MENACE [Full cinematic trailer]

When Overhype Studios released the demo for Menace, they also dropped a small teaser that showed off the brutality of their created world—in part. Well, fret no more, the full length trailer is here, and it’s awesome (as expected). Sadly, it isn’t that much longer than the teaser, but it adds context to what we saw earlier. 

Two noticeable things here. The sludge that grabs a dead (or wounded) marine around the one-minute mark looks really nasty and terrifying. I foresee grotesque body-horror in the future! Also, note to self, avoid everything slimy and bubbling. Then the second thing comes at about one and a half minute in—and it’s a damn Terminator machine, directly manifested from my “future wars” nightmares. Wow! Talk about the unexpected, and it looks like what the title of the game indicates: Menacing! Check out the cool trailer after the jump.

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Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown – Demo Impressions

My first impression of the Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown demo wasn’t too great, as it felt more like a proof of concept, than an actual slice of the game. No voice-acting, and everything seemed to have a cheap “visual novel” kind of design, with very little input from you required to do anything. But after the tutorial let go of my hand, I started to see the potential of this title. Now, for the decision-making, and story it never really leaves the visual novel phase, but as a complete package, I’m captivated regardless. And that is largely thanks to the ship management, exploration mechanics and how crew skills play into your judgments, and success.

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Menace – Demo Impressions

Finally, the Menace demo has arrived for us to download and play like the tactics starved maniacs that we are! So, how is it? I would say it’s okay, showing potential for the future. However, the high boardgame feel of it really surprised me. It’s a game that is a lot more abstracted in combat simulation, LOS (line of sight), and damage than I was expecting—especially compared to their last title; Battle Brothers.

For example, “overwatch” has been dumped in favor of faster gameplay, forcing you to move forward instead of turtling behind defenses to ambush the enemy. Fair, I guess, but it also means that the defensive safe playstyle that I like is out the window. And it feels a tad ridiculous that my special forces unit when having action-points left after a move, say up to a building, can’t defend themselves. 

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Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown [Gameplay Trailer]

The publisher Daedalic Entertainment just released a gameplay trailer for their new upcoming game: Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown. And what can be said? The trailer is short and only shows us snippets of the gameplay and mechanics. As it stands right now, taken from what has been shown, it seems to mostly be a management game with story based decisions, which you make in a menu.

This is not necessarily a bad thing. However, I must admit it comes off a little flat to me. No tactical teams to send and fight with, beyond CYOA (Choose Your Own Adventure) picks when on expeditions. Yet, it all could provide an interesting experience, since space combat seems to be a thing, and getting to decide the fate of Voyager could provide some “alternative history” fun. Maybe you can let Tuvix live now, instead of putting him to sleep like an old sick dog.

Not to be a negative Nancy, the game still has potential. I was just expecting something extra, and usually, I’m not the biggest fan of rehashing old plot-lines. But it’s the good Star Trek, so it will probably be fun regardless. Trailer after the click!

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Bloodgrounds – Demo Impressions

What is better than to test your mettle in the warm arena sand, beneath the scorching Mediterranean sun! Well, to do it in a fantasy setting of both Roman and Greek mythology. So, it’s not only men and women equipped with gladiuses you have to fear. It’s Minotaurs and magic-users as well, among many other creatures of legend. A bloody good time will be had—in both senses. Welcome to Bloodgrounds!

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