Review: Frostpunk 2

Josh Blackburn
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Review: Frostpunk 2

The mercury had long since frozen over. The coal mines were barren. Even if there were coal, the miners’ hands would be too cold to extract it. Angry mutters filled the streets as the whiteout slowly drew to a close. The cost quickly became apparent as the sun came out from behind the clouds. Piles of frozen bodies beginning to thaw in the warmth. Riots were breaking out across the city and the heads of all four political parties were looking squarely at the problem: me. I was exiled without trial. Stranded; left to die in the snow. The city picking up what pieces it had left.

This is how my first run of Frostpunk 2 ended. I went away with my tail between my legs and dropped the difficulty down. Still, I consider it a positive experience for two reasons. Firstly, it taught me to play a bit more conservatively in order to survive. Secondly, it showed me that Frostpunk‘s best point still persists. It can generate stories as you play. Frostpunk 2 may feel a lot different in various aspects – most notably a much slower pace – but at its frozen core still beats the heart of Frostpunk.

Ice, Ice, Baby

If you’re new to Frostpunk, then it’s sort of like the film, The Day After Tomorrow. Only instead of hiding in libraries and running from awful CGI wolves, the people did something useful: they shoveled coal into a giant generator. While most of Britain is a snow covered wasteland, New London persists thanks to its tower of steam. The first Frostpunk was about stocking up in order to survive a colossal storm. By the time of Frostpunk 2, giant storms are commonplace. It’s time for us to think about what comes next. That changes the feel of things quite a lot, as you’ll see.

First though, let’s look at how Frostpunk 2 actually plays. It’s a city builder, with a strong focus on resource management. You start off with just the generator, and district-by-district, you meet your citizen’s needs. There’s housing, fuel, food, materials and goods. These all need to be built on limited deposits, and require heatstamps, workers and prefabs. There’s so much going on and any of them can run out at any moment. This is where most of the tension – and excitement – comes from, and successfully meeting these needs is a good part of the fun.

It’s quite the balancing act. Buildings require fuel to heat them and materials to maintain them, for instance. As your population is continually growing, the pressure grows along with it. Higher difficulties require smart planning to survive (which rather counts me out). Added to this is an array of political parties, all with different agendas. The Stalwarts, for instance, are old school. They think they generator will see us through whatever happens. The Frostlanders, conversely, think we should embrace exploration and adaptation. If you want to pass laws, you’ll need delegates from these parties to vote for it. Failing to keep all parties happy is a big reason for my first failure.

Frosty Politics

The upshot is that Frostpunk 2 is at its best when things are going wrong. When you think you’re comfortable but your population suddenly explodes and now people are digging for food scraps in their shanty towns. The flipside of that is that things tend to be less interesting when everything is going well. When you’ve met your needs, there’s not much to do beyond research stuff and await the next catastrophe. There’s a fast forward function, but that’s a plaster over things, really. Higher difficulties may eliminate this issue, granted, but once you’ve got fuel and food, everything tends to fall into place.

As we’re on the complain train, we might as well carry on. Take them with a grain of salt, though, as my ventures into Frostpunk 2 on difficulties higher than the lowest have (so far) ended in disaster. Anyway, one irritation of mine is Heatstamps. These are essentially taxes, supplied by your populace. I don’t like them because they aren’t interesting. They steadily grow with the population, so they mostly just stop the pace as we wait for them to accrue. Seems pointless, given prefabs do pretty much the same thing. Things tend to snowball towards the end too, once you’ve exploited the Frostland. There’s a moment where you realise success is almost inevitable.

It’s these things that give Frostpunk 2 a very different feel from the original. It’s a lot slower. You pop down the districts, let the resources flow in, then try and keep the political parties from mucking things up. Quite the change from the constant, bubbling panic that Frostpunk championed. I find myself drawn to it, though. The slower pace – and the politics – make the people feel real. There are little bits of writing that pop up throughout when you make your choices, which I love. It’s hard to enact, say, public execution when you’re looking at the face of the man you’re about to sentence.

Frostpunk 2 – Freezing The Stakes

To be honest, I think I like Frostpunk 2 more than the original. If Frostpunk had a failing, it’s that it showed the stakes early on. You had to survive the whiteout. That meant that, while some of the choices made were agonising, ultimately I wouldn’t be around for the consequences. Once the storm was over, I could peace out. Frostpunk 2 makes you live with your decisions. Risky moves to get past the next whiteout mean you’ve got to put out the political flames that result. Double shifts make for a lot of riots. This comes into its own in the Utopia mode, which is essentially a survival mode. One, large overarching goal and that’s it. You’ll see me there for a good while.

One thing to mention before I bring this to a close: at time of writing, Frostpunk 2 is still quite unstable. It crashed constantly, often when I was trying to load a save. A particularly cruel time to crash. Still, I don’t factor these into my score as the hotfixes are coming through. But I wouldn’t blame you if you held off for a month or two. If you take the plunge, however, you’ll find a smart and emotionally-charged city builder, which imagines what happens when humanity pushes past an extinction event. Given how the world currently is, let’s just hope I’m not in charge when it happens.

(Frostpunk 2’s Steam Page)

Review: Operation: Polygon Storm

Daniel Waite
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Review: Operation: Polygon Storm

Operation: Polygon Storm mixes tough combat elements with minimalist tactical nuance. The result is a challenging but fun game where flexibility is king. Alongside this, the developers have done a fantastic job of creating a gentle learning curve. Accordingly, this will appeal to genre veterans and newbies alike.

This auto-battler was developed by Toxic Studio and published by Untold Tales SA. Furthermore, it is a single-player experience that uses a side-scrolling perspective. This rudimentary design was dated, but I enjoyed the well-laid-out battlefields. Additionally, the environment evolves as each arena is highly destructible. Consequently, plans must change and you must learn to adapt. 

Operation: Polygon Storm tells unique tales. 

There a a handful of tough scenarios to tackle. Each area has a unique geography and there are fresh units to tackle and problems to overcome. What’s more every zone has a different theme. Though there isn’t a deep and emotional story, the variety of locations and the different approaches keep you coming back for more. 

On top of this, there are 3 difficulty settings to test you. Each playthrough offers a small reward and once you earn the cash, you cannot return to rinse it dry. This was great as it removes the sense of “grind” whilst keeping the action balanced. 

Money, money, money. 

As you select your mission, you are free to pick your troops and supporting units. Occasionally, you’ll be restricted to a handful of soldiers. However, as you progress, you’ll unlock bigger, tougher, and more expensive options. The blend of units will decide your chances of victory. Yet, it is not as simple as flooding the playing field with men. No, you just earn cash to buy each troop. 

Time and the occasional airdrop increase your bank balance. As the dollars roll in, you must invest in infantry, snipers, guarded units, and so forth. Alongside this, you may place claymores and other defensive tools to stem your enemy’s advances. The constant back and forth of death and gains was captivating. Additionally, it was fun to move troops to ambush your foes.

Operation: Polygon Storm is tough to keep up with. 

I loved the side-scrolling perspective. However, the fast-paced action was tough to manage. As troops enter the warzone, you are expected to counter your foes and protect your forces. Yet, this wasn’t easy. Luckily, the excellent UI and highlighting tool help you to manage your forces. Moreover, the unique character models are easily identifiable to assist you.

I adored the interesting level design. Each location varied slightly and the destructive nature of the cars and barriers was impressive. Furthermore, the hectic action is manageable because of the smooth animation and lack of visual clutter. 

The audio is unsurprisingly loud and aggressive. The banging soundtrack is dramatic and angry. As the game unfolds, you get used to the heavy beats. Though it wasn’t my thing, it suits the theme and the brutality. What I enjoyed, though, was the exceptional sound effects. The never-ending bullets and crashing bombs were fantastic. 

Excellent controls. 

The developer was adamant that Operation: Polygon Storm be as minimalistic as possible. As such the control system benefits. The lack of micromanagement was perfect for gamepad use. Additionally, once you understood the fundamentals, it was a cinch to play.

Operation: Polygon Storm has limited levels to play. Yet, 3 difficulty settings and a skill tree for each unit increase replay value and longevity. As you earn money, you may invest in your army. Subsequently, you’ll make your forces more powerful and increase your chances of victory. However, you are free to upgrade each troop as you wish and this increases your tactical options.

Operation: Polygon Storm is a decent indie title. 

In the beginning, this didn’t blow me away. The gameplay wasn’t captivating and I struggled with the core concept. Yet, once I invested time and effort, my opinion changed. Accordingly, I appreciated the little tactical elements and the tough moments. Moreover, victory felt great, especially during the latter levels. Therefore, it’s a decent indie title and I recommend buying it here! Can you win every battle? Pick your troops, invest wisely, and be sure to adapt to each situation.

Review: Photo Creator Retro Instant Camera

Daniel Waite
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Review: Photo Creator Retro Instant Camera

The Photo Creator Retro Instant Camera is the perfect gift for artistic children. This hard-wearing and attractive accessory gives them the freedom to create and design whacky or unusual pictures. Furthermore, it has an old-school thermal printer that lets your child print off their proudest achievements.

Alongside this, there is a digital filter option to add some flair and fun to each moment. Alternatively, maybe you wish to capture exciting encounters with your friends. The selfie lens and self timer lets you capture every second with your nearest and dearest. This was great as mobile phones have lost that tactile edge. This hands-on camera returns to a simpler approach without removing some modern features. 

Finally, the built-in rechargeable 1000 mAh battery keeps going for hours. Accordingly, you don’t need to worry about running out of juice when you are out and about.

What’s in the box of the Photo Creator Retro Instant Camera?

  • The packaging is eye-catching and reasonably robust. Furthermore, it can be recycled. 
  • The Photo Creator Retro Instant Camera is loud and in your face. The teal blue finish is attractive and the monochromatic pattern has an old-school edge.
  • 4 pens and hundreds of stickers allow you to customise your prints.
  • 4 thermal printer rolls allow you to go crazy with your creative prowess. 
  • Charge the camera with the USB cable. 
  • Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.

Technical aspects. 

Though I adore the tactile nature of this camera, the 12MP lens cannot compare with modern mobile phones. However, my daughter didn’t care as the thermal printer wasn’t capable of high-resolution definition. Instead, the 12MP power is suitable for the built-in printer and every task that a child can imagine. Alongside this, the 3-inch screen is suitable for every digital alteration. Though the screen is relatively small, I could make out each design change with ease. The colour screen is pleasant to look at and the vivid coloured borders were fantastic. 

The selfie lens was a great tool if you wanted to capture groups of friends or an image of yourself for fun. I noticed plenty of vanity shots as my daughter tried to pull the best pout or capture herself in the best light. These images were great and they were made better with the built-in editing software. 

A memory card can be used if you wish to enhance the storage capacity. This was perfect if your kids go crazy and run out of thermal printer paper. Alongside this, it was a great way to capture the highlights of the day without worrying about losing each printed photo.

This idea is complemented by the 1000 mAh battery. We never struggled with the battery life and I was comfortable with my daughter using it throughout the day. Furthermore, it doesn’t take long to charge, so she wasn’t without her new toy for very long.

Build quality.

The Photo Creator Retro Instant Camera is made from a hardened plastic. Accordingly, it is robust and easy to handle. The larger buttons add to the tactile nature and the lens is protected by a clear plastic cover. There is a flash for lower-light situations as well. This was great as it isn’t too powerful and doesn’t wash out the colours or contrast in each picture. This was important when using the thermal printer as you don’t want your pictures to be blurred or out of focus.

The thermal printer is easy to load and the paper is reasonably thick. Furthermore, unlike cheaper alternatives, the photos don’t rip and I appreciated the quality. However, you must be mindful of the direction in which you install the thermal roll. If you place it in the wrong way, the image will not print and your kids will be disappointed. Luckily, it isn’t that challenging to get right and you’ll get to grips with it in no time.

Finally, the accessories are a pleasant touch. The pens have a vibrant colour and the stickers are fun and loud. Consequently, they will be a hit with any children who love to craft or be creative. My only complaint would be the small USB cable. Yet, this is minor as we all have larger and chunkier USB cables lying around our houses. 

Is the Photo Creator Retro Instant Camera worth it?

If your children are as creative as mine, then they will love the Photo Creator Retro Instant Camera. This sturdy and fun accessory will keep your kids entertained for hours. Furthermore, the creative studio adds some zany elements to every image. Accordingly, I love this product and I recommend buying it here!

The Photo Creator Retro Instant Camera has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

News: Akko Autumn sale

Daniel Waite
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News: Akko Autumn sale

The Akko Autumn sale is upon us. This event runs from the 24th of September 2024 until the 24th of October 2024. During this time, Akko will offer massive savings and special discounts on its spectacular technology. I have reviewed many of their vivid and interesting keyboards and each one scores our MGT Gold Award. I adore the build quality, the exceptional switches, and the amazing designs. Furthermore, the products are well priced, so any further discount is always well-received.

Christmas is just around the corner, so why not prepare yourself and buy your loved ones an exceptional gaming peripheral? There are some amazing gaming bundles available during the Akko Autumn sale, so you’ll find something to appease every taste. Additionally, you can get free switches to hotswap your product for the ultimate gaming experience. So, let’s wait no longer and take a look at what is on offer.

What is available during the Akko Autumn sale?

Limited-time offer – 50% off.

This event will last for 4 weeks. During that time, there will be 4 key products selected with a 50% discount on each. These flash sales will not hang around long, so you must be quick to avoid disappointment. Akko are expecting a massive rush on this offer so customers are limited to 5 units each per week.

Outlet Deals – Up to 50% off.

Akko has curated some special offers that will pop up during the Akko Autumn sale. These amazing peripherals will feature heavy discounts and you’ll have to keep visiting the website to catch the best deals around.

Share to get free switches.

Everyone loves a free item! Akko has made it easy to get a set of free switches via their social media channels. Would-be customers simply need to share the news of the sale from the Akko event page and tag @akkogear.eu. Once you’ve done this, DM the Akko team @akkogear.eu and they will contact you within 24 hours with a discount code.

Bundle Sale – Enjoy 10-15% off.

If you need a new gaming set-up, then the Akko Autumn sale has your back. They are offering bundle deals for keyboards, mice, and mouse pads. Accordingly, you can make a huge saving and kit yourself out with a vivid and striking arrangement that matches your gaming personality.

Buy More, Save More – Save up to €50.

This final offer is simple to understand! The more you spend, the more you save. Save €20 on purchases over €200, €30 on purchases over €300, and €50 on purchases over €500.

Don’t miss out.

This autumnal sale is here for a while. However, the offers keep changing and you’ll have to be quick if you don’t wish to miss out. With massive savings to be made and some incredible tech on offer, why not treat yourself and your loved ones before the deals disappear?

(More information on Akko can be found here!)

Review: Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2

Matt Cooper
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Review: Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2

It’s been a long eleven years for fans of the original Space Marine and now Warhammer 40K is back with the launch of Space Marine 2. Is it a worthy sequel to the beloved title? Or is it heresy and should have been exiled to deep space?

Mad World

I never played the original Space Marine, which launched on seventh generation consoles in 2011, but I’ve always been intrigued by the Warhammer franchise itself. With its deep lore, hardcore fan base and beloved titles across many different mediums, Warhammer has captivated fans for years. It has finally got me hooked with the release of Space Marine 2. Developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment, Space Marine 2 takes place in the age of the Dark Imperium. During the 41st Millennium, the Imperium of Man have launched a crusade with the primary goal being reclaiming previously lost planets across the galaxy. For someone who has never played a 40k game, this introduction felt daunting and intimidating with a lot to digest but for fans of the series, they will feel right at home. It is from here the game then introduces the main protagonist Titus. Because of the events of the previous game, Titus had been exiled to the deathwatch and barely escaped a mission alive. After being reintegrated into the Ultramarines, Titus is given the command of two marines, Sergeant Gadriel and Brother Chairon. These characters form both the core of the plot and focus as well as the focus on co-op as three players can tackle the story as soon as the prologue has been completed.

From here, the game becomes mission based across three separate planets as the trio of marines deal with the main threat in the game; the Tyranids and the forces of Chaos. Tyranids are an alien species hellbent on consuming biomatter, whilst the forces of Chaos are cultists which return from the original game. Each of the missions that take place in the 8 hour or so story follow an extremely linear pattern as you fight through swamps, gothic cathedrals and underground bases. The campaign and the story may be extremely hard to follow for new players but fans will be able to find easter eggs and nods to other sections of Warhammer at every corner. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the campaign it did not blow me away with its plot.

It follows predictable paths with the conflict in the squad, along with the enemies’ motives, leading to a satisfying if slightly sequel baiting ending. It has some great set pieces and boss battles that help create tension and raise the stakes for the characters. Some of the best parts of the campaign are within its environmental storytelling and the background conversations that take place in the game’s main hub, the battle barge. It’s frustrating to me that sometimes there is such a vast amount of serious dialogue between the squad that you are wishing and hoping for a glimmer of comedy or light-hearted conversation like Gears. With this game taking clear inspiration from the Gears Of War franchise, they perhaps could have leaned towards the emotional storytelling Gears is known for. But if you are after a brutal, bloody and action-packed Warhammer story, this is the game for you. It’s important that gameplay and complementary modes help to propel the action and boy do they!

Slice, Dice, Kick Down the Door

As I have mentioned, Space Marine games have taken clear inspiration from Gears, and this is abundantly evident in gameplay. Controlled from a third person perspective, you move and evade like Marcus Fenix does, and it feels fantastic. Gunplay feels weighty and meaningful and the game’s melee system is just an absolute blast. Slicing through the impressive amount of enemies that can appear on screen is so much fun, I could literally do it all day. Due to the swarming enemies on screen, there is no cover system like Gears but it’s not needed, as you are almost constantly under assault from enemies during the missions. I wouldn’t say there are a vast amount of weapons at your disposal but each weapon feels different and helps to diversify your gameplay options. You can customize loadouts in between missions from bolt rifles, flame shotguns to plasma pistols along with melee options such as a power sword. Also, during the missions, Space Marine deploys an old school mechanic of weapon caches and ammo pickups you can find throughout the levels which I loved as a refreshing throwback to games of old. As I mentioned previously, the game offers three player online co-op, which is the optimal way of playing as the bots in this game are downright terrible at times! I am so glad I played with friends for the campaign.

Alongside the campaign, the game launches with two other significant game modes: Operations and Eternal War. Operations is a mission based PvE mode in which you and two other players (or bots) complete objectives that tie into the main campaign as they use similar locations and have dialogue from Titus during each mission. Coupled with operations is the ability to use the class system. There are six classes available that range from melee-focused like the Bulwark, Vanguard and Assault, to gun-focused such as the Heavy, Sniper and Tactical. These classes are fantastic and create so much replay ability for the players. Whether you want to fly around crashing down into enemies with the Assault class or mow Tyranids down with the minigun heavy class, the choice is yours. Coupled with the fact that you can fully customize both the armour and loadout for these classes, the level of choice and option for the player is staggering. The one negative I have for Operations is that there are only six missions currently, thus making missions feel stale quickly. But with the road map Saber have released, showing more for the near future, this should be quickly rectified.

The third and final mode available in Space Marine 2 is the PvP mode; Eternal War. This 6v6 online mode sports three different game modes: Annihilation, (your standard deathmatch) Seize Ground (standard domination) and Capture and Control (akin to the hardpoint modes in COD). These modes are fantastic and offer great variety to play against other players, alongside the six classes you can use. It’s just a shame that there are only currently three maps on offer for these modes. Each map reminded me of a classic Quake map in its design which I loved, but I wish there were more maps available. Gameplay wise, not much changes from the other modes apart from it can be more frenetic and frantic in a positive way. I will definitely be back for more in this mode, as balancing and optimization wise, I experienced few to no issues at all – a fantastic PvP mode.

Inter-Planetary Beauty

Let’s get this out of the way: Space Marine 2 is a graphical marvel! Environments look stunning and so detailed with each level offering huge set pieces with most emphasis being on the background environments. I have never played a game that has so much going on in its environmental storytelling; it’s fantastic! Ask my friends I played with; I talked ad nauseam about how I loved stopping and admiring events that are occurring in the distance. Swarms of enemies attacking our allies or buildings collapsing or exploding; this is a new benchmark for storytelling through set pieces and environments. Character and enemy models are superb, in particular Titus whose armour and decals look phenomenal. In addition, enemies look varied, allowing you to understand the difference in classes, whether the enemy is a melee-wielding or ranged opponent. Cutscenes are mostly in-game which look great and help raise the stakes for the characters, whilst the CG cutscenes look great and help set up the context and objectives for the missions. Character animations and executions also deserve a special mention as there are so many different executions you can perform which are brutal and bloody – it’s great! The only issues in terms of performance I experienced were failure to load into online lobbies, sometimes resulting in having to reload the game which was frustrating. There is also some minor stuttering during PvP but for the majority of the game it ran at a smooth 60fps on performance mode on PS5.

Sound design and soundtrack are also strong points for Space Marine 2. Every bullet fired feels powerful whilst the noises of flesh being cut by any of the melee weapons is disgusting as you mow down each enemy. Evading actions sound like they are a big exertion for each character and the grunts and swings during the melee combat highlight the desperation of war for these marines. War never changes. As previously mentioned, executions also sound fantastic! Alongside the wonderful sound design is the superb voice acting that is on display from the diverse cast. Whilst sometimes it feels like they’re taking themselves too seriously, they are still top notch. The soundtrack for Space Marine 2 is best described as a powerful orchestral score but it is sometimes underused. During climatic moments, the score roars like a triumphant battle cry for the players. It has this gothic Lord Of The Rings feel to it and it is amazing. I just wish the soundtrack was more consistent and memorable for me as I struggle to remember the music itself outside its orchestral highpoints. But for fans of Warhammer the score will make them feel right at home.

Verdict

Space Marine 2 is a triumphant return to this beloved chapter of the 40K franchise. Superb combat and weighty game and gun play help raise the stakes for a enjoyable if not ground-breaking story that sometimes takes itself a little bit too seriously. Great customization options and great PvE and PvP modes further this strong package that is just a blast to play. This game is not revolutionary in what it is trying to achieve and it doesn’t care. It wants you to have a good time and boy did I! Superb visuals and strong sound design and music also help you truly feel like an Ultramarine. FOR THE EMPEROR!

Review: Just Crow Things

Daniel Waite
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Review: Just Crow Things

Just Crow Things is a naughty, laugh-a-minute adventure with a destructive edge. Additionally, if you’ve played Rain on Your Parade or The Untitled Goose Game, you’ll know what to expect. This silly and chaotic affair is aimed at immature gamers that love poop jokes and slapstick humour.

This 3D semi-open-world adventure title was developed and published by Unbound Creations LLC. Like their first endeavour, Rain on Your Parade, it is a colourful, tongue-in-cheek experience that will make you smile throughout. Moreover, the story is bloody silly and the solo action is tough enough to keep you focused, but easy enough for youngsters to enjoy. This wonderful blend of mindless tasks creates a casual game that can be enjoyed repeatedly.

Just Crow Things tells a whacky tale. 

Crows are surprisingly bright. They can imitate human behaviour and an array of familiar sounds. As such, they make the ideal protagonist for a zany adventure game. Luckily, Just Crow Things doesn’t take itself too seriously. Accordingly, the creative juices are overflowing as you explore some bizarre locations. Furthermore, magic, poops, and other key elements change the way you act. 

You play the role of a young crow. This fledgling bird is destined for big things but needs to wise up first. As such, an adventure is exactly what he needs. By helping the local animals overcome their Hooman invaders, this would-be hero enhances his reputation amongst his peers. Though the plot is amusing, it plays second fiddle to the silly shenanigans. As such, you’ll laugh as you attack every human and complete an array of whacky quests. 

Excellent gameplay.

I’m a bit of a sucker for stupid games. The idea of smacking people with brooms or pooping on cars tickles me. What’s more, if you can add some exciting but mindless quests, I’m all over it like a rash. Luckily, Just Crow Things ticks each of these boxes. Every level has a set number of points that must be achieved before progressing. Points are earned by helping the local animals with each task. Whether you steal jewels, complete races, or destroy buildings, you will leave a wake of havoc and destruction in your path.

As the animals are assisted, they will reward you for your hard work. There are a handful of main quests to complete and plenty of side quests to overcome. Furthermore, you must complete a couple of races per stage to prove your worth. None of these tests is challenging, but it is the mindless and often destructive action that makes this so enjoyable. Moreover, the silly text and hatred towards humans will make you laugh. 

Though the gameplay is repetitive, I didn’t mind. Each small area can be explored freely and this gives you some power over what you are doing. Additionally, if you gather enough points, you can move to the next stage and return whenever you like. This non-linear design was great and it’ll be attractive to younger gamers or people with short attention spans. 

Just Crow Things is an explosion of colour.

The gameplay may be exceptionally silly, but the graphics were fantastic. The level of detail in each of the 10 stages was great. Additionally, the layers of colour and the different interactive objects were amazing. As you flap across each level you must avoid location-specific obstacles. Though this wasn’t a challenge, it adds another layer of crazy depth. What’s more, the animation was great and I had no issues exploring each lively location.

The whimsy soundtrack will make you smile. The upbeat songs complement the weird sound effects. I adored the sound of soaring above screaming humans. Strangely enough, a bird poop that sets them on fire causes them to panic and scream. Alongside this, you’ll chuckle as you endure the sound of a broom smashing your wings or the honk of an annoyed driver. 

Excellent controls. 

Just Crow Things is great to play! The controls are tight and soaring and swooping were a joy to experience. Additionally, grabbing usable items or stealing objects was a cinch. Upsetting the locals by throwing chairs, tables, and other items everywhere is mindless but hilarious.

The developers have chucked in some customisation options to enhance longevity. As you complete each stage, you unlock special hats. These colourful objects are not essential, but who doesn’t want a crow who wears antlers? More items and hats can be found as you explore the overworld map. Consequently, explore every nook and cranny if you wish to find every collectable.

Just Crow Things is wonderfully immature. 

Being a pain in the arse and annoying the locals should be banned. However, Just Crow Things is too much fun and too juvenile to let this concern you. The mindless action is a little repetitive, but I didn’t care. I adored the childish humour and the never-ending poop. What’s more, the slightly challenging races upped the ante enough to hold my attention. Subsequently, I love this silly endeavour and I recommend buying it here! Can you prove your worth and become the alpha crow? Explore the world, collect every shiny item, and annoy the Hoomans.

Review: Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster

Dawid Wisniewski
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Review: Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster

Dead Rising: Deluxe Remaster delivers an impressive modernization of the beloved 2006 classic, offering both nostalgia and improved gameplay for new and returning players. The remaster keeps the chaotic, sandbox zombie action intact while updating visuals, controls, and quality-of-life features that make it more accessible and enjoyable in 2024.

Great excuse to dig back into the franchise.

At the heart of Dead Rising remains the quirky protagonist, Frank West, a photojournalist trapped in the Willamette Mall during a zombie outbreak. The original game was known for its unique gameplay loop, where players had to manage time, complete story missions, and handle various side quests in a constantly ticking clock scenario. This core mechanic remains unchanged but refined for modern audiences. In Dead Rising: Deluxe Remaster, players still navigate the mall, using anything they can find—from shopping carts to chainsaws—as weapons to survive waves of undead while uncovering the truth behind the outbreak.

One of the most noticeable changes is the graphical overhaul. Using Capcom’s RE Engine, the game now runs smoothly at higher resolutions with a steady frame rate. The mall environments are more detailed, and the sheer number of zombies on-screen at any time has been increased, creating a sense of overwhelming chaos. However, this boost in zombie population can occasionally feel excessive, as new hordes respawn too quickly, dampening the satisfaction of clearing an area.

Just as I remembered it, almost.

Another significant improvement is the control scheme, which has been modernized. Gone are the clunky, outdated controls of the original; Deluxe Remaster introduces more intuitive button mapping and smoother character movement. Frank’s dodge roll, for example, can now be performed with a single button press, which enhances fluidity during combat. This makes the gameplay experience much more accessible for newcomers while maintaining the game’s signature challenge​.

One of the original game’s most frustrating aspects—the terrible survivor AI—has also been revamped. In the original, escorting survivors often felt like babysitting, as they would constantly get stuck or fail to defend themselves. The remaster fixes this with smarter AI, making survivors more responsive and able to navigate through hordes of zombies effectively. This overhaul alleviates much of the frustration while still maintaining the tension of trying to save multiple people at once.

Additionally, Dead Rising: Deluxe Remaster introduces an auto-save system, which helps reduce the punishing nature of the original game. Players no longer need to worry about manually saving at bathrooms or losing hours of progress due to one fatal mistake. This small but crucial change makes the experience more forgiving without reducing the overall challenge​.

Hopefully it means Dead Rising is coming back.

However, not all changes are universally appreciated. Some long-time fans have noted alterations to character appearances and voice acting, including Frank West’s design and voice, which differ from the original game. While these changes don’t break the experience, they are seen as unnecessary and might feel jarring to fans who were attached to the original versions​.

Ultimately, Dead Rising: Deluxe Remaster strikes a delicate balance between maintaining the spirit of the original and introducing modern updates that make it more playable today. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, this remaster offers a thrilling and chaotic zombie-slaying experience that proves why Dead Rising remains a standout in Capcom’s catalogue.

Review: Master Blaster

Saim Khurshid
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Review: Master Blaster

Developed and published by Lost Cabinet Games, Master Blaster is an Air Hockey based 3D Arcade Puck- shooter with a lot of flashy lights and gameplay choices.

A good idea is like a stomach ache. Whether you got diarrhoea or just trapped gas, most of the time it’s nothing to worry about. So that is my opening impression of Master Blaster, a pain in the abdomen.

Pucks ahoy!

An Air Hockey based Shooter! From the very utterance of that statement is enough to catch the attention of steam scrollers. Sadly, it’s too good to be true.

While yes, we are playing on an Air Hockey table and our choice of weapon is air-hockey pucks, the implementation of this gameplay mechanic is poor at best.

Let me explain.

When a round starts, you’re positioned in front of an enemy who immediately begins launching pucks at you. Your objective is simple but frustrating: you must either deflect their incoming pucks or aim to hit them directly with your own shots. The round drags on until one of you finally runs out of health. 

You control your aim by moving an arrow left or right from the centre of your side. Unfortunately, said arrow moves slower than a snail with arthritis. On top of that, your shots are also sluggish, only launching one at a time. Each puck explodes on impact, and you can’t fire again until the previous one has finished exploding.

As you can tell, the pacing of these matches is slow, and the lack of variety in how you can approach the enemy makes the gameplay feel repetitive long before a winner is declared.

The game gives you special shots and other slight upgrades as you play. However nothing brings about enough change for this extremely monotone system to be any fun.

Rounds seem to end before they even begin and if you are doing good and win, they feel pointless and without any real fun reward.

Master Blaster

The game comes with two modes. An infinite Mode where you fight till you lose and a story mode where you fight till you lose.

I am not going to write any detailed description of it and not because I am trying to avoid spoilers. It is because I don’t want to be reminded of my time playing.

Imagine going through enemy after enemy, getting one look at their actually well designed models and then returning to the same slog of the game play all over again.

Maybe if I am feeling very generous, I can say that the one thing this game gets right is the looks. The Table, the enemies and the location really capture the eyes. 

It might just be the lighting doing all the talking, but I’d still suggest giving these games a try; if only to appreciate the models and animations. Those are some pretty pucks!

There’s no denying that this is the only part of Master Blaster where the developers seemed to put any real effort or care. You might not get much out of the gameplay, but at least you can admire the visual flair.

Yeah, Whatever!

Master Blaster should’ve been a quirky, fun arcade shooter with an air hockey twist. Instead, it’s a slow, lifeless slog that you’ll struggle to remember after 10 minutes of playtime. Even the ‘flashy lights’ couldn’t swerve me into any kind of enjoyment.

The looks are nice and the models really deserve another look but that can be achieved via the Steam page. 

So unless you’re a fan of torturing yourself with repetitive, uninspired puck mechanics, I’d recommend saving your money and your sanity. This one’s not just a blaster; it’s a complete bust.

Review: The Star Named EOS

Daniel Waite
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Review: The Star Named EOS

The Star Named EOS is a touching game highlighting life’s fleeting moments. This slow-paced affair tests your mind and emotions as you work through each key moment. The first-person perspective generates an immersive feeling that highlights the personal edge. Alongside this, the fantastic writing and rich colour palette are captivating and melancholy.

This adventure puzzle title was developed by Silver Lining Studio and published by PLAYISM. Moreover, it is a single-player experience that follows a tight narrative. As such, if you enjoy the freedom of an open world, or you do not enjoy slow and methodical games, this won’t be for you. However, if you love emotional-laced undertones and a challenging core, you will cherish every moment.

The Star Named EOS sucks you in. 

Family and the moments we spend together mean a lot to me. Accordingly, I fell for The Star Named EOS immediately. This incredible family-focused idea follows the path of a girl who wishes to recreate precious family memories. Yet, these photos and their key elements are locked behind puzzles. Accordingly, you must think logically if you wish to succeed.

Photography has been a massive part of the girl’s life. Her mother was obsessed and this passion flows through the protagonist. Consequently, whenever she is feeling low or wishes to remember key moments, she always turns to her photos and the wonderful memories they stir. Yet, whenever she tries to recreate each image, it is easier said than done. Ripped pages, combination locks, and hidden items stand between you and every solution.

Challenging but balanced problems. 

The Star Named EOS explores 8 unique locations. Each area has a special meaning to the protagonist and the wonderful script highlights each emotional connection. As you navigate each arena from a fixed location you find photos and memorable items. Additionally, there are clues to discover and plenty of items to store in your inventory.

Each puzzle demands a methodical mindset. Whether you are unlocking codes, piecing together ripped pages, or inserting found items, you must tackle each problem. Alongside this, you must find items that appear in the chapter photograph. This is the key objective and you cannot progress otherwise. Though this sounds restrictive, I adored the structured approach and testing puzzles. 

The Star Named EOS looks great.

Though each arena is small and there are limited things to interact with, the world is vibrant and unique. This approach was phenomenal as it prevented the gameplay from becoming mundane. Furthermore, the interesting photographs and the links between the girl and her family were fascinating. Alongside this, I loved how the puzzles evolved and the attention to detail. Subsequently, if you can pick out each tiny clue and piece together the information, this will be right up your street. 

The audio made my skin tingle. The wholesome soundtrack complements the excellent acting. Moreover, the storytelling is short but wonderfully delivered. There is an overwhelming sense of emotion that is heartfelt and captivating. Accordingly, you’d have to be a monster not to fall for its charms. 

Slow and deliberate controls. 

Exploring every angle of each area takes time. The slow-moving cursor lets you painstakingly move from each interactive point. Additionally, taking items from your inventory can be somewhat cumbersome. Yet, it matters not as it doesn’t detract from the gameplay. Once you understand the limitations, you work with them as you turn dials and twist puzzle pieces. 

The Star Named EOS has its limitations. Unfortunately, there is limited replay value or longevity. Thankfully, the 8 stages and overwhelmingly brilliant melancholy plot keep you hooked from beginning to end. However, once you complete this, there is little reason to return. 

The Star Named EOS is a short but exceptional indie game. 

I adored every heartwarming moment. Yet, I was left wanting as the action is over long before it outstays its welcome. Moreover, the puzzles are tricky but balanced and each arena is fascinating to explore. Accordingly, this is an exceptional indie game, and I recommend buying it here! Can you explore the story and connect the pieces? Navigate each arena, listen to the stories, and follow in your mum’s footsteps.

Review: Perennial Order

Daniel Waite
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Review: Perennial Order

Perennial Order is a cruel and melancholy affair jam-packed with captivating lore. Furthermore, it has an all-consuming claustrophobic edge. This mixture of uncomfortable environments and spectacular storytelling has you hooked immediately. However, the unfair and never-ending boss battles will test even the most battle-hardened veterans.

This plant-based horror souls-like was developed by Gardenfiend Games and published by SOEDESCO. Furthermore, it is a single-player or cooperative title that will make you scream over and over and over again. Yet, it is this bullish and brutal approach that makes it spectacularly addictive. Additionally, the sense of reward when you finally overcome your adversaries is euphoric.

Perennial Order highlights an epic battle. 

Man Vs. environment is something that we are all familiar with. At every opportunity, we decimate every tree, plant, and living thing in our path. However, the plants are fed up and they are fighting back. Consequently, humanity is on the brink and the titular knight must lead this final charge to restore order between man and plant.

The Monarch Mother reanimates your broken soul into a mutated Perennial knight. This half-plant half-human hodgepodge is remarkably nimble, but horribly vulnerable as well. Though they may be a deadly killing machine, their fragile body only takes one hit. Subsequently, the stomp of a foot or the slash of a blade is enough to end your life. It is this vulnerability that keeps you on your toes and makes you scream like a banshee throughout.

Exceptional gameplay. 

This love letter to Dark Souls and Hollow Knights is borderline unfair. Yet, if you can master each pattern of the bosses that you encounter, you’ll enjoy a phenomenal and rewarding boss rush experience. It isn’t this endorphin-inducing action that stands out, though. No, it is the wonderful, albeit linear adventure and the beautifully punctuated lore that makes Perennial Order special and spectacular.

NPCs are dotted around the world and are more than happy to burden you with their stories. These poetic encounters are strange but interesting. The bitty lore moments take some piecing together, but with a little effort, you soon understand what has happened and why you are bringing peace to a plant-based apocalyptic world.

The Birchwood stinger and your instincts.

The hero has a Birchwood stinger infused into their arm. This razor-sharp weapon slashes and thrusts each boss like a rapier. Furthermore, they can time a perfect attack by filling an action bar. Though this was undeniably simple, it helps when you are mastering every hellish boss attack pattern. The stinger has a full 360° range that is controlled via an analogue stick. This accurate and responsive approach keeps you in tune with the hero whilst helping you find the balance to complete each encounter.

Alongside your weapon are 3 wisps that represent a form of stamina. As you dash, you use a wisp’s power. They quickly replenish, but you must be mindful not to leave yourself exposed by dashing and dodging unnecessarily. This was great as it added another tactical layer that prevented hack-and-slash action from creeping in. Thankfully, you can unlock instincts that improve the efficiency of your wisps to improve your chances. 

The instincts form the basis of your ability tree. Each instinct enhances your character and changes your play style. Furthermore, they consume memory slots so your initial build is limited. However, as you explore or complete challenges, you can increase your memory slots and the abilities of the hero. This was a great way to balance the challenging action without removing too many souls-like touches.

Perennial Order looks incredible. 

I haven’t touched upon the hulking beasts or the deadly nature of the surrounding world. Perennial Order does a fantastic job of creating unique and hideous monsters. Moreover, the hero has a twisted aesthetic that is strangely alluring. The half-plant, half-skeletal human finish is grim to the eye. However, it is nothing compared with the bosses you fight. These huge entities leap, stomp, and squelch across their lairs.

The attack patterns are often challenging to memorise, but the developers have made each movement clear and this was appreciated. Before every attack or traversal section is a telltale sign. Though it may not be obvious at first, a keen eye will spot the clues. Between each boss encounter you must explore a grim and claustrophobic world. The overbearing plants encroach upon your path and avoiding them is essential. The spiky tendrils will cut you down in a heartbeat. As such, you must remain alert even when you are not tackling a boss.

The atmosphere is enhanced by the incredible audio. The soundtrack has a daunting and sinister edge that highlights your impending doom. Like the surrounding world, there are few glimpses of hope. Accordingly, you must endure each melancholy track as you traverse the uncomfortable world. The sound effects enhance the brilliant soundscape with their crunching edge. The slash of your sword and the whoosh of your feeble body as you dash were fantastic.

Excellent controls. 

Though the world can be challenging to navigate, the top-down perspective and the excellent controls keep you on track. Additionally, there is a pleasant learning curve and a thorough tutorial to get you started. This was amazing as the first few bosses felt accessible and easy to overcome. However, as I quickly discovered, this sense of simplicity was short-lived and every boss quickly kicked my ass. 

The boss rush mode and cooperative action enhance both replay value and longevity. Though I spent a lot of time playing this alone, I enjoyed the smooth nature of the cooperative action. If you are a perfectionist, Perennial Order will push you to your limits. The one-strike-and-dead rule is unbelievably tough to swallow and an unbeaten run against each boss will be a remarkable feat.

Perennial Order is a top game from a tiny team. 

Creating a game in this harrowing genre is no mean feat. Getting everything right is challenging as its fan base knows what they want. Thankfully, Perennial Order gets its approach just right. The vulnerable hero must use their new abilities to overcome their weaknesses. Furthermore, avoiding deadly plants and other obstacles in a harsh environment will push you to the edge. The boss battles are tough but fair and the drip-fed lore is interesting and captivating. Accordingly, I love it and I recommend buying it here! Are you tough enough to complete your task? Study your foes, master your abilities, and bring peace and order to a broken world.

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