Review: Petit Island

Daniel Waite
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Review: Petit Island

Petit Island is a wonderfully wholesome game perfect for the whole family. However, this won’t be for you if you love sports games or bloody shooters. Yet, if you fancy a change of pace and a beautifully created story, this should be on your radar.

This narrative adventure game was developed by Xelo Games and published by SOEDESCO. Furthermore, it is open-world and can be enjoyed by one player. Though this may disappoint gaming families, you can take it in turns as you explore the lush and varied island.

Petit Island tells a touching story. 

If you are family-focused, you’ll do anything for your loved ones. If you see them fade away or lose their spark, it will tug at your heartstrings. This is exactly what happens in Petit Island. Though it didn’t make me shed a tear, I was emotionally involved in the plot. 

You play the role of Lily. She is a young animal with a kind heart. Her Grandpaw is sick and his memory is fading. Yet, his journal of his time at Petit Island makes him smile. Sadly, though, some of the pages are damaged and with it, the memories are slipping. Accordingly, Lily takes it upon herself to visit the island to update the journal and bring a spark to the life of her Grandpaw.

Straightforward action. 

Petit Island follows a simple-to-understand gameplay loop. Each page of the journal must be filled and this means exploring the surrounding world. As you move from place to place, there are side quests to complete. Alongside this, there are activities such as bug hunting and fishing. None of these tasks will test you and this makes it perfect for younger children. 

The quests follow suit. Each one demands that you move from point A to B while collecting certain items. Alternatively, you may need to use your camera or speak to a local. Either way, you won’t be tested and this makes it relaxing. I enjoyed the use of the local llamas as transport as this made navigating the island less of a chore. This wasn’t an essential tool, but who doesn’t want to ride across a fictional island on a llama?

Petit Island is a vibrant affair. 

The graphics are a little basic but I liked them nonetheless. The vibrant colours are eye-catching, and the world has unique biomes to explore. Each of the characters is larger than life and this brings energy to the experience. Alongside this, I loved Lily’s playful animations. She’d skip and hop her way around the world. Though this could drive some gamers mad, my girls giggled as they approached each new area.

The audio blends melancholy moments with fun and jovial tunes. This combination may seem weird, but it reflects the nature of the story perfectly. Additionally, I liked the ambient sounds and the fun and suitable sound effects. 

Basic controls. 

Petit Island is a cinch to play. There are few inputs to master and the buttons are responsive. This is ideal for kids and people who wish for a lack of complexity. However, I wish the inventory system was more refined. It was a pain to select unique items for different tasks. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it made it slightly more cumbersome than needed.

Replay value will depend on your completionist mindset. If you don’t wish to capture every bug or fish, you will struggle to return for more. But if you love that gaming aspect, there is plenty to see and do. Consequently, there is some longevity for this relatively short game. 

Petit Island is a touching experience. 

This won’t appeal to everyone. The calm and slow-paced gameplay and wholesome story could be a turn-off. However, if you want a calm and touching experience that is family-friendly and child-safe, then this is for you. I adored the graphics and the mellow soundtrack. Furthermore, the story is fantastic. Subsequently, I recommend buying it here! Can you fill your Grandpaw’s journal? Explore the island, help the locals, and rekindle that spark.

Review: Hack 59 keyboard

Daniel Waite
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Review: Hack 59 keyboard

The Hack 59 Keyboard from Epomaker is the perfect tool for competitive and casual gamers. This small factor 59 key keyboard is tiny and ideal for micro desktops. Moreover, if you don’t need a numpad or arrow keys, this keyboard will tick many boxes. Alongside this, it is wonderfully versatile thanks to its wired and wireless approach. Users can use Bluetooth or the supplied dongle for a clean and rapid connection. Alternatively, the USB-C cable allows you to charge the device and game simultaneously. 

This striking device has a monochromatic appearance. Additionally, it has programmable RGB lighting and an industrial appearance. Though this won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, I liked the odd futuristic edge and the clean RGB lighting design. Alongside this, it has a delightful clacky sound without being too obnoxious. 

What’s in the box of the Hack 59 Keyboard? 

  • The compact packaging is pleasant to look at. The simple stencil design is attractive and it highlights every key selling point. 
  • The Hack 59 keyboard is compact and lightweight. Furthermore, the Cherry profile keycaps are familiar and pleasant to use. 
  • Charge the device with the USB-C cable.
  • Spare Epomaker Flamingo switches are provided. 
  • Remove the keycaps with the puller tool. 
  • Learn the basics with the user manual. 

Technical aspects. 

This responsive gaming keyboard has multipoint connectivity. Accordingly, it is perfect if you work away from home or you wish to connect wirelessly at your desk. A simple switch allows you to flit between each mode with ease. Moreover, the USB dongle is housed within the keyboard body for security. No matter which mode I selected, the Hack 59 Keyboard performed flawlessly. The rapid inputs ensured that I could compete with the best worldwide gamers. What’s more, the battery life was impressive and I rarely stressed about the battery life. 

A 3000 mAh battery keeps you in the game for longer. The quick charging feature keeps you juiced up while you play using the wired connection. If you love to customise your peripherals, then this keyboard should be on your radar. The switches are hot-swappable for 3-pin and 5-pin options. Alternatively, you can select between 2 types at the point of sale. 

On top of this, you can customise the inputs using VIA programming. This tool is essential to get the best out of this mechanical keyboard. Though many games don’t need macros to maximise your potential, you’ll want to improve your chances. As such, using the built-in function key and simple software ensures that you stay ahead of the game. 

Usability. 

Every Epomaker product is designed with simplicity in mind. The exceptional keyboards are remarkably easy to use and adjusting your settings, RGB, inputs, and switches is a walk in the park. However, if you simply want a plug-and-play device that is working from the off, then this will be the product for you. 

Build quality. 

I should say that I was amazed by the build quality, but Epomaker doesn’t surprise me anymore. Their products are exceptional and the price point is even better. The sturdy case is robust and will withstand some knocks and bumps. Moreover, 5 layers of noise-dampening material prevent the clacky mechanical sounds from overpowering your gaming rig. This was great as no one enjoys a shrill and uncomfortable typing experience. 

The ergonomic design and small form factor make this an unusual but pleasant device to work and game on. What’s more the south-facing RGB lighting delivers a gentle hue without blinding you. Finally, the Hack 59 Keyboard can be adjusted for 3 unique profiles. Though I stuck with the flat approach, it was easy to use the multipoint feet to adjust the angle. 

Is the Hack 59 Keyboard worth it? 

I have an unhealthy obsession with keyboards. I love how expressive they are and the difference they make to every workstation. This industrial/sci-fi option is perfect for smaller workstations and hardcore gamers. Furthermore, if you need to work on the move, this compact device can fit in your bag with ease. 

If that isn’t enough, the switches are responsive and I love the multipoint connectivity. The battery life and quick charge facility are impressive. Additionally, the ability to program macros and customise the RGB was the cherry on the cake. Accordingly, this is an impressive keyboard and I recommend buying it here! 

(More information on Epomaker can be found here!) 

(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)

Review: Murder on the Moon

Daniel Waite
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Review: Murder on the Moon

The Detective Society deliver some of the best modern mystery games around. The blend of old-school tangible items and modern online/mobile phone elements will please gamers of all ages. Furthermore, the clues, characters, and incredible stories will keep you hooked. I’ve recently looked at Countdown to Chaos and adored this short but thrilling experience. Accordingly, when offered Murder on the Moon, I couldn’t wait to wear my Sherlock Holmes hat and begin this latest adventure.

This 3 part endeavour is designed for 1-4 players no younger than 12. Our group comprised adults only and it was the perfect way to waste some hours during the festive period. Though this jolly season is over, January is long and boring and this game will brighten up the darkest of nights. Consequently, if you love to test your grey matter and wish to solve a tough but fair mystery, then Murder on the Moon is the game for you.

What’s in the box of Murder on the Moon?

  • Everything about this screams high-end. The packaging looks great and every aspect is chunky, vibrant, and easy to handle.
  • Murder on the Moon has a 3D game map to build. This is a new approach from The Detective Society and I loved this visual aspect.
  • There are 3 case files to solve. Each contains essential information, blueprints, and other miscellaneous items.

Time to become a detective.

Each of the episodes/chapters/case files lasts between 1 and 2 hours. My team cracked each one in around 1 hour 30 and we were able to comfortably take breaks in-between. This was perfect as the volume of information and the combination of dated and modern mechanics were all-consuming. On top of this, we had some arguments as we tried to piece together every clue and work through each problem.

If your team can remain calm and not claw each other’s eyes out, you’ll laugh and joke as you interact with the virtual characters. This was phenomenal as each person was wonderfully scripted and I loved the captivating acting. The team won’t win any Oscars for their performances, but we were swept along with the story as each layer unfolded.

Though you are provided with each key portion of your adventure, I would recommend a pen and paper. Information comes at you thick and fast and it was occasionally tough to keep up. This may be a “me” problem, but jotting notes along the way certainly kept things moving nicely.

It’s a modern world.

We adored the old-school case file. The reams of information were great to work through. Additionally, the level of detail was impressive and it is obvious that The Detective Society are passionate about their projects. The tangible items were amazing to look at. Flitting between key items was fun and piecing together each clue gets your juices flowing. However, I was blown away by the modern aspects.

Murder on the Moon has mountains of specially designed web pages to explore on your mobile device or laptop/PC. As you work through every page, you forget that this is part of the game. The interface feels unbelievably real and transitioning from one page to another is seamless. Alongside this, I loved the puzzles and back and forth between core moments. If you wish, you can lose yourself in total nonsense. Alternatively, you can avoid the noise and attempt to push through to each solution. Either way, you’ll have a great time completing each episode.

How tough is it?

An adult team with a methodical mindset will work through every aspect with a minor degree of difficulty. Yet, if you have a younger team or players with less puzzling experience, you may find each chapter challenging. Some hurdles will hold you up, and though the game offers clues when you become stuck, you can get lost in the moment and find yourself confused. 

I never felt that Murder on the Moon was imbalanced. Moreover, the exceptional storytelling and timely hints help to keep you on the straight and narrow. Subsequently, though there were some tough areas, we never felt like giving up. If you are new to this type of game, you may wish to test your skills with Countdown to Chaos. Both games follow a similar core pattern and this will set you up nicely for this larger and more hefty detective game.

Is Murder on the Moon worth it?

I’m disappointed that I wasn’t able to review this before the end of 2024. Christmas was the perfect opportunity for would-be detectives to jump into the fun. Despite my tardiness, I believe that this and any other product from The Detective Society can be enjoyed all year round. The incredible combination of mechanics and the brilliant build quality will impress you. What’s more, the online action is seamless and I loved the story and the brilliant characters you encounter. 

Including a 3D map adds another dimension to the playing field and I adored the sense of depth it creates. Each case file will make you smile as layers of information and images fall into your lap. When every element combines, you get a spell-bounding game that sucks you in from start to finish. Accordingly, if you want a jaw-dropping game that will impress friends and family alike, I recommend buying it here!

(More information on The Detective Society can be found here!)

Murder on the Moon has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)

Review: SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky

Josh Blackburn
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Review: SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky

SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky made me sit and think: what exactly do I consider ‘love’ to be? I’ve been married for almost a year now, after all. Probably should have a definition. Still, one of the first things I remember about my relationship was me drunkenly babbling about Stranger Things. Hardly a scene that’s going to make it into a sweet and heartfelt game about love. Still, I rather liked that SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky made a point of asking the question. Love means different things to different people.

This is a game about dating people, after all. There’re other mysteries wrapped around it, but you’re still going to go into it with a girl in mind. It’s a difficult game for me, being generally a grumpy, old man and not really a fan of visual novels. Still, I went in with as open a mind as possible. SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky does have its share of heartfelt moments, but it falls into some of the worst traps of the genre and is tricky to recommend as a result.

SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky

Love Is In The Air

Today’s clueless dope protagonist is Junya, a handyman at a family-run general store, who wouldn’t pick up on romantic hints if Cupid fired an entire quiver into him. Still, we can perhaps forgive him on that count, as it wasn’t long ago that his brother was killed in an accident, which Junya himself just barely survived. This is enough to give our protagonist some interesting notes, as he copes with life without his older brother to lean on, and a good helping of survivor’s guilt. This is the source of some of the more heartfelt moments.

The rest come from the gaggle of girls that surround Junya. Let’s do the SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky waifu run-down, shall we? First up is Chihaya – a rich childhood friend with an indecision problem, Hinata – a princess-obsessed attendant, Azusa – a tiny ball of rage, Yuriko – an idol star trying to get back to her roots, and Chunyu – a Chinese transfer student with a penchant for being brutally honest. The characters can get a tad tropey, such as Junya’s overly energetic sister and her friend who’s creepily obsessed with him, but as the main characters unfold they gain depth.

It is rather insanely, pull-your-hat-over-your-eyes saccharine at times but that’s kind of par for the course for this sort of thing. If you don’t go into a visual novel dating sim expecting to cringe every now and then, you’ve probably not played many. Still, SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky did break through my grumpy shell at times. I went for Chunyu’s route and found myself warming to her bubbly personality, as we worked together to put on a concert in the park. It was a sweet storyline, paired with – at times – quite thoughtful conversations about love. There’s enough here to warm the heart, which is good.

SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky

Relationships On Rails

Chunyu’s route does highlight a few of the issues I have with SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky, however. For one, there’s a mystery surrounding Junya’s brother’s death that Chunyu’s route just sort of forgets about. It also ends in a giant anti-climax, which didn’t help. I read around a bit before writing this review, and it seems this and a few other paths are a bit threadbare compared to ‘main’ ones, like Chihaya, which is a shame. It also highlighted the rather strict structure of the whole experience. Rather than gravitating towards characters naturally, we literally have a binary choice between girls at set stages. Feels a tad cheap.

Basically, pick a girl and if you don’t put your foot in your mouth, you’ll end up with the ‘normal’ ending. I do like that there’s a ‘best’ ending if you choose the right dialogue options, but it feels even more hands-off than normal. I know, I know, I bang on about the lack of gameplay every time I review a game like this, but the problem is particularly egregious here. We can go literal hours without making any meaningful choices beyond a couple of similar sounding dialogue lines. It’s maddening at times.

Then there’s the fact that the writing falls down quite often. It’s mostly serviceable in the line-by-line, but a significant number of typos have slipped through, and there’s odd translation issues that make some lines difficult to parse. More important, however, is the fact that the writing often falls deep into tedium. Part of it is the visual novel habit of constantly repeating details. We don’t need a flashback of something that happened five minutes ago. But it also sticks on thoroughly uninteresting scenes. One section is just talking about building permits, for heaven’s sake. Just cut the fluff and get to the interesting scenes.

SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky

SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky – Heartfelt But Held Back

The end result is that while SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky did melt some of the ice around my frozen heart, it didn’t really stick with me. You could justifiably write this off as me not being part of the target audience. But even compared to other visual novels I’ve played, it’s on the weaker side. The writing contains a frankly absurd amount of telling over showing. If I have to see another character’s personality explained by some twinkle in their eyes, I may go insane. That, the rigid structure, and complete lack of any gameplay make it hard to stay engaged. Once a long play goes up on YouTube, you no longer have any reason to fork out £34.99.

Which is a shame, because when SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky actually got going, I found myself warming to it. The moments where Chunyu actually starting probing into the question of love, and comparing her and Junya’s definitions, were great. Even if Junya did miss absolutely every hint, regardless of subtlety. The biggest tell, for me, came when I finished Chunyu’s route and was faced with the prospect of pursuing another. It didn’t appeal. I lasted about two hours before closing it. If you’ve got a high tolerance for this sort of game, then you’ll find lots of heart-warming moments here. If you’re a grumpy, thirty-something man then you’ll find the annoyances stacking up.

(SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky‘s Steam page)

Review: Softie

Saim Khurshid
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Review: Softie

Softie is a horror Point-and-Click adventure title developed and published by Kristina Springer.

The take on horror from the medium of something child-friendly is the most draining and lazy concept to work with these days, and I cannot even think of something witty to say about it. It gets worse when the product on display feels like it was hashed out on a random Saturday just before soccer practice.

Just Walking Around

The gameplay of Softie has you playing as a little teddy bear walking around a house and talking with random sentient toys. There are puzzles but nothing beyond finding objects to place in other objects.

It gets tedious, especially when you consider the extremely slow pace at which the bear, our titular Softie, walks.

There are also sections where you are chased by this flying robotic head that, upon touch, makes Softie explode. This would be a great break away from the rest of the game if it was not designed so clunky. 

This game only has mouse controls, and everything you click has a 1 in 3 chance of actually responding. So when you are running by clicking on the edge of the screen over and over again while also trying to drag obstacles out of the way, it proves to be quite a difficult task. The actions don’t always register as you’d expect, and the delay can leave you feeling frustrated and stuck. It quickly becomes a tedious and repetitive experience rather than an engaging challenge. It’s not a fun kind of difficult task, but more of an annoying and time-consuming one.

A Tale Not Worth the Time.

Without trying to spoil much, I will tell you that the story is just as generic as you’d think. 

Softie wakes up in the attic of their house, next to some other toys and a picture of their owner. From there, the search for the owner begins. 

Roaming around the house, we find that there is something more sinister going on. From a bloody object on the kitchen floor to what looks like a drugged-up woman in the living room and a tape on the TV that shows a girl crying while receiving gifts.

The atmosphere and animation are beyond excellent. This art style pulls you in and gives you the feeling that you are inside the story with the bear. The world feels alive, with every detail meticulously crafted to immerse you into its dark, unsettling environment. The visual design creates a sense of curiosity, making you want to explore every corner of the house, uncovering the mysteries hidden within

That is until the story goes on a little longer, and the beautiful world can no longer hide the cracks that ruin any chance of enjoyment. The pacing becomes unbearable, the narrative is repetitive, and the once-enchanting art style becomes a distraction from the unoriginal and tedious gameplay. The deeper you go, the more the cracks in both the story and mechanics start to show, leaving you with nothing but frustration. The potential for something great is squandered, as the game falls apart under its weight.

An Un-Cashable cheque

Softie is a forgettable mess. It’s a half-baked idea poorly executed, trapped in the guise of something “charming” but quickly revealed as a chore. The art may be nice, but it doesn’t mask the painfully slow pace, terrible controls, and uninspired story. 

The gameplay is nothing more than an exercise in frustration. With tedious puzzles and a clunky chase mechanic that only serves to waste your time. The whole experience feels like it was slapped together in a weekend with no care or effort. If you’re looking for something enjoyable, Softie isn’t it.

Review: Acefast Acefit Air open-ear headphones

Daniel Waite
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Review: Acefast Acefit Air open-ear headphones

The Acefast Acefit Air open-ear headphones from Acefast are perfect for that new year, new year approach. These stylish earphones deliver delightful audio without jeopardising your safety. Furthermore, they are lightweight and extremely comfortable to wear. As such, you’ll love to wear them when walking, working out, or doing the housework.

If you are a technophobe, you’ll want a simple device that is easy to use. Thankfully, this audio product has your back. The plug-and-play design is a cinch to set up. Moreover, the handy charging case ensures your device is safe and you rarely run out of juice. Yet, that isn’t all! The slim design is amazing and the case can fit in your pocket or bag without concern.

What’s in the box of the Acefast Acefit Air open-ear headphones?

  • The packaging is wonderfully monochromatic. This striking design is eye-catching and everything can be recycled. 
  • The Acefast Acefit Air open-ear headphones are great to look at. The over-ear hook is comfortable and the handy labelling prevents you from making errors.
  • The charging case is robust and pleasant to hold. 
  • A USB-C to USB-C cable is provided for fast charging. 
  • Learn the fundamentals with the user guide. 

Technical aspects. 

The Acefast Acefit Air open-ear headphones rely on upmarket technology. Yet, the battery was a little underpowered and this may disappoint. The earphones have a 60 mAh capacity and the charging case has around 500 mAh. In real terms, this gives you of 25 hours playtime at 60% volume. The earphones last around 6 hours per charge and this is suitable for most users. If you run out of juice, the case takes around 2 hours to recharge and the earphones require 1 hour to get back in the game. Though the battery could have been stronger, I wasn’t left wanting.

Connectivity is a key element whenever I consider earbuds, headphones, or earphones. Luckily, this device uses Bluetooth V5.3 and the results are impressive. A 10-metre range delivers a stable platform that doesn’t crackle or falter. Moreover, I experienced no latency issues. 

Finally, Acefast offers a generous 18-month warranty. Accordingly, if you have any issues, you can contact their helpful customer support and they will help as best they can. 

Audio quality.

The 13mm dynamic drivers combine perfectly with the open-air technology. The sound has a hearty mixture of tones and I was impressed by the moderate bass. Additionally, the lack of connectivity issues ensures a crisp and clean listening experience. Though I restricted my audio levels to the recommended 60% I rarely struggled. The well-positioned speakers deliver pitch-perfect audio.

Potential users may be worried about external sounds washing out the quality of their music. There were moments were extremely loud noises overpowered each track, but these were fleeting. Thankfully, the well-considered design and powerful drivers keep your music flowing. 

I don’t like hands-free unless I’m driving. Subsequently, I didn’t use the microphone whilst running or cycling. However, when I tested this device in my car, I had no issues. Each person I spoke to claimed the audio was clear and they heard no unwanted road noises. This makes this the ideal device for people who need a multi-functioning audio solution. 

Build quality. 

I’ve tested plenty of Acefast products and I’m rarely disappointed. The materials are top quality and they focus on delivering high quality at an affordable price. The Acefast Acefit Air open-ear headphones are no different. The hard-wearing charging case feels pleasant to hold. Moreover, the hinge is strong and I like the smooth black finish.

The earphones are incredibly lightweight and I was impressed with the flexibility and balance. Whenever they were placed over my ears, I didn’t expect them to shift or fall. This is reassuring especially when I undertook high-energy exercise. Finally, the multifunction touchpad was remarkably simple to operate. Some minor trial and error was required to get things right, but that wasn’t a problem. Once I got the gist of things, I could adjust my music or take calls with ease. 

Are the Acefast Acefit Air open-ear headphones worth it?

The open-ear market is saturated with exceptional devices. Shokz are the market leader, but they have a price point to match. Luckily, Acefast delivers good products at a great price. Consequently, this budget-friendly option will impress walkers, athletes, and music lovers alike. I adored the excellent audio and build quality. Moreover, the easy-to-use multifunctional button was a pleasant surprise. However, the battery life may be a deal breaker for some. Despite that minor shortcoming, I recommend buying them here!

(More information on Acefast can be found here!)

The Acefast Acefit Air open-ear headphones have been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)

Review: Shadow Tactics: Blades Of The Shogun: Aiko’s Choice

Matt Cooper
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Review: Shadow Tactics: Blades Of The Shogun: Aiko’s Choice

Three years after its release on PC, Shadow Tactics returns to consoles with its standalone expansion Aiko’s Choice. Is there enough sneaking and slashing to warrant your time? Or should this be exiled by the shogun once more?

The Furious Five’s Adventures

It’s been almost 10 years since Shadow Tactics: Blades Of The Shogun released to positive reviews with its unique blend of tactical stealth and adventure. The story of the original title follows a group of five main characters: Oshiro, Hayato, Yuki, Aiko and Takuma who bid to foil a plot of corruption and betrayal in the era of feudal Japan. Now, with the release of Aiko’s Choice on consoles, players can experience the standalone expansion that provides more focus on the thief Aiko, whilst bringing the other characters along for the ride. Taking place in between events with General Okkoto and the group leaving for the marshlands, the story focuses on Aiko and her former mentor, Lady Chiyo. Chiyo is now working for the warlord Kage-sama. It’s a story that feels more intimate than the original tale and on a much smaller scale. It’s serviceable and fans of the original will feel rewarded for playing this expansion but it’s also worth noting how little the game did to remind players of the events of the previous story. For someone picking up this game with no knowledge of the original title, they will be given little to no context whatsoever which I can’t help but feel is a misstep from developers Mimimi Games.

Whilst context is lacking, heart is not so in Aiko’s Choice. The story does a fantastic job at fleshing out the five main characters with obvious emphasis on Aiko herself. The conversations between the characters feel natural and organic, making a true connection to the group along their journey. They laugh and squabble at times like a family and when the game deliberately slows down in the smaller scale levels, I often stopped to interact with the characters to see what they would speak about next. Unfortunately, these intimate moments are few and far between as the overall story is extremely short and fails to gain any real momentum before the curtain call. It’s a solid story that focuses on themes of companionship, regret and corruption but it’s a story that I cannot recommend as a standalone investment, since without playing the original title, you truly will not be able to fully grasp the tale or its characters. Fortunately though, I can whole heartedly recommend gameplay.

A Slashing Good Time

Gameplay in Aiko’s Choice truly is king. Controlled from a top down perspective once again, this is a fantastic achievement in stealth action gameplay. Returning from the original title are the previously mentioned five characters, each with their own unique skill set and abilities that really make the game feel varied and unique and this allows the player to truly cater to their own individual style. Each character has its own strengths and weaknesses and the developers have done a fantastic job giving the player their own autonomy to weave their own style with these characters – whether it’s through sheer muscle and might with the samurai or through ranged weapons or stealth. It feels like multiple games in one with these styles and I cannot recommend it enough. Each of the five main levels feels like a finely balanced chess match; I constantly began to observe each area, scanning for hiding spots or plotting vantage or ambush points. Along with the returning shadow ability that truly makes you feel like an assassin, the developers have crafted a more well-rounded and polished version of what the original game had attempted to achieve.

This game is not for the faint hearted though. The first few hours of the game were the most frustrating for me as I worked out the kinks with combat and it really felt like a game of trial and error for a while. The missions themselves are also complex but thankfully unlike the original, they don’t have as much tediousness or odd parameters that stunt the overall pace or action of the game. My personal favourite mission involves five islands that force you to use different members of the group along with different combinations of them to progress the level. There are smaller scale levels on offer as well in Aiko’s Choice but they act as breaks from the larger scale maps and a chance to interact with the characters and their thoughts on recent events. When I try to think of a way of summing up gameplay, I keep coming back to one word and that is ‘rewarding’. If you have played the original, Aiko’s Choice truly is the upgraded polished version.

Understated Polished Beauty

Graphically speaking, Aiko’s Choice is gorgeous. Each of the main areas looks rich in detail and I often spent time sneaking around the environments just to marvel at them. The developers have gone for a look that I would liken to cell shading which makes character models pop with colour, whilst making areas look vibrant and full of splendour. Lighting is also a strong point for the game’s presentation, in making darkly lit areas seem more mysterious, whilst simultaneously building tension for the player. It was important the developers nail the setting and feel of feudal Japan and, like the previous game, they have knocked it out of the park with beautiful and rich visual presentation. Another important thing to mention is the improvement the game has made in the quality of life department with a better save system, stronger UI and polished menus.

Similarly, the sound design and musical score in Aiko’s choice is superb. The sound of swords slashing and clanging together is something to behold. Every action has a sound reaction that truly creates such great atmosphere that is simply wonderful. Simple things like throwing a rock and hearing it clatter against an environment sounds so simple, yet so polished, it really makes each move you make feel impactful. Returning from the original game is the soundtrack that once again perfectly complements the story and gameplay with a deftly quiet score that encapsulates the era the game is set in. A stunning effort across the board in terms of presentation.

Verdict

For fans of the original game, Aiko’s Choice is a solid, if not spectacular return to the series. A middling story and short length threaten to derail the game but thankfully with its addictive gameplay and gorgeous visuals, this game is certainly worth fans’ time. Coupled with superb sound design and a beautiful atmospheric score, the return to feudal Japan is a positive one. See you in Edo!

Review: The Legend of Cyber Cowboy

Daniel Waite
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Review: The Legend of Cyber Cowboy

The Legend of Cyber Cowboy is a controller-breaking experience. The lack of balance will make you angry and I wanted to quit regularly. However, if you get lucky and have a clean run, you’ll cherish this hellish indie experience.

This bullet hell adventure was developed and published by Eastasiasoft Limited. Furthermore, it is a single-player top-down game that is gloriously brutal. Yet, this tough nature makes it hard to put down. No matter how many times I cursed and swore, I kept going. Yet, I can see many people binning this off early as it is often unfair and this undermines the enjoyment factor. 

The Legend of Cyber Cowboy tells a silly sci-fi story. 

The Wild West is a tough place at the best of times. However, if you throw in some gangs and demented robots, things take a turn for the worse. For reasons unknown, you are an android cowboy who must protect the land. Yet, bosses and robots wish to stand in your way and cause you no end of misery.

This twin-stick shooter comprises 5 unique landscapes. Each area has plenty of minor arenas to discover and a boss battle to overcome. As you enter each room, a new wave of monsters appears. You must dodge their advances as you blow them to smithereens! Once they perish, you may collect their gold and move on to the next room. This cycle continues until you complete the game or die. The latter option is the likely outcome, so be prepared.

Frustrating action. 

Though the core concept is simple, the gameplay lacks balance. Unfortunately, the hitboxes are a little off and your pistol is as powerful as a fart in the wind. Accordingly, you must learn to dodge and time your attacks perfectly. To make matters worse, the bosses are overpowered and avoiding their advances is somewhat tricky. Thankfully, the developer has included some tools to balance the field. 

Each world has a vendor who sells 2 weapons. These strong tools are the difference between success and failure. But things aren’t quite as simple as they should be. The rifle is ridiculous and this is the only tool you need for victory. Everything else is underpowered by comparison and that was frustrating. If the developers can adjust the action to make things fairer, it would improve the overall experience. 

The Legend of Cyber Cowboy looks dated. 

The pixelated approach works well. The Legend of Cyber Cowboy has an old-school appeal that won’t impress everyone. However, I liked the clear character models and the simple animation. Additionally, each world had a varied style that kept you coming back for more. 

The audio was basic but effective. The simple soundtrack was repetitive but it doesn’t matter. What’s more, the shrill sound effects could have been annoying, but they worked well. Though the audio won’t blow you away, it was good enough. 

Easy to understand controls. 

The Legend of Cyber Cowboy is easy to master. You may dash, shoot, and move. This is the depth of the control system and genre newbies will love the basic design. I wish the hitboxes were more accurate, but this wasn’t to be. Instead, you must adjust your aim to account for the slight issue. 

Unfortunately, this lacks replay value and longevity. Once you nail the final boss, there is little reason to return. If you add in the roguelite elements, then this will cause frustration. Consequently, I won’t be returning to play this again. 

The Legend of Cyber Cowboy is short and tough, but fun. 

This isn’t the best indie game ever. There are faults and the balance isn’t quite right. However, when things work, it is enjoyable and you can lose a few hours to its tough ways. If you want a retro experience that tests your patience, I recommend buying it here! Can you overcome every robot and save the day? Master your pistol, explore every room, and pray for some luck.

Review: Songs of Silence

Daniel Waite
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Review: Songs of Silence

I love a great strategy game. There is nothing better than testing your grey matter and outwitting your opponents. However, Songs of Silence occasionally gets this element wrong. The slight imbalance causes frustration and undermines many of the creative and interesting moments. Yet, if you can look past this issue and work through the pain, you’ll enjoy a genuinely fun but tough game.

This semi-auto-battler was developed and published by Chimera Entertainment. Moreover, there is a combination of single-player and online multiplayer action. This isn’t new for this genre, but I appreciated the ability to thwart my friends or prove my tactical prowess to strangers online. Either way, I had a great time as I ransacked settlements and watched battles unfold before my eyes.

Songs of Silence is a lore-riddled joy.

Songs of Silence focuses on a classic approach. As such, you enjoy some wonderful narration and interesting battles. Alongside this, the side quests and interesting overworld keep you going from start to end. Though these elements were great, I loved the interaction between each leader and the oodles of lore you uncover.

No matter which mode you try, you will enjoy familiar core mechanics. The campaign spans 8 chapters that become increasingly difficult. If you love an almost unfair challenge, you will cherish this tactical monster. My abilities were put to the test in chapter 5 and it pushed my patience and resolve. Furthermore, hours were invested in the unfair nature of chapter 6 and I begged for mercy as I lost wave after wave of destructive brutes. Sadly, this is something that will break the hardiest of gamers and it needs to be addressed.

A tale of 2 halves.

The action is split into 2 ideas. First, you must explore a vast overworld with your commanders. Each battalion must move across the world to find new settlements to capture and resources to steal. En route, they will encounter aggressive foes or NPCs offering to help your cause. During each campaign, you are set key goals that must be achieved. As you falter, your leaders must rest and a new approach must be considered. It is this tactical layer that keeps you coming back for more.

The auto-battler element is much deeper than expected. A combination of formation, troops, and special abilities guide you to victory. Though it can be tough to keep on top of things, I loved the automatic slowdown and the ability to pause things for a breath. Your army comprises an array of different units and you must eliminate tricky opponents whilst the AI does the rest. This slightly hands-off idea takes some getting used to. Yet, once you are familiar with the finer points, you can manipulate each battle and turn the tide in your favour.

The ugly.

I’ve covered the lack of balance. Songs of Silence needs to address its campaign mode as the computer AI seems somewhat tougher, faster, and better organised than anything I could muster. This is particularly infuriating in the latter stages as the already tough levels just seem that little bit harder still. Thankfully, this wasn’t so much of an issue when playing online.

I rarely focus on frame rates unless it is awful. Unfortunately, I had real problems with low frame rate during the hectic battles. The game ground to a stop and this was extremely disconcerting. Though things soon caught up, it was slightly nauseating and not what I expected when playing on a “next-gen” machine. I’m not sure if this issue is present for PS5 or high-end PC gamers, but the Xbox Series X struggled at times.

Songs of Silence looks nice.

Despite the frame rate issues, I loved the massive overworld and the incredible battlefields. The vast spaces were captivating and the hellish movement of every squadron was great to look at. Arrows fly and cavalry charge with devastating consequences. Alongside this, I loved to watch the ability of my commanders play out as I watched the battle unfold. Alongside this, the intuitive UI was a pleasure to work with. No matter what was happening, I was able to remain in control and work through each battle.

The audio combines quiet sombre moments with ear-splitting noises. Additionally, the music blends soft and melancholy tracks with heartstopping and dramatic tunes. This attention-seeking audio should have been overwhelming but it wasn’t. Instead, it helps to enhance the lore and suck you into the action.

Incredible controls.

I expected this to be horrible to play. However, a thorough tutorial and excellent UI help you to overcome every early hurdle. This user-friendly approach will appeal to genre newbies and gamers who wish for a straightforward experience. Though there was the occasional input issue because of the frame rate, this didn’t put me off too much.

I struggled with the latter game and this made completing Songs of Silence a bit of a chore. This was disappointing as I enjoyed it up to the final 3 chapters. Moreover, the ability to play this with friends online makes it moreish and pretty darn addictive. Consequently, if you love this genre and you can forgive the brutal progression curve, you will want to come back for more.

Songs of Silence doesn’t get it quite right.

I cannot overlook the few issues that I faced. Normally, I’d shrug them off and move on. Yet, Songs of Silence has made the end game so tough that I cannot ignore it. The frame rate makes an already tough game just a little too hard, which was a shame. This would be an amazing tactical auto-battler if this can be resolved and ironed out. Despite the issues, I recommend buying it here! Can you prove your worth and capture every settlement in sight? Master each commander, build your army and prove your tactical prowess.

Review: Sailor Moon Crystal 3108RF keyboard

Daniel Waite
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Review: Sailor Moon Crystal 3108RF keyboard

The Sailor Moon Crystal 3108RF keyboard is a decent mid-range keyboard. Furthermore, this will tick that box if you love an eye-catching peripheral. Sadly, it doesn’t have backlit RGB and no hot-swappable switches. However, the pre-installed Akko Pink switch is responsive and comfortable to use. If you are a gamer or work from home, this could be the perfect full-size keyboard. 

The vivid colour palette catches your attention. Moreover, the ability to use this wired and wirelessly enhances versatility and usability. Strangely, Akko had built this with no batteries. If you want to run it wirelessly, you must insert 2 AAA batteries. This was a strange choice, but it didn’t put me off. The overall quality and comfortable typing were enough to suck me in.

What’s in the box of the Sailor Moon Crystal 3108RF keyboard?

  • The packaging is large and loud. The bright colours are attractive and the box is robust. Finally, it can be recycled and that is a plus point. 
  • The Sailor Moon Crystal 3108RF keyboard has a full-size factor. This is ideal for gamers who need every key or workers who require a numpad.
  • A USB-C cable is provided for charging. 
  • A USB dongle is required for wireless connectivity.
  • Use the keycap puller to reveal the switches.
  • Learn the basics with the quick start guide. 

Technical aspects. 

Unlike other Akko products, the Sailor Moon Crystal 3108RF keyboard has no RGB. This wasn’t too much of an issue as the rest of the keyboard is so bright. However, lovers of vivid peripherals may be slightly disappointed. The keyboard uses both a 2.4 GHz and wired connection for latency-free inputs. This was ideal as you can game and type without any lag or issues. I found the AAA batteries to be a little strange, but 8 months of battery life out of 1 set wasn’t an issue. Additionally, the lack of a built-in battery makes the keyboard much lighter.

If you like programmable keys, you can download the FTD software from the Akko website and customise your inputs. This wasn’t an area I played with, but I know the software is intuitive and easy to navigate. Accordingly, this is the ideal option if you lack programming knowledge or you want a user-friendly option.

Build quality. 

The striking pink colour and unusual anime keycaps design are ideal for gamer girls and anyone who adores a striking design. What’s more, the full-size setup makes it comfortable to type. However, smaller workstations will struggle to house this large keyboard. Subsequently, micro desks may require a smaller Akko alternative.

The OEM keycaps use a sub-dye process with PBT materials. The result is long-lasting legends that resist staining and oily marks. This is ideal if you like to eat while gaming. We all get hungry from time to time and we don’t want to put our game down. Well, these hard-wearing keycaps resist greasy stains and can be cleaned with ease.

Finally, the base plate and case have a foam layer. This helps to soften each key movement. Additionally, the Sailor Moon Crystal 3108RF keyboard has a softer audio profile as a consequence. Therefore, if you dislike the traditional clacky mechanical sound, this keyboard has you covered.

Is the Sailor Moon Crystal 3108RF keyboard worth it?

Picking the right keyboard for your gaming arena is tough. Do you go all-out and pick a bank-breaking option? Alternatively, do you go entry-level and try your luck? I think the Sailor Moon Crystal 3108RF keyboard gets the balance just right. The soft inputs are comfortable and I like the large form factor. Furthermore, though the pink wasn’t for me, I understand why it will appeal. This device doesn’t have every bell and whistle, but it does its job extremely well. Accordingly, I like it and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on Akko can be found here!)

The Sailor Moon Crystal 3108RF keyboard has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)

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