2021 - Mr. Dave Pizza

Quantum Leap – Last Call at Al’s: A Tribute to Dean Stockwell

Post author:mrdavepizza
Post published:November 10, 2021
Post category:FILM & TV REVIEWS

One of the best actors in Hollywood passed away in the past couple of days at age 85. Dean Stockwell, the actor/artist/environmentalist/cigar-enthusiast, is notably remembered for his role as Al Calavicci in the '80s/'90s TV time travel show Quantum Leap. I had always intended to talk about Quantum Leap here somewhere since it is one of the most influential productions I have ever spent time with, "within my own lifetime." With the news about Mr. Stockwell, I guess maybe this is a good time.

Pumpkinheads: Awesome Comic About Two Friends And Fall Food

Post author:mrdavepizza
Post published:November 1, 2021
Post category:BOOK REVIEWS

This is another teen and YA appropriate, plus seasonally appropriate, review. Pumpkinheads is a very endearing and amusing graphic novel released pre-pandemic. It is the creation of author Rainbow Rowell and author / illustrator Faith Erin Hicks. It follows the tale of two friends, Deja and Josiah, who work at a pumpkin patch, on their last Halloween night before they go off to college. Instead of their assigned task of working as succotash cooks, Deja tries to insist Josiah do something about his multiple year spanning fascination with the girl who works at the fudge shop.

Another Kind: Cryptid Fun Hits Shelves, New Graphic Novel

Post author:mrdavepizza
Post published:October 29, 2021
Post category:BOOK REVIEWS

I'm thrilled to bring you another installment in my comic/book reviews, which really needs to be here to fulfill my original mission. Without a doubt, I'm tirelessly releasing indie game reviews with young adult/teen-friendly connotations. I've only recently figured out that my posts are more appropriate for this encompassed audience and that yes, I can finally write about anything and not seem too out of context intentionally. So in addition to games, let's start a new trend by talking about this debut graphic novel from creators Cait May and Trevor Bream and publishing project Harper Alley known as Another Kind, a story about a group of cryptid youth government compound runaways on a mission to find safety and also learn more about their identities.

Not It: Spookiest Edition is a Dark & Amusing Visual Novel

Post author:mrdavepizza
Post published:October 10, 2021
Post category:GAME REVIEWS VISUAL NOVELS

Earlier this year, I took a look at a visual novel from this developer called The Last Act. Incidentally, they have a new act called Not It: Spookiest Edition just in time for Halloween. In fact, this whole game's story revolves around an old legend of a curse that arrives every Halloween. I suppose, being on hiatus and everything, I can still find some room to squeeze this one in because this whole month I'm doing a Halloween theme. Also, it is released today, so that's a scoop I can't resist. Therefore, from a very distraction-free space, mostly, let me enthrall you with a first look at Not It: Spookiest Intentions.

Spooky Station and Other Great Halloween Indie Games

Post author:mrdavepizza
Post published:September 28, 2021
Post category:GAME REVIEWS HALLOWEEN GAMES

Spooky Station, Fifo's Night, Haunt the House, Pumpkin Jack, and Monster League. Spooky Station is actually 9 games too, I was boggling over what games to include, but I ultimately realized: how about everything? Let's go! Fifo's Night is some major deep cuttage, which we love here. And some recent covered games too! Are you ready for this frightful/thoughtful indie Halloween game list? Anything could happen…

Monster League Will Make You Think Differently About Kart Racing Games

Post author:mrdavepizza
Post published:September 27, 2021
Post category:GAME REVIEWS HALLOWEEN GAMES

It did The Mash! Monster League is essentially a complete kart racing Halloween game from the makers of Medieval Dynasty. It sits on the roster of Early Access titles and has since 2019, but fans are still playing it and are still nudging the team for a full release even now. Nobody really knows what is happening, but I had a lot of fun with this game and encourage you to purchase it at its fairly modest price for your co-op party, your Twitch, or just playing something different. At the very least, why not be a bit thematic and go for the Halloween vibe this fall.

Pumpkin Jack is the Best Spooky Game Out There Now

Post author:mrdavepizza
Post published:September 25, 2021
Post category:GAME REVIEWS HALLOWEEN GAMES

I petitioned my friends yesterday for a list of games they consider Halloween thematic for an easily spooked dude like myself. I knew of Pumpkin Jack as a backburner game that I had seen last year and lamented myself for not having my affairs in order to get it on the review list! That was during that standalone year of 2020 that had enough triggers as it is. That's why, when my peers suggested Pumpkin Jack I was excited to see it as a standing contender. And to be honest, some of the non-straight-up horror genre games this year are not the type of visual fantasticness that Pumpkin Jack is. So, after plunking down the kinda premium toll on Steam, I'm here to tell you why Pumpkin Jack is worth the cost if you are into indie platformers and want something that's bound to get you into the Halloween spirit--all-year-long!

T-Minus 30 is a Chilling but Unique New Indie

Post author:mrdavepizza
Post published:September 16, 2021
Post category:GAME REVIEWS

T-Minus 30 is a top-down city sim, with an apocalyptic twist, and a rather casual, no, ultra-casual gameplay style. I know some are great fans in the apocalyptic genre, and I definitely have been before, so I was actually very surprised at the relaxing aspects of this survival sim. T-Minus 30 took care of my personal checklist for a casual game so easily that I felt essentially at peace as I played it. With a 30 minute gameplay under my belt, I have my impressions on this ultimate quick sim indie. And yes, T-Minus 30 is 30 minutes, the length of time you have to build a space fleet of survivors before well, you know. Let's get started on the review.

Blake is a Colorful Grit Filled Cyberpunk Visual Novel

Post author:mrdavepizza
Post published:September 10, 2021
Post category:GAME REVIEWS VISUAL NOVELS

Blake is an interesting new visual novel from LegendOri Productions about a complacent computer programmer turned vigilante in a futuristic cyberpunk city. The primary scenario within the game involves a new technology that can make somebody totally anonymous. Even amongst the modern people-tracking computers of its era, a criminal of heinous description is leaving a fatal trace and incidentally has decided to start toying with Blake's sanity.

How to Write Game Reviews (The Nice Way)

Post author:mrdavepizza
Post published:September 9, 2021
Post category:GUIDES & MODS

So you want to write a nice review? As I glide through a tremendous Steam list full of unique reviews, it's actually pretty awesome that gamers are getting involved and writing thoughtful reviews even though some are, not inaccurately, blunt. Praising reviews and critical reviews both serve a purpose. Even a 5-word sentence that reads something like "Just spins me around infinitely" is actually helpful, because if the game costs $20, you might have a point. But let me tell you how, for me, nice reviews are still the best review.