SPACEBASE DF-9... reviewed!

Check out the review here: 

http://sdgtstudio.blogspot.com/2015/11/spacebase-df-9-reviewed.html

Poker Night 2... review!

Check out the review of this crazy does of... poker at the link:

http://sdgtstudio.blogspot.com/2015/09/poker-night-2-reviewed.html

Secrets of Raetikon... reviewed!

This indie title is fly... literally, welcome to a really cool... CHIRP-fest that's full of discovery.

Secrets of Raetikon is one of those games that is at least worth a try, but you may find yourself coming back... even for the little things. The team gets a thumbs up for the change of pace experience described as an aerial exploration game. I always like to have a nice variety of games in my collection, so this is definitely welcome, and is brought to us by the developers of "Chasing Aurora" (available on the Wii U eShop).

The description for this game stands true with its 2D open world-ish environment that has more than one set path... and in this game you're a bird (of all things), scaling heights, diving, evading, attacking, etc. as you make your way through the wilderness containing neutral animals, foes, hidden areas... plenty of puzzle challenges and other e-t-c.

Fly carefully or it can cost you your life in some areas.

The ability to fly around as a bird doesn't sound that glamorous, but its quite fun (to me at least) and you even have to flap your wings to gain speed for a number of reasons. The game has several areas that allow you to breathe a bit more easily than others, and while other areas may appear to be the same... its temporary because the action fluctuates and increases even more than it does in known danger zones.

Watch yourself.

The action picks up when you get your talons on ancient glowing relics, animals go freaking nuts for these pulsating things... not to mention other things that will try to take them from you also (and I know that sounds eerie, but you can find out about those if/when you play the game). The chase is enjoyable (at times) when a relentless bird comes after you and grabs a relic... requiring you to chase it down and get it back while figuring out a way to avoid it after retrieval so that you can reach the destination of where you wish to take it. (Phew... try to say that in one breath.) It reminds me of how birds fight over food and chase each other through the sky.

In order to obtain these relics, you have to obtain enough of these glowing triangular pieces (called "Slivers") that serve as a key to unlock cradles holding these relics. Some can be found more easily than others... but exploration is part of the fun... rewarding you with discovery and progression.

Tip: Use dangers in the environment to your advantage whenever necessary, because other animals are able to be killed by these things just the same you. Some will leave you alone if you show them whose boss, but that will be determined once they begin to bleed out.

Something got to me while playing this game though... its hard to maneuver the bird at times based on an inability to accelerate while flapping... sometimes. I'm not sure if its something that has to be fixed or what... but I don't think it has anything to do with the bird being fatigue, we will contact the developer.

Overall, Secrets of Raetikon is a very nice experience with art that's not only pleasing to the eye, but also pleasing to interact with. I love flying through the trees watching the leaves fall, placing colorful eggs into nests to hatch eggs (at least the right eggs), repairing statues to unlock secrets... and all that good stuff. The art actually reminds me of Aztec style art... which is a very nice touch, they could've went a traditional route or tried to go realistic but this stands out well.

Price wise... Broken Rules Studio hits the mark spot on at $9.99, this seals the deal on the score because they did what I believe they were aiming to do... and did it well. Oh and I just had to bring up the download size of this game, its quite small but it doesn't take away from the depth they were able to provide.
Its available on Steam, Linux, Windows, and Mac (DRM-Free).

Fun factor: 4
Visually: 5
Replay value: 5
Price: 5

"4.5 / 5 Mushrooms"

You can get more on the game here:

http://www.secrets-of-raetikon.com/

The Walking Dead: Season 2... reviewed!

This is a game full of shoulda, couldas and wouldas... but the great part is, you have the option of actually going back to experience them.

This game's story is great... but it needs to be, because it's the necessary base that all other elements stand upon. The game's story is also stressful, and highly emotional for some based on the connections made with select characters. Making decisions is where the primary challenges hit you in this game, you have to think quick on your feet and make sure decisions don't comeback to haunt you in a game where consequence usually spell d-e-a-t-h. [Insert scream here!] 

This game fits into a special category of titles that have a good enough story and progression track to the point that it attracts some gamers and non-gamers to sit in on a play through (if not all of them). It almost becomes movie night... with the metaphorical steering wheel being placed in your hands (to drive the story), but don't be surprised if you end up with a few self-appointed backseat drivers.

If I could have one request considered, it would be... to have more choices and outcomes, based on how i'd like to see the story go even more my way... but that's not completely what its about since things are supposed to happen beyond our control for the sake of challenges that occur in the situations presented. 

I really enjoyed Season 1, and Season 2 presents the road ahead for all those willing to take a ride full of twists and turns... its all apart of the story that doesn't stick to the same scenarios, so the changes are a good thing for the sake of building a substantial story driven adventure across multiple seasons, and I can respect that (its smart progression)... regardless of what happens in the story. Season 2 takes the baton handed off by Season 1, and doesn't drop it... I greatly appreciate that because some games have you wondering what happened to the story. The first episode of this season starts off pretty good and I look forward to the others as they're released periodically throughout 2014 (episode 2 is currently available).

There are plenty of action screens to challenge you throughout this game (via designated commands) though decisions are the primary factor... but if TellTale Games decides to release this series on the Wii U and (possibly) the 3DS, a new control scheme (option) would be great. Don't worry... i'll explain. 

Could controls be any better for this game on current platforms? Yes... but that's what future installments are for. In the now, I think this game is perfect for a touch-screen experience, with physical controls as a secondary option (for the platforms with such an option). This is based on the variety of options that can come with increasing the complexity of gameplay through the UI and required interactions. Controllers work, but i'd see myself preferring a 3DS Circle pad + touch screen or a Wii U analog stick + touch screen set up. The 3D feature of the 3DS would really enhance the experience even more... in my opinion.

Now that I think of it... the Wiimote & Nunchuk could be pretty good also, because you need to shoot zombies, hit them, stab them, etc. So a control scheme for that... would be pretty cool too, but only as an extra option because not everyone is willing or able to move their arms around for the sake of playing a game. Maybe Nintendo-Demand can provide consultations or something. Hehehe 

This affordable award winning title can be enjoyed by players of various skill levels (including casual gamers), and if the survival horror genre is one your faves... or you'd like a change of pace game, give this one a whirl.

Note: It's good to start with Season 1, followed by 400 Days... if you want the current story to be based on your past decisions. You will be presented with different scenarios in Season 2 though, so you can start over based on which one you like best, though it wouldn't be the one that you created.

The replay value comes into play based on all the scenarios and results you can end up with, I can't go into detail (no spoilers here), but your words are about as loud as your actions. Keep that in mind.

Value is in your face at $5 per episode, this gives gamers with little (financially)... the ability to enjoy something they like (if they're able to afford it at that price) and I give props to TellTale Games for doing this so that plenty of people can enjoy the games. It's priced right, the story is good, and you don't deliver everything at once, so we have time to enjoy the story/investment over time. Season 2 doesn't slow down the story either, and there are plenty of surprises thrown in there (so avoid spoilers at all costs) as you make your way through another adventure in the world of... The Walking Dead.

Fun factor: 4
Visually: 5
Replay value: 5
Price: 5

"4.5 / 5 Mushrooms"

You can get more on the game here: http://www.telltalegames.com/walkingdead/