QCF: Super Mario Maker

K, so I admit defeat. I caved. I gave in. If you've been listening to the podcast proper, you'll know that I got a Wii-U. It was a moment of weakness. However, it also allowed me to get on the hype train for Super Mario Maker, a title that could easily be the Wii-U's ultimate killer app.

The concept is ludicrously simple; Build a level, no matter how long or short (within the limits the game sets in place both horizontally and vertically) and play it. You can make your stage as easy or as hard as you'd like, and with 120 slots, there's plenty of space for would-be Mario Makers to store a plethora of intricate – or simple – stages for them or their friends to play later. To start though, players only have a basic handful of tiles and enemies that can be placed in their stages.

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QCF: Beyond Eyes

here’s an intriguing sense of irony that comes with a video game attempting to recreate the hindrances of blindness, with mechanics built around simulating the hardships and frustrations that come such an affliction—that shit is rough, and just thought of such a thing sends shivers down my spine.

Which leads us to the an indie title from the studio Tiger & Squid, called Beyond Eyes; a bold look at the routines and adversities of a blind ten year old girl named Rae, and the journey she makes to find her place in the world under the status quo of being forever blind.

The concept is as intriguing as it is committed, and it’s bound to shed some light (or lack of so to speak) on perspective that most would never think to empathize on—but that only carries something like this so far, and unfortunately, the endearment of Beyond Eyes doesn’t last long enough to warrant the trouble.

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Bullet Heaven HD, Episode 136 - Mommy's Best Action Pack

he imminent death of Xbox Live Indie Games - or XBLIG - always had us wondering what would happen with Mommy's Best Games' titles. The answer? The Mommy's Best Action Pack on Steam! Get ready!!

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Bullet Heaven EX, Episode 18 - Eschatos Revisited

n episode 53 of Bullet Heaven HD, we took a look at what would arguably be the best shooting game on the Xbox 360: Eschatos. It was great that it was region free, but a high initial pricetag and Japan only release didn't make things easy... until NOW. Degica Games and Qute have released Eschatos to Steam for the whole world to finally enjoy at a great price point. Does it hold up? Let's take a look!

Series 3 Eschatos Review (XB360 - BHHD Episode 53)

Judgement Silversword -Resurrection- (PC - BHHD60 Episode 135)

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QCF: Submerged

f there’s one thing that any action video game needs, it’s a sense of stimulus, something that engages a reaction, and response to whatever’s happening on screen, and more often than not, the very first go to for the violent route—good old fashioned combat.

So imagine if you will, a title that endorses action and peril, but no combat, or violence of any kind to threaten you? It’s a game that completely relies on the agency of exploration and world building in a story that’s centers around the human condition during a time of tragedy, and hopelessness.

This is Submerged from Uppercut Games, an apocalyptic setting with veiled premise that attributes global warming to be the culprit behind the tragic setting, where a woman and her injured little one find what little refuge they can within a dilapidated building that’s floating alongside the remains of buildings for miles, upon miles in view.

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QCF: Dropsy

he adventure game scene has seen somewhat of a resurgence lately. With new games like Telltale’s Walking Dead, and ports of lost classics like Grim Fandango there’s never been a better time for fans of point and click extravaganzas. Dropsy is in part a tribute to the latter, which brings up a set of small problems. While the feel and story of those old games still stand up, the puzzles and somewhat frustrating logic somewhat spoil them today.

So in this generation, can a very old school point and click adventure game survive when it takes cues from titles that largely get a pass due to the time they were made in? Can charm itself hold up a whole experience? These are both questions that I’ll aim to address in the following review, but perhaps the most important question is the silliest. Do you like hugs? Warm, wet, hugs?

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Bullet Heaven HD, Episode 135 - Judgement Silversword

ullet Heaven is back for Series 7! In this episode of Bullet Heaven HD, we FINALLY take a look at Judgement Silversword and Cardinal Sins, newly released to Steam on September 18, 2015. These games make up over a grand in software and hardware to play in their original state; so what's the fuss all about? Let's take a look!

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Bullet Heaven EX, Episode 17 - Diadra Empty Revisited

n episode 77 of Bullet Heaven HD, we took a look at Diadra Empy, a Defender-style sidescrolling shooting game infused with RPG elements. After a sucessful Greenlight campaign, Rockin' Android has finally brought Diadra Empty to Steam with new bells and whistles. But how does it stack up? Let's take a look!

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