All screenshots and images are taken from my own gameplay or public domain gifs, most of it captured on stream an muted due to music copyright that was playing at the time. The rest are public domain gifs. Enjoy the example footage and review folks.

Minion Masters: Upbeat Deckbuilding Tower Defense

Greeting folks and welcome to another game review. This time we are reviewing one of my all time favorite free to play tower defenders/deck builders: Minion Masters. This game is a blast to play both competitively and casually, and is incredibly generous in f2p progression (you NEVER need to spend a dime on this game, even to be competitive). The cards are balanced (spells are a bit underpowered on average, but the minions themselves are balanced well in line with each other) and the playerbase for this game is active, the gameplay is also thought out but not too complicated. So without further or do let's get into it.

Gameplay: Simple to Learn, with great depth

Minion masters is a deck building Tower defender, you pick you master who provides general buffs to your deck of minions you select before the battle. You play the minions for mana you generate every second, there are a plethora of units, factions (voidbourne, Zen- chi, etc.) and strategies of play available. All of which are able to be obtained for free. Each unit can be summoned to your side of the board, and spells are cast as directed. Controlling the bridges and having them remain your color grants experience which improves your masters effectiveness and unlocks "Mana frenzy" (double mana) after you have maxed the level of your summoner. Games are short and typically never last more than 10 minutes. Your objective is to destroy the enemy tower and defend your own. There are different strategies for both 1v1s and 2v2s and both are a great deal of fun.

Looks and Feel: Light hearted, Lore heavy

The general aesthetic of minion masters is rather light-hearted despite there being gore and blood. It's rather zaney, vibrant, and flashy with everything from the units themselves to the in game announcer. Despite this "light" aesthetic, the game itself is actually incredibly lore heavy as it is derived from a culmination of Beta Dwarf's other titles (FORCED 1+ 2 etc.) and because of that provides a rich setting. I will also be trying out their closed beta for their extraction PvPvE RPG Moba (A mouthful I know), set in the same universe with the same characters.

Ranked and Competitive Play: Tournaments? Yes

This game has competitive tournaments every month for a few hundred USD in prizes sent to one's paypal account if you are so lucky to defeat the mighty Set or some of the other OGs that have been keeping up with the tournament scene. These tournaments are hosted by team Mana Frenzy in their discord and are rather fun (this isn't a Dota level tournament scene or anything like that but it is in fact "present"). I've played in a few myself but haven't won anything in quite some time, but none the less these tournaments are a blast to play and did I mention they are FREE to enter? That's right. If people enjoy the game I would love to do tournaments for it, just let me know.

Achievments? Completed, and I'm still at it.

As you can see I have actually 100 percent completed EVERY SINGLE ACHIEVEMENT in this title, it was not the hardest to do but it wasn't fast to complete. However, this game I enjoy playing so I still grind the new cards even though I have no more achievements left for my completionist streak (if this was a "meh" game or lacked replayability it would likely not be revisited after completion and should attest to it's repeat enjoyment). Mobile is also coming in a few weeks so I'm trying to get reoriented with it.

TLDR: How many stars is it damn it?

This title for me is a 5 star title due to the fact it is a very enjoyable deck builder/ vs tower defender, completely free with the ability to get everything in game for free, and will soon be available on mobile in partnership with Netflix (Netflix subs get a FULL card collection to mess around with, sweet right?). Regardless you can DL and play the game free and acquire every in game item available. I definitely recommend trying this one once it hits mobile it was made for it and will be a blast.

Cheers everyone, thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to comment and engage with this post how you see fit. Have a wonderful week and stay safe out there.

Featured is the raw footage of a pre tides atlantean battle I found particularly enjoyable. Now I have an idea of what stylized edits to implement/ memey video direction to take. Expect it to occur within a few days if I manage my time effectively.

Vintage Light Atlanteans, Youtube Video Soon

There will actually be a youtube video coming to my channel within the next few days after I finish some humerous edits and voice overs to this raw footage, but I'm very excited and want you folks to see who's been bringing the light atlantean thunder even before the tides started to turn ;). The new light atlanteans will feature none of these cool neutrals or combinations so get your fill ladies and gentlemen, the tide is turning. The youtube video will be out soon ideally before next weekend when the new set is LIVE, but at the very least this shows you who was running Atlanteans effectively before it was cool or remotely meta viable.

Light Atlanteans: Control with a twist

This deck sports the use of the traditional light control package, censer, lips are sealed, lysanders mercy, born again. However, the twist here is that you have 2 late game value pieces to bring back from the void or even plop down BEFORE lips are sealed. (List pictured below)

Spiral Golem: facilitates late game removal and with boost walker can twinstike face for satisfying lethal. Additionally this target STILL SWINGS even if it is ordered with lips are sealed. Offering gross combo potential.

Golem Centurion: This card acts as a body here and when brought back from the void gives the maximum late game value possible. This cannot be compared to a thaeriel or oni but is fun to do.

Atlanteans, Scourge of Dragons: My Allegiance

In the next expansion I will be fighting for the glory of Atlantis, these dragons know not the value of progress. Gah, they think their scales and fire will save them? We will R.I.S.E to victory and demonstrate the power of science and magic brought forth in perfect harmony the only way these heathens understand. Through force. Normally I do not post about rank since the ranking system is a bit of a joke (another post), but despite that, I will meet these draconic opponents in Mythic next week (I already am in Ethereal diamond and climbing now that WR rewards are something I give a shit about again). I never look at gudecks during a match either, you can use that crutch if you wish and I will crush you none the less. It's time to show them all the power of Atlanteans. Tryhard Rexxie is back. You can choose team Atlanteans, or be my enemy. It's your decision.

Orbital Gear: Good, but loses it's draw

You would think mechas obliterating each other in orbital gravitational combat would have quite a bit of draw, or at least replayability. Sadly, in the game orbital gear can be fun for "a few rounds on the couch" but doesn't usually warrant or desire more play than that. Don't get me wrong, those initial matches are awesome each time you boot it up but after a few rounds the gameplay does lose it's allure. Meant for short sessions on the couch at request locally. The single player campaign is not the most engaging campaign you will engage it, you mostly fight drones and traverse a map with a timer attached. Not much else.

Gameplay: Well Implemented Gravity Combat

The combat and weapons are actually VERY well thought out and fun to use within the unique gravitational constraints of each map. Despite this the gameplay loop loses it's zest after a half hour to an hour regardless of variety. There isn't hide nor hair of an online population for this game so it is a couch co-op only game in it's current state, and in my experience it is one of the least requested (however still occasionally requested) titles in my library. I would not say the gameplay loop is stale or bland, just a limited flavor burst when you spin it up. You choose one ability and 2 weapons every respawn, with certain weapons either obeying or disobeying gravity's rules to deadly effect. There are a plethora of varieties of weapons to choose from. This game is a fun hour or two on the couch with 4 people, but rarely goes beyond that.

Graphics: Light and Simple

The graphics are light, simple, and appropriate for the rapid run and gun PvP experience it provides. Each level is unique and has a particular design and style, a very thoughtfully made game in these ways aswell. The colors are vibrant and stand out, these are not AAA graphics but fit the gameplay perfectly. This game can run on pretty much any machine you put it on these days rather easily, but isn't going to WoW you with next level realism either (it isn't meant to).

TLDR: How many stars damnit? Why?

I had a tough time reviewing this game, on the one hand it delivered a neat twist to the local versus environment. On the other hand it just doesn't pull people in for "just one more round" like many other titles in my library. This game is a very well made game, however despite that I would only give it 6/10 stars or roughly a low C-D rating. Only due to the fact that it delivers a limited local PVP experience that is meant to be enjoyed in short bursts. I'm sure some would give this game a full 10 stars, and others maybe even less than my review. I think this game is VERY well made, but only brings so many hours of enjoyment to the table on average. There is nothing wrong with that, but that's why I give it 6/10.

Nature Atlanteans: It's not a typo

They called me mad, but oh how I showed them all. Who's mad now? Would a crazy person use the worst performing meta god with the least attended tribe in GU since Genesis? Well yeah, but who's crazy now? Muahahahahahaha. If you've been following me you might realize at this point that I am a bit of an atlantean fanatic, and funny enough through my tinkering and tuning I have brewed a might peculiar deck. A peculiarly powerful deck, an oddity if you will. In fact this deck was the deck that finally got me through THE HUNT challenge. This deck is my highest performing Nature deck, even compared to traditional amazons or control. I understand why it was thought to be madness, it IS insanity how much everything synergizes when it goes off. I'll explain below.

Aggro Atlanteans: Key Pieces to Overgrown Aggro

The key components of this deck (that aren't core atlanteans mentioned in this post from a while back ie Windup rollers etc etc.) are a few powerful but rarely utilized atlanteans with a couple nature staples.

Aquatic Torturer: I assume this card waterboards it's opponent's to get past frontline? Or idk how exactly being an aquatic torturer justifies this ability but this card is CRUCIAL for this deck, but not crucial enough to run 2 copies. The 1 in 30 chance to grant every atlantean flank as well as having a big body at 5 is ESSENTIAL in this deck. Do not underestimate this cards utility, there isn't very much flank in GU that is actually strong enough to use. This is one of them.

Beam Sentry: Now some of you might be looking at the card and thinking, "Rex are you serious? this "dies to one GP ping" excuse for an offensive 1 drop? You're using THIS?". You bet your sweet bippy I am. 3/1 takes it out of the reach of transforms and offers much needed "frenzy" for various cards in this deck that are needed to repopulate your hand.

Firewine: Most of you know the drill with firewine. You set up a wide board or a strong board and then quite literally "overkill" the opponent with the surplus damage created. (Overkill makes any excess damage dealt to creatures be spread randomly amongst enemies).

Spring's Harvest: This card (sometimes in tandem with Beam sentry. gasp ) replenishes your hand with 3 nature cards. this adds additional tech and creates beyond the OBLIGATORY canopy barrages and lightning strikes. It tends to usually be favorable but has also been a brick tossed into your own hand at times.

Actual Performance: A bit over 50 percent

This deck boasts a slightly over 50 percent winrate, which is the best I can do with nature at hte moment. Ideally I get a few more things togething and maybe make a more refined list for another tribe. We will see. You can check on GU decks I have the latest iteration of this deck listed and it does win about 50 percent of the time and has very polarizing matchups. I will continue to tune it though as it is very fun to play and a surprising fit for atlanteans. Who knew? (The video may see some choppiness towards the end, I couldn't figure out how to deal with that in 3speak but it is meant to show the deck in action and indeed it does). I hope some domain specific atlantean for nature arrive, that would be interesting. Currently the only one that exists is summoned via Grass Roots. I wonder what the future holds?

I may end up uploading it to youtube at a later date with some editing etc. instead of the raw footage of this meme. I am still undecided. For the memes of course.

Pineapple on Pizza: An Experience on Steam

Pineapple on Pizza despite having X achievements is not considered enough of a game to warrant being marked among my games with 100 percent achievements achieved. This is more of a "cinematic experience" than a game, and offers the user a wide array of imagery and a tastey finale for those who can survive it. And what better place to post such an experience than to the Hive Pizza community.

Not a game, more a Cinematic Experience

The "game" is nowhere to be seen. This is a cinematic meme of epic proportions available on steam. It's a fun lil 5-15 minute playthrough, but I would not go so far as to call it a game. That's why I'm going to start by saying this game is effectively about a 1/5 as far as gameplay, there is only one thing to do that leads to one inevitability with two possible outcomes.

Again, this is not really a game. Not much to review

This complete playthrough even if you strive for achievements ,that won't count towards anything (see above), is not really a gameplay experience. It is more of the equivalent of a school project or top shelf meme, however as a meme it certainly does it's duty. As a game it is horrendous and should never be played beyond it's 20 minute playthrough (or perhaps revisited for meme value ALONE, this is a meme). This meme is really a grade A meme to expose people to once, but is a rather lean game review even as a HIVE post. Why? Pineapple on Pizza.

How many stars is it damnit? What is it even?

As a 20 minute experience I would give it about 4 stars. As one would rate a meme video, If I were rating it as a game I would give it 1 star. You wander around a well constructed landscape and achieve one of two available endings after a time. It takes roughly 20ish minutes to complete the game and get all the achievements, all the achievements can be obtained by walking close to all the villagers. As this is a meme review and not a game review, and a pizza related review at that, it felt like more of a Hive Pizza post and less like a gaming community post (as there is no game to speak of really)

Wrestling's Darker Side, and what WOO does to help

The ring, the mania, and the suplex aren't all the glamour and glitz it's cracked up to be. The truth is most of these wrestlers end up retiring with little to no benefits, mismanaged funds, or no ownership over their own identity. WOO a HIVE based blockchain game, and it's real life wrestling partners such as Perry Saturn, Raven, and Sonny Onoo. Are a little of what will be ranted about in this podcast feat. @bookerman the CEO of HIVE's upcoming wrestling management simulator.

This podcast includes:

• The Darker Side of Professional Wrestling
• What WOO does to help
• Booker's most embarrassing moment (in the industry)
• What WOO will be and what time frame to expect it
• Who would win in a wrestling match, a vampire or a mummy?
• Info on what WOO Items are for sale and what to expect from them
• No financial advice.
• and much more!

WOO: Upcoming HIVE Wrestling Manager Simulator

Wrestling Organization Online (hereafter WOO for short) is an online HIVE blockchain based NFT collectible wrestling game. It is in the most alpha of alpha states currently but offers NFT staking packs and a percentage of profits going to benefit partnered wrestlers while said wrestlers maintain FULL OWNERSHIP over their identities and rights therein (a rarity in the industry). @bookerman uses his knowledge of wrestling (as a former industry member himself) to develop this game as an accurate simulator for wrestling management right here on the HIVE blockchain.

For more information on woo's mission to help wrestling for the better click here
To join their discord for further questions click
To see the game in alpha click here

A percentage of all market fees goes to the benefit of retired wrestlers directly. For details on how click here.

Or are you interested in a more in depth analysis of the issues surrounding professional wrestling from @bookerman himself and what WOO does to help? Click here

Ryse: Son of Rome, A Cinematic Spectacle

The ramparts of the city of Rome crumble in explosions of fire and obliterated marble, you stand with the remainder of your legion in the defense of Rome against the hordes of Gauls at her gates. What are your orders Centurion? Will you be found victorious or just food for the vultures?

Ryse Son of Rome is a story driven game with an entertaining brawling combat system coupled with slight accents of "phalanx management". I played through the game at the highest default difficulty encountering little resistance, the full playthrough of the story-mode lasts about 6 hours and is quite the enjoyable cinematic experience for the price tag. Below we will delve into the elements of gameplay, the aesthetics, and story (without spoilers).

Gameplay: Brutal Barbarian Bashing with "Management"

Most of this game is countering, and performing particular attack combos based on two or three keys. Timing becomes the most important and there are a few basic combo combinations at your disposal, not a bad gameplay loop I must say but it isn't "endless enjoyment" (see below). Consumable pilums also litter the map which can sometimes provide an easier time versus archers etc. There are also ballistae that can be mounted at various points. Examples of gameplay can be seen in the video above for context.

The management portions (campaign) where you make choices for the legion are minimal and mostly effect the core gameplay mentioned above for brief periods. There are moments where you "duck" and "pilum" at particular intervals to avoid archer fire as a battalion and fire upon them. Pretty easy, and infrequent. However these elements are mostly to add to the narrative and immersion provided by the campaign.

Graphics: Beautiful for the time, still nice for today.

This game runs Roman architecture on Crysis Engine which (in it's day) was a cutting edge visual engine for videogame storytelling. The graphics are not the most lacking, however they are not to the level of purely cinematic games of 2023 however definitely adequate or above average as far as video games as a whole is concerned. Pretty, but not the MOST modern.

Story and Lore: Revenge, Well Woven

This game is a tale of revenge. You play as a centurion fighting for the 14th legion of Rome. The story is a tale you've heard before at this point in cinema, however is satisfying to play through and experience. Definitely worth the time. Rough playthrough time is 6 hours and is satisfying. You are playing this title for the story and it's an enjoyable one worth your time. I promised no spoilers and there are none, even in the screenshots. Enjoy

My Personal Playthrough: Revisiting for Achievements

I played through my first play through on Centurion Difficulty, which was the highest available without playing through the campaign once. Since this game is actually a rather doable to complete all achievements I will be doing the "New Game Plus" Legendary difficulty at some point there is a slow moment. The campaign of the game was fun to playthrough and multiplayer is also fun enough, however this game does get dull in multiplayer mode eventually. Likely something for short bursts for some coliseum simulation, not long sit downs. This game is played for the campaign mostly, but multiplayer is still fun. I will need to play in both modes to 100 percent this title, which I intend to do. It's worth the time, I'll probably be trying to finish it up gradually over the coming months.

TLDR How many stars is it damn it?

This game is an easy 4 stars, short but worthy. The story is compelling albeit "a classic tale of revenge" and is an excellent roughly 6 hour experience. On top of that multiplayer offers barbarian fighting in the collegium featuring twitches of random generation. This game isn't going to offer endless hours of entertainment, but is worth picking up on a sale and at the very least playing through the campaign. I got this title for about 3 USD and it more than delivered, it's even worth it's full sale price considering how many hours of enjoyment are provided but goes on sale somewhat frequently so if it were me I'd wait for that. This game doesn't not offer endless replayability without risk of boredom, but does deliver roughly 6-10 hours of thorough enjoyment. Thanks for reading, don't forget to smash that follow button.

Espanol version is located below. Thanks for reading don't forget to follow.

Ryse: Son of Rome, un espectáculo cinematográfico

Las murallas de la ciudad de Roma se desmoronan en explosiones de fuego y mármol borrado, te encuentras con el resto de tu legión en la defensa de Roma contra las hordas de galos a sus puertas. ¿Cuáles son sus órdenes Centurión? ¿Serás hallado victorioso o solo como comida para los buitres?

Ryse Son of Rome es un juego basado en una historia con un entretenido sistema de combate de peleas con ligeros acentos de "gestión de falange". Jugué el juego con la dificultad predeterminada más alta y encontré poca resistencia, el juego completo del modo historia dura aproximadamente 6 horas y es una experiencia cinematográfica bastante agradable por el precio. A continuación profundizaremos en los elementos del juego, la estética y la historia (sin spoilers).

Jugabilidad: Golpe brutal de bárbaros con "Gestión"

La mayor parte de este juego consiste en contrarrestar y realizar combos de ataques particulares basados en dos teclas. Los pilums consumibles también ensucian el mapa, lo que a veces puede proporcionar un tiempo más fácil en comparación con los arqueros, etc. También hay ballestas que se pueden montar en varios puntos.

Las partes de gestión (campaña) en las que tomas decisiones para la legión son mínimas y afectan principalmente al juego principal mencionado anteriormente durante breves períodos. Hay momentos en los que te "agachas" y "pilum" a intervalos particulares para evitar el fuego de los arqueros como un batallón y disparar sobre ellos. Bastante fácil y poco frecuente. Sin embargo, estos elementos son principalmente para agregar a la narrativa y la inmersión proporcionada por la campaña.

Gráficos: Muy bonitos para la época, todavía bonitos hoy en dia.

Este juego ejecuta la arquitectura romana en Crysis Engine que (en su día) fue un motor visual de vanguardia para la narración de videojuegos. Los gráficos no son los más escasos, pero no están al nivel de los juegos puramente cinematográficos de 2023, pero definitivamente adecuados o por encima del promedio en lo que respecta a los juegos en general. Bonitos, pero no los MÁS modernos.

Historia y Tradición: Venganza, Bien Tejida

Este juego es una historia de venganza. Juegas como un centurión que lucha por la legión 14 de Roma. La historia es una historia que has escuchado antes en este momento del cine, sin embargo, es satisfactorio jugarla y experimentarla. Definitivamente vale la pena el tiempo. El tiempo de reproducción aproximado es de 6 horas y es satisfactorio. Estás jugando este título por la historia, es divertido y vale la pena.

Mi juego personal: revisión de logros

Jugué mi primera jugada en Centurion Difficulty, que era la más alta disponible sin jugar la campaña una vez. Dado que este juego es bastante factible para completar todos los logros, ya haré la dificultad legendaria "New Game Plus" en algún momento. La campaña del juego fue divertida de jugar y el modo multijugador también es lo suficientemente divertido, sin embargo, este juego se vuelve aburrido en el modo multijugador eventualmente. Probablemente algo para ráfagas cortas para alguna simulación de coliseo, no largas sentadas. Este juego se juega principalmente para la campaña, pero el modo multijugador sigue siendo divertido. Tendré que jugar en ambos modos al 100 por ciento este título, lo cual pretendo hacer. Vale la pena el tiempo, probablemente intentaré terminarlo gradualmente en los próximos meses.

En corto ¿Cuántas estrellas tiene, maldita sea?

Este juego es fácil de 4 estrellas, corto pero digno. La historia es convincente, aunque es "un cuento clásico de venganza" y es una excelente experiencia de aproximadamente 6 horas. Además de eso, el modo multijugador ofrece lucha bárbara en el coliceo con contracciones de generación aleatoria. Este juego no ofrecerá interminables horas de entretenimiento, pero vale la pena aprovechar una oferta y, al menos, jugar durante la campaña. Obtuve este título por alrededor de 3 USD y lo entregué con creces, incluso vale la pena su precio de venta total considerando cuántas horas de disfrute se brindan, pero sale a la venta con cierta frecuencia, así que si fuera yo esperaría eso.