Recent reviews by Giuseppiss

This game plays very similarly to that one gamemode that was featured in Mahjong Soul, "Sky High Ambition", only here there's an NPC you're battling to see who can get a higher score, and in-between turns you can chow, pong, kong (chi, pon, kan) the enemy's draws, and you can win call (called "Hu" in this game) off their draws as well.

So basically take that gamemode from Mahjong Soul, add PvE mechanic, and then a WHOLE LOT of background game mechanisms such as skills, consumables, usage of different characters, being able to level up said characters, etc.

And then give it a Slay the Spire-like gameplay flow where each run functions similar in that regard of coming across events, shops, enemies, and eventual bosses, all while collecting relics and modifications to your deck (in this case, tile wall)

Super fun game, very addicting, and of course very deep mechanisms to discover to achieve extremely broken builds :)

Also just for anyone who may be alarmed by the AI Disclosure (for whatever reason), all you can really "tell" is some of the narration sounds like it's AI sort of text-to-speech (it's in chinese so it's whatever to me), then as the devs put, some of the character animations and in-game icons and such utilize AI. Honestly? All looks great, so I couldn't care less that it's AI utilized.

Oh and one more thing:
I would even go as far to say that you don't really even need to fully understand mahjong in order to play this game (knowing how to play mahjong isn't gatekeeping you from playing this game). There is an in-game tutorial and if you'd like you can add hand patterns to reference on the side of you at all times, on top of course being able to quickly reference them in game at all times as well.

There are FEW instances in the game where I felt I needed to apply actual mahjong knowledge to play (just one character in particular wants you to get a win as early as possible, so you need to know how to do that).

Just want to put out there first that the game's mechanics actually work out rather nice even though it sounds sketchy at first (burning cards to use cards? sounds awful! but it works here!), and the game's art style is very cool and was the main draw that got me to get this game (outside of being a sucker for roguelike deckbuilders).

- there is a part in dialogue I noticed where formatting failed to take place (physically shows the brackets to apply italics)
- when hovering around certain parts of the screen during combat, namely around the host and/or minions, random text boxes appear in and out. This does not seem intentional
- the text box border for "skip story log" appears immediately upon event starting, and it still functions to skip story (so basically the graphic for the button loads before the button + text)


- the text for ability descriptions during the choose card reward screen cuts off on the right side of the text box in some instances
- on the very same screen, when trying to read the ability description for the rightmost card, the description box is completely cutoff on the right side / completely black (text full on does not show)


- my first run ended rather abruptly by both beating the minor demon (Headless), yet somehow someway causing the full hp host to die at the same time (losing the run). I just used a "compel" attack on the demon, and none of its abilities mention anything about hitting the host, neither did mine. REALLY don't know what happened there, but that seemed super duper sketchy as that's never happened again against this enemy


- the relic for gaining stacking glow for leaving one candle lit at end of turn seems very strong, as it's something you're likely doing anyways to setup for proceeding turns

- the major demon fight with the infestation cards that duplicate themselves is completely thwarted by having a priest. Simply burn 1 to get 2, then physically "use" the other one to make the priest attack. You net 1 infestation card to burn, duplicate, and repeat. This results in infinite damage, and is how I ended up beating it once out of the two times I've seen it.

- the final boss at the end of the road was labeled the "region boss" which to me sounds like in the full release there'd be more to do after that boss (in this current version of the game, this is where the run ends). Even when blasting through all the text (on my 2nd run), it was nearly an hour for a full region clear. That seems pretty darn long compared to other games mechanically built with the same level progression.

- there is A LOT of reading in this game, even for minor events. While I get that it's supposed to be more for establishing the mood and putting the emphasis on the setting, at the very least maybe consider adding like one-line voice overs for certain scenes or even just sound effects to keep the player's engagement in tact

Overall though, I think this game's gameplay execution is done well, the art style is VERY cool, and I definitely look forward to future updates + full release.

For anybody looking into this game right now, it's definitely in a VERY early state, so playing now would be just dipping toes into the world to see if you could get into it, but I suppose consider for what it's worth, a way to support dev for this great creation :)

- Among the 8 (for now) classes, they all feel genuinely unique and special in their own ways, and are able to pull off some really cool stuff individually and with certain team combinations. I also can't really even say I "dislike" any of the classes, they all really do feel special enough to always warrant interest. Additionally, these classes can fulfill ANYONE's play style, but the best part is, with ~40 minute sessions and gear looted kinda favoring your class's preferences, you can really try out any build you want, anytime you want, which is great as compared to starting whole runs over in other souls games / using item to reallocate / having to deal with creating a backup to revert back to for build changing.

- A majority of the nightlords are insanely cool and make for very cinematic boss fights. It's also very nice to see some old fellas from previous titles brought into the Elden Ring universe during nightime boss fights. Asset reuse? Bro this is FAN SERVICE

- some of the obtainable skins for the characters in-game are just straight up references to iconic characters from previous Fromsoft soulslike titles. Absolutely amazing :)


- not "every" nightlord feels all too great to face. Without spoiling, there are two in particular that are just WAY more of a nuisance to deal with as compared to the rest because of their attacks (looooooots of running around and AoE spam). Now that's not to say they're not like really cool, and I still include them with my "random queues" I do where I just select every nightlord to set out for. They're just... If I had to rank how much I like all the nightlords, these two would be the bottom two is all.

- while I can understand no voice chat as no prior fromsoft soulslike has had something like this, I feel a relatively simple means of communication that can be implemented can be the usage of map markers (outside of ping) for team to have as a means of communicating instead of just pinging and emoting and hope they understand what you're trying to tell them (not to say the current system is "flawed", it just "could have more to enhance it"). I feel this sounds like a good means of staying within the "flavor" of the fromsoft soulslike games while also giving the players a new tool to convey plans for each other.


if you enjoyed the fromsoft soulslike games, this can be a fun way to be able to play out all sorts of different builds and strategies on a whim using the classes and the endless combinations of relics to modify builds

if you enjoy rohuelikes but haven't been introduced to the fromsoft soulslike genre, I would say maybe play something like Elden Ring first to really establish an appreciation for the game, as for being judged standalone as a "roguelike", while I wouldn't necessarily say it's "lacking", I would just say "other games do the genre better"

If you enjoy both fromsoft soulslike games and roguelike games though like me, I meeeeeeeeaaan, this game is a 100% must try.

I love this game, and even after getting all the achievements, I will definitely continue to play.

- reviewed edited to adjust formatting

Pros:
- the shard card system makes for a genuine, positive standout for this game compared to other tactical shooters. From simple things like ammo adjustments, to everyone having their own pet dog that explodes into a puddle of fire, there's something for everyone to create all kinds of different funny shenanigans or very neat competitive comebacks

- There's not really any one character design-wise (in terms of looks and gameplay) that is unappealing. All of them are unique in their own way where I'm sure each has their own draw that attracts a player to them.

- Quickplay games are pretty quick (best 4 out of 7), so this game makes for a nice choice just for some casual gaming downtime

Cons:
- the menus feel like i'm playing a gacha game... There's multiple different events all with their own event progression, sometimes even with their own event currencies. Loads of different menus for purchasing items, and lots of different currencies that are not all too intuitive what they are for. I hope in future updates this can all be more consolidated and the UI + user interaction flow can be better so it doesn't feel like a puzzle to figure out how to get to a certain menu you're looking for

- the announcer (you'll just have to experience for yourself...)

- I would like for the different game modes (outside of the standard one, "shard clash") to not be on a release schedule, and rather just as a list of options anyone can pick and choose from and jump right into. Waiting days for an arcade game mode I like feels pretty bad...


These are just some of the pros and cons of the game among many, but overall, I would say I think of this game more positively than negatively. It's definitely got a draw to it that makes me want to keep coming back and play, and I look forward to future cards + characters they add to change up the gameplay even more :)

I give this game a solid "it was okay"
let me preface a few things before you read the rest of the review:
- I don't really play emotionally driven games/ games that are story rich, so this one in genre alone, outside of RPG, was an oddball for me. I only picked it up after seeing reference after reference and felt I wanted in on it.
- if YOU are looking for an emotionally driven/ story rich game with rpg elements, I am positive you will like this game, at least, if you're comfortable with a game that covers heavy topics.

Some notes from my experience, aka, my review:
- outside of the heavy themes that are portrayed in the story, the game for the most part is really lighthearted and has humor akin to what maybe Undertale would have. It was again something pretty oddball for me, but it wasn't too much to bare. I'll admit some jokes landed. The horror segments of the game were nothing too shocking/scary, so if you're playing this game with the interest of finding a good horror game, this will come off pretty mid to you in that regard.

- the "unique" factor of the RPG combat, the "emotion system" I almost entirely ignored. The game gives you a chart of like what emotions are strong/weak against others, so you'd figure you'd incorporate that in your gameplay that way the game would "function better" / "be more in your favor". Nope, all I really did was just use attacks and heals when I needed to, and rarely switch up emotions so that certain moves can perform better. Once I got an item that allowed a certain emotion to take hold from start of battle, I legit never interacted with this mechanic again because I had what I needed to make my move stronger. Did this make gameplay tougher? No not really, not a single fight was lost, nor really close. So all in all while the mechanic is kinda interesting, I'd say it can be almost entirely ignored, which is a bit of a shame.

- The story progression I felt was pretty alright, but in some cases I feel it was a bit too much emphasis with horror in some parts and the happy-go-lucky mood in others. In other words, it felt dragging at certain points, or some of the horror things felt kinda just "there", not for any reason, just to idk, make it more spooky for no reason for certain moments (i'm not being subtle about saying something like "jumpscares are stupid", what i'm saying is certain "creepy" or horror moments were a "bit too much" where it kinda more-so killed mood rather than reinforced it).

- a "kinda" spoiler for some combat related things during the game. I will cover this with spoiler tags just in case you want to go in completely blind, but just know nothing about the story will be mentioned:
This game has scripted fights / scripted fight segments. Normally I don't really mind these, but let's just say sometimes it's not understood a fight is supposed to be scripted, and that ends up killing immersion for certain moments.

- Lastly, my viewpoint of story overall. Spoiler warning for anyone who hasn't played, so if you want to refrain from spoilers, do not hover over the black bars

final verdict: Okay, if it hadn't been for some confusing ending segments. SPOILERS BELOW
So I liked the progression of keeping the player guessing of what's going on through context clues, but it didn't take a genius to figure out what really happened before the reveal. Let me just preface again, I do not really play story driven games, and I was able to tell what happened before it was revealed, so the shock factor kinda missed there. Secondly though, and this is for the "good ending" of the game, I genuinely don't understand what happened between confronting Basil in his room during the sleepover and ending of game where you see him in hospital. Like was the "fight" with him actually a physical struggle from stopping each other from doing something "really bad"? Idk, it'd explain why Omori has the patch over his eye and why Basil looks beat up at least. The injuries don't really seem explained, unless what I just said is actually what happened. I tried looking up an explanation but couldn't find one. When a story needs an external explanation for it to make sense, that downgrades it for me, so that's why it'd say it's only okay.


overall, I'd give this a 6/10.
"is that bad?"
well let me put it to you this way:
- the emotionally driven story telling was "okay", didn't really do it for me (no, didn't cry, but i'm sure others will. That's not me being a "tough guy", i'm just saying that this was oddball in terms of what I play, so it didn't really affect me as much). Still though even with that being said, I played through the whole game.
- The rpg aspect and gameplay was okay. Again the unique factor I was able to get by while almost entirely ignoring it, but i'll admit it was fun at times

"Well are you glad you played this game then with your rating of 6/10?"
yes. it was some pretty alright time spent.

It felt like an RPG from 2005, just slow and so basic it's like I'm playing a kid's game. Also almost an hour in and like 90% of that hour was cut scenes and tutorials. I just can't, this was not for me

I refunded the game. It somehow, someway felt way too fast, yet way too slow. Also, every souls like game has more or less 1:1 mapped the controls, but this game did things differently in such a way that immediately pissed me off. I was fighting against this more than the actual enemies. Graphically, it's kinda confusing tbh how I feel. It both looks good but looks goofy.

Overall this game sent a unbelievably large amount of mixed signals, and I did not wanna partake in it.

fun for like 1 hour then it's like just boring. you have to force yourself to like this to keep playing.

Game is honestly not that bad! and more content was revealed to come, so I look forward to it. In the time I spent playing in early access, I managed to get every achievement, so I'd say I can give a solid detail on the game.

Gameplay itself:

Arena-deathmatch type shooter where each person starts as a human, then when they die, become a creature. Every character has unique abilites and weapons, and some creatures have flashy animations for their "finisher" attacks. Pickup items in game include heals, power weapons, ammo boxes, and virus capsules to become a stronger creature on death. A match goes on for 5 minutes and then game showcases top 3 players on an end-screen.

I like how the gameplay-loop was executed, but I do have a gripe with how scoring is done. Points are given to whoever gets the last hit, so you may come across instances of people waiting in the back to 3rd-party, and players purposely killing themselves to cheat you out of some points.


Other Content:

There are gun camos, gun keychains/charms, character skins, and character victory poses (emote on end-match screen). You can use RP earned after every match to purchase these things. Alternatively, you can spend RP buying tokens for the human characters that are essentially mini upgrades. So yes, the more you play, the more "powerful" you become. Nothing too unbalanced though, will at most give a slight edge in-game. There is also a battlepass, where progression is done through challenges. Challenges can be rerolled for a little bit of RP, and I think they just constantly refresh (never out of challenges). I will say though that the F2P version of battlepass is very terrible compared to premium. Like, we're talking only 1 skin on F2P version, and like +10 on premium.



Overall I'd give this an 8/10, barring that on knowing more is to come (as seen in trailers) and that this is a SIDE GAME. Some people don't seem to understand that lol. Like, don't expect anything AAA here. Regardless though, solid game, and a good amount of fun.

Story: idfk, I skip it, ask someone else

Gameplay: it's like DMC on meth

Visuals: YES


The Grind: don't feel so bad about bad gacha luck. you can get "fragments" for a character over time and eventually unlock them that way. You'll need them anyway and/or pull duplicates to max out though. Shouldn't be surprising that maxing a character will easily take 10s of hours alone.

How Complicated This mf: It will definitely be super overwhelming at first, but game does really well from just in game tutorials and resources alone to explain everything to you. Even has trials you can do just to learn characters and ♥♥♥♥. Something you don't see often.

I'm Broke tho: definitely looks f2p friendly. you'd basically just be paying to accelerate the grind. no amount of money though will give you the ability to git gud.

I wanna Drag My Friend Against their Will to Play With me: co-op raids and ♥♥♥♥, real neat stuff


My only gripe with this game is how slow stamina regen is (1 stamina every 6 minutes). It takes double digit stamina to do a single mission which can take maybe 20 seconds, if even. If you want a 2nd gacha game to play because you hate yourself, this is perfect for you. If this is your only gacha game, enjoy life while you wait to play. only except in the beginning game you account level super fast and this can easily lead to you playing for like 6 hours straight 3 days in a row then making you wonder what went wrong in life.