Slime Girl Smoothies – Milkshakes with Lemon DLC OUT NOW!

Hello! I have some exciting coverage to share today. The first DLC character for the adult puzzler, Slime Girl Smoothies, titled “Milkshakes with Lemon” is out now! This extra character comes with unique gameplay mechanics, music track and is fully voiced. This is the first of three DLC characters with two more to be announced and released in the future.

Disclaimer: I want to thank Shady Corner Games for allowing me to get hands-on with this content. the provision of this additional content has not influenced the contents of this coverage, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I have previously covered Slime Girl Smoothies for Steam (HERE) and the Nintendo Switch (HERE).

Mature Content Disclaimer: this DLC and the title that it is intended for is rated as Adults Only, with strong language, explicit sexual content and nudity. If this content offends you or you are under the age of 18, please check out some of the other works that I have done on the site.

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s talk about this new piece of content.

As a refresher, Slime Girl Smoothies is a puzzle title where players must mix fruits together on a grid to make drinks, accompanied by a slime girl bartended for 4 shifts. Each of the drinks has a recipe with specific flavor point numbers that need to be hit, the player has a set number of turns to hit these numbers or if they exceed 100 points they will fail that drink. If more than one drink is failed, the shift will be a failure and the player will lose.

From the outset, this looks like a simple enough addition with a new character from a distant land. However, looks can be deceiving as this is a challenging expansion to the established formula. The bartender Lemon introduces a new mechanic that completely changes the way players must approach the puzzles. This is simply called spoiling, as the drinks are made with milk, they will lose freshness over time leading to flavor points being dropped.

This new mechanic is also augmented by a flavor boost, which will provide more points to players depending on different factors. The boost to flavor points must also be taken into account as well as the spoiling, since there is a chance a flavor will go past 100 and fail the drink. This adds to the challenge and complexity of the shifts, as it is possible for points to fall even after reaching the required level, so players must keep an eye on the flavor wheel.

The new addition to the bar staff also comes with a set of 4 shifts for the player to challenge, each with their own fully voiced dialogue from the talented VA Pixie Willow (Twitter/X). There is also the inclusion of special intimacy scenes that can be unlocked for players to enjoy, unlocked during the course of that route. Alongside the extra artwork, shifts and dialogue, Lemon has her own unique music which is a mix between a Wild West trail theme and a dance anthem.

Personal Thoughts – during my time with this DLC, I had a lot of fun playing through the extra content, which gave me a very good reason to return to the game yet again. The new mechanics are very fun and challenging, adding further depth and complexity to the established formula. The sound for the game is excellently mixed, with the voice work and music complimenting each other, along with the artwork that has been created for Lemon.

I am happy to recommend this bonus content for players who have enjoyed the base game. The newest hire for Slimey’s Bar is a real hoot to play with, as they bring their own unique flavors to the menu. This makes me very excited to see what is next for this title and who will join the team in the future. If you want to check this out and get the DLC yourself, a link to the official steam page can be found (HERE).

Slime Girl Smoothies – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by Shady Corner Games, ported by Bromio and published by Eastasiasoft, Slime Girl Smoothies is an adult puzzle title, where the objective is to make drinks by mixing ingredients from a recipe. Work your way through each set of shifts and get to know the girls working at Slimey’s Bar. This title is also on PC, however, this version of the game is exclusively for Nintendo Switch, with a link to the game available at the bottom of this review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank Eastasiasoft for providing the copy of Slime Girl Smoothies that was used for this piece. For complete transparency, I was involved in the very late stages of development for the PC release of Slime Girl Smoothies as a bug tester (my name is in the credits for this). However, my involvement in this capacity has not influenced the contents of this coverage, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mature Content Disclaimer: this title is intended for adults only. This is due to the inclusion of nudity, strong sexual content, strong language and fetish imagery. If you are under the age of 18 or find any of the content described here offensive, please take a look at the other content on this site.

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review, starting off with the story of Slime Girl Smoothies. Please note, I have previously covered the PC release of this title, which you will be able to find (HERE).

Story – in the city, there is an underground bar, known for its unique manner of serving guests. This bar is called Slimey’s and it is operated by a group of Slime girls who use their assets to mix drinks. You have applied to be the floor manager, with a work trial where you will get some hands-on training with the staff. During your time there you will get to know Berry and her daughter Cherry as well as their co-workers Mint and Plum, and maybe more.

Gameplay – Slime Girl Smoothies is a unique take on the matching puzzle formula, where players must combine different fruits together, using their unique flavours to make the requested drink. To achieve this, the player place the fruits into an 8×7 mixing grid, where their colours will combine add points to the recipe wheel. Each fruit will have its own shape and colours, filling up the grid when they are dropped in from the top.

To create each of the drinks, the player must combine the different fruits to reach the designated flavour profile. The fruits will fill open spaces where they can, going from the bottom up. When fruits are placed, the fresh (brighter) ones will grant more flavour points when placed next to unused blocks, but used (darkened) ones will give less. As the game progresses, tools will be unlocked that will give players more options for fruit placement.

Each of the shifts have a set number of drinks to complete, varying in complexity of required flavour profiles. When trying to complete a drink, if the player creates the wrong flavour profile, exceeds 100 points in a flavour or has no space left, the drink will be failed. There are a limited number of turns that the player has to complete a drink, making each drop matter. Players can only fail one drink per shift, any more will lead to failing the shift and disappointing the girl.

The mechanics are relatively easy to pick up, with the first set of shifts acting as an in-depth tutorial, easing the player into the puzzle experience. This will include on screen tips to give players advice on how to get the most out of each fruit, including how to use the cutting and rotating tools. There is even a chart on screen that will show the different flavour profiles that each color combo can make, this is next to the recipe guide.

Each of the girls that the player will work with have their own unique gimmick, with Cherry easing the player into the game as the lead for the tutorial. However, the other shifts will introduce the special “flavour cells”, which will either increase or decrease the points gained in those spaces. These mechanics will push the player to think more strategically about their fruit placement, to efficiently use the limited space available.

Between shifts, the girls will talk to the player in a manner similar to that of a Dating Sim, with special CG images that will appear at set points during each of the storylines. The special CG images show the girls involved in a variety of “sticky situations”, with all of the unlocked images accessible via the gallery in the main menu. There are also special challenge modes that can be unlocked, letting players put their skills to the test.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to move onto the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.

Controls – as a console port, there have been changes made to facilitate the use of a standard controller. The D-pad/left stick controls the fruit/action selection, the A button completes actions and the B button cancels them. The other functions for waiting a turn, dumping a drink and cutting/rotating fruits use the rest of the buttons very effectively, allowing for a simple to pick up experience no matter how it is played.

Difficulty – this is a fun and challenging puzzle title, with a relatively balanced difficulty curve. There are times where the challenge will spike, as there are some very challenging recipes that need to be made. This gives a level of strategy to the difficulty, as players decide if they want to hit the big or small number first, or just see what happens. But as the player progresses, the difficult drinks will be easier to complete.

Presentation – the overall visual style of the game is very pleasing to the eye, with over 100 frames of animation for the girls, with beautiful and expressive character arts for each of the girls at Slimey’s. The fruits that are featured are all humorous and rather lewd, with adult designs for them, like a ball gag, shibari ropes and condoms to name but a few. The art for the reward images just rides the edge of AO, with adjustments made that keep the titillation intact.

The sound for this release is excellent, with a soundtrack composed by the talented AlterEgo, who has excellently crafted all of the musical tracks for this release. The scenes between shifts are all fully voiced by a cast of talented independent voice actresses, who skilfully bring all of their characters to life and their unique personalities show through. All of the visual and sound elements for this release come together perfectly, creating a satisfying experience for the player.

Final Thoughts – while I have already played and reviewed the PC version of this release, I was very eager to get my hands on this version of the game. This is because I wanted to see how well the gameplay and experience could translate to a home console. That being said, this is an excellent port and the adjustments that have been made don’t compromise the original vision that the developer had. I very much enjoyed my time with this release.

I am happy to recommend this to everyone that enjoys a saucy puzzle, as the gameplay is challenging, the artwork is titillating and the story has depth to it that players can enjoy. This title is different from the majority of the mature offerings for the switch, as the focus is on the gameplay and not just sexual content. There have been some minor porting hiccups, but they don’t impact the overall gameplay experience and patches are on the way.

In the end, I am unable to give Slime Girl Smoothies a score, as I was involved in the testing for the PC release. However, I will say that the overall experience is something that we rarely see in the adult gaming space, especially when we talk about the console offerings specifically. The story is well written, the characters have depth and it is all brought together by the fantastic voice cast. If you want to check it out for yourself, a link to the game is below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)                                                                

Punch A Bunch – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by Ponty Pants and No Gravity Development with publishing handled by No Gravity Games, Punch A Bunch is a physics based boxing title, where there is a focus on timing over button mashing. Take on three championships, with a range of weird and wacky fighters as you aim to be the number one fighter in the world. This version of the game is exclusively available for the Nintendo Switch, with a link to the game at the bottom of this review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank No Gravity Games for providing the copy of Punch A Bunch 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 no real plotline for this title, so I will be going straight into covering the gameplay of Punch A Bunch.

Gameplay – Punch A Bunch is a physics based boxing title, where the player must engage in boxing battles with a range of unique opponents. Take on three championships ranking from Amateur to Pro, with opponents that will push your abilities to the limit. Each of the championships is split into 5 battles, against increasingly tough opponents. The objective of each fight is to knock the opponent out by depleting their health, duking it out in physics based brawls.

In a fight the player has access to a relatively basic, with the ability to punch high, punch low, block and dash which is all the player can really do. This is achieved in two ways, the first is the main attraction of the game, using the twin stick controls that is the main focus of this game. The player can move around with the left and position their body with the right. This combines with the punch button that will throw a strike in the direction of the player body.

This system makes full use of the physics system that the game uses, with the player and opponent wobbling about as they throw punches. However, this comes with its own flaws, as the physics system can make it very difficult for players to throw strikes at their opponents. This is made more difficult by the fact that the enemy AI can easily hit the player, especially when a strike is missed or doesn’t connect properly.

To try and make it easier for players to strike hard with their attacks, there is a system called punch assist, where players are able to press buttons for dedicated attacks. This does make it easier to throw out specific strikes, but can leave the player unable to block effectively. There are also additional mechanics including bash, which is meant to disrupt the opponent and adrenaline that powers the player up, but these don’t seem to have any effect.

There is an unfortunate balance to the gameplay with this game, as there is also a stamina system that can make the battles much harder. When taking shots or being blocked, the stamina meter will deplete, which will tire out the boxer and leave them open to being stunned. While this does affect both fighters, the player is more likely to be stunned by the lightning reactions of the AI, leaving them open to taking massive damage.

This isn’t the only issue that this release suffers from sadly, as the majority of the AI fighters have special attacks that will deal massive damage if they land. These attacks can also be unblockable, which will lead to massive damage if the player gets hit by them. This makes the game less of a reactive fighting title and more of an exercise in pattern recognition. Due to this, there is a very high skill ceiling to the combat which could be off-putting to some.

When the player defeats an opponent, they can earn rewards based on their performance. These are cosmetic items that they can put on their fighter, allowing them to customise the appearance with a range of outfit parts. These reward challenges include beating the opponent in a set amount of time, not taking damage in a fight and more. When a championship is cleared, fights can be replayed to set new times and clear objectives.

The last thing to discuss is the multiplayer in this release. There is a local multiplayer battle system for this release, where two players can battle it out in split screen battles. There is little in terms of customisation of the arena where battles take place, but if there is more than one save active, the player can use the customised fighter for that profile. The local battles can be replayed endlessly, while providing a simple and fun time.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to cover the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.

Controls – this title has a complicated control method, with the use of twin stick controls and the physics system to get the most out of each strike. This can make for an awkward experience if players have difficulty getting to grips with the timings. There is a simplified punch system for players who may struggle with this, but it does have its own issues. These inputs work pretty well with all standard controllers.

Difficulty – there is quite the steep difficulty curve with this title, as there is a need to really master the gameplay mechanics of the game. There is a tutorial that will teach the player how to fight, which is effective in teaching the basics. However, the fights themselves are much more complex, with the AI opponents having pinpoint accuracy and special attacks that can wipe a player out in seconds. This can really kill the flow for players, making it a war of attrition to replay stages.

Presentation – the visual style for this game is very simple, with the characters made up of blobs and simple outfit parts/arenas. This makes for an easy to silly experience watching the different boxers wobbling about when trying to hit them, which works in the games favour with the solid colors and streamlined visuals. The sound for this release works well with the visuals, with a solid soundtrack and decent sound effects that fit the overall presentation.

Final Thoughts – when first starting this title, I was expecting something in the vein of Punch-Out, with a cast of wacky fighters to take on. However, the further I got into this, the more that it feels like a test of patience as I had to learn how to avoid the different special attacks. This can cause a lot of frustration when getting to the later battles, as the special attacks can deal massive amounts of damage and in some cases be an instant defeat.

I am unsure about recommending this title, as it can be a very frustrating experience with the controls and sudden difficulty spikes that can occur. It can be a lot of fun and has a level of satisfaction to it when beating the championships, but the need to keep replaying earlier fights to get further may put people off. The inclusion of multiplayer and unlockable rewards does help the game, but sadly the other difficulties I had soured my experience.

In the end, I give Punch A Bunch a final score of 3/5. This is a silly physics based brawler that can be a lot of fun, but sadly is weighed down difficult to use controls and difficulty spikes that can be a frustration that sours the overall experience. If you want to check this game out for yourself, there will be a link to the game below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Charade Maniacs – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by Idea Factory and published by Idea Factory International, Charade Maniacs is an Otome visual novel focused on a mysterious stream called The Other World. As the Protagonist Sena, unravel the mysteries of the stream while also performing in forced drama episodes for a mysterious Director. This title is available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch, with a link to the game available 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 Charade Maniacs 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, starting off with the base plot of Charade Maniacs.

Story – in the near future, the world has advanced to the point where all information is controlled, but there are rumours of mysterious streams called The Other World. On the last day of school, Hiyori Sena, a sophomore in highschool who was living a peaceful life, was walking home with her childhood friend when a mysterious figure appeared before them. The two of them were abducted and awoke in a strange place with two moons in the sky.

These two are not alone, as there are others who have been pulled into this unusual situation. In their confusion, the mysterious figure that took them speaks. “Welcome to Arcadia, where your wildest dreams will come true if you perform for us”. In order to find a way home, this group is now forced to work together and perform in an assortment of drama scenes. What mysteries are going to be discovered and what is really going on in this “Other World”?

Gameplay – Charade Maniacs is an Otome visual novel, where the player takes on the role of the protagonist Hiyori Sena (which players can change their first name, but if left default the name Hiyori will be spoken). During the course of the narrative, the player will interact with the different characters as the story progresses. The story is broken down into chapters, with CG scenes for the events that occur during the game.

Throughout the story, the player will be able to make decisions and investigate the surroundings of the Other World. These choices that the player makes, will lead to the player encountering the other characters in different situations, which have the potential to altering their relationships. Depending on what options are chosen, the story to branch off and for the narrative route for the story to change leading to one of several possible endings.

The player can freely save and reload throughout the game, which can give the player the ability to experiment with different options and decisions. There are multiple save slots for players to use, as well as a quick save/load option to quickly jump to a previous point in the narrative. This can help the player when they want to explore all of the possible endings that this title has, letting players quickly change their mind on a decision they made.

At points throughout the story, Dramas occur which put different characters into dramatic scenes. During these Dramas the cast members will be acting according to a script, which means characters may be different to their usual selves. This can show a different side of the characters, as a mean character may be kind while acting and vice versa. These scenes can give a deeper insight to the cast members and give clues to some of the mysteries.

In the main menu, there is a feature where players can look at the different collected information, including CG events, character details and even a glossary for in story terms. Finally, there is a special feature called the Flow Chart, which will allow the player to see the different narrative branches and even let the player pick a point to jump to. This is combined with a system where the options players have already chosen will be highlighted in blue.

Now with the core gameplay covered, it is time to discuss the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls. There is no difficulty to this title as it is a visual novel, so I will be omitting that segment for this review.

Controls – there is a simple enough control system for this release, with all of the options available to the player with all of the features laid out well on the controller. There is also the option to play the game with touch controls, giving this visual novel a more relaxed feel when playing the game in handheld. This makes the experience feel more like an interactive story rather than a game, which can increase the story engagement for players.

Presentation – since this is a visual novel there is gorgeous artwork that has been implemented for the character portraits and the backgrounds. There is a wide range of character emotions that have been implemented, alongside the special event scenes that add further depth to the narrative. There is full voice acting for all of the key characters with the player being silent, this works well alongside the soundtrack which enhances the overall experience.

Final Thoughts – I’m not usually one for the Otome visual novel, as I am not the target audience for them. However, the unique premise of this title intrigued me and the narrative really pulled me in, making me want to keep going and see all of the different outcomes for the storyline. The characters have a good amount of depth to each of them, with the dramatic scenes providing the player with the ability to see the different sides of the characters.

There is a lot of content here for players to enjoy, with the multiple endings and narrative routes that can be explored. I am happy to recommend this title to those who enjoy the Otome genre and suspenseful visual novels in general, as the story is well written and engaging. This is another excellent VN from Idea Factory, with the only issues being occasional typos/confusing grammar and some repetition to reach different routes, but these are minor inconveniences.

In the end, I give Charade Maniacs a final score of 4.5/5. This is an engaging visual novel, filled with drama and suspense, that has a rather unique premise players can get invested in with the different characters and plotlines to explore. If you want to check this title out for yourself, a link to the game will be below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Draw Rider Remake – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed and published by 17Studio, Draw Rider Remake is a creative side view trials style game, where the player must try their best to complete the objective for each stage and gain a medal. This title features a built in level creator and online community for endless gameplay variations. This title is available exclusive for the Nintendo Switch on console and the Steam service, with a link to both versions of the game at the bottom of this review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank 17Studio for providing the copy of Draw Rider Remake 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 no story for this release, so I will be going straight into discussing the gameplay of this release.

Gameplay – Draw Rider Remake is a fully remade version of the original trial style racing game, with new features, stages and character customization options. The core of the game is simple, get to the end of each stage, completing the objective that has been given. These include the simple time trial challenge to reach the goal and stunt mode, where players must score points by doing tricks. The challenges will start off simple but get tougher over time.

At the start of the game, the player will be given tutorials to complete where they will learn the basic ins and outs of play. However, once this has ended, there will be more challenging stages to take on introducing new hazards to contend with. The starting vehicle is a simple bicycle, but as the player progresses through the game, they will be introduced to new vehicles like trial bikes and even a sled. This introduces more dynamic gameplay challenges.

To move through the different areas, the player will need to learn how to control their vehicle, using a momentum system to move across the obstacles. This is the defining mechanic of this system, as the player will need to be able to control their movement to achieve the goal. However, great care must be taken, as there is the chance for the player to get themselves killed when hitting their body on the stages which will fail the level.

There are also hazards that can result in the death of the player, with the presence of explosives that will blow the player up and boosters that can send the rider into a wall. When this happens, the player will need to restart the stage, which has little downside due to the lack of a life system. The player can also freely restart, which is very useful if a mistake is made leading to little downside, which gives players the ability to experiment.

In each of the stages, the player will be given three goals to achieve based on the challenge. These include reaching the goal as fast as possible in time trial or earning a set score in stunt mode. Based on the performance of the player, one of three medals can be awarded to the player, with gold, silver and bronze medals that can be earned. It is possible for no medal to be earned, but players can return to these stages later to try again.

The medals themselves serve a very important purpose in this title, as they are the key form of progression for players. At set medal milestones, the player will unlock new vehicles and body parts for customization, new sets of stages and new difficulty levels to take on. This works both to the benefit and detriment of the player, as the further the player gets in the game, the more gold medals will be needed to unlock the next stage.

The last thing to discuss is the custom level creation system featured in this game. There is a full creation suite in this release, with players being able to create their own levels for themselves and others to play. Stages can be built from nothing with different objectives, allowing complete control to be in the hands of the player. The stages can be built using either traditional controls, or touchscreen, which offer a comfortable creation experience for players.

For players to upload their stages, players must sign up for the Draw Rider service at no cost to the player. When the stage is uploaded, players from all over the world can play the stages and try for the highest score they can get. There is even a section for the most popular stages uploaded, which gives this title almost endless replay value if they have an online account.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to cover the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.

Controls – there are very simple controls for this game with buttons to accelerate, brake, restart and launch the player off their vehicle. These controls work well for the majority of play, but it is possible to hit restart by accident when trying to eject from a vehicle which can be frustrating. The game can be played with any controller, which makes it a comfortable experience when connected to a TV or when being played handheld.

Difficulty – there is a reasonable difficulty curve to this title, with the challenge increasing over time for the most part. However, there are times where the difficulty will spike, leading to repeated restarts and potential frustration for the player. This can be made worse when trying to unlock the later stages of the game, due to the rather high requirements to unlock. This is the biggest flaw of the game and may sour the experience for some players.

Presentation – the game has a very simple visual style to it, with bold lines and stick figure style characters for the player characters. There are bold colors, stark lines and lots of blood particles which makes for a fun time. The sound effects for the vehicles and the like are good with some impactful effects during play. The music is a mishmash of different tracks, possibly from a purchased library, but this doesn’t affect the experience.

Final Thoughts – I had played games like this a long time ago, like line rider and happy wheels, so I was interested to see how this title compared and I will say I was pleasantly surprised. The gameplay is challenging and satisfying, but can be frustrating when it comes to the later stages of the game. There is a lot of content on offer in this package, with hundreds of stages in the single player and an infinite number of creator stages to discover.

I am happy to recommend this title to everyone who is looking for a fun time reminiscent of the classic flash games. This is a fun title that can be enjoyed by everyone, with the over the top gameplay and challenges that the game offers. The game progression through medals can be a serious frustration, as some of the stages can be very difficult, but if you can look past that, there is a lot of fun to be had with the creation system and player created levels.

In the end, I give Draw Rider Remake a final score of 4/5. This is a very challenging trial game, with challenging gameplay, bold visuals and a vast amount of content from both the developers and community. If you want to check this game out for yourself, a link to both versions of the game will be available below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to Steam version (HERE)

Re-Loaded – Steam Review

Overview – originally developed by Gremlin Interactive and brought to Steam by FunBox Media, Re-Loaded is a top-down shooter, taking place in a futuristic sci-fi universe. Take control of one of 6 blood thirsty maniacs as they hunt down the man that framed them, travelling worlds to destroy him once and for all. This version of the game is available exclusively for the steam platform, with a link to the game at the bottom of this review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank FunBox Media for providing the copy of Re-Loaded 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, starting with the story for Re-Loaded.

Story – after the events of Loaded, the villain F.U.B. had his body destroyed, but he managed to escape as a brain in an escape pod. The pod has landed on the desert planet of Kee-Butt-5, where the villain takes over the body of a reclusive artist, setting out on a new evil plan. Now a group of maniacal anti-heroes with a thirst for blood gather, with their goal being to track down the man who framed them, leaving a trail of bodies in their wake.

Gameplay – Re-Loaded is a top down shooter, where the player must travel through the different levels of each world, completing tasks and slaughtering all enemies that appear. When starting the game, the player is able to select one of six characters (with a secret 7th character), with each of the characters having their own unique weapons and stats. Upon selecting their character, a cutscene will play out for that character and the game will start.

When in the stages of this game, the player will be able to roam through the large maps, shooting down the enemies that appear and leaving bloody smears on the ground. Each of the stages will have an objective to complete, which include collecting specific items, clearing an obstacle to the goal or destroying a set target. When the objective is cleared, the player can move onto the next and continue their bloody campaign.

In the stages, there will often be objects hidden throughout the maps, with power-ups to increase the power of attacks, health ups to heal damage and additional ammunition for weapons. The ammo pick-ups can become very important, as it is possible to for the shot total to hit zero if the player gets trigger happy. When this does happen, the ammo for the player will be refreshed, but this comes at the cost of power-ups that have been collected.

As the game progresses, the environments will get more complex and have the potential to get confusing. This will lead to players getting lost, which can make the game feel like it is dragging at times. This is due to the complexity of later levels and the need to collect card keys, enter buildings and find hidden objects in objects that can be destroyed. To compensate for this, there will be panels in some stages, giving the player hints and a map showing their path.

There is also the ability for two players to take on the challenges of Re-Loaded together, hunting down and slaughtering enemies as a team. The multiplayer options include local and online play, however, the majority of online features appear to be unusable. When playing in co-op mode, the players must move together within a single screen, as there is no split-screen option. There is also the option for friendly fire, which can be turned on in the options.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to cover the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.

Controls – the controls for Re-Loaded are designed for a keyboard, but with the use of DosBox which powers this version of the game, there is support for some controllers. When using an Xbox controller, there was a relatively snappy response, with game playing well and no input lag when playing. Unfortunately, this was the only controller I was able to try out as the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation controllers I have appeared to be incompatible.

Difficulty – there are three difficulty settings for this release, with and easy normal and hard, all depicted by different types of footwear. These difficult options will affect the amount of damage dealt and received during play, which will make for a very challenging experience on the higher levels for those who want to push themselves. In general, there is a balanced difficulty curve to this title that all players can jump into.

Presentation – for the time period this was originally released, the graphical style was rather revolutionary, with complex lighting, textures and the number of effects on screen at once. That being said, this game still holds up as a great experience, only made better by the fact that the limitations of hardware from the 90’s no longer impact it. The game runs very smoothly, with no issues when it comes to lag or frame rate.

The short CGI cutscenes that are implemented in this title are still pleasing to the eye, even when they are blown up to fit a 1080p screen (even though the resolution says it is in 480). The sound is also pretty solid, with sampled electronic music that has a good amount of clarity to it for this release, with music that fits the stages well. There is an option for CD quality audio, but due to this being run via the DosBox emulator the CD audio simply doesn’t exist for the game.

Final Thoughts – I had played this game on and off through the years, playing the PlayStation version of the game, so this was a no brainer for me to try this version. The game is brought over well, with the DosBox working to perfection to allow players old and new to experience this game. This is a fantastic top down shooter, with buckets of blood and some rather ridiculous characters to accompany it during the carnage.

I can happily recommend this release to everyone who enjoys top down shooters. The gameplay is pretty solid, even though it does have its flaws, with some clumsy gameplay at times and movement that can feel stiff. However, for the age of the game and the price being asked, this is a real bargain and has a lot of content on offer for modest price point. But do be aware of the limitations for the time, as this is a game from 1996 running through DosBox.

In the end, I give the Steam version of Re-Loaded a final score of 3.5/5. This is a classic top-down shooter brought up to modern operating systems through the power of emulation, with buckets of blood, a cast of outlandish characters and pixelated carnage for all to enjoy. If you want to check this version of the game, a link to the store page will be below.

Link to Steam version (HERE)

Feeble Light – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by Panda Indie Studio and published by Eastasiasoft, Feeble Light is a vibrant bullet hell shooter with a three tone pixel art style, reminiscent of the classic Game Boy style. Blast through 5 randomised stages, with the difficulty increasing with each stage cleared and random power-ups to collect. This title is available on Nintendo Switch, Steam and PlayStation Systems, 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 Eastasiasoft for providing the copy of Feeble Light that was used for this piece. The provision of this title has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts an 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 there is little in terms of plot for this release, so I will be going straight into discussing the gameplay for Feeble Light.

Gameplay – Feeble Light is a vertical bullet hell shooter, where the player controls a literal star fighter, battling through the stars against a range of weird and wonderful enemies. The player must dodge, weave and shoot through 5 randomised stages, including an asteroid field and a hazardous series of tunnels. These stages are randomised during each run, with the difficulty increasing as each stage is cleared.

The player has a standard shot weapon that fires directly up, which can be enhanced by collecting power-ups, along with other upgrades like additional lives and support weapons. These items are also randomised, meaning that players will get a different experience with each attempt at the game. There is also a bomb weapon that can be deployed, which needs to be charged up to three times by collecting stars dropped by destroyed enemies.

During the stages, enemies will appear from all directions, along with screen filling hazards like giant fire balls and Asteroids that the player must attempt to avoid. When a hazard appears, the player will be given a warning that there is an enemy/hazard coming, allowing players to move into a better position. There is also a second warning that will appear, this one is more severe as it heralds the arrival of a boss for the player to fight.

In this game there are two different types of bosses that can appear during a run, separated into Sub and main bosses. The sub bosses are randomised, with two sub-types that can appear, the first is a lovecraftian horror that will give a mysterious item when destroyed. Then there is the unstable staretti bosses, which have the chance to drop special items that will help the player in battle, as well as regular character power-ups.

Finally we have the main bosses, with 5 stage specific end of stage battles that will challenge the player, each with their own unique attack patterns and gimmick. They include a giant fire dragon, which will summon smaller fire dragons and a black hole that will try to suck the player into it. Then there is the big bad “FINAL” boss of the game. This eldritch abomination will appear after clearing 4 stages and will unleash the most chaotic patterns of the game.

If the player is able to survive the battle with this boss, then the game will continue, further increasing in difficulty as the game will continue until the player is killed. Upon death, the stage reached will be recorded as the players score, this is unique as it prioritises survival over points. There are also color palettes that can be unlocked after a run, with a range of color schemes for the player to obtain by playing the game, adding more replay value to the experience.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to move onto the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.

Controls – the control system for this title is super simple, with a two button layout that gives an arcade feel to the action on screen. This makes for an easy to learn and hard to master experience, with the fast paced action requiring the player to be precise with their movements. This is made easier by the player slowing down when firing, allowing for better control in game. The game supports a wide range of controllers, so everyone can find the set-up that suits them.

Difficulty – the challenge of this title feels balanced, with the first stage of each run being fairly easy to start, with the game getting increasingly difficult as each stage is cleared. This can make what seems like a manageable challenge become more insane, with bullets filling the screen from all directions at times. The overall difficulty feels balanced, with a feeling of satisfaction present each time a higher score is reached.

Presentation – the visuals for this title are stunning, with vibrant and cute pixel art that is augmented by the Game Boy styled color schemes. There is so much to personality with this game, which is all contained within a vertical layout that feels at home on the switch. The only issue is the lack of TATE vertical mode on the switch for a full screen experience. The sound for this title is gorgeous, with fantastic chiptune music that perfectly fits the gameplay and graphical presentation.

Final Thoughts – this title surprised me when I got to play it, as I was expecting something a little more rigid with this release. The random nature of this release was a surprise and made the experience so much more fun, with a new challenge every time a new run is started. There is a lot of fun to be had with this release, with a satisfying gameplay loop that will keep players coming back for more, while earning new color palettes during play.

I am very happy to recommend this title to fans of the bullet hell genre, as it is intense but not brutally punishing for newer players. I am not the best at these types of shooters, but I could feel my skills improving with each subsequent attempt I made. This title may seem to lack substance, due to the low price that this is on sale for, but the overall quality and depth makes this title a purchase that is well worth every penny spent on it.

In the end, I give Feeble Light a final score of 5/5. This title is one of the best indie bullet hell titles I have recently played using the pixel art style, with the randomised elements of the game providing endless replay value, as no two runs of the game will be the same. If you want to check this title out for yourself, a link to each version of the game will be below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to PlayStation version (HERE)

Link to Steam version (HERE)

Neko Secret Homecoming – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by Axyos Games and published by Eastasiasoft, Neko Secret Homecoming is the latest title in the Neko series to be released. In this entry, explore Neko Town to gain access to the “Anime Factory” and hack into their mainframe. This title is available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, with a link to the game available at the bottom of this review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank Eastasiasoft for providing the copy of Neko Secret Homecoming that was used for this piece. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.

Mature Content Warning: this title is intended for mature audiences, due to the inclusion of sexual themes, sexual imagery and nudity. If you are under the age rating for this release, or find any of the content mentioned offensive, please proceed at your own discretion.

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review. There isn’t much of a story for this title, so I will be going straight into discussing the gameplay of Neko Secret Homecoming.

Gameplay – this title is a mash up of two different gameplay styles, with a fairly sizable map that can be explored in a third person perspective, contrasting with the 2D slide puzzles. While in the main town area, the player must explore the different buildings and locations to obtain a passcode to enter the factory area. To access the different areas and obtain the numbers, the player will need to complete mini games.

These mini games are a lock picking mechanic to open doors, which requires players to obtain lock picks to be able to open the doors. The other mini game is safe cracking, where the player needs to rotate the stick to find a three digit combination to open the safe. Both of these mini games are incredibly easy to complete as the controller will vibrate (if it has that feature) when the sweet spots have been reached.

When a safe has been opened, there is a chance for one of 4 digits to be found to unlock the door to the factory. This artificially inflates the time spent to play the game, as players need to hunt for the different key code numbers. However, the code system itself is also easy to manipulate due to its flaws. When entering the code, the correct number will beep, meaning players can just brute force their way into the factory by guessing the code.

When inside the factory, the player will encounter the cat-eared lady, who just sits there and does nothing. The player can then access the features of the factory, most importantly the computer where the slide puzzles are located. Upon interacting with the computer the player can select one of 12 images, separated into two sets of 6 which the player can freely choose from. After selecting an image, the player can then start puzzling.

Each of the puzzles are separated into three levels, with each level having the featured girl appearing in a less clothing. These puzzles are incredibly simple, with the only thing that changes between each of the levels aside from the reduced clothing is the number of pieces on screen. This just drags out the process and makes the puzzles take longer to complete, with the fun wearing off very quickly which makes the experience feel increasingly tedious.

Away from the puzzles, the player can access three other features while inside the factory. There is the dart board, where the player plays a single match of darts against the AI with unwieldy controls that serves little purpose. Then we have the outfit selector, which provides very basic customization options and lets players increase the size of their player. Last we have the bathtub, which has the player sit in a tub of water fully clothed, for no other reason than they can.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to discuss the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.

Controls – in this release, the control method is very basic, with the 3D part using the thumbsticks for movement and camera, along with basic inputs with the face buttons. Then we have the mini game controls, which are simple to the point of redundancy if they can be uncontrollable in the darts game. Finally we have the puzzle controls, which can be played with button controls when in docked mode, but there is touch screen options when in handheld mode.

Difficulty – there is a lack of difficulty in this release, as there is no real jeopardy for the player to face. The exploration of the town is rather boring, feeling empty and vacuous as there is no risk when breaking into the different houses. The puzzles have no real challenge to them, as they are just moving squares around the grid to make a complete image. It may feel challenging when there are more pieces, but it lacks any real depth.

Presentation – visually, this title is a mixed bag when it comes to the design. The main two characters of neko girl and cat girl are nicely detailed, but the rest of the models and characters are just from asset packs. The artwork for the girls is pleasing enough to the eye but doesn’t make up for the rather lazy world building. The music and sound is also very basic, using royalty free music for the soundtrack that adds little if anything to the experience.

Final Thoughts – I wanted to enjoy this game, I really did, but there is just so much wrong with this release. There is a real lack of depth with this title, with the exploration being redundant by the ability to brute force the door and lack of life to the town. The puzzles also lack any real depth to the gameplay, as they get repetitive almost instantly and the only reason to keep playing is to see anime titties, which doesn’t rescue the game.

I am unable to recommend this title to anyone, as there is nothing really there for the player to do once all of the puzzles are cleared. But in all honesty, the puzzles aren’t even worth the time that would be wasted doing them. I feel that this title is priced way too high, offering little in terms of content and replay value, with no reason to return once all of the content is cleared. Maybe on sale, it would be worth a few dollars as an impulse purchase.

In the end, I give Neko Secret Homecoming a final score of 2/5. This had the potential to be much more than it was, but there is a distinct lack of content for players to replay the game, the art for the puzzles is nice enough, but can’t carry what feels like a cash grab made of pre-built assets. If you do want to look at this game for yourself, a link to the game will be below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Under The Hood – Preview

Hello! Today I have something a little different to share. I have been given a special hands-on preview for the upcoming title Under the Hood, from our friends at Shady Corner Games that I previously shared news of. This will be my thoughts on the game and discussing some of the details for this release, including some details of the gameplay and my experience with the game.

Mature Content Warning: the title being discussed is intended for adults only, with an 18+ rating due to the inclusion of strong language, sexual content, including explicit sexual actions and situations, as well as graphic language describing sex acts. If you are made uncomfortable by the listed content or if you are under the age of 18, this title is not going to be for you, proceed at your own discretion.

So without further ado, it is time to discuss my experience with Under the Hood, the latest title from Shady Corner, coming in the near future to Steam.

Plot – Under the Hood tells the story of a new assistant starting a job at Trish’s Pit’s, a local garage run by Trish and her daughters Silvie and Frankie. As the new hire, the assistant will be tasked with breaking down engines using their trusty wrench and toolbox, all while trying to keep themselves focused on the job at hand. As time passes, situations will arise that will blur the lines of professionalism between the different characters.

Gameplay – this game is a brick breaker style puzzle title, where the objective is to clear each shift by using a wrench to break down the engines that are on screen. To rebound the wrenches, there is a toolbox that can be moved left and right, with the wrenches bouncing off when making contact with it. But be careful as the wrench doesn’t act like a traditional ball, the way that the do in titles like Arkanoid and Breakout.

The systems that this variant of the genre uses are unique and make it a very challenging experience. Traditionally, there would be power-ups that would be dropped from destroying blocks, or enemies would appear as an obstacle, but this title is very different. Instead of power-ups and enemies, this game uses a system of hazards and obstacles, affecting the way that the wrench and even the toolbox will function.

These stage elements include heat pads, which will heat the wrench up and slow the toolbox down when contact is made. Then we have oil slicks which will slow the wrench down and lubricating coolant that speeds it up, making it more challenging to bounce the wrench back. This can be even tougher when the second toolbox is introduced, which will be faster than the standard one and hover above it.

The game itself is broken up into an introductory prologue scene and three chapters, each focusing on a different member of the Trish’s Pit’s team. The chapters are made up of multiple stages, called days with each day having multiple shifts to them. All of the shifts will need to be cleared in order to progress, needing to restart at the first shift if all lives are lost, but that isn’t the only progression system that this title uses.  

Within the stages, there are nuts and bolts that can appear, with the objective being to hit them with a wrench multiple times to add them to the tally at the top of the field. These nuts are used to unlock content in the gallery to view later, but be careful as all shifts must be completed to add the nuts to the bank. If the stage is failed all those nuts will be lost and you will need to start again, which adds a risk/reward feel to the stages.

As this is a title in the Shady Corner universe, there will be plenty of risqué and explicit content that will occur throughout the experience. This happens in Visual Novel/Dating sim style interactions, with a steamy story for each of the girls that will play out. But this isn’t the core focus of the game, as the gameplay is more than capable of standing on its own, with a lot of replay value to unlock the galleries and even special bonus stages for players.

Now let’s talk about the rest of this release and discuss the feel of the game.

Game Feel – this title has a familiar feel to it with the way that the brick break mechanics feel, but that familiarity only extends at the very base level. There is a lot of depth to the title, with a brutal difficulty curve that will really push the player to earn their smut. It does feel like a traditional brick breaker, but those instincts will lead to disaster as the wrench has a unique hit box, making it feel distinct from the others in the genre.

There is a lot of content on offer with some gorgeous character portraits that appear in the stages and VN scenes, along with special arts for the intimacy scenes. These artworks are in different styles from artists that have worked with Shady Corner in the past, which makes each of the different routes feel unique. The music featured fits each of the characters scenes, with tracks that complement the different characters.

The controls for this game work really well, with both keyboard and controller support. My personal preference is to use an Xbox controller, but it works really well with a keyboard. But be aware that since this title has yet to release, there is a lack of controller inputs on screen. However, the controls are fully implemented for supported steam controllers, so this will be addressed upon release of the game.

Final Thoughts – being able to get hands on with this game has been a real treat, as it is one of those genres that rarely gets innovations or new systems added to it. The way that the physics and overall gameplay systems work are very solid and well planned, but they will take a little getting used to and can get really tough in the later stages. However, there is an easy difficulty setting that will increase the starting lives and make it more manageable.

I really enjoyed my time with this game, as there is a lot of content on offer for players to get their teeth into, as well as the replay value on offer with the gallery unlocks. From the outside, this may look like another smut title, but there is a lot of depth to it with the challenging gameplay mechanics. There is more to this than just the tits, which is a hallmark of the Shady Corner brand as they always make compelling games that just so happen to have smut in it.

If you want to check this title out for yourself, you can find the demo for the game (HERE) and you can also wish list Under the Hood, so you can be notified when the game releases. You can also find their official twitter account (HERE) to keep up to date with their new releases and upcoming titles.

Full Quiet – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by Retrotainment Games and published by 8-Bit Legit, Full Quiet is an open world adventure game, set in a sprawling wilderness where a grizzled survival expert seeks to find his son. Engage in battle with the monsters of the wilds, explore varied areas and solve puzzles to proceed. This title is available for the NES, Nintendo Switch, Steam and Xbox platforms, with a link to each version of the game available at the bottom of this review (including the special physical NES version).

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank 8-Bit Legit for providing the copy of Full Quiet that was used for this piece. 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 I feel this narrative is best experienced first-hand. Please note, when discussing the gameplay, I will only be covering the core aspects of this title, as there is so much in this title to discover and I want to avoid spoilers.

Gameplay – Full Quiet is an adventure title taking place in an 8-Bit open world, where the player must traverse dangerous environments, battling monsters and solving puzzles to progress. When starting the game, the player will be dropped right into the forest, exploring a starting area, where they can get to grips with the mechanics and features of the game. There are simple tutorials to uncover, but for everything else there is an in-depth manual provided in game.

During the opening portion of this title, the player will be able to learn how each of the mechanics will work, with platforming, combat and the different puzzle systems introduced over time. There is also a strong focus on exploration, with hidden objects to find that will aid the player in their mission. In the starting area of the game, the most important and unique mechanics of the game are introduced, the radio and Morse code system.

These are the most important elements of progression in this release, meaning players will need to take note of the different codes and the radio transmissions they receive. At different points during the exploration, ham radios will appear that need to be tuned, which will give the player codes for the relays. But the codes won’t always be in the traditional Morse code format, replacing the letters needed with colors that players need to input.

Throughout the forest there will even be Morse code technology hidden in the environment itself, with rocks that will show a dot or dash when passing. When discovered they are often tied to unlocking something nearby, like a door or item, making it important for players to try to figure out the patterns they have. There will also be power grids that need to be restored, with wire puzzles to solve to get them up and running again.

These wire puzzles can be very challenging, as there is a time limit to them, which will result in the player taking damage if the timer runs out. The player must connect one end of the circuit to the other, with random pieces that will appear, but there will be broken panels and short circuits. The pieces used for the circuit can be rotated, allowing players to adapt quickly to the puzzle, with a special heart panel to heal the player if the circuit goes through them.  

Fixing the different power grids will restore power to other areas, allowing players to interact with other power points and even open up safe havens for the player to rest. The safe houses will be very important, as they are the only place for players to save the game. They also provide a very important function, allowing the player to sleep until the morning. This is important as there is a day/night cycle, where enemies will become stronger at night.

Speaking of enemies, the player will encounter a relatively simple group of monsters during the start of the mission. These will help the player get used to the weapon they have, along with the evasive maneuvers they can use. With the entire opening area functioning as a comprehensive tutorial, players can get themselves a taste of what to expect, because this is just the start. Once the opening area is cleared, the real challenge begins.

Once the player has opened the gate out of the starting area the Plateau, they will experience the true scope of the game. The wilderness the player will encounter consists of a large open world map, where the player will be able to travel between different locations. The map becomes an essential part of the player inventory, alongside the resources that they collect during their adventure. But care must be taken as the capacity that can be carried is limited.

The items that can be collected include fuses for radios, ropes to climb different areas and food/aid items to restore lost health. As the game progresses, the player will be able to expand their inventory, but before that time, it is possible to recollect used ropes and food items will respawn. There is also the capability to refill supplies while in the safe houses, with boxes to resupply from if the right items are in the inventory.

Aside from the standard items in the inventory, there are also additional tools and equipment that can be located as the player explores further. There are tools that can assist the player in their quest, like a grappling hook to climb areas and lures that will draw out some creatures. There is also an arsenal of weapons that can be collected during the mission, including a shotgun that has limited range, but a wide spread to it.

These weapons are more powerful than the starting pistol, but the ammunition that they have is limited to them. This means it can be very important to make every shot count with these weapons, as the weapons are limited in the ammo that they can hold. This adds to the tactical survivalist feel of the game, as players need to decide what weapon to use and where the further they get, as the only known way to resupply is the safe house.

The stronger weapons will come into handy the deeper the player gets, especially when it comes to the more powerful monsters that appear. The deeper the player gets, the stronger the creatures will get, regardless of the time it is and they will pose a true threat to the player. Luckily the monsters will stay defeated for a time, but will respawn. There are even boss monsters that can appear, with the player locked in a desperate struggle for survival against these beasts.

Due to the large scale of the map, with different areas connected together, there will be times where players need to backtrack. This is where the map will come in handy, as the player will see notes for the different points that they can go to. These include flags for Morse code relays and safe houses, allowing players to easily find their way back to where they need to go. However, players must be careful as they can still get lost in the wilds.

There is a non-linear feel to this title, as the player is free to explore the wilderness and move between areas as they open up. This allows players to complete challenges out of sequence, coming back to previous areas when they are stronger or have gained new clues. This also adds to the replay value of the game, as players can approach the challenges differently each time. But the clock must always be kept in mind, as there is something out there, something terrible that comes out at night.

Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to cover the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.

Controls – while this was initially developed for the NES, with the two button controller in mind, this version of the game fully utilizes all of the buttons on the Switch controller. This provides an intuitive experience that is responsive and enjoyable, regardless of the controller that is used. When playing in either docked or handheld, the game is comfortable to play, with support for a range of controllers including the NES classic from the NSO service.

Difficulty – this title can be very difficult, due to the open ended nature of the game, leading players to get lost within the wilderness and unprepared for the deadly enemies that can appear. This can be made  more challenging due to the cryptic clue systems and circuit puzzles, which can delay returns to safety or even result in death if the circuits are failed. There is also an optional Hard Mode which players can stumble upon by complete accident.

Presentation – as an NES game, the visuals of this title have some excellent sprite work that looks like it was made in the systems prime, while also having a modern look. The backgrounds and visual elements for radio, maps and other aspects of this game are pleasing to the eye. There is sprite flicker, but it doesn’t affect the overall experience. The sound for this title really pushes the NES sound chip to its limit, with a soundtrack and effects that perfectly compliment the mysterious setting of the wilderness.

Final Thoughts – I hadn’t heard of this title until the publisher reached out to me, which surprised me as this title is something different compared to other recent NES homebrew releases. The narrative is solid and really pulled me in, with platforming, combat and exploration that brought everything in this title together. There is a haunting and eerie feel to the world, with the music complimenting the setting of the wilderness that players can get lost in.

The cryptic nature of the puzzles can be a source of frustration, which may be off-putting for players who want a straight forward adventure. However, I really enjoyed having to move between areas, take notes of the different clues and have to figure out what to do with the clues I had. There was a lot of back tracking to restock on ammo, which could be time consuming but got easier over time, as I learned the different routes and the best approach to take.

During my first attempt at this game, I did accidentally enable the Hard mode by experimenting with the Morse code system, because the manual gives players a full Morse code guide. I soon learned from that mistake, but it was humorous to me that I stumbled upon it. I am happy to recommend this title to those who want sink their teeth into a tough, but satisfying adventure that would fit perfectly during the glory days of the NES system.

In the end, I give Full Quiet a final score of 3.75/5 which is a first in the 200+reviews I have done. This is a truly great adventure that fully maximized the limitations of the hardware it was designed for, with a haunting wilderness to explore, monsters to battle and puzzles to solve. However, there are puzzles that can be so cryptic and difficult that it may sour the experience for some players. If you want to check this game out, a link to each version including the physical release will be below.    

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to Xbox version (HERE)

Link to Steam version (HERE)

Link to NES physical (HERE)