Did you miss me? Well, I’m back! Live to bring you some (old) news about this little game called Star Wars Battlefront 2. Sure, EA may have just pulled the Dice team to do another game or wash the CEO’s car–whatever–but before they left, Dice created a damn good multiplayer gameverse. The expansive Star Wars Battlefront 2 not only has multiple game modes for on and offline fun–but it has thirteen–count them THIRTEEN–different Millennium Falcons (I like ‘nutmeg’ the best!). What else could you ask for, one may wonder? Enter Ewok Hunt.
Ewok Hunt–the cute version of the zombie virus
Ewok Hunt is the horror/fear based mode in Star Wars Battlefront 2. Picture a zombie multiplayer game where you have a small group of zombies hunt and infect the larger human population turning them part of your zombie brethren. Ewok Hunt works on the same premise, but instead of turning into the undead the action turns you into a small teddy bear armed with a pointy stick.
I won’t give spoilers for this, but let’s just say a lot of nut and butt pokes are required to ‘turn’ the storm troopers to your side. That’s right your weapons are basically sticks and twiggy things (which I hear are just like sticks but from the 70s). What’s that? The storm troopers? No, they still have a gun, one they can upgrade as they pick up a fire grenade.
The game balance somehow works. Sure, there are still the occasional team work turtles up on the AT-AT bay area but, for the most part, it’s scattered mayhem with screams and troves of trooper heads.
It’s a good mode to play in total darkness with the headphones up for max effect. Sure in the end it’s really about a bunch of merchandise-branded teddy bears ankle biting clones but it’s just clean good (sometimes scary) fun. The lobbies are usually void of ego-‘gamer gods’ jerk types and often full of fun ‘glhf’ types.
If you’re looking for a bit of a break, go check the game out. If you already have the game and need a break from the Old Master grind, then this is definitely a good outlet. Remember, folks, nothing can stop the Maul streak like a good nutshot by a teddy bear. I give Star Wars Battlefront 2 a firm 4.5 out of 5 dark lords. This was obviously a labor of love for most of the developers and, although not ‘everyone’ got what they wanted, we all got a decent wide audience game that even had a great niche horror sub in it. Hat’s off to Dice for their work in bringing this masterpiece to the masses.
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Until next time, as my good friend 3C3 would say, ‘jub-jub-o!’
WORLD OF HORROR is a cosmic horror roguelite game developed by Paweł Koźmiński and published by Ysbryd Games. The game is available on macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. This review will cover the Steam (Windows) version of the game.
You must explore the strange goings on around Shiokawa, Japan. It appears that eldritch forces have influenced the town in incomprehensible ways. So, attempt to comprehend these forces and maintain your sanity to save the town. Plan your investigations, choose between cases, and fight for your life.
There are a few game modes but three difficulty spikes. The easiest is a specific case with some random events. This mode teaches you the basic mechanics of the game. The harder difficulties give you access to an apartment and choices on which case you investigate. Completing objectives earns you customization options for the customized mode.
What I Like About WORLD OF HORROR
Running on GameMaker Studios, the pixelated aesthetic shows influences from Lovecraft and Junji Ito, though the latter more so than the former. WORLD OF HORROR haunts its viewers with its aesthetic, allowing the pixels to evoke those horror legends.
Random generation remains a key feature of the game, with various options and choices giving a massive variety. Your character also has some limited customization to access perks and further development. I will bring up some weaknesses later, but it is surprisingly vast. Adding to this variety, WORLD OF HORROR provides mod accessibility.
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The combat allows for a great deal of thought and planning. You select your character’s actions within an action bar and perform the tasks (or combos) to beat an opponent. This JRPG style provides variety in action that makes it engaging and unique.
The random generation and variety make each playthrough different. You might acquire a devastating katana in one playthrough only to bleed out unceremoniously in another.
While not a terrifying gaming experience, WORLD OF HORROR strives to provide an eerie and intense experience. At this, the game is a success. The weird and unnerving collide to invest the player in this strange world.
Tired Tropes and Triggers
Body horror deserves a mention, but the aesthetic and pixels doesn’t particularly evoke realism. Regardless, many designs evoke body horror.
Aside from this, here are some points of consideration. First, WORLD OF HORROR uses JRPG turn-based combat, which seems a point of division among some gamers. However, there are enough interesting mechanics and complexities beyond clicking an action and waiting your turn.
Second, WORLD OF HORROR isn’t a cult detective. You’re experiencing events and choosing how your character responds. Some sage wisdom I heard for WORLD OF HORROR is to focus on the whole campaign instead of a single case. Failing a case isn’t a game over, so prioritize your character’s longevity.
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What I Dislike About WORLD OF HORROR
Only a few issues hindered my experience. Some scenarios replay on a single case, let alone a playthrough, which becomes repetitive. Some scenarios have multiple solutions to add variety or require perks to access new options, but that’s not always true. This issue makes the randomization taxing at times.
This next issue is likely a bug or an oversight. After losing my reason (sanity), I found myself still able to investigate despite the game claiming that means death. An unrelated event finished me off, but I can’t help but assume this is a bug.
Final Thoughts
WORLD OF HORROR has its quirks but earns massive replay value and surprising depth. It’s a unique and ambitious indie title worth the price. If Junji Ito’s style or cosmic horror is your particular brand of horror, WORLD OF HORROR delivers an experience you’ll likely enjoy. Though this combination synergizes well, few games combine these elements successfully. (4.5 / 5)
These games aren’t just about rolling dice – they’re about immersing yourself in the blood-curdling atmosphere of beloved horror films. With unique survival (and kill!) horror mechanics and cooperative gameplay, you’ll feel the terror coursing through your veins with every move!
But wait, there’s more! With the Kickstarter to House of 1000 Corpses shipping soon, we have an in-depth review coming up for that game, Halloween II–AND…Chucky. BOOMMM!!!