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Review: Pumpkin Jack

Natosha M

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Feb 19, 2022

Halloween may be over, but Pumpkin Jack will have you feeling like it’s Halloween every day! It’s a bit frightening, but the cartoonish style of graphics will keep it positively pleasant for everyone to enjoy. Plus, it’s not too brutal or gruesome, so you don’t need to cover up those eyes or turn away from each enemy you defeat or meet up with.

Frankly, there will be no need to fear what may be lurking around every corner and you won’t be jumping out of your seat when you arrive at any new location in this game. The only thing that this game will make the player feel is fully engaged and entertained while defeating all those creepy and monstrous characters. While playing in many different levels of deep contrasting color and glowing lights that illuminate the entire world.

Plus, the game provides the player with so many weapons that are related to its spooky atmosphere. You’ll meet some creepy, but helpful friends that will guide Jack and teach him the many things he can do within the levels. Providing details on how to move and use certain items or objects. There is no way that the game will leave the player bored or feeling they’ve already played a level similar or one without many challenges.

Additionally, there are so many enemies and bosses to defeat. Many may think this game is so easy to defeat, and I honestly thought it would be. However, you’ll be surprised how it has a few challenging areas that make it harder to complete as fast as the level before. Plus, if you enjoyed playing games on the PS2(Playstation Two), well then the graphics of this game will make you feel as if you went back in time and can enjoy that exact visual appeal.

The Game Begins!

So what did I think of the game? Well, it’s extremely impressive with actually no flaws that I could point out! The gameplay provides no headaches which were something I would get with the camera spinning as you move around. It’s actually able to be controlled by you, manually or automatically, which I chose to use as I played. Additionally, the controller’s mapping and other settings can be adjusted quite easily as well. So you aren’t stuck to just one choice when playing. No one player is the same on what they like when they play, so this is an excellent feature and I’m actually glad they included it!

Also, I’m enjoying the ability to move Jack so freely in each level, not just one straight path that you have to follow on this epic experience. You instead have the ability to check out everything, even if you can’t reach past certain areas, but there is much to be seen. Also, to be honest, being able to move around freely is great, but I also felt Jack’s ability to jump high, roll quickly, and fight so many monsters at the same time is even nicer. I practically love games without restraints, especially on the length you can leap or how many things you can hit, which many of those objects actually provide extra life for Jack, so slash and whack away!

No wonder why this game is getting so many high ratings. Each level is amazing and full of action, obstacles, and many skeletons and monsters to defeat. Especially those large bosses. The actual obstacles with fire, which does hurt, by the way, are blazing and realistic on how it spreads and the pain it takes on you. So there are some parts that you do need to plan out.

Even the visual graphics are excellent, so is the humor. Yes, there is a little humor, which makes the game feel a bit more pleasant and less spooky but joyful as well. Especially, that from the crow which uses puns when speaking to Jack who is our friend and little helper. This crow friend uses words such as crow for other words like go, so, and many others while talking. It’s funny and cute in my opinion. Plus, our crow friend is another weapon we are able to shoot out and attack enemies or objects to help us advance forward in the game.

Oh and the screaming sounds, as you unpause the game. It’s like a scream that you’d hear from Zombies Ate My Neighbors, or maybe the spooky sounds that there are many from Ahhh Real Monsters. All those SNES games that it just reminds me of, but with the Playstation 2 design in the graphics. So from the sound effects and the music that you hear throughout the game, it’s just chillingly amazing and perfectly matched for this spooky game!

Jack Entertains To The Very End

This is a wonderful game! Pumpkin Jack is something that will bring back past memories of older consoles while providing great graphics and music that keeps you in that spooky, haunted feeling. It’s got a bit of humor and plenty of engaging entertainment. Plus, the freedom to roam the creepy environmental levels and attack all those skeletons and giant monsters that come after you or objects within each level is awesome!

So it’s just an excellent game straight through, even with the addition of purchasing some cool new skins for Jack and continuing to redo levels to collect items you’ve missed. As I myself, love to collect everything in a game. It’s also one game that is easy to play. That is why I would recommend this game for those who want it to feel like Halloween all year round and go on an epic journey, battling monsters and enjoying the excellent graphics and sounds.

Review: Beat Souls

Daniel Waite

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Feb 19, 2022

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My video review with footage captured on my Xbox Series X, enjoy!

I, like many gamers, enjoy serious and time-consuming titles. However, I also love silly games that I like to think of as my guilty pleasures. My fascination with rhythm games started on the PS One when I was introduced to Bust a Groove and PaRappa the Rapper. My tastes became more refined thanks to the likes of Rock Band and Guitar Hero, but I yearned for that colourful Asian influence. Luckily, I need to yearn no more as Beat Souls landed on my desk to scratch that childish itch.

Developed by ZOO Corporation and Eastasiasoft Limited and published by the latter, this is a vivid arcade rhythm game. It captures everything great about the genre thanks to its colourful characters, simple mechanics, and banging tunes. Though it may be simple to pick up, its gradual difficulty curve ensures that the best players will still be tested.

Beat Souls should come with a warning!

Everything about this title made my inner child jump for joy. However, I wish the developers had warned me about its addictive content. From the opening gambit, I was hooked on its simple concept and colourful levels.

Unlike its peers, Beat Souls has no recognisable story. This was a little disappointing, as there was room for a bizarre and nonsensical plot. Sadly, this wasn’t to be and instead you must focus on its two key concepts. First, avoid the spikes and the noisetacles (noisy obstacles that block your path). Second, collect the souls while dancing to your heart’s content. This is Beat Souls in a nutshell, and it’s not complex, but my word it is addictive as hell.

Which character will you choose? — Who will you pick?

Arcade or infinite Hell mode?

To keep things simple, the action is split into two game modes; arcade or infinite Hell mode. The first is where you’ll spend most of your time. This option is divided into normal or hard mode and it will test your patience while demanding perfection. The infinite Hell mode is a non-stop daunting experience that demands you understand every element of the gameplay.

During both modes, you must follow the same simple steps. You will move your Otomo companion side to side across a board that comprises 5 spaces. Your character is then flanked by two spherical soul catchers. These orbs can change colour from yellow to blue and they can move to pair together on the left or the right. As you automatically move from bottom to top, you must navigate the various obstacles while using your orbs to catch every soul.

It sounds extremely straightforward, but the tempo of each song dictates how quick your reactions must be. Furthermore, the horrific combination of colour changes, jumps, obstacles, and pairing the orbs makes it a tough juggling act. Moreover, you mustn’t make a mistake if you wish to chain together combos to get the highest score.

The Otomo dodging noise while collecting blue souls. — Damn Noisetacles!

Beat Souls is a colour sensation.

I love the Asian-inspired style because of its wacky ways and vivid colours. The striking Anime/Manga look is sure to catch your eye as is the cyberpunk neon hue that lingers in the background. Furthermore, your 3 opponents each have a unique look that impacts the stage design and the challenge you’ll face. This excellent decision from the developers ensures that the repetitive gameplay never gets boring.

Another element that you won’t tire of is the banging audio. The eclectic blend of tunes varies depending on your opponent. Just like the stage design, this was a simple tool that overcame any potential monotony. Subsequently, I never got bored with what I heard or saw. Frankly, I was too addicted to the action to care either way!

Your Otomo collecting yellow souls. — Capture those souls.

Damn you sensitive controls.

I adored nearly every element of Beat Souls, but the controls drove me insane. This wasn’t because they were complex or challenging to master. No, quite the opposite, as the excellent tutorial sets you up perfectly. My frustrations are aimed firmly at how sensitive the analogue stick is! Sadly, the smallest of touches sends your Otomo companion the wrong way. Consequently, this causes you to hit obstacles, lose health, and ruin your combos. It was infuriating and undermines the final product. The developers were overzealous in their approach and the ability to adjust this would have overcome this issue immediately.

If you can cope with the very minor, albeit annoying, shortcoming, you’ll be hooked immediately. Everything about the game is straightforward to understand and hard to put down. You have 30 stages to overcome, 2 difficulty modes on each level to try, a high score to beat, and the infinite Hell mode to defeat. Therefore, there is plenty of replay value to be had. Though I loved it, I believe the developers have missed an opportunity. If they have incorporated a multiplayer mode, it would have been competitive while increasing longevity.

Beat Souls is a fantastic indie title.

I admit it wasn’t going to take a lot for me to love Beat Souls. It ticks all the boxes for me and I quickly became hooked. Sadly, however, I was disappointed with the sensitive controls and lack of multiplayer action. Those are minor things and they don’t detract from the brilliance of this title. I loved it and I recommend you to buy it here! Can you avoid the noise and collect every soul? Feel the rhythm of the music, avoid the obstacles and perfect every stage.

Review: Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires

Daniel Waite

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Feb 18, 2022

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No matter how calm, collected, or peaceful you are, we all yearn for power. It’s that one thing that drives us all to corruption, yet we still want it. What we may not understand, however, is that power can be controlled in different ways. Yes, brute force normally works, but there is room for logical thinking and a savvy mindset. Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires allows you to explore a range of approaches as you plan to rule the world.

Developed by Omega Force and published by Koei Tecmo, this is a strategy hack n slash title. Set in a dated Asian world, you must control your ruler as you plan to conquer every territory. It’s the latest instalment in this ever-popular franchise, and the “Empires” title highlights its tactical aspirations. Unlike the main game that focuses on all-out combat, this spin-off adds considerable depth.

Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires gives the best of both worlds.

I adore the concept behind hack n slash titles, as I love the brutality, gore, and violence. Moreover, each fight is an epic masterpiece and the pace of the gameplay gets my adrenaline pumping. However, I’m also aware of its repetitive nature and this limits the longevity and appeal. Luckily, though, Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires gives you the best of both worlds. You’ll lose yourself in gruesome battles across an array of environments. Furthermore, you must weigh up the pros and cons, while always considering the best strategy.

The main campaign doesn’t revolve around a story as such. Instead, your leadership decisions trigger random events. You may decide to be righteous and kind or evil and totalitarian. Whatever you choose, you must live with the consequences of your actions.

As you start, you may select the campaign mode known as conquest or the tutorial. The latter option is a fantastic starting point as it explains the battle fundamentals. Unfortunately, though, it offers little insight into the tactical elements of the campaign or the key components in leading your people.

This was an oversight from the developers, but fortunately, there are handy hints and some leeway for trial and error. As the campaign begins, you are welcomed by an array of missions. Each focuses on a different army and this allows you to try out new tactics and a unique approach. It was therefore fascinating to see how each style impacted the flow of the gameplay.

Use your abilities to repel your enemies as they advance. — Stay back!

You don’t have to fight to be victorious.

Where Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires differs from the main franchise is the tactical mindset you must employ. Yes, the amazing hack n slash battles are still present, but fighting isn’t always necessary to be victorious. Moreover, the campaign focuses on 3 key areas; The kingdom and resource management screens, the battlefield, and finally, free-roaming within your regions.

Whichever interface you work from will cost you action points. These are limited and therefore you must consider any move before you commit. Every turn that is used comprises one calendar month. Furthermore, within each year, you must hold biannual council meetings to discuss progress and collect rewards for any objectives you have completed.

The objectives allow you to focus on additional tasks such as hiring new captains, scouting men in enemy regions, or simply increasing your empire’s food rations. At first, these options are extremely overwhelming for newcomers. But, within an hour, you’ll master the basics and will love what the additional elements bring to the table.

Your forces must unify if you wish to be victorious. — The captain’s must stand united.

The three key areas.

The action is thwarted with danger and difficulty thanks to these key areas of the gameplay. These essential elements are the deciding factor between success and failure. They, therefore, make this stand out from your standard hack n slash title.

You’ll have to consider your army, captains, rations, recruitment, trade, combat, and more. There is an awful lot to consider and very little time to execute your plans. Consequently, you must be methodical, learn from your failings, and create a decisive and manageable plan.

Empire overview and resource management.

This area is the heart and soul of your command operation. Here you will select what missions you undertake, recruit men to your army, move captains, find new allies, purchase goods, or trade for rations. You’ll also see how your empire is expanding and contemplate attacking other territories or defending your borders.

There is an awful lot to juggle and in the early stages, it’s tough but manageable. However, as you expand, your forces will become stretched. Subsequently, fighting on multiple fronts while balancing food and people is a challenging request. Therefore, only a true leader or diabolical tyrant will succeed.

The battlefield.

Diplomacy is for wimps, so get prepared to spend your time fighting. This is where the classic gameplay and new mechanics merge wonderfully. You’ll experience the thrills and brutality of every fight while planning every key moment. You may select specific captains, adjust your troops, use secret plans, wear specialist equipment, and so forth. Every decision will help or hinder you, so you must be wise.

The battles comprise either an attack or defence approach. Consequently, you must consider the unique and familiar mechanics of each one. Before any fight begins, you may command your forces to capture certain areas or attack enemy captains. Subsequently, you must consider your strengths while contemplating their weaknesses. As the fight progresses, you will capture catapults, defend or destroy siege equipment, and unleash your secret plan. Every minor moment shifts power while increasing or decreasing your chances of victory.

Alongside captain placement and planning, you will select troops knowing that Infantry>Cavalry>Archers>Infantry. If you get this wrong, your men will be annihilated, and the balance of power will shift. Subsequently, the opposing general will attempt to destroy your base. Sadly, this will lead to failure and the loss of men and key resources.

Free roam.

Captains don’t grow on trees, nor are they easily swayed! To persuade unattached leaders takes time, luck, and effort. You must appeal to them by wining-and-dining your target to build rapport. It can be frustrating when you are repeatedly turned down, especially as the limited Action Points make this a particularly long-winded process.

In the early game, this area is underused, as you are provided with ample warriors. However, as your empire expands, you must enlarge your force while protecting your borders. Think of the basic strategies in Risk as the same idea applies here. You’ll want to protect the front line at all costs, otherwise, your kingdom will crumble.

The captain's meet and show respect by bowing before their ruler. — Bow before your ruler.

Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires looks incredible.

From the wonderful cinematic to the gargantuan siege equipment, everything in Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires looks amazing. Every location is vast, colourful, and full of detail. There are wooded areas to run through, defences to dodge, and large castles to ransack. Furthermore, each character model looks incredible. The troops all have a unified look that helps to create a terrifying wall of resistance and the captains are all unique. What’s more, the combat and movement are slick and impressive. Sadly, though, there are minor issues with items respawning and visual glitches. Fortunately, these are intermittent and don’t detract from the overall finish.

The graphics were great, but the incredible audio was better. The sound effects are truly gruesome as you are forced to listen to the screams of dying fighters. The atmosphere is further enhanced thanks to the noise of the charging cavalry, bows twanging, swords swishing, and equipment being smashed. It’s incredibly immersive and transports you to each vast and dangerous battle.

The captain's power and attack destroys anything in his/her wake. — Get out of my way.

Button mashing with some finesse.

Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires luckily avoids the mindless button mashing approach of its peers. Yes, there are moments when you’ll settle for simplicity, but to be victorious, you must show some finesse. Fortunately, the great tutorial clearly explains the fundamentals. Consequently, this makes it extremely user-friendly, fun, and super addictive.

Though I loved every second of being a ruler, I can’t help but think the developers missed a trick. Without a multiplayer option, the longevity and replay value rely solely on the one campaign mode. If new DLC is released, then this won’t be an issue. However, veterans of the genre may worry that it’ll stagnate quickly. Hopefully, more content will be added to enhance the experience.

Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires is fantastic.

The game’s potential is clear from the start. However, Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires far exceeded my expectations. It’s tactically brilliant whilst maintaining the core hack n slash mechanics. Moreover, it’s both complex and simple and, subsequently, it will test newcomers and veterans alike. I loved it and recommend you to buy it here! Don’t yearn for power anymore! Take what’s rightfully yours and rule your own empire.

LEGO Spider-Man at the Sanctum Workshop

Andrew Edney

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Feb 17, 2022

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If you are a fan of LEGO and also of Spider-Man, then you will want to check out the new LEGO Spider-Man at the Sanctum Workshop set.

Fans of Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man: No Way Home playset can amaze their friends with LEGO Marvel Spider-Man at the Sanctum Workshop. With authentic details, awesome accessories and a monster bug to battle, the set inspires endless imaginative play and impressive displays.

Doctor Strange’s action-packed HQ

The Master of the Mystic Arts’ cellar is filled with fun items to engage fans of the Marvel movies and encourage endless creative roleplay. There are cool tools, bicycles, a game controller, candelabra, boom box, mystical glowing stone, plus lots more magical surprises for kids to discover. The set includes 4 popular minifigures: Spider-Man, MJ, Wong – and Doctor Strange wearing the Cloak of Levitation. Play possibilities are expanded further with a buildable, giant bug monster with gripping claws. For more building fun, the free LEGO Building Instructions app includes digital Instructions PLUS, which allows kids to zoom, rotate and visualize their playset as they build.

There is an amazing assortment of accessories to inspire imaginative roleplay, including cool tools, bicycles, a game controller, candelabra, boom box and a mystical glowing stone.
A buildable, giant bug monster with gripping claws expands the play possibilities even further.
Doctor Strange’s fun-filled, magical cellar measures over 3 in. (9 cm) high, 8 in. (22 cm) wide and 8 in. (22 cm) deep and combines easily with other LEGO Marvel sets.

The LEGO Spider-Man at the Sanctum Workshop set is aimed at ages 7 and over and contains 355 pieces. For those of you interested in the LEGO set number, its 76185, and is available now priced around £34.99.

You can learn more from the LEGO website here.

Review: The King of Fighters XV

Daniel Waite

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Feb 17, 2022

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Across the years, gamers have experienced some top-notch franchises. Each has a strong fanbase, and this causes some friction amongst friends. The genre that has undeniably the most recognisable names is arcade fighters. Tekken, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Soulcalibur, etcetera, etcetera! If you love this genre, you’ve probably tried all of them. Therefore, I’m sure you have been waiting with bated breath for The King of Fighters XV.

Developed by SNK and published by Koch Media, this is a fast-paced arcade fighter. It is set in a beautifully vivid world that is full of lore, violence, and OTT sexual imagery. There has been an overhaul to the basic gameplay, but fortunately, the developers have maintained many familiar mechanics. However, some new elements have been added to make it more user-friendly for newcomers to the genre.

The King of Fighters XV was worth the wait.

It’s been six years since the last instalment, and I couldn’t wait to get started. The previous game ended with the defeat of “Verse” and gave no indication of the possibility of a sequel. However, The King of Fighters XV is resurrected thanks to a new sponsor and a large roster of warriors. The story focuses on two elements; First, there is a team who must protect the seal of the snake demon, Orochi. Second, is the protagonist Shun’ei who has mysterious powers similar to “Verse”. He gathers his friends to enter the tournament and he must face off against a rival team whose leader has similar abilities.

The story has a mystical undertone but plays second fiddle to the many modes on offer. As a solo player, you can complete quests, challenge the computer, complete the thorough yet simple tutorial, or undertake the main story. If you have friends, or you are happy to take on strangers, then there is an array of game modes that await you. Sadly, though, none of them will surprise you! Consequently, its familiar approach may be a little underwhelming and understated for veteran players.

Three is the magic number.

SNK has retained their classic three vs three battle arrangement, and players must select from a large array of traditional or new warriors. There are 13 teams to choose from, and 39 players to select. You may pick from prearranged teams or simply choose the characters you love. This large selection offers new and experienced gamers a fresh approach to the much-loved gameplay.

Alongside the usual team setup, veterans will note the inclusion of the parry system (shatter strike). There is also the MAX mode ability that allows players to kick some serious ass. In conjunction with these tried and tested elements, newcomers can experience the rush attack option. This basic move allows you to string combos together and is a great way to get you into the swing of things.

I love how the developers have tackled the initial learning curve. It’s always daunting to start a fighting game, but The King of Fighters XV is welcoming from the off. There is a handy and thorough tutorial that takes you through the basics. Here you’ll understand the new mechanics as well as the genre’s staple moves.

The story feels like an afterthought!

I genuinely didn’t expect much from the story and that’s lucky, as it’s a bit of an afterthought. You undertake six 3 vs. 3 rounds of hard-hitting action. So, so far, so good. This then leads to the boss battles and the inevitable rival encounter. It’s sadly underwhelming and fortunately, the excellent action makes up for it.

Though it didn’t inspire me, I loved the cinematic at the beginning of each stage. The lore-infused imagery added depth and character to an otherwise lacklustre story. Without this, the central mode would have been a bust.

Alongside this, you can take on the computer in local matches, or compete online with friends. Furthermore, you can spectate others, or take part in ranked or casual fights. Thankfully, this is where the action shines, as it’s ultra-competitive. With a great group of mates, you’ll lose yourself in this stylistic and brutal fighter.

The King of Fighters XV looks fantastic.

The developers are clearly passionate about maintaining the franchise style. The use of character animation from previous iterations highlights their desires while complementing the new look. It was fantastic to see the slick and stylish arcade gameplay come to life on the next-gen consoles. Subsequently, the action is fast, hectic, but super smooth, and this adds to the drama and energy in each fight. I loved the powered-up attacks and the look of each combo. You’ll experience flames, lightning, and more as your Max mode ability is triggered. There are so many hidden elements that plenty of trial and error are needed to see them all. As well as the polished and amazing looking characters, the stage design is exceptional. With a vast array of levels on offer, you’ll love competing in every arena.

There was a sense of enjoyment and disappointment in the loud and energetic audio. It delivers exactly what I expected thanks to its high tempo soundtrack. However, I wanted it to be more experimental as I felt the developers were playing it too safe. Luckily, though, the excellent sound effects make up for it. The hard-hitting sounds resonate throughout, and the noise of your foes being beaten silly will make you laugh and wince.

Why use icons?

The aforementioned tutorial is a great way to understand the fundamentals. However, I was confused as to why the developers insisted on the use of icons. Instead of telling you the button to use, they depict it with a picture of a foot or hand. What’s more, there is a selection of backdrops to highlight a strong or weak attack. I found it to be unnecessarily convoluted and it would have been better to state the button layout. Other than this, the controls are responsive and easy to use. The action focuses on timing, defence, and counterattacks. It was a clever shift from the usual button mashing as it rewards tactical thinking.

Thanks to the competitive ranked matches and the fun of the casual battles, this is addictive. Where it is let down, however, is the weak story. If you play this genre for an in-depth plot, you are going to be disappointed. Yet, if you enjoy challenging friends, you’ll find plenty of replay value. On top of this, completionists will have to invest hours because of the meaty and tough achievement list.

The King of Fighters XV is one of the best in the franchise.

This long-running franchise has seen some excellent additions over the years. Therefore, it may be foolhardy to say that this is one of the best. Other than its obvious shortcomings, this is a brilliant game that enhances the fighting genre. I adored the mixture of classic gameplay with new user-friendly elements. If the developers had enhanced the story mode, then this would have been exceptional. Despite this, I still loved it and recommend you to buy it here! Will you become the king of the fighters, or are you destined to fall at the first hurdle?

Review: Jurassic World Evolution 2: Early Cretaceous Pack

Natosha M

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Feb 16, 2022

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Review: Jurassic World Evolution 2: Early Cretaceous Pack

Jurassic World Evolution 2 just got even more exhilarating! If you’re looking for a new set of prehistorical reptiles to add to your park, the first-ever DLC just arrived! You’ll be able to discover a mix of different species, which fly, swim, and even some standard land dinosaurs. So if you’re asking what do you get with this new downloadable content, well you’ll be receiving a total of four new distinctive reptiles. Stunning to watch them on the television and appreciate the real beauty of each reptilian created for the game. From the skin and their form, it’s just so amazing and as always the movements and reactions appear so real. Honestly, it’s a great addition to the game, which you will need first before being able to add these four new species. However, if you have this game already, it’s a new addition that you must check out!

Now if you are just starting out, the game itself is a bit complex and could be rather difficult, especially for beginners to play. It takes time to get a bit of understanding on how to set things up correctly. The controls can be a little hard to remember, as there are many buttons to each vehicle or option to choose from. Nevertheless, if you can grasp the controller’s mapping and understand the gameplay, you’ll be able to just enjoy building different parks all over and completing requests that may pop up at any given time. I find that to be a great addition giving you an extra amount of challenges to work on while keeping the park running smoothly. In addition, there are plenty of different gaming modes, just like the sandbox mode, where you really can enjoy building your own park as big and lively as you like!

The entire game could be imagined as a zoo, a prehistoric zoo that allows you to take care of naturalistic reptiles; dinosaurs. Capturing each one from different locations, researching and understanding the species and what it needs to survive. It’s a joy if you ever got into zoo tycoon games or anything simulated with building a park, even a theme park!

What to Expect

Oh yes, the time has come to reveal the four stunning reptiles which will be added after the quick download completes. Starting in no special order, but I’m going to start with the Wuerhosaurus, which appears close to the stegosaur species, but a bit different with its head shape and still as brutal when attacking and defending itself with its sharp pointy tail. It is one of the rarest, but a great achievement to capture and have one or a few in the park.

The second acquired in the game is called the Dsungaripterus. This one is a dino that I must say is awesome cause it flies. Even more so, it has this beak which is quite unique and appealing to observe. Regardless, it looks like it belongs to the Pterodactylus species. Has the same appearance but the beak is a very distinguishing difference from the others with a long, regular-style bird beak. It is even exciting to see these grab fish and flip them up into the sky to eat. On the other hand, without an actual way to hold or grab, the beak does it all! I honestly like the flying type, they amaze me and look amazing on the screen as well.

The third that you will receive is the Kronosaurus. This is the one that lives in water, and one I think that appears closely like the shape of an alligator, but smooth skin and like font style arms and legs and a short tail. It definitely is an interesting dino and cool to have one that lives in water. I always see the land dinosaurs, but having a few in the water and collecting ones that fly are pretty neat! This one just adds to the park and is one type that would be fun to have included cause it’s like a must to have them all! Nevertheless, it would be awesome to capture photos of this dino as it eats and swims.

The last to mention is the Minmi. It’s smaller and yet kind-looking, not as brutal or violent as many other types. They look like armored reptiles. However, still another captivating creature to have in the park. Actually a bit adorable how they act in their habitat. Also, the one recreated in the park, to feel like home.

Finally

Each of these new Dinosaurs added to the game brings a new attraction to the park and honestly, it’s fun to see them do what they do best, be themselves, and move freely. A great reason to become a photographer and take snapshots of each side or angle and build up some more money to buy more decorations and support for a bigger park.

Nevertheless, this is such a great game in total, even with or without the additional DLC. It might have some difficulties learning to play the game, but after a bit of time, it becomes easier to understand and know how to capture and add them to the park. I feel the entire game is a bit challenging, but as I said after you play for a while, it becomes easier and everything moves smoothly. So if you have the game, get some exciting and interestingly unique species added to your park!

Review: Infernax

Daniel Waite

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Feb 16, 2022

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My video review with footage captured on my Xbox Series X, enjoy!

Every great journey must come to an end! Therefore, when you return, you expect a warm and heartfelt welcome. Instead of a glorious fanfare, you find that your home is ransacked by evil monsters. This is far from acceptable, so what will you do? Will you turn on your heels and run for the hills? Or will you stand and fight? You, of course, choose the latter option and this is exactly what happens in Infernax.

Developed by The Arcade Crew and published by Berzerk Studios, this is a platform-adventure RPG. It utilises an old-school pixel art style combined with wonderful synth music. Subsequently, it transports players to the marvellous Sega Mega Drive and SNES era of gaming. It’s deceptively difficult, guaranteed to frustrate you, but damn, it’s oh so moreish.

Infernax is all about the consequences.

You play the part of a returning hero, the Lord of the Manor. He has journeyed long and hard and now wishes to see his people and rejoice in his many stories. Sadly, though, this isn’t to be, as his kingdom is overrun by dark magic. Unholy creatures have invaded your lands and you must stop at nothing to remove them.

The story is as simple and dated as the core concept, but this is what makes Infernax work so well! You are immediately flung into action and within moments; you are comfortable with the tasks at hand. What you won’t know, however, is that there is more depth to the gameplay than first meets the eye. There is a levelling system, equipment to purchase, spells to unlock, a day/night cycle to contend with, and most importantly, consequences to consider. The story revolves around your choices and how this impacts the surrounding people.

Vagabonds run riot and you must decide whether to join them or expel them. The consequences of your decisions are deep-seated and they influence whether you are perceived as good or evil. I loved the small twist that has a massive impact on the gameplay. It was a simple idea that breaks up the hours of hack n slash action and dungeon crawling.

Grind for the best gear.

The main story revolves around dark magic and a sealed dungeon. To break the lock, you must kill bosses to destroy their gems. Each of the dungeons comprises a similar layout with basic platforming action at the heart of it all. You must dodge flying arrows, avoid lava pits, clamber on moving spiked platforms and more. Alongside this, you’ll be expected to slay foul beasts, break down walls, hunt for treasure and find keys. You are free to explore as you wish, but the semi-linear approach keeps you on track throughout. Killing your foes will reward you with XP and the occasional smattering of gold. Collecting both is essential as your weak hero needs upgrading before he becomes outnumbered.

This is where the relentless grinding element comes into force. Enemies will respawn as you return to any previously visited location. Therefore, you can use this mechanic to earn endless amounts of gold and XP. Yes, it’s a little tiresome, but the hard and monotonous work is worth the effort.

Shrines and shops.

Once you’ve earned your XP and gold, you are going to want to spend it. You’ll find shrines to invest your XP on power, health, and mana. These are essential to improve and every level costs exponentially more than the last.

The shops are just as important as they sell armour, weapons, and new spells. Your hero quickly becomes a badass fighting machine as you equip a better mace, improved armour, and spells that’ll fry the toughest of opponents.

What was particularly pleasing about the character progression system was its retro ways and its simplicity. The basic option and easy to gather components allow you to focus on improving your character. Yes, the grind was a little dull at times, but it was worth it when you were slaying foes with ease.

Infernax is gruesome and grisly.

If the dated mechanics don’t float your boat, I’m sure the gruesome and gory pixel art will! Infernax uses a dull colour palette of earthy tones to enhance its miserable and sombre atmosphere. There are images of death, torture, and violence at every turn, and this was fantastic. Furthermore, each creature has a unique look and movement style. You’ll face a barrage of monsters from skeletons and zombies to floating eyeballs and ghastly apparitions. The blend of foes is wonderful as it prevents it from becoming a simple hack n slash title.

The oppressive and dark nature of the gameplay is supported by the excellent synth music. The repetitive and heavy soundtrack is heard throughout and it adds energy and drama to the action. I also loved the simple sound effects and the noise of skeletons being smashed and zombies being bludgeoned.

An excellent tutorial.

Rarely is an old-school-inspired title complex or difficult to master. Luckily, Infernax follows suit with its straightforward controls and easy to handle fundamentals. Thanks to its helpful hints and thorough tutorial, you’ll be slaying monsters in no time at all. I adored the control setup but found the movement of the enemies to be frustrating. The four-point movement system limits your freedom and attacking options. Consequently, this leads to unnecessary damage, death, and many expletive-laced rants.

Thanks to the side quests, large storyline, and moral system, Infernax has plenty of replay value. You must decide whether you wish to be good or evil and who you want to side with. This, alongside the grinding elements, ensures that you’ll play for hours. Moreover, its large achievement list is tough and demands you experience both sides of the moral compass.

Infernax is hard to put down.

Many titles try but fail to incorporate the brilliance of old-school gaming. Infernax, on the other hand, is a modern classic! Thanks to its moreish gameplay, gory action, and pixel art style, you’ll be hooked from the off. You’ll love the moral dilemmas and the never-ending array of undead foes. Furthermore, it’s included with Game Pass so you have nothing to lose. I loved it and I recommend you to buy it here! Will you be good or evil? No matter your choice, you must slay every monster while removing the dark magic that haunts your kingdom.

LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System

Andrew Edney

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Feb 15, 2022

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If you have a love of all things LEGO, and also the NES, then why not build the NES from LEGO with this new set!

Do you love video games? Did you play Super Mario Bros. back in the day? Or do you just enjoy a hands-on, creative activity in your spare time? If so, this nostalgic LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System model kit is perfect for you.

The brick-built NES is packed with realistic details, including an opening slot for the Game Pak with a locking function and a controller with a connecting cable and plug. The console comes with a buildable retro TV, featuring a flat 8-bit Mario figure on the scrolling screen, plus an action brick to scan with LEGO Mario so he reacts to the on-screen enemies, obstacles and power-ups just like in the Super Mario Bros. game.

This unique set is part of an inspiring collection of LEGO building sets for adults that make fabulous gifts for yourself and hobbyist friends who enjoy DIY challenges and proudly displaying their creations.

Trigger nostalgic memories as you build this wonderfully detailed LEGO brick Nintendo Entertainment System and interactive, 1980s-style television displaying the classic Super Mario Bros. game.
The TV has a handle-operated scrolling screen and if you scan the action brick by placing LEGO Mario in the slot on top, he will react to the on-screen enemies, obstacles and power-ups.
Authentic details of the NES console are recreated in LEGO style, including a controller and an opening slot for the buildable Game Pak with a realistic locking function to delight Super Mario Bros. fans.
Whether you were an NES gamer back in the day, a fan of retro stuff, or are just looking for an immersive, fun, creative DIY project to leave you feeling revitalized, this 2,646-piece model building kit is ideal for you.
The buildable TV measures over 8” (22.5cm) high, 9” (23.5cm) wide and 6” (16cm) deep, and alongside the NES model makes a cool display item for your home or office. It also makes the best LEGO gift for gamer friends.

No batteries required – combine this playset with the LEGO Mario figure in the LEGO Super Mario Adventures with Mario Starter Course (71360) to activate the TV’s interactive features.
Easy-to-follow instructions help you to build with confidence, even if you are a LEGO newcomer. Also included is an illustrated booklet about the creation of the Nintendo Entertainment System and classic NES games.
This highly collectible building set for adults is part of a range of inspirational LEGO model kits designed for you, the discerning hobbyist, as you look for your next immersive DIY project.

The LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System set is aimed at ages 18 and over and contains 2646 pieces. For those of you interested in the LEGO set number, its 71374, and its available now priced around £199.99.

You can learn more from the LEGO website here.

Review: Sifu

Jonah Ehlers

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Feb 15, 2022

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Vengeance isn’t something to be undertaken lightly. Vengeance demands sacrifice. It demands determination. Will. Focus. Blood. Sifu taught me though, that vengeance also demands perfection. And that failure will always come at a cost.

A Classic Tale of Revenge

You’ve spent 8 long years training for the moment to avenge your father’s murder. He was your teacher and Sifu of your dojo, and right in front of your eyes, he was killed by Yang and a group of his allies. The journey to take on all four of Yang’s followers is long, fraught with danger, and holds the risk of death in every encounter. With Yang himself presenting the greatest threat of them all. In Sifu, death isn’t a possibility, it’s a certainty.

It’s a revenge story the like of which you’ve seen before, and will see again. However, this straightforward narrative works in Sifu’s favour. You probably didn’t come here for the plot. So keeping things simple, but effective, is best. Especially when most people will be replaying often to get that perfect (or close enough to perfect) run. At a certain point, we don’t want exposition, or to exchange pleasantries. We just came to fight.

The Price of Vengeance

Your justice will not come easy and the price for failure isn’t a simple respawn or losing a couple of experience points. It’s your very life essence. Every time you are bested in combat, you age. Meaning you could enter a stage at 20 and leave well into your golden years.

Instead of having to start the stage over at every defeat, you can rise again at the cost of one year of your life. However, it’s not to be used as a crutch, as the years will stack. So the first time you die, you lose a year. The next time, you lose two, for a total of three. You can only lower it by defeating a tough opponent, or a boss. Even then, it’ll only lower by a year. Every instance of failure comes at a higher cost than the last.

It’s not all stick and no carrot though. Every 10 years added to your life will come with an increase in damage, and a decrease in HP. With time you could become something of a glass cannon. Your years of experience make you a sharp, yet brittle instrument. It’s an inspired mechanic as it not only increases the risk, and intensity of fights, but also adds to the narrative of the game.

Your quest for revenge is all-consuming. You will risk and sacrifice everything. Even going as far as shaving off years of your life to avoid death and see your vengeance through to the end. You, the protagonist, spend every waking moment, planning and training. Even when you load up the game and hit continue, a little animation of your character assaulting a training dummy plays. This implies that even when you’re not playing, the protagonist is always preparing for the battles to come.

AGAIN!

The ability to throw away a couple of years to continue isn’t always the best course of action. Sifu is meant to be replayed. It’s encouraged to go back to previous levels having unlocked shortcuts. Or with a deeper knowledge of enemy types and weapons available to use. Every run could see you younger, giving you the breathing room you need for the next fight. Trust me, you do not want to be fighting Yang at 60.

This is what I meant by vengeance demanding perfection. If you want to see this through, and still be able to fail a couple of times to each boss, it’s highly encouraged to replay levels. Thankfully this isn’t a grind, you won’t be shaving off years of your own life to keep your protagonist young. The game is short. Your first run, with a couple of restarts, should clock in at well under 10 hours. This number will of course vary depending on how many times you replay levels for the optimal age or how skilled you are in combat. You may also want to replay for the alternate endings.

Sifu is a ridiculously fun game. This helps your ambitions of perfection, as combat will never get old. It’s such a great beat ‘em up game, with a robust combat system. The frantic fights juggling big groups of enemies, or intense battles against a few elites, will push your skills to the limit. And leave you feeling like a master in your own right.

Prepare To Fail. A Lot

It’s vital to keep in mind that Sifu is not going to be easy. It’s brutal and will not show you even the slightest bit of mercy. But that doesn’t take away from the fun factor. With a little practice, you can make it through, and take down any and everyone. I struggled multiple times against certain enemies. At times it felt like I was running into a wall hoping to make a door. Then it clicked. I realised that the combat mechanics aren’t optional. You won’t get through it by blocking all day, relying on brute force or spamming dodging. Engaging with all your abilities is key.

Avoiding certain attacks, parrying others. Using your environment to your advantage. Picking up dropped enemy weapons. Throwing stuff at them. Running away to give yourself a little space. Using focus abilities to stun, or trip enemies. All of these add up to an extremely engaging combat experience, that begs you to adapt to the situation.

You’ve got so many tools at your disposal to turn even the worst odds in your favour. When you can come back to what used to be a nightmare of a fight, and just wipe the floor with your opponent, it is an insanely satisfying feeling.

As you progress you’ll earn XP you can use to unlock abilities and combos. You spend a little to unlock it, then bundles of XP to unlock it permanently. Allowing you to keep your skills, when replaying earlier stages. You also have access to Shrines that are found throughout stages that can increase your block gauge (called structure), or allow you to regain focus through a successful avoid or parry. These are extremely helpful, giving you a bit more of an advantage during replays.

Beautiful Battlegrounds & Bangers

Sifu is chock-full of style, and the aesthetic of all stages are just top notch. From rundown apartment buildings, to a meticulously curated museum. Its level design is not only great for combat, but a visual treat. Especially the second stage, the club. Full of neon and pulsing music, its perfect for a fight. As you land your first attack on the dance floor, the music drops and everyone gets a turn to be knocked out. It’s an awesome moment that could have been inspired by the John Wick Club scene. The apartment buildings also have an awesome hallway fight that was definitely a homage to the Oldboy hallway fight. The use of contrast and detail in every stage is awesome, and makes Sifu great to play, and look at.

Another thing I loved was the music. I’d be lying if I said I thought Sifu missed once with its soundtrack. Percussion is crucial to the OST and just adds to the punchiness of everything. Music is rhythmic and fast-paced, adding to the intensity of frantic combat. The boss themes were standouts for me though. Especially boss #2 The Fighter and #4 the CEO. The soundtrack was so good, I listened to it and replayed a couple of favourites while writing this review.

Sifu is a brutal, and desperate fight from the first brawl to the final duel. But something perhaps more important than all of that. Sifu is bloody good fun. It’s difficult, but extremely rewarding and satisfying. I struggle to find much I don’t like. It’s only detriment, if you could even call it that, is that some people may be scared away by the challenge it presents.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go ahead and play some more. You should do the same.

Retro Racers Moto Roader – Living in the Past – Now

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Feb 15, 2022

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Indie publisher Ratalaika Games is delighted to announce the digital release of Moto Roader for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch is set for February 25th 2022.

Facts – Not Fiction

The iconic Moto Roader MC was first released in 1992 and its return allows gamers to now test their reactions, skill and bottle! Looks easy – it’s not! Full speed ahead thirty years on, and this beloved title is now poised at the starting line on consoles.

Play head to head against the computer or locally with a friend in multiple modes of futuristic race challenge. Choose from an array of cool cars and drivers, as well as a variety of gameplay modes.

Screenshot show the frantic driving action

Features:

* Classic legacy title

* Choose from multiple cars and drivers

* Numerous race tracks

* Multiple game modes including bumper car challenges

* Up to 4 player (up to 5 on Switch) local coop

Top down action, a fabulous array of scenery where precision, together with luck, is required!

When it comes to iconic video game fun, Moto Roader MC is a time-honored first place finish.

Review: The Song Out of Space

Daniel Waite

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Feb 15, 2022

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The cold war was a time when trust was a limited commodity. Everyone was looking over their shoulders and tensions were at an all-time high. Therefore, no matter the crime, the finger was always firmly pointed towards the enemy. The Song Out of Space captures this scenario but it adds a Lovecraftian twist for good measure.

Developed by Pixel Noire Games and published by Ratalaika Games, this is a detective visual novel. Its story comprises era accurate sexism that may be offensive to some. But these dated thoughts form a key component of the gameplay. You may select between 2 protagonists and their personalities and decisions help to develop the story to one of four unique conclusions.

The Song Out of Space is different.

It’s the 1960s, and the world isn’t ready for women to have a position of power. So, when a man is questioned by a female agent, it’s never going to end well. However, when 12 astronomers are found dead at a deep-space observatory, 2 FBI agents are sent in to investigate. Could the heinous crimes be an act of war, or could it be something more sinister? You control either Catherine Armstrong, a young recruit who excels at forensics, or Stuart Ross, who is old-school and relies on his connections. Both characters have strengths and weaknesses and whichever you choose will determine the course of the game.

Having played and reviewed many visual novels, I’ve learnt they all follow a similar pattern. However, The Song Out of Space is different! Unlike the traditional approach, where the dialogue dictates the direction of the gameplay, this one is more in-depth. Alongside the narrative choices, you must interact with items, make conclusions, and decide who to question. Moreover, all of these options are supported or undermined by the protagonist’s character traits.

A weird story full of twists.

I’m used to a visual novel throwing in the odd red herring to keep you guessing, but The Song out of Space goes one step further. Nearly every scene demands you question your intentions while thinking about the truth you’ve uncovered. Subsequently, there are plenty of twists and turns to the story.

What I particularly enjoyed was the cringeworthy dialogue. The sexist remarks and dated thoughts are uncomfortable to watch, yet this makes you empathise with the rookie agent. The ridiculous comments are only bettered by the strange happenings in the plot. The grisly story has a sci-fi nature that is wonderfully hidden behind a cast of dodgy townsfolk. You’ll collect evidence, form your conclusions, and then a spanner will be thrown into the works. Though the plot is absurd, the developers kept the key mechanics simple and this balances out the gameplay nicely.

The Song Out of Space is hard to look at.

Visual novels have free rein when it comes to their artistic style. As a genre, it tends to be OTT, bright, and striking. The majority I’ve experienced are influenced by Asian culture, and this makes them excellent to observe. The Song Out of Space, on the other hand, is dated, rough, and will leave you wanting.

It contains a grainy pixel art style combined with blurry photos. The gritty and dark imagery attempts to enhance the moody and creepy atmosphere. Instead, it simply makes it tough to look at. Subsequently, the extreme moments of the plot are lost as you struggle to understand what’s in on display. It was a shame as the developers have prioritised style over substance.

Though the graphics left much to be desired, the audio added drama and depth to the action. With clever use of silence and some simple sound effects, it created a suspenseful atmosphere that was both creepy and daunting. If the developers had taken a less stylistic visual approach, then the finish would have been much more appealing. Furthermore, it would have complemented the simplicity of the audio.

Point and click.

Most visual novels use a simple controller setup that allows you to press the A button to progress. The Song Out of Space however, is more in-depth. Thanks to its point and click style, you must move a cursor using the left analogue stick. This enhances the detective element of the gameplay as you can freely select any interactive items. You may worry that this would be clumsy on a console, but thankfully, it is not. Fortunately, this approach is both responsive and accurate and it makes it easy to play.

If you wish to see each ending and explore all possibilities, you’ll need to invest a considerable amount of time. This adds to the longevity and replay value while closing up many of the holes in the plot. With such a bizarre story, it is worth your effort to explore each finale.

The Song Out of Space is thoroughly old-school.

I didn’t like the artistic approach, but this was the only downside to The Song Out of Space. Every other element worked perfectly to convey this strange sci-fi detective tale. With some interesting yet candid people and a creepy isolated location, this is a wonderful visual novel to experience. I enjoyed it and I recommend you to buy it here! Who, or what committed this crime? It’s foul, despicable, but could it really have been caused by a creature from out of space?

How to Manage Car Repairs

cars

Andrew Edney

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Feb 15, 2022

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Owning a car can give you a great amount of freedom, whether you simply want to get from A to B or travel the world. Car ownership, however, also comes with its own set of expenses and challenges, especially when your car needs repair. This can happen to both modern and classic cars. Because these issues are so common, we’ve written a guide that can help to prevent you from paying too much for repairs on your vehicle.

Get a Quote

The first step that you should take to avoid overpaying on car repairs is to get several quotes from different professionals. By doing this instead of opting to have your repairs conducted by the first garage that you come to, you should be able to ensure that you are getting a good deal and that you are not being ripped off by the professional in question. This might also allow you to have some idea of what the work is going to cost beforehand, which means that the final cost of the repairs does not come as a surprise to you.

Ask the Mechanic to Explain

It is important to know exactly what the mechanic in question is doing to your car to ensure that they are not performing the incorrect work, and so that you know that they are not replacing more parts of your car than is necessary. Therefore, you should make sure that you have some knowledge of car mechanics yourself and ask the mechanic in question to explain what they are going to do to your car. If you have hired a mechanic that you trust, you might also ask them about the cheapest options in terms of car parts, and whether there is a way that you may be able to slash the costs.

Take Out a Loan

If you’re struggling to pay for the repairs on your car, consider applying for an auto repair loan. This type of loan enables the necessary repair work to be performed on your car and can allow you to get your car back onto the road quickly. Be sure to review the terms of the loan to make sure that you can pay it back in a timely manner.

Prevent Repairs

However, if you feel as if you are constantly at the garage with your car, you should try to prevent your car from needing repairs by conducting maintenance regularly and by looking after your vehicle when it is on the road. For instance, you should try to avoid speeding, follow the rules of the road, and ensure that you park it in a safe and secure place at all times. You should also listen to any warnings that your car gives you and try to avoid pushing it past its limits, especially in poor weather.

So, if you own a car, you should not be worried about the cost of the car repairs that your vehicle may need. Instead, there are many ways to avoid paying too much for maintenance and repairs, such as prevention and conducting research.

Review: Maglam Lord

Alex Chessun

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Feb 15, 2022

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Maglam Lord is an interesting beast. It’s a visual novel JRPG that aims for the fences, trying to marry a text-based story with RPG and action but, in biting off more than it can chew, barely makes it to 2^nd base as the three elements mix like custard and milk, which you also shouldn’t try – believe me.

Attempting a pseudo-adventure through the aforementioned genres is certainly cheaper than creating a full epic, but making the very different elements fit together seemlessly and feel part of the same experience when they are often separated by a single menu is far from a walk in the park. Maglam Lord, with its RPG-like dungeons and 2D fighting make the three different designs and perspectives feel like one – or even two – too many. The chibi designs , while ‘cute’, feel removed from the avatars you’ve become accustomed to and the action fails to match the quality of the story interactions, which provides a harem comedy narrative that Japanese anime fans will certainly enjoy.

As a male or female demon who spent your life killing humans you now, naturally, live with said enemies and go on dates with them. After initially being beaten to an inch of your life, you wake to find that the hellhole of a world of constant warring between gods and demons has completely vanished and you now need to adapt, and live life of relative normalcy amongst them after being decreed an ‘endangered species’.

It starts off – like it sounds – full of amusing ideas that expands through personality and relationship-affecting conversation options and is then further enhanced with a good Japanese voicecast (with English subtitles) and composed with a decent soundtrack. It’s essentially a fully polished product that would justify an entire game all on its lonesome, and for all intents and purposes, probably should have been.

You are able to choose either a male or female demon and have three types of conversation choices that affect your personality which in turn makes you more, or less, suitable for certain suitors.

If the text-based gameplay was the lion’s share of the title then you might be able to take the rough with the smooth, but the tacked on action is at odds with the ease in which the story is told, and while not entirely unbelievable based on the fantastical story, morphs the main character into a barely viewable weapon to be wielded by partners whom you meet along the way – despite your character being by far and away the most interesting part of the game.

After being introduced to the story you are then blindsided by a wall of blandness with boring dungeons that host chibi representations of the characters. RPG dungeons, while never been known for their intricate details, are hardly given a fair shake of the stick here, with the camera not only fixing the player to the center of the screen so your character doesn’t even actually move (with the camera instead sliding around the map), but it provides the worst possible angle to see anything on the map.

The chibi characters run around on the spot, betraying the quality of the story section.

If that wasn’t underwhelming enough, when you do end up striking an enemy or just running into one (hint – it doesn’t make a difference) you shift to a 2.5D battle stage with an oversimplified control system and poor action gameplay that turns the battles into button mashing and highly unsatisfying affairs all while the camera shakes more than a Bourne Identity movie.

The 2.5D sections are so loose that it feels like the developer felt compelled to cover it up with a shaking camera and busy action, which makes it hard to discern what’s actually going on with numerous enemies on the screen.

This tall hurdle almost became an impenetrable fortress for me to overcome as the fun story-progressing missions are interspersed between the grind of almost mandatory repetitive fetch quests, which are used to level-up your character’s level before for the next story section (as there’s no adjustable difficulty level).

Every decent RPG that includes grinding as part of its makeup has some kind of enjoyable feedback, some dopamine-producing element to it in order to not make the grind feel like tedious filler between story points but Maglam Lord fails to implement anything that would entice you click on that next mission without grimacing in some form. It’s because of this, and the quality of the text-based element, that I find it hard to justify the action’s inclusion at all.

The fetch quests sandwiched between the story also provide you with materials for you to create and customize new weapons, or Maglams, but with move-sets that feel identical, this does little to make the action seem any different from first to last.

Such is the extent at which the action is attempted to fit the form of the story, that its hard to really comes to terms with the marriage will it never feeling like a good fit. I think the game would have benefited more from a turn-based battle system or even cutting the action out entirely, instead focusing on the decent relationship simulator elements and the conversation choices, which – if anything were to convince you to buy it – would be it.

Review: Sherlock Holmes Chapter One

Daniel Waite

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Feb 14, 2022

0

No matter who you believe to be the best detective of all time is, Sherlock Holmes has to be near the top. His wonderful style, incredible skills, and undeniable charms make him reliable and likeable. It is, therefore, understandable that we yearn to solve mysteries with such ease. Well, wish no more as you can step into a young Sherlock Holmes’ shoes in Sherlock Holmes Chapter One.

Developed and published by Frogware, this is an open-world detective adventure title. You control the much-loved hero as he undertakes an array of missions to prove his prowess while solving every crime he discovers. However, his ungodly skills don’t mask the many strange and underwhelming elements you will experience. The developers have jumped from zero to hero from the off, and this leaves a massive character progression hole in its wake.

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One has a promising start.

The story revolves around a young Sherlock Holmes who must return home to the fictional island of Cordona. This wonderful Mediterranean paradise is full of era-specific imagery, interesting characters, and lashings of crime. It gives you the impression of a game that has massive scope and a large sprawling landscape to explore. However, this quickly dissipates as the game progresses.

You return to Stonewood Manor to explore the allegations that your mother’s death is more suspicious than first thought. However, your journey is time-consuming as you immediately become embroiled in crime after crime the moment you land in port. Strangely, though, each of these investigations is fuelled by odd encounters and weird characters. This bizarre but intriguing gameplay pushes you from pillar to post as you stumble towards Stonewood Manor.

Where is Watson?

The crime-fighting duo of Holmes and Watson is obviously formed at a later date. In Sherlock Holmes Chapter One, Holmes is accompanied by Jon who acts as a guide and friend from the off. Unlike Watson, who offers assistance and a kind word, Jon is abrupt, judgemental, and not so helpful. When you struggle to piece together clues or solve problems, Jon lacks empathy or a helpful tone. However, he will highlight your shortcomings and make you feel inadequate in every scenario, so, all in all, he’s a top-notch mate.

Luckily, the game offers some excellent tools to help solve crimes on your own. With superhuman powers to observe any crime scene, piece together clues, and question any witnesses, solving problems should be easy. However, this rarely happens! Each case requires you to study, understand, and build up a picture of what occurred. Moreover, the developers decided that hand-holding wasn’t necessary. Sadly, this can leave you scratching around in the dirt for a solution to your problem.

Even with the introduction of a “mind map”, a helpful evidence section, and the ability to question people freely, it was still challenging. Clues can stare you in the face, but unless you complete your job in a specific order, then you will not progress. This was equally frustrating, as it was fascinating. Therefore, many profanities were muttered before the scream of eureka as the solution slapped you in the face.

Frogware could have solved every issue while making Jon a more appeasing and helpful fellow. If they used him as a last-ditch hint system, then his witty and cutting comments wouldn’t have been so bad. Sadly, however, this was never to be and Jon is simply a bit of a pain in the arse.

From detective to action hero.

When all-out fighting is incorporated into a detective game, I get excited! The idea of deciding someone’s fate intrigues me. Unfortunately, though, Sherlock Holmes Chapter One has no moral compass. For unknown reasons, no one cares whether you arrest the goons you face or kill them. It, therefore, drives you to shoot first and ask questions later. What makes matters worse is the silly combat mechanics. You must remove specific bits of armour before you can complete associated tasks. I wouldn’t mind, but each action rarely marries up and this led to confusion.

Furthermore, the developers undercooked the level design for each of these encounters. With the same spaces rehashed repeatedly, the gameplay quickly becomes tedious. You are encouraged to use the environment to your advantage, but every tool and obstacle is identical, no matter the location. Yes, this helped to overcome the problem at hand, but it made the action tiresome and predictable very quickly.

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One: Déjà vu.

I don’t mind when a developer decides to reuse its assets, but in a detective adventure game, this has to be well-considered. When the solution is already tough to find, I don’t want to meet the same looking character repeatedly. However, this happens more often than not. This confusing approach makes it tough to identify who you have questioned and who is a suspect. Consequently, it makes it that much harder to work through the main story or any side quests. This rinse and repeat idea also impacts the open-world nature of the gameplay. When assets are constantly being reused, it makes a beautiful and stunning world dull and lifeless.

The era-specific elements of Sherlock Holmes Chapter One are enhanced by the jazzy and dated soundtrack. Furthermore, the well-considered dialogue transports you to the late 19^th century. Moreover, I enjoyed the well-acted lines and the combination of different characters you encounter. Thankfully, the developers have delivered an accurate representation of the time. Sadly, though some may find the inclusion of racist or sexist comments offensive, however, I appreciated the honest and brutal reflection of the era.

Intricate controls.

Where Sherlock Holmes Chapter One excels is its tutorial and well-planned setup. Thanks to its lack of hand-holding, you can feel lost amongst the NPCs and many clues. Fortunately, though, Holmes’ superhuman skills allow you to scan any environment with ease. Furthermore, he can investigate specific areas and highlight anything that needs examining. Where it falls short, however, is its lack of interactivity. You have a vast world to explore, but much of it feels out of reach. This was frustrating and forced me to utilise the fast travel options more than I wanted! I would have loved to lose myself in the era accurate world, but unfortunately, there was not enough depth to keep me interested.

Thanks to its vast list of side quests, elaborate crimes, and main storyline, there is plenty to keep you playing. With around 15 hours of game time to enjoy, you get a reasonable return for your money. This is extended if you aim to unlock every achievement in its large list. Subsequently, if you are a completionist and you fall for its charms, you’ll experience a title that has plenty of longevity.

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One: fun, challenging, but missing something.

If you love the detective genre, then you will adore the challenge that awaits. With some interesting and bizarre crimes to solve, colourful characters and vivid era-specific imagery, it’s a treat for the senses. However, even with all these positives, it was missing something! I can’t ignore the rinse and repeat character models, the rehash of many scenarios, and the lack of interaction. It left me wanting more, as I could see its potential. Despite its shortcomings, I recommend you to buy it here! Can you explore the wonderful Mediterranean island and solve every crime you encounter?