Gemstone Keeper

I really liked the base gameplay mechanics and interesting enemy variety, the music is wonderful too, really gets me into the mood to delve deeper. Collecting all the various gems is tough though, since it's rather random. I also had trouble with a lack of progression, There's nothing to spend money on since I couldn't figure out if it's possible to upgrade anything, though it seems like the mechanic is in the game. The bosses are very cool however and the various level types are unique feeling, would love to see more environmental differences. Overall I think the base game is good but it needs fleshing out a bunch.

While I've only got a couple hours on the clock with Gemstone Keeper, first impressions are really quite good. The game plays precisely as sold, there's an interesting variety of enemy types, the moving & shooting is super smooth, the weapon combinations make for a fun arsenal, the gem collecting aspect is rewarding enough and the overall look & feel of the game, to me, has huge appeal. The somber, suped-up ASCII art style is awesome and shows from the dev a particular reverence for the roguelikes that started it all. Enemies are all easily distinguished and the shifting environment palettes from floor to floor help change things up during a run, although the everpresent hashtag walls are an inescapable visual sameness. There's a variety of trippy screen effects (identified in-game as "mists") that distort & obfuscate the play area, from watery ripples to a rapidly pulsing screen blur to just straight up fog-of-war-ing the edges of the viewport. These add flavour and interest to the f...

First of all, I really loved how this game pretty much only uses ASCII symbols for its graphical design. Very retro-y, while still visually pleasing for a modern game. It was nice seeing variety in level designs and mechanics, and I think the enemy mobs are cute. The movements are smooth, and the weapon aiming is very responsive. I also really liked the variety of weapons and how you can combine all of them with different types of ammo. So overall it's a pretty good game and I'm happy with my purchase. I almost don't have anything negative to say, but one issue is that it seems to freeze and crash at random. This unfortunately removes all the progress I made while in the caverns, but whenever I return to the surface it seems my things are saved for good. It doesn't happen too often, and it's mostly easy to catch up, so it's just a minor issue. One other thing is that the levels with the swirly mist effect make me kinda dizzy and uncomfortable, but when I get those I just rush to the o...

I might write another review when I play more, but for now here is what I think after reaching the first boss. (I won't be talking about the sound since my laptop was muted) I had played Gemstone at Insomnia awhile ago and enjoyed it. I brought it yesterday since it was on sale and sat down to play it today. I really did enjoy it and like how simple the controls are and how simple the game is so far. I do expect it to become harder. However, there are two things I need to make aware. The first is the bright purple light when you enter a portal and the bright red light when you beat a boss. Although I do not suffer from epilepsy, I found it too bright, harsh and sudden. The second problem that could have been my own fault is that the first boss can trap you in the corner and chip away at your health. I was able to escape but it still something that I feel should be brought up. But again it might have been my own fault. I'm sure if the first issue is dealt with soon, the game would be...

Amazing!!!!