Vimana Review

A vertical shmup that has roots in the arcade scene of the early 90s, Vimana manages to play the part quite well. If one were to wander through an arcade from this era, its blasts of green bullets, sci-fi spacecrafts, and constant action would becon for any gamer to plunk in a quarter in to see what’s in store.

However, like all good shmups, there’s so much more to Vimana’s formula to discover as players progress each cycle. Players will still be taking down anything and everything that moves, but the rate of fire helps to change things up. Players of Vimana will have a twin shot by default, which can be upgraded in typical genre fashion – that much is par for the course, albeit welcome nonetheless.

However, there’s also a charge shot that spreads the love into a greater area. Knowing when to attack head on and knowing when to blanket the surrounding world could very well mean the difference between victory and failure in a signature one-credit-clear run. Of course, there’s also a bomb that varies things out by turning into a seeking target against foes. Again, not the deepest or mos revolutionary system around, but it nails the fundamentals.

Completing Vimana is a fairly short endeavor, but the game does cycle players through for a more challenging run upon doing so.

Of course, the joy of a shmup is its replayability, and Vimana has a suite of options that allow players to tweak their playstyle. Feel like things are too difficult? Players can rewind for minutes at a time, just to make sure they get past that tricky section that did them in.

There are other ways to improve one’s playstyle, including the activation of a visible hitbox, adding additional hitpoints or even quick saving and loading (though we would never save scum!). Want to get more out of the experience? The ability to see an enemy’s health bar and change the overlays is also available. Want to see where things went wrong? There’s even a replay functionality baked into this release.

It’s just a shame that there’s little to this package outside this functionality. The Steam release of Vimana is arcade-perfect – and then some – but the lack of bonus content is somewhat disappointing. Nevertheless, there’s still Steam achievements for those looking to show off their prowess, along with online leaderboards.

While this release of Vimana is arcade-perfect, it does prove to be a bit light on content. Those looking for their next one-credit-clear will enjoy this space showdown, but more casual fans might be left in the lurch.

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Vimana Review

The fusion of Indian mythology and vertical shoot-em-ups might seem a little unorthodox, but these two fields come together to create something exotic with the release of Bitwave Games and Toaplan's Vimana on Steam. The titular Vimana craft is at one's disposal - should players step into the cockpit of this spacefaring adventure?

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

FixEight Review

A run-and-gun from days gone by (1992, to be precise!), Bitwave Games and Toaplan are giving players all the firepower they could ever want with the Steam release of FixEight. Should players bring others along for some good ol' co-op blasting, or does this throwback feel a little musty?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes Review

A new numbered entry in the series, FRENCH-BREAD and Arc System Works’ UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes carries the series forward after a strong reception from fans and critics - including us! The series has established itself as a cult classic after multiple versions; does this full measure mark a substantial leap for the series?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

TEKKEN 8 Review

A series with a rich lineage (30 years strong!), players can get ready for the next battle with the release of Arika and Bandai Namco’s TEKKEN 8. New characters, new modes, and a new engine power this King of Iron Fist Tournament - does it prove to be a worthy contender?

The post Vimana Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

FixEight Review

For those who have yet to play FixEight, it serves as the spiritual successor to the cult arcade classic Out Zone.

For those who have yet to play Out Zone (don’t worry – Steam has got you covered with last year’s release), they’ll come to learn that this vertical run-and-gun series hits hard and fast. Taking control of one of eight different mercenaries with the most radical of designs, they’ll have two different weapons and their own special. Much like the shmup genre, players can then upgrade each of these weapons with dropped power-ups and chuck out the occasional bomb for good measure.

We especially like this system, as each FixEight character has their own unique weapon system. We were partial to the lizard Vistario and his wide range of attack via the Gel-Burner and Acid-Wide sprays. Did we mention that even the attacks have cool names? No matter who you choose, getting the right weapon in your hands and upgrading it to hit an enemy’s weakpoint for massive damage is a thrilling feeling. Put simply, FixEight and its action never gets old for the Rambo wannabes among us.

Throughout the surprisingly robust 50-minute runtime of each FixEight playthrough, players will navigate a number of different levels against the Gozzu alien menace – some of which are truly the stuff of nightmares. As players progress, they’ll come across a boss at the end of each stage before moving on to the next stage. While the power-ups to the score-based system to the flow all follow the typical arcade formula to a T, FixEight nails the run-and-gun formula with style.

Of course, it’s not all predictable; gameplay provides a hefty challenge if you’re not credit feeding, and there’s the occasional wrinkle like controllable hovercrafts that turn FixEight into a shmup.

While the core game is solid, the outside options of FixEight are fairly bare-bones. While we do appreciate the option to rewind to our heart’s content (up to minutes at a time!) and play with hitboxes and credits, there’s little here to really celebrate this deeper cut in Toaplan’s library.

FixEight does have the usual Steam accouterments like achievements and leaderboards, there just isn’t enough to really have this as a tribute. This is the first release of the game outside of arcades, that much is true, but at the same time the suite of options is not unlike what can be found in a tool like RetroArch.

For those that don’t mind a bare-bones package, FixEight and its run-and-gun action is a bona fide arcade hit that is well worth the attention of any classic gamer.

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Vimana Review

The fusion of Indian mythology and vertical shoot-em-ups might seem a little unorthodox, but these two fields come together to create something exotic with the release of Bitwave Games and Toaplan's Vimana on Steam. The titular Vimana craft is at one's disposal - should players step into the cockpit of this spacefaring adventure?

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

FixEight Review

A run-and-gun from days gone by (1992, to be precise!), Bitwave Games and Toaplan are giving players all the firepower they could ever want with the Steam release of FixEight. Should players bring others along for some good ol' co-op blasting, or does this throwback feel a little musty?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes Review

A new numbered entry in the series, FRENCH-BREAD and Arc System Works’ UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes carries the series forward after a strong reception from fans and critics - including us! The series has established itself as a cult classic after multiple versions; does this full measure mark a substantial leap for the series?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

TEKKEN 8 Review

A series with a rich lineage (30 years strong!), players can get ready for the next battle with the release of Arika and Bandai Namco’s TEKKEN 8. New characters, new modes, and a new engine power this King of Iron Fist Tournament - does it prove to be a worthy contender?

The post FixEight Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes Review

For those just entering the Hollow Night, Sys:Celes will transport players to a world where speed and maneuverability reign supreme. Dashes and combos are the key to coming out on top, with stuns, EX Moves, and Special Moves also playing a big role. Don’t be fooled though; Sys:Celes has got a much different feel than Street Fighter 6 or Mortal Kombat 1. This, in turn, makes for a refreshing experience – albeit one with a high skill ceiling.

All of Sys:Celes’ intricacies admittedly are a lot to take in, this 2D fighter gives players multiple options for players to fly. Like previous entries, Simple Inputs make it easy for players to get a feel of each battle, with characters like series mainstay Hyde featuring familiar inputs that are easy to grasp. A robust Tutorial, Missions, and an Arcade Mode also provide the proper training ground. There’s even Casual Matches in its online mode, with rollback netcode ensuring a smooth experience.

Sys:Celes does have enough new content for returning Under Night players as well. Featuring incredible names like “Twin Barrel Beauty” Kaguya, “Steel Guardian” Tsurugi, “Eternal Re-Birth” Kuon, this trio provides additional variety to the cast. Whether it’s gunslinging, a bulwark, or countless floating blades, each of these three features a wildly different style we enjoyed diving into.

Sys:Celes also packs some new tricks with additional moves among its roster. Our tried-and-true habits caught the best of us with these changes, but they do help differentiate this entry and add depth all the same.

New mechanics also make an appearance in the form of Creeping Edge and Celestial Vorpal. The former is a clever dodge, not unlike the system found in SNK’s The King of Fighters series. As for the latter, Celestial Vorpal gives players the entire GRD gauge if there are six or more nodes. While we like how Creeping Edge taps into i-frames, we feel like Celestial Vorpal lacks balance. Time will tell how things play out with future play and patches.

Note that those braving the Steam version of Sys:Celes like us will have a less than smooth experience. We had trouble at launch with options like fullscreen and menus, though it should be noted that there have been some patches as of February 5 that have improved upon things. While not as polished as previous entries, it does provide a serviceable experience.

While the Steam version still has some bugs that need to be ironed out, UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes provides a number of great reasons to visit the Hollow Night in what is the most robust roster to date.

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Vimana Review

The fusion of Indian mythology and vertical shoot-em-ups might seem a little unorthodox, but these two fields come together to create something exotic with the release of Bitwave Games and Toaplan's Vimana on Steam. The titular Vimana craft is at one's disposal - should players step into the cockpit of this spacefaring adventure?

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

FixEight Review

A run-and-gun from days gone by (1992, to be precise!), Bitwave Games and Toaplan are giving players all the firepower they could ever want with the Steam release of FixEight. Should players bring others along for some good ol' co-op blasting, or does this throwback feel a little musty?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes Review

A new numbered entry in the series, FRENCH-BREAD and Arc System Works’ UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes carries the series forward after a strong reception from fans and critics - including us! The series has established itself as a cult classic after multiple versions; does this full measure mark a substantial leap for the series?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

TEKKEN 8 Review

A series with a rich lineage (30 years strong!), players can get ready for the next battle with the release of Arika and Bandai Namco’s TEKKEN 8. New characters, new modes, and a new engine power this King of Iron Fist Tournament - does it prove to be a worthy contender?

The post UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

TEKKEN 8 Review

Striving for accessibility, TEKKEN 8 is the perfect entry for both newcomers and veterans alike.

Never played a TEKKEN title before? No need to worry – there is an extremely solid foundation that lets players gradually get the hang of things. For those who don’t play fighting games too often, the Special Style mechanic will quickly become your best friend. Boiling the system and combos down to a few select buttons, it gives players the chance to grasp the overall flow of this 3D fighter, seeing how juggles, combos, and counters all come together. For those who’d like to try out the main system, it can just as easily be disabled at the press of a button.

Want to up your game? No need to worry – there’s a wealth of content here that’ll get you up to speed. The industry standard Replays, training, versus, story mode, arcade modes, and Character Episodes are all present and accounted for, but they are tried and true for a reason and will be most welcome for those still starting out in the fighting game genre. There’s even fun content like Tekken Ball, which has players bouncing a beach ball (or an iron ball for the masochistic) in what could possibly be the most violent game of volleyball to date.

Rather, the real star of the show for neophytes is TEKKEN 8’s new Arcade Quest mode. For those who can’t make it to Dave & Busters or Round 1, this mode simulates the arcade experience and serves as a battleground. No need to worry about a daunting atmosphere; after creating a cutesy avatar, players can set off to improve their skills. It’s a very gradual process, but we do appreciate the presentation and system present here – and we’re sure newcomers will appreciate it as well.

Let’s say you’ve been playing TEKKEN since 1994, knowing the difference between Lee and Law, Jin and Jun. TEKKEN 8 covers this oh-so-important demographic with a number of new wrinkles that differentiate this title from the rest of the pack. The three newcomers – Victor Chevalier, Azucena Milagros Ortiz Castillo, and Reina – bring a number of subtleties that let players use samurai swords, caffeinated mixed martial arts grabs, and other radical moves.

There’s also a number of returning characters in its roster, with many fan favorites and deeper cuts in the mix. Not everybody made the cut – we’re still languishing the removal of Robert “Bob” Richards – but players will likely find somebody they click with among its 30+ character roster.

With TEKKEN 8’s focus on aggressiveness, the focus is less on a game of chicken and more on a game of action. For instance, those that pull off a Power Blow will be able to briefly stagger an opponent and rush through – a thrilling feeling that never gets old!

There’s also Rage Arts super moves that kick in when one’s health gets low; while returning from TEKKEN 7, they are far more streamlined and quicker this go-around, making us want to actively go on the offensive when the chips are down.

Perhaps the biggest draw for those looking to up their game is TEKKEN 8’s online modes. An improvement over TEKKEN 7, we enjoyed chilling in the TEKKEN Fight Lounge online lobby, taking part in both Ranked and Quick Matches. There are ways to filter by rank restrictions, connection quality, and even platform, so those looking to optimize their experience can most certainly do so.

TEKKEN 8 hits hard with what could quite possibly be the best TEKKEN entry to date. Fresher than newcomer Azucena’s signature coffee blend, this title does everything in its power to make this King of Iron Fist tournament worthy of all players.

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Vimana Review

The fusion of Indian mythology and vertical shoot-em-ups might seem a little unorthodox, but these two fields come together to create something exotic with the release of Bitwave Games and Toaplan's Vimana on Steam. The titular Vimana craft is at one's disposal - should players step into the cockpit of this spacefaring adventure?

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

FixEight Review

A run-and-gun from days gone by (1992, to be precise!), Bitwave Games and Toaplan are giving players all the firepower they could ever want with the Steam release of FixEight. Should players bring others along for some good ol' co-op blasting, or does this throwback feel a little musty?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes Review

A new numbered entry in the series, FRENCH-BREAD and Arc System Works’ UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes carries the series forward after a strong reception from fans and critics - including us! The series has established itself as a cult classic after multiple versions; does this full measure mark a substantial leap for the series?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

TEKKEN 8 Review

A series with a rich lineage (30 years strong!), players can get ready for the next battle with the release of Arika and Bandai Namco’s TEKKEN 8. New characters, new modes, and a new engine power this King of Iron Fist Tournament - does it prove to be a worthy contender?

The post TEKKEN 8 Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

Alan Wake II Review

13 years since the original release (has it really been that long?), things in Bright Falls are getting weird. FBI Agent Robert Nightingale is dead, and FBI Agent Saga Anderson and Alex Casey (good name) have been sent over to investigate the case. However, things quickly unravel into something much bigger, with the duo finding manuscript pages that tell of future events. It all ties into the titular Alan Wake, who has been trapped in an alternate dimension known as the Dark Place after all this time.

While the game wears its inspiration on its sleeve, Alan Wake II quickly subverts expectations as time goes on. Starting out, this release seems part and parcel similar to series like Twin Peaks, True Detective, and even Sherlock with Saga Anderson’s “Mind Place.” However, as things progress, the bizarre starts to take hold. We won’t spoil some of the elements, but what we expected from the first few hours of play quickly changed, leaving us eager to see what will happen next. There’s also some well-acted live-action segments to really drive the experience home.

If anything, that’s Alan Wake II’s greatest strength – its immersion. The dreary Pacific Northwest is a great backdrop, but it’s the moodiness and the overall mystery that seals the deal. One can breeze through from one point to the other, but actively seeking out elements like manuscript pages and even footage adds to its lore. It also helps that the sound design is at the top of its class – including a fantastic implementation of the band Poets of the Fall as the Old Gods of Asgard.

Just note that the gameplay of Alan Wake II is nothing too out of the ordinary. Players will take control of both Saga Anderson and Alan Wake as they take on supernatural threats. Much like the original release, it helps to shine a light on things – literally. Players will take down enemies by focusing a beam of light on them, stunning them for proper attacks and dodging when appropriate. It’s far from the deepest system around, following the same formula for a while. Nevertheless, it does tie into the overall motif of Alan Wake II quite well.

There’s also the detective elements that come from the aforementioned “Mind Place” and Alan Wake’s “Writer’s Room.” In certain segments, both Saga Anderson and Alan Wake will need to either piece together the mystery or outline this clairvoyant novel. We could take or leave these segments; while we did like putting the mystery together, we were all too eager to jump right back into its surreal world.

It should be worth noting that Alan Wake II is a sequel in the truest sense of the word. While there are new characters, it also picks up after the events of the original. Those looking to start with this title and skip the original – or even Remedy Entertainment’s other titles like Control – will miss quite a bit.

Alan Wake II manages to subvert expectations with its immersive world. Combat gets the job done, but it’s the overall mystery that will have players eager to shine a light on this Dark Place.

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Vimana Review

The fusion of Indian mythology and vertical shoot-em-ups might seem a little unorthodox, but these two fields come together to create something exotic with the release of Bitwave Games and Toaplan's Vimana on Steam. The titular Vimana craft is at one's disposal - should players step into the cockpit of this spacefaring adventure?

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

FixEight Review

A run-and-gun from days gone by (1992, to be precise!), Bitwave Games and Toaplan are giving players all the firepower they could ever want with the Steam release of FixEight. Should players bring others along for some good ol' co-op blasting, or does this throwback feel a little musty?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes Review

A new numbered entry in the series, FRENCH-BREAD and Arc System Works’ UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes carries the series forward after a strong reception from fans and critics - including us! The series has established itself as a cult classic after multiple versions; does this full measure mark a substantial leap for the series?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

TEKKEN 8 Review

A series with a rich lineage (30 years strong!), players can get ready for the next battle with the release of Arika and Bandai Namco’s TEKKEN 8. New characters, new modes, and a new engine power this King of Iron Fist Tournament - does it prove to be a worthy contender?

The post Alan Wake II Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

For The King 2 is an old-school sequel. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel or mash things up with an entire genre change. It simply takes everything that made the original game as fantastic as it was, and just adds more. We’ve got new random events, new locations, new classes, new weapons, all fantastic stuff but best of all? We can now bring in a 4th player.

For The King 2 Review

Each player can control a single character or it can be divided with fewer players. For the entirety of our time in the game, both Johnny and I controlled two characters each. This is something I usually find off-putting in games. I like to have my main character and not bother controlling an “AI” but with the way the gear and classes function, it feels more like double the fun and not double the work.

Each class comes with its own stats and individual abilities, typically a small random chance to do something useful and thematic for that class. The Blacksmith, for example, has an ability that will sometimes entirely negate the damage of an attack. The Alchemist has a small chance to brew potions at the end of each turn, basically grenades, and the Farmer sometimes creates a Scarecrow in battle that acts as a frontline tank. There is definitely some disparity between the classes, with some being so effective it’s stupid not to take them, and others being nigh on useless, but there’s enough variety of good classes for a ton of different party lineups.

Most of the classes excel in a couple of areas, making ideal builds and playstyles very apparent, but it’s not without flexibility either. You can play through different chapters with exactly the same class and party lineup and have different builds for most of the characters. Sometimes, this is by choice, other times you’re forced to adapt to the challenges you face.

The advancement and progress of each class is tied directly to the equipment you find in the game world. Tons of different weapon types, multiple defensive options between physical defense, magical defense, and evasion, it’s a system of mixed emotions. Sometimes you will find the perfect items, creating that ultra-powerful build you’d planned right at the start of the campaign. Other times one of your character struggle, falling behind the party because you’re not finding the perfect gear. This may sound somewhat disappointing but it’s the lows that really make the highs such a remarkable achievement.

Exploration remains a pillar of the For The King experience and remains largely unchanged in For The King 2, with good reason. When exploring the Overworld every hex hides possibility, it hides excitement. A brand new class, a powerful new weapon, a challenging battle, just a few potential discoveries with each shiny question marked hex that you explore. It’s a system that worked so well in the original and one that continues to be one of the game’s most appealing elements.

The challenge and difficulty of exploration lie within the efficiency and management of your party’s movement and locations. Allies can only join battles if they are within range, certain classes excel at avoiding enemy encounters while others struggle. It’s the careful planning and execution of an exploration plan that keeps turn after turn, an explorer’s dream. It sounds simple enough, right? Don’t start a battle unless all your allies are within range. Don’t go exploring with a class that is unable to sneak past an ambush. Those ideas are sound in principle, but then, something shiny.

And that’s all it takes. A new event appears, an enemy you’ve not fought before, a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow (literally and figuratively), and that’s it. One of your idiot friends has run off 7 hexes in the wrong direction to try and pull a sword out of a stone and your plans have gone to shit. Exploration is a constant test of risk vs. reward, made riskier by the friends you keep, and that’s without considering the constant threat and peril of a looming world event – one that may strengthen every enemy you encounter or steal items from your loot pools.

These world events can either be directly related to the story of a specific Chapter or Scourges, unique enemies that promise some of the most difficult battles in the entire game. This creates further tension as you need to balance exploration with controlling the worlds Chaos level, a timer-like system that’s difficult to manage, but very rewarding when you’re able to find the perfect mix of objectives and freedom. Considering the difficulty of these battles the rewards are often underwhelming, an issue the original game struggled to solve, but the satisfaction of taking down these difficult bosses nearly offsets the disappointment, nearly.

For The King 2’s combat system, on the other hand, has seen quite a number of improvements and changes, primarily, the combat grid. It’s a formation system that rewards tactical placement of specific characters in specific locations. Tanks and melee users excel on the frontlines, while magical and ranged users benefit from defensive bonuses on the back, there is a caveat however, it’s random. This was quite jarring initially, having to constantly move characters around to the correct locations but without the random element, the system becomes quite passive and relatively dull. It’s not a complete mess, the game won’t place your squishy guys on the frontline, but the lack of fixed formations may be off-putting for some.

After understanding its importance in creating a more dynamic combat environment, it’s a feature that grew on me as time went on. Toward the end, we understood that we’re not going to begin each fight in a perfect formation but neither is the enemy. Managing character locations to avoid area of effect attacks, careful placement of your buffing characters to maximize effectiveness, it’s another rock on this mountain of risk vs. reward that the game builds and relies on so heavily.

The core components of the combat system, attacks and abilities being tied to dice rolls based on specific stats, remains much of the same. It’s an experience of massive highs and incredible lows. Nailing that awesome 60% chance for an enormous strike is as satisfying as it gets, matched only by the utter dismay of missing a 95% chance to hit and having a character killed as a result. It’s a love hate relationship that creates memories and experiences that will last a long time.

The most exciting additions to For The King 2, that truly set it apart from its predecessor, is the inclusion of a loadout system and its roguelite elements. As you complete story objectives and dungeons you are rewarded with Lore Books, these Lore Books can then be spent in the Lore Store to unlock new items, classes, events, and cosmetics. Previously, this simply added stuff unlocked to the random pool of things to find in the next campaign but the new Loadout system makes unlocks far more effective.

At the beginning of any Chapter, you can assign a Loadout to each character in your party, using Loadout Points. These can be used to start with additional healing items, extra gold, stronger weapons and armor, it adds a level of strategy and tactical thinking that the previous game lacked. Being able to fine tune and plan your strategies for the earlier stages of the game is really engaging for the entire party and makes the previously predictable and often boring first few turns, more impactful and exciting.

Bringing in the best of the old with the creative direction of the new makes For The King 2 feel instantly familiar and charming, like coming back to a warm home after a cold days work. The addition of new combat and reward mechanics deliver the thrill of exploration and combat that only died down in the original after completing the entire game and running out of things to unlock.

For The King 2 is the perfect sequel. It takes the very best components of its predecessor and uses those time-tested elements to raise the series to new heights. To put it simply, For The King 2 is one of the best strategy-based co-op experiences on the market today.

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by captaincamper
in Game Reviews

Vimana Review

The fusion of Indian mythology and vertical shoot-em-ups might seem a little unorthodox, but these two fields come together to create something exotic with the release of Bitwave Games and Toaplan's Vimana on Steam. The titular Vimana craft is at one's disposal - should players step into the cockpit of this spacefaring adventure?

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by captaincamper
in Game Reviews

FixEight Review

A run-and-gun from days gone by (1992, to be precise!), Bitwave Games and Toaplan are giving players all the firepower they could ever want with the Steam release of FixEight. Should players bring others along for some good ol' co-op blasting, or does this throwback feel a little musty?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by captaincamper
in Game Reviews

UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes Review

A new numbered entry in the series, FRENCH-BREAD and Arc System Works’ UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes carries the series forward after a strong reception from fans and critics - including us! The series has established itself as a cult classic after multiple versions; does this full measure mark a substantial leap for the series?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by captaincamper
in Game Reviews

TEKKEN 8 Review

A series with a rich lineage (30 years strong!), players can get ready for the next battle with the release of Arika and Bandai Namco’s TEKKEN 8. New characters, new modes, and a new engine power this King of Iron Fist Tournament - does it prove to be a worthy contender?

The post For The King 2 Review – Co-op At Its Finest appeared first on GamersHeroes.

Radiant Silvergun Review

Featuring an over-the-top anime story with even more over-the-top reactions, Radiant Silvergun tells of a world that has been wiped out by a stone-like object. As one of the last survivors, it’s up to players to pilot a craft and get some sweet, sweet revenge.

Of course, Radiant Silvergun prides itself first and foremost on its action. This isn’t a typical shmup with a simple rate of fire; variety is the spice of life in this title. Each shot is mapped to a different button, with players choosing from accurate homing shots and homing spread shots, forward vulcan lasers, backward shots, and even diagonal shots. There’s even a meter that transforms one’s homing sword into a hyper sword with a period of invincibility – just the thing to get the edge in battle.

Sounds confusing? It can be difficult to figure out which button to press in any given scenario, but everything becomes second nature before too long. Having a suite of options is absolutely refreshing; something we wish more shmups had. It helps the game feel lively throughout its different stages, making players feel like an unstoppable machine once everything clicks.

Another thing that makes Radiant Silvergun stand out is its leveling system. Defeat enough foes with any given weapon, and players will be able to gain EXP to make it that much stronger. Leaning on one weapon is all fine and dandy, but tight corridors and its many, many bosses mean that players need to vary things up. Spraying and praying will lead to “No Refuge;” wrangling the intricacies of the system is key.

Once players get down the shooting mechanics of this title, they can then move over to its chaining system. Enemies are in pairs and are color-coded; defeat three of any type and players will be able to pull off a chain. Those weaned on its sequel Ikaruga will know the deal, and there is even a setting to emulate the style found there.

Therein lies the joy of Radiant Silvergun; everything has been carefully organized for the perfect run. Getting to the point where one can one credit clear means that players can see the sheer amount of work that went into designing its world. While this title is a bit on the short side, nailing the tight corridors, getting a high score, and even finding the secret bosses means truly absorbing oneself into its world – a shining quality of a great shmup.

For those that have already played the title in previous iterations like the SEGA Saturn import and the Xbox Live version on the Xbox 360, this release features a number of quality of life improvements.. Players can hit the leaderboards, and can also choose between the Arcade and Story mode with voice overs and anime headshots. Everything can be tweaked to one’s liking, and while there aren’t too many extra features outside of the core game, what is here serves as the definitive version of Radiant Silvergun.

Radiant Silvergun is one of the best shmups of all time, and Live Wire’s release manages to capture Treasure’s treasure in the best light. For those who have yet to dive into its intricate world, this is a must play.

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Vimana Review

The fusion of Indian mythology and vertical shoot-em-ups might seem a little unorthodox, but these two fields come together to create something exotic with the release of Bitwave Games and Toaplan's Vimana on Steam. The titular Vimana craft is at one's disposal - should players step into the cockpit of this spacefaring adventure?

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

FixEight Review

A run-and-gun from days gone by (1992, to be precise!), Bitwave Games and Toaplan are giving players all the firepower they could ever want with the Steam release of FixEight. Should players bring others along for some good ol' co-op blasting, or does this throwback feel a little musty?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes Review

A new numbered entry in the series, FRENCH-BREAD and Arc System Works’ UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes carries the series forward after a strong reception from fans and critics - including us! The series has established itself as a cult classic after multiple versions; does this full measure mark a substantial leap for the series?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

TEKKEN 8 Review

A series with a rich lineage (30 years strong!), players can get ready for the next battle with the release of Arika and Bandai Namco’s TEKKEN 8. New characters, new modes, and a new engine power this King of Iron Fist Tournament - does it prove to be a worthy contender?

The post Radiant Silvergun Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

The Lord of the Rings Return to Moria follows the journey of a company of dwarves summoned to the Misty Mountains by Gimli as they hope to reclaim their home and restore honor to the dwarven people. Players will get to explore iconic locations from the movies, books, and beyond, all the while exploring a dark and gritty environment filled with peril and promise.

The Lord Of The Rings Return To Moria Review

Stumbling across iconic locations from the movies and books is exactly the same, every time. You hear a deep inhale as everyone in your party gasps in excitement as you discover Gandalf’s hat that was lost after the fight with the Balrog, food left behind by the hungry hobbits of the group, each and every one of these moments is inspiring, prompting chatter and sharing from everyone in the group. There are some truly epic moments that I don’t want to spoil but if you can push through some of the questionable survival design choices, there is awe and wonder to be found.

The Lord of the Rings Return to Moria is advertised as “the only survival crafting video game set in the Fourth Age of Middle-earth”, which although true, it occupies a niche within the survival genre that few games dare to tread. Heading into the darkened halls of Khazad-dûm and expecting an experience akin to ARK, Conan Exiles, any of the big names in the survival genre, is going to leave you frustrated and disappointed.

While the game shares a lot in common with the giants of the survival genre, it’s a more nomadic experience than most. Sure, you can build up a huge base and use it as a center of operations, but more than likely you’re going to construct a handful of bases at locations that have pre-existing facilities. You then use those as forward operating bases as you venture deeper and deeper into the depths. It’s not a bad design, far from it, but the traditional approach of survival games doesn’t really blend together with the progression-based exploration of the world itself.

Return to Moria is not about hunkering down building massive structures and hoarding endless resources. Almost the entire game is driven to focus on a single aspect, the journey. The challenges and adventures that await the dwarves as they look to reclaim their homeland. When you do stop to construct new base features or upgrade your weapons, it’s with the sole purpose of reaching the next tier of equipment so you can venture into the next area. It’s a finite experience, even with the procedural generation, which is a far cry from the near-endless gameplay loops typically offered in the survival genre.

Ultimately, I think it offers a more casual and accessible approach to the genre, giving players clear goals and objectives to follow every step of the way. Exploring and enjoying the core staples of the genre, crafting, survival, and gathering materials, all without needing to invest hundreds of hours over the course of a few months. However, this is unlikely to be what the average survival fan is looking for, so I’m expecting a mixed reception.

It feels closer to a narrative-driven experience borrowing from the survival genre, than a game with survival at the forefront of its design. However, what it does take from the survival genre, it takes with honesty and delivers with care. The crafting system, the backbone of both surviving and progression, is fantastic. You are constantly discovering new materials and recipes, expanding your bases functionality, discovering new ways to use valuable resources. It never feels overwhelming, you’re never expected to spend countless hours farming the same resources over and over, it’s a constantly moving and evolving system that is as rewarding as it is detailed. Construction, the art of building bases and large structures, not so much.

The game explains, through various tutorial and prompts, that structures require support and careful design. Pillars and bracers should be used to support and prop up larger structures, staying true to the legendary building prowess of the dwarven people. However, in practice, it doesn’t really work. I spent around 2-3 hours trying to build a larger base but I was unable to get even a single building to work. Endless pillars and supports, so many it would have made the building completely useless in a functional sense, and I still couldn’t get ceiling and walls to place with any structural integrity. Thankfully, the game is littered with the remnants of the dwarven civilization that once thrived here, so it’s much easier and faster to simply breath life back into these ruins and adopt those as a base.

Gathering, the art of spending ridiculous amounts of time doing menial labor tasks, is one of the core components of the survival genre but one thats importance is often overlooked. Return to Moria’s approach is infinitely better than the average competitor in the genre, delivering both ease of access and immersion in almost effortless fashion. Mining is incredibly satisfying, chipping away at rocks and ores as chunks disappear and reveal new materials. Think Age of Conan but with a little less realism. The real icing on the cake? Singing mining songs with your friends as you seek rarer and more valuable materials, singing in unison with each swing of the pickaxe. It’s such a basic concept but one that’s true to the source material and really makes something as boring as mining, surprisingly fun.

The combat system in Return to Moria is simplistic, and the lack of any real depth or meaningful progression does feel somewhat disappointing, but it still manages to deliver an incredibly rewarding and satisfying experience. There are very limited weapon types and each functions in the same manner. You have a quick, light attack, and a heavy attack that needs to be charged. You can block enemy blows with either a shield or your weapon, and with a shield equipped, you can push enemies to the floor. The combat you experience in the first few minutes of the game is nearly identical to the combat in the final moments but despite the lack of depth, I still really enjoyed it.

You can block indefinitely, there are no stamina or other restrictions. Enemy attacks are easy to scout and predict. This allows you to survive almost any encounter if you have the skill and patience to block, dodge, and counter at the opportune moment. The lack of enemy variety, a handful of different orcs, some spiders, trolls, few unique creatures, leans further on the one-dimensional combat system, and it’s either going to make you love it more or hate it entirely.

Weapons and equipment come in different tiers and each enemy you encounter will be resistant to lower-tiered weapons. The progression loop is identical throughout as you reach new locations and find new resources, you craft higher-tier weapons that do more damage to higher-level enemies. Early on this feels rewarding but as you unlock the higher-tier weapons the lack of meaningful change does start to feel underwhelming, making the latter stages of progression in the game the most disappointing.

And this is where the game struggles the most. The progression is often set at a different pace to your exploring efforts. There are 4 main regions in the game, The Western Halls, The Lower Deeps, Dwarrowdelf, and Barazinbar – all of which we explored fully with the exception of the final area. Each a combination of procedurally generated rooms and jaw-dropping set pieces created by developers with a clear love and passion for the universe. Each area is inhabited by stronger creatures and orcs than the last, and with the materials to upgrade your equipment to suit.

The trouble is, you are often reaching these locations and exploring them long before you have the required equipment to engage the enemies. In the Lower Deeps we explored every cavern, every orc camp and town, and were left short of a vital resource required to progress. Then in Dwarrowdelf, an area almost entirely consisting of stone structures and buildings, we struggled for hours to find Ironwood, chopping down and destroying every wooden structure we could find. Ultimately, this is what prevented us exploring further. In a game that is so heavily focused on progression, exploration, always moving forward, these hard-stop resource blockers just left a sour taste.

We did reach out to the developers to learn if this was a bug or an error but never heard back and sadly, it’s not the only bug skulking away in the dark corners of the mines. Fast travel points with infinite loading, others that didn’t work at all, graves of players (and all their loot) disappearing from the UI, a UI so cluttered with icons and objectives that it was nearly impossible to explore in certain directions (you’re meant to be able to turn these off), enemies spawning within the walls of your base or inches from your face. The entire map being ridden of all enemies, including important boss fights, breaking a number of quests. It’s a game that feels as though it enjoyed a few months polish under Early Access but still isn’t quite ready for release.

I really enjoyed my time in The Lord Of The Rings Return To Moria, despite its numerous issues. It’s a heartwarming gesture of passion and dedication to the works of J. R. R. Tolkien. Gathering around the Meal Table and sharing breakfast with friends before venturing out to explore. Encountering the remnants of the iconic journey of the Fellowship. Everything Lord of the Rings about this game has been done perfectly, it’s just a shame other areas of the game did not get the same level of love and attention.

I’m going to hold out on giving the game a final score until we’ve seen a few patches. In its current state, the earlier levels are perfectly playable but as you get further in to Khazad-dûm, the experience is poor.

The survival genre is already a niche of its own and the Return to Moria experience carves out an even smaller corner for its own existence, chipping away at the genre norms and forging its own path. Fans of Tolkien’s creation are sure to fall in love with the level of passion and detail given to the lore and environments but traditional survival fans may find the combat and linear nature of the game to be somewhat disappointing.

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by captaincamper
in Game Reviews

Vimana Review

The fusion of Indian mythology and vertical shoot-em-ups might seem a little unorthodox, but these two fields come together to create something exotic with the release of Bitwave Games and Toaplan's Vimana on Steam. The titular Vimana craft is at one's disposal - should players step into the cockpit of this spacefaring adventure?

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by captaincamper
in Game Reviews

FixEight Review

A run-and-gun from days gone by (1992, to be precise!), Bitwave Games and Toaplan are giving players all the firepower they could ever want with the Steam release of FixEight. Should players bring others along for some good ol' co-op blasting, or does this throwback feel a little musty?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by captaincamper
in Game Reviews

UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes Review

A new numbered entry in the series, FRENCH-BREAD and Arc System Works’ UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes carries the series forward after a strong reception from fans and critics - including us! The series has established itself as a cult classic after multiple versions; does this full measure mark a substantial leap for the series?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by captaincamper
in Game Reviews

TEKKEN 8 Review

A series with a rich lineage (30 years strong!), players can get ready for the next battle with the release of Arika and Bandai Namco’s TEKKEN 8. New characters, new modes, and a new engine power this King of Iron Fist Tournament - does it prove to be a worthy contender?

The post The Lord Of The Rings Return To Moria Review – In Progress appeared first on GamersHeroes.

Wildmender Review

The world of Wildmender is a lonely one. Civilization is gone, and what is left to roam the deserts are spirits and specters. You, however, have been lucky enough to stumble upon an oasis in this barren desert. After getting some water, you meet a creature named Vidyas, who teaches you how to survive and gives you different side quests. The tutorial is quick, and most of the learning in Wildmender comes from being out in the world.

Your first task is to help Vidyas find the rest of its parts out in the wasteland. Some negative energy crystals and wraiths protect the pieces you seek. After getting all four, you return to Vidyas and meet up with Naia. She wants your help to restore the desert back to its former glory. This is one of those games where you might get 20 hours out of or 50, depending on how much you want to farm.

Combat is split between magic and melee and it gets the job done. One of the items you craft lets you shoot a magic blast and use a magic shield. The shield works great and reflects enemy attacks back at them. The blast attack was very hit-and-miss for me, which is unfortunate as it did more damage. When all else failed, I could rely on my trusty sickle to help me defeat my does. Melee is also pretty basic, but you attack very fast. I liken it to Dragon Quest Builders; it gets the job done, but is not a selling point.

Most of your time in Wildmender will be spent exploring the desert for resources and secrets. Being as the world is mostly sand, you use a shovel to dig up almost everything. While roaming, you will restore new water springs, explore ruins for treasure chests, help lost spirits, and even get a few friends to return to your base. The only downside is that you quickly lose track of time and fresh water, which is a death sentence most of the time.

While you are near your base, you get plenty of water, but it is a rare resource in the desert. The game tells you early on that going out in the sun will drain your water quickly, but I underestimated how quickly. My first death was pretty far from my camp, and it was a slow lesson and one I quickly learned from. From there on most of my exploring would be at night, where you can move around without losing as much water. You also gain essence at night, so you want to be awake for that anyways.

You get essence for restoring the oasis and planting grass, trees, shrubs, and other things around. Basically, you are rewarded for bringing more life to the desert. With this essence, you can return to the desert, restore fast travel points, make plants grow quicker, or chat with spirits. The spirits are one thing I applaud the game for. You don’t gain EXP by fighting; you earn it by going out and finding friendly spirits who give you knowledge. Just be sure you have enough essence to chat with them.

To top it off, they give you a lot of options when it comes to traversal. You do get sand surfing, which lets you glide through the desert much more quickly. Then, they give you this artifact that enables you to grow vines and bridges so any other obstacle is easily overcome. You can also climb nearly everything, and there is no stamina bar to boot. Wildmender understands what kind of game it is and lets you enjoy the exploration as much as possible.

Back at your oasis, you can build up a garden to keep yourself fed for when you are out adventuring. There is a base building system, but I mostly just made the essentials. I had my crafting station, bed, storage, spirit detector, loom, and a couple of others. Even though I didn’t spend much time on my base, I was still satisfied with it. My point is that building enthusiasts will be pleased.

I did have a weird bug that kept saying I was picking up 0 of every item. The game said 0, but I still got them, so it was just a minor annoyance. Other than that, I didn’t have any crashes or glitches. I should also mention I didn’t get to try co-op, but I think it’d be very fun.

Wildmender is one of those cozy farm games that you can lose yourself in for hours; just don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated.

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by johnny-hurricane
in Game Reviews

Vimana Review

The fusion of Indian mythology and vertical shoot-em-ups might seem a little unorthodox, but these two fields come together to create something exotic with the release of Bitwave Games and Toaplan's Vimana on Steam. The titular Vimana craft is at one's disposal - should players step into the cockpit of this spacefaring adventure?

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by johnny-hurricane
in Game Reviews

FixEight Review

A run-and-gun from days gone by (1992, to be precise!), Bitwave Games and Toaplan are giving players all the firepower they could ever want with the Steam release of FixEight. Should players bring others along for some good ol' co-op blasting, or does this throwback feel a little musty?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by johnny-hurricane
in Game Reviews

UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes Review

A new numbered entry in the series, FRENCH-BREAD and Arc System Works’ UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes carries the series forward after a strong reception from fans and critics - including us! The series has established itself as a cult classic after multiple versions; does this full measure mark a substantial leap for the series?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by johnny-hurricane
in Game Reviews

TEKKEN 8 Review

A series with a rich lineage (30 years strong!), players can get ready for the next battle with the release of Arika and Bandai Namco’s TEKKEN 8. New characters, new modes, and a new engine power this King of Iron Fist Tournament - does it prove to be a worthy contender?

The post Wildmender Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

Bomb Rush Cyberfunk Review

Things in Bomb Rush Cyberfunk start out with a bang. Breaking out of prison with the help of Tryce, Faux ends up losing his head – literally – from a deathly record by DJ Cyber. However, not all is lost – players wake up with a new cyberhead, courtesy of the Bomb Rush Crew. Not one to take things sitting down (he does have a good head on his shoulders), players hit the streets of New Amsterdam – now as Red – to grind, trick, and manual their way to get respect through REP and get things back to normal.

It’s hard not to make comparisons to SEGA’s Jet Set Radio series; there’s plenty of graffiti, tricks, and cel-shaded style between the two. However, the former has established itself as a cult classic, and Bomb Rush Cyberfunk manages to take the formula and run/skate/BMX with it.

Players will still be taking on gangs and navigating the city, but things are on a much bigger scale here. The tools that one has at their disposal means that players can get around with ease right from the offset; no training wheels here. When paired with a boost pack, one can easily get around to their next point of interest. While it can take some getting used to – with a finicky camera to match – everything becomes second nature before too long.

Everything done in Jet Set Radio is done here and taken to the next level, with more ways to travel and explore. Imitation might be the sincerest form of flattery, but Team Reptile understood the assignment and carefully made improvements to the formula with love.

This tribute also extends to Bomb Rush Cyberfunk’s style. From its music to its world, this game exudes style. The catchy beats and infectious energy kept us going throughout the title, eager to see which gang, police force, or threat lies next. It also encouraged us to nail the next trick and better ourselves along the way – just the thing needed when storming a rival group’s headquarters.

However, not all is groovy in Bomb Rush Cyberfunk. The title can be a bit awkward at times with its boss battles; the speedy flow that comes from its trick system kind of feels at odds when it comes to a specific target. Also, while it is a matter of taste, some of the tracks don’t quite hit the mark. Synth is great, but some don’t quite flow as well as one would expect.

While it wears its inspiration on its sleeve, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk manages to evoke a style all its own with its always-stylish REP. For those pining for days gone by – or for those looking for something funky and fresh – be sure to hit the streets of New Amsterdam.

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

Vimana Review

The fusion of Indian mythology and vertical shoot-em-ups might seem a little unorthodox, but these two fields come together to create something exotic with the release of Bitwave Games and Toaplan's Vimana on Steam. The titular Vimana craft is at one's disposal - should players step into the cockpit of this spacefaring adventure?

Posted Feb 9, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

FixEight Review

A run-and-gun from days gone by (1992, to be precise!), Bitwave Games and Toaplan are giving players all the firepower they could ever want with the Steam release of FixEight. Should players bring others along for some good ol' co-op blasting, or does this throwback feel a little musty?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes Review

A new numbered entry in the series, FRENCH-BREAD and Arc System Works’ UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes carries the series forward after a strong reception from fans and critics - including us! The series has established itself as a cult classic after multiple versions; does this full measure mark a substantial leap for the series?

Posted Feb 5, 2024 by casey-scheld
in Game Reviews

TEKKEN 8 Review

A series with a rich lineage (30 years strong!), players can get ready for the next battle with the release of Arika and Bandai Namco’s TEKKEN 8. New characters, new modes, and a new engine power this King of Iron Fist Tournament - does it prove to be a worthy contender?

The post Bomb Rush Cyberfunk Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.