Events

News: Christmas Gaming Guide

Daniel Waite

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Nov 21, 2024

Christmas is a time for family and friends. However, it is also a time for gaming! There are some amazing titles available this Christmas and I know this guide will highlight some things that may have slipped your radar.

Currently, I will focus on Nintendo Switch and Sega games. Yet, I plan to add a wide variety of other titles as the days go by. So I suggest you sit back and enjoy this Christmas gaming guide.

What’s in the Christmas gaming guide?

Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – Save the kingdom of Hyrule – this time with the wisdom of Princess Zelda – in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom for Nintendo Switch. The people of Hyrule are being stolen away by strange rifts that have appeared, and with a certain swordsman among those missing, it’s up to Princess Zelda to save her kingdom.

_{Christmas Gaming Guide RRP £49.99.}

Nintendo Switch Lite Hyrule Edition – This special The Legend of Zelda-themed Nintendo Switch Lite console arrived September 26^th. Enjoy access to a range of classic The Legend of Zelda titles with the included 12-month Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Individual membership!

_{Christmas Gaming Guide RRP £209.99.}

Mario time!

Mario & Luigi Brothership – The brothers return for a brand new adventure on the high seas! Set sail with Mario and Luigi on Shipshape Island (part ship, part island) and journey through the vast world of Concordia. Launch out of Shipshape’s cannon to visit, explore, and quest your way through islands that range from tropical rainforests to bustling cities. Meet new friends along the way, like Connie and Snoutlet (who’s definitely not a pig), and encounter familiar faces from the Mushroom Kingdom like Peach and Bowser, who may help you on your journey!

You’ll have to rely on Mario and Luigi’s brotherly bond to succeed. Use Bros. Moves to get past obstacles while you explore, and powerful Bros. Attacks in a dynamic twist on turn-based combat. You’ll need every edge this ‘brothership’ will give you to save the day!

_{Christmas Gaming Guide RRP £44.99.}

Super Mario Party Jamboree – Get ready for the biggest party yet in Super Mario Party Jamboree. From running through merry-go-rounds to motion-control minigolf, this jamboree is jam-packed with over 110 minigames – the most of any Mario Party game to date!

_{Christmas Gaming Guide RRP} _£44.99.

More gaming to come.

Princess Peach: Showtime! – Princess Peach and friends arrive at the Sparkle Theater to see a show when the wicked Grape and the Sour Bunch suddenly make their grand entrance and take centre stage. The perfect performance has become a terrible tragedy and it’s up to Peach to save the play – and the day!

_{Christmas Gaming Guide RRP} _£49.99.

Nintendo Switch – OLED Model Consoles – Nintendo Switch – OLED Model is the newest addition to the Nintendo Switch family of consoles. It includes a 7-inch vibrant OLED screen, a wide adjustable stand for tabletop mode, a new dock with a wired LAN port for use in TV mode, 64 GB of internal storage, and enhanced audio for handheld and tabletop play. Just like Nintendo Switch, play on a TV, share the detachable Joy-Con controllers for multiplayer fun, or take the console on the go to enjoy its play-anywhere versatility.

_{Christmas Gaming Guide RRP} _£399.99.

SEGA.

Metaphor: ReFantazio – Metaphor: ReFantazio tells a mysterious and exciting story. It is set in a unique world where the king has been assassinated and the next monarch is due to be elected. Accordingly, this kicks off a fight for the throne that will take gamers on a captivating 100-hour adventure.

There’s no better way to escape the cold, dark winter nights than by jumping into ATLUS’ latest masterpiece. Explore its expansive, immersive world and discover its faraway lands, exhilarating quests and challenging dungeons. Moreover, there is a gripping turn-based combat system to master.

_{Christmas Gaming Guide RRP} _£49.95.

SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS – SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS introduces a brand-new Shadow story campaign. His old nemesis, Black Doom, returns and threatens to take over the world. Fans can play as Shadow and dive into his dark past to unlock his inner powers. Moreover, explore his backstory, and confront familiar foes to save the world!

That’s not all though: it also includes a full remaster of the original Sonic Generations. This combines nostalgia from the iconic 2D era of Sonic with the blistering excitement of modern 3D Sonic gameplay. The story centres around Sonic and Friends as their universe is thrown into chaos. Players can experience this adventure again with upgraded visuals, new challenges, and more bonus content.

_{Christmas Gaming Guide RRP} _£44.99.

Review: Movie Scene It

Daniel Waite

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Nov 21, 2024

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Movie Scene It is a great family-friendly experience that will appeal to film lovers. Moreover, there are some snippets of general knowledge as random questions are thrown into the mix. Though this game has been out for a while and there have been several unique variations, this modern version blends a tactile layer with an intuitive app. Accordingly, this creates a seamless game and hours of fun.

I admit I’m not the biggest film buff. I know that this is ironic as I write for a movies-based website. However, this mattered not as I could hide amongst my teammates and enjoy the madness nonetheless. As each round unfolds, you are asked questions on a wide range of modern and older films. As the game progresses, players move around the board and work towards an end goal. One final challenge must be overcome if you are to be crowned the victor. This is easier said than done and it is rewarding when you finally win.

Movies Scene It rarely falters.

Modern technology has a habit of going wrong. This is particularly poor timing when you have a gathering of friends wanting to play games. Fortunately, Movie Scene It rarely falters. The incredible free-to-download app is great to use and easy to master. Moreover, it acts as your gameshow host. Every clip, challenge, or trivia element is loaded on this app. What’s more, it is compatible with many devices. My advice is to chuck the game onto a large TV. After all, who wants to watch each clip off a tiny mobile device?

Once you have the game set up and your friends ready, you will have a whale of a time. The action is fast-paced and each game moves at a hectic rate. This level of energy is transferred to the players as excitement builds. I found it highly amusing that the volume got louder as the game progressed. Each team would shout, scream, and laugh repeatedly as clips were played and challenges were put down. This sense of fun and freedom makes it the perfect game for large family or friend gatherings.

A simple-to-understand experience.

Where Movie Scene It excels is its straightforward nature. You are provided with a handy user guide to get you going. However, this isn’t entirely necessary. I found the action to be easy to follow and the app keeps you on track. Consequently, you can get this up and running in no time.

The instructions came in handy when you wished to alter the gameplay mechanics. Extending the game and maximising the final round were essential tools to make the most of each playthrough. Additionally, no one wants to fall out and the rules help to eliminate arguments or misunderstandings.

Build quality.

Unlike Social Ladder or Too Far, Movie Scene It isn’t a drinking-focused game. Subsequently, it doesn’t need to withstand heavy-handed drunks. However, the board and cards are chunky and extremely robust. What’s more, the die has a strong outer shell that will resist scratching and wear and tear. The game board has 2 hinged sections that are strong and well-designed. Yet, I can see this being its Achilles heel. Though I didn’t experience any side effects, this will become weakened over time.

The app reduces the physical elements of the game. Moreover, it makes it easier for the manufacturer to update the questions and other elements with ease. This was great as there is the opportunity to keep things fresh without having to refresh your base game.

Is Movie Scene It worth it?

If you are looking for a great family-friendly game that is superb for large gatherings, then look no further. This phenomenal board game is fun and easy to understand. Additionally, it is addictive and high energy. If you adore cinema and a wide range of films, then this will be right up your street. Alternatively, if you are like me, you’ll still enjoy the sense of reward and the fast-paced action. Accordingly, Movie Scene It is a great game and I recommend buying it here!

Movie Scene It has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: VED

Josh Blackburn

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Nov 21, 2024

0

Oh man, VED makes teleporting look kind of terrifying. It already creeped me out, to be honest. Something about being deconstructed and reconstructed at a molecular level doesn’t sit right with me. I mean, you’re effectively dead at that point, right? Just a clone popping out of a booth? VED takes it a step further – you don’t even know where you’re gonna end up. So now I’m not just being broken down to my component parts, but my clone might end up in a broom cupboard somewhere. I’ll stick with walking.

Still, teleporting nervousness aside, VED gives us an interesting look at magic overall. I rather like worlds where magic is present in everyone, not just people in a tower wearing silly hats, and that’s what we have here. VED explores this well, through a handful of interesting characters, and it works hard to make our choices matter. It’s a little clunky at times, particularly when we get away from the story, but it’s a beautiful and engaging experience nonetheless.

VED Up

Now, when you pull up VED‘s steam page, you’ll see it call itself an ‘RPG’. This isn’t untrue, but this is the Dungeons & Dragons style of RPG. Right down to the dice rolls, come to think of it. For the most part, it’s not dissimilar to a visual novel. We progress through a branching storyline, picking choices and dialogue options, and dealing with the consequences. It’s broken up by some skill checks, à la D&D, and jaunts to the magic world, which plays a bit like a strategy roguelike. I’m going to take each half of VED seperately, as I have different feelings towards each of them.

Let’s tackle the real world first, where the writing comes into play. VED’s overall story is quite interesting. It stars Cyrus, a young bloke who comes to the town of Micropolis to make something of himself. That’s put on hold when his neighbour, Mick, sets fire to his apartment, and Cyrus rushes in to save him. Overwhelmed by the flames, a magical instinct kicks in, and he teleports away. From there, the story follows him coming to terms with the fact that magic is real, and how it should be handled. Different factions have different ideas about it. Impulse, a tech giant, want to commercialise it. The Sorcerers want to give it to the people. The titular Veds want it to bugger off and stay in the other world.

These three factions – and the general townsfolk – are headed up by diverse characters. The sorcerers are led by Freddie Fire Hands, for example, a charismatic if… eccentric magician. Depending on your perspective, he’s either a nutcase or the only one talking sense. The character designs and their motivations are great. Cracks do begin to appear when you get into the line-by-line writing, though. Some lines read very awkwardly. Cyrus’ attempts at flirting make me want to call the police. It’s also unclear, at times, what Cyrus is going to say when picking an option. One option labelled basically ‘Okay’ had me laying into my neighbour’s life choices out of nowhere, when I actually wanted to encourage him.

Split Personality

Getting back to the bigger picture, it’s safe to say that VED is a game where choices matter. Not just in how characters respond to you, but entire story arcs can alter. On my first run, I mucked up during the prologue. This changed large sections of the ending. I did two full runs and found unique dialogue sections in each. It makes me curious just how many branches there are, which I think is a good sign. That said, there is some clunkiness in how the scenes are put together. It has to funnel back to the key plot points, so factions would be inexplicably friendly at times, despite me clearly fratenising with their mortal enemies and telling them sod off at every opportunity.

Still, one interesting note is that teleporting isn’t just an A to B situation. You have to pass though the magic world, and the route you take through it dictates where you teleport back. This means entire story beats depend on where you re-appear, which is nice. As for the magic world itself, this plays like a roguelite. You start at a village full of friendly troglodytes and then pick a path through events and monsters to find an exit. Combat within this world is turn-based, expending action points per move. The unique twist being that you need to be in the right ‘lane’ to do the most damage, and enemy attacks will hit certain lanes too.

It has promise but feels a bit threadbare. There are usually only two routes to pick, and only a handful of encounters per run. The dice rolls are welcome for the encounters, as it adds in some unpredictability, but it’s a bit too easy to breeze through. Combat makes itself look complicated, but really we’re just crab-dancing out of the way of attacks. Death is negligible too, as we spawn back at the village and can just go right back to it. Using a grid, rather than just four lanes, might have added in a bit more complexity. That and making the magic world a bit more like a D&D dungeon crawl or an old school adventure game; keep the dice roll decisions running throughout.

VED – An Evolved Visual Novel

This lightness of gameplay is what made me start thinking of VED as more of a visual novel than a classic RPG. I don’t mean that as a knock – VED feels like the kind of evolution I’ve been wanting from visual novels. It brings in key choices at all stages and, crucially, has factors out of our control. That’s why I’ve been bigging up the dice rolls. Failure can be just as interesting as success. The clunkiness is a little unfortunate, but that’s perhaps to be expected when you’re sprawling out so much. Imagine it being like a DM who’s desperately trying to read their drunken notes from the last session.

As a final note before I close, I want to point out that Ved‘s art is spectacular. From character design to the backgrounds of the magical world, it’s gorgeous. Music’s a hit too, though the voice acting is pretty dire. Some side characters would probably have benefitted from letting us do the voices in our heads. Still, the devs have been polishing VED for quite some time and it shows. The developers are Lithuanian, so perhaps some of the line-by-line awkwardness is down to the translation, but it didn’t detract too much. While I wish some elements of VED were pushed further, it’s an intriguing story that never forgets the player.

(VED’s Store Page)

News: Black Friday – SteelSeries

Gaming
News

Daniel Waite

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Nov 21, 2024

0

Black Friday – SteelSeries offers some of the most desirable tech at a fraction of the cost. This behemoth tech company delivers time after time. Consequently, it has a massive following and its fanbase is rarely disappointed. Whether it is microphones, keyboards, gaming mice, or keycaps, they are the pinnacle for every gaming setup.

Black Friday is a big deal for many consumers. The ability to buy the best brands at a fraction of the price is irresistible. Moreover, it is the ideal opportunity to get some gifts ready for Christmas. So, let’s wait no longer and dive into this Black Friday – SteelSeries gift guide.

What’s included in Black Friday – SteelSeries?

Arctis Nova Pro Wireless – The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headphones are a top-tier choice for gamers and audiophiles alike. The key features include High-Fidelity Audio, ANC, 360-degree Spatial Audio, Dual Wireless Connectivity, and Hot-Swap Batteries. Consequently, these features make this headset a versatile and powerful choice.

_{Black Friday – SteelSeries sale price $279.99.}

Arctis Nova Wireless – The SteelSeries Arcits Nova Wireless White headphones are designed to deliver an exceptional audio experience for gamers and music enthusiasts. Here are the key features: AI-Powered Noice Cancelling Microphone, 38-hour battery, and the ComfortMAX system.

_{Black Friday – SteelSeries sale price $134.99.}

Arctis Nova 5 Wireless – The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless headphones are a great mid-range headset! They are designed with gamers in mind and their convenient features make them stand out from their peers. Here are some key features: 60-hour battery life, Earcup controls, Cross-Platform gaming, and Quick Switch Wireless.

_{Black Friday – SteelSeries sale price $99.99.}

Arctis Nova 1 – The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 headphones are perfect for newbie gamers. Alternatively, maybe you want a pair of gaming headphones when you are out and about. Either way, they are affordable and great for your gaming needs. Here are some key features: Nova Acoustic system, ComfortMAX System, and Ultra lightweight design.

_{Black Friday – SteelSeries sale price $39.99.}

More deals are coming.

Apex Pro Mini – Wireless – The Apex Pro Mini – Wireless keyboard is the ideal choice for gamers with limited worktop space. Moreover, it is the world’s fastest and most advanced keyboard. Accordingly, it is a great option for competitive PC and console gamers. Here are some key features: 20x faster actuation, Adjustable hypermagnetic switches, and 60% compact design.

_{Black Friday – SteelSeries sale price $149.99.}

Alias – The Alias microphone is the perfect option for gamers, streamers, and YouTubers! The plug-and-play approach enables technophobes to get the best out of their work. Furthermore, the free-to-download software keeps you on top of the action. Here are some key features: 3X bigger capsule, LED lighting to check your voice levels and free-to-download software.

_{Black Friday – SteelSeries sale price $139.99.}

Time for some retailer-specific deals.

Best Buy Exclusives.

Arctis Nova Pro Wireless – exclusive offer on the original Arctis Pro complete with Base Station at an unbelievable deal for $139.99.

Apex Pro TKL – $139.99.

Amazon Exclusives.

Arctis 7P+ White and Arctis 7X+ with simultaneous audio are available for $99.99.

Target Exclusives.

Nova 7 with bonus booster pack to customize your headset look- swap out ear plates and headband from white to snow camo or cherry red. Deal price $149.99.

_{(More information on SteelSeries can be found here!)}

Review: Countdown to Chaos

Daniel Waite

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Nov 20, 2024

0

Countdown to Chaos is a wonderfully mysterious game that blends modern ideas with old-school reality. The Detective Society create phenomenal experiences, and this standalone detective endeavour is no different! Its nod to the real world and hidden details are a treat to work through. Moreover, I never felt out of my depth though it has some challenging elements.

My favourite part of this game was the lack of guidance and rules. Instead, you rip open the packaging, read the core information, and get to work. Accordingly, there is no right or wrong way to tackle this detective experience. You are left to your own devices as you explore a world that is filled with betrayal and deceit.

A digital heaven.

I’m not usually a fan of “Internet-required games”. However, Countdown to Chaos blends its tactile and digital elements perfectly. The use of a paper decoder and your mobile phone were amazing. What’s more, I loved the websites and their fun and interesting designs. My favourite aspect of the online mechanics was the challenge of deciphering key information. Each page has plenty of nonsense that can be skimmed over. Yet, you have to be careful not to miss any essential clues.

As you progress through the game, you utilise plenty of dated tools to get you on your way. Additionally, I found it handy to grab a pen and paper or my Remarkable tablet to jot down any prevalent information. Once you think you have solved a puzzle, you must use the handy app to see what must be done next.

Though this aspect of the game was linear, you were free to spend as much or as little time on each layer as you liked. This was great as I rarely felt pressured. Furthermore, like other Detective Society products, this is a one-run-only game. Consequently, if you miss anything the first time around, you will not return to see what you’ve overlooked.

Great when in a team.

Countdown to Chaos is a 1-4-player detective experience. We played it as a pair and this helped when solving some of the more difficult aspects. If you love this genre, you can probably work through every puzzle without concern. Yet, if you are relatively inexperienced, having a partner can prevent frustration or the need to seek advice.

My only concern with Countdown to Chaos is its single-run approach. Whenever I play a board game I expect plenty of replay value. As such, it was a little unusual to endure a one-hit-only game. Luckily, I found the short but fascinating gameplay to be worth every penny. This is available for £11.99 and that is great value for money. Our game lasted around 1 and a half hours and this was just right. However, experts may get through this in under an hour!

Is Countdown to Chaos worth it?

I’ve enjoyed plenty of great detective games. Yet, I’ve not played anything like Countdown to Chaos. The freedom to tackle every puzzle and get hands-on with the clues was fantastic. Moreover, I loved the quality of each core element. The maps were easy to read and the paper clues were simple to handle. On top of this, the digital tools were quick, intuitive, and full of detail.

Though 1 to 2 hours may not seem a lot, I adored the fascinating world and the excellent level of depth. The Detective Society has designed a wonderful crime prequel that will appeal to gamers of all ages. Accordingly, if you want an unusual but captivating detective game, I recommend buying it here!

_{(More information on the Detective Society can be found here!)}

Countdown to Chaos has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: Heretic’s Fork

Dawid Wisniewski

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Nov 19, 2024

0

Keeping the sinners at bay

Heretic’s Fork offers a devilishly entertaining mix of roguelite deckbuilding and tower defence gameplay. Developed by 9FingerGames and set against the backdrop of a bureaucratic corporate Hell, the game combines strategic card-based mechanics with automated combat, wrapped in a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from similar titles like Slay the Spire or Loop Hero.

The gameplay revolves around managing a tower in Hell tasked with keeping sinners from escaping. Players deploy cards to build and upgrade towers, summon garrisons, and bolster defences. The strategic challenge comes from crafting a deck that balances offense and defence while adapting to the increasing difficulty of Hell’s nine circles. The card system includes a variety of categories—tower cards, active powers, and instant-use bonuses—allowing for diverse strategies. However, the gameplay can feel passive, as much of the action unfolds automatically after cards are played.

Highlight of the game, soundtrack and visuals

What truly elevates Heretic’s Fork is its presentation. The pixel art visuals are stunning, vividly bringing the chaos of Hell to life while delivering critical gameplay information with clarity. The theme is further reinforced by the game’s darkly humorous corporate aesthetic, complete with a Windows 95-inspired interface and “Klippy,” an evil parody of Microsoft’s Clippy, guiding players with sardonic wit.

The soundtrack deserves special mention as one of the game’s standout features. With contributions from heavy hitters like Disturbed, alongside electronic and metal tracks from artists like Occams Laser and Metalhonic, the music amplifies the chaotic energy of the gameplay. The ability to curate your playlist from the in-game music adds a personal touch, making each run feel unique.

A grind that pays off

While Heretic’s Fork excels in its visuals and sound, its progression system requires patience. Unlocking new characters and cards often demands significant grinding, especially early on, which might deter some players. However, the rewards—additional abilities, stronger decks, and varied strategies—make perseverance worthwhile. Replay-ability is another highlight, with each run offering different card synergies and challenges.

In summary, Heretic’s Fork is a hellishly fun, visually striking game with a killer soundtrack that will appeal to fans of roguelites and deckbuilders. Despite its grind-heavy progression and somewhat passive gameplay, it delivers a memorable experience. If you’re ready to embrace the chaos of Hell and enjoy an epic soundtrack while at it, this game is worth the plunge.

Review: Call of duty: Black Ops 6

Dawid Wisniewski

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Nov 19, 2024

0

The Black Ops series has long been a cornerstone of the Call of Duty franchise, and with Black Ops 6, Treyarch and Raven Software have once again delivered an experience that captures the intensity of combat while introducing meaningful innovations across its campaign, multiplayer, and zombies modes. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the game’s strengths and weaknesses.

Campaign: A Mix of Flexibility and Spectacle

The campaign in Black Ops 6 is set against the backdrop of 1990s espionage, presenting a gritty and action-packed narrative. Players can approach missions in multiple ways—using stealth or opting for an aggressive, guns-blazing strategy. This design element enhances replay-ability, offering a tactical layer reminiscent of games like Metal Gear Solid or GTA V’s heists

Visually, the campaign is stunning. Character models and environments are so detailed that they often blur the line between gaming and reality. Memorable sequences, like a pulse-pounding kitchen fight, elevate the cinematic quality of the campaign. However, the story itself, while engaging, falls short of the high bar set by earlier Black Ops titles like the original’s iconic twist-heavy narrative. Clocking in at about five to six hours, the campaign is concise, delivering high-energy moments without overstaying its welcome.

Multiplayer: High-Speed Combat

Multiplayer is where Black Ops 6 truly shines. The introduction of “omnimovement” allows players to sprint, dive, and slide in any direction, opening new avenues for tactical play. This movement system, combined with tight gunplay, creates a fast-paced experience that encourages aggressive and strategic engagements.

The maps are thoughtfully designed to complement this movement. Locations like Lowtown, with its murky canals and ambush opportunities, and the nostalgia-inducing Nuketown are standout examples. However, not all maps hit the mark; some, like Stakeout, feel unbalanced, leading to frequent spawn-trapping issues. Despite this, the overall variety of maps and modes, such as Gunfight and Face Off, keeps the experience fresh.

The perk system also receives a fresh twist. Players can stack perks from the same category to unlock bonus abilities, encouraging specialized playstyles. For example, focusing on Enforcer perks grants speed and health regeneration boosts on kills, while Recon perks offer wall-penetrating vision upon respawn. This experimentation breathes life into the familiar progression system, though some players may find the grind to unlock weapons and attachments tedious.

Zombies: A Return to Form

Fans of Black Ops Zombies will find a lot to love here. After experimenting with open-world elements in Modern Warfare 3 Zombies, Treyarch returns to its roots with classic round-based gameplay. The two launch maps, Liberty Falls and Terminus, showcase the mode’s dual appeal. Liberty Falls is compact and beginner-friendly, while Terminus offers a sprawling, challenging experience for veterans.

The maps feature interconnected storylines and a cast of vibrant characters like Mackenzie “Mac” Carver, whose witty dialogue lightens the grim atmosphere. The visual tone of the maps has also been adjusted to recapture the eerie ambiance of classic Zombies experiences, with Terminus excelling at delivering a dark, oppressive environment

Easter eggs and hidden challenges add depth, catering to hardcore players who love uncovering secrets. While the mode currently offers only two maps, their quality and replay-ability ensure hours of entertainment. Treyarch’s refined approach brings back the tension and thrill of survival that made Zombies a fan-favourite

Final Verdict

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 successfully builds on the franchise’s legacy while introducing thoughtful innovations. The campaign, though brief, provides a cinematic and flexible experience, while multiplayer stands out with its dynamic movement system and well-designed maps. Zombies mode returns to its roots, delivering the adrenaline-pumping, survival-focused gameplay fans have missed.

The game isn’t without flaws. Multiplayer progression can feel grind-heavy, and a few maps lack balance. Nevertheless, the overall package offers enough variety and polish to satisfy both casual players and franchise veterans. With future updates likely to expand its content, Black Ops 6 has cemented itself as one of the stronger entries in the Call of Duty series.

In conclusion, Black Ops 6 is a triumphant return to form that blends nostalgia with innovation. Whether you’re a die-hard Zombies enthusiast, a multiplayer grinder, or someone looking for a thrilling campaign, this game has something for everyone.

Review: Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged

Khloe Turner

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Nov 19, 2024

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Review: Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged

You might remember this classic 90s title: a brilliant game in the wake of the point-and-click puzzle boom; an immersive, cinematic jaunt reminiscent of old Disney-esq whimsy. Produced by Revolution Software, Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars spawned many more Broken Sword titles. In the early 2010s, this game had been re-released in the form of a director’s cut. Now as of September 2024, a remaster, or rather a “reforged” version, has been published with 4K visuals and remastered audio.

What made this title so special is its deviation from mainstream comedic platformers like Monkey Island at the time. Charles Cecil, the game’s main producer and writer, sought after a more serious, dramatic tone and took great interest in a plot revolving around the Knight’s Templar. The creative team of the game includes executive producer Noirin Carmody, animator Mike Burgess, Steve Inc, Dave Cummins, and Jonathan Howard, among others.

Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged can be played on PC, Steam, the PlayStation 5, the Nintendo Switch, and the Xbox 1 and Series X/S.

S’attendre à l’attendu

American tourist George Stobbart, voiced by Rolf Saxon, had been on holiday traveling around Europe, currently residing in Paris. One day, at a local cafe he frequented, Stobbart witnesses a perturbing clown man enter the building. The clown steals a businessman’s briefcase and sets a bomb off in the beloved bistro – glass, wood, and chaos everywhere.

George Stobbard in Paris in Broken Sword Reforged

Stobbart, confused and startled, encounters journalist Nico Collard, a Frenchwoman voiced by Hazel Ellerby, who was supposed to meet up with the now-deceased businessman Plantard. The latter had been investigating a string of homicides linked to an individual in different costumes, including the clown getup. Nico and George team up and trace clues down to the Hotel Ubu and discover old manuscripts that had been left behind, connected to the Knights Templar. Various clues are subsequently scattered across Europe and the Middle East, making for an upcoming perilous adventure. Sounds quite crazy and dramatic! This game is a tale of unexpected adventure and ancient conspiracies. Play more to find out how a clown man, a series of killings, and the Knights Templar are all connected . . .

Reforged has kneaded out unnecessary scenes (being a remaster of the director’s cut), and has fixed some story and graphical plot holes!

A guiding light

Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged is point-and-click title filled with puzzles, and perhaps this game is one of the best in the genre. Every square inch of the game is mentally stimulating and captivating. Players will have to gather clues, decipher codes, manipulate and trade objects, and plow through dialogue trees to progress the story and learn more about the Knights Templar. Whether you are playing with a mouse, touch controls, or a controller, the game seems to run quite smoothly on all platforms.

These kinds of games are not for everyone. Unless you are a lover of the original, the game may have trouble roping in new audiences. However, Reforged fixes this potential issue by offering both a classic mode and a story mode. Reforged overall features an updated user-friendly UI and the story mode can bring beginners into the genre by offering hints and indicators on where to go next. ‘

The hints can be manually adjusted to make things easier or more difficult as well. Reforged will grey out objects that players had repeatedly interacted with and are of no use anymore. Standing idle for too long will cause illuminated sparkles to signal where to go; then, a blue circle will highlight a more specific area; and if that is not enough, a huge arrow will point directly at the object you should be clicking. Again, any of these mechanics can be turned off if so desired. But, these hints make the game much more accessible for all ages and both pros and beginners!

La cerise sur le gàteau

The visual design for the game has been enhanced, and is now available in 4k. Yet, Reforged still encapsulates the original title’s essence and charm. If you wish, you can toggle between the new and old-school graphics – it will definitely be noticeable.

beautiful interior in Broken Sword Reforged

Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged showcases picturesque landscapes and beautifully animated characters. This new version added lots of fine-tuned details and smoother graphics, while still using the original art as the baseline. Backgrounds have been restored, and in-game cutscenes are all tidied up. The opening animation will always be something to remember. It is so aesthetically pleasing, full of juxtaposing jovial and mysterious overtones, giving off this vague nostalgic feeling.

Drop the mic

The soundtrack, produced by the highly acclaimed composer Barrington Pheloung, is beautifully orchestrated. Sounds oscillate between upbeat and suspenseful, sometimes with crescendos into louder, dynamic booms, perfect for cinema.

train battle in Broken Sword--Shadow of the Templars: Reforged

Aside from the music, the other audio, particularly the speech . . . is a bit disappointing. The original version was full of fantastically voice-acted lines, perfectly intertwined into the visuals as if watching a film. However, the supposed “enhanced audio” of Reforged did not work out so well. It is not terrible, but sounds quite muffled, muddy, and more removed from the imagery. This attempt at a digital alter is certainly better than re-recording voices that were already top-notch, but something must have happened here. For some players, the audio quality might not be much of a bother. For others, this is incredibly distracting.

The game’s writing, though, is as great as ever. Witty, charming, with fun dashes of sarcasm. Reforged even introduces some previously recorded 90s lines that had never been used before!

Final thoughts

While the audio quality is a let-down, the visual enhancements balance it out. If you are a visual person, then you should 100% play Reforged over the original. If you get bothered by muffled sounds, well, I would still recommend this game anyway. Reforged features lots of quality-of-life improvements and harbors that old point-and-click charm that not many other titles in the genre are able to do. Players new to the game will benefit from the story mode addition.

Khan the clown in Broken Sword--Shadow of the Templars: Reforged

As it is a version of the director’s cut, old fans will enjoy hearing previously unused dialogue and formerly removed scenes, including ones that feature poor Stobbard’s untimely demise. Reforged is definitely worth your while.

Review: Bandai Tamagotchi Connection

Daniel Waite

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Nov 19, 2024

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Tamagotchi has been going for years. This simple but addictive pocket pet sim allows owners to care for an ever-evolving animal. As the years have rolled on, this toy has become more complex. Accordingly, the Bandai Tamagotchi Connection is a million miles away from its 90s counterpart. However, it is still a wonderfully straightforward toy for young children.

This keyring toy can be attached to a school bag or any set of keys. Consequently, it isn’t too far away when the pet needs comfort, cleaning, or entertaining. Where this modern version differs, is its connectivity, usability, and games. The original Tamagotchi was basic. There was 1 game to play and limited stats to observe. This toy, on the other hand, has plenty of mini-games to play, 50 characters to evolve into, and the ability to connect with your friends Bandai Tamagotchi Connection. Subsequently, there is plenty to see and do in this all-singing and all-dancing toy.

Bandai Tamagotchi Connection focuses on fun.

We have several original Tamagotchi toys in our house. Our kids focus on their pets for about a week, and then the lack of tasks and repetitive gaming become tiresome. Thankfully, the Bandai Tamagotchi Connection mixes things up nicely. The vast number of evolution characters ensures that no playthrough is the same. Furthermore, if they successfully keep their pet alive, there are enough creatures for a fresh experience throughout the year.

Though the caring tasks are similar, the ability to play many different games was appreciated. The variety of games tests different skills even though they are simple by design. If you are successful, you’ll earn Gotchi Points to spend at the in-game store. This was a fun goal that allowed users to buy special items for their pets. This was of little interest to me, but my kids loved the opportunity to be rewarded while they cared for their virtual pets.

Infrared action.

Infrared is old tech. However, it works extremely well whenever you are close to another device. This pocket toy utilises this idea with its strong and stable infrared receiver. If your friends have a Bandai Tamagotchi Connection, you can interact with each other for a fulfilling and fun experience.

Each pet owner can send their pet to another device for a date, games, or to get married. Alternatively, maybe you wish to treat your friend to a gift. As long as you are in close vicinity to your friends, you can spoil them with in-game items. My kids adored this feature and it was a safe and trouble-free way to interact with their friends. Moreover, there is no risk to their beloved pet, so you won’t lose any progress as you enter another owner’s world.

Build quality.

The original design has always been a success. As such, I didn’t expect the latest model to change too much. Thankfully, I was wrong and right as the 3 button inputs remain and they have that delightfully retro squidge. What’s more, the inputs are responsive enough to keep you on your toes. Though this can be frustrating, it works particularly well with the simple games.

The shell and the screen are vastly improved. The case feels stronger and I liked the vivid colours. Additionally, the key chain is hard-wearing and I wasn’t worried about the loop getting damaged. The larger display was a vast improvement. Though it isn’t massive, the extra space was appreciated when you are tackling the new games. Furthermore, there is more information to consume when you receive gifts or a pet for a date. Consequently, the smaller screen would have made this an uncomfortable experience.

Is the Bandai Tamagotchi Connection worth it?

If you’ve never owned a Tamagotchi, you are missing out! These wonderful toys are the perfect opportunity for your child to prove their pet ownership. What’s more, they are the ideal way to safely game. The introduction of infrared connectivity was a brilliant move and the perfect middle ground between the 90s and modern gaming. Furthermore, the build quality is great and this robust toy can take some rough and tumble. Consequently, it is the ideal Christmas present for your children and I recommend buying it here!

The Bandai Tamagotchi Connection has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Reach New Heights With These Competitions

News

Andrew Edney

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Nov 19, 2024

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Reach New Heights With These Competitions

It’s a great feeling when you win – it’s one of the factors that makes many of us enjoy gaming so much. For the ultra competitive though, there’s nothing like winning something big! Watching esports stars take down their opponents to claim millions in prize money, watching the calculated final move of a top poker player as they steal the pot, watching the eagle eyes of a chess grandmaster as they announce checkmate — it’s electric. What if you could be one of them? Often there’s a hefty price tag for entering these big competitions, but there are some organisations that make it that bit easier to reach the upper echelons of competition. Let’s take a look at some of the most budget-friendly ways to compete online and aim for the top!

Poker: The Power Path

When it comes to huge poker tournaments, there are few names that stand out like PokerStars. To celebrate this, they’ve launched the Power Path. With this competition, you can work your way up through four competition levels until you eventually claim a Gold Power Pass. With this ticket, you can enter any European Poker Tour competition.

This is one of the most exciting ways for poker enthusiasts to compete globally without needing to pay the often-hefty buy-ins upfront. Start small and gradually build your way to the big leagues — all from the comfort of your own home.

Chess: Chess.com Global Championship

The Chess.com Global Championship is one of the most inclusive pathways for players looking to break into the professional chess scene. Open to all Chess.com members, this tournament features a massive prize pool and allows players of varying skill levels to compete.

What makes it special? It offers an easy way to qualify for higher-stakes rounds through preliminary stages. You’ll battle against players from around the globe, with a chance to progress to the live finals featuring the world’s best competitors. For casual players with professional ambitions, this competition is a golden opportunity.

Esports: Red Bull Solo Q

For competitive gamers, League of Legends’ Red Bull Solo Q is an excellent way to dip your toes into esports without needing a team or expensive gear. This one-on-one tournament allows solo players to shine, and the entry process is simple and (often) free.

The best part? Winners of regional qualifiers advance to compete on a global stage, with opportunities to showcase their skills to professional teams and organizations. For those dreaming of esports stardom, this is a fantastic stepping stone.

Writing: NYC Midnight Competitions

Writers looking for a challenge can participate in NYC Midnight’s short story and screenwriting competitions. These events are renowned for their affordability and accessibility, with entry fees typically under $50 and substantial prizes for winners.

What’s unique about NYC Midnight is its structured format: writers receive a specific prompt and genre, adding an element of creativity under pressure. Winners of each round advance to the next stage, with the final competition attracting international recognition.

Photography: ViewBug Contests

If photography is your passion, ViewBug offers a wide array of contests for amateurs and professionals alike. Many of these contests are free to enter, and the site often partners with big brands to offer valuable prizes like high-end cameras or photography gear.

One standout competition is the People’s Choice Awards, where participants’ work is judged by a global audience. This contest is a fantastic way to gain visibility and compete for prizes — all without spending a dime.

Rocket League: RLCS Open Qualifiers

One for the esports dreamers now! Rocket League’s RLCS Open Qualifiers offer one of the most accessible routes to professional gaming that there is. These online competitions are free to enter (yes really) and specifically designed to allow amateur teams to compete for a spot in the Rocket League Championship Series.

There are regional qualifiers available all around the world and sure, you’ve got to be truly excellent to win, but still this competition lowers the barrier to entry massively. If you want to try gaming at the highest level, then this could be your golden opportunity.