Showing posts with label Indie Games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indie Games. Show all posts

Friday, November 24, 2023

Super Rare Games Black Friday Sales 2023

November 24, 2023 0 Comments

Did you know that Super Rare Games is having a Black Friday sale which ends in 48 hours? If I knew, I would have waited to buy my copy of Dicey Dungeons.


The allure of this sale lies not just in the exclusive timeframe but also in the substantial discounts offered, reaching up to a remarkable 50% off on a diverse array of editions. The regret of missing out on the Dicey Dungeon deal is somewhat mitigated by my newfound interest in the Steelbook version of Lost in Play. #girlmaths


This limited-time extravaganza kicked off on November 23 at 6 pm GMT and will run until November 25 at 6 pm GMT. With a tad bit of time left on the clock, the opportunity to fill my cart and proceed to checkout still beckons.


How about you? Have you unearthed any hidden gems or taken advantage of the Black Friday sales to add to your collection? Feel free to share your finds and recommendations in the comment below!

Monday, October 23, 2023

Mini Review: Dicey Dungeons Nintendo Switch Game

October 23, 2023 0 Comments

Dicey Dungeons is a unique and captivating addition to the Nintendo Switch game library. Developed by Terry Cavanagh, the game combines elements of roguelike, deck-building, and strategy. As a result, you end up having thrilling and addictive experience in the most laidback form ever.

To me, one of the standout features of Dicey Dungeons is its charmingly simple yet stylish art design. The game's colorful, pixelated graphics and catchy chiptune soundtrack create a delightful and nostalgic atmosphere that's hard to resist. Together, both the visual and auditory appeal adds a layer of immersion to the gameplay.


I went and got myself a physical copy of the game from Super Rare Games, and although it was a little pricey I am totally enjoying myself!


What's it about?

At its core, Dicey Dungeons is all about strategy with a little randomness thrown in (you are only limited to the choices you are given). 

As a player, you will have to navigate a series of grid-based dungeons, battling various monsters using dice as your primary resource. The brilliance lies in the dice-rolling mechanics, where each piece of equipment you acquire is represented by a set of dice with specific abilities.  

To get started, you play as one of the show's six adorable contestants, all of whom are turned into dice for Lady Luck's show. To progress, you need to complete episodes by defeating enemies, opening chests and visiting stores while building up a deck of cards capable of defeating an end boss. 

One of the end bosses
The dungeons are presented as a series of nodes you can move between: there are shops, health-restoring apples, and enemies placed on several of them. To progress you need to fight enemies and reach the node that features the trap door to the next floor. The challenge is to optimize your dice to deal damage, heal, and overcome your adversaries, all while managing limited resources.
Example of how a dungeon and nodes looks like
Dicey Dungeons strikes a near-perfect balance between accessibility and depth. New players can grasp the basics quickly, while seasoned gamers will appreciate the strategic layers and decision-making involved in each encounter. 

As you progress, you will be able to unlock different characters. Each character has their own unique abilities and playstyles, enhancing the replayability and variety of the game so you will never get bored.
Choose carefully as there is a limited amount of space in your bag pack.
The roguelike nature of Dicey Dungeons keeps you coming back for more. Permanent upgrades and the excitement of unlocking new equipment and abilities provide a satisfying sense of progression. However, failure is frequent, and the random element of dice rolling can be unforgiving at times. This adds an addictive element, and tempts you to try one more time to  pass that episode. The rolling dice mechanics stay the same, but no two rolls are ever the same and each character uses them so uniquely that it is never the same experience each time you play.


Verdict: 4/5

While Dicey Dungeons is undoubtedly enjoyable, some players might find the difficulty spikes in later levels a bit frustrating, as the game's randomness can occasionally lead to unwinnable situations. Nevertheless, the sense of accomplishment when you finally conquer a tough floor is immensely gratifying. 

If you enjoy strategic gameplay, roguelike challenges, and quirky, retro aesthetics then Dicey Dungeons is a must-play! Its innovative mechanics, engaging strategy, and charming presentation make it a standout addition to the your game library. Despite occasional frustrations, the overall experience is highly rewarding, making Dicey Dungeons a game you'll want to keep rolling the dice in, time and time again.

What's even better is that there is a sale on the Nintendo eShop and the game is going for USD$1.99 (until 2 November 2023!).

If you prefer to have a physical copy, then get yours at Super Rare Games!

Sunday, August 20, 2023

A Monster’s Expedition + Earlier Adventures Switch Physical Release

August 20, 2023 0 Comments

iam8bit announced in 2022 the release of A Monster’s Expedition + Earlier Adventures, a physical release containing four games. A Monster’s Expedition, Sokobond, Cosmic Express and A Good Snowman is Hard to Build will all be offered on a single physical cartridge. On top of that, each copy will include a number of physical extras.

Each copy comes with the following:
  • iam8bit Exclusive Edition
  • Four Award-Winning Unique Puzzle Games in One – A Monster’s Expedition, Cosmic Express, A Good Snowman is Hard to Build and Sokobond
  • Over 100 hours of unique, no-filler puzzles!
  • Includes an exclusive 18”x24” poster of the full world map from A Monster’s Expedition!
  • Exclusive cover sheet by Andre Rodrigues

If that wasn’t enough, fans can pick up the A Monster’s Expedition + Earlier Adventures Vinyl Soundtrack as well. This features music from Monster’s Expedition, Sokobond, Cosmic Express, and A Good Snowman Is Hard to Build. Music was done by Eli Rainsberry, Allison Walker, Nick Dymond, and Priscilla Snow, and there’s album art from Andre Rodrigues. 

You can order A Monster’s Expedition + Earlier Adventures as well as the new soundtrack from the here.

I wanted to get it from iam8bit but it was too pricey for close to SGD$95, just the shipping along was USD$14. Since I was not too interested in the poster (a pity about the cover sheet but it is what it is), I managed to get a deal at Amazon (with vouchers) for SGD$35! Though the cover is different and it does not come with any freebies, it's still cheaper than if I were to get it from iam8bit  and also cheaper than getting all the games digitally from the e-shop. 


Monday, August 7, 2023

Toki Tori Review (Nintendo Switch)

August 07, 2023 0 Comments

Toki Tori was originally about two decades ago in 2001 on the Game Boy Color, before seeing re-masters of sorts appear on the Wii and Wii U etc... I actually had my first encounter with this game on device called the Palm in the mid 2000s.


So imagine my delight when I got the Nintendo Switch and saw it on the e-shop... on sale! Of course I had to get it and relive my childhood.


It's a very rewarding yet challenging and fun puzzle game. You are tasked with guiding Toki Tori around 5 worlds and their multiple levels. To complete each level and progress to the next, you need to collect all of the eggs. All of this is to be accomplished with a set number of moves and abilities such as building bridges, freezing the enemies, and using blocks, bubble or teleportation etc... 

The first world is relatively simple and with each world and level you get introduced to new abilities. Of course the more you progress, the more challenging it becomes and solving the puzzle really takes some brain power. Thankfully there are videos online to help you out if you do get stuck on  certain levels and it gets somewhat frustrating as you find yourself sort on one bridge or teleport move to complete the level.


One of the features I love is the rewind button by simply pressing the 'Y' Button! This saves time having to restart the level all over again and you can just continue from where you think you made a mistake. It does bring the frustration level down a little but then having to start again from the beginning: you get to trial run some of the moves and redo them to get the right path to collect all the eggs.

There are 5 worlds which offer a set of regular levels. Once you have cleared the regular levels, the 'hard' and 'bonus' levels are unlocked. Both of these advanced levels are even more challenging and makes you really think out of the box, giving the most well-practiced puzzle experts a brain workout for sure. 


From World 2 onwards, there's a Wildcard option which enables you to pass on to the next level. You can only use this once and once you've spent it  you will need to complete the particular level it was used on in the future to have it returned to you. Of course there is the other alternative to search Google and find the solution online to see what you missed out. 


Toki Tori's difficulty is hard but rewarding when you manage to solve the puzzles: it forces you to plan out and execute each move to exact precision and timing, the wrong move could jeopardize the whole flow which results in a failed level. Unlike other puzzle games which are tricky due to infuriating mechanics which are out of your control, in Toki Tori you have more control per se. 


Some levels are relatively easy but others, especially as you progress, makes you wonder if it actually can be solved or not. The satisfaction comes from having solved or realizing what was the critical step to solve the level. Yes, even if you play cheat and find the solution from the countless of videos available on the internet it is still satisfying. 

Not only are the graphics and animation easy on the eyes, the soundtrack is adorable and catchy! So even if you are stuck on a certain level, it helps to soothe the frustration somewhat. 


Verdict: 4.5/5

Toki Tori is an adorably charming game which is fun and tricky at the same time. It really gives your brain a workout and the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when is complete each level is indescribable: it's like you feel you gain more intelligence with each level you complete as you are forced  come up with perfect solutions throughout the game. 

It's totally worth the money, more so when it is one sale on the Nintendo e-shop.


So if you love yourself a good puzzle game, or simply want to have it on the Nintendo Switch, you should get it! 

Friday, May 19, 2023

Mini Review: Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion Nintendo Switch Game

May 19, 2023 0 Comments

 

About The Game

Take control of an adorable turnip who happens to be an absolute menace to society. After failing to pay taxes and getting evicted from your home, you must go on an epic quest to pay back your massive debt to Mayor Onion. Garden tools to solve plantastic puzzles, meet eccentric vegetables and fruits, and take on treacherous fights. Along the journey uncover what’s spoiling this garden community and rise to tear down the corrupt vegetable government!


So... I came across this game on sale the other day for just under USD$3 and the premise seemed interesting and adorable at the same time. Needless to say I downloaded the game and have started play, hence this is a mini review on the experience so far. 


Playing as a turnip trying to evade taxes and defeat a seeming corrupted onion as mayor seems fun a vegan world. As Turnip Boy, you can can evade as much tax as you like without any real world repercussions; it is a game after all. 


It's one of the cutest games I've played and the gameplay is easy to grasp for the most part. Once you manage to get the hang of the controls, you'd be defeating baddies and evading taxes like a pro. 

Some captures from my game progress so far

At start of the game Turnip Boy obtains a ‘soil sword’ along with a watering can.  The sword is used to attack against fearsome snails, piglets, and other dangerous but adorable (mostly vegetable eating) animals. The water can can also help water bombs, put too much water and you'd lose a few hearts. Alternating between the sword and watering can can be a bit cumbersome, but once you get used to it, it's a breeze. There are 2 options to alternate between items 


  1. Use the ‘L’ and ‘R’ is easy, OR
  2. Holding down ‘Y’ to access to inventory


There's also a move to throw the bombs in the direction you want to attack animals or blast doorways to open pathways. Time it right after you use the water can and kick it in the direction you want or risk being bombed yourself. 


The whole tax evasion thing is the theme, and the aim is to repay back the onion mayor by doing various tasks. While exploring the world, the other characters encountered will also give you mini-tasks with mini awards / achievements. It's relatively simple: task is given, go to location, complete task and return for the reward. The reward could be new items or abilities. 


There's a wide range of characters you’ll come across during your travels, all of which comprise different fruits or vegetables (it is a vegan world after all). There's dialogue and you can follow the storyline as well. It would have been better if there was indication of which characters would give you tasks and others just there for comic relieve. Having to approach each character to see if a bit cumbersome and can be a bit frustrating since you cannot skip past some pointless conversations. If you take your time to read each one, it is still a nice adorable little game. 


For those looking for something adorable and relatively easy, Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is definitely worth a try. That said, although Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is not too difficult, some of the boss battles and puzzles where you have to make use of multiple items may well pose a good challenge.


Verdict: 4/5

Overall, Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is a delightful vegan adventure and I cannot wait to complete the game! 


If you’re after a chill and adorable game with a bit of RPG action, then look no further; this is a great way to get started and also get more digital veggies into your gaming diet.


Have you played Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion? If yes, let us know in the comments below how much you liked it (or not)! 


You can get the physical copy to keep or re-sale after you are done, or get it from the Nintendo e-shop when there're sales.

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Dicey Dungeons Physical Release on Switch

September 27, 2022 0 Comments
It’s time to defy Lady Luck in the roguelike deck-builder, Dicey Dungeons. Released on the Nintendo Switch in 2020, it’s escaping it’s digital (finally!). Super Rare Games will sell a total of 5,000 copies in total, so if you want to secure a copy, make sure to purchase it from the Super Rare Games.

The physical edition will come with all the current content of the game, including the Reunion DLC, a full-color manual, interior artwork, and exclusive sticker, and trading cards. 

Luck won’t save you this time. You’ll need skills to survive this game. Become a giant walking dice and battle to the end of an ever-changing dungeon and fight monsters, find better loot, and level up your heroes as you work together to take down the Goddess of Fortune, Lady Luck herself. Balance your carefully planned strategies against the unknown of a dice roll.

Key Features:
  • SIX PLAYABLE CHARACTER: Choose between 6 wildly different classes: Warrior, Thief, Robot, Jester, Inventor, and Witch.
  • DOZENS OF ENEMIES: Fight and defeat a variety of enemies from Vacuum Cleaners that want to suck your blood, to creatures from Irish mythology, to suave malevolent snowmen.
  • ENDLESS REPLAYABILITY: Re-enter the dungeon for a totally different experience due to procedurally generated levels.
  • REUNION DLC INCLUDED: A major new DLC released in July that comes with six new episodes, one for each contestant, new music, new art, new equipment, and new gameplay. Dicey Dungeons is bigger than ever!
  • CATCHY SOUNDTRACK: Take on Lady Luck to the catchy, upbeat, and energetic beats by Chipzel
  • CARTOONY ART STYLE: Get immersed in the beautiful and adorable artwork by Marlowe Dobbe.




Once all 5,000 copies are gone, you’ll have to wait for a copy to appear on the second-hand market or just get it digitally via the Nintendo eShop. I've already made my order and am excited for it's arrival!

 
If you love this game, you should definitely get it! 




What do you think of the physical edition of Dicey Dungeons for Nintendo Switch? Share it with us below in the comments below!

~Comments, shares and follows are most definitely appreciated! 💬💞

Friday, August 26, 2022

Nintendo Switch Game: A Short Hike Physical Release (Collectors Edition)

August 26, 2022 0 Comments

If you've loved the rustic and calming gameplay of  A Short Hike and wished it was on a physical game cartridge for your Nintendo Switch, your wish has been granted thanks to Super Rare Games!



Follow the marked trails or explore the backcountry as you make your way to the summit. Along the way, meet other hikers, discover hidden treasures, and take in the world around you.

• Explore the island any way you like. Choose your own path to follow and see where it leads you. You never know what you might stumble into!

• Hike at your own pace – there’s no need to rush to the summit! Take your time fishing along the river banks or swimming by the lakeshore.

• Collect hidden treasures to reach new heights. Try taking a dive off the mountain peaks to soar above the forests.

• Chat with the other hikers you meet along your route. You might be able to help each other out!

• Listen to a lush original soundtrack by Mark Sparling that progresses dynamically as you explore the wilderness.


The collector's edition contains a a 46-page retro style guidebook of Hawk Peak, 4 sticker sheets of the Flora and Fauna found on Hawk Peak, a poster-size retro style fold-out map of Hawk Peak (all held together by a Short Hike Belly Band), a Claire pin badge, 3 postcards, and the beautiful OST composed by Mark Sparling. 


How cool is that?! 


If you are a collector and love this game, you should definitely get it! 

 Buy Now














Have you gotten the game or collector's edition? Share it with us below in the comments below!

~Comments, shares and follows are most definitely appreciated! 💬💞


Sunday, June 19, 2022

Toki Tori 2+ Getting Started Guide: The Basics

June 19, 2022 0 Comments
Welcome to my little guide on Toki Tori 2+

Basics

Let's start with the basics, throughout the game you only have 2 move sets (well, 3 if you count moving):
  1. Chirping: used to to attract animals in the direction you want them to be /go. You can also chirp different melodies which do certain things (more on that later on).
  2. Stomping: used to repel animals or move them to where you want to be. This move is also used to break platforms and push down pillars.


Melodies

Melodies are used are consecutive sequences of chirps which results in special effects. There are 2 types of chirps, Long (L) and Short (S) Notes.

Here are the melodies you can use in the game:

  • Finder (LSSS): This points towards any collectibles on the screen. If none appear, then you got them all in that screen!
  • Camera (LSLS): This summons a camera which you use to take pictures of animals and things which are then added to your Tokidex. Complete it, and something good will happen!
  • Map (LLSSLL): This brings up the world map and it comes in handy when you need to orientate your sense of direction.
  • Eagle (SSLSSL): This melody allows you to fast travel. It is only usable at a checkpoint. However, you can only land at obelisks.
  • Rewind (SSLL): This is the "Restart Checkpoint" option. Anything you did between that point and the last checkpoint will NOT be saved. You'd have to re-do it all over again. So this should be your very last resort!     


Walkthrough Gameplay

If you need a walkthrough or guide to complete the game, I found this cool collection on Youtube which I use as a reference too from time to time as the game can be a little confusing.


So there you have all the basics you need to start you adventure!



Have you played the game yet and did you like it? Let us know in the comments below~!

~Comments, shares and follows are most definitely appreciated! 💬💞

Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Toki Tori 2+ on the Nintendo Switch

May 03, 2022 0 Comments

Toki Tori 2+ is a metroidvania game, which just means it’s is a sub-genre of action-adventure video games focused on non-linear and utility-gated exploration and progression: the player travels through a map to collect items and gain new abilities, both of which open up the world to further exploration.

You play a chicken tasked by 5 ancient frogs to travel the country to destroy the floating crystal endangering everything. With only 2 moves, whistling and stomp, puzzles are to be solved as you progress towards your goal.

Unlike most of the games with explicit instructions and clear tutorials. This game leaves it to you to explore and solve your own puzzles. It can get frustrating trying to figure out what to do and where to go, but the satisfaction from solving the puzzles is amazing. The puzzles strike a really good balance of difficulty by demanding the player to observe their surroundings and plan their moves without ever getting too frustrating (if it does, just take a break before coming back to it again).

When I started playing, I got stuck and had to reset progress at least 3 times. But it got better the more I played and discovered new areas. It’s a relaxing game… that is… once you’ve learned something about the ecosystem of other creatures you manipulate with the only 2 moves you have.

Rule of thumb: If you cannot solve the puzzle, move on in another direction, just take a break and come back to it later. As you progress, you learn new ways of doing things and you can then come back to those puzzles to solve them with the new knowledge you’ve acquired.

The game also has various features such as the Tokidex

The Tokidex

During gameplay, you can use a song to bring up the camera, which is controlled via controllers to take pictures of the creatures that appear in the world. For that you get rewarded for collecting pictures of every creature in the game.

For USD$14.99 (or even less at USD$3.59 when there’s sales on e-Shop), it’s worth it!
You can also just download the Demo to try it out before buying it.


Have you gotten yours yet and did you like it? Let us know in the comments below~!

~Comments, shares and follows are most definitely appreciated! 💬💞