Making Art || Catastropieces (PC)

“Art doesn’t have to be pretty. It has to be meaningful.” -Duane Hanson

Such a pretty and colorful title screen

Catastropieces is a point and click puzzle game created by Maria Ferreri and many others, in which you use Rube Goldberg contraptions to create art. I fell in love with the concept, and the creativity behind it, so I could wait to give it a try. Without further ado, let’s give it a try!

The style of the game is very nice, it looks smooth and the colors are nice. The game ran at a bit of a low frame rate on my computer, but it wasn’t terrible. I had a bigger issue with the controls are certain times. It was difficult to place objects where I wanted to go. Some surfaces wouldn’t register where I tried to place things. I also wished that you were able to place object diagonally, for example, laying a canvas from the top of a box to the floor so I could roll objects down it. It would have made it better for me.

This one you have to paint the car!

There were also times when I would try to rotate an object, but my camera would move instead, which was a little frustrating. There’s a random element to how the objects will move when acted upon with force, so it can be difficult to predict how certain parts of your contraption will work. I completed one level by repeatedly running the same contraption until a fruit rolled the way I wanted it to. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I’m not skilled in creating Rube Goldberg machines, and that likely playing into my terrible skill at this particular game. I still love the concept, and I think with some updates and minor fixes it could be great. If a person enjoys creating these types of contraption (instead of just watching them, like me), they may find more enjoyment in the game. Give the game a try for yourself, you can download it free from Itch.io *here*. Let me know what you thought in the comments below!

Thank you, as always. Until next time!

Bellannmae

Sticks and Stones... || Haimrik (PC)

"By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes. Open, locks, Whoever knocks!" -Shakespeare

Looks Old-Timey

Haimrik is a unique action adventure game where you use words to mold your weapons and yearn to return to your normal life. Haimrik was created by Below the Game, and published by the 1C Company. The game was released just a few days before my birthday(6/22), and it was on sale, so I decided to get it as a little birthday gift to myself. So, let’s talk about the game.

That goes for everyone. 

I’ve had Haimrik on my wishlist for a little while. I heard about it and I was intrigued by the premise of the game. Using the words of a story to your advantage, solving puzzles, and even battling, sounding immensely fun. From what I have played, the game is fun. You can expect to die several times, since there is a bit of trial and error trying to figure out the puzzles or how to defeat the enemies. Some of the boss battles can be seriously challenging. You fight a Word Warrior that controls a dragon and it took me around 8-10 tries to beat it. Once you think you have the pattern down, something changes. It’ not difficult to the point of rage quitting, it’s just a matter of getting the whole pattern down and being able to maneuver the levels to get where you need to go.

The art style is different, but I enjoy the sepia toned environment, with just bursts of color from blood, fire, or similar things. The animations look smooth, and the variety in characters is nice. The environments are well drawn, and the music fits nicely with the various areas. I’m not a fan of the sounds that come out of Haimrik’s mouth, but I just sort of ignore it.

I love how the story is told.

The controls are simple. The game is a side scroller, so you only need A and D to move, then S to use particular words, F to use, and R to throw. You also have SPACE to jump. The location of the keys feels natural, and other than some hitboxes that felt too small, I didn’t have any issues with controls or anything not working properly.

Overall, the game is entertaining, even if I sigh in exasperation sometimes as I try to figure a particular puzzle out. I recommend giving it a try for yourself. For 19.99 it's a little on the high end of what I normally pay for games, so maybe wait until it's on sale again. You can see the steam page *here*. Would you want to be a word warrior?

Thank you, as always. Until next time!

Bellannmae

We must Bebuild || Bastion (PC)

I love the art style

Bastion is an action role-playing experience created by Supergiant Games and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Media. You play as a young man right after a calamity that shattered the world into pieces. He seeks the Bastion, which seems to be a safe haven in this game where you can rebuild and hopefully find other survivors.

There is a narrator that follows your every move and basically give you a commentary over your actions. It’s interesting, and it gives me the feeling of being told a story that you’re leading. The world feels big, if disconnected, and it’s beautifully crafted. The hand painted quality and aesthetic make me think of older games like Legend of Mana which had a similar quality.

The Islands are floating!

In terms of gameplay, you’re tasked with collecting cores in order to expand the bastion, and perhaps finding others who have survived the calamity. So far, I’ve found one other survivor (minus the narrator) and found 5 cores. You have a multitude of weapons and skills to use, which is nice since it allows you to find what works for you, and also helps keep the battle from getting stale. The battle does get repetitive, and also really difficult. When you get swarmed, you really get swarmed. Knowing which weapons will help you the most against particular enemies helps a lot.

After you find the other survivor, he brings with him an ancient pipe. If you use it, you get some information about our MC (main character) and how he came to end up as he is. I wasn’t anble to complete the whole “pipe dream” as of writing this, but I know he lost his mother and all of the money he was sending home to her, so he returned to “The Wall” (I keep thinking Game of Thrones when I hear that, perhaps they are similar?) and was there when the calamity occurred.

I'm the map, I'm the map

The story is interesting, and despite the repetitive battle, I think the game is overall well made. The music is beautiful and charming, which goes along with the world perfectly. This game may appeal more to completionist types who seek to collect all items, complete the challenges and don’t mind the grind. For me, while the game is beautiful, and the score is enjoyable, it’s not worth sinking hours upon hours into (and it may be my lack of skill in these sorts of games that contributes to this).

However, even if you’re like me, I think the 2-3 hours you can comfortably sink into the game worth it, if you buy it on sale. You can read more about it, or buy it on Steam *here*. Let me know what you think of it down below!

Thank you, as always. Until next time!

Bellannmae

Who are You Really? || Thirteen & Half Cats (PC)

“Curiosity killed the cat, but where human beings are concerned, the only thing a healthy curiosity can kill is ignorance.” –Harry Lorayne

The style is so peaceful and serene. 

Thirteen & Half Cats is a short game created by Torri ( Nekomatata ). You play as a character who has been cursed and  must collect 13 cats to cure yourself. You learn some spells along the way to help you and find yourself in the end.

This game is short and sweet, but I really enjoyed it. The artwork and aesthetic are simple, the color scheme is soft and welcoming. It was fun to find the cats hiding in different areas and using the spells to find them. Although I saw the ending twist coming, I still enjoyed the experience.

All of the cats are so cute! Can I take one home?

The music is very well done as well. Paired with the soft aesthetics of the game, it felt very relaxing. The story is sweet, and I appreciate the thought and care that went into crafting the experience. I recommend giving the game a play for yourself! You can download the game free from Itch.io *here*.

Be sure to let the developers know what you thought and leave a comment below to let me know as well! Did you see the ending coming?

Thank you, as always. Until next time, friends!

Bellannmae

I'm Hanging On || Just, Bearly (PC)

“My heart was broken and my head just barely inhabitable.” –Anne Lamott

I love the style of the game. The drawings over irl backgrounds.

Just, Bearly is a collection of playable vignettes that revolve around feelings of awkwardness. Created by Daniel J Roberts, Just, Bearly encapsulates the feelings of unease and the challenge of stumbling your way through social situations. I’m not sure I ever related to something to closely.

The vignettes give a variety of short interactive parts—sort of like a Warioware game. You mash, drag, push, and pull your way through a variety of situations while trying to appear like a normal being. You come across another character who seems to help put your character at ease a little bit, which is nice.

I relate so much.

The only issue I had was that sometime when the vignettes were loading, I ended up with lag that interfered with me performing the requested tasks. While it was a bit frustrating, it didn’t ruin my overall experience. Other than the lag on a few select vignettes, the rest of the game ran smoothly.

I appreciate the almost sketch book quality of the character art. The backgrounds often seem to be images of real life places, which is interesting to me. Having the drawn characters on the still images helps to make a connection to real life (in my eyes anyway).

In any case, I highly recommend giving this game a try, particularly if you’re a wreck like me and like to play games you can relate to. It’s free to download from Itch.io *here*. The game is also available for download on Steam *here*. Did you succeed in pretending to be normal?

Thank you, as always. Until next time!

Bellannmae

I want to go to an Onsen! || One Night, Hot Springs (PC)

"We need to say, with one voice, that transgender people are valued, they are loved, they are us, they deserve to be treated fairly and equally."

Looks so inviting~

One Night, Hot Springs is an adorable visual novel-esque game created by npckc for the trans girl jam. You play as Haru, a young transgender woman who goes to the hot springs with her best friend, Manami. The trip is to celebrate Manami’s birthday, so she wants to take her two best friends to enjoy a night at the springs. The thought makes Haru uncomfortable… so what can she do?

I really enjoyed the way this little game played out with Haru. She’s such a sweetheart, and the issues presented are presented in a sincere and sweet fashion. It was interesting to hear talk in the game about how transmen and transwomen live in Japan, and the situations they must face—such as having to use legal names and gender despite being trans.

The characters are downright adorable

 The art style is simple, soft and cute. The characters are all adorable and well represented, I think. The music is beautiful, and the game has an overall serene feel to it. There are decisions to make and multiple endings. I ended up with the good ending for Erika, so I made a new friend.

Overall, I really enjoyed this little game. I definitely feel that the trans community needs more representation in the video game community. I believe that understanding the LGBTQ community will help remove the fear that some people hold against them, and help children learn that it’s normal and acceptable.

We can only hope, Haru.

I hope to see more games like this in the future. You can download the game to play for yourself free from Itch.io *here*. Let me know what you thought down below! What ending did you get? Did you learn something new?

Thank you, as always. Until next time!

Bellannmae

Los Locos! || Choreo - The Legend of Loco [DEMO] (PC)

"Uno se hace el loco, pero sabe quien es quien?" --unknown

I love the logo

Legend of Loco is a demo created by MegaSloth. The game is set in a colorful world with Lovecraftian undertones. With inspiration from early Disney cartoons, Aztec and Mayan culture, as well as the Cthulu Mythos, the world is sure to be filled with adventure and danger.

The artwork and environments that MegaSloth are charming and they make me want to explore the world. There is an interesting concept where you collect followers who provide different instrumental tracks, that all combine into the game score. That’s something I don’t think I have ever seen before, so I appreciate the thought that went into it.

I'm not sure what... but something is about to go down.

The controls need a little work. The platforming feels a little floaty at times, and fighting isn’t all that interesting to me. There are different things in the world to collect—skulls, tacos, flowers that bloom… but I’m not sure what any of them are for. If I’m being honest, I’m not sure what my goal is as I play the game. It’s fun, don’t get me wrong. But when I play, I like to have a goal in mind.

I made a friend!

This game did have a kickstarter, but unfortunately it did not get fully funded. Despite that, I hope that MegaSloth is able to continue working on this game, and retry for funding in the future because I feel that this game could really be enjoyable. Please stop by the Itch.io page and download the demo for free to try it for yourself *here*.

Let me know what you thought in the comments below! Do you want to see a full game in the future?

 

Thank you, as always. Until next time!

Bellannmae

So I'm gonna fly! || Mimi's Delivery Dash

“We need to find our own inspiration. Sometimes, it’s not easy.” –Ursula, Kiki’s Delivery Service

Even the title screen throw me back to the movie :)

Mimi’s Delivery Dash is a short game created by Caffinate for the Movie Game Jam 2018. The game was created in 10 days, which is impressive for the amount of polish this little game has. I may be a little biased since Kiki’s Delivery Service was the movie that introduced me to Studio Ghibli and holds a dear place in my heart. Kiki’s Delivery Service is also the movie that Caffinate based this game on.

In the movie, Kiki is a young witch who leaves home to begin her training. She uses her flying abilities to make deliveries for a bakery to get by, but one day she finds that she has lost her ability to fly. Kiki spends the rest of the movie trying to find her spirit within to regain the ability she lost.

Someone has a delivery to be made!

In the game you play as Mimi, and you are making deliveries on your broom. The controls are simple enough, and you have a select key and a boost key. I like the various references in the game from the movie also. The music and sound effects are all very pleasing, and the visuals are beautiful.

Overall, this game gave me a wonderful sense of nostalgia and made me very happy. I want to go watch Kiki’s Delivery Service now (which I also recommend)! There is only one level, but I definitely wanted more because I enjoyed it so much. You can download this little for yourself free from Itch.io *here*. Let me know what you thought down below! Have you seen the movie?

Thank you, as always. Until next time!

Bellannmae

The gift of Myrrh...dur! Murder! || 1st Degree [DEMO] (PC)

“When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.” –Mark Twain

I love the intensity

1^st Degree is a murder-mystery 18+ BL visual novel in the works by Parival. You play as Rei, a detective / copycat murderer, who is trying to catch / understand the methods of a killer that has been dubbed “The Doctor”. Outside of the whole murder thing, Rei is a typical smart ass, sarcastic protagonist that we all know and love. The game is still in demo mode, but it has me excited to see a full version.

You meet a large cast of characters in the demo, each with a unique personality. I love that this demo is fully voiced, since it really helps to bring something a bit more personal to the characters. All of the voices seem to fit the characters, but man… Aiden’s voice gives me shivers (in a good way). But in terms of looks, I think it’s a tie between Leo and Minami.

Good ol Rei

I like the story of the game. I’m always a fan of murder-mystery, and I think the twist of having the killer (or one of them) as the main character is interesting. I also wonder how his… extra-curricular activities will cause conflict later in the game. 

The artwork is very nice, and the designs for the characters are all lovely. I love the variety of expressions, as well as the well detailed backgrounds. The sound and music are well done as well.

One thing that I really appreciated with this demo was the use of a glossary. 1^st Degree uses a lot of different medical terms which can be confusing some someone who doesn’t have a lot of medical background. While I didn’t need to use the glossary, I think it’s a wonderful thing to include for players.

Everyone has to relax somehow

Overall, I’m very excited to see how this game develops. Rest assured I’ll be buying the full copy when it releases! If you’re interested, you can download the demo free from Itch.io *here*, and there are also links on the page to follow the game as it progresses. Let me know what you think down below!

Thank you, as always. Until next time!

Bellannmae

I Had to Fold! || A Tale of Paper (PC)

“As long as we don’t die, this is gonna be one hell of a story.” –John Green

Our little paper friend looks like a KH Heartless

A Tale of Paper is a daring adventure created by OpenHouseGames. You play as an Origami figure trying to survive in an unknown world filled with water, murderous Roomba vacuums and spiders. Let’s jump right into talking about the game!

I enjoyed playing this game despite some issues I had—particularly with controls. As much as I love my little origami friend, I really struggled at times to get them to do what I wanted. Jumping was awkward, especially as a frog. It felt I needed for control over the distance I was trying to jump.

Found a... friend?

I like the variety of origami transformations you get, and the functionality of each. I love the environments (particularly the room with the planets) and the music is fitting. I really like the premise, and I feel the developers had a great idea with this game. Some parts of the game feel a little unpolished or awkward, but it doesn’t take away from the overall feeling.

I wasn’t able to finish this game, because I had issues with the controls. I wasn’t able to make it past the part where you’re running from a spider, Crash Bandicoot style. I kept getting stuck on things in the environment I shouldn’t have gotten stuck on or falling into the puddles of water because I couldn’t see them quick enough. After 15 minutes, I had to quit to save my sanity. I may try again another day, but for now I will appreciate what the game has given me thus far.

It was fun to hop around as a frog

I hope that OpenHouseGames continue to create interesting and unique games like this in the future. Be sure to download the game to try for yourself, free from Itch.io *here*. Let me know what you thought down below. Did you make it past the spider?

Thank you, as always. Until Next time,

Bellannmae

A Silent Story || A Raven Monologue (PC)

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” –Dr. Seuss

Starting off all alone

A Raven Monologue is a bit more of a story than it is a game, but I wanted to let people know about it anyway. A Raven Monologue was created by Mojiken Studio and is describes as an experimental silent story about a Raven who does not know how to croak, and his relationship with the townspeople.

What stands out most about A Raven Monologue is the artwork. The art is hand drawn and animated, which is something that I personally enjoy and appreciate. Clicking through the story has the feeling of reading a comic book. It’s a very relaxing and enjoyable experience.

We're off on an adventure

The music is phenomenal, and really compliments the game as you play. As for the meaning, I’ve seen a lot of different opinions on what the meaning of the story is, though the creators seem to have left it up for interpretation. It can mean what you need it to mean, I suppose. There is even a discord channel open for discussion on it, and you can find the link to that n the Itch.io page.

When I first played the game, my impression was related to materialism. During the first half of the story, the Raven seems to be collecting things from the people that he meets. When the Raven begins his journey back, he ends up alone. It made me think about how people are more important than things, that the Raven should have spent the time with the people rather than collecting the things.

A friend!

However, I was reading some comments and another thought occurred to me. Mojiken said in their description that the Raven didn’t know how to croak, and someone else pointed out that the things the Raven takes, with the exception of the pinwheel, are all taken from speech bubbles. Could it be that the Raven is actually taking their speech for his own? When I thought of the game like this, it changed the overall tone of it.

Those were my thoughts on it, but perhaps you can interpret it in a different way. Feel free to download the story for yourself, it’s free on Itch.io *here*. Let me know what you thought down below! Did you take something else away from the story that I didn’t?

Thank you, as always, and until next time,

Bellannmae

Step Back into Another Time... || I Am Here[DEMO]

"It hurts to know you'll never remember the things I'll never forget." --Tiffany William

I am Here.

I am Here is a narrative driven story in the works by Lavalamp Games. You play as Karen, a woman who was once a successful writer, and is looking for her partner, Lisa. You’ll get to explore your surroundings, and memories, as you unfold the story and struggles of Karen and her partner as a gay couple in the 1960s.

The graphics are beautiful, and the style and aesthetic of the house makes it feel like a 60’s styled house (my great grandma’s house STILL looks like this…). The voice acting is nice, although it seems a little flat. If there was just a little bit more emotion in some parts, I think it would be spectacular.

Hard decisions need to be made in life.

Second to the story of a gay couple in the 60’s, I also get the feeling of there being a memory disorder effecting Karen. Perhaps Alzheimer’s? Before the job I have now, I worked in a nursing home where I saw many residents in many stages of Alzheimer’s and memory loss. It’s truly heartbreaking, so I can imagine the stress and pain that Lisa speaks of in the game.

This demo is very touching, and I wonder where the developers plan to take the game in the future. The game, despite the sentimental nature, does have some spooky sequences, that did me quite a frighten. I walked through the dark sequences wholly expecting something to jump out and scare me.

Seriously looks almost exactly like my Great Grandmother's...

I hope you’ll all give this lovely demo a try, it’s free and you can download it from Itch.io *here*. Be sure to leave your feedback and encouragement for the developers. I can’t wait to see where it goes! Be sure to stop in every Tuesday and Saturday at 11 AM to see what we play next! Until next time, happy gaming!

Bell 

Romance is Magical || Floret Bond[DEMO]

"Take a lover who looks at you like maybe you are magic." --Frida Khalo

The art is so beautiful!

Floret Bond is a super sweet otome in development from GBPatch, the makers of XOXO Droplets, A Foretold Affair, and My Magical DivorceBureau.  Floret Bond is all about developing a polyamorous relationship between the main character, Peony, and the male leads, Gata and Krishin. Peony studies the art of neutralization, meaning she is able to negate the effects of some spells and curses. Krishin and Gata come to her, because it seems that Gata has cast a spell to keep the two of them bound together. While Gata doesn’t seem to mind, Krishin wants the spell removed.

Krishin and Gata are both interesting characters, though the mysterious Gata quickly became my favorite (I may have a type). Peony herself is a sweetheart as well, and I like her as a character. The art style for the game is soft and beautiful. I love the watercolor look of the whole game. The characters also seem diverse and unique, which makes them more interesting. I want to learn more about them.

Krishin and the mysterious Gata.

This game is still a demo, so it’s missing some parts, such as the crafting system. Peony will have to manage her time, forage for items, craft, trade, and even make gifts to give to the guys to earn their affections.  This will be a great addition to the final build of the game and I can’t wait to try it out.

Overall, I’m excited for the game, and I hope that you’ll give the demo a try for yourselves. You can download and play free from Itch.io *here*. Also, be sure to leave your feedback and encouragement for GB Patch as well.

Thank you, as always, for sharing some of your time with me today. Let me know what you thought below, and be sure to check back every Tuesday and Saturday at 11 AM to see what we’re going to play next! Until then, happy gaming, Jammers!

Bell

Knees Weak, Palms are Sweaty... || Sweaty Palms[DEMO]

"It is a mistake to regard age as a downhill grade toward dissolution. The reverse is true. As one grows older, one climbs with surprising strides." --George Sand

Sweaty Palms is a climbing adventure made by thecalooch. You play as an old acrobat preparing for The Show™. You’ll have to climb through the stages to reach the top and ring the bell, fighting off crows (and death, probably) the whole way.

The controls are interesting, if a bit frustrating at times. Old man acrobat moves with the use of your mouse. You have to click on one of his limbs, then move it into a suitable position. If the limb isn’t flat against a solid surface, though, it won’t do you much good. There were some issues I had with the hands and feet not registering where I wanted to place them. It was a little frustrating, but it was simple enough to just try re-placing them.

Just... a little... further...!

I like the graphics and the overall aesthetic, as well as the sound effects. Most of all, I had fun playing. I used to play a game called Catherine on the ps4, where you had to climb towers, and this gave me a similar feel to that game (even though they are quite different).

The developer has said that its current state is a demo build, but if you enjoy the demo, please be sure to let the developer know, and perhaps we can see a full-length game from this. You can download the demo and play it free from Itch.io *here*. Let me know what you thought down below!

Until next time, Jammers, happy gaming!

Bell

Free Itch.io Games #24

1. May I Take Your Order

Yummy...?

May I Take Your Order is a short visual novel created by AlexisRoyce. You play as a waiter/waitress catering to a couple who have some rather peculiar tastes. Be careful of your choices though, your life might depend on it! Survive the 3-course meal and hope that you get a big tip for all of this!

I rather enjoyed this short little experience. I played through it 3 times and got 3 different endings, including one where I rather unceremoniously was killed. The art is nice, and the music and sound effects are nice as well.

Overall, I enjoyed it, and I look forward to what this developer makes in the future! Please download May I Take Your Order free from Itch.io *here*. Be sure to leave your feedback and encouragement for the developer, and let me know what you thought down below.

2. Healthy Breakfast

Align the glass shards to show the door!

Healthy Breakfast is a quirky little exploration game created by Boogie Knights and friends, about an elusive donut and pink flamingoes. Find your way through a bright, colorful, and sometimes surreal environment to find your way. Just follow the flamingo!

I really enjoyed this little adventure more than I expected to. The mechanics are interesting, and I left as though the environment was changing and shifting around me, which I thought was neat. Some doorways, for example, will only be visible through a mirror so you’ll have to maneuver your way to the door while keeping that mirror in your sight to locate the door. If you turn away, the door will be gone.

The music is interesting, though I was so focused on the visuals that I honestly didn’t pay that much attention. The ending was also a bit of a surprise! I really enjoyed this little game though, so I hope you’ll give it a try as well. You can download it free from Itch.io *here*. Be sure to leave your feedback for the developer and let me know what you thought below!

3. I’ll Take You to Tomato Town

Won't you take me to.... tomato town?

I’ll Take You to Tomato Town is a quirky shopping simulator created by adamgryu, along with friends.  You play as a character in a shopping mart, and your friends call and tell you what you need to buy. Seems easy enough, what could go wrong?

The colors are all bright and vibrant, including your Armstrong stretch arm. The sound effects are fun, and the calls from your friends are silly and fun to listen to. The game is rather short, but fun all the same. You can download this game free from Itch.io *here* and you too can go to Tomato Town!

4. Rose in Bloom

My Chihuahua loves to do this...

Rose in Bloom is a cute visual novel style game created by Lynnaira. You play as Rose, an artistic shut in who lives alone on a house on a hill (my dream). The choice you make through the game decide how the story goes.

One day, Rose is painting when she hears a knock on the door. It’s Jackie, a young lady who seems to have lost her dog. You can decide whether to help her or not. She seems nice enough, and a dog’s life is at stake here! I don’t want to spoil any of the story, so I won’t talk about what happens after.

The graphics and aesthetic of the game are very cute. Both Rose and Jackie are cute characters, and I also like their personalities. The music and sounds were quiet, but I didn’t mind. I enjoyed the game over all. You can download Rose in Bloom for yourself free from Itch.io *here*

Be sure to leave your feedback for the developers, and let me know what you thought down below!

Thank you for stopping in, and until next time, Jammers, happy gaming!

Bell

Classic Whodunit || Rainswept[DEMO]

"It's no wonder that truth is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make sense." -Mark Twain

Rainswept is a murder mystery adventure game in the works from Frostwood Interactive. You play as Michael Anderson, a detective sent to investigate an apparent murder suicide. The couple in question, Chris and Diane, have an unknown history, as they generally kept to themselves and didn’t really involve themselves in the community. The case seems pretty cut and dry… but is it?

Something seems off. There was only one gun shot reported being heard, but 3 bullets missing from the ammo box and the chamber of the gun used. Where are the other two? Michael will have to investigate the crime scene, question the locals of Pineview, and fine the truth of what happened.

Apart from trying to solve the mystery of what really happened, Michael is also facing some issues of his own. The demo doesn’t go into much detail, but it’s clear that Michael has a past of his own, and it’s haunting him. I’m curious to know what has hurt Michael so badly.

The art of Rainswept is beautiful and simplistic, the colors are pleasing to look at. The music is also very beautiful and nice to listen to. I’m really looking forward to seeing the game develop further. You can see more about the game, follow development, or add it to your wishlist on Steam *here* and you can also download the demo from Itch.io *here*.

As always, be sure to leave your thoughts and feedback on the demo for the developers, and let me know what you think down below. Are you looking forward to solving the mystery? Until next time, Happy Gaming!

Bell

Small Gesture, Big Impact || Tiny Echo (PC)

"Meraki (v.)  to do something with soul, creativity, or love; to put something of yourself in your work." 

Tiny Echo is an adorable exploration adventure style game created by Might and Delight. You play as Emi, an adorable character tasked with delivering messages to the spirits in the other realm. Emi has 13 messages, and a lot of ground to cover, so she better get a move on!

I was looking forward to getting this game, and it did not disappoint. The art style is what originally drew my interest, you know I love a game with hand drawn quality. Emi and the spirits all have their own unique appearances, and even the side characters and creatures of the world are quite cute. The music is wonderfully composed and fits well with the overall feeling of the game.

I just love the artistic style of this game.

The puzzles are a nice challenge, but not too difficult that it took me too long to figure anything out. I do wish Emi moved a little faster at times, but that may have just been me being impatient. I wish there was a little more use for the side characters, other than there just being an achievement for talking to them all. Maybe some integration into the puzzles, or something. That’s really the only criticism I have for the game though.

The story is simple, and a bit short (about an hour and a half of game play for me), but it was heartwarming, with a happy ending. I really enjoyed it, and I think you will too. You can buy the game on steam at full price for 7.99 *here*. Or add it to your wish list and wait for a sale (like I did!) and get it for 5.99. Either way, I hope you’ll enjoy it as I did!

Stay safe, until I see you next time, Jammers! Happy Gaming.

Bell

Blessing and a Curse || What Remains of Edith Finch (PC)

"Show me a hero, and I will write you a tragedy." F. Scott Fitzgerald

This is not in any way ominous...

What Remains of Edith Finch is heartwarming game about exploration and discovering the stories of the past, created by Giant Sparrow and published by Annapurna Interactive. You play as Edith, returning to the Finch home after years away. Edith is the last remaining Finch, after the loss of her mother. Her mother left her a key, so Edith takes it and returns to the Finch home to unravel the secrets of her family and the “curse” that afflicts them. And, oh, what an adventure awaits.

This game has to be one of my favorite games that I have played in the last year. The story is well crafted with mystery, intrigue, and tragedy. As you explore the house through secret passages and hidden doors, you learn about each member of Edith’s family tree, and how they met their untimely ends. I loved playing the short vignettes of each family member, and despite some minor issues with the controls not working as smooth as I liked, many of the stories stuck with me and often had an element in them I could personally relate myself to.

Such a beautiful house with a view.

Edith’s brother Lewis, I think, was my favorite of them all to play. Simply because I can understand the desire to escape your reality and imagine something more—something grand and all your own. There were a few times I felt tears welling inside me (reminder: I cry so easily) and approaching the end of Lewis’ story, since I could see what was coming, was one of those times. Well done.

The graphics and music are both beautiful and fitting for the game, I took far too many screenshots to share in this blog entry, but I hope they showcase the game accurately. The music is well composed, and I even have the OST saved on my computer to listen to myself. Milton’s tower theme is just beautiful.

I wish my brother and I had this room growing up.

The story easily blew me away, the tragedy of Edith’s family members’ deaths, and her wondering if it was really a curse, of it the family’s belief in the curse made it a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts. Strange coincidences happen, after all.

I love the strange, the mysterious and the unexplained, so the “unsolved mystery” feeling of the game and the stories that Edith read from her family really spoke to me. I would recommend this game highly to anyone. What Remains of Edith Finch runs 19.99 at normal price, though I received my copy free, as I won it as a part of a random prize drawing. On sale, I believe it was priced at 12.99 during the winter Steam sale, so I, myself, always wait for a sale. This game is more than worth the experience, in my opinion. You can view the Steam Page *here* to purchase, add to your wish list, or get more information.

Thank you all once again for stopping in. I always take recommendations for games, so leave a comment if there’s something I should play, or if there is an error or anything. Take care, until next time. Happy gaming, Jammers!

Bell

Gaming in Cat Pajamas? || Kirigami (PC)

Kirigami!

Kirigami is an adorable, paper style adventure and puzzle solving game project by Sophie Cook for Studio 694, WCG's in-house game studio. You play as an adorable creature in cat pajamas, and you traverse an intriguing doll style house to solve puzzles and interact with the characters.

The art style of the game is where I think it really shines. I love hand drawn games, and the pieces almost looks like stickers placed in a story book at times. I am not sure what all there is to do, since all 3 times I played I ended up getting stuck on the roof after I got the black feather for the potion. I’m clearly missing something, but I’m not sure what. I wish I knew, because for what it is, I did enjoy what I played.

What a witch!

The walking animation is odd, as it would play often while I was standing still, but rarely when I was actually moving. I also had an issue with items not appearing in my bag at times, like the rubix cube (which I thought to give to the fellow on the roof, but never seemed to have it).

Despite the errors and bugs, I think that the creator was on to something that would be fun and interesting. I hope that they are able to take this idea and make something amazing in the future. If you’re interested, you can certainly download the demo to play, free from Itch.io *here*. I bet you can do better than I did. 

Be sure to leave feedback and encouragement for the developers! Until next time, Jammers. Happy gaming!

Bell