Events

Review: Raging Loop

Sam Butler

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Sep 18, 2024

For fans of visual novels and social deduction games, Raging Loop is an intriguing option. You play Haruaki Fusaishi, a college student who ends up in a town called Yasumizu. It’s a game with interesting characters and multiple endings that make you want to play it repeatedly.

A Long Night Out

Following the break-up with a girlfriend, you follow Haruaki Fusaishi as he journeys into the mountains. However, he finds himself lost at night and looks for a place to stay. After a weird interaction with a convenience store worker, he finds himself lost deep in the forest. A woman named Chiemi Serizawa rescues him and lets him stay at her place. The next day they wake up and soon Haruaki realizes the place he walked into is strange. He tries to leave the village several times, only to be thwarted at every opportunity.

Suddenly, a strange mist creeps into the village, and everyone starts to panic. Haruaki hides, only to hear noises outside. Once he runs outside, he is killed by a werewolf. At this point, the game lets you pick different paths to see what happens if you stay hiding. Haruaki retains previous knowledge about how he died and everything leading up to that event. After surviving the night, you learn about the werewolves. You learn about something called the Feast of the Yomi-Purge. Two werewolves are selected to kill everyone in the village before they are taken out by the humans.

Isn’t That Just Werewolf?

Just like in Werewolf, there are specialty roles that can help protect other humans and figure out who the werewolves are. I think the thing that frustrated me the most about the first part of the game is that you are a background character, just watching helplessly as a werewolf game is going on, and you can’t participate or make choices that impact the story. You find out about the different roles in the game. There is the snake, which can investigate who is human and who the werewolves are. Two monkeys who know who the other monkey is and can out each other to confirm they are human. The spider acts as a medic and can protect a werewolf from killing someone for a night.

This frustration continued until the end of the first ending. Each time you complete an ending of the game, good or bad, you get a key that unlocks a different choice at certain points in the story. After reaching the game’s first ending, the game loops you back to the beginning with more dialogue options. Still, Harukai retained the knowledge from the first ending. What I enjoyed about this game is that it subverts my expectations often You go into a new playthrough expecting one thing and you end up with a completely different story. I had one complaint about the game, and it was the pacing. The first playthrough was rough to get through, and not being able to make fun choices slowed down the experience for me.

The Wolf Among Us

Raging Loop is a visual novel game that brings you into a village in the middle of a game of Werewolf. However, there are actual wolves and people die. The unfortunate part about this game is that it took a while before I felt like I was having fun. Watching NPCs play a game of werewolf isn’t the most fun start to the game, but once you can impact how the werewolf games play out, I felt myself become a lot more invested. The characters are interesting, and the different branching paths encourage you to go back and play through the game over and over again. Visual novel fans looking for a fun story with multiple endings and a social deduction game should check out Raging Loop.

Review: Operator 112

Daniel Waite

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Sep 17, 2024

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Operator 112 is the sequel to the popular and award-winning Operator 911. However, this beefy new kid on the block is bigger and more demanding in practically every way. It has retained many of the original mechanics though. Consequently, you’ll feel right at home if you have played its predecessor.

This real-life simulation title was developed by Jutsu Games and published by Ultimate Games. Moreover, it is a single-player experience that offers a career mode, a scenario selector, and a sandbox option. As such, you can stick to the rigid path set by the developers or experiment and make each run as simple or challenging as you like.

Operator 112 is tense and dramatic.

I’ve long thought that being a forces call handler would be a tough job. There is pressure, time restraints, and ridiculous prank calls to deal with. On top of this, they must organise crews from large areas to overcome any issues that arise. I was amazed that Operator 112 captures this tense and dramatic feeling in its gameplay.

You play the role of a call operator. In front of you is a 2D map of your region. This map can be huge and the number of forces at your disposal varies. However, what remains the same is the never-ending problems you must solve. Fires, trapped individuals, drug deals, robbery, and more must be handled correctly. Alongside this, you are peppered with emergency calls and the issues they create.

Surprisingly challenging.

The developer has done a great job of building you up before knocking you down! The opening elements are complicated but manageable. Furthermore, you have basic units to contend with and no weather fronts to avoid. However, this quickly changes as wind, rain, and traffic play a major part in your demise.

As incidents come to your attention, you must select the relevant emergency service to attend. Occasionally, a large fire, RTC, or robbery will require multiple units. Alongside this, your vehicles must navigate winding roads filled with traffic. Accordingly, you must select the nearest units without reducing coverage across the region. This tactical element was great, but there was a sense of luck as well.

Weather and emergency calls.

The RNG approach may drive you insane, but the weather issues will push you over the edge. When bad weather hits, certain vehicles cannot be used. This paralyses your workforce and spreads your resources even thinner. This idea makes a tough situation a little bit harder. If you then consider high winds and sprawling fires, each emergency can evolve at an alarming pace. This dynamic system makes Operator 112 a tough but moreish experience.

My favourite aspect of this game was the emergency calls. The voice acting was occasionally poor, but the content was fantastic. As the discussion unfolds, you are responsible for deciding if it is a prank or if the person needs assistance. Additionally, you need to use correct questioning to prise information out of any non-compliant callers. It wasn’t complicated, but it added a spectacular and interesting layer of depth.

Operator 112 has a refined style.

Mainly, the action plays out from a 2D map. This may seem like a boring decision, but it wasn’t. This approach made it easier to navigate the upcoming incidents. Furthermore, as your regions expand, you can keep on top of your units and the action that unfolds. The use of vivid colours and familiar tones was helpful as you send the police to a job, a blue line indicates their path. Alternatively, red is for fire, and white is for ambulance. This was brilliantly simple and helped manage the madness that unfolded.

The audio complements the visuals. The design is refined, but it boosts tension and the dramatic atmosphere. Each siren and crackle of a radio has an authentic edge that keeps you hooked. What’s more, the excellent emergency calls are brilliantly paced and great to listen to. Though Operator 112 doesn’t do anything spectacular, aesthetically, it is very pleasing.

The controls were frustrating.

The developers had done their best with the control system. The opening chapters act as a tutorial and there is a gentle learning curve. Yet, I believe that this would be better with a mouse and keyboard. Trying to flit between units and navigating the large map was occasionally tough. This came to the fore whenever the shit hit the fan! With loads of incidents kicking off and minimal units, it was frustrating when the controls let you down.

I enjoyed Operator 112, but I’m not sure if I want to keep playing it. The action ramps up and managing each chapter becomes increasingly difficult. However, the developer incorporated career points and an impressive array of custom settings to draw you back in. The career points are used to expand the world map and give you new areas to test your skills. If I do return, it’ll be on a casual basis in the sandbox mode.

Operator 112 was tough but enjoyable.

Operator 112 impressed me. Its simple ideas and dramatic edge kept me on my toes. Moreover, the emergency calls are great and there is a sense of realism. However, the poor controls and maddening action will put off plenty of gamers. Accordingly, despite these complaints, I like it and I recommend buying it here! Can you help each vast area? Select your units, manage each situation, and save the day.

Review: Dracula Castle 5075B keyboard

Daniel Waite

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Sep 16, 2024

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The Dracula Castle 5075B keyboard from Akko is a thing of beauty. Its striking design is complemented by an array of special font keycaps. The ASA design and V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches ensure that this is a comfortable typing and gaming accessory. The proprietary plate mount stabilisers ensure that your out-of-the-box experience is second to none.

I’ve reviewed many Akko products, and I’m never disappointed. Their versatility, build quality, and quirky design make them stand out. Additionally, the high level of tech and responsive switches help you to keep ahead of your competition. However, if you do not game, fear not. The wonderfully designed keycaps are fantastic for typing and the switches and gasket mount are exceptionally comfortable to use. Accordingly, this is a wonderful keyboard if you have to work or game for any length of time.

What’s in the box of the Dracula Castle 5075B keyboard?

The packaging is simple but robust. The contents are well packaged and everything can be recycled.
The Dracula Castle 5075B keyboard is a small-form device. This compact design is perfect for tiny workstations.
A keycap puller and switch tool are provided.
Use the unique keycaps to express your creative side.
Miscellaneous stabilisers.
A USB-C cable to charge and power the keyboard.
Connect wirelessly with the USB-A dongle.
Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

Akko has pushed the boat out with this device. The 3 connectivity options create a user-friendly keyboard that will impress the toughest critics. The low-latency connection is perfect for gamers. What’s more, the lack of cabling will appease OCD workers who require a spotless desk. The handy built-in lighting highlights your battery capacity to ensure you never run out of juice.

The Dracula Castle 5075B keyboard has NKRO functionality. N-key rollover is essential for the optimum typing experience. Older devices may miss key inputs or respond slowly to your command. Thankfully, the NKRO removes this problem to ensure that you get 100% accuracy on every keystroke.

Finally, no one wants to play with settings when they are in the middle of a battle. Luckily, the handy rotary knob allows you to adjust the volume and the brightness of the RGB. Though this isn’t essential, the tactile button was useful and convenient.

Build quality.

Every layer of this accessory is incredible. The black livery is complemented by the striking keycaps. Furthermore, the special font options add a juxtaposing layer that catches your eye. The ASA keycaps may not be your go-to choice, but I found them to be accurate and pleasant to use. During the heat of battle, my fingers found the middle of each key with ease and I have no complaints.

This keyboard has the option of 3 switches. I’m using the yellow linear ones as I find the travel and actuation distance to be perfectly balanced. Moreover, they are ridiculously responsive and this makes typing just that little bit easier. Thanks to the 5-pin hot-swappable approach, you can chop and change your layout without soldering. This was great as it allowed newbies to customise their products with little expertise.

I hate it when your keycaps become shiny and the fonts begin to fade. Luckily, this keyboard has PBT double-shot keycaps to remove that issue. Yes, they are still prone to scratching, but they are hardwearing during general use. My advice is to take your time when removing the keycaps. If you do this, you will not scratch the finish as you adjust your switches.

Is the Dracula Castle 5075B keyboard worth it?

Akko has a strong fan base that is obsessed with its high-quality and impressive products. The Dracula Castle 5075B keyboard will appease this group of gamers and office workers. The keycaps are hard-wearing and great to look at. Additionally, the media and lighting knob create a user-friendly edge that was appreciated. Alongside this, the NKRO functionality was responsive and a game-changer when typing or playing your favourite FPS. Therefore, it is a no-brainer and I recommend buying it here!

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

The Dracula Castle 5075B keyboard has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: Garden Witch Life

Daniel Waite

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Sep 15, 2024

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Garden Witch Life is a cosy, slow-paced affair that utilises every genre trope. This may sound like it lacks originality and could be low on energy. However, this isn’t the case. The fun-filled fantasy world has a wholesome edge that will make you smile. Moreover, the missions are simple to understand and I loved the rudimentary approach. Yet, the developer has incorporated plenty of secret twists and turns to keep you on your toes. This was great as it prevented things from getting stale.

This fantasy life sim was developed by FreetimeStudio and published by SOEDESCO. What’s more, it is a single-player experience set in a 3D semi-open world. Accordingly, you are free to explore as you wish, but certain progression elements prevent you from discovering everything at once. This was fantastic as it kept you busy while stopping you from steam-rolling ahead.

Garden Witch Life tells a familiar tale.

This genre has a desperate edge where failure quickly turns to success. Garden Witch Life utilises this design in everything it does. Consequently, if you’ve played this genre to death, there won’t be any curveballs. However, if you are new to things, or you are a bit of a Jack of all trades, you’ll adore the whimsy charms.

You take the role of a down-on-her-luck alchemist who has recently been sacked. With the weight of the world on her shoulders, she doesn’t wish to return home a failure. Yet, her fortunes change when she stops at a little island. The locals need her help and the sense of community is missing. By working together, and completing quests, the would-be witch can find herself a new home and help those around her.

This isn’t the most original plot I’ve experienced, but I loved the characters you encounter and how well the action unfolds. Furthermore, the tasks were enjoyable and exploring the small but interesting world was rarely dull.

A comfortable gameplay loop.

Like its peers, Garden Witch Life demands that you farm, mine, and clean up your surroundings. The hero is given an abandoned house, and they must remove the clutter and decorate it to their liking. Along the way, you are asked to plant crops and remove any negative objects. Moreover, you’ll discover hidden areas and an array of chests to open.

As discoveries are made, you’ll unlock new recipes and ways to create items. Additionally, there is a gradual tool progression system to keep things balanced. This element was the slowest part of the core gameplay and may frustrate you. Money isn’t easy to come by, so getting the best tools to increase your revenue was a bit of a slog. However, once you open up the mine and discover secret resources, things get easier.

On top of this, you’ll find animals to pet and admire. Though this wasn’t essential, I enjoyed it regardless. The interaction with your fellow villagers wasn’t always necessary either. Yet, if you help them out, you are occasionally rewarded with seeds, food, or cash. Subsequently, keeping an eye on your neighbours and spending time with them had its rewards.

Do as much or as little as you want.

The hero has limited stamina and their days are short. As such, you must try to fit plenty of energy-sapping jobs into a small window. Now, this may seem stressful, but it wasn’t. Instead, there are no demands on your time. You may do as much or as little as you like. If you wish to spend a day in the village relaxing, you can. Alternatively, maybe you want to pick weeds and cook food. Either way, you are in charge of how productive you wish to be.

Garden Witch Life is vibrant and pleasant to look at.

The developer has gone all out on the OTT colour. The vibrancy is eye-catching, and I loved the use of light and shadow. What’s more, the fantasy edge has a slightly futuristic design. Accordingly, it was strange but interesting. Though Garden Witch Life was great to look at, I discovered some visual glitches along the way. The mine was the worst culprit, as I fell through the world and was stuck underwater for ages. Thankfully, the character reset setting overcame this silly and unfortunate problem.

The audio is somewhat subdued by comparison. The calm soundtrack allows the wholesome action to take centre stage. Moreover, the realistic sound effects are suitable for every tool you wield. This was pleasant but not mind-blowing. I prefer this approach rather than something that exploits the magical edge.

Tight controls.

Garden Witch Life can be played with a controller or mouse and keyboard. I tested the latter and found the interface to be easy to understand. What’s more, the key bindings are refined and this prevents things from becoming complicated. Though I didn’t try a gamepad, I can imagine it would be responsive and easy to use.

The action focuses on a calm and slow process. Progress can be tricky, but it was rarely tiresome. Additionally, the exploration elements were enjoyable whilst dipping into the fantasy realm. Consequently, there is plenty of replay value if you love a peaceful existence.

Garden Witch Life is a pleasant experience.

The developer has done a great job with this game. The action is easy to follow, and you never feel out of your depth. Moreover, I loved the character interactions and the enjoyable quests. On top of this, the freedom to plant crops and explore the world rarely outstayed its welcome. Accordingly, it is a pleasant game and I recommend buying it here! Can you make the strange island your home? Do up your house, grow some crops, and help the locals.

Review: Squad 44

Saim Khurshid

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Sep 15, 2024

0

Squad 44 is a WW2-based online multiplayer tactical first-person shooter focusing on historical accuracy and realistic War strategies.

Many games these days claim that they are real war simulators, but very few get the idea across. Now, I am no World War veteran, but I’d wager that having the fear of god in your heart is one of the things you need to get across.

Short of my PC placing a gun to my head, Squad 44 comes really close to capturing the easily marketable real-life tragedy known as World War 2.

A Gameplay of War

What sets Squad 44 apart is its gritty, realism-heavy FPS gameplay. Victory depends heavily on team communication and tactical coordination.

Each player assumes a specific role—Rifleman, Machine Gunner, or Medic, among others.

These roles demand distinct playstyles, and the balance between them is key to your team’s success. I gravitated toward the Rifleman class, which offered flexibility in battle, but I also enjoyed playing as a Grenadier, strategically lobbing grenades to disrupt enemy formations. Unlike many shooters, this isn’t a run-and-gun affair.

Instead, Squad 44 requires strategic positioning and coordinated attacks. It can be unforgiving, but that only adds to the appeal of this online multiplayer WWII FPS.

I’ll be honest, this was more fun than the latest COD instalment. (I will not specify which one so this remains relevant for the future. Unless Activision releases a game of the year contender. In that case, ignore what is in this bracket.)

Historically accurate War

From Operation Market Garden to the Battle of Rethymno, Squad 44 immerses players in these well-documented WWII events, with vast, accurately designed battlefields and dynamic objectives.

The chaotic nature of these encounters—fighting for control of strategic locations like bridges or pushing through enemy defences—brings to life the harrowing unpredictability of war. Fans of history will appreciate the attention to detail, but be prepared for a steep learning curve as you navigate these complex, large-scale conflicts.

Decent choice

While the lack of extensive loadout customization might disappoint some players, Squad 44’s focus on historical accuracy justifies this design choice.

However, this design decision is driven by a commitment to historical accuracy, which plays a crucial role in shaping the game’s overall experience.

The game opts for preset load-outs that are faithful to the weapons, gear, and tools that actual soldiers would have had access to during World War II. This approach not only enhances the sense of realism but also creates a more immersive and authentic experience for players who appreciate historically grounded gameplay.

This not only adds to the realism but also forces players to adapt their strategies based on the available tools. Though I occasionally longed for more variety, the game’s tactical depth and the reliance on teamwork more than made up for it.

Though I sometimes found myself wishing for more variety in my loadout to suit my personal playstyle, the game’s reliance on teamwork and tactical planning more than compensated for this limitation. The need to work together as a squad, with each player having a distinct role based on their loadout, made battles feel more dynamic and meaningful.

In some ways, the restrictions on customization helped elevate the importance of communication and coordination within the team.

War is Cool! (I guess)

Squad 44 is an immersive and intense online multiplayer WWII FPS that excels in delivering historical accuracy and tactical gameplay.

While performance issues and a steep learning curve may frustrate new players, the game’s commitment to realism and squad-based coordination offers a deeply rewarding experience for those willing to invest time.

Despite it not being my cup of tea, Squad 44 looks promising, especially with recent updates and continued support from the developers. If you’re a fan of online multiplayer tactical FPS and WWII history, Squad 44 is worth your time.

Review: Ember Knights

Daniel Waite

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Sep 14, 2024

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Ember Knights tries to break into a saturated marketplace filled with incredible indie titles. Games like Hades rule the roost, and it takes a lot to knock the behemoth games from their perch. Thankfully, I think this occasionally cruel experience has enough about it to contend with the big boys. Furthermore, it offers enough variety and some unique elements to generate originality. As such, genre veterans will get their fill whilst seeing something new.

This rogue-like game was developed by Doom Turtle and published by Twin Sails Interactive. Moreover, it is a solo or up to 4-player cooperative endeavour that plays out from an isometric viewpoint. It follows standard genre practices and demands that you flit from room to room killing everything in sight. There are 5 worlds to complete and a sub-boss and main boss per world to destroy. Additionally, every playthrough is unique and there are almost limitless character builds to test out.

Ember Knights has a limited plot.

Unlike Hades, Ember Knights has a pretty weak and standard story. I’d say this is the weakest element and lore-loving gamers will be disappointed by the development team’s lack of originality and effort. This isn’t to say that you won’t enjoy the paper-thin plot, it simply doesn’t have the wow factor of its big-name competitors.

You control a group of Ember Knights who must stop the evil Praxis. He has ripped a dimensional hole in reality and this wreaks havoc with normality. As such, you must dive into the newfound dimension and defeat Praxis to right the wrongs. Strangely, in genre tradition, death somehow eliminates your progress, and you respawn at a safe location. This haven is your go-to spot for new gear and upgraded equipment. Accordingly, failure is both a blessing and a curse.

Plenty of gear.

Each run allows you the choice of 1 weapon, 2 abilities, and a handful of upgrades in the form of relics. Additionally, as you move from room to room, you’ll see the reward for killing every enemy. Consequently, you can plan the character build that benefits that particular run. Whether you wish to create a tank that is capable of absorbing every hit, or a magical entity hell-bent on inflicting elemental damage, the choice is yours.

Skills/abilities allow you a two-tier system of tackling your foes. Each special attack has a cool down that is replenished as you slash your weapon or fire a bow. The standard blast is impressive and can be a game-changer. However, the charged attack is the real head-turner. This powerful blast has an associated additional benefit that causes all sorts of problems. When this is combined with your unlocked relics, you get a real mishmash of skills and power that changes the way you play.

Upgrades.

As you die, you are awarded embers as the progression currency. These are essential to improve your chances of survival. Moreover, each run will be easier, and you’ll earn more embers as a consequence. As such, it is a grind loop that rogue-like fans will be all too familiar with.

The skill tree is unique in the way that each segment comes in groups of 2 or 3! You are free to select 1 from each category to aid you on your adventure. Whether you pick something to increase or regen your health or select a damage bonus, it is up to you. However, you must remember how the skills impact your relics and temporary abilities during each run. If you can marry each element, you’ll have a ridiculously powerful build that makes Ember Knights a joy to play.

Ember Knights looks fantastic.

Ember Knights benefits from its small arena approach. The compact level design flits from an array of unique biomes with an ever-growing roster of monsters. This fresh style prevents the action from feeling flat and the hectic action benefits accordingly. Alongside this, the animation is wonderfully smooth and this helps you to plan. Enemies follow a familiar pattern and the developer has made it easy to understand attack patterns and areas of effect. Subsequently, navigating each tricky element is much easier. If you love unusual bosses and OTT action, then you’ll adore the art style.

The audio matches the strange fantasy theme. The upbeat soundtrack adds energy to each hack-and-slash moment. Moreover, the blend of sound effects was wonderfully simple. As you add special effects to your weapon, the noises are strange but enjoyable. What’s more, the crashing sound of every fallen foe is a sign of a job well done.

Spectacular controls.

Rogue-like games have to have fluid and easy to use controls. Many games get this wrong, and it feels like you are walking through quicksand. Thankfully, Ember Knights gets this right! The analogue movement is accurate and smooth. Additionally, the controller layout ensures that you can activate each skill and your basic attacks with ease. If you love to charge each skill, this is a straightforward task. The excellent on-screen indicators highlight each command and executing each action is a cinch. As such, newbie gamers will master the controls in no time at all.

Unsurprisingly, this oozes both replay value and longevity. Thanks to the large array of skills and weapons and the never-ending character builds, every playthrough is unusual. If you then chuck in the challenging bosses and the guarantee of death, you will be tested from the moment you switch it on.

Ember Knights is a great indie title.

This is a genre that drives people insane. The thought of losing everything is harsh and picking up the pieces is harsher still. Yet, it is this approach that demands a sense of grit and determination. That “just one more go” attitude pushes you past that last death. This is what makes the genre great, and this is what makes Ember Knights so appealing. Accordingly, I love it and I recommend buying it here! Can you stop Praxis and save the day? Choose your weapon, upgrade your knight, and enter the void.

Review: F1 Manager 2024

Daniel Waite

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Sep 13, 2024

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F1 Manager 2024 is an incremental improvement on its predecessor. Like every other yearly franchise release, you have to wade through the tried and tested elements before you come to something new and shiny. However, this sports title wears its latest feature like a medal, to buck this trend. This proud gold medal-winning Olympiad of the car racing genre thrusts its latest feature in your face immediately. This unusual approach surprised me, and I couldn’t wait to move past the familiar elements and right into the action.

This sports management title was developed and published by Frontier Developments. Moreover, it is a solo experience that relies on data, strategy, and a lot of money to succeed. On top of this, you have to nurse your staff and driver’s egos in the mentality system. I know what you are thinking, “F1 is tough enough without having to pander to every superstar’s needs!”. Well, I couldn’t agree with you more, but this fine element adds a layer of depth to an already challenging situation.

F1 Manager 2024 lets you create a dream team.

Running a prefab and famous team is all well and good. Yet, things quickly turn sour once you realise that Red Bull still rules the roost, and you are up against a losing battle. This is where the latest feature of Create a Team comes into play. Here you may select your car, choose your difficulty, and pick from a large array of drivers. Accordingly, if you wish to steal Hamilton and pair him with a relatively unknown driver, you are free to do so. Alternatively, maybe you want to bust your budget and select 2 all-star personalities. Either way, you must deal with the consequences as the season progresses.

The ability to select your backstory and your season goals was refreshing. Additionally, you must focus on how different manufacturers wish to strategise for the upcoming season. These goals must sync with your ideals, otherwise this will impact your performance and effectiveness. Moreover, you must decide how aggressive you wish to be and if you see yourself as a mid-tiered team or a frontrunner. These big calls are tough to make, but I went with the middle-of-the-road outfit with the goal of flexibility and durability over everything else.

Familiar action.

The two leading changes light the way. Yet, once you have your team set, and you understand the needs of your employees, the action unfolds much like its predecessor. As such, you’ll manage the day-to-day business whilst researching your current and future cars. This is no mean feat as money is tight and sponsors need to be appeased. Consequently, balancing your current needs with those of the following season and new regulations isn’t easy.

Alongside this, you can improve the pit crew to be the talk of the pit lane. This requires practice and a fine balance between work and play. This isn’t easy as milliseconds count and fine margins will cost you points, money, and reputation. Subsequently, you are likely to make mistakes along the way.

The old system of improving drivers through the occasional practice session has been updated. The new system allows you to send them to the lesser leagues where they can craft their trade. In theory, this can enhance a roster of would-be stars, but progress is slow, and the benefits can be tough to see for casual gamers.

Sponsorship.

The sponsor system reflects the modern nature of F1. As such, the latest update to F1 Manager 2024 is a welcome change from previous iterations. The sponsor deals are important to the day-to-day running of your team. However, there are opportunities to win extra cash if you are brave. You are teased with realistic goals and mouth-watering cash amounts. Yet, this risk v reward opportunity can be tough to balance. Furthermore, engagement activities” take a priority every 6 weeks or so. These schedule heavy activities improve your bank balance, but they affect your drivers. Accordingly, you must choose the right action for your team.

F1 Manager 2024 has a realistic edge.

Blending data-heavy interfaces with fast-paced racing isn’t easy. However, F1 Manager 2024 does a great job. The spectacular UI sifts through mountains of information with ease. Moreover, the simple-to-read font and contrasting colours can be read from a distance. On top of this, the in-race elements are surrounded by leaderboard shifts and loads of key information. However, this wasn’t distracting, and it was easy to lose yourself in the racing.

The immersive gameplay was complemented by the sound effects. The shrill noise of every car engine and the crackle of the radio were realistic. Yet, whenever you were in the HQ interface, a pleasant and non-offensive soundtrack played. This juxtaposing idea divided the action without undermining either element. This was great, as the noisy cars and constant buzzing can be overwhelming during heavy gaming sessions.

Brilliant controls.

The developer has done an amazing job with the control system. Thanks to the excellent UI, it is easy to delve through each element of the action. Moreover, you can flit between each driver, manually control elements of each race, and change the focal point at any time. If you are not familiar with the franchise, then fear not. F1 Manager 2024 does a great job of explaining the fundamentals without boring or overwhelming you.

If you love F1 and you adore games like Football Manager and other management sim titles, you will cherish every moment. With many game modes and new features, this is more than just another sequel. Instead, the improvements can be felt throughout and this makes it a great option for those wishing to try something new.

F1 Manager 2024 takes things to the next level.

Incremental yearly franchise improvements drive me mad. I hate the idea of paying decent money for a basic update. However, F1 Manager 2024 has made some massive steps forward. The opportunity to create a team of your dreams was impressive. Furthermore, the new sponsorship options and mentality system mix things up nicely. As such, I enjoyed my time with this and I recommend buying it here! Running an F1 team is a tough job. As such, you must manage the finances, tend to everyone’s needs, and beat your rivals. It isn’t easy, but if anyone can do it, you can.

Review: Sumerian Six

Josh Blackburn

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Sep 13, 2024

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I was a little worried when approaching Sumerian Six. See, me and stealth don’t really mix. It’s not quite a ‘bull in a china shop’ situation, more of an ‘octopus in a china shop’ situation. I’m not rampaging around smashing things. It’s just whenever I try and do something, it slips out of my hands and I’m left picking up the pieces; not really knowing what I’m doing. I assumed, therefore, that Sumerian Six and me wouldn’t get along. That my guys would be dead before they could slit up a single Nazi.

I was wrong. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by Sumerian Six. I think part of that is due to it dialing down its stealth elements and concentrating on the strategy ones. Think of it as an incredibly violent version of chess. Added to that is a peculiar – yet interesting – storyline with plenty of mystical elements and some nice locales to get through. The downside of this chess-like feeling, however, is that things can feel a tad too relaxed at times.

This Knife Kills Fascists

The linchpin of Sumerian Six‘s plot is a resource called ‘Geistsoff’. ‘Spirit Material’, if you’re curious about the direct translation. Ghost Goo, if you’re not. Either way, it has the potential for unlimited power. A squad of scientists tinker with it when, inevitably, it goes horribly wrong. One of the scientists, Kammler, decides to use the power for evil and starts cooking up weapons of mass destruction. Fortunately, he’s opposed by the Enigma Squad – a group of people that vow to stop him by cutting down every Nazi in their way.

It’s quite an interesting storyline, not least because Sumerian Six blends together history – World War II in this case – with sci-fi. My favourite manifestation of this is in the enemy design. We start off with basic Nazi troopers (and a smattering of heavily armoured ones), but we soon move onto teleporting skeletons and Dr. Octopus-style demon soldiers. Bit more interesting than just guys with guns. It also allows the story to get as loopy as it wants. It starts bringing in ancient Sumeria, of all things, and giant imprisoned Gods. So very loopy indeed. I love it.

This is also reflected in our characters, given that they essentially have superpowers. I want to talk a bit about who they are before we get on to that though. They’re a varied bunch. We start with a brother and sister, Sid and Isabella, but quickly expand to include a German chemist, a doctor who can become a ghost, and a man who can turn into a giant bear. Each character is very distinct, which is great, though I feel they’re a little underbaked. They mainly talk in quips, or annoyed one-liners. Hell, Sid is revealed to be a descendant of Gilgamesh (don’t ask), and reacts like he just got an unexpected bill in the post.

The Reichsadler He Conquered

Let’s move on to exploring this weirdness in gameplay terms. On the surface, it’s your standard stealth-em-up. You start at one end of a map, with set objectives to complete at the other end. The map is dotted with enemies, all of whom are better equipped than you and will turn you into a walking collander if they see you. In Sumerian Six‘s case, you need to navigate vision cones and eliminate Nazis without setting off any alarms. It’s simple at first, but gets harder when you encounter enemies that can teleport. Or that don’t take well to being stabbed.

Sumerian Six mixes things up with its supernatural skills. I’ve already mentioned the werebear, Wojtek, who can tear apart armoured enemies. Isabella, one of the first characters, can turn invisible or distract enemies. It’s these skills that turn the dial from stealth to strategy for me. When approaching an area, I can usually foresee a combination of skills that will get me through. You can even stop time and queue them up. It’s immensely satisfying to see a complex strategy played out perfectly. The levels are designed to make use of all available characters and offer different routes through them, which is great.

That said, some of the skills do make things a bit too easy. Rosa, a German chemist with a love of caustic chemicals, can dissolve enemies with her basic melee attack. Siegfried, who pops in around the midpoint of the game, has a silent, rechargeable arrow. At that point, success is almost an inevitabilitly. What’s more, the AI is a bit dense. Vision cones are surprisingly small, for one. You can just walk past a decent amount of enemies. They rarely search beyond a small area when an alarm goes off too, so a legitimate tactic is just to kill someone and wait out the alarm. Cheap, yes, but all too easy to do.

Sumerian Six – Stealth, Simplified

What this leads to is a lack of tension in the gameplay. If you’re in the market for a classic stealth game, that might irk you a bit. There’s no worry about whether or not you’ll be seen. The AI have short routes and you can see their vision cones at any time. There’s a rampant autosave too, encouraging save scumming. As someone with a distaste for stealth, however, it’s this realisation that made me enjoy Sumerian Six a lot more. I tucked my guys away in a hiding spot at the start of each area and spent a while mapping out all the blind spots and the skills I’d use to exploit them.

It’s an odd game through and through. Its storyline is certainly odd. Nazi Germany has been blended with a lot of strange things, but ancient Sumerian mythology is a new one on me. The characters are odd. A spectral doctor and a werebear aren’t our usual stock. Gameplay’s odd too, pulling back the stealth elements in favour of supernatural chess. That last one does make things rather too easy, but Sumerian Six is a wonderfully weird experience nonetheless.

(Sumerian Six’s Steam Page)

Review: Metro Quester Osaka

Khloe Turner

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Sep 12, 2024

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The world has plummeted into despair, devoid of life as once known; depraved by monsters and deprived of color and joy. Experience Metro Quester: Osaka–a unique dRPG developed by Thousand Games and published by KEMCO. Metro Quester: Osaka is an expansion upon the original Quester; like a time machine throwing the player back into the 80s, once again, for a nostalgia-filled, challenging adventure.

This game has no typical martyr or unveiling the “big bad” plotline. A handful of humans had been able to survive a world plagued by chaos. Your party must survive their bitter circumstances and make sure to set up safe base camps, giving Metro Quester: Osaka its unique flare.

Released in 2024, this game can be played on PC, Steam, Nintendo Switch, the Xbox One, the Xbox Series X/S. and the PlayStation 4 and 5.

Another Armageddon

The year is 20XX, taking place in former Osaka, also known as the “city of water.” Earth has plunged into Armageddon, exposed to a flurry of deadly viruses, increased natural disasters, and an onslaught of air and water pollution. Strange monsters erupted from the grounds like shadows-come-to-life, hostile and vicious. The world is no longer suitable for human civilization. But, this does not mean that there aren’t still humans lurking about.

new canoe feature in Metro Quester: Osaka

Metro Quester: Osaka is a dungeon-crawler RPG with RNG elements. Players begin the game with a preset party of five. Somehow, whether due to luck, skill, or raw power, these humans managed to pull through the darkness. The goal is to survive. Players must have enough food, resources, weapons, and other key items hidden in safes, bushes, or within monsters themselves.

The story is not spoon-fed to you point-blank. Players receive an initial introduction to the universe they are thrown into, but there isn’t much information on the characters themselves. Find out more through these hidden USB ports throughout the map, offering more story tidbits on the former Osaka and how the world came to be.

No crawl’s too small for a dungeon crawl

Like the dawn of humanity, your party must venture forth, gather materials, camp out at bases and try again the next day. There is only so much you can do in a single adventure.

The air in the dungeons are polluted like crazy. In order to explore the map, you must use purification fuel. Fuel is used up by moving single spaces, running away from enemies, and harnessing it as a weapon. Once the purification fuel runs out, the part is forced back to base and the day ends. This can be a bit annoying up until you discover more bases. These safe spaces are scattered throughout Osaka, and you can begin your search from any of them.

Another important thing to note is food. Your party must have a certain quantity of food within a ten day period in order to not starve. Gathering food isn’t too tricky, unless players get utterly defeated by enemies (where you lose half your stock), or if your time management is poor. Unfortunately, the needed food stock increases as more party members accumulate.

dungeon crawling and monsters in Metro Quester: Osaka

A new feature as opposed to the original Quester is that players can traverse across waters! Players must find docks in order to board and disembark a canoe. Players will encounter all sorts of tough marine enemies.

Dungeons & dangers

There are a whopping 32 different characters to meet, which they come in 8 different classes. For example, the detonator class is balanced offensively and defensively, and can use blunt-force weapons efficiently. The professor class is akin to a mage, making use of explosives, purification fuel, and batteries as unique weapons. Mobile police are the tanks of the game that are tougher to take down, and can utilize lots of “hate-raising” moves.

One key feature is raising “hate,” where enemies will target certain party members that are deemed the biggest adversary. Using hate-raising moves is a good maneuver in order to gear some of the tougher monsters away from other important fighters.

Honestly, the battles are very hard. Even in the beginning, even the “blue enemies” considered the easiest, there is a particular leveling curve. I got beat down so badly almost every time. The party players begin with (which I selected the recommended preset) are of varying levels, levels 5 to 10. It is difficult getting everyone on the same page. Metro Quester: Osaka is great for a challenge, but certainly a rough romp for beginners.

It is important to balance your party carefully as well and make sure to level up at the base camp. Players can also make use of a bunch of different resources and modify weapons for stronger outcomes. This mechanic can be confusing, but the game comes with an in-game manual, and you have loads of time to finagle and experiment.

Pedal to the metal

Metro Quester: Osaka has quite the interesting look to it. The characters and enemies are the only sources of true color in the game. The maps are the classic green against black, featuring blue to red-colored overworld monsters. The art was done by manga artist Kazushi Hagiwara of the well-known Bastard!! series. Much of the game was designed by Hironori Kato (who worked on Dark Souls and Elden Ring tabletop RPGs). This duo combined made for an engagingly mordant look.

poison megashroom enemy in Metro Quester: Osaka

The music sounds like your classic 80s soundtracks: upbeat, explorative chiptune. I would not say that it matches the theme of the plot, but at the very least, the tracks get players pumped for another round of exploring (until it gets, you know, redundant).

Final thoughts

Depending on how well you can handle these tough enemies, Metro Quester: Osaka makes for about a 20ish hour experience. The pacing and attitude towards the game undulates a lot, for me at least. The beginning was an upward battle filled with loads of slow-downs, deaths, and lack of information. The middle of the game was quite great. I felt so free and powerful, accumulating new characters and resources, unlocking doors, and taking down larger monsters. Towards the end, things became sluggish once more. This is a downside to any dRPGs really. The dungeon-crawling itself gets repetitive once you discover most everything. At least there is a monster encyclopedia to marvel at.

Overall, I would say the Metro Quester: Osaka is a solid entry to the 80s-inspired dRPGs and will certainly please players looking for a unique challenge. The art style is quiet special, which is to be understood with Kazushi’s talent, and the fight to survive gives this game a certain oomph. There is also a new game + mode for those searching for a further adventure filled with more hardships, but with the option to carry over pre-gathered items.

I wish each of the 32 characters had more personality and lore to them, but the game lacks in this department. It is something to consider for the future.

Review: King Arthur: Knight’s Tale

Daniel Waite

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Sep 12, 2024

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King Arthur: Knight’s Tale is a grim rework of a classic and much-loved tome. Everyone knows the basic elements of the Knights of Camelot. However, you may not be prepared for this twisted afterlife fantasy edge that peppers every aspect. I adored the gritty and often overbearing layers that control everything you do. Furthermore, the back-to-basic RPG action and simple action point system rules the roost.

This simplicity creates a repetitive gameplay edge that is occasionally familiar. Yet, I adored the brutality of your knights and the varied classes you can pick from. Alongside this, the in-team fighting and consequential moments define the plot. Accordingly, you must keep on top of your team of warriors if you wish to maximise your potential.

This hybrid tactical RPG was developed by NeocoreGames and published by NeocoreGames Studio. Additionally, it can be played online as a 2 v 2 tactical event. I didn’t tackle this, but the option is there if you wish. The grim story and fantasy edge sit at the fore, and the seemingly never-ending missions merge. It is this constant push that demands at least 80 to 100 hours of your time.

King Arthur: Knight’s Tale tells a twisted story.

The King is dead, long live the new King. Well, he’s kind of dead, but kind of alive. In fact, Arthur is some form of demonic being who must be thwarted if peace is to come to Camelot. This is where you come in. You control Sir Mordred, a hellish warrior who was the catalyst behind this whole nightmare.

As you struck the last deadly blow, Arthur took you with him. However, this act must be undone. Arthur has returned and is unsurprisingly pissed off. The dark realm of Avalon is in danger and the Lady of the Lake needs your help. Your twisted corpse must attract the help of plenty of Arthurian legends. En route, you must slay dragons, save maidens and do plenty of general heroic acts.

Excellent gameplay.

If you love tactical games, and you are a fool for RPGs, you will adore King Arthur: Knight’s Tale. The blend of difficult missions, turn-based encounters, and Camelot upgrades was wonderful. Moreover, the unusual fantasy plot will make you salivate. However, there is a repetitive element that outstays its welcome pretty quickly. No matter which mission you undertake, it doesn’t change.

This was unfortunate, but a mixture of character classes and the risk of death mixed things up. If your warriors get injured, and they will, you have to send them to Camelot to rest and heal. If you ignore this mechanic, you’ll run out of heroes and things will get tricky.

The mixture of side quests and your band of knights was great. Keeping everyone happy and levelled up isn’t easy, and utilising every small task is essential. It is this idea that captures that medieval Arthurian element. Controlling your minions and getting them to do your bidding was phenomenal. Furthermore, the bonus of improved forces and reliable knights was hard to put down.

Upgrade Camelot.

The overworld exploration and turn-based battles form the key components of this adventure. Additionally, the understanding of action points, character orientation, and vitality are essential. If you fail to understand or tackle these issues, your burly knights will be slaughtered within minutes.

However, away from the cruel combat, you are challenged with upgrading Camelot. Alongside this, you’ll have to deal with quarrels between each lord and some inventory and character management. It isn’t too trying, but it distracts you from the killing and repetitive looting in the overworld.

King Arthur: Knight’s Tale has a dark edge.

Disappointingly, King Arthur: Knight’s Tale isn’t a visual treat. The isometric viewpoint is suitable, but the dark colour palette and bland level design were a let-down. I’d like to be kind about the animation and each combat moment, but it wasn’t as grisly or disgusting as I’d have liked. Instead, it plays things safe and this was unfortunate. The character models follow suit and things just blur into one fantasy hole. I don’t wish to be negative, but I expected much more.

The audio is a combination of gruff sounds and dramatic music. I liked the atmospheric soundtrack and appreciated each unique moment. What’s more, the audio design was intelligent and it helped deliver the story. Alongside this, the sound effects were impressive. The sound of your foes being slaughtered was great. I just wish the visual element was as cruel as the uncomfortable audio.

Tight controls.

Though the repetitive action annoyed me, I liked the UI and easy-to-master controls. The opening stages are reserved for bashing out the fundamentals. Consequently, this was a great move as the game could have been overwhelming. Thanks to the well-constructed guide, you’ll master the basics pretty quickly. However, the finer tactical elements and the character-specific strengths and weaknesses take a lot of work to whittle down.

This approach enhances replay value and longevity. As you flit between your lords, and you try to keep the peace, it isn’t easy. Additionally, the blend of side quests and exploration elements keeps you busy. With character levelling up and Camelot improvements to focus on, there is loads to see and do. As such, expect to sink hours into this fantasy affair.

King Arthur: Knight’s Tale is a decent hybrid experience.

Though I wasn’t impressed with the repetitive overworld experience and the bland level design, the story and lore keep it alive. Furthermore, managing your argumentative lords and upgrading Camelot was enough to distract me. As such, this is a decent hybrid title that will appeal to a large audience. Accordingly, despite my complaints, I recommend buying it here! Can you complete the job and slay Arthur? Rebuild Camelot, pick your knights, and hunt down the undead King.