While this game is probably more simple in multiplayer mode, I’ve played it in single player. That probably makes it more challenging, but the AI companion pulls its weight thankfully.

The game looks a little daunting in terms of managing the numerous options at hand such as the five different weapons, the shield, the thruster and the map. It feels similar to a game like Overcooked where paying attention at what is going on at every moment is important and strategizing the needs based on what is around you.

Adding in the upgrade mechanic was also a nice touch allowing for a number of ways to make things interesting. Gems can be applied to each device (minus the map) to allow for some really cool things. Inserting a metal gem to the thruster for instance will send out little spike mines behind you, while adding it to a weapon generates a mace like object to be swung at enemies. Mixing and matching leads to some interesting combinations, but it all comes down to what you find in the presents scattered around each level or after each level.

While the game takes place in space, there are a number of obstacles to overcome from patches of water that slows whatever comes in contact with it (or blocks projectiles) or gusty ice winds that make traversing a tad more punishing. The enemies make it more troublesome not only because of the attacks but by sheer numbers. You may be avoiding a school of piranha like creatures on one side of the ship, trying to prevent a flying saucer from laying mines out on another, or a giant insectoid spewing missiles on an undefended area. These wide array of things make the few instances to catch your breath worthwhile.

It’s also hard deny the cuteness factor of the game. From the color palette to the innocent cry of the animals you are tasked to rescue, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is adorable all around. Even the creature and boss designs are crafted well enough to look great while still being an imposing threat.

I am hard pressed to say anything negative about Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime. I could see things being improved upon (such as having special abilities for each character), but even speaking about how the game is, I have had a blast playing it. If you enjoy couch co-op or just a fun single player experience, this is one to try out!

Well, I’m not going to discuss this game too much in an attempt to avoid spoilers. I knew things weren’t what they seemed with this visual novel, and it proved to be true.

At first I was doubtful I would care. The idea of reading poems and determining your own with a selection of words wasn’t something I really had any interest in. Fortunately, that game goes places, and does so fairly quickly.

I also wasn’t expecting multiple endings. I went ahead and watched those playthroughs online and the way to get those is incredibly clever. I don’t know if I would have figured it out without looking online, so I’m glad I did as they felt worth it.

For those unaware of what this game ends up being – good. The less you know the better. I can see how the visual novel aspect with girls to potentially romance could turn people off, but it’s so much more than that. If you haven’t tried Doki Doki Literature Club yet, do it. It’s fantastic, short, flips expectations, and an all-around wonderful experience.

First and foremost, you can’t discuss Cuphead without reveling in the art style chosen for the game. It’s a brilliant throwback to the old-school cartoons of the 1930’s that no developer has done previously to my knowledge, and it hammers home the love and devotion as it was all hand-drawn. From the backgrounds to the animations to the transformations, everything looks and sounds great because of it. Easily one of my favorite aesthetics of all time in video games.

Cuphead itself is a very simple game. Shoot enemies and dodge their attacks. That proves difficult though as you are limited on health and attacks can come furiously. It’s likely you will die (and often), but it’s not punishing as you learn their different forms and attack patterns while keeping your upgrades.

The run-and-gun sections however didn’t do much for me. They do feel tacked on, and they kind of were due to the boss rush backlash, but they give coins you can use to purchase upgrades from the pig merchant. As someone who was hesitant about it being a boss rush game, that’s truly where it shines and the run-and-gun levels (though sparse) don’t add much to the overall experience.

While I really dig Cuphead, I have a feeling I’ll never complete it. That’s the trouble with games heavy on difficulty. Eventually I’ll give in to other games I want to play and never find my way back. I’m not sure if the two-player mode makes it any easier, but if so, then at least there’s hope. Only have to rope someone in to be my Mugman.

I thought all the talk about Astro Bot Rescue Mission was hyperbole when comparing it to Super Mario 64….but it’s not. Games like this are why VR should exist and it sells it wonderfully. I liked what I saw in the demo, and I love the full game.

The biggest knock against the game would be its simplicity. Astro Bot doesn’t have special moves outside of a spinning punch and his rocket boots, and the enemies rarely pose a threat. Even with this though, it doesn’t dampen the fun at all.

The player acting as a larger robot following Astro Bot is incredibly smart as you traverse levels to discover missing pieces of your friend and lost companions. This allows for wider views of the area and viewing angles you wouldn’t be able to if in the shoes of Astro Bot. I don’t have a ton of VR games under my belt, but this has felt the most natural and I would be shocked if copycats don’t pop up because of it.

Collecting coins throughout levels is another task that leads to additional perks in the form of home base. There, you can use your coins in the vending machine to purchase diorama pieces of levels and enemies to decorate the base. Then using Astro Bot, you can run around and play on these smaller pieces for fun. It doesn’t add a whole new dynamic or anything, but it’s a fun little side activity that gives purpose to something in the game.

Astro Bot Rescue Mission was the reason I wanted PlayStation VR. I wasn’t sure if it would live up to the hype (or the comparisons to an iconic game like Super Mario 64), but it does just that. If PlayStation VR is on your horizon, do not pass this game up. You’ll be hard pressed to find something better in my opinion.

If the title didn’t give it away, The Chronicles of Quiver Dick is not something your six year old should be playing. It is full of mature language albeit used in a comedic fashion. If that isn’t something you can get behind, then move on to the next game. If it doesn’t, then read on.

The Chronicles of Quiver Dick is about a grandfather telling the story of how he met his wife to his two grandchildren. While it is in a japanese role playing game format, there are not that many battles to be won or sweeping environments to explore. Instead it feels more like an adventure game with some RPG mechanics mixed in. Yes you will be in boss battles, but no, there aren’t any random encounters. Yes you can buy things from a merchant, but no, there aren’t any improvements to items as the game progresses.

Simply put, The Chronicles of Quiver Dick is a two hour short story where our young hero Quiver Dick (named Richard Longshlong in his youth) is a mostly straight-laced character just trying to make a living with the weird happenings and awkward strangers surrounding him. Unfortunately the world acts in mysterious ways, and it’s made even more troublesome when his older self narrates into trouble. No seriously, like, his older self will straight up be the reason fights begin because other characters hear him as well. It is these moments of dialogue that made me laugh on numerous occasions. Sometimes the language was used as a additional jab of humor, most times it wasn’t. So if that is a fear, you can tuck that away.

Now let me be honest – the world is small with not much to explore. The fights are basically and overly tedious. I did not have anybody join my party. The gold and experience gained could be of use, but in reality, this game could strip all of that and be purely an adventure game. It probably should. I did see at least one follow-up with another on the way, but I can’t say if this stuff is in. The bottom line is, don’t go into this game looking for an RPG because you will be disappointed. Go into it for a stress free time looking to laugh.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with The Chronicles of Quiver Dick. I thought the interactions between characters was great, certain events were clever, and I always appreciate nods to bands like Pantera. It’s only a few bucks and a couple of hours. So what do you really have to lose?

The plot itself is something from a cliche’ horror movie. Out on the internet is a site to download a game called “Bad End“. It is a myth among gamers that if you die in the video game, you die in real life. So of course a couple of the characters put this to the test and find out the truth.

The most interesting thing about the game itself is the “Choose Your Own Adventure” approach. The choices themselves don’t give enough details to sway your decision and instead give bland choices to randomly pick for no reason. For example, trying to escape something gives you an option to choose your path. Left, right or straight ahead. No descriptors to give you an idea of what makes these paths different and that is a shame when it’s the best thing in your game.

As I mentioned, there are multiple endings to the game. These usually came with wrong decisions to the choices you make. Thankfully, you are not required to start over and can instead load the game back to your last choice. Even if you make the mistake of starting over or choose to do so willingly, holding the left mouse button causes the text to breeze through quickly.

I wasn’t wowed with the story of Bad End and found it more of a time waster. For the price and length of time, I can’t complain too much. It wouldn’t be my first suggestion to anyone, but if someone wants some quick satisfaction come Halloween, this could satisfy them until they are up for investing into something longer and scarier like the Corpse Party games.