SteamWorld Heist 2 Review

SteamWorld Heist 2 kicks off with players having a skeleton crew and their ship impounded by the Navy – talk about humble beginnings.

However, your crew is deathly loyal, and they help you get your submarine back. While that puts a huge mark on your back from said Navy, you were also planning to steal from them anyway.

You travel the ocean helping out other Steambots by clearing out levels and getting more fresh water. As you progress, you get additional crew members, better ship parts, and even more fame and glory. The ultimate goal? Rally the troops, push back the darkness, and keep the water free from oppression.

The story of this ragtag crew becoming something greater than themselves is certainly a good one, but the real story comes from Captain Leeway. Leeway lost his gun arm, his sub, and his confidence before the start of the game, and you have to help him earn it back.

Being the son of the great Krackenbane, he has a lot to live up to, and that pressure often overwhelms him. Despite this, his crew is adamant that he is the man to lead them. They believed in him, and as a result, I believed in him.

At that point, the rest of SteamWorld Heist 2’s story didn’t matter much to me; it was now all about getting my man his gun arm back and regaining his confidence.

To do this, you take on missions from various areas of the world. Most are quick affairs, with SteamWorld 2 having that “one more run” feeling in spades. Mission types vary, but since the game has “Heist” in the title, one is often stealing loot from someone or something.

On that note, players will have a set amount of turns to get said loot before it disappears. After securing the loot, players will have to fight back to the ship to escape. How one actually gets to the loot is up to you, because this game really lets you play the way you want to play.

For instance, there are no penalties for playing on easy or even quitting a level. Each character starts with a class, but you are highly encouraged to swap their class. In fact, not only is it encouraged, but on higher difficulties, it is mandatory. By switching to other classes, you can then learn the moves from that class.

Let’s say you are a Sniper, but you want to be able to move really far and shoot each time. By swapping into the Flanker class, you can Wheel and Deal, which lets you move twice and then shoot.

As for the combat itself, it’s pretty simple – at least, at first. Every class has their own weapon type and starts with one or two abilities.

For instance, Reapers can kill an enemy and then shoot again because they killed someone. Engineers can put down cover and eventually heal allies as well. Melee charges in, and bashes enemy bots to bits.

It’s a simple system, but depending on your skills, classes, and weapons, you can make some incredible things happen. There is nothing like missing with your sniper only to have the bullet bounce off an icicle, which falls onto an explosive barrel and kills three enemies. Happy accidents, as Bob Ross would say.

When you aren’t scraping bots, you are exploring the overworld in your sub. When you first get it, the sub is bare bones; in fact, it can’t even go underwater. As you progress, though, you get new weapons, engines, and boosts and can go underwater.

You can think of this sub as a separate character from the rest of your crew; it needs to be managed, upgraded and kept safe for you to succeed. The best part is that all you have to do is steer and aim; the guns fire on their own. That might sound annoying, but the contrast between combat and open-world exploration is a welcome one.

Besides, it’s nice just to spin the stick until enemy boats sink.

Between missions, you can also hang out at bars to buy items, recruit new allies, and sometimes even receive missions. The bar is also where you will call it a night to rest up your crew.

After you rest, any missions you complete will reward you with bounty coins that you can spend on items, more water, and other upgrades. Any coins not spent are converted to water, and you are reset to zero each day. It’s just another incentive to grind missions for more loot and EXP.

I didn’t run into any bugs or crashes, but there were a couple of annoyances. When aiming down and to the right, your skill bar will sometimes get in the way. The worst part is that a big box with the skill description pops up and takes up a large chunk of that bottom-right sector.

I don’t know if I missed the prompt to remove the box, but man, it was annoying. You can work around it, but you shouldn’t have to. I also had a pretty jarring difficulty spike at one point. I went back and grinded for a bit, and it was good again, but it hit me like a truck.

Fans of the SteamWorld series will be happy with Heist 2. If you like steam bots and robot pirates – and who doesn’t? – pick this one up.

Creatures of Ava Review

Creatures of Ava is a heartwarming love letter to the action adventure games of old.

Continue Reading Creatures of Ava Review

The Star Named EOS Review

The Star Named EOS’ world building is at the top of its class, turning the genre on its head with camera in hand.

Continue Reading The Star Named EOS Review

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition gives a number of Nintendo classics a new lease on life, but the overall package is a bit light on content.

Continue Reading Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos Review

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos might not be the match of the millennium, but it still promises a good time. The team at Code Mystics has set out to make sure this crossover is the definitive version of the title. 

Continue Reading SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos Review

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Review

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is one of those games that will have you going back for one more quick level.

Continue Reading Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Review

Anger Foot Review

Anger Foot’s fast and frantic pace is just what the podiatrist ordered. Though its bite-sized levels and twitchy gameplay aren’t for everyone, those who like to go on the offensive and nail the perfect run will enjoy stepping foot in this new territory.

Continue Reading Anger Foot Review

The post SteamWorld Heist 2 Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

The Star Named EOS Review

Following the story of Dei, things kick off with a letter and a photo from his adventurous mother. Getting a camera as a birthday present, this photography protégé sets out to take a number of pictures of his own.

Players immerse themselves in its story across different vantage points. The Star Named EOS brings players through a number of different chapters, transporting them to train carriages, lakeside campsites, café’s and other areas.

It’s a slow burn, but The Star Named EOS prides itself on its world building as players get a chance to know Dei and his mother through its approximately two hour tale.

Players are not given the whole story in The Star Named EOS, gradually piecing the overarching story and its intricacies as things progress – sometimes literally. However, The Star Named EOS is a journey well worth taking.

To aid in its immersion, The Star Named EOS gives players free rein over their camera. Players can take pictures of whatever they’d like, but there are a number of points of interest that can be added to Dei’s scrapbook. 

This is a huge plus, as it gives players the chance to appreciate the beauty that can be found in the smaller details of each area. Some pictures are done to move the plot forward and need to be staged just right, but some of The Star Named EOS’ best segments are when players truly live in the here and now.

Puzzle boxes, Morse code segments, and suitcase shenanigans alike also make sure players never get bored. Those that successfully complete each one are then able to unlock an inventory item or other point of interest for players to wrap their head around next. 

There’s a great flow when it comes to The Star Named EOS’ puzzles, and these brain-teasers entertain without overstaying their welcome – even if some require multiple steps and a dash of math.

Rounding things out is a fantastic presentation that blends animation with detailed environments. Paired with its excellent voice work, and you’ve got a polished presentation that leaves a lasting impression.

The Star Named EOS’ world building is at the top of its class, turning the genre on its head with camera in hand. For those willing to piece things together and live in the moment, this title’s mystery – and its many puzzles – are just waiting to be explored.

Creatures of Ava Review

Creatures of Ava is a heartwarming love letter to the action adventure games of old.

Continue Reading Creatures of Ava Review

SteamWorld Heist 2 Review

Fans of the SteamWorld series will be happy with Heist 2. If you like steam bots and robot pirates – and who doesn’t? – pick this one up.

Continue Reading SteamWorld Heist 2 Review

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition gives a number of Nintendo classics a new lease on life, but the overall package is a bit light on content.

Continue Reading Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos Review

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos might not be the match of the millennium, but it still promises a good time. The team at Code Mystics has set out to make sure this crossover is the definitive version of the title. 

Continue Reading SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos Review

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Review

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is one of those games that will have you going back for one more quick level.

Continue Reading Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Review

Anger Foot Review

Anger Foot’s fast and frantic pace is just what the podiatrist ordered. Though its bite-sized levels and twitchy gameplay aren’t for everyone, those who like to go on the offensive and nail the perfect run will enjoy stepping foot in this new territory.

Continue Reading Anger Foot Review

The post The Star Named EOS Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos Review

Originally released by Playmore back in 2003, SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos takes design from The King of Fighters series of fighters, rather than the Street Fighter-oriented roots of the Capcom vs. SNK series.

The end result is something that is a bit more niche. SNK vs. Capcom will feel right at home for those rockin’ the big red arcade cabinet after all these years, but the stiffness of the inputs, steep learning curve, and even four button setup admittedly take some getting used to.

None of these factors are inherently bad, but they do require a change of pace; this is doubly so when reflected with its 36 character roster. Series vets Ken (and Violent Ken) and Ryu and present and accounted for, but SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos features left-field pics like Metal Slug’s Mars People and Ghouls ‘n Ghosts Red Arremer.

This title also features a unique twist in the form of its Groove Power Gauge. Similar to the meter found in titles like Capcom’s Street Fighter Alpha series (naturally), this system also allows players to perform special maneuvers like Guard Cancels.

It’s nothing to the level of Garou: Mark of the Wolves’ Just Defend, but it does keep things interesting.

Despite these factors, Code Mystics did incredible work to make sure this version of SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos is in its best form.

For those looking to adjust its display options, one can change scanlines, resolution, enable VSync, and even trigger a flicker filter. There’s also Leaderboards that support best times, total wins, and character wins, alongside a gallery with art from legends like Falcoon and Shinkiro – a nice touch.

Perhaps the greatest addition to this title is its online play with rollback netcode. Players can choose to wait for the next battle with its one player mode, or can alternatively practice – a godsend for those looking to sharpen their skills.

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos might not be the match of the millennium, but it still promises a good time. The team at Code Mystics has set out to make sure this crossover is the definitive version of the title. 

Creatures of Ava Review

Creatures of Ava is a heartwarming love letter to the action adventure games of old.

Continue Reading Creatures of Ava Review

SteamWorld Heist 2 Review

Fans of the SteamWorld series will be happy with Heist 2. If you like steam bots and robot pirates – and who doesn’t? – pick this one up.

Continue Reading SteamWorld Heist 2 Review

The Star Named EOS Review

The Star Named EOS’ world building is at the top of its class, turning the genre on its head with camera in hand.

Continue Reading The Star Named EOS Review

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition gives a number of Nintendo classics a new lease on life, but the overall package is a bit light on content.

Continue Reading Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Review

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is one of those games that will have you going back for one more quick level.

Continue Reading Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Review

Anger Foot Review

Anger Foot’s fast and frantic pace is just what the podiatrist ordered. Though its bite-sized levels and twitchy gameplay aren’t for everyone, those who like to go on the offensive and nail the perfect run will enjoy stepping foot in this new territory.

Continue Reading Anger Foot Review

The post SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

Either way, expect plenty of puns.

Anger Foot Review

After copping – and subsequently losing – their new Preemo sneakers, players will be thrown into a world where crime is the law by the four biggest gangs: The Violence Gang, The Pollution Gang, The Business Gang, and The Debauchery Gang.

Enter a hunt for players to go hunt them down – kicking down anyone and everyone who stands in their way. Of course, there are guns and other weaponry, but sometimes a good ol’ fashioned foot to the face (or door) is just what the podiatrist ordered.

Anger Foot lives up to its name by throwing players into a world where first person shooting is swapped out with first person kicking. It manages to make the whole endeavor feel fresh, with speed and action being the name of the game. No knee-high walls here; players need to constantly be on the move if they don’t want to start from the top.

On that note, an always ticking clock and a ranking system that rewards players factors into play, channeling players to be efficient and accurate in equal measures. 

One must make sure they are kicking first and asking questions later – it’s a foot forward approach we instantly fell in love with. Of course, the aforementioned weapons will also give players an immense feeling of power – including our favorite, the railgun.

If anything, this manic approach is factored into Anger Foot’s overall fabric. Long, sweeping levels are far too plodding; rather, short stages that run a few minutes and reward players for taking everyone down with a headshot are much more its speed.

While Anger Foot’s pace (and thumping soundtrack) will keep players on their toes, the overall presentation tends to blend together throughout its short length. Explosive elements, riot shields, and boss fights with exotic threats like the 1997 Lucida all pop up, but most levels follow the same multiroom – or multi-sewer – structure.

These stages were meant to be played multiple times for better stars and times, which is designed for those who grew up with the skill-based gameplay from the arcade days. Players can also choose the right Anger Shoes for the job, too, bringing a new perk to spice up each run.

Anger Foot’s fast and frantic pace is just what the podiatrist ordered. Though its bite-sized levels and twitchy gameplay aren’t for everyone, those who like to go on the offensive and nail the perfect run will enjoy stepping foot in this new territory.

Creatures of Ava Review

Creatures of Ava is a heartwarming love letter to the action adventure games of old.

Continue Reading Creatures of Ava Review

SteamWorld Heist 2 Review

Fans of the SteamWorld series will be happy with Heist 2. If you like steam bots and robot pirates – and who doesn’t? – pick this one up.

Continue Reading SteamWorld Heist 2 Review

The Star Named EOS Review

The Star Named EOS’ world building is at the top of its class, turning the genre on its head with camera in hand.

Continue Reading The Star Named EOS Review

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition gives a number of Nintendo classics a new lease on life, but the overall package is a bit light on content.

Continue Reading Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos Review

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos might not be the match of the millennium, but it still promises a good time. The team at Code Mystics has set out to make sure this crossover is the definitive version of the title. 

Continue Reading SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos Review

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Review

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is one of those games that will have you going back for one more quick level.

Continue Reading Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Review

The post Anger Foot Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

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.

The post SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

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.

Creatures of Ava Review

Creatures of Ava is a heartwarming love letter to the action adventure games of old.

Continue Reading Creatures of Ava Review

SteamWorld Heist 2 Review

Fans of the SteamWorld series will be happy with Heist 2. If you like steam bots and robot pirates – and who doesn’t? – pick this one up.

Continue Reading SteamWorld Heist 2 Review

The Star Named EOS Review

The Star Named EOS’ world building is at the top of its class, turning the genre on its head with camera in hand.

Continue Reading The Star Named EOS Review

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition gives a number of Nintendo classics a new lease on life, but the overall package is a bit light on content.

Continue Reading Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos Review

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos might not be the match of the millennium, but it still promises a good time. The team at Code Mystics has set out to make sure this crossover is the definitive version of the title. 

Continue Reading SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos Review

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Review

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is one of those games that will have you going back for one more quick level.

Continue Reading Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Review

The post Still Wakes the Deep Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

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.

Creatures of Ava Review

Creatures of Ava is a heartwarming love letter to the action adventure games of old.

Continue Reading Creatures of Ava Review

SteamWorld Heist 2 Review

Fans of the SteamWorld series will be happy with Heist 2. If you like steam bots and robot pirates – and who doesn’t? – pick this one up.

Continue Reading SteamWorld Heist 2 Review

The Star Named EOS Review

The Star Named EOS’ world building is at the top of its class, turning the genre on its head with camera in hand.

Continue Reading The Star Named EOS Review

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition gives a number of Nintendo classics a new lease on life, but the overall package is a bit light on content.

Continue Reading Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos Review

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos might not be the match of the millennium, but it still promises a good time. The team at Code Mystics has set out to make sure this crossover is the definitive version of the title. 

Continue Reading SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos Review

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Review

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is one of those games that will have you going back for one more quick level.

Continue Reading Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Review

The post Nightmare Kart Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

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.

Creatures of Ava Review

Creatures of Ava is a heartwarming love letter to the action adventure games of old.

Continue Reading Creatures of Ava Review

SteamWorld Heist 2 Review

Fans of the SteamWorld series will be happy with Heist 2. If you like steam bots and robot pirates – and who doesn’t? – pick this one up.

Continue Reading SteamWorld Heist 2 Review

The Star Named EOS Review

The Star Named EOS’ world building is at the top of its class, turning the genre on its head with camera in hand.

Continue Reading The Star Named EOS Review

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition gives a number of Nintendo classics a new lease on life, but the overall package is a bit light on content.

Continue Reading Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos Review

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos might not be the match of the millennium, but it still promises a good time. The team at Code Mystics has set out to make sure this crossover is the definitive version of the title. 

Continue Reading SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos Review

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Review

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is one of those games that will have you going back for one more quick level.

Continue Reading Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Review

The post Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

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.

The post Lunar Lander Beyond Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

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.

Arma 3 Creator DLC: Spearhead 1944 Update 1.1 Now Available

Developed by Heavy Ordinance Works and published by Bohemia Interactive, the Arma 3 Creator DLC Spearhead 1944 1.1 Update is now available for the PC via Steam.

Continue Reading Arma 3 Creator DLC: Spearhead 1944 Update 1.1 Now Available

Creatures of Ava Review

Creatures of Ava is a heartwarming love letter to the action adventure games of old.

Continue Reading Creatures of Ava Review

Rock Howard Coming to Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

Making a name for himself in Garou: Mark of the Wolves, see Rock Howard in action with the latest trailer for SNK’s Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves.

Continue Reading Rock Howard Coming to Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

EA Sports FC 25 Official Ultimate Team Deep Dive Trailer Released

The latest trailer for EA Sports FC 25 takes a deep dive into the new features coming to Football Ultimate Team.

Continue Reading EA Sports FC 25 Official Ultimate Team Deep Dive Trailer Released

SteamWorld Heist 2 Review

Fans of the SteamWorld series will be happy with Heist 2. If you like steam bots and robot pirates – and who doesn’t? – pick this one up.

Continue Reading SteamWorld Heist 2 Review

Star Wars Outlaws Post-Launch Roadmap Revealed

The post-launch roadmap for Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft’s Star Wars Outlaws has been detailed.

Continue Reading Star Wars Outlaws Post-Launch Roadmap Revealed

The post Spirit City: Lofi Sessions Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.