Hello there, my dear Patron! Nice to see you here in our latest Newsletter looking back at all that happened on the site since then, starting January 18th of 2021 until January 24th of 2021.
So if you haven’t had time to read in the past weeks, here’s all that was published, all wrapped in a nice package. So get yourself a cup of coffee (or tea of course), kick back and enjoy!
Reviews
Tadpole Treble Encore Review – Two Thumbs Up
Rhythm game (US $8.99)
Paula: I think a rhythm game is only as good as the songs it contains, and Tadpole Treble Encore doesn’t disappoint in that respect. It is fun, engaging, and an extremely cute and charming game. The Composition mode adds a virtually limitless amount of content and replayability to the game.
Tadpole Treble Encore is a game that you will play with a smile on your face. You can feel the love the developers, Matthew and Michael Taranto have put into their game.
The Unexpected Quest Review – We Like It A Lot
Management Strategy (US $15.99 | EU €14,99 | UK £13.49)
Paula: I do like The Unexpected Quest, it is a fun game in short bursts. It isn’t a deep strategy games like some other games in the genre. However, if your looking a mild strategy game that isn’t too brain taxing then The Unexpected Quest would be worth looking into.
Generals Review (Mobile) – We Like It
Strategy game (Free to download, with in-app purchases up to £99.99)
James: Generals is a cute looking mobile game that is a nice time-waster for the casual gaming audience. I don’t personally care for the games approach to micro transactions or encouragement for the gamer to log in regularly to be rewarded. But it doesn’t feel as predatory as some mobile games I’ve seen.
Overall, a casual time to dip in and out of whether you’re on the sofa bored by what’s on TV or you’re waiting for the bus in the rain. Just make sure not to get your phone wet.
Lily of the Hollow-Resurrection Review – We Like It
Visual Novel Adventure (US $6.99 | UK £5.39)
CJ: Lily of the Hollow-Resurrection is an intriguing game, but the player’s enjoyment will likely depend on how well they can tolerate (or be amused by) a poor translation, and how willing they are to fill in any confusing gaps with their imagination. With the assistance of the excellent voice acting, I have to say that my experience didn’t feel too muddled. Unfortunately, the ending of Dia’s route was one of those areas where I felt a bit out of the loop. However, even in its current form, I would’ve been happy to pay the small amount they’re asking for it. If they invested in a better translation, and the story is as good as I think it was then it would absolutely be worth any VN fan’s time. Here’s hoping it gets the translation it deserves!
Loot Hero DX Review – We Like it
Action Arcade (US $4.99 | UK £4.99 | EU €4,99)
James: At the end of the day Loot Hero DX is a very basic game at a cheap price point. For some the experience will be an enjoyable distraction for a few minutes. The gameplay lacks depth but there is something kinda fun about just moving down enemies and watching the gold fly towards your character. It is understandable that many gamers will be expecting much more. To me Loot Hero DX is like a stress ball. You play it for a bit to blow off some steam. Put it down and get on with your day.
Four in a Row Review – We’re Not Sure
Board Game/ Party Game (US $5.99 | UK £4.49 | EU €5,99)
James: Four in a Row isn’t terrible, but it’s not exactly a title that’s going to grab gamers’ attention on the eShop. There are cheaper games that you can spend hours playing, when all Four in a Row has going for it is one mode you may want to play with the AI, or your grandparent, I guess. Though I would suggest calling your relatives instead and just letting them know you’re thinking of them. I felt more compelled to play a real board game than play more of the video game version.
War Truck Simulator Review – We Don’t Like It
James: War Truck Simulator should not be for sale in the state that it is in. There was a huge missed opportunity here to make something different and original but all the game ends up being is an awful PC port. It’s a reminder of why quality control is essential for game development. Do not buy this.
Griftlands Demo Impressions (PC)
Elena: Here’s a promising card game bound for the Nintendo Switch in 2021. Griftlands, currently in Early Access on Steam, is a roguelite deckbuilder. It will appeal to Slay the Spire fans and card game lovers but, I believe, will also find a wider audience.
If the full version for PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) launches this year as promised, we may yet see the Switch port in 2021.
Editorials
Monthly Q&A with: James and Elena
Patron only, Tier 2 and 3
The question of the month is “How Do We Rate Games?” LadiesGamers team members James and Elena discuss how they award the final verdict. So, how do they decide whether it’s a game that can be recommended or one you should avoid?
Maschinen-Mensch Indie Dev Interview
Elena: In a year of lockdown, I managed yet to travel abroad, feast with the natives, and paint scenic waterfalls. I died dozens of times along the way, but that’s the fun of Curious Expedition.
I named Curious Expedition as one of my top Switch games in 2020 for its humor and addictiveness. Set in the 19th century, this roguelike exploration game skillfully brings together many elements—danger, disease, drama—into rip-roaring adventures. I can’t wait to see how developer Maschinen-Mensch will further improve upon this unique game in its sequel, Curious Expedition 2.
In eager anticipation for CE2’s full release (January 28 on PC, later in 2021 for Switch), I reached out to Maschinen-Mensch so we could learn about the development of CE1 and CE2.
So, that’s it for this week! And as ever, thank you for supporting LadiesGamers!