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Review: Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2

Andrew Edney

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Jun 2, 2024

Here is our review of the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2.

The EDIFIER WIDE-BAND MULTI-CHANNEL ANC technology adds an independent feed-forward noise cancellation channel that exerts the noise reduction ability of the Knowles balanced armature driver to Hybrid ANC channels, extending the noise cancellation depth to -50dB and the noise cancellation bandwidth to 5kHz.

Spatial audio with real-time head-tracking brings you more realistic, three-dimensional and immersive listening experience. With built-in gyro meter and accelerometer; NeoBuds Pro 2 can track your head movement and change the sound stage rendering in real-time. Furthermore, a visualized head mirroring is shown in Edifier Connect App, giving you more fun experience while enjoying the music.

With digital signal processing and active cross-over, which filter the audio signal into high and mid-low frequency NeoBuds Pro 2 balances all frequencies while keeping precise details and rich sound presentation

With 4+4 built-in microphones and Al machine learning algorithm, NeoBuds Pro 2 filters out environmental and wind noise, and enhances the clarity of vocal sound. You can make phone calls in any kind of scenes.

With the latest LHDC 5.0 HD codec, NeoBuds Pro 2 supports music streaming over Bluetooth with quality up to 192kHz/24bit for the first time.

Features

EDIFIER WIDE-BAND MULTI-CHANNEL ANC for wider & deeper ANC
Premium sound with Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified and LDAC, achieve 192K/24bit audio over Bluetooth for the first time
Spatial audio with visualized head-tracking
Perfect call quality with 4+4 microphones beam-forming algorithm solution
Intelligent Wearing Detection
Edifier Connect APP to customize your EQ, control setting and try the up to 8 LED color selection

What’s in the box?

The box contains the charging case and earbuds, carry pouch, charging cable, instructions and a set of spare tips.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 are small and lightweight and can be easily carried in a pocket without any fuss.

The battery life is great, lasting around 22 hours when used with the charging case, whilst a 15-minutes fast charge will give you 2 hours of playback time if you are in a rush.

Pairing the NeoBuds with whatever device you want to use is really simple and quick and they also support Google Fast Pair.

The earbuds are comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time. The box also includes 7 different pairs of ear tips to ensure the best and most comfortable fit for your ears. There is also a nice little carry pouch to keep everything safe and together.

The NeoBuds Pro 2 are equipped with LDAC audio encoding and decoding, with a sampling rate of 192kHz/24bit. With Hi-Res Wireless certification, it possesses the ability to fully, accurately decode and restore audio, presenting the subtle changes in sound quality with clarity, precisely reproducing the charm and vitality of music. All this means that the sound quality is really great and the adaptive noise cancelling system works really well.

Using the earbuds to make and receive phone calls is easy too – the quality of the mic is excellent – there are 4+4 microphones, in noisy environments, the AI algorithm will automatically match the noise reduction level based on the noise level, accurately separate environmental noise and human voice, intelligently denoise environmental noise to preserve a clear and clean human voice, significantly improving speech quality. Even in noisy situations, the call effect is always clear and transparent.

The earbuds are IP54-rated dust and splash proof, allowing you to enjoy music without worrying about the sweat in exercise.

You can also use the Edifier Connect App to customise control settings, explore rich and practical functions and discover more music possibilities – definitely take a look at it as it can really personalise the experience for you.

The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 are available now in either Black or Ivory priced around £129.99.

You can learn more from the Edifier website.

Review: Gordian Quest

Mani Naghshbandi

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Jun 2, 2024

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Gordian Quest is a very special and lovely combination of several very exciting genres: RPG, deckbuilding, turn-based combat with elements of rogue-lite.

This game is made by the developer of Sairento VR and Hellsweeper VR, i.e. mixed realms, and its publishers for PC are mixed realms and coconut island games.

After two years of early access, Gordian Quest was released on June 23, 2022 for PC, and on October 26, 2023, for Nintendo Switch, and finally, on April 30, 2024, for PS5 and PS4.
The publisher of the console versions is Maximum Entertainment.

Now the question is, is this combination of genres done well?

STORY

When you start the game a lovely voice tells you the story of wrendia, a land that long ago was a great land with many resources where humans and vanai lived, the vanai consumed wrendia’s resources in search of knowledge And experimented powers that were beyond their understanding, the gods banished them and shattered the wrenida into pieces and enchanted each of them with a curse, the vanai vanished from history and Man was left to inherit punishment. centuries of chaos and fear gripped the land, but from the darkness heroes were forged, heroes who faced threats from each region to find a cure for the curses, you are one of these heroes who You start your adventure in Westmire.

After reaching westmire, you reach the garrison town and you realize that this town is attacked by the undead, so you go to help them and gradually life returns to this town by progressing in the story and you meet new people, while You are saving the city, you realize that this attack is related to the riftlord you are looking for and you try to find it, this was only the beginning of the game and the overall story continues and takes about 20 hours.

The story is good and okay, but it is a very simple story that is not very engaging.

GAMEPLAY

When you start the game for the first time, you have three modes to choose from: standard mode: you will revive in town upon being defeated in battle, rogue-lite mode: If your entire party is defeated in battle, your run ends, rogue-like mode: heroes cannot be resurrected at the sanctuary upon death. If your entire party is defeated in battle, your run ends.

And for each of these modes, there are five types of difficulty from easy to torment, and it gives you a lot of freedom in choosing the difficulty level and the type of gameplay.

The gameplay is great and fun and you can easily get immersed in it, at the beginning you have to choose from ten heroes to enter the game, each hero has its own diverse decks and makes the choice difficult, as you progress through the game You get all these ten heroes and you can choose your party of three from among them, and sometimes NPCs may be on your side and you have more than three heroes on your side, but only the three heroes you chose can be controlled.

The equipment of the heroes plays a big role and you can increase the stats of the heroes by wearing powerful armors, the armors add different stats to your hero and you have more options for personalizing the stats by buying or getting more armors.

Each hero can have two weapons that increase its stats or some of them give new cards to that hero, each hero can have two rings, an amulet and a belt and these are like Weapons and armor and will increase stats of the hero who uses them, these equipment are sometimes a reward for completing story mission and sometimes side-quests, and of course some of them can be bought.

Each hero has its own skill tree and can get new cards, more power, more HP, etc. by collecting and using skill points.

In the main hub of the game, Garrison, there are various characters, each of which has its own unique personality and job, in addition to selling the necessary equipment, they also give you quests.
There are many different quests in Gordian Quest, sometimes they are on your main path and you have to do them to reach your main goal, or sometimes they may be on side paths and you don’t have to do them, or sometimes You may have several different paths to reach the goal and each of those paths have various and different missions, one of these missions that caught my attention was the events, which are shown in the shape of a question mark on the map.

In these missions, you would face sudden events, such as seeing a ruin on the way, and leys you to decide if you want to search the ruin for loot or not. These events had different stories, and in some of them, according to your decision you had to take your chances and determine the outcome of the story by rolling the dice, these events are very enjoyable.

The fights are very enjoyable, each hero has a number of action points with which you can use the cards you have and each card consumes a certain number of your action points, you must have a strategy and try to defeat the enemy that you think is more dangerous or keep the hero who has less health away from the enemies, with different strategies, the time of the fights may vary, and even with the right strategy, you can finish harder fights faster than easy fights.

But this wonderful gameplay that we talked about has a problem, and that is that it becomes repetitive easily, and the player goes to the desired mission and returns to the garrison again to buy and fill health, and this loop can be very repetitive and get boring.

VISUALS

Gordian Quest has a very beautiful art style, the character design, the main hub, the background of the fights, the items that are used are all like a beautiful painting.

The resolution and performance are stable and have no problems.

SOUNDTRACKS

The soundtracks are excellent and are very relaxing when it’s calm and very epic when there is a fight going on and sometimes gives a curiosity sense.

CONCLUSION

This game managed to combine several genres in the best way, it has a good story but it is simple and not so engaging, a super fun gameplay that may become a bit repetitive because of its loop, overall Gordian Quest is a wonderful game. Which has so much content that it is definitely worth the $20.

Review: Armed and Gelatinous: Couch Edition

Daniel Waite

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Jun 1, 2024

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Review: Armed and Gelatinous: Couch Edition

Armed and Gelatinous: Couch Edition instantly caught my eye. I love a crazy couch multiplayer game and hoped this would entertain me for hours. The idea of battling friends and family in safe arena-based combat made me smile. Additionally, the varied game modes and colourful imagery were a great choice.

This fast-paced couch competitive title was developed and published by Three Flip Studios. Moreover, it can be enjoyed alone or with up to 3 friends on one console. Consequently, it is bound to start fights and bring out the worst in everyone participating. However, this banter and tongue-in-cheek response makes this genre so enjoyable.

Armed and Gelatinous: Couch Edition is shallow but amusing.

As Armed and Gelatinous: Couch Edition focuses on short, sharp arena combat, I didn’t expect there to be much of a story. Yet, it was surprising that there was no depth at all. Accordingly, I am at a loss as to why the blobs are fighting and if there will ever be an end to the conflict.

The lack of an overarching story matters not. Instead, you focus on the laughter-inducing gameplay. Furthermore, the desire to top the leaderboards while smashing your friends to smithereens overcomes every sensation. As such, things get heated as you compete to become the best blob the universe has ever seen.

Simple mechanics.

No matter what game mode you try, Armed and Gelatinous: Couch Edition utilises the same mechanics. Effectively, each player must float across a fixed-screen arena. As you move you must avoid your foes, block their advances, or go for the kill. Each blob uses its mass to destroy its enemy or grab an array of guns and melee weapons to complete the job.

As the round wears on, your character will grow if you consume food. This is ideal if you wish to bully your opponents. However, the bigger you are, the easier you are to hit. Accordingly, you must balance attack and defence to be crowned the victor.

Alongside the basic mechanics, you must consider each game mode objective. Whether it is football, American football, dodgeball, Deathmatch, last blob standing, or combo king, you must alter your approach. This varied gameplay and the layers of tactical nuance help to reduce tedium.

Armed and Gelatinous: Couch Edition is colourful but refined.

The fixed-screen perspective was a great choice. With so much going on, it would have been uncomfortable and hectic if the action was too expansive. However, the refined approach doesn’t mean that the level design was boring. Each stage is vibrant and colourful. Furthermore, the backdrops are easy to the eye. Yet, the insane pace of each round ensures you rarely take in your surroundings. Instead, you concentrate on your foes and where the next weapon or power-up is coming from.

The relentless pace could have made this a messy experience. Luckily, Armed and Gelatinous: Couch Edition performs extremely well. I didn’t experience any bugs and there were no glitches or frame rate issues. Furthermore, though debris and power-ups were floating around, it was easy to identify each protagonist. Subsequently, you could remain on task even when things get out of hand.

The upbeat audio complements the madness that unfolds. As projectiles fly and melee weapons are swung, you’ll enjoy the bass-heavy soundtrack. Alongside this, the OTT sound effects create a high-energy affair that will make your eardrums ring.

Excellent controls.

The action revolves around a dashing blob. Consequently, this creates a simple control layout that is easy to master. However, when you have to avoid dashing foes and floating projectiles, things get messy. Luckily, the responsive inputs allow you to react as long as you are paying attention.

Though there were plenty of game modes, I couldn’t see this entertaining you for hours. Furthermore, the action is limited to offline couch multiplayer only. Had online servers been added to the mix, this would have been more versatile and interesting. As it is, replay value and longevity are limited and this is detrimental to the overall appeal.

Armed and Gelatinous: Couch Edition is fun in short bursts.

I had fun playing this with my friends and family. However, it lacked oomph whenever I played against the computer. Subsequently, the lack of online servers is a big issue as it undermines the potential. Yet if you play regularly with a group of friends on 1 screen, you’ll have a blast. Unfortunately, this won’t be the case for me, and it prevents it from excelling. Accordingly, I cannot recommend it, but more information can be found here! Will you become a blob champion? Master the dash, grab a weapon, and annihilate your foes.

Review: Rack and Slay

Saim Khurshid

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May 31, 2024

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With the creative machine on its mundane sport-turned-RPG Roguelike phase, it was about time a snooker-based game like Rack and Slay came to be. However, after multiple hours of play and exploration, I sense a lack of creativity on the part of Ludokultur.

RACK AND SLAY: TRAILER

While the idea sounds ever so appealing, the execution of the Roguelike Snooker game felt closer to a browser game. In other words, this MONEY game flashed me!

Billiards, 8-ball, Snooker, whatever

As I said, Rack and Slay is a Snooker-based Roguelike. The snooker aspect is quite polished and manages to entertain but it is the roguelike part that really missed its target for me.

Let me explain: The game will begin and you will be on a snooker table with one white ball and a bunch of enemy balls. You have a health bar (with starting 8 health points on it) and a turns counter. The goal is to remove all the enemy balls from the board by hitting the white ball at them(Snooker Style). This ideally has to be achieved before turns run out and must be completed before health runs out or it is game over.

You have limited turns to knock all the enemies out. If you run out of turns, the amount of enemies left will be subtracted from your health bar. Other ways to lose health is if the white ball goes down a hole, hits a spike or is hit by sword-wielding enemies.

So far so good but here is where it goes downhill.

The Bo-Ro-ing-like

The Roguelike Elements of Rack and Play really destroy the work done by the Snooker portion.

As you would expect after each round, you go to a screen where you pick powerups/upgrades for the following rounds. You can also use some coins(awarded throughout the game for just doing things) to buy things like health, extra shots, and a randomizer for upgrades. Believe me, just stick with health, everything else is useless.

Going back to the upgrades, my problem arises when you actually look at these upgrades. Now for a roguelike to be fun, the upgrades should really shape your run but that is not the case here. All Rack and Slay has on over is extra coins, extra health, more holes on the pitch, etc. This just doesn’t cut it and that is why I find this game to be lacklustre. There is the ball explosion upgrade and the extra ball but these power-ups seem nothing more than aesthetic.

What a waste of Snooker!

In the end, Rack and Slay is like a shiny new cue with no chalk—promising at first, but pretty useless in practice. The so-called upgrades are boring and don’t change much, making it a real snooze-fest. The snooker part is fun enough, but the roguelike elements are as exciting as watching the paint dry.

If you’re a die-hard snooker fan, you might get a kick out of it for a bit. However don’t expect anything mind-blowing. Here’s hoping the developers wake up and inject some real creativity into this dud in the future.

Review: DX30 PC Speakers

Daniel Waite

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May 31, 2024

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The DX30 PC Speakers from Majority Audio have a no-nonsense approach! These compact and lightweight speakers deliver a punch without being obnoxious. Moreover, the range of tones and the hearty bass ensure that these are ideal for PC lovers, music fans, and those who wish to have a plug-and-play experience.

These professional and understated speakers are straightforward to set up. With 2 connectivity options and a robust controller, you are up and running in no time. Furthermore, there is no need to download additional software, and you have no firmware to update. Accordingly, if you want a stress-free experience, then look no further. Alongside this, they are unbelievably affordable. Available for under £45, they will improve your workstation without breaking the bank.

What’s in the box of the DX30 PC Speakers?

The box is large and striking. The robust cardboard keeps the contents safe and it can be recycled.
The DX30 PC Speakers have a black finish. Moreover, the lightweight plastic is surprisingly hard-wearing.
Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

Unlike its peers, the DX30 PC Speakers have in-built cables. Now, this may be a bone of contention. However, I liked the simplicity and streamlined design. Though there is a minor risk of damaged cables, as long as the product is well-positioned, the risk is minimal. Subsequently, you can rest assured that these speakers will last the test of time.

80W of power delivers a warm and rich sound. Though this isn’t as powerful as its peers, I liked the overall audio experience. Additionally, there weren’t any uncomfortable moments when I sat near the subwoofer or the speakers. Moreover, I experienced no movement or displaced air. Therefore, though this doesn’t kick out an intense bass line, I know that the speakers won’t shift or fail during extended gaming sessions.

The 5.2 Bluetooth was an impressive feature. Though it wasn’t essential for my PC, I liked the ability to connect my phone with ease. Moreover, if you wish to reduce the number of wires on display, this solves that problem. During testing, I experienced limited latency issues and a pleasant, stable connection. Moreover, the low-power draw was ideal for any Bluetooth-connected device.

Audio quality.

Speakers and their subwoofers are only as good as the audio they deliver. Thankfully, the 80W of juice performs admirably. The impressive volume and fine balance of bass allow you to pick out the highs, mids, and low tones. What’s more, as you adjust the bass line using the in-line controller, you can hear and feel the change in dynamics.

Though the bass wasn’t mind-blowing, it was great nevertheless. The DX30 PC Speakers aren’t designed for professional audio workers. Instead, they focus on rounded individuals who wish to improve their desktops without blowing their ears. Accordingly, these are ideal for workers, teenagers, or casual gamers who wish for a pleasant and affordable experience.

Build quality.

The 2.1 setup is powered by the built-in USB cable. This approach made me smile as it reduces the requirement for an additional plug and keeps your desktop much cleaner. Alongside this, the desktop controller is small and simple to operate. With a controller button and 2 tactile dials, you can adjust your settings with ease.

The speakers and subwoofer were surprisingly lightweight but robust. The hardened plastic shells won’t catch your eye, but I liked the discreet and professional finish. Moreover, the compact design makes this a perfect choice for smaller workstations. The down-firing subwoofer ensures that you maximise dB output without distorting the sound. This design had mixed results depending on the surface I used. When placed on my worktop, the audio was beautifully enhanced. However, when located on a carpet, the result was slightly understated but still enjoyable. Accordingly, you may need to consider your speaker position to maximise potential.

Are the DX30 PC Speakers worth it?

If you want a powerful OTT speaker system, then the DX30 PC Speakers won’t be for you. However, if you want a rounded arrangement that delivers across the board, then these speakers will tick many boxes. Additionally, they are affordable and they are perfect for smaller workstations. As such, I love them and I recommend buying them here!

_{(More information on Majority Audio can be found here!)}

The DX30 PC Speakers from Majority Audio have been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

_{(Full disclosure! Majority Audio provided a sample for an unbiased and free review!)}

A Closer Look at the Back to the Future Remote Controlled Delorean

Andrew Edney

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May 31, 2024

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We take a closer look at the Back to the Future Remote Controlled Delorean from Jada.

Travel through time with our Back to the Future Radio Control in 1:16 scale.

Press the Time Boost button to accelerate. Experience the thrill of the speed and lights, as you relive classic movie moments.

This model isn’t just a toy – it’s a must-have for fans and collectors of all ages. Whether racing through Hill Valley or displaying it proudly, the nostalgia and fun racing experience make it unforgettable. Get ready to rewrite history with the Back to the Future Radio Control.

• Authentically licensed by Universal
• Iconic branding
• Features innovative technology
• 1:16 scale, measuring approximately 12 inches
• Time Boost and lights enhance the time travel experience
• Product comes ready to play out of the box.
• Simple and convenient recharging with USB technology
• 2.4 GHz frequency enables up to 16+ players to play at a range of 100 feet

The Back to the Future Remote Controlled Delorean from Jada is available now priced around £34.95.

Review: Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip

Dawid Wisniewski

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May 31, 2024

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“Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip” is a delightful collect-a-thon that blends elements from “The Simpsons: Hit & Run” and the whimsical charm of “Adventure Time.” With its captivating graphics and engaging gameplay, it offers a unique and entertaining experience.

You step into the shoes of Terry, a young dreamer left alone for the summer while his parents are on vacation. Terry harbours a dream of traveling to space, but for that, he needs a car. He lands a job as a taxi driver, only to abandon it as soon as he gets the company car in order to pursue his real mission: collecting junk to upgrade his car and reach the necessary speed for space travel.

The core of the game revolves around exploration and interaction. As Terry, you traverse a small but intricately designed play area, engaging with key characters and assisting them to dispose of their junk. These interactions are not only pivotal for progressing but also provide hilarious and witty dialogues that make each encounter memorable. The game doesn’t hold your hand at all , as soon as the car is yours its up to you to figure out what needs done. There are in hints in forms of icons of key characters but after speaking with them and picking up their “quest” the player needs to try and figure out how to complete it. That being said, all the progression and objectives have a clear flow to them. The player will naturally come across new characters that have found themselves in a predicament or a seemingly small task to prove your worth to them. While I was exploring I managed to come across solutions before knowing what it was the solution to, later after speaking with the right distressed citizen it suddenly became clear that what I came across earlier is necessary here. I would love to give an example or two but unfortunately the game is a rather short experience and even the slightest hint will spoil the moments of realisation for a lot of players.

The dialogue in “Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip” is a standout feature. It is simple yet sharp, filled with humour that keeps you eager to talk to every character you meet. The writing ensures that every conversation is enjoyable, adding depth and personality to the characters and the world they inhabit.

The one complaint I have about the game is something I mentioned earlier, that I wish there simply was more of it. But despite its short length, the game maintains a perfect balance in its play area. The small environment is densely packed with activities and characters, ensuring that you never get bored while moving from one task to another. The 5-6 hour playthrough feels just right, providing a satisfying and complete experience without overstaying its welcome. Although I stated that the short run time was a complaint, on the other hand I’m glad that the developer snekflat stuck to what they know with a short concise story. Part of the charm is how this was just a one day adventure for Terry, almost like an episode of a Sunday morning cartoon where the main characters have some wild idea but at the end of the episode they end up right where they started. I highly recommend playing through this little gem and experiencing the ending for yourself as it had me laughing out loud and leaving a smile on my face for long while after finishing the game. Even while writing this review I’m remembering how much of a good time I had with “Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip”.

“Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip” is a delightful and engaging collect-a-thon that combines humour, charming graphics, and enjoyable gameplay. Its unique premise and well-executed dialogue make it a standout title. Whether you’re a fan of quirky adventures or just looking for a fun and heart-warming game, “Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip” is a must-play.

The game is available on Steam from 30th May 2024

Review: HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed

Daniel Waite

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May 30, 2024

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HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed is the nostalgia-infused action romp that you never knew you needed. This fast-paced and addictive title will keep you busy for hours. Moreover, its acid-trip colour palette and journey down memory lane will make lovers of the 80s and early 90s giddy with excitement.

Thanks to the multitude of game modes, cooperative action and competitive arenas, this is an FPS and 3^rdperson shooter that ticks many boxes. However, the collectathon nature and basic defence system may annoy some gamers. Accordingly, it had to be careful to balance the books.

This wave-based adventure title was developed and published by Digital Cybercherries Limited. Furthermore, it can be enjoyed alone, cooperatively or competitively with friends, or against bots. Either way, you’ll love the sassy one-liners, the range of action figures, and the impressive arsenal of weapons. Additionally, the clichéd story feels like an extract from Toy Story, so, what’s not to like?

HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed tells a story of heroes and villains.

80s cartoons were moralistic, zany, and often unforgettable. I’m a child of this era, so I’m somewhat biased. However, many people agree that the cartoons and comics are some of the best that have ever been created. Consequently, when a game utilises this at its core, you know that it’s going to be a winner.

HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed demands that you control an army of action-figure heroes. These plastic, OTT warriors must protect their hypercore from waves of evil minions and the diabolical mindset of Major Evil. Sergeant Max Ammo must utilise his skills and his band of moulded friends if he wishes to complete every objective and save the day.

Plenty of action to go around.

The core gameplay is divided into a multitude of modes. At the centre sits the campaign option. Here, solo warriors or a group of friends must explore a plethora of stages. Each arena has collectables to find and a handful of hypercores to protect. Furthermore, you’ll find building blocks to create Lego-esque defences and a handful of collectables to complete side missions. The complexity of each arena was enjoyable to explore, and I loved the larger-than-life settings and the tongue-in-cheek approach.

The waves of monsters are challenging but well-balanced. As you progress, new weapons and attachments become available. Moreover, during each spawn, you are free to explore every level. This secondary mode allows you to hunt for collectables and complete side missions. Additionally, you can repair your defences and plan for the next attack.

I loved the freedom to explore and the whacky things you find. Furthermore, some interesting parkour elements test your skills. Though it wasn’t essential, it was fun nonetheless.

Multiplayer action.

Full disclosure, the online servers were down during the review period. Accordingly, my thoughts are focused on the bot action. The developers have incorporated 5 unique multiplayer experiences. Each mode is competitive, addictive, and guaranteed to make you scream. Moreover, each death match, infestation, or “capture the flag” uses the campaign arenas. Consequently, you’ll be familiar with the layout and each vantage point.

My computer opponents tested my resolve and patience. Each skilled action hero can shoot you in the blink of an eye. Alternatively, you can tone down the difficulty setting and run riot. Whatever you choose, you’ll have a whale of a time tackling your foes. Word of warning, though, there is a high possibility that this could turn into a toxic nightmare. The spawn points are predictable and this could encourage spawn camping. Furthermore, cross-play may make things unbalanced and ruin the core nature of the action.

If the developers create a method of levelling the field and reducing the toxicity, then HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed has a real chance to succeed. The nostalgia-infused gameplay is wonderful to experience. Additionally, the range of weapons and tasks at hand makes this stand out from its peers.

A quagmire of shooters.

HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed is competing against an array of massive titles. Furthermore, trying to grasp a small percentage of the shooter marketplace is easier said than done. Luckily, the light-hearted nature of the action and the vibrant and interesting world delivers a unique selling point. Moreover, the customisable modes and range of weapons make it different from other titles.

Alongside this, the developer has focused on non-microtransition unlocks. This refreshing approach rewards hard work and removes the financial burden. What’s more, it makes you dive back in if you wish to complete every task and unlock all the action figures. This wasn’t a concern for me, as I’m not a completionist. Yet, I know this will inspire plenty of players to return repeatedly.

HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed is well polished.

Though much of the gameplay focuses on a comic book/cartoon style, HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed is extremely well-polished. The animation is smooth and the ability to change your perspective was impressive. I adored the move from 1^st and 3^rd person action as it made shooting and exploration much easier. Alongside this, the detail of each action figure was impressive, and I loved the weaponry and oversized objects.

The gameplay can become hectic and overbearing. Yet, I encountered no bugs nor were there any frame rate problems. Alongside this, even though the maps were complex, I found navigating the obstacles and chasms to be an enjoyable experience. Yes, the parkour elements were challenging, but this made it much more rewarding when you completed each objective.

The audio is unbelievably loud! Between the music, sound effects, and sound bites, the game rips into your eardrums. Though this sounds uncomfortable, I cherished the cacophony of sounds. Moreover, it was impressive to hear the range of tones and bass from each unique weapon. My only complaint would be the repetitive sound bites. Had each hero had more to say, then the gameplay would have been improved.

The controls take some getting used to.

The control layout is well-considered, and the tutorial is thorough, interesting, and easily accessible. However, it took me ages to get used to the controls. Unlike other games in the genre, HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed doesn’t follow a stereotypical layout. Subsequently, it can become confusing, especially if you flit between shooting games.

Replay value and longevity are plain to see. Though the campaign mode is repetitive, there are enough objectives and side quests to keep you going. Furthermore, there are different difficulty settings to test your skills. Yet, where this excels is the multiplayer action. If you have a great group of friends, you will play this for hours. What’s more, the ability to enjoy cross-play will enhance your options further.

HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed is a fantastic nostalgic title.

There are not enough action figure games. Accordingly, HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed does a great job of ticking that box. If you cherish collectathons, and you adore shooting titles, then this is the game for you. Moreover, the ability to play this solo or with friends cooperatively or competitively enhances the gameplay experience. Consequently, I love this whacky, fun, and nostalgia-infused game. Missing this title would be madness! Madness, I tell you! As such, don’t be foolish and buy your copy here! Being a hero isn’t an easy job. Grab your friends, pick a weapon and protect your hypercore.

News: Bigben Week 2024

Daniel Waite

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May 30, 2024

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Bigben Week 2024 is Nacon’s 7^th annual conference. This much-anticipated event allows this gaming giant to announce some highly anticipated games. Furthermore, there are always some pleasant accessory surprises and some curveballs. Thankfully, this year’s edition hasn’t let us down. Accordingly, keep reading to get the latest information.

Renowned for its gaming headsets, Nacon has wowed its audience with a new RIG 900 MAX headset and fresh colourways for the 300 and 600 PRO series. Moreover, a new racing department with a market-leading steering wheel was introduced. Alongside this, some interesting gaming news and trailers have been teased. Consequently, let’s have a closer look.

More information on Bigben Week 2024.

NEW ACCESSORIES FOR EVERY PLAYER.

World-renowned for the quality of its products, Nacon has added even more new items to its range, presented during the 7^th edition of Bigben Week 2024.

RIG.

With the success of their PRO Series gaming headsets, the RIG brand is unveiling the latest model. The RIG 900 MAX is an ultralight premium wireless headset, mounted on a reinforced steel headband. Additionally, it is equipped with wireless and Bluetooth technology and has a storage and charging base.

The variety of colours for the RIG gaming range’s flagship models in wired (300 PRO Cosmic Purple, 300 PRO Galaxy Purple, 300 PRO Acid Camo) and wireless (600 PRO White and 600 PRO Acid Camo) versions were also presented.

NACON CREATES A RACING DEPARTMENT.

As a result of many years focused on player needs, Nacon announces a new department dedicated to racing. Drawing upon all the skills acquired through the studio KT Racing, Nacon is proud to present its new department. Accordingly, this represents a natural step in the evolution of the company’s expertise.

FIRST DIRECT DRIVE PREMIUM STEERING WHEEL.

On the occasion of the establishment of the new racing department, Nacon unveiled Revosim. Consequently, this is a premium brand that already includes a major new exclusive: the brand’s first steering wheel. Coming with a Direct Drive motor, a GT steering wheel and a set of pedals with a load cell, the prototype has been exclusively presented on a simulator equipped with D-BOX haptic actuators. Moreover, the Revosim range will be developed in the coming months and is already accompanied by a mobile application. More details will be announced in future months.

TEST DRIVE UNLIMITED SOLAR CROWN.

The racing game that lets automotive fans drive extraordinary vehicles. Furthermore, you’ll experience unmatched realism as Hong Kong Island is recreated at a scale of 1:1. The highly-anticipated game will be available from the 12^th of September 2024, and in Early Access from the 5^th of September 2024 for pre-order.

A VARIED AND EAGERLY ANTICIPATED LINE-UP.

GreedFall II: The Dying World, is one of the most highly-anticipated games of 2024. The gameplay of the new entry is set in the world created for the first game in the series. Additionally, it includes impressive freedom of choice and a rich narrative, along with a redesigned, more tactical and strategic combat system. Early Access for the game will be available in the summer of 2024 on PC (Steam).

Tour de France 2024 and Pro Cycling Manager 2024, as well as Rugby 24, have been revealed. Moreover, TIEBREAK was highlighted. This title is already available in Early Access. However, on release, the game will include the ATP and WTA seasons as well as the most complete existing roster. It features Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff. The final version will be available on PC, PS5™, PS4™, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on the 22^nd of August 2024.

MORE GAMES.

The third chapter of Ravenswatch, Fall of Avalon, was unveiled. Consequently, enthusiastic gamers observed a brand-new map, new enemies and new ways to play, including customisable challenges. Already available in Early Access, in this rogue-like game, you play as one of 8 heroes inspired by fairy tales and legends, in solo or co-op for up to 4 players, to fight off the Nightmare. The final version will be released this year.

Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator, a new game in the Life range. You take on the role of a paramedic. Subsequently, the player’s daily life involves treating the injured, giving first aid and adapting to the seriousness of the different situations. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator will be available on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC in 2024.

In addition, a new game for young children and families has been added to the catalogue. Cat Rescue Story lets players renovate a pet shelter, taking in and caring for cute cats, and then finding loving homes for them. It will be released on Nintendo Switch™, Xbox Series X|S, PS4™ and PS5™ on the 26^th of September.

Nacon doesn’t disappoint.

This fantastic event has unleashed an amazing line-up of peripherals and games. Accordingly, 2024 appears to be a special year for this gaming behemoth and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Furthermore, Bigben Week 2024 hasn’t disappointed.

_{(More information on Nacon can be found here!)}

Review: Kingdom of Fallen: The Last Stand

Josh Blackburn

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May 30, 2024

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Review: Kingdom of Fallen: The Last Stand

How many trees have I chopped down in video games? I pondered this as Kingdom of Fallen: The Last Stand handed me a sharp stone and asked me to hack at a tree trunk. It was a slow process, so I had a lot of time to ponder. Surely by now I’ve cut down enough trees to register as a moderate ecological disaster. My digital carbon footprint must be horrendous. But those poorly thought out log cabins with strange bone ornaments aren’t going to build themselves.

Sadly, Kingdom of Fallen is a pretty poor example of a tree-murdering simulator. It has the whiff of a ‘concept’ game about it. Its scope is miniscule and it pulls together elements of different genres but never quite explores them; offering little more than a handful of promising ideas. I figure the best way to approach this review is just to recount my total time with it. You should quickly learn that my general feeling towards Kingdom of Fallen can be boiled down to one word: unfinished.

Beware The Bowl Cut

The story begins with our hero being pulled into a strange world. Once there, it turns out he’s been cursed with two things: a missing daughter and a horrific bowl cut. Once I’d gained control, I was given the age old survival game quest: pick up rocks. I picked up three rocks and somehow combined them into a sharp stone. That raised the first warning light about Kingdom of Fallen: crafting is a time-based system. That all but guarantees you’ll be twiddling your thumbs when it comes to the big items. Still, I gathered rocks and sticks, and made the requisite axe and pickaxe. Then it was time to deal with hunger and thirst.

These are a little too easy to deal with. Endlessly respawning boars take care of hunger and numerous, endless wells deal with thirst. Ah well. I was also told to gather some ‘corns’, which were near the ‘wood house’. Thanks to the rain, fog, and awful map, I couldn’t see a wood house so blundered in the wrong direction and into an orc camp. That led inexorably to combat. It… isn’t great. I won by running in circles around the orc and swiping with my axe. Combat has no weight to it. I might as well have been wiping my axe on his backside. Guns feel a little better, but even the bigger swords feel unsatisfying.

Things brightened up a bit when I was told to make myself a base. Not being one for aesthetics, all my bases turn into horrible wooden shacks anyway, so it was nice to see Kingdom of Fallen embracing that. In truth, I like how simplified the basebuilding is. You pick the component you want and it snaps itself in place. Walls lock to walls and doors slot in well. I often find that survival games overcomplicate their base building, so this was something of a refreshing change.

Quizzical Quests

During my ‘wood house’ blundering, I’d also stumbled on a town and managed to pick up a couple of Kingdom of Fallen’s quests. I should note, the writing is pretty horrendous. Part mangled ‘medieval’ dialogue and part, well, cringeworthy. There is a line that is simply ‘^_^’, which brought up terrible memories of my teenage years that I thought years of cider had erased. The actual quests aren’t really noteworthy, being largely fetch quests. Even in such a short game, they get a little grindy. One needed me to grind thirty bones, which only really dropped from skeleton warriors.

Still, eventually I ground enough to construct a strange hourglass like object, which led to the quests just stopping altogether. Okay then. Another hour of blundering led me down some stairs, past a horde of skeletons to a door guarded with a purple fog. That reminded me that Kingdom of Fallen is inspired by souls-like games. That made the ensuing boss fight a little disappointing. It folded within a minute, doing little damage. Then it gave me a full set of golden armour and an honest-to-goodness rocket launcher, snapping what challenge was left over its knee.

Not long after that, I found my daughter, interacted with her magical prison and then it cut to credits. I was a little bemused after that. Five hours in and it was over, without ceremony. Reloading an earlier save, I wandered around for a bit. Fought another boss, who also died in seconds, and tried fishing. Caught a lot of strangely textured fish. Graphics all round are a bit of a hodgepodge. The landscape looks nice, especially the giant statues in the background, but things like the grenade launcher feel strangely out of place. Enemy models have a whiff of different asset packs being muddled into one. It’s an odd feeling.

Kingdom of Fallen – Not Ready For Primetime

There are other bouts of strangeness too. Quite a few bugs, for one. Both myself and enemies would regularly sink into the floor. When I tried to pick up a key for a quest, it duplicated itself multiple times in my inventory. Then there are the weird elements that don’t make sense – aside from that grenade launcher (which has a rocket launcher model, by the way). You can lock doors, for one, and place a totem that claims land. I had to double check that this was a singleplayer game. Enemies don’t really leave the small slice of space they patrol. I’m not confident they could open a door, either.

All of this leads me to believe that Kingdom of Fallen is more of a proof of concept than anything else. It’s like a university project. A couple of promising ideas stitched together using a handful of stock assets, but without the spit and polish required to make it shine. That wouldn’t be a bad thing, but attaching a price tag to it means it has to be judged by the same standards as others in the genre. Survival and souls-like are saturated genres, so Kingdom of Fallen doesn’t make an impact. Nice fodder for a portfolio, perhaps, but not ready for the big time.

(Kingdom of Fallen: The Last Stand’s Steam Page)

Review: Tengoku Struggle – Strayside

Laurence Wall

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May 29, 2024

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An intriguing visual novel by the team at Otomate, Tengoku Struggle Strayside follows the story of Rin, a Hell Guardian tasked with capturing a group of rogues who have escaped from the very depths of hell itself. By her side are four cunning prisoners, sworn to help and protect Rin by any means necessary. But who are these prisoners and can they be trusted? It is up to Rin, the daughter of King Enma, to win them over and uncover the evil plot that threatens to consume the people of the Human Realm.

Tengoku Struggle does a hell of a lot of things right, and that’s before the story has even begun. The presentation here is superb, featuring a kickass soundtrack and beautiful graphics that paint the world in a tapestry of brilliant colours. The characters are dynamic and the designs explode off the screen, easily capturing your attention.

These charming men are, of course, the love interests of the story, and it’s easy to see why. From the hair to the clothes, the accessories and those expressions, it’s clear that a lot of time and effort has gone into making these characters pop.

Before we even get a chance to meet these dashing gentlemen, they have unique qualities and characteristics easily deciphered from a quick glimpse at their unique designs. Rin is always ready, whip in hand, fierce and fiery, Jack is talented, cunning and mysterious, and Goemon is angsty yet calm and collected, perhaps the most romantic of the bunch, and for good reason. The visual storytelling is key here, a lot of detail can be gleaned from a simple look, which is a crucial thing to get right when the creators want you to fall for their characters.

Similarly, Tengoku Struggle does well with the technical aspects too. The menus are clean and easy to navigate, with all the options you could ever need and more. There are galleries to view the artwork and memories that unlock more information about the characters. In addition, it’s easy to replay and unlock all the storylines once you’re ready to continue. This coupled with great voice-acting and a stylised art direction should mean that Tengoku Struggle has all the ingredients for a deep and memorable experience.

And yet, it falls flat at the first hurdle. You can have all the fancy presentation you want, great designs and catchy music, but it’s all in vain if the story doesn’t hook you. Before we even get to the character story selection, there are 8 chapters of introduction, that honestly felt like a slog to get through. There’s so much setup about Hell’s different layers and aspects, the mechanics of it all, and the main character riddled with indecision. It weighs the first act down.

There are no choices here either, which arguably is one of the most important things about a good visual novel, the ability to influence the story, for better or worse. And even when we get to the point where a decision is presented, it’s simply a ‘Happy’ or ‘Bad’ option with nothing in between. There’s no grey area here, no depth, just black-and-white choices, where picking a single wrong option will often jeopardise the whole arc playthrough.

Moreover, it’s very difficult to fall for the main love interests when the overwhelming feeling you get from them is pure misogyny and utter hatred for women. I understand they came from Hell, and ultimately from another time, but still it’s hard to get past the fact that they threatened to rape the protagonist right at the outset. It’s just really jarring, even with the fairly flimsy context of it all. Furthermore, you better get used to the out-of-nowhere overly sexual remarks, because there’s a lot more of that to come. Done well with a bit of thought, this kind of dialogue can work, but here it just feels like teenage edgy writing, annoying and immersion-breaking.

And if you wanted a justified reaction from Rin, well don’t bother putting your headphones on, because she doesn’t even have a voice. This, I find to be a very bizarre decision when all the other main cast members are fully voiced. It makes the protagonist feel empty and ineffective when the world around her is flamboyant and over-the-top. They even went as far as to animate Rin’s mouth, and yet nothing comes out. It makes it very hard for Rin to find her place as the strong independent heroine of Tengoku Struggle.

All things considered, Tengoku Struggle comes across as an interesting yet convoluted story, bloated with excessive worldbuilding and endless banter which can often feel out of place due to the heavy topics that are presented. Villains are plentiful, and yet the story often takes a backseat, leaving us confused and ultimately uninterested when these evil characters don’t get enough screentime and motivation.

If you want to discover everything that this game has to offer, prepare to sit through some particularly ‘draggy’ sections that’ll have your finger hovering over the skip-all button. This may set you back 50-60 hours depending on how fast you can read. Generally, I’m a fan of visual novels, but this one defeated me. A mix, I believe, of slow pace, bad writing and unnecessary sexual and misogynistic language that just made me groan. For some people, I’m sure that’ll be right up their alley, but personally, Tengoku Struggle really struggled to elicit any joy from me at all.

Review: Let’s Revolution!

Daniel Waite

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May 29, 2024

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Let’s Revolution! is a title I covered on PC in July 23. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it, and you can read my thoughts here. Accordingly, when I was offered the opportunity to play it on Xbox, I jumped at the chance. This interesting experience can be enjoyed casually. Moreover, you can invest hours as the action is bite-sized and moreish. Alongside this, it has masses of tactical elements and a straightforward approach.

This rogue-lite turn-based adventure title was developed and published by BUCK. Furthermore, it is a solo experience that plays out from a top-down perspective. Additionally, each level takes place on a hexagonal board and the fixed-screen viewpoint was a clever idea. No matter how large the gaming arena was, you could plan your moves and increase your chances of success.

Let’s Revolution! highlights a king’s madness.

Many countries are proud of their royal heritage. They help to bring in tourism and people admire the romantic nostalgia they create. However, computer games rarely go for a soppy, loving experience. Instead, they use each royal protagonist as a pawn in a cruel world that’s filled with madness and destruction.

Let’s Revolution! takes this idea to the next level. The King is a demented individual who wishes to rule with an iron fist. Consequently, no one may stand in his way and if you do, death is all but guaranteed. Thankfully, a group of heroes is willing to put their lives on the line to destroy the tyrant and restore peace to this once-calm kingdom.

A bizarre blend of mechanics.

Let’s Revolution! is inspired by the basic mechanics of Minesweeper. This straightforward game has been much-loved for years. Subsequently, when its addictive, but rudimentary gameplay was incorporated into a modern title, it piqued my interest.

The action takes place on a hexagonal board. Moreover, every space is covered by a fog of war to add suspense, intrigue, and drama to the proceedings. As you navigate the map, a number appears in the corner. This number represents the roads that run adjacent to its borders. Subsequently, this minor point is key to enhancing your tactical approach. Why? Well, enemies can only hide on roads and walking into enemies can kill you. Additionally, the King is hiding on a road as well. As such, locating his position and staying alive is the name of the game. As you move through each level, you may kill everyone in sight, or hunt the King and move on. Either way, there are pros and cons to each approach.

Tactics.

There is an array of heroes to mix things up. Each has limited health and stamina and this must be considered. As you stumble into enemies, your health will deplete. Moreover, if you take too long to kill them, they will attack. However, things aren’t that easy as you have limited stamina. Additionally, your skills have a cool down that must be adhered to. As such, you need to spin many plates if you wish to be victorious.

Some of the heroes require all-out combat to be the dish of the day. Alternatively, you may have to hide in the shadows and avoid conflict. This juxtaposing mixture of tactics ensures there is a favourite protagonist for everyone. What’s more, it adds hours of longevity as you try different approaches and master each hero’s characteristics.

Where the water becomes muddy is the in-game skills and weaponry. You may buy new skills or improved weapons as you navigate each level. Moreover, you can increase your health or stamina bar. Whichever area you decide to invest in can increase your chances of success. Accordingly, you must weigh up your options and plump for the best tools for each character.

Let’s Revolution! is vivid and pleasant to the eye.

With such a simple concept, this could have reverted to an underwhelming visual experience. Instead, the developers have created a vibrant but simple gaming world. Each map has a unique look and several quirks and twists to keep you guessing. Alongside this, the character models are fun and interesting and the animation is basic but suitable.

The audio has a folksy edge that is zany and light-hearted. The fun soundtrack has an enjoyable, airy tone that isn’t repetitive or annoying. The sound effects are somewhat understated, allowing you to concentrate on the tactical elements. Though the audio won’t blow you away, I liked its jovial and upbeat edge.

Excellent controls.

PC conversions are a minefield. Let’s Revolution! works so well on PC that I feared for the worst. Thankfully, my fears were misguided and naive as the gamepad layout is exceptional. Moreover, the tutorial was thorough and I didn’t struggle at all. The UI was well-considered and moving between menus and accessing the shop and gym was a cinch. As such, this is perfect if you are new to the genre.

The idea of a basic but addictive title doesn’t always work. Luckily, the developers got things spot on with their casual approach. With plenty of heroes to master and daily challenges to tackle, this will keep you returning for more. Alternatively, you can return to enjoy a casual playthrough if you want a break from larger and more time-consuming endeavours. However, the repetitive gameplay and sense of trial and error could frustrate. Consequently, this limits each playthrough.

Let’s Revolution! is a fun indie title.

I loved this on PC and I love it on console. This is such a fun and interesting title that can be enjoyed casually. Moreover, the straightforward mechanics are easy to master, and the tactical layers will test your logical mindset. Accordingly, this is an excellent indie title and I recommend buying it here! Can you stop the King and become a hero? Choose your weapons, study the map, and chase him to the ends of the Earth.

News: Acefast sale

News
Tech

Daniel Waite

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May 29, 2024

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The Acefast sale is a fantastic opportunity to purchase a heavily discounted, high-quality accessory. I’ve looked at many of their products and they are spectacular. This brand delivers great value items that improve your gaming setup. Additionally, they change the way you work as you can charge your goods on the move.

Whether it is a GaN charger, crystal wall charger, power bank or USB cable, you will not be disappointed. The high-powered goods are ideal for charging the most demanding gadgets. Accordingly, if you have a Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or MacBook, you will not run out of juice. Alternatively, maybe you wish to combine charging and docking. If so, Acefast has you covered.

What’s available during the Acefast sale?

Acefast GaN PD65W 3 port USB charger.

I reviewed this charger in June 2023 and here is a summary of my thoughts. “Docking stations are nothing new. However, the Acefast GaN 65W fast charger offers something more. This portable device is loaded with safety features and can charge multiple items at once. Furthermore, it delivers 4K/HD resolution and low latency inputs. Accordingly, it is an excellent solution for anyone who travels or those who need a stable multiscreen option. I was impressed by its build quality and the rapid charge facility.”

Simultaneous PD charging and screen mirroring.
USB-C – 60W + USB-A – 5W + media port 4K / 60Hz output.
Flame-retardant PC.
Support most fast charge protocols.
Multiple certifications.
USB-C to USB-C 100W 1.8m cable set.

_{White version: RRP $49.99. Acefast sale price is $19.99.}

Acefast Crystal Charger A47.

The new 3-gen gallium nitride (GaN 3) fast charging technology is smaller, lower in temperature, and more efficient. Furthermore, thanks to the 65W single USB-C high-efficiency output, mobile phones/tablets/notebooks and other devices can be quickly charged. Accordingly, there is no need to wait to charge your device. Finally, it is widely compatible with Apple, Huawei, Samsung, OPPO and other fast-charging mobile phones to achieve turbo fast charging.

GaN3 65W wall charger with a transparent design.
Three ports (2xUSB-C + USB-A).
High power – 65W (max).
US plug.
AI temperature control technology.
Support most fast charge protocols.
Safety certification.
Flame-retardant PC.

_{RRP $29.99. Acefast sale price is $13.49.}

A limited-time offer.

Acefast rarely discounts its products. As such, you’ll want to be quick if you wish to save money. This limited-time offer is available from May 29^th until the 11^th of June.

_{(More information on Acefast can be found here!)}

Review: A Tale of Paper: Refolded

Matt Cooper

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May 29, 2024

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After its initial release back in 2020, A Tale of Paper is back but this time with added additions in the Refolded edition! Is it worth a look or should it be crumpled up and thrown in the bin?

Magic Between The Lines

Developed and published under the Open House Games and Studio banner, A Tale of Paper: Refolded is a puzzle platformer with a unique approach. Playing as Line, you are a magical piece of paper which can transform into different shapes through the art of origami. Line’s goal is simple: to fulfil the dream of its creator. The game is told through visual storytelling as there is no dialogue and it relies entirely on visual and audio presentation. It’s an endearing story and one I feel should be experienced as I did, with as little prior knowledge as possible. This helped to create a real sense of mystery for me and I was engrossed and absorbed as to where Line’s journey would take them next. The game succeeds wonderfully with its deliberate style of storytelling and reminds me of a personal favourite of mine from years back which is the wonderful Virginia. Often games like this can be left by the wayside due to being known as an ‘Arsty’ title but I think A Tale of Paper: Refolded really succeeds in what it sets out to do, and when playing the game I can definitely feel the developers’ love and care poured into every nook and cranny.

Whilst the story is endearing and absorbing, its short length hinders its capability to tell a complete tale. Having completed the game in around three hours, I feel as though more could have been added enhance the emotion involved in Line’s journey. In indie games like this, it’s the game’s replay ability that can keep players returning, but with this game there is not much meat to the bones and that severely affects it. Packaged in with this new version are additional levels that occur after the credits have rolled but these feel tacked on and don’t do the main story justice. Perhaps the developers knew the gameplay limitations would not allow a longer story to be told.

Hop, Skip and A Jump

A game like this relies on its story to keep the player’s interest and its gameplay helps the story to progress. A Tale of Paper: Refolded has a mixed bag of results when it comes to this aspect. The game has some really unique and wonderful ideas for gameplay but it also has irritating and baffling choices to boot. In terms of the standard gameplay loop, it’s what you would expect from a platformer: run, jump and traverse your way across a varied range of environments, such as the sewers or an abandoned factory. These mechanics are serviceable and help keep the story flowing but it’s the addition of Line’s abilities that really help make this game different. Throughout the game, Line can gain abilities that they can use in the form of different origami designs. For example, a frog ability helps you hop and jump your way to different platforms and structures. A ball ability allows you to traverse pipes and slides to help you to your destination. I absolutely love the additions of these abilities as they make platforming feel different, and thought-provoking due to their varied nature. Some abilities, like the frog ability, only allow you to jump instead of move or the ball can only move when on a slope or slide. These additions really help to create a varied approach to platforming. But it’s not without its flaws.

As with many games in this genre, at times this game can be infuriating. You can be killed accidentally by stepping literally inches off the platform you are standing on. This made me constantly weary of everything I jumped, hopped or flew to within the game. During the game’s eight levels, I experienced bizarre difficulty spikes due to this. Whilst the gameplay has its unique aspects, it also comes with the bad platforming tropes. During large portions of the adventure, I felt as though my mission was simply: enter room, find key then leave room and repeat. There are some different puzzles the further you progress into the game but it sometimes felt formulaic and generic. But overall, the gameplay does a serviceable job in helping complement the wonderful story found within the game. And with an interactive narrative adventure hoping to use visual storytelling so much as this one, it’s important that this aspect holds up strong. And boy it does!

A Candle In The Wind

Simply put, I love the art style and visual presentation in this game. Environments look beautiful and help create mystery for the player as you enter each new area. Water flows beautifully in the sewers with its rusty, murky tone and train tracks glisten with the slimy spiderwebs. But what struck me the most is the lighting in the game. It is some of the best uses of lighting I have seen for a long time. I adored going to each and every candle lighting up the way and showing off new parts of the environment I hadn’t seen before. I really felt as though every time I discovered a candle or light I expected to discover more within the game. It’s a real feat of visual storytelling and one that absolutely should be used more. The character models within the game also look exceptional and the animation design used for when Line changes its form is wonderfully animated. Enemies in the game look fantastic and stand out from one another, making each encounter feel different. Spiders are a particular highlight due to Line’s height; they tower over you making them seem genuinely scary at times and add a creepy and tense atmosphere. The only thing I feel as though the game could benefit from is a wider range of colours to make it feel more vibrant, but presentation wise this game is top notch.

Along with visual presentation, sound design and score are other real high points for the game. The soundtrack oozes mystery and suspense as you traverse your way through levels. It’s quiet and brooding at times as Line discovers new areas and then roars triumphantly during the real cinematic high points. The soundtrack really accentuates the emotional moments and made me feel fully engrossed in Line’s journey. Similarly, sound design is great, changing abilities never sounded so good! Simple tasks like opening air vents and grates or turning on switches sound so crisp and clear. A truly great effort by the developers to use sound as a tool for storytelling.

Verdict

I truly think A Tale of Paper: Refolded is worth checking out on its presentation alone. The game oozes style, mystery and emotion through its beautiful visuals and enthralling sound design and score. The story itself tells a tale of purpose and determination and Line is an appealing character. It’s just a shame at times the gameplay can be frustrating and platforming can be tedious and generic. This edition doesn’t many more additions for previous owners of the game, bar a few tacked on extra levels. However, for newcomers, this game is certainly worth grabbing. A great example of creating an engaging and emotional story through high quality presentation. One word just keeps coming back to me for this game and that is simply- endearing.