VA-11 HALL-A Cyberpunk Bartender Game: First Impression

Adventure Featured Reviews
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VA-11 HALL-A review

VA-11 HALL-A, a game developed by Sukeban Games, is set in a post-apocalyptic world where corporations have corrupted the government, implanting nanomachines in every human. The “non-powerful” are subjugated by the terrifying White Knights, ensuring everyone obeys the laws of this world. Daily life has been deluded to pointless pre-approved plans set by the powers that be.

This is not a game about those people.

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*An example of the cutscenes which display dialogue, setting the exposition and storyline.

Your main character is known as Jill, a bartender at VA-11 HALL-A, affectionately nicknamed “Valhalla.” The main setting of this game operates within this bar, unlocking the dystopian storyline that lies underneath. It’s a concept that hasn’t been explored by any games I’m aware of, what better way to learn about this bleak futuristic world but through the eyes of the citizens experiencing it?

va-11-hall-a-jill-bartending-simulator

*The interface for finding and mixing drinks, reminiscent of HUD systems like Pokémon.

Once you’ve read through the introduction, you awaken inside this bar with no real instruction or direction to your tasks. My first playthrough resulted in failure of the first patron because I couldn’t mix the drinks correctly.  It was a little frustrating to follow the directions given on screen just to read a negative reaction from the customer i’m trying to serve (and ultimately listen to, for the plot’s sake). Though this wouldn’t completely discourage me, it wasn’t a great playing experience to start with.

Visuals

First and foremost, the design of this pixelated game is flawless. The graphics are detailed and display a not-so-uplifting future run by our corporate overlords.The bar stays dark and is spotted with neon-style signs that dive bars are typically known for. The pixelated graphics wouldn’t exactly count as retro, but the developers did a great job of creating their own art style. It’s easily one of the best features of the game.

Music

The music that plays while you read the unfolding plot is heavily synthed with a percussive bass line. It conveys the futuristic mood the game sets and changes with each new scene. I enjoyed it so much I left it playing while handling other activities on the computer. It’s a treat for the ears.

Storyline

Since I only played the demo of this game, I wasn’t able to learn be exposed to the immersive storyline as a whole. But given the way the dialogue handles itself within the first few minutes, this impression is easily made. I’m definitely going to get myself a full copy to experience the entire plotline. Unlocking of the storyline is done through successful serving of your drinks.

As I mentioned earlier, this is reliant upon your personal skill. Although when I did follow the directions for the first drink, I was met with some criticism. I hadn’t done anything wrong from what I could infer, but my recipient wasn’t as convinced.

 

cyberpunk game

*As you serve your patrons, expect reactions based on your skill. They won’t hold back.

The demo shortly ended after this, as I failed yet again to make the drink correctly. Since I had to wait through a LOT of exposition and dialogue to reach this point, I opted to not try more than two more times. My impression of this game had already been made; it’s only the storyline I’ve yet to experience that will influence me in replaying VA-11 HALL-A for another attempt at keeping a bar.

VA-11 HALL-A cyberpunk pc game

*The ending screen as the demo draws to it’s completion.

Unlike Terraria or Rumpus, this demo left me more intrigued by the storyline rather than mechanics or gameplay. VA-11 HALL-A instantly captured my attention with the rich dialogue and intriguing method for delivery. The demo can be downloaded on the developer’s website or $15 gets you the full game. Serve some drinks and listen to the secrets hidden within this dystopic city.

Have you played VA-11 HALL-A? Let us know what you thought of this cyberpunk bartender game/simulator in the comments section below!

Rumpus: An Homage to the Couch-Crowding Beat ‘Em Ups (Demo)

Action Adventure Arcade Featured PC Retro Games Reviews
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Intro / Story

Rumpus, a game developed by PolyraptorGames, is a 4 person, local multiplayer beat ‘em up that pays homage to the classic games that created the genre. The game focuses around contestants that are trying to win a competition of skill and wit, hosted by Mr. Rumpus himself. Although the game still has some development before it’s release, it has been recently Greenlit by Steam. While we await the full version, I got to spend some time with the demo.

rumpus character selection screen

*There are four players to choose from, they do not have special abilities, but each have their own Taunts.

The Rumpus demo does a great job of giving the player an idea of what’s to come for the full game. It starts with a simple menu for player selection and other options. There wasn’t much in terms of storyline or setting, though it is not hard to understand the concept of the game. You simply select your character, get a brief introduction into the controls and abilities, and are set against each other for a battle royale.

This is a simple fighting game that doesn’t rely heavily on dialogue or tutorials, instead gearing players to master the combos that are possible between throwing boxes, create shockwaves for deflection, or even engage in melee combat. Much like Terraria, you’ll have to learn as you play.  The TV show, win-a-contest setting is reminiscent of SMASH TV from 1990 and brings back feelings of nostalgia. Rumpus successfully emulates the intensity and fast-pace that SMASH TV (and the genre that followed) was known for.

smash tv title screen

*The game that created the genre, SMASH TV was released in 1990 in arcades and later home consoles.

Since I only played the demo, there wasn’t much dialogue or story-line besides the initial exposure to the setting. This allows for some breathing room when the full game is released, as the developers can choose to create a full story-line that will inform the player on the inner workings of the contest, why it’s being held, who Mr. Rumpus is and his motivations.

Back stories on the characters and their reason for competing would be a nice addition, as well. Though neither are needed to make this game any better. The action is more than enough to stand on it’s own feet.

rumpus city level

*A level for the Rumpus competition, loaded with breakable floors, throwable objects, and a distant backdrop of a futuristic city.

Gameplay / Controls

Playing against your friends in local multiplayer is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to enjoy proving your skill against your friends. This game operates with such speed and intensity that you’ll have to be on your toes almost the entire match. If you slip up for just a moment, it will be very likely that you will have taken a hit and been flung from the map.

The controls for this game are simple to learn, but difficult to master. Skilled players will notice that combos and skill shots are definitely possible once you understand the dynamics of the game. Launching objects from across the map to knock players off screen or timing your shockwave to deflect attacks (or even charge AT them) are just two of the ways I noticed you can catch your opponents off guard.

rumpus indie game

*Steve, from Accounting and an unknown contestant having a staring contest on the battlefield.

Music

The music is bouncy and electronic, featuring fun melodies and providing a full experience when combined with the gameplay. It only serves to bolster the experience on the players by keeping the tension high and the pace quick. It’s definitely enjoyable to say the least.

rumpus game review

*A number of contestants to choose from, 4 of which are included in the demo.

Design

Rumpus follows similar designs to other pixelated games with one exception, each character model is drawn by hand. This can be made clear in the very opening of the game, as you notice Mr. Rumpus looks particularly cartoonish in his movements. These sprites all have individual designs and motions that simply look great. All of the animations within this game are fluid and work well with the controls.

 

mr rumpus game show

*Mr. Rumpus calls the winner after every match.

Final Thoughts

Rumpus is a modern interpretation of the multiplayer-focused battle games that were popular in the 90s and early 00s. With its extreme fast paced, great graphics and design, and impeccable soundtrack, it has me excited for the full release. This is definitely a game you’ll want in your Steam Library, especially if you have some friends over and want to relive the glory days of gaming. There is definitely a lot of potential here and I’m personally excited for what the full game will have to offer.

 

 

Terraria Review: More Ore than you can handle!

Action Adventure Featured PC Retro Games Reviews Steam
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Intro/Story

Terraria, a game created by developers Re-Logic, Head-Up games and Engine Software, doesn’t care to explain itself. But would rather have you discover for yourself what lies beyond your map as you begin. Don’t let this outward appearance fool you, this game is rich in exploration and action. It starts off a bit slow but steadily increases the intensity and difficulty until you unlock Hard Mode, granting new ores, weapons, and crafting options. There are major freedoms for creativity and ingenuity in this game.

terraria review

*Example of a simple house base, fully loaded with rooms, chests, and crafting tools

Right off the bat, it should be noted that Terraria basically functions in the same form as Minecraft. There’s lots of crafting, mining, and tinkering to be done, but takes place within a massive 2D side-scrolling world to be discovered. You’re plopped into a seemingly harmless environment with your first NPC friend, a guide, whose main concern is not really explaining things, but attempting to help regardless. You must build a shelter by sunfall, this is all you’re told.

terraria ios

*A glimpse at Hard Mode and it’s “Hallowed” environment, featuring a boss named The Twins.

The learning curve for beginners is steep as this game has different ores to be found and mined, weapons to be designed, and armor to be forged. There are different crafting combinations to be learned and mastered, though there are no intentions by the game to teach you what they are. The player is solely responsible for researching exactly how to succeed at this game. These combinations multiply upon reaching Hard Mode, lending to its appeal.  The game starts off a bit boring and monotonous, but by the time you’ve found your first dungeon, you’ll be fighting off hordes of enemies that definitely keep you on your toes.

terraria underworld level

*You’ll often find yourself cornered while trying to mine at deeper levels, eventually leading to the Underworld.

Gameplay

The gameplay is straight-forward with a HUD that displays a toolbar for quick-select items, a health meter, a mana meter, and your mouse to select on blocks or aim at enemies. There are a plethora of items and weapons to be crafted, generally dictated by the role you want to perform in game. You can focus on Ranged, Magic, or Melee to deal with different enemies, dungeons, and bosses. There are different areas to explore, each with their own enemies, environments, and individual dangers.

terraria android

*A collection of armor that can be made in this game. Lots and lots and lots.

Progression through this game is not measured by a storyline or time passed, but rather by the equipment you have available to you. Dungeons can be found before you’re ready to conquer them but you’ll be an easy target if unprepared. The amount of items you can create before setting after these areas is determined by the number of NPC merchants have moved into your main base. You’ll have to accommodate their living space in order for more to come along and stick around.

Controls

As you jump, hook shot, or even fly yourself around this game, you’ll be doing it with finesse. The controls are solid and perform quite well. WASD handles your movement, jump is on spacebar, and a feature called “Smart Cursor” is bound to Ctrl. This option allows your cursor to switch between one block selection to a 3-block sweep that is most useful when mining or digging holes. They perform well whether you’re spelunking for minerals or are in the heat of a gunfight with the Wall of Death.

Design

The graphics of this game are reminiscent of the Super Nintendo 16-bit era, although the light effects are quite colorful and bright. You’ll discover underground landscapes that are both vibrant and frightening. This combined with the amount of enemies you’ll be juggling between mining and exploring, are a feast for the eyes to behold. These graphics are simply gorgeous and it’s one of the reasons I’ve personally purchased this game on 3 platforms now. Between the pixelated graphics and fast-paced mechanics you’ll definitely enjoy this game.

Music

The music in this game will strike you as soon as you enter the main menu. Terraria has a bouncy, electronic feel that is often countered with live strings or wind instruments. The blend of these two spectrums allow for some creative songs that only bolster the total experience, really pulling you into the gameplay. As the days turn to nights or as you travel deeper underground, the music will shift to signal for danger or new areas. You’ll be immersed in themes that will keep you focused and alert.

Terraria is often called a Minecraft copycat, but it only borrows similar mechanics and reworks them into new and fun experiences. The action is slow going at first due to its learning curve, but once you become a master, you’ll definitely tank as many hours as I have into it. It’s a great game that only gets better with each patch.

Are Retro PC Games Making a Comeback?

Featured News Retro Games
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Some of today’s most popular PC games were actually created years ago. At the very least, they make heavy reference and draw inspiration from retro titles. While most video games today are characterised by their realistic graphics and sophisticated gameplay, more and more gamers are starting to feel a bit nostalgic and are going back to their simplistic gaming roots. As such, retro PC games are experiencing a comeback in a big way.

A Nostalgic Experience

The age of the average PC gamer is 38, so many of these players would have been teenagers when classic retro games like DOOM and Baldur’s Gate were first released. Now that they’re adults with their own disposable income (and not living with parents who tell them to get off the computer), it is no wonder why many of the most popular games of the 1980s and 1990s are making a comeback in spirit if not in reality.

retro pc game

The Main Draws of Retro PC Gaming

Many of these players prefer playing video games in their purest form. They claim that today’s new releases put more focus on graphics and cinematic effects than on gameplay, and they would rather play games that take them on an adventure using interesting game mechanics.

Some retro PC gaming fans are drawn to older titles because they consider modern games to be a bit too easy. They denounce the use of checkpoints and auto-refill health; instead, they prefer to play games like Castle Wolfenstein, where players risk having to start all over after losing all of their health. They feel the challenge is worth the payoff.

Retro PC gamers are also thrilled with the idea of having classic games available for download at affordable prices (Ultimate DOOM costs just $4.99 on Steam). In fact, there are plenty of websites dedicated to providing players with free access to hundreds of classic PC games. Alongside this, there is a “Retro” tag on Steam that is full of retro titles like Turok and Fallout. The only problem is that some of these sites might be unsafe or a potential scam in the making, so you need to be careful when downloading retro games from lesser-known sources. You’ll want to use some security software as well as have a look at using a VPN recommended by Secure Thoughts for Gaming to keep all of your information and accounts safe.


Remakes and Sequels

Another way in which retro games are making a comeback is in the form of remakes and sequels. Many of our favourite classic PC titles are being rebooted with new storylines, graphics and gameplay. They aim to attract a wider audience of younger players alongside  older gamers who played the original incarnations of these games back in the 80s and 90s.

One of the most popular releases of 2016 was DOOM, which saw over 500,000 copies sold on PC alone. While it is a modern game with 3D graphics, one of the main draws of the title is that it is a reboot of a classic series that hadn’t spawned a sequel since DOOM 3 in 2004 (which wasn’t well-loved). Many of the players who were drawn to the game had played the original when it first came out in 1993 and were eager to see how DOOM could be brought to life on next generation consoles and PC platforms.

Fallout is another great example of a game that has kept going from its original format as a PC game through to its transformation into one of the most popular series for next gen players. The original Fallout was released in 1997, and it has spawned three sequels (Fallout 2, Fallout 3, Fallout 4 and Fallout: New Vegas) as well as three spinoffs (Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel, Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel and Fallout Shelter). The latest game in the series, Fallout 4, experienced one of the biggest premieres in gaming history, selling 12 million copies on release day. The game had 420 000 concurrent PC players on Steam the very next day.

Now that these modern titles have attracted younger gamers, this demographic has become increasingly interested in the preceding games in the series. Weeks after the release of the Doom reboot, there was a 169 percent increase in owners of the original 1993 release.

Retro-Style Games

Retro-style games belong to a new genre that pair pixel graphics with modern gameplay.  They have surged in popularity over the course of the past five years. In fact, many of these games rank in Steam’s Top 100 List as of the time of this writing with RimWorld at #27 (6800 current players), Terraria at #20 (13,000 current players) and Starbound at #13 (19,000 current players).

These titles appeal to gamers of all ages. Teens and millennials, who may not have been around during the era of classic PC gaming, are attracted to these titles due to their sophisticated gameplay. Older players enjoy pixel art games like Undertale and Hotline Miami because they evoke a nostalgic feeling.

Many of these titles even employ classic gameplay features, making them more difficult than your average modern game. For example, a single injury in Hotline Miami sends your character back to the start of the stage. This is the kind of frustrating yet rewarding gameplay that is characteristic of most retro PC games from the 1980s, and it is something that most classic gaming fans miss when playing modern games.

What are your favourite retro or retro-style PC games? Do you have any thoughts on where the movement might be headed? Leave a comment and let us know!

Everything You Need To Know About Trench Run

Action Arcade Featured Reviews Shooter
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trench run

Retro multiplayer games like TowerFall and Samurai Gunn hit the indie scene in a big way. Providing players with multiplayer nostalgia, fast paced action, endless replay ability, and hours of fun with friends, battle games like these have seen a re-emergence in recent years. The next in this new line of side scrolling battle games is Trench Run by Transhuman design. Trench Run combines similar gameplay elements found in Towerfall or Demons with Shotguns, but has a retro-military “Rush N Attack” art design. Its simple design not only makes it easy to learn but fun to replay over and over again. It’s jazzy yet comedic sound effects and soundtrack, are reminiscent of retro games like Worms: Armageddon. This helps makes every perfectly landed kill highly enjoyable and exciting for everyone playing. Without further ado, let’s jump right into our guide and the best features that Trench Run has to offer!

Game Modes & Features

Battle games are known for having different game modes to give players a variety of ways to kill, maim, and obliterate each other. Obviously, this is one of the best parts about them and why we love them so much. Trench Run offers this as well. Providing players both online and offline multiplayer modes, Trench Run is great for players who want to rack up big scores on the multiplayer leaderboards online, or who prefer to kick their friends asses for bragging rights on the couch. With 5 different classes to choose from Assault, Demolitions, Commando, Medic, and Sniper, Trench Run has a ton of ways to change up your gameplay style.

Team Based “Run” Mode

In Trench Run’s team based “Run” mode, up to 2 players will be able to do battle on a huge map. The objective is for one team to get from one end of the map to the other together. As you would imagine in a 2D game, this makes for some intense battle situations, with each team going back and forth, trying to gain more ground until someone wins. This mode is probably best when played online because of all the players that can join (and lack of local controllers).

Free for All Skirmish Mode

Free-for-all skirmish mode is your standard 4 player battle mode and is probably best when played locally with friends. This isn’t something new but it’s probably one of the game’s most fun modes. This 1 hit kill skirmish mode is a race between each player to reach 10 kills, crowning the first player to reach 10 as the winner.

Weapons, Items, & Costumes

Trench Run has a total of 4 weapons (and secondary weapons) to choose from – the machine gun, sniper rifle, rocket launcher, and the knife. Each weapon has its positives and negatives and limited ammo depending on which you choose. The machine gun gives players a rapid fire weapon that can be relentless at both medium and short ranges and has a grenade as its secondary weapon. The sniper rifle is great at long range and is a one shot kill. The rocket launcher gives you the ability to lock on to an enemy and has a huge explosion that can take out multiple enemies simultaneously. The main drawback of using this weapon is that it’s slow and can increase your chances of committing suicide accidentally. The knife is well…a knife…but it’s really fast and actually really powerful. Med kits and ammo boxes can also be grabbed to keep you in the fight. If a player is knocked out during battle a med kit can revive you giving you a second wind.
After playing for a while, players will begin to accumulate coins which can be spent on drinks, cigarettes, pets, and customized costumes.

 trench run screenshot

Controls

Simplicity and quick reflexes are at the core of Trench Run’s controls. Players will be working with directional pad for movement and jumping and 2 button system – one for shooting, and one for grenades/bombs. Since the controls are simple, your opponents will be quick to whoop your ass as fast as possible, so being the first one to master Trench Run’s controls is a must.

Levels

In Trench Run, the maps are drenched in pixels and are semi-destructible. This makes for some really fun gameplay as friends are tossing grenades and shooting rockets which change the battle landscape in real-time.
The art style, which looks pulled right from a classic NES, looks fantastic. It really plays to the games overall theme of simplicity. I don’t believe the levels are procedurally generated, but if someone finds out for certain please let me know and I will update this guide.

Music

The cool thing about TrenchRun’s musical score is the fact that it doesn’t take itself seriously. Many other games like this have music that’s in line with the games theme, which in many cases give it a more serious tone. With Trench Run, the score is quirky and jazzy. I can’t help but feel another resemblance to Worms: Armageddon in Trench Runs music and I am really liking that a lot. Through its music the game again hammer in the idea of simplicity and overall FUN.

All in all Trench Run is a super fun game that though simple, is highly addictive. I have always been a huge fan of 2D multiplayer shooters / battle games like this and I hope we see more like this in the future. Just grab some friends, grab some beers, and get playin’!

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