Search found 5 matches for DECK13
- on December 24th 2022, 12:10 am
- Search in: Switch eShop Reviews
- Topic: Review: Chained Echoes (Switch eShop) ~January 2023's GoTM~
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1342
Review: Chained Echoes (Switch eShop) ~January 2023's GoTM~
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Chains of Entertainment!
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Developed by Matthias Linda, published by DECK13 Spotlight, and public relations by PR Hound, Chained Echoes is a love letter to JRPG's of yesteryear and not only lives up to the games it was inspired by, but in some ways actually surpasses them! Why do we hold this game in such high regard? Continue reading our review to find out why!
The story in Chained Echoes is pretty dark with plenty of humor splashed throughout, it's a tale of horrific mistakes, atonement, religion, and stopping atrocities such as human experimentation, and weapons of mass destruction, just to name a few, and it's mostly done with clear story arcs as to tell each part of the story in clear detail which is something many AAA studios have forgotten how to do. Now we normally talk about characters, but they are such an amazing ensemble crew that we'd be writing a full-on novel if we delved into them, which we know you guys and gals prefer us to stick to the point and not ramble, so that as they say is that.
The game has a really unique skill system which adds a skill point for every boss you beat with the characters in your group at the time, some grant you skills, others passive abilities, while others grant a small stat boost. Then there's hero statues that can grant new classes in exchange for the relatively rare item, Holy Water. These classes can boost stats, effect certain stats growth when learning new skills "sometimes stats will increase when you learn skills, and your class can effect which skills are boosted permanently and by how much", and grant a couple of class exclusive skills and passive skills which can be extremely helpful in a pinch!
Another huge part of the game later on are the mechas that you'll obtain. There's actually quite a few customization options including frames, short and long-range weapons, and a plethora of paint design options for your frames, you can buy most parts, but some of the best require other things such as defeating super bosses, or expanding your adventurer clan. This is where some of the inspiration for certain aspects of game become clearer. The clan that you can build-up by recruiting members and hunting named monsters around the world is clearly heavily inspired by the adventurer clans in Final Fantasy XII, but this game does so much more with the system allowing you to be the clan leader of your very own adventurers clan and build it up from scratch. There's a ton more to the clan system than we've mentioned, but we don't want to spoil too much about this mid-late game mechanic.
The clan system isn't the only homage to FF XII in Chained Echoes, as two of the in-game demi-human races are clearly inspired by the Bangaa and Seeq races in that game. But none of these homages feel disrespectful or are blatant rip-offs as the developer does an amazing job at making them unique in the developer's own way which is something that only truly talented developers could accomplish!
As for the controls, they are pretty self explanatory and work flawlessly. As for the length of the game, that's actually pretty tricky to estimate, but if you try to power through the main story skipping all side content, the game is around 35-40 hours in length, however if you do all of the side content as well we'd estimate a play-time of around 80-100 hours which is absolutely mind-boggling considering the game's developer is a one-man team!
The graphics in the game are 2-D, but are definitely 32-bit inspired rather than 16-bits and boy does the game look gorgeous, it looks better than most AAA releases did during the 32-bit era and what's more, the game doesn't even experience the slightest bit of slowdown or frame-rate drops. It's clear that the developer made sure that even the Nintendo Switch version of the game was perfectly optimized for the console! The music is exceptional as well with some real bangers, and all of the music fits the game like a glove!
Bottom-Line: With an amazing story, superb gameplay, flawless controls, and a ton of content, Chained Echoes will draw players in from the start, and the gorgeous visuals and top-notch soundtrack will make them feel like they are being drawn into the game's immersive world. Overall we give Chained Echoes for the Nintendo Switch, not only a perfect level of recommendation, but also our choice for January 2023's Game of The Month!
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Score: ★★★★★★★★★★ 10/10
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#Review #ChainedEchoes #Switch #eShop #PS4 #PSN #JRPG #DECK13 #MatthiasLinda #PRHound
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- on December 2nd 2022, 1:22 am
- Search in: Latest Nintendo News
- Topic: News: Chained Echoes Releases on Nintendo Switch on December 8th!
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1223
News: Chained Echoes Releases on Nintendo Switch on December 8th!
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Echo of A Splash!
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PR Hound has announced that the highly anticipated JRPG, Chained Echoes will be releasing on the Nintendo Switch on December 8th! The game is by Deck13 the same team that brought us CrossCode and Lunastice so you know the game will be top-notch!
As always be sure to leave us a comment in our comments section below!
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#News #PRHound #Deck13 #Switch #eShop #Retail #JRPG
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- on November 9th 2021, 2:10 pm
- Search in: Latest Nintendo News
- Topic: News: Augmented ~ Faraday Protocol Releases on PS5 And Nintendo Switch!
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1686
News: Augmented ~ Faraday Protocol Releases on PS5 And Nintendo Switch!
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Augmented Reality Ahoy!
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PR Hound has announced that Augmented: Faraday Protocol has been released on PS5 and Nintendo Switch! Here's the official announcement from the PR firm:
PR Hound wrote:Official game logo
Faraday Protocol
- Breaking the Rules -
Power Launch after Low Profile Release Switch/PS5
Publisher Deck 13, who last year released the globally acclaimed RPG blockbuster CrossCode, delivers another genre breakthrough with a redefined and enhanced first-person puzzler & explorer with a mysterious backdrop story to intrigue. Faraday Protocol is an experience that is not to be missed. - Out Now! - PS/XB/NSW - $24.99/€24.99/£20.99 - PC Steam $19.99/€19.99/£15.99.
Emergence / Evolution
After a low profile soft launch and focused feedback from the gaming community, a number of major updates have been initiated in Faraday Protocol. With its unique and challenging gameplay, which adds that extra spark to ensuring it shines brightly, this game reemerges on Microsoft Xbox, Steam PC, Nintendo Switch and Sony PlayStation 4 /5 with a triumphant boost of creativity.
The first puzzle pyramid awaits
Setting New Boundaries
This beautifully crafted first person puzzle journey conjures up intrigue, mystery, and a number of unsettling moments as you experience the atmospheric delights as an interstellar archaeologist who researches the abandoned space station OPIS and its enigmatic governing A.I. IRIS. Developed by the talented Italian developers, Red Koi Box, utilizing the Unreal Engine 4, they have crafted and designed methods unique to this game genre.
Brainy Stuff
All of the mechanics rotate around the Bia-Tool, an original object capable of absorbing and re-distributing specific types of energy. The simple mechanics evolve over time and allow for increasingly complex and mind-bending puzzles.
Doors open and puzzlement awaits
Breaking New Ground
“Faraday Protocol moves from the traditional ways and follows rules and uses mechanics never used before, and will challenge the grey matter of the player to lateral and logical thinking. The unique puzzle elements combined with the linear game and story progression make this game enjoyable for almost everyone.”, Giacomo Sala, Red Koi Box.
The Story Unfolds and Scene setting - The Challenge
Set in a sterile and futuristic world, you are soon thrust into an organic forest-like environment after leaving your spacecraft. In this strange unnerving environment the player will see three Ziggurats (pyramid buildings) and will be led into one, where your intuitive powers of logic and expertise will start. The first building looks clean, sterile and in very good condition, with strong tones of black and gold. Here the player will learn the basic mechanics, and will experiment with them until he will reach the top of Ziqqurat One. Outside night has now come, and more, new mechanics will be introduced. The next building will be decaying, and will comprise a combination of all the player has previously learned. He will then face two other environments, with different tones and feels, which will bring him to the end of the game. Throughout the game, the storyline will progressively grow, as in the beginning it is limited to pre-recorded messages, it will unfold into full conversations with multiple choices.
Ziggurat
Features - Outside the Box
Multiple Solutions to succeed.
Hidden Collectables - Deviously Hidden
Immersive Soundtrack
Puzzle your way through a number of “Escape Room”- like puzzle rooms
Absorb and redistribute energy using the Bia-Tool
Unravel the mysteries of the abandoned space station OPIS
A unique blend of retrofuturism
Faraday Protocol - Its Essence - is a first person puzzler that will test your wits and intelligence. Use the Bia-Tool, an ancient pistol-like relic of an alien civilization, to solve puzzles by bending energy and manipulating enigmatic machinery. Explore the mysterious and abandoned space station OPIS and unravel the mysteries of its governing A.I. IRIS, which slumbers deep at the core of the station.
Adapting the Rules to Deliver an Ambient and Absorbing Experience for All!
What do you think about the announcement? Will you be purchasing this fantastic looking first person puzzler/exploration title? Let us know in our comments section below!
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#News #PS5 #Switch #Retail #eShop #PSN #PRHound #Deck13 #Puzzler #FirstPerson #Exploration
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- on July 19th 2020, 6:02 pm
- Search in: PS4 PSN Reviews
- Topic: Review: CrossCode (PS4 PSN)
- Replies: 20
- Views: 2218
Review: CrossCode (PS4 PSN)
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CrossDimensional Fun!
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Developed by Radical Fish Games, published by Deck 13, and public relations by PR Hound, CrossCode is an action RPG set in a simulated VRMMORPG that pays homage to many classic games in the genre. How does it stack up to other simulated VRMMORPG's or action RPG's in general? Continue reading our review to find out!
The gameplay in CrossCode is basically like The Legend of Zelda crossed with a ton of MMO features such as quests, landmarks, fast travel, and other nuances, but the game also focuses on intricate puzzle-solving and some of the puzzles are incredibly difficult even compared to the almighty king of puzzles The Legend of Zelda series. The game's world is quite expansive for a 2-D RPG, but not so big that it becomes a hassle to traverse.
The game is extremely long as well clocking in at a whopping 60-80 hours in length depending on a player's skill level and we mean it when we say this could have been a AAA RPG back during the SNES era, but of course things like MMO's didn't exactly exist during those days, at least not in the capacity that they have existed in for the past 20-22 years so simulated MMO's obviously didn't exist either, but we digress. As for the controls, they are silky smooth, intuitive, and a breeze to learn which is always a good thing!
The audio-visual presentation while decidedly retro has a unique style all its own and is very fitting since every other aspect of the game feels like an absolute piece of art. There is no doubt that this game would have been among the most gorgeous looking games during the 16-bit era and even in the modern era of gaming it still looks stylishly amazing! The soundtrack is extremely varied and there aren't any music tracks that we felt weren't amazing. Overall the audio-visual presentation is as close to perfection as possible!
Bottom-Line: With a fantastic story, amazing gameplay, excellent controls, a ton of content, and an absolutely perfect audio-visual presentation, there's just no reason not to add CrossCode to your collection of games be it on PS4 or Nintendo Switch! We give the game a nearly perfect level of recommendation!
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Score: ★★★★★★★★★½ 9.5/10
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#Review #PRHound #Deck13 #RadicalFishGames #RPG #Adventure #SimulatedMMO #PS4 #PSN #Switch #eShop
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- on June 11th 2020, 6:58 pm
- Search in: Latest Nintendo News
- Topic: News: Sci-Fi Adventure-RPG CrossCode Sails Onto The Nintendo Switch And PS4 Next Month!
- Replies: 9
- Views: 2061
News: Sci-Fi Adventure-RPG CrossCode Sails Onto The Nintendo Switch And PS4 Next Month!
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Sci-Fi Zelda Meets MMORPG In This Thrilling Epic You Can't Miss!
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CrossCode is a retro-inspired 2D action JRPG that is said to "combine a captivating storyline, with realistic physics and worlds that offer a fast paced combat system and lots of puzzle mechanics. Putting it simply, it's a game not to miss!"
Deck13 , ININ, Radical Fish Games, and PR Hound have stated in a press release that "CrossCode for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 will be available in all major retail stores in Europe and North America starting from August 28th 2020. Furthermore, the exclusive and limited SteelBook Edition and Collector's Edition are available only at Strictly Limited Games starting today. The digital editions can soon be ordered in the Nintendo eShop and the PlayStation Store and will be released on July 9th 2020."
Here's what was said regarding the game in the press release.
"CrossCode is a retro-inspired 2D game that comes with a captivating sci-fi storyline and silky smooth physics. Magnificent worlds and a fast-paced combat system are combined with outstanding puzzle mechanics and lots of options for character growth. A strong main story and lots of side content allow you to spend up to 80 hours in the detailed, nostalgic pixel world.
CrossCode is set in the distant future, where you follow a player named Lea. Lea logs into a fictional MMO called CrossWorlds. Lea suffers from memory loss and is mute. The path to regain Lea’s memory is to play CrossWorlds, discover all the game locations and meet other players. Bit by bit as Lea’s memory returns, the mystery surrounding CrossWorlds will unravel - and you will discover why a mute player is stuck in this game in the first place.
CrossCode had seven years of community-driven development behind its creation and was hugely anticipated by a strong fanbase before its successful release on Steam.
CrossCode features:
* Abundant main story and side content
* Outstanding Retro-style music
* Great variety of puzzles
* Fast-paced combat system
* Combining the best of JRPG and action adventure games in a modern retro-styled look
* Discover a large SciFi world with 7 unique realms
* Fight more than 120 enemy types including 30+ boss fights
* Explore 7 vast dungeons with unique themes and puzzle mechanics"
As for the special editions of the game, they include the following.
CrossCode SteelBook Edition
The limited CrossCode SteelBook Edition for PC, Nintendo Switch and PS4 features:
Game
Instruction Card
Manual
Variant reversible Cover
Original SteelBook
Individually numbered limited Edition
The SteelBook Edition is exclusively available at the Strictly Limited Games Partner Shop for €39.99. The PlayStation 4 SteelBook edition is limited to only 2,000 copies worldwide. The Nintendo Switch SteelBook edition is limited to 3,000 copies worldwide. The PC SteelBook edition is limited to 3,000 copies worldwide.
CrossCode Collector’s Edition
The limited CrossCode Collector’s Edition for PC, Nintendo Switch and PS4 features:
Game
Instruction Card
Manual
Variant reversible Cover
Original SteelBook
Hardcover CE Box with magnetic lock
Original 2-Disc Soundtrack
Hardcover Book - CrossCode Compendium
18 Stickers
Large Poster
Lea 'Hi' Keychain
Individually numbered limited Edition
The Collector’s Edition is exclusively available at the Strictly Limited Games Partner Shop for €59.99. The PlayStation 4 Collector’s Edition is limited to 1,500 copies worldwide. The Nintendo Switch Collector’s Edition is limited to 2,000 copies worldwide. The PC Collector’s Edition is limited to 2,000 copies worldwide.
What do you think of this news? Will you be picking up this excellent action RPG next month when it lands on the eShop and PlayStation Store? As always be sure to leave us a comment below!
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#News #ININ #Deck13 #RadicalFishGames #PRHound #CrossCode #Switch #Retail #eShop #PS4 #PSN #JRPGPS4
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