Publisher: Devolver Digital

Always Sometimes Monsters (2014)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Always Sometimes Monsters: A Journey of Choices and Consequences

Introduction

Always Sometimes Monsters is a unique and thought-provoking role-playing game that explores the complex and often difficult choices we make in life. You take on the role of a young adult who is trying to make it from the east coast to the west coast of the United States before your one true love marries someone else. Along the way, you’ll face a myriad of choices that will alter the course of your journey and change the fate of your character.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Always Sometimes Monsters is simple but effective. You’ll travel across a map of the United States, stopping at various locations along the way. At each location, you’ll be presented with a series of choices that will affect your character’s stats, relationships, and overall journey.

There are no right or wrong choices in Always Sometimes Monsters. Every choice you make will have both positive and negative consequences. It’s up to you to decide what’s most important to you and to make the choices that you believe will lead to the best possible outcome.

Characters

The characters in Always Sometimes Monsters are complex and well-developed. You’ll meet a variety of people along your journey, each with their own unique story and motivations. You’ll need to decide who you want to trust and who you want to avoid.

The choices you make will affect the relationships you build with the characters in the game. You may make friends or enemies, and your choices will ultimately determine the fate of these characters.

Story

The story in Always Sometimes Monsters is personal and unique. Your choices will shape the story in a way that is unlike any other game. You’ll experience moments of joy, sadness, love, and loss. And in the end, you’ll be left with a story that is uniquely your own.

Themes

Always Sometimes Monsters explores a number of complex themes, including:

  • The power of choice
  • The consequences of our actions
  • The importance of relationships
  • The search for meaning in life

The game doesn’t preach or offer easy answers. Instead, it presents you with a series of difficult choices and challenges you to think about the consequences of your actions.

Conclusion

Always Sometimes Monsters is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant role-playing game that will stay with you long after you finish playing. It’s a game that will challenge you to think about your own choices and the impact they have on your life and the lives of others.

Review

Score: 9/10

Always Sometimes Monsters is a unique and unforgettable role-playing game. It’s a game that will challenge you, make you think, and stay with you long after you finish playing. If you’re looking for a game that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, then Always Sometimes Monsters is definitely worth checking out.

Pros:

  • Complex and well-developed characters
  • Thought-provoking story
  • Choices that matter
  • Beautiful art style
  • Haunting soundtrack

Cons:

  • Can be slow-paced at times
  • Some of the choices can be difficult to make
  • The ending can be bittersweet

Overall, Always Sometimes Monsters is a must-play for fans of role-playing games and narrative-driven games. It’s a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing.

Review Score

8/10

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Serious Sam VR: The Last Hope (2016)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Serious Sam VR: The Last Hope (2016) Review

Serious Sam VR: The Last Hope is a virtual reality first-person shooter video game developed by Croteam and published by Devolver Digital. It is the first VR game in the Serious Sam series, and was released for Microsoft Windows in September 2016.

The game follows Serious Sam, a legendary warrior who must travel across the galaxy to defeat Mental, an evil alien overlord who is threatening to destroy the Earth. Sam must battle his way through hordes of Mental’s minions, including giant spiders, headless kamikazes, and towering beasts.

Serious Sam VR: The Last Hope features a variety of weapons, including shotguns, assault rifles, rocket launchers, and miniguns. Players can also use environmental objects to their advantage, such as barrels and explosive canisters.

The game has been praised for its intense action, over-the-top humor, and impressive visuals. However, it has also been criticized for its repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation.

Gameplay

Serious Sam VR: The Last Hope is a fast-paced, action-packed shooter that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The game features a variety of weapons, including shotguns, assault rifles, rocket launchers, and miniguns. Players can also use environmental objects to their advantage, such as barrels and explosive canisters.

The game’s levels are large and open-ended, giving players plenty of room to explore and find new ways to defeat their enemies. The levels are also filled with secrets and hidden areas, which can reward players with new weapons and power-ups.

One of the most unique features of Serious Sam VR: The Last Hope is its use of virtual reality. VR allows players to experience the game in a whole new way, and it adds a new level of immersion to the action. Players can look around the environment freely, and they can even lean out of cover to get a better view of the battlefield.

Story

The story of Serious Sam VR: The Last Hope is simple but effective. The evil alien overlord Mental is threatening to destroy the Earth, and only Serious Sam can stop him. Sam must travel across the galaxy to defeat Mental’s minions and collect the pieces of the Medallions of Power.

The story is told through a series of cutscenes, which are rendered in a comic book style. The cutscenes are well-done and they do a good job of setting up the game’s action.

Graphics

The graphics in Serious Sam VR: The Last Hope are impressive. The game’s environments are detailed and immersive, and the character models are well-animated. The game also runs smoothly, even on lower-end hardware.

Sound

The sound in Serious Sam VR: The Last Hope is excellent. The game’s soundtrack is catchy and adrenaline-pumping, and the sound effects are realistic and immersive. The voice acting is also top-notch, with Sam’s voice actor delivering a particularly memorable performance.

Conclusion

Serious Sam VR: The Last Hope is a great VR shooter that offers plenty of action, humor, and challenge. The game’s visuals are impressive, the sound is excellent, and the gameplay is fast-paced and fun. If you’re a fan of VR shooters, then you should definitely check out Serious Sam VR: The Last Hope.

Pros

  • Fast-paced and action-packed gameplay
  • Variety of weapons and environmental objects to use
  • Large and open-ended levels
  • Impressive visuals
  • Excellent sound
  • Funny and over-the-top humor

Cons

  • Repetitive gameplay
  • Lack of innovation

Overall score: 8.5/10

Review Score

8.5/10

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Serious Sam 3: Jewel of the Nile (2012)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Serious Sam 3: Jewel of the Nile: A Nostalgic Trip Through Hordes of Enemies

Serious Sam 3: Jewel of the Nile is a first-person shooter video game developed by Croteam and published by Devolver Digital. It was released on October 16, 2012, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. The game is the third installment in the Serious Sam series, and follows the protagonist Serious Sam “Serious” Stone as he travels to the Temple of Isis on the Island of Philae to retrieve the titular Jewel of the Nile.

Gameplay

Serious Sam 3: Jewel of the Nile is a fast-paced, action-packed FPS that harkens back to the classic shooters of the 1990s. Players take control of Serious Sam, a one-man army armed with an arsenal of over-the-top weapons, and must fight their way through hordes of enemies, including giant spiders, headless kamikazes, and towering Beheaded Rocketeers.

The game features three new campaign missions, set in the midst of the events of Serious Sam 3: BFE. Players will battle through vibrant desert environments, ancient ruins, and lush jungles, using a variety of weapons and gadgets to defeat their enemies.

Weapons

Serious Sam 3: Jewel of the Nile features a wide range of weapons, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most iconic weapons include:

  • Double Shotgun: A classic Serious Sam weapon, the Double Shotgun is a devastating close-range weapon that can tear through enemies with ease.
  • Minigun: A rapid-fire machine gun that can mow down hordes of enemies, but is slow and inaccurate.
  • Rocket Launcher: A powerful explosive weapon that can take out even the toughest enemies, but has a slow rate of fire.
  • Sniper Rifle: A long-range weapon that can take out enemies from afar, but is difficult to use effectively in close quarters.
  • Serious Bomb: A powerful explosive that can clear out entire rooms of enemies, but can also damage Sam if he gets too close.

Enemies

Serious Sam 3: Jewel of the Nile features a variety of enemies, each with their own unique abilities and attacks. Some of the most common enemies include:

  • Headless Kamikazes: These headless enemies charge at Sam and explode on contact, dealing heavy damage.
  • Kleer Skeletons: These agile enemies can climb walls and ceilings, and attack Sam with their sharp claws.
  • Beheaded Rocketeers: These towering enemies fire rockets at Sam from afar, and can be difficult to take down.
  • Sirian Werebulls: These powerful creatures charge at Sam and attack with their horns, dealing heavy damage.
  • Khnum: The final boss of the game, Khnum is a giant, four-armed monster that can summon hordes of enemies and unleash powerful attacks.

Reception

Serious Sam 3: Jewel of the Nile received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its fast-paced, action-packed gameplay, its over-the-top humor, and its impressive graphics. However, some critics found the game to be too repetitive and lacking in innovation.

Legacy

Serious Sam 3: Jewel of the Nile is a solid entry in the Serious Sam series, and a fun, nostalgic trip for fans of classic FPS games. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, over-the-top humor, and impressive graphics make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

Conclusion

Serious Sam 3: Jewel of the Nile is a fun, over-the-top FPS that harkens back to the classic shooters of the 1990s. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, hordes of enemies, and ridiculous humor make it a blast to play. If you’re a fan of classic FPS games, or if you’re just looking for a fun, action-packed shooter, then Serious Sam 3: Jewel of the Nile is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8/10

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Downwell (2015)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Downwell: A Roguelike Platformer with Guns for Boots

Downwell is a roguelike platformer developed by Ojiro Fumoto and published by Devolver Digital. It was released for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and iOS in 2015.

The player controls a young man with guns for boots who descends down a well in search of untold treasures. The well is filled with nasty creatures and mysterious secrets, and the player must use their guns to blast their way through the hordes of enemies.

Downwell is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The controls are simple and responsive, and the player is always in control of their character. The game’s difficulty comes from the randomly generated levels, which means that the player never knows what to expect.

One of the things that makes Downwell so unique is its art style. The game is rendered in a beautiful pixel art style that is both charming and retro. The character designs are simple but expressive, and the environments are full of detail.

The soundtrack to Downwell is also excellent. The music is composed by Eirik Suhrke, and it perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere. The music is both haunting and beautiful, and it helps to create a sense of tension and excitement.

Downwell has been praised by critics for its innovative gameplay, beautiful art style, and excellent soundtrack. The game has won numerous awards, including the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Visual Art.

Gameplay

Downwell is a roguelike platformer. This means that the game is procedurally generated, which means that the levels are different every time you play. The player controls a young man with guns for boots who descends down a well in search of untold treasures. The player must use their guns to blast their way through the hordes of enemies that stand in their way.

The player can shoot in eight directions, and they can also use their boots to jump and dash. The player must use all of their skills to navigate the procedurally generated levels and defeat the game’s challenging bosses.

Downwell is a difficult game, but it is also fair. The controls are simple and responsive, and the player is always in control of their character. The game’s difficulty comes from the randomly generated levels, which means that the player never knows what to expect.

Art style

Downwell is rendered in a beautiful pixel art style that is both charming and retro. The character designs are simple but expressive, and the environments are full of detail. The game’s art style is reminiscent of classic arcade games, but it also has a unique and modern feel.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack to Downwell is also excellent. The music is composed by Eirik Suhrke, and it perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere. The music is both haunting and beautiful, and it helps to create a sense of tension and excitement.

Reception

Downwell has been praised by critics for its innovative gameplay, beautiful art style, and excellent soundtrack. The game has won numerous awards, including the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Visual Art.

Conclusion

Downwell is a fantastic roguelike platformer that is both challenging and rewarding. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, beautiful art style, and excellent soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

9/10

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Eitr

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 5 minutes read

Summary

Eitr: A Norse Odyssey into Fate and Destiny

In the realm of Norse mythology, where gods and mortals intertwine, a tale unfolds that challenges the very fabric of destiny. Eitr, a substance of corruption and chaos, has seeped into the sacred loom of the Norns, disrupting the fate of the Shield Maiden. Thus begins an epic journey through the nine Norse worlds, as the Shield Maiden seeks to unravel the mystery of her altered destiny and restore balance to Yggdrasil, the World Tree.

A Vibrant Tapestry of Norse Mythology

Eitr immerses players in the rich tapestry of Norse mythology, bringing to life the realms of Asgard, Midgard, and beyond. From the majestic halls of Valhalla to the treacherous depths of Helheim, each world is meticulously crafted to capture the essence of its mythological counterpart. Players will encounter a cast of legendary figures, including Thor, Odin, and Loki, whose actions and motivations shape the narrative in unexpected ways.

Dynamic and Unforgiving Combat

As the Shield Maiden, players engage in visceral and challenging combat. Wielding an arsenal of weapons imbued with the power of the gods, they must master the art of parrying, dodging, and unleashing devastating attacks. Enemies range from fierce Einherjar warriors to monstrous creatures of darkness, each with unique abilities and weaknesses. The combat system demands precision, strategy, and an unwavering determination to overcome the odds.

Environmental Puzzles and Exploration

Eitr is not just about combat; it also incorporates intricate environmental puzzles that test the player’s wits. Ancient runes, hidden mechanisms, and shifting landscapes present obstacles that require careful observation and creative thinking to overcome. Exploration is richly rewarded, as players discover hidden treasures, uncover ancient secrets, and piece together the fragments of the Shield Maiden’s destiny.

A Personal and Epic Narrative

At its core, Eitr is a deeply personal story about identity, destiny, and the choices that shape our lives. The Shield Maiden’s journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, as she grapples with the complexities of her fate and the consequences of her actions. The narrative unfolds through cinematic cutscenes and in-game dialogue, immersing players in the emotional journey of a warrior navigating the tumultuous waters of destiny.

Stunning Visuals and Immersive Sound

Eitr boasts stunning visuals that bring the Norse worlds to life in breathtaking detail. From the ethereal glow of Asgard to the oppressive darkness of Helheim, each environment is a feast for the eyes. The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, blending traditional Norse instruments with modern cinematic compositions to create an immersive and evocative atmosphere.

Replayability and Customization

Eitr offers immense replayability, with multiple endings and branching storylines that change based on the player’s choices. Additionally, the game features a robust character customization system, allowing players to tailor the Shield Maiden’s appearance and abilities to their own playstyle. Whether you prefer brute force, stealth, or a combination of both, Eitr empowers players to forge their own path through the Norse realms.

Conclusion

Eitr is a triumph of storytelling, gameplay, and artistic design. It invites players on an epic journey through Norse mythology, where they will unravel the mysteries of fate, engage in thrilling combat, solve intricate puzzles, and witness the transformative power of personal growth. As the Shield Maiden, players will forge their own destiny, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of Norse legend.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Heavy Bullets (2014)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Heavy Bullets: A Neon-Soaked Symphony of Strategy and Action

In the neon-drenched, pixelated world of Heavy Bullets, you step into the boots of a lone gunman tasked with a perilous mission: to reset the security mainframe and restore order. Armed with a simple yet stylish revolver and six devastatingly plump bullets, you must navigate treacherous corridors, outsmart cunning enemies, and make every shot count.

A Dance of Strategy and Precision

Heavy Bullets is a game that demands a delicate balance of strategy and precision. Each level is a labyrinth of neon-lit corridors, teeming with security drones, laser grids, and other deadly obstacles. Rushing headlong into these hazards is a surefire way to meet an untimely demise.

Instead, you must approach each encounter with a keen eye and a tactical mind. Observe enemy patterns, identify their weaknesses, and plan your moves accordingly. Your six bullets are precious, so make each one count. Use them to disable drones, trigger environmental hazards, or simply take down enemies with surgical precision.

A Symphony of Neon and Pixels

The world of Heavy Bullets is a visual feast, rendered in a vibrant pixel art style that evokes a nostalgic charm while still maintaining a modern aesthetic. The neon-drenched corridors pulsate with life, casting an eerie glow on the metallic surfaces and shadowy corners.

The soundtrack is a perfect complement to the visuals, blending pulsing electronica with ambient soundscapes to create an immersive and atmospheric experience. The sound design is equally impressive, with every gunshot, explosion, and ricochet echoing through the corridors with satisfying impact.

A Test of Skill and Endurance

As you progress through Heavy Bullets, the challenges will escalate, testing your skills and endurance to the limit. New enemy types will emerge, each with their unique abilities and attack patterns. The levels will become more complex, demanding even greater strategic thinking and precision.

But with each victory, you’ll earn upgrades and power-ups that will enhance your abilities and give you an edge in combat. These upgrades can increase your bullet damage, grant you new abilities, or simply make you more resilient to enemy fire.

A Neon Noir Masterpiece

Heavy Bullets is a masterpiece of the neon noir genre, combining stylish visuals, atmospheric sound design, and challenging gameplay into a cohesive and unforgettable experience. It’s a game that will test your skills, engage your mind, and immerse you in a world that’s both alluring and deadly.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of bullet hell shooters or a newcomer to the genre, Heavy Bullets is a game that deserves a place in your collection. Its unique blend of strategy, precision, and visual flair makes it a standout title that will keep you entertained for hours on end.

Tips for Success

  • Observe and plan: Before engaging enemies, take the time to observe their patterns and identify their weaknesses. Plan your moves accordingly to maximize your chances of success.
  • Use cover wisely: The neon corridors of Heavy Bullets are littered with obstacles that can provide cover from enemy fire. Use these obstacles to your advantage, peeking out to take shots and then retreating to safety.
  • Manage your bullets: Your six bullets are precious, so make each one count. Use them to disable drones, trigger environmental hazards, or take down enemies with surgical precision.
  • Upgrade your abilities: As you progress through the game, you’ll earn upgrades and power-ups that can enhance your abilities. Invest in upgrades that suit your playstyle and give you an edge in combat.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment: Heavy Bullets offers a variety of weapons, items, and abilities. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you and adapt your strategies to different situations.

Review Score

8/10

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The Expendabros (2014)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

The Expendabros: A Nostalgic Blast of Action-Packed Co-op Mayhem

Introduction

Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled adventure as we delve into the explosive world of The Expendabros (2014), a side-scrolling beat ’em up that brings the iconic action movie franchise to life in pixelated glory. Developed by Ubisoft Bucharest and published by Ubisoft, The Expendabros captures the essence of the Expendables films, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans and an engaging co-op experience for up to four players.

Gameplay: A Symphony of Bullets and Brawls

The Expendabros stays true to its arcade roots, delivering fast-paced side-scrolling action that’s both chaotic and satisfying. Players take control of one of seven legendary mercenaries, each with their own unique weapons and special attacks. From the shotgun-wielding Barney Ross to the knife-wielding Lee Christmas, every character feels distinct and adds variety to the gameplay.

The game’s levels are a rollercoaster of explosive set pieces and intense combat encounters. Enemies swarm the screen in waves, forcing players to adapt their strategies on the fly. Melee combat is visceral and brutal, with satisfying impact and gore. Ranged weapons, on the other hand, offer a more tactical approach, allowing players to take down enemies from afar or set up devastating traps.

Characters: A Band of Legendary Soldiers

The Expendabros wouldn’t be complete without its iconic cast of characters, and the game faithfully recreates their larger-than-life personalities. Players can choose from seven playable characters:

  • Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone): The leader of the Expendables, wielding a powerful shotgun and a no-nonsense attitude.
  • Lee Christmas (Jason Statham): A skilled martial artist and knife expert, known for his agility and speed.
  • Gunner Jensen (Dolph Lundgren): A massive and powerful soldier, armed with a minigun and a penchant for heavy firepower.
  • Toll Road (Randy Couture): A former wrestler and skilled hand-to-hand combatant, known for his brute strength.
  • Hale Caesar (Terry Crews): A former soldier with a colorful personality, wielding a flamethrower and a knack for one-liners.
  • Thorn (Arnold Schwarzenegger): A mysterious and deadly assassin, armed with a sniper rifle and a cold demeanor.
  • Yin Yang (Jet Li): A skilled martial artist and master of disguise, known for his acrobatic abilities and deadly strikes.

Each character has their own unique set of skills and abilities, allowing players to experiment with different playstyles and strategies.

Co-op: The Ultimate Expendables Experience

The Expendabros truly shines in its local multiplayer co-op mode, where up to four players can team up to take on the hordes of enemies together. Cooperation is key to success, as players must cover each other’s backs, revive fallen comrades, and unleash devastating team attacks.

The game’s levels are designed to encourage teamwork, with challenges that require players to split up and cover different areas or work together to solve puzzles. The chaos and intensity of the combat are amplified in co-op, creating a truly unforgettable gaming experience.

Visuals: A Pixelated Tribute to Action Cinema

The Expendabros’ pixelated graphics may seem like a throwback to the 16-bit era, but they perfectly capture the over-the-top action and tongue-in-cheek humor of the Expendables films. The character designs are spot-on, with each mercenary’s unique personality shining through. The environments are detailed and varied, from war-torn battlefields to explosive urban landscapes.

The game’s soundtrack is a mix of original compositions and licensed tracks that perfectly complement the action on screen. The sound effects are equally impressive, from the roar of gunfire to the satisfying crunch of melee combat.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, The Expendabros received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its nostalgic charm and chaotic co-op gameplay, while others criticized its repetitive levels and lack of innovation. Despite the mixed critical reception, the game was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

The Expendabros has since become a cult classic among fans of the Expendables franchise and beat ’em up enthusiasts. Its unique blend of action, co-op, and nostalgia continues to entertain gamers to this day.

Conclusion

The Expendabros (2014) is a love letter to action cinema and a testament to the power of co-op gaming. While it may not be the most groundbreaking beat ’em up ever made, it delivers a satisfying and nostalgic experience that’s perfect for fans of the Expendables films and anyone looking for a chaotic and over-the-top action fix. Grab your friends, choose your favorite mercenary, and prepare for an explosive adventure that will leave you craving more.

Review Score

7/10

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Twin Dragon (1998)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Twin Dragon: A Shadow Warrior Expansion Pack That’s More Than Just a Cash Grab

Released in 1998, Twin Dragon is an expansion pack for the popular first-person shooter Shadow Warrior. Developed by 3D Realms and published by GT Interactive, Twin Dragon features 13 new levels, new enemies, new weapons, and a new playable character.

Gameplay

Twin Dragon’s gameplay is very similar to Shadow Warrior’s. Players control either Lo Wang or Pei Ling, two warriors who must fight their way through hordes of enemies using a variety of weapons and martial arts techniques. The game features a fast-paced and action-packed combat system that is both challenging and rewarding.

One of the most unique aspects of Twin Dragon is its dual-wielding system. Players can equip two different weapons at once and switch between them at any time. This allows for a variety of combat strategies, as players can combine different weapons to create powerful combos.

Levels

Twin Dragon’s 13 levels are set in a variety of locations, including ancient temples, futuristic cities, and even a haunted forest. Each level is filled with challenging enemies and obstacles, and players must use all of their skills to survive.

Some of the most memorable levels in Twin Dragon include:

  • The Temple of the Dragon: A sprawling temple filled with traps and puzzles.
  • The City of the Dead: A futuristic city overrun by zombies and other undead creatures.
  • The Haunted Forest: A dark and eerie forest filled with ghosts and other supernatural beings.

Enemies

Twin Dragon features a variety of enemies, both new and old. Some of the new enemies include:

  • Shadow Demons: Fast and agile demons that can teleport and attack from a distance.
  • Oni Warriors: Powerful demons that are armed with swords and shields.
  • Giant Spiders: Large and deadly spiders that can spit webs and poison.

Weapons

Twin Dragon features a variety of weapons, both new and old. Some of the new weapons include:

  • The Dragon Sword: A powerful sword that can be used to slice through enemies with ease.
  • The Phoenix Cannon: A rapid-fire cannon that can be used to take down multiple enemies at once.
  • The Shadow Staff: A staff that can be used to cast spells and summon creatures.

Characters

Twin Dragon features two playable characters:

  • Lo Wang: The protagonist of Shadow Warrior, Lo Wang is a skilled warrior who is armed with a katana and a variety of firearms.
  • Pei Ling: A new character to the series, Pei Ling is a female warrior who is armed with a staff and a variety of spells.

Reception

Twin Dragon received positive reviews from critics. Many praised the game’s fast-paced combat, challenging levels, and variety of weapons and enemies. However, some critics found the game to be too short and repetitive.

Despite its mixed reviews, Twin Dragon was a commercial success. The game sold over 1 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling expansion packs of all time.

Legacy

Twin Dragon is remembered as one of the best expansion packs ever made. The game’s fast-paced combat, challenging levels, and variety of weapons and enemies made it a hit with fans of Shadow Warrior. Twin Dragon also introduced new characters and weapons to the series, which would go on to be featured in future Shadow Warrior games.

Conclusion

Twin Dragon is a must-play for fans of Shadow Warrior. It’s an excellent expansion pack that adds a lot of new content to the game. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding FPS experience, then Twin Dragon is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Hotline Miami (2012)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 8 minutes read

Summary

With its blend of neon aesthetics, gripping narrative, and challenging gameplay, Hotline Miami (2012) remains a landmark title in the indie game industry, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

Introduction

Hotline Miami bursts onto the scene as a vibrant amalgamation of fast-paced action, compelling storytelling, and a unique aesthetic. It stands as a testament to the potential of indie games to offer deep, engaging experiences.

Synopsis

Hotline Miami: A Descent into Ultraviolence and Unreliable Memories
Hotline Miami, the 2012 neo-noir action game by Dennaton Games, isn’t your typical story.It’s a brutal ballet of violence drenched in neon lights and a synthwave soundtrack, all filtered through the unreliable lens of a nameless protagonist.Let’s delve into the twisted world of Hotline Miami, where cryptic messages and brutal killings blur the lines between reality and delusion.

The Man With No Name (But a Killer Instinct)

The unnamed protagonist, often referred to as “Jacket” by fans due to his signature white leather jacket with a crow on the back, lives a seemingly mundane life.However, his nights are far from ordinary.Through distorted answering machine messages, a mysterious voice instructs him to embark on a series of brutal assassinations targeting members of the Russian Mafia.

A Symphony of Violence

The gameplay of Hotline Miami is as fast-paced as it is brutal.Presented in a top-down perspective, players control Jacket as he tears through levels overflowing with enemies.A vast arsenal of weapons – from shotguns and assault rifles to baseball bats and katanas – allows for a creative approach to combat.The emphasis is on speed and efficiency, encouraging players to chain kills together in a bloody ballet.

A World Drenched in Neon and Distrust

Hotline Miami’s world is a hyper-stylized depiction of Miami in 1989.The visuals are awash in neon lights and bold colors, creating a mesmerizing aesthetic that clashes violently with the bloodshed that unfolds.The narrative is fragmented and delivered through cryptic messages, news reports, hidden phone calls, and disturbing hallucinations. It’s up to the player to piece together the truth behind Jacket’s actions and the motives of his unseen controller.

Unreliable Memories and a Descent into Madness

As the game progresses, the line between reality and Jacket’s warped perception blurs.Drug use, violence, and a sense of paranoia steadily erode his mental state.The narrative throws unsettling questions at the player: Is Jacket a vigilante taking down criminals?A pawn manipulated by a hidden force?Or something more sinister entirely?

Masks and Mayhem: The Identities of Violence

A recurring motif in Hotline Miami is the use of animal masks.Jacket and many of his enemies wear them, creating a dehumanizing effect and emphasizing the game’s exploration of violence as a form of entertainment.Are these masks a shield for Jacket’s psyche?A way for his targets to mask their true identities?The answer remains open to interpretation.

The Russian Mafia and the 50 Blessings:

While the initial targets appear to be members of the Russian Mafia, a deeper conspiracy soon emerges.The cryptic messages originate from a group called the 50 Blessings, a seemingly benevolent cult with a hidden agenda.Their role in manipulating Jacket and the true reason for the killings become a central mystery.

A Descent into Chaos and a Questionable Redemption:

The further Jacket progresses, the more violent and chaotic the world around him becomes.The narrative reaches a fever pitch, culminating in a series of events that leave the player questioning everything they thought they knew.Did Jacket achieve any semblance of justice?Was there ever any hope for redemption?The game offers no easy answers, leaving the player to grapple with the moral ambiguity of violence.

Hotline Miami’s Legacy: A Brutal Masterpiece

Hotline Miami stands out as a unique experience in gaming.Its blend of fast-paced action, cryptic storytelling, and ultraviolence has garnered a cult following.While the game doesn’t shy away from its brutal themes, it also invites introspection, prompting players to consider the cyclical nature of violence and the seductive nature of vengeance.Whether Jacket is a hero or a villain is ultimately left for the player to decide.Hotline Miami isn’t just a game; it’s a descent into a neon-drenched nightmare, a brutal ballet where the lines between reality and delusion are forever blurred.

Characters

‘Jacket’, the silent protagonist; various antagonists including mobsters and hitmen; and a range of enigmatic characters providing missions and cryptic advice.

Gameplay

The game is a blend of fast-paced, top-down shooting and slashing, with a significant emphasis on strategy. Players must navigate through levels, choosing the right masks and weapons, each offering unique abilities and tactics, to clear rooms of enemies in a ballet of violence.

Conclusion

Hotline Miami is more than just a game; it’s a cultural touchstone in the indie gaming world, celebrated for its style, challenge, and the way it makes players reflect on their actions within the digital realm.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

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Wanton Destruction (2004)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Wanton Destruction: A Shadow Warrior Story

Wanton Destruction is a free expansion pack for the 2004 first-person shooter Shadow Warrior. It was developed by Flying Wild Hog and published by Devolver Digital. The expansion was released on September 9, 2005, and continues the story of Lo Wang, the protagonist of the original game.

Gameplay

Wanton Destruction is a first-person shooter that retains the fast-paced, over-the-top gameplay of the original Shadow Warrior. Players control Lo Wang as he battles his way through hordes of enemies, using a variety of weapons and abilities.

The expansion introduces several new features to the Shadow Warrior formula, including:

  • New weapons: Lo Wang now has access to a variety of new weapons, including the Shuriken Cannon, the Rocket Launcher, and the Plasma Rifle.
  • New abilities: Lo Wang can now use new abilities, such as the Shadow Strike and the Shadow Fury.
  • New enemies: The expansion features a variety of new enemies, including the Shadow Ninjas, the Shadow Demons, and the Shadow Bosses.

Story

Wanton Destruction continues the story of Lo Wang after the end of the original game. Lo Wang has defeated the evil sorcerer Zilla, but he is still haunted by the memories of his past.

One day, Lo Wang is visited by the spirit of a young woman named Mei Ling. Mei Ling tells Lo Wang that her village has been attacked by a group of Shadow Ninjas. Lo Wang agrees to help Mei Ling, and sets out to investigate the attack.

Lo Wang soon discovers that the Shadow Ninjas are led by a powerful sorcerer named Orochi. Orochi is planning to use the power of the Shadow Stone to conquer the world.

Lo Wang must stop Orochi and his Shadow Ninjas before it’s too late. He travels to a variety of locations, including a forest, a temple, and a castle, as he fights his way to Orochi’s lair.

Reception

Wanton Destruction received positive reviews from critics. IGN praised the expansion’s “fast-paced, over-the-top gameplay” and “great new weapons and abilities.” GameSpot called the expansion “a solid addition to Shadow Warrior” and “a must-play for fans of the original game.”

Legacy

Wanton Destruction is considered to be one of the best expansion packs ever released. It is a faithful expansion to the original Shadow Warrior, and it adds a lot of new content to the game. The expansion is also notable for its innovative use of the Shadow Warrior engine, which allowed the developers to create a variety of new and exciting gameplay experiences.

Wanton Destruction has been praised for its fast-paced, over-the-top gameplay, its great new weapons and abilities, and its solid story. The expansion is a must-play for fans of the original Shadow Warrior, and it is also a great introduction to the series for new players.

Conclusion

Wanton Destruction is a great expansion pack that adds a lot of new content to Shadow Warrior. The expansion is a must-play for fans of the original game, and it is also a great introduction to the series for new players.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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