Recent reviews by Hinexon

Jock Studio is the third game from Blits Games, the creators of the already excellent Camp Buddy. That game featured a brilliant storyline, outstanding graphics, and remarkable animations. Jock Studio, even in its beta version, surpasses Camp Buddy in every way—it offers more mechanics, more mini-games, and even higher-quality graphics. I’m thoroughly impressed with how polished this demo is. The Kickstarter funds were clearly well spent. I highly recommend it!

**Core Keeper: The Game That Dug Straight Into My Heart**

If Minecraft and Stardew Valley had a baby, then raised it in a glowing underground labyrinth full of mysteries, monsters, and way too many slime puddles, that baby would be *Core Keeper*. And oh boy, what a bouncy, addictive, little gem it is!

From the moment I picked up my trusty copper pickaxe and started whacking away at some dirt walls, I knew I was in trouble—in the best way possible. This isn’t just a game; it’s a never-ending quest for "just one more thing." Just one more vein of tin. Just one more crop to water. Just one more boss fight where I’m 90% sure I’ll die but go in anyway because YOLO.

The core (pun absolutely intended) of the game is exploration, and boy, does it deliver. Every corner you dig out reveals something new—whether it’s a biome that looks like a dream or a nightmare (seriously, the glowing caves are equal parts gorgeous and terrifying). And don’t even get me started on the fishing. I thought I was too cool for virtual fishing—turns out, I’m not. I spent two hours trying to catch a particularly stubborn glowing fish, and when I finally did, I celebrated like I’d won the lottery.

The multiplayer is where the magic truly shines. Nothing says teamwork like accidentally blowing up a tunnel while your friend’s trying to harvest mushrooms. Or the pure comedy gold of running in circles because you *both* forgot to bring torches. It’s chaos, but it’s *our* chaos, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

And let’s talk about the bosses. They’re challenging, ridiculous, and somehow adorable in their own monstrous way. I mean, who came up with the idea of a giant slime boss? And why is it so much fun to smack it with a shovel while running for dear life?

In conclusion, *Core Keeper* is a game that doesn’t just keep you busy—it keeps you smiling, laughing, and sometimes yelling at your screen when a larva swarm decides to ruin your day. It’s charming, addictive, and full of surprises. Play it with friends, play it alone, but whatever you do, *just play it*. And remember: the core isn’t the only thing that’ll be glowing—you will, too, after a session of this underground delight.

10/10, would dig myself into an existential crafting crisis again.

Road 96 is an extraordinary narrative-driven adventure that takes players on an emotional and unpredictable journey through a politically charged, procedurally generated road trip. The game’s strongest asset is its ability to craft unique, personalized experiences for each player, thanks to its branching paths and dynamic storytelling.

The cast of characters is wonderfully diverse and richly developed, each offering their own stories, perspectives, and secrets to uncover. The way the game intertwines their lives with your journey creates a deeply immersive and heartfelt connection. The balance between lighthearted moments, humor, and the darker undertones of a nation in turmoil keeps the pacing engaging throughout.

The gameplay offers variety, combining exploration, dialogue choices, and mini-games, all of which influence the outcome of your journey. The soundtrack is a standout feature, perfectly capturing the game’s emotional highs and lows with a mix of nostalgic and modern tunes.

With its thought-provoking narrative, stunning visuals, and emphasis on player agency, Road 96 is a compelling adventure that not only entertains but also makes you reflect on freedom, choices, and the human spirit. An absolute gem for fans of story-rich games.

Amanda the Adventurer is a surprisingly chilling and innovative indie game that blends nostalgic visuals with a deeply unsettling atmosphere. At first glance, it appears to be a lighthearted, retro-styled educational game, but it quickly unravels into something far darker. The way the game subverts expectations by intertwining eerie moments with its cheerful presentation is brilliantly executed.

The story is captivating, slowly revealing its sinister undertones through clever puzzles, cryptic hints, and interactive sequences. Amanda herself is an unnervingly well-crafted character, seamlessly switching between being charming and outright terrifying, which keeps players on edge.

The simplicity of the gameplay – solving puzzles and watching VHS tapes – masks the depth of the narrative, encouraging exploration and critical thinking. The game excels in creating a sense of dread, with moments that make you question what is real and what is manipulation.

Overall, Amanda the Adventurer is a must-play for fans of psychological horror and innovative storytelling. Its short runtime only enhances the experience, leaving a lasting impact long after the final tape is played.

Metro Exodus, along with its DLCs Sam's Story and The Two Colonels, is a phenomenal experience that masterfully blends storytelling, atmosphere, and gameplay. The base game offers a breathtaking journey across a post-apocalyptic Russia, transitioning seamlessly between expansive open environments and the series' iconic claustrophobic tunnels.

The visuals are stunning, with incredible attention to detail in both landscapes and character models, bringing the world to life in a way few games achieve. The narrative is deeply emotional, supported by excellent voice acting and engaging characters.

The DLCs are equally impressive: Sam's Story provides a compelling personal journey with new gameplay mechanics and an open-world area to explore, while The Two Colonels delivers an intense, story-rich experience that returns to the series’ roots in the underground Metro. Both add depth to the main story and provide unique perspectives on the world.

With its mix of immersive storytelling, gorgeous visuals, and challenging gameplay, Metro Exodus and its DLCs offer an unforgettable gaming experience that no fan of the genre should miss.

Counter-Strike 2, while a highly anticipated sequel, has unfortunately been disappointing in several areas. The game's performance feels unoptimized, with frequent frame drops and lag that disrupt the competitive experience. Hit registration issues remain prevalent, leading to frustrating gameplay inconsistencies. The lack of substantial innovation in mechanics or design makes it feel more like an update than a true sequel. Additionally, the matchmaking system still suffers from long wait times and poorly balanced matches. Overall, CS2 doesn’t live up to the legacy of its predecessor and feels like a step backward for the series.

Hearts of Iron IV is the ultimate grand strategy game for anyone passionate about history, war, and in-depth strategic planning. Paradox Interactive has once again proven their mastery in creating complex and highly detailed games, and Hearts of Iron IV is a perfect example of their commitment to delivering a rich, immersive experience. Whether you’re commanding a small country or overseeing the entire fate of the world, this game offers unparalleled depth and realism.

The gameplay in Hearts of Iron IV is incredibly satisfying. The game lets you take control of a nation during the tumultuous period of World War II, where you manage everything from diplomacy and economy to military strategy and warfare. The level of detail is staggering—you can shape your country's policies, research new technologies, design tanks and planes, and wage battles that feel incredibly dynamic and realistic. The war is not just fought on the battlefield but also through strategic decisions in factories, supply lines, and political maneuvering.

One of the most impressive aspects of Hearts of Iron IV is the incredible attention to historical accuracy. While you can certainly alter the course of history with your choices, the game does a fantastic job of presenting historical events and military strategies, making it an educational experience as well as an entertaining one. Whether you’re playing as Germany, the United States, or a smaller nation, each playthrough feels unique, offering endless replayability.

The game’s graphics and interface are well-designed for a grand strategy title. The maps are clear and visually appealing, and the icons and menus are intuitive once you get the hang of them. Although the sheer complexity of the game can be daunting for newcomers, the learning curve is part of the challenge and satisfaction, with plenty of tutorials and community guides to help you along the way.

What really sets Hearts of Iron IV apart, though, is the sheer scope of its gameplay. The level of control you have over every aspect of your nation makes it feel like you’re truly at the helm of a great military power. Whether you’re managing troops in the trenches, securing alliances, or planning the next great offensive, the sense of power and responsibility is incredibly rewarding.

Overall, Hearts of Iron IV is a masterpiece of strategy gaming. It’s a game that rewards both meticulous planning and bold decisions, with endless replayability and a passionate community. If you’re a fan of history or grand strategy games, Hearts of Iron IV is an absolute must-play. The depth, complexity, and excitement it offers are unmatched in the genre.

Buckshot Roulette is an exciting and highly addictive game that mixes the thrill of chance with the fast-paced action of a shooter. From the moment you dive in, the game hooks you with its unique blend of mechanics and intense gameplay. The concept of combining traditional roulette with a shotgun-wielding twist is both fresh and exhilarating, offering an unpredictable experience where every moment is filled with tension and excitement.

The gameplay is simple yet engaging—each round is filled with high-stakes action as you spin the roulette wheel to determine your fate. Whether you’re aiming for the perfect shot or dodging incoming attacks, the game’s mechanics offer a great mix of strategy and reflex-based action. The thrill of risk-taking and the potential rewards keep you on your toes, making every round a nerve-wracking yet satisfying experience.

Visually, Buckshot Roulette impresses with its stylish and gritty art direction. The game has a sharp, bold aesthetic that gives it a distinct personality. The animations are smooth, and the attention to detail in the design of both the characters and environments adds to the overall immersive feel of the game. The soundtrack also deserves a mention—its pulse-pounding beats match the frenetic pace of the gameplay, heightening the intensity and drama of each match.

One of the game’s best features is its replayability. Every round feels different, thanks to the randomness of the roulette and the variety of weapons and challenges you face. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, the game offers plenty of moments of tension, laughter, and excitement, keeping you coming back for more.

In conclusion, Buckshot Roulette is a fantastic, high-energy shooter that’s as fun as it is unpredictable. Its unique blend of roulette and action-packed gameplay, coupled with great visuals and a fantastic soundtrack, makes it an absolute blast to play. If you’re looking for a game that’s equal parts thrilling and unpredictable, Buckshot Roulette is definitely worth checking out!

Death Must Die is an exhilarating action-packed game that delivers an intense and rewarding experience. From the very first moments, it grabs your attention with fast-paced combat and a dark, engaging atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The game's premise, where you battle against waves of enemies in a twisted and unforgiving world, is both thrilling and satisfying, offering a constant sense of danger and urgency.

The combat mechanics are one of the standout features of Death Must Die. The game excels in providing fluid, dynamic action where every attack feels impactful. Whether you're wielding a variety of weapons or unleashing special abilities, the battles are intense and rewarding, especially when you manage to defeat tougher enemies or overcome difficult scenarios. There’s a real sense of progression as you unlock new skills and upgrade your character, making each victory feel even more earned.

Visually, Death Must Die offers a beautifully grim and atmospheric world. The dark, moody art style perfectly complements the game's tone, with haunting environments and creatively designed enemies that contribute to the game's overall sense of dread. The sound design, with its eerie music and ominous effects, further immerses you into this thrilling world.

One of the things that makes Death Must Die stand out is its replayability. With different characters to play, unlockable abilities, and various challenges to overcome, there's always something new to explore. Every run feels unique, which makes coming back for more a fun and rewarding experience.

In conclusion, Death Must Die is a fantastic action game that combines intense combat, a dark, captivating world, and great replay value. It's a must-play for fans of fast-paced action and challenging gameplay. If you enjoy fighting through relentless enemies while exploring a dark and atmospheric universe, this game is definitely worth your time!

Backpack Battles is a fun and engaging game that stands out with its unique concept and solid mechanics. One of the game's key strengths is its ongoing development and optimization—it's clear that the developers are committed to making the game better with every update. This dedication to improvement keeps the gameplay feeling fresh and exciting.

The core gameplay loop, focused on acquiring and combining various items to build powerful gear, is a classic and addictive feature that fans of inventory management games will love. There's a real sense of satisfaction in finding new combinations that give you an edge in battles. Whether you're crafting new weapons or discovering synergies between items, the depth of the system adds a lot of replay value.

The graphics, while not overly flashy, are charming and have a distinct style that complements the overall tone of the game. It’s easy to get immersed in the quirky, colorful world that Backpack Battles creates. The design is simple but appealing, with attention to detail that makes every item and character feel unique.

Mechanically, Backpack Battles does a great job of balancing strategy and action. The combat is enjoyable and offers enough variety to keep things interesting, especially when you’re pitting your character against different opponents. There’s a real thrill in taking on others in fast-paced, tactical battles, where every decision counts.

Overall, Backpack Battles is a game that continues to evolve and improve, making it a great choice for anyone who enjoys strategic gameplay, fun battles, and the joy of collecting and combining items. With ongoing updates and a solid foundation, it’s easy to see why this game is worth checking out. Highly recommended for fans of tactical combat and item-based progression!