EIP Gaming's Reviews
Inkulinati's tactical and strategic depth is equaled by its clever use of medieval marginalia as inspiration for both art, setting, and gameplay. Come for the exploding bean monsters and donkey butt horns, stay for the tricky turn-based combat.
A fun little tragicomic narrative adventure game, Backfirewall_ gets a lot right, with its vibrant environments, apt audio tracks, and authentic characters. The only thing holding back this brief but bombastic game is a slow start to the story and its easy puzzles. An excellent choice for gaming beginners, or people looking for a relaxing way to wind down.
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider might be a throwback to the 80s and 90s, and wears its inspirations on its sleeves, but there is a lot more to it than just nostalgia. While Moonrider has flaws, and is a very short experience, it is one worth experiencing for anyone with a fondness for classic platformers and grungy aesthetics.
With terrible, nigh-unplayable gameplay, a story that could generously be called "so bad it's good", and uninspired art direction, Kukoos: Lost Pets is an ugly slog of a game, fit for "Worst of the Year" accolades. These pets should be put to sleep.
The Callisto Protocol might be treading familiar ground, but it does so with such mastery that it turns it to sacred ground. It perfects the goals that Dead Space first set out to achieve, reaching the peak of the survival horror genre when it comes to gameplay, art direction, storytelling, and — of course — horror.
The Knight Witch is a great mashup of two popular genres (Metroidvanias and bullet hell games), with fun and exciting action that keeps you on your toes. The story and likable characters further help enhance the experience.
The latest Let's Sing entry provides more of what you'd want: a list of hit songs, and a fun, engaging way to sing along to them from the comfort of your own home. Players with older consoles and peripherals may have some technical issues, but the package as a whole is polished.
Potty humor and explosions are the name of the game in this series of random point-and-click sequences. Trial and error trumps logic, and pee conquers all.
Gotham Knights has a lot more to offer than meets the eye. It cannot be denied that the game is already dated, technically inefficient, and full of bizarre choices. Still, I cannot help to praise all it does right, especially that which has gone ignored by critics in favor of easy nitpicks and criticisms. The combat mechanics and worldbuilding are a special highlight.
Soulstice is a fun action game that shows just how powerful a sisterly bond can be. While there are flaws holding it back from being amazing, it gives an overall satisfying combat experience.
Foretales offers a fun and open way to experience a story about saving the realm from impending doom. The freedom offered in its card game gameplay promises multiple unique playthroughs.
A strong narrative and well-crafted characters more than make up for any rough edges in this slick, fast-paced point-and-click adventure/RPG hybrid.
Thymesia offers an excellent combat system and some clever twists on old mechanics; it's a shame that the story and level design aren't nearly as strong. If combat is your thing, or you're in need of another action RPG, Thymesia fits the bill, but some players may find themselves losing interest after the tenth same-y corridor.
While being a short experience, Video Game Fables is a very engaging game that never takes itself too seriously. Fans of RPGs will enjoy seeing how the game jokes about many aspects of the genre.
Although it doesn't offer much of a challenge, you'll hardly care; traipsing through BlueTwelve's lovingly-crafted cat adventure game on four feet is a pleasure, and the game's pacing, art design, and overall look and feel make it one of the best games to come out so far this year.
Fobia may tread familiar ground, but it does so confidently and effectively. The game manages to build tension and fear without relying too heavily on jump scares, and its excellent sound design only adds to the spook factor. Anyone who likes survival horror games should give this one a try.
Trek to Yomi is a beautiful game that gives you a truly cinematic experience. While short-lived, it is worth playing through the game to gain the experience of being a Samurai back during an era where they were prominent.
Loot River's amazing atmosphere and striking story are not enough to make up for one crucial element: poor gameplay. This author will be hoping for patch notes in the future to see if this game rises to its potential.
Road 96 has a great story supported by a cast of interesting and likable characters and anchored by satisfying mini-games. The procedural nature of this game promises that each playthrough will be unique.
Final Fantasy's first attempt at making a Souls-like game delivers on fun gameplay and a flawed but satisfying origin story on Final Fantasy I's Garland. Long-time fans of the series will enjoy the nods to their favorite games while hunting down Chaos.