What the heck is happening?! || Ode to a Moon [DEMO] (PC)

“Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man’s desire to understand.” --Neil Armstrong

Title Screen

Ode to a Moon is a first person psychotropic horror game in the works from Colorfiction. You play as a tabloid writer who is tasked with investigating a historic fall festival in the rural town of Ashfield, CT. Things start going awry pretty quickly, and I started to feel like I was on a bad acid trip.

The graphics and the aesthetic used are well suited for this genre of game. The colors feel over saturated and even mystical at times, and with an otherwise rather dark backdrop, the colors really stand out. When the landscape starts to shift and alter around you, it can be very disorienting. As I neared the end of the demo, I spent a good while going in circles because the mixture of the shifting landscape and the over saturated colors made it difficult for me to navigate.

Field trip!

There is also a VHS quality on the screen as you play, which gave some part of the game, particularly the wooded area, a Blair Witch Project feel---which I did not like. I started having flash backs to when I was a kid, watching the movie with my older brother and my younger brother and pretending to not be afraid. Then of course my older brother took delight in jumping out of anywhere he could to scare me... but I digress.

The music and the sound design are well done. I wasn’t sure what I was hearing sometimes because I didn’t have my headphones on. Was that a breath? A ringing in the ears? Are we descending into madness ourselves? The sounds worked together with the aesthetic to create a good sense of unease as you wandered about your way.

Are we slipping into another dimension?

The end of the demo was a bit jarring, and I wasn’t sure what to make of it. I don’t want to spoil anything so I won’t talk about it. Obviously this is a demo so we aren’t going to solve the whole mystery today. I am not much for horror games, but something about this demo really drew me in. It wasn’t cheap jump scares, it was an overall feeling of, “Something is going to happen but I don’t know what.”

Overall the aesthetic feels unique and interesting, the music and sound design are well done and I want to solve the mystery. I look forward to seeing where the development with this game goes in the future. I definitely recommend you pick up the demo and give it a play for yourself, this is a game that really has little justice done for it in a written review and you need to experience it for yourself. You can grab the demo free from Itch.io here.

What do you think the mystery is behind the fall festival that went wrong? It almost feels like a bad dream, so maybe it is? Let me know what you think down in the comments, and I will see you all next time. Until then, friends, happy gaming!

Is this the stairway to heaven....?

There's Something Strange Going On... || The Librarian (PC)

“Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures.” –Lewis Carroll

A Cozy Opening Screen

The Librarian is a short little adventure/puzzle game created by our friend Octavi Navarro. You may remember his name from a previous post for his previous game called Midnight Scenes:Highway. I was greatly impressed with the previous game, so when I heard that Octavi had created a new game, I couldn’t play it soon enough! My excitement was well warranted.

In The Librarian, you play as a young Librarian who’s reading is interrupted by a strange gust of ominous wind. They find an owl with a note telling them that something is wrong at the Library, so our dear Librarian gets ready to investigate. What wonders could await?

Not in any way ominous...

As with the previous game, I was very pleased with the pixel graphics and aesthetics. The colors fit the mysterious and slightly ominous tone of the game, and the animations were smooth. It was all very cohesive and worked well together.

The music and sound effects are well done, and Octavi does a spectacular job of crafting the environment and atmosphere of the game. Although the game is short (took me about 10 minutes) and the puzzles were a bit to easy to me, I greatly enjoyed the adventure. In the end, that’s what really matters.

Who you gonna call?

I hope that Octavi continues to make more games like these in the future, as I’ll be first in line to play. I encourage you to download the game and play for yourself. You can download the game free from Itch.io *here*. Be sure to leave a comment down below and let me know what you thought of the game.

As always, thank you for stopping in to share some time with me today. Remember to take some time for yourself, and have a momentous day, friends.

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

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

Hold onto your Cats! Er, Hats! || Boneko [Prototype] (PC)

Title

Boneko is a platformer game in the works from Patchoid. The prototype available to play was made in 2015 and has a different story than where they are taking the game now, but the prototype is still fun, and the project is worth watching, so I’m going to talk about it anyway!

The story follows a girl names Bony, who enters an old mansion to recuse her cat Boneko, only to find he has been transformed into a hat! Now Bony must traverse the mansion, looking for her friends, and a way to restore Boneko to his original self.

No boot big enough to squash that spider...

The graphics are downright adorable, and the animations are smooth. I like the variety of enemies, and the level design. I had a few issues with controls, and the game does crash when I die. The developers know this, and it’s an issue with the game maker save system. The final game is being made with Unity, so hopefully there won’t be similar issues. I love the music, and the sound effects are fitting.

The fighting system involves Boneko shooting furballs at the enemies. You also get upgrades, the one I got involved a ground smash. You collect keys, and yarn balls that the enemies drop when you kill them. The keys are needed to advance, of course, but the purpose of the yarn balls was not discovered by me on my play through before I died. Does Bony knit upgrades for Boneko too?

These are big enough for those spiders!

Overall, this prototype is so charming and worth playing. I’m excited to see where this game goes in the future, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for the full release. You can download the prototype free from Itch.io *here*. Be sure to leave your feedback and encouragement for the developers. And, as always, happy gaming, Jammers!

Bell 

Hit the Campaign Trail! || Political Animals (PC)

Title

Political Animals is a political strategy game developed by Squeaky Clean and published by Positech Games.  You play as your chosen candidate and face off against an opponent to win over the popular vote and win the election, but beware. Corruption and dirty bad door deals are everywhere.

I found this game more interesting than I expected to. I bought this game ages ago in a  steam sale and I wasn’t sure I would even like it, but to my surprise I found myself getting into it, and trying to crush my opponent (I didn’t, but I came close!). Politics are always a little messy, and this game follows pretty much that same pattern. You can run a clean campaign without getting your paws dirty, but that makes it a little more difficult I think.

You choose your campaign helpers also, each with their own talents that can help you win over voters. The crow, for example, will fabricate scandals to damage the reputation of your opponent. Running a campaign and paying your aides is also expensive, and the campaign funds run out really quick, so you have to try to raise more.

The Otter-ly Best Candidate

There is a lot to keep track of when playing, and this game can quickly get repetitive and boring if this isn’t the kind of game you’re into. I wish there was something more special about the candidate you choose, other than just the animal. You can control your traits and such, but the animal you choose doesn’t pose any significance it seems, other than being adorable.

The graphics are very nice, like a story book. I also appreciate the great number of animals you can choose from as your candidate (Otter and Tanuki, please!) There are also a good number of traits to choose from, and I appreciate that you have to choose 1 positive trait and one negative, so you can’t be too OP(over powered). The music and sound effects are nice as well.

Overall, if you enjoy strategy and resource management, then you may find some enjoyment in this game. Regular priced this game is 14.99, but I would only recommend buying when this game is on sale. I enjoyed the time I put into the game, but not enough that I would have been okay if I had paid 14.99. You can check out the Steam page *here* for more information, or to buy it for yourself.

Be sure to leave that feedback for the developers to help them in the future, and let me know what you thought down below in the comments. Until next time, Jammers, happy gaming!

Bell

Finding Closure || Midnight Train to Nowhere (PC)

"You are strong enough to face this, even if it doesn't feel like it right now." --Unknown

Title Screen

Midnight Train to Nowhere is a short, but sweet, rpg style game created by mannytsu. A long time ago now, I reviewed another one of mannytsu's games called Imaginary Friends. In Midnight Train to Nowhere, you play as George, and you board the midnight train to find closure in your life, regarding your friend leaving. You’ll get to meet other characters and friends, and try to help them as you try to help yourself. Its seems that all of the characters aboard the train are working through their own issues, and until they work through them, they’re stuck on the train.

The characters are cute, and I love the hand drawn style of artwork. The animations are well done, the colors are smooth, and it’s like watching a cartoon play out. The music is also amazing, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I love the variety of characters

I enjoyed the messages that were portrayed throughout the train as well. Particularly Maria, who is on the ceiling is what looks like a depressive episode. Even if you get the step stool to try to reach her, you cannot. So, Aaron says that he’ll continue to stay and support her, until she feels better. I feel that’s really sweet. As someone who suffers from anxiety and depression, it hit home with me.

Over all, the art is cute, the music is beautiful, and the message is meaningful. This game is certainly worth the 10 minutes that it takes to play, and it’s free on Itch.io *here*. The game is up for votes in the Indie Game Maker Contest 2017 also, so if you like it, you can also show support by voting for it *here*.

Thank you all, as always, for stopping in. I hope you’ll give this game a shot. Be sure to leave your feedback and encouragement for the developer, and until next time…  Happy gaming, Jammers!

Bell

Sniping for You || Long Gone Days [DEMO] (PC)

From Steam Page

Long Gone Days is a 2D RPG game with visual novel and shooter elements in the works by BURA. You play as Rourke, a young man who has dreamed of being a Sniper for as long as he can remember. He gets his chance, and becomes a sniper in the Core—a highly isolated area that exists below the surface of the Earth. From the Core, squads can travel to the surface, to Kaliningrad. Rourke fills his post as sniper, believing that he is fighting against violent enemies…. But something seems a little strange, doesn’t it?

After he has exposed to the truth, Rourke decides to desert his post. Adair, the medic in his squad, decides to come along also. Together they want to escape the cruel reality they have come to find themselves in, but will they be able to handle facing their brothers in arms?

Adair, the optimist.

I did play through the demo of this game, and it looks really good. The game has beautiful pixel graphics, and visual novel style sprites as well. They work well together. The music is well composed and fitting for the scenes. I like the dystopian future vibe that the game has, and both Rourke and Adair are likeable characters. I feel for Rourke, as I imagine is his shoes I would have had to defect also (or die).

Okay, let’s talk about some of the features that the developers are promising for the full release! So, besides the classical RPG staples, LGD will also borrow mechanics from visual novel style games, puzzles, and shooters.

I really like the battle mechanics that the developers used, so I want to explain it a little better. On the battle screen, you’ll have the opportunity to fire at different areas of the body. Headshots, arm shots, body shots, and leg shots. Each had a different possible effect. For example, you can disable an enemy shooter by hitting them in the arms, or lower their evasion by making leg shots. I think this is a really interesting mechanic to use, and it helps spice up the battle gameplay a little.

In Battle

The game also says that it won’t have any random encounters, which is strange to hear for a game with so many RPG elements. Any battle will be plot related. Instead of leveling up with EXP, characters will learn new skills, upgrade weapons and craft new items. There is also no magic in LGD. Instead, characters have morale, which directly affects a character’s stats in battle. To keep morale up, you’ll need to know each character so that you know how to properly encourage them.

Overall this game looks really stylish, it has a good plot developing, the characters seem unique and have interwoven relationships with you that are important to maintain, and the battle system seems sound. I’m greatly looking forward to the full game release, which is set for February 2018. You can watch the trailer below or visit the Steam page *here* to try the demo for yourself, or get more information.

You can also watch my playthrough of the full demo on my YouTube Channel. There's a link to the demo video *here*

Thanks for shooting by to say hello. I hope you’ll take the chance to check out this game. Let me know what you think in the comments below! Until next time, happy gaming!

Bell

Life is an Adventure || Where Ages Go (PC)

What did that guy look like?

Where Ages Go is a cute visual novel style story created by Fox Lee. You play as a silent protagonist who has grand dreams of traveling the world, and seeing all there is to see. Perhaps the world may have a different plan for you though…

I think this VN is really cute. I like the artwork and the characters, even if the characters are a bit cliché. Tropes aren’t necessarily bad, though it can make the stories a bit predictable. Maybe I’ve played too many otomes or watched too many romance anime, I don’t know. I still enjoyed the stories, so don’t let that deter you.

Such a sweetie <3

There are a couple of things I really liked that the developer did. In the beginning, you get to choose your pronouns, your personality type, and your look. I’m not sure what bearing any of these have on the story, if any, but I like it none the less. I also like the way you choose your path, or your guy, rather. It was cute, and I haven’t seen another VN do it like this before, so a plus from me.

There are 3 different guys to play through, a tough guy, a smart guy, and a cute guy. I rather like the little cute on the best. He and I are the most alike, I think, and we could be friends in real life. This developer has a good base, and I hope to see more work from them in the future.

My favorite!

You can download Where Ages Go to play for yourself free from Itch.io *here*. Be sure to leave your feedback and encouragement for the developer, and let me know what you thought in the comments below.

Take care, Jammers, and happy gaming!

Bell

Mystery Abounds || Up Until the End [DEMO] (PC)

Title

Up Until the End is a visual novel in the works from LetiGame. You play as a nameable protagonist, who was reading in a library, when she somehow passed out. When she awakes, she’s surrounded by smoke and flames. What happened?! As you’re trying to escape, you’re intercepted by a man you don’t know, and you’re knocked out. When you awake again, you’re in a dark room, alone. Somehow, you’ll have to find a way to escape.

When you are able to escape the building, and perhaps help some others escape along with you, you’re left with no answers, except the knowledge that you don’t want to be caught. You learn that the others who escaped with you are Matt, Amanda, and Erika. You’re able to elude the men chasing you, and rest in a farmhouse located in the woods. After a rest, they search for supplies and decide to keep moving—together.

Talking with Amanda and Matt

I found the demo intriguing, and I want to know who those men were, and how all of these people got tangled up in such a mess—and what exactly that mess is. I find the artwork charming, both the sprites and the backgrounds. The music is intense and fitting, although I feel that it might benefit from some sound effects.

From what I understand, this VN is an undertaking by one individual, which is rather impressive, so kudos for making what you have. I hope that you are able to complete it, and refine it into something you’re proud of!

You can find the free demo of Up Until the End on Itch.io *here*. Please be sure to leave your feedback and encouragement for the developer, and let me know what you thought down below! Thanks for sharing some time with me today, and, until next time, happy gaming!

Bell

LetiGame did have a form to fill out in regards to the game, and in case I didn't address every point, I'll post it below:

Did you enjoy it overall? What did you like the most in the demo?

I did enjoy it overall. I am enjoying the mystery, and I want to know more.

Who is your favorite character and why?

I like them all, but I think Erika. She's young, and innocent. I wonder how she got mixed up in this?

Who is your least favorite character and why?

Um, I don't think I have one. 

What do you think of the protagonist ? Can you relate to her?

Not quite, but we don't really know anything about them, so I don't have anything to relate to yet. 

What is your opinion of the artwork?

It's not award winning, but it's not terrible either. I like a little more variation in poses maybe, but that's it. 

What do you think of the story so far?

Very intense.

Was it something that bothered you about the game?

I wish we knew more about the men, and what happened. (In time, I hope)

Did you find any typos or spelling mistakes?

Yes, and I'm still open to helping you with that, if you'd like. 

What would you say needs the most improvement?

Sprites.

Do you think you'll play the finished game once it's released?

I look forward to it!

The protagonist doesn't have a sprite. Did it bother you? Did it help you to relate to her or would you prefer her to have one?

I think there are pros and cons to both approaches. Personally, I think it's fine without. 

Any other comments?

Nothing in particular. :)

The Abuser, or the Abused? || He Beat Her (PC)

Title Screen

He Beat Her is an interesting interactive mystery created by Zephyo. You play as a lawyer who is defending a client accused of domestic abuse. It seems, however, there is more to this story than it seems. The trial is about to end, so you need to use the last few precious minutes to change the outcome—to see that justice is served. But can you?

This game as a unique mechanic, which requires typing your actions into a dialogue box to perform them. For example, you can type “grab” and then you have to type what you want to grab. It can be frustrating to figure out, but I feel that is likely a part of the intended feeling of the game.

Source: Itch.io page

There are apparently different paths you can take, and there is a walkthrough to help you through them all. I played around with different inputs, and I managed to walk out of the case and abandon my client, and I got a little bit of somewhere with the plaintiff. Because it is looking for specific inputs, it can be difficult to get through.

I love the art style, and the game overall is well put together. I feel like the developer achieved the feelings and goals they set out to create, and I’m happy for that. As frustrating as this game can be, I enjoyed every minute I played of it.  I hope you’ll download this game free from Itch.io *here*

Be sure to leave your feedback and comments for the developer. Until next time, Jammers… Happy Gaming!

Bell 

Fur the Love of Gaming || Furwind (PC)

Title Screen

Furwind is a fun action platformer game in the works by Boomfire Games. Furwind is the name of the small fox that you play as. An evil force has been awakened by a dark cult, threatening the balance of nature. Furwind has been chosen to restore balance. He’ll learn abilities to help him on his quest as well.

I really enjoyed this demo, despite the fact that platformers and quick reflexes are not my forte. The graphics are vibrant and colorful, the music and SFX are great. The controls probably would have felt better to me on a gamepad, since my right hand isn’t as agile when hitting those arrow keys. That’s my error, however, and for the most part the controls felt nice. The animations are cute, I love Furwind’s tail attack animation. The enemies are well made and there seems to be a good variety.

Oh no, a boss!

The demo has the first 3 levels available for play, and the demo offers fair challenge without being rage inducing. I enjoyed playing through the environments, and I look forward to seeing more as it comes. If you enjoy platformers, and are looking for something cute with a little challenge, then this could be for you. Give the demo a try free from Itch.io *here*. 

Be sure to leave your comments for the developers, and let me know what you think below! Happy Gaming!

Bell

Catventure! || The Chronicles of Zuro DEMO

Title

The Chronicles of Zuro is an action adventure game in the works by Exmat. You play as an adorable cat boy(or girl, maybe?), who works at a restaurant located on the back of a giant tortoise. I’m not sure what the full plot is planned to be, but in the demo, you’re exploring a forest to place 3 hidden alter stones, and defeat the boss.

The graphics are cute, they sort of have an N64 look to them. The character you play as is super cute! I’ve always had a thing for characters with cat(or other animal) ears. The colors are bright and attractive as well. The environments are crafted nicely.

A forest path...

I had some trouble working my slingshot, and I wished that there had been a little more tutorial to tell me how to aim the damn thing. It was just guesswork. It took me 7 tries to shoot a ramp right to get it to drop. Aiming at barrels? Forget it.

I had a lot of fun just running around and exploring the world, though. There are barely any enemies, which I suppose is good since I can’t shoot my slingshot properly. There were some graphical glitches, but this IS only a demo, so I shouldn’t judge too harshly. The sound effects could also use some work. In particular I would have liked some splash sounds when walking through water.

Such a nice view, though.

Overall, I feel the demo shows some promise. The graphics are nice, the characters are cute, I just wish I had a better idea of any story. I hope that the developer is able to build upon this demo in the future, because I’d like to play it. You can try the demo for yourself *here*

Be sure to leave your feedback and encouragement for the developer, and happy gaming, Jammers!

Bell

Deep in the Heart of Trouble || Date or Die (Prologue/Pilot)

Title

 

Date or Die is an episodic (so far) visual novel game in the works by Arden. You play as “Hero” and you’ve awoken to find yourself in a metal room with no immediately apparent escape. There is one door, but it’s locked, and a computer screen built into one wall. When the screen comes to life, you’re given a strange quiz and it matches you to another person, who you don’t even know. After which the door opens. You can even be matched to the host.

You’re met with some other folks who appear to be in the same situation as you are. They can’t remember their names either, nor do they remember how they got there. You do all have matching pink rings, however. They must have some significance.

Gang is all here!

I like the variety of characters. They all have a unique design and they all seem to have their own personalities as well. I really like the art style they are drawn in. I was matched with “Mesmer” in the beginning quiz during my first go, but “Luna” and “Six” caught my eye also.   

You soon meet the host, who explains that he has this game show to prove that anyone can find love. ANYONE. You have no choice but to participate, since those pink rings are able to poison you at the host’s whim. You’ll be participating in some challenges, designed to test your devotion to the idea of love (according to the host, anyway). But how far are you willing to go? A human’s natural instinct is to survive, but are you willing to kill another to have your chance…?

Mesmer's grin, though...

In the Pilot Episode, you get some sneak peaks with either the Host, or with “Mesmer”. Mesmer is one of the other characters being held captive for the game show. I don’t want to talk about them too much cause I don’t want to spoil any of it. I did enjoy both branches of the pilot, though. I’m intrigued by the host and I really want to know more.

Overall the Prologue and the Pilot Episode are great. They’re well written, the plot is interesting, and the characters are unique and they make me want to learn more about them. I can’t wait to see more from this developer for this game. You can download and play the prologue *here* and then try the Pilot Episode *here*.

Thank you all so much for stopping in! I hope you’ll give this game a try. Let me know what you thought in the comments below! See you next time!

Bell

Am I Dead? || Silent Neighbours (PC)

“For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.” –Kahlil Gibran

 

This seems normal, and not in any way creepy...

Silent Neighbours is a short and spooky tale told by DeadBrain Gaming. You’re an old man who starts having some spooky happenings in his house. His TV seems to be turning itself back on, a strange note on his fridge, did he forget to turn that faucet off again? So, we want to get to the bottom of it all.

The game has a nice took to it, sort of like a Gameboy game. I like the graphics, the sounds are nice, and the game overall does a good job of setting the atmosphere. I started to wonder after a while, though, am I being haunted by ghosts or… am… *I* the ghost? There are good points that make it so it could be either, it’s up to your interpretation. And depending on how you interpret the ending, it may sway you towards one way, at least it did for me.

Something strange is afoot!

All of the controls worked well, I didn’t have any problems. You use WASD to move, and the mouse to interact with objects. Our old man walks so agonizingly slow, it adds to the tension, trying to get to the source of a noise, but having to traverse the house at half a pixel a second. As you slooooowly get closer, and the anticipation of solving the mystery grows. Slow walkers happen to kind of irritate me, so it was a little frustrating for me at times, but I appreciate the reason for it.

Overall, this game is a short little spookfest, and I liked it. I do wish the game was a little longer. It only takes about 10 minutes to complete, but I feel like it could have gone on longer. I never got to give the dog his treat! The game is free, however, so please download it and give it a try for yourself *here*.

As always, thanks for stopping by. I so appreciate it. Be sure to leave feedback and encouragement for the developer, and happy gaming!

Bell

Cabin Fever || One Week, My Room (PC)

“A little neglect may breed great mischief.” –Benjamin Franklin

title

Source: in Game Screen Capture

   

One Week, My Room is an intriguing point and click adventure created by Joyato. You play as a child who seems to be suffering from neglect from their mother. You learn more about the child’s life through diary entries, which talk about the mother playing a ‘game’ and getting sad when she looks at them, as well as a mysterious big brother that visits. All you need to do in this game is help the child survive.

The endings are also relative to Japan, I feel. And while I don’t want to spoil anything, I also feel it’s important to understand the relevance of the ending to the culture. In Japan, the suicide rate is 60 percent higher than anywhere else in the world. It a sobering statistic, but the tale of this child and his feelings may help bring some of that to light. Anyone can have these feelings, so it’s important to be able to recognize it—in yourself as well as others—to try to prevent it.

:(

Source: Screen Capture in Game

One other thing that occurred to me is about big brother. Big brother visits you on a certain night during the game, unless you take an action to stop him. My first thought about Big Brother is that maybe he is a Baku, which in some Asian countries is a supernatural dream eating monster. However, he also looks like No-Face from Spirited Away which isn’t based on any kind of traditional Japanese being that I know of. With the Baku, he can consume nightmares while you sleep, but if you’re not careful he can also consume your hopes and dreams, which I think may be relevant here.

Don't do it, little guy!

Source: Screen Capture in Game

I love the graphics of this game, and the colors are nice as well. The music is beautiful, if a little sad, and the sound effects are fitting.  The controls are simple and you only have to click with your mouse, I didn’t encounter any issues with it.

One other thing I really liked is that when you complete a playthrough you get some ‘tips’ which provide additional information on some aspects of the game. The game is short, and free to download and play. You can do so on the Itch.io page *here*. I highly recommend you give it a try.

Thank you once again for joining me here today. Be sure to let me know what you thought of the game, and happy gaming!

Bell