Gallery: DARQ

Posted on May 20, 2016 by geelw

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

With indie and AAA horror games being a dime a dozen these days, it’s going to take something really different to get some gamers jumping out of their seats and diving under their beds. Unfold Games has taken up the scare you halfway to death challenge with DARQ, their upcoming PC/Mac/Linux game that as you can see, certainly seems to have it going on in terms of delivering the frights.

So, what’s this stylistic and creepy psychological horror game about, you ask? Well, here’s what the official site says:

DARQ tells the story of Lloyd, a boy who becomes aware of the fact that he is dreaming. To Lloyd’s misfortune, the dream quickly turns into a nightmare and all attempts to wake up end in failure. While exploring the darkest corners of his subconscious, Lloyd learns how to survive the nightmare by bending the laws of physics and manipulating the fluid fabric of the dream world.

In DARQ, sound plays a very important role. There are sections of the game that take place in absolute darkness and in order to navigate the environment, Lloyd has to rely on the location of sounds.

Yep. If you’ve ever had those nightmares where you know you’re sleeping, but wake up all sweaty looking around the room only to have something bizarre take place as you realize you’re having a nightmare inside that nightmare, DARQ will be right up that dark alley you don’t want to travel through. Of course, you’ll be going thataway because that thing chasing you is keeping you from going backward. Oops.

Some imagery to keep you awake nights. As if that trailer didn’t get all crawly under your skin enough:

While the game is still in development and doesn’t yet have a set release date other than TBA 2016, it sure is worth keeping an eyeballed peeled for. Let that image stick with you for the day (eww!). I’d say “have a good night”, but it’s early on a Friday morning. Still, you have to go home and sleep at some point, correct? My work here is done, then.

Goliath Hands-On: Why Build a Bear When A Robot’s More Effective?

Posted on May 11, 2016 by geelw

2016 is turning into quite a packed year of indie game bliss for those looking for alternatives to AAA madness and yearly franchise games trying to recapture old glories long since past. One of my personal favorite indies is Whalebox Studios’ survival/action/RPG, Goliath (out on Steam tomorrow). A bit of time with the demo reveals its an intriguing, vastly fun to play mix of gameplay that should please fans of everything from Minecraft, Armored Core, Pacific Rim and a bunch of other influences that popped into my pointy head as I played. There’s a nicely cartoon aesthetic to the visuals that may initially fool you into thinking the game is a casual sort of fluff game. But my, isn’t it funny how visuals aren’t the big selling point when gameplay is tight and challenging, kids? Yeah, I thought you’d agree.

Anyway, the game’s focus on building and maintaining your Goliath is obviously key to the game, so it’s a benefit that it doesn’t take long before you get your first one built. You play as the a human survivor of a plane crash who ends up in a strange world where different factions are vying for some sort of superiority (as usual). However, with gigantic monsters stomping around in the wilds, let’s just say it’s not safe out there. Your character initially is stuck in the middle of nowhere after the plane wreck, but a radio call from a fellow survivor spurs him on to stay alive and find a means of making it out of that procedurally generated forest map. Your first (but not last) Goliath is a wooden one, but it’s no mere faux Tobanga you’ll be piloting. Nope, your modular mahogany mech is pretty sturdy and can take a bit of a whacking up to a point. As long as you’re near a source of wood or have the materials in your inventory, repairs are a cinch. Continue reading →

GALLERY: Aragami – Losing its “Souls” Makes This Even More Appealing

Posted on May 1, 2016 by geelw

Formerly known as Twin Souls: The Path of Shadows, developer Linceworks’ upcoming stealth/action game is now officially known as Aragami and should land quietly behind you this fall provided you’re a PC or PlayStation 4 owner keeping a close eye on this one. The stealth mechanics and setting have a nice Tenchu vibe, but the game is also influenced by excellent games such as Mark of the Ninja and Dishonored. For my money, losing the word “Souls” from that re-titling is also a really good thing thanks to so many gamers comparing any game using that word as copying or influenced by FromSoftware’s Dark Souls trilogy and its precursor, Demon’s Souls. Solid-looking games like this don’t need that needless fan-brain baggage loading them down at all. Thankfully, Aragami seems to have it all going on from visuals to what’s sounding like a great score from Two Feathers (of Hammerwatch fame).

In terms of story, you’ll play as Aragami, a slain warrior summoned back from the dead by Yamiko, a noble girl from the sacred citadel of Kyûryu. Her connection to Aragami isn’t clear at the outset as his memories are somewhat hazy and need to be regained as he and Yamiko make their way though Kyûryu’s heavily guarded streets. Stealth and the risen raider’s Shadow Powers will be keys to survival as the developer notes:

Aragami has a punishing difficulty; you are lethal when undetected, but outmatched in numbers. Getting detected can lead to an abrupt defeat, so you must rely on your supernatural abilities and stealth to choose your battles wisely.

As for those Shadow Powers, look out below. Or above. Yikes!

Use your Shadow Powers to become the ultimate stealth killer. Cast shadows on any surface and use your Shadow Leap to move around undetected. Dispose of enemy corpses using your Shadow Vanish, create shadow clones to distract your enemies or invoke black holes to swallow your targets in one fell swoop. As you advance you will need to use all your powers and wit to sneak past guards, teleport between shadows, create your own areas of darkness and strategically assassinate those who stand in your way.

Sounds deadly, doesn’t it? Let’s take a look at some screenshots below the jump so you know what to expect in case that trailer was too much for you to handle Continue reading →

Gallery: BREACHED

Posted on April 24, 2016 by geelw

Welcome to BREACHED, coming to Steam sometime this year from indie developer Drama Drifters. “What’s it all about?” you ask with a raised eyebrow as you lean forward in your seat. Well… let’s take a look:

You awaken as Corus Valott, long lost in cryogenic slumber, to find your shelter damaged by unknown circumstances. The land and settlements around you have crumbled to ruin, broken buildings and jagged shards all that remains. Confused and isolated, you’re compelled to repair the shelter, explore the ruins and scavenge your surroundings, in hopes of uncovering – or perhaps avoiding – the uncomfortable truth of what has transpired.

Well, that’s not good news at all for Corus, but the game certainly looks quite impressive despite his plight.

You’d THINK by 2245 (when the game takes place), we’d have all this “how to survive on other planets” stuff down pat. But, nope. Stuff always tends to go haywire in sci-fi, which is of course a good deal better than it happening in reality, right? This is probably why BREACHED will work so well (if that trailer is any indication). Survival simulation, speedy drone piloting, exploration and repairs all come into play as Corus only has eight (game) days to get things taken care of. Will he make it off that rock or what? I’d say that may be all up to you and what the developers have planned. While you’re waiting for the release date, feel free to give a listen to the game’s otherworldly soundtrack a bunch of times while you wait. It’s quite good.

Back with more on this one once the inbox gets a tickle of news.

Valley: Blue Isle Studios’ Newest Is Intentionally More Jumpy Than Scary

Posted on April 23, 2016 by geelw

Blue Isle Studios made a name for itself with Slender: The Arrival on PC and then consoles, but the studio wisely decided not to become the all jump scare all the time game factory fans of that horror hit wanted it to be. Its upcoming title, Valley is a very different game than Slender was, although some are making direct (and probably unfair) comparisons to Gone North Games excellent first-person puzzle platformer A Story About My Uncle.

The trailer below certainly has a few things going for it that game didn’t as well as what looks like a tonal shift from freeform 3D platforming to a bit of slightly frightening business:

As for what’s what with the story and what to expect from the gameplay, here you go:

Valley is a First-Person adventure unlike any other. Hidden deep within a remote region of the Rocky Mountains, you find yourself bewildered within a secluded valley. With the power of a recently discovered L.E.A.F. suit (Leap Effortlessly though Air Functionality), run and jump your way through beautiful forests, dangerous ruins and vast environments; all the while utilizing the power to control life and death to uncover the startling secrets of the mysterious valley.

Features

Move faster, jump higher: make your way through the world of Valley™ using the incredible speed and agility of the L.E.A.F. suit.
Manipulate life and death: the L.E.A.F. suit grants its pilots the phenomenal power to both give and take life from any living thing.
Experience a unique twist on death: the more you die, the more the valley will die around you.
Enhance yourself: upgrade your suit with new abilities and strengths.
Explore: the world of Valley™ is filled with forests, wildlife, ancient ruins, charming creatures, dangerous enemies and other mysteries.

Six screens below to ogle:

The varied environments combined with the intriguing gameplay makes Valley quite intriguing and well worth a play to see how the mechanics work. If it all works well, Blue Isle will have what’s looking to be an even bigger hit than Slender was, provided that game’s legion of fans is willing to try something different. Valley lands on PC via Steam (so far), PlayStation 4 and Xbox One this summer.

Gallery: Niten

Posted on April 22, 2016 by geelw

“Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world”
– Miyamoto Musashi

That quote from Musashi’s classic The Book of Five Rings is seemingly what Edinburgh, Scotland-based indie developer Donald Macdonald is aiming to convey with Niten, an upcoming first-person exploration game currently available for backing on Kickstarter that blazed through the Steam Greenlight approval process in a mere ten days. Created with Unreal Engine 4 and Speedtree assets, MacDonald’s interactive adventure looks absolutely glorious with an open world beckoning to be fully explored as the story plays out:

In search of the past and the present find yourself lost on a remote island off the coast of Japan. Uncover the mystery where ancient Japanese culture meets breathtaking scenery, blossoming cherry trees and a sky that tells a story in its self. Watch the weather turn and see the sun go down, feel the chill of the morning mist and let the glowing fireflies guide you as you search to uncover the truth of the island.

As for that island, let’s take a look at some gorgeous screenshots below the jump. Passports ready? Good. We’re off: Continue reading →

Lost Reavers Beta Hands-On: Fun, But Needs Some Old West Tweaking

Posted on April 18, 2016 by geelw

While it hasn’t sold in the numbers Nintendo has liked to have seen, the Wii U isn’t dead just yet. Bandai Namco’s online-only action shooter/RPG-lite exclusive Lost Reavers popped up last Friday as a public beta until April 26 (the final version goes live a day later) and after some extensive playtime, the jury is in on the gameplay (solid and accessible fun), but out on the lack of certain features that make these online games hugely popular and more enjoyable to western audiences. Let’s start with what works before commencing with the constructive criticism, as some things can and should be ironed out once the final release is out.

While the “plot” is thinner than a sheet of rice paper on a recently paved road run over by a dozen brand new steamrollers, it’s not *why* you’ll be playing at all. The game is a throwback to a simpler arcade style of play: Run through maps killing monsters and picking up drops before making to a relic room where that prize is retrieved by a single player and carried to an exit warp while the others protect hm or her. Most maps are relatively short and can be completed in less than five minutes to closer to ten minutes each with a good set of teammates. The Unreal-powered visuals are okay and occasional lag and bug issues (that will hopefully be squashed before launch) aside, the game runs at what looks like 30fps most of the time. While it’s a third-person game, each of the four classes plays differently and the heavy gunner guy has the only optional first-person view. My own preferences are the third person furthest view camera because it allows for seeing more of what’s around you, but there’s also a second third-person view that adds a targeting cursor as well as a lock-on function that should help casual players get used to things quickly.

Continue reading →

IFFY News Is Not “Iffy” At All. It’s Quite Awesome For JRPG Fans

Posted on April 17, 2016 by geelw

So, Idea Factory International has been a bunch of busy bees of late. This is a great thing for fans of their console and PC games as a number of cool projects are coming soon and you’ll be wanting to get that disposable income dispenser (or wallet, purse or whatever you keep your plastic in) pointed in the general direction of whatever you’re reading this on to do some pre-ordering now or flat out buying later. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s hop to it!

MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune VS Zombies Limited Edition Pre-orders!

Look at it. Just LOOK AT IIIIIIIIT!

Isn’t is all so CUTE AS HELL? Yes it is! And all that stuff is a measly $62.99? Excellent. Now stay out of my way while I hug my monitor into a different shape (squeeeeeze, CRACK!!… oops). Um, anyway. For a more sedate (and actually informative) look at what’s in the box, see below:

Somehow, even that teeny-tiny unboxing is CUTE. Or David and Ari at IFI are giants straight out of Attack on Titan (without the crazy faces and people eating) and that box is the correct size. Hmmm… Anyway, go get that LE before it sells out, I say. The game hits retail and digital May 10 (a few days after my birthday IFFY you’re buying me a gift. HINT. HINT. HINT.

Continue reading →

Gallery: SEVERED

Posted on April 16, 2016 by geelw

In Severed you play as a distraught warrior, who is lost in a fantastical world. She is tasked with the challenge of knitting together pieces of her story from both the past and the future. Our heroine will embark on a journey through a surreal non-linear world using a gesture based combat mechanic to defeat enemies in this first person adventure. Unlock new abilities, discover secrets of the land, and grow in power as you master both offensive and defensive techniques. Let Severed be your mystery to unravel.

Despite not being the biggest fan of touch screen or gesture-based games on the Vita (why can’t I use a stylus on this handheld?), Drinkbox Studios’ SEVERED caught my eye (ow!) with it’s gorgeous stylized visuals and overall “not for the kids” plot. Memories of a few arcade games and the Super NES sleeper Shien’s Revenge also came to mind, which means I’ll most likely have a blast playing this. Granted, I wasn’t so fond of Guacamelee (fun to play as it was), but I never judge a developer by ONE game (I just judge my taste in games I should have liked more when I first played them). Anyway, this new Vita title should be out digitally on PSN at some point this year. It’s screaming for a Wii U/3DS port, but we shall see what happens over time, right?

Some lovely screens below:

The gameplay looks smooth enough and those graphics sure are easy on the eyes (unless you’re that poor sap in the tree above), so it looks as if Drinkbox will have another hit on their hands (and in my hands as well).

Gallery: Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan – The Awakening

Posted on April 15, 2016 by geelw

Okay, who knew Cameroon (yes, that Cameroon) had an indie game development studio working on a colorful Action/RPG partly inspired by Japan’s Tales of franchise and a few side-scrolling brawlers some of you may have spent a lot of money in back in the arcade era?

Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan – The Awakening is out NOW and can be purchased directly from the developer or on Steam (both at a 15% discount).

If that colorful trailer above and those equally colorful screenshots below the jump are any indication, Kiro’o Games has a winner on their hands worth playing.

Continue reading →