Knights of the Chalice – Fireball, My Only Friend [Field Report]

Welcome to this report on Knights of the Chalice. This is not a true review, since I’m far from the ending, as the game seemingly looks to be huge, with plenty of monsters and evildoers needing vanquishing. Treat this more as an ongoing field report in appreciation of what this title offers. The way I’m playing it, it fits better as an audiobook companion (don’t judge me!) than a full RPG experience that requires your complete attention—even if it does need it for success in the hairiest situations.

You see, this is a Dungeons and Dragons fighting simulator where the story only serves to take you from one challenging battle to the next. Knowledge of the DnD 3.5 ruleset is mandatory, or the orcs will make sheesh kebab out of your heroic group of adventurers before you even have time to unsheathe your sword.

Continue reading →

Hypogea — Vaulting for Freedom [Review]

Who knew that even robots made for war and industry don’t like to live in vast underground rusty metallic tunnels—left to rot after the end of humanity. I can’t say I blame the poor things, since while these massive subterranean constructions look wondrous and are very atmospheric—they have an air of decay to them, as they’re all that’s left of a bygone era. With that, welcome to the review of Hypogea, which is a moody third-person platformer set underground, with no voice-acting, and no enemies—except the water that will rust your bolts within seconds if you miss that crucial jump!

Continue reading →

The Temple of Elemental Evil (Rediscovered)

I have been playing the semi-forgotten party based D&D RPG Temple of Elemental Evil from 2003 with the mods Temple+ (engine fixes) and Circle of Eight (more engine fixes, + extra game content). The reason I mention the mods so early in the article, is that when I played Temple of Elemental Evil the first time, none of these mods existed. And Temple of Elemental Evil was not a stable game, at all, at release. However, it showed serious potential, which these excellent modders saw and started to work on. These mods are now, as I can see it: essential. Temple+ for the numerous fixes, and Circle of Eight for the additional quests, that makes the first part of the game much more enjoyable.

Continue reading →

Old Skies – Stuck in Time

After many years since the release of Unavowed, Wadjet Eye Games is finally out with a new point and click adventure game titled Old Skies. While still having a focus on New York, Dave Gilbert is ditching the fantasy element for a futuristic sci-fi city setting, with time traveling shenanigans as its centerpiece. I do enjoy the occasional escapade through the vortex of time. However, most time travel stories touching this usually end up breaking their own internal rules, thus making a huge mess of the narrative. So, do Old Skies suffer the same fate? Let’s find out.

Continue reading →

Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter – Extermination Geonosis

Strap in and secure your hold-out blaster pistol. It’s time to once again set out to defend against the Trade Federation droids. Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter is a continuation of Star Wars: Starfighter, but bigger and better, with a more focused story that plays into the Star Wars movie prequel a bit more. Notable Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and specifically: the battle of Geonosis. Another difference in this game, compared to the original, is that the spot for the main character is now shared with a Jedi, who comes with unique devastating force abilities.

Continue reading →