player.
Gameplay – this title is an action RPG where players must complete quests, kill monsters and collect loot while exploring the dungeons in Sundaria. When the player starts the game, they will be able to create their character from a selection of classic fantasy races including Dwarves, Elves and Orcs, alongside classes like ranger and wizard. After the character has been created and named, the player will be put into the town where they can speak to the residents.
Within the town of Galdrins Crossing, there are several facilities that the player is able to use, with the Blacksmith, tavern and guild hall where the player can interact with NPCs. While talking to the different NPC characters, the player will be given their first quests to complete before heading off into the dungeons. While in the town, the player can also interact with the different NPC characters and use their services, buying and selling items to them.
There are also special characters that will allow the player to learn new skills based upon their class, expanding their capabilities and skills. These skills are tied to just the class, with the specific trainer being available to train the character to unlock the abilities in exchange for resources that player will earn during play. Once the player is done in the town, they can venture into the dungeons, using the world map that will show all available locations.
When the player selects their dungeon, they will be given three options of difficulty with a recommended level for each challenge. Upon selecting the difficulty level, the player will be spawned into the dungeon at the start point the first time they enter. As an action RPG, the player roams the dungeon in a third person perspective, moving freely through the different areas. When an enemy is encountered, they will charge the player to attack.
Combat in this title plays out in real time, with the player character having a standard attack and multiple special skills/abilities that they can use. The basic melee and ranged attacks that players have use a basic combo, hitting enemy characters multiple times for average damage. Then there are the special abilities, which are more effective in battle than the basic attack, but they have a cooldown time between each of use.
The attacks that players can use are also affected by various modifiers and abilities, including fire, ice and void, which will do more damage depending on the equipment of the player. Speaking of equipment, there are weapons, armor and accessories that can be equipped by the player. At the start of the game, the player has a basic set of gear that will fulfill all of their basic requirements. However, there is a copious amount of loot for players to collect.
While travelling through the dungeons, the player will find destructible items and containers that can be looted for gear. There will also be gear on the bodies of defeated enemies, adding more treasure to the inventory of the player. The loot that can be picked up isn’t restricted to only equipment, as there is also money and resources that can be used to buy items from in game vendors. All of the collected items are shown in the status box in the bottom left corner of the screen.
The dungeons are broken up into segments, with doors, stair cases and hidden rooms that the player will encounter. At set points in a dungeon, the player will need to solve basic puzzles to pass to new areas, like finding switches to open up the path forward. These will often lead to one of several boss fights, which can push the active quest forward or act as a road block to the player, pitting them in combat with a fearsome foe.
When a boss encounter begins, the player will be locked in the area they are counted, acting as a combat arena for the duration of the fight. The different bosses in a dungeon will often have a gimmick, with the most common being to summon additional enemies for the player to battle. These high level combatants can deal devastating damage, while also having a lot of health for players to chip away at, with encounters that can last for several minutes at a time.
Once a boss is defeated, a wanted poster will appear on screen showing they have been taken down, along with a chest containing special loot for the player to collect. Once the boss has been defeated, the player will be able to progress deeper into the dungeon, encountering new threats and finding new treasures. But that is not the only form of progression that occurs in this release, as the player will level up by earning experience from their battles.
When the player takes down enemies in combat, they will be given experience points and these will level the player up when reaching set milestones. As the player levels up, they will earn new abilities and skills that can be used in battle. The addition of this leveling system makes the combat more flexible, with the new skills being added making the overall battle experience more robust. But that isnt the only way to change the way that battle flows.
While in dungeons, the player can encounter blacksmiths, which will let them break down and sell the loot that has been collected (this can also be done in the town). These resources along with those collected from chests and bodies, can be used to craft new weapons and unlock recipes to make those weapons. All of these items can be used to strengthen themselves, with the items that are crafted matching the current player level.
When the player reaches the end of a dungeon, they will encounter the final boss of that dungeon, where they will engage in mortal combat with them. If the player takes this boss down, they will get a quest completion mark and then be returned to the town. Then the player will be able to get a new mission from the NPC characters, sending them to another dungeon to repeat the process over again, making for a consistent gameplay loop.
As this is an action RPG with a lot of combat, the chance of death in the dungeons is quite high. If the player is defeated by an enemy, hazard or boss, they will have to respawn at a checkpoint. Luckily, this title is very generous with the checkpoints, meaning that there is not going to be much progress lost if the player is defeated. This may function differently during a multiplayer game, but unfortunately I was unable to test this out during my time playing the game.
Now with the core of the gameplay covered, I will be moving onto the other aspects of this release starting with the controls.
Controls – as this is an action RPG inspired by other titles in the genre like World of Warcraft, there is a wide array of inputs to use during play. The character movement and general control is tied to the Thumbsticks, with a hot bar on screen showing all of the buttons used for skills and abilities. For the most part, this works quite well, but for those with little experience in the genre, it can take a little while for players to get used to them.
Difficulty – there is a relatively balanced difficulty curve to this release, allowing newcomers and veterans alike to get into the dungeon crawling with ease. However, there can be harsh difficulty spikes when it comes to boss battles, with some enemies dealing massive damage to player with special attacks. This can lead to quick deaths if the player is alone, as there can be some minor balance issues between melee and ranged combatants.
Presentation – this release has a classic fantasy look to it, with environments and characters that would fit anywhere in the wide genre of fantasy RPG titles. But with how good the game looks, there are some flaws with the overall visual performance. The game will stutter and there will be frame drops, causing the game to lag which negatively impacts the overall gameplay experience. This is likely due to the hardware limits, as the system used was a standard PlayStation 4.
The sound for this title is relatively solid, with music and environmental audio that works well with the different locations that the player will travel to. This is best during the boss battles, where the player will hear tense themes during combat adding a sense of grandeur and intensity to these encounters. There is also some use of voice acting for the different characters that can be encountered, but this adds very little to the game as most of the lines are repeated often.
Final Thoughts – when I found out about this game, my attention was caught by the large scale of the dungeons and the rather simple approach to the dungeon crawling. This made it an easy choice for me to want to review and check out, so I jumped at the chance to cover the game. However, after spending some time with this title, I feel like it is a bit of a mixed bag due to a variety of factors, mostly the overall performance of the game due to the hardware used.
The length of the dungeons can also be a little much, as there is less than 10 areas to explore, it can feel a little repetitive especially with the numerous boss battles in each dungeon. This does make the game feel a little long, but for the price that is being asked for, it does give good value for money. I am happy to recommend this to fans of the dungeon crawling genre, as well as those who enjoy action RPG games and it can even be played with other locally or online.
In the end, I give Dungeons of Sundaria a final score of 3.5/5. This is a lengthy Dungeon crawling action RPG, with a lot of content for players to jump into alone or with others, unfortunately it is let down by some performance issues on lower end hardware. If you want to check this title out for yourself, a link to each version of the game is available below.
W.Kohaku Media 