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Review: Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail

Sam Butler

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Jul 11, 2024

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is the much-anticipated expansion for the popular MMORPG. The previous two expansions have become critical darlings in the franchise, cementing its place as one of the most popular MMOs on the market. Dawntrail looks to blaze new stories that will keep players captivated for the next decade. While its dungeon designs are some of the most fun I have had in this game, unfortunately, the story is not as strong as its previous expansions.

Together, We Can Go Out West

Where can you go after Endwalker’s events? After saving the world, the only thing left to do is to go on vacation! You are recruited by a warrior named Wuk Lamat to assist her in her quest to become the next Dawnservant, the ruler of Tural. You venture across the ocean, eager for a new adventure and to help Wuk Lamat. To achieve Wuk Lamat’s goals, you help her find a lost city of gold. The story’s first half takes you across the different parts of Tural, where Wuk Lamat meets other people and gathers clues about the golden city. Unfortunately, this usually translates into fetch quests or just standing around and watching Wuk Lamat talk to people instead of being on some grand adventure.

Other characters are involved in the quest to find the golden city. There is Zoraal Ja, who wants to become Dawnservant and take over the world. Koana wants to become Dawnservant to bring technology from other parts of the world to Tural. There is also Bakool Ja Ja, who is a jerk. These are the main characters you interact with during Dawntrail; unfortunately, they are very one-dimensional. Your character and the friends that have accompanied you fade into the background, which is a feeling that persisted with me throughout the entire expansion.

The World of Tural

The gorgeous environments of Tural draw heavy inspiration from Latin American topography with sprawling forests and expansive deserts. One of the main cities, Tuliyollal, is nestled in the hills with a fantastic coastal view. The new graphics update enhances the new settings and makes them pop. While I won’t get into specifics about the later areas of the game, I was impressed with them, too. The only downside is the final area of the expansion changes at a certain point, and the changed area is far worse than before.

The best part of this expansion is the dungeons and trials. These dungeons are a step up in difficulty compared to Endwalker, but not in a frustrating way. I’ve enjoyed figuring out how each dungeon works and how to solve the mechanics. Some of the later bosses feel like information overload, and the last boss has a mechanic that is horrendous on the eyes. Overall, these are some of my favorite dungeons that I have experienced in the game.

When You’re Here, You’re Family

The biggest gripe I have is with the main story quest. My biggest problem is that your character is not the main character. It’s a story that centers around Wuk Lamat. Which, in theory, isn’t bad because it emphasizes the greater world that your character occupies. Wuk Lamat is not a great character to follow for the entire story. Your character, who has saved the world, has been relegated to helping Wuk Lamat do the equivalent of trading a toy car until they get an actual vehicle or reassemble a parade for another village. I think some players will like this direction; however, for other players who want a story focused on their player character, it’s morbing time.

The story also felt predictable from the jump. Wuk Lamat is an optimist to a fault, Zoraal Ja is a warmonger, and Koana is hell-bent on foreign technology. I could feel how these characters would evolve throughout the story, leaving little room to surprise me. In particular, Wuk Lamat started as an optimist before a sudden tonal shift turned her into Dominic Toretto from the Fast and Furious franchise. Everyone is part of the family, even those who have wronged her. It felt inconsistent and overlooked some crucial elements of the story to force character growth.

Bob Ross and Darth Maul Walk Into A Bar

Dawntrail introduced two new classes to the game, Viper and Pictomancer. Viper is a melee DPS class focused on fast attacks and stance changes between dual-wielding swords and a twin blade. Pictomancer is a caster DPS class painting spells to deal damage. Of the two, I enjoyed Viper more. Viper is fast, constantly attacking, and has flashy animations, making it one of my favorite classes. Its kit reminds me of playing the reaper. Fans of black mage will undoubtedly want to give Pictomancer a chance. This class has some of my favorite casting animations in the entire game. Each spell pops with color, and cycling through the different spells is fun to watch. It is also an insanely powerful class, as it outputs a lot of damage while providing buffs to the party. So I am sure it will be excellent in endgame content.

All Quiet on the Western Front

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is a tale of two halves. On the story front, it might be one of the weaker stories for the MMO. Wuk Lamat is an overbearing main character who is illogical at times. None of the other new characters stand out, and fan favorites from previous expansions don’t significantly impact the story. On the other hand, the dungeons and trials are some of the most fun I’ve had in the game. Both new classes are a blast, and the graphics update adds a nice touch to the game. Fans of the story might be disappointed, especially after Endwalker and Shadowbringers. This expansion delivers on all fronts for players looking to grind new content.

Review: JustAxe

Saim Khurshid

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Jul 10, 2024

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JustAxe is not a Roguelike, Metroid-Vania or Rage bait but a 2d puzzle platformer with simple combat and a handful of interesting ideas that fail to deliver. (Loaded Sentence Alert!)

I was really looking forward to this one. The trailer looked promising, the art style looked cosy and even though I am not a big fan of characters with many eyes, I still found the enemies of this game very cleverly designed.

It is obvious that Supergalactiс Gamedev has put a lot of effort into achieving the theme and gameplay style of JustAxe. Still, I cannot shake the feeling that hands were held back in many development instances.

JustAxe me next time

The entire game of JustAxe revolves around your Axe. This is made clear right from the start when the character first leaves her home, and it remains the basis of the plot throughout the playthrough.

At its core, the game is simple: there’s a platform to jump across and an axe to hit enemies with. You unlock a dash later, along with other weapons like a whip, but that’s not what I want to discuss. Besides, if you’re interested in those details, go play the game when it comes out. I don’t want to spoil anything.

What I do want to detail are the game’s unique ideas.

Ideas:

I found myself excited by its potential multiple times during my playthrough only to be disappointed in the end.

First, you can chop down trees. On the surface, this is an interesting way to integrate the world into the gameplay and emphasise the game’s title, JustAxe. Sadly, you can only cut down specific trees that appear occasionally. What could have been a nice gameplay feature turned into nothing more than a blockade, serving only to slow down the game.

Another idea was the ability to latch onto walls with your axe, requiring precise alignment with the next ledge to jump onto it. In a world where most games have a simple wall jump system, this could have been a unique and challenging way to incorporate wall climbing. However, like the trees, this feature is limited to very specific locations marked by rough yellow patches on the walls.

The whip can be used as a hook shot to swing from ledge to ledge. Again, the same issue arises with limited use. Giant floating rings appear at certain points, and you must endure a clunky hooking system to progress.

It seems every problem this 2d platformer has stems from the same department: the gameplay loop. Every time the game introduces something new, it fades into the background due to its limited use. I can see the potential improvement in having more trees to chop and using them to kill enemies or using the hook shot like in Just Cause 2, or having more strategic traversal with the wall-climbing axe.

Despite these issues, JustAxe still manages to be enjoyable at times. This is largely due to the story behind the axing around.

JustAxe me the story

The time is “the distant future” and we are in the once quaint small town of New Soviets. Yup! It is a town in a forest behind the mountains. A really sweet place to live. or… it used to be.

Things took a turn when creatures from another world invaded the village, placing everyone under their dictatorship rule.

I know what you are thinking and you’re right, JustAxe is taking inspiration from a real tragedy… Yup. Princess Peach’s hostile rule over the Mushroom Kingdom. I mean we all see what the motivation is behind the Toads’ undying devotion to her.

let’s get back on track.

Two sisters, whose names I don’t believe were revealed, were living alone in this village. They had enough of the constant raids of these invaders and decided to move deeper into the village. This plan worked for a while but soon the invaders came back.

Eventually, the girls ran out of things to give and the invaders showed no mercy. They separated the sisters, taking one with them as payment. The other sister is our MC who spends the night alone and in tears.

In the morning, a flying pixie-like creature visits her and delivers a letter. The letter is from a sender whose name seems to have burned off the letter(the cause being the pixie itself) The letter tells her that she can save her sister but she needs to go and get her. She picks up an axe and gets to it.

The rest of the game is our chase to find our sister with more letters and cutscenes furthering the plot as we go.

I don’t want to spoil any further but hear me out. I will be the first to say that I am not a big fan of the gameplay but this silly little plot makes it all worth it.

Enough Fight, Let’s Talk!

It does feel refreshing to play a game not trying to be anything too random or weird. This is a basic 2d platformer with simple mechanics and simple methods of progression. By itself, it is just an average 2d platformer but that story makes it a must play.

How conflicting!

What I am trying to say is that you should play this game with an open heart and you will walk away with a smile and some satisfaction. JustAxe, in my books, is a game I recommend.

Go play it!

Review: Phantoms

Khloe Turner

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Jul 10, 2024

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A one-man studio

Spearheaded by a sole, aspiring game developer from Croatia, Solitude released an indie horror game titled Phantoms while pursuing a more ambitious project inspired by Silent Hill. Phantoms is a retro-style horror game with a terrifically terrible mixture of eldritch, analogue horror, RNG elements, and vicious jump scares. It is certainly not for those who are easily startled (like myself)!

Phantoms was released in December of 2023 and can be played on the PC and Steam.

All aboard the eldritch express

You play as an unnamed man aboard a train to visit his old friend, Floyd. Floyd had apparently gone through some terrible tragedy, and in order to cope, begun worshipping an unknown God. Ever since his nosedive into this religious practice, Floyd has begun acting strangely; not only that, but people within the town that Floyd lives in are beginning to mysteriously disappear.

The player decides to hop on a train in order to check up on his friend and figure out what in the world is going on. However, this “train” is not as it seems . . . is the player really on a train at all?

Start of phantoms, train staff in front of you

The goal is to escape the train car, but first players must find and fix the electrical box to open the door. As players roam around, the “train” becomes more and more filled with flesh configurations and eldritch enemies. And . . . watch out, the train conductor is after you.

Simple mechanics, thrilling gameplay

The game manages to perfectly encapsulate the graphical and sound-based eeriness of PlayStation 1 horror. The pause screen is very neat as well, showing up as a creepy blue CRTV screen.

Floyd's advice in Phantoms about the train

Phantoms blends various horror elements quite interestingly, with the sort of look that analogue horror has, coupled with jump scares and heart-stopping loud noises. These scares are not cheap either, as they appeal to the aesthetic appropriately and are quite horrifying. The RNG elements mix up each level every time, providing a fresh sense of fear and confusion. There are five main story levels in total, with an extra “secret” level being the most challenging after you finish the main game. The difficulty goes up in a linear fashion, and the game takes about 2 or less hours to complete.

The player can walk, look around, run, crouch, and interact with objects. The mechanics are straightforward and operate well (though I wish I could run a tad faster). You are able to talk to other passengers on the train and look at the various random posters on the wall, including a shoutout to SCP horror. Players absolutely cannot sit still in a place for too long, even in a “safe room.” Being idle for a certain amount of time will make the player’s screen increasingly red and fisheye-lensed, and without a doubt you’ll meet your end. Phantoms is all about constant movement and finding pieces to fix the electrical box.

May luck be on your side

The heaviest issue with Phantoms is the poor AI. The game is going to require a lot more luck than skill unfortunately, at least in regards to the train conductor.

Eldritch flesh enemy on the train in Phantoms

You can never quite predict when things are going to happen. Sometimes, the train conductor may randomly spawn right beside you, or on top of you, or in a “safe room” too soon, so at that point there was not much the player could to do except die. This made completing each level, even the “easier” ones, frustratingly hard. The count down to being killed in a safe room can also happen suddenly and quickly. There is hardly a moment in the game where one can take their time and think. As said before, Phantoms is about constant movement. This can be rather irritating to many players.

Final thoughts

In all, Phantoms is an impressive piece of work coming from the only Solitude developer. The PlayStation 1 vibes are on point, and the entities and setting of the game are wonderfully scary. The game plays smoothly and has very little issues, aside from the randomly spawning train conductor.

Phantoms has a lot of potential and can be enjoyable as a short, terrifying experience.

Review: Freedom Planet 2

Daniel Waite

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Jul 10, 2024

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Freedom Planet 2 is the sequel to the ever-popular 2014 release. Moreover, it builds on strong foundations and creates new mechanics based on user response. As such, the gameplay feels more expansive and the story is captivating and interesting. Additionally, you have 4 protagonists to test out and plenty of robotic minions and bosses to thwart. Alongside this, the action is ridiculously fast-paced and keeping on top of everything is easier said than done.

This 2D platform experience was developed by GalaxyTrail and published by XSEED Games. Furthermore, it is a single-player experience set in a vibrant pixelated world. The side-scrolling gameplay feels familiar, and I immediately picked up hints of Sonic the Hedgehog. On top of this, there are collectables to gather, and plenty of large stages to explore. Therefore, if you love classic titles from this genre, this will tick many boxes.

Freedom Planet 2 tells a tale of revenge.

Since the events of the original title, peace and serenity have enveloped the world of Avalice. However, an ancient and evil threat is bubbling under the surface. Thankfully, the 3 heroines have refined their signature skills. Moreover, a new hero steps up to help save the day. A water dragoness named Merga has escaped her crystal prison. Hell-bent on revenge, the 4 heroes must work hard if they wish to vanquish their foe.

Freedom Planet 2’s story is beautifully told across 24 ambitious levels. Additionally, some wonderful cutscenes and pleasant acting help to deliver the dramatic story. The excellent cinematic serves as a vital breather between each hectic stage. Consequently, players will enjoy the respite and each colourful cutscene.

Classic mechanics.

Though each of the heroines delivers unique skills and abilities, the core gameplay focuses on classic mechanics. As you explore each level, you’ll leap from platform to platform whilst completing loop-da-loops. This level design was akin to every stage in Sonic the Hedgehog. Now, I’m not saying they stole the idea, because I’m not. However, the familiarity will bring a wry smile to your face.

Alongside this, Freedom Planet 2 has items to collect, and plenty of ways to kill each robotic enemy. Whether you use your shield to protect yourself or ride through obstacles and enemies with your motorbike, the choice is entirely yours. If the minions weren’t enough, you’ll enjoy some sci-fi-inspired gargantuan bosses. These hulking beasts will test your reactions and skills as they try to smash you to pieces. The retro challenge was fantastic as it pushed you all the way.

Multiple game modes.

The core action revolves around the adventure experience. However, once you have exhausted this mode, you may test your skills elsewhere. The classic mode can be accessed once you’ve finished the game. Though it doesn’t change things too much, it is a simple way to access your favourite levels.

On top of this, there is a Battlesphere arena and a boss rush option. The latter is pretty self-explanatory. 17 bosses must be overcome as quickly as possible. Failure to do so is not a good move as your run will end and you must start again. Alternatively, the Battlesphere arena allows you to try a variety of challenges. Each additional mode adds depth to the fast-paced and often overwhelming adventure mode.

Freedom Planet 2 is garish, overwhelming, and tough to follow.

The fast nature of Freedom Planet 2 makes it challenging to keep up. The constant twists and turns can become nauseating. Furthermore, the vast array of platforms and the seamlessly never-ending chasms, enemies, and obstacles can be overwhelming. Yet, it is this high level of noise and mess that makes it unbelievably enjoyable. Moreover, the pixelated art style and loud garish colours help to deliver a classic retro finish.

The audio is punishingly upbeat. As you zip across each stage, you enjoy a hellishly crazy soundtrack. This is complemented by insane sound effects and unusual noises. As each boss battle begins, the dramatic tunes and sense of despair are palpable. Subsequently, it is captivating even though it is often tough to swallow.

Exceptional controls.

Freedom Planet 2 could have been appalling to play. The ridiculously fast-paced gameplay and the hectic action should have been off-putting. However, the intricate controls and responsive inputs make this a joy to play. No matter how quickly things heat up, you always feel in control. Additionally, as you experiment with each of the heroes, you find the perfect blend of pace and attack that works with your style.

Thanks to the extra game modes and the vast levels, this has plenty of replay value and longevity. To get the best out of the story, you’ll want to play the original game. Yet, this isn’t essential as you pick up the gist of what is happening. Furthermore, if you adore retro platforming games, you’ll cherish every maddening moment.

Freedom Planet 2 will drive you mad.

Keeping up with the action and completing every stage was a challenge. If you then add in the other game modes, you have plenty of depth to get your teeth into. Alongside this, I loved the vibrant colour palette and the incredible stage design. As such, this is a brilliant nod to retro platformers and I recommend buying it here! Will Merga get her revenge? Pick your hero, tackle every robot, and save the day.

Review: No Umbrellas Allowed

Jorge Castilho

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Jul 9, 2024

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Ther Pawn Shop Dream

As someone who grew up watching “Pawn Stars” on the History Channel, I won’t hide that I
never imagined what it would be like to run a pawn shop. Finally, I had the opportunity.

A quirky second-hand shop simulator set in a dystopian future, No Umbrellas Allowed,
arrived on the Nintendo Switch courtesy of developer Hoochoo Games and publisher
Digerati. Originally launched for PC on Steam in September of 2021, the game garnered a
lukewarm reception from a niche audience. This port to the Switch retains the same
thought-provoking gameplay, but with a few minor drawbacks that might make the PC
version a more polished experience. But first some background.

Become the “Dystopian Pawn Stars”

“No Umbrellas Allowed” takes you on a rainy journey to Ajik City, a dystopian year 2080
metropolis shrouded in mystery. Stepping into the shoes of an amnesiac protagonist who
just washed ashore, you inherit Darcy’s, a struggling second-hand shop. Here, amidst the
allure of forgotten treasures and the weight of a curious past, lies a unique pawn shop
simulator with a captivating narrative waiting to be unraveled. Your task is to assess their
worth using a variety of tools: a magnifying glass to inspect details, a historical database for
reference, and even a haptic feedback system to gauge the item’s authenticity. This
appraisal minigame adds a layer of puzzle-solving to the experience, rewarding players who
enjoy the thrill of uncovering hidden gems.

Negotiation plays a crucial role. Customers have varying expectations, and you must haggle
for the best deal. While there’s an optimal selling price, the game encourages flexibility. Do
you prioritize profit or building customer rapport by offering a fairer price? These choices
can affect your reputation, attracting customers or influencing the story.

Just Say No To Umbrellas

Umbrellas are strictly forbidden in Ajik City, confiscated by the authorities. Their
connection to the Fixerain, a mysterious weather phenomenon that seems to manipulate
memories, creates a sense of unease. The story unfolds organically as you interact with
customers and explore the city. Environmental details and cryptic conversations offer
breadcrumbs, piecing together the truth about the Fixerain, Ajik City’s past, and your
amnesia.

The core gameplay loop of appraising, buying, and selling items, while initially engaging, can
become repetitive in the later stages. The lack of additional shop management features,
like store upgrades or inventory management mini-games, means the experience plateaus
after a while. The mid-game can drag a bit with repetitive customer interactions. The story
picks up again towards the climax, offering a satisfying payoff for those who persevered.

Another point of contention is the translation quality, particularly on the Nintendo Switch
version. Dialogue can feel clunky at times, potentially hindering the emotional impact of
certain interactions.

In The End, a Very Good Deal

Despite these shortcomings, No Umbrellas Allowed offers a unique and engaging experience for players who enjoy narrative-driven sims with a dash of mystery. The atmosphere of the rain-drenched city, the intrigue surrounding the Fixerain, and the act of uncovering hidden value in everyday objects all contribute to a memorable journey.

Review: Penny’s Big Breakaway

Daniel Waite

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Jul 9, 2024

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Penny’s Big Breakaway gives a huge nod to a bygone era. Though its ideas and level design have a modern edge, it has nostalgia hidden in practically every layer. Now, this may not impress some gamers, but I adored the acrobatic movement and the straightforward ideas. Additionally, every ounce of the action is eye-wateringly vivid and energetic.

This 3D platform title was developed by Evening Star and published by Private Division. It is a solo gaming experience that uses an automatic camera. Accordingly, you only have to worry about the madness that unfolds. This madness comes in the form of hellish penguins, massive bosses, and huge chasms that must be crossed. Alongside this, there are precision elements that require patience and an eye for detail. As such, you must be dextrose, brave, and adventurous if you wish to succeed.

Penny’s Big Breakaway tells a tale of an unfortunate chain of events.

Old-school 3D platformers never worried about a sensible tale. Instead, they made the action as zany and unbelievable as possible. This step away from safety and sensibility was applauded. Ever since the developers have been able to open Pandora’s box and unleash creative hell onto any element of their platforming experience.

This is exactly what happens in Penny’s Big Breakaway! The titular hero takes part in Eddie the Emperor’s talent show. However, a magic item turns Penny’s yo-yo into a living creature. This minxy little tool gets overexcited and things take a turn for the worse. As the king is lovingly licked by the magical yo-yo, the crowd becomes outraged. Screams of treason are heard and Penny must run for her life. As she tries to escape, the penguin guards take chase. This leads to messy fights and plenty of parkour moments.

Wonderfully worked elements.

Penny’s Big Breakaway demands seamless transitions from one element to another. As such, her trusty yo-yo becomes an invaluable companion. This mighty tool can be swung as a weapon or ridden like a unicycle. Additionally, it helps the hero to swing from point A to B. Consequently, you’ll need to master each layer if you wish to become one of the trick elite.

Alongside the crazy combat and amazing parkour, you are expected to hunt for coins, find collectables, and help the denizens. Each micro stage has an array of tasks that must be completed. Furthermore, you’ll need to explore each location across a 3D plane. As such, you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled to find every hidden item.

Penny’s Big Breakaway is a vibrant wonderland.

I’ve played some eye-watering games. However, Penny’s Big Breakaway takes it to the next level. The striking colour palette is awash with neons and strong shades. Additionally, the world is full of OTT structures and crazy chasms. Consequently, you’ll love bouncing on trampolines or grabbing a zip wire as you navigate the world. Alongside this, there are varied environments to explore. There is lava to avoid and a weird sci-fi location to investigate. Accordingly, you won’t get bored by what you are looking at.

The cutesy audio is adorable. I found the sickening music a little too much, but it works well with the fast-paced action. Furthermore, Penny is a bundle of energy, so this approach complements her energetic character. The sound effects add to the noise. I loved the sound bites and the mixture of sound effects. The combination is an ear-splitting soundscape that adds drama to each element.

Wonderful controls.

When a game focuses on parkour exploration, it needs tight and simple to master controls. Thankfully, this ticks each of those boxes. The excellent tutorial sets you up for each new activity. Moreover, the responsive inputs allow you to combine an array of actions to devastating effect. Sadly, the poor penguins don’t know if they are coming or going. Penny slides and dives and uses her yo-yo to overcome every obstacle and penguin.

There are plenty of levels on offer and loads of collectables to find. Additionally, there are some side quests to complete and loads of locations to explore. As such, you can play this for hours without getting bored.

Penny’s Big Breakaway is fun and a little cheeky.

Penny’s Big Breakaway doesn’t take itself too seriously. Instead, it focuses on exceptional stage design and tight controls. Moreover, its parkour layers and rudimentary core concept ensure that it’s a fun, albeit cheeky little platform experience. Accordingly, I love it and I recommend buying it here! Can you escape the penguins and clear your name? Gather each collectable, help the denizens, and master your yo-yo.

Review: The Dark Cave

Dawid Wisniewski

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Jul 8, 2024

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“The Dark Cave” is a deck-building roguelite that combines strategic deck building aspects with the tactical grid based combat mechanics reminiscent of “Crypt of the NecroDancer.” Set in a nostalgic 16-bit world, the game delivers a visually appealing and mechanically engaging experience that challenges players to think several steps ahead.

Retro, simple and clear.

The game’s 16-bit graphics are charmingly retro, featuring simple yet distinct designs for enemies and items. Each visual element is clearly defined, making it easy for players to identify threats and resources. The minimalist art style. This paired with simple effects evokes a sense of nostalgia while maintaining modern gameplay clarity. It’s very easy to memorise different enemies, what they do and how they will act. As well as being able to tell items apart and choose without reading the effects every time.

A dungeon crawling version of chess.

“The Dark Cave revolves around navigating through chapters filled with rounds of combat against varying enemies. Both the player and enemies operate on separate 3×3 grids, allowing for strategic positioning and movement. Each attack targets specific squares and specific patterns, which are visibly highlighted, enabling players to anticipate and counter enemy actions effectively.

The game’s difficulty is initially daunting, demanding players to quickly adapt and strategize. As players progress, they become more adept at predicting enemy patterns and optimizing their movements, which significantly enhances the overall gameplay experience.

The feeling when you predict enemy attacks and bait them into moving to the optimal spot, just in time for the big skill to come off cooldown and kill all 4 monsters in one fell swoop. It’s an amazing sense of accomplishment. Especially when said battle is done and dusted with no damage taken.

Choose your loadout, if RNG lets you.

Deck-building is central to “The Dark Cave.” Players collect weapons/skills that define their attacks, defences, and special abilities, creating a highly customizable arsenal. Each of those skills will come their own caveats like freezing enemies or boosting damage under certain conditions. More perks can be added with the help of the blacksmith. These upgrades can vary from additional damage to one like ‘cast the skill twice but not be able to attack for 2 turns’ , which adds another layer of strategy. Progression is marked by aforementioned rest points after every two or three rounds.

Here you will encounter an angel offering choices between resting or selecting one of two items. This decision-making process adds a layer of strategic depth, as choosing one option locks the others until the next one. Unlike the angel that will always await you, there’s also a chance to encounter the previously mentioned blacksmith or a store. At the store you can purchase from a nice selection of potions, relics and skills to aid you in the next battle.

Those rest points are essentially checkpoints that also serve as fail-safes. Upon death, you can either return to the main menu and try again or restart from the first round after the last checkpoint. This feature allows players to practice against tougher enemies without replaying earlier rounds. This gives you a chance to practice facilitating a better understanding of advanced strategies.

From one run straight into another.

As players advance through the game, they earn experience points , unlocking new skills, relics (passive upgrades), and buffs. XP is used to unlock persistent perks that benefit all characters in future runs. Completing a run unlocks new characters, each with distinct playstyles. The Knight, a versatile hero; the Fairy, adept at poisoning enemies; and the Phantom, who starts weak but quickly becomes powerful.

After unlocking all three characters, the game introduces progressively harder difficulties with each consecutive win. These challenges do more than increase enemy health and damage; they alter gameplay elements, such as reducing potion slots or gold gains, forcing players to adapt their strategies further.

“The Dark Cave” successfully merges deck-building and roguelite elements with rhythmic movement mechanics, delivering a challenging and rewarding experience. While the game’s environments can become repetitive and some translations need improvement, its strategic depth, character variety, and engaging mechanics make it a compelling choice for fans of the genre. With ongoing updates and potential for future content, “The Dark Cave” promises to keep players entertained and strategizing for many runs to come.

The Dark Cave is coming available 16/07/2024 on Steam, with a demo out now at the time of writing.

Review: Eresys

Ralph Heseltine

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Jul 8, 2024

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Eresys promises an intense cooperative horror experience set within a Lovecraftian nightmare. The game sees you complete quests, normally your standard fetch/extraction missions. You’ll be met with a variety of monsters that are not only there to stop you, but scare you. With its heavy emphasis on multiplayer gameplay and atmospheric design, it seemed poised to offer something unique for horror enthusiasts. However, despite the promising premise, the game struggles with significant issues that detract from its potential, leading to a mixed overall experience.

A Rough Beginning and Performance Woes

The game’s introduction is a stumbling block right out of the gate. Instead of easing players into its world, “Eresys” expects the player to take in far too much information at the start. To make matters worse, you are expected to read through all of this rather than experience it in a tutorial. This makes the initial moments feel overwhelming and daunting, which could deter players from continuing. Additionally, the game’s performance is unfortunately far from excellent. There seem to be frequent stutters and control issues that make it difficult to play smoothly, which detracts from the immersive atmosphere the developers clearly worked hard to create. I was personally playing this game on the Steam Deck and endured frequent small bugs or general issues. These flaws make it difficult to find yourself immersed in this world.

Atmospheric Yet Repetitive Environments

Initially, Eresys’ atmospheric design was impressive. The dark, moody environments and eerie soundscapes create a genuinely unsettling atmosphere that feels true to Lovecraftian roots. However, this initial sense of dread is somewhat limited as the environments begin to feel repetitive and empty. While the maps do look great at first, they lack the depth and variety needed to keep the game engaging after a few playthroughs. Therefore, the repetition limits the game’s ability to sustain its eerie ambience over time.

Co-op Emphasis

A core aspect of Eresys is its cooperative gameplay, which is where the game should be at its best. You work together as a group to complete the same objectives as on solo but your collaboration can add more variety in gameplay – most notably the ability to revive one another. However, finding public lobbies was near-enough impossible for me, even after searching at various times of the day. This lack of an active player base made me as a solo player feel isolated and unable to experience the full cooperative potential of the game. This should be a drawback if for players who don’t have people they can play the game with online as the solo experience feels subpar in comparison to the co-op experience which seems to suit this game better.

The Horror

Despite the weaknesses mentioned above, “Eresys” delivers on its promise of horror. The game’s jump scares are effective and really get you out of nowhere. The Lovecraftian aesthetic is faithfully executed, with grotesque creatures and unsettling visuals that evoke a genuine sense of fear. The sound design helps build anticipation for one of these scares which could come anytime – usually in the form of a monster you have to do your best to run away from. The horror elements are, without a doubt, the strongest aspect of the game and provide the most compelling reason to play.

Verdict

“Eresys” is a game with a lot of potential that is unfortunately held back by several critical flaws. The info-dump introduction and struggling performance are red flags, and the repetitive environments bore over the initial excitement. The game’s reliance on co-op play is both its biggest strength and its weakness, as the sparse public lobbies make it difficult to experience the co-op experience which was. However, effective horror elements and a faithful Lovecraftian atmosphere offer glimpses of potential in “Eresys.” For those with friends who also own the game and a penchant for horror, “Eresys” might offer some enjoyable moments. But for the average solo player, the experience is likely to be as frustrating as it is frightening. I would suggest proceeding with caution, and perhaps waiting for a patch or two to address some of the more glaring issues before diving into this eldritch world. However, for a diehard Lovecraft fan, this game is certainly capable of evoking a decent time.

Review: Riven

Phant0m

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Jul 8, 2024

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Puzzle games are super tricky to make. That magic of feeling relieved balancing with I have no clue what’s even going on, is quite a hard one to make yet I’m happy to say that Riven delighted that balance in my head. Hi my name is phant0m and these are my thoughts on Riven.

Visuals

First thing you’ll notice is how amazing everything looks! A colorful realistic world awaits you here, structures look awesome, foliage looks great, and a special shout out to the water which looks pretty damn amazing! There weren’t many flaws in this aspect which is normal for puzzle games, but this is different; the game also runs amazingly even when I maxed out the settings! Which means it performs great while the graphics look stunning!

Gameplay

Now I have to start this by saying I’m not the biggest puzzle enjoyer, mostly because I’m very slow. But I had a decent time here, getting through these. First major problem I experienced was on the behalf of spending 30 minutes of my total playtime trying to take off a locked door that had such a simple answer that I legitimately got so upset. But that was my fault, since everything else didn’t seem as close to as dumb as me figuring out the first little section. The puzzles do lack that feeling of aha! At times but when there are ones that make you feel that way, it did make me feel much better! Outside of that there isn’t more to the gameplay, just puzzles taking up most of the experience.

Story

The story of this game didn’t intrigue me much, from the concept to the way it’s told I just couldn’t help but not want to pay attention, every scene it felt like I was spacing out and maybe that was due to the spotty voice acting or the quality of the audio itself that maybe just threw me off, because the presentation didn’t seem bad, it felt ok. The scenes made sense, and the writing isn’t horrible, but at the end of the day this story was maybe just too confusing to attach me anywhere. Now that I think of it the story held close to very similar aspects for any time something was happening on screen and it was a lack of extra choices than im just watching them do something.

Characters/Music

The characters in the game at least did a better job of intriguing me, their designs looked cool and I could appeal to the small number of people in this game, although not voice acted the best they are definitely still believable, especially because of their motives. And the music was pretty alright, although not present in every moment when it is there it does add to the story’s entertainment or increases how much fun you have while solving a puzzle.

Performance

As stated earlier the performance of the game is insane for the level of fidelity here! I was hitting around 100 fps on this beautiful adventure on an rx6750 xt intel i5 13400f PC, including the fact that I was playing on maxed out settings! With not Crashes or frame dips, Which is absolutely stellar!

Verdict

Anyways if you’re wondering I do recommend this game, it makes you think, and at times makes you feel like you’re excelling while also giving you moments of feeling like an idiot. I give it an 8/10 with the only negatives lying in its storytelling and voice acting. Those were my thoughts on Riven. Thx for reading! 🙂 Keep doing great things! You’re good at them. Bye!

Review: Wall World

Daniel Waite

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Jul 7, 2024

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Wall World shouldn’t be as addictive as it is. This cruel game breaks your soul as you eek closer to the finish line. This slow and methodical gameplay may frustrate some people. Yet, I loved the repetition and the sense of reward. Additionally, there are plenty of surprises to keep you on your toes.

This rogue-lite adventure was developed by Alawar Entertainment and published by UniqueGames Publishing. Furthermore, there are some glorious tower defence elements to get your teeth into. This is a solo experience that has an understated aesthetic. Moreover, it combines virtual climbing with side-scrolling exploration.

The hero has upgraded their mining laser in Wall World.

Wall World hides plenty of secrets.

This mining title hides its story behind snippets of lore. As you explore the vertical mountains, you’ll discover hidden mines. Additionally, there are remnants of previous residents known as “the others”. This race of people was advanced, and their technology improved your chances. As such, it is best to find every last ounce of this once-thriving society.

Though the story plays a minor part, the action focuses on resource gathering and fighting. The demonic aliens are aggressive and will stop at nothing. As such, you must use your hulking “spider” vessel to defend yourself and thwart every hellish wave. However, this is no mean feat and failure is all but assured.

A game of 2 halves.

Wall World is brilliantly split into 2 distinct game modes. The first revolves around resource gathering and exploring each mine. This is great as your exosuit is utilised to remove waste and gather valuable assets. Furthermore, as you remove dirt, you discover new weapons, tools, and plenty of interesting secrets. Though the waste product may seem pointless, it isn’t. Every clump of dirt and every resource earns you cash. This can be invested in permanent upgrades to your spider and your weapons. Accordingly, this improves your chances of survival.

The second portion of the game is the cruel waves of attack. As the game progresses, an alien attack meter fills. Once it is at the brim, you must defend yourself and your spider. The aliens advance from 3 sides, and the longer you survive, the larger the waves become. Subsequently, you must plan, move, and shoot every weapon you own if you wish to survive.

Upgrades.

The gameplay revolves around temporary and permanent upgrades. The permanent upgrades are unlocked with cash. As mentioned, cash is found during each mining expedition. Consequently, the longer you survive, the more cash you earn. Additionally, the stronger your spider becomes. This is essential as like every other rogue-lite title, you are not going to complete this in one playthrough.

Where things become interesting are the temporary upgrades. Here you may play with different tactical ideas. Furthermore, there is a sense of trial and error as you never know which of “the others” upgrades you’ll find. The ability to test different approaches and upgrade every aspect of your mining rig and exosuit was impressive. However, getting the best of each element was challenging, and gamers will need patience if they wish to progress to the end game.

Wall World is wonderfully pixelated.

If you wish to play a polished title with a modern finish, then look elsewhere. Wall World is gloriously pixelated. Moreover, its colour palette is earthy and this adds a sombre and oppressive edge. Alongside this, you’ll enjoy some basic animation and some simple stage design. Though the visuals aren’t revolutionary, I liked the presentation nonetheless.

The audio is refined but effective. The sci-fi soundtrack adds a sense of danger and the loud sound effects enhance each attack. I loved the crashing of every rocket and the shrill noise of your machine gun. What’s more, the squelching sound of every broken alien body brings a wry smile to your face.

Excellent controls.

Though it took me a few turns to master Wall World, I adore the excellent controls. The basic UI complements the simple button layout. Furthermore, the responsive inputs assist you in annihilating every alien attack. As such, the developer has done a great job with their user-friendly approach.

As no playthrough is the same, and death is a guarantee, this oozes replay value and longevity. Yes, it is frustrating to lose your progress, but each baby step is rewarding. As you improve your gear, and you climb the wall, you discover new creatures and assets. Consequently, every playthrough is unique, and this keeps you coming back for more.

Wall World is challenging and addictive.

Though the gameplay is simple to understand, the action is surprisingly challenging. Wall World does not hold your hand, and every layer pushes you hard. On top of this, your progress is wiped and this makes you focus your attention. Though failure is a tough pill to swallow, I loved the rewarding action. Subsequently, I recommend buying it here! Can you get to the top of the wall? Upgrade your spider, find advanced weapons and tools, and mine everything in sight.

Review: Canyon BTHS-3 Wireless Headphones

Andrew Edney

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Jul 7, 2024

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Review: Canyon BTHS-3 Wireless Headphones

Here is our review of the Canyon BTHS-3 Wireless Headphones.

Specifications

What’s in the box?

The box contains the headphone, cables and instructions.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

These Canyon wireless over-ear headphones may be your go to choice for everyday life.

They are packed with Bluetooth 5.1 and audio jack 3,5 mm, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility. The inline mic is highly sensitive and provides excellent clarity.

The headphones are foldable – shouldn’t take up much space if you need to carry them around.

The headband is also made to last: it is adjustable and reinforced by metal parts. Soft, comfortable cushions cover 40mm speakers, and the exterior is streamlined and feels like quality.

When fully charged you can expect to get around 15 hours of playtime.

The Canyon BTHS-3 Wireless Headphones are available now priced around £22.99 and comes in grey or beige.

You can learn more from the Canyon website.

Review: Canyon BSP-4 Wireless Speaker

Andrew Edney

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Jul 7, 2024

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Here is our review of the Canyon BSP-4 Wireless Speaker.

Specifications

What’s in the box?

The box contains the speaker, charging cable and instructions.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

This stylish wireless speaker is the perfect combination of compact size, light weight and powerful, balanced sound.

The speaker is compatible with Windows, iOS and Android and supports three connection types – Bluetooth, FM, or Card, which allow you to listen to music from source and connect to your favourite radio wave. Wireless communication using Bluetooth 5.0 technology provides a high-quality music signal transmission at a speed of up to 2 Mbps at a distance of up to 10 meters while saving battery power.

You can use 2 speakers simultaneously to achieve surround stereo sound. An excellent solution for those who want to enjoy music in nature, in a country house or on the street.

Setting up the speaker was really simple – choose how you want to connect and then start listening.

Battery wise, when fully charged, you get around 4 hours of playback – so not a huge amount, but enough for a picnic or a party.

The Canyon BSP-4 Wireless Speaker is available now priced around £26 and comes in red, blue, grey and yellow.

You can learn more from the Canyon website.

Review: Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends

Daniel Waite

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Jul 6, 2024

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Review: Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends

Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends is a cute title that slipped my radar. However, as it’s part of the Game Pass subscription, I decided to give it a blast. Needless to say, I’m happy I did as this little gem was addictive and heart-warming. Moreover, it has a pleasant story and easy-to-understand mechanics. As such, it is ideal for gamers of all ages and abilities.

This simulation game was developed by Catch & Release, LLC and published by Humble Games. Furthermore, it is a single-player experience with a colourful aesthetic. Additionally, there is no violence or swearing. Accordingly, this will tick those boxes if you want a safe but enjoyable title for younger gamers.

Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends tells a familiar tale.

Cute simulation titles seem to lack originality. What’s more, they follow a familiar plot to appease this genre’s massive fan base. Now, I’m not complaining as I like the well-trodden ideas. Yet, occasionally, something a little unique won’t go a miss. I guess Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends tries this angle with its robotic protagonist. However, other than this, it offers few surprises.

The comfortable plot revolves around the hamlet of Rolling Hills. This beautiful location is down on its luck. Consequently, the mayor gets inventive as he attempts to attract businesses and residents to settle down. His first move is to invite a sushi robot who wishes to appease its creator. This is a stroke of genius as this robotic creature serves delicious food whilst encouraging new visitors. But, the path to success rarely runs smoothly and weird things trip you up. Subsequently, there are a few twists and turns that keep you on your toes.

Day-to-day business.

The core gameplay loop is simple. The robot must explore the small town while undertaking some basic tasks. Additionally, it’ll pick up rubbish, find gifts and make friends with the locals. Alongside this, there are challenges to complete and some drip-fed elements to keep you coming back for more. If this isn’t enough, you must invest in ingredients, buy new recipes, and upgrade your restaurant.

Once you’ve nailed the daytime routine, you must begin trading. The restaurant element requires you to match a particular meal and quality of ingredients to each customer’s needs. Furthermore, you must be quick as they become impatient. Next, you must clean up any mess, wake up any sleepy customers, and keep everyone happy.

If you are successful, you’ll improve your reputation and you’ll earn some serious cash. The money is required to improve every aspect of your business and to help improve your friendships. Though it seems a lot, everything is well-balanced, and each new element is well-explained. As such, you won’t struggle and the restaurant concept never gets out of hand.

Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends is pleasant to look at.

Though the surrounding world is compact, I enjoyed exploring each key location. There is a store, a café, and a workshop to visit. Each area lacks complexity, but they ensure the action plods on. The robotic hero rolls and dashes across every surface. The animation was smooth, and I liked the clean and cute imagery. Furthermore, the vibrant colours enhance the light-hearted theme.

The audio is wholesome. The upbeat soundtrack is fun to listen to and the basic sound effects match the actions. Though this element didn’t blow me away, I enjoyed the non-offensive style and the toe-tapping beats.

Tight controls.

Your customers can be impatient. As such, you won’t want to make unnecessary errors. Accordingly, I was impressed by the excellent button layout and the tight controls. Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends is an easy game to master even though new mechanics are added regularly. Therefore, this is ideal for gamers of all ages and skills.

The developers have done a great job of balancing the action. I never felt overwhelmed and there are new recipes, tasks, and activities to tackle. Consequently, if you fall for its charms, you’ll play this for ages.

Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends is an adorable game.

I had low expectations when I installed this title. However, I quickly fell in love with its fun action and charming world. Additionally, the gameplay is addictive and I adored the drip-fed mechanics. Alongside this, it is included with Game Pass, so you have nothing to lose. Subsequently, I recommend buying it here! Can you bring new customers and residents to Rolling Hills? Learn new recipes, make new friends, and become a local hero.

Review: Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

Matt Cooper

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Jul 6, 2024

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It’s been three years since its original release and now the latest game in the storied Shin Megami Tensei franchise has been updated for modern consoles with the release of Vengeance. Does it add enough for returning players to catch the eye? Or should it have been left in the post apocalyptic desert?

Back With A Vengeance

I’ll be honest, I have never been a fan of JRPG’s, nor have I really experienced many throughout my years of gaming but Shin Megami Tensei V (Or simply SMTV) peaked my interest. Originally debuting exclusively to Nintendo Switch, SMTV blended different elements from past games in the franchise to wonderfully successful results and now it has hit current gen consoles with the updated Vengeance release. Along with the substantial story the original game had, it now releases with an alternative storyline. The game now sports two branches of the story, entitled “Canon Of Creation” and “Canon Of Vengeance” which create drastically different results as you progress later on into the game. The story of SMTV revolves around the player as the silent protagonist who, on one fateful day on the way home from school, has their life changed forever. Being pulled into a post apocalyptic future known as “The Da’at”, you are thrust right into the action, which I thought was a bold choice but the correct one.

From there, as you traverse this desert wasteland you come across Aogami (A proto-fiend) who you ‘fuse’ with to become a “Nahobino” which is a demon, blessed and/or cursed with vast knowledge. With the new storyline, the game offers you a choice upon fusing as to which path you want to take and I love that the options are available from the get go. Not everything is as it seems to be in the protagonist’s world and I became enthralled uncovering the mysteries of both modern Tokyo and post-apocalyptic Tokyo. Not knowing much about this franchise and story both helped and hindered my experience. In many ways it can be a lot to digest for a brand new player but also intriguing and enjoyable getting to know the vast and colourful cast of characters that are available to you to talk, fight and discover. Having now experienced both endings to the game, I feel Vengeance is a worthy addition to the tightly woven story. In truth, I prefer the Vengeance side of the story as it focuses more on the personal relationships of the humans of Tokyo. It puts more emphasis on their struggles, with the addition of a new ally called Yoko whilst also adding new villains such as the demon group Qadistu. For both returning and brand new players, the story has a lot to offer as it deals with themes of humanity, belonging and self worth. Like the story at times, gameplay is both brutal and unforgiving.

Brutal And Unforgiving

SMT has always prided itself on its unrelenting turn-based combat and SMTV does not let up in this aspect. The aim of the game is to defeat your enemies using a variety of abilities you unlock along the way. Furthermore, what makes this franchise unique is its emphasis on exploiting the enemies’ weaknesses. Throughout my time playing the game, I became more focused on building a team of ally demons that helped me to either counter, negate or downright wipe out the enemy I was facing. This makes the game really thought-provoking; whilst I was finding and adding these friendly demons to my roster, I was constantly checking their abilities and buffs to see if they could give me an advantage in battles. Like previous games, you have to negotiate and capture these demons before adding them to your side. I loved how you are able to fuse multiple demons together to create a new variant or ability. No fight is the same in SMTV and it is absolutely brutal at times.

I do not have a vast amount of experience in turn-based combat and boy did that show in this game. Many times during my playthrough I would be killed in one shot or obliterated by an enemy. At the start it was incredibly frustrating and rage-inducing but as I collected more demons, powers and items to help me in combat, I started to appreciate it more. Each fight feels like a tense chess match and you have to be on your toes to defeat your foe. I played the game on normal difficulty and a lot of the time it felt I had chosen the harder option. Despite being the same level as some of the bosses, I quickly learned that this does not equate to equal power. I was regularly bested by these bosses and had to turn to the many many side quests available to me in order to level up and gain extra buffs to help me succeed. As someone who loves to complete as much as they can during a game, I liked how you are nudged into these side quests which are varied in their subject matter. However, some players may be turned off when they cannot just progress through the main story. Each side quest felt like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle that helped show off Tokyo and its complexity and beauty. I would sum up combat and gameplay in this game as quite simply brutal but rewarding when you master it; it’s just whether you can get past the frustration to see the rewards.

Realm Bending Beauty

The world of SMTV is both massive and beautiful. With this being orginally a Switch title, the visuals are serviceable and modest, but it’s the art design that carries this game so wonderfully. Character models look as if they are taken straight out of a comic book or animated show- so superbly done and animated beautifully. The world of both Tokyo and the post apocalyptic version are dripping with style and class that truly light up when filled with the vast demons that populate the world. The desert in particular looks stunning and I could truly wander that area all day long with its dilapidated buildings and sand-engulfed towers which are really eye catching. Map design is also a strong point in this version of the game, having been updated from the original; areas are easy to navigate with the addition of better map markers and signs. The bird’s eye view of the area you are currently in is also fantastic and helped me to find every nook and cranny of the location I had been exploring. It’s these quality of life improvements that will help entice returning players into hopping back into the wasteland. The original game was also notoriously tedious in terms of its backtracking through areas but the developers have gone above and beyond to improve this with the creation of the Magetsu Rails. These are essentially shortcuts which help you zip back and forth between previously visited locations: a brilliant addition to the game.

The same can very much be said about the music and sound design. The music of SMTV is just magic. Badass synth metal courses through every fight, hyping you up as you engage in these titanic battles with the demons. A new battle theme has been added for this version which is another wonderful track in an already brilliant soundtrack. I truly felt that I was in the battle when this music started and sometimes I would prolong a fight just to hear another electronic metal beat bounce its way through. The soundtrack is also wonderfully nuanced, as during exploration and traversal moments, the music turns to an eerie creepy low drone that helps build the tension for the fights to come. Composer Ryota Kozuka has done a masterful job with this soundtrack and the new additions to it only heighten its greatness.

Similarly, the sound design is top notch. Abilities sound crisp and concise as you land them on the enemies and attacks sound powerful and violent. Each action sounds unique and different whether it’s your move or the enemy’s. Voice acting is also superb and really makes characters come to life. Each character truly sounds like they each have their own soul and that is difficult to achieve when there are so many different characters spread across the game. I had heard some criticisms that on the original release the sound effects were compressed and cheap at times but this is certainly not the case with this version at all.

Verdict

For someone who was brand new in many ways to this genre, I found SMTV enthralling in its deep and meaningful story, its superb cast of characters and its beautiful, yet haunting environments. However, I struggled at times to grasp its unforgiving combat. To sum up, this type of game and gameplay is certainly not for everyone, but for fans of the series, it’s the formula you know and love with wonderful new additions. Quality of life improvements help polish an already well-rounded game. Beautiful art style and a heart racing soundtrack complement the game to make a wonderful package for both returning players and newcomers like me. See you in the desert!