David Rodriguez

REVIEW – Cozy-punk narrative sim “Wax Heads” perfectly encapsulates an incredibly important relationship between community and music

by David Rodriguez | Nintendo Switch PC PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 05 May 2026

Wax Heads still understood me on a level that another game really hasn’t in the 30 years I’ve been playing them. I laughed (a lot), I cried (a bit), I smiled (endlessly).

REVIEW – “Invincible VS” is a scrappy addition to a turbulent fighting game market, but a lightweight on playable content

by David Rodriguez | PC PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 30 Apr 2026

Invincible VS is good. It’s a big game even if it feels small at times. Good production does it some nice favors and with DLC already lined up, hopefully Quarter Up and Skybound Games can take notes from the community, deliver some surprises, and forge some longevity

REVIEW – “Vampire Crawlers” sees poncle nail a new genre in a way only they can

by David Rodriguez | Nintendo Switch PC PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 20 Apr 2026

Damn, poncle’s done it again. Vampire Crawlers is a wickedly-crafted, addicting, original game with enough potential depth to rival the Mariana Trench.

Hands-On: The “Invincible VS” open beta shows ass-kicking potential for button mashers and combo labbers alike

by David Rodriguez | PC PlayStation 5 Previews Steam Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 13 Apr 2026

I’ve spent a considerable amount of time with the Invincible VS open beta this last weekend. At the end of it all, it looks like it’s going to be a polarizing game for most and honestly, I’m thankful for that.

REVIEW – “PRAGMATA” is a dream of a game that represents the best design, action, and characters capable in the medium

by David Rodriguez | Nintendo Switch 2 PC PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 13 Apr 2026

In every subjectively measurable way, this game is turbo-charged, immensely enjoyable, and such a profoundly well-executed experience that it’s already shortlisted for the top of my game of the year list.

REVIEW – “MINOS” melds tragedy and strategy with its smart, seductive gameplay hooks and bloody depth

by David Rodriguez | PC Reviews Steam | 0 Comments | 09 Apr 2026

MINOS is a valued toolbox of devious joy and wracking despair that’s pretty easy to look at, play with, and understand even as it gets more complicated and complex. Ultimately, you’re in control, for better or worse, and any game that gives you this level of freedom and personal expression is one that should be pedestaled like a bronzed Greek god for all to see.

REVIEW – “ChainStaff” revels in visceral action on resplendent alien worlds, invoking classics while making its own footprint

by David Rodriguez | Nintendo Switch PC PlayStation 4 PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox One Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 07 Apr 2026

Have you ever wanted to play a 2D game like Contra or Mega Man, but with the ninja rope from Worms Armageddon? Developer Mommy’s Best Games have just want you need.

REVIEW – Good art and performances can’t save “Legacy of Kain: Ascendance” from persistent mediocrity and imbalance

by David Rodriguez | Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 PC PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 06 Apr 2026

So here we are, on the dawn of the return of many people’s favorite suck ‘n’ slash franchise dating back 30 years ago and it’s… not looking good. Legacy of Kain: Ascendance has a lot in its way when it comes to enjoyment of this eternal gang war between the human Sarafans and vampires.

REVIEW – “DAMON and BABY” delights in fun, quirky, meaningful ways that make it a must-try

by David Rodriguez | Nintendo Switch PC PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam | 0 Comments | 22 Mar 2026

This whole game’s existence has been an exercise in expectation management. When Arc System Works and designer Daisuke Ishiwatari announced this game during the ArcSys Showcase in the middle of last year, people were expecting maybe a new Guilty Gear game, something Blazblue related, or just another cool-ass property that carried similar edge or oddball swagger of those games. Instead, we got DAMON and BABY with a bunch of RPG stuff.

REVIEW – Big production values and satirical framing help “Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War!” shine beyond its solid, violent gameplay

by David Rodriguez | Nintendo Switch 2 PC PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 16 Mar 2026

Ultimately, Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War! bets big and differently on production and wins. The concepts and framing are what make it unique and enhance the game as a total package.

REVIEW – “John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando” has a neat throwback aesthetic and fun co-op action, but lacks on weaker hardware

by David Rodriguez | PC PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 15 Mar 2026

As of right now at launch, I’m feeling pretty good about John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando overall. What’s here is beyond competent and a remarkable start to what could be a co-op mainstay for friend groups and those that want at least one good game in this lane whenever possible. Carpenter’s work and influence help elevate it enough to be noteworthy, the ’80s lack of subtlety is appreciated, and more good decisions than perplexing or bad ones make for a good game indeed.

REVIEW – “Minishoot’ Adventures” is anything but mini with its big thrills, progression, and bullet hell challenge

by David Rodriguez | Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 PC PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 11 Mar 2026

At the end of the game, I felt immense satisfaction. With all but a couple trophies awarded (that I may go back for at some point) and a couple faults worth mentioning, it still felt complete and like something substantial was accomplished. It’s a wonderful playthrough that respects you, your time, money, hard drive space, and effort.

Author: DavidR

REVIEW – Cozy-punk narrative sim “Wax Heads” perfectly encapsulates an incredibly important relationship between community and music

REVIEW – “Invincible VS” is a scrappy addition to a turbulent fighting game market, but a lightweight on playable content

REVIEW – “Vampire Crawlers” sees poncle nail a new genre in a way only they can

Hands-On: The “Invincible VS” open beta shows ass-kicking potential for button mashers and combo labbers alike

REVIEW – “PRAGMATA” is a dream of a game that represents the best design, action, and characters capable in the medium

REVIEW – “MINOS” melds tragedy and strategy with its smart, seductive gameplay hooks and bloody depth

REVIEW – “ChainStaff” revels in visceral action on resplendent alien worlds, invoking classics while making its own footprint

REVIEW – Good art and performances can’t save “Legacy of Kain: Ascendance” from persistent mediocrity and imbalance

REVIEW – “DAMON and BABY” delights in fun, quirky, meaningful ways that make it a must-try

REVIEW – Big production values and satirical framing help “Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War!” shine beyond its solid, violent gameplay

REVIEW – “John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando” has a neat throwback aesthetic and fun co-op action, but lacks on weaker hardware

REVIEW – “Minishoot’ Adventures” is anything but mini with its big thrills, progression, and bullet hell challenge

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