Heather Johnson

Heather Johnson

Heather has been playing video games ever since she can remember. Starting off as a PC gamer at age 2 with edutainment games and progressing to the NES and beyond, she has always had a love for everything gaming, PC and console. She’s carried a hand-held console in her back pocket (now purse) since the 3rd grade and is probably the only person in her mid-twenties that still enjoys street-passing. She lives in Los Angeles and currently works for Bandai in the marketing department – she doesn’t make toys, she just makes toys look good. Right now she is actively avoiding planning her upcoming wedding by playing Skyrim. Other hobbies include trying to go to the gym, watching documentaries, sleeping, and tormenting (see: showering with affection) her beloved Maine Coon, King Henry VIII. Favorite games include FFX, Katamari Damacy, Saints Row IV, Skyrim, Catherine, and Phoenix Wright. She has her phone surgically attached to her hand and is happy to help whenever possible.

Wednesday, 29 June 2016 00:00

Cursed Review

I had been putting off playing Cursed for the sheer fact that it seemed like it would be a lot of work to play. I didn’t want to “work” - I just wanted to have fun. I ended up having so much fun playing this game that I kind of wish there was a prequel to it, or that it had been longer. It was a really interesting title and one that I would definitely recommend to not only fans of the point and click genre but anyone that has an hour to kill and wants a spooky story to experience.

Thursday, 16 June 2016 00:00

Funklift Review

Funklift is small. It’s simple. It’s funky. It’s clean. It’s easy. It’s engaging. Most importantly - it’s fun.I was really surprised by the simplicity of this title because I just did not think the value was there originally. But it is - in spades. I am sure this game will be more fun in multiplayer mode, but anything that lowers my heart rate and blood pressure for an afternoon is an awesome game in my book.

Monday, 06 June 2016 00:00

SENRAN KAGURA SHINOVI VERSUS Review

There’s a reason why Senran Kagura has made it to number three in the series. The price is a bit steep, but this includes a huge game with a lot of bonus features, including all the DLC, so it’s sure to please. A decent port and well worth the pleasure. I mean purchase.

Sunday, 05 June 2016 00:00

Sol Trader Review

Sol Trader really is something else. It’s new and innovative, so it’s sure to have its hiccups. I still think it’s worth the purchase because my frustrations may admittedly be chalked up to individual differences. It may be that you’ll succeed where I failed and find the joy in this game. But by Grapthar’s hammer, I wanted that borrowed ship!

Trump has taken root within our psyche, and we just can’t seem to get enough of him. So let’s put on our red hats and rubber gloves and get down to business - Drump needs a heart, and we have to figure out basic body movements with outrageous equipment to get it in there. For America.

Wednesday, 06 July 2016 00:00

Warrior's Pilgrimage Review and Interview

Arif Pribadi (Lead/Technical Director) and Audrey Wong (Lead Modeler) have created something so visually appealing that I’m certain finding a job after college will be a walk in the park for them. When I stumbled upon the beauty that is Warrior’s Pilgrimage on Twitter, I knew I had to play it for myself. I asked to review their game and found it a little humorous that Arif insisted that it wasn’t a game and instead humbly referred to it as an art project.

Demetrios surprised me. I felt knocked off my horse a little bit. Sure, it didn’t add anything new mechanics-wise and it certainly is a bit basic (and there’s just so much vomit in this game, guys. Like, a lot), but it has this really strange charm to it. Surreal, bizarre, humorous, and entertaining - that’s Demetrios: The BIG Cynical Adventure.

Wednesday, 01 June 2016 00:00

Infection: Humanity's Last Gasp Review

If you enjoy board games and/or have an iPhone, chances are you’ve played this game before. Considered the “opposite of Pandemic”, Infection takes the “fun” out of “obliterate humanity” and readily inserts it into “save all mankind”. Yeah, we reached. So sue us.

Wednesday, 01 June 2016 00:00

ASTROKILL Early Access Review

AstroKill reminds us that the universe is a pretty big place, and it still has room for a few good space games. AstroKill snagged a prime spot of real estate - not only in a far off corner of the galaxy, but in our hearts - because MAN, those explosions really do get the adrenaline going.

Tuesday, 31 May 2016 00:00

Four Last Things - In Development!

A Point-and-Click Renaissance Masterpiece

Monday, 30 May 2016 00:00

What's In A Game?

As a passive, lifelong gamer, I'd never really asked myself that question. I played for enjoyment. I played for relaxation. I played for no real reason other than to finish to completion. The minute it stopped being fun, I'd put my controller down and walk away, only to be drawn back to it moments later, my hands itching to feel the smooth buttons and ergonomic handles at my fingertips.

Tuesday, 17 May 2016 00:00

The Song of Seven: Chapter One Review

Fear is a funny thing. Ideally meant to keep us safe from harm, if left unchecked it can become a barrier that prevents us from doing things that we may otherwise find enjoyable. It’s great in situations that require us to stop and think about possible hazards, such as walking near a dangerous cliff or travelling through a sketchy neighborhood.

Sunday, 15 May 2016 00:00

Talewind Exclusive Preview

From Windlimit studios comes a beautifully designed 2D platformer that is tremendously pleasing to the senses. Greenlit by Steam, this title will be making its way to the PC community eventually, but for now it’s a treat for my eyes only, and they are most definitely feasting.

Thursday, 12 May 2016 00:00

StarBreak Review

StarBreak is a pretty decent game - one I can see a lot of people enjoying for hours on end. The pick-up-and-play pack-like elements are pretty unique - something Jinx, Damacles, and LordTorstein pointed out - and provide a lot of amusement for literally no cost. If you have a few hours to kill, I recommend trying StarBreak out - what do you have to lose?

Monday, 09 May 2016 00:00

Castle Heist: Chapter 1 Review

Overall, Castle Heist: Chapter One is a nice tribute to retro games like Thief: Deadly Shadows that comes ever so close to feeling like a polished product. It’s that “special snowflake” idea that makes me appreciate the title more than I probably would have otherwise – the notion that a simple mechanic could create an entire storyline, to me, is video game art. It’s taking something that most RPGs just incorporate into their titles without thinking much about it. The fact that stealth can have an entire story extruded from it was certainly interesting, and not something I’ve come across before. With perhaps a bit more polish and a few more updates (voice acting?), I can see this easily finding its way into the Steam library of RPG fans everywhere.

Friday, 06 May 2016 00:00

Parkitect Early Access Review

Perhaps it’s not the game it could be at this point in time, but I have a lot of hope for it – it’ll get there. I look forward to what Parkitect has to offer in the future and eagerly await the much-needed adjustments to tweak it into perfection.

Friday, 06 May 2016 00:00

Fragments of Him Review

It wasn’t quite the tear-jerker I thought it would be, but it was a deep and compelling look at love, life, loss, and mourning. I can say with absolute confidence that Fragments of Him is one of the most original titles to be developed this year and is truly a worthwhile addition to any Steam library.

It's video games like NERO that prove this medium is evolving into something far more compelling than the Atari or NES generations could have ever imagined. Who knew that a game could teach players about love and loss, of sorrow and grief, of the slow, painful process of watching a beloved child die before your eyes?

Tuesday, 26 April 2016 00:00

Opus: The Day We Found Earth Review

OPUS: The Day We Found Earth is a chill, stargazing experience that's handcrafted for people who enjoy story-driven games and arguing about Pluto.

Saturday, 23 April 2016 00:00

P·O·L·L·E·N Review

Playing POLLEN took me back to my childhood days of attempting Myst and its seemingly unsolvable puzzles. This is a flawless masterpiece that is a warmly welcomed addition to the mystery genre that will be sure to easily capture your interest as it did mine.

Sunday, 17 April 2016 00:00

The Black Death Early Access Review

I think this game has great potential and a lot of promise, but in its current state it is glitchy and hard to understand.

Friday, 15 April 2016 00:00

Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair Review

Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair takes the visual novel/graphic adventure series and puts that classic “wtf Japan” twist on it in an insanely delightful way. With anime-style character designs, voice-acting in English and Japanese (subs available – score!) and strong, solid story progression, this game clearly has the “land of the rising sun” written all over it.

Monday, 11 April 2016 00:00

Adam’s Venture: Origins Review

The boring storyline that moves to fast filled with wooden characters spewing poorly-written-and-delivered dialog really bring down the decent puzzles and platforming. It’s a shame that Adam’s Venture: Origins couldn’t deliver, but you just can’t force a good game – something the developers would do well to remember.

Wednesday, 06 April 2016 00:00

A Blind Legend Review

A Blind Legend taught me just how obliviously privileged I am to be blessed with the gift of sight and showed me just how much I rely on my eyes when it comes to interpreting the world around me.

Friday, 11 March 2016 00:00

Bus Simulator 16 Review

Bus Simulator 16 unintentionally and comically illustrates that an enjoyable title doesn’t need to be revolutionary to be considered good - I just wish I hadn’t spent several hours of my life to come to this conclusion.

Sunday, 03 April 2016 00:00

Game Tycoon 2 Early Access Review

Gamy Tycoon 2 is a challenging learning experience in a subject that we all enjoy that poses as a game – what’s not to like? This title provides hours of entertainment for a good price, and for a game within a game, that’s a great value. Be patient with this title – it’s worth it!

Sunday, 03 April 2016 00:00

Cosmic Leap Review

A long, long time ago (maybe)…in a galaxy far, far away (possibly)…comes the latest and greatest way to waste time without breaking the bank…

Growing up in the 90s, I never felt a real connection to the gaming industry or the gaming community as a whole.

Wednesday, 16 March 2016 00:00

Alphabeats: PC Master Edition Review

This pulchritudinous and enthralling word game was ambrosial...

Saturday, 19 March 2016 00:00

Panzermadels Review

This was too funny in a History nerd kind of way to pass up.

Monday, 28 March 2016 00:00

Victory and Glory: Napoleon Review

The battles will make you seriously strategize and the complete European coalition teaming up against you will make you sympathize a bit with the Emperor of Elba. This is definitely a thinking (wo)man’s title - no History books required. Vive la France!