Reuben Howe, Author at Big Boss Battle (B3)

New survivors game R.I.P is a bullet heaven you have to earn

Reuben Howe — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:00:49 +0000

The cathartic flashes, shakes and audible jingles that accompany an end-game run of a bullet heaven are addicting, and have made survivors-likes a staple in the modern gaming scene. Each has its own take on the genre, R.I.P (Reincarnation Insurance Program) from WarmCore Studio is no different (in that it is, in fact, different). Vampire […]

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Small and simple adventure Under the Island is exactly what I needed

Reuben Howe — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:00:01 +0000

Nostalgia is a powerful tool in the gaming industry with genres like the first-person grid-based dungeon crawler (Hello Vampire Crawlers and Dungeons of DUSK) still resurging in 2026. Under the Island is the latest in a consistent string of classic adventure games that was kicked off a few years back by Tunic. While Under the […]

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The Fortress proves that luck-based games still need agency

Reuben Howe — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:00:39 +0000

Chances to hit, effect procs, damage ranges and luck of the draw have been relevant to gaming for decades – longer if you consider the Pen & Paper RPG origins of those mechanics. Luck can make us cry “Bullshit!” just as easily as it can humble us with a clutch victory we almost didn’t deserve. […]

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Murder By Death proves it isn’t easy to make a good detective game

Reuben Howe — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:00:48 +0000

A dead body. A mansion full of suspects. Two hours until Scotland Yard arrives for your verdict. The premise of the timed detective game Murder by Death is sound. I might even call it inspired. Unfortunately, the unsanded edges and duct-taped corners are exemplified by its genre and lead to an unsatisfying slog through a […]

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Observation Duty 8 adds more flair to a trusted horror formula

Reuben Howe — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 14:00:10 +0000

Whether you’re new to the genre, have seen the endless parade of “spotting” games like The Exit 8, or you’re a series veteran then I’m on Observation Duty 8 is a spooky indie worth your time.

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Balancing creative vision with gameplay in The Valley Beyond

Reuben Howe — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:00:15 +0000

The Valley Beyond could turn into a great example of how a first-time dev can create something interesting, varied and engaging. Not every game needs to be the best at everything, and the core vision of The Valley Beyond is solid enough to build a successful game around.

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I loved throwing anything at everything in tactical roguelike Blightstone

Reuben Howe — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:00:01 +0000

In a sea of roguelike turn-based adventures, how can something like Blightstone stand out? How can it make itself one of the memorable “few” rather than the saturated “many”? Many are the games that let us use martial weapons to harm foes. Many are the games that let us throw martial weapons at said foes. […]

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Death Howl successfully reimagines deckbuilding from Roguelike into Soulslike

Reuben Howe — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:00:43 +0000

If you’re going to be off-put by a single failure, then the experience will be short-lived. However, Death Howl provides so many ways to not fail by rewarding exploration, minor combat repetition, deck experimentation and completing quests.

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In Bladesong being a smith is more than just hammering steel

Reuben Howe — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 19:00:11 +0000

In a world where TCG Card Shop Simulator and a deluge of other “simulator” games exist, perhaps it isn’t surprising that we have a few about smithing. For the appeal that a hot smelter and hard anvil might have, though, none have really taken off. Bladesong aims to change that, and manages to bring a […]

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Into the Grid makes roguelike deckbuilding feel fresh

Reuben Howe — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:00:47 +0000

From card effects slicing across the screen to enemies being able to grapple and grab you, the first-person camera of Into the Grid brings the genre to a mostly unexplored place. Being thrust face-first into some of these Sentinels forces a sense of urgency and engagement that more distant and static art can’t do as easily.

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Climb the ranks of Bloodgrounds in unforgiving mythological combat

Reuben Howe — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 19:00:08 +0000

Bloodgrounds is an exceptional foundation for what will hopefully become a haven for gladiatorial masochists and power-fantasy demi-gods alike. New difficulty options, crafting, audience interactions, gladiator expeditions and more are set up on the promising Early Access roadmap.

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