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Review: Ys X: Nordic

Dawid Wisniewski

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Oct 29, 2024

Ys X: Nordics, the latest entry in the Ys series by Nihon Falcom, brings a mix of traditional action-RPG elements and new systems that are garnering a blend of praise and critique from players. Players once again follow Adol Christin on an adventure, this time alongside Karja Balta, a new companion with whom Adol shares a bond both in story and in gameplay. The narrative, while not as deeply layered as some might hope, is a lighter, adventure-driven plot that immerses players in Nordic-inspired lore and conflicts, although some fans may find it lacks the emotional depth of previous entries.

A combat mechanic that compliments the story well

The core of the game, however, shines through its combat system. The action is centred on a “Duo Mode” where Adol and Karja can be controlled simultaneously, allowing players to seamlessly switch between them and pull off combo-based attacks. This brings a new layer of strategy and fluidity that many reviewers appreciate, particularly due to the duo-focused skills and abilities that develop over time, enhancing the experience with fast-paced, rhythmic combat that keeps battles engaging. Fans of the series will find this shift refreshing, as it emphasizes cooperation between the two protagonists without the weapon-specific weaknesses seen in prior games

Not quite the naval exploration it could have been

Exploration is another notable aspect, with a focus on scattered islands across a sea-based map rather than a large, interconnected landscape. While the island hopping offers variety and the mana-powered traversal skills add a sense of agility, the maritime component doesn’t fare as well. Many players including myself, will find the ship exploration and combat as a weak spot, describing it as slow and simplistic, with limited gameplay depth. The sailing mechanics lack the speed and intensity that fans expect from Ys, making it feel out of place within the high-energy context of the series

Overall a charming and fun experience

The visual and auditory elements, however, are fairly good across the board. The game features some of the most polished graphics in the series, with vibrant environments and detailed character animations that enhance the sense of a grand adventure. I must admit that the reminiscent of ps2 era graphics did have to grow on me , when they did I found myself enjoying the game a lot more. The soundtrack, a staple of the Ys franchise, once again delivers high-energy tracks that perfectly accompany both intense battles and quiet moments of exploration

Overall, Ys X: Nordics balances the familiar and the new, delivering an enjoyable experience for fans despite a few missteps. The land-based combat and character interactions are a hit, while the naval exploration and combat could benefit from refinement. It’s a game that brings excitement for long-time Ys fans and offers a good starting point for newcomers, albeit with the caveat that it may not be the series’ best effort at sea.

Review: Dungeons and Dragons

Daniel Waite

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Oct 29, 2024

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Dungeons and Dragons has entered its 50^th year! Half a century old, and its fan base is growing stronger by the day. This fantasy adventure game is often mocked for its geeky ways and misunderstood clichés. However, having spent many hours of my youth locked into a thrilling RPG story, I know how captivating each adventure can be.

Though the thoughts of being considered geeky may put some people off, it is usually the deep lore and complex rules that cause people to run. This is a shame as each game is as simple or as complex as you want to make them. Moreover, understanding the fundamentals isn’t as hard as it seems, and your DM or Dungeon Master can help the group navigate the early hurdles.

If this isn’t enough, the handy Player’s Handbook (released earlier this year), and the DM’s Handbook (available soon) can set you on your way. This article will cover both of these hardback books. However, I’m not going to go into every detail as over 700 pages of rules, lore, and fantasy gameplay can be found within the tomes.

Who will benefit from the Dungeons and Dragons handbooks?

50 years of adventures should be enough for people to know what they are doing. Yet, many rules, characters, species, and exceptions can throw people off course. Accordingly, it is understandable that veteran gamers may need a refresher. Additionally, if you change your class or wish to brush up on your skills, the Player’s Handbook is the ideal tool to assist you.

Alongside this, the DM role is key to creating a fun-filled and enthralling adventure for everyone. People forget that the DM is a fluid role that can adapt any game to the mood of the room. This evolution can change how a game progresses whilst improving the final product. Yet, there are rules to follow and keeping on top of everything is challenging. Subsequently, having a D&D “bible” to turn to can be a godsend.

This sense of reassurance is why these books were created. Not only do they look phenomenal on your shelf, but they have every rule and regulation that you could ever want. Furthermore, newbie gamers can remove that sense of dread as they learn the fundamentals without the pressure of a full-blown adventure.

Build quality.

Unsurprisingly, these books look and feel great! The rich imagery and striking cover art capture your imagination. Moreover, though each page is jam-packed with words and key phrases, it isn’t uncomfortable to read. The spacing of the words and well-positioned imagery make this a joy to read.

I was impressed by the rich colours and the thickness of every page. Unlike cheaper alternatives, the pages never felt like they would rip or become damaged. What’s more, the binding is strong and these books will last the test of time.

If you are a tactile person, you may be disappointed with the smooth finish and lack of texture to the inserts. However, this doesn’t detract from the overall quality. It would have been nice if a different material was used to create a sense of depth as you open the cover and begin your learning journey.

Usability.

A guide to Dungeons and Dragons would be useless if it was complex to use. Thankfully, the handy contents page and well-labelled index help you to navigate each key element. Moreover, there is a spectacular spell guide that keeps you on top of the tricky aspects. This easy-to-follow book allows adventurers to polish their knowledge or fill some dead time with ease.

If you are taking the role of DM, you could have a challenging time ahead of you. Luckily, the DM’s Handbook is a phenomenal tool that breaks down responsibilities and each task you must undertake. Alongside this, it helps you through some of the tricky elements that normally cause headaches for newbie Dungeon Masters. Subsequently, this user-friendly tool is ideal if you are new to the role or you wish to confirm some unusual gameplay aspects.

It is time to tackle Dungeons and Dragons.

If you have been on the fence about playing Dungeons and Dragons, now is a good time to begin your adventures. The 50^th anniversary celebrates hours of mind-blowing RPG action from every global player. However, it is the incredible books that will inspire people to pick up the dice and begin playing. The Player’s Handbook and DM’s Handbook are essential tools for any D&D gamer. They are striking to look at, easy to handle, and beautifully presented. Additionally, they look incredible on your shelf and they will last the test of time. Consequently, I recommend buying both for the ultimate gaming experience!

_{(More information on Dungeons and Dragons can be found here!)}

The Dungeons and Dragons Player's Handbook and DM's Handbook are awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

_{(Full disclosure! Free samples were provided for an unbiased and free review!)}

Review: Police Simulator: Patrol Officers

Josh Blackburn

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Oct 29, 2024

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Review: Police Simulator: Patrol Officers

When I was playing Police Simulator: Patrol Officers, my mind kept straying to one thing. A scene from The Incredibles. That bit at the beginning where the Supers are being interviewed. Mr. Incredible says a line about being a maid. ‘I just cleaned up this mess, can you keep it clean for five minutes?’, or something to that effect. It popped into my head the first time I busted a drug deal, only to come back five minutes later and find two more people in the exact same place, dealing the exact same drugs. How many people do I have to tase before they realise it’s a bad idea?

That’s indicative of one of the biggest issues with Police Simulator: Patrol Officers – the simulation regularly breaks down. If we were plugged into this simulation, Matrix-style, we’d figure it out pretty quickly. Probably the first time you walk past three identical, headband wearing girls. The other big problems include god-awful graphics and the crushing fact that writing parking tickets just isn’t that interesting. If you’ve come for searing insights into the frequently controversial world of the police, then look elsewhere. However, if you’ve come to wave a radar gun at cars? Then, honestly, still look elsewhere.

The Boys In Blue

Now, I’ve developed a fondness for simulators over the years. They’re the perfect thing for turning your brain off after a day of work. They usually present a set of tasks and the tools to complete them, then say ‘get to it’. A collection of little victories. So, when I opened up Police Simulator: Patrol Officers‘ book of regulations, I was happy. Lots of rules to check and tickets to write. I can’t lie, I did get a little jolt every time I saw an illegally parked car. Maybe I just enjoy ruining other people’s days. So, there was everything to gain going in.

There are three districts to choose from, too, each of which are broken down into neighbourhoods. There’s a fair amount of game to play with here. Unfortunately, things start going south almost immediately. Once I’d picked my officer, Frank Miller, I stood up from my desk and strolled out the precinct door. After a massive FPS drop – not uncommon – I stepped out onto the street and thought: good Lord, this is ugly. Everything is flat, ugly textures for one. There’s also horrible pop-in, with textures remaining low-res even when they’re clearly in view. Also, Frank’s hair looks like it’s made of Velcro. It smacks of a game desperately cutting corners to run on the Switch.

Still, we can look past graphics, right? So, Frank’s first shift was to ticket parked cars. It took a moment to get used to the different laws in the US – mainly relating to jaywalking – but I got the hang of it. Next shift was checking for speeders, then dealing with minor accidents. Police Simulator: Police Officers has a fairly slow curve, given that shifts drag on a fair bit, but you get to the interesting stuff eventually. I did like that you have to follow proper procedure to get experience. Accidents require you to take photos, interview witnesses and perform the proper DUI tests, for instance. It does become rather repetitive, though.

The Glitchy Blue Line

I think the repetition is due to Police Simulator: Patrol Officers complete lack of stakes. You’d think an officer walking past an obvious crime would be grounds for punishment. Not here. You only got punished for incorrect judgements, like issuing a ticket for the wrong thing. Even then it’s just a slight reduction in overall experience. So you can issue one parking ticket in a shift, ignore your radio and knock off for lunch and it’d still be a successful shift. Hard to stay invested when there’s so little to worry about. Even simulators need stakes – even if it’s just not delivering a shipment of nails on time.

It’s not helped by the fact that so much of Police Simulator: Patrol Officers is just plain broken. When a car needs to get around an obstacle, it’ll turn at an immediate ninety-degree angle. Every time I called for backup, the police van would just stop in the middle of the road, refusing to find a parking spot while the driver stared, unblinking, at the empty road in front of him. When I chased a suspect, they clipped slowly through three cars, which admittedly is a new way to outfox the police. At one point, a suspect in jail sunk slowly into the ground. The awful performance doesn’t help either. The FPS drops and insane pop-in that accompany driving make me dread any high-speed chases that might be coming.

The other issue is that, despite the big book of regulations, Police Simulator: Patrol Officers is frustratingly shallow. I mentioned in the opening paragraph that crimes repeat themselves constantly, but frequently it’s the same NPC models, too. Each of which will give you a single, stock line from a small pool. Drug deals are where the scales fully fell from my eyes. They’ll always pass the drugs in the same way, usually in the same spot, even with a uniformed police officer standing right next to them. What’s more, sometimes the rules aren’t written properly. Following the book, I ticketed someone for parking in a disabled spot without a rear-view mirror tag. I lost points. Turns out I was supposed to look at the license plate. Who knew?

Police Simulator: Patrol Officers – Boring, Broken, Bad-looking

The end result is constant frustration. This review has dissolved into complaints, but the list doesn’t stop there. Let me just finish with a final one: aiming the radar gun was a pain. The analog stick just didn’t have the right sensitivity. Still, the main amount of frustration comes from the wasted potential. I’d imagine that patrol officers all have interesting stories to tell, but there aren’t any of them to find here. Even then, we can’t really enjoy a nice simulation experience, because so many things launch you out of it.

I can’t really recommend Police Simulator: Patrol Officers to anyone. There must be stronger police simulators out there than this. To take this review full circle, the Incredibles scene that most encapsulates my feelings towards Police Simulator: Patrol Officers is when an exhausted, bored Bob is drying books with a hairdryer. This is mindless busy work, without any sense of stakes to keep it interesting, and is thoroughly broken to boot. Avoid at all costs.

(Police Simulator: Patrol Officers’ Nintendo Page)

Review: Monster High Skulltimate Secrets

Daniel Waite

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Oct 29, 2024

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Review: Monster High Skulltimate Secrets

Monster High Skulltimate Secrets is the ideal game for your youngsters this Halloween. Though this isn’t a game for adults, it is perfectly balanced for children aged 7+. However, competent younger players may be able to tackle the latter mechanics with a little help. This spooky title focuses on short, sharp levels and a collectathon approach. As such, it can be enjoyed casually and there is plenty to see and do, even though it is repetitive.

This action platformer was developed by Petoons Studio and published by Outright Games. Moreover, it is a single-player title that concentrates on simple missions and ghoulish friendships. Sadly, the action is paper thin and the story depth is thinner still. Accordingly, if you are after an epic and fulfilling experience, you best look elsewhere. Yet, if you want something fun and filled with lighthearted dialogue, then this is the game for you.

Monster High Skulltimate Secrets tells a magical tale.

Today is your first day at Monster High. Luckily, all monsters are welcome and you are met by one of the Boo Crew. This mismatched bunch are sassy, amusing, and always up to mischief. Yet, it is their inquisitive ways that grab the attention of the headmistress. Strange things are happening at this wonderful school and you must collect the energy orbs to regain order. This is easier said than done as secret rooms and hidden keys must be found if you wish to complete your task.

The plot is a little fickle, but my girls enjoyed the storytelling and the larger-than-life characters. Additionally, the simple storyline is easy to follow and the main and side quests can be managed with your iCoffin. This cheeky Halloween-inspired phone allows you to check your goals, change clothes, and select available missions. As such, it is a handy tool that organises your life whilst progressing the story.

Platforming basics.

Monster High Skulltimate Secrets’ action revolves around collecting skull coins and special runes, vials, and emblems. On top of this, you will discover chests loaded with funky clothes. Though these have no bearing on the story, my girls loved each unique outfit. As you explore the overworld, you will find special hidden rooms. If you activate the portal, you may find a secret key to unlock new skills, or a platforming challenge to test your patience and ability.

No matter which test lies before you, the action follows the same route. You’ll explore each compact arena whilst overcoming obstacles, chasms, and other traps. On top of this, you may have to dash into Garbage Goblins or activate switches. During each of these sub-quests, you’ll look for 2 chests and a set amount of skull coins. At the end of the hidden room, you’ll discover the orb of energy. Once you collect this item, you are transported back to the overworld and the game continues.

This short quest structure was ideal. My girls were able to cope with the 4-5 minute objectives without becoming overwhelmed or bored. What’s more, the platforming elements did test them, but the difficulty and reward were nicely balanced. Consequently, though they struggled at times, they enjoyed the different objectives and the sense of achievement.

Monster High Skulltimate Secrets’ camera work is vomit-inducing.

I’m not going to be too critical of the graphics. I didn’t expect Monster High Skulltimate Secrets to be a masterpiece and therefore, I wasn’t surprised or disappointed. I enjoyed the cinematic and the vibrant colours were pleasant to look at. However, the scenery is a little repetitive and bland and the camera is vomit-inducing. The pace at which it moves around the protagonist is awful. Additionally, some frame rate problems were uncomfortable. This was a shame, as I’d have preferred a better-optimised experience.

The audio shines through! The varied soundtrack was upbeat and fun and I loved the acting. My girls enjoyed each personality and the cinematic was rarely skipped as a consequence. Alongside this, there were some well-conceived audio clues for each special collectable. This was a great design choice that helped my kids discover each magical item.

Excellent controls.

Though the camera was woeful, the controls were tight and easy to understand. Furthermore, the layout was straightforward and your children will not struggle when playing this game. Though Monster High Skulltimate Secrets isn’t an advanced platforming game, there were some challenging elements. Subsequently, had the controls been poor, this would have been terrible to play.

Replay value and longevity aren’t at the fore. Though there are plenty of collectables and side quests to complete, you soon blast through each task. Unfortunately, there is no way to track missing items and this was frustrating. I spent hours looking for elusive skull coins, only to discover them in a room I thought I had searched. The developer could have removed this issue by adding a tracker for each location.

Monster High Skulltimate Secrets will have a niche appeal.

This is a kid-friendly title and it should be played with that in mind. As such, I’m going to overlook the tedium and repetitive nature of the core gameplay. My kids adored running through the halls and searching for collectables. Moreover, the minor platforming elements tested them even though it looked pretty straightforward. On top of this, the inclusion of minor magical skills adds another slither of depth. Accordingly, this is the ideal game for youngsters who love the franchise and Halloween and I recommend buying it here! Can you bring order to Monster High? Create your monster, help the Boo Crew, and find every secret room.

SEGA and ImageNPay launch Sonic the Hedgehog Virtual Mastercard Collection

Gaming

Andrew Edney

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Oct 28, 2024

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SEGA and ImageNPay launch Sonic the Hedgehog Virtual Mastercard Collection

To coincide with the recent launch of the highly anticipated SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS™ game on October 25^th, ImageNPay and SEGA are pleased to announce today’s release of the Sonic Virtual Mastercard collection, an exclusive series of Sonic-themed digital prepaid cards. Featuring characters and scenes from SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS, the collaboration combines the iconic Sonic the Hedgehog and ImageNPay, a digital wallet and mobile adtec platform. ImageNPay is on a mission to make the payments ecosystem plastic free.

Sonic fans can help reduce plastic consumption by downloading a prepaid digital card from the ImageNPay app on the App Store or Playstore and selecting their favourite Sonic image to pay with. Cardholders will also have the option to donate to Save the Children, a charity that creates lasting change for children around the world, and the Priceless Planet Coalition, a global initiative to fund the restoration of 100 million trees, each time they upload money onto their Sonic-branded prepaid card.

Michael Donald, Founder & CEO of ImageNPay, said, “The SEGA and Sonic collection represents a significant advancement in our mission to make payments hyper-personalised, plastic free, financially inclusive and fun for everyone. This collaboration also showcases animated Sonic images on digital payment cards for the first time, adding an element of fun to payments. We are proud to have developed this innovative technology in the UK which enables brands to build deeper partnerships with their customers and which is leading the fight to reduce plastic waste in the payments industry.

“This collaboration with ImageNPay for the release of the Sonic Virtual Mastercard Collection allows us to connect deeper with our ever-growing community. To be able to educate our fanbase as well as contribute to the reduction of plastic produced on a global basis, is an opportunity we and the Sonic Team want to be a part of.” said Ivo Gerscovich, Senior Vice President and Chief Business and Brand Officer of Sonic, Head of SEGA Brands.

“At Mastercard, we work with the gaming industry to enable game-changing solutions and deliver unforgettable experiences,” said Simon Forbes, Divisional President, UK&I at Mastercard. “This collab with ImageNPay and Sonic delivers on all these fronts, and we’re proud to work with the world’s most famous hero hedgehog, helping reduce plastic consumption and raise funds for good causes.”

Review: Hatch Tales

Khloe Turner

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Oct 28, 2024

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The wait is finally over. Developer Atooi’s six-year-long Kickstarter project, formerly titled Chicken Wiggle Workshop, had been transformed exceptionally into Hatch Tales: A Heroic Hookshot Adventure. This 2D-platformer comes with a brand new protagonist, Hatch, alongside novel story elements separate from Atooi’s previous title Chicken Wiggle.

Hatch Tales was released on October 22nd, 2024 and can only be played on the Nintendo Switch.

A journey through frost and fire

A little flightless hawk named Hatch must journey through Talonreach by request of the Queen. She warrants for Hatch to face the evil frost wraith Nazar, who’s hunger for destruction is “unsatiable.” Nazar has stolen Talonreach’s eight sacred artifacts and have buried them in frozen dungeons. Hatch, with his little self and trusty hookshot, must battle Nazar and save the world from his “icy grip.” Ember Sprites can be collected so that Hatch can use their fiery magic to restore peace to the world.

The story starts off strong despite being rather cliche. Aside from the opening act and the final fight, the plot is somewhat irrelevant. Players blast through levels gathering collectables and solving platforming challenges. There are no “Koopaling-like” mini boss stages per se, but there are tower levels at the end of each world.

I am unsure as to what is so special about Hatch the hawk, and as to why he looks so . . . angry all of the time? Then again, Mario is a plumber who, for some reason, saves a princess of mushroom people from a tyrant bull-turtle. Like Mario, Hatch can get special power-ups, like “Sorio’s Speed” and Gindoh’s Ghost.” These abilities allow for extra speed or let you go through spikes unharmed and damage ghost enemies respectively.

A world of content and chaos

Hatch Tales plays simply as a 2D-adventure platformer yet it is surprisingly challenging. There are eight worlds with six levels each, but players can unlock bonus throwback stages to Mutant Mudds (and to me, these stages are really hard). Also, once players beat the main game, you get a chance to blast though eight more worlds Chicken Wiggle-style. Get ready for many hours of gameplay if you dig it, with a jam-packed 96 levels total.

The goal of the game is straightforward: beat each stage, complete each world, and fight the boss. There are three or four Ember Sprites and 100 gems per level. Gems are needed to unlock Tower stages at the end of each world, and the Ember Sprites will grant access to the Mutant Mudds levels. “Side Quests” are unlocked by finding scrolls, which only means even more levels to complete. So yeah, loads of collectables, loads of content.

Hookshots make everything perfect!

Hatch has his hookshot, which is needed to scale walls, attack enemies, and do pretty much everything. This mechanic is honestly very fun and fluid. Hatch can also peck enemies to death, and peck at the screen. There are occasional vortexes per level that Hatch can directly peck at, warping the world into a purplish haze. Here, players can collect hidden gems and Ember Sprites otherwise unseen. Hatch can also attain power-ups as aforementioned.

The feeling of the game is kind of heavy. You are not floaty or whimsical like a Mario title; the movements are more precise, rigid, and aware of a gravitational pull.

Hatch Tales is a difficult platformer that might take some getting used to. While there are several checkpoints per stage, they are not very consistent. Sometimes there are none at all, or the checkpoints are widely and unpredictably spaced apart. Dying can be a bit of a bother, and I personally had some frustrating redoes in the Mutant Mudds levels. Hatch has two hearts–or two chances of being hit before death. This is different from Chicken Wiggle, who only had one heart despite being two characters in one. This is an odd choice, but frankly, having two hearts does not make it any easier.

2D-platformers never die

The game looks cleaned and polished, like a modernized SNES title. There are lots of fine details and a variety of curious, goofy enemies, as well as multiple level themes of fluffy clouds and gloopy magma. Despite its attractive look, I do feel as if Hatch Tales lacks a certain charm, or perhaps its own truly unique visual identity.

Hatch pecking at the screen in Hatch Tales

The sound design is alright, not particularly attention-grabbing, but enough to get players bopping their heads from time to time. Overall, the music helped me focus, which is probably what a challenging platformer soundtrack should do.

Final thoughts

Hatch Tales: A Heroic Hookshot Adventure looks fine, sounds fine, and plays fine. The game is not remarkable, but definitely worth your buck in terms of content and challenges.

Hatch Tales had its unusual start, having been crowdfunded over six years ago and facing a constant onslaught of release delays. To me, the quantity of delays should have resulted in a better product, but regardless the game is certainly a solid platformer and old fans of Chicken Wiggle will thoroughly enjoy it.

As a bonus, similar to Chicken Wiggle, there is an in-game level editor for players to mess around with. This is always a fun treat!

Review: Phasmophobia

Daniel Waite

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Oct 28, 2024

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Phasmophobia has been available in Early Access on PC for a while. However, I’ve been blissfully unaware of this spooky title. I guess my focus on recent child-friendly Outright Games experiences has blindsided me. Luckily, I have been put on the straight and narrow as this title is in Game Preview for console gamers. Though I’m not a massive fan of Game Preview titles, I couldn’t resist this hauntingly good time.

This scary game was developed and published by Kinetic Games. Furthermore, it is a solo or up to 4-player cooperative experience. There is also Cross-Play for anyone with friends on another platform. This was a great idea as it keeps the horror-loving community together whilst expanding the already faithful fanbase. If you are thinking about testing this out, I’d recommend finding like-minded individuals. Though it is fine as a solo title, it excels when you work together as a team.

Phasmophobia relies on your sense of fear.

I use the phrase horror title in the loosest of senses. Whenever this genre is discussed, people think of zombies and other cliched foes. What’s more, there is a sense of gore and cheap jump scares. Thankfully, Phasmophobia doesn’t rely on any of these parlour tricks. Instead, it lets your sense of fear and isolation take centre stage. Additionally, it is wonderfully easy to understand. As such, you can start running long before you can walk. This false sense of security was incredible as the ghosts trick you and cause all sorts of shenanigans.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much of a backstory to this. Instead, the action focuses on 10 different haunted locations and an array of spectres and ghosts for you to identify. Moreover, you don’t tackle and remove the spectral entity. No, you are there to identify the cause of the disturbance and get out alive. Sadly, the latter goal can be challenging and you will spend time observing your teammates from another realm. However, I digress and I’ve moved way ahead of myself. What’s more, I want to be careful as I do not want to spoil the surprises and fun that you will discover.

Simple tools.

The gameplay loop is straightforward. Each of the haunted locations has plenty of rooms and areas to explore. As the stage starts, you must grab equipment from your van. Each player can carry 3 items and this makes completing the mission much tougher. You’ll wander through each room or area looking for obvious clues. Yet, if nothing jumps out at you, you may use your thermometer, EMF reader, UV torch, and other tools to find evidence.

Each of these tools was remarkably easy to use. What’s more, the use of audio signals to trick you or lead you to your goal was impressive. The rattle of a chair or whisper of a ghostly apparition makes your skin tingle. On top of this, the ghost can hear you speak! These voyeuristic beasts can tell when you are panicking and they pick their time to up the ante. This was terrifying as one slip-up caused untold misery.

Identify your foe.

As you enter each stage, you must work out what is causing the problems. With over 20 ghosts to nail down, this is no mean feat. However, your specialist equipment can be used to narrow down the search. If your EMF reader goes off the chart, you can scratch off a handful of spooks. Moreover, if the temperature drops or you see UV footprints, you can grab your journal and work out what’s happening.

In theory, this is a straightforward endeavour. Yet, as the game evolves, the ghosts become more cunning and they can hunt you. Though this isn’t always deadly, it is truly terrifying when you hide behind a piece of furniture or in a cupboard. The scrape and scuttle of each ghost will make your skin crawl. Moreover, you best hope that your teammates don’t give away your position on the radio.

Phasmophobia is uncomfortable to play.

Saying a game is uncomfortable to play can be deemed a negative experience. Yet, Phasmophobia gets this aspect just right. The creepy lighting, excellent stage design, and claustrophobic nature of every mission were phenomenal. What’s more, though there are some visual glitches, the attention to detail and relatively smooth gameplay must be commended. I adored the use of cliched icy breath and the movement of furniture. Furthermore, the equipment is well-considered and it enhances the sense of danger and tension in every situation.

I’m a huge fan of exceptional audio. Luckily, this game blows it out of the water! The clever use of spatial sound and ambient sound effects creates an immersive world that sucks you in. Additionally, you will jump repeatedly as alarms sound and doors slam. Though this may be familiar or dare I say cliche, I didn’t care. Where the audio excels is the ghost’s understanding of the group’s intentions. If it senses fear or failure, you are doomed. Any slight chink in your armour will be highlighted and you will perish and fail miserably.

Fantastic controls.

Game Preview and awkward controls normally go hand-in-hand. Phasmophobia has bucked this trend with its easy-to-understand tutorial and fantastic control layout. Subsequently, though the ghosts will break your balls, you can rest assured that you can be up and running in no time at all.

The developer has done an incredible job to enhance replay value. There are custom difficulty settings to help people out and an array of missions and goals to complete. Alongside this, the Cross-Play functionality allows you to play with global players no matter their platform. As the game evolves, I can see more content being added and the fan base expanding exponentially.

Phasmophobia will scare you silly.

I’ve played many horror games and Phasmophobia is probably one of the best I’ve experienced. This Early Access title will chill you to the bone and petrify the toughest gamers. It is tough, enjoyable, and trouser-soilingly brilliant. Improve your Halloween and get yourself a copy of this game here! Can you become an undead detective? Grab your gear, identify the threat, and hope to get out alive.

Review: Don’t Be a Dik Dik

Daniel Waite

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Oct 28, 2024

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Don’t Be a Dik Dik from Ginger Fox Games is an immature but amusing card game that tickled me. The adult humour, casual gameplay, and easy-to-understand rules were attractive. What’s more, it can be enjoyed by 3-6 people. Accordingly, it is simple to get a game going even if you are hanging out in a tiny crowd.

The rude creatures and questionably named plants will make you snigger. Furthermore, I adored the cutting one-liners that enhanced the childish situation. I’d love to say this colourful and silly affair suits youngsters, but I can’t. Though many kids will miss the innuendo, I’d be worried about unintentional consequences. Subsequently, keeping young minds and eyes away from this game is probably best.

How do you play Don’t Be a Dik Dik?

If you have played Chase the Ace or Old Maid, you’ll be familiar with the fundamentals of Don’t Be a Dik Dik. The small pack of cards has many pairs of animals and plants that must be combined. As you pass from player to player, you must pick a face-down card. If it matches any of the cards in your hand, you place the pair on the table in front of you. This process continues until one player is left holding the Dik Dik.

Games last up to 20 minutes and are usually more complex if you have 6 players taking part. I found that 4 players was the ideal number and each round was completed in around 15 minutes. As this is an adult-focused affair, you don’t need to worry about your kids hiding cards and slowing things down. Consequently, things move smoothly even though laughter often causes the game to stall for a moment or so.

Build quality.

Card games tend to be a little flimsy and easy to damage. This is made worse when you use the cards when on holiday or during car/train journeys. Thankfully, Don’t Be a Dik Dik is built to last. Each of the cards is thick and the glossy finish is robust. Moreover, the deck feels substantial and shuffling and dealing each card is a joy.

This game relies on its cheeky messages and colourful imagery. Thankfully, the manufacturer has focused on high-end materials and printing to guarantee quality. As such, I’m not worried about fading or damage to each card. I’m not saying that they can withstand a heavy-handed approach, but they will last the test of time with normal use.

Don’t be a Dik Dik is immature but hard to resist.

People think that making others laugh is easy. However, there is more to it than simply writing smutty words and schoolyard stupidity. Delivering the perfect one-liner that matches the theme of each card is easier said than done. Thankfully, Don’t Be a Dik Dik gets the balance just right. Furthermore, there is a pleasant blend of guttural humour and intelligent jokes that will increase its appeal.

Alongside this, the colourful and often suggestive imagery never gets old. I found my favourite cards in the pack and the picture of a plant in the shape of male genitalia always made me chuckle. Accordingly, this straightforward game will not disappoint adults who wish to have some fun with their friends. Though it is silly and borderline unnecessary, I loved it and recommend buying it here!

_{(More information on Ginger Fox Games can be found here!)}

Don't Be a Dik Dik has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: Enhanced Nintendo Switch Wireless Controller Fortnite

Daniel Waite

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Oct 27, 2024

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Review: Enhanced Nintendo Switch Wireless Controller Fortnite

The Enhanced Nintendo Switch Wireless Controller Fortnite from PowerA is a colourful and advanced peripheral. The eye-catching design, additional rear buttons, and ergonomic finish are bound to be a hit. Moreover, it has a spectacular battery life and a low-latency Bluetooth connection. Accordingly, it is the perfect companion for your Nintendo Switch.

Alongside this, the colourful design is stunning. The controller is adorned with instantly recognisable figures. Peely, Coral Castle, Cuddle Team Leader and more can be seen. On top of this, it is officially licenced by Nintendo and Epic Games. As such, you are assured of the best quality gaming experience.

What’s in the box of Enhanced Nintendo Switch Wireless Controller Fortnite?

The packing may be small, but the bright colours make it stand out. Furthermore, it is robust and recyclable.
The Enhanced Nintendo Switch Wireless Controller Fortnite is great to hold. The design is robust and ideal for gamers who wish to make a statement.
A USB-C cable is provided to charge the device.
Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

Though the Enhanced Nintendo Switch Wireless Controller Fortnite promises advanced features, it is a remarkably simple device. First, you are struck by the familiar style and the helpful LED lights. These lights highlight connectivity and your battery status. Consequently, you shouldn’t get caught out whenever you game. To the rear are 2 mappable buttons that can be altered on the fly. I’m not a massive fan of additional inputs, but they were handy for FPS and other fast-paced genres.

The low-latency Bluetooth 5.0 connection was stable and simple to sort out. It took me less than a minute to connect the controller, and I had no connection drops or issues. Another key feature of this gamepad is the intuitive motion control. This immersive experience doesn’t work on every game, but when it does, you are sucked into the action.

Build quality.

The Enhanced Nintendo Switch Wireless Controller Fortnite is officially licensed. Accordingly, it feels familiar to the Nintendo wireless pad. This was a great approach, as no one wants an awkward transition between gaming peripherals. The buttons feel robust, and the position of the rear buttons was spot on. Each paddle is placed in a natural resting location. As such, your fingers rarely feel strained whenever you use these inputs.

If you decide to use the customisable buttons, you can alter the inputs with the touch of a button. This was phenomenal as it was a streamlined and user-friendly experience. This advanced approach continues with the embedded anti-friction rings. If you want accurate and smooth inputs, this controller is for you. No matter how much I punished this device, the analogue stick responded positively. Moreover, I discovered no dead spots and this was ideal when playing demanding games.

No matter how robust a controller can be, issues can occur. Thankfully, PowerA offers an impressive 2-year warranty for peace of mind. This doesn’t mean you can deliberately smash your gamepad, but PowerA has a mindful customer service team who try to assist as best they can.

Is the Enhanced Nintendo Switch Wireless Controller Fortnite worth it?

Wireless gaming is convenient and easy to set up. Moreover, the inclusion of motion control ensures that your experience is immersive. If you run low on juice you can plug the controller in with the 10-metre cable. Yet, with a 30+ hour battery life, I can’t see this being an issue. If you love Fortnite and you want a vibrant and eye-catching controller, then this device should be on your horizon. It is officially licenced and the customisable inputs have an elite edge. Accordingly, it is a great peripheral and I recommend buying it here!

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

The Enhanced Nintendo Switch Wireless Controller Fortnite has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Preview: Bandit Knight

Daniel Waite

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Oct 27, 2024

0

I cannot condone breaking the law. However, whenever I get the opportunity to be a little naughty in the virtual world, I can’t help but get carried away. I recently played Thief Simulator 2 and loved sneaking in the shadows. Accordingly, when I was offered Bandit Knight to play, I couldn’t resist. Now, the 2 games are different and the only similarities are the sticky fingers and the naughty theft.

This 2.5D pixelated adventure title was developed by Game Float and published by Spiral Up Games. Furthermore, it is a single-player experience set in a vast world. If you are a Steam Deck gamer, you’ll be glad to know that this works perfectly. What’s more, if you prefer to use a gamepad, this has you covered. I’ve only had the opportunity to look at the demo version, but this was enough for me to become hooked and enjoy every moment.

Bandit Knight is all about the life of a thief.

Being a thief is a dirty and frowned upon profession. These sneaky individuals hide in the shadows waiting to pounce. Moreover, they have no honour and do not care who they hurt as they get rich. However, occasionally, these law-breaking individuals do some good. This is exactly what happens in Bandit Knight! As the thief roams different environments, they take the opportunity to right some wrongs. This was great as the “bosses” don’t know what has hit them, and you improve your skills and your bank balance at the same time.

The game revolves around a petty thief who wishes to prove themselves. They have joined a thief clan and wish to get rich in the process. As they explore each wealthy area, they must steal as much treasure as possible. Moreover, they will find magical artefacts to improve their skills and unlock new abilities. This was great as each stage looks to become progressively harder. Subsequently, improving your base skills and upgrading your abilities to steal goods without being spotted is important.

A fun opening chapter.

The demo allows you to look at the opening chapter. This action-packed level is filled with gold, jewels, and plenty of hidden rooms. It is your responsibility to smash glass boxes and steal as many valuables as you can. Yet, word of warning, if you are caught pickpocketing or if the guards spot you, you’ll find it difficult to complete your quest. I loved this gentle difficulty curve as you were rewarded for taking your time and hiding in the shadows.

As I could repeat the level as many times as I wished, I tried many approaches. First I used stealth and this was fantastic. Knocking the guards out and stealing goods whilst evading capture was great fun. Yet, bum-rushing every encounter and using brute force was equally good. Accordingly, you may choose the style that works for you.

Unlocking each artefact and improving your hero will be a key aspect of Bandit Knight. I believe that this will enhance your gameplay style and as the levels evolve, it will become a driving force behind success and failure. Though I had limited visibility on how this will unfold, I enjoyed the small snippets I saw and I can’t wait to see how it impacts the latter game.

Bandit Knight looks fantastic.

I’m a fan of pixelated games. Though they do not punish modern systems, I adore the old-school edge. Bandit Knight does a particularly good job with its level design and character models. Moreover, the animation was fluid and I liked the level of detail. The trailer highlights the varied stage design and it will be interesting to explore the other exciting locations.

The audio was great. The opening stage has a regal and upmarket atmosphere. Consequently, the music captured this perfectly. Additionally, there is a sense of drama and energy as you sneak through each room. On top of this, the sound effects are fun and I loved the smashing of glass and the clunk of every unlocked door.

Excellent controls.

I tested this on Steam Deck and PC. I used a gamepad and mouse and keyboard and it works well with both. While playing on Steam Deck, I didn’t have to adjust any settings and it worked as soon as I loaded it up. This was nice as I’m pretty lazy and I don’t like to waste time tweaking my controls. When I used the gamepad, the movement felt fluid and the inputs were responsive and easy to follow.

Replay value and longevity are limited within this demo version. Each stage appears to have plenty of collectables to find and this should force you to return. Alongside this, there are plenty of artefacts to steal and loads of different abilities to improve. Therefore, I can see this forcing you to play it repeatedly.

Bandit Knight has a bright future.

Previewing a demo is tough. The game can change considerably and this can confuse. However, I believe that Bandit Knight will stay on this excellent path and the game will excel as a consequence. My short experience has been an enjoyable endeavour and I can’t wait for the developers to release more content. Accordingly, it has a bright future and I recommend trying it here! Can you become a master thief? Learn your trade, hide in the shadows, and get rich any way you can.