Category PGN

My name is Heth, welcome to the PGN Arcade and today i am reviewing the classic Jrpg Dark Cloud.

Released in 2000 in Japan and then in 2001 in both the USA and Europe. Dark cloud is a unique game blending action rpg and city building together for quite a special experience.

The plot is arguably the weakest part of the game and won’t wow you with deep emotional story like other Jrpg’s usually do, basically an evil genie is summoned by a guy and is ordered to destroy the world. The fairy king steps in and uses a spell around the land sealing buildings and the people into orbs scattering them around the world. You are tasked to restore all the villages. It is a pretty weak story and it isn’t helped that cutscenes don’t really happen often.

You spend a lot of your time exploring randomized dungeons, fighting enemies and opening spheres that hold parts of towns. The combat can feel pretty rough compared to other action based rpg’s. The lack of a dodge button can be really bothersome. So it makes the combat take a little longer than it should do to get used to. While navigating each floor of the dungeon you have to make sure to pay attention to a few things. Like your thirst meter which you keep filled with water and your weapon durability which you can help from getting broken with repair powder. Some floors of the dungeon switch things up like requiring you to only use one of the party members or having your thirst metre draining faster.

The other half of the game is you rebuilding the towns in a fairly large open area. And you are free to rebuild it however you want. Whenever you put a resident in their house you are able to talk to them and they will express certain things they want. Such as a certain piece in the house or even where in the town they want their house to be. Doing these things can even lead to the player getting some unique items. When you finish a residents house you get a little cutscene where they thank the player and end up giving you an item, these cutscenes don’t offer much deep character interaction but it is still nice to see. I can’t express just how great this part of the game is, there is something truly relaxing this is. 

Conclusion

The combat may be janky in some ways but there is something relaxing about it that not many games can replicate. If you have a PS4 or PS5 you can get the game on those since it was re-relased on those and is the best way ot play the game now.

Hello, everyone! My name is Panda, and welcome to the PGN Arcade. Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on a fascinating game called Poker Quest. If you’d like, you can also check out my video review for a different perspective—my written and spoken points often differ, so it’s worth experiencing both.

Gameplay

Poker Quest is a unique blend of strategy and card-based adventure gameplay. At its core, it’s about using a deck of playing cards to activate special abilities, defeat enemies, and navigate through challenges. Each turn, you draw cards and decide how to use them—whether for attacks, defense, or other abilities—based on your character’s skills.

The gameplay strikes a balance between luck and strategy. While you rely on drawing good cards, the real challenge is making smart decisions with what you have. As you progress, you explore a dynamic map, battle various monsters, collect items, and upgrade your character. It feels like a compelling mix of poker mechanics and a fantasy RPG, creating a game that keeps you thinking every step of the way.

Story

Unlike some RPGs that dive deep into intricate storytelling, Poker Quest keeps its narrative light and flexible. You assume the role of a hero (or heroes) journeying through a fantastical world filled with monsters, treasures, and challenges. The world is procedurally generated for each playthrough, adding a layer of unpredictability and replayability.

The focus here is less about story immersion and more about strategic gameplay. While the minimal narrative might not appeal to everyone, it allows players to craft their own adventure, imagining the details as they conquer obstacles and survive in this poker-inspired fantasy world.

History

Poker Quest was developed by Playsaurus, the team behind Clicker Heroes, and took approximately four years to create. The game entered Steam Early Access on July 21, 2021, where players were invited to experience the game and provide valuable feedback.

During Early Access, the developers actively engaged with the community through Discord and Steam forums. This collaboration led to several enhancements, including adjustments to difficulty levels and the introduction of an easier mode for casual players. The open dialogue between creators and players played a significant role in refining the game, resulting in a well-balanced and enjoyable experience.

Visuals

The visual presentation of Poker Quest is clean and thematic, perfectly complementing the game’s strategic focus. The fantasy-inspired artwork features hand-drawn elements, from the diverse creatures you face to the vibrant locations you explore.

Although the game doesn’t boast elaborate animations, the visuals are functional and polished. The clarity of the card designs and interface ensures that players can easily understand the mechanics without feeling overwhelmed. This simplicity enhances the overall experience, keeping players engaged in the gameplay rather than distracted by flashy effects.

Controls

The controls in Poker Quest are intuitive and user-friendly. Using a mouse, you can click or drag cards to activate abilities, select map nodes, and navigate menus effortlessly. Hovering over elements provides helpful tooltips to explain mechanics, making it accessible even for newcomers. For those on touch devices, the tap-and-drag functionality ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Sound

The sound design in Poker Quest is subtle yet effective. The audio complements the game’s thoughtful and strategic atmosphere, providing a gentle background that enhances immersion without overwhelming the player. While it’s not overly complex, the sound effects and music create an ambiance that fits the game’s fantasy and card-based theme.

Overall Impression

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with Poker Quest. Its blend of strategy, decision-making, and luck creates a uniquely challenging experience. The game encourages players to think carefully about their choices, whether it’s fighting a monster, collecting chips, or resting at an inn. However, this isn’t a game that holds your hand—its unforgiving nature requires you to understand poker mechanics to succeed.

For those who persevere, the game offers immense satisfaction. In many ways, Poker Quest reminds me of Dark Souls—not in its gameplay but in its philosophy. It challenges you to survive as long as possible, rewarding patience and persistence.

If you’re a fan of strategic, card-based games that test your skills and decision-making, Poker Quest is a must-try. Take your time, learn the mechanics, and you’ll discover an experience as rewarding as it is challenging.

Hello, PGN ARCADE! Panda here, kicking off my very first review on this website, and I couldn’t be more excited. I absolutely love this game—it’s a joy to play, and I know my appreciation for it will only grow over time. With that said, let me explain how my reviews work. I’ll break the game down into specific categories: Introduction, Gameplay, Story, Visuals/History, Controls, Sound, and Overall.

Also my video review will be slightly different to this review but it should be talking about the same just not in detail. Now that you know the plan, let’s dive right into my review!

Gameplay

At its heart, Road Trip Adventure is a quirky, open-world racer that’s as much about exploration as it is about hitting the track. You’ll find yourself cruising from town to town, taking on races at various “Q Factories” along the way.

The races cater to all skill levels—C Rank for casual players, B Rank for a solid challenge, and A Rank for when you’re ready to go pro. But the game offers so much more than just racing. You can collect stamps, snap photos, uncover hidden gems, and track down elusive Q coins (trust me, they’re worth the effort).

It’s a game that invites exploration at your own pace, letting you decide whether to focus on the thrill of racing or the joy of discovery.

Story

The story is delightfully odd in the best way possible. The President (also your eventual end boss) decides to spice things up by hosting “The World’s Grand Prix” to find the next ruler. Naturally, you step up to prove that being good at car races is the ultimate qualification for global leadership.

To compete, you’ll need to win races across different towns, earn a Super A Rank license, and build a team of three. It’s an absurd premise, but it works perfectly within the game’s whimsical world.

Visuals

For a game released in 2002, Road Trip Adventure has aged surprisingly well. The graphics, while simplistic by today’s standards, evoke a nostalgic charm that retro indie games often try to replicate.

Sure, it doesn’t wow with cutting-edge visuals, but the charm lies in its clean, straightforward design. Honestly, this is a game that screams for a modern remaster—it could easily find a new audience with just a bit of polish.

Controls

The controls are simple and intuitive, making it easy for anyone to jump in:

• X: Start your engine
• Square: Brake
• Circle: Reverse
• Triangle: Switch camera views

At the start, your car is… not great. But as you earn money, you’ll upgrade it at Q Parts Stores scattered across towns. Premium upgrades, like the Hyper Max Engine, don’t come cheap (80k coins!), but collecting Q coins unlocks premium parts for free if you’re resourceful.

Want to tackle tricky terrain? Invest in specialized parts. Need a boost? Add rockets for turbo mode—but keep an eye on your fuel! Oh, and yes, you can even add a plane part to glide farther, though free-flight remains just out of reach.

Sound

The sound design is a mixed bag. The music? Catchy, but repetitive. Four pop-style tracks loop throughout the game, which might earn it a 5/10 on a good day. But where the game truly shines is in its sound effects.

From the echo of tunnels to underwater reverb, the attention to audio details enhances the immersion. Each town’s unique theme adds a bit of personality to the world, giving players something new to hear as they explore.

Overall

Road Trip Adventure is pure, unadulterated fun. The amount of content is staggering—you could easily sink hours into this game without realizing it. However, if you’re not a fan of collect-a-thons, this might not be your cup of tea.

For those who love hunting down collectibles, the game offers endless rewards:

• 100 photos to capture
• 100 Q coins to collect
• 100 stamps to earn
• A trading system that layers in some light puzzle-solving

Originally launched on the PlayStation 2, this game is a hidden gem of its era. While I’ve been replaying it on an emulator, there’s nothing quite like experiencing the original on its home console. If you’re into quirky, open-world games with a lot of heart, Road Trip Adventure is a must-play.