Recent reviews by ReadingLies

Good news to Noire fans as our Goddess finally gets her time to shine! This turn-based TRPG spin-off from the Neptunia series deliver in both cuteness and comedy in style.

Hyperdevotion Noire - Goddess Black Heart is set in the world of "Gamarket" and is divided into four regions namely Planeptune, Lastation, Lowee, and Leanbox which are overseen by their respective Goddesses (to whom they refer as CPUs).

The setting is pretty much the same with Hyperdimension Neptunia Series' "Gamindustri", however instead of the people representing game companies, Gamarket's populace is represented with popular games in different kinds of genre (some of them even takes the name of the game itself as character name).

The gameplay focuses on a standard turn-based, tactical rope-playing game (TRPG) melded with the mechanics and features of a Hyperdimension Neptunia series standard. Another similarity to its other games is that the story progression is divided into chapters and can be triggered by clearing the main missions, which will also lead into more character choices for you to choose from.

Not only that, the game also features a dating-simulation mode with the game's main heroine, Lady Noire, in which you as the player becomes a part of the story by taking in the role of a secretary. Progressing this mode isn't that much crucial to the story, but it will yield you more "extra scenes" with the goddess that is a fitting reward by itself.

• Quality Art Design - The same quality content and art design that IdeaFactory and Compile Heart presents with each of their games are still present in this one. Most of our main heroines' character designs have also been altered to make it more noticeable that it is a spin-off from the original series as well as the game promoting a more cute-ish approach with their chibi styles, which is pretty much a plus as it wouldn't hurt to have more flavors, wouldn't it?
  
  
• Great Audio - Impressive voice overs that is upheld in quality and are both available in English and Japanese versions are still present in the game (which is a big plus for me since I am a big fan of the Japanese Voice overs). The soundtracks and the effects perfectly fits the game's theme and rhythm which is pleasant to the ears. And as always, these tracks are all available for listening in the game's audio menu (which can be found in the CPU Hotel).
  
  
• Balanced Game Difficulty - The game has a pretty good curve in terms of difficulty (as long as you don't use stuff from the DLCs which will make the game lesser of an effort to clear, and is clearly aimed for collectors and it's aesthetics) and has toned each of those in their respective aspects. The game might seem simple even on hard mode on the first chapter, but it'll pick up an increasing spike as you progress further into the game.
  
  
• Tons of Content - Another aspect that comes back to this spin-off is the quantity of content which contributes to the game's longevity as a whole. You can grind on the side-quests which could help you go unlock items to be "developed" or if you're not much into that, you can focus on the "dating simulator" part of the game with Lady Noire (talking furniture included).

• Repetitive Gameplay - While there are many other things that you can do besides the classic grinding, progressing through battle mode (missions) is the one that you can't help but repeat many times since the dating simulator mode requires you to at least finish a mission before proceeding with new content, and the same with collecting items and recipes to unlock certain goods. And even if they spice it up with some additions, the goal to reach the end is mostly the same for each mission.
  
  
• Capped Frame Rate - Most of the time, the reason to why gamers prefer buying the PC version of games is because it mainly offers superior graphics and/or smoother gameplay that is delivered by having the game perform at 60 FPS (Frames per second), however this game has it capped at 30 FPS which is the same thing that the consoles have, which could've been at least tweaked for the PC port release.
  
  
• Game Bugs - Me and my friend who recently bought the game had some troubles with the game's fullscreen mode when alt-tabbing/escaping (though it might not be that much of a deal since the game works perfectly and most of the time, the preferred mode is borderless, this is just to cover all bases). My issue is that the game crashes when I do the alt-tabs and my friend reported me that it makes the game revert to a windowed screen mode after alt-tabbing. UPDATE: So far, most likely due to nature of a PS Vita Port, the quick save can only be used ONCE and cannot be overwritten nor deleted.

For long time fans, I think I don't even need to say it for them to get the game.
And for those who are new to the franchise, I can pretty much guarantee that this game is worth the value (especially with that 40% cut right off the bat!).

If you like to see more recommended games that is worth the value you are paying, please visit my other reviews, or follow our curator group at Good Games Giveaways & Reviews.

A bang for the buck for turn-based, strategy fans as this collection features three games in one buy!

Strategy & Tactics - Wargame Collection is a package of three turn-based strategic games namely "Strategy & Tactics: World War II", "Strategy & Tactics: World War II Sandbox", and "Strategy & Tactics: Medieval Wars".

In Strategy & Tactics: World War II, you can play as one of the three forces prominent during the World War II which are the "Axis Powers", the "Soviet Union" (USSR), and the "Allied Forces" in each of their respective campaigns.
The skirmish mode features tons of maps for you to choose as well as seven (7) scenario-based maps. It also has a hot-seat mode available for you to play 1v1 with either an AI opponent or with your friend.

The gameplay in Strategy & Tactics: World War II - Sandbox is quite similar with "Strategy & Tactics: World War II", however it showcases a rather single-player style skirmish with AI.
In this one, you can pick on the main objective for you to priotize in order to win the game, which of the 39 countries you are going to play as, and the alliance settings for the session.

Medieval Wars: Strategy & Tactics also borrows the game mechanics from the first two games in the pack, but is executed with a different period as it is set on the medieval ages.
Campaign mode has three (3) armies for you to play as which are the "English Armies" (England), the "French Troops" (France), and the "Crusader Forces". It also has skirmish, hotseat and scenario mode that is similar of the first two games.

All in all, the games seems to focus on a more combat-oriented strategy rather than a combined gameplay with diplomatic aspects.

• Detailed Tutorial - Having a detailed tutorial is a pretty important aspect especially when it comes to strategic games, may it be new players of the genre or the seasoned ones. Every game of the genre has something that is differently executed than the others, and learning the ropes easily depends on this.
  
  
• Atmospheric Soundtracks - The soundtracks made for this game really gets the feel and presence of going into a war, which adds to a wholesome game experience and more importantly, the tracks aren't the annoying type that makes you mute them after hearing it repeatedly.
  
  
• Great Value - Presenting a price of three (3) games for one is a very enticing offer, and even more if the games deliver to what they offer as advertised. Seeing through the game, it seems that there are more contents to come and it'll definitely be a plus for the game.

• Similar Gameplay - Though there might be differences in terms of period setting and some gameplay mechanics that differentiates each of the three, there isn't really anything that makes them standout from one or the other as a whole.
  
  
• Crude Interface - A thing that really bothers me in every game is when it doesn't have a clean interface to deliver. The font style used for each of the game are somewhat hard to read and is confusing to the eye at the very least.

In terms of overall features, this game goes about what a standard strategic game offers. However, it is good to note that it'll be still updated with more content in the near future and is atleast worth the try to get.

If you like to see more recommended games that is worth the value you are paying, please visit my other reviews, or follow our curator group at Good Games Giveaways & Reviews.

Become the most powerful technomage that you could ever imagine as you venture through the trials in this fast-paced, isometric rogue-like. Only if you survive.

Leap of Fate is a fast-paced, isometric, rogue-like game that is introduced on a science fiction/cyberpunk setting.

In this game, you will be able to play with four (4) different mages that gives you variation to match your play style and features different backstory for each of them.

These characters are "Aeon", the shadow mage (and the first one available for play), "Big Mo", the cyborg technomancer, "Mukai", the spirit channneler, and "Rasimov", the rogue occultist. Each of them will have different starting glyphs (equipped special items that has different effects when used), items, health as well as shadow walk charges and its effects.

There are a total of six (6) "Decks of Fate" (or levels) available per playthrough which increases difficulty in succession. Per level, you will have different missions given to you and clearing them will give you access to permanent upgrades for that specific character, as well as unlocking different appearances for them.

Each Deck of Fate level has eight (8) different kinds of cards that you can venture through which are "Combat, Shop, Gift, Sacrifice, Upgrade, Mystery, Challenge, and Guardian". These cards can also be either buffed, restricted with a rule, or cursed which also adds more complexity and randomness to each level.

• Excellent Audio - The voice actors feel very natural and on-point to the characters they portray while the soundtracks and sound effects for the game are well-made and brings in an atmospheric experience.
  
  
• High Replay Value - I credit the unique gameplay mechanics as well as the RNG (Random Number Generator) factor that makes this interesting and new with every run you make. Every rogue-like/lite must have this aspect or else it will result as a game that is very punishing without the rewarding feeling of accomplishment.
  
  
• Neat Aesthetics - The game has a really neat visual style that is weirdly enticing. It also fits the dark cyberpunk theme of the game and feels natural with the way they executed it.
  
  
• Fluid Controls - Since this game requires you to be focused as you evade and move through corner by corner on every map, it is a given that the game has this factor, and it does deliver the standard.

• Present Game Bugs - The game has some minor bugs that could possibly hinder a good playthrough, and we do not want that when playing a very punishing game. So far, I had two random crashes from the game (which could be due to prolonged gameplay). I also had a weird button overlapping bug (which is showcased on my screenshots) that almost prevented me from using a great perk. I am not sure if this is another bug, but when you quit a certain level and start another one, the missions are stuck on what level you are previously in, making you impossible to clear it until you reach that certain level again.
  
  
• Session-Based Gameplay - Right now, the game doesn't offer a save option for you to resume your playthrough on a later date. Though you might not find the use of this on a rogue-like especially when it is a fast-paced one (and might ruin the flavor of it since some might exploit the save once you've reached a certain stage), it might be a good addition to atleast counter the effects of a sudden-crash.

A must buy for rogue-like lovers. And for those of you who just stumbled upon the game and took even a little bit of interest in playing it, it really is worth the try.

If you like to see more recommended games that is worth the value you are paying, please visit my other reviews, or follow our curator group at Good Games Giveaways & Reviews.

Do you like some fast-paced ARPG Action with unique mechanics and competitive ladder with incentives? Then look no further. FORCED Showdown has it all!

FORCED Showdown is a fast-paced, top down action role-playing game with the elements of a card game combined through the gameplay. The setting of the game goes with the player participating as a gladiator on a galactice game show that is hosted by an AI called "C-SAR" (which means Computer Simulated Arena Referee).

Initially, the only character that is available for play is "Squire of Light" and the first companion, "Xiao Long". As you progress through the game by clearing quests, you will be able to unlock other characters like "Volco" who is a heavy-hitting melee character, "Stormbringer" who specializes in long-ranged combat, and "Ravager" who is an agile close-combat fighter.

The game currently has three "Programs" for you to play in which serves as the campaign modes available for the game. There are also daily contents for you to participate which is a seeded mode for players worldwide to compete in the ladder.

In every "battle", you will start with four cards and one mana (though it might vary depending on the rules), you gain one of each after every arena you clear, but the effect of the cards will not persist after the battle. Defeating enemies can also drop specific trinkets which can heal you or give you points or gold. Also, upgrades or "boons" are received if you have accumulated enough "points" after every battle, and unlike the card effects, these effects persist for the whole program.

After every program, which could end in either victory or defeat, you can earn gold that can be used in the Wheel of fortune which can either give you cards (which is separated in three different tiers: common, rare, and supreme), gold or shards that you can use to make cards yourself.

• High Replay Value - In my opinion, the game's perfect timbre in terms of replayability roots in two aspects. The first one is interesting nature of the game being complex (due to the card game element added) despite having a straight-forward fast-paced action gameplay which lures you into playing more and more. The second one is the interactiveness of the game's community. Freebies, leaderboard and ranking incentives, and frequent updates by the developers contribute hugely to this.
  
  
• Perfect Difficulty Balance - How do you know that the game has a good balance in terms of difficulty? It's quite simple. If you push through the game and still enjoy it after hours of failing to complete a single session, then that is what a perfect difficulty setting is like. And this game will make you feel that way.
  
  
• Beautiful Visuals - The game is pretty (and somewhat flashy), which is pretty much visible with the contents posted for it. Not much that I can really say more to this one, except that the game really loves explosion effects.
  
  
• Great Audio - Brilliant voice acting is present throughout the game and fits the comedic setting of it. Even the background music and the sound effects used are on point to each part which sets an awkward-free experience to the gameplay as a whole.
  
  
• Season Ranking Incentives - This factor's importance might vary depending on how devoted you are to the game, but nevertheless it is an incentive for you to play more and more whichever way you take it. Honestly, this is a great move from the developers to make its community more involved into the game. For more information, visit the game's site here: http://forcedshowdown.com/watch/

• Minor Game Bugs - Upon playing the game, I have encountered a few minor bugs within the arena gameplay and even in the menu. An example of a bug that I encountered from the arena is when my character was knock-backed out of bounds for a second, though there wasn't any negative impact after that. Another bug that I got from the menu was when I was using the wheel of fortune. Since you can only get two copies of the same card, the next one you get will automatically become shards. Though unfortunately, the shards weren't added to my total amount.
  
  
• Limited Variation in Characters - Right now, the game has a total of four (4) playable characters, three (3) companions (with some additional ones that you can have through certain rules and cards) and about less than ten (10) variations of bosses. While the variations that the playable characters and the companions give more than enough complexity and versatility for the community to play with and adapt to, the case of repetitiveness will still be present in the game and this factor will affect the game's longevity. And also, since it looks like the developers are aiming to make this game a mainstream contender, additional options is a must.

I'll make my statement short: GET IT NOW! and I'm sure you won't regret it. Frequent updates is surely a big plus, as well as the promoted incentives for their top players.

If you like to see more recommended games that is worth the value you are paying, please visit my other reviews, or follow our curator group at Good Games Giveaways & Reviews.

Banished to the mortal world by Odin, you play as Leko, the god of building as you reclaim your right and honor as a God by guiding cute, little vikings on their quest to ascend to Valhalla!

Valhalla Hills' story starts of with Odin banishing his son into the world of mortals due to his "uncharacteristic interest" in building things instead of showing his worth through battle.

You will play as "Leko", the god of building, and lead the forsaken viking heroes on a quest to return to Valhalla. However, that task is easier said than done.
Many obstacles like underworld guards will come to block your path, in which you can approach by two different ways: either battle it out with them or by appeasing them with your sacrifices (in which these are the common goals that is required for you to clear a stage).

The most important part before anything else is that you must teach and guide your people on how to survive and live through the lands and accumulate honor to prove your worth to Odin in order to ascend back to Valhalla.

• Fun and Satisfying Gameplay - Though the game requires time to play through, the end result of your actions is quite satisfying as you see your little town of vikings run smoothly, which is further complimented by the beautiful graphics of the game.
  
  
• Charming Art Design - A perfect cartoonic design that presents a charming appeal regardless of audience age is showcased throughout the game. It is also quite a view to see when the game transitions from day to night.
  
  
• Good Audio - The game presents an atmospheric audio that suits the theme of a city-building simulation that is played and executed in a serene and melodic fashion. The kind of soundtrack that is pleasant to the ears even if you are hearing it for long periods of time.

• Insufficient Story Depth - Aside from the introductory setting, there isn't really anything that follows up to make it more immersive story-wise, and having only two goals of either battling the guards or appease them through sacrifices to clear a stage doesn't really help in that sense.
  
  
• Weak Tutorial - For someone that is essentially a beginner with city-building simulation games, it took me quite a bit of time to figure out how to play out the game efficiently, which is the result of me skipping out on the tutorial itself (though it is present at any stage of the game) since the large amount of text didn't seem too interesting and I assumed that you can figure the game without holding on the ropes. However, for those seasoned people out there, this may not be a problem for you.

For those who like city building simulation games and would like to try out a more fantasy take on that kind of genre, this game is perfect for you!

Furthermore, the game developers are quite active in terms of updates which could lead on this game being better and more accessible for other gamers.

If you like to see more recommended games that is worth the value you are paying, please visit my other reviews, or follow our curator group at Good Games Giveaways & Reviews.

FullBlast is the first game that is made and published by Indie Dev UFO Crash Games with an Action/Shoot 'Em Up theme that is inspired by the same classic gameplay from older platforms.


As far as the gameplay goes for FullBlast, it follows the standard pattern of a Shoot 'Em Up game with some unique additions and adjustments.

The arsenals that you have at the start of the game are your trusty, auto-fire blasters which can be upgraded as you collect power-ups and the bomb/grenade that provides invulnerability for a few seconds.
There are also other power-ups that can help you to progress with the game such as the shield, rapid-fire, and 1-UP power-ups, and a power-down which is represented as a red spiky ball that drops your fire rate.

All in all, the game has 12 levels/areas for you play with bosses per area that has different mechanics from the other previous ones or a bigger version of a normal enemy.


+ Clean Art Design - I am a fan of clean graphics as well proper execution in layout styles, which is clearly present through the game. Most of the assets are even posted in their Community Hub and is really a sight to see.

+ Great Audio - Arguably the best attribute that this game has to offer. It showcases great heavy metal soundtracks which really fit the action theme and blends well with the gameplay.

+ Local Co-Op Ready - An addition that is always welcome for SHMUPs! However, due to some technical issues (which was also discussed in the community hub of the game), this game only supports LOCAL CO-OP at the moment that this review is posted.



- Lackluster Gameplay - The problem to why this game doesn't appeal that much falls generally into two parts. Most of the AI patterns are quite simple and easy to predict and the upgrade selection that is present as you play through the stages is also somewhat insufficient to make it stand out.

- Weak Backstory - It follows the cliché of aliens invading Earth (and taking over different areas which serves as the levels in the game) and our heroes taking action to save our world. Now, there's no problem with having a cliché setting. The problem always come with how it is executed, and it is pretty much skipped detail in this one. Not a single characteristic that makes the two main characters shine, dialogues are generic and repeatedly used and on top of that are some vulgar words that came out of nowhere.



Though it is undeniable to say that the game has a fair amount of weak points, it follows a proper standard set-up for an action game that makes it worth the try to say at the very least.

Rating: 6.8/10

This review was submitted for Elite Giveaways, check us out for more reviews ranging from Indie games to AAA games.

Originally exclusive to the PlayStation Vita, this action role-playing spin-off from the popular Hyperdimension Neptunia series brings in a fresh new take for the franchise enthusiasts and soon-to-be fans!

Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action Unleashed is set in the world of "Gamindustri" which is divided into four regions namely Planeptune, Lastation, Lowee, and Leanbox (in which three of them are intended puns for the popular modern consoles). Each of these regions have their own deities (to which they refer as CPUs) that oversee them, along with their candidates.

These CPUs and CPU Candidates, along with two Gamindustri Journalists, are the playable characters that you can choose to play as in each quest you engage (though there are some quests that restricts which characters you can use).

While this take differs heavily from the early ones in the series in terms of game play (as it focuses more on a straight-up action/hack n' slash theme), it carries on the charming, comedic, and quirky story of our heroines.

• Excellent Art Design - This factor has always been present in games published/developed by Idea Factory, and that standard is still upheld in producing this one which is impressive to say at the very least. Also, the game has plenty of "fan-service" that is dedicated for their fans with the addition of the "Costume Break" feature.
  
  
• Fluid Controls - The game plays absolutely smooth especially when you're using a gamepad. There's also a mapping tool to change the button assignment that fits to your play style.
  
  
• Great Audio - From the great game soundtracks up to the impressive voice overs (which is both available in English and Japanese versions), the audio that is featured fits the theme of the game perfectly. You can even chill out and listen to the tracks that is available on the world menu.
  
  
• Plenty of Contents to Unlock - There are tons of equipment, quests, and even a new game mode that you can unlock as you progress through, which contributes to the longevity of the game.

• Short and Repetitive - Unlike the RPG versions of Hyperdimension Neptunia which showcases an average of at least a hundred hours of gameplay for the scope of the whole game, this hack n' slash spin-off could yield a total gameplay time of less than 70 hours to complete and is mostly a one-mode game which is repeated in a succession of quests.
  
  
• Inadequate Difficulty Levels - Honestly, if you look and consider that this game is pointed at casual gamers, the difficulty of the game is perfectly balanced. However, considering the gaming community as a whole, the difficulty level is relatively easy to the extent that I rarely fail an attempt on a quest, even when using characters that are below recommended level.

To make it short, Get it!

For those who are new to the franchise and is interested in trying the game but is concerned if they should get the other games first, do not worry as this game isn't heavy in terms of story and it is worth the buy.

And for the long time fans of the series, getting this is a must.

If you like to see more recommended games that is worth the value you are paying, please visit my other reviews, or follow our curator group at Good Games Giveaways & Reviews.

Sequel to the Indie Sci-fi Shooter "Dead Effect", this new addition to the franchise delivers a successor that is superior in every aspect.

The game starts off with you given the option to choose among three different characters.
These are Gunnar Davis (which is centered on heavy weapons), Jane Frey (which specializes in assault combat), and Kay Rayner (for those who prefer melee weapons). Each of these characters have their own "unique abilities" which you can improve on later in the game.

There are different game modes (which you can access after progressing with the storyline), in which you can play by yourself or co-op with others. You can play through the storyline, which lets you unlock different shops later in the game to help you improve your character efficiency, or play through the other different modes which differs in goal on how to complete it. Every mission you play on every mode will yield you the credit points and other bonuses that you can spend and use at your own discretion.

• Large Item Selection - No doubt the most interesting part other of the game for me is the very large selection of items (weapons, armor, implants). Each of these items for use (expect for the bonus inventory items which are defaulted in 'legendary') are divided into specific tiers (common, regular, treasured, legendary, and mythical) and differs in effectiveness as well as the buying/selling price. Also, these items can also be upgraded to make them more efficient in the long run.
  
  
• Intelligent Enemy AI - This is the first thing that I noticed while playing the first few missions of the game. While the slowpoke zombies are still present, most of them can get "enraged" and rush towards you. Other types of enemies, the 'Cannibals' for example, can go in groups and go behind your field of vision instead of lining up in front of you. The 'Delta Soldiers' prefer staying away and hiding in covers while returning fire with their weapons and grenade from afar.
  
  
• Multiplayer Ready - Multiplayer/Co-op options are very welcome to every shooter as this gives the opportunity for the players to have fun with their friends/relatives, which contributes to the replayability and longevity of the game.
  
  
• Atmospheric Gameplay - The ambience that the game gives as a whole really captures what is needed for a horror shooter game. The soundtrack that plays during enemy encounters will make you either go rushing or very cautious while the graphics are greatly detailed in every aspect (the areas, enemies, weapons, etc.).

• Inaccurate Cross hairs - Noticed this early in the game since the first weapon you have will be a magnum pistol. Normally, I go for the head since it saves both time and ammunition but most of the time and even when you have directed the aim perfectly, the bullet still slips behind. While I am aware that this is normally attributed to the "gun accuracy" (which could be upgraded to the weapon once you have access to the shop), there still has to be a limit.
  
  
• No Cut scene Skip - There's plenty of cut scenes in the game (especially, in story mode) that you can't skip, which takes time if you already know the story or is uninterested. Players who are after the achievements will definitely replay these episodes for a number of times, and could be annoying to say at the least. While this is something that is almost trivial to consider as a downside (since they take less than a minute), an option should still be included in my opinion.

For the fans of zombie FPS in there, this is a must-try to say at the very least. And for those who loved the first Dead Effect, you really cannot go wrong in buying this game.

If you like to see more recommended games that is worth the value you are paying, please visit my other reviews, or follow our curator group at Good Games Giveaways & Reviews.

The Crypt of the NecroDancer is a very unique addition to the genre of rogue-like games. Never before a game like this has been seen in the gaming industry which combines the elements of a dungeon crawler and rhythm-based gameplay that is produced with such quality and immersiveness.


In this game, you are forced to move to the beat of the soundtracks (except for one character) where the tempo of each beat is shown by the meter on the bottom part of the screen and will vary depending on the track being played.

Violating this rule will reduce your multiplier to the lowest set value (though the permanent upgrade addition will still persist), and is also the same if you were to take damage. Players are able to build this up by landing successful hits to an enemy and is kept level by staying on the beat.

After every session on any mode (either by clearing the zone or by dying), the items and coins you gained will be removed and reset back to your default equipment except for "diamonds", which is used for certain upgrades/locks/unlocks to various NPCs in the game lobby.

The game modes are basically divided into two, separate zones and all-zones mode. The only difference with either mode is that the upgrades that you have bought are only present on separate zones and that the player is required to play through zone 1 to 4 on all-zones mode for it to be cleared.

• Excellent Audio - As a rhythm game, the audio should be flawless and on-spot to the theme as it is the genre's main attribute, and this is a perfect example to it. The soundtracks may vary depending on the stage the player is in or by the character they are using (which are remixed tracks of the original version, for example, playing as Aria will play the metal version of the tracks).
  
  
• Large Array of Playable Characters and Game Modes - This standard element of every session-based game is also present, in which it gives longevity and versatility to the game play. These new characters can be unlocked by clearing zones, and each and everyone of them have their own perks as well as rules and restrictions (aside from the default unlocked characters) to follow. Violating these rules will result in immediate death if you don't have an item that could save you.
  
  
• High Replay Value - A sign of a great game is that it will always have you longing for another round even if you failed miserably or even rage-quitted. May it be from the satisfaction of clearing a difficult zone or unlocking achievements or revisiting your favorite tracks, a game with a high replay value makes the money you spent on it worthwhile.
  
  
• Steam Integration - From the very helpful Steam Cloud feature up to the Steamworks' additional mods that you can add, this is great for those people who wants to spice the game up more and modify it to match their taste.

• Repetitive Audio - Given the nature of rogue-likes, you will die and restart the levels more than you would like to and this means that you will be forced the hear the soundtracks of each floor again and again. Supposedly, this is only minus if the soundtracks of the game are bad (which is not the case in here), but still I would like to cover all bases for those who are interested in buying the game.
  
  
• Immense Difficulty Levels - By no means that this is a BAD thing, BUT if you are a casual player who enjoys more of a relaxing game play or just aren't good at playing the game or has bad body coordination, then this game MIGHT not be for you (though it doesn't mean that you shouldn't give it a try). Honestly, I am bad at this game that I could only clear levels with Bard (which is easy-mode) and barely with the other characters.

This game is the fruit of undeniable passion and love of the developers, and indeed is a masterpiece of its own genre to be said at the very least. Also, if you are a fan of games with great soundtracks, you won't make a mistake buying this!

Rating: 9.5/10

This review was submitted for Elite Giveaways, check us out for more reviews ranging from Indie games to AAA games.

At first glance it might look like a simple 2D clone of Harvest Moon, but the game gives more than what meets the eye. As someone who has been immersed with the gameplay for almost a week now, the only thing that I could say is to bid farewell to your personal life and have fun.



The game starts off with you talking to your grandfather and him handing over a letter that will give you the chance to change your lifestyle in the future if you ever so desire.
Years later on, you are living in the city and working as an employee of a grand corporation named "Joja Corporation", but feeling empty inside. That was then when you remembered what your grandfather left you and took the chance to start a new life with nature.

Welcome to Stardew Valley!

In this game, you play as a village farmer who inherited the land from your grandfather. After the introduction, you will also start with the basic version of tools that you need for growing and maintaining your farm (which can be upgraded with the required items and money through the town's blacksmith) and some cash to purchase the things you need (which is basically money to buy seeds).

Each season will cycle on a 28-day basis, which also has you limited on the crops that you can sow and harvest (aside when growing them inside the greenhouse). Weather also changes depending on the prediction from the forecast which will help you on planning the tasks you need to do as the game progresses.

Aside from the farm, you can also interact with the other villagers (NPCs) by either helping them out from a certain request or by giving them gifts, which will help you in befriending them or even be intimate (only for those who have the [single] word below their icon on your list) if your relationship level is high enough.

But not only that! You can also fish, mine ores, find and donate artifacts, raise farm animals, turn your crops or goods into products, forage fruits and flowers, or even explore dangerous caverns and mines and become a true adventurer!

• Tons of Content - There are tons of things to work on this game aside from farming. May it be socializing with other people, fishing, excavating and exploring the mines, etc. This attribute pretty much sums up most of the great things this game as to offer, which also contributes to the second factor.
  
  
  
• Immersive Gameplay - I am not really certain which feature is the most prominent factor that makes this game addicting, but I am confident to declare that each and every single one of them works in harmony to bring out the best for its players.
  
  
  
• Great Audio - The soundtracks made for this game really fits the theme of each and every scenario it has to offer. Not only the soundtracks but also the ambience effects really make up the feel as a whole. The sound of the animals, the rustling of the plants, and flow of the water are just some to enumerate.

• Minor Bugs and Game Errors - Though it might not be game-breaking, the game still has a fair amount of bugs and errors that could be a point to improve on. Some of the bugs that I have encountered are showcased on my screenshots so feel free to check it when you have the time.
  
  
• Too Immersive Gameplay - You might think that this portion is a joke, but I am dead serious about this. For someone who works on a daily basis, I really don't have the leisure of playing games like before when I was still studying. I already spent my leaves for this month and cancelled a few meetings with friends and colleagues, and I am expecting worse to come. This game WILL take your TIME and if you don't have the WILL to sacrifice it, then at least stay away until you have some kind of long vacation.
  
  
• Repetitiveness - This is most likely the nemesis of every simulation game. After every year, there will be small additions to the cycle of the game to make it fresh as long as possible, but it is still inevitable that you will reach a stage where you can say that you have played enough.

Well, I'll just save you the time and get straight to the point. If you ever had that one bit of interest when you saw this game, DO NOT HESITATE AND GET IT.

Rating - 9.8/10

This review was submitted for Elite Giveaways, check us out for more reviews ranging from Indie games to AAA games.