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A Note On... Bittersweet Melon Soda

Melon Journey: Bittersweet Memories is a narrative puzzle game by Froach Club/Poppy Works! Search for your best friend in the streets of Hog Town and have a melon soda while you're at it.
Melon Journey was recommended to me by a friend based on vibes alone. Kind of wild to me that I can get games recommended to me based on vibes, but also I love it.
Anyway, it is beautiful. Both the art and the music went so hard I couldn't stop gushing about it during my playthrough on Twitch.
Like damn, there were bangers in there. And it looks like the music was so good XSEEDGames (the publisher) posted a whole remix playlist for the game. I honestly can't get enough of the music, for real.


That's not all though. I can't express how happy the green palette made me feel during the game, it's insane and incredibly impressive because I knew, but didn't realize, a monochrome palette can work so well for an entire game. Not to mention the graphics are actually, like, so good that it's crazy to me.
The game is pretty simple and standard for your typical RPG Maker-style narrative game. Interact with things and people, find out stuff, collect stuff, and solve the mystery! It works pretty well for the vibes of this game.
My only issue was that there were points in the game where I had no idea what the heck I had to do. Especially with some of the side quests. I'm not sure if that's a level design issue or if I was just smol brain at the time (I did, in fact, underestimate the complicated nature of streaming), but there was big struggle being had while I figured out how to progress the story. That's not to say there were a lot of progression issues, but when there were, I was kind of stumped.

Besides that, I think that the writing is a pretty strong point. There were a lot of funny lines and things you could read just by interacting with nondescript objects. The references (that I managed to catch) were pretty cool. The characters were so good too. They're well-defined and the important characters all have their parts to play. I need Strong Dog and Kitten Princess as besties.
The mystery of the game is also well-executed for my standards (I'm not a mystery reader at all so this was fun). Finding the clues that leads to things and clues that lead to nothing, very cool, indeed.
There's a kind of spoilery section of the game that I won't get into much detail, but it kinda introduced an interesting twist that wasn't really a twist. And that was severely disappointing because of how sudden and how well executed that scene was.

An amazing experience, Melon Journey: Bittersweet Memories is a definite recommend for my monochrome-coloured, narrative-loving gamers out there!
As always,
Enjoy gaming!
#video games#game review#gaming#ink reviews#a note on...#Melon Journey#Melon Journey: Bittersweet Memories
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Welcome to Cassette Beasts Source!
Hello everyone, this is Cassette Beasts Source, an unofficial fan site blog dedicated to the indie monster-collecting RPG, Cassette Beasts!
This blog aims to be the go-to source for Cassette Beasts content on Tumblr, from news to fan works! This blog is made by a Cassette Beasts enthusiast, for all Cassette Beasts fans and anyone interested in the game.
As fans, we hope to do everything we can to spread the love for Cassette Beasts, as we believe this amazing game deserves more appreciation and attention.
Feel free to share and boost!
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The steam page for my game Memora Wanderer is now approved and public!
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we made SO MANY monsters for yolk heroes and theyre all pretty goofy and fun. We had a lot of fun making all of them. Hope you enjoy puns!!!!!
Yolk Heroes: A Long Tamago is a virtual pet RPG idle game and it's coming out on steam APRIL 30TH!! WISHLIST NOW!
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A Note On... Drafting Cards in the Dungeon

Dungeon Drafters is a roguelite deckbuilding game by Manalith Studios! Explore the dungeons, grab boosters, and defeat bosses!
Let me say this outright, the game is absolutely gorgeous. Very, very pretty. Plus the option to change the palette to be absolutely blinding is actually great (and funny) if your eyes can handle it and it's a fun little nostalgic tidbit.
One cool point I found out is that the character you choose at the beginning is pretty much cosmetic since you can equipment any deck loadout, but you unfortunately can't change it later on which is a small loss.
The mechanics themselves remind me of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon (without the 8-directional movement), Into the Breach, and [Slay the Spire] all mixed together.


So another little disclaimer that while I'm writing this, I've obviously not experienced everything this game has to offer. I've only ever used the starting cards for the red-haired magic girl, as well as other raider cards and the traveller cards.
And I learned from a handful of runs that both movement and *card synergy* is wildly important to have a successful run. Traveller cards are good in both since they offer a lot of extra moves and movement abilities and that pairs well with the raider's attack cards.
The issue is that some builds are going to be way stronger than others and a handful won't even be viable. And because the dungeons of the game are so long, it becomes a real challenge to be able to survive 4+ floors to beat the game,especially since there's no way to empower yourself during the run. What you have is what you get, so to say.



Which, in my opinion, is both good and bad. Good in the sense that challenge is good. It forces you to strategize in both preparation and execution. The right synergies and the right in-combat decisions to help you succeed. Bad in the sense it becomes incredibly hard to actually finish the game (part of why I'm writing the review before I do finish my time the game). And honestly, many roguelites suffer from that problem anyways (where runs are too long compared to your ability to get stronger).
I'm not quite done with my time in the game. At some point I wanna try a turtling/healing build as well as a build where you get a ton of minions/summons. I also want to *attempt* to do the last dungeon, but I have high doubts I'll be able to actually complete it.
Dungeon Drafters is a really cool mix of dungeon exploration and deck building.
As always,
Enjoy gaming!
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A Note On... Drafting Cards in the Dungeon

Dungeon Drafters is a roguelite deckbuilding game by Manalith Studios! Explore the dungeons, grab boosters, and defeat bosses!
Let me say this outright, the game is absolutely gorgeous. Very, very pretty. Plus the option to change the palette to be absolutely blinding is actually great (and funny) if your eyes can handle it and it's a fun little nostalgic tidbit.
One cool point I found out is that the character you choose at the beginning is pretty much cosmetic since you can equipment any deck loadout, but you unfortunately can't change it later on which is a small loss.
The mechanics themselves remind me of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon (without the 8-directional movement), Into the Breach, and [Slay the Spire] all mixed together.


So another little disclaimer that while I'm writing this, I've obviously not experienced everything this game has to offer. I've only ever used the starting cards for the red-haired magic girl, as well as other raider cards and the traveller cards.
And I learned from a handful of runs that both movement and *card synergy* is wildly important to have a successful run. Traveller cards are good in both since they offer a lot of extra moves and movement abilities and that pairs well with the raider's attack cards.
The issue is that some builds are going to be way stronger than others and a handful won't even be viable. And because the dungeons of the game are so long, it becomes a real challenge to be able to survive 4+ floors to beat the game,especially since there's no way to empower yourself during the run. What you have is what you get, so to say.



Which, in my opinion, is both good and bad. Good in the sense that challenge is good. It forces you to strategize in both preparation and execution. The right synergies and the right in-combat decisions to help you succeed. Bad in the sense it becomes incredibly hard to actually finish the game (part of why I'm writing the review before I do finish my time the game). And honestly, many roguelites suffer from that problem anyways (where runs are too long compared to your ability to get stronger).
I'm not quite done with my time in the game. At some point I wanna try a turtling/healing build as well as a build where you get a ton of minions/summons. I also want to *attempt* to do the last dungeon, but I have high doubts I'll be able to actually complete it.
Dungeon Drafters is a really cool mix of dungeon exploration and deck building. Totally recommend for those who love both.
As always,
Enjoy gaming!
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I'm happy to reveal my new tiny game: 🏝 CASTAWAY! ⚔
Reposts much appreciated 💛 If you like what you see please Wishlist!
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Just showing off the improved environment and new tofish sprites!
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A Note On... Risking it in the Rain (2)

Risk of Rain 2 is a co-op roguelike by Hopoo Games! Loot chests, kill bosses, and charge up that teleporter!
I feel like I have a love/hate relationship with this game. But that's because I'm playing it with the same crew as I did with Deep Rock Galactic and the mechanics feel more punishing.
With that said, the game is pretty dang good! It's full of action and exploration. Getting the right build is usually a challenge (unless you've got Artifact of Command on and can just choose your items!). You can get severely overpowered when getting the right items and it's real fun.
My issues with this game start with opening it. Incredibly long load time for whatever reason. But that's only a slight issue, no real effect.

I think that the game is really, really unbalanced. Some survivors are effective, but most aren't. Or, they take a specific build and playstyle to make them effective. And the point I'm making is that characters aren't effective. I simply won't play Commando or Engineer or Captain or Acrid because Bandit and Artificer (in my opinion and with my playstyle) are more usable and more consistent than the others. The difficulty spikes because their abilities can be pretty situational, or offer a different style of play.
Take Engineer, for example. He's really defensive, with his turrets and shield. But since I play with loot goblins who I call friends, I can't feasibly use him.
In another facet, many survivors are really immobile. This can make things tough in later stages when surviving (and honestly, traversing through the stages themselves) requires an increased ability to move. Requires as in, it'd be real difficult if you, for instance, didn't have a dash or the double jump item.
For all it's worth, I think this game is pretty fun. There are some good times to be had, but I recommend playing with friends!
Risk of Rain 2 is a solid entry for those interested in co-op roguelikes, especially when you've got friends to play with!
As always,
Enjoy gaming!
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hi friends! here to let y'all know (again) that I'm posting stream highlights over on my YouTube channel! so if y'all don't have time to watch whole streams/the time isn't good for you, then these <20min highlights might be for you!
I always appreciate if you share with friends/those you think might be interested!
as always,
enjoy gaming!
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Stream Schedule for the week!
Starting at 10am EST/7am PST!
For April 15-19:
Mon: Stardew Valley
Tues: sleepy time
Wed: sleepy time
Thurs: Stardew Valley
Fri: Stardew Valley
Might inquire about adding another game to the schedule sooner or later! I'll keep y'all posted :)
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A Blog for Games!
Still being a Game Enthusiast™, now with more content!
Henlo friends! Here we play games and sometimes try to make them, too! Feel free to send in recommendations in my asks!
Also if you're into writing, check out my writing blog, @splashinkling.
Currently Playing: well, who knows right now
Excited For: Tavern Talk! Bits & Bops!
Reviews are posted Mon/Wed/Fri when available! Check out my Master List for words on every game I've curated so far!
I'm streaming on Twitch! Come on through! But if you can't, check out highlights on YouTube! This week's (April 8-12) Stream Schedule:
Starting at 10am ET/7am PT!
Mon April 8: No Stream
Tues April 9: First Stream! Making sure things work, then Stardew Valley!
Wed April 10: Stardew Valley
Thu April 11: No Stream
Fri April 12: Stardew Valley
As always,
Enjoy gaming!
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A Blog for Games!
Still being a Game Enthusiast™, now with more content!
Henlo friends! Here we play games and sometimes try to make them, too! Feel free to send in recommendations in my asks!
Also if you're into writing, check out my writing blog, @splashinkling.
Currently Playing: well, who knows right now
Excited For: Tavern Talk! Bits & Bops!
Reviews are posted Mon/Wed/Fri when available! Check out my Master List for words on every game I've curated so far!
I'm streaming on Twitch! Come on through! But if you can't, check out highlights on YouTube! This week's (April 8-12) Stream Schedule:
Starting at 10am ET/7am PT!
Mon April 8: No Stream
Tues April 9: First Stream! Making sure things work, then Stardew Valley!
Wed April 10: Stardew Valley
Thu April 11: No Stream
Fri April 12: Stardew Valley
As always,
Enjoy gaming!
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A Blog for Games!
Still being a Game Enthusiast™, now with more content!
Henlo friends! Here we play games and sometimes try to make them, too! Feel free to send in recommendations in my asks!
Also if you're into writing, check out my writing blog, @splashinkling.
Currently Playing: Mudborne, Moonstone Island, Lawn Mowing Sim, My Time at Portia
Excited For: Bits & Bops! Tower of Zoz!
Reviews are posted Mon/Wed/Fri when available (cause I can't play games that fast)! Check out my Master List for words on every game I've curated so far!
I'm streaming on Twitch during the week, usually starting at 1PM ET! Come on through!
As always,
Enjoy gaming!
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Reviews Master List
All of my reviews are linked below under the cut!
Game Lists:
Games I Played in 2021
A Year of Gaming, 2022
A Year of Gaming, 2023
3 Lines on 7 Games
(Florence, Bright Memory, Framed Collection, When the Past was Around, Tametsi, Turnip Boy, AER)
(Another) 3 Games in 3 Lines
(while true: learn(), Pikuniku, Alicemare)
3 More Games in 3 Lines
(Sword of the Necromancer, Nowhere Prophet, Dicey Dungeons)
3 Additional Games in 3 Lines
(Luna's Fishing Garden, SHENZEN I/O, Mini Healer)
5 Games I Haven't Finished
(Pathfinder: Kingmaker, Disco Elysium, Spiritfarer, Rain World, Railroad Corporation)
3 Cute DU&I Puzzle Games
(Cats Organized Neatly, Dogs Organized Neatly, Feed All Monsters)
3 Unique Rhythm Games
(Soundfall, No Straight Roads, Rhythm Sprout)
5 Strategy Games I Think You Should Play
(Battletech, Wasteland 3, The Dungeon of Naheulbeuk: The Amulet of Chaos, Fae Tactics, Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga)
Game Reviews:
A Little to the Left
As Far As The Eye
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Bread & Fred
Carto
Cassette Beasts
Cat Cafe Manager
Death end re;Quest
Dorfromantik
Edge of Eternity
ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights
Evan's Remains
Hexcells
Hollow Knight
Ikenfell
Islanders
Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk
Last Call BBS
Littlewood
Love is Dead
Mary Skelter: Nightmares
Melatonin
Metal Unit
Neon White
Potionomics
SANABI
Tales of Zestiria
UNBEATABLE [white label]
Unsighted
A Note On...:
A Dance of Fire and Ice
A Short Hike
Ageless
Alt-Frequencies
ANNO: Mutationem
Assemble with Care
BALAN WONDERWORLD
Bear and Breakfast
Deep Rock Galactic
Dodgeball Academia
Dragonball Z: Kakarot
Dungeon Drafters
En Garde!
Epistory: Typing Chronicles
Every Letter
Filament
Frog Corral
Garden Story
Haven
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Here Comes Niko!
Hue
Jack Move
Lil Gator Game
Little Hope
Luck Be A Landlord
Minami Lane
Minit
Monster Sanctuary
Murder by Numbers
Muse Dash
Peglin
Rhythm Doctor
Risk of Rain 2
Severed Steel
shapez
Shellshock Live
Smushi Come Home
Sticky Business
Storyteller
Sunblaze
The Looker
Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales
Timelie
TROUBLERSHOOTER: Abandoned Children
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it's happening!
Streaming starting at 10am ET/7am PT!
This week's (April 8-12) schedule:
Mon April 8: No Stream
Tues April 9: First Stream! Making sure things work, then Stardew Valley!
Wed April 10: Stardew Valley
Thu April 11: No Stream
Fri April 12: Stardew Valley
#ink streams#gaming#video games#honestly dunno if that starting time will stick#it's mostly cause that's the time I *know* I won't be interrupted for at least 2 hours
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Hi friends!
The last poll is still ongoing but I've basically got plans in place for the foreseeable near future!
It's time for me to post some more info about said plans
So say hi to my new avatar:
(concept art credit for my friend voldox_7591!)
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