https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/suaqwyxo

All screenshots and images are taken from my own gameplay or public domain gifs, most of it captured on stream an muted due to music copyright that was playing at the time. The rest are public domain gifs. Enjoy the example footage and review folks.

Minion Masters: Upbeat Deckbuilding Tower DefenseGreeting folks and welcome to another game review. This time we are reviewing one of my all time favorite free to play tower defenders/deck builders: Minion Masters. This game is a blast to play both competitively and casually, and is incredibly generous in f2p progression (you NEVER need to spend a dime on this game, even to be competitive). The cards are balanced (spells are a bit underpowered on average, but the minions themselves are balanced well in line with each other) and the playerbase for this game is active, the gameplay is also thought out but not too complicated. So without further or do let's get into it.

Gameplay: Simple to Learn, with great depthMinion masters is a deck building Tower defender, you pick you master who provides general buffs to your deck of minions you select before the battle. You play the minions for mana you generate every second, there are a plethora of units, factions (voidbourne, Zen- chi, etc.) and strategies of play available. All of which are able to be obtained for free. Each unit can be summoned to your side of the board, and spells are cast as directed. Controlling the bridges and having them remain your color grants experience which improves your masters effectiveness and unlocks "Mana frenzy" (double mana) after you have maxed the level of your summoner. Games are short and typically never last more than 10 minutes. Your objective is to destroy the enemy tower and defend your own. There are different strategies for both 1v1s and 2v2s and both are a great deal of fun.

Looks and Feel: Light hearted, Lore heavyThe general aesthetic of minion masters is rather light-hearted despite there being gore and blood. It's rather zaney, vibrant, and flashy with everything from the units themselves to the in game announcer. Despite this "light" aesthetic, the game itself is actually incredibly lore heavy as it is derived from a culmination of Beta Dwarf's other titles (FORCED 1+ 2 etc.) and because of that provides a rich setting. I will also be trying out their closed beta for their extraction PvPvE RPG Moba (A mouthful I know), set in the same universe with the same characters.

Ranked and Competitive Play: Tournaments? YesThis game has competitive tournaments every month for a few hundred USD in prizes sent to one's paypal account if you are so lucky to defeat the mighty Set or some of the other OGs that have been keeping up with the tournament scene. These tournaments are hosted by team Mana Frenzy in their discord and are rather fun (this isn't a Dota level tournament scene or anything like that but it is in fact "present"). I've played in a few myself but haven't won anything in quite some time, but none the less these tournaments are a blast to play and did I mention they are FREE to enter? That's right. If people enjoy the game I would love to do tournaments for it, just let me know.

Achievments? Completed, and I'm still at it.As you can see I have actually 100 percent completed EVERY SINGLE ACHIEVEMENT in this title, it was not the hardest to do but it wasn't fast to complete. However, this game I enjoy playing so I still grind the new cards even though I have no more achievements left for my completionist streak (if this was a "meh" game or lacked replayability it would likely not be revisited after completion and should attest to it's repeat enjoyment). Mobile is also coming in a few weeks so I'm trying to get reoriented with it.

TLDR: How many stars is it damn it?This title for me is a 5 star title due to the fact it is a very enjoyable deck builder/ vs tower defender, completely free with the ability to get everything in game for free, and will soon be available on mobile in partnership with Netflix (Netflix subs get a FULL card collection to mess around with, sweet right?). Regardless you can DL and play the game free and acquire every in game item available. I definitely recommend trying this one once it hits mobile it was made for it and will be a blast.

Cheers everyone, thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to comment and engage with this post how you see fit. Have a wonderful week and stay safe out there.

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https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/fikytbmx

Featured is the raw footage of a pre tides atlantean battle I found particularly enjoyable. Now I have an idea of what stylized edits to implement/ memey video direction to take. Expect it to occur within a few days if I manage my time effectively.

Vintage Light Atlanteans, Youtube Video SoonThere will actually be a youtube video coming to my channel within the next few days after I finish some humerous edits and voice overs to this raw footage, but I'm very excited and want you folks to see who's been bringing the light atlantean thunder even before the tides started to turn ;). The new light atlanteans will feature none of these cool neutrals or combinations so get your fill ladies and gentlemen, the tide is turning. The youtube video will be out soon ideally before next weekend when the new set is LIVE, but at the very least this shows you who was running Atlanteans effectively before it was cool or remotely meta viable.

Light Atlanteans: Control with a twistThis deck sports the use of the traditional light control package, censer, lips are sealed, lysanders mercy, born again. However, the twist here is that you have 2 late game value pieces to bring back from the void or even plop down BEFORE lips are sealed. (List pictured below)

Spiral Golem: facilitates late game removal and with boost walker can twinstike face for satisfying lethal. Additionally this target STILL SWINGS even if it is ordered with lips are sealed. Offering gross combo potential.

Golem Centurion: This card acts as a body here and when brought back from the void gives the maximum late game value possible. This cannot be compared to a thaeriel or oni but is fun to do.

Atlanteans, Scourge of Dragons: My AllegianceIn the next expansion I will be fighting for the glory of Atlantis, these dragons know not the value of progress. Gah, they think their scales and fire will save them? We will R.I.S.E to victory and demonstrate the power of science and magic brought forth in perfect harmony the only way these heathens understand. Through force. Normally I do not post about rank since the ranking system is a bit of a joke (another post), but despite that, I will meet these draconic opponents in Mythic next week (I already am in Ethereal diamond and climbing now that WR rewards are something I give a shit about again). I never look at gudecks during a match either, you can use that crutch if you wish and I will crush you none the less. It's time to show them all the power of Atlanteans. Tryhard Rexxie is back. You can choose team Atlanteans, or be my enemy. It's your decision.

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https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/wsrxaoay

Orbital Gear: Good, but loses it's draw You would think mechas obliterating each other in orbital gravitational combat would have quite a bit of draw, or at least replayability. Sadly, in the game orbital gear can be fun for "a few rounds on the couch" but doesn't usually warrant or desire more play than that. Don't get me wrong, those initial matches are awesome each time you boot it up but after a few rounds the gameplay does lose it's allure. Meant for short sessions on the couch at request locally. The single player campaign is not the most engaging campaign you will engage it, you mostly fight drones and traverse a map with a timer attached. Not much else.

Gameplay: Well Implemented Gravity Combat The combat and weapons are actually VERY well thought out and fun to use within the unique gravitational constraints of each map. Despite this the gameplay loop loses it's zest after a half hour to an hour regardless of variety. There isn't hide nor hair of an online population for this game so it is a couch co-op only game in it's current state, and in my experience it is one of the least requested (however still occasionally requested) titles in my library. I would not say the gameplay loop is stale or bland, just a limited flavor burst when you spin it up. You choose one ability and 2 weapons every respawn, with certain weapons either obeying or disobeying gravity's rules to deadly effect. There are a plethora of varieties of weapons to choose from. This game is a fun hour or two on the couch with 4 people, but rarely goes beyond that.

Graphics: Light and Simple The graphics are light, simple, and appropriate for the rapid run and gun PvP experience it provides. Each level is unique and has a particular design and style, a very thoughtfully made game in these ways aswell. The colors are vibrant and stand out, these are not AAA graphics but fit the gameplay perfectly. This game can run on pretty much any machine you put it on these days rather easily, but isn't going to WoW you with next level realism either (it isn't meant to).

TLDR: How many stars damnit? Why? I had a tough time reviewing this game, on the one hand it delivered a neat twist to the local versus environment. On the other hand it just doesn't pull people in for "just one more round" like many other titles in my library. This game is a very well made game, however despite that I would only give it 6/10 stars or roughly a low C-D rating. Only due to the fact that it delivers a limited local PVP experience that is meant to be enjoyed in short bursts. I'm sure some would give this game a full 10 stars, and others maybe even less than my review. I think this game is VERY well made, but only brings so many hours of enjoyment to the table on average. There is nothing wrong with that, but that's why I give it 6/10.

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https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/iucknnvg

Nature Atlanteans: It's not a typo They called me mad, but oh how I showed them all. Who's mad now? Would a crazy person use the worst performing meta god with the least attended tribe in GU since Genesis? Well yeah, but who's crazy now? Muahahahahahaha. If you've been following me you might realize at this point that I am a bit of an atlantean fanatic, and funny enough through my tinkering and tuning I have brewed a might peculiar deck. A peculiarly powerful deck, an oddity if you will. In fact this deck was the deck that finally got me through THE HUNT challenge. This deck is my highest performing Nature deck, even compared to traditional amazons or control. I understand why it was thought to be madness, it IS insanity how much everything synergizes when it goes off. I'll explain below.

Aggro Atlanteans: Key Pieces to Overgrown Aggro The key components of this deck (that aren't core atlanteans mentioned in this post from a while back ie Windup rollers etc etc.) are a few powerful but rarely utilized atlanteans with a couple nature staples.

Aquatic Torturer: I assume this card waterboards it's opponent's to get past frontline? Or idk how exactly being an aquatic torturer justifies this ability but this card is CRUCIAL for this deck, but not crucial enough to run 2 copies. The 1 in 30 chance to grant every atlantean flank as well as having a big body at 5 is ESSENTIAL in this deck. Do not underestimate this cards utility, there isn't very much flank in GU that is actually strong enough to use. This is one of them.

Beam Sentry: Now some of you might be looking at the card and thinking, "Rex are you serious? this "dies to one GP ping" excuse for an offensive 1 drop? You're using THIS?". You bet your sweet bippy I am. 3/1 takes it out of the reach of transforms and offers much needed "frenzy" for various cards in this deck that are needed to repopulate your hand.

Firewine: Most of you know the drill with firewine. You set up a wide board or a strong board and then quite literally "overkill" the opponent with the surplus damage created. (Overkill makes any excess damage dealt to creatures be spread randomly amongst enemies).

Spring's Harvest: This card (sometimes in tandem with Beam sentry. gasp ) replenishes your hand with 3 nature cards. this adds additional tech and creates beyond the OBLIGATORY canopy barrages and lightning strikes. It tends to usually be favorable but has also been a brick tossed into your own hand at times.

Actual Performance: A bit over 50 percent This deck boasts a slightly over 50 percent winrate, which is the best I can do with nature at hte moment. Ideally I get a few more things togething and maybe make a more refined list for another tribe. We will see. You can check on GU decks I have the latest iteration of this deck listed and it does win about 50 percent of the time and has very polarizing matchups. I will continue to tune it though as it is very fun to play and a surprising fit for atlanteans. Who knew? (The video may see some choppiness towards the end, I couldn't figure out how to deal with that in 3speak but it is meant to show the deck in action and indeed it does). I hope some domain specific atlantean for nature arrive, that would be interesting. Currently the only one that exists is summoned via Grass Roots. I wonder what the future holds?

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https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/bhmqnxbb
( This video contains spoilers for the "experience" Pineapple on Pizza on steam. This video and all screenshots are taken from my personal playthrough of this "experience")

I may end up uploading it to youtube at a later date with some editing etc. instead of the raw footage of this meme. I am still undecided. For the memes of course.

Pineapple on Pizza: An Experience on Steam Pineapple on Pizza despite having X achievements is not considered enough of a game to warrant being marked among my games with 100 percent achievements achieved. This is more of a "cinematic experience" than a game, and offers the user a wide array of imagery and a tastey finale for those who can survive it. And what better place to post such an experience than to the Hive Pizza community.

Not a game, more a Cinematic Experience The "game" is nowhere to be seen. This is a cinematic meme of epic proportions available on steam. It's a fun lil 5-15 minute playthrough, but I would not go so far as to call it a game. That's why I'm going to start by saying this game is effectively about a 1/5 as far as gameplay, there is only one thing to do that leads to one inevitability with two possible outcomes.

Again, this is not really a game. Not much to review This complete playthrough even if you strive for achievements ,that won't count towards anything (see above), is not really a gameplay experience. It is more of the equivalent of a school project or top shelf meme, however as a meme it certainly does it's duty. As a game it is horrendous and should never be played beyond it's 20 minute playthrough (or perhaps revisited for meme value ALONE, this is a meme). This meme is really a grade A meme to expose people to once, but is a rather lean game review even as a HIVE post. Why? Pineapple on Pizza.

How many stars is it damnit? What is it even? As a 20 minute experience I would give it about 4 stars. As one would rate a meme video, If I were rating it as a game I would give it 1 star. You wander around a well constructed landscape and achieve one of two available endings after a time. It takes roughly 20ish minutes to complete the game and get all the achievements, all the achievements can be obtained by walking close to all the villagers. As this is a meme review and not a game review, and a pizza related review at that, it felt like more of a Hive Pizza post and less like a gaming community post (as there is no game to speak of really)

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https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/yslgwbvv

Wrestling's Darker Side, and what WOO does to helpThe ring, the mania, and the suplex aren't all the glamour and glitz it's cracked up to be. The truth is most of these wrestlers end up retiring with little to no benefits, mismanaged funds, or no ownership over their own identity. WOO a HIVE based blockchain game, and it's real life wrestling partners such as Perry Saturn, Raven, and Sonny Onoo. Are a little of what will be ranted about in this podcast feat. @bookerman the CEO of HIVE's upcoming wrestling management simulator.

This podcast includes:* The Darker Side of Professional Wrestling * What WOO does to help * Booker's most embarrassing moment (in the industry) * What WOO will be and what time frame to expect it * Who would win in a wrestling match, a vampire or a mummy? * Info on what WOO Items are for sale and what to expect from them * No financial advice. * and much more!

WOO: Upcoming HIVE Wrestling Manager SimulatorWrestling Organization Online (hereafter WOO for short) is an online HIVE blockchain based NFT collectible wrestling game. It is in the most alpha of alpha states currently but offers NFT staking packs and a percentage of profits going to benefit partnered wrestlers while said wrestlers maintain FULL OWNERSHIP over their identities and rights therein (a rarity in the industry). @bookerman uses his knowledge of wrestling (as a former industry member himself) to develop this game as an accurate simulator for wrestling management right here on the HIVE blockchain.

For more information on woo's mission to help wrestling for the better click here
To join their discord for further questions click
To see the game in alpha click here

A percentage of all market fees goes to the benefit of retired wrestlers directly. For details on how click here.

Or are you interested in a more in depth analysis of the issues surrounding professional wrestling from @bookerman himself and what WOO does to help? Click here

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https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/xgxcmsfd
All screenshots and video are taken from my personal playthrough of the title Ryse Son of Rome available for purchase here Video is of a multiplayer match from start to finish to show examples of gameplay.

Ryse: Son of Rome, A Cinematic SpectacleThe ramparts of the city of Rome crumble in explosions of fire and obliterated marble, you stand with the remainder of your legion in the defense of Rome against the hordes of Gauls at her gates. What are your orders Centurion? Will you be found victorious or just food for the vultures?

Ryse Son of Rome is a story driven game with an entertaining brawling combat system coupled with slight accents of "phalanx management". I played through the game at the highest default difficulty encountering little resistance, the full playthrough of the story-mode lasts about 6 hours and is quite the enjoyable cinematic experience for the price tag. Below we will delve into the elements of gameplay, the aesthetics, and story (without spoilers).

Gameplay: Brutal Barbarian Bashing with "Management"Most of this game is countering, and performing particular attack combos based on two or three keys. Timing becomes the most important and there are a few basic combo combinations at your disposal, not a bad gameplay loop I must say but it isn't "endless enjoyment" (see below). Consumable pilums also litter the map which can sometimes provide an easier time versus archers etc. There are also ballistae that can be mounted at various points. Examples of gameplay can be seen in the video above for context.

The management portions (campaign) where you make choices for the legion are minimal and mostly effect the core gameplay mentioned above for brief periods. There are moments where you "duck" and "pilum" at particular intervals to avoid archer fire as a battalion and fire upon them. Pretty easy, and infrequent. However these elements are mostly to add to the narrative and immersion provided by the campaign.

Graphics: Beautiful for the time, still nice for today.This game runs Roman architecture on Crysis Engine which (in it's day) was a cutting edge visual engine for videogame storytelling. The graphics are not the most lacking, however they are not to the level of purely cinematic games of 2023 however definitely adequate or above average as far as video games as a whole is concerned. Pretty, but not the MOST modern.

Story and Lore: Revenge, Well WovenThis game is a tale of revenge. You play as a centurion fighting for the 14th legion of Rome. The story is a tale you've heard before at this point in cinema, however is satisfying to play through and experience. Definitely worth the time. Rough playthrough time is 6 hours and is satisfying. You are playing this title for the story and it's an enjoyable one worth your time. I promised no spoilers and there are none, even in the screenshots. Enjoy

My Personal Playthrough: Revisiting for AchievementsI played through my first play through on Centurion Difficulty, which was the highest available without playing through the campaign once. Since this game is actually a rather doable to complete all achievements I will be doing the "New Game Plus" Legendary difficulty at some point there is a slow moment. The campaign of the game was fun to playthrough and multiplayer is also fun enough, however this game does get dull in multiplayer mode eventually. Likely something for short bursts for some coliseum simulation, not long sit downs. This game is played for the campaign mostly, but multiplayer is still fun. I will need to play in both modes to 100 percent this title, which I intend to do. It's worth the time, I'll probably be trying to finish it up gradually over the coming months.

TLDR How many stars is it damn it?This game is an easy 4 stars, short but worthy. The story is compelling albeit "a classic tale of revenge" and is an excellent roughly 6 hour experience. On top of that multiplayer offers barbarian fighting in the collegium featuring twitches of random generation. This game isn't going to offer endless hours of entertainment, but is worth picking up on a sale and at the very least playing through the campaign. I got this title for about 3 USD and it more than delivered, it's even worth it's full sale price considering how many hours of enjoyment are provided but goes on sale somewhat frequently so if it were me I'd wait for that. This game doesn't not offer endless replayability without risk of boredom, but does deliver roughly 6-10 hours of thorough enjoyment. Thanks for reading, don't forget to smash that follow button.

Espanol version is located below. Thanks for reading don't forget to follow.

Ryse: Son of Rome, un espectáculo cinematográficoLas murallas de la ciudad de Roma se desmoronan en explosiones de fuego y mármol borrado, te encuentras con el resto de tu legión en la defensa de Roma contra las hordas de galos a sus puertas. ¿Cuáles son sus órdenes Centurión? ¿Serás hallado victorioso o solo como comida para los buitres?

Ryse Son of Rome es un juego basado en una historia con un entretenido sistema de combate de peleas con ligeros acentos de "gestión de falange". Jugué el juego con la dificultad predeterminada más alta y encontré poca resistencia, el juego completo del modo historia dura aproximadamente 6 horas y es una experiencia cinematográfica bastante agradable por el precio. A continuación profundizaremos en los elementos del juego, la estética y la historia (sin spoilers).

Jugabilidad: Golpe brutal de bárbaros con "Gestión"La mayor parte de este juego consiste en contrarrestar y realizar combos de ataques particulares basados en dos teclas. Los pilums consumibles también ensucian el mapa, lo que a veces puede proporcionar un tiempo más fácil en comparación con los arqueros, etc. También hay ballestas que se pueden montar en varios puntos.

Las partes de gestión (campaña) en las que tomas decisiones para la legión son mínimas y afectan principalmente al juego principal mencionado anteriormente durante breves períodos. Hay momentos en los que te "agachas" y "pilum" a intervalos particulares para evitar el fuego de los arqueros como un batallón y disparar sobre ellos. Bastante fácil y poco frecuente. Sin embargo, estos elementos son principalmente para agregar a la narrativa y la inmersión proporcionada por la campaña.

Gráficos: Muy bonitos para la época, todavía bonitos hoy en dia.Este juego ejecuta la arquitectura romana en Crysis Engine que (en su día) fue un motor visual de vanguardia para la narración de videojuegos. Los gráficos no son los más escasos, pero no están al nivel de los juegos puramente cinematográficos de 2023, pero definitivamente adecuados o por encima del promedio en lo que respecta a los juegos en general. Bonitos, pero no los MÁS modernos.

Historia y Tradición: Venganza, Bien TejidaEste juego es una historia de venganza. Juegas como un centurión que lucha por la legión 14 de Roma. La historia es una historia que has escuchado antes en este momento del cine, sin embargo, es satisfactorio jugarla y experimentarla. Definitivamente vale la pena el tiempo. El tiempo de reproducción aproximado es de 6 horas y es satisfactorio. Estás jugando este título por la historia, es divertido y vale la pena.

Mi juego personal: revisión de logrosJugué mi primera jugada en Centurion Difficulty, que era la más alta disponible sin jugar la campaña una vez. Dado que este juego es bastante factible para completar todos los logros, ya haré la dificultad legendaria "New Game Plus" en algún momento. La campaña del juego fue divertida de jugar y el modo multijugador también es lo suficientemente divertido, sin embargo, este juego se vuelve aburrido en el modo multijugador eventualmente. Probablemente algo para ráfagas cortas para alguna simulación de coliseo, no largas sentadas. Este juego se juega principalmente para la campaña, pero el modo multijugador sigue siendo divertido. Tendré que jugar en ambos modos al 100 por ciento este título, lo cual pretendo hacer. Vale la pena el tiempo, probablemente intentaré terminarlo gradualmente en los próximos meses.

En corto ¿Cuántas estrellas tiene, maldita sea?Este juego es fácil de 4 estrellas, corto pero digno. La historia es convincente, aunque es "un cuento clásico de venganza" y es una excelente experiencia de aproximadamente 6 horas. Además de eso, el modo multijugador ofrece lucha bárbara en el coliceo con contracciones de generación aleatoria. Este juego no ofrecerá interminables horas de entretenimiento, pero vale la pena aprovechar una oferta y, al menos, jugar durante la campaña. Obtuve este título por alrededor de 3 USD y lo entregué con creces, incluso vale la pena su precio de venta total considerando cuántas horas de disfrute se brindan, pero sale a la venta con cierta frecuencia, así que si fuera yo esperaría eso.

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https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/brbzahup

Atlantminati: Secret Society, Deception AtlanteansNot playing gods unchained? Sign up here and get 10 $GODS when you reach "Astral Meteorite". All images and video taken from my playthrough of GODS Unchained (accessible via link above).

Atlanteans are a tribe that has been around since genesis, and with Etherbots getting looked at again may easily become a stronger prospect in all players decks. The God of Deception is attuned to Atlanteans and synergizes very well with it's Core God-Specific atlantean cards. Most of this deck can be "altered to fit" but below are some key pieces that are necessary for the most deadly deception Atlantean experience.

Key Atlanteans: Tribal SynergyUndertow Rover: This card is insane! Adding divine shield to one of you units each turn can amount to some crazy plays. Divine shielding a hidden Atlantean or a boost walker boosted creature can be exactly what you are looking for.

Boost Walker: This card is a staple in every Atlantean deck. +2/+2 and twin strike being added to any atlantean is serious value for a 4/4 4. Even if it has burn 1 and will die overtime. A must have for Atlantean decks.

Amphora:This card is instrumental in the early game, and available in core so it isn't hard to get your hands on. As a 0/2 1 with frontline this can block a lot of early annoying aggro. Drawing a card and progressing your deck is crucial for maintaining board dominance or control.

Windup- Roller: A 3/2 2 cost where both players draw a card. Essential card draw and very nice in almost every atlantean deck.

Other Notable Synergistic Atlanteans for Deception:Smoke Bomb: This creature grants stealth, so ideally you would want to run serious agression and use this to stealth your buffed creatures. A bit unwieldy but can work out quite well.

Thaumnetic Golem: A 6/6 6 with hidden AND buffs each Atlantean's attack by 1 at the end of your turn. This is a lot of value but is a tad late game. It should also be noted that "Lightning strike" from nature can take out this card and make your 6 mana use feel very sad. There is a reason I usually only run one of these.

Devouring Golem: This creature is a 4/5 5 cost with twinstrike that gains +3/+2 at the start of your turn and destroys a random Atlantean. This card benefits GREATLY from being hidden or having it's "sacrifice" be hidden from enemy removal. Once this card gets going it's monsterous, even as a 5 drop it's stats are more than fair.

Overall Strategy: Hidden Threats and RemovalThis particular deck list runs a lot of early and mid range removal. That coupled with ample card draw for the early game allows for decision removal or aggresion. There are a few key points of strategy that MAKE OR BREAK this deck that I will go over here. There are certain spells that are very crucial to play using deception in the current meta (at least generally). You can see in this video the apropriate use of three is a crowd and various removal in this short 4 minute victory. Stone skin, umber arrow, rapture dance, and hunting trap are a MUST. Those offer key removal for deception that is hard to find in any other cards.

Other Atlantean Decks? Yes They're ComingI will be posting about other Atlantean decks and how they fair in the meta, next up is either war or magic. As they have the next most synergy currently with my collection. Worthy deck iterations will be posted here for fun and wins. This tribe is one of my favorite tribes so far, despite not being all that "meta" most of the time.

Deck Rating: Fun and EffectiveDeception Atlanteans are fun and effective, there is enough card draw so this deck can be played aggro or midrange. I personally enjoy more midrange which this deck archtype can also accommodate. If you want to see the specific list I used and how it's doing currently (including meta edits). You can click my GUDecks link here. On average it is usually a 65 percent to 70 percent winrate, but is edited to account for meta at difficulty tiers (hunting traps added, high arc removed, etc.). I will also be posting more to youtube aswell as 3speak once I develop the art for the channel there. Likely a longer form voice over guide with commentary and quips, but for now enjoy this raw 4 minute victory. It was particularly spicy.

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https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/tbtolqkg

All images and gameplay are taken from footage of the game Gremlins Inc. Available on steam here.

Gameplay: Immortal Capitalism, As you would expectThis game plays like a rat wheel, a glorious rat wheel with each rung built on the bones of your opponent's dreams of wealth and political prestige, and it is quite satisfying. The game plays in series of "combos" where the player will play a series of cards for movement and effects (see rules and ranked play section below) create a rise to the pinnacle of victory, only to be pulled by their ankles by other players grasping for the same victory. This game is full of tricks, strategy, decision making, and of course a bit of luck. Overall it's gameplay is well refined with new cards being added periodically to spice up gameplay and various alternate maps. Now without further or do we will cover the gameplay a bit more in depth and outline why this immortal gremlins, their sponsors, and their endless conniving to reach their own avaricious goals perfectly represents the gameplay from a lore perspective aswell. Truly this game combines numerous elements to create an incredibly entertaining board game experience, included an active and engaged ranked play scene.

Ranked, Rules, Resources, and Relishing RNG Movement The board and Squares*

In this game you move using the cards drawn or play them on the squares you land on, there are a variety of squares available each with their own effects and pros and cons. Your objective is to play your cards well and obtain 30 points (gears) before your other 3 opponent's vying for the same victory condition. The players must navigate the map avoiding misfortune, each other, and detention by the police. While also simultaneously obtaining votes/ political prestige, increased income, the office of governor, currency, malicious reputations, or turns in the pokey. (Below is an example of a card.

Cards and how they are played

Movement value when played to move in the top right, location where it can be played for it's bonus in the bottom left, the bonus is located when hovering over the gear on the card or posted as resource values above the card title: gold/votes etc.)

Here is a quick rundown of resources the squares and what they do.

Resources: Votes effect the elections (2), coins (1) are used to pay for playing cards, income value ( 5 ) is the amount of coins you gain passing over an income space, and bribe value ( 5 lower half) is how much you pay passing over bribe spots. Gears (4) are the points that need to be acquired for the game's win condition and malice (3) adds 1 to your bribe value per malice.

The Bank: Various cards here have high coin cost and gear gain OR increase the income of the character. The player can also spend 10 more gold than their current income to increase their income by 10.

Income spots: grant you your current income when you pass over them, DOUBLE when you land on them.

Bribe spots: litter the landscape and populate the path to the Astral plane. Passing over each Bribe spot you must pay your bribe value and lose some coins you spent you time getting your grubby little mitts on. This value is increased by 1 for every malice you have. If you land on one of these spots you must pay double or gain 2 malice.

Risk spots: pepper the board. When you land on one of these you must roll a die, if you roll a 1 you draw the next misfortune from the misfortune deck.

Police Spots: are wedged next to risk spots all over the place. If you land on a police spot you roll a die, if you roll a 1 you are arrested and sent to Jail.

Misfortune spots: A terrible event is drawn from the misfortune deck. If you land there you must choice an opponent to pick one of two cards drawn for you to encounter. These cards are usually TERRIBLE to encounter, but some are mildly beneficial or non-detrimental.

Gambling Spots: Gambling spots sport a plethora of benefits and detriments you can roll for (1-6) when you land on the square. Cards played here are usually tricks of some sort (swapping spaces with another player, movement surprises etc.).

The Astral Plane:is where the most powerful immortals dwell, and large cards can be played for HEAVY point and vote increases. The only downside being you must bypass a string of bribe squares to reach it and a misfortune space to leave it. There are some cards that are ALWAYS available to play at the astral plane (but are available to ALL players who enter who pay the price). Don't you worry dear governor you don't have to pay the bribes

Jail: Where one goes when arrested. Sometimes a stay behind bars car lead to profitable, albeit unsavory, outcomes. You must bypass a misfortune space to exit this square.

The Office: The office is where the player can go to sell their votes or play an array of cards with varying strategies (like with any space). The cards here are usually medium to low gear value cards or powerful and affordable vote gathering (or taking away) cards.

The Casino: is where the Gremlins can go to risk it all and gamble for up to 100 coins, or lose them. If a gremlin loses coins on this space they gain malice. Most of the cards here relate to random chance or offer petty low cost gear boosts.

The Court: The court has a variety of cards that cost votes to operate for powerful effects or mischievous obstacles to hinder your opponents. Gear cards you can play here are of heavy cost but heavy gear value. You can pay 40 coins to steal a vote from another player on this space.

The Marketplace: Players can sell 1 gear here for 200 coins. Cards played here are for low to medium gear value or have a variety of card drawing and movement effects. For the most part.

The Junkyard: The junkyard gives the poorest player in the game 30 coins upon entry and the player can spin a die (1-6) for a 50 percent chance at up to 30 gold or a chance at losing 1 vote (1). The junkyard offers a lot of medium or low value gear cards with tricky effects to benefit the underdog, or cards used for movement, card draw, or extra turns.

The Plant: The plant offers a variety of valuable gear cost to coin ratio cards to play, but not much else. The player can also miss a turn to gain 50 coins and lose 1 malice on this space.

Hell: Going to hell you must bypass a misfortune space. Upon landing on this space you have the opportunity to play a variety of cards that grant a great deal of malice at great personal benefit or opponent detriment. Including some "always available" in game cards similar to the astral plane. After playing any cards available the player discards all cards for new cards at random and gains 100 coins and 1 malice.

Each space has it's own strategies, cards to play, and disadvantages. They all mesh perfectly together to create a deceptively addictive, cutthroat dog eat dog experience.

Other Mechanics: Politics: You can win an election that happens every 20 turns by having the most votes (the player with the least malice gains 3 votes come election time). The governor can pick up all paid bribes at the cost of 1 malice a piece (during his turn). The governor does not roll on police spots or pay bribes.

Aesthetic, Lore, and Feel: Immortal MachinationsAll being in this plane are immortal and the gremlins attempting to gain more status, wealth, and prestige than their peers. Quite simply out of the boredom from being immortal, there are various entities that live on the astral plane or in hell that are up to their own machinations in worlds all their own. However, sometimes they contract the help of these "determined" gremlins as they scurry about trying to obtain physical wealth. The boardgame steampunk aesthetic coupled with the interesting and varied lore match the gameplay innately. The artwork also adds an additional layer of uniqueness to the game itself with it's various hatching and crosshatching of hand drawn cards.

Tournaments? Sometimes, but not regularly.This game does host tournaments, they aren't for huge prizes and they aren't often but they do host them. In addition to that you can earn a loot box for every 3 wins you muster (a lot harder than it seems!). That can be traded on the steam market or opened and bound to your account as an item. Just web2 prizes here, but still prizes with $ value.

Thoughts on strategies and my playthroughIn this particular paythrough I won with the merchant, as it was the best choice out of the 3 characters they let you pick at the begin of a ranked game (chosen at random). This character can avoid misfortune and bribes, and additionally sells points for more coins than average. Overall all of these abilities seemed strong and able to be used in any situation or with any playstyle.

Getting points the fastest is the highest priority, so any card that gives you points is ideal to play as quickly as possible. However being in position 1 makes you the prime target for the enemy's potential negative cards, so there is a balance of what to play and when that needs to be achieved to not give up victory to the runner up who is also within arms reach.

During this playthrough I attempted to NOT be the leading player and attract attention and gradually build up small or medium point cards. Once victory was in reach I was in my enemy's sights, and only by taking one last bribe was I able to eek by victory with my enemies at my heels. This game was close, there were various pitfalls and well played hands from my opponents aswell. This was not an easy victory, no victory is easy in Gremlins inc. If I were another character I would have used a different strategy on the board to achieve victory.

TLDR is this game worth it? How many stars?My personal rating for this game is 4 stars. It is a fun board game and worth your time, especially during a sale. The community is active and matches are a rush of sly schemes and collapsed dreams. The game is easy to learn, but experience knowledge of the cards and character strategy are needed to progress.

However I realize not everyone is into board games so below I have a little split review aswell.

Are you into board games?

Well then this game is right up your alley. It's strategy, tactics and dice rolls will all feel snug as you take the wheel and direction your immortal minion around the board with your opponents at your heels. For fans of tabletops or boardgames this game could easily be a 5/5

If you aren't typically into board games or games with slow tempo (until things get closer to endgame with combos etc.) this game will seem like it's "drawn out". However, the gameplay itself will be fun for playing with friends since it's very "mario party"-esque in it's mechanics of winning by throwing obstacles in the way of other players. I would give this game a 3-3.5 for those who aren't fans of board games, which considering everything is still pretty good. It's a fun party game with active community and is at the very least worth it's price on a sale.

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https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/ksgtkkvk

All images and videos are taken from my personal gameplay of the title How to Survive that can be purchased on steam here. Gameplay may have spoilers

Todas las imagenes y videos son tomados de mi gameplay personal del titulo How to Survive que se puede comprar en steam here. Gameplay puedes tener spoilers.

Gameplay: Eat, Sleep, Craft, Kill, RepeatThis game is not just running around obliterating zombies in a top down perspective, it's running around obliterating zombies WHILE crafting objects and meeting basic needs in an island setting: basic needs that include food, water, shelter, and sleep. These mechanics all mesh exceedingly well at various difficulty settings and require the player to traverse the landscape, sometimes backtrack, hunt, and forage as the ever looming zombie horde threatens the player with imminent danger at every turn. There are a wide variety of melee and ranged weapons to chose from and craft, and a great amount of replayability for those with a completionist streak.

Este juego no consiste solo en correr aniquilando zombis en un entorno de arriba hacia abajo, sino también en correr aniquilando zombis a la vez que se fabrican objetos y se satisfacen las necesidades básicas que incluye comida, agua, refugio y sueño, dentro de una isla. Todas estas mecánicas encajan muy bien en varios niveles de dificultad y requieren que el jugador atraviese el paisaje, a veces retroceda, cace y se alimente mientras la horde de zombis se avecina amenazando al jugador, un peligro inminente a cada paso. Hay una amplia variedad de armas cuerpo a cuerpo y a distancia para elegir y fabricar, contando al igual con una gran rejugabilidad para completar todo el juego.

Enemy Basics: Day and Night/Safe Zones

In this game there is a day/night cycle. At night stalkers accost the player but are fearful of both light and fire, players have to sleep at some point regardless. There are "safe zones" scattered throughout the map that the players must clear to be able to use to sleep. At a certain point being tired leads to low stamina for actions like running or melee, and impacts movements and survival a great deal. There are various types of enemies with varying melee/ranged weaknesses and advantages (zombies that explode, zombie crabs, night stalkers, zombie deer, etc.).

En este juego hay un ciclo día/noche. Por la noche, los acosadores abordan al jugador, pero temen tanto a la luz como al fuego, sin embargo, los jugadores tienen que dormir en algún momento independientemente si es de dia o de noche. Hay "zonas seguras" repartidas por todo el mapa las cuales deberan ser despejadas por los jugadores para poder dormir. En cierto punto, estar cansado conduce a una baja resistencia en acciones como correr o el combate cuerpo a cuerpo, afectando bastante a los movimientos y a la supervivencia misma. Existen varios tipos de enemigos con diferentes debilidades y fortalezas ya sea cuerpo a cuerpo o a distancia (zombis que explotan, cangrejos zombi, acechadores nocturnos, ciervos zombi, etc.).

Crafting and Cooking: Making Meals, and Staying Uneaten

To craft objects in this game, you must combine materials implementing various gameplay elements to create weapons based on recipes, including: your character level, story progression, and skill tree abilities.
ALMOST every craftable ranged weapon can be deconstructed and restructured into a different weapon as needed. This is NOT the case with the majority of melee weapons and armor. Keep that in mind for your playthrough, don't make the same silly mistakes I did wasting rare crafting materials on inferior equipment.

Para fabricar objetos en este juego, debes combinar varios materiales (elementos del juego) para crear armas basadas en recetas, el juego tambien incluye: el nivel de tu personaje, la progresión de la historia y un árbol de habilidades.
CASI todas las armas a distancia que se pueden fabricar se pueden descombinar para elaborar un arma diferente según sea necesario. Este NO es el caso con la mayoría de las armas y armaduras cuerpo a cuerpo. Ten eso en cuenta durante el juego, no cometa los mismos errores tontos que cometí yo al desperdiciar materiales de artesanía raros en equipos inferiores.

Meat attracts animals and zombies when raw and should be cooked as soon as possible after hunting your prey. There are many vegetables and other food available aswell, but meat will stave off your hunger the most and is simultaneously the most dangerous to acquire and cook. Containers for both water and gasloline are important to maintain use of your items (chainsaw etc) and to quench your thirst. There will be various campfires, watering holes, and gasoline containers around the map to fill up your items. To travel long distances containers become very important.

La carne atrae animales y zombis cuando está cruda y debe cocinarse lo antes posible después de cazar a la presa. También hay muchas verduras y otros alimentos disponibles, pero la carne es la que más te quitará el hambre, al mismo tiempo es la más peligrosa de adquirir y cocinar. Los recipientes para agua y gasolina son importantes para hacer uso de algunos artículos (motosierra, etc.) y para saciar su sed. Habrá varias fogatas, abrevaderos y contenedores de gasolina alrededor del mapa para llenar estos recipientes. Para viajar largas distancias los contenedores se vuelven muy importantes.

Lore and Aesthetics: Zombie Island GetawayThe aesthetics of the islands are each unique and have their challenges, ranging from piranhas, to monkeys, and various other indigenous wildlife. Including undead animals aswell, like the deadly Un-deer (not the in game name just can't resist a chance to use a pun, not sorry). This means the player has various areas to traverse and revisit for resources and food, for crafting or stocking up for more barren islands with a different variety of resources. Aesthetically the game is not "the bees knees" when it comes to graphics but they are definitely well done and each island has their own feel and visual aspects. From ruins, to jungles, to stone formations, to lakes, to bogs, and everything in between.

La estética de las islas es única y tiene sus desafíos, que van desde pirañas hasta monos y otros animales salvajes autóctonos. Incluyendo animales no-muertos como el mortal Un-deer (no es su nombre en el juego, simplemente no me puede resistir a la oportunidad de usar un juego de palabras, no lo me arrepiento). Esto significa que el jugador tiene varias áreas para atravesar y volver a visitar en busca de recursos y alimentos, para crear objetos o abastecerse para islas más áridas con una variedad diferente de recursos. Estéticamente, el juego no es el mejor del mundo en lo que respecta a los gráficos, pero definitivamente están muy bien hechos y cada isla tiene su propia sensación y aspectos visuales. Desde ruinas hasta junglas, formaciones de piedra, lagos, pantanos y todo lo demás.

The Lore: Castaway, with little explanation

You arrive on this deserted island with zombies running rampant and you are trying to escape, very little of this scenario is explained but explanation is not necessary to the gameplay. The parts that are explained are the story of the inhabitants of said islands, and to avoid dropping spoilers (as these stories are related to the progression of quests and main gameplay) I'll just say there are a few twists and turns. Overall it's a fun ride, but not the plottiest venture you'll play through nor a game played for the story despite there actually being one.

Llegas a esta isla desierta tratando de escapar de zombis que corren desenfrenados, se explica muy poco sobre esta situacion pero no es necesario saberlo para jugar. Las partes que se explican son la historia de los habitantes de dicha isla, para evitar spoilers (ya que estas historias están relacionadas con la progresión de las misiones y el juego principal), solo diré que hay algunos giros y vueltas. En general, es un viaje divertido, pero no es la aventura más elaborada en la que jugarás, ni es un juego que destaque por su historia a pesar de que en realidad si sea buena.

Local and Playtogether Co-op: Tactical TwosomeThis game in my opinion is best played multiplayer, this allows resource management crafting and leveling to be thought about in a more tactical manner. Who gets which resource and when? Which abilities should be leveled for my character that my partner is lacking? all of this plays a factor and adds additional layers to the already polished gameplay.

Este juego, en mi opinión, se disfruta mejor en modo multijugador, lo que permite pensar en la gestión de recursos y la nivelación de una manera más táctica. ¿Quién obtiene qué recurso y cuándo? ¿Qué habilidades deberían nivelarse para mi personaje que complementen a las de mi compañero? todo esto influye y agrega capas adicionales a la jugabilidad ya es bastante buena en si.

Single Player: Fun but everything is better with friends

Single player offers the same core gameplay, but without the additonal thoughts of resource and level management between two players. So there are few layers of thought and tactical building, but it doesn't mean the single player experience is any less fun. Just easier in a certain respect since you don't have to consider the needs of your partner aswell ie "he's starving I gotta give him something to eat from my inventory" etc. Additionally crafting and weapon builds have to go in one direction as you have to defend your person from hunger, ravenous undead at every distance. No weird "only ranged" or "only melee" builds like how it's possible to do if you are playing with a second player, or "crafter" and "fighter" builds aswell. You have to play a mixed class in solo mode and must level every aspect of the character, which is to be expected.

El modo de un solo jugador ofrece el mismo juego básico, pero sin los pensamientos adicionales de gestión de niveles y recursos entre dos jugadores. Así que hay pocas capas de pensamiento y construcción táctica, pero eso no significa que la experiencia de un solo jugador sea menos divertida. En cierto sentido, es más fácil, ya que no tienes que considerar las necesidades de tu compañero, es decir, "se está muriendo de hambre, tengo que darle algo de comer de mi inventario", etc. Tienes que defender a tu persona de los hambrientos y muertos vivientes a cada cierta distancia. No hay compilaciones extrañas de "solo a distancia" o "solo cuerpo a cuerpo" como es posible hacerlo si estás jugando con un segundo jugador, o también compilaciones de "artesano" y "luchador". Tienes que jugar una clase mixta en modo solitario y debes nivelar todos los aspectos del personaje, lo cual es de esperar.

DLC: Buy or not? Why?The DLC to this game do offer additional islands to explore and a few skins to play around with, but are not crucial to the main gameplay. They do add a few hours of quests and the islands that are added are rather fun to explore (one of them is a volcanic island with lots of lava flows etc.). All of these DLC ARE NOT NECCESARY, the way DLC should be. They merely unlock additional content to complete, but the game is in no way "short" or "lacking" without them. Not a crucial purchase, but a worthy one especially considering the bundle purchase option on steam.

El DLC de este juego ofrece islas adicionales para explorar y algunas skins para jugar, pero no son cruciales para el juego principal. Agregan algunas horas de misiones y las islas adicionales son bastante divertidas de explorar (una de ellas es una isla volcánica con muchos flujos de lava, etc.). Todos estos DLC NO SON NECESARIOS, como deberían ser los DLC. Simplemente desbloquean contenido adicional para jugar, pero el juego de ninguna manera es "corto" o "falto" sin ellos. No es una compra crucial, pero vale la pena, especialmente teniendo en cuenta la opción de compra del paquete en Steam.

TLDR: How many stars dammit?I would give this game a solid 4 stars, it really is a breath of fresh air in an oversaturated genre. Don't get me wrong, it's not the best thing in the world, or the best in the genre (it's a HUGE genre). However it delivers everything it promises and does it well (not always the case in video games), and the DLC are purely aesthetic/side quests and don't effect the main game in the slightest (fireman outfits and additional islands that are "side islands"). The sequel on the other hand is a different story for another post.

4/5 stars as a co-op and single player experience, and with a more than fair length with extensive replayability if desired (not infinite but extensive). Worth checking out if it's on a sale (which is quite often). Full price (15 USD) it still brings a lot of fun and is worth it, but wait for the sale since it goes on sale quite frequently.

Le daría a este juego 4 estrellas sólidas, realmente es un soplo de aire fresco en un género sobresaturado. No me malinterpreten, no es lo mejor del mundo, ni lo mejor del género (es un género ENORME). Sin embargo, cumple todo lo que promete y lo hace bien (no siempre es el caso en los videojuegos), y los DLC son misiones puramente estéticas/secundarias y no afectan en lo más mínimo al juego principal (trajes de bombero e islas adicionales que son "secundarias").

La secuela, por otro lado, es una historia diferente para otra publicación. 4/5 estrellas como experiencia cooperativa y para un solo jugador, y con una duración más que justa con una amplia rejugabilidad si se desea (no infinita pero extensa). Vale la pena echarle un vistazo si está en oferta (que es bastante frecuente). Precio completo (15 USD) trae mucha diversión y vale la pena, pero espera a la oferta ya que sale con bastante frecuencia.

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https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/cjcbqnao

With Crabs Like These, Who Needs Dragons?Hello folks, and welcome to another game review. This time we are visiting a local and online multiplayer (or singleplayer if one so chooses) game about Wizards fighting goblins, ogres, trolls, demons, and.... Crabs? This game sports a plethora of enemies, dozens upon of spell combinations available, and hilarious collateral damage. Definitely a hoot for local/online co-op. This game also has PvP too, but that portion of the game hasn't been explored as of writing this review. DISCLAIMER: This review is written WIHOUT COMPARISON to Magicka 1 and is written from the perspective of playing Magicka 2 as a stand alone title. Additionally this game was left open accidentally a few times so many of these hours were idle.

This game was a rip-roaring time to play locally WITH gamepads, I highly recommend using a gamepad for this title, as the keyboard controls are "cumbersome" at best. I also recommend playing this arcane murderfest in multiplayer, me and my guest played through the whole campaign. And of course there are legions of bloodthirsty crabs, the murderous apex of the animal kingdom (apparently).

Gameplay: Indiscriminate Carnage and... LaughsThe gameplay is fun, but the "hundreds of spell combinations" that the game advertises in it's description aren't QUITE as such. Realistically there are dozens of combintions (using the various buttons on the gamepad), and then variants of the potency of the ratio of said combinations. You can also physically attack with your sword or enchant your weapon to offensively or defensively use arcane trickery too (sometimes with MASSIVE consequences). Technically there are "hundreds of combinations" but not hundreds of spells. The variance of how potent each spell damage type is effected by how many "orbs" are used to cast the spell. For example 1 rock orb and 4 death orbs cast the same spell as 4 rock orbs with 1 death orb despite there technically being 25 ways to "combine" to obtain the EXACT same spell where the only difference is the ratio of elemental damage. There are "dozens" of UNIQUE spells at most, still that is plenty to work with and a lot of fun to experiment with. Half of the fun for this gameplay loop is "accidentally" killing your teammate or bystanders with your wonky spellcraft, with hilarious results.

There are essentially 5 core elements and combining said elements can create a few secondary elements (death and water = poison, fire and water = steam etc.) These elements can be used offensively (attack spells) or defensively (wards and shields etc). The player can also acquire "Magicks" by playing the campaign and encountering spellbooks, these spells are equipped in your spell bar and you can alter your loadout at anytime. Enemies sport elemental weaknesses and resistances and there are various puzzles throughout the main campaign, a quick mastery of these combinations is key in combat and pensive thought is required for the various puzzle sections.

Look and Feel: Light Hearted WizardryThe art, aesthetic, lore, and feel of this game is very lighthearted despite the excess of murderous carnage. There are various silly jokes and references peppered throughout the campaign are jovial and carefree. Despite this the lore story is still multi-faceted and interesting. No spoilers here, but there are a few twists.

TLDR: Just tell me how many stars dammit!I would give this game 4 stars as a multiplayer title, half of the fun is accidentally killing your teammate and the tension of "will they revive me?". As a singleplayer title it runs rather short, and PVP hasn't been experiment with so I cannot attest to the singleplayer aspects of this game, but as a local multiplayer game it is top notch fun. Plus there are lethal crustaceans, how can you go wrong? Definitely recommended for anyone looking for a fun local co-op game that includes tactical combat and puzzle elements and worth the 15 dollar price tag for the base game. I will be purchasing the DLC to go through 2 additional campaigns and review if those DLC are worthy, but the base game is certainly worth the price tag for the hours and hours of fun it provides.

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https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/thmklsgv

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https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/rtbnmknu

Gameplay: Tarkov IN SPACE!!!!

The gameplay here is traditional as far as FPS shooters are concerned. It's variance lies in that it is an "extraction" type arena, similar to "Hunt:Showdown" or "Escape from Tarkov". The PvE is generally easy to fight against, however engaging the planets creatures can draw the attention of PvPers looking to take you loot before you extract. All the while completing quests along the way to acquire more resources and experience points to lvl your character in their next run.

The game itself has a lovely setting, which in my opinion adds a lot of spice to the title. The sci-fi elements are refreshing and give a different feel than any other extraction type shooter I've played (not better or worse but DIFFERENT, which is rare in this day and age).

You essentially forage or kill PvE units to acquire resources to improve you equipment and facilities in your quarters back on the station. Improving your quarters improves starter equipment, resource earning, armor, and much more! These upgrades persist even if you die during a run.

Graphics: Beautiful and Optimized The graphics are gorgeous for a f2p title, and everything is optimized and has it's own unique aesthetic. Each area has a different "Biome" that offers quite a variety of scenery throughout the map. The fauna available is of much less variety than the flora, there are perhaps a handful of creatures populating this world (for now). Still graphically everything fits together snugly and without too many glaring errors.

Lore, Look, Feel, and Vibes The various corporate entities that sponsor your outings offer unique equipment and motives. All of them vye for power on this planet, and each have a archetypical sci-fi look.

The ICA are known as "civies" and as a faction have generally cobbled together gear and more of a "civilian rebel" atmosphere and background.

Originally organized after a colony enviromental catastrophe, this system of mining operations doubles as colonization after being abandoned by other corporate entities. Interesting backstory, however all of the weaponry feels "cobble together" which is a nice vibe and aesthetic for a scrap harvester (Which is what I would like to be in this sort of game).

The Krolev faction is your traditional militaristic rapidly expanding corporate sci-fi mining entity. Complete with unplaceable accents and austere weaponry. A fine choice when getting gunnery.

Osiris is a mysterious new company looking into the R and D prospects with the wildlife that is on Fortuna III. As expected they are interested in the fauna for specimen studies, and not that much else. Likes for nefarious purposes and biological weaponry. Their tech is "blue and sleek" and definitely highly tech oriented. A classic branch of the "corporate space mining" archetype tree.

But all of these factions fit and mesh well together with the setting, their equipment looks appropriate, and each offer unique tactical benefits also. Overall very thought our for a free title.

Thoughts on My Personal Gameplay Going Forward This game I'm going to play on and off, because I typically tend to go for the rogue-like elements present within "Hunt: Showdown" when I'm in the mood for an extraction shooter (partly because I bought it also). HOWEVER, this title will hold my time and attention as a FREE title, that's not the easiest feat in an already heavily populated genre (let alone as a free title!).

In these sort of games I'm mostly about "getting the loot and getting out" I'm not trying to kill players and get "the most loot" simply get the most I can and safely extract. In this "eventful play session" I encountered NOBODY, and merely picked up the sacks I needed to upgrade my passive in game currency earning back at the station.

Thoughts on the Future of "The Cycle" This game is definitely worth keeping an eye on, as much as any other FPS extraction shooter or free FPS title like "Fortnite" etc. I look forward to the further adds and updates to be implemented, along with potential map or biome changes. Definitely a game with a future ahead of it if they play their cards right.

TLDR: How many Stars dammit? Overall I give this game 3.75 out of 5 stars, maybe even 4 depending on how it progresses in future updates. It's fun and FREE, and delivers quite a unique setting in a rather polished package (all things considered). Nothing requires payment only completion of tasks or extracting with materials. A fun f2p title that has potential, worth a look.

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https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/krejnbyn
( Above is a match won w/o commentary as Khermi vs the weapon wielding goblins to provide gameplay examples for this review)

Blood Bowl II Legendary Edition Review

Blood Bowl II is a sports manager sim that includes turn based matches and dice rolling action, but there's a twist. These players are orcs, goblins, ogre, zombies, mummies, dinosaurs, and bears? Oh my! Not to mention that players can die in the middle of the game and all actions are permanent in this rogue-like high fantasy manager RPG. Below I parse through the elements of this review including gameplay, tabletop origin, how it compares to the prequel, are the DLC worth it, prize laden tournaments, graphics/feel, and more!

This Match and my Blood Bowl II Career In this match you will watch me win as Kerhmi vs the weapon wielding goblins. Having played khermi in chaos edition and knowing the races weaknesses and strengths it seemed like a no-brainer to bring them to the pitch here in Blood Bowl II (apparently with resounding effect). I will likely be putting together character guides as I play through a season as each race as time goes on to develop some experienced teams for tournament potential (mentioned below). The first playguide I'll be posting to socials will be in fact for the khermi themselves and how to best level and utilize your low agi mummy oddities. Blood Bowl is something I have fun playing and will be getting some matches in here and there for the foreseeable future (especially with Blood Bowl III coming up). This team has not played just this match but remains undefeated, and has quite a few kills notched into their belt now (with zero player deaths). All stats can be observed in game by looking for their team name "Amun's Immortals", you could even buy players auctioned from this team etc. if you wanted on the market if I ever have any for sale by searching the same keyword. I do plan on eventually training an extensive roster and auctioning off some players to improve the stadium itself (much more expensive upgrades that offer great benefits for home field matches).

Gameplay: Strategic Team Manager w/ RPG Elements

In Blood Bowl II you manage a football team set in the Warhammer 40k universe. You buy the players, lvl them up, sell them, and watch them get injured or depart to the great beyond. You can also buy stadium upgrades like: cheerleaders, rerolls (rolling the die an EXTRA time one per turn), or whatever other structural improvements you deem necessary as the team manager. You are funded from winning in matches (or losing) and your starting sponsorship money.

Gameplay: On the Pitch The game consisted of sports matched participated in by two teams. Each race and team composition possesses it's different traits that then create strengths and weaknesses therein. You can play these matches as these races in a single player league or multiplayer league. Each match consists of various elements and phases. The phases consist of both a "planning" phase and "combat or battle" phase. In the spirit of brevity I will not delve in depth into the mechanics beyond a basic summary. The "combat phase" consists of players passing the ball, tackling/ attacking (sometimes with weapons), catching, interceptions, and touching the ball down in the endzone.

Planning Phase: Stack Your Bribes and Hire Your Assassins

The planning phase is also where balance is achieved between teams with different raw player value (player levels and equipment factor into their raw player value). The team with a lower value gets petty cash to use for the match to "even the odds" however they see fit. During this phase you can buy bribes ("get out of jail free" card for moments regarding the referee), hire Star Players (Incredibly strong mercenary players), or other attendants based on race (some can even REVIVE a fallen player during the match).

Combat Phase: Time to Knock some skulls

Once combat begins the game plays in a standard turn based format in which each piece is entitled to a limited movement parameter and options based on it's character stats, prefaced by a phase in which to place them. Certain things can only be done a certain number of times (without abilities learned through leveling that are obtained through rare rolls of the dice).

You can only tackle ONCE and only someone you are adjacent to at the start of your turn (without using a Blitz action)
You must perform a dodge roll based on agility if you attempt to move out of/through an opponents tackle zones (area they can tackle at the start/end of a turn)
Each player can ONLY tackle OR pass the ball ONCE (rolling dice to throw and catch)
After a throw the enemy team can roll to intercept it with ONE of their players that are in it's path
ONLY ONE PLAYER CAN TACKLE AND MOVE IN THE SAME ACTION PER TURN (This is a "blitz" action)
Players score points by having a player make it to the opposing teams endzone with the ball in hand (by whatever means necessary)

These are the most basic combat phase mechanics that are true across the board. There are others like bolstering players by having them adjacent to each other. However, I did not mention this on purpose because then I would be tempted to explain how to get past that and on and one. I'll be saving the in depth guide for another post (explaining ALL mechanics and their in depth utility and how to best use them for victory).

Graphics and Feel The graphics are beautiful and the best Blood Bowl has seen to date (aside from TBA Blood Bowl III). The additional animations for movement and attacks for the characters are appreciated. The announcers can get boring quick, but that's the only boring thing about gameplay and an option you can turn off.

The graphics are gorgeous and the backgrounds and stadiums are well done with little "attention to detail" touches in every arena.

Does the sequel deliver anything Chaos Edition doesn't? Well yes and no. Yes there are new gameplay elements, but the core gameplay is the same as in previous iterations. Aside from the additional teams added and overall beautification of the game the only gameplay mechanics that are different are during the campaign or long term during multiplayer: stadium upgrades. Blood Bowl Chaos Edition offers AS FUN of a gameplay experience, but this game is where the playerbase currently resides so it is the ideal choice for blood bowl fans looking to play a match vs a human opponent (keep in mind single player in blood bowl is still very rewarding).

(screenshotted from their in game store page here )

Are the DLC worth it? and a note on Tournaments The DLC each provide ONE race, however these races are not better or worse than the core races. They are fun and offer new gameplay from race to race, but they are a bit pricey and unless one race speaks to you particularly unlikely worth the current price tag. The legendary edition sometimes is on sale and includes all the races and can be heavily discounted.

Tournaments: Small to Mid-Tier Leagues

There ARE tournament in which you can win real world currency. However to be competitive you have to have a good RUN with your team not just a few matches. You need to level your team for the brutal inevitable Finale at the end of the season, this requires actively playing with your team for the duration of the season and improving your stadium and units accordingly. The prize pools aren't very large but a very interesting way to garner the interest in running teams seasonally from scratch. There are also community hosted and held tournaments for this title on occasion aswell, aside from the always running official brackets.

From Board to Screen: Decades in the making

(image taken from Wikipedia)

While this is not the first iteration of Blood bowl it will be far from the last (Blood Bowl III is on it's way). This game originated as a Warhammer tabletop game in 1986 and now is brought to life with fully animated characters with which you can enjoy Blood Bowl's glorious carnage in full HD thanks to modern technology. This game has an active player/fanbase spanning (at this point) decades.

TLDR: Just tell me how many stars dammit! I have got to give this a 4 or even a 4.5 if you are into turn based strategic gameplay with RNG factor (like I am). If you are not into turn based strategic games in which RNG is a factor THIS GAME IS NOT FOR YOU. However if those sort of games are your fancy or you are into the zany fantastical sports team aesthetic this title is definitely worth picking up. THE DLC ARE NOT WORTH THE PRICE AND NOT NECCESARY UNLESS YOU REALLY WANT ONE OF THOSE RACES. This game brings Blood Bowl to new glamorous gory heights, bringing all the guts of the game with it.

A note for those who aren't a fan of RNG or turnbased games

If you aren't into turnbased strategy where dice rolls or RNG are a factor (or if you aren't into the high fantasy sports aesthetic) this game will probably be a wash for you. Keep in mind despite MY positive review I recognize that there will be times your opponent takes out your big guy with their little guy, completes that hail Mary pass from one end of the field to the other, or whatever other statistical anomaly may occur. I also recognize that easy rolls like smashing a small unit with a big brute, a short pass, and easy dodge will sometimes result it turnovers or even death. That's why this review has this little section to recognize those aspects of the game and give a complete overview of the negative aspects of it aswell. Despite your best efforts RNG can say nay in the crucial moments of the game, but it can also say "oh yeah throw that long bomb pass to the 1 agility character". You're rolling the dice quite literally, there's always a chance no matter how slim to fail or succeed.

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https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/apnzppim
(Above is a video of chapters 1-9 of the Injustice Single Player Campaign without commentary)

Superman Loses His Shit: A Game Review Superman goes dark and kills a bunch of people and becomes a dictator over the known world. In this game you will play through that story arc and his descent into madness. Below I have a more parsed out sectioning off of game aspects. Including the gameplay, multiplayer options, graphics, and more!

Gameplay: Combo Based Kombat-like with a few twists The gameplay in injustice is similar to Mortal Kombat and all of it's incarnations. You hit buttons and move on the gamepad in sequence to perform combos and attacks. The game itself looks rather pretty, not as sleek as Injustice II, but still has some eyecandy factor. Combos, button mashing, or a combination of both are typical (like in all fighters of this type). As you can see in my playthru I didn't even finish the tutorial and went right to the campaign. Only after this first play through did I even think to pause to check move combinations (during the joker match). The combos were there all that time and I had just been cheesing my way through, Delightful. I tried to que for multiplayer at the start of this session but did not want to wait over 15 minutes to start playing so decided to go to single player.

I enjoy the gameplay and characters presented, and the injustice timeline (see next section) even though not exact to the comics is fun to see brought to life via the campaign. However, the campaign is repetitive as far as gameplay is concerned. Essentially ai matches against the roster of villains as the hero roster and visa versa. You use the enviroment to cheese your opponent etc. until the ultimate stages. The campaign has been a cinematic experience more than anything. I got to over 50 percent point in the single player campaign without finishing the tutorial in roughly 2 hours. The whole campaign in about double that.

The Twists: Environments/Transitions

The twist on the normal gameplay experience here are the stages and their 2.5 interaction with the environment for maneuvering and attacks. These interactions are based on whether your character is "nimble" or "large". Both character types interact with the environment differently.

For example in the screenshot below nimble characters like the flash would use the orb to traverse the map. In this case, a large or "strength" characters like aquaman is interacting with the orb and destroys it to damage the enemy.

whereas when in a similar situation "nimble" characters wouldn't destory the interactable and use it for platforming interactable.

There are also stage transitions that deal massive damage and transition the match to an alternate stage with different interactables (as shown below between the Joker and Batman).

Wager: Place Your Bets

The "wager" mechanic where you can burn meter ticks in a "wager" that results in healing or damage depending on who expends more meters. This mechanic is a fun little addition to the gameplay and adds a bit of depth to burning meter in games of this sort.

The interactables are massive chunks of damage and a core consideration when traversing the map, not just part of the background. Wagers add a fun twist to meter burning. The gameplay itself is fun overall, but a tad boring vs ai. This is not the ai's fault, this game is meant to be played with a human opponent at it's core. As of this review I have not played an online match due to impatience at the 15 minute plus quetime to only be met with an error thereafter. This review is purely based on it as a local multiplayer versus and the single player campaign. The single player campaign is fun, but not as fun as a match between friends or online. (I will edit this review after having played an online match to include additional info thereafter if such an event ever occurs).

The Lore: One for the Comicbooks The lore here, while not exact to the original work, is fun to see get some limelight even if it is in a bit more "bright" manner than the comic portrayal. Not trying to spoil in the comics for ya. In this telling you are fast tracked through the years of Superman's dictatorial reign etc. in the comics you get to see Superman fall farther and farther. A fun read for DC fans.

(the cover of Injustice Year One taken from here and on sale here and free with Kindle unlimited)

There are various other differences dotting the landscape a bit more PG than others. Including little things like the censorship of the word "Fuck" in the graffiti on the wall.

The comics area fun read and a darker portrayal of this story arc, but this is still a fun watch. I recommend giving them a read if you get the chance as I don't want to necessarily have this be a comic book/ video game lore dissection more a general broad comparison. The video game is dark but not as pitch black as the text. Despite that it's still a fun story and adds a thorough cinematic element to the campaign. However the campaign itself is a series of fights vs ai with some button hitting cutscenes thrown in there, not the most replayable aside from the cinematic experience of it.

Most Fun Local or with Friends, Recommended BUT... Online matches are a bit of a wait, but in theory as fun if they ever happen. Ideally you play this with an online bud or in-person with a person. The ai gets a bit stale, but luckily the single player campaign makes those matches an engaging cinematic. So here's the quick breakdown... (fun side note the "yellow" lantern that is the lantern aligned with superman has a different ultimate move)

TLDR: How many stars dammit? For this I give a bit of a split review, I would say that if you have friends to play it with locally or online this game is 4 stars. If you are looking for an online multiplayer or a single player in depth experience expect roughly a 5/5 hour campaign (enjoyable enough) and as far as online there are insane que times that may or may not amount to a match.

Without friends I would give this 3 or 2.5/5 stars, not worth the money if you don't have people to play it with at full price. However playerbase issues are to be expected with Injustice II hitting the shelves already. Plus it's never a bad thing to see Aquaman attacking with a horde of crustaceans either.

I myself needed this because it's been requested a few times by friends of mine and I did not have it. It's been a fun time in a local multiplayer setting. Perhaps a nice title to add to the shelves of your library to bring Injustice to a Kombat-like, but imo not worth the full price on it's own without friends (like many games of this nature you need a consistent human opponent for it to hold depth of replay, regardless of where it's encountered). It's also why I give this the addage "Recommended, BUT.." Injustice II review coming soon.

Don't forget to follow for more game reviews and other stuff!

Injustice: Gods Among Us Year One: The Complete Collection

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https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/vmlxgvpx
(Video above is proof of this giveaway)

Not playing Splinterlands? Click here to sign up now.

Content: What's coming? Greetings Splinterlanders, this post is both submitting the evidence of the giveaway completion of this giveaway, and a roadmap and summary of what to expect when watching me on Twitch and what material from there might appear on hive etc. I will also be adding some cool goodies for viewers, including SPL giveaways. Expect delegations to only be awarded to those who are present and engaged in chat (aside from channel point redemptions).

Will the content only be Splinterland?

No, but it will be for the duration of my Splinterlands streams. I won't only be playing Splinterlands on Twitch though. I will also be playing other games for fun, profit, or ideally both. Not all of these games will be blockchain, but some of them will be. I'm a gamer and enjoy playing more than one game so you folks will likely see whatever else I might be playing too.

Viewer Engagement: What's in it for you? In addition to the current giveaways that run during the stream for the engaged. You can now spend your channel points on delegation and other goodies IN STREAM (Including 15K CP of delegation). Aside from that it should be a fun time anyway 😅.

Give me your feedback: Let me know what you think Let me know what you guys think. What time would be a better schedule? What would you like to see more of? And whatever other suggestions you have. You can let me know wherever you find me.

Giveaway Summaries and Delegation Expirations The past giveaway posted above (video) was held in an event to promote my newly active Twitch channel. Now at over 150 following I would like to hold another giveaway event, but to be able to offer these giveaways to all viewers. And to continue to run giveaways on peakD I will be calling in all overdue delegation I have forgotten about and/or let continue on indefinitely. In fact here is how much I have out in giveaways that I just forgot to recall.... Yowza. That's over 1500$ dollars of delegation that I've kept beyond their "15 day period" in fact most of them are for NEARLY A YEAR.

However recalling this swathe of delegation will allow me to be able to offer greater CP delegation prizes (after figuring out numbers with card counts etc.). Expect a massive event with tons of cool goodies including PIZZA, Giveaways, and more! in a post coming soon. 2 people who both like AND comment on this post will be given a 15 day delegation of Oshanus (winners chosen at random).

Non-Splinterlands Content: For Another Post I will be streaming other stuff too, including a couple blockchain games. However an overall streaming summary of what I'm doing is for another post. This is a post for the Splinterlanders out there that might want to get in on some giveaways or see some card playing action, and to post the confirmation of the last giveaway. Thank you so much everyone who participated. Don't forget to follow for more cool content.

Keep Summoning and See You in the #Splinterlands

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Reaching for Opportunities with Both of Their Hands!

Two pudgy humanoid figures have great difficulty in grasping objects, but great ease in making everyone laugh. Played in local coop splitscreen.

Hello everyone and welcome to another game review. Today we are taking a look at Human Fall Flat.

This game is a riot! and a very enjoyable coop/solo experience, I recommend NOT looking for tutorials as it makes the playthrough a lot more fun of a misadventure. That was the way me and my guest did in this playthrough. The puzzles are imaginative and use various aspects of physics (outlined in next section) that are simple to understand but hard to maneuver at times. This light hearted game was played with a gamepad and I would recommend using one for this.

First Time Playthrough: Fingerprints on a Trainwreck

The game itself only told the players of how to move their arms and grab. No other dynamics therein. So of course naturally we decided to try and climb the train, which should've been a simple task. To our surprise we were met with hilarious difficulty in doing so! The controls are rib ticklingly awkward and climbing was harder than anticipated. We tried picking up and stacking rocks to jump on the train better and so many other platforming ideas. After dozens of minutes of this we finally climbed the train and into the next area with traincars. Only to fumble around for another 20 minutes trying to scramble, stack debris, fail, and clamber towards the bright green exit sign. It was an hour of laughs and terrible climbing, however after this point the game itself explains itself a bit more (but that's another post).

Gameplay: A Physics Wonderland

You can grab, break, climb, push, throw, jump, and whatever else you can come up with to get to the end of the level. In this level we carry debris and climb to reach our goals, but there was likely another solution present. Featuring dynamic physics and interactions with physical objects, you can solve each level YOUR way. With various maneuvers to get around obstacles there is always more than one way to solve it. Sometimes it's easier than you think! The physics are fun and the puzzles are clever and often come with a plethora of solutions or shortcuts. The physics are well implemented and are consistent throughout the game. Implementing new twists on the old gameplay as time goes on.

A Fun and Light Aesthetic

The game itself has a witty and booming narrator telling you of "Humans and how they reach out with both of their little hands" etc. on top of that the animation is light-hearted and the ragdoll character models are quite silly as they go about their actions. Despite this silly and light hearted look the game itself is a solid array of physics sandbox puzzles. The graphics are not intricate but well modeled and well done.

So Much to Do and yet there's more? Me and my guest completed the main game in a little over 8 hours in total without tutorials. It was a blast! (and likely to be posted about in a few other posts later on). Even after that there is still an array of bonus levels and player created workshop levels to explore.

Overall Review: Keep it Short This game is a 5/5 coop/single player puzzle experience, if you don't look up tutorials and figure them out yourself. I purchased it on sale for 7USD and think it is even worth the full 20 dollar price tag. An incredibly fun physics sandbox puzzler with a lighthearted feel, and even better with friends. Worth adding to your collection and will give you numerous hours of fun and is a thoroughly enjoyable time for all involved. Don't forget to follow for more game reviews and whatever else I might be posting!

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https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/ulfhqyho

All content is edited from my screenshots of Dota 2 (by valve) and public domain images. This video is a live recording of a game I played after a bit of a break with a couple of my thoughts coming back.

DOTA 2: GAME MECHANICS TLDR: The Short Sum-up

Players are aiming to destroy the enemy ancients ( the big ol thing you spawn behind when you enter the game to enter the battle), barracks spawn units for each side, you have to get through the towers to get to the ancient. The players and their abilities fight to this end, purchasing items along the way to change their builds as the game develops. The currency acquired to do so is acquired by killing enemy/neutral creatures or enemy heroes.

Basic Terms not mentioned:

TP: Town portal scroll = A scroll to teleport to any allied building or a small radius around it.
Creep: any non-hero unit
Roshan: A boss unit that has a cave by the river that divides the halves of the match that when killed drops an item that grants an extra life immediately after death.
Fountain: The font you spawn in front of, standing near it regens your character mana and health RAPIDLY

Getting "Hooked" on Dota 2: Playing after a break Greetings everyone. In this post we will be taking about Pudge (and his abilities etc.), coming back to Dota 2 after a long hiatus and some thoughts on changes to the game coming back into it. In this skirmish the changes that were particularly noticed were map changes, new items, and new Agahnim's Scepter compatible abilities. I don't know any of the good ward spots yet, special nooks, nothing. So I did have a bit of a fear that some of pudge's old haunts for gank positions wouldn't work as they had in the past.

Playing after a multi-month Break: What has changed?

In short, A LOT has changed. So much so that it could almost be a post in itself, but I am going to highlight what has changed (since the last time I played some Dota) that effected THIS match in the various sections below and what I think about it.

Initiator, Disabler, and Lane Changer In this game I ganked both lanes so I could to apply pressure to the enemy.

The transition to team fighting was quick, but my gold farming was below par (I haven't set up single clicking for denies and various little quality of life settings as this was one of my first games back with a fresh install, forgetting those details can really change your overall performance).

A Pudge in the bush is worth 2 in the hand: Early game concepts

The presence of pudge creates a strategic difference of play. Warding is necessary for both teams when pudge is present, the potential for ganking is high with this character in the early game and in the mid-late game disabling and tanking in team fights becomes the more prominent role. However, in the early game the mere THREAT of a pudge missing changes the play of each lane. This makes farming harder for the enemy and allows for the opportunity for surprise ganks.

This hero has great early game kill potential (especially with team followup), but can fall off quickly if not enough of a snowball is build by midgame. Flesh heap is an excellent ability ONLY IF YOU KILL PEOPLE OR ARE PART OF SOME DEATHS, this requires landing those hooks.

Land The Hooks: Take Someone out of the fight

You must land the hooks early game, and get a blink or force staff as soon as possible to do so from other angles aswell (Depends on what's going on in the game is there a lot of DoT etc., is there another hero who could benefit from YOU getting a force staff and using it on THEM etc).

Your target and when is also important when thinking about "Landing hooks". Take out key players (stuns etc.) before they influence a teamfight, or hamper a carry's farming ability by giving him a few early game deaths to put him behind your team's carry. Even if your kill potential tapers off in the late game your disabling ability NEVER tapers off.

The hook will pull ANY character ally or enemy, so sometimes you can save an ally or accidentally grab a creep instead of your intended target. Keep this in mind as you line up your shot/ shot and blink or force staff combo. Blink/ force staff and dismember is also a way to disable heroes reliably in the late game also.

Be at an unexpected angle: Surprise!

To land hooks more effectively you must throw them from where they are not being expected. To do so sometimes TPing and blinking are necessary to avoid going through vision range (or you have a support that knows what they are doing with ward placement). Maybe get a force staff AND a blink dagger?

That's right, go crazy. Placement items all server great utility on pudge as a disabler at any stage in the game. Don't forget the ALWAYS important placement of wards.

Note: My build was out of curiosity and is NOT necessarily the best but it WAS fun. This guide covers tips that will help you, not just a meme build some vet did seeing a new item in the store 🙃. In this match I also don't position my wards the best, nor my character. I am not familiar with this reearanged map layout. Roshan has his own cave now? Lol. And various other little changes made it refreshing coming back to some new things to try and some new routes to look at, but lead to me playing a bit sub par when it comes to various aspects of map positioning (compared to what I would like).

Pudge Items: What I got, What I'll get next

Blink Upgrades?!:

NEW BLINKS! And each one has a primary stat that causes their effect to be stronger? Talk about synergistic with pudges ever stacking strength AND DIRE NEED FOR A BLINK ANYWAY. I think this item on pudge could see some very fun plays in the mid-game with enough of a gold advantage. (Keep in mind this damage costs pudge no mana to use). I will definitely be trying to get this item the next time I play pudge (it'll be a bit there is a lot of other stuff to try an relearn).

Pudge says goodbye to mana issues AND reflects magic damage?:

Eternal Shroud = MANA PROBLEMS BE GONE (if the enemy has a few magic users) and additionally tankiness from spell lifesteal (on rot, hook, dismember etc.). Both this variant on the age old item evolutions are uncannily synergistic to pudge. Note: A pipe (Active: grants magical protection to allies in a radius) carrier is usually utile but not numerous, this build would be used in the event of someone else on the team getting a pipe from the other branch of store upgrades. Team engagements are key in Dota 2, but I think this item can be a good alternative. This ability can also be usef on OTHER HEROES based on the wording aswell.

What I actually got was...

Not the best for the lineup, but I actually DID get that cool blink dagger variant. In this case (against so much damage over time) a force staff and heart of tarasque would've been better, but heck I was curious. Damage cancels blink damage and damage over time means that it can't be used for GREAT periods. I still got that ultra strength blink dagger, and we still won, and I still hooked them; but this game would've been much better with a force staff and a heart of tarasque as mentioned earlier. Brutal even.

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Mech Arena Mobile: Tournament Gameplay: Team Fighting and Classes What is tournament play in Mech Arena?

Tournament play in Mech Arena is the name given to seasonal ranked team MOBA play. Seasonal ranked play consists of 5v5 team deathmatch and is much more competitive than the other ques.

To play tournament mode you need to use tickets which are acquired in chests gained from winning matches (guaranteed drop) and based on how well you've done in the season at the end of the season you are awarded with points you can use to buy crates that contain skins you would normally have to spend real money to get.

The main mode is a 5 v 5 deathmatch in which one team wins from a higher ticket count or by eliminating the enemy and all of their mechs.

Can you earn in tournaments? What do you earn?

This is not #play2earn you can easily use as income (this game is not popular enough for accounts to be sold on teriary markets like Brawl stars for example), but is a way you can access ALL aspects of the game completely for free. In this case tournaments grant you acess to shiney skins that normally have a USD price tag in the game shop. Never take being able to get everything for FREE in a mobile game for granted. To boot it's a fun MOBA with tactical depth and a full range of classes, Tournaments adding a more competitive and team battle oriented game mode greatly broadens this game's replayability.

You can earn crypto through the Womplay faucet in Wombat wallet, but these are meagre returns.

Or you can join with this link to receive in game loot instead if you aren't interested in the crypto picayune offered via Womplay.

Close Range Initiator: Killshot

Killshot was definitely my favorite class to play during this session. This mech boasts a forward charge that deals a MASSIVE

chunk of damage to the enemy. This ability to move forward with great speed and damage makes this character naturally mesh with close range weapons.

In this play through I used pulse laser for mid to short range with murderous glee.

This class is an excellent initator but can be countered with concentrated fire as it approaches. Side note: close maps without large open spaces benefit this mecha greatly as there are tighter spaces to hit the enemy with "charge"

Jack of All Trades: Paragon

The paragon is an excellent mech, but it isn't particularly good at anything. This mech however IS the most versatile mech in the game and is the starting mech the player receives upon entering Mech Arena. This mech works with almost any weapon pairing and has an ability that grants a short burst of speed.

In this playthrough I use two auto-cannons to shred the enemy with rapid fire (augmented by the equipped pilot)

Well....: The Juggernaut

The juggernaut is well..... a juggernaut. This mech is SLOW, it's max speed makes snails get bored waiting, but it has the greatest amount of health I have encountered thusfar in any tank. Additionally this mech is equipped with a "shield" ability that grants a high damage absorbtion shield that lasts for a set duration or until it has been destroyed.

This mech tends to want to attract attention and damage as it is the best equipped to handle it. Timing the shield to absorb the maximum amount of damage is key.

I use a laser and a rocket launcher on this class. These are not the ideal weapons I would want for this character, merely the ones I had left over.

Scout and Flanker: Lancer

The lancer is a very fun mech and has the greatest mobility of all the mech classes I have encountered so far (Killshot being a close 2nd). This mech runs at breakneck speeds and is equipped with a "rocket jump" ability that lets it reach places NO OTHER MECH CAN REACH on various maps throughout the game. This ability is rarely utilized to it's full potential, but that doesn't change the fact that it is one of the ONLY abilities that lets you surmount obstacles on the map.

This mech didn't see much play during this tournament session due to it being the least durable of my lineup.

Pilots: Depth of Build Specialization

Pilots add the ability to use implants and further buffs to deepen the specialization of your mech's weapon and ability layouts. Mechs will come with passive buffs in addition to the buffs the pilot provides. The pilot can then equip implants to FURTHER buff the mech.

There are a variety of pilots to choose from. Currently I only have Red. This pilot inproves the auto-cannons so I tend to equip them on whichever mech has those weapons equiped. She is a very good starting pilot and each one costs 40k credits after that (affordable). Ideally I would like a pilot for every build to improve each mecha I own AND every one I get in the future.

There are still other combinations and classes to try from here on (including a healer which I think might game changing for teamplay).

I look forward to seeing what will happen and will likely post about it. Including various different weapon combinations for said classes.

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https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/rqrjbwkb

Mech Arena: A Well Built Mecha Mobile Moba

Greetings hive gamers, today I am reviewing a game on mobile.

This game is a moba available for Android or IOS in which the player controls a mech as part of a team of mechs in

high octane mecha battles.

Game Mechanics: Overview Mechanically this game is not intrinsically very complicated, but it is put together well.

In game the player moves with with two joysticks and targets by tapping the screen.

Additionally each mech has an ability and later a pilot, you can also change out weapons on any mech you choose. Each match

can support your "squad" of up to 5 mechs. Each mech is a respawn. There is great customizability and class play available.

There is a range of strategy like in any moba. Everything from healing mechs to tanks, to assassins.

Overall I would give the gameplay 4 out of 5 FOR MOBILE. For a mobile game it is very entertaining

Microtransactions: How bad is it? The microtransactions are present in game, but not neccesary for progression, Nor is earning the

currency itself all that grindy. Overall microtransactions exist as skins, and a premium currency that

can speed up progression. The premium currency is also readily earnable in game via tournaments,

missione, etc.

3/5: A bit spammy with promos for offers, but not neccesary. I would give this a 4 if they didn't have quite so many popups for the offers they have available.

The microtransactions don't hinder the player, and without spending anything progression is fluid and fun.

They exist mostly for aesthetics or unlocking things early (not neccesary).

Overall Review Overall I give this game 4 out of 5 stars for a mobile game (as a game for fun). It fills the "mech warrior"-ish

niche in a fun way. This game is very entertaining to play with friends and coordination, or alone.

The promos upon opening the game are a tad spammy but that's about it. The game itself has

a balance of classes and strategies and weapons to employ. A lot of combinations to try and fun to be had.

Earning Potential or for fun? There ARE tournaments for this game (play2earn potenital therein is still TBD stay tuned).

Aside from that you can earn crypto if you play this game via Womplay. This is a meagre piccayune though.

If you aren't interested in Womplay crypto earning and instead want additional in game loot instead use my in game

refferal here.

See you next time hiveans, Cheers.

View Details

https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/cstjsnym
Watch me play through my daily quest, explain some card strategy, rant a bit, and have an overall good time. This was also broadcasted on twitch the way I occasionally broadcast some splinterplays while you guys can ask me questions and interact or participate in mini games. If that sort of thing is something you might fancy give me a follow over there for more #play2earn, gaming, podcasting, tournaments, or whatever else I might be streaming. A random viewer who comments on this post will receive an Epic Sporeceror delegation for 15 days.

Keep Summoning and See You in the #Splinterlands

View Details

https://3speak.tv/watch?v=cryptoniusrex/djijfkqj

Quick Gameplay Summary No Spoiler

You play as Dr. Albert West, a wrongly imprisoned inmate on the first colony on mars. When a sudden event leads to you fighting for your own survival.

Gampeplay elements and tags: roguelike, hunger and thirst, survival elements, crafting, combat, atmospheric, horror, indie.

Gameplay Overview: Includes Spoilers Your character is awaiting transfer, but before the day of this transfer the Warden instead opens all cells. However in the middle of this bizarre turn of events the power goes out and your character must escape through an air duct and begin his journey to survive the subterranean horrors he will encounter.

Find food and water, develop your base, fight off infection, craft weapons and tools, Survive.
An eerie procedurally generated atmosphere is augmented by the ominous soundtrack.
In this 40 minute gameplay experience the start of your characters disturbing journey into the depths of Subterrain (without commentary)
You can purchase Subterrain here on steam or here from the hive.pizza store the way I did with HBD or your PIZZA tokens.

Any engaging comment will earn itself a slice of !PIZZA that you can use you purchase a steam game at hive.pizza like this one.

An in depth review of more extensive gameplay, mechanics, story, and more COMING SOON!

cryptoniusrex 3Speak Podcast: Recent Episodes

None

Gameplay: Tarkov IN SPACE!!!!

Reaching for Opportunities with Both of Their Hands!

Mech Arena: A Well Built Mecha Mobile Moba

Quick Gameplay Summary No Spoiler