My Q1 2024 & Beyond

My Q1 2024 & Beyond

by | Feb 29, 2024 | Gaming, Review, Upcoming

If this isn’t a solid representation of my gaming style…I don’t know what is.

 

2023 ended with the obsession of my favorite gaming genre – open world.  I played several hours of Ark Survival Ascended, Starfield, more Ark, sprinkled with a little Disney Dreamlight Valley, Smallworld and Hogwarts Legacy.  On to 2024 and my obsession hasn’t changed, but the games sure have.  Let’s see what random titles I’ve been interested in lately and take a look at what I’m excited for in Q2 and beyond.

Lethal Company

Is this really a surpise?  I think everyone has heard of Lethal Company by now.  Technically this game released in October 2023, but I’m still playing it because it’s THAT fun.

I’m not sure its “one-man-band” dev, Zeekerss, was ready for the viral effect it had on the gaming community, but it continues to entertain.  With the infinite number of mods that are being utilized and the shear amount of creative content it has provided for players, it’s no wonder this game is still a favorite.

The moons are simple, yet terrifying.  The concept is simple, but almost gets lost in the hysterical comedy of the “great assets” succumbing to their untimely death by dead girl, then realizing everyone on the team is dead and you all just got fired by the company. Choatic, hilarious, fun.

It recently grabbed the 2023 Steam Award for Better With Friends and I couldn’t agree more.  If you haven’t played this yet, grab a few friends and prepare yourselves for laugh out loud jump scares and make sure to ring the Collection Bell SEVERAL times.

Deep Rock Galactic

I was really living under a rock with this game – pun intended.  This game caught my eye while tracking the 2023 Steam Awards – it was nominated for the Labor Of Love Award (congrats to RDR2).  I didn’t play it until I barged into my sister and sister-in-law’s game on New Year’s Eve.  I never thought I’d have so much fun being a grumpy dwarf who smashes rocks, kills bugs and chugs beer!

The gameplay moves in a way that is really fun to play with your dwarven buddies as each character can progress with a particular set of skills (insert Liam Neeson here) that will make your team a well rounded mining machine.

I am no pro gamer.  If I’m in a squad, I am not that jack of all trades, good at everything type of player. I like contributing a single skill that I can manage and execute well and with precision.  This game let’s me do that.  I can be a Scout and I can be the best Scout with the best grapple gun and illuminate our cave with the light of a thousand suns so we can get the mission completed.  Expect me to have an OP Scout and level 1 everything else in this game.

A top-down single player game was released earlier this month that is sure to entertain, as well.  Find Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor here.

FOR KARL! (I still don’t know who that is…)

A Little To The Left & Cat Search In The Wild West

Ok. Now I implied in the beginning that my gaming style can get a little wacky.  Hear me out…open world is arguably my favorite genre, but I didn’t come up with “PointeAndClick” because I really liked giving every key and button a hotkey assignment (and yes, there IS supposed to be that extra ‘e’ in pointe, but we can discuss that later).

I found these games by pure accident while perusing the Steam Store and niching down to the genres I enjoy.  I enjoy cozy, point and click puzzle games.  These games are so nice to explore and allow myseslf a break from the labor intensive grind that open world games are known for.

Cat Search is quite literally that – you’re searching for hidden cats in a side scroller and it’s great. And I 100% the game in 23 minutes. AND…it’s free!

A Little To The Left is an organization puzzle game and scratches that itch to tidy while also procrastinating actual real life chores.  I also love that they’ve included “Daily Tidies” so even when you’ve finished the game – you’re not finished.

It’s nice to have a couple quick puzzle games in my back pocket for those days I just want to game and chill.

Palworld

This game.  This game has me in a chokehold.  I haven’t played for a few days and I’m trying to find an excuse amongst all my IRL responsibilities to get back in game and check on my pals.

It’s no secret that this game has taken over the gaming world, though at the time I’m writing this, there are several that are ready to take the Top Spot and even more promising games yet to be released.

This game checks all the boxes for me and my gaming style.  It has a

big map to explore, bosses to defeat, base building, cute pets and I can play with my friends!  And I’m definitely no expert in the gaming field, but this game just seems so…clean.  It’s fun, it’s pretty, it’s entertaining and I don’t see myself letting go of this game any time soon.

Currently I’ve progressed over 100 hours in game and I’ve reached the point where I can’t spoil much for myself – so I’ve turned to the Paldex to enhance my playing experience.  My latest favorite tool is the breeding calculator that I used to breed my OP Fenglope Athena.  My next project will be to breed better workers and find an amazing setting for my third and final base build.

This game has made headlines, both positive and negative press, but for me this game will suck me back in like a toxic relationship every time.  Just like Ark (…Ark 2 is releasing this year), just like No Man’s Sky (…Hello Games has Light No Fire coming).  I need more computer space!

Gaming Forward

There is definitely space for many games to have been on this list, but these just happen to be the games I enjoy playing at this time.  Several other games are sure to entertain and I may decide to pick them up eventually:

I’m also super excited for the rest of Q1 and already have several 2024 (and some I’m thinking will be 2025) titles wishlisted.  Some titles include:

To name a few…

I want to know what you’ve been playing.  I want to know what you’re excited for.  I want to know what gaming genres you enjoy.  Give me all the good titles past, present and future.  There’s so many wonderful games out there, and I want to see the gems!  Happy Gaming!!

Amazing Adventures from Streamer mom to esports mom

by | Feb 16, 2024 | Uncategorized, eSports, Gaming, Parenting, Real Life

esports

 Gaming has been in my blood since my grandmother said I was old enough to hold an Atari Joystick in my hand. That being said I also raised my boys to love video games. My grandmother loved gaming and she would be so proud today. I have gamed my whole life and in late 2018 I had some friends that suggested I stream on twitch so they could watch me play a game they were interested in. That is how it all started.

Smalltown dreamz was a name I created and started branding over a decade ago. I had created it for a crafting blog/business/shop. However when I started streaming that is when I really started to learn about branding and social media. This is where I learned how to brand Me as a person and not as a thing. This has been a constant learning curve as social media changes constantly.

A few years ago my oldest started showing some serious interest in what it was that I was doing and the industry as a whole. We have slowly built him a pc and we have many deep conversations on a weekly basis about things going on within the industry. Teaching him the ins and outs of how to approach the industry as a whole. It is no secret that times have changed over the last 5 years in the industry and it is important to know how to maneuver with the curve.

Last year he started Esports within his high school. I have honestly never seen him more excited, and that gets me excited for him. He helps out with setting stuff up before and after. He is captain of his team and has played for varsity since his freshman year. Now I am finding myself helping him find a name to brand himself with and to start teaching him the ins and outs of social media. He is helping with my extralife stuff to be able to work on charity stuff to be able to put on his transcripts. I am really excited to work with him over the next few years. It should be an interesting process as I go from streamer mom to Esports Mom.

Spirit City: LoFi Sessions

by | Feb 12, 2024 | Gaming, Upcoming

What if you made a productivity app for gamers that is a total vibe? You’d end up with this absolute gem of a game called Spirit City: LoFi Sessions. This game has a demo available on Steam’s Next Fest which gives developers a chance to show off their upcoming games. The game is brought to us by a new studio called Mooncube Games, located in Canada. Let’s take a look at the game!

An Absolute Vibe

As one might imagine, this game – based on the LoFi girl aesthetic – is an absolute vibe. The whole point of the game is to be a chill, relaxing environment to get things done.

You have control over the time of day (Morning, Afternoon, Evening, and Night) and where you’re sitting in the room (Window, Desk, Bed, Fireplace).

You also have sliders to control what additional environmental sounds are there, including Rain, Fire, Vinyl Record, and Birds Chirping. As you can see from the slider below, there are planned additional sounds for launch.

Personalize your avatar

Naturally, we gamers will want to insert our own flair into the game and what better way to do that than create a version of ourselves (or maybe some ficticious body double to help our lil ADHD brains to get stuff done).Â

Even though this is just a demo, there’s already a big collection of clothing options and some ways to customize your character’s skin, hair, and face. I can only imagine that more options will be added over time that will continually keep the game fresh. I know myself and many others will definitely be changing our hair and outfits pretty much daily.Â

If the devs are reading – I want leggings, thigh high socks, and fluffy sweaters/cardigans! With that request, an option to toggle socks under or over pants would be cool too.Â

Spirit pets

In addition to customizing your character, there’s also some little buddies to choose from. The companions are called Spirits and you get a little Spiritdex to collect and catalog them.Â

The demo gives us five lil cuties to unlock and additional spirits are shown in the trailer and promotional images. Each slot in the Spiritdex gives a clue that will help you find the spirit. If you set up the environment correctly and are patient, the Spirit will show itself and you’ll be able to collect it in your book.

Remember to be patient, as it takes some time for each to show up. If you still haven’t seen them after a while, tweak how things are set up – where you’re sitting, time of day, sound effects etc. For me it didn’t take very long, maybe 5 minutes for each.Â

Streamers Rejoice!

For all our friends who like to go live, I have some good news. All the LoFi beats included in the game are able to be streamed worry free.Â

Personally I will be using Spirit City for streams across Tiktok, Twitch, and YouTube when I’m working but also want to chill and chat. In the future I’ll be using it for writing sprints and recording sessions using the timer to keep me on track and avoid burning out.

Features Galore

On top of all the great core features I’ve already mentioned, there are additional features like the To-Do list, Timer, and what looks to be a habit tracker and journal in the full release.

As I mentioned above, I’ll be using this game to keep me in the zone with my tasks. The To-Do list and Timer are going to be used daily to do things like writing/recording sprints – allowing me to do short tasks like loading the dishwasher, cleaning a surface, or swapping laundry in between work. I’m really eager to see how I fare with this considering my side questing has gotten absolutely terrible the last few months. So expect me to report back at release!

Key Features

  • Listen along to a carefully curated catalog of chill lofi beats, with a selection of themed playlists for every mood and occasion;
  • Stay organized using integrated productivity tools, including a to-do list, pomodoro timer, habit tracker and journal;
  • Create your own avatar. Choose from a variety of hairstyles, outfits, color options, and more to bring to life your own unique Spirit City persona;
  • Spruce up your room to design your ideal cozy retreat, swapping between different wallpapers, flooring, furniture and wall decor;
  • Immerse yourself with interactive soundscapes that change the world in real-time to suit your preferred vibe, from the pitter-patter of rain on a window to the crackling of a toasty fireplace;
  • Decipher hints to lure curious spirits out into the open with the right combination of game settings, unlocking them as your future companions;
  • Earn XP and level up over time, and by using the game’s features to their fullest. Unlock new cosmetics and customization choices as you progress;
  • Stream your sessions worry-free thanks to the game’s fully stream-friendly music library – perfect for co-working streams or as a background on Twitch or Youtube;
  • Expand your song catalog with the built-in web player, providing even more options for the musically adventurous;
  • Enhance your everyday activities. Spirit City: Lofi Sessions offers a pleasing and distraction-free space for you to better enjoy and concentrate on your work and hobbies.

The studio

I just wanted to take the time to share this great blurb from the Mooncube site about their team and vision. Again, it’s a vibe.

At Mooncube Games we want to create games that promote positive and uplifting experiences that align with our core values of kindness, empathy and inclusivity. We hope to do this by creating rich, unique worlds, with a diverse cast of memorable characters.

 

We believe that games have the power to be evoke emotions, inspire change, and be a safe space for players. These values fuel every decision we make as a company.

I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on them for all future releases. We love a company we can get behind 💛

 

Check out the trailer

Download the demo!

Sold on how great this game is? Then check out the Demo and watch it become something that just lives on your screen like it’s become for me.Â

And don’t forget to add it to your Wishlist for when it releases in full on April 8, 2024!

Thaumaturge

by | Feb 3, 2024 | Gaming, Upcoming

Thaumaturge is a story-driven RPG from Fool’s Theory and the ever awesome 11 bit studios, the publisher responsible for gems like Frost Punk and This War of Mine (two of my favorite games ever). This time they’re taking on a game with morally questionable choice making set in a supernatural 1905 Warsaw. The game features turn based combat, investigation mechanics, and interesting character development.

 

Ready to control your demons?

In this game you will play as Wiktor Szulski, who has been dragged back to Warsaw to see his family after 15 years away. Wiktor has the gift of thaumaturgy, like his father, which allows him to see Salutors and their effect on the real world.Â

As only a thaumaturge can tame [salutors], utilizing their mystical abilities to discover secrets hidden within the human soul and speak to the Darkness, no one understands quite like Wiktor how everyone suffers their own demons.

Salutors can be all sorts of supernatural creatures, each with different abilities and effects on the world around them. As a Thaumaturge, the player can tame a Salutor and use them to manipulate people, investigate the world around them, or use them in combat.Â

Each Salutor is associated with one of four dimensions: Word, Heart, Deed, and Mind. You will use Salutors of a dimension to uncover different types of information. Mind will reveal people’s thoughts, memories and ideas. Word represents things spoken near an object. Heart will bring forth someone’s emotions or desires and Deed will show actions.

You will use your Salutors in combat against other Thaumaturge’s as well. I’m interested to see how this interaction will play out. There will undoubtedly be guides coming out at launch to show which Salutors to use against which.Â

check out the gameplay trailer

When & Where Can I play?

I am eager to play through and discover all the different Salutors. The art for each of them bring flair from their various regional origins, and you all know I’m a sucker for good art. So far the developer has discussed designs from Slavic, Jewish, Bavarian, and Arabian mythos.Â

Thaumaturge will be released on February 20, 2024. You can grab it on Steam, Epic, Playstation, and Xbox.Â

 

A wrap up to my year in Games

by | Jan 6, 2024 | Gaming

What can I say about my year in games… This is the first year in many years I felt a lul in games for me to play.  Perhaps I missed the ball on a couple however I just wasn’t really excited about any games this year. However hitting the Fortnite OG season was definitely a great way to swing into the end of the year.Â

The beginning of 2023  I spent most of my time farming in New World during the day and doing the dungeons in the evenings with some friends. When I wasn’t in New World I was busy building fun things in Valheim, while dipping my toes in the new update the Mist Lands. I really enjoy building in games and Valheim for me has been one of my favorite games to build in. It is one I seem to go back to here and there. I have a build video I did on Youtube a while back if you want to check it out  I have been seriously thinking about doing more of the build videos. I really enjoy building.Â

 

 I also dipped my toes into titles like My time at Sandrock, Core Keeper (that had a ton of great updates),  and Starfield During the spring and early summer months. I Have to say I love the updates that Core Keeper has brought in since launch. My favorite being the Paws and Claws Update. It was so easy to fall in love with space adventures in starfield. I usually don’t do space type games but I really enjoyed exploring and farming in Starfield.Â

 

 

During the summer I kept myself busy with Palia and Baulder’s Gate 3. Both these games are so good. I am sure unless you have been hiding under a rock you in some shape way or form have heard of BG3. There are not enough amazing things I can say about this game and as it just won game of the year, I think that says it all.  All I know is I now have the biggest lady crush on Karlach

 I would have to say Epic games…more specifically, Fortnite took up the last quarter of my year. Between the Fortnite OF season and the start of S5 ch1 , they also brought out more Modes. Such as Fortnite Lego, which is a adventure survival game mixing the best of both worlds.  I absolutely love the lego mode.They also rolled out Fortnite Rocket league which is Racing at a super hyped level.  Last but not least the very next day they dropped Fortnite Festival. Overall 2023 was a great year in games for me. I look forward to 2024.Â

Ixion

by | Feb 21, 2022 | Gaming

A few days ago I came across new of an upcoming game:ÂIxion. It popped up for me because I’m a fan ofÂFrostpunkÂand it is in the same vein of survival city builders. This time you’re in charge of a space station called Tiqqun. Will you be able to build it up into a craft capable of traversing the universe?

This week you can play Ixion’s demo: which takes you through the tutorial. The demo gave me just enough of a taste of the actual gameply and some pretty cinematics to get me actually excited about the game’s full release, which is slotted for some time this year. And you can bet I’m hoping to get my hands on a copy ASAP to continue monitoring it’s development and keep you all up to date.

Ixion has a good combination going with an interesting story premise, lots of possible content, and a solid UI. I genuinely enjoyed my playthrough and with the exception of one little glitch it was perfect. The voice acting was lovely, nice quality voices, although some odd pronounciations were noticed and giggled at along the way. I knew the demo wasn’t very long (about an hour) so I was already poised to pay close attention to the details but honestly the quality of dialogue made it enjoyable.

I’m wishing this game and it’s devs a very long life with lots of DLC! Looking forward to getting to play more. Check out the game demo through Feb 28th onÂSteam and add it to your wishlist! Also give them a follow onÂTwitter to keep up with development.