PC Reviews Archives - GamersHeroes https://www.gamersheroes.com/category/honest-game-reviews/pc-reviews/ Short and accurate game guides designed to save you time and effort. Honest Game Reviews, Breaking News, & More Tue, 02 Jul 2024 19:52:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 https://www.gamersheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/cropped-Gamers-Heroes-Site-Icon-32x32.jpg PC Reviews Archives - GamersHeroes https://www.gamersheroes.com/category/honest-game-reviews/pc-reviews/ 32 32 SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/spyxanya-operation-memories-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/spyxanya-operation-memories-review/#respond Tue, 02 Jul 2024 19:52:44 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=143641 Anya Forger’s adventures in SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories are well worth the time of any secret agent.

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A new Forger family “ooting” awaits with GrooveBoxJapan and Bandai Namco Entertainment’s SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories. Based on the wildly popular SPYxFAMILY anime and manga series, does this title manage to complete its mission with great success?

SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review


Anya Forger and her family are anything but ordinary. Her father Loid Forger moonlights as the secret agent Twilight, her mother Yor Forger is the infamous assassin Thorn Princess, and Anya herself possesses the unique ability to read minds. Even her dog Bond can see into the future! There’s never a dull moment in this seemingly idyllic household.

As a member of the prestigious Eden Academy, Anya Forger has a new assignment: Fill out a diary of her memories based on previous experiences. 

Needless to say, she’ll have some fantastic material to work with.

Fans of the SPYxFAMILY series will know these beats part and parcel – SPYxANYA is a true love letter to the series. While some may not quite understand some of the references, everybody else will get a laugh out of Yor Forger’s bad cooking or Second Son Damian Desmond’s forever sour attitude.

As players fill out Anya’s diary in SPYxANYA, they’ll head out on different outings to take the perfect shots. Don’t expect this paparazzi work to be overly in-depth; shots are judged by focus, angle, and timing, with colored frames helping players out.

Those that do well by taking the best shots during outings can get themselves Play Points (PP) and Eurekas that unlock more than a dozen different minigames. There’s also a wealth of clothing options for the family that are just waiting to be unlocked.

Keep in mind that SPYxANYA is a slow burn; those looking to minmax their shots and rush to the end will be sorely disappointed. Rather, this title prides itself on charm and immersion; whether one hits the town on their way to infiltrate a candy store or pay a visit to the aquarium, players will fall in love with Anya’s adventures.

Just note that outings aren’t all done in succession; players will have to wait a few days between each one. Players can go out and play hooky from school after some time has passed to speed things up, but those that do so will miss out on some fantastic slice of life moments at Eden Academy.

That’s not to say time between outings is a bore; SPYxANYA has a number of minigames that players can give into. These run the gamut from a Pac-Man tribute that swaps pellets for peanuts, a riveting game of dodgeball, and even a hack-and-slash mode that has players channeling their inner Dante. 

While players will experience the same minigames multiple times, they’re all well-made and have some variations between them. The scoring system also encourages players to be the very best – like no one ever was. We would have loved to see more, but we did enjoy our time with each one.

Anya Forger’s adventures in SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories are well worth the time of any secret agent. While we wish there were more minigames, SPYxFAMILY fans shouldn’t hesitate to go out on this ooting.

SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review

Reviewed On: PC (A digital code was provided)
Release Date: June 28, 2024
MSRP: $49.99
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC
Developer: GrooveBoxJapan
Publisher: Bandai Namco Games
Alternative Reviews: Game8
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic

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Still Wakes the Deep Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/still-wakes-the-deep-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/still-wakes-the-deep-review/#respond Mon, 24 Jun 2024 14:15:07 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=143460 Still Wakes the Deep is a truly immersive tale, but its linearity ultimately prevents it from reaching new heights.

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The dark, freezing North Sea awaits with the release of The Chinese Room and Secret Mode’s new horror title Still Wakes the Deep. Should players weather these harsh conditions, or is this tale not worth telling?

Still Wakes the Deep Review


As a member of the crew of the derelict oil rig Beira D long ago (back in the 70s, in fact), Cameron “Caz” McLeary is having a rough day. Not only is his marriage on the rocks, he’s also got the police knocking on their doorstep out at sea, ultimately costing him his job. That is, after a thorough chewing out from his boss Rennick.

That’s the least of his worries, however; before too long, a wild drilling incident causes havoc on the ship before he was slated to jet off back home, forcing him to deal with a number of problems throughout the rig and its crew. It’s far from a normal day, and there are some supernatural events that are being thrown into the mix for good measure.

What follows is a walking sim that throws the player headlong into danger. Still Wakes the Deep prides itself on immersion; whether players are climbing a dangerous precipice, dealing with crewmates that just aren’t right, or navigating harsh conditions, intensity is the name of the game.

Paired with the excellent voice work (complete with Scottish phrases like “clacky gobshite”), stunning graphics, and dire conditions are just the thing to transport players to this rig.

However, it’s not all roses throughout these lousy predicaments. Still Wakes the Deep is a horror title that is truly immersive, though it ends up being far too linear in the process. Players will be railroaded from one stop to the next, complete with yellow-coded objects, overt objectives, and straightforward paths.

That’s not to say this title is free of danger. Don’t expect to go all Doom Guy from DOOM in this title, but do expect to navigate a number of threats through the use of stealth. Rather than a BFG 9000, one’s wits – and the occasional contextual item – will keep Caz in one piece.

Despite this, Still Wakes the Deep’s this linearity ultimately takes away from the experience. 

There’s not much player without a context marker eagerly pointing people in the right direction. With all the blocks from one area to the next, it can feel like a slog as players are navigating these different areas to get to the next problem.

The end result is something that would have been better suited as a TV miniseries. The content of Still Wakes the Deep is more than sound – shows like AMC’s The Terror capture the same ominous vibes – but pretty much all players will have the end experience after its short three-hour runtime.

Still Wakes the Deep is a truly immersive tale, but its linearity ultimately prevents it from reaching new heights. Caz’s bad day is well worth a while for those looking for supernatural horror, but this tale might have been better suited for another medium.

Still Wakes the Deep Review

Reviewed On: PC
Release Date: March 22nd, 2024
MSRP: $34.99
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC
Developer: The Chinese Room
Publisher: Secret Mode
Alternative Reviews: TheSixthAxis, God is a Geek, PushSquare
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

Review Policy | Scoring Policy | Meet the Reviewer

Nightmare Kart Review

Nightmare Kart is positively dreamy, channeling the best kart racers to create something truly divine. While the emphasis on combat might lead to some unnecessary chaos, its addictive blend of speed and offense makes it worthy of all Hunters.

Continue Reading Nightmare Kart Review

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Nightmare Kart Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/nightmare-kart-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/nightmare-kart-review/#respond Sun, 16 Jun 2024 15:08:13 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=143268 Nightmare Kart is positively dreamy, channeling the best kart racers to create something truly divine. While the emphasis on combat might lead to some unnecessary chaos, its addictive blend of speed and offense makes it worthy of all Hunters.

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Beast Hunters will be able to kick the tires and light the fires with the release of LWMedia’s Gothic-themed combat racer Nightmare Kart. Does the night call out for all, or is this title less than divine?

Nightmare Kart Review


Players will hit the track of Nightmare Kart right from the offset with its Campaign mode. Signing a contact under the watchful eye (literally) of the Dream Watchers, players will choose their voice and ride, beginning this Nightmare in search of answers – and some best lap times to boot.

Despite its grim setting, Nightmare Kart handles like a dream. Controls are responsive, with a Boost consuming Aether Vials and the proper drift granting them right back. There are also some advanced maneuvers, with the Power Brake providing a fast turn, tricks after jumps, and White Flares serving as item boxes.

All of these features are staples for the kart racing genre, coming as no surprise to those who have raced with the likes of Mario or Crash in the past. However, Nightmare Kart handles well, providing a thrill racing fans will flock to like a moth to a flame.

However, Nightmare Kart isn’t just a racer; it’s a combat title as well. By taking down enemies, players will be able to get themselves Blood Droplets that increase one’s max speed. There are other racers to take down, sure, but there are also a number of different threats dotting each racetrack just begging to be annihalated.

As a result, Nightmare Kart places a bit of a heavier emphasis on its items. Racing the perfect line is absolutely important, but it also pays to be aware of one’s surroundings. We loved this shift in gameplay, and while the amount of hazards can rival that of Mario Kart Wii, it is still a worthwhile addition worthy of a Molotov Mine.

For those who like battle modes, Nightmare Kart’s Team Bloodbath and Boss Battles accentuate these combat features quite nicely. Controlled chaos sums it up quite well – pairing speed with action and projectiles, it leads to a frenzy we couldn’t get enough of. There’s even a chance to play a little sportsball with some Insight – a nice touch.

Perhaps the biggest wrinkle in Nightmare Kart is its presentation. Designed to mimic a 32-bit racing game, players will navigate low poly environments, encounter vintage loading screens, and even save to a “memory card.”

While these flourishes are most certainly not for everybody, an incredible amount of attention-to-detail went into Nightmare Kart’s overall aesthetics. If released in 1996, players would be none-the-wiser – and we mean that as the highest form of compliment.

Nightmare Kart is positively dreamy, channeling the best kart racers to create something truly divine. While the emphasis on combat might lead to some unnecessary chaos, its addictive blend of speed and offense makes it worthy of all Hunters.

Nightmare Kart Review

Reviewed On: PC
Release Date: June 5, 2024
MSRP: Free
Platforms: PC
Developer: LWMedia
Publisher: LWMedia
Alternative Reviews: Bloody Disgusting
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic
Review Policy | Scoring Policy | Meet the Reviewer

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Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/read-only-memories-neurodiver-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/read-only-memories-neurodiver-review/#respond Wed, 15 May 2024 14:11:39 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=142485 Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER provides a fantastic futuristic experience that we were all too eager to dive into. While we would have appreciated more runway with its brief tale, ES88’s hunt for the Golden Butterfly is well worth a trip down memory lane.

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The past comes roaring back with Midboss and Chorus Worldwide’s Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER, a cyberpunk thriller that has players entering one’s memories. Should players “dive” into this visual novel (sorry, too easy)?

Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER Review


Plucky young Esper ES88 possesses quite the skill – with her handy squid-like Neurodiver, she has the ability to enter one’s memories. This is more than just a simple party trick; she can use it to clear out brain fog, uncover repressed thoughts, and even alter the way one thinks.

There’s just one problem – a rogue Esper known as the Golden Butterfly is using these abilities for mischief throughout the greater Neo-SF Bay Area. With GATE, TRACE, FORTUNA, and the greater power of the MINERVA organization at her side, it’s up to players to find the truth.

What follows is a title that prides itself on its immersion. Featuring a world that pulls from both Latin and Japanese influences, NEURODIVER’s fusion of different cultures is a breath of fresh air in the gaming space.

This immersion also applies to its worldbuilding. From bars to cafés to even zoos, each area is given plenty of flair for players to encounter. As locals to the real-life Bay Area, we loved seeing its unique spin on each area.

NEURODIVER gives players the chance to interact with different objects in true point-and-click fashion as they piece different memories together. While there isn’t a terrible amount of depth, finding out what goes where leads to some light puzzle solving that is welcome.

It’s just a shame that NEURODIVER is a short one, spread across five brief chapters and an intro. With each one presented in an anime-style episode format (complete with commercial bumpers), it just doesn’t have enough runtime to flesh things out.

Each chapter does possess its own puzzle and storyline, but it oftentimes feels like they are a bit more standalone chapters. There are a lot of interesting concepts when it comes to protests and previous MINERVA history, but they’re not given too much time to sit before the next major storyline takes shape.

NEURODIVER does provide a fantastic audiovisual presentation for each of its chapters. The sprite work is at the top of its class, the synth channels the best early 90s titles, and the professional voiceover talent really drives things home. We especially loved ES88’s bubbly performance, which is so full of life

Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER provides a fantastic futuristic experience that we were all too eager to dive into. While we would have appreciated more runway with its brief tale, ES88’s hunt for the Golden Butterfly is well worth a trip down memory lane.

Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER Review

Reviewed On: PC (A digital code was provided)
Release Date: May 16, 2024
MSRP: $14.99 / €14.79 / £12.79
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Steam
Developer: MidBoss
Publisher: Chorus Worldwide
Alternative Reviews: Noisy Pixel, Hey Poor Player
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

Review Policy | Scoring Policy | Meet the Reviewer

Nightmare Kart Review

Nightmare Kart is positively dreamy, channeling the best kart racers to create something truly divine. While the emphasis on combat might lead to some unnecessary chaos, its addictive blend of speed and offense makes it worthy of all Hunters.

Continue Reading Nightmare Kart Review

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Lunar Lander Beyond Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/lunar-lander-beyond-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/lunar-lander-beyond-review/#respond Mon, 22 Apr 2024 13:24:05 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=141422 While Lunar Lander Beyond requires a delicate touch, the feeling that comes from mastering a perfect run and ship-shape crew cannot be beat.

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A mysterious universe awaits with the release of Dreams Uncorporated’s Lunar Lander Beyond. This serious glow-up of the classic Atari property certainly looks the part – should players set out to build a new Earth?

Lunar Lander Beyond Review

Joining the ranks of the Pegasus Administration, Lunar Lander Beyond has players setting out into the great beyond as the latest pilot on payroll. 

However, even through players are guided by the AI assistant HARA every step of the way, this gig is far from easy. Not only do players have to contend with one’s ship health and fuel as they rescue crew members and perform adept landings, they’ll also have to contend with stress that can ultimately lead to one going insane – never a fun moment. There’s also something called the “Cosmic Event” that is the talk of the town – never a dull moment to be on the job!

While this may seem like a lot to manage, that’s also the draw. Lunar Lander Beyond is a game of resource management, reflexes, and careful planning. One can easily dial down the difficulty, lean on the Stabilizer, or choose a different pilot or ship – the options are most certainly there for those looking for them. This is also paired with a number of different features that can be equipped, from tractor beams to turboboosts.

However, the real fun of Lunar Lander Beyond comes from true mastery of its system. Momentum is the focal point of this title; truly understanding the way one’s ship moves as you hit the thrusters and use fuel provides a moment of zen; think of it like hitting the race line of a video game.

The same management comes from its crew management. Each character has their own traits, including Elite traits, but there’s also the chance that a bad run out could lead to a demotion – or the aforementioned insanity. It requires careful planning when it comes to who to send out, what ship to bring, and which abilities to equip, adding to a bit of strategy that we absolutely love. Those that fail to do so will be seeing eyeballs and pink elephants, just begging to take a pill.

However, those that do take the time to learn its system will be handsomely rewarded with better medal ranks, additional credits, and even extra pilots. There’s also the occasional curveball thrown in for good measure, like defending a strong point, avoiding a security system, or trying to maneuver around mines. This, in turn, requires players to make a choice between safety and sanity – never an easy ask.

Despite its great gameplay, the presentation of Lunar Lander Beyond could use some work. There are some shining moments to be had with its fully voiced over dialog and animated cutscenes. However, there are also certain design elements that are static, and survivors are depicted as stick men. It can be a bit jarring to see this discrepancy in its world, and did take us out of the experience on more than one occasion.

While Lunar Lander Beyond requires a delicate touch, the feeling that comes from mastering a perfect run and ship-shape crew cannot be beat. For the management fiends and skill-driven fans among us, get ready to kick the tires and light the fires during this Cosmic Event.

Luna Lander Review

Reviewed On: PC (A digital code was provided)
Release Date: April 23, 2024
MSRP: $29.99
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Developer: Dreams Uncorporated
Publisher: Atari
Alternative Reviews: Player2, God is a Geek, Hey Poor Player
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

Review Policy | Scoring Policy | Meet The Reviewer

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Spirit City: Lofi Sessions Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/spirit-city-lofi-sessions-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/spirit-city-lofi-sessions-review/#respond Mon, 08 Apr 2024 13:03:40 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=141345 Spirit City: Lofi Sessions is a fantastic (and pun-tastic) tool that dishes out good vibes as players knock out their tasks. While the title could use more customization options, we enjoyed getting down to business in its cozy world.

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Combining gamification with comfort, Mooncube Games sets the mood with their new stylish focus tool Spirit City: Lofi Sessions. Should players get down to business as a Spiritographer, or this title have a bad juju?

Spirit City: Lofi Sessions Review


Lenny the cat (quite literally) serves as your spirit animal in Spirit City, giving you a chance to truly relax and help you with all of your tasks. After customizing one’s character, a comfy room with plenty of creature comforts is at your disposal. The world is your oyster in this paradise; while there, players can choose to knit, read, write, and even nap in this virtual environment. There’s also the chance to change the time of day, play curated lo-fi tunes from the talented folks at Homework Radio, and even add a background noise (including our favorite, the crackling fireplace).

This is all done to help players knock out those nasty real-life tasks that always loom over one’s head. Thankfully, Spirit City: Lofi Sessions has the tools needed to make sure that those looming tasks are conquered.

Enter the title’s productivity corner, which includes a to-do list, a timer, a habit tracker, and a journal. As somebody who uses old-fashioned pen and paper to jot down tasks, our time with Spirit City: Lofi Sessions transformed the way we handle our never-ending workload.

We ended up keeping the title on as a background tool for a few days, writing down things to do, penning notes (including the ones for this review!), and getting lost in its general vibes. While the amount of tools is a bit on the light side, each one came in handy during the review period.

Gamification elements also appear in Spirit City: Lofi Sessions in a number of different forms. Along the way, players will earn EXP, level up as a Spiritographer, and earn Spirit Credits that can be spent on different room customization options. These factors scratch that dopamine itch quite well, encouraging players to come back and go for just a little bit more – there’s even daily tasks to keep that momentum going and come back; a smart move.

Perhaps the biggest gamification element in Spirit City: Lofi Sessions are its different spirits. Players will be able to utilize different activities and factors to encourage pun-tastic spirits to make an appearance. We love these little critters; they absolutely warmed our heart and encouraged us to try out the title’s different options. Don’t treat it as a speedrunning jaunt just waiting to be conquered. Rather, Spirit City: Lofi Sessions is a title that’s about the journey than the destination.

Spirit City: Lofi Sessions is a fantastic (and pun-tastic) tool that dishes out good vibes as players knock out their tasks. While the title could use more customization options, we enjoyed getting down to business in its cozy world.

Spirit City: Lofi Sessions Review

Reviewed On: PC (A digital code was provided)
Release Date: April 8, 2024
MSRP: $11.99
Platforms: PC
Developer: Mooncube Games
Publisher: Mooncube Games
Alternative Reviews: GAMINGBible, Finger Guns, Games.CH
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

Review Policy | Scoring Policy | Meet The Reviewer

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Contra: Operation Galuga Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/contra-operation-galuga-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/contra-operation-galuga-review/#respond Sat, 06 Apr 2024 19:32:32 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=141324 The soldiers of Contra: Operation Galuga have the right moves for this mission, but the steep cost, short length, and awkward perspectives lead to a less-than-perfect execution.

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The stone-cold classic Contra is back with some new moves – but the same great debonair flair – with the release of WayForward and KONAMI’s Contra: Operation Galuga. Should players attack aggressively in this run-and-gun, or is this retro revival more spray and pray?

Contra: Operation Galuga Review


Things are heating up from the offset of this title, with the terrorist group Red Falcon setting up shop on the Galuga Archipelago. They’ve been keeping busy, contending with a group of super soldiers sent to deal with them that are now MIA. If that’s not enough, gravity waves centered around the area hint at these baddies possessing an artifact of mass destruction.

What’s a soldier to do?

Enter Bill Rizer and Lance Bean of the EMC Contra Unit, no strangers to the perils of war. These two pec-tacular warriors – along with Lucia, Ariana, and others – set out to right this wrong through sheer firepower and spectacle.

No need to worry, though; these fearsome fighters have the skills needed for the job. Contra: Operation Galuga gives players a double jump, a horizontal midair dash, and even the chance to precisely aim at the hold of a button. Paired with two weapons (one primary and one secondary), equippable perks, even an Overload function that works in a pinch, and players will give Rambo a run for his money through their moves and grooves on the battlefield.

Of course, Contra: Operation Galuga has the challenge to put all of these factors to the set. The first jungle stage might seem like a retread of the arcade and Nintendo Entertainment System classic, but things go over the top (just like the Stallone movie!) with ice train chases, high-tech labs, and other exotic locales. There’s even tweaks to classic sections like the vertical climbing levels, always setting out to keep us on our toes. The average stage clocking in at approximately 10 minutes too – just enough time to make a bombastic entrance and exit.

This system proves to be fair for the most part, with reflexes and pure skill proudly shining through after all these years. Players will have to contend with a lot of bullets at any given time, and while the default system is a bit more lenient compared to the 80s originals, players will still have to bring their AAAA game to survive.

However, there were some cheap hits with the general way Contra: Operation Galuga is designed. By using a 2.5D perspective – 3D graphics on a 2D plane – we found that it can be hard to determine hitboxes in certain scenarios. There were also select sections where the perspective and even the direction changed, making our initial go-around a bit of a slaughter. Again, triumph comes from practice, but there are times we just can’t claim “skill issue” in good faith.

Just be warned that Contra: Operation Galuga is a short mission, clocking in at around two hours and change during our initial playthrough. The title is $39.99 as of this writing on Steam; while it encourages replayability, it does prove to be a bit light on content – even if it does support up to four players.

The soldiers of Contra: Operation Galuga have the right moves for this mission, but the steep cost, short length, and awkward perspectives lead to a less-than-perfect execution.

Contra: Operation Galuga Review

Reviewed On: PC
Release Date: March 12, 2024
MSRP: $39.99
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Developer: WayForward Technologies
Publisher: KONAMI
Alternative Reviews: GamingBolt, Player 2, Video Chums
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

Review Policy | Scoring Policy | Meet The Reviewer

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Minishoot’ Adventures Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/minishoot-adventures-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/minishoot-adventures-review/#respond Sat, 06 Apr 2024 14:02:46 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=141021 The Legend of Zelda series of top-down titles is pretty rad. So is the shoot-em-up genre and its endless stream of bullets.

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The Legend of Zelda series of top-down titles is pretty rad. So is the shoot-em-up genre and its endless stream of bullets.

SoulGame Studio’s Minishoot’ Adventure dares to imagine a world where these two genres come together in perfect harmony. Does this hybrid go together like peanut butter and chocolate, or should these two genres keep separated?

Minishoot’ Adventures Review


At first glance, Minishoot’ Adventures seems like your typical top-down shooter. You’re piloting a ship, can maneuver in 360 degrees of motion, can fire at will, and can even take down other ships through a stream of multicolored bullets.

However, things aren’t what they seem; this title features a fair amount of exploration. Players will collect heart pieces, trigger switches, collect keys, upgrade one’s abilities via a skill tree, and can even pinpoint where they want to go. There’s even breakable pots and boss rooms as players take on the Unchosen and his minions – sounds like the adventures of a little green elf, right?

These two concepts might seem at odds with each other, but Minishoot’ Adventures is wildly original. The idea of traveling across an overworld and discovering secrets might seem unorthodox, but exploring a world while putting our skills to the test was a thrilling feeling. Note that there are “Explorer,” “Original,” and “Advanced” modes with different firing modes to match, making Minishoot’ Adventures suitable for all styles of play.

Players can make a beeline for the main objective on the map, but players can also come across distress signals and ships that have lost power along the way. There’s also collectibles like Golden Scarabs, a leveling system with a skill tree, and other perks that can make your shipling is the best shipling to ever ship.

Just note that the puzzles in Minishoot’ Adventures do not require a ton of heavy lifting. Some segments require exploration while others require clearing out a set room, but don’t expect anything too complex. This is far from a dealbreaker considering its focus on the action, but those looking for the depth that comes from the Hero of Time’s adventures with multiple items and floors will need to adjust to this brass tacks approach.

That’s not to say Minishoot’ Adventures is an easy title; far from it. Between the sections where players need to carefully navigate a chasm while big ol’ bullets come from the top, racing a spirit to the finish, or even freeing an old friend, this is one title that will require players to get acquainted or crash and burn. Without a suite of items these battles can feel a bit limiting, but muscle reflexes serve as a suitable substitution.

Taking inspiration from a little green elf, Minishoot’ Adventures combines bullet hells and exploration to create something truly unique. This title might not be the toughest or most compex title on the market, but the feedback loop between combat and exploration kept us captivated.

Minishoot’ Adventures Review

Reviewed On: PC (A digital code was provided)
Release Date: April 2, 2024
MSRP: $14.99
Platforms: PC
Developer: SoulGame Studio
Publisher: SoulGame Studio, IndieArk
Alternative Reviews: Buried Treasure, Movies Games and Tech, GameGrin
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

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Million Monster Militia Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/million-monster-militia-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/million-monster-militia-review/#respond Fri, 05 Apr 2024 12:37:32 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=141287 Variety is the spice of life in Million Monster Militia, providing sheer chaos with its synergies. While it takes some getting used when it comes to what goes where, those hankering for a good roguelike deckbuilder will enjoy positively obliterating these titans.

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The team at Space Capsule Games, together with Dejobaan Games, is featuring a crew wilder than your local DMV with Million Monster Militia. Promising 140 trillion custom game modes in its recent update (yes, really!), should players enlist for this battle for ‘Murica?

Million Monster Militia Review


Set in the not-too-distant year of 2073, players will encounter a world where the US is under attack by colossal titans like the cleverly named “Burny Sanders” (and his dog) and “Chonk Demon.”

Enter the player, who has the ability to enlist players every turn, throwing up to 25 recruits headlong into battle. However, while players start with five run-of-the-mill civilians, they quickly amass a veritable army of animals, vegetables, and minerals (signified as human, beast, monster, item, construct, demon, and so forth).

Each one has their own perks too. Whether it be damage multipliers, buffs, or golden goo, players will encounter common, uncommon, and rare findings every turn. No matter what they choose, players will have six different ones to choose from each roll.

Therein lies the fun of Million Monster Militia; its sheer variety. Early runs will feel a bit awkward, with players not quite knowing the benefits of stacking giant rats or a Power Pellet. This randomness is made doubly so when it comes to how militias are deployed; it can be hard to tell where each one appears on the 5×5 grid, and there are some that might be detrimental to others when placed next to one other. Nothing worse than a run coming to a screeching halt, all due to some good ol’ fashion destruction.

However, getting the right items each run, figuring out how to stack them, and making sure the right things are adjacent to each other is a thrilling feeling. In a way, it scratches that strategic itch, all while finding out that there are some downright wild possibilities. As the team puts it in the tutorial text, “synergy” is key!

Just note that while variety is the spice of life, it also takes a bit to get the hang of. Roguelike deckbuilder fans will absolutely love the round-based, turn-based deployments, and a vertiable wealth of options, but those less weaned on the genre might not quite appreciate the benefits of learning which buildout works best.

There are some standbys that can help get players out of a pinch in one’s run. A Mayday Button dishes out 10x the damage from the last turn once per run, while Internal Affairs, Electromagnetic Pulses, and Rerolling can also work in a pinch.

Variety is the spice of life in Million Monster Militia, providing sheer chaos with its synergies. While it takes some getting used when it comes to what goes where, those hankering for a good roguelike deckbuilder will enjoy positively obliterating these titans.

Million Monster Militia Review

Reviewed On: PC (A digital code was provided)
Release Date: August 17, 2023
MSRP: $4.99
Platforms: PC
Developer: Space Capsule Games, Dejobaan Games
Publisher: Space Capsule Games, Dejobaan Games
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic

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Pepper Grinder Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/pepper-grinder-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/pepper-grinder-review/#respond Thu, 04 Apr 2024 14:48:15 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=141280 Pepper Grinder is anything but a grind, letting players drill through land, sea, and air with relative ease. While we would have loved to see more content - and more bosses in particular - this title proves that it’s the pirate’s life for us.

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With some pep to her step, Pepper and Grinder hit the scene in Ahr Ech and Devolver Digital’s new platformer Pepper Grinder. Should players cut through its world like a knife through butter, or is her drill a little rusty?

Yes, there will be puns.

Pepper Grinder Review


When the pirate pepper has her treasure stolen, she doesn’t go without a fight. With her trusty drill Grinder, she sets out to turn anything and everything that stands into her way into a nice purple haze.

Said Grinder drill manages to outclass Milwaukee and Makita at their own game. With it in hand, Pepper is able to drill through select substances with ease, gliding in and out like it was water. While the turning radius is a bit broad, this ends up leading to a general flow to levels where players pop in and out of sections with relative ease. Pepper Grinder’s controls are responsive, leading to a truly unique style of play.

On that note, this drilling mechanic comes into play with some creative setups. One section has players navigating a sky world where balloons can’t be popped, while another makes use of cooled off magma to turn into new drilling platforms. While Pepper Grinder’s worlds aren’t too out of the ordinary – you’ve seen most of these level tropes before – the way the drilling elements come into play changes the way one approaches its drill bits. 

Pepper’s drill is truly versatile (with the environments to match), but there are plenty of other tools of the trade for some good ol’ fun and games. Weaponry with unlimited ammo pops up at select points, requiring players to shift their way of thinking. In addition, there’s also vehicles like snowmobiles that pop up for some high-speed action – just the thing to break things up. If anything, levels are brisk with plenty of action and no chance to catch one’s breath; just the way we like it.

However, Pepper Grinder’s greatest strength is in its boss fights. While there are only a handful to speak of, the way they require players to utilize both the gameplay and the environment itself is a real treat. 

It’s just a shame that this title’s over before it even begins. While it took us a bit to get through the trickier sections, we rolled credits after a few hours. Players can also collect Skull Coins in each level (some of which are expertly hidden!), along with Time Trials, but we were hoping for something akin to a grading system.

Pepper Grinder is anything but a grind, letting players drill through land, sea, and air with relative ease. While we would have loved to see more content – and more bosses in particular – this title proves that it’s the pirate’s life for us.

Pepper Grinder Review

Reviewed On: PC
Release Date: March 28, 2024
MSRP: $14.99
Platforms: PC. Nintendo Switch
Developer: Ahr Ech
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Alternative Reviews: Cultured Vultures, ZTGD, Checkpoint Gaming
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

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