Recent reviews by N.Jacobs | STiX

Great concept, well executed.

Simplistic, but engaging gameplay. Upgrade paths and card selections create some interesting build archetypes.

At AU$9.95, Galaxy Champions TV is worth the price - but is noticeably overshadowed by it's predecessor Super Smash T.V.

The planets (levels) and upgrades are fun, but there is only 3 of the former and not a huge variety of enemies nor bosses. Late-game gameplay feels like you're just spamming forward towards one Loot Bot onto the to the next. Also absent is any of the humour of the Williams Entertainment classic - which, withstanding Galaxy Champions TV is it's own game, would be okay if it was substituted with something else that connects you to the world other than the solid gun play.

Some minor additions, like looping in the 'Campaign' mode and other novelties would not go astray to keep my attention.

Solid game, but needs more content and to reduce the bullet spam scaling.

**Alpha Version 0.002 Review**

ROAD REDEMPTION is the spiritual successor to Road Rash and is a thrilling jaunt through the open roads, rooftops and rainbow roads, fighting enemies and winning the races with fluid controls.


Positives:
+ Dynamic maps, weather effects and mutators (car rain)
+ 60FPS Support
+ Near-on full use of the SteamWorks API to deliver achievements, trading cards, cloud saving and more
+ Large assembly of melee weapons, not always straight upgrades (different speed, damage, critical % and reach values)
+ Car crash crinkles
+ Different modes
+ Good level of air control
+ Local multi-player

Improvement Opportunities: - most of these are likely just a result of being alpha state
- Maxed out graphics settings leave something to be desired in texture quality
- When playing with a controller, you're still required to use the mouse to navigate through the menu
- Enemies attack in a predictable manner
- Current version does not take away the grappling harpoon and boosters on non-skyline maps (bug)
- Poor draw distance for dropping assets (eg. cars are only generated very close to you, ~ a few hundred meter)
- Current Campaign state takes ~40 minutes to beat
- Bonuses for kill streaks would be a good addition
- Unity launcher options made available in-game


Alpha Thoughts:
Compared to other Early Access games, especially those in an alpha build, Road Redemption close to justifies it's current sales price (AU$15 at present) with even it's existing content. I'm still finding myself playing through Campaign+.
Definitely one to watch, Road Redemption is a promising racing / fighting game. It plays more "arcade-y" than Blur and is a great couch game.


Other Notes
I received my Early Access key at no cost from a developer directly. Post beating the game, I was given a prompt screen where I could ring a developer and talk about my experiences. It's great to see, and testament to the indie model, that I could have such direct access to the team to discuss my feelings towards the game and voice my suggestions.

Asking the developers what the terms are in relation to uploading game-play to YouTube - I was informed both over Steam and via phone call that I can upload any game-play material, music or other assets from the game with no restriction (this may not apply to you!). I see some other players have already started uploading footage, so hopefully this'll have the intended effect of bring more players to the game.

First auto-achievement when you start the game that is actually decent.
Definitely gave me a laugh.

Great party game :)
If you like Nintendo-esque party games, get this!

Spiritual successor to Diablo 2.

Early content is a grind and quite dull. After completing Acts I to III in Normal, Cruel is dull.
Merciless ramps up the difficulty though for new players and where the game takes off (Act III specifically).

End-game gearing and content is where it's at, but you have to suffer the early content first!
If you can brave it, I thoroughly recommend it.

I've been playing the alpha and have max leveled (currently level 25) 5 characters now and still keep playing for an hour here and there.
Really good experience thus far and decent itemisation. Keenly awaiting the next batch of updates :)

Underrated turn-based game.
If you can look past the graphics and get it cheap, it's worth giving it play.
You'll either love it or hate it.

A classic.
Even with an expectantly dead online multiplayer scene, with well programmed bots this game is still worth a purchase.
I continue to go back to it even after almost a decade.

Fanastic interactive novel.
Played it several years ago as a mod, but have recently had the privilege of re-living it on the updated Source engine.

I love how the scene is set, the randomised potential dialogue options you may encounter and the plot itself. A must-buy, for the experience you'll otherwise be missing.

10/10