Recent reviews by Le Mao

Come on you apes, you wanna live forever ?!

I have only one rule. Everybody fights, no one quits.

The only good bug, is a dead bug.

Oorah !

Would you like to know more?

YES.

one word : grind-frame.

One of the most successful F2P models out there.

Fun to play with friends, great to play for soloists too.

Try it, space ninjas with space mom will welcome you with open arms.

Welcome Tenno.

" Tower Hunter : Erza's Trial " is a 2.5/3d platform hack-and-slash adventure rpg that is similar to metroidvania games.

There isn't much of a backstory as this game is still in early access. Players will be controlling a female heroine " Erza", to traverse a tower dungeon tileset.

The learning curve is straightforward as there is a tutorial and pop-up hints which will guide players while progressing through the game.

There are various " zones " available as players climb the tower. They consists of a wide range of different enemies, various items, a detailed map, environment objects that can be interacted with, and interesting mini-bosses.

The game takes the traditional rpg leveling to an interesting direction, as players are only allowed to "upgrade" when they reach certain checkpoints (after each zone) or when they die and respawn.

Customisation is available, players can choose how they want to gear / upgrade / skill their character to suit their own playing styles.

+++ The Good +++
1) Original 3D character models and fluid animation.
2) Fighting is smooth, actions are well executed.
3) Straightforward learning curve, players jump straight into the action.
4) Decent music, non-intrusive.
5) There is controller support.
6) Character customisation allows players to gear / upgrade / skill their character to fit their playing styles.
7) Developers are very active with patches, and open to suggestions / feedback.

--- The Bad ---
1) Controls are a bit clunky at the start, but gets better when players do their first upgrades.
2) Extremely grindy, players will need to upgrade their characters a few times before taking on stronger zones or bosses.
3) Translation could be improved further, you do get minor grammar mistakes or awkward sentence structures. However, this is NOT game-breaking, do take note the developer's main language is not english, so please bear with them.

" Tower Hunter : Erza's Trial " is a rather unique metroidvania indie game, taking the genre to a different direction. The character models and maps are nicely done up, while the gameplay system has a fair bit of customisation for players to suit their style of playing.

The gameplay is challenging and grindy at first, but it gets better as players become stronger from the various upgrades they have done for their character.

This game will appeal to casual players and hardcore players who desire to play a challenging metroidvania game that goes a different direction.

Final Score : 6.5 / 10

" Dead or School " is a platform hack-and-slash adventure rpg that is similar to metroidvania games.

At first glance, it kinda reminds me of castlevania's symphony of the night, or megaman X.

The game begins with the story of Tokyo being overrun by zombies and humans have been forced to live underground for an extended period. As a result, the humans living underground have forgotten about the surface. A cutscene introduces the female heroine "Hisako", whom gets inspired by her grandmother to see the surface and to go to "school", a place where youngsters have fun and have the best experience of their pre-adult years. Players will then begin exploring various zones of Tokyo, as they rescue other inhabitants and proceed towards the surface.

When players first start the game, they will realise the graphics are beautiful, and there's plenty of anime cutscenes.

The learning curve is easy and straightforward, while the gameplay is smooth.

Players are also guided with mini-tutorials throughout the game whenever they reach a certain point.

Each "zone" has a different map, varied enemies, secrets and mini/major bosses.

There is also progression for players, in terms of level-ups, equipments + mods, skill trees, item drops.

This gives players a great level of satisfaction as they gear and and customise their character to suit their playstyle.

+++ The Good +++
1) Beautiful anime-drawn art, plenty of cutscenes with voice and subtitles.
2) Decent storyline, its like watching an anime, scenes are nicely done.
3) Gameplay and combat are smooth.
4) Straightforward learning curve, plenty of mini-tutorials to guide new players.
5) Music is good, fits the "zones" well. Sound effects are excellent, lots of voices.
6) Alot of character customisation, skills, mods, equipment, items, combos.
7) There is support for controllers and key-mappings in settings.
8) Developers are very active with patches, and open to suggestions / feedback.

--- The Bad ---
1) New players to the hack-and-slash genre, might be a little overwhelmed with so many options available (weapons/skills/mods/items)
2) There is some backtracking at certain points, leading to minor frustration.
3) Can be a little grindy as some "zones" are challenging and require certain character levels and equipment/skills to traverse them.
4) Once you complete the story, there really isn't much else to do, limited replayability.
5) Translation can be improved further, you do get minor grammar mistakes or awkward sentence structures. However, this is NOT game-breaking, do take note the developer's main language is not english, so please bear with them.

With all the beautiful models and graphics, varied character customisation and smooth combat, "Dead or School" is pretty fun to play.

Even though it was grindy at certain points, I enjoyed the grinding process as it allows me to build up my character into the playing style that I prefer.

I believe this game will be enjoyed by anime fans and both hardcore/casual hack-n-slash players.

Final Score : 8.5 / 10

Xenomarine is a turn-based roguelike dungeon exploring game, set in a sci-fi environment, by an indie developer.

The player starts as a lone marine, whom is the only survivor on the current mission.

As the player explores the sci-fi spaceship dungeon tileset, there will be encounters with different types of enemies, items and weapons which can further enhance the gameplay.

Players will be able to gain experience with combat, and eventually level up a number of different skills to increase survival chances.

Items/Equipment picked up will also allow players certain level of customisation, where they can choose their preferred way of combat.

There is strategy to a certain extent, as players need to decide on which weapons can despatch the enemies swiftly, and also whether to fight or take flight when faced with overwhelming scores of enemies.

+++ The Good +++
1) Every level is different, as it is randomly generated with enemies and items.
2) Decent customisation, in terms of skills and player equipment.
3) Strategy is needed, as players will need to think how to traverse to higher levels.
4) Replayability to a certain extent, as each new game is different due to the random variables.
5) Achievements are challenging and will appeal to completionists.
6) Developer is friendly and open to suggestions / feedback.

--- The Bad ---
1) Steep learning curve, as there is no tutorial, players are thrown into the action immediately. It is rather unforgiving for new players. However, there are useful help buttons which players can click for additional information.
2) Skills are a bit unbalanced as a number of skills are only used at higher levels, whereas majority of players will go for the standard few skills.
3) As learning of skills require two things, namely sufficient experience and a level-up terminal. Players might not be able to "level-up" for certain games as the maps are randomly generated every level.
4) Story is pretty basic, can be improved further with more events or additional lore/backstory added.
5) Gameplay can be a bit repetitive as there needs to be more varieties of items and enemies added.
6) Not much music or sound effects.

Xenomarine is a decent effort by a lone indie developer. I like the sci-fi setting and the turn-based strategy, though I wish there was more backstory or additional lore/events that can further enhance the gaming experience.

The graphics are fair, the gameplay is decent and challenging. However, there's a bit of repetition of enemies and items amidst the randomly generated levels. It can be further improved with more varieties of enemies and items to give the players a more varied gameplay.

Additional music, sound effects or even voices will help with immersion in this game as well.

I believe there will be more updates to this game, as the dev is responsive and open to feedback.

Final Score : 6 / 10

Strike Team Hydra is an indie turn based strategy which reminds me of the classic xcom series.

The game starts off with a basic story, where the player is an elite force that combats hostile aliens.

Players control a team of 6 different characters of their choosing, all with different abilities.

The characters have an experience bar for leveling up, allowing character progression.

There is also an equipment screen, enabling customisation to a certain extent.

The "missions" are not limited to just elimination, there is also variants like escort, survival etc.

Clearing "missions" award exp and random item drops that are beneficial to building the team that the player desires.

+++ The Good +++
1) Well planned maps, decent 3d models and character animations.
2) There is a tutorial that teaches the basics of the game.
3) Music and sound effects are decent, fits well with the game's environment
4) There is a certain degree of strategy mixed in, depending on the player's team structure and their equipment.
5) Wide selection of characters to build your team, very uniquely different with their own skillsets.
6) There is mission variety and replayability.
7) Devs are friendly and approachable, open to suggestions and feedback

--- The Bad ---
1) Skills are a little unbalanced, some skills are utilised most of the time, while some are barely used.
2) Even though there is an auto-save feature, there is no manual-save feature, so players have to clear the mission before the game is saved.
3) Learning curve is a bit steep, tutorial only teaches the basics, casual players will need to spend more time figuring out the more advanced features like skills, equipment.
4) The game is still dependent on RNG % rolls, can be frustrating when high probability leads to failure.
5) Can be a little grindy at higher levels, when you need to level up your chars and farm better equipment, so as to clear the next mission.

I enjoyed Strike Team Hydra as it reminds me of the classic xcom series to a certain extent. It is turn based, there is strategy involved, based on your team builds and positioning.

It is a rough gem in the making, I believe there is room for improvement, such as a better storyline, more character customisation, unlockable skills at higher levels, more ship customisation(upgrades), manual-save features, etc.

With the devs being friendly and open to suggestions/feedback, I'm sure this game will get better with more updates.

This game will appeal to casual players who are new to strategy turn-based games, or experienced players who want to enjoy classic xcom nostalgia.

Final Score : 7 / 10

" Juicy Realm " is a casual top-down shooter that is similar to games like "Binding of Isaac", " Crimsonland", "Helldivers", "Alien Swarm", "Nuclear Throne", "Enter The Gungeon".

The game starts off immediately with an easy-to-play tutorial, teaching you the basic mechanics of the game. Once that is cleared, you get to select your difficulty and your game modes (single / duo player).

Upon selecting your game mode, the player gets to choose between 4 different characters, each with their own unique abilities and weapons, before moving on to a new "zone".

Each "zone" will consist of a randomly generated detailed map, traps, different type of enemies, as well as bosses at the end of the "zone".

The learning curve is easy, and the gameplay is not too complex. There is a bit of customisation, depending on the weapons/upgrades/items that players decide to use to suit their playing style.


+++ The Good +++
1) Very, very cute character models, colorful and detailed maps
2) Gameplay is smooth and keys are responsive.
3) There is support for controllers.
4) Co-op! Bring a friend and have fun together!
5) Easy learning curve, fits well with casual players.
6) Music is non-intrusive and suits the various "zones" and boss fights.
7) Sound effects are spot-on when interacting with the environment.
8) Plenty of weapons/upgrades to suit players' own playing styles.
9) Developers are active and open to suggestions / feedback.

--- The Bad ---
1) The storyline is pretty basic, it could be improved further.
2) Gameplay can be repetitive after playing a few rounds.
3) Limited replayability, there isn't much content after you complete the story.


I enjoyed playing "Juicy Realm", the character models are really cute and the maps are beautifully drawn with lots of color and details. Even though the storyline/gameplay is a little basic, it is a great casual top-down shooter suited for all players, which will give them a warm happy fuzzy feeling after playing it.


Final Score : 8.5 / 10

A short 10 minutes film, but amazingly well-done adaptation of the video game " Papers, Please".

I'm impressed by how similar they have made it to the game, you can literally feel the tension and emotional moments for each unique individual.

Kudos to the studio who made this, they captured the essence of the game in this short film perfectly.

" Evil Genome " is a 2.5/3d platform hack-and-slash adventure rpg that is similar to metroidvania games.

The game starts off with an interesting movie cinematic / cutscene, showing a female heroine called "Lachesis", who crashlands onto a desert wasteland and losing her memories. Players will begin exploring various zones as they try to help Lachesis recover her memories while the story unfolds.

The learning curve is straightforward and easy, players are guided with mini-tutorials and hints while progressing through the game.

Each "zone" will consist of a detailed map, a range of enemies, unique minibosses and challenging bosses.

There is also a level-up feature, equipment screen, item drops, skill tree. Basically, plenty of customisation for players to shape their character into their preferred playing style.


+++ The Good +++
1) Nicely done 3D character models and animation.
2) Alright storyline, a bit cliche, but still enjoyable for casual players.
3) Fighting and action scenes are smooth.
4) Easy learning curve, plenty of action.
5) Music fits with the various "zones" and boss fights, not intrusive.
6) There is support for controllers and key-mappings in settings.
7) Plenty of character customisation, equipment, skills, clothing, augments, items, combos/abilities.
8) Lots of achievements for the achievement hunters!
9) Developers are very active with patches, and open to suggestions / feedback.

--- The Bad ---
1) There is voice acting but its subpar and lacking. The voice actors feel disconnected with their characters.
2) Some bosses are rather difficult to beat, substantial character levels / skills / upgraded equipment are needed for progression, tends to be grindy.
3) There is some backtracking at certain points. Players can get a little frustrated.
4) Limited replayability, there isn't much content after you complete the story.
5) Translation could be improved further, you do get minor grammar mistakes or awkward sentence structures. However, this is NOT game-breaking, do take note the developer's main language is not english, so please bear with them.
6) Minor bugs where achievements don't pop when you get them. (They do pop after you restart the game though)

I enjoyed playing "Evil Genome", it has an alright story, smooth combat mechanics, character customisation and beautiful 3d models.

However, the voice acting is below average, it does break the game immersion a little. The game also tends to be rather grindy at certain points, where you need to backtrack or level up more or farm enemies drops to enhance your equipment.

This game will appeal more to players who are looking for a casual hack-n-slash adventure rpg, without too serious overtones on the story, voice acting, or minor translation mistakes.

Final Score : 8.5 / 10

"The Initial" is your typical 3d hack-n-slash/action type of game that is similar to ninja gaiden / devil may cry / bayonetta series.

At the start, players will be given a choice between 2 beautiful female heroines who look different but have the same skills.

There is little backstory, where an evil corporation is trying to take over the world and using replicated(clone) girls for battles. Surprisingly, it has some cut-scenes with decent voice acting.

The learning curve is easy, as players are guided with a tutorial at the start, the main gameplay is all about fighting and running around clearing "zones".

Each "zone" will consist of a range of enemies and unique bosses. There is also an added feature of obtaining coins after clearing each "zone", allowing players to unlock more fighting moves.


+++ The Good +++
1) Fantastic 3D character models, very nicely done.
2) Decent voice acting during cut-scenes.
3) Easy learning curve, lots of action.
4) Gameplay, fight scenes are amazingly fluid.
5) The music is fast paced, and fits well with the gameplay.
6) There is support for controllers and key-mappings in settings.
7) There is character progression with unlockable combos/abilities.
8) Developers are active and open to suggestions/feedback.

--- The Bad ---
1) Even though character models are beautiful, the expressions are poor, feels "wooden" at times.
2) Limited replayability, once the game is completed, starting a new game becomes repetitive.
3) There is a lack of content, could have more enemies / unlockables / costumes / moves / secrets / levels.
4) The backstory could be improved further, players get thrust into the action too quickly.
5) Translation could be improved further, you do get minor grammar mistakes or awkward sentence structures. However, this is NOT game-breaking, do take note the developer's main language is not english, so please bear with them.


To conclude, "The Initial" is a fun action-packed game, with beautiful graphics and fluid combat mechanics.

Even though there are some minor translation issues and lack of content/backstory, I believe both casual players and hardcore hack-n-slash fans will still enjoy this title.

Final Score : 8.5 / 10