Review: SaGa Emerald Beyond

Phant0m
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0
Review: SaGa Emerald Beyond

SaGa Emerald Beyond was one of the more surprising games I’ve played this year. It’s new, different, sometimes fantastic and in other moments dull and complex. Hi my name is Phant0m and these are my thoughts on… SaGa Emerald Beyond.

Visuals

First Thing you’ll notice is a pair of visuals that I thought weren’t great. Character designs can look interesting. But most of the other scenes came off as very basic and uninspired in most hours of the game. When it does eventually differentiate from this for minor moments, it is fun. Sadly you get stuck in more conversations than cool areas. And even then the game still feels cheap and at first I thought this was horrible modern gaming optimization until I read that this game is also on android. Which then means the visuals would actually look pretty good! The highlight of the visuals is definitely in the character designs, although nothing too high quality they are completely brimmed with detail, from small details to big, you can really get to know who your characters are based on clothing alone, and that’s a pretty impressive feat!

Gameplay

The gaming aspect of this game is actually the most fun part, although traversing the insanely empty, quick to pass levels isn’t great, you mostly just sit through moments of exploration between dialogue. But then you get to the combat that happens between this exploration is so good! Although it’s a bit complicated and hard to get into, it’s just super amazing once you do! At first when I didn’t know the depth behind it, I thought it would be another simple and mid turn based combat system, and although it is turn based, it’s more than that. Combat shows you a simple line helping you to manage times that you and your companions can attack, if you time things alongside your friends you’ll drop devious amounts of damage, if you don’t, you’ll do way less. And the game does a pretty good job of balancing the combat from small enemies that don’t do anything and big enemies that will absolutely destroy you if you’re not ready. Seriously give this game a try at least for its combat alone, which carried most of the experience by genuinely surprising me.

Story

The story was ultimately where I felt mixed. If you want a wide variety of stories that can change a significant amount based on choices, play this! But if you want the story to be great that’s where this unfortunately goes down a tough ride. No matter what I did the story of this game felt too scattered to connect, although it definitely tried to make the story a bit more understandable over time But I was always asking myself questions about some of the most simple things like theme or why I even went on this journey to be with just aren’t present, and as a big story nut I personally felt disappointed.

Characters

Luckily I didn’t think the characters were bad at all, if you put aside the very spotty voice acting you might have some potential here as most characters at least grabbed my interest. Most seem well written enough to enjoy, but their dialogue could use some work. The characters are very stereotypical, and I wouldn’t have minded it if they didn’t have to remind you during dialogue multiple times, I genuinely couldn’t believe my eyes at how many times they made the Western/Southern lady says Western/Southern lady things, it’s kinda funny and luckily since most of the story does have very funny moments, I don’t completely hate it; just very weird that it kept happening. Side note that the voice acting was disappointing mostly because everything felt like it was recorded on a very first take. With almost no depth to performance.

Music

Now probably my favorite part of the game… maybe tied with combat is the music, because it is so good! I genuinely would put so many tracks on my playlist just to vibe to. The fast sci-fi fantasy music just really can’t sound much better, which shout-out to the combat music for literally being on my ost playlist because I listened to it on the way to work absolutely vibing, it all just feels so fun and invigorating. And it also doesn’t feel copied or stolen, it feels fresh and new! (Whoever worked on this deserves a Promotion/Raise)

Performance

The performance of the game was splendid, I didn’t run into any issues while playing the game, even during combat I didn’t feel a single frame drop.

Verdict

If you’re wondering I don’t recommend this game unless you’re already a fan of the series. And if you can get past most of its issues, your fine. If you’re anything like me, this will mostly come out to be a messy ride. I give this game a 5/10 a pretty fun game if you ignore the story, some characters, and the boring world. Anyways those were my thoughts on SaGa Emerald Beyond! Thx For Reading! Keep doing great things! You’re good at them. Bye 🙂

Review: TopSpin2K25

Matt Cooper
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0
Review: TopSpin2K25
Almost fifteen years since its last release, TopSpin is back! Is it an ace down the line? Or does it hit the net cord and disappoint?

Grand Slam Chasing

TopSpin has long been a franchise dear to my heart. I remember playing the original on PS2 way back in 2003, and after a long lay off, finally I can play TopSpin on current consoles with the release of 2K25. Developed by Hangar 13 (makers of the criminally underrated Mafia 3) and published under the now world renowned 2K sports banner, TopSpin2K25 brings tennis into the modern era. What struck me straight away with the game were the options available to me from the very start. TopSpin2K25 launched with a multitude of modes you can expect within a sports game whether it’s the standard exhibition mode, career or online modes. But what really caught my eye from the get go was the fantastic tutorial mode which is called the TopSpin Academy. This mode is a fantastic way for both newcomers of the game and veterans of the genre to learn and refresh their knowledge of all the gameplay mechanics. Wonderfully explained and voiced by tennis legend John McEnroe, this mode really does a great job of welcoming the player to the core gameplay loop which is easy to understand but hard to master. It’s a streamlined design for a tutorial that I really enjoyed as it comes with standard and advanced lessons that allow the player to choose what level of depth they wish to learn. Subsequently, you can get stuck into the real modes, especially the MyCareer mode.

MyCareer mode is your standard sports career mode found within numerous sports titles such as NBA2K and Madden but the TopSpin2K25 mode really is special. Designing and creating your player is robust and in depth with great customization choices available from the start. There’s a commendable level of depth found in the creation, even the level and sound of grunts and exertion your player makes is available, a real new gold standard for customization in sports games. From there it’s simple: become a world-renowned tennis superstar. Starting in the challenger tournaments and TS250/500 tournaments, your goal is to grow your player’s attributes and skills through gameplay. Level up these attributes and complete objectives to raise your star level and you can play in higher ranking tournaments or play against legendary opponents such as Roger Federer! On the downside, the progression system functions well but at times it can feel like a bit of a slog offline and therefore some players may lose interest in the career mode.

You can create a gameplay style unique to yourself or use a model designed within the game such as power serve or serve and volley. It’s up to you how you want your player to play and I loved again the options available to me. The career mode also surprised me with its sheer level of depth. Whether it’s upgrading your coaches by completing match objectives, or buying houses as your stardom rises, Hangar 13 have done a great job adding variety to the career and helping it avoid becoming stale. I particularly love the emphasis on conditioning and fitness; play too many tournaments and you’ll incur a randomised injury that you then have to rehab or you might have to use training modes to hone a particular skill. Of course, a robust career mode needs the gameplay to back it up.

Baseline Battles

The easiest way I can describe the gameplay of TopSpin2K25 is smooth, so god damn smooth. It is incredible the way the developers have created such a fluent and responsive gameplay loop here. Each shot feels unique and varied and each choice of shot feels important. Want to get into a baseline rally? Start hitting power shots to bully your opponent back and forth across the court, wearing down their in-game stamina meter. Hit control shots to pinpoint the ball into areas your opponent can’t get to, or simply serve and volley your way to victory, the game offers varying gameplay styles that really complement each other and allow you to experiment. A fantastic achievement by Hangar 13! It’s quite simply the most realistic gameplay loop of tennis I’ve ever experienced.

The real mode that got me completely and utterly hooked were the online modes: World Tour and 2K Tour. World Tour allows you to use your created player and take on other created players in tournaments that also contribute to your player levels. I think this is a fantastic way to blend both single player and multiplayer seamlessly. 2K Tour serves as a similar mode but playing as the vast cast of licensed players found within the game. Whether it’s legends like Federer or Sampras or modern players like Coco Gauff or Frances Tiafoe, this roster is brilliant and has players that encompass all the playing styles; it’s just a shame that other players like Nadal haven’t made their way into the game due to licenses with other games. Playing as these real life competitors on 2K Tour against other online players is gripping and enthralling, especially as the mode itself acts as the ranked mode for the game, allowing you to challenge yourself against the best and climb the rankings. I’ve sunk countless hours into these online modes and I cannot wait to get back in. Officially addicted!

The only real issue I have with these modes is the matchmaking of created players that can lead to massive mismatches of attributes and skills and the fact there is no online doubles mode option is also disappointing. The inclusion of online doubles could have created really fun moments for myself and friends and would make online matches really distinctive and memorable. Of course, similar to others in the current generation of sports games, this game includes in-game currency and microtransactions but I’m happy to say they do not create any pay to win mechanics and are purely for cosmetic purposes at the time of writing. Hopefully this stays the same in the long term. The currency itself and what you can buy is bizarre at times as racquets are more expensive than player houses within the game which is hilarious but no major issue.

Centre Court Pandemonium

To put it simply, TopSpin 2K25 looks absolutely gorgeous. Every court across the vast amount of licensed stadiums and venues looks stunning and vibrant. Lighting on the game is top-notch and really helps accentuate the courts; Wimbledon looking particularly breath-taking. The court surfaces also look incredible with the hard courts glistening or the clay courts showing wear and tear as the match goes on. It’s a real credit to the developers how good this game looks. Player clothing and equipment also look hyperrealistic, making each racquet and outfit stand out amongst the crowd. Arguably the best looking sports game out there.

Along with the visuals, the animations in this game are something to behold. Hangar 13 have nailed the animations for each unique player and their movement is truly wonderful to watch. Federer in particular is a marvel in animation and style as the depiction is near pitch perfect to the real life player I have seen on screen. It’s the little things that struck me as well, such as sweat becoming evident on the player if their stamina is running low, or the way in which the clothing of the players reacts to moments like serving and volleying. The ripples on the clothing look magnificent at times. These fine touches, in some people’s opinions, have no right being in sports games but they are what help make this game so special.

The Roar Of The Crowd

Along with visual presentation, sound design is at a near perfect level. Every shot booms off the strings of the racquet with such a wonderful sound you just want to keep going back for more. The crowd reacts to thrilling moments with gasps and cheers, creating really memorable moments for the player, particularly online when you are in a baseline battle or diving to the net for a volley. Sound design is at such a high level it really does feel like you are right on court in the middle of a contest. Everything sounds and feels realistic and that is exactly what you want in a game like this.

TopSpin 2K25 also offers a wonderful and eclectic soundtrack of licensed modern day chart hits from some of the biggest artists in the world like Calvin Harris, Drake and The Weeknd to name a few. These types of soundtracks are common place in sports games nowadays and they feel right at home in TopSpin 2K25, without ever feeling overpowering or overbearing.

Verdict

I have waited for years in hope of TopSpin returning in all its glory and boy, has it delivered! A deep and robust career mode and an addictive online serving of tennis really make this game special. Coupled with gorgeous visuals and stunning sound design, this is the quintessential tennis video game. Some wonky currency issues and at times grindy levelling can hinder the experience slightly, but overall this game has reinvigorated my love for tennis in the real world and in the gaming arena. I’ll see you on the court!

Review: Bunhouse

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Bunhouse

Bunhouse is a relaxing bunny-filled experience that is casual, enjoyable, and adorably cute. However, there is a serious lack of depth or direction for all its heart-warming action. Accordingly, it can be a tough game to swallow, especially if you like someone to hold your hand. Yet, if you prefer to be left to your own devices, this plant-filled cosy title will be right up your street.

This garden simulation game was developed by Reky Studios and published by Digerati. Its wholesome action can be enjoyed alone, or you can get friends around and play it as a couch co-op experience. Either way, the core gameplay loop does not change. This straightforward approach will not impress adrenaline junkies or quest seekers. However, if you want something to unwind and relax to, then this may tick those boxes.

Bunhouse tells no interesting rabbit tales.

Bunhouse is seriously lacking in many departments. However, it makes up for many of these shortcomings when it excels. One element that frustrated me was the lack of a backstory. For reasons unknown, the rabbit hero has a greenhouse and he/she/they must grow an unlimited number of crops to sell to the community. The story is as deep as a puddle and that was annoying. I’d have loved a sense of romance or drama to set the scene. However, this never happened and that left me wanting.

The gameplay loop is decidedly basic. You and your friends control a group of gardening-loving bunnies. This team of long-eared farmers must work together to grow any seeds they plant. What’s more, they must organise their greenhouse, complete seasonal events, and customise themselves and their environment to their liking. As time passes, you can entertain yourselves with minor games and some fun but simple hopping. This is Bunhouse in a nutshell! It aims to deliver super relaxing gameplay with no quests, no drama, and no pressure. 

Become a super gardener.

Becoming an expert in your field is no easy task. Yet, Bunhouse does a great job with its balanced learning curve and easy-to-understand mechanics. Effectively, you start with basic tools and a list of simple plants to nurture. As you grow and sell your produce, you earn carrots that can be invested in new equipment, rarer plants, and impressive tools. Additionally, you may expand your greenhouse, customise your team, and purchase new furniture and features.

As your growing area evolves, you are free to decide what you wish to plant and how you want to look after every element. Luckily, a handy guide can be accessed to understand the correct levels of sunlight and water that are required to complete each task. Furthermore, seasonal events add a fun twist to the regular action. If this wasn’t enough excitement, you can grab a fishing rod and relax. The fishing mini-game wasn’t the most testing experience, but I enjoyed the break away from the greenhouse and the opportunity to try something new.

Where this excels is when you play with friends. With many tasks going at once and plenty of plants to water, it was easier to share the load. If you are a lone wolf, you needn’t worry. You will have a relaxing time tending to your plants as there is limited pressure and a large margin for error.

Bunhouse looks rough around the edges.

Though I liked the pastel colours and the varied character models, Bunhouse was rough to look at. Sadly, the textures aren’t perfect, and the limited gaming area should have been more interesting. Thankfully, things spring to life as you plant trees and improve your environment. The overall presentation didn’t impress me, but I liked the simple-to-follow UI and the pleasant 3D world. Accordingly, if you aren’t too bothered by a lack of polish, you’ll enjoy this calm and safe gaming world.

The audio is adorable. I loved the calm music and the gentle soundtrack. With plenty of time on your hands, it was nice to have a low-key and non-offensive soundtrack. Consider a hotel lobby or an up-market lift and you get the idea. This soundtrack is complemented by the realistic sound effects. The noise of your watering can and the gentle thud of each rabbit’s foot was great to listen to.

Straightforward controls.

Unsurprisingly, Bunhouse is extremely easy to play. The straightforward control layout is easy to master. Moreover, the UI ensures that you can access tools, plants, and other essential items. Accordingly, even though it can get messy with 4 bunnies hopping around, the action was never complex.

Replay value and longevity are limited. Unless you love gardening or rabbits, you will soon tire of what you see. Yes, there are seasonal events and some special plants to enjoy, but this doesn’t add enough variety to pique your interest. Consequently, this will attract an extremely niche audience.

Bunhouse has a limited appeal.

I enjoyed the basic mechanics and the simple gameplay. However, Bunhouse has a limited appeal. Disappointingly, there wasn’t enough depth to keep me going for longer. Additionally, the lack of guidance or quests ensured that my interest waned long before it should. However, I appreciate that I’m not its key demographic. Subsequently, I know that this will appeal to a host of sim-loving gamers. As such, though it wasn’t for me, I still recommend buying it here! Hop around, plant some seeds, and grow as many plants as you wish.

Review: Men of War II

Josh Blackburn
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0
Review: Men of War II

Men of War II required a bit of rewiring of my brain. See, I was raised on old-school RTS games like Command & Conquer. The kind of game where the winning strategy is to make a whole load of tanks, click and drag over them and then order them straight into the enemy base. When I tried that in Men of War II, it didn’t go so well. I sent a few tanks on their way, only for an unseen anti-tank rifleman to send a shot straight through the hull of a tank and into the driver’s Adam’s apple.

That set the tone for the first few hours of play, but I eventually adjusted. Men of War II is not a game of heroics. It’s brutal. Victory comes as a the result a long, bloodstained grind that will result in many soldiers being torn to shreds. Perhaps due to my own ineptitude with RTS games, victories felt earned, especially when I made full use of some of the deeper mechanics. That’s something that Men of War II’s general clunkiness couldn’t diminish.

Men of War II - tank batallions

My Tale of War

Perhaps Men of War II‘s greatest strength is the ability to generate organic stories. For example, on one campaign I needed to storm three sets of enemy positions. I got through the first two with a little difficulty, but ran into trouble with the last one. The first obstacle to overcome was how you recruit units. Rather than building a barracks, for instance, you rely on radioing for reinforcements. You have three ‘echelons’ of these reinforcements, but they’re limited. Burn through all your riflemen and you can’t call in any more. You have to treat your units with care. I hadn’t.

To keep them alive, you need to make the most of Men of War II’s systems. Infantry needs to move to cover as being caught out in the open will cause them to be shredded. That’s fairly standard. Depth is given by an inventory system, allowing your troops to resupply by picking up ammo from fallen soldiers. Tanks need to be used carefully, as anti-tank guns will mince them. You can choose the parts of a tank to hit too; you can even take direct control of their guns to hit those parts on other tanks. I like how in depth you can go. Using the systems pushed me through to the final goal: destroying the artillery.

Unfortunately, I was out of everything except a handful of tank drivers. They normally have nothing more than a pistol and a driver’s licence. Fortunately, there were empty tanks all over the place, so by using those and picking up rifles as I went, I managed to squeak out a win. I’m pretty proud, as you can tell. Men of War II has a lot of singleplayer content that can generate these stories. There are the usual structured story campaigns (along with replications of historical campaigns), and a sort of ‘territory control’ style conquest map. There’s quite a lot of bang for your buck.

Men of War II - storming a town

Hand-Crafted Battalions

For your skirmish itch, Men of War II provides Raids: strings of smaller missions that are open to other players. This is where the ‘battalion’ system comes into play. There are three main factions: the USSR, the USA and Germany. Within them are battalions, such as tank or infantry, which are all customisable. I enjoy using artillery battalions, and swapped in mounted machine guns for some more territory control. The tech tree is behemothic – and might be a bit intimidating – but the customisation is welcome and is used well.

That said, there were times when Men of War II tried my patience. There’s a distinct clunkiness to it. Part of that might be down to the UI, which splatters buttons all over the screen and puts tiny symbols next to units that are hard to see at a glance. The inventory is annoying too, with no visible way to split stacks of ammo, meaning soldiers have to play hot potato with the stack. There are also silly blunders, like not making troops highlight when obscured. So you could send riflemen into a thick forest and never see them again.

There are also strange bugs as well. My anti-tank guns would often end up firing into the perfectly level ground instead of the tank in front of them, and troops seemed to have issues firing from high ground. What’s more, there are some issues with production value. The graphics aren’t terrible but a lot of the terrain looks quite rough – especially in cutscenes. Voice acting is also atrocious, which is a black mark against the campaign. All in all, Men of War II feels quite mechanically interesting but is a bit lacking in the polish.

Men of War II - resupplying

Men of War II – A Rough Storyteller

You’ll note I haven’t mentioned the multiplayer much. I didn’t really delve into it – being a staunch singleplayer man – but there is a bit of variety there. There’s PVE and PVP, both using the battalion system and without it. That said, I didn’t see a tremendous amount of lobbies so far and my raids so far have been squarely against AI. Still, I think Men of War II stands up on its singleplayer. Crucially, the AI can hold their own, leading to a constantly pressured front line. Victory is a gruelling grind and I appreciate that.

I’d wager that those more familiar with these realistic RTS games might have more to say in terms of balance and mechanics, but I found it to be the right level of depth for me. It’s difficult enough (on normal, mind) to ensure that you use the mechanics in a smart way. Going in without a plan always ends in failure and it’s that aspect that generates the interesting stories. If you look past the multiple clunky areas, Men of War II will regale you with war stories for as long as you like.

(Men of War II’s Steam Page)

Review: Metro Simulator 2

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Metro Simulator 2

Metro Simulator 2 is the latest in a long line of train sim titles. However, unlike its bigger peers, this experience is more oppressive, dated, and complex. Furthermore, there is a large stream of instruments to handle and switches to flick. Accordingly, this may not be the best game if you are new to the genre.

This realistic simulation title was developed by KishMish Games and published by Ultimate Games. Moreover, it is a single-player title and it has 2 game modes. The action focuses on scenario-based settings. However, you can free roam across the vast network of tracks if you so wish. I spent my time enjoying the scenarios as the action felt more rigid and rewarding. Yet, I can see why the free-roam mode will attract streamers and gamers who love to role-play.

Metro Simulator 2: a Russian driver’s dream.

Can you remember your teacher telling you that you’d never make money by staring out a window? Well, the jokes on them as you undertake the job of a Russian Metro driver. Sadly, the views aren’t picturesque, and the hours are appalling. However, as long as you know how to operate 1 or 2 trains, you’ll do just fine.

Metro Simulator 2 demands that you take control of 2 Russian Metro trains. These unnecessarily complex hunks of metal take some getting used to. Consequently, you’ll have to pay attention if you wish to make the most of this title. Each route tests your concentration, reactions, and cognitive function. As such, though it is relaxing, you must stay alert throughout. 

Mundane action. 

The gameplay focuses on the day-to-day tasks of a train driver. Subsequently, this is a low-frills and often mundane endeavour. Yet, occasionally you are asked to solve an emergency! These tasks are welcome as they break up the repetitive nature of the gameplay loop.

Each run asks you to set up your cab, check your schedule card, and activate the auto announcer. Furthermore, you must maintain the correct speed, address the vigilance, open and close the doors, and arrive on time. Alongside this, there are passengers to pick up, point work to switch, and the occasional shunt to undertake. Accordingly, this will appease every train enthusiast going. 

As you trundle along the track, your progress is scored. Any exceptional experiences reward you with positive points. Yet, if you are late, speed, or you fail to acknowledge the vigilance, your score plummets. I admit, I paid little attention to this aspect, as I didn’t care. However, if you wish to prove your worth, you may be more concerned by the scoring system. 

Metro Simulator 2 looks dated. 

I’ve never been to Russia, nor have I studied its Metro system. However, I am assured that this is an accurate representation of its rail network. If this is the case, I must applaud the developers for their realistic approach and methodical eye for detail. Yet, this praise cannot be extended to the overall finish. Sadly, the textures aren’t great, and the game is full of bugs. Changing ends of a train was thwarted with danger as I fell through the tracks and to my death repeatedly. Additionally, the character models are plain, repetitive, and laughable.

Thankfully, Metro Simulator 2 does a better job with its audio. The train sounds are accurate, and I loved the noise of profiling wheels and in-cab alarms. Moreover, the auto announcements are confusing but interesting to listen to. The Russian dialect adds to the realism even though it is problematic for an English speaker.

Rough controls. 

The control system isn’t perfect. Sadly, there are so many switches, levers, and buttons to operate that things get confusing. Moreover, the inputs weren’t responsive and this made matters worse. If you then chuck in the bugs and other problems, this takes some getting used to. Thankfully, though, there is a detailed tutorial for each train and this does mitigate many of the issues I faced.

Metro Simulator 2 isn’t a title for inexperienced train sim gamers. As such, I believe this will attract a niche audience. Yet, if you fall for its grey and oppressive charms, there is plenty to see and do. I would have liked more trains and a larger list of objectives. However, despite these shortcomings, there is still replay value and longevity.

Metro Simulator 2 takes you on a dull journey. 

Driving a Metro train in an oppressive country will test your patience. Yet, there is something oddly rewarding when you get things right. Yes, this game has its issues, but it is relaxing, challenging, and ideal for train enthusiasts. Consequently, though I have my complaints, I recommend buying it here! Can you master the Russian Metro? Jump in your cab, plan your route, and get to work.

Review: Biomorph

Robert Andalon
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4
Review: Biomorph

A Curiosly Compelling Metroidvania

Biomorph is an excellently crafted metroidvania that places you into an dark post apocalyptic world where you can transform into monstrous enemies to slay foes, solve puzzles and uncover the mystery of your own identity. Despite having some missing features and discrepancies in difficulty Biomorph remains a satisfying and exhilarating game to play through.

The Premise

If you’re looking for an intriguing sci-fi story set in a post apocalyptic world with talking creatures then Biomorph is gonna deliver. It immediately starts by throwing you into the thick of the story full of cutscenes. You play as Harlo, a cat-like ninja character, escaping out of a high-tech dangerous facility filled with experimental baddies. This place is known as the core. Before being given the chance to fully escape, someone named Kleo calls out to Harlo. He recognizes her, but he’s not certain as he’s lost his memory.

Immediately after escaping the core, Harlo realizes he has to break back into the core to not only find out who Kleo really is, but to find the significance of what he was doing there in the first place. Only getting back into the core requires activating the beacons across the surrounding land of Ilios. It may sound like a serious sci-fi adventure, but it balances out by having plenty of lighthearted characters and moments. It’s a solid story told with plenty of lore to discover that which kept me going to find out what’s being hidden in the core.

Hallowknight meets Super Mario Odyssey

The name Biomorph comes from the ability that the game gives you to morph into wandering monsters mimicking their powers. You must defeat the monsters before you are able to morph into them. It’s fascinating how all of the monsters have this menacing yet charming aura to them. I can’t tell you how awesome it is to not only have Harlo as a fun playable character, but to have countless monsters that each have their own unique moveset. You can stay transformed into a monster for as long as you like!

Additionally, once you defeat a certain amount of that same monster you can recall that monster’s transformation at will. The game allows you to save 3 transformations at a time, and these can be changed out at save points throughout the game. Certain transformations will be used to traverse in specific areas or solve mini puzzles. Some transformations will also be used in battle which I felt were the most striking. Not one of their many transformations felt underwhelming. In fact, I had a hard time choosing a favorite.

The Kit

Harlo is not on a solo adventure, he is joined by his companions Zeki (left hand) and Eny (right hand). They provide the basis of Harlo’s kit which can be interchanged as boxing gloves, grenade launchers, blasters, long swords, and other weapons. Harlo has three slots available to equip your favorite combination of weapons. They can also all be upgraded throughout the game to make them more effective. For instance, to improve their damage output or to decrease cool down time.

One issue I had is that all of the weapons have ‘charges’ which will run out after so many uses. To my knowledge there is no way to refill these charges besides going to the save stations. This is annoying to do and made it seem like the boxing glove weapon had to be equipped at all times since those weapons require no charge. I feel like this could have been solved by sprinkling some ammo drops from enemies. Then again I think they did this cause if they gave you unlimited charges then it would have made the play through even easier than it was.

Looking for a challenge?

The game is not walk in the park, but the difficulty doesn’t warrant the ‘soulslike’ title that I have seen some given to this metroidvania. First of all, the game starts off on the easy side which I can give a pass for since it allows you to get used to the mechanics. Then, one of the default abilities Harlo has is a splash dash where he crouches into a puddle lunging forward. The issue I have with it is it makes Harlo invincible in its entirety. There is no limitation on this movement, and there’s no skill in even timing the splash dash. It can be used through projectiles, through enemies, even through bosses! This takes away A LOT of the challenge. Perhaps if there were a limit on uses or if there is a tighter window for invincibility. The most times I died is when I realized I was not splash dashing enough. Although Biomorph wasn’t as difficult as I expected I still had a blast playing through its beautifully detailed environments.

Performance & Visuals

Biomorph presents a beautifully hand drawn art style that is gracefully complimented by competent performance. Harlo is one of the coolest designed heroes and the colors on him pop as he jumps and maneuvers his way through the different biomes. Harlo looks even better as cutscenes play out like a Saturday morning superhero cartoon. There are even a few moments where Harlo is jumping through a large open area and the screen will zoom out to give you a perspective of the surroundings. I love when games give you a sight to see and Biomorph deserves to be seen. As previously mentioned, enemies and bosses are grossly detailed, but remain alluring. They grow on you as you take over their fallen corpses to uncover the map.

There were no issues on the performance side which bodes well for this metroidvania. It runs smoothly and responsively as one should expect. Even if Harlo himself is a little more floaty than I’d like him to be, he has plenty of movement options and transformations to take advantage of to alleviate this feeling of floaty-ness.

The Verdict


Biomorph may not be the soulslike it was perceived to be, but it set itself apart by impressing me with its transformational mechanics, strong customizable kit and riveting sci-fi story. Like the name suggests, you can morph into your enemies gaining a new and unique moveset. It is exponentially satisfying to utilize these monster’s abilities to traverse to new areas and find secrets. The serious tone of the story has tones of lightheartedness and lore that was given the care it deserved. Biomorph is an enjoyable metroidvania with many unique qualities that I wholeheartedly recommend.

Review: Stellar Blade

Mani Naghshbandi
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0
Review: Stellar Blade

Stellar Blade was introduced for the first time in 2019 under the name project eve, the first shift up corporation game that was supposed to be released for consoles and PC, and unlike other shift up games, it was not made for smartphones.


In 2022, the main name of the game was determined and it was called stellar blade, also in 2022 it was announced that the IP rights of the game belong to SIE and it will be released exclusively for PS5.
With the increasing popularity of Stellar Blade, criticisms started on the protagonist’s design and body and caused a lot of arguments in social media.


In 2022, it was announced that stellar blade would be released in 2023, but there was no news of it in 2023, and finally in January 2024, it received its exact release date of April 26.


Stellar Blade is an action-adventure game with few Soulslike elements, Stellar Blade is a linear game but has regions that are open-world.


Now the question is, has shift up been able to optimize its first console game well and make a game with the standards of AAA console games?

STORY

The story begins with the deployment of Airborne Squad 7 to earth. The mission of this squad is to destroy Elder Naytiba.

When the space ships are approaching earth, missiles are fired at them, which disrupts the mission and the pods that contain eve and her comrades did not experience a good landing without deaths and injuries, after the fight in the battlefield eve will be the only one who survives and meets adam who takes him to the last remaining city of humans, the only place where Life still goes on.


The story of the game is about the soldiers who are sent from space to the earth to reclaim the post-apocalyptic earth and try to reclaim the earth after defeating the naytibas and make it a place for humans to live again.

Eve’s goal is to get four alpha cores by killing four Alpha Naytibas and use them to make a key to reach the elder Naytiba and destroy it, in this way Eve gets informations that explains the reason for Naytiba’s existence and the reason humans left the earth, the story is very slow in the first and the secrets that the game wants to show to the player as a surprise are completely predictable and do not make much of a difference in the overall story. It’s very simple and predictable and doesn’t manage to get you very involved and excited to find out the rest of it.

It takes about 15 hours to finish the story of the game, it could have been a little longer.

CHARACTER DESIGN

The characters are excellent and lovely in terms of appearance, each of them has a completely unique appearance and body, both the cute characters and the rough ones are all well designed and there is no weakness in this part.


The criticisms that were made about the body shape of the protagonist of the game before the launch are completely unfounded and Eve’s body is just a normal body, whose private parts are covered in the entire game, and the sexual organs are never naked.


The personality design of the characters is almost zero and from each of them we only know the basic information such as their name and job, we are not even given much information about the protagonist of the game and this is a big weakness that affects the story as well, Voice actings are very emotionless and most of the time you don’t notice any emotions in any situation whether it is happy, sad or surprising, the voice actings are completely flat.

GAMEPLAY

The gameplay is very diverse, fast and attractive, combos, skills, parry and dodge are all well placed in the gameplay and do not allow the fights to become repetitive and thanks to the good level design you have to use different tactics and skills.


There are two weapons in the game: the melee weapon, which is a sword, and the ranged weapon, which is actually a drone, which turns into a gun on Eve’s hand by holding L2.


The gun has 5 different types of ammo, each of which has its own unique power and fire rate. Eve’s main weapon, the sword, has eight different combos, and these combos can be upgraded in their own skill tree.

In addition to the combos, there are two other attacks: beta, which are special shots that are activated by holding L1 and pressing one of the X, square, triangle, and circle buttons, and there are 4 that can be upgraded in their own skill tree, burst are other special attacks that can be used by Holding R1 and pressing one of the buttons X, square, triangle, circle and there are 4 of them, and it has its own skill tree like beta and combos.
There are a total of 5 skill trees in the game, each of which has its own branches.


Surfing in different parts of the game is very interesting, and by exploring, you get rewards that can make you stronger, such as exospines and gears, you can use two exospines and four gears at the same time, and each of them increase your stats in different ways.


One of the most important things is parrying, which gives you little time to react, and sometimes you have to parry several times quickly and in a row, and this creates a lovely challenge in the game, the same descriptions are true for dodging.


There are regions in the game that are open-world and the whole map is filled with missions and rewards, which creates curiosity and makes exploring enjoyable.


Platforming can sometimes not be smooth and it can be annoying, even sometimes you feel that the way you went up was a glitch and not the main way.

LEVEL DESIGN

The level design is wonderful and never allows the fights with the enemies you have already fought to feel repetitive, in each fight the combination of the enemies is different and by changing these combinations it forces you to use different tactics, the missions are all rewarding And they are always worth doing.

SIDE-QUESTS

The side quests are great and so interesting that you don’t get bored of them and want to do more of them, the stories, the fights, the puzzles and the rewards are great.

VISUALS

Visually, Stellar Blade is very beautiful and presents a wonderful post-apocalyptic world, but some of the textures that you see up close during the game are strangely lacking in detail and are low quality, while most of the other textures have good quality.


There are three graphics modes in the game: prioritize performance, balanced and prioritize resolution. You can choose any of these modes according to your interest, all these modes are well optimized, but my suggestion is balanced mode, which has a great performance and It also has a great resolution, this game is undoubtedly one of the most optimized games that I have played in the last few years, and as the first shift up console game, this was completely unexpected.

SOUND DESIGN

The sound design of the game is good and has high details.
The soundtracks are great, whether in tense or calm moments, in any case, the soundtracks are very pleasant and you will not encounter a bad soundtrack.

CONCLUSION

Stellar Blade has an mediocre story that doesn’t keep you interested, it’s short and predictable.


The characters are cute in appearance, but their personality design is bad and without details, the voice acting is dry and emotionless.


The gameplay is fantastic and never gets repetitive with its variety, its challenges are well balanced and neither too hard nor too easy and the only issue with the gameplay is its platforming.


The level design is fantastic and all the missions are very rewarding.


Sidequests are fun and worth doing.


Visually it is good and there are minor problems in some textures, performance and resolution are great.

Review: Ninja Pro Series chair

Daniel Waite
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Review: Ninja Pro Series chair

The Ninja Pro Series chair from Boulies is comfort and style personified. This striking addition to your gaming or workstation will instantly improve your space and mood. The racing-style wrapped backrest is supportive, and nearly every aspect can be adjusted. Accordingly, you’ll reduce pains and neck strain during short or extended work/gaming sessions.

This chair is available in 4 striking colours. I decided to colour-match my PC tower as I plumped for the white version. Now, you may have the same concerns that I had. “Isn’t a white chair hard to maintain?” Well, so far, so good as the product has retained its pristine finish throughout testing. Consequently, I’m confident that this will last the course and look great for years to come.

Whenever you select something for a gaming setup, it has to look and feel great. Thankfully, Boulies has struck the right balance. The contrasting colours and mixture of materials deliver a plush yet professional finish. Additionally, the exceptional structure of the chair reduces poor posture and unwanted muscular strain. Subsequently, your body will thank you for investing in this chair.

What’s in the box of the Ninja Pro Series chair?

  • The packaging is large and heavy. Accordingly, it is cumbersome and challenging to move. My advice is to have a friend at hand to help. However, you can tackle this alone if you feel confident. 
  • The Ninja Pro Series chair comes in many parts. Thankfully, the packaging was good, and the chair was well-protected. 
  • Screws and Allen keys were provided to complete the build. 
  • A neck and lower back cushion offer additional support. 
  • A user manual with step-by-step instructions to construct the product. 

Building the chair. 

I’ve fortunately constructed many gaming chairs. As such, I’m comfortable with the annoying nuances that infuriate other people. Luckily, the Ninja Pro Series chair follows the same build process as its bigger cousin, the Elite Max 2024. Consequently, I was able to build this in record time!

There are approximately 9-10 unique parts for this project. Furthermore, at least 50% are large and cumbersome, so you’ll need to clear some space to make this work. However, if you have the room and follow the guide, you will not struggle to put this together. The pre-milled holes and the chunky bolts ensure that every step is straightforward. Additionally, as long as you take your time, you’ll have no issues with cross-threading or misaligned bolts.

I was able to complete the build in under 20 minutes. This would have been much quicker, but my 7-year-old insisted that she wanted to help. Except for tightening the bolts, my daughter could put together every element on her own. Subsequently, this proves that it is an easy item to build.

Technical aspects. 

Gaming chairs have to be strong and adjustable for different body types. As such, I expect there to be adjustable parts to support my body. Moreover, it must be capable of lifting thicker set individuals without breaking a sweat. Fortunately, the Ninja Pro Series chair does just that. The class-4 gas-powered strut is capable of lifting 135 kg of weight. This powerful unit seamlessly moves the base of the chair. Moreover, the robust lever is easy to locate and simple to operate.

The ability to adjust my seat is an essential feature. Luckily, the multi-function tilt mechanism can be adjusted with ease. As such, you can lock the tilt action or increase the range of movement. Alternatively, you could utilise the handy locking lever to set the perfect backrest position. When this feature is combined with the lumber and neck-supportive cushions, you are onto a winner.

Finally, the 4D armrests complete the picture. I never thought I’d get so excited about an adjustable armrest, but yet, here we are. The ability to move the armrests across 4 plains was amazing! I find it extremely frustrating when rigid alternatives offer no support or simply get in the way. Well, luckily, that 1st world issue is a thing of the past.

Build quality. 

This gaming chair is exceptionally well-built! It is heavy, sturdy, and feels great to touch. Furthermore, the stitching between the 2 unique materials is phenomenal and I loved the striking logo. The blend of Ultraflex PU leather and microfibre suede is eye-catching. Additionally, the contrasting colours deliver a definitive gaming edge. Subsequently, if you are a streamer, this chair will impress your audience.

The robust nature of the levers and tilt mechanism was reassuring. Alongside this, I loved the XL PU casters and the large aluminium base. The stability of this unit is unquestionable, and the smooth wheels glide across hard and carpeted flooring. Accordingly, you can freewheel across your office without falling on your face.

Finally, I love the impressive design. The racing finish looks fantastic whilst feeling supportive. Furthermore, the comfortable cushions match the suede lining. The result? The chair looks amazing, and sitting in it for hours on end feels incredible.

Is the Ninja Pro Series chair worth it?

The Ninja Pro Series chair is available for £319.99. Subsequently, it is much more affordable than many of its peers. This impressive price point packs an almighty punch. Not only do you get a fully adjustable and sturdy gaming chair, but it is exceptionally well-built and perfect for office workers or gamers. As such, this has to be one of the best gaming chairs that I’ve tested. I love this product and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on Boulies can be found here!)

The Ninja Pro Series chair has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! Boulies provided a sample for an unbiased review of their product!)

Review: King Arthur Legion IX

Laurence Wall
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Review: King Arthur Legion IX

You have been chosen, Tribunus of the fallen legion of Roman warriors to escape Tartarus and re-establish Eternal Rome in Avalon, the mystical world between life and death. But this will be no simple feat. Your army is lost, and the world does not care for your demonic following. So pick up your swords, swear allegiance to Emperor Sulla and prepare to strike fear in the hearts of men. For you are Gaius Julius Mento, more powerful in death, and the world will come to fear your name.

King Arthur Legion IX is a standalone tactical RPG from the minds at Neocore Games. It may be prudent to preface this review with the fact that I haven’t played the previous title in the King Arthur series, and as such I came into the experience blind and unfamiliar with the world and its mechanics. Despite this, Legion IX did a great job of easing me into the gameplay with its fascinating lore and deep grid-based combat system.

While you have free reign to move around the maps to explore and discover secrets, before long you will be thrust into the midst of combat. This is truly where Legion IX excels. It would be foolish to run headlong into this experience guns blazing. No, instead the game rewards you by taking it slow, thinking before you act and planning out your war strategy 3 moves ahead. 

You are given 6 heroes to work with, each specialising in different fields: Mento wants to get up close and stab his opponents in the back, Remus will taunt your foes and soak up the damage while Virgila will scorch the earth and wreath your allies in flame from afar. Much of the joy derived from this formula lies in the AP system and the positioning of your heroes. Use strategic cover, fight from the shadows, get up close and personal or even let the enemy come to you. Depending on how you like to play, you can spec your characters into different skill trees that reward different playstyles. While these trees aren’t exactly exhaustive, you can respec anytime and it gives just enough variation that each hero never gets boring to play.

Even though the story is a little lacklustre, the world here is rich, full of monstrous creatures, noble knights and interesting lore. This title takes a lot from various legendary stories and mixes them into an enchanting fantasy. You’ll get bits of Roman history combined with the adventures of the Knights of Camelot and a morality system to appease even the gods themselves. However, at times the dialogue of the characters can be a little jarring, and the voice actors sound a little tired and monotonous. This isn’t the end of the world of course, just something that could use a little polish.

Make decisions that impact the outcome of the story and gain rewards based on your loyalty to specific factions. There’s so much mixing and matching you can do to give yourself the edge in battle, whether it’s utilising specific Lars, upgrading Nova Roma’s buildings, using scrolls and potions or upgrading your equipment. At the beginning, it may seem a touch overwhelming, yet by the end you will come to enjoy the relaxing management that comes between missions, giving you some respite from the action.

Unfortunately that end, for some, may come a little bit too soon. Understandably, for a $20 game, the base story doesn’t last that long, but the ending comes out of nowhere, feeling like you were stopped short of a triumphant grand finale. Instead, you are left sitting there, slightly confused thinking “Is that it?” Now there is an endless mode, but this doesn’t quite capture the intrigue of the story, and as such, it’s difficult to feel motivated to continue.

Of course, while the story is just about enough to keep you engaged, the missions are somewhat less inspired. The reason the combat carries this game so much is illustrated in the missions themselves: Destroy 5 totems, destroy 3 crystals and light 5 beacons. It isn’t the most imaginative quest design. The majority of maps simply have you traversing from one side to the other, fighting waves of enemies. And while this isn’t bad, it definitely feels a little undercooked.

They could do a lot more with the formula if they wanted, like with more inspired terrain, or larger and more intricate bosses. Maybe by using the environment in more creative ways with the weather or the ocean, or by having more characters join your team and having to pick and choose who is right for various missions. Or how about having to make more difficult decisions instead of simply good or bad? The loyalty system is a good start, but I think this could be expanded with more characters and a smaller, more tactical team.

In addition, while Nova Roma, your hub city, is the seed of something interesting, it’s really just a glorified menu screen. If you could walk around, see the improvements you’re making and interact with the people as it grows and becomes more prosperous, I think this would add a lot to the experience and add to the immersion.

While King Arthur Legion IX is treated as a standalone title, I can’t help but feel that it’s more like a DLC. Or rather something that was originally planned to be DLC but was made into a full release. While the core of the experience is great, it feels like the skeleton of a larger project that could be formed around it, given the proper time and investment. The foundations have all been laid, the walls erected, now Legion IX just needs a roof and a coat of paint.

Despite this, I would recommend this title to anyone unfamiliar with the Tactical RPG scene. It’s simple to learn and rewarding to master, with various difficulties that cater to every audience possible. If anything, I recommend switching the starting difficulty to hard, rather than normal, as this mode won’t challenge you (apart from some weird difficulty spikes near the end). So if you’re interested in history and fantasy, or even just want something that’ll make you think, King Arthur Legion IX is a great place to start. And on that note, It’s time to dive back in and give myself fully to the demonic path. The Ninth Legion will rise again!

Review: ROBOBEAT

Daniel Waite
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Review: ROBOBEAT

ROBOBEAT is a fast-paced experience that’ll have your toes tapping and your soul screaming. This rhythm-based title will punish you if you stray off beat. Moreover, its procedurally generated gameplay keeps you guessing from beginning to end. As such, no playthrough is the same and this makes it extremely moreish.

This sci-fi-inspired title was developed by Simon Fredholm and published by Kwalee. What’s more, this FPS tests your sense of timing as every deadly action must match the beat of a song. This may seem unusual, but once you get to grips with the fundamentals, you’ll love every hectic moment.

ROBOBEAT tells the tale of a hero. 

Heroes taking on villains is nothing new. Accordingly, ROBOBEAT doesn’t have the most original plot. However, this mattered not as the unusual action and insane perks make up for the familiar tale. Additionally, the testing gameplay and roster of enemies keep you on your toes throughout. 

You control Ace. He’s an expert bounty hunter who fears nothing or no one. Consequently, when he’s asked to tackle Frazzer, a psychotic showman with a deadly desire for destruction, he doesn’t wince. Instead, he grabs some guns, equips some perks, and gets to work. 

Familiar action.

ROBOBEAT’s core gameplay loop is familiar. The rogue-lite mechanics weren’t surprising and the sense of risk vs reward was enjoyable. Yet, the blend of gravity-defying moments, challenging arenas, and tough enemies, will push your buttons. Alongside this, you never know whether your abilities or weapons will be suitable for the obstacles you face. 

Each chapter is made up of a series of arena-based encounters. In each room, you’ll tackle waves of foes whilst avoiding obstacles, projectiles, and explosions. Additionally, you’ll use the environment to your favour as you wall run, teleport, leap, and hang from ledges. 

The exciting level design allows you to tackle your enemies however you wish. Moreover, with special perks at your disposal, you may manipulate each encounter to your favour. It was a great feeling when you combined death-defying leaps with a beast-matching barrage of bullets.

ROBOBEAT is a neon-infused dream. 

The claustrophobic nature of each refined arena may feel uncomfortable. Yet, the small spaces enhance the sense of drama and danger. Additionally, the layers of unknown elements work extremely well. I adored the hearty blend of wonderment and fear. What’s more, facing an army of increasingly tough opponents with no knowledge of my terrain tested my ability and resolve. 

The impressive mixture of dull greys and eye-catching neon was spectacular. On top of this, there was a sense of “Super Hot” as each character had a vivid and unmissable radiated hue. Furthermore, the clean animation and lack of bugs and glitches make this an enjoyable title.

Where ROBOBEAT excels is its awesome soundtrack. The crunching tunes are dramatic and aggressive. As such, every song has a layer of danger and angst that gets your blood pumping. Yet, if you don’t like the incredible soundtrack, you can create a customised playlist. Subsequently, you can listen to your favourite track as you mow down every enemy.

Tough to master. 

Though the basics are relatively easy to grasp, mastering every element wasn’t so straightforward. The developers have incorporated an array of unusual perks and weaponry to perfect. As such, there is plenty of trial and error along the way. 

The core concept may be familiar, but I never tired of what was required of me. Thanks to the procedurally generated action, you never know what will happen. Moreover, the large roster of foes will test your skills. Consequently, this has mountains of replay value and longevity. 

ROBOBEAT is a great indie title.

I can’t imagine ROBOBEAT being on too many radars, and that’s a shame. This strange rhythm-based FPS blends some much-loved elements, creating a well-trodden but enjoyable experience. I adored the exceptional aesthetics and the testing gameplay. However, a lack of originality holds it back. Yet, despite this minor complaint, I love it and recommend buying it here! Can you complete your job and get your bounty? Pick a gun, choose your perks, and allow the beat to do the rest.

Review: CryptMaster

Saim Khurshid
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Review: CryptMaster

As creatives, we take inspiration from wherever it can be found but colour me surprised when CryptMaster held aloft Typing of the Dead as its beacon in the night.

Launch Trailer for CRYPTMASTER

However, where the House of the Dead cash grab sequel felt out of place in a horror game, CryptMaster had me engaged and entertained… Even if it was only for a few moments.

A novel Idea

CryptMaster is a game in which you type words to make your move. This involves both combat where you type out moves to hit enemies and verbal puzzles where you must figure out what an object is by asking questions to the cryptmaster.

The story follows you, an unnamed walking dead zombie thing, being ordered around by the harrowing undead being, the CryptMaster (Like honestly, look at its face and tell me you slept the night okay). The undead being wants you to help him escape the confines of the crypt, something only the living can achieve. 

He attaches himself to your body to guide you out of the crypt and into a world filled with monsters, friendly giant mice, and talking save points.

As for combat, you are granted control over the souls of four forgotten heroes from the past. By solving puzzles, you get letters which are then added to your collection. Like Wheel of Fortune, you guess words with the help of these letters. Get them right and another item is added to the heroes’ arsenal of weapons.

Not many dead to fight for

While a lot of fun can be had, CryptMaster failed to keep me interested for long. The gameplay, despite being unique, never truly leaves its shell, getting stale and repetitive quickly. The game does offer a turn-based combat mode to switch things around but that is not exactly an upgrade to the formula.

The story itself never takes off in any meaningful way. We continue to follow our CryptMaster boss but we never really go anywhere. The game does tell us that we are heading out of the crypt and into the real world but the graphics never really change the scenery to a level worth harping on about. Speaking of which,

deadly Comic bookman

CryptMaster has a nicely drawn art style reminiscent of comics. Devoid of colour, the game takes pride in its grayscale, black and white ecstatic, often to a fault. You see, it is not that easy to look around and the lack of colour does start to get a little too heavy for the eyes. 

They do allow you to add a tint of light to the mix with the option to add a glow of coloured choice. While it did not change much for me, I did find the red glow to be somewhat soothing for me.

While the world is 3d, the characters which roam these lands look very much 2d. There are some exceptions like the talking save points being a sort of 2d plastered over 3d situation. 

A bit too dead-long

When I began my playthrough of CryptMaster, I had a smile on my face. For every passing second, that smile felt shorter and shorter. Three, or four hours in, it was gone but the game was yet to finish. Despite having only 10 hours of gameplay, CryptMaster should have ended earlier. Maybe then it would have received more love. As it stands, a bit more variety in puzzles and combat would have been appreciated.

In the end, CyrpMaster is a completely unique and well-functioning game. However, if you are looking for a breathtaking story with good pacing, CryptMaster is not your light at the end of the tunnel.

Review: Just Find It 2 Collector’s Edition

Thomas Hopkinson
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Review: Just Find It 2 Collector’s Edition

Just Find It 2 Collector’s Edition at it’s core is a simple puzzle game. The collector’s edition version adds 24 more chapters, downloadable wallpapers and a music player. The developers for this game are Tiny Little Lion, with the publisher being Ocean Media. It released on March 22nd 2024, while the standard version came out July 11th 2023.

Taking a look at the game before playing it, I knew where my expectations were. I will say, it mostly managed to meet those low expectations at least. It can be fun for a little bit, but then you start to realise you could be playing much better puzzles games instead. If you really must have this type of puzzle game though, I suppose it can temporarily scratch that itch for you.

Finding The Difference

Screenshot of a difference puzzle

This game focuses on gameplay, that gameplay being all about different types of puzzles for you to solve. There are 7 puzzle types and each one has a set amount of “chapters”, which contain a single puzzle within them. Once clicking on a chapter it will bring up the puzzle for you to solve.

The first four types of puzzles I will cover in this section, those being, select to cycle, difference, detail and match. Select to cycle is probably the most interesting of the different puzzles in the game. You click on a certain portion of an image until you find the correct portion that fits with the rest of the image. It’s a cool idea, but one that you can exploit easily. You can simply just keep clicking on each portion until it is right, there is no challenge here.

Difference, is as you guessed it, clicking on the differences between a varying amount of images. If you play this as intended it can provide a decent challenge however there is nothing stopping you from just clicking all over the screen until you win. This exploit makes this puzzle type extremely easy, it’s a shame too because otherwise it seems to provide a decent challenge.

Detail is about finding certain small snippets of an image and clicking on them. Just like spotting the difference if you play it without just clicking everywhere on the screen then it can provide some challenge. There is nothing again to stop you from not just clicking everywhere though until you complete it.

For the match type, you need to find many matching images amongst a sea of other images. This type is the first to have no exploit. It has quite a fair amount of consideration to it, with there being extra images to confuse things a bit. This can provide a decent challenge and I found it to be one of three decent puzzle types.

Swapping Things Around

Screenshot of a swap puzzle

Moving on, I will now discuss the other half of the game with it’s remaining puzzle types. This consists of memory, montage and swap. Memory is one many will recognise, it’s the standard match two card game. You click on one card to reveal what’s on it then try and match it with another. This is another with no exploit and it is a good way to challenge your memory. It’s a shame there are only 4 chapters worth of these in the whole game, including the CE content.

Montage is basically a slightly different version of detail. You have little snippets you see at the bottom of the screen but then you need to select the image that it is showing amongst a collage of images. Again, just like detail, you can exploit it by tapping random places on the screen. The images you click on generally cover more area too, so it’s even easier to do this.

Finally, let’s talk about the last puzzle type, swap. This one is easily my favourite from the game. You have a varying amount images which have snippets cut out from them. You must then swap the incorrect snippets around until they are back into the correct places. It’s a good idea for a puzzle type and I found myself having some fun with these. Just with the other decent puzzles there is no easy exploit here.

I do also want to mention two more things relating to gameplay here, those being hints and lion collectables. For some of the puzzle types you can also find an extra lion collectable. This doesn’t really add anything in my opinion though and sadly is the only trace of identity in this game. You can use hints to help you solve any puzzle. These basically just solve the puzzle for you though and are not really “hints” more so just telling you the answer outright. These are useable as many times as you want with very little cooldown between them. So, even puzzles that have no easy exploit can be easy with this. It’s not thoughtful game design at all.

Basic Look & feel

Screenshot of the chapter select

The presentation for this game is very bland. The game has very little animation or visual flare giving it a poor sense of game feel. It does feature some nice art, though these seem to just be images they pulled from online. The UI looks very basic, it’s mostly just still images and coloured shapes with text on. There is also way too many colours present in the chapter select, it looks very unprofessional and messy. On top of this, you can see visual errors such as the scroller cutting off the chapter boxes and the text in the settings being in front of and behind buttons.

The music does fit well with this type of game though, it’s the type of music that would play in your head while doing a puzzle like the ones in the game. There are quite a few tracks that play during this game too, with the CE version giving you the chance to listen to them in isolation. Though, they all sound quite similar and are quite repetitive in nature. It would have been nice to have been able to choose which track plays or for the music to change as you get near finishing the puzzle. Another thing I want to mention, is that when you back out of a puzzle the puzzle music stays playing in the background on the chapter select screen. Yet another thing adding to the blemishes of the game.

Conclusion

Screenshot of a completed scene

Just Find It 2 Collector’s Edition is a game that you may find fun for a few hours, then want to move on. There is many issues with it’s game design and it is lacking polish too. There is a decent amount of content here and it is easy to pick up but there are many other better options for a cheap puzzle game. However, if you do want to play this game still, the best way to play this game is handheld mode. Handheld is much better since you can just use the touch screen, rather than having to move the on screen cursor around.

You can get the game here on Nintendo Switch and here on PlayStation 5.

Review: The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication

Dawid Wisniewski
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Review: The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication

“The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication” plunges players into a chilling labyrinth of spectral suspense set within the eerie confines of a haunted Chinese school. Developed by a with a dozen titles, some clearly not getting much attention but this being their first sequel the team got a good grip on the nuances of atmospheric horror. This first-person nightmare delivers an intense, immersive experience that will leave you gripping your controller with sweaty palms.

Set against the backdrop of a seemingly ordinary high school, “The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication” immediately establishes an unsettling ambiance. The school, shrouded in darkness and steeped in a history of tragedy, becomes a character in its own right—a malevolent entity that ensnares the living and traps the departed.

The narrative unfolds through the eyes of various characters, each with their own motivations for wandering the halls of this spectral prison. From reporters seeking closure to rumours grappling with dark secrets, to older students re-enacting a tragic story as a film project. The game offers a diverse array of perspectives that enrich the overarching storyline. As players navigate the haunted corridors, they’ll uncover fragments of the past and piece together the tragic events that continue to reverberate through the school’s shadowy halls, which give you an insight into what is happening. Actually finding secrets and reading those little details littered around the horror infested hallways will help you in gameplay.

One of the game’s standout features is its use of tools to unravel the mysteries lurking within the school’s walls. From a mystical lantern that illuminates hidden truths to encounters with benevolent spirits offering cryptic guidance, players must harness every resource at their disposal to navigate the treacherous terrain of the afterlife. This blend of traditional horror tropes with supernatural elements adds depth to the gameplay, challenging players to think critically and adapt to ever-changing circumstances.

However, “The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication” isn’t without its flaws. While the game excels in crafting a foreboding atmosphere and delivering pulse-pounding scares, there are moments where the pacing falters, and I actually found myself playing the game with the original Chinese voice language as the animations and lip synch with English dialogue was too distracting for me. Additionally, although I loved the character design and the build up of horrifying atmosphere, when it came to hiding from evil spirits I found it was rather simple and the game made it too obvious as to exactly which way you need to crawl for your next hiding spot.

Despite these minor shortcomings, “The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication” remains a standout entry in the horror genre, earning its place among the pantheon of spine-tingling classics. With its spine-chilling atmosphere, engaging narrative, and solid gameplay mechanics, this haunting journey through the halls of a haunted school is sure to leave a lasting impression on even the most seasoned horror aficionados. Brace yourself for a nightmarish descent into darkness, and remember—once the clock strikes midnight, there’s no escaping the shadows that lurk within.

The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication is available from May 9th 2024 on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S. At the time of writing the game is $26.28 on steam.

Review: Swarm Grinder

Daniel Waite
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Review: Swarm Grinder

Swarm Grinder is a fun, but testing endeavour that will drive you insane. Though its core concept is straightforward, there are so many variables that trial and error is the name of the game. Now, this may drive some people crazy, but I loved the variety and the testing action. Moreover, the grim aesthetic and seamlessly never-ending action made me smile throughout. However, there was an awful lot of swearing as I died miserably more often than not.

This casual rogue-like was published and developed by Last Bite Games. Moreover, it is reminiscent of Vampire Survivors and Brotato. Accordingly, if you adore either of those games, you will cherish every grindy moment you experience. I have to highlight the word “GRIND”! This title demands a lot of your time and you will die repeatedly. Along the way, you will unlock new skills, new characters, and new levels. Yet, you must invest a lot of time and patience to get to the end game. Consequently, you must be prepared to lose hours of your life to this fun, but repetitive endeavour.

Swarm Grinder tells a grim, fantasy story.

Aliens and destruction go hand-in-hand. Why can’t our extraterrestrial neighbours get along with us? After all, all we want to do is steal their resources and ruin their planet. Not a lot to ask to get to know us, is it? Well, this mindset unfortunately backfires as the aliens that inhabit this abandoned mining system are fighting back. As your mechanoid lands on the planet, the swarms of monsters awaken. You must do your best to avoid their attention and gather as many resources as possible. However, this is easier said than done as every node and mining machine is surrounded by human-hating entities.

You play the role of a mech pilot. You explore a grim and dark alien world that is filled with Bioshards. These valuable items are essential if you wish to upgrade your equipment. However, the aliens don’t see it that way, and they’ll stop you any way they can. As such, you must navigate a challenging environment that is filled with wave after wave of pissed-off creatures. If you are lucky, you will survive your experience, unlock new skills, and find new parts. But, luck is often not on your side and death and failure are all but guaranteed.

An addictive experience.

The idea of playing another wave-focused rogue-like wasn’t on my radar. I’ve played this genre to death and was looking for something a little less casual. Yet, once Swarm Grinder got its claws into my skin, I couldn’t put it down. The mixture of horrific aesthetics, banging tunes, and easy-to-follow gameplay makes this an addictive experience. What’s more, I loved the “just one more go” attitude. Yes, failure and losing your progress annoyed me as normal, but there was something slightly less irksome that I enjoyed.

The straightforward gameplay loop makes this the perfect title for newbies. However, the challenging end game and the evolution layers will interest veteran gamers. I adored the gentle learning curve and the different layers of skills and perks that can be unlocked. Alongside this, there is an array of permanent buffs and temporary upgrades to experiment with. Subsequently, the more you play, the easier things get. Yet, this requires an awful lot of time and effort, and some players will become frustrated and fed up with the back-and-forth and repetitive nature of the gameplay loop.

So many skills.

Those valuable Bioshards are the key to your success. Consequently, you must decide whether you wish to harvest every golden node to gather as many as possible or bum-rush each stage. Either way, you are not going to have an easy time as the waves of enemies and the list of big bosses will push you to your limits. Moreover, your gradually depleting fuel levels demand you take action. As your mech improves, you drink fuel at a ridiculous rate. Luckily, every kill has the opportunity of dropping either a health boost or a canister of fuel. Accordingly, you must balance exploration and fighting if you wish to survive each playthrough.

Thankfully, though, the permanent buffs improve your chances significantly. You can increase your health, fuel, strength, speed, and much more. Alongside this, the temporary skills complement your rigid character build. This was an interesting approach that changes your tactics depending on what skills unfold. Furthermore, each character has its strengths and weaknesses and these must be considered as well. Essentially, you are spinning plenty of plates whilst hoping that luck is on your side.

Swarm Grinder performs admirably.

This is a game that chucks everything at you in one go. At times, the screen is filled with wave after wave of alien beings. However, the game never stuttered, nor did I experience any bugs, glitches, or frame rate drops. Additionally, it works perfectly if you have a Steam Deck. Yes, it isn’t the most graphically advanced game you’ll experience, but there is so much going on that I expected it to fail at some point. Swarm Grinder uses a dark colour palette and isometric viewpoint to enhance the sense of claustrophobia. This uncomfortable approach adds to the drama. Additionally, though there are plenty of projectiles and an underlying theme of destruction and violence, the developers stayed away from guts and gore and I appreciated this slightly underwhelming finish.

The audio is loud, obnoxious, and aggressive. The bass-heavy soundtrack gets you in the mood to kick some alien ass. Moreover, the uncomfortable sound effects have a brilliant sci-fi edge that matches the theme. The cacophony of noises will rattle your eardrums and the sound of squelching enemies will bring a smile to your face. Though this isn’t particularly unique, I loved the OTT ideas that enhanced the adrenaline-fueled action.

Excellent controls.

If you cannot use a mouse and keyboard, then worry not. Swarm Grinder is perfect if you use a gamepad or a Steam Deck. However, I liked the M&K setup as the design was well-considered, and the inputs were responsive. However, I didn’t like the inaccuracies in the dash mechanic as this caused multiple issues. Sadly, it was tough to use this skill and avoid large waves of foes. Accordingly, this caused many premature deaths and an increased sense of frustration. Now, this could be a skill issue, but having invested a fair bit of time, I’m leaning more towards a design fault. Therefore, if this could be resolved, the levels of frustration would be vastly reduced.

This genre is renowned for its replay value and longevity. Subsequently, I wasn’t surprised that this became my guilty pleasure very quickly. Though there is a sense of extreme grind and repetition, I couldn’t put it down. If you add in the Steam Deck verification, then you know you’ll be playing this for hours. Alongside this, there are multiple character builds to experiment with, several layers of evolution to experience, and a smattering of levels to test out. Finally, there are 31 challenging achievements to unlock if that is your thing.

Swarm Grinder does enough to challenge its peers.

This is one tough genre to crack. The lead protagonists are so far ahead of their competition, that you have to be unique to be noticed. Sadly, Swarm Grinder lacks originality, but the gameplay is good, and the aesthetics are impressive. Moreover, it is addictive and fun and a wonderful casual challenge. Accordingly, I enjoyed it and I recommend buying it here! Can you gather every valuable resource and survive? Choose your mech, pick your skills, and hope that luck is on your side.

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