Category Archives: Video Game Review

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Review: Battlesouls

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Battlesouls: New Moba ideas
by Dark_Laharl
 I didn’t know what to expect when I first heard about Battlesouls.  I knew it was a MOBA but had no idea how it played. I decided to try the beta and was less than impressed; but I also wasn’t disappointed.
Gameplay/Controls
The controls are standard; walk with the W, A, S, and D keys on your keyboard and activate your abilities with a mouse click.  You can also switch your characters with 1, 2, and 3 number keys; no complaints here.
The gameplay is where my gripes start.  It takes too long for what it is. The game I played has an inhibitor to be captured before you attack the enemy crystals but the crystals have too much health.  If your team is not attacking it takes forever to destroy one crystal. While you are attacking, the enemy can easily capture the inhibitor and stop your attack.  The re-spawn time seems to get higher (at least, it feels like does) each time making it more difficult to go back and help complete the mission.  The entire match just feels long and tedious.
Battlesouls does bring something I have not seen to the MOBA genre: the ability to choose 3 heroes at once that you can switch on the fly.  You can start as a melee character, then switch over to a ranged, then a magic user. Every hero has a unique passive ability when you first switch to them and they also have two active-able abilities.  The game has a 3rd person style so the melee characters feel awkward to play as they slash in front of them. Aiming the melee also feels odd, but that is nothing new since I feel like all 3rd person games have weird melee mechanics.

Graphics
The graphics of Battlesouls reminds me of Team Fortress 2.  It’s cartoony and minimalistic which isn’t a bad thing; it sets the game apart from other games in the MOBA genre.

Verdict
Battlesouls is not a horrible game; it’s just not my cup of tea. I can see it improving but it depends on the direction the developers take it.  The game is free to play with in-app purchases.  I didn’t venture too much about finding out what they sell but I know I wouldn’t bother buying it, especially if it is the heroes or skins.  Don’t dismiss it until you try it, but personally, I will play other games for now.
Android, Bandai Namco, Gaming News, IOS, Mobile Gaming, Puzzle Games, Sailor Moon, Sailor Moon Drops, Video Game Review

In the name of the Moon I will play another damn puzzle game!

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In the name of the Moon I will play another damn puzzle game!
Yes, Sailor Moon Drops, or Sailor Drops, is yet another puzzle game to hit the mobile market.  But what makes this game worthwhile? Just the fact that it’s a puzzle game with a Sailor Moon spin.
 

The game is simple: match three or more pieces in a row to reach the target score, beat the clock, break the barriers, collect accessories, and so on.  The tutorial lasts about 10 levels, but Luna will pop up whenever a new element is added. The game has the usual run of the mill power ups which you can earn through playing or buy through in-app purchases.  In addition you have 5 hearts which you only lose if you cannot beat a puzzle and need to retry.  The hearts restore after a certain amount of time so you can get back into the game fairly soon. 

Overall, the game follows the basic Sailor Moon plot.  You discover your powers, find your companions, beat bad guys, and level up. At the end of the puzzle you get some random Luna Bonus which allots you extra points. I still don’t understand the Luna Bonus (how or why), but all the pieces break one after the other and your score suddenly increases, and somehow you’re winning, right? Right?!? You’re also rewarded through unlockables.  Beating puzzles and certain levels with the right criteria allows you to unlock special powers and wall paper pieces.

Aside from the simple game play, the voice acting is done in Japanese but you’ll definitely recognize all those wonderful catch phrases (“Tsukini kawatte, oshioki yo!”) from the series which, I think, is a nice touch.

I recommend this game because, well, Sailor Moon.  The game is fairly addicting, and while it starts off pretty easy, it’s not so simplistic you’ll be blasting your way through every puzzle.

Have you downloaded the Sailor Moon Drops yet? What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
 

Organic Panic, Review, Video Game Review, Video Games

Review: Organic Panic!, Destruction, Puzzles, and… Food?

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Puzzle, Platforming, Destruction…..FOOD?

The battle between organic and processed foods moves to the next level in Organic Panic!  Play as fresh organic vegetables and get past the evil meat and cheeses in this new 2.5 puzzle platform.  Your objective: destroy all enemies, collect the diamonds, and make it to the exit!

Story
The story, which is told through a series of comics, follows organic fruits out to destroy the evil processed food franchise.  However, the story isn’t really a central part to the game, but rather gives the playable characters a back story so you never wonder, “Why the hell am I playing as a carrot that shoots fire?”

Gameplay

Gameplay is the best feature of the game.  The DAFT (Destruction and Fluid Technology) physics engine allows you to interact with the environment as a real world environment. Ice melts, lava will burn you, and enemies will drown if you fill the stage with water.  The DAFT element adds more depth to the puzzles because everything is destructible which can, of course, work for or against you. Each puzzle is well thought out and introduces new elements to the game with each stage. You can switch your character, figure out how to get two characters across the stage, leap through portals, and so much more!

 A variety of modes are also available in the game. You can play solo or with up to four friends.  In co-op mode you work with your friends utilizing each unique character ability to reach the end. The more you learn your character, the easier it is to work together and clear the stage.  Or, you can duke it in the VS mode, finding fun ways to blow each other up.  Of course, you may not be friends by the end of the night, but that’s a risk you take every time you play against each other in any game.

Visuals
Visuals are reminiscent of Worms and Lemmings.  Graphics take on a nostalgic essence and are an excellent mix between 3D and 2D.  Stages generally feel small, but the obstacles challenge you to think of how to best use the course and character.  Items, power ups, and obstacles stand out well enough for you to figure your way through each puzzle. 

Verdict

If you love puzzle games, this is definitely one to add to your collection.  Beginning levels teach you how to play the game and gradually increase in difficulty.  Once you’re a pro, you’ll find yourself wanting to go back to complete the level or beat your score.  It’s not  game that keeps you on edge, but it’s a great way to waste time.  If I could ask for anything more from this game, I’d ask for a creation mode where I can create my own puzzles.  But hey, there’s always Mario Maker, right?

You can find Organic Panic! on Xbox One, Playstation 4 and Steam. Be sure to check it out and let us know what you think!