Recent reviews by caubert

Steam still allows you to download the game (a good thing) but after that you'll be facing Ubisoft's launcher (will not name it, they change the name constantly)... and that launcher requires activation key, so yeah, UBI has nuked this game fully. Previously you could at least load up the game and in-game error prompted that can not login to network.
Sadly Steam will not refund it, 2 weeks blah-blah.

Ubisoft as a publisher or developer is not recommended.

Disclaimer: VN games are not my strong suit - I tend to like them; if they are tagged as cyberpunk I am 100% immediately interested and playing it :)

VA11 HALL-A places us into a typical cyberpunk trope, with its standard beginning and linearity soon to be expected in story telling - a dystopian megacity ran by greedy corporations, a city that is divided into zones for rich and beautiful and then the rest. First zone aka "upper level" is boring as always, clean, fallaciously friendly, beautiful. But our place is in the gutter with its crime, protest marches, riots and weird people. So, a fun place to be.

What differs is the protagonist Jill (she does not like her full name to be published). Jill is not transhumanist or someone with 100% body-mod upgrades. Just a simple tender girl with quite simple life in this dystopian future we're placed to. So we deviate from the main cyberpunkish trope here - saving the world; no, one of our main focuses is just getting to know Jill and her surroundings, background better.

Our protagonist has left her studies in university, basically said f-off world and started working as bartender in a place called VA-11 Hall-A - a dark but cozy bar customers and staff call Valhalla. Such 180-degree, let's call it "nihilist turn" in her life has left Jill in quite sad state financially and she is outright struggling. At least she has one true friend, a "pet" cat called Fore.

Valhalla is a central hub of this game and many narrative paths (plural) evolve here. It's a meeting place for many interesting characters, who typically are carrying the weight of a broken soul, have been or are stuck between corporate gears or just dark alleyway adventurers who have found this bar. As hinted in Dumas' "Twenty Years Later" book of three musketeers - alcohol solves basically all ones problems. This is the main thing Jill has to do, mix drinks and serve them, also listening to the problems of Valhalla's clientele at the same time. So she is their dr. Phil and that's her path - changing the lives of people around her and also her's.

The regulars and passersby are quite-quite colourful. We've got sex workers, gynoids, "bums", office managers, super-stars, a big list of people ending with a corgi. Yeah, a corgi - cool : )
That cute dog is even hired to take a half time job at Valhalla. So due to wide range of patrons, the conversations with them tend to be also very different and mixed like the cocktails; sometimes even too sexual (maybe) for western mindset - boob size and why no jeans under skirt etc... Basically no taboos - and this is actually nice to have in a modern game.

I mentioned plural narratives. Alcohol and also various stages of drunkenness of clients create quite intimate atmosphere between them and Jill. They will drink, tell you about their issues and what's on their mind, they'll leave and when they return, their stories will continue, maybe more reserved in the beginning - they are sober, but each character has their own narrative direction and most interesting of them all is actually Jill's own path.

Mixing drinks. Well in the beginning of the game this is not the easiest thing to do. Every customer has their own favourites, some even wish for random drinks and many times Jill as a good bartender has to understand or even guess what they actually want. It is fortunate that we have a recipe book for drinks and with little practice mixing different cocktails is totally easy, memorable and actually could become also a dull thing to do.

So you mix their drinks, attend to their needs by listening "sad stories", rant, problems at work or side topics. You even have to endure insists to tell about your own (Jill's) life - why she left university behind, why such choices, why she's so grumpy all the time, why why why... and that way you spend your evenings/nights in Valhalla. After "day" is over, you will be scored how well you served your customers and get paid. Time to leave, get back home and pet Fore. Yeah!

Money. As I said earlier, Jill is quite poor. She has to pay hefty rent and if she does not pay it fully in time, this actually matters in narrative's context and you can get bad/negative ending of the game. So you have to be careful with money. But yeah, like always you can also spend it for various trinkets, wallpapers and such... but also OST (this game has a lengthy and quite august soundtrack).

This is not an endless game. The routine of serving drinks or staying at home with Fore, being beer buddies with your boss and getting to know Jill's background better lasts for 19 days. There's Christmas, they call it Mega-Christmas there and also New Year's Eve. So, many various scenes, not only stable Valhalla's artistically well done background to accompany you reading this VN's text. Text is long, striking and never boring. OK, you have to click a lot in this game to forward text. There are many endings, usually you'll get the ending of the client with whom you connected the most, or if you don't pay the rent or...

This is a very good VN game. This is a great game in general. Cyberpunk is just a tasty cherry on top of it all. Highly recommended.

//30-06-2019

"I must not fear. Fear is the mindkiller..." - Frank Herbert's quote portrays Figment well and this Danish indie game dwells around psychological issues that ruminate one’s soul. There are many facets of depression and hopelessness even alcohol following protagonist around and player recognizes them if experienced such in real life.

But Figment is not a dark heart-breaking game by any means. One word I can think that illustrates Figment in art, music, narrative flow - is hope. You play as Dusty, quite grumpy character, I’d say he's a realist. Dusty will solve any problems “life” throws at him, but he does not bother to go out and seek new ones to confront. Back to Herbert’s quote “...I will face my fear and let it pass through me”. Well, breaking the fourth wall a little, Dusty is like hero of player's mind, a safe-guard to help face one’s anxieties.

How to get Dusty out of comfort-chair, to go out on an adventure, to actually face some (new) problems? A side-kick! Friends are always necessary, they bring hope and luckily Dusty has Piper. A bird-like creature, shot out of ultra-positivity-cannon™ and her energetic annoyance actually does get Dusty to take a step or two : )

This annoyance-grumpiness balances nicely out between main characters and now player has a cool duo to explore the world which Piper nicely introduces to Dusty - because “why not?”. It seems their world is in trouble. Fear is the mind killer and personified aspects of various angsts want to rule different parts of their world - the Mind. That’s how Dusty-Piper story begins, to save their world by defeating all fear.

Bedtime Digital Games has worked hard to depict this world. Artwork is close to their other games Back to Bed and Chronology. It’s very colourful, absurd and surrealist - almost Dali like and vivid. Narrative flow is well done also environment wise, every place has something new and outstanding. And here come the puzzles. Whilst traversing their world and chasing delinquents, Dusty and Piper come across different challenges: combinatorics, logic, music etc. Combating enemies and bosses even, well this is also a type of puzzle. You can get better in your sword fighting skills, nothing hard there. So all in all, puzzles are solvable, nothing mind breaking, just patience needed - and Piper also helps a little : )

One thing that really amazed me is this game’s sound. Especially music. General sounds and amazing voice-overs were also very very nicely done. But music - wow! Lucasarts’ iMUSE (interactive music system) came to mind when I heard Figment’s music laid out. It has micro level dynamic changes, tied into actual game scripting. For example: You start a scene to explore, music is still quite subtle and going further and further, more instruments are woven in. You get closer to some environmental element and even interact with it - that’s also present in background music, some instruments get louder, augmented or there are slight changes in melody variation, rhythm. Slight small changes, nothing permanent, always dynamic, layered. Mind blown!

What else. This is a Unity game. Well done one. Recognizes all controller types. Played it on PS4 and Xbox controllers, everything worked. Game had some glitches, nothing game breaking, not even repeatable nor worth a mention.

TL;DR;
To sum it up. Well the game begins with actual calamity someone has went through. I got very emotionally attached because many things this game secretly points to have happened to me. Was almost in tears when Piper sang this song: Piper’s Intermission > https://bedtimegames.bandcamp.com/track/pipers-intermission.

...things still count while we’re alive. This game counts. I full heartedly recommend you Figment.

// 21.11.2018

First things first. I am not 100% sure, but it seems it is a mobile game’s port (made in Flash). Both versions released quite at the same time but it still feels like a mobile game. Why is that even important? Well, if you tend to play on mobile devices as well, perhaps this is important because the game is way cheaper on mobile platforms. So check your app store and maybe you’ll buy it from there if you like the game and reviews about Divide by Sheep give you any assurance : )

That being said. This game looks cute in any possible good way. Gameplay works, graphics and artwork are great, plus music and sounds are not annoying. This is a puzzle game and I thought why write another review about puzzle games. But I really liked it and spent quite a bit time there, so I might as well share my experience.

Game revolves around solving math problems - hence the name. Inherently you are given set of “cute” numbers and you have to solve those sets using math basics for the correct answer type. Those sets are sheep, wolves and even something more awesome. Always cute :) Answer type is how many e.g sheep you want aboard a raft. Sometimes you need them dead then there’s no raft, but Grim Reaper is taking its toll. Still game logic is the same.
Ultimate goal is to get 3 golden stars. That means each problem consist actually of 3 subcategories or correct answers, if you solve them all, you’ll get all the stars.

Addition and subtraction goes via different max 3x3 square sized platforms or “islands” game characters are placed on and you can jump around those. For example you have 9 sheep (max island size) and you can only jump to next island having 5 free squares. So subtraction is made. 5 sheep are saved, no more free space, others will drown. And if the answer required was 4 deaths for Grim Reaper, that problem is solved. This is just an example because game mechanics to get to the answer are more complex. It’s all math and a bit logic is also required - so if you like such puzzles, you’d love this game.

So I said islands. Game has 5 worlds, each having different island “functions” and each world has 30 maps. So in total 150 puzzles. Difficulty varies. There were some that really took time to solve, I needed to take a break, and come back with refreshed mind. There are walkthroughs around but I seriously recommend not using them - ok if you bought the game for achievements, this review is not for you anyway.

Island functions. Some islands will explode if there’s no trigger element left on them. Some have non-passable wired fences. Some have a laser field between them, cutting sheep in half. Some are burning and you have to go to trigger island to turn the element off. Etc.

To continue with examples from this game > sheep are eaten by wolves who after their feast cannot move anymore. One char can kill all the other chars on that platform and so forth. Every character has different functions to attend to solving the current problem. Game introduces such mechanics by progressing through the worlds. Mechanics will get more complex but the answers are always doable because well, it’s maths : )

TL;DR This game is fun and if you like mathematics, this game is definitely worth a try. Maybe wishlist it and wait for SALE, because yeah, on mobile it’s way more cheaper.
I really recommend Divide by Sheep.

// 03.05.2018

Looks like I have fallen in love with good puzzle games. Puzzlement is a must have. Look at the price. This game is a prize for that money : )

I really recommend it. The difficulty of levels is very well balanced and fair - it’ll get harder, but without a rush. At first the controls maybe feel awkward. Like going back to early 90’s =. Arrow keys to move and jump. But you will get used with them quick. No “wasd” needed, there are some levels that need restart, “R” helps. So no mouse even needed.

Sound and music, like everything in this game is minimalistic. It never bothered me and no mute needed ( I even don’t know, was mute possible : )

Gameplay is actually simple. It’ll evolve around X-Y directions. Just perspective changes on 2D plane. Using different boxes to jump on to, you can shift your direction between up and down / left-right. X becomes Y and vice versa. And this creates the puzzle. Finding the paths to your goals - you are collecting red “treasures” to end the level.

There are 50 levels total. All are doable, no walkthroughs needed. But I can say, some levels were quite cool, I mean hard.

So I needed a time waster for morning coffee or just something to have open on my second screen. I think I found a great puzzle with Puzzlement and am quite happy to have played it.
So I recommend it and I'd be happy if you like it as well.

Thnx for reading!

// 24.05.2018

Pictopix is definitely one of the best picross games on PC I've had chance to play.

You like puzzle games? Good jazz & bossa-nova? Nicely done graphics and pixel art? Well, it's your lucky day because Pictopix is very good choice. The price may seem heavy, but trust me, if you need a relaxing time waster and really like picross puzzles - definitely a good buy.

So, I've played it a bit now. All puzzles are logically solvable, albeit they can be done by intuition. Can't say if they get harder, well the puzzles do get bigger in size, but that's not a big difficulty changer.
Bigger puzzle = more time for coffee and nice music : )

Further levels are not all locked also, so you are not stuck in the linear completion loop. Also there
3 difficulty levels: beginner, intermediate and expert. Have not tried the first two, but you do get some help there with hints and you can also do a lot of errors. Well, I've done errors on expert but the game is still forgiving - this is not game's main idea - to make one feel bothered for perfect completion, game is for enjoying the time you spend with puzzles.

Also included are community maps. There is logic verification so no broken puzzles.
Puzzle editor works well and has nice workflow to create your own "artwork".

Oh, there's one more thing I like. I call it a meta-puzzle myself. The puzzles are categorizes into groups, like animals, vehicles etc. But the their title names stay hidden, sometimes it's good to see, if you thought of the same name e.g. Lighter or Zippo... oh, and by using some high-tech machinery - you can mod the titles : )

So very well done little addictive time waster that I can't recommend enough.
Go for it!



TL;DR > No pixels were harmed during writing of this review : )

date added: 04/06/2018
edited: 04/08/2018

Let me start with this - it's a mobile game.

That aside, it's still a great puzzler where you control Huey an Satura characters in different dream-like situations they're stuck in. There are quite many possible ways to solve the puzzles, but the main goal is still the same, to get them safely to finish or check-point whilst avoiding all the obstacles on their path. It requires quite well timed route planning and synchronisation between characters.

So gameplay is simple, but puzzles do get harder, adding more complexity and elements with each chapter. There are over 40 puzzle levels altoghether - and they actually are replayable, to try out different approaches or to finish the level by collecting also the optional crystal.
Artwork is beautiful - looks like Mountain Valley game; also music and sounds are well done.

Some things were a bit unhandy. When you start your planned route and you know it's going to go wrong - you still have to wait for one of the characters to die to restart the level. Restarting manually restarts the whole level and erasing the planned paths. Also editing movement paths was not so great.

So what can I say. I usually don't play mobile games, so can not say is it any better on iPhone or Android - the price probably is the same at the moment. Using keyboard and mouse was 100% easier for me, but also controllers are fully supported.

So if you do like beautifully designed little timewaster puzzle games, then Umiro is definitely for you.

added: 30/03/2018
edited: 31/03/2018

Zup!
Well it's like Christmas, a nice tradition to have on Steam and spend some time with. A new mechanic is introduced - sliding tiles to act like bridges or walls. Physics have gotten better, when the explosions are triggered the pieces don't act that random any more . There still are 2-3 "hard" puzzles, but leveling up has a nice continuos flow. I myself don't prioritize achievements, but well at least they have nice design.

So all in all - rock steady Zup!

And who is Vika? : )

added: 23/02/2018

I really like this game.

Definitely recommend it if you like puzzle games in general. Price is right,
Everything is restful and simple. Minimalistic approach works here - chill music, nice graphics and easy controls.
The "story" (*hehe*) goes gently harder with every level and new puzzle mechanics are introduced. Everything is smooth and well done. The puzzles are not too simple, also not too hard. Everything is solvable, no outside help needed.

It was really addictive. Like Civilization game, it created the feeling - "just one more turn" and I felt a bit sad when the game politely said "Thnx for playing".

So yeah, if you like a good puzzle game and have some time to relax with coffee - this game is for you.

added: 21/02/2018

In short: a great indie game from Italy.

Well it really is : ) Last of June gives you very good emotion filled experience. Add Steven Wilson's music to great watercolour-like artwork and you'll have astonishing blend of natural beauty in storytelling.

There's lot of talk around game being buggy. Saves are corrupted etc. Well it did not happen to me - played much later as well, so I can not comment on this.

The story.
It's quite simple and therein lies its greatness. Cute couple Carl and June are relaxing after picnic on their favourite pier and due to rising storm have to rush home. Then the gamepad starts vibrating - something happened. Death. One person has died and death wraps it’s veil around many people. Kurt Cobain’s “All in all is all we all are” came to mind and player is actually given control to use different gameworld characters to butterfly effect the moment that happened.

So you can steer the story with 6 characters total, but you still know you are doing this for Carl. Carl is interesting...I don’t know many games having wheelchair protagonist in it; he carries the darkness and hopelessness in the narrative and through him we can play deus ex machina with what happened. Sadness and regret are therefore always granted in this colourful world albeit the other characters you play do not know what’s going to happen.

I like that the developers packed pretty serious topics of death, loss, regret, emptiness etc to a nice portable package. It’s presented in-game as a gift as well, unavoidable and has to be accepted.The graphics, music and very very well done solution for voice acting all ease the creeping moments of “not again” and “I don’t want this to happen”.

Game controls are easy, I played it with controller but looked like with keyboard and mouse it’s the same. There are some things that might annoy you - you can not skip cutscenes and due to repetitiveness of the moment you are trying to alter, well they happen again and happen and…. Also some scenes made me feel rushed and too much scripted. Game is short, I don't know if it's a bad thing or not, but I don't like to keep games running to get trading cards. Just a Steam thing, not games fault.

Long story short - very well made game.

Funny emotion that I had was “Carl really is a bad driver”.

added: 29.12.2017