With Christmas only a few weeks away, we take a closer look at the Jack Skellington In Santa Suit Controller Holder & Phone Stand from Cable Guys.
What’s this?! It’s the Jack Skellington Cable Guy, now dressed in his newly tailored Santa suit. This iconic figure from Disney’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is dressed in his jolly Santa Suit, and ready to hold your phone or controller with festive cheer. Dressed in red but as cheeky as always, you can sit back, relax, and let Jack take care of your devices while you immerse yourself in your favourite games or sit back and rewatch the movie!
• Jack Skellington phone, remote control, and gaming controller stand/holder • Compatible with most types of smartphones and console controllers, including the next-gen PlayStation 5 DualSense, Xbox Series S/X, and all iPhones • The perfect companion for any Nightmare Before Christmas • Officially licensed by Disney, styled on Jack Skellington • Approx 8.5″ tall
The Jack Skellington In Santa Suit Controller Holder & Phone Stand is available now priced around £29.99.
If your kids have an eye for photography, but you don’t know if they’ll stick to the hobby, you don’t want to invest heavily in new gear. This is where the Instant Print Camera 2.0 comes to the fore. This fun, colourful, and easy-to-use device allows children the chance to brush up on their skills without breaking their bank account. Moreover, it has onboard editing, vibrant colour printing, and many other key features.
Although this isn’t a professional-level device, it is focused towards high-energy photography and fun with friends. Additionally, it is rewarding as you get instant gratification with high-quality printouts. Think of the fun of Polaroids with a much cleaner image. Alongside this, the 3″ touchscreen allows users to edit their photos with stickers and other ludicrous layers. The result is a device that lets kids be kids.
What’s in the box of the Instant Print Camera 2.0?
The packaging is ridiculously colourful. Furthermore, it is durable and recyclable.
The Instant Print Camera 2.0 from Photo Creator has a chunky but comfortable and sleek finish. The 3″ screen is responsive and easy to use, and the device has a nice teal finish.
A 4 GB microSD card is provided.
100 photo sheets can be used for your instant prints.
Stickers and colour markers let you customise your photos.
Connect the device with the USB cable.
1x AAA battery included to power the camera.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
If you are stepping into the real world of photography, you’ll want a reasonable resolution lens to tackle the job. The Instant Print Camera 2.0 is a 32MP digital camera with a maximum aperture of 2.8f. This delivers reasonable photos that are good for younger users. Additionally, you can capture video footage to transfer to your laptop, PC, or phone. This adds another layer of versatility to a fun-focused device.
The instant print element is where this camera shines. You are provided with 4 unique colour paper bundles to print your favourite photos. Each different colour option adds a different finish to your selfies or landscape art. Consequently, you can be as creative as you wish with this device.
If you love selfies, this camera has a selfie lens as well as an LED light ring for the perfect lighting. The result is ideal selfie conditions for youngsters to post their photos to their friends. The touchscreen makes this Photo Creator product stand out from its peers. Not only is it easy to use, but it makes editing your snaps a walk in the park. As such, this is a particularly user-friendly option.
Build quality.
The colourful and hardened plastic case is eye-catching and a joy to handle. Furthermore, the tactile buttons are clean, well-positioned, and easy to use. As such, this is ideal if you are a little clumsy or inexperienced with a digital camera.
The touchscreen occupies the entire rear aspect of the Instant Print Camera 2.0. Although this could be inconvenient, I never had an issue when holding and using the device. Luckily, the case is large enough that your hands can securely hold the camera without brushing the touchscreen.
Finally, each of the ports is nicely positioned, and the microSD port is easy to access. Therefore, you won’t have to help your children whenever they want to connect the camera, replace the battery, or remove their memory card.
Is the Instant Print Camera 2.0 worth it?
This camera is a brilliant option if you’re looking for something durable, easy to use, and fun. The Instant Print Camera 2.0 delivers a retro option with a modern edge. Furthermore, the versatility of storing photos and videos on the provided 4 GB microSD is a great option. Accordingly, I think this is a great Christmas idea, and I recommend buying it here!
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
If your kids see themselves as a bit of a spy, the Mini Cam from Photo Creator should be on their Christmas list. This tiny and fun device is perfect for sneaky photos and laughing with your friends. Moreover, it is colourful (6 colour choices available), simple to use, and ideal for kids aged 8+. My youngest used it, and she is 7, but she has used many of the Photo Creator products. Accordingly, if your child is not used to a camera, this might be a bit of a test for them.
This tiny but impressive device lets users take photos and videos. Moreover, it has a microphone, flash, and a 1 GB micro SD card. This may seem small, but this is a fun and accessible device that isn’t designed for professional-grade events. Consequently, 1 GB of storage is more than enough. If your kids are like mine, they love to attach things to their coats or school bags. This camera has a keychain connection to prevent it from becoming lost. Therefore, that should prevent unnecessary heartbreak.
What’s in the box of the Mini Cam?
The packaging is vibrant and fun to look at. Moreover, it can be recycled.
The Mini Cam is tiny! However, it has a 1″ screen for users to view their work. Moreover, the charging port and micro SD slot are well-positioned.
A USB-C cable charges the camera.
Prevent the camera from becoming lost with the keychain.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
I’ve already alluded to the fun and non-professional aspect of this inexpensive device. Accordingly, you are not going to get high-resolution pictures or high-quality video footage. Instead, the Mini Cam delivers around 1 MP effective still resolution with an F2.8 aperture and a maximum 1/2000 shutter speed. This delivers reasonable results for its intended audience. My youngest enjoyed sneaking photos and capturing videos of her sisters and the family dog. Consequently, the camera does exactly what it should.
The rechargeable battery is good for the size of the device. We were able to use this for hours without worrying about a lack of power. Moreover, it charges at a good rate. Therefore, you are rarely without juice. Removing the memory card to download your footage was a simple task. Additionally, the provided memory card has high enough read and write speeds to cope with anything this camera can throw at it. Subsequently, if you invest, your child will not worry about technical issues or memory card failures.
Build quality.
The Mini Cam is nicely built. Although it has a full plastic shell, it is nice to hold. Additionally, the tactile buttons have a good and clean actuation and travel distance. Therefore, children will know when their photos are being taken. Alongside this, the display screen is clear and easy enough to use. Yes, it is a little small, but so is the camera body. Consequently, it is as big as the manufacturer could produce.
Sadly, this device is not water-resistant. Accordingly, you cannot take this for rainy walks, swimming, or puddle jumping. This may be a bit restrictive, but I didn’t expect an under £15 device to have all of the bells and whistles. Finally, the lens is basic but effective. It’ll take some knocks, but being too heavy-handed will have long-lasting and negative effects.
Is the Mini Cam worth it?
If you want a stocking filler this Christmas or your kids want a fun camera to capture silly pictures and videos of their friends, the Mini Cam is a great option. It won’t break the bank, and there is a colour for everyone. Moreover, the included micro SD card ensures that this device is ready to go. Accordingly, I think it’s great value for money, and you should get yours here!
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
The Stealth 700 Gen 3 headset is an ideal option if you game across multiple platforms. Additionally, it can be used with your mobile phone for calls and gaming. As such, this headset is brilliantly versatile. Furthermore, it removes that awkward moment when you have to grab a different headset for each console you are using.
This approach was appreciated, and I liked the seamless transition as I moved from Xbox to PC. Moreover, this product is so easy to use that anyone can master it in no time at all. Despite its versatility, it was the build quality, microphone pick up, and audio quality that blew my mind. This headset delivers crystal clear comms and accurate audio. Subsequently, you’ll hear a pin drop and know where it fell because of the Superhuman hearing.
What’s in the box of the Stealth 700 Gen 3 headset?
The packaging is informative, attractive, and recyclable.
The Stealth 700 Gen 3 headset is easy on the eye. Available in 3 colours, this device has a design for every taste. There are plush, cushioned ear cups, a strong but comfortable headband, and a flip-to-mute microphone.
2 crossplay USB wireless transmitters are provided.
Charge the headset with the USB cable.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
The Stealth 700 Gen 3 headset uses Bluetooth 5.2 for a stable and low power-draw connection. Moreover, you’ll enjoy lag-free performance and multiplatform connectivity. The supplied crossplay USB wireless transmitters allow users to switch from console or PC at the touch of a button. Additionally, if you play on PlayStation or PC, you can enjoy simultaneous Bluetooth and wireless connectivity to stream music and enjoy your in-game audio.
These elements were great, but it was the long-lasting 80+ hour battery life that made me smile. This is a marathon gamer’s dream figure, as you’ll enjoy over 3 days of gaming before you have to plug it in again. Furthermore, even if you were to run out of juice, there is fast-charging to get you back in the game in no time at all.
The microphone delivers privacy and incredibly clear comms. The flip-to-mute feature is essential as no one wants their private conversations going live. Additionally, AI-based noise reduction helps to remove unwanted background noise.
Audio quality.
60mm Eclipse Dual Drivers create immersive spatial audio that brings every game, film, or TV series to life. These incredibly balanced and powerful drivers are complemented by Turtle Beach’s powerful sound boosting modes. These work particularly well during FPS titles as they help to pinpoint noises, footsteps, and other telltale signs.
If you love to listen to music, you’ll adore the balanced tones and incredible bass. Each tonal range is easy to identify, and I love the strength of the low, mid, and high tones. Alongside this, the bass isn’t overpowering. Consequently, your favourite songs will sound amazing. If you fancy playing around with your settings, you can download the Swarm II app and play with every layer.
Finally, the microphone is phenomenal! The voice pick-up is wonderfully clean, and the AI noise reduction helps to reduce unwanted sounds. This makes team-based games that little bit more fun to play.
Build quality.
The Stealth 700 Gen 3 headset is a premium device. Accordingly, every element of it has to be a head-turner. I was sent the cobalt blue version, and I couldn’t believe how great the colourway looks. Moreover, the combination of colours was eye-catching. However, it was the attention to detail on the buttons and the dials that impressed me most. Although this may be overlooked by other people, I like how Turtle Beach focused on the small things.
The plush earcups never overheat. Therefore, they are never uncomfortable regardless of how long you wear them. If you wear glasses or GUNNAR gaming glasses, you may worry about temple pressure. Luckily, these headphones are certified glasses safe. Subsequently, you can wear your glasses with no ill effects.
Clumsy gamers may worry about damaging high-end goods. Thankfully, the Stealth 700 Gen 3 headset is durable and built to last. The headband is strong, and the comfortable cushioning prevents you from getting headaches. Last but not least, the earcups are lay-flat by design. This space-saving option is ideal for smaller workstations.
Is the Stealth 700 Gen 3 headset worth it?
I admire high-quality audio equipment. The Stealth 700 Gen 3 headset sits firmly in that camp with its incredible 60mm drivers, superb microphone, and easy-to-use software. Alongside this, the build quality is market-leading. The earcups are plush and never overheat. Furthermore, the headband feels light but strong. As such, this is the perfect marathon gaming device, and I recommend buying it here!
(More information on Turtle Beach can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
A.I.L.A is a psychological survival horror game developed by Pulsatrix Studios and published by Fireshine Games.
Pulsatrix Studios is an independent game developer based in Brazil that has been developing horror games since 2019. They released their first game, Fobia – St. Dinfna Hotel, in 2022, which is in the same genre as A.I.L.A.
Psychological horror games are really interesting because they are intended to give you mental tension and create a deeper sense of horror than other horror genres. That’s the reason why some people love and some people hate this genre.
With so many indie and AAA titles in this genre, it’s really challenging to stand out, and developers need to be more creative to capture players’ attention.
STORY
You start the story as a game tester named Samuel Silva. A drone brings a package from Sytekk to Samuel in his fancy futuristic apartment. When he opens the package, it’s an A.I.L.A Dev kit with a VR headset.
A.I.L.A is able to create games based on players’ preferences and personalize the games. Samuel begins game testing as always, but this time it’s different. A.I.L.A is way too realistic, so much that after every game, Samuel forgets who he really is for a few seconds.
The story might start a bit slow, but it gets more interesting as you continue. While you can guess some parts of the story, and they are obvious from the beginning, it still holds some great plot twists that can surprise you.
Every game you play in A.I.L.A has its own story, which helps the main story progress simultaneously, and the standalone stories are engaging and well-crafted too.
Two things I really liked about A.I.L.A were how my decisions could genuinely give me a guilty feeling and how it shows the horror of technology being so integrated with our lives that it can even control us without us noticing it.
GAMEPLAY
The gameplay offers good variety thanks to its different worlds and timelines. You have handguns, shotguns, crossbows, swords, and other weapons from various eras and worlds, and their animations are good and engaging.
However, the core gameplay remains very similar across different worlds, which was something I expected to be better and provide more variety, making it less repetitive. The enemy types are also limited, with only one or two appearing per chapter. The boss fights are good and distinctly different from the rest of the game, making them enjoyable.
Unfortunately, A.I.L.A leans more toward action than horror, except for the last two chapters. The gameplay felt more action-oriented with predictable jump scares, which I really disliked.
The puzzles are good and actually require you to think. They’re not just about going somewhere, taking something, and bringing it back, although there are some puzzles like these. I think they aren’t too much and are actually needed in the game.
There are some bugs that aren’t annoying, except for one that locked my strikes and wouldn’t let me strike until I opened and closed my inventory to fix it, which was annoying. But it still isn’t that big of a deal, as it’s just one and can easily be fixed with an update.
I always appreciate games that take advantage of the DualSense, and fortunately, A.I.L.A uses them really well, especially with the sword’s weight and the adaptive triggers.
VISUALS
The visuals are good and acceptable; the environment is greatly designed and evokes a horror feeling.
Something I like about Unreal Engine 5, despite its flaws, is that it enables small developers to create games with high-fidelity visuals. A.I.L.A is only good in visuals, while I expect UE5 games to be at least a bit better than good.
While the environments are visually good, the enemy designs are really flat and low-detailed, which is really noticeable throughout the game.
The performance was stable for most of the game, except for the medieval experience, which had a lot of FPS drops throughout the whole chapter.
SOUND DESIGN
The sound design is really amazing, and it’s really noticeable. It always gives you the feeling that you are not alone, and it really makes the game scary. You always hear creaking sounds, loud scream sounds, and footsteps. They made sure you never feel safe while playing A.I.L.A.
CONCLUSION
A.I.L.A has a great story that becomes more interesting the more you continue, and it has a really great idea and demonstrates it very well. The gameplay is good but has much more potential due to the game’s settings and different timelines. Visuals are good, but I expected more from a UE5 game, especially regarding how the enemies look. The sound design is amazing, always making you feel watched, which makes the game a lot scarier.
If film was the medium of the first half of the 20th century, and TV was that for the second half, then video games would be considered the medium of the early 21st century. They rely on the latest technology to look and feel more immersive. They also have served as inspiration for many industries that have arisen from the game world.
The best example here would be iGaming. Online casinos owe a lot to the world of games, from game engines to aesthetics. But there are those who would say that gamification is common in the gambling market on the internet. There are platforms like Christchurch Casino that wear their influence on their sleeve. But how exactly does gamification manifest in iGaming?
A Reward Based System
Video games are well-known for the inclusion of rewards and achievements. Most players who use Steam are well aware of how the system works. Any achievement results in a new badge attributed to their account depending on the game that they are playing. That system serves to encourage gamers to return to the game and continue to play it as much as they can.
That reward system has been adopted by the online gambling industry as well. Gamblers are now able to earn achievements, rewards and badges the more they engage with the industry. Some websites have even incorporated leaderboards to drive up the sense of competition that so many gamers are well-known for. The system seems to be working as intended.
Bonus Rewards
The biggest drawn of online casinos is the inclusion of welcome bonuses and loyalty programs. But some platforms have taken to integrating bonus rewards based on player achievements. This ties into the previous paragraph that talked about badges and awards. By using these badges, players can trigger some type of bonus games that yield spectacular offers.
Bonuses are a staple of the gambling market on the net. So it is hard to say that this feature is fully inspired by video games. But there certainly is some sort of connection between winning achievements in order to get a better chance at winning and classic video game enjoyment. If it is not a full example of gamification, then it shows a link between the two markets at least.
Mini Games at Online Slots
The slot market accounts for close to 50% of the overall traffic that iGaming websites attract. It is no wonder that most online casinos would focus on these titles. But how has gamification affected online slots? It has a lot to do with the inclusion of mini games during the downtime. Video games are well-known for giving players some mini games to help them relax or earn extra points. Slot developers have taken that principle to a whole other level.
Pokies fans can now take a break between spinning in order to play some interesting mini game that is largely inspired by the theme of the slot itself. Soccer-based slots will often feature a game where the player must shoot the ball in order to score a goal. The result is some sort of reward, whether it be an extra spin or the appearance of a wild symbol on the board.
Combining tower defence with a Vampire Survivors-like bullet heaven felt like a step in the right direction for gaming, but Monsters are Coming: Rock and Road fumbled the bag hard. The concept again held some value, but repeated playthrough proved it was no experience, just something to experience.
Developed by Ludogram and published by Raw Fury, Monsters are Coming: Rock and Road is a bullet heaven roguelike in the same vein as Vampire Survivors, with tower defence and base building added.
When I first started to play, I had high hopes for the game, and while I enjoyed it a little, once my base became big enough, the shortcomings of Monsters are Coming became quite evident. Nothing against anyone, but this could have been handled much better.
Monster House
Imagine Vampire Survivors meets tower defence… What does that mean?
Well, Monsters are Coming involves the same gameplay model as Vampire Survivors. Ya know, run around while with auto-attack, all the while collecting points to get new or upgrade current weapons, get stronger and eventually die.
BUT, things differ in one huge way. Unlike the aforementioned, you do not have the ability to run in all directions. Instead, you must follow a moving plot of land, defending it as you go. All the points you collect rarely go to upgrading your characters. Instead, they are used to add construction to your plot(or to upgrade). This could be fireball shooters, iceball shooters, health regen area, bonus points area, etc.
The rest you can pretty much imagine how it would play… Actually, you couldn’t. Despite it sounding fun, the execution is lacking at best.
Issue I had
The game doesn’t really let you move away from the plot. The moment you try, it floods you with enemies from every direction. It feels forced. It takes away the whole point of weaving around the map like you would in similar games, because here, there’s nowhere to actually run.
Then the upgrades start to lose their charm. They look different at first, but once you use them, they feel almost identical. Fireball, ice ball, it doesn’t matter. The effect on the run barely changes, and it all becomes visual noise more than anything meaningful.
After each round, there isn’t much to look forward to. The menu is plain. The progression barely registers. Nothing feels like a reward or something that pushes you into the next attempt.
Eventually, the pace of the game starts to feel off. Sometimes it rushes you. Other times it drags. Enemies blend. The whole loop stops feeling like growth and more like something that just repeats without giving you anything back.
Monster-osity
Monsters are Coming: Rock and Road feels like a game that had the right idea but couldn’t carry it to the finish line.
The mix of genres should have worked. The tower defence angle could have added something fresh. Instead, it all ends up getting in its own way, turning what could have been a fun twist on the bullet heaven formula into something that plays against itself.
There are moments when you can see the potential. A few upgrades feel nice. Clearing a wave can be satisfying. But those sparks never turn into anything bigger. The repetition sets in fast, and the lack of meaningful progression pulls the excitement out of every run.
It is not a bad idea. It is just unfinished in spirit, like a proof of concept that made it out the door too early. With more time and clearer direction, this could have landed. As it stands, it just doesn’t.
KAKU – Ancient Seal lacks originality, but it makes up for its shortcomings with a fun and easy-to-play romp. Although it wasn’t the most captivating experience, I liked the vibrancy, easy-to-understand mechanics, and the varied worlds. Additionally, the story is simple, far-fetched, but enjoyable on multiple levels. If this isn’t enough, there is a flying pig to keep you company.
This action RPG was developed by Bingobell and published by Microids. It is a single-player game that plays out from a third-person perspective. The action is relatively fast-paced, and the story unfolds nicely. However, it is the well-trodden ideas that hold it back. Had the developer tried to push the envelope, the game would have excelled and been fresher.
KAKU – Ancient Seal tells a fantasy tale.
The mighty Creator Saga shaped the world you live in. This divine being balanced the four elements to bring order to every creature. However, a mysterious force has catastrophic effects on the balance and order of the world as you know it. Saga vanishes, and the elemental souls scatter. As such, you must step up to the plate and bring order and balance back to the once peaceful lands.
The story is outlandish, captivating, and brilliant to watch. Additionally, the use of each element creates a wonderful landscape to explore. Yet, the repetitive gameplay and simple design make it occasionally stodgy to play. Furthermore, basic combat and easy enemies, including the bosses, ensure that even the toughest of moments aren’t really that challenging.
New weapons and character development.
Although much of the gameplay is familiar, KAKU – Ancient Seal does have a handsome array of weapons and skills to test out. Moreover, you can use your pet pig Piggy to help you as you explore each vast location. Your slingshot, club, and magical abilities help you to take down anything you see. However, the monsters are pretty stupid, and they rarely defend themselves.
This was annoying as I’d have loved something a little more testing. Thankfully, the exploration elements fare a bit better. Chests, keys, fast travel points, and other elements ensure that the map is great to traverse. Additionally, any adventurers with a keen eye will be rewarded for investing time into each of the elemental biomes.
KAKU – Ancient Seal looks great, but it has its issues.
I’m going to get the issues out of the way. First, the menu system is laggy, and the game hangs for no reason at all. Furthermore, I had the occasional crash to dash for no reason at all. This was frustrating, but I’m hoping it will be patched. If you can put up with these problems, you’ll enjoy a brilliant cartoon title that has some sharp and clean characters. Moreover, the cinematic is enjoyable, and I genuinely laughed at the amusing moments.
The audio lacks originality, but it is good, regardless. The sound effects are loud, crass, and have a nice fantasy edge. Piggy makes some weird and wonderful noises that weren’t as annoying as you’d expect. Finally, the soundtrack is fantastic. The energetic music delivers an emotionally-laced performance that helps the story thrive.
Excellent controls.
I’ve read that others struggled with the controls, but I couldn’t disagree more. The layout is easy to master, and the UI is simple to observe. If the menu didn’t hang, this would have one of the easiest-to-follow control systems I’ve experienced in a while.
Replay value is a little up in the air. I’m not a completionist, and I won’t be looking for every collectable. Thankfully, there was enough to keep me going even if the combat was a little lacklustre. If you love to find every item, this will keep you busy for hours.
KAKU – Ancient Seal is good, but it could have been amazing!
KAKU – Ancient Seal is a good indie title. Yes, it lacks originality, but many games do. Furthermore, it has some glitches that hold it back. Despite these shortcomings, I think it is a good action RPG that looks impressive. Additionally, you have a pet pig, and this will make you smile. Accordingly, I think it is good, and I recommend buying it here! Can you bring order to a messed-up world? Master the elements, control your pig, and find Saga!
Well, I didn’t call Zooseum. Back when I reviewed Two Point Museum, I made a bunch of silly suggestions for future titles. A zoo wasn’t among them. Not sure why. Perhaps when I imagine museums and animals together, all I can think of is that awfully taxidermied lion in that Swedish castle display. Doesn’t exactly encourage people to break open their wallets. This isn’t that, thankfully. At no point are we stuffing Capybaras with cotton wool.
Instead, it’s another slice of Two Point Museum, with a few twists to the basic formula. If you’ve exhausted the already extensive base game, then it will give you more of what you crave. Which is exactly what a DLC should do. I won’t dwell on the core gameplay, as it’s the same enjoyable, layered simulation as ever. I felt the same level of enjoyment I did before, and encountered the same level of polish. Still, a Zoo was an odd fit for a DLC. Something like that I would’ve expected to carry a full title. As it is, it’s not a perfect match.
Panda-ring To The Guests
Zooseum introduces three major components: a new exhibit type, a new employee type and a new map. The new exhibits are, of course, the animals. To acquire them, we explore the isles of Farflung, which is chock-full of dangerous jungles. Animals you capture are housed in Terrariums if small, and habitats if large. Farflung also has a unique strain of flu that you need to cure, and you get special points for rearing animals and releasing them back into the wild. In that respect, I’m glad it highlights a key conservation aspect of zoos. You even get better surveying results by working to increase biodiversity, rather than just throwing people at it.
Once housed, animals need to be cared for by Wildlife Experts. These folk keep them fed, and clean their enclosures. Animals can even have a favourite expert, which is quite cute. If you’ve got two animals of different sexes, then they can mate. Different animals require different types of habitat biome (such as jungle or desert), so the museum becomes a patchwork of different habitat types. My layout began to naturally feel like a zoo, as guests walked down set paths to the pandas or the giraffes with big spring-like necks.
On Safari
Zooseum also has a new story to go along with it. Our zoo is built on the grounds of Wiggy Silverbottom’s estate, who is on a quest to locate the Painted Panda. He encourages us to breed and release animals to help heal Farflung, and to finally display his beloved Panda. It’s not bad, but feels a bit routine compared to the wackier stories in the base game. The good humour is still intact though, with some animal types and descriptions getting chuckles. I enjoyed the Paper Cranes and the weird looking frogs.
I do think the ‘Zoo’ aspect isn’t pushed as hard as it could have been. That’s down to the DLC element, though, as it’s still shackled to the basic gameplay of Two Point Museum. As such, once you house your animals, they become almost identical to the fish in your aquariums. Don’t house carnivores with herbivores, and you’re pretty much set. I was hoping we could put on shows, have the guests interact with the animals, or even have the animals try and escape. Something that really twisted the gameplay. A lion running rampant through the museum would surely do wonders for guest entertainment. Just not the state of the toilets.
Two Point Museum: Zooseum – A Decent Addition
There’s some strangeness in Zooseum too. You increase animal knowledge by treating animals in Spas, with a staff member trained in analysis. It only seemed to work half the time, though. Some issues are transplanted over from the base game, too. The goals for the higher stars feel like a bit of a slog. The final five star goals were done almost entirely in fast-forward. Guests behave a bit odd too. They were determined that there weren’t enough info boards around, even as they walked past five of them.
Still, I enjoyed my time with Zooseum. It’s not so much an evolution as the title suggests, being rather similar to the fish-themed museum, but I loved the changes it did bring in. The variety of different animals is great and, for once, I didn’t feel like my museum was seconds for collapsing. The animals are adorable, the Dad humour is as funny as ever, and the deep simulation gameplay remains absorbing. Zooseum may just be a second helping of the same thing, but if that thing is good then what’s there to complain about?
The Freddy Controller Holder from Cable Guys may not be considered a traditional Christmas present. However, if your loved ones or friends adore this creepy game, they will cherish this accurate, eye-catching, and impressive phone or controller holder.
This officially licenced product stands 22 cms tall and has a sinister edge. You may be wondering why you’d want a creepy figure by your bedside or workstation. The answer is, why not? This sort of product is designed for hardcore fans who want something different. Thankfully, this product does just that.
The awesome Freddy Controller Holder.
The Freddy Controller Holder is both functional and decorative. Although it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I love a conversation starter. Additionally, it is great to have a place to put your phone or controller whenever you are gaming.
The holder appears to have moving parts, but this isn’t the case. This design choice adds a dynamic appearance to the model. I understand why people would want to adjust their phone holder, but it isn’t necessary. The angles of the arms and the position of the body ensure that your phone or gamepad is safely positioned.
Build quality.
This model holder is incredibly well-built. Furthermore, it has a considerable weight and impressive sense of balance. The base is large and sturdy, and this prevents anything from wobbling or falling. Additionally, the feet are securely attached to prevent parts from falling away.
The hardened plastic allows you to mishandle the figure without causing damage. Moreover, the durable paint can take some knocks and bumps without ruining the finish. Consequently, this is perfect for clumsy and heavy-handed users.
Is the Freddy Controller Holder worth it?
This is a striking and unusual accessory for your workstation or bedside table. I understand that it has a niche appeal, but if you love the Freddy franchise, this is a must-have item. Accordingly, I recommend buying it here!
(More information on Cable Guys can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
The Séance of Blake Manor is a supernatural detective mystery taking place over Halloween weekend in 1897 Ireland. Developed by Spooky Doorway and published by Raw Fury, The Séance of Blake Manor had a full release on October 27th, 2025. Our private investigator, Declan Ward, is summoned to Blake Manor to investigate the mysterious disappearance of Evelyn Deane—and that’s just the beginning. Full of mysteries to solve, clues to find and an impending séance occurring Halloween night, the game offers hours of fun and an excellent narrative with a well-rounded cast of characters. Players must use their best detective skills to find evidence and solve puzzles with the help of the tools available to you, such as timetables and branching mystery maps.
The Séance of Blake Manor has a unique way of progressing time. Instead of a constantly ticking clock, time only moves forward when you perform some sort of action, such as investigating an object, opening a drawer or discussing evidence with others. Players have all the time in the world to strategize and plan their next moves. However, you have only the weekend to solve everything, which makes time slightly limited. Different mysteries, supernatural events, and plot twists will have you on your toes as you try to solve the many mysteries within Blake Manor. It will most likely require a few playthroughs in order to solve them all without the use of a guide.
With that being said, The Séance of Blake Manor is best played completely blind to spoilers. In my review, I do my best to avoid discussing major spoilers and keep any images limited to ones that exist within the first hour or two of my gameplay. I think by reading this review, you will get an overall gist of gameplay mechanics and still be able to experience a majority of the story firsthand. However, I also completely understand wanting no spoilers at all. The TLDR of it is that it’s a super fun, narrative-rich game that I gladly recommend. The game gripped my attention throughout, and its ominous atmosphere complements the experience beautifully. So, with that in mind, enable your detective vision because it’s time to discuss The Séance of Blake Manor!
The Manor: A Colorful Cast of Character & A Halloween Séance
After reading a mysterious letter asking us to investigate Evelyn Deane’s disappearance, our detective Declan Ward travels to Blake Manor located in Ireland. Our anonymous writer claims that everyone is acting as if nothing happened, when they are sure that something strange is certainly afoot. With the promise of financial award (200£ down payment and another 300£ if we find her alive), Detective Ward arrives at the manor on Friday, October 29th, 1897 at 11 PM. Ward states that Evelyn Deane is Rupert Deane’s daughter, and Rupert, a slumlord, played a role in our brother’s death. He speculates if the letter’s sender knew this beforehand, or if it just sheer coincidence. Mister Ward then presses on and encounters the eerie grandeur of Blake Manor.
There are three things we learn almost immediately about Blake Manor. The first is that strange occurrences seem to be plaguing the manor. Flashes of ghostly specters vanish when entering rooms. Strange dreams haunt us while we sleep and odd symbols exist throughout the manor. Before we even step foot inside, a shadowy figure bursts into a murder of crows. The game isn’t a horror or thriller, but it does set up an uneasy atmosphere very well with the supernatural elements. Much like Declan’s Ward bad feeling, something feels off about Blake Manor. Perhaps it has something to do with the second thing we learn almost immediately about—the séance.
One of the many items we can interact with in the beginning is a calendar of events that will occur over the weekend. What’s most odd and most advertised is the séance that will occur on Sunday, or Halloween, night. The séance is to held by a medium who claims to be the first to directly communicate with the dead. Shortly after checking in, we come across a strange green device in the atrium. Later on, we learn that as we convince guests not to attend the séance, the device ticks down, as if it’s losing energy. What is the device for though? The answer to this is just one of the many mysteries we must figure out. What we do know though is that all of the guests are here for the séance in some way or another and some might even hide sinister secrets and plots.
Last but certainly not least is of course the cast of characters. With 24 other characters, Declan Ward has his detective work and his social skills cut out for him. Characters include the staff members such as the stoic manager, Vincent Varley, and guests, many of whom are magical practitioners, such as Irish druid, Domhnall Ó Finn. Everyone is a potential culprit of Evelyn Deane’s disappearance. One should stay suspect of them all until you can reasonable rule them out. To do so, we must analyze them for details on their person, discuss evidence with as we collect more information, and occasionally even assist in solving smaller mysteries that could help solve the bigger questions. The well written dialogue we have with others—or that we eavesdrop on—enhances the game’s narrative-rich style and it’s mystery.
The Tools: Detective Tips 101
Many players, including myself, felt the need to have a pen and notebook handy to write down information when playing The Séance of Blake Manor. Though you certainly can take this approach, there are a few tools at your disposal to help assist in your detective work. Mystery maps are just one example. They will continuously update, branch out and connect as you gather new evidence and information in regards to a mystery. This includes when profiling people as well, as each character has their own mystery map. The maps are also used when making a hypothesis. This requires you to select specific words from the map to fill in the blanks. It is important to check these often to make tying evidence to mysteries more simple and easy to follow. You can also take a bigger look at all collected information in the records section.
Another tool available in the Mysteries section is the character chart specifically under The Culprit mystery. This chart tracks suspects behind Evelyn Deane’s disappearance. It lists facts known to be true of the culprit on the left. On the right is all 24 characters with key, relevant information and quick access to their profiles. You can eliminate characters from your suspect list too. This might help later on when you’ve gathered more facts about who the culprit is and want to hone in on the remaining suspects. This will also show when guests have decided not to attend the séance, which is useful for that strange device in the atrium.
As mentioned earlier, time works differently in The Séance of Blake Manor. Time will only progress when you are performing an action of some kind, such as investigating evidence or interacting with people. The majority of these actions only take up one minute, with a few major events taking up around 30 minutes. The game offers a wide range of actions to take. Some prove more useful while many others just add small tidbits of story that may not be so relevant. I believe in the first few playthroughs, a level of curiosity is expected and I would say even encouraged. I never felt like I wasted time, even if I spent half an hour investigating things that Ward comments on briefly before moving on. You can worry about being more strategic with your time and spending it wisely—putting your best detective foot forward—in future attempts.
With each hour, different events occur and characters will typically move about the manor. The timetable displays when bigger story events take place, such as meals throughout the day. Bigger story events are not mandatory, but they can provide some major plot elements. It’s usually good to attend them if you have no pressing mysteries to solve. You can also track character’s schedules in the timetable. This is done by asking them directly, through various event outcomes or by finding their journals, usually located in their room. Obviously, the guests won’t be too keen if you barge into their room uninvited. You will be evicted from the manor, resulting in a game over. Searching character’s rooms is super important when profiling them, so it’s useful to learn their schedule. That way, you can do your snooping when they aren’t around.
If you are not aware of a character’s schedule, it can be slightly difficult to locate them. The manor is quite big and expansive. Though the map is meant to assist in navigation, it can still be easy to get turned around and lost. However, with time only proceeding when you perform actions, you do have an unlimited amount of time just to explore the different rooms of the manor before deciding on your next move.
Outside of the tools on this tab, there is also a library to search up different records. There are a few other things that are generally good to do. Before entering a characters room, you are able to listen in to hear if someone is on the other side. There are vents as well that you can listen in on. This may provide hidden clues from characters speaking when they think no one can hear them. It’s also useful to investigate things that might give you a bigger picture of the manor. This includes such things as the guest log or the room layout maps.
The Graphics & Audio: A Beautifully Haunting Atmosphere
The developers at Spooky Doorway did an amazing job at creating a spooky atmosphere for The Séance of Blake Manor. The graphics are done in a comic-book style. Cutscenes really play into the style with how they depict images with a comic-book panel approach. Even though characters take on more 2D aspects in game, they don’t feel flat at all due to their appearance and the amount of details that went into their character art. One of my favorite things to do (and another useful tip) is to analyze everyone. This will allow you to check out some details about the character, such as jewelry or body language. These will obviously help when profiling people too.
The manor itself is 3D and navigable. There’s even a shift button to walk faster and a crouch button. Big open rooms with lots to look at help make the graphics feel more dynamic without being too overly demanding on your computer. I personally wouldn’t mind a completely 3D world including the characters, but it’s not needed for this game. This is only Spooky Doorway‘s second game, with the first, The Darkside Detective, being pixelated. The graphics in The Séance of Blake Manor feel like a major step up from pixels. I think they should be applauded for that.
The audio is extremely good too. Background music is super atmospheric and plays a huge role in making the game feel ominous without being a horror. I explored the manor with unease as the music set an eerie tone and floorboards creaked beneath me. There is voice acting in the game during major story dialogues and events. Character voices felt super fitting and everyone did a great job delivering their lines. I do wish that all lines of dialogue could have been voice acted, as occasionally there will be long bits of reading in silence, but I digress. Overall, the audios are great and I think the developers did a great job!
The Conclusion: There’s No Mystery in How Good this Game is
I think there’s many good reasons as to why The Séance of Blake Manor has overwhelmingly positive reviews on steam. I wish I heard about this game sooner. It would have been the perfect game to play over Halloween! I will keep coming back to this game, determined to uncover its mysteries without using a guide. Normally, long term replayability is something I consider in my reviews. However, this is the charm/curse when it comes to story based games. After a few playthroughs, you’ll begin having a better idea of what you need to do. Though there are certainly different ways to go about reaching a solution, the solutions themselves stay the same. With seemingly no post-launch roadmap or future DLCs, The Séance of Blake Manor will eventually be put down by players.
I will still gladly recommend this to anyone whose into a good story, to those who like solving puzzles and mysteries, and to those who like games with a little bit of spooks. The developers at Spooky Doorway deserve a round of applause for this one! I can’t wait to see what they come up with next! I may even check out The Darkside Detective in the meantime. For now though, I got to brush up on my intuitive detective skills and return Blake Manor.
Thank you for reading and listen into those vents!
Whether you’re on a quest to play all the cozy sims out there – a genre still holding the reigns since the pandemic – or if you are just a bookworm who also happens to enjoy videogaming, the well-anticipated Tiny Bookshop is now available to play. It is a comfort game that meets shop management and meets . . . literature. Now that wintertime is approaching, the desire to lay in a warm bed, sip on a hot beverage, and divulge into games like this is growing strong!
Developed by Neoludic Games and published by Skystone Games, Tiny Bookshop allows you to explore a fictional, homey coastal town. It opens with a cutesy narrative and introduces players to all sorts of interesting townspeople as passionate about books as you are!
Tiny Bookshop was released on August 7th, 2025, and can be played on the Nintendo Switch, PC, and Steam.
Time to turn the page
Players take on the role as a newcomer wheeling in your secondhand, mobile bookshop to Bookstonbury: a quiet, costal town filled with bibliophiles. While there is no heavy plot to the game, a small narrative will expand as players interact with folks and complete side quests to learn more about the town’s history. You will also learn a lot more about the fascinating personalities of frequent customers and friends.
There is a plethora of places around Bookstonbury to plant your shop: Far Beach, Mega Marche, Cafe Liberte, Waterfront Square, to name a few. However, each location will require a different fee to park and sell there.
One of the townspeople, Fern, is the local reporter. This bashful fellow will issue you a daily newsletter informing the player on Bookstonbury’s weather conditions (which will affect sales), upcoming markets and events, as well as advertisements showcasing heaps of books and store decorations for purchase. Players can buy items directly from this newspaper. It will also keep you updated on your own daily sales information and profit margin.
From pen to paper
Tiny Bookshop‘s UI is super simple and easy to navigate. The overall gameplay is relaxed and slow-paced, only requiring players to read some dialogue and click and drag things around.
One major mechanic most gamers know and love at this point is customization! Players may personalize their little bookshop however they please. The game provides all sorts of paints to change the color of the roof, walls, accentuations, and items within the shop. You can buy items from newspaper ads or from the weekly flea market, including hanging plants and an audio speaker. You could also receive free gifts, like a huge fern from Anne the “plant sciences student,” or maybe even find an abandoned typewriter by exploring and clicking around the scenes you are in. Some objects are interactive. For example, players can write their own short book with the typewriter. I made a poorly written fact book about bees!
Every item you choose to place in your shop can affect your sales. For example, if you place down a decorative skull, it could boost crime book sales for that day by a good margin, yet decrease kids’ book sales. You can choose your decorations carefully to cater to your customer base, or just customize based on aesthetics.
Hitting the shelves
As you open your bookshop each day, you will stock the shelves with whatever inventory of books you have. The longer you play the game, the more shelf room you will acquire. At the beginning, you can only put up to 40 books on the floor. It is recommended that you fill your shelves to the brim . . . because why wouldn’t you want to sell as many works as possible?
Luckily, players are able to color code each book genre to whatever makes sense to you. I colored my crime books to be black, the drama genre as blue, and the travel works as green.
As customers pour into your shop, they can buy as many or as little books as possible, mostly out of your control. Recurring characters can impact sales by their presence and preferences in your store. For the most part, players just chill out and wait for the sales day to end. You are able to click on your surroundings while NPCs shop around, potentially leading to hidden items or just useless but fun interactions. If you click on the seagulls, they will emit a musical note. If you click on a shopping cart, it will jostle and roll away.
One mechanic you can partake in during the sales day is fulfill recommendation requests. Sometimes, a customer will be unsure and in need your help finding a book. This is a timed interaction, so click on them quickly! These recommendations vary in difficulty. They may be a lax customer, asking for a book filled with any kind of romance. Or the may be more picky, maybe looking for murder mysteries from specifically female authors. Successful recommendations may be hard to do in this case, but you could think outside of the box and choose a book they may not expect, away from their preferred genre. If you fail these requests, it will only cost you sales, nothing else.
Don’t judge a book by its cover
Each location in Bookstonbury will vary in types of customers and genre sale tendencies. You can open the newsletter and a personal journal to check on the weather conditions of each place, and be reminded of any current side quests and previously completed ones. Players will collect cute, little stamps as quests are completed.
The recurring cast are the main people who will give you side missions. You care not required to do them, but you totally should. You will build relationships with these cool people and further unlock mysteries and history of the town you now live in. Some side quests include helping Tilde with her moving boxes; finding seashells for young Harper; and helping Klaus unlock his full potential as a musician.
There’s nothing like a good book!
The art style of Tiny Bookshop is ridiculously charming, with watercolor-like scenes and a soft, pastel coloration. The low poly style gives the game a postcard-esq look, perfectly suiting the nature of the game. I never get bored looking at the screen!
I think that it is incredibly beneficial to be able to personalize the colors of each book genre. This can help them stand out against the background, or appeal to a specific player’s mental associations. I see the classics as grey, perhaps because I refer back to black and white television and photographs when I imagine older time periods.
The music is super relaxing and cozy, with an appropriate beachy vibe. There are some sound affects and chatter noise that blend into the background. The dialogue is unvoiced, but the game is about reading after all.
Final thoughts
Tiny Bookshop is a splendidly cozy game and quite refreshing. I have not played anything quite like it before. Most of the books in-game are real, ranging from Beowulf to Hamlet to Heartstopper, with some entries fictionalized for the game’s purposes. Regardless, it did encourage me to read more in real life and reminisce about the past titles I love.
Of course, Tiny Bookshop is insanely repetitive but with an addictive quality to it. The customization options reinforces the fun, and the slow narrative progression is rather soothing instead of boring. It’s a short and sweet, cozy time.
Most of the gameplay is just waiting around though. Aside from the recommendations mechanic, I wish you could interact more with customers. I also wish that the environmental interactions could be more involved or elaborate. Regardless, I highly recommend this game. I think with the upcoming cold front and the tendency to become hermitic for the holidays, this is the perfect time to open up your tiny, digital bookshop.
The Riffmaster Wireless Guitar Controller from PDP is a great option if you love music games and an added layer of realism. I’m old enough to remember Rock Band and the original Guitar Hero games. Accordingly, I couldn’t wait to take a walk down memory lane with this spectacular wireless controller!
Designed for Rock Band 4 and Fortnite Festival, this controller lets you thrash your way through your favourite songs. Moreover, it ups the ante with its build quality. The original wired options were clunky and tough to store. Thankfully, PDP has removed this issue, as this guitar can be folded and easily stored. On top of this, the materials are great, and the actuation distance of the buttons and the whammy bar is comfortable. Consequently, this is a superb option to get your “rock” on.
What’s in the box of the Riffmaster Wireless Guitar Controller?
The packaging is smaller than expected. Furthermore, it is eye-catching and robust.
The Riffmaster Wireless Guitar Controller has a classic look. The clean black finish looks amazing. Moreover, the device features a D-pad, an analogue stick, and audio controls.
Use the strap if you love to stand and play.
A USB cable and USB dongle are provided.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
This officially licensed Xbox product is compatible with PC and all modern Xbox machines. However, a word of warning: Rock Band 4 can no longer be downloaded. Accordingly, if you don’t own the disc, you will not be able to use this controller on Xbox Series S. Alternatively, if you only wish to play Fortnite Festival, this controller will work perfectly.
Designed for wireless action only, you’ll enjoy up to 30 feet of low-latency gaming. I didn’t test it to that distance, but it would work perfectly from around 12 to 15 feet. Moreover, as long as you use the controller calibration tool on each game, you’ll enjoy lag-free gaming.
No one wants low battery life and endless charging. Thankfully, the Riffmaster Wireless Guitar Controller offers up to 36 hours of wireless gaming. This was great, and the figure is pretty accurate. I used it straight out of the box, and I got around 34 hours. Subsequently, you’ll use this for marathon sessions with ease.
Usability.
This controller is fantastic to use. Despite my ageing reactions, it was a joy to use. It matters not if you are left or right-handed, this guitar can be used either way. Moreover, the analogue stick is well-positioned, comfortable, and a vast improvement over the original guitar.
Once you have this set up, you have nothing else to do. Connecting it to your Xbox or PC is a simple task. Plug in the USB dongle, switch on the guitar, and away you go. Accordingly, this is the perfect option regardless of your skills or abilities.
Build quality.
The Riffmaster Wireless Guitar Controller consists of three main parts. The neck and body are connected with a robust hinge and a sliding lock. This is a phenomenal design choice that delivers durable build quality that is easy to stow. The end part of the guitar can be removed with ease. This has a push switch that is secure and will last the test of time.
The accessories are well-built, and I like the quality and comfort of the strap. Furthermore, the USB cable and dongle are simple but hard-wearing. Additionally, the coloured buttons, analogue stick, D-pad, whammy bar, and strum bar feel amazing and will resist wear and tear.
Is the Riffmaster Wireless Guitar Controller worth it?
Although this is a rather niche product, the Riffmaster Wireless Guitar Controller from PDP will appeal to music-loving gamers. Rock Band 4 may be a dated experience, but the Fortnite Festival moves things forward. As such, if you want to maximise your time with this game, this controller is a must. It looks great, and it is easy to use. Moreover, it is durable, comfortable, and the only way to play a music-based game. Accordingly, it is fantastic, and you should buy it here!
(More information on Turtle Beach can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
Almost ten years after the first title’s release, the RPG Anima series is back in a remastered collection of the first two games. In the era of remasters, does this package stand out? Or are you left wondering why bother?
Remaster, The Trend Of The Decade
Remasters are the go-to trend for developers in recent years. In order to bring older games to new platforms, games have been lovingly and also shamelessly ported over. With that being said, I had immediate scepticism upon seeing the reveal for Anima: Gate Of Memories 1&2 Remaster. Sadly, I was right to fear the worst. This is your run of the mill remaster that serves one purpose and one only, to bring it to current gen platforms. Yawn.
Based on the Spanish tabletop game Anima: Beyond Fantasy, the Gate Of Memories Remaster serves as a two arc story through both games. The first game follows the adventures of a magic-wielding woman known as The Bearer and her sidekick Ergo as they try to retrieve a powerful artefact called the Byblos. After failing to recover the artefact, the two are trapped in a magical tower and must work together to escape. It’s a deliberately vague and mysterious story that invites the player to discover lore and context through the different memories and collectibles. It’s a perfectly acceptable tale that does nothing particularly good or bad.
The very same can be said about the follow up which, this time, puts players in a completely different perspective – that of the villain known as The Immortality. This story goes leans towards the wacky side of things and aims to shock the player with different twists and turns. Once again it’s an acceptable, if rather average tale. The problem with a remaster is that it is meant to have been improved sufficiently to warrant players purchasing the game once again. However, this remaster has virtually no quality of life improvements in regards to story. The lack of improvement in the stale and stiff voice acting is baffling, as is the very clunky dialogue. Fans of this series will also know these games can be extremely unforgiving in terms of guiding the player towards quests and unfortunately this remains the case in this remaster. The addition of quest markers, or more assistance for players would have been greatly appreciated. If you are looking for new content and improvements in the narrative, you will vastly disappointed.
Staggering Lack Of Effort
Like the story, the gameplay loop in Anima: Gate of Memories 1&2 Remaster remains virtually untouched, although there are a few minor improvements. Played from a third person perspective, players engage in fast-paced combat which reminded me a lot of Devil May Cry and Bayonetta. You hack, slash and launch projectiles through vast amounts of enemies. What makes this game different is that during the combat sequences, the camera angles can change dynamically to different perspectives, thus creating more cinematic moments. This also results in a difference in gameplay as the shift in camera perspective changes the controls. A unique and still addictive gameplay loop.
Like other RPGs, these fights all help towards levelling up the players’ skill tree, with a solid amount of depth involved in these skills. This allows you to shape your character to different playstyles if you wish. The gameplay loop in both these games remains as solid as ever and the addition of difficulty adjustments will help newcomers feel accustomed to the gameplay which is very welcoming. Yes, it’s clunky with its animations but it is endearing as well. Some glaring issues remain in the form of enemy ranged attacks which are still wildly inconsistent and the lock on mechanic remains awful!
Platforming remains frustrating but it does its job and doesn’t outstay its welcome. Unfortunately, puzzles are as boring as they were in the original. It’s a shame developers Anima Project have not put more effort into smoothing out the rough edges and fine tuning the gameplay. At least the combat remains the main reason to play these games, but don’t expect too many new bells and whistles.
Visually Improved
Thankfully, I can finally say the developers have improved on the original when it comes to visual presentation. The original titles had a cell-shaded art style which made characters and environments stand out and this remaster only enhances their beauty. Locations have been improved with better draw distance and updated colour pallets, making every area feel vibrant and unique. Character models look crisper and sleeker with the only downside being the clunky animations remaining from the first title. If you are a lover of the original titles then this fresh lick of paint will make this anime graphic style all the more charming.
Conversely, the sound design and musical score remain the same as they did in the original releases but that is by no means a bad thing! The audio design remains strong with every sword hit, spell unleashed and potion consumed sounding as impactful and wonderful as before. The orchestral score remains superb with its grandiose style that propels fights and cutscenes forward and helps to keep the story from becoming too stale. A great RPG soundtrack if there ever was one.
Verdict
When it comes to the category of remasters and remakes, I am becoming disillusioned by the minute with every release. Anima: Gate Of Memories 1&2 Remaster is a needless and quite cynical attempt at porting an older game to current generations. Whilst new visuals will attract some fans of the franchise, there are far too few new additions and updates and this is very disappointing. The developers could have made some vast improvements in the quality of life department but ultimately they chose to make it quick and easy. Overall, it is a profound disappointment. I cannot in good faith recommend this remaster to anyone who already purchased these games almost 10 years ago.
