Title: Rounds
Platform: PC/XBX
Genre: 1v1 Shooter
Developer: Landfall
Overview:
Rounds is a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled 1v1 shooter that combines the intensity of a bullet hell game with the unpredictability of a roguelike. Developed by Landfall, this quirky title throws you into a series of duels against opponents armed with equally bizarre weapons. Get ready to flail your noodle arms, dodge projectiles, and laugh maniacally as you outwit your adversary.
Rounds - PC/XBX
Gameplay:
1. The Arena: Picture a neon-lit arena with floating platforms, conveyor belts, and teleporters. It's like a fever dream where physics takes a day off. Each round begins here, and you'll need cat-like reflexes to survive.
2. Weapons Galore: Rounds are short, intense, and packed with firepower. Forget conventional guns; we're talking about shotguns that fire rockets, heat-seeking bouncy missiles, and laser beams that ricochet off walls. The arsenal is wild, and every match feels like a chaotic experiment.
3. Power-ups and Upgrades: Here's the twist: the loser of each round gets to choose an upgrade. These range from increased movement speed to absurd abilities like turning into a giant rolling donut (yes, really). The winner, meanwhile, has to adapt to their opponent's newfound powers. It's a delightful game of rock-paper-scissors on steroids.
4. Mind Games: Rounds isn't just about shooting—it's about mind games. Predict your opponent's moves, bait them into traps, and exploit their weaknesses. Did they just grab the "Exploding Chickens" power-up? Well, time to dance around those clucking explosives!
Visuals and Sound:
- Pixel Art: Rounds embraces retro pixel art, and it works adequately. The vibrant colors, quirky character designs, and explosive effects create a visual feast. It's like watching a fireworks display in a glitchy arcade machine.
- Soundtrack: The soundtrack oscillates between adrenaline-pumping beats and whimsical tunes. Imagine dubstep colliding with a kazoo orchestra. Somehow, it fits the chaos perfectly.
Replayability:
- Rounds is addictive. The short rounds mean you can squeeze in a match during your coffee break. And when you lose, you're not frustrated—you're excited to see what crazy upgrade awaits you next.
Final Thoughts
Rounds is a delightful blend of chaos, strategy, and absurdity. Whether you're playing with friends or challenging strangers online, it's a rollercoaster ride of laughter and surprise. Just remember: in this game, the weirder your weapon, the better your chances of victory.
So grab your noodle arms, hop into the arena, and let the rounds begin!
Slime Rancher - PC
Title: Slime Rancher
Platform: PC
Genre: Farming Simulation
Developer: Monomi Park
Slime Rancher is an addictive and charming farming game that transports players to the whimsical world of the Far, Far Range. Developed by Monomi Park, it offers an immersive experience where players collect and breed adorable slimes, manage their ranch, and explore vibrant environments.
The game's colorful art style and lovable characters bring the world to life, while its addictive gameplay revolves around collecting valuable slime droppings called plorts. Balancing resources, constructing pens, and experimenting with different slime types add depth to the experience.
Slime Rancher strikes a perfect balance between relaxation and challenge, providing a stress-free experience with goals to keep players engaged. Though lacking a traditional storyline, the joy of exploration and personalization compensates for it.
In conclusion, Slime Rancher is a delightful farming adventure that offers a captivating experience. With its adorable slimes, vibrant visuals, and addictive gameplay, it is a must-play for fans of the genre and anyone seeking a charming and rewarding gaming experience.
The game is currently available on Steam for PC at $19.99
Graphics: 85%
Sound: 75%
Gameplay: 89%
Dominions 5: Warriors of the Faith - PC
Title: Dominions 5: Warriors of the Faith
Platform: PC
Genre: Turn Based Strategy
Developer: Illwinter Studios
Dominions 5: Warriors of the Faith is a captivating turn-based strategy game that offers a deep and immersive experience. With over 80 nations to choose from, each with unique units and spells, the game provides an incredible amount of strategic options. Its attention to detail, from the intricate magic system to the diverse array of units and abilities, is impressive. The epic battles, customizable formations, and tactical decisions create a thrilling gameplay experience. However, the game has a steep learning curve that may be overwhelming for newcomers. Despite this, Dominions 5 rewards those who invest time and effort into mastering its mechanics. Overall, Dominions 5 is a standout title in the genre, offering countless hours of strategic fun and a rich fantasy world to explore for strategy enthusiasts.
Admitted the graphics look like a 1980s throwback but with some fantastic mods available , including complete gameplay overhauls, the sheer depth is what appeals in the end.
The game is currently available on Steam for PC at $39.99
Graphics: 55%
Sound: 60%
Gameplay: 99%
April's Diary - PC/NS
Title: April's Diary
Platform: PC/NS
Genre: Casual 3D Puzzle/Tile Matching
Developer: CRX Entertainment
At first glance April's Diary looks like an attempt at creating the atmosphere of Jane Austen's novels in which Mr. Darcy and Ms. Bennett balance between his pride and her prejudice. The story of April as told in the intro is that she is hired to be the housekeeper and as a result she needs to clean up Mr. Darcy's (Lord Ashford in this game) pigsty of a mansion by tile matching all of the items you find in a room. You work your way through the house uncovering a secret in the form of a torn up will that the late Lord Ashford seems to have misplaced. In between scenes the Mr. Darcy lookalike stops by to delight April with frivolous banter and to scold her gently for not being able to finish the work faster. All in all the game is quite a lot of fun for casual gamers and there is a lot of content to discover as you go along.
The game is currently available on Steam for PC at $14.99 but a Nintendo Switch version has been announced for July this year.
Graphics: 75%
Sound: 80%
Gameplay: 80%