Game Review: Haunt the House: Terrortown

Game Review: Haunt the House: Terrortown

   December 27, 2014       Mizu

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Game: Haunt the House: Terrortown
Played on: PC/Steam
Console: PC/Steam, PSV, Android, iOS
Price: $4.99 [Steam]
Official Site: Haunt the House
Genre: Action

Mizu's Review
This is a simple tale, a tale of a ghost alone in a tower. The town surrounding him is full of life, full of noise, The ghost looks out at the town with longing.
This longing to reunite his family that he has lost, fills him with the desire to go out and scare everyone away and in the process, reclaim the family he lost.

I procured this game in the recent sales, mainly because I was lulled in by the cute yet simple graphics of the game. At first, I seen it during the Halloween sale, I didn't think there is much horror in it, but the story, if observed closely shows it does reach a level of dark horror. Anyway, this game is a simple 'spook everyone out of town' type of story, with the twist of taking out certain characters to reunite the family you lost. That is what I got from this game.

The story of the game is simple; you are a cute little ghost who wants to scare everyone out of town and reclaim what you lost. This can be seen by the huge painting after the intro tutorial, which depicts images of a family but some parts are incomplete. The family painting is incomplete, this tells the player one thing, it's time to bring the family together again, in death.

I, sadly, found the music a bit irritating but the sound effects the game offers is brilliant.
Each part, especially the possessable items, has it's own sound for each of it's actions. Some are even humorous in the action too, such as the polar bear purring. It was simple things like this, that made the game a bit more interesting.

The art is bright and seemingly happy to the uneducated player but don't let it fool you, the story is dark. On a personal note, I found it interesting and maybe a bit overwhelming at first. I am unsure on how else to explain the graphics, it sorta acts as a opposite. A light to this dark tale, filled with innocence of a little ghost wanting his family back.

The mechanics in this game is simple, there is only a few controls you ever need for this game, mainly the arrow keys and the WASD keys. I like how simple it was and easy to grasp when starting this game.

As a conclusive point, I like to point out at how this casual game seems to be suited for all player levels. Everything about it is pleasant to all ages and does not restrict many groups out of playing it. I would even go to the extent of saying that anyone can play this and feel satisfied in how they do.

Pros: Nice, short and simple. Very cute and suitable for all players.
Cons: Replaying means going through tutorial. Also replay value is short if you don't care for achievements.

Score: ★★★☆☆

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Demo Review: NEKOPARA Vol.1

Demo Review: NEKOPARA Vol.1

   December 27, 2014       Mizu

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Game: NEKOPARA Vol. 1
Played On: PC
Console: PC/Steam
Future Release: December 29th, 2014 [Steam]
Genre: Visual Novel

Basically
You left home to open a bakery and in the process of moving, two cat-girls under your families care follows you there.
Basically, you are now left with a dilemma, at first, in the end, you allow them to stay and help. This is what happens.

Mizu's Thoughts
The story seems very cute and simple, you own a shop, two cute yet clingy cat-girls stay with you after much begging and that is as much as the demo offers. My thoughts are simple, I hope it keeps up this tempo, cause I think it will be such a brilliant story.

The demo itself takes about an hour to play but a lot happens, you hear about the past, see the world around them and the reason why cat-girls seem to exist.

The graphics are nice and attractive, I enjoy the look of it. Same with the music, it's nice and simple, I enjoy it a lot. I can only mention so much since it is a simple demo and show's you what you are getting into.

Probability of Purchase: Very High.

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Game Review: Reus

Game Review: Reus

   December 27, 2014       Mizu

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Game: Reus
Played On: PC/Steam
Console: PC
Price: $9.99 [Steam]
Genre: God Game, Simulation
Original Post: Nyantastic Review

Basically
You get to control powerful giants, that will provide the skills to shape the planet to your will. Mountains, Oceans, Forests, you create them all to enrich the Earth to allow life to live long but you have no control over the humans, but you have to make sure you shape their world but not them. Provide fairly or you will suffer with their greed.
Will you be a fair God or a benevolent overlord? That is up to you.

Mizu's Thoughts
My first encounter with this game gave me the illusion that it will be simple, but that was short lived after the first mission. There is also many factors in this game and  how you adapt to them impacts the game as a whole, otherwise no one will want to inhabit the little Earth you lord over. Though, I admit, I enjoy the idea of controlling a whole planet and how it develops. Though, I got it on special.

There isn't much of a story, like the last few visual novels I seem to be playing a lot. So, with this story, you control the giants and attribute to the lifestyle of this little planet.
It's rather simple, it teaches you how to play the game and then pushes you into the game afterwards. There is a plethora of skills and crossover abilities when combining two giant skills together, such as certain plants for certain climates. It is simple but it is a rewarding game for all players.

In regards to the music of the game, it suits the feel of the game and make it rather pleasant and this works well with the nice simplicity of the games graphics and is nice on the eyes. It is not overbearing like a few games from the same genre and I approve of this game and people should give this game a shot.

Pros: This game has high appeal, especially people who finds enjoyment in simulation games.
Cons: It's a bit slow, mainly starting and moving the giants. The game is confusing at first as well.

Final Say
Conclusion, I found this game to be enjoyable and many hours of future play being clocked, considering I get to control the way the world works and see how my people will survive.
I recommend this game but possibly for people over 13 years, since it does have a lot of planning needed and patience is needed as well.

Score: 4.1 out of 5

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Game Review: Hatoful Boyfriend

Game Review: Hatoful Boyfriend

   December 27, 2014       Mizu

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Game: Hatoful Boyfriend
Played on: PC
Console: PC/Steam
Price: $9.99+ [Steam]
Genre: Visual Novel
Original Post: Nyantastic Review

Basically
Welcome to St. PigeoNation's Institute for you are the very first human to enter this prestigious all bird school.
Here you will study and develop alongside of your fellow feather folks, each unique like their breeds. You will not only develop friendships and if your lucky, you may find the one true bird just for you. There is more to this tale than just going through school and developing friendships, there is a deep, dark secret in these walls, if you don't be careful, you may end up dead. Just don't let that stop you from seeking the truth!

Mizu's Thoughts
Out of curiosity, I pre-ordered this game and I certainly got my coins worth after playing this, it was far from what I first expected. On a serious note; I first saw this game as a silly little romance between birds and humans and didn't give it much of a thought. In the end, my thoughts changed drastically, to the extent that I can't see it as a dumb little romance but something darker and seductive, it kept you playing till the end.

So when you play this game, keep this in mind, it's not what it seems and need to be treated as such.
This game is enticing, the story, at first, seems light and adorable. You develop as a character and form bonds that last a lifetime but this is just a cover for the true story.
It is dark and disturbing but it is something that cannot be overlooked, it will keep you hooked till the end. In the end, everything comes together and leaves you reeling.

Now the mechanics are simple and is no different from any other game of this genre, like I keep mentioning. Each story is short but hold hints of the deeper truth and has many endings for the players to find and the way to see the truth of this story.
The graphics are sweet and simple, there is also the option of having the birds having a human avatar, so it doesn't seem a bit unsettling, thinking you are hooking up with a bird (which you are anyway).

The flaw that I picked up was if you rush ahead and skip dialogue, you may miss some important parts of the story.
Another thing, is the game is very odd and not like most games of this genre, since some choices can help you end the game very quickly and painfully or it could lead you far into the game and lead you don't paths you never expected in the first place.

Pros: It's not like the average Visual Novel and the story is addictive, though it unsettled me.
Cons: Skipping ahead can make you overlook useful information.

Final Say
It is worth getting due to story and the fact it could be done quickly or as long as you like. Probably worthwhile if you get it on sale.

Score: 4.25 out of 5

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Game Review: Orion: Dino Horde

Game Review: Orion: Dino Horde

   December 23, 2014       Mizu

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Game: Orion: Dino Horde
Played On: PC
Console: PC/Steam
Price: $0.99 [Steam]
Genre: FPS
Original Post: Nyantastic Reviews
Note: This was written before the change to Orion: Prelude. A new one may be written in the future. All Players seen in this has given consent to have their name shown.

Basically
You are now stuck on a planet, either by yourself or with a few other people and your goal is to survive by making sure you are not eaten and devoured by Dinosaurs and to keep the reactor running. This is while doing a plethora of other missions that can be found through out the waves, that's if you live long enough to find out.
Don't get me wrong, there are other game types, if you are more inclined to hunting crates down or seeing how long you survive. There are also many servers to match a person's interest and/or gaming style.

Mizu's Thoughts
For a game I purchased in a bundle and for a nice price. I found this rather enjoyable, as long as I was in a team with like minded individuals. Solo is fun but it gets boring, fast. The provided images, I had two great companions during the time of this review and made it one of the funnest games I had played.
Not only did I gain guns for cheaper (okay, free) but the things we manage to get up to while playing and shooting dino brains all over the surrounding environments.

So, let's go back to the game. There are several classes one can chose but the commando is fun, with the jet pack and sadly, it's all I remember, The other companions have taken the other rolls, such as the medic and stealthily shooting everything, that and the constant amount of vehicles for us to use and abuse, is fun. Well, the collisions into everything that moves or did not.

The only flaw I think of is the money system and the fact that once you die, you lose absolutely everything and had to collect them or hope to have a kick ass team mate who cares to share.
The fun thing is, as soon as you progress, everything gets more harder and fun, well, minus the idea of having 5 T-Rexes hunting you down for your delicious meaty body.

Pros: It's a fun team game.
Cons: Dying and the fact that it is a bit buggy at times.

Final Say
Well, not much to say, since it is a nice FPS to waste time on with friends.

Score: 3.75 out of 5

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Game Review: Always Remember Me

Game Review: Always Remember Me

   December 23, 2014       Mizu

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Game: Always Remember Me
Played on: PC
Console: PC/Steam
Price: $17.99 [Steam]
Genre: Visual Novel
Original Post: Nyantastic Reviews

Basically
You are Amy.
You were caught up in an accident with your boyfriend, which ended with you with few injuries but your boyfriend now has amnesia and has no recollection of the last few years, yes, this means your relationship has now been forgotten.
So now, this game gives you a choice, work to help him remember you or find new romance with three other worthy candidates. In order to earn the romance, you work on stats associated with them in order to earn all the achievements. So, pursuit new romance or rekindle the old, is left up to you.

Mizu's Thoughts
I enjoy Visual Novels, as one can see by the last few reviews, but this one fell a tad short of what I hoped.

The game was short, sweet but felt a little under developed and a tad rushed. The game was easy to figure out and accomplish and left me feeling a bit empty, which is sad. If one wants a quick Visual Novel, then this is the game for you.

The graphics are nice and simple but generally annoys me but the cut-scenes or what is close to it, was nicely done and done rather well. Though, after a while, it all looks the same, to me anyway.
The sound suits the game and so did the music but after a while, I have somewhat forgotten it.

The game has a nice story, especially when you namely focus on one character at a time, but sadly, this alone does not help the replay value. Don't get me wrong, the story is rather tasteful but there is only so much you can do and then it loses it's appeal. I am sure you will feel happier if you acquire the game on a special rather than full price.

Pros: The story is fairly good and intriguing.
Cons: The lack of replay value, it's not very memorable and best to procure during sales for a quick play.

Final Say
There is not much I can say.
It's a good game but nothing about it is worth raving about.

Score: 3.5 out of 5

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   December 22, 2014       Mizu

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Personal Post #1

Personal Post #1

   December 22, 2014       Mizu

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So, in the daily life of Mizu, I have procured more loot of gaming yummyness.

Above is the recent loot.

Litleo Plushie from Pokemon, which I thought was too cute to leave at EB Games.
An IGN shirt I somehow earned or won, I don't quite recall.
Final Fantasy: Type 0 pre-ordered for the next year on PS4 and is probably the most expensive pre-order I can recall, sitting at the grand total of $200. I regret nothing, as I have been waiting for this game since I first heard of it a few years ago.

There is not much else I can think to add, besides being absent over the next few days for the festive season and spending time with family in the process but I do wish you all a Merry Christmas.

Estimate return: December 27th 2014

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Game Review: The Walking Dead - Season 1

Game Review: The Walking Dead - Season 1

   December 22, 2014       Mizu

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Game: The Walking Dead: Season 1
Played on: PC
Console: PC/Steam, Android, iOS, Kindle Fire, Mac, Ouya, PS3, PS4, PSV, xBox 360 and xBone
Price: $24.99 [Steam]
Genre: Graphic Adventure
Original Post: Nyantastic Review

Basically
You are Lee: A man who literally crashed and stumbled into a world of madness, death and survival, then you find a young girl hiding in her tree-house, waiting.
Given there is little choices at hand, you both forge a team where you venture into a world gone crazy to find truth and a way to survive. Remember, your choices you take and the things you say and do will impact your fate.

Mizu's Thoughts
Honestly, within minutes of playing this game, I found myself enthralled with the story and how it progresses with everything happening. However, 16 hours of gameplay later, I kept playing until I finished the game, there was a chance I felt very emotional at the end. Personally, I wouldn't know how many who would not be impacted by such an ending.
This game will break one as a player as they are faced with choices that can change everything in the game. All can be difficult and some can be, but not often, simple. Though, remember, each choice dictates what happens and even the simplest choice can kill someone. All in all, the game itself is cruel but addictive.
The game consists of 5 chapters and a bonus chapter called 400 Days, which is a downloaded extra for a price but does show what happened 400 days beforehand, a review will be written soon.

Now, let's begin with what is the easiest yet biggest aspect of this game, the story.
This is like most Visual Novels but let's you explore and confronted with more action and interactions with people and the environment. You are in control of Lee but given several characters to work with and you have a strong influences with the choices you are given at any given time. The story is what gets you and you will hunger for more, like a walker is like with fresh flesh.
With this in mind, this game takes after the comic serialisation with the the same name. Along with Telltales direction, the comic comes to life with more of a players interaction and input, making it more intriguing and possibly one of the greatest stories I have interacted with in a game for a long while.

Now, like most Telltale games, it has a lot of point and click interaction, which the company is known to utilise in their games. They may be limited in controls and movements and have some few issues of not doing what you want or overlooking a few points of interest but it works well with this game. Though at times, I did get agitated with the quick reactions and spamming of the Q button. Besides, the game is fairly simple to control and as a nice bonus, you can leave an overlay on to provide help but that is all up to the player.

There is very little music tracks used in comparison to the sound that is very frequent in the game, which suits the game immensely, such as the realistic sounds of muffled shuffles and moans of distant walkers, these sounds are what fuels the game and the imagination of the player. It helps make the creepy atmosphere all that more darker. Each area has it's own distinct feel and collections of sounds and music, you can also feel when there is danger lurking around every corner, even when there is no direct danger but you would think there is.

Now, onto the final piece of this artwork of a game and that is the graphics.
The western style art with the sense that this was a moving comic book, rather than a game of modern working of realism, set the visual standards of this game. It works well, so well in fact, that it made the game look as dark, dangerous yet beautiful as the world felt. It had a few scenes so clear when things were peaceful and looking hopeful but dark and gritty when things were at it's worse.

The creators did a brilliant job at making everything fit in together so well, I am so glad I got to play such a marvelous game that I do highly recommend all to play it or even give it a try.

Pros: The story is the most compelling, being trailed closely by the art and music, one really can't stop until the game is over.
Cons:  There isn't much to nit pick on, besides the few points of overlooking POI and slow reactions or missing critical points or making wrong choices. Chances are, those few points can end up with you dying.

Final Say
As a conclusive piece, this game is worth getting, regardless if this genre actually appeals to you. The story is worth checking out and where this games shines most brilliantly. The controls may not always work in ones favour and you can see the evolution of the graphics in each chapter (which is a nice thing, in my opinion) but this game is worth checking out, especially if you adore story driven games.

Score: 4.9 out of 5

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Game Review: Analogue: A Hate Story

Game Review: Analogue: A Hate Story

   December 22, 2014       Mizu

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Game: Analogue: A Hate Story
Played On: PC
Console: PC/Steam
Price: $9.99+ [Steam]
Genre: Visual Novel
Original Post: Nyantastic Review

Basically
You are sent to a ship that has been abandoned and floating around in space for a very long time, well, hundreds of years. It was said to be the first colony ship which Earth has lost contact to, so they sent you to go investigate why they lost contact and what happened to all the inhabitants of that ship.
So you get to investigate the ship by reading all the logs and read through all the tales of the inhabitants.
You start off on the overview screen where you use command prompt to access the data on the computer, you navigate through the system to find the truth. You have some help with the PC AI, she will help you go through all the logs and eventually find another AI, it is through them, you find the truth.

Mizu's Thoughts
After getting this game when it basically came out but at the time, I got very impatient and left it to rot in my account. It took me nearly a year to brush the dust off and sit down to try it again, I regret leaving it and failing to see what a great game it is.

The story is constructed purely of the logs on the computer system of the missing ship. You see the life and drama that occurred on the ship and they were not simple problems either, they were very intense and gripping.
Adultery, Incest, Life, Death, Sexuality, Childbearing, Traditions, Murder...
At first, it is confusing on what is happening but once it all comes together you realise you have developed feelings for the characters and even pity for the main character, the one called the Pale Bride and what happens to her in the cycle of the ship's demise.

As for the graphics, it is simple like the game but nicely done. The navigation is simple and can be an utter pain in the ass but after a while, one gets use to it. Then again, I enjoyed the simplicity of the game and what it offered, but simple it is not. Besides the intense story, the most other intense part was the timed section, other than that, you mainly read logs and talk to the AI's who help guide you towards the truth.

The music, like the game, is simple but very nice, it keeps one entertained while scourging through a multitude of logs. The nice part is also, you can buy the soundtrack for a good price or bundle it with the main game and if you like, get the second game of the series, which is a nice deal.

Pros: The art, music and story is engaging and simulating to all players. It can keep one on he game for a long time.
Cons: Some of the files are difficult to get unless you find the clues and it can be a bit too long and some parts, like the core deactivation, can be convoluted and tricky.

Final Say
The story is fascinating and I highly recommend this to everyone, especially those who loves a good Visual Novel with a deep, engaging story.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

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Game Review: Whispering Willows

Game Review: Whispering Willows

   December 22, 2014       Mizu

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Game: Whispering Willows
Played on: PC
Console: PC/Steam
Price: $14.99 [Steam]
Genre: Adventure, Indie
Original Post: Nyantastic Review

Basically
You are Elena Elkhorn.
The situation is dire, your father is missing and you take it upon yourself to go find him. You decided to investigate the last place he worked, Willows Manor. Not only do you learn more about yourself but the dark secret of the manor and why things seem to have such a dark secret. Only armed with your power infuse with ancient Shamanic powers, will you be able to save your father and figure out the dark past of the manor.

Mizu's thoughts
When I first came across this game by Night Light, I didn't think much of it besides that fact it sounded like it had an interesting storyline, curious game art but that's about it. I was pretty much right about my first assumption but the game itself proved that it was worthwhile and entertaining to play.

The story revolves around the investigation of Willows Manor by a young lady named Elena Elkhorn, her goal is to find out what happened to her father when he didn't return home one night. Her father was Groundskeeper of Willows Manor, which has been passed to him from the last one who spent 30 years caring for it. Even then, her father, like her, knew there was something dark and sinister at work in the manor itself.
Like most stories about Manors, this games manor has a dark history. Here you will use both picking up and reading notes from past occupants and the use of your special ability to uncover the truth. Also, after procuring a few items, it will help you progress through the story.

The game mechanic system is simple and easy to understand, to the extent that one can play this game single-handedly utilised by focusing on the WASD keys and a few keys around that area. There is also a few things to consider and frequently use, such as Menu, interacting with items and spirit form.
The only issue I came across is the way of going up and down stairs but it was a nice touch that one could stop walking in the middle of the stairs.

The sounds used in the game help set the atmosphere and the mood to the game, like the music, it made the atmosphere and the environment cold and chilling, just like the story of the game. The nicest touch was how realistic most of the sound effects were, such as the storm in the background and the rain hitting against the area after being booted out of the manor at one point. I believe the realism of everything help set the mood of the game.

Pros: The story is brilliantly done, simple but not too overbearing. The choice of sound and music was brilliant and the best thing is the story is just right in length and doesn't lose what the game was trying to make the player feel and understand.
Cons: Not too many cons but the stair mechanics was a bit painful at times and getting lost on what to do was the worst I came across.

Final Say
It was a great purchase and was worth getting. I enjoy this game and I recommend others to give it a go.

Score: 4 out of 5

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Game Review: Pyrite Heart

Game Review: Pyrite Heart

   December 21, 2014       Mizu

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Name: Pyrite Heart
Played on: PC
Price: $4.99 [Steam]
Genre: Visual Novel
Original Post: Nyantastic Review

Basically
You are the never defeated Princess Ahri, only when it comes to knowledge and skill, otherwise you seem to be lacking in other areas.
Since you can't help but step up to every challenge, when your brother proposes that you couldn't last a week as a normal person, you set your mind to prove that you can and will surpass all expectations.
Little did you know that this is a challenge that will do more than change your life but change the world as you see it.

Mizu's thoughts
It's a typical otome, visual novel style game of having both romantic interests and choices that will lead to one of the few endings this game offers. Like most games, this one has the flaw of being both short and a pain to progress past the two bland endings one can so easily obtain during initial play-through, since this review is just initial contact with it. Since then, the game had extra additions, such as trading cards.

The story is simple, you are a Princess, since you only lived the noble life, you don't think highly of just an average lifestyle, let alone the people. So as a challenge from your brother, you take it upon yourself to live as a normal person and without help from anyone. In the process (and being vague about actual content), you will be knocked down a few pegs and faced with challenges that changes Arhi's prospective and develops into a more understanding individual.

Ahri starts off as a typical spoilt little rich kid, though her progress as a character seems rushed in the story, you see her develop into a more open-minded and considerate young woman.
In regards to other characters, it is very limited and the same applies to the story and development of those characters, mainly the two love interests, Kenta the servant and Ryuu the popular guy. They are the two interactions while the other characters seen is her brother, otherwise, just various dialogues from no faced students and references to others. Which is a pity, since this game has so much potential.

As per visual novel mechanics and as they progress with simple clicks and the use of a mouse-wheel to see skipped dialogue. It is no different from any other game of it's genre. Then again, first play had limited choices to begin with and little to do within the game.
Now, the music is simple and pleasurable, which is a key factor in this games genre but the tune is so common that one can simply hear the same thing in other games of it's kind but it is expected but I won't judge.

Now, my favourite part, the graphics. It is very nicely done and one of the key factors to why I considered playing this game at all. It is pleasant and very well done. This section is only praises at the detail of the backgrounds and how it looks so nicely but not over-bearing to the extent you lose the characters amongst it. I like playing a game with nice visuals.

Pros: The visuals. The potential of this game. The bonus of the body pillow design.
Cons: Short and convoluted storyline. Replay value is limited. Great potential gone to waste.

Final Say
I reckon this is a great buy but it is a quick play/visual novel fix. Maybe best to procure during sales.

Score: 2.6 out of 5

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Welcome

Welcome

   December 20, 2014       Mizu

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Welcome to Nyantastic review posted by Mizu, nyan~

I do hope you enjoy the posts I care to share about all things gaming. From Reviews, to personal buys and just opinions about gaming in general.

I decided to move this from tumblr since I want to distance myself from that site for a while but do feel free to visit nyantasticmizu.tumblr.com for some of my more older posts.

Cheers.

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