Recent reviews by kenpodragon

Let's get this out of the way: Penny Larceny: Gig Economy Supervillain is as absurd as those internet videos of cats riding robot vacuums into chaotic glory. Yes, it's that level of special.

The story? Look, you're Penny, and life as a wannabe supervillain in a boringly heroic world isn't glamorous. That is until you "get some" access to Crimr - an app for side hustling henchpeople. From that point forward, you're caught in a loop of botched capers, bumbling villains, and the crushing realities of late-stage capitalism. Good times!

But here's the kicker: You have a cyber cat (uwu). This little ball of digital sass and hacking brilliance is practically the entire reason to play. Forget supervillain schemes, I'm in it for the adorable AI and its penchant for taking down security systems – in the most charming way possible, of course.

Replayability? Well, let's say your cyber feline will get VERY well acquainted with the "restart mission" button. Each heist plays out like a choose-your-own-misadventure, and you'll spend more time staring at failure screens than plotting world domination.

And Captain Infinity? Oh, don't even get me started. If saving the day means thwarting low-budget shenanigans, maybe this supposed hero can try getting a hobby? Honestly, it might make the Gigaverse a bit more interesting.

So, if you enjoy watching adorable cyber cats outsmart everyone, possess a mild (or even masochistic) love of failed plans, and have a deep appreciation for the absurd, then Penny Larceny is calling. The game may not be perfect, but when your sidekick is digital purr-fection, who cares?

Picture this: a world where arcades haven't just survived, they've THRIVED! Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers flings you face-first into this glorious dystopia, where button-mashing, joystick-wielding mayhem is the path to true purpose. Forget saving the world – you're here to become an esports LEGEND!

Remember when the idea of finding love and glory inside an arcade seemed far-fetched? Well, that was before The New Challengers stormed onto the scene! You play a misunderstood underdog with dreams way bigger than your sad apartment. Tired of being a gaming gremlin, you decide life needs more…PIZZAZZ. So, naturally, you throw yourself into the esports gauntlet in the only way you know how – pure, unfiltered heart!

Forget about complex strategies and dull competition. The New Challengers is a rainbow-colored journey of sheer unbridled chaos sprinkled with self-discovery and more cheese than a supreme pizza! As you bond with your ragtag team of misfits, you'll realize that friendship is the ultimate cheat code! Teamwork? Overrated! Emotional depth? Absolutely necessary! Romance? It's like an extra pepperoni– unexpected but absolutely scrumptious!

Get those claw-grip fingerless gloves ready, because you're about to battle your way through "Fist of Discomfort 2," the game-within-the-game that's so deliciously ridiculous you'll laugh your way to victory! The true heart of the game lies in the moments between epic fights and late-night pizza bagel binges. The characters will sweep you away with their hilarious quirks and hidden depths.

Oh, and did I mention the AI overlords? Because, in The New Challengers, AI isn't a threat, it's your bestie! Imagine befriending an AI with more wit and sass than your entire gaming squad. Suddenly, world domination just seems like a fun bonus mission!

The Verdict? Forget your energy drinks and noise-canceling headphones! Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers is a pure, concentrated sugar rush disguised as a game. It's a heartfelt reminder that friendships and pizza bagels make any impossible dream seem within reach…except the treasure at the end - it's all the friends you made along the way!

Prepare to cry, laugh, and probably order way too much takeout before the final credits roll. Just promise me you won't tell our robot overlords that I said that.

Arcade Spirits is what happens if you take every gloriously corny dating sim cliche, blast it with rainbow lasers, and sprinkle it with enough synthwave to give John Hughes a nostalgia high-five. This game is pure unadulterated 80s/90s arcade-era delight, and I'm OBSESSED with every darn pixel of it.

Think hair taller than Ms. Pac-Man's bow, outfits a Jem & the Holograms concert would envy, and dialogue so cheese it'd make even the cheesiest pizza-bagel blush. Yet miraculously, it just adds to the charm!

But beneath the neon glitz, Arcade Spirits sneaks in some seriously good storytelling. Your visual novel shenanigans intertwine with this heartfelt tale of underdogs fighting to save their beloved arcade. I found myself genuinely invested in these characters with their surprisingly layered personalities. Who knew the quiet arcade tech had a backstory that could rival any RPG hero?

Plus, they had me hooked with the relationship and personality meters! See, those cringe-worthy embarassing scenes and goofy dialogue choices AREN'T just for cheap laughs; they ACTUALLY shape how characters connect with you. You might flirt your way into the heart of the arcade social-influencer esports heiress befriend the introverted bookeeper- your story unfolds at your fingertips. Even better, your choices carry over into the sequel (Arcade Spirits: The New Challenger) for even more retro-fueled love drama!

Honestly, Arcade Spirits is like that forgotten arcade game you stumble upon that's way more fun than you expected. It's corny, goofy, a little rough around the edges, but you can't help sinking quarter after quarter into it because you're having the time of your life. If you crave nostalgia with a side of surprisingly genuine emotions, give this a go!

I went into "Henchman Story" expecting cheesy fun and over-the-top supervillain antics. Little did I know, I'd walk away with a surprisingly affecting experience. Yes, the premise is hilarious–you're the bumbling underling of the egotistical supervillain Lord Bedlam–but this visual novel weaves an unexpectedly charming narrative underneath all the goofy antics.

The game's charm starts with its tongue-in-cheek dialogue. The voice acting is superb; your character's sarcastic snark in the face of the ridiculous schemes brings real joy. Don't let the cheesiness fool you, though. Each seemingly frivolous choice actually steers the story forward, giving weight to your role as the lowly henchman. You can decide just how hapless your character is, and the narrative adjusts wonderfully.

Through all the laughs, "Henchman Story" has a surprising amount of heart. You encounter a lovable cast of fellow henchmen, all with their own dreams and anxieties that transcend villainous stereotypes. Your own character experiences quiet moments of introspection as you face the absurdities and moral compromises of henchman-life. The result is a tale that touches the themes of ambition, loyalty, and found family.

It might not be the grandest or most mechanically complex visual novel, but "Henchman Story" knows what it is and embraces its silliness with confidence. If you're looking for a quick, lighthearted game with a surprising dose of warmth, you should absolutely don a henchman uniform and join Lord Bedlam in his quest for whatever ridiculous goals he cooks up next.

Overall:

Graphics: A classic, comic-inspired pixel art style that is simple yet brimming with personality.
Sound: Excellent voice acting elevates the cheeky script and lends depth to the characters.
Gameplay: Easy to pick up visual novel format, where your choices genuinely shape the direction of the story.
Replayability: With multiple endings to discover and different ways to shape your henchman personality, there's plenty of reason to replay and discover different paths.
"Henchman Story" shows that even the lowliest bad guy has a place in a bigger story. This endearing little game serves up laughs with just the right touch of warmth.

There are games, and then there are experiences that carve a niche within your soul. "I Was a Teenage Exocolonist" falls squarely into the latter category, delivering a potent punch of immersive storytelling, profound choices, and an unforgettable interplanetary journey.

Right from the start, the game's premise reels you in. To survive on a newly colonized alien world isn't merely a thrilling science fiction backdrop; it's a catalyst for deep personal introspection. Each passing year within the game feels substantial, with choices truly making a tangible difference in your character's life trajectory. "I Was a Teenage Exocolonist" forces you to ask: Who do I want to become? And what kind of colony do I wish to build?

Beyond its choice-driven narrative, the game boasts a gorgeous visual-novel-inspired art style. Vibrant colors and expressive characters immerse you effortlessly in your character's life experiences. It's also the small details – the changing of seasons, the intricate ecosystem of the planet – that breathe life into this extraordinary world.

But the true star of "I Was a Teenage Exocolonist" is its emotional depth. Every character, from childhood friends to blossoming loves, has a richly woven backstory. Your interactions with them feel authentic, full of laughter, heartbreak, and everything in between. Every laugh and tear adds another layer to a tale that ultimately feels like your own.

The ingenious time loop mechanic seamlessly woven into the narrative elevates this game to a level of true innovation. With each fresh start, you carry the knowledge and the emotional scars of your previous lives, allowing your choices to snowball beautifully (or sometimes disastrously!). The result is an intoxicating sense of replayability, as you strive to find the 'perfect' life.

If you're searching for a game that will challenge you, break your heart, and leave you pondering your own life, "I Was a Teenage Exocolonist" is the answer. It's not just a game; it's a moving symphony of storytelling, strategy, and self-discovery that will stay with you long after the final credits roll.

Don't hesitate; just PLAY THIS GAME.

Pure awesomeness.

Best sandbox game for the PC out there. Lots of things to do an collect, and a good amount of freeform gameplay.