Non Spoiler Review: Spider-Man: No Way Home

Sean McCarthy
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Non Spoiler Review: Spider-Man: No Way Home

Spider-Man: No Way Home has to be the most anticipated MCU film release since Avengers: End Game, though it has only been two years since Spider-Man: Far From Home, so much has happened to build the next phase of the MCU now having introduced the Multiverse thanks to the excellent Disney Plus shows, that the MCU Spider-Man finds himself dealing with the repercussions to the ending of Far From Home and now straight into this new era for the MCU. So there is quite a lot riding on this film and thankfully, it nails every single thing it has to accomplish including being the best Spider-Man film….ever!

*This will be a NON-SPOILER REVIEW, only references will be to trailers already released and my overall reaction and thoughts to the film*

This is going to be a rather difficult review to write just because so much of the story is in spoiler country with its many surprises and turns in the 2hrs 24-minute run time of ‘No Way Home’. Make no mistakes, this is a film you will want to see as soon as you are able too because once the spoilers do make it out there, it will lessen the experience of seeing it, one of the big reasons I will not be going into any for this review as there are surprises you might be expecting, some already hinted at and some you might not see coming but they should all be enjoyed as intended, by watching the film.

With that all said, ‘No Way Home’ is a tapestry of a variety of objectives which it manages to complete close to perfectly. This is a large scale MCU film which could fail if any of the components needed to make it all work suffer a misstep, happily the pacing and delivery of everything this story needs to accomplish works so well. The trailers all indicate a massive ensemble and coming together of characters across the Sony big screen Spider-Verse with multiple ‘Classic’ villains all being shown bridging the other two Sony Pictures Spider-Man films and the reveal of Doctor Octopus, originally played by the brilliant Alfred Milano confronting the Tom Holland Spider-Man gave me goosebumps.

We do need to start at the beginning which ironically actually begins with the ending of ‘Far From Home’, with Mysterio’s video revealing to the world that Peter Parker is Spider-Man and No Way Home literally begins in the moments of that reveal as Peter swoops up MJ who is being hounded by a crowd with questions about her relationship with Spider-Man. The opening really is the fallout from the reveal and how Peter is trying to handle this world now knowing who he is, judging him for the events of ‘Far From Home’ as Spider-Man and the impact being Spider-Man has on the life of Peter Parker and his friends and family.  As seen in the trailers, this forces Peter to go to Dr Strange to ask for his magical help to undo the damage done by Mysterio’s revenge.

The Spell Doctor Strange offers to help Peter undo the mess he has found himself in, one that would make the entire world forget that Peter Parker is Spider-Man, does not go well mainly due to Peter constantly asking strange to adjust it which causes Strange to instead contain the spell before it can do harm to the world except, it still manages to pull into the world however, the villains known to fans from the other Spider-Man films. This moment, whilst shown in the trailers, is still immediate and in my cinema screening received an audible reaction from the audience, something that would indeed happen multiple times during the film, which is again, why I am choosing not to spoil those very moments in this review.

Now there is a lot of fan service in ‘No Way Home’ as you would expect, and so many of the twists and turns in the story do rely on the fan service of the audience knowing the other Spider-Man films to know who these villains are and why they are important. It would be very much fair to say this is story where you should not focus on the ‘Who and the What’ but the ‘How and the Why’. Knowing who is in this film is not as important as learning how they are here and why, and in doing so you do start to see how the bigger picture of setting up more of the MCU progress into the Multiverse, brilliantly explored and started in the Disney Plus shows Wandavision and Loki in terms of Doctor Strange who admits that the Multiverse is still a relatively unknown factor, to him at least. Doctor Strange being the vehicle to explain how the events in ‘No Way Home’ happen is more about introducing the Multiverse to him as he himself moves to his own next big screen story in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’. We learn more about him as well and it is easy to forget that he himself was snapped out of existence during Infinity War and how his world was impacted by that, something that goes to explain why we saw so much of Wong in ‘Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’.

The one thing that is not lost in the scale of this massive story, however, is Peter’s journey and this is by far the most Peter Parker story yet in the MCU. In ‘Home Coming’ we saw a Peter Parker in the early months of having his powers, having been thrown into the Civil War battle of the Avengers and now trying to live up to what he feels is expected from him as a hero and Avenger all under the watchful eye of Tony Stark. In ‘Far from Home’ we see a Peter Parker now having to deal with the loss of Tony Stark and the legacy laid before him but still sent out on a mission by ‘Nick Fury’ which leads to more growth in him as a character before Mysterio drops the big bombshell. To this point, we have seen a Peter Parker trying to find his place in the world as himself and as Spider-Man and very much a Spider-Man almost defined by the people around him, especially other heroes with Peter constantly looking for guidance and acceptance.

But this story, is Peter Parker following his heart, his view of what a hero means even when it comes into conflict with someone as powerful and known as Doctor Strange. We finally get to see this Peter Parker truly soul searching at pivotal moments of the story in amongst all the usual comedy moments and light hearted scenes and we do get to see Peter as he is going to be from this point on, this trilogy of big screen stories really have been a true hero’s journey for him and I am so pleased that this very much remains the core of this film, never overshadowed by ensemble of iconic villains and is just about a kid trying to do the right thing for the people he cares about most. MJ has grown so much from the grumpy teenage love interest to someone Peter fully relies on for his emotional center whilst Ned, though still the comic relief at times, is the friend he can always turn too. This group has grown so much from ‘Home Coming’ and this film is truly the payoff for them all. Both Zendaya and Jacob Batalon have grown just as much as actors as their characters have, which along with Tom Holland, showing a maturity in their performances across the MCU Spider-Man films.

Coming out of the cinema and my mind was just racing and I had a massive smile on my face which I could not say was the same reaction with the first two MCU Spider-Man films. There is so much in this that I fully recommend seeing it as soon as you can. The action sequences are just incredible, which is why I fully intend to see this on IMAX after Christmas, the effects are amazing and the MCU update to the villains all make sense and work without changing too much about them that their original fans will notice and dislike. Seeing the Villains get a second chance on the big screen was satisfying, not just because of how their actors deliver more great performances with Jaime Foxx as Electro able to add more of himself to the role and William Defoe just stealing the screen as captivating as Green Goblin as ever. I am still in awe of just how much is in this film, how much is pays tribute to the character of Spider-Man across the different films but also in getting the MCU further into the new phase and not dropping the ball on any of it.

This has been a hard review to write and for a very good reason, this is a fantastic Spider-Man film and story, it is a brilliant MCU film, and it is a standout Comic Book film as well. There really are no negatives to talk about. I want everyone to have the same experience I had of watching this and enjoyed each surprise as it came on screen and to spoil that for anyone would be cruel. I will say this, if you are reading this and you have been on the fence about seeing this film either because you think you know or sadly have had some of the surprises spoiled for you, I implore you to still go see this film because it is just a great cinema experience that will be one of the more memorable MCU event films yet. Seeing how they pull this off and how it all comes together really does complete a journey for Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, a character that many thought would never be in the MCU due to Sony owning the license to the character and even more following the scare that the deal was over.

Spider-Man: No Way Home is one of those films, like Winter Soldier, Infinity War and End Game that fans will study for years to come, it delivers on the expectations and manage to allay any concerns I had about it as I headed into the screening. It certainly is a must watch for MCU fans but also for fans of all Spider-Man films on the big screen, a fantastic watch to end 2021 on and the setup for the MCU Adventures to come, especially for its Spider-Man is very bright indeed!

Review: Heavenly Bodies

Alex Chessun
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Review: Heavenly Bodies

One small step for man, one large step for fiddly controls and budding astronauts. Entering earth’s atmosphere at a pedestrian pace is Heavenly Bodies, a short physics puzzle/simulation game where you undertake spaceman duties with your individually controlled arms that flail around at the behest of your dual analog sticks and zero gravity.

This isn’t your standard control-your-limbs game (like Human: Fall Flat, I Am Bread or Octodad) though, so if you thought that giving someone a wedding ring with tentacles was hard, try doing it without gravity where one wrong movement will send your body floating in the wrong direction! Those who enjoy a challenging simulation may get a kick out of it, but for most casual gamers the honeymoon period of the novelty-like controls and floating in space might be over sooner than you’d expect as the controls frustrate and become the main focus of the game while the remainder fails to excite.

Don’t let go. JAAAAACCCCCKKKKK. Wrong movie – sorry.

Floating from one section to another, you must set up research modules, communication satellites and even extract samples from rocks in the earth’s orbit. Other than flying a little space pod, this is mostly done by connecting cables to the relevant socket and cranking levers while holding onto something in the space station. There is a certain level of satisfaction to be gained from completing the seemingly impossible tasks you are provided with especially when they require you to make adjustments outside of the space station, resulting in some highly dangerous and tension-filled leaps of faith. 

Unlike the aforementioned games, there are 3 different sets of controls that you can choose from here ( Assisted, Classic or Newtonian) but even though there has been a distinct effort to make it accessible, I still found it far too hard to adapt to. This meant that I often ended up undoing what I spent an extended time attempting, whether it was re-folding some apparatus that I just unfolded or collapsing antennae I just extended. It’s quite hard explaining how hard it is exactly, but with your body very rarely vertical, knowing which direction to push your analog sticks is a task in and of itself. 

Losing your grip and ‘falling out’ of your space station and into the empty void will result in a countdown and an eventual George Clooney-like death (it’s not a spoiler if I don’t mention what movie it’s from!) which the soundtrack, that sounds like its been taken from a deep-sea diving documentary, does a decent job conveying the isolation throughout.

Follow the instructions you must.

The rather unpleasant death is actually the only game-like challenge that prevents you from completing your task though, as you can otherwise spend hours on them without worrying about limited tools or retries due to the game’s sole focus on the completion of chapters. Disappointingly, there’s also as much story as there is gravity in this game, with very little linking the chapters other than the tasks becoming more complex, which seems like a wasted opportunity for at least a few interactable characters on the space station or at least a few lines of dialogue with Houston.   

With a plural in the title – as opposed to Heavenly Body – it is perhaps no surprise that the local co-op is where the real potential of the game lies, with it finally getting the chance to shine through with another layer of interaction. Fair warning though – working as a team does not make it any less stressful!

Heavenly Bodies takes a gimmicky control system that’s traditionally been combined with a lighthearted and amusing concept and instead makes an earnest physics simulation out of it. Without any other gameplay mechanics or story though, its 6 stages feel like a space station DIY kit with countless steps and mandatory instructions, but minus any real fun.

Review: GameSir VX2 AimBox Console Keyboard & Mouse Adapter

Andrew Edney
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Review: GameSir VX2 AimBox Console Keyboard & Mouse Adapter

Here is our review of the GameSir VX2 AimBox Console Keyboard & Mouse Adapter.

With its supreme precision and cross-platform compatibility, GameSir VX AimBox has become one of the most popular desk setups for console gamers to control with a mouse & keyboard. Now, its 2nd version VX2 AimBox comes with a built-in 3.5mm audio jack and PS5 games support. Not only you can hear and speak more in your own gaming world now, but also enjoy more fun in PS5 games with your PS5 console.

Besides, through its GameSir App, you’re free to fine tune in-game settings as mouse, ADS, keybinds, joystick and lighting effects. That’s to say, aside from its PC gaming experience provided, VX2 AimBox allows of total custom control, no matter on the input console devices or in-game play style.

Plug your favorite headset to the built-in 3.5mm audio jack of VX2 AimBox, dive right into your gaming world and leave other noises behind. With VX2 AimBox, hear every movement of enemies and chat with your teammates, let the sound guide you to the breathtaking immersion and glory.

Specifications

Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

Connection: Wired (for Controller and Console); Wired & 2.4GHz Wireless (for Keyboard & Mouse); Bluetooth 5.0 (for GameSir App)

3.5mm Audio Port: Yes (not supported on PS5)

Battery: No

Micro-USB Cable Length: 50 cm / 1.64 ft

Type-C Cable Length: 50 cm / 1.64 ft

Product Size: 80*58*18.5 mm / 3.15*2.28*0.73 in

Net Weight: 84 g / 0.19 lbs

Package Size: 129*123*29 mm / 5.08*4.84*1.14 in

Gross Weight: 186 g / 0.41 lbs

What’s in the box?

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The first thing you notice about the VX2 AimBox is that it’s small – it also has lights on the top. These lights are controlled via the GameSir App and can be configured to however you want to have them.

The app itself is easy to use and once installed you can customise gamepad mappings, sensitivity adjustments and various other things too.

The AimBox is compatible with the Xbox One, Xbox Series S and X, PlayStation 4 and 5 and the Nintendo Switch – so all of your console needs are taken care of.

Connecting up your console is just a case of plugging it in and then plugging in the mouse and keyboard. Depending on the console you are connecting to you might need to make a setting change on the console, but everything you need to do is detailed in the including That’s really all there is to it. You might need to plug the AimBox into a power source if your console doesn’t provide enough power.

If you want to use a keyboard and mouse instead of a controller for some of your games, especially if you want that extra precision in a FPS game then the GameSir VX2 AimBox is right up your street – take it out for a spin now!

The GameSir VX2 AimBox Console Keyboard & Mouse Adapter is available now priced around £45.

You can learn more from the GameSir website.

Review: Moga Gaming Clip 2.0

Daniel Waite
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Review: Moga Gaming Clip 2.0

Mobile gaming is big business, but for a long time, it was associated with small and simple indie games. Nintendo changed that viewpoint and suddenly Sony and Microsoft realised that gamers are an adventurous bunch. Yes, we all still prefer our gaming setups at home, but when we are out and about, we still want to play. The Moga gaming clip 2.0 is a high-quality accessory that makes gaming much more comfortable and user-friendly.

With the meteoric rise of Microsoft’s Xcloud, many players realised they could continue gaming in outdoor spaces. However, there was the issue of how to balance both your controller and mobile phone. The Moga Gaming Clip 2.0 solved that problem with its sleek and lightweight design. Created for Xbox controllers, this small accessory is sturdy and robust while being easy to transport.

An award-winning design.

The Moga Gaming Clip 2.0 is the perfect accessory.

I was dubious when this landed on my desk, as I thought it was a waste of money and a fad item. I was wrong! The simple design fits perfectly around my Xbox controller while gently grasping my mobile phone. The adjustable arms allow you to set both pad and screen to your liking, and this enhances your experience further. Moreover, everything felt secure and locked into place in every section.

Its wonderful compact design folds in on itself to ensure that it’s easy to transport. Place it in your bag with your controller and you won’t notice it taking up any more room. It was surprising how much I used this peripheral, especially as I wasn’t its biggest fan to start with. I particularly like how easy it is to set up! With a snug clip for your pad and thumbscrews for each hinge, and it takes moments to lock in and get started.

It fits many phones, but it’s not perfect.

Right, I’ve gushed enough about my love for the Moga Gaming Clip 2.0, however, it’s not perfect! Though you can adjust the angles and the pitch, you can’t alter the width of the phone holder. Therefore, if your phone has badly placed buttons, you must lock it into place off centre. This was annoying as it made it awkward to play while impacting the balance of the device.

With a minor tweak in design, Moga could improve the experience exponentially. Yes, you can work around the issue, but it looks messy and reduces the appeal somewhat. The padded and spring-loaded phone clip allows you to grasp any device up to 79mm in width. Fortunately, this makes it a viable option for many gamers to play comfortably and conveniently.

A brilliant design.

What’s in the box?

At first glance, the packaging is a little uninspiring. However, this is a minor accessory that’s inexpensive. Once the security tabs are broken, you uncover a small user guide, some moulded plastic packaging, and the Moga Gaming Clip 2.0.

  • Moga Gaming Clip 2.0.
  • User Guide.
Designed for Xbox.

The Moga Gaming Clip 2.0 solves a fiddly problem.

Though mobile gaming won’t be everyone, it is an ever-growing market. Its fans demand comfort and quality, and the Moga Gaming Clip 2.0 provides it. Sadly, it has a few minor issues, but these are masked thanks to the price and wonderful build quality. If you love Xcloud and don’t have a gaming clip, I recommend you to buy one here!

Review: Raiden IV X Mikado Remix – Switch

Sean McCarthy
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Review: Raiden IV X Mikado Remix – Switch

My early gaming days were full of playing the top-down arcade shoot em ups with very fond memories of games like 1942, R-Type and Blood Money on the Amiga. The exhilaration of surviving wave after wave of enemy ships with the screen filling up with more and more bullets and taking that 50/50 risk of going for that much needed power up was a joy, something now only really seen in “Bullet Hell” shooters. One of my Xbox 360 experiences of this was the Raiden series, so as my journey into all things Nintendo Switch continues, it was a lovely surprise to come across Raiden IV X Mikado Remix, first released in the summer of 2021.

The vertical shoot em ups are truly something to behold and very much a classic, had to imagine the original Raiden IV released on the Xbox 360 ten years ago, with a PC port coming in 2015 which added some new mode and features. This Switch version includes all those additions such as the Overkill mode but now with an updated soundtrack to compliment it all. That soundtrack is quite the kickass anthem you would want in a high paced shooter to help keep the tempo high as the action ramps up with progression through the stages.

Visually this is just classic arcade which works remarkably well with the Switch in handheld mode especially, more so due to the way the game itself is boarded as it lacks full screen gameplay. Great for handheld but when docked and on a TV screen, the boarders take up a lot of the actual screen whilst not making it unplayable, it would have been nice to have a full screen option for TV mode.

The gameplay is just incredible in any mode, taking on a variety of enemies on each stage to reach the boss with action that is frantic and deliciously chaotic as much as it is a visual treat which when paired with the new soundtrack really makes this a total package for fans of the genre. There is the traditional Arcade mode, with stages that can be unlocked with credits earned from completing stages to replay them.

The Overkill Mode from the PC port adds a lot of Score challenge mechanics to the game which works by having a gauge in the game, destroy enough enemies and score bonus power ups will drop to enhance your regular score. The Global Leaderboards add that little incentive to keep trying to do better and gain even more high scoring runs and there is a real nostalgia blast when you earn a score worthy enough of adding your initials to your scoreboard placing.

By bringing together all elements of previous Raiden IV releases, this truly becomes the complete package for fans of the series but also it just makes an absolute banger of a game for the Switch which adds one final magical trick to the mix, Co-Op gameplay. Using the joycons, two players can share the experience on a single Switch console. The action is fast when playing alone and with some of the incredible power ups that make your ships weapons just obliterate ships on screen, having a partner with you to double that action is very satisfying indeed, just remember that bombs can clear the screen of enemy bullets as well as doing heavy damage!

With the Christmas now upon us, this would make an excellent stocking filler for a Switch owner that brings some classic arcade action this holiday season and for me, a great trip back in time to the 2000’s when this genre was really at its best for me.

A Closer Look at the Thumbs Up Remote-Control Flying Santa Drone

Andrew Edney
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A Closer Look at the Thumbs Up Remote-Control Flying Santa Drone

With Christmas not too far away now, we are going to be looking at various things you might want to consider – here we look at the Thumbs Up Remote-Control Flying Santa Drone.

The most wonderful time of the year just got a little more magical with the new easy-to-operate Thumbs Up Flying Santa Drone. Christmas has come early with this year’s must-have addition. Straight from Lap Land to your home this drone comes with its very own reindeers.

The flying drone will sprinkle festive cheer and provide endless fun. A truly unique invention to become the world first flying Santa drone with reindeers. Naughty or nice you can fly Santa and his reindeer past children’s windows on Christmas Eve to their wonder and delight. Fly around the room at the office to make people check twice. 

A fantastic gift for tech lovers, kids, mums, dads and friends. The fully rechargeable drone will make this Christmas extra special.

The drone has four-propellers for swift and rapid manoeuvrability, providing hours of entertainment for parents and kids this Christmas. Believe in Christmas and pop the Flying Santa Drone on the list and you’ll be guaranteed to raise a few festive cheers.

A Closer Look

The Thumbs Up Remote-Control Flying Santa Drone his available now from Very.com priced around £39.99.

Boulder Dash Ultimate Collection boxed edition now available to pre-order

Andrew Edney
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Boulder Dash Ultimate Collection boxed edition now available to pre-order

ININ Games and BBG Entertainment are truly excited to announce a collection of all time classics in gaming history. The Boulder Dash® Ultimate Collection will release a boxed version of this bygone gaming experience that captivated the hearts of many gamers. The action puzzle retro classic will be available for Nintendo Switch in North America and Europe. 

The Boulder Dash® Ultimate Collection delivers both, the fresh 2021 relaunch, Boulder Dash® Deluxe™ and Boulder Dash® 30th Anniversary™ – now available for pre-order!

Simply Devious…

Boulder Dash® Deluxe™

The original Boulder Dash® set a milestone in interactive gaming back in the ‘80s. For many players, regardless of age, the action puzzle adventures with Rockford™ were a challenge but also a delight to master. Loyal fans of this classic and new players alike can now take up the challenge again – Rockford™ is back in the awesome 2021 relaunch of this action-puzzle digging and collection game! 

Grabbing the loot!

Boulder Dash® Deluxe™ comes with some amazing new content, features and fresh graphics:

  • 180 all-new levels with advanced features!
  • Includes 20 levels from the original 1984 Boulder Dash® version
  • 9 exciting new worlds with high-end graphics, having their own, unique textures, go to Macmarnua Sea or Urath Castle – or back in time to the classic 1984 world with its caves
  • 15 new special opponents like Octopus, Shark Polar bear, and Snow tiger will keep your mind agile and you on your toes.
  • Full character customization of your game character Rockford™, e.g. shirt, pants, shoes, eyewear, headgear, hair, and facial hair
Retro version screenshot

Boulder Dash® 30th Anniversary™

Guide Rockford™ and help him dig his way through spectacular caves and collect as many diamonds as required whilst avoiding the many dangers that surround you. Watch out for falling boulders, discover treasure chests, collect potent power-ups and unlock 9 other playable characters. 

Coming with family-friendly, pretty pixel-art style, it seems like a nice puzzle experience, but beware! One wrong move could end in disaster. Boulder Dash® offers an all encompassing challenge for all gamers – from newbies to hard-core players!

HD screenshot
  • 280 all-new levels with advanced physics!
  • 12 Never-before-seen worlds, with new creatures with 3D animations!
  • Premium world by videogame legend Peter Liepa – with 20 of the most mind-bending levels yet!
  • New multicolored gem combos, treasure chests, rare collectibles and spectacular power-ups!
  • Play as Rockford™ or unlock 9 other playable male and female characters including Crystal™!
  • First Boulder Dash game ever to include diagonal walls and movement!


With this Collection, players get the ultimate Boulder Dash® experience – more than 400 levels across both games waiting to be mastered. There are several different beautiful game worlds to discover, created by the video game legend Peter Liepa, making his return to the game he created 30 years ago.

For more information about the game, visit https://www.iningames.com/games/boulder-dash-ultimate-collection/ 

Review: A YEAR OF SPRINGS

Daniel Waite
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Review: A YEAR OF SPRINGS

Visual novels are wonderful at tackling taboo subjects in a matter-of-fact way. Yes, there are over-sexualised and bizarre moments, but there are also plots full of emotion that’ll touch your soul. A YEAR OF SPRINGS comprises three short tales that highlight friendships, romance, and the insecurities associated with the LBGTQ+ community. It’s wonderfully written, can be completed in a few hours, and will make you feel warm inside.

Developed by npckc and published by Ratalaika Games, this is a charming visual novel trilogy full of dialogue choices and intertwined friendships. You will enjoy; One Night, Hot Springs, Last day of Spring, and Spring leaves no Flowers. Each tale follows the life of either Haru, Erika, or Manami as they explore love, friendships, and wanting to belong.

A YEAR OF SPRINGS is unusually short.

I’ve delved into many visual novels and each time I review one, I leave hours to get through the text. Strangely, however, A YEAR OF SPRINGS is unusually short. I blasted through each main story in no time, and then enjoyed the bonus chapter that was unlocked. You may think four minuscule stories wouldn’t be enough, and perhaps I was left wanting. Yet, this wasn’t the case as the dialogue twists and turns and the relationships flow from one book to the next. Moreover, it was fascinating to see how each story relied on the other, and the development of the characters’ relationships.

Time to relax after a long day.

Three novels to devour.

One Night, Hot Springs focuses on Haru, a transgender Japanese woman who is invited to a spa day by Manami. Still legally considered a male, she must deal with the regulations imposed upon her while fighting her emotions. It allows you to see through the eyes of a transgender woman and the emotional ties that shackle them.

Last day of Spring picks up the tale a few months after the first instalment. Here Erika attempts to book a spa day for Haru’s birthday. However, unlike One Night, Hot Springs, the staff are not so accommodating to her gender, and this leads to many uncomfortable conversations. Haru wants to back out of the trip, but Erika won’t give up without a fight. The beautifully written script highlights the special bond between the two and how Haru’s comfort is placed before anything else.

Spring leaves no Flowers picks up approximately two months after Last day of Spring and focuses its time on Manami. After the group of friends go out for a meal, Manami’s boyfriend asks why he wasn’t told of Erika and Haru’s relationship. Manami didn’t know what he was saying and begins to see clues that perhaps her friends were dating. This forces her to question her understanding of relationships and friendship and steers the plot towards other areas of the LBGTQ+ community. It was an interesting twist on the trilogy and made for a fascinating final read.

Make sure to keep talking to your friends.

Wonderful characters and touching moments.

With three distinct novels all focusing on strong emotive plots, this could have been an overwhelming game. Fortunately, however, the beautiful touching moments and wonderful characters keep the story grounded. If you are ill-educated towards the LBGTQ+ movement, don’t let this put you off, though. You can still enjoy the setting, friendships, and dialogue that unravel without worrying about the subtle complexities. 

It’s a coming of age title that evolves across the trilogy. The developers have incorporated some hard-hitting moments that will resonate with many of its readers. Sadly, I never became emotionally attached to any of the protagonists, but I enjoyed it on a base level. Fortunately, though, the plots were interesting enough to keep me hooked.

A YEAR OF SPRINGS is wonderful to look at.

Many visual novels follow a similar and simple animation style. The still images and OTT facial expressions help to highlight the emotion in the text. A YEAR OF SPRINGS sticks to these tried and tested ways with its hand-drawn basic imagery. The use of soft lines and pastel tones present a calm and understated finish. Furthermore, there is a blend of melancholy and fun moments that support key points in each story.

The audio does wonders to highlight the Japanese roots and the emotional elements of each plot. I loved the blend of fast-paced and slower songs and the use of traditional Japanese instruments. Fortunately, the music didn’t distract you, nor did it detract from the text. No, it enhanced each moment, even if the changes in music were subtle. Sadly, there is a distinct lack of sound effects, and this was a shame. Sometimes less is more, but in this case, more would have been better.

Who could be ringing?

It’s easy to make each decision. 

I was shocked by the number of dialogue choices and subsequently, this is one visual novel that demands you stay alert. You’ll regularly flit through an array of options, but luckily the control system is straightforward. Like all visual novels, this utilises limited buttons, and this makes it easy to play.

I’m used to visual novels having several endings, but A YEAR OF SPRINGS takes the proverbial biscuit. Every story has a ridiculous amount of finales and this was both fantastic and fascinating. The developers have explored every avenue of each character and this leaves no stone unturned.

A YEAR OF SPRINGS won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. 

Visual novels divide people at the best of times, however, A YEAR OF SPRINGS will push people to breaking point. With an array of taboo subjects at its core, it can be a tough read. I loved its openness and frank approach and recommend you to buy it here! Take a journey with each of the protagonists while they fathom out what it means to love, to connect with others, and to belong. 

Review: GameSir T4 Mini Multi-platform Game Controller

Andrew Edney
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Review: GameSir T4 Mini Multi-platform Game Controller

Here is our review of the GameSir T4 Mini Multi-platform Game Controller.

The majority of gaming controllers have one standard size which can make it slightly more uncomfortable for those with smaller hands to grip and play on for longer periods. Thankfully GameSir has addressed this issue with its latest release, the T4 Mini. Shaped in a compact and lightweight body, the wireless controller is ideal for families and travel and has big cross-platform compatibility, enabling gamers to use on Switch, Android, iOS phones & PC. In particular, it’s a perfect fit for Switch in multiplayer gaming, providing an excellent gaming experience with its built-in 6-Axis gyro and asymmetric dual motors allowing for more motion inputs such as tilt and rotation for a more active and immersive experience. The asymmetric dual motors create different and non-monotonous vibration effects on the left and right grips, delivering vivid vibration feedback for racing, fighting and shooting games.

Specifications

Platform: Switch, Android 9.0 or above, iOS 13 or above, Windows 7/10 or above
Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 (for Switch, Android, iOS); Wired (for PC)
Six-Axis Gyroscope: Yes (for Switch only)
Vibration Motors: Yes (for Switch and PC only)
Auto-sleep Mode: Yes
Wake up Switch Console Function: Yes
Auto-Combo Function: Yes
Battery: 600 mAh rechargeable Lithium battery 
Product Size (1pc): 143*83*53 mm / 5.63*3.27*2.09 in
Net Weight (1pc): 156 g / 0.34 lbs

What’s in the box?

The box contains the GameSir T4 Mini, a user manual and a Type-C Cable.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The GameSur T4 Mini Controller is small – well that’s what you want in a mini controller. It feels very comfortable in your hands, even if you have smaller hands (like my trusty 5 year old assistant has).

Pairing the T4 Mini with the device to use it with was very simple – it only took a few moments.

There are turbo setups on the controller which enable you to perform certain functions, such as rapid fire without having to press the same buttons over and over again – this cuts down on hand fatigue but also wear and tear on the controller itself. These turbos are really easy to select and turn off so you shouldn’t get distracted when playing.

When I had the T4 Mini paired with my Switch, I was happy to see that the controller powered down when the Switch was powered down, and I could restart the Switch by pressing a button on the controller.

There is also various options of backlighting available on the T4 Mini to suit your preference.

The battery takes around 3 hours to charge which will give you around 10 hours of gameplay – so more than enough if you are on the go.

If you play games on the go, then the T4 Mini is the controller you want to carry around with you – it’s small, lightweight, doesn’t get in the way and works great! What are you waiting for?

The GameSir T4 Mini Multi-platform Game Controller is available now priced around £29.

You can learn more from the GameSir website.

Review: STUFFED

Daniel Waite
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Review: STUFFED

Nighttime is supposed to be a relaxing and calm experience where we can let our minds unwind. This is especially important for children as their brains are still developing. All these thoughts slosh around our heads, generating dreams and unreal sequences. However, occasionally, our minds play tricks on us and the pleasantries quickly turn to horrifying nightmares. STUFFED utilises this concept in its first-person horde shooter gameplay.

Developed and published by Waving Bear Studio, this is an FPS that has taken inspiration from Call of Duty Zombies. This much-loved mode is dark, scary, and hellishly addictive, so will a lighthearted cutesy twist be warmly received? I think it will, but let’s take a moment to look at it in finer detail.

They look cuter up close.

STUFFED is every child’s nightmare!

It’s fair to say that this genre has been done to death, so is there room for yet another title? Normally I’d say no, but I thoroughly enjoyed the developers’ twist on the action. Yes, you experience many of the well-trodden mechanics, but the aesthetics and environment offer a unique take that makes this stand out.

The gameplay revolves around a little girl called Ellie, whose world changes when she goes to sleep. Like many children, her room is packed with robots, cars, dolls, and stuffed toys. These innocent and cute objects should offer no danger, yet, once Ellie shuts her eyes, their true form is shown. You control a cuddly bear whose only objective is to stay alive and protect the bedroom door. You must use your fists, a stick, and an array of weaponry to hold back the hordes while destroying the nightmarish apparitions.

Horribly, the simple twist on enemies and the adorable setting make STUFFED a stomach-churning endeavour. Adorable ducks smile with razor-sharp teeth, gnomes smack you, robots shoot lasers, and then there are the shadow creatures. The list of enemies grows the longer you live, and this makes the gameplay considerably harder as you progress. I loved the gradual curve and the blend of perks and weapons that improve your chances of survival.

Earn XP and unlock game-changing abilities.

Familiar mechanics.

I’m usually keen for a fresh approach within this genre, yet STUFFED sits firmly on familiar ground. The rounds last ten waves and each comprises a set amount of enemies. A counter highlights how many are left for you to slay and you can manipulate this to open locked doors with the points you have earned. The more rooms you open, the more weapons, perks, and accessories you will find. Exploration is key to your survival, but you must remember the core objective. Luckily, teleporters are located throughout to help you get back to the start. This was an excellent idea that encourages players to venture out without the fear of losing everything.

Like COD Zombies, you’ll find power-ups to refill ammo, reduce the cost of purchases, become invincible, and more. Furthermore, your bear earns XP, and this is used to level them up. Do you want unlimited sprint power, more health, increased ammo, or more? The choices are all available and you must choose which one best suits your approach. This was excellent, as it included a minor element of strategy to distract you from the FPS action.

STUFFED proves that children’s toys are creepy!

We all know that kids and their toys are a little creepy, however, no one wants to admit it, but come on, they really are! STUFFED has captured this beautifully in its colourful world filled with everyday children’s belongings. It’s this ordinary approach that makes it that much more chilling, and I never tired of exploring the large family home. I enjoyed the sadistic twists on innocent objects and the levels of detail in the surrounding world. More importantly, though, the gameplay is buttery smooth and the hectic action never falters. The developers have worked hard to ensure that their great looking title is matched by a strong performance. I experienced no frame rate issues, screen tears, or glitches, and this was phenomenal for an Early Access title.

The childish nature is highlighted brilliantly within the eerie audio. This Halloween/fairground-inspired soundtrack matches the creepiness perfectly. The minor tones add to the sinister aura, and this complements the theme during every round. Moreover, there is an upbeat pace to the music, and this adds urgency and energy to the nightmarish experience. Furthermore, the wonderful sound effects are unique, unusual, and match the surreal approach from the developers.

There’s nothing creepy about this lot!

Responsive and simple controls.

Waving Bear Studio has incorporated controller support, and this was a crucial decision. Offering both mouse and keyboard and gamepad options improves the experience without alienating its player base. Whichever you choose, you’ll encounter intuitive and responsive controls that are simple to understand and easy to master. As this is an Early Access title, there were a few minor issues that subsequently caused irritations. These flaws are being worked on and should be ironed out ASAP.

COD Zombies has an obsessive fanbase, and I expect STUFFED will be a big hit for many reasons. First, it is excellent to play both solo and online with friends. Second, you can lose hours to each session as the new maps every ten waves keep things fresh. Furthermore, you unlock cosmetics for your hero and looking your best while destroying Satanic toys is always key. The developers have promised more content and this will enhance an already moreish title further still.

STUFFED exceeded my expectations.

I was fortunate to try this at EGX 2021 in London and the Early Access copy exceeded my expectations. This is a gem of an indie title that is only going to get better. With a clear roadmap for further content and an excellent foundation to work from, this will go from strength to strength. I loved it and I recommend you to buy it here! If you give this a go, you’ll never look at your kid’s toys in the same way again!

Review: Fantasy Friends: Under the Sea

Krissy
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0
Review: Fantasy Friends: Under the Sea

Fantasy Friends: Under the Sea is a cute virtual pet game for young children. It’s the second installment in the Fantasy Friends franchise and is the first pet-caring game featuring magical underwater creatures.

I reviewed Fantasy Friends earlier this year, so I will focus on the similarities between the two games and which one stands on top.

Gameplay:

Just like the first installment, players can collect, feed, and play with 12 different magical creatures. There are different skins and accessories for each pet, as well as collectible items used for decorating the ocean. In this version, the graphics, pets, and items are much more attractive compared to the first Fantasy Friends.

Since this game’s intended audience is young children, the controls and the gameplay are very simple. The left analog stick is mainly used to pet, feed, and bathe your pets. However, I still think it would be more fun and interactive if the game also used touch controls.

In Fantasy Friends: Under the Sea, the magical fairy guide Aurea is back, but this time she’s a mermaid. One complaint I still have is how Aurea speaks in Animalese. Since this game is for very young children, I think it would be beneficial to have her actually speak.

However, I have also noticed several improvements in Fantasy Friends: Under the Sea compared to the first game. They cut back a lot of the dialogue, so even if the players can’t read very well, they can get the gist of the game. And thankfully, the loading times aren’t as long as before.

Another nice improvement I noticed is that the mini-games are more entertaining than the first game. I wouldn’t necessarily say they are fun, but they aren’t painfully boring either.

Even though the mini-games were better, some toys were really pointless. For example, with one toy, you just swing it around your pet’s face, and this is considered one of the “games.” There is barely any actual interaction with the pet except for your pet showing excitement in the same manner every few seconds. These kinds of cheap animations and gameplay are things I would expect from a free-to-play game from the App store, not a fully paid console game.

Pros:

  • Cute graphics and characters
  • Suitable for young children

Cons:

  • Almost a complete replica of the first game
  • Not enough content for the price
  • Frequent game errors

Conclusion:

Fantasy Friends: Under the Sea feels more polished, and the overall design is nicer compared to the first Fantasy Friends. But unfortunately, I was not impressed with this game since it’s a cheap rehashing of the first one. I had high expectations for Fantasy Friends: Under the Sea because it is really cute and visually pleasing. There were a few improvements here and there, but not enough for me to recommend this game to anyone, especially at its price range. Though if it’s on sale for less than ten dollars, I’d definitely recommend getting this version over the first one.

Entertainment: 4/10

Replay value: 2/10

Graphics: 8/10

Sound: 6/10

Kid-Friendly: Yes (Recommended age: 3-7)

Platform:Nintendo Switch
Developer:Xaloc Studios
Publisher:JUST FOR GAMES
Released:September 28, 2021
MSRP:$24.99
ESRB:Everyone

Review: Moncage

Vasilis Tatsiopoulos
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Review: Moncage

Moncage is hard. It’s a puzzle game that looks like it will be a breeze. It gives off this chill, relaxing vibe, but in reality it can get really difficult and frustrating. It’s a good thing it includes a robust hint system. It’s an even better thing that its puzzles are great, mostly.

You see, this is one of those puzzle games that play with perspective. You have to look at the 5 sides of a cube (I know a cube has six of them; one is never seen, here) and try to piece together some similar images. Every side contains a different place, filled with detail, colour, and its own soundscape too. You look at the right side, you see a lighthouse. You look at the opposite one, a factory. Between them, a kid’s room. Every place is well-designed and has character and a lot of detail, while at the same time everything remains clear.

Now, what you have to do is this: you scan the vistas with your eyes to find things that look alike. A bicycle wheel can look like a gear. A bridge may remind you of a child’s toy. A compass of a mechanical contraption. When you do find similar items, you start trying to manipulate the space between them. If you turn the camera in the right way (as in: correct) you might make it appear as if the two items are one, starting to exist in one side of the cube and then going into the next. Aspects of one reality “bleed” into the next, and you create “bridges” that share two separate functions. Turn the bicycle wheel, the gear rotates and opens a door.

It’s not the most novel approach to puzzle solving, but here it’s done impeccably. Of course, you don’t just line up wheels and levers. Later on, around the half point of the roughly 3 hour experience, you will hit many walls. The sides of the cube contain more and more stuff, you can zoom out of some images thus creating two of them in one place, and a number of the puzzles is just too vague. You will not know what you’re supposed to be looking for and the busy areas you need to search will not make it any easier. It’s a bit like playing “Where’s Waldo” without knowing what Waldo looks like.

Even so, most puzzles can be solved when you get the hang of it, when you start thinking as the game wants you to. The few than are nigh-unsolvable can be overcome by using the hints that are available with a cooldown. You see, you can’t spam the clues to go further; you will have to try and solve the puzzles yourself. If hints aren’t enough for you, you can wait even further until a video becomes available and shows you the exact solution of a puzzle.

Excluding the really obtuse ones and some that require quick movement, the puzzles in Moncage are full of clever ideas and “a-ha” moments. When you do manage to find the right angle to create a connection between the different sides, you will feel a great satisfaction, a “puzzle rush”. The design is spot-on: mechanically, the game works as it should and visually it’s a delight. Here and there, the controls create some problems, making it hard to line up the desired items, even though you are sure you know how to do it. The sound effects are very interesting, because they shift depending on the side you put your focus on.

It’s a short puzzle game that’s sure to satisfy fans of the genre. The shortcomings are not a deal breaker and there are many interesting ideas here. What could use more work, is the narrative. Told through vague means, by image and symbolism, the story of Moncage is just too obscure to make any sense and to have any impact. It seems that the writers do want to tell a good, emotional story, but the way it unfolds doesn’t do it any justice. Most people will have zero understanding of the plot when they see the credits roll, and a choice that further hinders the narrative is the inclusion of missable collectibles that try to clear the story up.

Then again, Moncage is a game that can be played and enjoyed for the fantastic puzzles alone. You don’t have to follow the story threads, you can just have fun with the puzzles and look at all the beautiful art. It’s a difficult game, too vague at times, it doesn’t hold your hand and doesn’t even give you direction when it should, but it’s also a smart project, bursting with creativity.

Review: Death’s Door

Jonah Ehlers
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0
Review: Death’s Door

Now I am Become Death

A sentient crow, wielding weapons and magic in order to reap the souls of those unwilling to let go of this mortal coil. Tell me that doesn’t sound at the very least interesting and I’ll show you a liar of the highest order. 

On today’s menu is Death’s Door, a welcome surprise that displayed a fantastic amount of passion, care and polish. And from a two person team on top of it all. I found myself impressed by this title at every turn and revelation. It’s an isometric game, with challenging fast-paced combat, excellent music, and witty writing. 

Death’s Door has you play as a crow with a 9-to-5. However, it’s not your average job. No, old Corvus (The name I gave to the protagonist) spends their Monday mornings collecting the souls of the soon to be dead. It’s honest and hard work. Thankless at times, but vital for the natural order of existence it seems. The story begins when a routine soul reaping is interrupted by a thief. Without their assigned soul, Corvus remains mortal until they can retrieve the soul and close the door to their world. This takes them on a journey to collect the souls of mortals who refuse to be mortal.

Now, maybe that synopsis came off as a bit dark. You’re essentially one of many grim reapers, who all living beings fear one way or another. However, Death’s Door still manages to find humour and levity in the macabre world it’s set in. It’s witty and lighthearted dialogue works in harmony with the darker elements. There are also some pretty interesting side characters. My favourite, without spoiling too much, is a man going through a Weekend at Bernie’s situation.

One Badass Bird

The combat is simple but highly effective. It’s fast-paced nature makes for engaging encounters that left me wanting more. I’d actively seek enemies, even when they weren’t in my way. While you may not find any complex combos or mechanics, you will find a refined system that works almost perfectly. 

Firstly there’s melee combat that has you utilize a range of weapons such as a slow but powerful thunder hammer, or a pair of lightning quick daggers. You can even fight with an umbrella if that’s what floats your boat. Melee is straightforward, you have your attacks that can be chained to a certain number depending on weapons or stats. As well as a rolling attack for those moments when you need to get a hit in on an enemy, but don’t want to risk getting smacked in return. 

Then there’s ranged attacks, you start off with simple arrows that allow you to remain a threat when not face to face with an enemy. However, as you clear areas and defeat bosses you gain access to some really useful magic attacks that often serve a purpose outside of combat. Such as the bomb that can break down brittle blocks of stone in your way. Or the hook shot that allows you to cross gaps or close the distance from an enemy. Magic quickly became my best friend. Partly, because I always try to use magic if possible in a game. But also because of the breathing room it provided.

However, you can’t just spam magic at enemies. You only have a set amount of shots that can only be replenished by landing blows on enemies or destructible items. This mechanic, along with the fact that enemies will be running to beat the snot out of you keeps the pace of fights up at all times. You may feel safe behind your spells and arrows, but it won’t last forever. Eventually you’ll need to get in there and knock some heads together.

Love Your Enemies

Combat isn’t a complicated system, yet it’s always engaging and fun. What really helps this is the enemy variety. It was pretty much perfect in that regard. There were dudes with giant stone faces strapped to their backs that would curl into a ball and roll toward you, making it hard to deal damage. You’d have to wait for an attack and when they hit a hard enough surface that they’d flop on their back, rendering them vulnerable. There were also creatures hiding in vases that would spit seeking orbs, which you could smack with your melee weapon, possibly right back at them.

In order to be as effective as possible you’d have to keep a rough idea of what each enemy’s attacks were, so you can act accordingly. Whether the plan was baiting attacks and wailing on the poor souls. Running away and hitting them with magic at a distance. Or taking the initiative and defeating them before they let a ranged attack loose. Death’s Door would also make a habit of grouping these enemies together. In these situations you’d need to prioritize who to take out first, or what spells may be the most effective. This once again kept the pacing up at breakneck speeds. And oh boy, was it fun. From the very beginning, until the final boss.

That being said, boss fights were really good for the most part. I can’t think of any that I disliked. However, if I were forced to choose a weak link. I would say the one I enjoyed least was the Frog King. This was a more restrictive fight. It was structured in a way that you could only damage the boss on certain areas of his body and later only in certain moments. You’d otherwise have to run around like a headless chicken avoiding his attacks until your next opportunity presented itself. 

And yet, even then I genuinely enjoyed the fight. Which just displays the quality of the boss fights in general. From their designs, to personalities, and move-sets. They’re all different enough from one another that you’ll seldom approach an encounter in the same way.

Great Sounds, Good Sights

The artstyle is fairly straightforward, it doesn’t exactly leave you particularly impressed all the time. However there are moments of spectacle such as when you first approach Castle Lockstone. It’s a towering castle that’s pretty intimidating in an awesome way. The kind of intimidating, that doesn’t scare you off but leaves you curious to see what’s inside. The environments range from the luxury decor of a mansion, to the frigid cold of a mountain with sheer cliffs and biting winds. While nothing too special, it’s still a great looking game with occasionally impressive sights.

Death’s Door also boasts some really solid music. Literally every track was an earworm. I could hardly help but whistle along as I went about dungeon crawling. I especially loved the use of the pan flute in certain sections, such as the overgrown ruins on the way to the Frog King’s lair. The best way I can describe the soundtrack is as a mix of wistful and dreamy. That’s a common theme throughout it all. Save for boss fights which are naturally a bit more exciting. Each area’s music is truly a pleasure to listen to. One of my favourite moments was in an underground factory/furnace area. The movement of platforms in the form of pistons was in time with the music. Their rhythmic industrial sounds became a part of the music itself. All praise to David Fenn the composer, for some phenomenal work.

So if it wasn’t already abundantly obvious, I loved Death’s Door. It is a certified banger of a game that I can very easily recommend to almost anyone. From the gameplay down to the soundtrack, you’re seriously in for a treat if you decide to pick up this game. 

Review: 512 Audio Limelight Microphone

Andrew Edney
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0
Review: 512 Audio Limelight Microphone

Here is our review of the 512 Audio Limelight Microphone.

A dynamic vocal XLR mic that delivers exceptional clarity for close-range, talk-focused podcasts, broadcasts or live streams. The combination of a modern circuit and professional dynamic capsule produces smooth, crystal clear audio. Limelight’s hypercardioid pattern creates a hyper-focused pickup field to capture your voice and cut out unwanted ambient noise. The built-in pop shield and switchable, low-frequency filter remove intrusive plosives and low-end rumble for a clean, uncompromised sound. Bring the clear, natural audio of a professional broadcast studio to your home setup.

Specifications

Capsule Type:Dynamic

Capsule Size:28mm

Polar Pattern:Hypercardioid

Frequency Range:50Hz – 15Hz

High Pass Filter:100Hz (12dB per octave)

Sensitivity:-54dB 13dB (0dB =1V/Pa at 1kHz)

Impedance:600 ohm

Max SPL:138dB

Weight:0.84 lbs (379g)

Dimensions:6.59in x 2.39in (167.5mm x 60.8mm)

Included Accessories:Adjustable Swivel Mount & Protective Carry Bag

What’s in the Box?

The box contains the Limelight microphone and clip, manual and a carry case.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

Setting up the Limelight was easy – just plug in your XLR cable and you are ready to go. The 360 degree swivel mount included in the box is really useful for getting the Limlight in just the right position.

The design of the Limelight means that it creates a narrow pickup field meaning that your voice is captured but a lot of unwanted noise isn’t, which really makes a difference. And unlike other microphones, the Limelight has a built-in pop shield (so that’s one less thing to buy) meaning the captured sound is better.

The Limelight features a tailor-made frequency response of 50Hz – 20kHz, sculpted for close-range vocal frequencies and designed to reduce the noise – and it really works well – you can hear the difference compared to other microphones.

There is also a user-switchable low-frequency filter prevents unwanted noise and low-end rumble, for more control over your sound. Just set the switch to the setting you want.

The carry case was a welcome addition which meant that the Limelight could be carried around safely – it’s just something extra in the box but it makes a difference.

If you are in the market for a high quality microphone for podcasting, streaming or anything else, then take a look, and listen, to the 512 Audio Limelight Microphone, you wont be disappointed.

The 512 Audio Limelight Microphone is available now priced around £189.99.

You can learn more from the 512 Audio website.

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