The King Is Watching Review

Developer: Hypnohead. Publisher: tinyBuild. Platform: Steam and PC. Score: 4 out of 5.

My name is Joel, and I have poured more hours than I care to admit into The King is Watching, and it has quietly started to haunt my day to day life.

When you catch yourself in the shower plotting your next move, you know a game has hooked you deep. Released in 2025 by developer Hypnohead and publisher tinyBuild, it went from unknown to surprise hit almost overnight, a top five launch on Steam with a rare ninety percent positive rating.

After a handful of runs, it is very easy to see why.

No Gimmicks Here

Before anything else, let me tell you what this game does not do. No loot boxes. No artificial timers. No daily chores or battle passes nagging you to log back in. Just pure, tense runs and a kingdom daring you to blink.

From the very title screen you feel like a monarch with real weight, because your literal gaze shapes everything. This is a roguelite city builder, but you are not gathering wood and stone so much as focusing your all seeing eye across a small castle grid.

Want your farms to flourish? Better watch them. Need the military to train up? Stare them down. And wherever you are not looking, well, let us just say your subjects are world class at slacking off the second the King glances away.

It is a brilliant, simple twist. Your attention is the resource, and there is never quite enough of it to go around.

Survive or Die

What starts as a simple loop grows with remarkable depth.

On any given run I would be split between maximizing lumber and shoring up my army, and then, without warning, a random event scrambles the whole board. Plagues, golden ages, droughts, cult uprisings.

Every run rewrites the script, and I lost count of the times my flawless plan collapsed because I took my eye off one vulnerable corner for a few seconds too long.

But here is the clever part, and it is where the game truly shines. You learn and you adapt. The disasters, whether it is starved granaries or a border raid, turn into next run wisdom.

Each crisis is not just a roadblock, it is a teaching moment for the next campaign. Lose your northern border to invaders? That is now lesson one on your checklist, watch the army.

Get too comfortable after a long stretch of peace and get gutted by cultists? That is simply par for the course in this kingdom, and you will remember it next time. That loop of dying, learning, and pushing a little further is the entire hook, and it is a genuinely great one.

Smart, Tough AI

For all it does right, the game is not flawless.

The interface, for example, could use a coat of polish, especially when you are juggling several regions at once and trying to track what needs your gaze.

And the troops occasionally decide to take a scenic detour instead of getting on with the ass whooping you sent them to deliver. The pathfinding can be a touch too relaxed for its own good.

But honestly, these are minor hiccups in a game that stays fresh and tense run after run. The developer has also promised regular updates and improvements, which only adds to the excitement, and none of it dulled the pull of just one more run.

Who It Is For

So who should play this?

If you want a strategy game that demands both careful planning and quick improvisation, and you crave that instant, addictive pull of one more run, The King is Watching is absolutely for you.

If you would rather have a relaxed builder you can zone out with while things tick along on their own, this is the opposite of that.

It wants your full attention, always, by design. But that tension is exactly the point, and exactly why it works.

The Verdict

The King is Watching is brilliantly tough, sneakily addictive, and fully liable to keep you playing until you notice dawn creeping through the window.

It takes one clever idea, that your gaze is the only thing making your kingdom run, and builds a gripping, endlessly replayable roguelite around it. A few rough edges keep it from perfection, but they never once got in the way of the fun.

Score: 4 out of 5.

Apocalypse Express Demo Impressions

Developer: Llamaware Studios
Platform: Steam / PC

All aboard the Apocalypse Express—please keep your arms, legs, and private parts inside the vehicle at all times. Llamaware Studios’ latest action management roguelike isn’t just making waves; it’s sending a freight train through the genre’s quiet little town, honking its horn and scattering everyone’s expectations.

After putting the demo through its paces—and, honestly, getting overrun by mutant raiders more times than I’d like to admit—I’m ready to share what sets this chaotic locomotive apart from the rest.

Mad Max Called—He Wants His Commute Back

If you’ve ever looked at your morning commute and thought, “Hmmm...this could really use more flamethrowers,” This title is your ride. The game thrusts you into the conductor’s seat of a ramshackle train hurtling through a wasteland where everything wants to kill you—or at least kick your caboose.

Who’s Driving This Thing? Oh, It’s Me, Again.

While the premise is interesting, it’s hampered by the lack of autonomy. Your character, for example, encompasses the driver, the repairman, the shooter, and the coal shuffler—all rolled into one exhausted survivor desperately trying to keep the train moving.

While titular in size, he remains stoic in the face of danger. A Mad Max type of personality thrown into a world born from collapse. There isn’t much dialogue to build character, but honestly, who needs words when you’re brandishing a flamethrower and sprinting between compartments?

On top of all this frantic multitasking, you’ll frequently be interrupted by a mini-game where arrows need to be pressed in a particular order just to keep things running. This wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for the fact that enemies are so ever-present, making the situation feel more like a frustrating chore than an efficient skill-based game. Sometimes, I suppose, it’s less about being the master of all trades and more about being a crisis manager with a train-shaped problem.

Players on the Steam discussion board frequently compare Apocalypse Express to a mashup of FTL and Overcooked. And you know what? They’re not entirely wrong. The gameplay is frantic—think spinning plates, but the plates are on fire, and one of them is a live grenade.

When Everything Is On Fire (Including You)

Visually, Apocalypse Express doesn’t just lean into the apocalypse—it does a running leap and lands with style. Sure, it borrows cues from other dusty, doom-laden worlds, but its vibrant effects and kinetic energy give it a pulse of its own.

Explosions bloom with a satisfying punch, screen shakes add to the sense of impending derailment (don’t worry, you can tone them down if your eyeballs start to vibrate), and the little touches—like sparks flying off repairs—make every moment pop.

And just when you think you’ve had enough chaos, in comes the soundtrack: a rip-roaring accompaniment that makes even routine coal-shoveling feel like it has value. I suppose if my actual train rides sounded like this, I’d never complain about delays again.

Final Destination

Overall, Apocalypse Express is like being handed the keys to a doomsday locomotive with only vague instructions and a bucket of duct tape. It’s messy, it’s wild, but it’s already a blast—even if sometimes you’re literally blasted off your own train.

With strong community engagement and core mechanics that hook you in for “just one more run,” this is an early access train ride that’s headed in the right direction.

So if you like management roguelikes, trains, or just enjoy shouting bloody murder at mutant raiders while frantically patching up your ride, I suppose it’s time to get in line and punch your ticket.

Early Access Strengths

Engaging Core Mechanics: Multitasking your way through disaster is weirdly addictive. I found myself thinking about optimal turret placement while making dinner—send help.
Replayability: Thanks to random upgrades and module layouts, every run is basically a new flavor of disaster.
Community Engagement: Llamaware is listening and they are taking feedback. Which is always a good thing.

Areas for Improvement

Overwhelming for New Players: You’ll spend the first few runs feeling like a cat herding other cats aboard a burning train. A better tutorial would be a godsend.
Balance Issues: Some upgrades (I’m looking at you, cannon) are the MVPs every run—which means others need a buff or rethink.
QoL: The UI occasionally feels like it’s fighting for survival too. Better controls and clearer damage indicators would go down smoother than irradiated water.

Joel

Healthcare Professional, Gamer, and Writer all rolled up in one. He once opened up an old Atari 2600 to see if it had a heart ... and it did. Hence, the lifelong love affair with gaming.

www.walawala.gg

Synergy (Steam) Review

Developer: Leikir Studio
Platform: Steam (PC)

If you’ve ever wondered what SimCity would look like after a yoga retreat and a crash course in botany, Synergy by Leikir Studio answers the question.

Released in April 2025, this city-builder swaps coal and concrete for solar panels and mindful landscaping, and then politely dares you to survive a dry season with your eco-conscience intact.

Monet Called, He Wants His Clouds Back

Synergy’s art style is so Moebius-inspired that I half-expected a pastel dune worm to eat my city. But honestly, it also reminds me of paintings by the French painter Monet—with soft palettes of gentle colors that imbue the landscape with a dreamlike quality. It’s almost like gazing beyond a group of fluffy clouds: everything is just a bit ethereal, slightly out-of-this-world, but still completely captivating.

The solarpunk design—think of it as Easter eggs on an alien planet—creates an environment as soothing as it is strange. Don’t be fooled by the gentle colors, either: beneath that tranquil vibe lurks a planet ready to turn your citizens into dried fruit if you forget to stock up on water. And I mean lots of water. At least, if your colony fails, it’ll be the prettiest disaster you’ve ever orchestrated.

Spreadsheet Survival

At its core, the game is about managing food, water, and shelter—plus whatever those weird purple plants do. The climate cycles keep you on your toes, alternating between pleasantly brisk and “oh dear, everyone’s dehydrated again.”

The Knowledge Book system keeps your reading skills up and adds a scientific twist: you’ll study local flora, unlock new techs, and feel like David Attenborough if he was really into spreadsheets.

Two research tracks -Technology and Culture- mean you can geek out over irrigation or focus on making your settlement the alien equivalent of downtown Portland, Oregon.

The district system is clever yet complex: build science labs in one corner, libraries in another, and watch bonuses stack like eco-friendly Jenga blocks. It’s all very strategic, assuming you can resist the urge to make everything symmetrical for Instagram screenshots.

Into the Wild (and Occasionally Lost)

The game is geared towards exploration and Synergy doesn’t just want you to hunker down; it sends you out into the wild with expeditions that double as story moments. Sometimes you’ll discover new resources; other times, your explorers come back with tales of strange flora—or just a sunburn.

The campaign offers multiple scenarios with unique objectives, while sandbox mode lets you ignore objectives entirely and build the solarpunk utopia of your dreams. Or, you know, a waterless wasteland. Both are valid.

From Zen Garden to Drought Simulator

Before I end this review, I want to address the dehydrated elephant in the room: Synergy can be tough. Underestimate the environment, and your citizens will be thirstier than a cactus at happy hour.

Thankfully, difficulty modes let you switch between 'Easy' and 'I just want to grow pretty plants.' You can even swap challenges mid-game if things go from manageable to hectic. So quick tip: save often. Your citizens will thank you—and so will your ego.

Pro's

Moebius-meets-Monet visuals: It's so pretty you’ll want to frame your screenshots.
Ecosystem-driven gameplay: Finally, a game where composting actually matters.
Deep research and planning: For the spreadsheet lovers and city city builders among us.
Peaceful growth: No combat here. Your biggest enemy is your neglect.
Flexible difficulty: Hardcore challenge or chill gardening sim? Yes to both.

Con's

Resource management is unforgiving: Forget to plan, and suddenly your utopia is holding a drought festival.
UI needs work: Finding that one elusive resource sometimes feels like a game of Where’s Waldo?
Plant quirks: Some flora have minds of their own. I suppose that’s, um, realistic?

Joel

Healthcare Professional, Gamer, and Writer all rolled up in one. He once opened up an old Atari 2600 to see if it had a heart ... and it did. Hence, the lifelong love affair with gaming.

www.walawala.gg

From Glory to Goo (Steam) Review

If you’ve ever wanted to turn your colony into a goo-proof fortress, this is your chance.

Imagine you’re on a vibrant alien planet, surrounded by bizarre flora and fauna, when suddenly—bam!—a gooey menace starts creeping toward your colony. Sounds like a typical Saturday night with the in-laws, right?

Welcome to From Glory to Goo, the brainchild of Stratagem Blue, where your skills will be tested against an enemy that’s more squishy than scary. So, if you’ve ever wanted to juggle resource management while fending off a gelatinous tide of chaos, this game is your ticket to a wild ride.

Surviving the Goo Apocalypse

At its core, From Glory to Goo is a real-time strategy tower defense game that blends elements of base-building and survival. Players must manage resources and populations while constructing defenses against relentless waves of enemies. The gameplay is reminiscent of titles like They Are Billions but with unique twists that keep it fresh and engaging.

One of the standout features is resource management. Players must carefully balance resources like water and power, which encourages strategic placement of structures to maximize efficiency. For instance, greener areas yield more water, prompting players to think critically about their colony layout.

Tip: When building your colony, think like a mad scientist. Experiment with your layout and see what works best

Players must also focus on defensive strategies as the goo approaches from all directions. Fortifying bases with walls and towers becomes vital, although many players report feeling overwhelmed by the relentless enemy forces. Think of it as a never-ending game of whack-a-mole, but with goo instead of moles—and trust me, the goo is way less cute.

The combat is fast-paced and requires quick thinking and planning. Players can deploy various units and defenses but must also be wary of their troops' limited range and AI behavior. Nothing says "strategy" like watching your units ignore an enemy right before them while they wander off to chase butterflies—or whatever they think is more important.

The Gooey Truth Unveiled

While the gameplay is fun, let's not sugar coat the games apparent shortcomings: finding your way around the user interface, for example, can be difficult, especially with no clues other than sparse descriptions that pop up here and there at the beginning. This lack of guidance requires you to start self-exploring on your own.

While this part is exciting, it only allows for leisurely explorations since you almost always come under attack by the goo. It's like trying to read a manual while running from a horde of zombies—thrilling but not conducive to learning.

Aesthetically, From Glory to Goo reminds me of Starcraft with a mixed dose of The Horde. Though the graphics have that old-school feel, they often obstruct where the enemy comes from since every pixel seems to mash together, creating one giant mass of blobs. While it provides a gritty old-school charm, I see where others might find a cause to complain about it.

Tip: Treat The Goo like that one friend who always shows up uninvited. Stay alert and don’t let your guard down. The Goo, like your friend, can show up at any time!

A Sticky Situation Awaits

There's a lot to love in From Glory to Goo, and as long as you have the patience to push through some of the game’s quirks, you'll find plenty to enjoy here. Remember: when goo starts to hit the fan, don’t panic—pause and strategize.

After all, what’s more fun than building a colony while simultaneously fending off a wave of sticky chaos? So gear up, embrace the madness, and get ready for an adventure that will leave you smiling as you conquer the gooey challenges ahead.

Pros:

Engaging gameplay reminiscent of Age of Darkness and They Are Billions, but with more epicness.
Depth of gameplay requires thoughtful strategizing rather than random building.
Addictive mechanics that keep you coming back for "just one more wave."
Charming pixel-retro graphics that add character (if you’re into that sort of thing).

Cons:

Enemy goo can feel overpowered at times, even in early levels.
Lack of clear direction on where enemies will attack despite weapon upgrades.
Troop AI can be frustratingly unresponsive; goo may pass by without resistance.
The user interface can be confusing with minimal guidance.
Graphics may not appeal to everyone due to the retro style.

Joel

Healthcare Professional, Gamer, and Writer all rolled up in one. He once opened up an old Atari 2600 to see if it had a heart ... and it did. Hence, the lifelong love affair with gaming.

www.walawala.gg

Alpine Lake (Demo) Impressions

Imagine waking up to the crisp mountain air, surrounded by towering pines and a serene lake reflecting the blue sky. Now, picture yourself as the proud owner of a quaint inn in this picturesque setting. Welcome to Alpine Lake, a game demo that lets you live out your cozy innkeeper dreams with a dash of management and building magic.

A Taste of Innkeeping Bliss

Alpine Lake, by Mossy Grove Games, is a blend of inn management, farming, and community building. The demo spans seven in-game days and gives players a tantalizing taste of what’s to come in the full release, which is expected sometime in 2025.

However, like an appealing appetizer that leaves you craving more, the demo’s short duration has left many players hungry for a more extended experience.

Crafting Your Cozy Haven

As you start your journey in Alpine, you're immediately immersed in the charming world of a budding innkeeper. The game greets you with a playful touch of bureaucratic humor—a letter from the Town Council, no less—setting the tone for the delightful adventure ahead. From this moment, you're swept into a whirlwind of activity, chopping trees, mining resources, and crafting your cozy haven with eager hands and a hopeful heart.

Alpine visually paints a picture bridging the gap between Animal Crossing's whimsy and Harvest Moon's rustic charm. The game world unfolds in vibrant colors, rich sounds, and bright, detailed graphics. For example, every inch of the landscape pulsates with life, with each element carefully crafted to create a living, breathing environment.

A serene lake stretches out in one corner, its surface adorned with soft ripples that move in synch with the gentle breeze. The surrounding patches of land are a treasure trove of natural wonders; lush foliage, weathered stone formations, towering trees, and wild brush all contribute to the allure of this digital paradise. Even your faithful pet becomes part of this world, scampering about with unbridled joy as if in a never-ending game of hide-and-seek across the colorful terrain.

The viewing angles can be adjusted, and the controls are pleasantly minimal and well laid out. Like all life-building games, every step you take has an impact, and every effect has an influence. Given this, it feels more like a strategy than an actual sim.

Juggling Tasks Like a Pro

The demo showcases a variety of activities to keep you busy. You’ll find yourself juggling tasks like constructing and decorating your inn, exploring the nearby forest, meeting the quirky townsfolks, and even exploring the local mine.

Let’s not forget the all-important task of feeding yourself and getting some rest. But we are not talking about a full-course meal. Tea leaves are the breakfast, lunch, and dinner of champions in this world.

Quick Tip: Gather resources early. The sooner you stockpile wood and stone, the faster you can build your dream inn.

Pedal-Powered Exploration

One of the game’s more charming features is the ability to ride a bike around town — a sort of Alpine Lake take on an eco-friendly shuttle service. However, the experience feels somewhat generic, lacking any sense of physics or momentum. For instance, when you stop pedaling, the bike comes to an abrupt halt with no gradual deceleration. This makes the mechanic feel more like a novelty than a realistic biking experience.

This is only the demo, and there’s room for improvement. The game also introduces a cast of quirky characters, including a park ranger who seems hilariously bewildered by his career choice. These small touches of humor and personality go a long way in bringing the world to life.

Racing Against Time (and Goats)

However, the demo isn’t without its challenges. The rapid passage of time can make your days feel a bit like a mountain goat race — frantic and over too quickly. Many players, myself included, have just gotten into the groove of inn management when the demo timer unceremoniously shows them the door.

You can, however, stretch out the experience, as a few players have discovered. For example, several players shared their strategy for maximizing the demo: skip certain quests, abandon sleep (who needs it, really?), and just focus solely on the essentials.

Quick Tip: Experiment with different decorations. Unique designs can attract more guests and boost your inn’s reputation.

A Cozy Community Awaits

Despite its brevity, the demo offers plenty to enjoy, and judging by player feedback, it has captured the hearts of many gaming enthusiasts. Players have praised its potential, with many already adding it to their Steam wish lists.

This could be the perfect escape if you want a break from battling zombies or fighting off alien invasions. Yes, there’s a bit of a learning curve and some grinding, but you can progress at your own pace. So, if you’re ready to swap your daily hustle-and-bustle life for fresh mountain air and a bit of lighthearted innkeeping, give Alpine Lake a try.

Joel

Healthcare Professional, Gamer, and Writer all rolled up in one. He once opened up an old Atari 2600 to see if it had a heart ... and it did. Hence, the lifelong love affair with gaming.

www.walawala.gg

Drill Core (Steam) Review

Mining for Fun in an Underground of Frustration

Drill Core could be more simply and accurately marketed, if not for copyright reasons, as Subterranean Lemmings. The game's setup finds the player arriving at the planet Xerxes to pry mineral riches from its virgin soil. Alas, for the budding capitalist, Xerxian labor laws demand that entrepreneurs employ one of the four native races for this endeavor.

Hungry Couch Games, the team behind the pixelated sky-pirate adventure Black Skylands, have struck gold, or should we say, rare earth elements, with their latest offering, Drill Core. Launched into Early Access on September 2024, this planetary mining strategy game promises to blend resource management, tower defense, and roguelike elements.

Digging Deep into Gameplay

At its, um, core, Drill Core, players take on the role of an interstellar mining magnate, tasked with extracting valuable resources from alien worlds. But don't expect this to be a walk in the par; as day turns to night on these distant planets, local fauna transform from docile creatures into ravenous beasts intent on destroying your carefully constructed mining operation.

The game's charm lies in its dual-phase gameplay: by day, you'll direct your alien workforce to drill, build, and expand your mining platform. Come nightfall, however, you'll switch gears to defend your hard-earned riches from waves of hostile creatures.

More Quirks Than Perks

One of the game's nifty features is the inclusion of four playable alien races, each with their own unique abilities and quirks. Will you opt for the industrious Zorblings, known for their efficiency but prone to spontaneous naps? Or perhaps the Quxxians, whose telekinetic abilities are matched only by their insatiable appetite for shiny objects?

As you progress deeper into the missions, you'll research new technologies, upgrade your defenses, and attempt to maximize profits while minimizing casualties. And let's be honest, in the cutthroat world of interplanetary resource extraction, a few alien workers are bound to meet an untimely demise. Hey, it's all in the name of progress, right?

When the Drill Hits the Fan

While the game offers an intriguing premise and moments of genuine fun, my extensive playtime has revealed some significant issues that can seriously dampen the experience. After countless hours of drilling, defending, and occasionally cursing at my screen, I've encountered frustrations that even the most patient of gamers might find testing.

One of the most glaring issues is the unit AI, which can be maddeningly obtuse at times. Picture this: you've just uncovered a motherlode of rare minerals, a veritable treasure trove that could set you up for success. But instead of efficiently mining this bounty, your workers seem to develop an inexplicable aversion to riches. They'll cheerfully dig in every direction except the one that leads to prosperity, leaving you to watch helplessly as they meander away from fortune. It's like watching a squad of lemmings with advanced mining equipment but no sense of direction.

The lack of a proper healing system for your units is also another source of frustration. As the nights grow longer and the enemies more ferocious, your unit inevitably takes a beating. Yet, there's no satisfying way to patch them up. You're left with the unenviable choice of watching your battered workers stumble about at reduced efficiency or replacing them entirely, which feels both wasteful and a bit callous, like running a TNT factory with no first aid kits.

Upgrades? More Whimper Than Bang

The upgrade system, which should be a source of excitement and accomplishment, often feels underwhelming. After hours of grinding and carefully allocating resources, you'd expect your upgrades to pack a punch. Instead, they often feel like you're trying to fend off a supernova with a slightly improved water gun. This contributes to a pervasive sense of grind, where enemies seem almost maliciously programmed to wipe out your entire operation just as you're on the cusp of a breakthrough.

But perhaps the most critical issue is the game's struggle to find a balance between resource gathering and defense. Much like, Dome Keeper, Drill Core often feels like it's pulling you in two directions at once. First, you're constantly torn between the need to dig deeper for those precious resources and two, the constant need to fortify your defenses against the nightly onslaught. This tension can be exciting when it works, but all too often it feels like you're being set up to fail, forced to choose between expanding your operation or simply surviving.

To Drill or Not to Drill?

Reading the feedback from players suggests that Drill Core hits the sweet spot between challenging and addictive. Some, however, have noted that the difficulty ramp between levels can be steep, and upgrades between runs are pricier than a black market Xerxian crystal. Still, the game's unique blend of genres and its straightforward yet engaging tower defense mechanics have garnered praise.

So, whether you're a seasoned strategy gamer or just someone who's always dreamed of becoming the Elon Musk of alien worlds, Drill Core offers an experience that's equal parts thrilling, fun, and frustrating. Just remember, when the sun sets and the creatures start crawling, it's drill or be drilled.

Pros:

Unique blend of resource management, tower defense, and roguelike elements
Engaging dual-phase gameplay (day/night cycle)
Four playable alien races with distinct abilities
Charming pixel art style
Addictive gameplay loop

Cons:

Frustrating unit AI
Lack of proper healing system for units
Weak upgrade system leading to a grindy feel
Difficulty balancing resource gathering and defense
Steep difficulty curve between levels

Joel

Healthcare Professional, Gamer, and Writer all rolled up in one. He once opened up an old Atari 2600 to see if it had a heart ... and it did. Hence, the lifelong love affair with gaming.

www.walawala.gg

Tavern Manager Simulator (Steam) Review

Serve, Clean, and Laugh in This Medieval Pub Simulator

Step into the creaky shoes of a novice tavern keeper in One More Time Studios' latest offering, Tavern Manager Simulator. This charming game throws you headfirst into the chaotic world of medieval hospitality, where your first challenge is breathing life into the dilapidated WalaWala Pub.

Picture this: you've inherited a rickety old building that's seen better days; the floors creak like they were telling ancient jokes, the walls are so crooked they could make a politician look honest, and the only thing more questionable than the room decor is the previous owner's hygiene.

But fear not, with a little elbow grease, you’re ready to turn this dilapidated dive into the talk of the town. After a bit of cleaning, some mopping, and artfully placing draped drop cloths over the unsightly furniture, you're ready to open your doors. As you hang the sign outside, you can't help but beam with pride at you glance over the sign that says 'Welcome to the WalaWala Pub'. It's fitting, considering the last time anyone had a warm drink here, they were probably trying to thaw out after a long winter's night.

A Tavern Like No Other

Inside, the atmosphere is a delightful blend of excitement and bar stool chaos. Local townsfolk stumble in, some seeking a hearty meal, others just trying to forget their woes (and possibly their names). You'll find yourself juggling tasks like pouring the perfect pints, cleaning up after rowdy customers, and dodging the occasional projectile vomit.

One minute you're a mixologist, the next a janitor, and sometimes a mediator between a drunk sailor and an equally inebriated chicken. It's like a medieval version of The Sims meets Overcooked, with a dash of Bar Rescue thrown in for good measure.

Outside, a weathered water well stands as a testament to the tavern's rustic charm. You'll find yourself turning the handle to fetch water, because let’s face it—you’ll need a lot of it! Washing dishes and cleaning out the beer mugs literally requires a small lake’s worth of H2O. Each time you crank that handle, you can almost hear the well groan in protest, as if it knows it’s about to be drained dry by your never-ending quest for cleanliness.

And let’s not forget the delightful challenge of balancing your time: do you fetch another bucket of water to scrub those stubborn beer stains, or do you take a moment to wipe down the tables that look like they’ve hosted a food fight? The well becomes a vital lifeline in your tavern operations, a reminder that in the world of tavern management, cleanliness is next to godliness—or at least next to keeping your customers from gagging on their undercook meals.

Speaking of meals, your menu is refreshingly simple: ale, ale, and more ale, with a side of "whatever we could find in the back." As for the food? Well, let's just say your inner chef might be more of a butcher than a cook. But hey, as long as the drinks keep flowing and the tips keep rolling in, who really cares if the soup has a little extra, um, "character"?

A Town Frozen in Time: The World Beyond Your Tavern

When you're tired of servicing the locals and need a break from the endless cycle of pour, serve, and mop, you can step outside and take a tour of the town. It's like stepping into a beautifully painted medieval postcard—there are quaint buildings, people milling about, and enough trees and foliage to make a botanist swoon.

But alas, much like trying to have a deep conversation with your patrons, interacting with the town is an exercise in futility. You can look, but you can't touch. It's as if the entire town is encased in an invisible force field, or perhaps they're all practicing an extreme form of social distancing from the smelly tavern keeper.

One can't help but dream of the endless possibilities of your little town. Imagine, for example, being able to chat up the local baker for some fresh bread to serve with your questionable stew, or striking a deal with the town drunk to be your official taste tester. Perhaps you could even expand your boozy empire, opening taverns throughout the town and beyond. "The WalaWala Pub: Now with 50% less projectile vomiting!" could be your new slogan.

For now, though, these grand visions of tavern domination remain just that—visions. The town serves as a picturesque backdrop, a tantalizing glimpse of a world beyond your ale-soaked domain. It's like being the only interactive character in a beautifully illustrated children's book about medieval alcoholism.

Still, one can hope that somewhere down the line, the developers will unlock this treasure trove of potential. Until then, you'll have to content yourself with imagining the stories behind each frozen face in the town and wondering if they're all secretly judging your bartending skills from afar. After all, in the world of The WalaWala Pub, the only thing more abundant than ale is untapped potential.

A Feast for the Eyes and Ears

Graphically, the game boasts a Saturday morning cartoon aesthetic with vibrant colors and characters that look like they've stepped out of a 17th-century painting. The tavern itself is a weathered wooden wonder, bearing the scars of countless patrons who've stumbled across its floors. Rooms are placed randomly about; you have your office to make the needed orders, your kitchen area to prepare food, the sink and wash area to clean out the stubborn mug stains, and the bar itself.

Characters lumber in like a bunch of introverts with big appetites but very little in conversation. They sit, order, and drink up. Once they’ve had their fill, they end up leaving tips and payment on the table, as well as the occasional habit of leaving the table a mess. But you can’t just leave tables dirty, as it will not attract customers to sit and dine. Hence, you’ll need to wipe down the dirt and grime these patrons leave behind.

The sound design is equally impressive, with tunes that sound like they've been plucked straight from a medieval storybook, perfectly syncing with the on-screen action. And speaking of conversation, there isn’t much to be had. In fact, during one party of five I was serving, they exchanged probably about two lines of dialogue among them.

The Joys and Woes of Tavern Management

Still, in this tavern, you’re not here for the conversation, but for service and reputation. As your reputation grows, patrons from all corners of town will flock to your establishment for both drink and sustenance. You'll find yourself slicing beef for stew and laying out cheese and appetizers for the hungry masses. But beware! Some patrons arrive too sloshed to serve and may leave you with unsavory cleaning tasks. Others track mud across your freshly polished floors, sending you scrambling for the mop.

Fairy Help and Manual Labor

So far, so good, right? Well, in this tavern you can't hire human help. Instead, you're assisted by 'fairies' that flit about performing various tasks you assign them. However, even these magical beings have their limits. For example, the most laborious chores—like general cleaning and mopping—fall squarely on your shoulders.

And let's not forget the dreaded toilet duty--(Yuck!) It’s as if the fairies assembled and formed a union demanding that no fairy shall do any general cleaning. Surely a handsome wage could entice someone else to handle the cleaning while you focus on serving and cooking, right? Alas, in The WalaWala Pub, some burdens must be borne by the boss alone.

Despite these challenges, running The WalaWala Pub is an adventure filled with laughter, libations, and the occasional airborne chicken leg. So roll up your sleeves, grab that mop, and prepare to serve the best virtual drinks in town.

Pros:

Humorous Gameplay: The quirky situations and characters provide endless entertainment.
Charming Graphics: The vibrant, cartoonish art style adds to the whimsical atmosphere.
Engaging Mechanics: Balancing tavern management tasks keeps the gameplay dynamic and fun.
Unique Helpers: The fairy helpers add a magical twist to the usual management formula.

Cons:

Repetitive Tasks: Some players may find the cleaning and management tasks become monotonous over time.
Limited Dialogue: The lack of engaging conversations can make the tavern feel a bit lifeless.
Manual Labor: The necessity of performing mundane tasks, like cleaning toilets, might not appeal to everyone.

Who the Game Is For

Simulation Fans: If you enjoy management sims and resource juggling, this game will tickle your fancy.
Humor Lovers: Those who appreciate quirky humor and lighthearted gameplay will find a lot to love here.
Casual Gamers: Perfect for players looking for a fun, low-pressure gaming experience.
History Buffs: If you have a soft spot for medieval settings and tavern culture, this game is right up your alley.

Joel

Healthcare Professional, Gamer, and Writer all rolled up in one. He once opened up an old Atari 2600 to see if it had a heart ... and it did. Hence, the lifelong love affair with gaming.

www.walawala.gg

Shapez 2 Early Access Review

A Captivating Journey into the World of Factory Building and Automation

I have a confession to make: Shapez 2 really surprised me. Never having played the first game and even before the game finished installing, I had just about convinced myself that this would be a huge waste of time. With the notable exception of Factorio, automation and management sims just don't work for me. Why then, I asked myself, would this one be any different?

Yet, while I prepared myself to be bored within the first 15 minutes, I found that Shapez 2 by developer tobspr Games, wasn't quite what I expected. I've seen a little of the game from trailers and thought the gameplay would get repetitive. I mean all you're really doing is lining up some pathways and linking them to an end goal. The graphics seemed bright, but not that appealing, and it definitely did not have that Factorio look.

Just a few minutes into the game, I found myself completely hooked. All my preconceived notions about factory-building games were quickly overshadowed by the engaging mechanics of Shapez 2. This isn't merely a management sim or a fully automated experience; it's a hybrid that also incorporates deep, evolving puzzles.

The developers clearly understood what makes games enjoyable and successfully infused those elements creating a satisfying gameplay experience. The gameplay encourages you to automate to produce distinct shapes, allowing for endless creativity and optimization. With each layer you add, the game opens up whole new dimensions of complexity, making every session feel fresh and rewarding.

Check out the trailer here

Gameplay Mechanics: A Whole New Dimension

At its core, Shapez 2 is a top-down factory-building simulation game where you extract and process geometric shapes. The game starts simple, introducing basic shapes and operations, but quickly ramps up in complexity. You'll find yourself building factories that can take apart, stack, paint and put back together shapes in unique ways to solve the production challenges of each goal.

What sets the game apart from its predecessor and other games in the genre like Factorio or Dyson Sphere Program is its move into whole new dimensions. The game now features multi-layer 3D factories, allowing players to build in interconnected layers. This addition opens up new possibilities for compacting and optimizing your factories, adding a vertical element to your production lines.

Automation and Optimization

Like its spiritual predecessors, Shapez 2 is all about automation and optimization. The game challenges you to automate the processing of abstract geometric shapes into more complex ones. As you progress, you'll need to constantly refine and improve your designs to get the most benefit out of every space platform built and massively increase your production throughput.

The beauty lies in its open-ended nature. There are no arbitrary limits on factory size or complexity per se, which allows players to truly let their imaginations run wild. The game provides a vast platform for creativity, letting you build sprawling multi-level factories that can be as efficient or as chaotic as you desire.

A Unique Approach to Resource Management

One of the most refreshing aspects of the game is its approach to resources and building. Unlike many games in the genre, all buildings are free, and resources never run out. This design choice allows players to focus entirely on the puzzle and optimization aspects of the game without worrying about resource management or economic constraints.

This "pure" factory-building experience encourages experimentation and iteration as you can effortlessly delete, redesign, and rebuild as much as you want, with no penalties, at your own pace. It's a liberating approach that lets players fully engage with the game's core mechanics without any artificial limitations.

Unlike some factory-building games that offer multiplayer options, Shapez 2 is a purely singleplayer experience. This focus allows the developers to fine-tune the gameplay mechanics for a solo player, ensuring that every aspect of the game is balanced and engaging for individual problem-solving and creativity.

Early Access: A Solid Foundation

Despite being in Early Access, Shapez 2 arrives fully formed and polished. Players can jump right in and begin honing their production prowess, managing multi-level polygonal production lines in an attempt to satiate the unquenchable appetite of the mysterious 'Vortex'.

The game offers four difficulty modes, including Normal, Hard, Insane, and an experimental 'Hexagonal' mode, providing a challenge for both newcomers and veterans of the genre.

For All Shapes and Sizes

When all is said and done, the puzzle element in this game is the real star, and it really goes a long way towards making up for certain shortcomings. Shapez 2 managed to do what I thought was impossible; it made me fall in love with a genre I typically don't play. It's a testament to the power of good game design, proving that with the right mix of challenge, creativity, and freedom, even the most skeptical player can be won over.

So, if you're like me and have been hesitant about diving into the world of factory builders, give Shapez 2 a chance. You might just find yourself pleasantly surprised, losing hours to the hypnotic dance of shapes and the satisfying click of perfectly aligned conveyor belts.

And the best part? You can do it all at your own pace, free from the threat of enemies or time pressures. It's just you, the shapes, and the endless possibilities of your imagination in this ultimate factory-building experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Engaging Gameplay: Shapez 2 combines factory building and puzzle-solving, offering a captivating experience for players.
No Enemies: Enjoy a stress-free environment without the pressure of enemies or time limits, allowing for relaxed gameplay.
Free Buildings and Endless Resources: All buildings are free, and resources never run out, encouraging creativity without penalties.
Multi-Layered Factories: The ability to build in multiple interconnected layers adds depth and complexity to factory designs.
Intuitive Controls: Easy editing options make it simple to cut, clone, and redesign factory layouts.
Blueprint Library: Save and share blueprints for efficient factory designs, enhancing replayability.
Visual Appeal: The game features attractive graphics and smooth animations, making it satisfying to watch your factory in action.
Community Feedback: Active development with a roadmap based on community suggestions ensures ongoing improvements and new features.

Cons:

Learning Curve: While the game is accessible, beginners may find the mechanics overwhelming at first.
Minor Frustrations: Occasional issues with connecting pipes and managing complex layouts can lead to frustration.
Limited Narrative: The game lacks a strong storyline or narrative elements, focusing primarily on gameplay mechanics.

Who is Shapez 2 For?

Puzzle Enthusiasts: Players who enjoy solving logistical challenges and optimizing production lines will find this game rewarding.
Factory-Building Fans: Those who love games like Factorio, Satisfactory, or Dyson Sphere Program will appreciate the depth and mechanics of Shapez 2.
Casual Gamers: The absence of enemies and the ability to play at your own pace make it ideal for casual gamers looking for a relaxing experience.
Creative Builders: Players who enjoy experimenting with designs and layouts will thrive in the open-ended environment.
Singleplayer Lovers: Those who prefer a solo gaming experience will appreciate the focused gameplay without multiplayer distractions.

Joel

Healthcare Professional, Gamer, and Writer all rolled up in one. He once opened up an old Atari 2600 to see if it had a heart ... and it did. Hence, the lifelong love affair with gaming.

www.walawala.gg

From Zero to Mythic Hero: Unleash Your Inner Godslayer in Dawn of Defiance

Say goodbye to your mundane existence because Traega Entertainment just dropped the mic with their latest announcement: "Dawn of Defiance." This isn't your average stroll through the park—no, it's an open-world, crafting-survival game steeped in the lore of ancient Greek mythology.

Set to hit early access on Steam and the Epic Games Store later this year, this game is ready to mix divine smackdowns with hardcore survival tactics, and yes, you can bring friends! Check out the trailer here.

You're not just any player; you're the "Defier of Gods." Start as a scrappy soldier and claw your way up to an almost god-like rogue, roaming through desolate Isles, erecting awe-inspiring temples, and knocking the socks off the Gods' minions to snatch their legendary powers. Need resources? Scavenge them. Want a base? Build it. Gear needs an upgrade? Craft it. And when you feel tough enough, take on the Gods themselves, either solo or with up to three pals in co-op multiplayer.

Here’s What’s Cooking in Dawn of Defiance:

Survival of the Fittest: You wake up clueless on a deserted shore. Time to roll up your sleeves, gather resources, and fend off the lurking dangers.
Island Hopping Adventure: Travel across the Isles, dive into historical ruins, unearth treasures, and tackle divine trials. Each victory beefs up your abilities with new recipes and gear enhancements.
Crafting With Flair: Why settle for boring weapons? Design your own arsenal using a variety of materials, and construct edifices that could give Olympus a run for its money.
Challenge the Heavens: Go head-to-head with the formidable devotees of the Gods, conquer altar quests, and dominate the Isles to etch your name in the annals of defiance.
Rally the Troops: Brave this perilous journey solo or invite up to three friends to join the fray in seamless online co-op multiplayer.

Ready to mark it on your wishlist? "Dawn of Defiance" is up for grabs on Steam and the Epic Games Store. Circle back for early access later this year. For more scoop, check out www.dawnofdefiance.com, catch the latest buzz on Twitter and TikTok, or mingle with fellow fans on Discord

No Gimmicks Here

Survive or Die

Smart, Tough AI

Who It Is For

The Verdict

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Serve, Clean, and Laugh in This Medieval Pub Simulator

A Tavern Like No Other

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A Captivating Journey into the World of Factory Building and Automation

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