I have reviewed some amazing Akko products. Accordingly, when I see they have an extended sale, I sit up and take notice. This Akko Black Friday guide highlights some of the incredible keyboards they have on offer.
If the up to 50% off Iso keyboards deals are not enough, Akko is offering 20% off everything else! If you enter the discount code BFCM2024 at the checkout, you’ll enjoy a massive saving. So let’s wait no longer to see what is available in the Akko Black Friday guide.
What’s in the Akko Black Friday guide?
5075B Plus Mechanical Keyboard – The keycaps are hard-wearing and great to look at. Additionally, the media and lighting knob create a user-friendly edge that was appreciated. Alongside this, the NKRO functionality was responsive and a game-changer when typing or playing your favourite FPS. From €71,39.
Black on White 5075B Plus ISO – The AKKO 5075B Plus keyboard is available for under £90. Accordingly, this high-spec keyboard is an affordable option. Furthermore, its 75% form factor is great if you are short on space. What’s more, the ability to customise the switches, and the keycaps was a fantastic addition that I wouldn’t expect to see at this price point. Additionally, the responsive inputs and 3 unique connectivity modes make it an attractive option for newcomers and those who want to improve their setup. From €71,39.
Blue on White 3068B Plus ISO DE/Nordic -The Blue on White 3068B Plus ISO DE/Nordic keyboard is a multimode device that is suitable for Windows or Mac users. Furthermore, it is RGB backlit and has double-shot PBT keycaps. If that isn’t enough, it has macro technology and hot-swappable switches. As such, it is great for creative PC gamers. From €54,72.
Head to Akko for savings.
If you wish to improve your gaming set-up, Akko has you covered! Their excellent products are wonderful to look at. Moreover, they are affordable, easy to use, and brilliantly robust. This guide has highlighted only 3 of the incredible offers available. Consequently, I recommend clicking here to see the other deals. (Offers available until December 3rd.)
This Premium Eco Smart Heater is an eco-friendly infrared heater. It features a unique energy saving heating technology designed to help users save money.
Designed with infrared technology this Aeno heater is much cheaper to run compared to traditional heating systems. It uses an infrared and convection heating method for even heat distribution.
Download the Aeno App to your smartphone and you can set and control room temperature remotely so you can take the chill off before you arrive home!
It has an adjustable thermostat with a range from 0 – 40 °C.
Featuring a fall/tilt sensor the appliance will automatically switch off if a child or pet accidentally knocks it over.
The thin glass body is just 11mm wide creating a stylish look in any modern home or office.
The panel smart heater can be mounted horizontally or vertically to the wall or ceiling. There is also the option to fix legs (supplied) to make it freestanding.
Features:
Infrared + convection heating Control via Smartphone with Aeno app Overheat Protection : Auto Shut Off Heating Range : 30m2 Temp Range: 0-40 °C Child Lock (via App) Dimensions(mm): 1000 x 365 x 11
Developed by Be-Rad Entertainment and Published by Good Shepherd Entertainment, Demon’s Mirror is a Rouglike Card battler mixed with tile matching.
Days upon days of intense gaming led to the very moment when I made up my mind, and sadly, through thick and thin, I cannot recommend it.
On a serious note, despite having had to play about a hundred Roguelikes/lites, I tried to give this one a fair chance. It fared well for the most part, but I cannot in good conscience place it at the top.
Let’s talk about that.
Large Booty of a Demon’s Mirror
Calling the gameplay of Demon’s Mirror simple would be the lie of the century. By glancing at the images on the Steam page, you would think you are stuck inside a casino version of Alice in Wonderland. The number of things from cards, powerups, card points, and enemies, to the tile board, enemy stats and moves…. A lot is going on here and it can get very overwhelming.
I would leave it here and let you go figure this out by yourselves but I claimed this game was average so I am obliged to tell you why.
The game can be split into 3 parts, each playing an important role in how to win and proceed.
1: The map:
You begin each round, with your chosen character, on a tile board that has many options for traversal. You can choose from any 2 or 3 options at a time. These options can range from enemies, difficult enemies, random encounters, giant stone encounters, campfires and stores.
Enemies lead you to a fight,(more on that later). As for random encounters and the giant stone, these both provide power-ups for you or your already-attained cards. Campfires restore 30 health(you have a total of 60) and shops allow you to buy new cards or upgrades with golden coins that you attain from winning fights.
2: The Demon’s Mirror cards
When you enter a fight, you will have to manage two different yet interlinked games. One is a tile board(more on that later) and the other is a classic card game.
Your cards allow you to attack, defend, cast spells(buffs or debuffs) or make changes to the tile boards. You have points that dictate the amount of moves you have and each card tells you how many points it needs to be activated. Above the deck of cards, you have your enemies. You can see what moves your enemies will make in the next turn and must act accordingly.
3: The Tileboard:
The goal of the tile board is to create sets of the same symbol by drawing a line over them. The amount of symbols in the set equals the amount of effect that symbol will have and each set costs two points from the cards section.
Each type of symbol has a different effect. The swords are for attacking, the shield adds defence, the green orb provides upgrades to some cards and the purple orb when collected enough, allows you to use one of 3 (character-specific special moves.
Enemies can use a move that adds a bomb to the tile board. The bomb can be linked to any card and you must destroy it before it explodes and damages you.
There is more there in all three sections of Demon’s Mirror that is worth noticing but I will leave them for the curious at heart. As for now, I want to go over my reasons for being down on Demon’s Mirror.
What I didn’t like
I don’t like that you cannot stack your unused turns through each round unless you have a special power-up.
Don’t like that all the special powers have confusing descriptions.
Don’t like that the special items pop up in the top left, barely visible on screen.
But all these are tiny niggles…
My real issue with this game is that it is really slow to progress. You can spend 5-10 minutes stuck in a round because the enemy used a defence buff.
It could take hours going through stages and it can all be for nothing. Like every other roguelike or roguelites, when you die you must start from the beginning.
Apart from the first few rounds, Demon’s Mirror does not give you any legitimate logical and fun changes to gameplay via upgrades.
While playing the game is fun, after a while you lose motivation to continue. Other roguelikes have a certain type of fun gameplay, it keeps you engaged. Alas, this with this mix-and-match thing going on, it starts to get boring fast.
So ultimately, it’s a fun game but it’s not worth your time as a roguelike.
A mix and match of a game
Demon’s Mirror certainly has its moments of intrigue and challenge, but as time goes on, the game’s repetitive nature and slow progression dampen the excitement.
While it might appeal to those craving complexity and a bit of a mental workout, for most players, the frustration and lack of meaningful upgrades make it hard to recommend.
Cozy Apocalypse? That sits there in the full title of I Am Future and it just feels like an oxymoron. When I think of apocalypses, I think of ruined buildings, scary mutants and angry people with kitchenware selotaped to their faces. None of that is particularly cozy. That said, maybe there is potential in an apocalypse where you’re just left alone to relax and get on with things. Like that Twilight Zone episode before the bloke’s glasses break. Then again, I could barely handle my internet going down for three days, so it could be me that’s the problem.
Anyway, I bring up that bit in the title because that’s the standard I used to judge I Am Future. It comes down to catharsis; how much it calms me down and makes me feel better about life. It’s a tricky thing to measure, but generally it comes down to the satisfaction of completing tasks and working towards some overall goal. I Am Future has definite pockets of catharsis, and it’s a very pretty experience, but it feels a touch shallow.
The Roof Isn’t On Fire
I Am Future opens with us popping out of a pod on top of a roof and encountering the end of the world. Fortunately, the end of the world looks rather pretty. That’s the first thing that struck me about I Am Future: it looks bright, colourful and happy. A lot of apocalypse games assume that the end of the world is going to paint everything brown. In this case, green is the predominant colour. It makes exploring the rooftop a joy, particularly given that different sections of the roof do feel quite different. Though I can’t say that a rooftop mini-golf course seems like a good idea.
Either way, we are trapped on this rooftop, so we make the most of it. We start by slotting our cybernetic hand into place and then ripping apart everything that was left behind. The main gameplay loop involves hunting for basic materials – scrap metal, plastic, that sort of thing – then pouring them into schematics to make new buildings, which will refine those materials into more complex materials. Then you can upgrade your tools and machines even further. You’ll also need to stop every now and then to munch on a sandwich, as there’s a hunger meter that’ll tick down your health until you faint.
It’s a fairly basic loop for this sort of thing, but there are nice elements. For one, slowly carving your way through the rooftop is definitely cathartic. Progress across the roof is gated by what tools you have, and it’s nice that pouring resources into a new tool allows the map to open up. I also like that hunger isn’t just an extension of the health bar. Being full means you can carry more, giving you an incentive to chow down. Best of all, though, is the disassembling. You pick up a kettle, say, and you have to manually unscrew sections and remove components. It’s like the anti-House Flipper, and I really enjoyed it.
Just Not Clicking Together
I could probably isolate all the different parts of I Am Future and say something positive about them, but my main issue is that things don’t really gel together. Sometimes, a game can be less than the sum of its parts. Take the hunger meter, for instance. It only ran out twice for me and never ended in me fainting, because food is everywhere and can be grown easily. Then there are the ‘enemies’. Little leech-like fellas that eat your crops and turn into weeds. Interesting idea, but they’re just a mild annoyance that you can keep at bay with a cheap spray can. Once you plonk down a UV tower, it’s all over for them.
Digging a bit deeper into this issue, I think the problem is that there’s no sense of working towards something greater. Nearly everything we build is done within minutes, as so many materials are just lying around. Once I’d built the bridge to the second roof (the only one, mind), I had no more big projects. I was doing lots of little projects, wondering when the next big job was coming along. A big draw to this type of construction game is having a big project that you can chip away at. It’s these projects that make the smaller machines necessary, so you can build yourself up. As it was, I just following the set goals without any investment.
The other way that I Am Future could have given me some motivation was through the plot. It’s not a bad set up. We’re an amnesiac in a world where people’s personalities have been transferred into machines. Everyone’s sure that we’re the big CEO of the company that was responsible for the transfer, but we can’t remember a thing. We even meet a handful of these machines. Sadly, it doesn’t really go anywhere. It races through plotpoints and never explores its characters. Then it goes through a random twist at the end that doesn’t really add anything. Actually, it probably detracts from the experience.
I Am Future – Pretty But Shallow
Ultimately, I think my feelings are nicely encapsulated by two elements: exploration and minions. Exploration involves sending a drone off to set locations around the world. One of the first ones has you picking apart a downed plane. It’s interesting and interactive, and had potential. Sadly, most of the rest are just text boxes or shop interfaces. Then there’s minions. A nice idea that could allow some complex automation. Unfortunately, the building schematics are so simple that the only automation I ever needed was a basic sprinkler system.
So, where does that leave us with the catharsis test? Well, the lack of meaningful progress in the mid-game did hurt that. I wasn’t getting up in the morning with a plan of what I wanted to do. I was just sort of drifting across the rooftop, picking up this and that and shoving into whatever blueprint was going. This wasn’t like putting together a beautiful jigsaw. This was like tipping out a beautiful jigsaw onto the table, then putting it back in the box piece-by-piece. Yes, things happened but there was no progess made.
Snow Bros Wonderland is back! This 30+-year-old franchise has moved away from its 2D roots and is now available as a 3D isometric platform adventure. This change of approach may annoy fans of its predecessors, but I think it is a great move. The compact levels and array of tasks on hand keep you busy throughout. What’s more, it is loud, vibrant, and easy to pick up and play.
This colourful adventure title was developed by Bitwave Games and published by Clear River Games. Moreover, it is a solo or up to 4-player cooperative title. Accordingly, it is a little hectic and things can get messy extremely quickly. I stuck to single-player action and cherished every moment. However, if you have like-minded friends who love platforming games, then this will be a hit.
Snow Bros Wonderland tells a tale of doom.
The once-peaceful world of Snow Land is now under threat. The snowmen must stay cool and calm as they try to protect the king and his people from the evil King Atchich. This is no easy task as every creature wishes to stand in your way. Additionally, there are plenty of side quests to complete and tough parkour moments to overcome.
This should prevent you from completing your goals, but it doesn’t. As long as you keep a cool head, you can work your way through each of the tiny arenas. As long as you complete each mission, you will open a portal and move closer to the end. Occasionally, you must collect keys to progress or hit waypoints to move on. Either way, it is clearly explained and you shouldn’t struggle throughout.
A blend of new and familiar mechanics.
The game comprises 6 worlds and 36 stages. What’s more, there are 6 boss battles and the Grim Reaper to contend with. Don’t worry too much about death, he only turns up if you are too slow. As you progress through the worlds, you’ll enjoy some familiar platforming mechanics. There are moving platforms, switches, chasms, spikes, fire, and other tried and tested elements. Yet, some unique layers keep things interesting.
Snow Bros Wonderland wouldn’t live up to its name if it didn’t have snow and snowballs at the fore. The heroes can turn every enemy into a giant snowball. This can then be used to activate switches or to bowl your opponents out of the way. Furthermore, you can launch the snowballs to access otherwise out-of-reach foes. If this wasn’t enough, there are golden presents to find to unlock new skills and abilities. Though these don’t change the way the game unfolds, they make it loads easier and finding each ability was fun.
Snow Bros Wonderland looks fantastic.
The move away from 2D to 3D was brave. However, I think Snow Bros Wonderland looks fantastic. The clean lines and vibrant colours are pleasant to the eye. What’s more, the sense of depth and different elements keep things interesting throughout. I liked the varied backdrops and the individual challenges they created. Finally, each character can be customised so that every player has a hero that matches their personality.
The audio has an air of old-school optimism. I loved the upbeat and never-ending soundtrack. Subsequently, the jolly songs give you a spring in your step. Moreover, there were daunting moments with dramatic tunes. This blend of aggression and upbeat hope was a pleasure to listen to.
Tight controls.
The developer recommends using a gamepad. I tested both gamepad and mouse and keyboard and the latter was a little clumsy. As such, if you are happy gaming with a controller, it is the way forward. The excellent tutorial gets you on your way and each new mechanic is thoroughly explained. Consequently, younger gamers can tackle this without concern.
Each world has plenty of collectables and loads of secret missions to complete. Moreover, there is a scoring system where you can return to try and beat your original score. Though this may not interest everyone, I loved the layers of replay value and longevity.
Snow Bros Wonderland is a great addition to the franchise.
If you haven’t played the original games, fear not. You are not penalised for your lack of knowledge and you can enjoy Snow Bros Wonderland regardless. However, if you are a franchise expert, you’ll adore the new style and the excellent story. Additionally, the ability to play this with up to 4 people keeps things fresh. Accordingly, this is a great game and I recommend buying it here! Can you help Snow Land and become a hero? Master your snowball, kill every foe, and save the day.
The Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake has garnered praise and criticism from both critics and players. Built using Square Enix’s HD-2D aesthetic, similar to Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy, this remake aims to bring a beloved classic to modern audiences with enhanced visuals, a revamped soundtrack, and various quality-of-life updates.
What’s new?
The remake completely reimagines the original 8-bit game, introducing vibrant 2D sprites set against richly detailed 3D environments. The game includes a fully orchestrated soundtrack performed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Orchestra, partial voice acting, and significant quality-of-life enhancements such as auto-battle options, combat speed settings, and a memory system for saving NPC hints. New content includes an expanded storyline supervised by Yuji Horii, creator of the Dragon Quest series, as well as additional dungeons and vocations.
What Could have been
The Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake succeeds in blending nostalgia with modern enhancements, creating a product that feels both faithful and fresh. The HD-2D aesthetic is undoubtedly the star of the show, providing a stunning visual upgrade that elevates the game’s world while maintaining its charm. From shimmering water effects to dynamic lighting in dungeons, the game’s art direction breathes new life into the original design. Additionally, the orchestral soundtrack beautifully complements the visuals, delivering a powerful auditory experience that enhances both exploration and combat.
The quality-of-life features, such as a mini-map, combat speed settings, and auto-battle, make the gameplay more accessible without compromising its RPG roots. The memory system, which allows you to save lines of NPC dialogue, is a particularly thoughtful addition for players who enjoy solving quests independently but want the option to revisit important hints.
That said, the lack of character animations during combat feels like a missed opportunity. While the first-person perspective is a faithful nod to the original, the static battle sequences feel underwhelming compared to modern RPG standards. Including a toggle between classic and dynamic views could have satisfied purists and new players alike.
The price point, while high, is reflective of the effort put into the visual and audio enhancements. However, players may find the value proposition less compelling compared to other RPGs in the HD-2D line-up.
Final thoughts
The Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a stunning tribute to one of the most influential RPGs of all time. While not without its flaws, it successfully captures the heart of the original while offering a polished, modern experience. Fans of the series and newcomers with an appreciation for retro-inspired games will likely find this remake a worthy addition. However, for those seeking a more action-packed or dynamically animated experience, the game may not fully meet expectations. With its rich legacy and careful modernization, this remake strikes a delicate balance between honouring the past and embracing the present.
Neo Harbor Rescue Squad is a frantic hybrid title that will appeal to lovers of medical simulators and visual novels. The funny but short story will make you chuckle. However, it is the seemingly never-ending mini-games that will have you hooked. Every day is a challenge and you must think fast if you wish to succeed.
This action simulation experience was developed and published by BancyCo. Moreover, it is a single-player and colourful game to play. If you have tackled the Trauma franchise, many aspects of this game will be familiar. Yet, it lacks the depth and refinement of those titles and that may disappoint.
Neo Harbor Rescue Squad: a tale of recognition.
Neo Harbor Rescue Squad makes you play the role of a rookie paramedic. As you start at the bottom, you have plenty to learn. Whether it is your bedside manner, cleaning the equipment, or patching up patients, there is plenty to do. However, it is the not-so-friendly competition with the local firefighters that gets you hot under the collar. Sadly, your team does not get the recognition they deserve. Consequently, you must prove your worth and make the city acknowledge everything you do.
This story is presented in short, sharp cinematic. If this doesn’t interest you, you can skip through it without impacting your progression. Yet, I would advise watching the snappy and often amusing interactions. The characters and their funny ways will make you chuckle. Furthermore, the rivalry between each department was fascinating to watch.
So many patients and so many games.
As the story rolls on, you are expected to tackle an array of mini-games. Bandaging cuts, removing glass, cleaning wounds, CPR, and much more are thrown at the rookie paramedic. The hellish list of tasks can feel overwhelming. Moreover, the different inputs and methods of working can be confusing. This was disappointing as it feels as if you are being punished for not understanding the job at hand.
If you can put that issue to one side, you’ll enjoy a fun-filled medical-based gaming experience. The ability to perform little tasks was great. Additionally, the game evolves nicely to keep things fresh. I adored the silly missions and the rather absurd storyline. What’s more, the rapid-fire tasks were nicely varied and this tested plenty of skills.
Neo Harbor Rescue Squad looks fantastic.
This genre of game is always a visual spectacle. The vibrant colours and crisp imagery are a joy to look at. What’s more, I loved the simple but effective depiction of each injury. Though there is gore and uncomfortable elements, the gameplay can be enjoyed by older children. The developer has avoided a gruesome affair and instead has focused on loud Anime/Manga imagery. This was a great decision as it prevented the story and gameplay from becoming too morbid and uncomfortable.
The audio is slightly understated by comparison. The music and sound effects have a dramatic effect, but they weren’t as powerful or overwhelming as I expected. Instead, the developer allowed the sound effects and imagery to enhance the drama. Though this worked, I expected things to be more OTT and in your face.
The controls could have been better.
The UI and control system are easy to understand. Sadly, you get little time to prepare for each mission and this can cause confusion and unnecessary frustration. Yet, once you know what you are doing, this rarely holds you back. However, there are times when you try to execute each command and nothing happens. This was strange and I was left wondering what I had done wrong and how I could rectify the situation.
Each stage is scored based on your performance. If you save every person and make no mistakes, you will get the highest rank possible. Yet, if people die or you make errors, this will drop like a stone. Consequently, you’ll return to beat your score on each level. This was a simple way to enhance replay value and longevity.
Neo Harbor Rescue Squad is fun but slightly flawed.
If you want a deep and challenging medical simulator, Neo Harbor Rescue Squad isn’t for you. However, if you want a fun story with interesting characters and short, sharp levels, then this will tick those boxes. The gameplay is easy to understand and moving between the levels takes no time at all. Furthermore, the mini-games are enjoyable when they work. Though it didn’t blow me away, I enjoyed it and I recommend buying it here! Can you get the recognition you deserve? Grab your gear, head to each mission, and help everyone you see.
Christmas is just around the corner, and your gaming world may need new peripherals. If this is the case, let PowerA fill that void with its incredible products. Whether you need a docking station or a controller, this company has you covered.
In addition, the designs are incredible, and each item is packed with modern tech. If you want elite gaming features at a fraction of the price, then this PowerA Christmas guide should not be missed!
What’s in the PowerA Christmas guide?
OPS v1 Wireless Controller for Cloud Gaming Fortnite Edition. Feel the win with the PowerA OPS v1 Wireless Controller for Cloud Gaming Fortnite Edition. Furthermore, enjoy the FREE virtual item – The Assault Bomber Epic Glider as a compliment to your Fortnite gaming experience.
OPS v3 Pro Wireless Controller for PC and Cloud Gaming with Lumectra. Take the lead and dominate your opponent with the OPS v3 Pro Wireless Controller for PC & Cloud Gaming. Additionally, this stunning controller will light up your gaming den!
FUSION Pro 4 Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S. Step up your game with the officially licensed FUSION Pro 4 Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S. Moreover, it features Hall Effect modules. This wired product offers top-level tech at an affordable price. Therefore, if you want a gamepad that is comfortable to use and ridiculously responsive, this is the accessory for you.
FUSION Pro Wireless Controllerfor Xbox Series X|S with Lumectra. Step up your game with the PowerA FUSION Pro Wireless Controller for Xbox Series X|S with Lumectra. What’s more, this market-leading controller features Ghost RGB LED Lighting, Quick-Twist Thumbsticks and Hall Effect Modules. Consequently, you’ll get a matching-winning edge at a fraction of the price.
Wireless Controller for Xbox Series X|S – Fortnite SE. Designed for Fortnite players, the officially licensed PowerA Wireless Controller for Xbox Series X|S has competition-grade components. Subsequently, users can expect high-performance features to help them score a Victory Royale.
Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch – Pokémon Blossom. This gamepad is officially licensed by Nintendo. Moreover, the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch features a rechargeable battery, intuitive motion controls, 2 mappable Advanced Gaming Buttons and more.
Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch – Color Splash Heroes. This controller is officially licensed by Nintendo. What’s more, the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch features a rechargeable battery, intuitive motion controls, 2 mappable Advanced Gaming Buttons and more.
Protection Case for PlayStation Portal™ Remote Player. A funky and useful accessory for your gaming needs. Additionally, enjoy gaming and keep your PlayStation Portal™ remote player safe wherever you go with the officially licensed PowerA Protection Case for PlayStation Portal Remote Player.
Twin Charging Station for DualSense Wireless Controllers. Don’t you hate it when you run out of power? Accordingly, you can solve that problem with this incredible peripheral. Furthermore, you’ll never run out of juice for your PlayStation 5 DualSense controllers with this low-profile twin charging station.
Grab a great peripheral from the PowerA Christmas guide.
The above items are just a snippet of the amazing products that PowerA offers. If you head to their website, you will find some truly amazing controllers to match every taste. Furthermore, PowerA has an amazing customer service team so you’ll have trouble-free gaming for years!
Fae Farm is another life-sim that will either appeal or make you scream. This genre is perfect for casual gaming. However, the addictive gameplay and hard-to-put-down moments ensure you lose your life to another time sink. Think of Harvest Moon or Stardew Valley; you know what I’m talking about. Now, I’m not sure I have room for another game from this ilk in my life. Yet, I’m glad I put the time and effort into seeing things through.
Phoenix Labs published and developed this life-sim experience. Moreover, it can be enjoyed alone or with up to 4 others online. I tackled this as a solo gamer and I didn’t regret my decision. Yet, I do wonder if things would have been easier if I had the help of other farming gamers.
Fae Farm tells a well-trodden tale.
You live in the land of Azoria. This magical place is charming, dangerous, and in need of some sprucing up. In the beginning, you are given a rundown homestead that is yours to do as you wish. Grow plants, care for animals, and expand your house any way you can. Yet, this isn’t the end of the tale. You are expected to explore the vast wilderness looking for monsters, magic, mystery, and treasure. Each completed task helps the locals and increases your reputation.
The basic gameplay mechanics will be welcomed by lovers of this genre. The ability to grow crops and care for animals is a genre staple. Furthermore, jumping into a mine to break rocks or walking to the local forest with an axe in your hand is a must. But the story-driven quests are the real winner in this title. These endeavours unlock new abilities and gear to help make your life more bearable.
A day but no night cycle?
Time flies when you are having fun. Yet, this genre usually lets you work until you drop. With the bonus of stamina potions, cakes, sandwiches, and other items, you can keep working. Fae Farm has other ideas. Midnight is bedtime no matter what you are doing. Like Cinderella, the minute the clock strikes midnight, you are returned to your home and that is that!
This was an odd choice but something that I quickly became accustomed to. The lack of freedom was strange, but it meant that I planned my days wisely. Furthermore, I became methodical with my everyday tasks of farming and mingling before setting about on my daily walk to the caves and other fun expeditions.
Customise your house.
I love the freedom to customise my virtual world. Fae Farm does a great job with its house expansion tools and the gear you can place within the walls. Moreover, the furniture is more than ornamental. Many of the items can benefit your day-to-day stats. Consequently, you can adapt your house to match your play style. This was great even though I had some trial-and-error moments. What’s more, it was fun to experiment to find the right stat boosts and look for your home.
Magic and classic tools play a key role whether you are farming or fighting monsters. Potions are key resources to keep you going and an array of special abilities can be unlocked to improve your work-life balance. Though things could get out of hand, the developer pushes a slower and more relaxed agenda. Though time isn’t a key factor, you are always aware of the midnight cut-off and the inability to explore dungeons unless you have crafted the necessary gear. This isn’t problematic, it is simply something to keep on top of.
Fae Farm looks nice.
This isn’t a genre that goes all-out graphically. Instead, it uses vibrant colours and interesting backdrops to keep you interested. Fae Farm does a great job even though the character models lack detail or a sense of emotion. This was a strange choice as there is plenty of dialogue and the story and interactions play a key role in progressing the action. Other than this, the animation is good and I liked the smooth fast travelling.
The audio is as energetic and upbeat as you can imagine. Each day has a pleasant soundtrack to keep you entertained. Moreover, there are some dramatic tracks to accompany the more dangerous elements of the game. Though these songs won’t blow you away, I liked the variety and the energy they added to the action.
Good controls.
The control system keeps you on top of the action. However, the UI can sometimes be clumsy and there are plenty of submenus to deal with. This was sometimes annoying as it caused you to waste time searching for resources and other goods. Apart from this, the controls are easily mastered and there are few surprises on the way.
Unsurprisingly, this oozes replay value and longevity. There is plenty to see and do and this is enhanced with the chance to play with friends. If you are a solo gamer, like me, you’ll still invest hours of your time without realising it.
Fae Farm is a pleasant life-sim.
I loved the magical edge and the excellent story-driven quests. Additionally, the world is fun to explore and keeping on top of your farm and managing your time was a careful balancing act. Though it sticks to tried and tested mechanics, it does a great job with its core concept. Accordingly, I enjoyed it and I recommend buying it here! Can you bring life and love back to Azoria? Plan your days, help the locals, and be in bed by midnight.
Black Friday is almost upon us again, here are some great Black Friday offers from Just Eat, Lego and Three.
JUST EAT’S BLACK FRIDAY FREEBIE BONAZA
Hunting for a bargain can make for hungry work, but the biggest shopping event of the year isn’t just about tech and toys this year. This Black Friday weekend, Just Eat will return its ‘Freebies For Days’ promotion, where shoppers can enjoy free food from popular restaurants and locally-loved food spots.
Whatever the nation is craving, Brits can get their hands on tasty freebies throughout the day, be it breakfast or lunch, dinner or brunch. Those craving a freebie in the morning can tuck into a free Hash Brown from McDonald’s, any juice from Joe & The Juice or a pastry of choice from Caffè Nero. Meanwhile, throughout the day food-lovers can enjoy a free KFC Regular Popcorn Chicken, Six McNuggets from McDonald’s, or Dough Balls from PizzaExpress.
Just Eat’s famous foodie giveaway means hungry Brits can enjoy a freebie for four days from Friday 29th November to Monday 2nd December, when they order from one of the participating restaurants, and the minimum spend is met.
As there’s no limit to the amount of orders per day, Brits have multiple chances to enjoy a freebie whenever they want it. Further free items up for grabs include: Tortilla Chips from Tortilla, Burger King® Chilli Cheese Bites, Iro Sushi Special Box, Creams Thickshake, x2 Popeyes® Chicken Tenders, Papa John’s Garlic Cheese Sticks, Pret A Manger Croissant, AND MORE.
The offer will be live over the entire Black Friday weekend, between 29th November and 2nd December – so users have no excuses to miss out on these delicious deals!
THE LEGO GROUP’S BLACK FRIDAY DEALS
The LEGO Group will be revealing its savviest savings on its top products for this year’s Black Friday & Cyber Monday.
From the stunning interior design of the LEGO Ideas The Botanical Garden to the intricate details of the LEGO Fortnite Peely Bone, and the LEGO Santa’s Post Office for those looking to get into the Christmas spirit, the LEGO Group has you covered for this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
LEGO Insiders also get the chance to bag some amazing deals on products including the LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 and the LEGO Icons Corvette!
This weekend also sees the launch of the brand new LEGO Icons The Endurance, which is available to buy from LEGO stores and lego.com from this Friday 29th November.
More details can be found below on the LEGO Group’s top products that will be available at discounted rates this Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend. Imagery can be found here.
LEGO Insiders Offers:
Set
Image
RRP
LEGO Insiders Price
Key Features
LEGO Technic Liebherr Crawler Cane
£579.99
£463.99
Recreate one of the world’s most powerful cranes – standing at over 38 inches, adults can enjoy an immersive challenge.
LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System
£229.99
£183.99
Trigger nostalgic memories as you build this wonderfully detailed LEGO® brick Nintendo Entertainment System™ and interactive, 1980s-style television displaying the classic Super Mario Bros.™ game. The TV features a handle-operated scrolling screen.
LEGO Ghostbusters
£209.99
£167.99
The ultimate ECTO-1 LEGO® building kit for Ghostbusters™ fans and hobbyists.Features working steering, extending gunner seat, trapdoor and much more.
LEGO Star Wars R2-D2
£209.99
£167.99
Build and display this fantastically detailed, brick model of an iconic character from the Star Wars™ saga. With authentic features include a retractable mid-leg, rotating head, opening and extendable front hatches and adjustable periscope, plus a lightsaber hidden in a compartment in the head.
LEGO Icons Corvette
£129.99
£103.99
Build a LEGO® replica of the 1961 Chevrolet Corvette cabriolet sports car. Features include working tie-rod steering and a detailed engine bay and interior.
More deals to come!
Set
Image
RRP
Key Features
LEGO Icons The Endurance
£229.99
Craft a detailed replica of the historic vessel, celebrated for its pivotal role in Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary Antarctic expedition.
LEGO Ideas The Botanical Garden
£289.99
LEGO® Ideas The Botanical Garden set showcasing over 35 plant species, 4 cookie stamps and a mug. 12 LEGO® minifigures and an easy-access LEGO® modular glasshouse building including a café.
LEGO Icons Santa’s Post Office
£89.99
LEGO® Icons Santa’s Post Office creative building set for adults and families.Includes a post office, hot-air balloon, Santa minifigure and 4 elf figures.
LEGO Marvel X-Men: The X-Mansion
£289.99
This buildable LEGO® Marvel recreation of the X-Mansion is designed for adult fans of Super Hero movies and experienced model-builders.Authentic details, iconic characters – Includes 10 minifigures
LEGO Star War Jabba’s Sail Barge
£429.99
Create a playful display with this LEGO® Star Wars™ Ultimate Collector Series buildable model of Jabba the Hutt’s sail barge from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi with 11 collectible Star Wars™ characters.
LEGO Friends Andrea’s Modern Mansion
£169.99
A set for girls, boys and kids ages 14+ with a four-story home with a pool, hot tub, yoga, music spaces and a waterfall.
LEGO Star Wars AT-AT
£734.99
Part of the LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series, including 9 Minifigures to make a beautiful display. Comes along with posable legs, head, and cannons with a realistic recoil action.
LEGO Ideas A-Frame Cabin
£159.99
The ultimate ECTO-1 LEGO® building kit for Ghostbusters™ fans and hobbyists.Detailed LEGO® brick model of an A-Frame Cabin.
LEGO DUPLO Disney3in1 Magic Castle
£89.99
The ultimate ECTO-1 LEGO® building kit for Ghostbusters™ fans and hobbyists.3in1 brick-built toddlers’ castle toy for little builders with big imaginations
LEGO Fortnite Peely Bone
£89.99
Bring the adventure off-screen with this LEGO® Fortnite® Peely Bone set.The gaming collectible features movable arms and detailed accessories.
LEGO DC Batman Batmobile Tumbler
£229.99
This LEGO® brick Batmobile™ Tumbler model is designed with adults in mind.Includes a display stand and 2 minifigures: The Joker™ and Batman™.
LEGO Loop Coaster
£344.99
A roller-coaster build for adults and a gift idea for amusement park lovers. Power up your coaster, which has accessories that include a park bench with map, balloon cart, pretzel cart, and a hot-dog stand.
TASTY TREATS AND DISCOUNTS WITH THREE UK THIS WINTER
Black Friday is just around the corner and Christmas is weeks away. With Three UK, customers can get exclusive big discounts and take part in Surprise Spins to win free drinks on Three+, the mobile network’s rewards app.
From winning free coffee for a whole year, to unmissable offers including on 50% off all Wild Products, Beauty Advent calendars, Ring Doorbells, Babyliss hair electronics, to £5 off Mini Christmas Trees with Bloom & Wild and more – Three+ has got you covered this winter.
And in the run up to Christmas, there are unique offers each week including:
2nd December – a free standard card with Moonpig
9th December – a free barista made drink from Caffè Nero
16th December – a free Cadbury’s Snowballs at WHSmiths
23rd December – customers who are excited to head to the cinema to watch Wicked or Gladiator 2 or Moana 2 over the Christmas period, can take a friend or family member with 2 cinema tickets for just £6. The film choice is up to them.
Feeling lucky? Customers can get the chance to upgrade their £1 Caffè Nero drink to a free one or win a years’ worth of free coffee. And from 25th November, customers can spin for a chance to win a free Cineworld cinema ticket, free popcorn or a free drink.
Three+ is the rewards app from Three UK, with exclusive offers from leading brands across food and drink, entertainment, days out, wellbeing and shopping. The Three+ app is free to download for Three customers to enjoy the latest rewards and more.
