I like to delve into simple games that are easy to pick up and take little of my time to complete. These casual experiences are wonderful, fill a void, and go hand in hand with major titles. Fortunately, the indie market is saturated with such titles and subsequently, I’m spoilt for choice. My latest time killer was picked because of its cute name, Catty & Batty: The Spirit Guide. It caught my attention because of its random name and striking artwork.
Developed by Philipp Lehner and published by Sometimes You, this is a solo or couch co-op title. It takes inspiration from Lemmings and many Tower Defense games and I couldn’t wait to see what it offered. It’s a spirit wrangling puzzle title that uses drip-fed mechanics to keep the gameplay fresh and to gradually increase the difficulty.
This is where it all begins.
Catty & Batty: The Spirit Guide keeps things simple.
Wrangling spirits has never been so simple, yet these minxy ghouls and random stage mechanics ensure it’s not as easy as it appears. What begins as a walk in the park (albeit a spooky empty one), quickly becomes a logistical nightmare. Quick thinking and planning on the fly are skills you must use if you wish to successfully defeat the game.
You control either Catty a cat, or Batty a bat, that somehow stumble across an array of lost spirits. These want away ghosts can’t make it to the portal to return home, and it’s your job to help them. Armed with ghost blocking cardboard boxes, you must form a path to guide them to the exit. Of course, it’s not as easy as it sounds as obstacles and traps stand in your way.
Portals, limited boxes, and teamwork.
Teamwork is key when trying to complete each stage, and because of this, Catty & Batty: The Spirit Guide is much more enjoyable as a co-op title. I appreciated its mechanics as a solo gamer, but playing with a friend is where it excels. ‘Love Vines’ block your path and Catty and Batty must create routes on either side of the obstacle.
You’ll love pushing spirits through portals while battling plants that force you to sleep. When boxes are plentiful, it’s easy to formulate a plan. However, when limited boxes are available, you must use your wits to be victorious. The ghosts like nothing more than to cause mischief, and it’s a massive error to allow the ghosts to run free. You must take your time, be patient, and make sure nothing stops you from executing your plan of action.
Guide those spirits to the exit.
Catty & Batty: The Spirit Guide is a hand-drawn masterpiece.
I have a soft spot for well done hand-drawn titles, and Catty & Batty: The Spirit Guide doesn’t disappoint. With over eight hundred hand-drawn images and one hundred and fifty animations, there is plenty of attention to detail. The crisp images work wonderfully with the contrasting background thanks to the monochromatic colour palette. The unique style of each trap helps to easily identify each obstacle in your way. This was a great decision from the developer, as the latter stages quickly become hectic and hard to handle.
Though the gameplay becomes a handful, it’s pretty mellow thanks to its chilled piano music. An array of tunes play alongside the impending madness and its slow manner helps to keep you calm and composed.
So hypnotic.
Basic controls and easy to play solo.
The gameplay is geared up for couch co-op, but it works just as well for a solo player. The responsive commands and ability to swap between characters makes it easy to play. Each stage allows you to plan your approach before you begin, and this makes it much more manageable.
I adored everything that was offered, yet I can’t get over the lack of replay value. A short two to three-hour story allows you to unlock every achievement. With no NG+ mode, there is no reason to return once you’ve completed it.
Catty & Batty: The Spirit Guide fills the void.
This stunning casual puzzler may lack longevity, but it offers striking aesthetics and wonderful gameplay. The increasingly challenging problems will test your mind and communication is key when playing co-op. I enjoyed its simplicity and recommend you to buy it here! Create a plan, lay a path, and wrangle those spirits.
Here is my video review with footage captured from my Xbox Series X, enjoy!
The team behind EGX2021 has worked tirelessly! They have focussed their efforts on making this an event that’s fun, interesting, and above all else, safe! COVID-19 has altered the events landscape much more than anyone would like to admit. Yet this shouldn’t stop us from making the trip to the ExCeL Centre in London. Many major players are missing and the large space that’s usually full of colour and life appears stark and bare. However, this doesn’t mean that this year’s instalment should be ignored.
After much disappointment, sorrow, and isolation, this staple of the gaming calendar has arrived. It is the opportunity for like-minded individuals to gather together, and get hands-on with some amazing unknown titles. EGX2021 may be different from what most expected, but this slow-burning event proves that a phoenix can rise from the flames.
EGX Live stage.
EGX2021 is remarkably uninspiring at first glance.
Having collected my press pass while navigating some minor confusion surrounding entry times, I gladly skipped to door S7 to get my first glimpse of EGX2021. Sadly, however, more miscommunication forced me and fellow press members and creators to wait in the foyer until 10 am. This wasn’t an issue, as a kind gentleman entertained us with magic and card tricks, so not all was lost.
10 O’Clock came and the curtain was finally raised. We entered and was greeted by a disappointing and rather flaccid fanfare. Compared with previous years, the arena was empty and bland, or so it first appeared. Yet, fortunately, Virgin Media and Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout added some much-needed colour, energy, and life to this calm affair. With pumping tunes, mascots, lively staff, and the promise of a prize bundle if you won the tournament, there were many reasons to rejoice.
Sadly, I and my fellow teammates sucked at the game! Disappointingly, our dreams of a free PS5 and a year’s supply of Virgin Media went out the window. Though, the chance to take on the Fall Guy Mountain was an opportunity we couldn’t turn down. A giant Wipeout style treadmill challenges competitors to sprint to the top to collect a foam crown. Each team has three minutes to stay on their feet, gather the crowns, and get back to the starting point. It was hectic, fun, and full of banter! This portion of the day was a raving success.
Do you dare to take on the Fall Guy Mountain?
Focussed on indie titles and Steam.
The gaming industry is renowned for its triple-A titles, and many gamers rave about each exclusive they get to play. Yet, EGX2021 offers little in the way of triple-A games, especially if you haven’t turned eighteen! As you wander the enormous space, you are treated to a spectacle of university projects, new developers, unusual ideas, and well-established talents. There is also the odd smattering of high-end games, namely Baldur’s Gate III and Crysis Remastered Trilogy.
As for the rest, there is a wonderful presence from Team17, PQube, Goblinz Studio, and Mooneye Indies. Many of the developers and publishers were extremely excited about offering a hands-on experience with their creations, yet two stood out for their enthusiasm and flair. Sally Sheppard, a solo developer, has created a visual novel-like title called Spellbound: The Magic Within. And Not A Goose Games has entertained with its fun and frantic twin-stick shooter Cheftastic.
Console gamers will wonder where their piece of the pie is! Strangely, most of the games on offer are either Steam Early Access or mid-development projects. This, unfortunately, will leave many console gamers disappointed, as their favourite games will be forever out of reach.
Some much-needed colour has been added.
Over 18s only, merchandise, and retro gaming.
EGX2021 has done a fantastic job at separating its key sections, and this is evident in the Over 18s only section. Reserved for gory titles, players will enjoy Call of Duty, Back 4 Blood, Deathloop, and more. ID and patience are required to enter this area as players have a maximum of 45 minutes to play the game of their choice. This section was well marshalled, disciplined, and was a credit to the organisers.
Gaming, retro action, and merchandise go hand in hand. So, fortunately, it’s a good thing that EGX2021 has this covered. With a vast amount of stalls for collectables, bags, accessories, and more available, there is something for every taste. The retro area spans pinball machines, NES consoles, and more, so you can relive good times while challenging friends.
Back to the old-school.
EGX2021 has a live theatre and educational pieces, but it lacks that special edge.
You can’t fault the organisers for their efforts to put together some fascinating talks and educational pieces, yet it missed that showbiz edge. Previous instalments have wowed the crowds with exclusive game footage and Q and A sessions, and EGX2021 doesn’t seem to have lived up to this promise.
The lack of wow factor was disappointing, and I was left craving so much more. I needed my hit of unseen gameplay from triple-A titles, but that never appeared. This impacted the vibe of the event as many gamers come for a hands-on experience, but they also want to be amazed by never before seen footage.
EGX2021 is a slow-burner that is worth your time and effort.
You may initially be disappointed after you first enter the ExCel Centre, but I suggest you let this wash over you! If you discard the normal razzmatazz, you will enjoy a full-on experience of smaller indie developers, some excellent larger titles, and a friendly crowd waiting to greet you. Every developer is keen for you to observe their time-consuming work, so why not look at the full itinerary here! Jump right in, meet some hard-working indie developers, and experience so diamonds in the rough.
Fantasy games are a wonderful form of escapism and I love how the plot can take you on some weird and wonderful journeys. The combination of mystical beasts, magical powers, and made up kingdoms is a recipe for a wild and interesting adventure. The Handler of Dragons uses this freedom to create an interesting story filled with lore and unusual characters.
Developed by Jerzy Calinski and published by Golden Eggs Studio, this is a 3D action RPG. It’s an Early Access title, so this preview will judge it on its current build. You control a husband and father who’s unaware of the power he possesses. His quiet life is about to be turned upside down as a chance encounter with a stranger has deep-rooted ramifications.
Choose your fate in The Handler of Dragons.
Unlike many RPGs, you have the freedom to decide your fate in The Handler of Dragons. Yes, the core story progresses no matter your decisions, but how the surrounding world and its people perceive you alter significantly. This was my favourite mechanic that was incorporated into an otherwise very standard affair.
You control a hero who lives in a small house at the edge of a wood. A stranger appears and asks for help. This then delivers a cutscene where you discover you can talk to dragons and you learn about the power to control these beasts. You can consume their first shed scale to become more powerful, or you can set the majestic beasts free. This is the overarching plot and you quickly become accustomed to helping dragons, learning new skills, and meeting new cultures.
The story culminates in a standard Good vs Evil encounter. You must use everything you’ve learned to avenge the fallen dragons and prove you have Dragon Handler blood flowing through your veins.
The Handler of Dragons shows such potential.
A dramatic, albeit cheesy story that’s let down by clunky mechanics and uninspiring worlds.
With so many amazing RPGs to choose from, you have to do something special to stand out. Sadly, however, in its current build, The Handler of Dragons doesn’t do enough to make itself memorable! I liked its dramatic, albeit cheesy plot and enjoyed the personalities of the NPCs and the dragons you encounter. Yet, this wasn’t enough to paper over the very evident cracks.
The gameplay is broken down across many minor quests that take you on a journey across many regions. You encounter dwarves, the undead, a plethora of dragons, and more as you gain power and learn new abilities. In theory, this should have been an incredible journey, yet it felt rushed, stale, and dated. Subsequently, I built no rapport with the characters and cared not about my decision making. This was a shame, as it undermines the best element of the game.
Matters only get worse.
The issues only got worse because of the clunky combat mechanics, uninspiring quests, and laughably poor acting and subtitles. I have no issues with poor acting or badly proofread subtitles. In fact, they offered some much needed comical relief. My gripe is it highlights the lack of polish and the inability to alter obvious problems.
These issues hold many of the key components back. The movement within The Handler of Dragons is some of the campest and most clunky I’ve endured to date. You’ll crash into the scenery, fall into pits, off ledges, and generally have a torrid time. This then impacts the combat mechanics! You’ll die repeatedly as your hero swings, misses, and turns like a tanker in the Suez Canal. It’s a recipe for disaster and something that needs to be drastically altered if the developers wish this to succeed.
The staple for any RPG is the crafting mechanics, varied equipment, the levelling of your character, and the associated skill tree. The Handler of Dragons comprises each of these elements, however, it’s all subpar.
Everything is nerfed by the increasing levels of the monsters you encounter and subsequently, you never feel like a powerful hero. This is disappointing and this hollow state continues with the lacklustre spells! Using them doesn’t generate fireworks or a wow moment and sadly, it’s a bit of a damp squib.
A dated inventory screen.
The Handler of Dragons has poor textures, dated graphics, but plenty of potential.
My laptop was powerful enough to play this on ultra settings, yet this wasn’t enough to iron out the many creases. With glitches galore, awful textures, frame rate issues, and dated graphics, there is a lot to work on. Yet, there is plenty of potential for the developers to create a beautiful looking game. The currently mediocre worlds could easily be fantastic with some minor tweaks. If the environments were more interactive, the NPCs more believable, and traversing each section more seamless, this would improve it vastly.
The audio is both excellent and awful! A contradiction in terms, I know, but bear with me. I loved the mixture of medieval fantasy music, the aggressive combat tunes, and the sound effects. These factors truly transport you to this make-believe world and worked beautifully with the theme. Sadly, though, the illusion is broken by the dreadful aforementioned acting. Amateur dramatic societies are less wooden and the part-time actors generally don’t mispronounce every other word.
Do you dare to venture down this dark passage?
Clunky is being kind.
To describe the controls as ‘clunky’ is particularly kind, as they are much worse, mostly. Like the graphics, some small changes will improve the experience. If the developers make it much more responsive, reduce the lag on all commands and tighten up the movement, it’ll be improved immeasurably. I did, however, like the layout and the ability to use a gamepad. These were two big positives that highlight the available potential.
If you can battle through the many niggling issues, you’ll find a game that has lots of replay value. Thanks to its array of dialogue choices, you can alter your relationship and character in many ways. Its large achievement list requires multiple playthroughs and different dialogue choices, so completionists will get to experience everything on offer.
The Handler of Dragons could be great.
Currently, The Handler of Dragons is a world away from where it needs to be. Yet, I can see plenty of potential behind its rough edges. With excellent lore, nice dialogue mechanics, and the possibility of wonderful lands to explore, it could be great. Sadly, it needs plenty of polishing to get where it should be. Hopefully, it’ll improve with time if the developers keep working on its core concept. If you wish to try this early access title, you can buy it here! Forge your path, collect the dragon scales, and take down the evil power.
Summary.
The Handler of Dragons is an Early Access Steam title. With plenty of potential, there is a lot to be hopeful about. Sadly, in its current build, it’s a world away from where it needs to be. With some minor tweaks, the developers can polish its very rough edges.
(Reviewed on PC using Steam & the game is currently in Early Access. It will be available on Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation in 2022.)
After the high praise of the first Curious Expedition game, Maschinen-Mensch created the second instalment to the franchise. Following it’s successor, Curious Expedition 2 is a turn-based adventure narrative, set in the late 17th century. So if you have a hankering to explore new lands and see the never before discovered, then this game might just be for you.
Taking a cartoonish design and hosting a whole cast of creative characters, Curious Expedition is certainly an experience from start to finish. The title quickly whisks you through a tutorial, which is extremely text heavy. Be prepared to feel like you’re reading a novel. There is no narration, but the personality of every character still shines through text. As someone with a lot of experience with fast paced reading (meaning yes, I spent a lot of my childhood watching subtitled anime) this sheer amount of text still came as a shock. Be careful as well, because there are certain pauses between conversations which you WILL skip if you’re impatient. I did this a lot, and sometimes these missed chats are vital to your exploration.
You are tasked with choosing a character at the very beginning of the game, which will be your group leader for its entirety. Choose wisely! You also select your three companions (obviously I chose the dog, who wouldn’t) and then the real fun begins. Every action you take, every question you answer, all plays into the exploration aspect of Curious Expedition. There’s an almost butterfly effect to the gameplay, so it’s very important to stay on your toes. Some of these elements end up with the sudden end of a quest, which is definitely frustrating after the second or third go. Despite the amount of times I put my switch down to take a deep breath, Curious Expedition 2 still leaves you wanting more.
Tactical Theft and Contrasting Concepts
It’s not just combat based either. Even though this plays quite a large part in the game, it still encourages you to take different approaches to it. Looting and trading are quite heavily encouraged, but this doesn’t mean looting enemies on the battlefield. Rather, it means finding temples and shrines and bringing stolen artifacts back to civilization. After every expedition, your team returns to Paris. Which is essentially the ‘hub’ of the operation. I found that the looting aspect of these expeditions completely contradict the colourful and respectful approach of the game. Whilst this isn’t necessarily a downside to the title it still feels wrong. However, Curious Expedition 2 can be played without this almost harsh approach, but it will definitely be a longer journey.
When in Paris, you can exchange party members for others and as you progress through the game a wider variety of characters become available. This is the main incentive to put yourself through the repetitive nature of the title. After a while these expeditions become less enjoyable and more grinding. I did enjoy the majority of my time with this game, but after a good couple of hours of playing it definitely became more of a chore.
Final thoughts
As a whole, Curious Expedition 2 is definitely an engrossing game. I can see why the first edition became so highly praised. If you are looking for an engaging few hours of exploration then I am sure you will enjoy it. Just make sure to prepare yourself. This journey is not a straightforward one.
Gaming conferences and events used to be the must-go-to occasion for much of the gaming community. The ability to spend time with like-minded individuals was essential while enjoying the chance to get hands-on with some of the latest games. The banter between fan groups is fierce, but rivalries are put aside while everyone enjoys the festivities. EGX 2021 has finally come around after the horrendous COVID-19 pandemic and a tough twenty or so months for everyone.
This event will be different for sure, but minor changes have to be made to ensure everyone will be safe and everything runs smoothly. Though the numbers attending will be lower, and the number of exhibitors is reduced, nothing can break a gamer’s spirit and the crowd will be buzzing to break down the doors to see what’s on offer.
Things will be much quieter this year.
When and where will EGX 2021 take place?
Eurogamer Expo, as it used to be known, has been held across various venues. It was held at Earls Court in London, followed by the NEC in Birmingham, but now it has returned to London at its current home, the ExCeL Centre. Many reasons were stated for the relocations, but the key one is transport routes and ease of access. This is undoubtedly true with DLR trains running regularly and a bus route situated bang outside, so getting there is not going to be an issue.
Thursday 7th October 2021 through to Sunday 10th October 2021 is when the magic happens. With a full itinerary of events, a plethora of developers, a retro section, an after-hours area, and university students showing their projects, you’ll fill every day with ease. You’ll, of course, get some hands-on time with major titles and the ability to question any of the developers present.
Will the organisers amaze us?
What’s new, and what’s to do?
If you’ve been to Eurogamer before, you’ll know what to expect, but new zones have been added for EGX 2021. You can enjoy hands-on time with the next-gen consoles as well as enjoying the PC LAN area, Sports Zone, and Console Corner. This is complemented with the Playable Games, Rezzed Zone, Leftfield collection, EGX Arena, Theatre and Live, The Rezzed Sessions, Tabletop section, and the Retail Quarter.
You’ll watch Streamers play live, speak to leading members of the gaming industry, chat to developers, play some of 2020s best games, try some unique indie titles, challenge friends to classic board games, and buy many gaming essentials you require.
What’s Playable?
In short… a lot! There is an eclectic collection to try, so here we go: PvPvE first-person shooter, Hunt: Showdown. The classic first-person shooter from Crytek, Crysis: Remastered Trilogy. Cooperative third-person survival shooter, Aliens: Fireteam Elite. The massively multiplayer party game, Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout. World War II isometric real-time tactics game, War Mongrels. The post-apocalyptic Kung-Fu fable RPG, Biomutant. A ruthless Wild West hardcore tactical stealth game, Desperados III. The classic alien annihilation game, Destroy All Humans. Take part in a demolition derby in Wreckfest. The next-gen FPS from Arkane Lyon, Deathloop. Spectacular high-energy racing in Hot Wheels Unleashed. Classic arcade fighter, Street Fighter V: Champion Edition. And finally, Left 4 Dead’s spiritual sequel, Back 4 Blood.
The Rezzed Zone and Leftfield Collection.
Indie games are big business and many gamers fill their time between triple-A and these casual and fun titles. EGX 2021 brings a humongous range of games for you to play and enjoy. This is where you’ll spend hours sifting through the range of adventure, sports, puzzle, and shooting experiences. Yet with only four days to enjoy it all, will you be able to fit it all in?
EGX 2021 will be different, but it’ll still be spectacular.
Post-COVID-19 events are going to be unusual for most of us, but where best to spend your time than with fellow gamers. With COVID-19 safe practices in place and a focus on safety, the organisers have done their best to put on a great show. It’ll be different for sure, but it’s going to be spectacular, nonetheless. For more information, click the EGX 2021 link here! I’ll be there to enjoy it, and I hope to see you all enjoying the festivities.
I immediately pre-ordered Kena: Bridge of Spirits during the week of E3 2021 when the studio, Ember Lab, released a trailer not so much about the game, but to introduce themselves as a studio. That trailer won me over to the point that knowing nothing more about Kena than the hopes and plans of Ember Lab was enough all by its own with a chance to support a new studio with a vision for their first game that would eventually turn out to be one the last PlayStation console exclusives of 2021. Though it was originally planned to release in the same week as the Ghost of Tsushima Expansion and PS5 upgrade, it was delayed until end of September, same week that the PS5 Death Stranding Director’s Cut released, though both planned releases had Kena going up against some heavy hitter big names, I am happy to say that this indie title does more than enough to stand out on its own.
This is a story about Kena, who like her father before her, is a Spirit Guide who has the task of helping the spirits of those who have passed on, find their away across to the other side. Set in a world where wooden masks are made to honor those who have died with the mask turning to dust to signify that the spirit has moved on. Sadly, there are occasions when a Spirit will struggle or be unable to move on due to a traumatic event that may serve as an anchor preventing the crossing over which can lead to the spirit becoming a corrupt version of themselves, Kena must then do what it takes to rescue that spirit to free them from the burden keeping them stuck.
During the run up to the launch of the PS5 back in 2020, I remember Kena featuring in all the videos for titles to look out for on the console within its first year. I made the mistake of just seeing it as nothing more than just a pretty game that would like many other PlayStation console launch titles, such as Knack, get lost in the shuffle and easily forgotten. The game looked incredible with its close to Pixar and Dreamwork big screen animation visuals with a story that looked incredible. It really was the E3 showcase video that introduced the developer team at Ember Lab that won be over the moment that it was revealed it was also the same team that had produced the animated short “Majora’s Mask” back in 2017 and you can see how Kena: Bridge of Spirits is the evolution of that story telling.
Quite frankly this is an astonishingly beautiful game on PS5 and PS4 though it really comes to life on PS5. The world is a constant contrast of the lush green full of life environments to the corrupted, horrifying world that comes because of the Spirits failing to move on. The character models starting with Kena and the other characters she will meet and attempt to help throughout the story are so carefully and majestically crafter that once you have played for an hour or so, you will Google search to see if Pop Funko figures exist of them, something I sense will only be a matter of time since the successful launch of the game on PlayStation consoles and PC.
The musical score is also exceptional, blending so effortlessly with the visuals and using the almost feudal Japan style setting of the world and all come together to just create a fantastical world that truly is a joy to be in but of course, Kena: Bridge of Spirits also has a secret weapon that will just melt the heart of any player, the Rots. A name that you would not normally associate with such a world of beautiful things, but the Rot hands down steal the show. Rots are tiny magical little creatures who Kena can and will need to find across the world to rescue them but also to upgrade and unlock new combat abilities because as great as Kena is as a story narrative telling game, it also has a combat element to it, which is sadly also where the first weakness in this game appears.
The combat relies on a light and heavy attack system at first using Kena’s staff but soon expands to have a magical bow form from the staff itself and bombs. The staff is the primary weapon, and a good deal of the combat will be in the melee combat against enemy types ranging from standard tiny grunt types to much larger mini boss level enemies right up to the boss fights which I will come to further down. Kena has a bubble shield that can take a few or one big enemy hit and has a parry system which is very rough around the edges for me at this moment as it can feel clumsy and fails more times than it works which in fights with far bigger enemies can leave you relying on your bubble shield to take the edge of an enemy attack. It just needs some quality-of-life fine tuning to make the combat feel more fluid, the combat system does work but it just needs that little bit of finesse I feel would just complete the combat system.
What I do love so much about this game are the area designs in terms of puzzles with a lot of the locations you have to explore on the journey to help the three main spirits you must help to reach the Mountain shrine. There really is a lovely nostalgia to the gameplay with puzzles to solve, platforming and combat sections but also just good old-fashioned exploration looking for collectibles and Rots to add to your collection. For me this almost feels like a Darksiders style game with various elements all coming together for the most part, very well indeed. The story itself and the pace and freedom to travel to previous locations in the world helps keep the experience overall very accessible and easy to manage for those who like to dip in for a while then dip out but also for those able to fully immerse in the world.
There really is so much to celebrate about Kena: Bridge of spirits even the Boss Fights which can prove to be very unforgiving difficulty spikes which if you have not kept up with collecting Rots and upgrading skills can leave Kena at a disadvantage at a fair few of them leading to some trial-and-error attempts at the battle. These are just blips in an otherwise highly polished first release from Ember Lab and I do think it is a shame that it is, for now, a PS and PC exclusive as this is a world that will do so well on Nintendo Switch and Xbox especially. I would love for more people to discover and experience this game and whilst as I understand it there are no plans for a sequel, I hope this success inspires just that, a sequel that brings us back to the world of Kena because I for one am certainly not ready to call it a day just yet, easily one of the most memorable and enjoying games of 2021 for me.
There are just too many hats to buy for my Rot friends!!
Gaming is one of the most inclusive pastimes one can experience. With a range of genres and themes to select from, there really is something for everyone. Yet, there are still some games that fall into a niche category. In Europe, visual novels are popular. However, they don’t have the following that the Asian Market affords them. I enjoy reading, so I’ll always leap at the opportunity to review any visual novel I can. Yet, that being said, Takorita Meets Fries wouldn’t be a game that would normally appear on my radar. Its cutesy and nonsensical story doesn’t normally appeal, but nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Developed by Roseverte and published by Ratalaika Games, this is a visual novel about food, romance, and friendship. The developer is renowned for its OTT style, eccentric storylines, and vivid art style, so I was equally dreading and excited to give this a go.
Takorita Meets Fries is typically Anime and odd as hell.
I’m not sure if it’s a generational thing, cultural difference, or I just didn’t get it, but Takorita Meets Fries is odd as hell. With light romance elements, a heavy dose of sexual tension, and bizarre food combinations, I didn’t know whether to love it or loathe it.
The story revolves around Princess Takorita and her selfish attitude toward life. She is fed up with the bland food served to her in her underwater kingdom and she demands new recipes. Her father, the King, refuses, but he is overruled by the Queen and Princess Takorita is allowed one month to venture on land to find new and exciting foods. She must take her less than helpful guard Mer with her and the two unlikely companions head to land for their new adventure.
The beginning of the bizarre adventure.
An odd plot with a heavy reliance on its colourful world.
Takorita Meets Fries is no masterpiece and its plot fails to evolve past its reliance on food. Yet, I still enjoyed it for what it was. The cute characters and delightful settings bring the story to life, and I enjoyed the weird romance that blossomed over the exploration for new food types.
I also liked how the story eventually came full circle to explain the strange disappearance of other merfolk who searched for new food types. The lack of closure wouldn’t have bothered me, but it was a nice touch, nonetheless.
Multiple endings and different plots to follow.
Takorita Meets Fries isn’t the largest visual novel I’ve played. Yet the story is nicely broken down across three locations, each with unique endings and relationship paths. I really liked the bite-size approach that enabled you to have a rounded appreciation of every character.
However, unlike other visual novels that have good, bad, and neutral endings, this one forces you into a happy ever after finale, repeatedly. This was fantastic for the cute theme and lighthearted nature of the story, but this method missed an opportunity that would have developed the characters further. Princess Takorita made no errors and I would have preferred to see a more vulnerable side that would have allowed the other characters to shine.
The Queen knows where you can find the best food.
Takorita Meets Fries is fantastic to look at.
Roseverte is a genius when it comes to presentation. Yet, the extremely colourful imagery and loud in your face noises may not be suitable for a Western audience. I admired it for its style, but its Anime influences and shrill sounds got under my skin.
The crisp lines and stunning landscapes bring the story to life and I loved how the basic animation enhanced the emotion and brought energy to every scene. The world you explore is an explosion of colour, and each character is unique and interesting to look at. What I didn’t like, however, was the overreliance on Mer crying. It was thoroughly irritating and didn’t match the character’s persona.
The audio helped to build a lighthearted and carefree atmosphere. Its blend of energetic sounds and sad tunes portrayed the emotions far better than much of the script. I found the repeated use of a lighting crack to emphasise annoyance to be really irritating. Many of the chapters looked fantastic and had a jovial atmosphere, yet they were plagued by an unnecessary and OTT crashing sound. It would have been effective if it was reined in, but its constant use was absolutely unbearable.
Fries glorious fries.
A lack of dialogue options and limited replay value.
My fascination with visual novels stems from the ability to alter the plot. Yet, Takorita Meets Fries has a distinct lack of choices. This makes it relaxing and easy to play but, I wanted to influence the plot more than I did.
Thanks to its array of endings and relationship paths, there is some replay value. I enjoyed exploring each ending even though most were extremely silly. If you love your achievements, there are guides available that allow you to finish this in less than an hour. Therefore, this is a completionist’s dream.
Takorita Meets Fries is odd, confusing, but good fun.
I definitely didn’t get the nonsensical plot, yet I enjoyed the setting, art style, audio, and characters. Its story won’t win any awards, but it’s fun if you take it with a pinch of salt. It’s a bizarre game that I recommend you to buy here! Can you help the Princess to find the new food types she desires? Go on an adventure, find new friends, and taste exciting new recipes.
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 WOW! PODS Iron Man from WOW Stuff.
Its really simple to connect the pods together and create your very own fan display with your favourite characters. Build your own display and watch the awesome light show across your wall, shelf, table or window ledge.
Swipe your hand across your POD collection and create an awesome light show! The light will automatically switch off after 30 seconds.
Connect to other WOW! PODS characters in seconds. There are 6 Marvel characters to collect; Spiderman, Iron Man, Hulk, Loki, Groot, Black Widow.
The MARVEL Collection features unique collectibles, toys and gifts inspired by the MARVEL and are authorised and licensed products.
The WOW! PODS are really cool – the attention to detail is amazing and they really add something unique to a room. They are really easy to use and light up the room. These really are great stocking fillers and with so many to collect – which ones will you get?
The MARVEL Iron Man (108) is available now from Amazon priced around £11.99.
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 WOW! PODS Space Jam Bugs Bunny from WOW Stuff.
Bugs Bunny from the Space Jam: A New Legacy Franchise. The perfect gift for Space Jam and Looney Toon fans of all ages. Boys and Girls will love this mini figure of the classic Disney cartoon character.
Its really simple to connect the pods together and create your very own fan display with your favourite characters. Build your own display and watch the awesome light show across your wall, shelf, table or window ledge
Move your hand in front of the POD and watch it light up revealing a mystery surprise hidden feature. Swipe your hand across your POD collection and create an awesome light show! The light will automatically switch off after 30 seconds
Connect to other WOW! PODS characters in seconds. There are 4 Space Jam WOW! PODS to collect, Bugs, Daffy, Lola and Tweety Pie. Build the famous basketball team and watch them light up the room!
The Space Jam Collection features unique collectibles, toys and gifts inspired by the Space Jam : A New Legacy film and are authorised and licensed by Warner Bros.
The WOW! PODS are really cool – the attention to detail is amazing and they really add something unique to a room. They are really easy to use and light up the room. These really are great stocking fillers and with so many to collect – which ones will you get?
The Space Jam A New Legacy Bugs Bunny (145) is available now from Amazon priced around £14.99.
Disclaimer: The WOW! PODS Space Jam A New Legacy Bugs Bunny was sent to us for the purposes of an honest review. All opinions are the opinions of our reviewer.
Judgement, released back in 2019, strayed away from the zany plots of Yakuza past – focused on billions of yen being stolen, secret Koreans causing all sorts of mischief and epic showdowns culminating in macho shirt-ripping – favouring instead a more grounded narrative that tackled a number of sophisticated issues relevant to Japanese society.
The characters, the story and the writing all felt considerably more mature and nuanced than what fans of the series might have come to expect, and for me, this was a welcome change of pace.
As a long-term fan of the series, Judgement succeeded in innovating from a narrative and tonal standpoint. And the recent release of Yakuza Like a Dragon demonstrated that Ryu Ga Gotoku studio were also capable of switching the gameplay up, to a turn-based system that might have felt incongruous to the rest of the series. But, it worked.
Crucially, both games also retained the essence of what makes the Yakuza series so distinct and wonderful; densely packed open-worlds, with myriad minigames and side quests to engage with, and interesting characters who can all kick-ass in their own right.
With all of this in mind, I was incredibly excited to see what Lost Judgement – the sequel to Judgement from 2019 – had to offer this time.
What new innovations would the developers attempt next?
Back to school:
Right off the bat, Lost Judgement throws you straight into an active case with series lead and ex-lawyer – turned freelance detective – Takayuki Yagami, and his faithful former Yakuza partner, Kaito-san. Yagami and Kaito have been hired to investigate a young man who appears to have swindled his supposed beau for a staggering amount of yen.
This introductory mission does a great job of re-introducing the cast, contextualising their relationships and makes Lost Judgement feel very beginner friendly. Of course, having played the original, I enjoyed seeing these characters back together all the more, but new players will not feel lost by jumping in here.
During this mission, Yagami receives a call from some familiar faces from the first game, who are seeking his help with a case they are working on at their own (new) agency in Yokohama.
The story is almost entirely standalone, but naturally, character dynamics are enriched if you have played the previous game.
Word of warning: the game does spoil a fairly important plot development from Judgement very early on.
Very quickly, Lost Judgement veers from its predecessor, taking Yagami and Kaito away from Kamurocho to Yokohama (introduced in Yakuza Like a Dragon). The narrative also delves into largely uncharted territory for the series (much like the first game), as Yagami and co are stationed at a private school which has seen recent spouts of bullying.
This is where Lost Judgement’s ambition is paramount. The developers have chosen to tackle some heavy issues here in terms of bullying, sexual assault and suicide – all issues that have been prevalent in Japanese society for many years. Without going into too much detail, the game’s handling of these issues is somewhat inconsistent.
Where I think the first game really succeeded in dealing with its social commentary, Lost Judgement at times can be a bit indelicate when exploring these issues. Early on, Yagami and Kaito literally beat up some kids. Now, absurdity like this is par for the course within the Yakuza series, but in the more grounded Judgement – and in the main narrative, as opposed to a side quest (where things do get crazy, and we love it) – the ludonarrative dissonance here was a bit tough for me to initially stomach.
Also, there is a mission where you place hidden cameras to help with your investigation of bullying in the school. Not only is this incredibly creepy, it is also just so ridiculous that it took me out of the narrative. I think this whole initial portion in the school is done poorly, and whilst the game does pick up later, the slow pace and tone deaf approach to some of the issues doesn’t leave a great first impression, which could deter new players.
Another frustration that I had that made the beginner hours feel like such a drag was how dialogue is sometimes handled. Lost Judgement is like that overbearing parent who still tries to hold your hand as you cross the road – even into adulthood.
Yagami will constantly repeat information that the player will already be aware of – as will other characters – and this drags scenes to unnecessary lengths. Now, I prefer this to writing that doesn’t explain anything at all, but there should be a middle ground between the two; Lost Judgement never leaves anything up to the players imagination for too long.
That being said, the writing as a whole is still regularly excellent, and the narrative develops from a slow, clumsy start into a real-page turner. Whilst the school related portion of the game (which is significant), isn’t the most consistent aspect, I have to commend the developers for trying something so ambitious. I just wish a little bit more thought was put into balancing the seriousness of the narratives themes and issues, with you know, beating up teenagers.
When the narrative delves into more familiar gangster territory later on, Lost Judgement is regularly breathtaking, dramatic and absolutely the darkest entry yet in this franchise.
The new cast are welcome additions, with a particularly fantastic antagonist. The old guard hold their own as well, even if at times, this story feels less personal than the original to Yagami.
I also love how the plot connects seemingly disconnected issues, and drops little nuggets of information early on in the story that later pay off with big twists and revelations.
Overall, I found myself – after a clumsy first few hours – engrossed in the narrative. Whilst I think the original game was consistently good throughout, Lost Judgement arguably has much higher highs – and a few more evident lows.
Both the dub and original Japanese voice acting are fantastic, by the way. Personally, I played the original in Japanese, so I stuck with it throughout, but the dub is also very good (aside from the imperfect lip syncing). Add in such expressive facial animations, and I found myself easily immersed in this gripping crime drama.
The King of open-worlds:
There is nothing I hate more in video games than the recent plague of open-world games, where developers seem to think that bigger is intrinsically better; irrespective of the quality of activities and gameplay.
Assassins Creed Valhalla is a great example of a game with some fun minigames, side missions and a well written story (when you have time to get to it), which is stretched to mediocrity through its sheer size. Bigger isn’t always better, and stretching similar activities across ridiculously large maps – whilst initially an impressive feat – quickly leads to boredom.
Perhaps the biggest appeal of the Yakuza series, for me, is that it is very much the antithesis of most recent open-world games, as it favours a much, much smaller map; densely packed with an impressive amount of minigames, sub missions and other shenanigans to lose hours to.
And, on this front, Lost Judgement might be the most impressive entry to date.
Staple activities in baseball, darts and a variety of card games (and so much more, of course) return, as well as exclusives from the original Judgement in Paradise VR and Drone racing. In Yagami’s base(s) you can also play a number of different Sega Classics, and the Arcade also has an impressive array of games, like Sonic Fighters (which I am terrible at).
Of course for long-term Yakuza fans this is something we almost take for granted, and repurposing these assets is something that SEGA excels at. For a new player, however, the sheer breadth of activities is fantastic.
That being said, Lost Judgement also leans heavily into the school life that is central to the narrative, with a number of brand new activities as part of the new ‘school stories’.
Ironically, as much as I think the school presence provides most of the narrative lows, the side activities in the school stories might be my favourite part of the game. From dancing, to boxing, to robot wars – and many more activities to be discovered, there is just so much variety to keep the player interested.
The writing in these quests inherit the carefully balanced humour, sadness and absurdity that Yakuza substories are known for, whilst also providing in depth progression. As a fan, the boxing was my favourite, and the unique upgrade path to the activity was a welcome surprise.
Put simply: there is something for everyone here, and of course, the usual zany Yakuza substories (titled side cases in Judgement) can also be discovered around Kamurocho and Yokohama. The panty thief saga continues to (I couldn’t write that with a straight face).
Out with the old, in with the new… and back to the old again:
When Yakuza Like a Dragon was said to move away from the series brawler style combat, I was one of many fans who felt, initially, very disappointed. The arcadey combat, where your environment – and every inanimate object in the surrounding area – is your weapon, is just something so silly, badass and iconic to the Yakuza series. Straying away from this chaotic system, for a more considered turn-based style was something I could not fathom.
Well, as it turns out, I loved the changes in Yakuza Like a Dragon. I believe the turn-based system breathed new life into the series, and perfectly complemented Ichiban and his band of heroes.
At the same time, it was announced that Judgement would continue the traditional Yakuza style combat. The original Judgement didn’t change things up too much, with Yagami’s more Kung-fu inspired style functioning mechanically similar to other styles throughout the series. This made it easy to pick up Judgement, and only have to grasp a few new concepts (such as the wall jumping mechanics and the mortal wounds that bosses could give you).
However, the game did have an issue with the balancing between the two primary styles: Tiger and Crane. Tiger, which is a slower, more weighty style that favours 1v1 encounters, felt far more developed throughout the game, whereas the more evasive Crane style – which favours group encounters – saw little meaningful upgrades as the game progressed. What this led to was the combat in the original game getting stale quickly (further exacerbated by the ridiculous amount of encounters with the infamous Keihin gang).
Lost Judgement, thankfully, manages to take a few sensible steps forward in progressing this system.
Both styles from the first game return, with increased movesets and new mechanics that add a bit more consideration to encounters.
Joining them is the new snake style: a parry focused combat style that is great at disarming enemies – and Yagami’s preferred choice for dealing with unruly private school scoundrels (at least he has the sense to hold back somewhat, I guess…).
I loved this new style, with the focus on holds and counter-mechanics feeling like a callback to Tanimura’s style from Yakuza 4 (for all my OG’s out there).
Switching between each of these styles is effortless, and Yagami this time feels faster and more fluid than ever. Overall, combat encounters feel incredibly smooth, and the addition of haptics on the PS5 (even though they are quite subtle), add that extra punch to heat actions.
Lost Judgement isn’t necessarily going to win over those who have struggled to enjoy Yakuza’s combat in the past, nor will it offer particularly complex or tactical encounters, but it still feels enjoyable.
My only real gripe is that – once again – the game feels very easy. At least there is no dastardly Keihin gang this time around. Big win for combat.
An impressive game, an ambitious story and an inconsistent delivery:
If you’re a fan of the original game, Lost Judgement provides another exciting chapter in the story of Takayuki Yagami and his friends. Combat has received a much needed boost in terms of depth, and the open-world activities impressively manage to improve on the original game – and may be the most impressive Yakuza offering yet; rivalling Yakuza 0 and 5.
Narratively, Lost Judgement can go from shocking, clumsy, distasteful, emotional to absolutely gripping. The characters are once again written well, and an initial slow-start sets up some exciting developments later on.
The school section of the game manages to provide both the best and worst parts of this entry, and new detective elements add a bit more diversity to gameplay, but sadly not much more for the player to think about.
If you can’t tell: this is a game that regularly takes a step forward, then a quick step back. I think with a bit more fine tuning, Lost Judgement would eclipse it’s predecessor.
However, despite its misgivings, it is still an excellent video game offering with a ridiculous amount of things to do, interesting characters to fall in love with, and an ambitious story that asks some very interesting – and uncomfortable – questions.
People love to play the part of the detective, to solve impossible crimes, and to be declared a hero. This is why detective novels fly off the shelves and Cluedo has been a family staple for years. So, you may think, “what has this got to do with the gaming industry?” Well, let me get to the point…The Magister is the latest title that allows you to lead a murder investigation. You’ll question the locals, piece together clues, and solve the crime, or not, as is so often the case.
Developed by Nerdook Productions and published by Digerati, this is a murder-mystery deck-building RPG. It’s a wonderfully complex title that combines many genres. You will focus on turn-based combat, deck-building and resource management as you gather clues and eliminate suspects.
The Magister: fingers in many pies, spring to mind.
You control a Magister who is effectively the judge, jury, and executioner in any crime. You are sent to the village of Silverhurst to investigate the death of a fellow Magister. The poor chap was murdered in his room in the local inn and you must find the clues, question the locals, and serve justice. In theory, it’s as simple to grasp as Cluedo, but in reality, it’s as tricky as holding a slippery eel.
I’m all up for a game that is ambitious, but The Magister has its fingers in so many pies! The constant back and forth between different mechanics make it hard to master, and this will put off many players. Moreover, this isn’t helped by its thorough tutorial that does well to explain the gameplay, but offers no hints. Therefore, most of your early experiences with this will be of scratching your head. Sadly, this slow and confusing start undermines a rather intelligent and well thought out game. If the developers had capped their ambitions, the project would have been much more successful.
Enjoy the RPG elements of The Magister.
Excellent questioning and rapport building.
I’ve mentioned complex mechanics more times than I like to, but I loved how every element was brilliantly woven together. The game demands that you balance your time between questioning, side quests, and special events. You must work with the locals to gather information, debunk alibis, and piece together the mystery. Your playthrough culminates in a classic revelation of your thoughts as you travel to the Signal Tower to speak to the head Magister. Here you discover if you’re the next Sherlock Holmes, or simply a bumbling idiot.
I loved how each game ended, but let’s roll it back a bit and look at what you’re going to experience. Set from an isometric viewpoint, you are free to explore each unlocked segment of the map. You’ll visit an array of areas each full of colourful characters or enemies to overcome. You must build relationships with the locals in order to question them successfully. Your bond is rated out of three stars and by completing tasks and helping them out, they will be forthcoming with information. This was an excellent choice as it demanded that you looked at the bigger picture and proved your actions have consequences.
Turn-based action and diplomacy.
When you are not interrogating individuals, you are likely to be engaged in either combat or diplomatic events. Both options follow a similar turn-based pattern and both use the deck-building mechanic. Your deck of cards is upgraded and increased during each playthrough and a better deck makes the game much easier.
The combat uses a timer-based approach that determines the order of action. If you go all out and use every card, your character must wait longer to go again. Subsequently, a little poise and some planning is key to getting the best out of each player. Your deck is made up of attack and defence cards and you must observe your opponents and decide the best course of action. You occasionally have support in the form of guards, and the computer-controlled characters offer some much-needed help. However, the lack of control over their actions can make planning challenging.
If you’ve ignored the combat mode and plucked for diplomacy, your aim is to calm your opponent down. You have a limited number of turns to reduce their rage counter. You must use cards to create empathy that, in turn, buys more cards to reduce rage. It’s a tactical battle of luck and wits and is frankly really difficult. Though I found this to be challenging, it was extremely rewarding and, like the combat, it was brilliantly executed.
Use logic and chance to be victorious.
Resource management and too much to cover.
Once you’ve completed the aforementioned questioning and battles, you are then free to complete side quests and other tasks. This is where the resource management section comes to life. You must use your limited time to select who you wish to help and what tasks are most viable to complete. It can be tricky to balance the villager’s needs with your own, but you must be selfish if you wish to build rapport. Unfortunately, the longer you take to solve the crime, the more impatient the head Magister becomes. After all, no one wants an idiot in charge.
The length of this review shows just how in-depth The Magister goes. There are so many layers to talk about and I haven’t even scratched the RPG elements. With character levelling available and upgraded cards, you have more mechanics to deal with. Once you get to grips with the finer points, you’ll enjoy a thoroughly enjoyable and deep game that’ll keep you playing for hours. Until that moment, however, you’ll need patience, luck, and an experimental mind to find the best approach.
The Magister has an earthy medieval aesthetic.
For all its complexities and convoluted ideas, The Magister has used a simple and dated graphical style. The old-school imagery reminded me of early console/PC RPGs thanks to the basic character model and restrictive world. This decision worked well as it reined in the mechanics and prevented the gameplay from running away with itself. I liked the use of earthy tones to enhance the medieval theme, and the lack of clutter made searching each scene much easier.
The audio does well to also capture the medieval theme and the drama of the impending case. The folksy music creates a lighthearted vibe that was pleasant to experience. With so much going on, the basic soundtrack was a pleasant change that gave you time to think. This was wonderfully contrasted by the aggressive music during the turn-based events.
Select from your deck of cards and defeat your enemies.
A woeful port from PC.
Not all games are successfully ported from PC, and sadly, The Magister is one of them. Its woeful controls haunt it throughout and the simplest of tasks is a painful experience. A free-flowing cursor would have been a wise choice. Instead, you are left fumbling around during every encounter.
If you have the patience and aptitude to pick up and understand every mechanic, you’ll experience a game that is full of replay value. With its procedurally generated cases, no playthrough is ever the same. To finish this is no mean feat, and completionists must invest hours to unlock every achievement.
The Magister: brilliantly convoluted, but less is more.
The Magister contains some excellent and interesting mechanics that work well within the detective genre. However, its ambition and convoluted ways make it a tough nut to crack. The adage, less is more is relevant and removing some elements would have made this much more user friendly. Yet I still enjoyed the challenge and recommend you to buy it here! Search for clues, build relationships, and solve the case no matter the challenges ahead.
Space Invaders is one of the most iconic classic games in existence. It’s up there with Tetris, Pong and Pac-Man as a quintessential game that has suffused the world’s consciousness. If you asked around my high-school class you’d struggle to find a student without some exposure to Pac-Man through the Google doodle from about ten years ago but comparatively few students who have played the original arcade game. Similarly, I’ve definitely played some version of Space Invaders in my life but I couldn’t tell you what version and I’m certain I’ve never played the original. This puts me in a very unusual position in this review of Space Invaders Invincible Collection where I’m covering entries in a franchise that I’m hyperaware of which were released well before I was born and before video game reviews were an established thing. But I’m nothing if not adaptable so I’m going to pull up my tube socks, put on some prog rock, channel my internal proto-video games reviewer and dive right in.
Space Invaders Invincible Collection is a bundle of 10 classic Space Invaders games from the original, released in 1978, up to the iconically named Space Invaders Gigamax 4 SE, released in 2018, giving Nintendo Switch owners a chance to play some classic Space Invaders games from the comfort of their own home, opening up the franchise to a new generation. The collection is very well put together with no unnecessary faff, just a game selection menu between the loading screen and the game you want to play. There are buttons devoted to things like adding credits to make the arcade game go, rather than breaking out a hammer in an attempt to negotiate feeding a pound coin through the screen of the Switch. But other than that the games are all faithful ports of the originals with the controls sensibly mapped.
There isn’t a huge amount to say about the collection itself so let’s take a look at the games on offer. You’re in for a treat today because I’m going to go away, play each of the ten games for a little while, come back and write 100 words of less reviewing each of them to give you an idea of which flavour of Space Invaders you might want to try first when you pick up the ice cream parlour of Space Invaders Invincible Collection. Buckle your seatbelts and here we go for a coffee-fuelled rampage of a review.
Space Invaders (Original Version)
Vanilla. It’s the original Space Invaders. The spark that started the fire that lit the inferno. The original foundation that everything else builds upon. You’re a tank, the aliens are dropping down from the sky and speeding up the more you kill. The first level is hard. Are there other levels? Probably. Do you have a chance of playing them without some Space Invaders wizardry? Probably not.
Space Invaders (Color Version)
Vanilla but blue. It’s the original Space Invaders again but this time it’s been coloured in. The gameplay is the same, the assets are the same and the sound is the same. This is the one to go for if you want a taste of that original space invaders charm but with a little more visual interest. Not recommended if you’re not one of those weirdos who watch black and white films or play games with visual filters or film grain.
Space Invaders Part II
Raspberry ripple. It’s that original taste of Space Invaders with a little swirl of something new. Space Invaders Part II adds the delicious raspberry flavourings of enemy reinforcements in a tub that splits in two, much like some of the new enemies. Not as radically different as going from a supermarket own-brand to a Ben and Jerry’s but there are certainly some additions to get excited about in the second part.
Lunar Rescue
You know how some ice cream parlours sell coffee? Coffee. Not a Space Invaders game, not even in the same sub-genre as a Space Invaders game. If Space Invaders is London then Space Cyclone is Pluto. In Space Cyclone you play as a tiny UFO trying to take a trip to and from the surface of a world, presumably for some light probing. On the way back you can shoot the asteroids that are in the way in a Space Invaders-ey way but that’s where the similarities end.
Space Cyclone
You know how some ice cream parlours sell hot dogs? Hot dogs. It’s not a Space Invaders game so not an ice cream but it’s still arguably food. Similarly to Lunar Rescue, Space Cyclone is a spin-off game made for the same chip as Space Invaders and vaguely included in the SICU (Space Invaders Cinematic Universe). In this entry, you still shoot from the ground up at enemies but a lot of the Space Invaders stylings are lost.
Majestic Twelve: The Space Invaders Part IV
Phish Food. Unlike Space Invaders Part II, Part IV is a serious innovation over any other entry into the franchise thus far, stepping well over the line into the Ben and Jerry’s section of this bizarre parlour. The game keeps the core mechanics and stylings of the original game but overhauls basically everything else, producing what I would call the first game in the collection that holds up to modern standards. There are serious upgrades available, stage selections and even sections where you are preventing the abduction of cows – presumably where the milk comes for the ice cream in this list.
Super Space Invaders ‘91
Phish Food. Again. This is literally the same game as the last one. There are a few visual changes and you play through the stages in order rather than selecting them as you do in the previous game but those differences are so minor and unnoticeable to be irrelevant. Why these two identical games were included but Return of the Space Invaders (nominally Space Invaders Part III) was excluded, I’m not sure but skipping from 2 to 4 makes me feel icky.
Space Invaders DX
That multipack of Häagen Dazs ice creams with similar flavours you see in supermarkets. This entry is packed with content including a basic Space Invaders mode that mimics the previous entry (for a third time), a Versus mode where you can battle it out with friends/family/sheeps to see who has the best Space Invaders skills, sabotaging them as needed and a Parody mode that plays like a standard Space Invaders level but with the assets swapped out – a chicken instead of a tank and cats/pumpkins/your-guess-is-as-good-as-mine instead of the aliens.
Space Invaders Extreme
LSD. I don’t know what’s going on, I’m incredibly overwhelmed and I think I might have taken drugs before selecting this game. But I think I like it. It’s Space Invaders turned up to eleven, being faithful to the original vision but stretching it to an extreme. You face a quick succession of small waves of invaders and are showered with devastating upgrades to your weapons while the game monitors your performance on more levels than the average patient is monitored on life support. It’s my favourite entry in the collection, even if I desperately need a lie down now.
Space Invaders Gigamax 4 SE
A sundae, and bring me 4 spoons. A Space Invaders game aimed specifically at being played cooperatively with 3 friends. It’s, in essence, a long Space Invaders screen where each of the four players can control a zone to clear it of invading aliens or, once you’ve cleared out your area you can skip across to another zone and help out grandma before she causes the fall of humanity as we know it with her inability to shoot where the aliens are going to be instead of where they are.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, the love for arcade games will never die! No matter how much the industry evolves, gamers will always yearn for the thrill of simple hard-hitting competitive titles. Shoot-’em-ups always get the blood pumping, thanks to their elements of chance and skill. Centipede Recharged has appeared out of nowhere and hopes to capture players’ imaginations like the original did all those years ago.
Developed by Adamvision and SneakyBox and published by Atari, this is a retro fixed-screen shoot-’em-up title. Using the vivid and boxy aesthetics that older gamers will love, Centipede Recharged brings retro gaming to a new generation with its modern polish and smooth gameplay.
Use the power-ups wisely!
Centipede Recharged is all about the competitive edge.
Arcade gaming is all about the competitive edge! You play to be crowned the champion of the leaderboard and to outperform your friends. Luckily, Centipede Recharged has captured this in its simple yet moreish gameplay. The single-player or couch co-op action is split across two modes, each as frantic as the last.
Arcade mode rekindles everything you loved about the original. Creatures fall from the sky while moving left to right. They ricochet off any obstacles and this makes their movement unpredictable. The beasts move closer to the bottom as you try to blast them with your weapons. A successful shot reduces their size and improves your score. Your blocky ship has one life and death results in the end of your run. It’s brutal, challenging, and will keep you on your toes.
The audacious challenge section mixes up the gameplay across thirty outlandish objectives. The twist on the standard action asks you to concentrate on key quests while attempting to stay alive. It’s brilliantly thought out and adds fresh impetus for a modern audience. I loved how minor changes have big implications on how you approach each level. Whether it was destroying mushrooms, killing enemies, exploding bombs, or staying alive, it pushed you to think outside of the box.
So many mushrooms and creatures.
Power-ups and better with a friend.
Shooting the centipedes and other nasties with your basic weapon was all well and good. However, it’s much more enjoyable when you use power-ups. With twenty OTT enhancements to find, you’ll be chuckling like a maniac as you shoot bombs, lasers, explosive bullets, and more. The extra power can go to your head and aggression takes over, so more haste and less speed is always a wise move.
The solo action is great fun as you get to see how you compare on the leaderboard. Yet, where Centipede Recharged excels is the local co-op option. The competition is brutal as each player attempts to survive the longest while outgunning their rivals. I loved how simple it was to play with another gamer and the developers capture the essence of arcade gaming perfectly.
Centipede Recharged is a neon-infused treat.
A debate about the best screen ratio to use has rumbled on for years. However, Centipede Recharged has gambled with a 16:9 field of play. This detailed space allows you to see all the action while retaining the old-school aesthetic. Moreover, this allowed me to enjoy the simplicity of the imagery and the neon-infused colour palette. The crisp lines and basic creature design had a modern finish that worked nicely with the dated theme.
The developers have incorporated a unique soundtrack that fills the gameplay with energy while retaining some of the original charms. This was complimented nicely by the booming sound effects of weapons firing and your enemies exploding. It was a little OTT, but it matched the arcade influence and will make older gamers feel nostalgic vibes.
Get used to this!
Move and shoot.
It doesn’t take long for the frantic action to overwhelm you. With a steady wave of creatures to defeat, your only chance of survival is to move and keep shooting. The fast-paced action is handled brilliantly by the responsive and well-mapped controls. Its user-friendly approach has been designed around original arcade machines and this makes it a joy to master.
This ticks every box for an addictive and fun experience. It’s excellent to play solo but better with friends! It captures the moreish nature of arcade titles and gamers will want to compete to be the number one player. If you are a completionist, you’ll have your work cut out to finish this. Thanks to its challenging achievement list, it will test your skills and won’t be easy to get them all.
Centipede Recharged is a wonderful blast from the past.
People scream about the lack of originality, but sometimes a trip down memory lane is all we need. With its heavy dose of nostalgia blended with a modern finish, Centipede Recharged is a fantastic casual arcade title. I enjoyed it and recommend you to buy it here! Go it alone, or bring a friend to tackle the unforgiving waves of creatures that want to kill you!
When I think of the great RPGs of modern gaming, I’m spoilt for choice. Whether it’s an overpowering story, sprawling environment, mystical beasts, or fantastic characters, there is something for everyone. I’m thinking of A Plague Tale: Innocence, Witcher 3: The Hunt, and NieR Replicant. There are lots more, but these were games that blew my mind. This got me to think about the major RPG series that we never experience in the West! Are we missing out, or will the cultural differences undermine the core concepts? Xuan-Yuan Sword 7 is the latest instalment in a multi-platform spanning franchise and the first to make it onto Western shores.
Developed by Softstar and DOMS Studio and published by Eastasiasoft Limited, this is a sprawling Chinese mythology-inspired RPG. It’s a standalone title from the rest of the series and fortunately, no prior knowledge is required to dive right in. Many of its high-quality elements reminded me of the aforementioned RPGs, so I couldn’t wait to get stuck in.
The world is full of beauty and mystery.
Xuan-Yuan Sword 7 blends mythology and folklore perfectly.
I’m no mythology aficionado, but I grasp the simple concepts. Xuan-Yuan Sword 7 allows its players to experience a wonderfully vast world filled with magical tales, gargantuan beasts, and logic-based puzzles. You visit bustling towns and villages while on your quest to release a Demi-God and save your sister.
The plot takes many twists and turns, but its core concept revolves around a bond between the two lead characters. A pair of siblings who must support one another after a betrayal destroys their childhood and family. You control Taishi Zhao, a highly skilled hunter who will do anything to protect his younger sister.
Their basic but cosy life is turned upside down when a shadow beast mortally wounds Taishi’s sister. Using the mystical power of the Elysium Rift, Taishi strikes a deal with a Demi-God to free him in return for his sister’s life. This agreement is thwarted with dangers and could have dire consequences. This is where Taishi’s story begins and the blend of Chinese mythology and folklore comes to the fore.
So many fantastic elements.
Xuan-Yuan Sword 7 captures so many wonderful elements from other RPGs while still maintaining its unique style. The beautiful relationship between the siblings is ever-present and creates a sense of fear, pride, and urgency in every fight scene. It reminded me of the caring bond between the lead protagonists in A Plague Tale: Innocence. Moreover, this captures the excellent logic-based and environmental puzzles that you must overcome. These challenging events block your progress and require patience and planning to succeed.
While the central plot revolves around emotions and puzzles, the game allows you to lose yourself in a stunning sprawling world. Borrowing ideas from both Witcher 3: The Hunt and NieR Replicant, you’ll explore a vast mystical world full of mysteries and treasures. The awe-inspiring landscapes require you to leap gaps, climb cliff sides, and traverse many obstacles. You’ll squeeze through gaps, crawl through caves, and explore incredible dungeons.
I was amazed at how quickly I was sucked into this magical world. The people and story demand that you travel that bit further and kill that extra monster. And, though the missions lack difficulty, you’ll need to plan your approach, equip the right gear, and be strong enough to compete.
Unleash the Demi-God!
Standard RPG progression.
Though much of Xuan-Yuan Sword 7 is unique, it also shares many familiar and tried and tested mechanics along the way. Subsequently, this is a very comfortable experience for veterans of the genre. However, this doesn’t mean new players will have a rough ride. No, a constant tutorial explains new mechanics, ensuring you are familiar with new skills and abilities.
Taishi gains XP through successful quests, killing monsters, and completing other tasks. This levels him up and opens up new martial art skills in a talent tree. Each one offers a new stance that has strengths and weaknesses. You must decide which to use and this gives you the chance to fight as you choose.
Alongside this, you will build and improve workshops that can be used to upgrade your equipment, make accessories, add souls to your gear, and so forth. You can also select new weapons that can be traded or looted on your adventures.
None of this will shock veteran gamers, but its familiarity is pleasant. However, what stood out for me was the ability to use companions as a battle aide. Using their explosive martial arts skills can turn the tide of any battle in your favour.
Focus and fight the gargantuan beasts.
Xuan-Yuan Sword 7’s large map is no problem to traverse.
I love the idea of vast maps to explore, in theory, but in reality, they are a time-consuming beast that becomes arduous over time. Luckily, Xuan-Yuan Sword 7 utilises ‘Guard Stones’ to enable quick travel and an easy way to move around the map. Alongside this, convenient campfires and shrines allow you to heal and save on the fly. The developers have made it enjoyable to explore without the risk of losing too much progress, and I applaud them for this.
Like Witcher 3: The Hunt, the game isn’t just about murder and exploration. You are encouraged to take time to play Zhulou Chess. This ancient board game borrows mechanics from Chess, Draughts, and Othello. It has no bearing on the outcome of the game, but it’s an exceptional waste of time that is competitively addictive at the same time.
Xuan-Yuan Sword 7 is incredible to look at.
When a game is this vast and grand, you expect it to have incredible graphics and triple-A rated cinematics. Fortunately, Xuan-Yuan Sword 7 doesn’t disappoint, mainly! It has been brilliantly enhanced for the Xbox Series X and the surrounding world is utterly incredible. The player’s movement is smooth and the scenery will capture your attention. However, for all its amazing qualities, there are minor glitches, some cutscenes are poorly constructed, and the movement of hair and other finer details are off. I am being very particular, as the majority of the action is phenomenal.
The high quality continues with the authentic audio. The excellent traditional soundtrack gives way to some hard-hitting songs that deliver high adrenaline moments. The excellent sound effects add realism and depth to the sprawling world and the noises of your enemies enhance the mystical theme. All the dialogue is spoken in Mandarin and accurate subtitles help to convey the story. This was an excellent choice as English dubbed speech would have reduced the authenticity.
Lose yourself in this beautiful world.
Plenty to learn, but smooth controls.
As you pull up the controller layout, your heart will sink. It looks complex as hell and not user-friendly at all. Fortunately, however, the thorough tutorial reduces the difficulty considerably. You’ll love the hack ‘n slash combat, the use of magical skills, and the ability to call upon your companion. The responsive controls make the combat thoroughly enjoyable, and I adored slicing through my foes at every opportunity.
Thanks to its large world, and engrossing story, you’ll play it for hours. It’s easy to lose yourself in this wonderful title and fans will keep returning for more. Its large achievement list requires some effort, so completionists won’t have an easy ride.
Xuan-Yuan Sword 7: an excellent addition to the genre.
I have no clue how this latest instalment compares to the rest, but I know it’s fantastic. Lovers of RPGs have a new and wonderful game to experience thanks to its lore, excellent settings, and brilliant mechanics. I can’t enough of it and recommend you to buy it here! Making a deal with a Demi-God is tricky business! Yet a promise made is a promise kept! Fight the monsters, release the king, and save your sister.
