Recent reviews by GGIAS

Greetings fellow gamers! This is Gamer Guy (In a Suit) from the Echo Army YouTube channel! Today I am bringing you a review of the latest Indie Strategy Board Game to find it's way into Steam's Early Access, Gremlins, Inc.

(NOTE: This game was reviewed using a key provided by the Developer and/or Publisher)

Video Review:
https://youtu.be/xF3I3uUtU4w

The "Too Long, Didn't Watch" Review:
One of the best board games on Steam. Get some friends and play. They run Tourneys. 5/5

The "Meat & Potatoes" Review:
Now this, fellow gamers, is an absolute GEM hiding away on Steam! First, it's based on a real life tabletop game of the same name. I have, unfortunately, not yet played the real life version. I will not be able to make those comparisons here. I can, however, tell you that I enjoy this game so much, that it is easily one of my favorite games on Steam right now. I haven't even found someone to play with yet other than the AI!! With friends, I can only imagine how much more fun this can be. Also, get this, they run REAL, RANKED Tournaments! Now, for the game itself? Beautiful. The art-style is simply gorgeous and the music and sounds fit the Steampunk Gremlin world very well. The gameplay mechanics are simply really, especially after you play through the very well crafted tutorial. It is easy to get a firm grasp on what to do after you get over the inital overwhelming feeling of "What the hell am I doing and where am I going?!". There are resources to manage as well as strategy involved. There are cards that are drawn and played, but this is NOT a CCG. No micro-transactions or deck building, each player has the same cards. Your goal is to get, by any means necessary, the most Points. Points can be earned various ways around the board and typically require good strategy and resource management to pull off (time, placement and money). There is all kinds of chicanery at play though, with misfortunes literally around every corner, corrupt police, jails, there is even times where the game stops to vote for a Governor. That's right, you can accumulate Votes (optional, all part of different strategies) to get elected and get yourself some benefits. Stuck in Jail? It's not as bad as you think...you can make a career of it and earn resources just as easily. The only thing missing from this game, frankly, is a bigger community and more people playing it. The bigger this grows, the better it will be. Please check it out. 5/5 and I will play with some folks who read this and buys this!

Happy Gaming!

(NOTE: This game was reviewed using a key provided by the Developer and/or Publisher)

Video Review:

https://youtu.be/WUwGA2vDB_Q

The "Too Long, Didn't Watch" Review:

Take a wait & see on this one. Active Developer, but it's too raw still. 2/5

The "Meat & Potatoes" Review:

The game was just practically unplayable on release date, so I waited a day or two to drop a review. I am glad I did. While I still cannot recommend this game in it's current state, I can at least point out that the developer has been incredibly responsive and active in updating the game to try and fix it quickly and efficiently. The visuals and sounds are what you expect from a game like this, it doesn't pretend to be artsy at all. That's not the problem, the problem is in fact the gameplay itself. The dungeons are perhaps TOO random, which I realize sounds odd at first, but when you have spawned multiple playthroughs that begin with multiple shopkeepers in a row before you even get to a single encounter, and then your first encounter is nearly a dozen enemies which obviously quickly overwhelm you and end your game before it even gets rolling. The clipping/hitbox issues were even worse, making it impossible to collect items after a battle. Fortunately, the second problem there has already been somewhat addressed, just not enough for my tastes yet. Also, while your enemies can cause damage to you from any direction, your attack is very limited. There is no ability to attack up/down or North/South at all. Only to the left or right, which makes some rooms virtually impossible due to enemy placement. All in all, it is just to raw still to recommend. On the bright side, the developer is active so you can at least take a wait & see approach to this one and come check it out again later and see how much it has progressed. Merely yesterday I would've given this a 1/5, but already it is up to 2/5 for the recent, quick update.

Happy Gaming!

Greetings fellow gamers! This is Gamer Guy (In a Suit) from the Echo Army YouTube channel! Today I am bringing you a review of the brand new RPG Echoes of Aetheria. Echoes of Aetheria was released today, January 15th, 2016 by Developer Dancing Dragon Games and Publisher Degica.

(NOTE: This game was reviewed using a key provided by the Developer and/or Publisher)

Video Review:

https://youtu.be/CoXrvzNvrBg

The "Too Long, Didn't Watch" Review:

Wow! Fantastic little RPG. Great feel & story! 4/5

The "Meat & Potatoes" Review:

Well, now. Heh. There are TONS of little RPG Maker games that populate the Steam store these days, and no, that is NOT a bad thing. Granted, they aren't all the best, but having options is good. I'll cover that some other time. For now, Echoes of Aetheria. Wow is this a fun game! Upon being asked to review it, I admit I was a little hesitant. It looks like some "blah" RPG Maker game, but I gave it a spin anyways. WOW. I am SO glad I did! This game has a GREAT story that hooks you in right from the beginning AND gets moving and twisting early and it does so very well. It does not feel forced or cheesy at all, it is solid writing. The gameplay mechanics are very familiar RPG-style mechanics. Nothing special. For me, it's the characters (there are several good ones!) and the story in this one that really engaged me from the get-go. Particularly Ingrid, she's a fantastic character! AI sincerely haven't been this engaged in an RPG since I used to play FFVI back on SNES. And yes, I am serious. This game and it's story are sincerely hooking me like that one did. Not as deep or as rich with supporting cast, but super-solid storytelling is here and you do not want to miss out. It's the kind of game you're thinking about while you aren't even playing, the story is that good. If you dig RPG's, make sure to give this one a try.

Happy Gaming!

(EDITED TO ADD - Some comments have been deleted, only by the request of the person making the comments. The discussion was held in private and resolved peacefully. Please enjoy this game!)

Greetings fellow gamers! This is Gamer Guy (In a Suit) from the Echo Army YouTube channel! Today I am bringing you a review of the Indie Stealth/Action Game Clandestine. Clandestine was released on Steam on November 5, 2015 by Publisher/Developer Logic Artists.

(NOTE: This game was reviewed using a key provided by the Developer and/or Publisher)

Video Review:

https://youtu.be/p_9rtsaVDJc

The "Too Long, Didn't Watch" Review:

Too pricey considering you really do NEED a Co-Op partner to fully enjoy it, IMHO.
2/5 for Solo. More for Co-Op?

The "Meat & Potatoes" Review:

Clandestine actually has a fantastic concept behind it, so let us start off with some of the positives of this game. You essentially have a Stealth game here, featuring some light "hacking" elements as well. Ideally, these roles are split between yourself and a Co-Op partner. One person taking on the Action/Stealth role while the other provides Support in the way of hacking various doors to relay their passwords, hacking cameras, plotting/mapping the course, spotting enemies for the other player, etc. All in all, this is really an awesome idea and great way to execute a game. That is where things kinda end for me, though. The graphics, unfortunately, are somewhat dated for an action game. The controls are frustrating at times (you cannot run while your handgun is equipped???). The voice acting is kinda painful at parts, as the female voice almost seems like text-to-voice software. It really hurts the immersion, to be honest. I tried several times to get into this game and just couldn't. To be perfectly fair, I think I would've had a lot of fun with a Co-Op partner, but as a single-player game it is very lacking and you can tell it's not the same at all. Unfortunately, the price point ($24.99) makes it incredibly hard to find a friend willing to buy in. There is no discount for a two-pack, which would probably help expand the user-base some. I am really on the fence. The only reason I could find to recommend it is because I can FEEL the awesome potential for a great Co-Op game here, I have just been unable to get a partner and that is largely due to some of the concerns about the game. Hopefully, I can give an update in the future as to how a Co-Op session feels. As is, I would say look to something like Thief for your stealth needs. However, don't ignore it. It has potential. Unfortunately, a Solo Campaign isn't good enough at all. 2/5 and $25 is just too much and a big part of that score.

Happy Gaming!

Greetings fellow gamers! This is Gamer Guy (In a Suit) from the Echo Army YouTube channel! Today I am bringing you a review of the brand new Indie Management Sim Elysium: Blood Games. Elysium: Blood Games was brought to you by the AWESOME one-man studio over at SimProse Studios.

(NOTE: This game was reviewed using a key provided by the Developer and/or Publisher)


Video Review:

https://youtu.be/jX83zkIRATo

The "Too Long, Didn't Watch" Review:

Another hit from SimProse. HIGHLY addictive gameplay. 4/5

The "Meat & Potatoes" Review:

SimProse Studios has done it again. Now, this game is NOT going to blow you away graphically or with it's sounds. They are good, especially considering the type of game this is. Elysium: Blood Game is very much a Stats/Management Sim. Although the comparison got me into a little trouble with Redemption, it still rings true: These games are like OOTP-Lite for RPG's, in a sense. Allow me to explain. Out Of The Park makes VERY deep simulations for Baseball and Hockey. What SimProse does so incredibly well is take that concept (managing your team to win it all) and translates it into darker, grittier aspects of past ages. Redmeption absolutely nailed this with it being an OOTP-Lite for Dungeons. This game here nails it for Gladiators.Pretty much a Sports Sim for Gladiators, really. Assemble your team, train your team, you can even gamble in this game to raise your funds. You can promote your fights (can you get the King to show up to your fight and cheer your guy on?). Recruit new Gladiators from the Free Agent pool. Watch as they get injured, retire, suspended, etc just like in pro sports! Performance enhancing elixirs? Yup. Got those too! Just careful of running that risk! Did I mention that ONE GUY does all this? These games are even more amazing when you consider ONE guy did all of this, and if it is anything like Redemption, he will work endlessly to refine the game. You have a dedicated Developer making some awesome, addicting games here. Swoop up the SimProse goodies, friends. Streets of Chaos, Redemption: Eternal Quest and now Elysium: Blood Games belong in the libraries of ANY Simulation fan, particularly if you enjoy the sports-sims like OOTP. This will be RIGHT in your wheelhouse. Take my monies, SimProse....you did it again! These games are cheap and insanely addicting. 4/5

Happy Gaming!

Greetings fellow gamers! This is Gamer Guy (In a Suit) from the Echo Army YouTube channel! Today I am bringing you a review of the Indie Adventure/CYOA 80 Days. 80 Days was released on Steam on September 28, 2015 by Developer Cape Guy ltd. and Developer/Publisher Inkle Ltd.

(NOTE: This game was NOT reviewed using a key provided by the Developer and/or Publisher, it was a game I purchased for my own account)

Video Review:

https://youtu.be/IPMhq2I5ReU

The "Too Long, Didn't Watch" Review:

Around the world in 80 Days, the novel. Fully playable, very Steampunk.
5/5 DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!

The "Meat & Potatoes" Review:

80 Days is, simply put, an absolute treat! This has easily become one of my favorite games as of late. WHat it is is a re-imagining of sorts of Jules Vene's classic "Around the World in 80 Days". Your master, upon accpetance of a wager, intends on circling the globe in under 80 days. You are his Valet and are in charge of not only caring for you masters well being, but planning his route. Along your journey you will engage in buying and selling goods from various markets to balance your funds (and to make your journey easier at times!). Another key component to the gameplay is the conversations. You must explore and converse as much as possible in order to find and open up new routes to facilitate your journey. Then, you must pick and choose carefully which of these routes you will take. The entire game is built around the CYOA mechanic, as you read through the incredibly well written dialogue you must make choices as to which direction the story takes as well. All in all, the writing is superb and the art and sounds are very, very beautiful. It is no wonder that Time Magazine gave it Game of the Year status for 2014. THis is also available on mobile devices, but the Steam version is well worth it. 5/5 and easily worth $10.

Happy Gaming!

Greetings fellow gamers! This is Gamer Guy (In a Suit) from the Echo Army YouTube channel! Today I am bringing you a review of the Indie Horror game Dungeon Nightmares II: The Memory. Dungeon Nightmares II: The Memory was released on Steam on September 14, 2015 by Developer/Publisher K Monkey.

(NOTE: This game was NOT reviewed using a key provided by the Developer and/or Publisher, it was a game I purchased for my own account)

Video Review:

https://youtu.be/cOYKzdujxD8

The "Too Long, Didn't Watch" Review:

Nice atmospheric horror game. Hidden gem on Steam. 4/5 worth $10 (goes for $9)

The "Meat & Potatoes" Review:

Dungeon Nightmares II: The Memory is another First-Person Indie Horror game available on Steam, of which there are TONS these days. However, I try to find the ones that stand out and are worth a gamers time. This is one. This little gem is tucked away, hidden deep within Steam. It has less than 50 reviews at this time, which for Steam is pretty low for a game that has been out for several months. This game deserves your attention. It has 100% procedurally-generated maps, an AI that appears to be really good and learns from your behaviors and evolves, Permadeath, a fantastically creepy atmosphere and of course, that combat-free gameplay that leaves you feeling SO helpless against your struggles! This game even has some controller support. I really liked the atmosphere of this one a lot. It was easy to get lost once you turned the lights off and threw the headphones on. It relies much more on the atmosphere then it does actual "jump scares' and the tediousness of the randomized dungeons add to your despair. Do not miss this hidden gem on Steam. You can grab it for $9 ($4.50 during the Sale!!!) and it is totally worth it. 4/5 and glad I found this one.

Happy Gaming!

Greetings fellow gamers! This is Gamer Guy (In a Suit) from the Echo Army YouTube channel! Today I am bringing you a review of Indie Mystery Visual-Novel, Aviary Attorney. Aviary Attorney was released on Steam on December 21, 2015 by Developer/Publisher Sketchy Logic.

(NOTE: This game was NOT reviewed using a key provided by the Developer and/or Publisher, it was a game from my own account)

Video Review:

https://youtu.be/FSbcrZv4Y_c

The "Too Long, Didn't Watch" Review:

Great fun, hilarious, beautiful. Top-Notch Visual Novel. 5/5 (despite the GLARINGLY obvious rush at release)

The "Meat & Potatoes" Review:

This game is simply gorgeous. That is probably the first thing you notice about Aviary Attorney overall. The music matches the art as well, simply beautiful. I have never played either Hatoful or Pheonix Wright, so most of the "comparisons" I am seeing do not mean much and felt like I could give a fresh perspective to this game. I was once studying to be an attorney (my "Clark Kent" still works Gov't) so felt immediately drawn to this. IT also happen to help that I absolutely LOVE horrible puns. If you do not, you may want to just walk away now. Not from the review, just from the game entirely. However, I find it absolutely hilarious. The dialogue and writing overall is superb, the art is beautiful, the piano is divine. This is everything a solid VN should be. The story is truly engaging and fun. An ending was unavailable at release, and release was delayed a few days. I attempted to get a hold of the reviewer for a key, and was unsuccessful. Clearly, they were overwhelmed in their attempts to meet their own deadline. I have seen complaints, but honestly they obviously cared enough to work EXTRA hard in the days up to, and since launch. That dedication to their product is a good thing. Does it suck that they missed their goal by a couple/few days? Sure. It seemed to be more out of a desire to release the best product they could and they continue to improve to this day (there have already been updates). Give this one a go. I fully endorse it and am loving every minute. Several LOL moments. Fans of any type of Visual Novel will enjoy this for sure, as will anyone with a good sense of humor. If action is what you want, you may not find it here. Tons of "Pros" and short on "Cons", this VN is truly worth the $15 pricetag. A true 5/5 for this gamer.

Happy Gaming!

Greetings fellow gamers! This is Gamer Guy (In a Suit) from the Echo Army YouTube channel! Today I am bringing you a review of the latest set of tables for the awesome pinball game, Pinball FX. Pinball FX has been around a while and these tables (Balls of Glory) were released on October 21, 2015 by Zen Studios.

(NOTE: This game was NOT reviewed using a key provided by the Developer and/or Publisher, it was a game I purchased for my own account)

Video Review:

https://youtu.be/yIZN0-RiGlk

The "Too Long, Didn't Watch" Review:

GREAT new set of tables. 5/5 and a steal during the sale ($5)

The "Meat & Potatoes" Review:

Pinball FX is a fantastic Pinball game from Zen Studios that is available on just about every device you can imagine (I own this on Steam, Xbox, my iPhone and my Tablet!). It is generally free and you purchase whichever tables you would like to play on. Zen does a fantastic job of making fun and beautiful tables to play on. I highly recommend checking them out overall. This review pertains to the latest set of tables, which was released as a 4-pack. The pack includes some animated favorites. American Dad, Archer, Bob's Burgers & Family Guy. The tables are beautifully crafted and are a ton of fun to play on. There are leaderboards for each table, Global and among friends. These are always among some of the best pinball games available for the PC and to me is THE gold standard. These particular tables are fun, funny and use some audio from each show so they feel genuine (original voice actors). I highly recommend grabbing this pack as they are 4 very good, very different tables. 5/5 and an absolute STEAL during a sale at $5. Even at $10, that's $2.50 per table. Not bad at all.

Happy Gaming!

Greetings fellow gamers! This is Gamer Guy (In a Suit) from the Echo Army YouTube channel! Today I am bringing you a review of the Indie Adventure game The Consuming Shadow. The Consuming Shadow has been around for a while now, but was finally released onto Steam on November 20, 2015 by Developer/Publisher Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw.

(NOTE: This game was NOT reviewed using a key provided by the Developer and/or Publisher, it was a game I purchased for my own account)


Video Review:

(NO video...Shadowplay would not record this...I'm kinda scared!)

The "Too Long, Didn't Watch" Review:

Lovecraftian Rogue-Like is as good as that sounds. Low-quality visuals, high-quality gameplay.
4/5 and easily worth $10

The "Meat & Potatoes" Review:

The Consuming Shadow is a great Lovecraftian experience, gamers. This is good stuff here, if this is your kind of thing. Consider a blend between parts of Skyhill, FTL and the TV Show "Supernatural". That's essentially what you get here. You get texts and drive around in your car from town to town investigating events and essentially leveling (re: grinding) while finding the runes you need to succesfully cast a banishment ritual at Stonehenge to end all the evil chicanery. Good? Good. There are unlockable characters, different dungeon types, different missions, spells to learn, etc. The "Insanity Edition" on Steam adds some awesome play modes to increase replayability. There is an infinite dungeon mode known as "The Descent" and there are also Daily Challenges. This is going to be big with fans of Survival Horror, Rogue-Like Perma-Death Gameplay and especially Lovecraftian themes. The stories and events are fairly well done. The visuals are not the most modern and crisp, but aren't exactly what you are here for. To me, this is one of the only true cons. Also, if you do not like to read a bit or don't enjoy horror elements, maybe look elsewhere. All in all, a fantastic little Lovecraftian experience for me. A solid 4/5 and hours can be lost to this little gem. Do not let it slip by! $10 is a good deal for this!

Happy Gaming!