Geek Culture Reviews

Rob reviews Alterium Shift on PC… Over the years the humble JRPG has found its home over on PC. While console players have their own market for the genre, it’s more prevalent on PC marketplaces such as Steam and the Epic Store. As such most fans of the genre have taken part in enough epic adventures that there’s probably not many more they can go on before the same old tropes come to the surface. Alterium Shift is the new kid on the block and is starting its life out within Steam’s Early Access. That being said, it’s definitely one that you need to consider as it’s interesting story, and vast landscape keeps its pixilated head above the JRPG waves.  Alterium Shift starts its narrative under those typical JRPG conditions. Recovering from a traumatic war with the local Dark Elves, the people of Alteria find themselves in a time of relative peace. However, this fragile peace is soon threatened by the existence of a set of magical amulets that allow for travel between dimensions. Soon ...

What lurks in the deep? Being in early access for the past four years has been kind to submarine survival game, Barotrauma. Not only have the development teams over at FakeFish and Undertow Games managed to refine their title, they’ve also gained a loyal and dedicated fan base along the way. This fan base has also worked in favour of making Barotrauma  the title that it is today. Across a multitude of error reporting, suggestions, and other feedback, the developers have listened to their players needs and adjusted things accordingly. So, to say that Barotruma owes a lot to its fans rings quite true.   With Barotrauma now leaving its early access harbour, it’s time for me to venture into those alien seas. But, do I sink or swim?  Considering that the game bills itself as a raw survival experience, there is quite a narrative arc churning away in the background. Set in the future, Barotrauma tells the story of humanity’s colonisation efforts within our local solar syst...

Rob checks out Destiny's Sword on PC... When it comes to mental health, for many the subject can be a tough bridge to cross. While some of us find it easy to talk about our mental health, others may not even realize that they see living with poor mental health, or just say "things will get better". In video games, the subject is also one that's not ventured into by many developers. Sure Mass Effect delved into Commander Shepherd's PTS, it was Ninja Theory who captured mental health perfectly with their hit Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice.  Another title aiming to build upon the stigma of mental health - and to get us talking to each other - is Destiny's Sword by 2Dogs Games . It's an ambitious project that aims to tell a gritty and hard-hitting sci-fi tale that also grounds itself in reality. As you venture through the narrative (that's been written by author M.D. Cooper ), the men and women you meet each have their emotional stability....

Rob reviews Marauders [Early Access] on Steam... Marauders  is a first-person looter-shooter that's been developed by Small Impact Games and published by the indie powerhouse, Team 17.  Currently enrolled on Steam's Early Access programme, Marauders' development will be greatly improved by those who take up the call to head into space. As such the game we review now will no doubt change and evolve as it rolls towards its inevitable version 1.0.  While that's quite a way into the future. What's the game like now? And is it worth investing in?  Marauders tell the tale of an alternative version of humanity. Set in 1992, the Great War never ended and with planet Earth being hospitable, humanity colonised the stars. Rather than ushering in a time of peace, those past grudges have continued to fester and the war rumbles on. Now roaming bands of pirates from many sides, scavenge and fight over the scraps of technology and supplies needed to survive the vast cos...

Rob reviews Age of Darkness: Final Stand on PC... As a fan of the humble RTS, I fall into the "turtle" style of gameplay. Throughout many turns, I'll slowly expand my army across multiple outposts, whilst maintaining a steady flow of resources and defences. When the enemy eventually comes knocking, they'll soon be treated to a barrage of defensive positions, long-range artillery, and an army of nameless units ready to do thy bidding.  While this may work for games such as Command & Conquer, and StarCraft 2. When it comes to PlaySide 's dark fantasy Age of Darkness: Final Stand no matter how prepared you are - your fledgling township WILL crumble! While this guaranteed death may seem a little harsh, it's a journey you won't regret taking - even if the end is a constant shroud of darkness.  This doesn't mean that the game is unwinnable. If you survive long enough there is a speck of light at the end. However, with the odds well and truly ...

Rob reviews Madshot on PC... Madshot is a fast-paced platforming shooter with rogue-lite elements. Across its various levels, you'll be battling a multitude of Lovecraftian horrors as you make your way towards the monstrous Cthulhu. With hints of Hades and Dead Cells , Madshot aims to be seated at the back of the roguelike bus - but does it get tripped up along the way?  Roguelite is a genre that I'd like to think of myself as a bit of a veteran. Hades , Dead Cells , and Curse of the Dead Gods are often featured in my mixture of "go-to" games when I can't decide on what to play. While Madshot doesn't quite reach the same levels as these heavyweights, developer Overflow does come close. And with the title being part of Steam's Early Access...well they have time for refinement. As with any other roguelike title, the narrative begins with  Madshot being very thin on the ground. When starting the game you'll be introduced to your character...