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Review: Rugby 22

Michael Hoade

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Mar 1, 2022

Sport simulation is somewhat of a touchy topic in gaming. Finding the balance between offering fun, engaging gameplay, and an authentic, realistic experience isn’t easy.

Fifa is a series that has often walked the line between arcadey exhilaration and purist satisfaction. But yearly releases demand such a quality. Rugby games, on the other hand, are a less consistent experience. An absence of a dedicated release schedule, and big developer backer, has unfortunately led to sparse releases of varying quality.

Rugby 20 released back in 2020 and showed some promise; a commitment to deep, tactical simulation of the sport was evident throughout the game. Now, 2 years on, developers Eko Software have the chance to build on the evident promise of the previous title with Rugby 22.

Striking a balance:

I mentioned Fifa earlier because football, much like Rugby, is a tricky sport to translate to video games. The complexity of the game – with deep tactical differences between teams – has presented a significant challenge over the years for developers. A series like Football Manager leans heavy into the tactical aspect; foregoing any arcade aspects for a much deeper experience. Whilst the classic Fifa Street leaned completely into the over-the-top and arcade style of gameplay.

Unfortunately, the demand hasn’t been quite the same for a top mainline Rugby title. Rugby 22 evidently builds on the promise of Rugby 20, with a clear appreciation for the many tactical nuances of the game, but in other areas, you can feel the absence of support.

Gameplay wise, Rugby 22 has a lot to offer. The initial tutorial impressed me with the layers of gameplay mechanics that it seeked to introduce, and I was hooked from my first match.

Tackles feel impactful and frenetic, movement feels responsive and this makes each moment of a match feel engaging and rewarding. That said, there is a deep learning curve here and for newbies (like me) even the easiest settings will feel like quite the challenge. This isn’t necessarily a negative, however, and I’m sure someone new to the game of football would feel similarly about Fifa. Positives aside, the game’s choice to frontload the tutorial with an abundance of mechanics – some, such as the jackal – that are poorly explained, made the learning curve a bit steeper than necessary.

The physicality and intensity of the sport has been remarkably well captured and scaling the difficulties provides hours and hours of entertainment. The developers have also succeeded AT striking a difficult balance between making the game fun and an authentic simulation.

Playing online against other players is a smooth and inherently engaging experience (and humbling in my case). At its core, Rugby 22 offers some very solid gameplay that accurately lives up to the real game.

Unfortunately, other areas of the game feel undercooked, and in some cases, short-sighted.

Rough around the edges:

“Career mode” fails to live up to any reasonable expectations. A better way of looking at Rugby 22’s “career mode” is more akin to Fifa ultimate team: there is no narrative or story to be found here – instead, you compete to work your way up various divisions whilst earning points to buy packs containing players. Whilst the loop has potential to be addictive, the lack of licensing for most players makes unlocking new players much less exciting when the vast majority are randomly generated.

Without an exciting incentive, career mode lives and dies on the core gameplay, and whilst this might be enough for some, for me it feels misguided.

League mode offers an even briefer alternative, with its one season structure feeling quite bizarre.

Sadly these issues speak to a game that is very rough around the edges that surround its core gameplay. Game modes are shallow and there is very little to keep you hooked beyond the core gameplay.

As a visual offering Rugby 22 is also subpar compared to other modern sports games. The scanned players look great, but players without scans look somewhere between creepy and downright frightening. Thankfully the players animations are very well done, even if the commentary that accompanies the action feels stilted.

A crunching blow:

Rugby 22’s solid gameplay struggles to carry an otherwise mediocre offering and the result is a game that feels like a missed opportunity. Whilst the initial engagement of the deep, well realised incarnation of the sport of Rugby had me excited, the game’s lack of polish in other areas severely hampers the overall experience.

Online may offer some longevity, but outside of that, I’m not sure there is enough here to satisfy anyone but absolute purists.

Review: Breakout: Recharged

Daniel Waite

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Mar 1, 2022

0

The Recharged series is expanding rapidly and now comprises four titles. I have been lucky enough to play and review each one, and I love the arcade and nostalgic feel of each encounter. Every title follows a similar approach, and Centipede: Recharged, Black Widow: Recharged, Asteroids: Recharged, and now Breakout: Recharged brings old-school gaming to a new generation of players.

Developed by Adamvision Studios and SneakyBox and published by Atari, this is a retro arcade title. It reinvigorates the classic brick-breaking game with a modern lick of paint and high-powered utensils. It’ll tick all the boxes for arcade lovers while offering a new challenge to younger and more modern players. It is the perfect addition to the series and retains the brilliant mechanics that I’ve come to expect.

Breakout: Recharged doesn't go easy on the amount of bricks. — So many bricks to destroy.

Breakout: Recharged is brilliant.

Modern gaming is a wonderful thing! The action is expansive; the worlds are enormous, and there is more depth than you could ever imagine. However, there is always a place for retro titles. After all, Breakout captured people’s imaginations with its simple ways and addictive action. Luckily, Breakout: Recharged maintains this simple style, but it also adds a little modern-day magic.

No longer will gamers just bounce a ball around a small stage hoping to break a few blocks. Instead, you will overcome challenges, take on a fast-paced arcade mode, and infuse your paddle with awe-inspiring power-ups. In short, this is an arcade title with a Hollywood twist. Like the original, it is simple to pick up, but challenging to master. You will aim to hit the top of the leaderboard while destroying as many blocks as possible. You are given limited lives and when you lose them all, it’s game over. This do or die approach makes it difficult and addictive. Therefore, it’s a casual title that is hard to put down.

Blow up the bricks and avoid the traps in Breakout: Recharged — Destroy the bricks and avoid the traps.

It offers more.

The other Recharged games focus on two key modes; Arcade and Challenge. Breakout: Recharged, however, is different. Yes, it utilises those options at the heart of its gameplay, but it also maintains strong links to the original mechanics. Subsequently, it is more authentic than its other Recharged counterparts.

Its similarities, on the other hand, fall within the 50 challenges you must overcome, the never-ending arcade option, and the ability to play cooperatively or competitively. No matter which mode you select, the fundamentals remain the same. You must ping a ball around a fixed screen while trying to destroy every block you encounter. If you have power-ups activated, you will shoot a rail gun, control three balls at once, slow time, and more. The new abilities add a fun layer to the classic and addictive action that we’ve all come to love.

Unlike its peers, Breakout: Recharged isn’t as difficult. The other games in the series were challenging to overcome, and I struggled to get through every level. This one, however, was easy to finish. Consequently, I was left wanting much more! Sadly, a lack of depth or range of missions didn’t help the situation. Subsequently, the developers could have added more variety to up the ante while increasing the difficulty.

Breakout: Recharged looks fantastic.

I adore it when a game maintains its retro charms, however, at times I like to see a modern polish. Breakout: Recharged has been given a new lease on life thanks to its sharp lines and clean colours. Yes, the action is hectic, and at times, unbearable, but the buttery smooth graphics make it a joy to look at.

A fast-paced game needs a high-energy soundtrack, and that’s exactly what’s delivered. Furthermore, the classic sound effects have been retained to add to that feeling of nostalgia. It was easy to fall for its charms because of its futuristic noises, clean-cut imagery, and neon-infused colour palette. Its simplicity won’t appeal to everyone, but I enjoyed what I saw and heard throughout.

Breakout: Recharged has ridiculous weaponry. — It’s rail gun time.

Moving a paddle isn’t a complex task.

Unsurprisingly, it isn’t challenging to master! You are required to move your paddle, judge the pace of the balls in play, and use any power-ups you have collected. Thankfully, the responsive controls and simple button layout enhance the simplicity further. With minimal effort and a little patience, you’ll destroy every block in sight.

With three game modes to select from, the ability to play with or against friends and a global leaderboard to top, this has replay value and longevity. Yes, it isn’t as hard as its peers, but yet, it’s still addictive and it will get under your skin. On top of this, the moderate-sized achievement list will push you to achieve high scores and complete certain tasks.

Breakout: Recharged is a welcome addition.

I will always love retro gaming and I adore it when developers try something new. Consequently, the Breakout series will always tickle my fancy. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the authenticity of the original mode and the nostalgia-fuelled action. Disappointingly, though, it isn’t as hard as its counterparts and this left me wanting. I wish the developers had been more inventive with the challenges, as this would have made it much tougher and more enjoyable. Nevertheless, I liked it and I recommend you to buy it here! Will you beat every challenge and top the leaderboard? Destroy every block, gather the power-ups, and keep your balls in play.

Review: Ancient Islands

James Refelian

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Feb 28, 2022

0

Ancient Islands is a game that sets out to accomplish a lot; and for the most part delivers. At first glance, I thought Ancient Islands by Avernus Software and Art Games Studio S.A. was going to be a run-of-the-mill tower defence game. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

In Ancient Islands you must defend the gate at all costs using a variety of troops and structures.

Gameplay

The game is positioned as exactly that, a tower defence game. You must gather your resources which in this case is gold, wood and stone and build up your structures. These include basic knights, archer towers, mage towers and healing stations. All of which can be upgraded. When you have the necessary resources, you simply build your structure on the desired tile and hope it works. Of course, tactical thinking is a must!

The game will throw waves of monsters at you, all of which are unique in terms of HP, abilities, and speed. So far; exactly what you’d expect. Your objective is to stop your gate being destroyed and there might be more than one. Within the gated walls, however, you can build more freely the resource collecting structures and those which level up your defences. Be mindful where you place them, however, because you’ll want to ensure they’re in the green zone for bonus resources.

Each island has a unique feel, green pastures of traditional medieval lore to more rugged dessert areas. Stages in Ancient Islands also get more challenging as you progress with multiple routes for the monsters to follow and for you to defend. In addition to that, these monster spawning points can even be in the middle of the map rather than the edges. The progression felt natural and offered a good amount of challenge; sometimes to the point a re-do was necessary. The stages have difficulty levels you can select from as well. Once a stage is completed, you’ll progress to the next one as you explore the Ancient Islands.

Like most tower defence games each stage in Ancient Islands is comprised of multiple waves. They usually start easy and get progressively more complex. There’s a handy tracker that displays what wave you’re on. Just before the next one arrives, you get the option to spend some resources to delay it – a great tactic if you’re still clearing out the wave before. In addition you can freeze time and speed it up.

When in level select, be sure to check out the encyclopedia. It’s a nice touch to give you more details on every aspect of the game.

Unique Features

One of the more interesting mechanics about Ancient Islands is the spells you can cast. As the timer progresses through the waves you build mana. If you have the mages building constructed, you then access two basic powers (healing and poison gas) which can help you on the battlefield. As you level up, more interesting spells become available.

Where Ancient Islands diverges from the traditional is with its incredibly complex skill tree system. Points are awarded at the end of each stage, and you can spend them in a vast sprawling tree of level up abilities that span every aspect of the game. From improved economics and gathering to increased damage and resistance across all defence types. It is RPG worthy.

It also throws a few economics systems into the mix with the bazaar feature. This is a structure you can unlock and use to exchange materials for other types of materials you may need. This becomes tactically very useful on maps which are limited in one type or where you’ve levelled up your gathering structures in one area but need more gold for those upgrades and new structures. It works really well and often I found myself needing to pause the timer so I can properly plan before the onslaught of another wave.

Then we have tactics. This an in-depth feature that allows you to plan exactly how your defences will target the monsters. It’s also completely customisable and switchable in game. It works really well and can give you a tactical edge if you need to redirect focus on a particularly difficult enemy.

Music and Graphics

This is perhaps another area where Ancient Islands excels. It is vibrant and cartoony and reminds me of a Matt Groening creation (think Disenchantment more than The Simpsons). What’s even better is you can zoom in and really enjoy the unique monster designs as they fight your defences.

The game gets the sound about right. Again, a little cartoony and ‘over-the-top’ with the clanking of swords and swooshing of arrows through the air but it works. A few sound glitches occurred on occasion but overall, I had no issues. In terms of music, it is the most stereotypical medieval style fare you can imagine. It’s fantastic for this game and never gets annoying or repetitive but gives Ancient Islands a sense of fun.

The cartoon like graphics in Ancient Islands are wonderful.

Issues with Ancient Islands

Ancient Islands is not without some issues. Quite frequently an object would look selected, but it wouldn’t be, and it was increasingly difficult to work out exactly what I had selected which became frustrating. Minor issues included some audio glitches and one instance where my structure didn’t line up with the build tile. I also ran into problems when in docked mode with the Nintendo Switch as on occasion controls were not as responsive as they should be, and the game felt like it suffered from slower than expected loading times.

That brings me to the controls. They are frustratingly complex at times, and unnecessarily so. It took me most of the first island just to work out what does what and the tutorial aspects aren’t the clearest due to poor English language in places.

It can get windy! Enviroment can impact abilities in Ancient Islands.

Is Ancient Islands Worth It?

So Ancient Islands has some issues; one can be more frustrating than the rest which is why I’ve scored it just above average. What the game does, however, is give you a solid tower defence game with other elements from RTS genre games such as economy mechanics and ability point spending via complex skill trees. This is great. It’s great because it feels fresh. It also gives you good challenge and variety which can be lacking in some monotonous tower defence games.

My favourite bit though? Just how fun the game looks. With its bright colours and cartoon style graphics (that still remind me of a Matt Groening creation) Ancient Islands is a joy to play and zoom in to see the fun details. It also has some wonderful mechanics that work really well. It might frustrate you at times, but it will be a visually fun game and I recommend checking it out.

Review: FILMECHANISM

Natosha M

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Feb 28, 2022

0

Ready to put your brain to work? Then step right up and try this new puzzling game, FILMECHANISM. There are so many levels, so many frustrating and strategic planning all bundle up in this 8-bit game!

The main hero, who is us the player, is known as Rec. His goal is to complete the game by getting from the main entry location to the goal, which is the flag. As Rec you are recording or in other words, snapping a photo of the level so that you can keep a memory of where everything is located before you move or rearrange things. From there you can move objects and return to the image it was as you snapped the photo beforehand. Now you can complete and finish the level.

This game is all about planning correctly. Just perfect for giving your brain a workout, but can also be a fun achievement when you hit the goal! From normal levels to hard and even the hardest levels in each world, this game will make you feel excited to keep on playing and playing, till you can complete the level. It’s so compelling and so well designed, that the entire game really plays just perfectly and has been well designed in its 8-bit style!

Continuous 8-Bit Fun

I found the entire game is unique with its photo-taking feature. However, it just works out very well and impressively all the levels are solvable, but also challenging! Thankfully, if you make a mistake, just reset and try try again. Simple as that! There is no pressure to be perfect, but just keep playing till you complete the level. That is something I do like, sit back, relax and challenge your mind!

Especially with three types of difficulties and many worlds to visit, this will keep you busy! Especially with over 200 puzzles to complete. It’s not something that can be done in a few minutes or hours. Cause when you even get to finish the simpler levels, the harder and hardest ones will puzzle the mind completely!

This game is very original from any platformer, puzzle-style game I’ve played! It’s cute with this little character Rec and how he can take photos and even return objects where they use to be with simple control. The game background sounds so pleasing and adorable. As is the gameplay and the graphics.

The games may be easy in the beginning, but don’t be fooled it gets a bit trickier along the way. Nevertheless, it’ll all finally make sense after playing for a while. There are so many unique obstacles that make it trickier to complete. Plus, those starting out, the first few levels completely guide you through the controls and what you can do or how to play.

One thing I can say is that making mistakes is a part of life and a part of this game! So making sure to plan out the approach is a must and sometimes, taking a dry run with what you may think might work, can even help out as well. Regardless, there is a location in the pause menu, where you can buy a hint and get help with the level. It will cost you, but you earn each puzzle you play, which helps! After awhile, it will soon all fall into place and be one of those moments, when you reach the end with a little happy shout!

Final Conclusion

Filmechanism is a wonderful game to play and challenges the mind. It’s full of complex and simpler puzzles to figure out. It all depends on the player and how well they are in strategically planning out paths to get from beginning to end, safely. This is one of those games that will keep the player engaged mentally while being joyful being this cute little guy named REC, safely moving around the puzzling level to the goal.

Therefore, I found this game to be a blast for a classic reminder of the 8-bit game style. Also, so much fun with its many levels to play through, without it ending too soon. They all are different and full of obstacles to overcome, which adds to the fun, challenging aspect of this puzzling game to play constantly!

Review Tetris Effect: Connected

Natosha M

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Feb 28, 2022

0

Puzzle lovers, guess what! Tetris is back and plays great on the Nintendo Switch. The game itself is way more captivating than it’s ever been! The entire stage comes to life as you play while rotating and moving those four classic shapes throughout the game’s boards. Plus, the danceable and ideal music is always playing in the background. Let’s just say that everything about the game, Tetris Effect: Connected is totally motivating and captivating during gameplay!

Classic Tetris with Unmatched Features!

Tetris Effect: Connected is a game that in my opinion, appears ways more superior to any other Tetris game I’ve played before! There are numerous amount of stages, each fully illuminated and fascinating with beautiful background scenes. Every stage you enter has a different scene and difficulty, pushing you to the limit and pressuring you to think fast, and score big! Oh, but don’t get pulled in by graphics in the background, which might even make it hard to pay attention, resulting in losing your chances of winning the game. Playing alone it’s not a bad thing, but if you’re playing a competitive game against others it may ruin your chances of winning.

Another thing about the music and scenary, which works with every gameplay, I just had to explain. Every little movment in the puzzle’s stage plays some original and gorgeous music. The more you play the more the music adjusts and more of it plays. Every little tile that is placed by the player, creates a new beat with the background music. Additionally, each tile after clearing of a few lines, adds a new tune and more of the song to be revealed. I also love that not only does the music change, but the visual graphics also comes to life and changes right infront of your eyes as you play. This is very much one original combination that Tetris ever created in a game, so beautiful and motivating at the same time!

Even more, if you are playing many different stages, there are unique shapes and matching to the graphic tiles. It’s a bit trickier and can be quite fun too! An additional challenging with the shapes, easy to make a mistake with the few styles, but thankfully if you play in the beginner or easier option, you can see exactly where the piece will fit into the board. It’s deffinitly have plenty of amazing stages and quite an original puzzling game, this is for sure!

Regardless of the graphics which by the way, are breathtaking! The game plays just like the classic Tetris, which everyone who played throughout the years will still love. Moving those four falling shapes around a rectangular box, trying to combine them together and clear the stage with a high score. Nevertheless, the game gets even more interesting when you have a chance of choosing a different choice of modes to play.

One option that you can choose with in either mode option is playing the game a bit more competitive with others online or nearby. This I really do love, as you can challenge plenty of others even have spectators up to 8 in a room online or play with four other friends nearby and battle it out, seeing who comes out as the top winner! There are no more just two-player games when you can have many enter the game and plenty more challenging players from all over, some easier than the next. All of this makes it a bit more challenging and always a reason to play Tetris whenever possible

Additionally, the ability to play and unlock some great new avatars is always a pleasant reward bonus! Not only can you score big and try to beat that score, but you can also get a new set of avatars to choose from. In all truth, that even proves how much better you are at playing Tetris, as you level up and earn a new avatar. There are plenty to earn, so winning plenty of games and scoring well is a great start to a collection of new achievable avatars!

I do need to point out, that even with a similar game with a bit more upgrade. There are no multicolor shapes, but the theme of the level; stage, and graphics all match. I love that addition. When you play the classic way you’d play Tetris, the movement of the tiles, the graphics and the difficulty all play a part together. It’s very easy to get confused or lost in the game that distractions will occur, this is what I had occurred a few times I’ve played through. It’s very much more challenging but still provides the entertaining Tetris everyone knows how to play; those who played it before.

One special mode I do like in this Tetris game, which isn’t in most others that I’ve tried. Well, it isn’t only playing against one another or competing against other friends and even working together through the Journey Mode, but the Tetris Effect Mode option. It is something that is a challenge, where you play the beautiful graphics done like the original gameplay. Instead, you have to complete the puzzle by completing a certain amount of lines. They aren’t super easy and don’t expect to be a champion the first time around. However, like all Tetris puzzles it gets harder and harder as you clear lines and time passes by.

Now was there any problems I’ve encountered? Yes, just a few. This game was almost what I’d considered complete perfection. It had entertaining music, graphics and the game was fully intensive and engaging. However, the problems that I did come accross was just two. May not be a big deal with many others, but I did notice these as I played.

The first one was when I was using the instant drop button, a quicker way to release the tile down into the puzzle; board. However, this didn’t seem to be always easy to avoid when playing. I accidentally triggered the button one after another, by mistake because my finger moving to the next directional key, hit the fast release directional key by accident a few times. Easiest way to lose and ruin a game.

The second problem I’ve encountered was a bit of a stall with the game. There would be times where it would not load and freeze for a moment, maybe longer than a moment. I had to get out of the game and press a few buttons and finally it defrost and I was ready to play again. Thankfully cause I didn’t want to lose what I’ve played and won so far. Another blessing, is that it automatically saves after each stage, so it won’t really do much but cause you to plat that stage over again.

I think this also could be due to lost of connection, while playing in single-player mode. If you lose connection, you might be why the freezing. However, in settings turning off the online option and it will remove the chances of keeping down the score, but it might be beneficial if you are dealing with areas that the game stalls. However, it might just be the graphics are too much and it could cause for it to freeze for a short amount of time till it can return back to the game.

Other than these faults, the game still kept me engaged for a while. I didn’t want to put it down. Every time I got close I didn’t want to stop and step away when I could try and try again to win! It’s a game that won’t leave you bored but entertained for hours, days, months, and years to come!

Final Thoughts

Tetris has always been a game that never ends. You can play it over and over, never playing it exactly the same as you did the first time or a few times afterward. Plus, with the many mode options to choose from, it’s just so much more interesting and of course, challenging. Also, who can not love a bit more entertaining music, background graphics, or just the difficulty of the stages as you advance forward. Tetris really just got an upgrade and for those who don’t like change, it still has that classic gameplay everyone can enjoy!

Therefore, what did I think about this game? Well, it’s magnificent, with a few faults like many games. However, it’s not something that will stop me from playing, as it will keep me entertained a long time. The games are always random, unique, and the competition can always boost the challenging approach to the game. No matter, Tetris Effect: Connected is honestly a marvelous game and a perfect addition to the Tetris lover’s collection!

Review: Grapple Dog

Reviews

Kara Phillips

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Feb 28, 2022

0

Grapple Dog is a bright, fun, adventure across islands in order to stop a robotic apocalypse. You take on the protagonist, Pablo, who unfortunately loses his way at the beginning of the story. We are quickly introduced to our crew of fellow explorers and shown what exactly it is that we are fighting for. Pablo, not really knowing the power he’s unlocked, is quick to understand that he is the one that has to stop this overwhelming enemy. Equipt with a recently discovered grappling hook – the game gets its name and we set sail to save the world.

Despite it’s colorful and bold art style which makes you think it might be a little out of your age range, Grapple Dog is definitely a challenging title. As you progress through several new realms and explore your own abilities, the difficulty increases too. Games with a grappling mechanic usually end up resulting in finding extremely easy routes out of difficult situations. But even though the game is titled after this mechanic, it’s use is very limited. Areas marked out prominently in blue are the areas you can use to grapple, but it very much feels like this mechanic is only utilized in boss battles.

Boss battles and bonus levels

The boss battles are generously scattered across each of the maps you explore, and once again mirror the increasing difficulty much like the core gameplay. You face off against one main nemesis which is introduced during the tutorial of Grapple Dog. And as you get more powerful – so do they. The boss battles are genuinely really fun but that doesn’t mean they aren’t frustratingly challenging at times. The game also comes with a series of bonus levels, given you do well. They feel almost like mini games and are a refreshing change of pace after fighting your way through a level. From collecting various fruits to fighting every enemy in sight, the better you do the better the benefits.

Grapple Dog also comes with a fast, joyful soundtrack to accompany it’s gameplay. Which, I’ll admit, feels a little deafening at the beginning. Luckily you can adjust the game’s sound settings very easily. But the soundtrack does get repetitive and annoying after a while. So it might be worth just turning it off before you find yourself grinding your teeth and wishing you’d never begun the game in the first place. It doesn’t change between levels. Which is a shame as there would be some great opportunities for different soundscapes given the vast landscapes you discover along the way.

Final thoughts

All in all, Grapple Dog is an extremely fun experience. It’s got a solid story and definitely has challenging aspects to keep you coming back. The only real downside is the soundtrack which even then isn’t really enough to say this game isn’t worth playing. It gives off the same energy as an old school Gameboy title, with it’s bold and brash character design. It’s worth playing for anyone who needs to satisfy the needs to play a platform game with a different mechanic rather than rinsing another Mario title.

Review: Explosive Candy World

Daniel Waite

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Feb 28, 2022

0

Explosives and sweets don’t usually go hand in hand. As a parent, I couldn’t imagine mentioning the two in the same sentence. Well, maybe I’d say “Don’t touch that bomb and here are some sweets for listening to me, for once.” However, Explosive Candy World obviously thinks this is a marriage made in heaven.

Developed by Marcos Game Dev, published by Eastasiasoft Limited and ported by Ratalaika Games, this is a physics-based puzzle platformer. It’s sickly sweet, demands an eye for detail, and requires patience, a calm mind, and an awful lot of luck. It uses a fixed-screen perspective while relying on horizontal movement. Furthermore, it has a distinctly retro feel thanks to the pixelated imagery and simple sprites.

Explosive Candy World will test your patience.

I admit that I installed this, expecting it to be a walk in the park. Sadly, I was wrong and my late-night gaming session quickly turned into a rage-induced battle. Explosive Candy World lays out its simple mechanics from the off. Consequently, there are no hidden surprises, and failure is down to your lack of ability. This brutal but simple approach will appeal to fans of hardcore titles such as Super Meat Boy or OkunoKA Madness. However, Explosive Candy World doesn’t have the finesse or evolve like its peers, but its core mechanics will still test you.

Surprisingly and disappointingly, there was no story to experience. Therefore, your reason for collecting sweets or being empowered with explosive abilities is never explained. Subsequently, you simply have to go with the flow and complete each challenge in front of you. The action takes place in four colourful worlds that each contain an array of sugary snacks. There are new mechanics introduced as you advance, but the majority of the gameplay revolves around familiar ideas.

Explosive Candy World is full of mean monsters. — Use your explosives to get to the cakes.

Sweets, sweets, and more sweets!

Every dentist in the world will be sweating as they see this disgustingly sweet game. With candies strewn across every level, it’s a deliciously deceptive treat. You must move the hero using his explosive power, so forget about walking or jumping. As you navigate each stage, you must avoid the traps, collect the sweets, activate switches, and hit the end goal. On paper, it seems easy enough. However, in reality, you’ll fall to your death, bounce off walls, and generally screw things up.

To make matters worse, you have to be precise and quick as switches have timers, and platforms twist and turn. Furthermore, spikes line the floors and ceilings and minor mistakes will kill you. Luckily, though, the developers have a soft side! They have used unlimited lives, and this makes it much easier. You can try and fail as much as you like and it doesn’t impact your progress.

You must collect strawberries, doughnuts, drinks, and cakes. As you plan to gather each item, you’ll bounce off jellies, become enveloped in cake dough, spin on moving platforms, use teleporters, and more. The straightforward action becomes hectic and the simple objectives quickly become that bit tougher.

Explosive Candy World doesn't believe that sweets are bad for you. — Wbo says that sweets are bad for you?

Explosive Candy World, a retro treat.

Explosive Candy World isn’t the most pretty game you’ll ever play, nor is it the most graphically advanced. However, it captures both retro and arcade imagery in its basic approach. Thanks to its lack of complexity, blend of colours, and fixed-screen perspective, this is as old-school as they come.

The sense of nostalgia doesn’t end there because of the shrill and fun audio. The upbeat music is jovial and adds energy to this maddening physics-based title. What’s more, the obnoxious sound effects are loud, in your face, and are reminiscent of classic arcade games.

Both the visual and audio elements lacked complexity, but I loved their straightforward approach. When precision is a key element, you want the imagery to be clean and easy to observe. Luckily, Explosive Candy World delivers this from start to finish, thanks to its sickeningly sweet ways.

Don't let the freezing land in Explosive Candy World stop you. — Brrrrr those treats are chilly.

ARGGHHHHH.

This genre is designed to bring out the best and worst in its fan base. It’s deceptively easy to pick up but quickly becomes a nightmare to master. Therefore, passing a level that has made you scream ARGGHHHH is undeniably rewarding. Luckily, the controls are responsive, accurate, and easy to understand. Moreover, a helpful guideline highlights the path of your explosives and this prevents you from going astray.

With 80 levels to defeat, it’s great value for money. I enjoyed the variety on offer and the gentle learning curve. However, I can’t help but think the developers missed a trick. There is no NG+ mode, speedrun option, or leaderboard. Furthermore, the use of unlimited lives reduces the risk and difficulty. I wish a hardcore option had been incorporated, as well as some of the familiar tried and tested options. If this was added, then the longevity would be vastly increased.

Explosive Candy World is a casual treat.

The simplicity of its design, quick levels, and easy-to-understand mechanics makes it a great casual title. Luckily, there is an introduction of new mechanics throughout and this helps to keep the action fresh. I loved how the developers captured the retro arcade feel and this makes it just a little more special. Yes, it could have had more options to enhance the gameplay, but what is presented is enjoyable and challenging. It’s a winner for me and I recommend you to buy it here! Explosives are your best friend! Destroy the scenery, collect the candy, and explore each world you find en route.

Review: Life is Strange Remastered Collection

James Refelian

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Feb 27, 2022

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Review: Life is Strange Remastered Collection

Introduction

The Life is Strange: Remastered Collection is a welcome return to a familiar place with vastly improved animations and graphics. Welcome to Arcadia Bay. A sleepy ocean-view town where life is very strange indeed. The collection is comprised of two games: Life is Strange and Life is Strange: Before the Storm. Both beautifully acted, wonderfully written with excellent music. With graphical improvements it’s elevated to new levels and still holds up today despite the release in 2015 and 2017.

A worried Max ponders the future of Arcadia Bay

Life is Strange: Remastered Collection Story

In Life is Strange, you play as Max Caulfield a photography student at Blackwell Academy. Max is trying to find her place in the world. She’s returned home after years away and, during a frightening vision and encounter she discovers she can rewind time. Not fully understanding the power, or what’s happening in her town, she decides to investigate. What begins is a story of love and friendship and belonging set against a natural disaster and murder mystery. While slow in pace the tension builds dramatically to its heart-breaking conclusion.

A storm is coming (or is it) in Life is Strange

Before the Storm takes place before the first game and serves as a wonderful prequel to the main game. It introduces Rachel Amber and gives us a better understanding of Chloe and her feelings of anger and loss. The final episode of this game is true fan-service. It shows us the moment that Chloe learns about Max leaving and her life is flipped upside down.

The story in both games is wonderfully compelling. It features deep, and often dark, narrative plotlines around drugs, murder and kidnappings while remaining grounded in emotion. The story is just as much about coming-of-age, dealing with life, loneliness, betrayal, love and belonging. There is a reason why Life is Strange won a BAFTA.

Chloe having to navigate the frustrations of home life in Life is Strange Before the Storm

Life is Strange: Remastered Collection Gameplay

Gameplay in both games that make up this bundle; Life is Strange and Before the Storm use a mix of traditional action games to move your character about the world and point-and-click interactions with the objects contained within. With each item inspection you will either learn something new or hear the inner monologue of the central character. Items will need collecting to access new areas such as moving things out the way or getting into locked spaces and this adds to the variety of puzzles you must solve to progress.

Speaking of items, there’s a lot to interact with and when you then add in the diaries, text messages and things of that nature a lot of time can be spent in each area just being nosy and learning more about the people of Arcadia Bay.

A lot of things to interact with in Max’s dorm room in Life is Strange Remastered Collection (Life is Strange)

In Life is Strange Max has a superpower, the ability to rewind time. This mechanic is used in an interesting way to ‘undo’ mistakes in conversations, open new dialogue paths, get items that otherwise wouldn’t be possible and even navigate past obstacles. Knowing when to rewind is crucial as throughout the game choices do matter in terms of character progression and elements of the plot.

In Before the Storm, Chloe has no power of her own but does use her ‘backtalk’ ability to argue herself into or out of situations. This doesn’t feel like a cheap alternative to a ‘proper ability’ like Max’s and fits nicely with both the story and the character.

Choice matters. In both games. What you say, when you say it will impact how NPCs will interact with you and whether they will help you when you need it. Similarly, the plot can branch off in different directions and lead to some fairly serious consequences if you pick one path over another.

Chloe using ‘Backtalk’ in Life is Strange Remastered Collection (Before the Storm)

Graphics

Graphics is really where the Life is Strange: Remastered Collection comes to life. Deck Nine have done an incredible job tweaking, updating, refining, and improving the visuals and animations of Arcadia Bay and (most of) its inhabitants. While the story hasn’t changed, the visual updates are instantly noticeable if you remember the originals. The familiar style is still there but with enhanced lighting, textures, details, and colour grading. This is as close to perfect as a remaster can achieve – it visually looks so much better but doesn’t lose its unique heart or style.

Max is visibly upset in Life is Strange – with new animations to really show that

Lighting is one of the biggest updates to the game, with the addition of rays, dust particles, enhanced shadows makes the world of Arcadia Bay look truly stunning. I was genuinely blown away with how well Deck Nine made the game look. In addition, animations have been overhauled as well with better expressions when emotions are being conveyed. This is fantastic when the story is one that has a lot of emotional weight to it. You can really see the attention to detail put in to overhauling Life is Strange and Before the Storm.

Just another day at Blackwell Academy but now with better lighting, dust and shadows

Sound

Jonathan Morali crafted a beautiful score for the first game that blends well with the licensed music utilised by Life is Strange: Remastered Collection. The music itself doesn’t feel overpowering; it adds a nice background to the lofty, slow-paced cinematics. This is well done as it creates an uneasy juxtaposition with the dark plot themes that develop throughout the game. The licensed music is a blend of indie folk, post-rock and a few tracks that would be considered “alternative”. It is achingly cool, and it was a nostalgic experience re-discovering some true gems. In Before the Storm British indie band wrote and performed the score which fits in well with the character of Chloe Price.

Value

The question as to whether Life is Strange: Remastered Collection is good value for money is a divisive one. If you don’t own either Life is Strange or Life is Strange: Before the Storm, then the bundle remastered collection is the pack I would recommend. The improvements by far outweigh any issues and the games are fantastic and truly worth playing. However, if you own them already then don’t bother. The upgrades aren’t so substantial that it’s a must have and the originals still stand up well despite their age.

Life is Strange Before the Storm Overview

Life is Strange: Before the Storm is the prequel to the first game and follows the same episodic format. It follows the younger Chloe Price as she navigates teenage life, introduces her friendship with Rachel Amber. The plot unveils the teenager’s connections with drug dealers; including Chloe’s debt which is an issue in the first game, along with an emotional story of betrayal, kidnap, and corruption at the heart of Rachel’s family. The story ends with an additional episode… ironically a prequel to the prequel! This episode features the original cast and shows the last days together of Chloe and Max Caulfield before Max leaves for Seattle. Again, this is a big point of character conflict in the first game.

My biggest issue with Life is Strange: Before the Storm is the controls. For the most part they mirror that of the first game but with an unnecessary control change for selecting options that include an additional button press. It’s a minor nit-pick, but it is a frustrating one.

Much like Life is Strange, the choices in this game matter. Episode 2 is a particularly important one on the character arc and the development of Chloe throughout the series is complex and nuanced. Overall, Before the Storm is for fans of the series that want to know more about Chloe dealing with life, loss, and loneliness before the events of the first game.

Taking place in the same town, featuring some recognisable locations and characters is like coming home after a long trip. It feels safe and familiar. While Chloe doesn’t have a power of her own, she can argue her way in or out of certain situations which is often hilarious but very well implemented as a mechanic. Genuinely, it deserved all the awards it won when it released originally, and I am glad to see it included as part of the remastered collection because it’s a great addition to the franchise.

Issues

Life is Strange: Remastered Collection isn’t perfect, however. The first game suffers with the same story fault as it did originally – which makes sense as the game is identical in that sense. The final choice is really the only one that matters. While it’s fun to think that all the choices you make along the way really make a difference; they don’t. The ending comes down to one choice and a possibility of two cutscenes. This is sad, as it meant the choices up to this point weren’t all that important. Saying this perhaps there is deeper meaning; the choices we make are only important in that moment, because long term more choices will present themselves shaping our path.

The remastered collection only really suffers with some minor graphical glitches and areas that could have been updated but weren’t… non-blinking NPCs I’m looking at you. Some of these characters also don’t match up to the reworked models of the main cast and that can be off-putting at times as it doesn’t quite match up visually.

Life is Strange: Remastered Collection Conclusion

Life is Strange: Remastered Collection allows fans of the franchise to come home to Arcadia Bay and experience the stories of Max and Chloe all over again with a beautiful update to the visuals. It’s wonderfully nostalgic to hear the chilled out indie music playing over long, sprawling cutscenes. It’s just as easy to be drawn into the complex plot themes of love, betrayal, loneliness and revenge… all against the darker backdrop of murder, drugs and kidnap. This is the perfect time for those who never quite got around to it the first time to jump in. It is such a wonderful experience with all the visual updates that come with the Life is Strange: Remastered Collection.

Review: Blackberry Honey

Daniel Waite

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Feb 27, 2022

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Love works in mysterious ways! No matter how much you try to fight your desires, the outcome will always be the same. Sadly, society judges those that are viewed as different or outlandish, and this can impact our choices and change our lives. If we are to seek true happiness, then we must shut out the noise and the judging looks while letting our hearts decide. Blackberry Honey embodies this idea in every element it presents.

Developed by Ebi-Hime and published by Ratalaika Games, this is a visual novel set in Victorian England. It boasts a female-only cast and focuses its attention on forbidden love. As such, the action revolves around the blooming relationship between the lead characters. Furthermore, it covers some dated taboo subjects and is beautifully written. If you are a fan of the developer, you’ll know you are in for a wonderfully deep story, excellent characters, and some amazing artwork. On the other hand, if you have never read an Ebi-Hime novel, then this could be a great place to start.

Blackberry Honey is era specific. — Such a tease.

Blackberry Honey: a story of the times.

With a Victorian setting, there was always going to be dated thoughts and social imbalance. Thankfully, though, Blackberry Honey has it all in its colourful and wickedly amusing plot. The three main characters are Lorina Waugh, Taohua, and Lady Constance. Each protagonist adds colour, class, and depth to this interesting tale of love.

The story revolves around Lorina Waugh, a young parlour maid who has recently lost her job. Consequently, she is desperate for any available work, so, she accepts employment in the Constance household. Here she must toil 14 hours a day while battling the attentions of the young and spoilt Lady Constance. Lorina seeks solace in a fellow maid known as Taohua. Her mysterious ways and strong presence spark rumour that she is a witch. Perhaps there is truth in this story as Lorina falls for her charms and the pair explores their feelings for one another.

Blackberry Honey doesn't rush the romance. — You can feel the chemistry.

A classic tale of love.

Unlike many visual novels I’ve tried, this one offers no ability to alter the plot. As such, there was a risk that you’d be a bit of a voyeur. Luckily, though, the wonderful characters and excellent writing suck you in from the very beginning. Moreover, the story unfolds at a gentle pace and the protagonist’s personalities evolve throughout.

I loved how the forbidden love between Lorina and Taohua didn’t rely on clichéd elements. Instead, you witness Lorina battling her demons as she explored her sexuality and her overwhelming feelings. Furthermore, Lady Constance’s overbearing and spoilt nature brilliantly juxtaposes that of the slow-burning romance. She was easy to despise, but she was also loveable and helped to create some of the memorable and funny moments in the plot.

Blackberry Honey looks incredible.

I’m not normally a fan of OTT Anime/Manga artistry. I find it to be vulgar, off-putting, and usually unnecessary. Sadly, there were moments within Blackberry Honey trod dangerously close to the edge. However, thankfully, Ebi-Hime ensured that most of the imagery was tasteful and charged with sexual chemistry. I adored the striking sprites, the varied backdrops, and the wonderful environments. On top of this, I appreciated the simple animation and the easy-to-read dialogue.

The touching story is enhanced thanks to the wonderful piano music. The dynamic and original soundtrack of 18 songs adds drama and depth to this romance novel. You’ll enjoy calmer music as the lovers explore their sexuality, trust, and friendship. This is juxtaposed with aggressive and dramatic tunes to highlight Lady Constance’s position of power.

Blackberry Honey shows the social inequality of the era. — She’s not all bad.

Sit back and enjoy the story.

Visual novels are renowned for their relaxing gameplay and easy-to-understand controls. Blackberry Honey is no different thanks to its lack of dialogue options. You have the choice to select the pace of the story, or simply allow it to unfold on its own. This straightforward approach makes it easy to enjoy with minimal effort.

Though I loved it, the lack of replay value disappointed me. With no additional endings and every achievement unlocked on the first playthrough, there is no reason to return. Luckily, the story has over 100,000 words and lasts between 6 to 10 hours, so it proves to be great value for money.

Blackberry Honey ticks many boxes.

If you love visual novels, then this is one you have to read. Thanks to the wonderful characters, excellent story, beautiful imagery, and original soundtrack, this has a lot to offer. Subsequently, Ebi-Hime has produced another must-read tale that has a touching and mesmerising story. Unsurprisingly, I loved it and I recommend you to buy it here! Love isn’t supposed to be easy, and therefore, when it works, go for it no matter the consequences.

Review: Never Alone: Arctic Collection

Natosha M

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Feb 26, 2022

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The game Never Alone: Arctic Collection is one of the most beautifully designed games I’ve seen. The entire scenery of a snowy atmosphere, that of Alaska is very well designed and just so realistic. The story of the game is all about a little girl named Nuna and a white fox helping each other survive. This may be an unusual friendship, one that I have yet come upon in any game or in real life, but it also proves you don’t need to be the same species to help one another out.

The game has the two of them working together, figuring out challenging puzzles and obstacles to move forward through this epic adventure. It’s quite a chilly journey, just by the blizzard, snowy weather. Nevertheless, the two main characters in this game are so adorable. Plus, one additional bonus just for playing the game that isn’t in anything else is getting to watch the world of the native Alaskan people and the wisdom they have to share. This actually is an unlockable feature, something that is different from any game I’ve played and possibly a way to make it most memorable and endearing.

A Beautiful Story and Game

The start of the game has an option of either playing the game or the fox tales option. Both a story to play through and each very enjoyable! In either, the game allows you to choose to play either as a single-player and working as playing each character, the fox and the girl or choosing to pair up with another and working together. Either mode can be played anytime throughout the game. So that you don’t need to wait to continue the journey, which is great! In addition to the character and the option of whom to be, the story itself is very well narrated. It is done in the Iñupiaq language, but it does come with English subtitles to help those read along and understand what is being told. It is so captivating that I couldn’t just skip the story and was more compelled to hear it being told before the game starts and in between each new game to start.

Furthermore, The gusting winds and snow sound effects as well as the graphics in the background are really well created and make it feel completely realistic. Including the many animals, detailed nicely. Nevertheless, there are a few spirits and enemies that appear a bit unusual and a bit spookier and fantasize about how the appearance of these characters would look. It does add some essence to the game as well! Even though we still have some time in the game to battle and not just run, but use a weapon, the bola to aid in our protection and escape through icy sections. Therefore this game is an adventure filled with some action and engagement that really makes this even more of a lovely expect journey and game

One of the best things about this game, excluding everything above I mentioned. Is that you can play as the fox even if you are playing in single-player mode. I know I said this already, but for some reason, I adore that you can switch off from one to the other, and honestly, it’s fun being the fox, but of course, the two work together to make the passage to the next location possible. A great team, fox, and girl together!

Of course, there are a few areas in that I felt the game could probably be improved. The bola is an interesting weapon but a bit tricky to use with the button to fling it out of the hands and aim it correctly. I think it took me a few minutes to figure out how to aim the bola correctly and how to get it to be released from my hands. It will definitely be felt after using it so very often in this game, even with the many trial runs to learn how to use it.

Plus, to make it even worse, is that if you don’t know how to use it, the game needs it most of the time. Therefore, after a few runs with some bad enemies and even a polar bear. I was able to get a hang of the bola and had a great workout with my thumb. The same with the left thumb, as the right is for the bola, rowing the boat for the fox tales is a bit more of work out too.

Another problem I did come across is that I had to reset to an earlier checkpoint, thankfully there are checkpoints and autosave. There are spots that seem to be not perfectly done. Where I one time fell into a block of ice, the scenery which I about was meant to happen. Another time, the fox got in this odd stuck position and wouldn’t swim correctly. Gave me a headache and I finally had to reset it at that point. It oddly just isn’t all that perfect. At least the stories aren’t too long, the only part that takes the longest is the difficult use of the bola, which will slow you down as you replay each part over. Also if you get stuck because of some issue with the graphics.

Otherwise, it’s not such a bad game, just a few issues that make it a bit of a problem. However, the rest of the game and story are quite nice. As well as the interesting creatures and puzzles you have to solve, working as a team. Nuna and the fox, being both or playing with another and working together is just fun!

Final Thoughts

If you’re interested in a story that has you falling in love with a team; two characters who work together to survive and stories that are unlocked during the game of true wisdom, this is one you should really try out! It may appear very easy, cause it looks too cute to be hard, but don’t be fooled! It does have its challenging aspects in the game.

So all I can say is that it’s nothing, but a beautiful and well-designed game. It may have some imperfections with areas of the game you get stuck. Nonetheless, as mentioned before, I’m grateful there is a reset to the last checkpoint. Otherwise, it would be horrible to restart all over to just get back to where you were. There isn’t any blood or gore to view while playing. Therefore, it’s perfect even for those who have a sensitive stomach, and also perfect for those who love an adventure filled with puzzles.

Review: GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon

Natosha M

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Feb 26, 2022

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Ready to kick some deadly, monstrous demon butt? Then this is the game for you! GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon is one of the most action-packed games I’ve played this month, actually this entire year so far! It is full of action-packed killings, unlimited recharging weapons, and most of all, such brilliant and detailed art that includes not just the background scenery, but the characters and the enemies alike.

I haven’t played a few roguelikes, action-packed games like this one for a while. However, I am so grateful to have played it! From the start, what really took lured me in was not the game but the brilliant Japanese art. Even if the game isn’t so great, It still had me interested to check it out, because that art is so captivating. Luckily the game is just as amazing as the art!

Foremost, the combat against all the enemies will have you excited, from slicing and shooting them nonstop! It’s flawless and captivating with each attack you execute on every enemy. Especially, when you get to view each of the effects the weapon delivers on the monster in front of you. I just can tell you that the entire combat scenes are very well animated and the game comes to life right in front of you.

There is not one part of the game that is lacking! GetsuFumaDen won’t let the player down, especially if it’s those looking to continuously prove one’s strength by beating up the dead, finding and equipping plenty of powerful weapons, gaining new upgrades to help you get stronger, and defeating even harder and worse demons as they appear providing even more of a challenge.

Get Ready For Nonstop Action

Right from the start, the game will have you slashing these walking dead corps and demons as you travel through different locations. There isn’t much to worry about, it’s a game that is so easy to understand, especially with the controls. I must say that the ability to have the weapon’s ammo replenished without the need to find more, is a great pleasure! So the defeats can still be afflicted and no need to run past or hide from enemies when you’ll always be charged up throughout the game. It may take a few seconds to replenish, but it is quite quick and so worth it!

From the easy-to-use controls and the many weapons and upgrades, this game is just nothing but unlimited excitement! There are so many beautiful graphics and astounding bosses to come upon. Plus, there are so many upgrades and powerful new abilities one can be obtained throughout the game. However, many of the items acquired, that were equipped get removed, when returning to the main location, but once you return into the world of the dead, you can acquire these weapons again and even some new and many others.

The hero we play as is able to hold plenty of weapons and switch between each of them, as they all have a strong and unique feature that still provides a strong defeat towards the enemies we come against. Additionally, having that second … to choose another weapon while using one main one, is another feature I honestly love. Especially, a few other features our character can handle like souls to call upon to defeat even more demons and evening tossing explosive items. There really is so much that this game provides that many don’t, one major thing is that you’re able to hold and switch between weapons without dropping or getting rid of the two you like. However, you can if you want to make room for another.

Additionally, seeing the number of hit points being removed from the enemy and of course, a large amount is always even more exciting and makes you want to attack some more! I don’t know why, but when you are fighting and beating up an enemy, it’s always great to see those numbers go high, shows how much more powerful, skilled, and upgraded the player’s hero really is our heroes in the game. I always find it a reason to keep fighting, learned since I was young, so I can always get a better chance of winning the battles if I upgrade sooner and faster from the beginning when and wherever I can!

In some cases, this is a good thing about the game because you will end up restarting over if you fail in any part of the game. Once defeated; dead you end up back in the main location, GetsuFumaDen. After this happens you lose everything and end up starting again, but it appears as the location changes up each time, like a maze. The levels become unique and exciting to play through, even if it restarts again, after the first time being killed.

Also, I wanted to point out that a game like this, a rogue-style game makes me feel like I’m playing Castlevania in a 2D style design like the classic Castlevania game I use to play on the Nintendo console, but with better quality graphics; such as a piece of painted artwork that isn’t pixelated. It just is so well designed and each location you transport to and new enemy; boss you go against will leave the player, as it has for myself, feel compelled with joy to play the game for hours!

Lastly, I do want to add that when you just take a look at the game on a small screen, such as the monitor of the Nintendo Switch, You won’t be upset or unpleased by how well the game was designed to fit everything on the screen. It may appear a bit small, making the text a little harder to read at some parts, but it definitely captures everything on the screen, so there is no need to scroll or search much to see what you will be looking forward to or be surprised to find. Therefore, if you have a console, like the Nintendo Switch Lite you’ll be able to take this game anywhere and not feel as if you’re not getting a full screen of the game. As many games, do better when it’s on the big screen; A TV. However, this works either handheld or the original NS and on the Television, it works wonderfully!

Final Opinion

I have always been very impressed with this game from start to end. It’s something that really captured my attention, on a daily basis. It has such an appealing allure and such a great story to playthrough. I honestly loved the art, the combat, and the huge bosses, literally huge! It’s just one of those games that really will leave a lasting impression and provide nothing but joy.

Honestly, I’ll probably continue to play over and over, no matter how many times I complete it. The game levels are always random and the change in difficulty can make it even more challenging each time I play. I would highly recommend this game for those with enjoyment and who want nonstop action throughout the game. Plus, no lengthy speeches; text, but plenty of action and plenty of weapons and powers to choose from. It’s just a marvelous and truly excellent game that won me over from the first time I played it!

Review: Mages and Treasures.

Daniel Waite

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Feb 26, 2022

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No matter how simple your life is, there is always something that you cherish about it. Therefore, if someone was to take this away from you, you wouldn’t sit back and allow it to happen! Mages and Treasures explores this idea in its simple plot and retro aesthetic. It returns to a simpler way of gaming, and lovers of old-school action will adore the nod to a bygone era.

Developed by LightUP and published by Ratalaika Games, this is a retro RPG adventure title. Its basic approach, simple sprites, and easy-to-understand mechanics reminded me of both Milo’s Quest 1 and 2. Its core principles follow the same style, right down to each boss fight, the puzzles you encounter, and the monsters you vanquish. Luckily, I enjoyed both of those games, so I wasn’t too bothered by the familiar approach.

Mages and Treasures is possibly too simple.

Having recently endured the unrelenting pain of Elden Ring, it was nice to fall back on something much easier. Sadly, though, Mages and Treasures is possibly too simple! Its lack of complexity, easy to kill monsters, and basic mechanics fail to push you out of first gear. I went through the motions at every stage and was desperate for it to step up and begin testing me. Sadly, this never happened, and this makes the action feel a little flat.

The story does little to spice things up, and this added to the disappointment. You are a mage who has had his special treasure stolen by magical elvish creatures. Consequently, you must go on a magical adventure to reclaim your beloved item and teach those monsters a lesson they won’t forget. With so much promise regarding magic, battles, and unforgettable lessons, I had high hopes. Annoyingly, however, the plot never evolved.

Mages-and-treasures has large bosses to defeat. — I’m ready to extinguish your attack.

Simple mechanics.

The action takes place across an array of whimsical backdrops. Each location has unique monsters that must be studied to identify their weaknesses. Once you know how to kill them, it’s simply a case of kiting them and shooting them with your magic spells. Unfortunately, this process continues no matter the location, and this reduces the difficulty exponentially.

Unfortunately, this problem continues in the lacklustre boss battles. These gargantuan creatures should test your skills and combat prowess, however, they offer little resistance and fold quicker than a deck of cards. Sadly, it was infuriating to see the potential on offer, only for it never to materialise.

So, the combat is a damp squib, but surely the puzzle elements will be its redeeming quality? Disappointingly, no! The rinse and repeat approach of pushing crates from point A to B to activate switches was dull and mundane. Furthermore, there was a distinct lack of challenge and no variety to the problems. Every element will leave you wanting more while also feeling unsatisfied.

Mages and Treasures has a wide variety of landscapes to explore. — Here doggy doggy.

Mages and Treasures is gaudy.

Like many retro games, Mages and Treasures is vivid and bright. Its gaudy approach won’t appeal to all, but fans of old-school gaming will love the style. Moreover, the simple top-down look is reminiscent of early RPGs, and its basic sprites are nostalgic. I enjoyed the straightforward level designs, variety in backdrops, and the unique look of each monster. Each world is broken down into basic rooms and a rudimentary map helps you to navigate the small but interesting landscapes. It won’t win awards for its design, but it is a great trip down memory lane.

The nostalgia continues in the 8-Bit synth music and loud sound effects. The developers have incorporated a nice selection of songs that define each location while adding variety to the action. This was a wise decision, as the core mechanics added little to the story. The aesthetics are where Mages and Treasures excels. The developers focused much of their time on the style and approach, but this, unfortunately, undermines the overall finish.

Mages and Treasures relies on basic puzzles. — Careful of the TNT

Jarring controls.

Sadly, the complaints don’t end there! Annoyingly, the controls are jarring, slow, and frustrating. Your hero becomes stuck on invisible walls and this makes avoiding enemies an impossible task. Furthermore, the simple puzzles can easily be failed because you are unable to pull the barrels to rectify the inaccuracy you’ll encounter. Stupidly, these minor issues could have been easily resolved. Instead, however, they ruin what should have been a brilliant indie title.

LightUP has attempted to add some replay value and longevity by including golden chests. You must search each world to find keys that unlock these mysterious boxes. Once you unlock them, you are rewarded with gold and health potions, and little else. It’s simply another example of a mechanic that falls short of what is required. Fortunately, though, its saving grace is that it’s a completionist’s dream. If you are an achievement hunter, you’ll tick off another finished title in less than an hour.

Mages and Treasures disappointed me.

Unsurprisingly, I was disappointed with Mages and Treasures. It failed to live up to Milo’s Quest and left me disappointed throughout. Yes, there were moments of brilliance, but these were all too fleeting. Mostly, it left a bad taste in my mouth and I shall not be recommending you to buy it. However, more information can be seen here. Can you reclaim what is rightfully yours? Search the magical kingdom, overcome the puzzles, and kill every monster in sight.

News: Crunching Koalas

News

Daniel Waite

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Feb 25, 2022

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The last two years of the Covid-19 pandemic have brought the world to its knees. Families have lost loved ones, and people have witnessed the best and the worse from their neighbours. However, as the dust settles on this chapter of our history, we see another devastating one begin. Russia has invaded Ukraine and, by doing so, has opened the door to a global event that has grim ramifications for every human on our planet. As the world watches on, we all feel powerless to help. Yet, Polish developers Crunching Koalas are making a stand!

The Warsaw-based company has close links to 11 bit Studios, another Polish firm that is behind the globally renowned anti-war title This War of Mine. Yesterday, 11 bit Studios announced they would donate all their profits from the sale of This War of Mine and its DLC for the next 7 days to a special fund. Today, Crunching Koalas has matched this pledge in support of their colleagues and all money raised from these games will go directly to the Ukrainian Red Cross.

Both companies hope that every game studio will show their support and follow their example. Every penny raised from the games on this list will help the victims of those affected by the armed conflict. Tweet Link.

Crunching Koalas pledge donation on Twitter

Award winning 7th Sector getting Limited Editions

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

-

Feb 25, 2022

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Award winning 7th Sector getting Limited Editions

Strictly Limited Games together with Sometimes You, are pleased to announce the upcoming pre-order start of exclusive limited editions of the adventure puzzle game 7th Sector coming for Nintendo Switch and PS4. The Limited and the Special Limited Edition will be available for pre-order from February 27th!

About the Game

Set in a cyberpunk world, the adventure puzzle game by the one man team/developer Sergey Noskov offers the player an atmospheric and dystopian world with a lot to discover. Always accompanied by an immersive soundtrack that underlines the gloomy atmosphere of the game. Whilst solving different unique puzzles and collecting information, you are learning more and more about the world and its story. Play as several “characters” each with individual skills that give you the ability to operate different devices and machines in this world. Starting as a spark in a power line, you’ll pass through different areas as the game progresses. Eventually you are controlling drones or robots to solve puzzles until you reach one of four different endings depending on your choices and actions.

The ingenious gameplay and the unique atmosphere have quite rightly earned this game the Best Indie Game Award (DevGAMM 2019) and the Excellence in Visual Art Award (DevGAMM 2019). Convince yourself of this indie gem!

Atmospheric cyberpunk setting
Several “characters” with individual skills to control
Different unique puzzles to solve
Immersive graphic style and sound

A screenshot depicting a lady who's sat down, cross legged in a dark room

Limited Editions

Fans and collectors will get the chance to secure one of the limited editions for Nintendo Switch or PS4 from Strictly Limited Games, as soon as pre-order starts this week on Sunday, February 27th.

The Limited Edition will be available for €29.99, limited to 2,500 copies for Nintendo Switch and 1,500 copies for PS4.

There will also be a Special Limited Edition coming with some exclusive collectibles:

Exclusive Special Limited Edition Box
Original Soundtrack CD
Reversible Poster
Magnet Set of 2
3 Acrylic Artcards
Set of 5 Postcards
2 Stickers
Colorful Game Manual

The Special Limited Edition will be available for €49.99, limited to 1,500 copies for Nintendo Switch and 800 copies for PS4.