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Review: Epomaker EK98 keyboard

Daniel Waite

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Aug 11, 2024

The Epomaker EK98 keyboard mixes modern features with an old-school aesthetic. The blend of comfortable keys and versatility caught my eye. Furthermore, the pleasant typing experience ensures that this is a great device for gaming and working.

I’ve recently covered the Epomaker TH80 and was thoroughly impressed. It was stylish, attractive, and great for gamers. However, this latest addition goes one further as it has a numpad, and it has wireless connectivity. This was a fantastic decision as it makes this device portable and wonderfully versatile.

What’s in the box of the Epomaker EK98 keyboard?

The packaging is compact, attractive, and easy to handle. Additionally, it can be recycled.
The Epomaker EK98 keyboard is wonderfully old-school. The lettering is larger than life and the earthy colours complement the off-white finish. Moreover, there is a connectivity switch to flit between the 3 main modes.
A keycap puller lets you customise the device.
Power the keyboard with the USB-C cable.
Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

The Epomaker EK98 keyboard is designed with your comfort at the fore. Accordingly, it is hot-swappable for 3 and 5-pin switches. This was great as you can adjust the keyboard without the need to solder. Moreover, you may use your switches to create the keyboard of your dreams. This straightforward approach lets less experienced PC users feel more accomplished. Alternatively, veterans may play around with the device without wasting their precious time.

The 1800 compact layout doesn’t compromise! Instead, you may enjoy a smaller form factor whilst retaining the arrow keys and a full numpad. This was impressive, especially as I have a minuscule workstation. This smaller form factor lets me use my mouse freely without reducing my keyboard functionality.

Connectivity.

If you love to type or play games wirelessly, the Epomaker EK98 keyboard has your back. You may connect to this device via Bluetooth, the wireless dongle, or a classic USB cable. If you opt for the latter, it will charge the 3,000 mAh battery as you work. However, the handy LEDs highlight the battery capacity if you opt for a wireless approach.

Both wireless connections are easy to use and reliable. The 2.4 GHz option delivered lag-free gaming no matter the genre. Furthermore, it was as simple as flicking a switch and plugging in the wireless dongle. Alternatively, the Bluetooth mode demands a low power draw and is equally simple to set up. The 10-metre range is ideal for most normal workstations and I had no problems when gaming for extended periods.

Build quality.

Though the Epomaker EK98 keyboard has a retro finish, the build quality is wonderfully modern. This gasket-mounted keyboard incorporates a latex sandwich foam layer. This foam layer reduces vibrations throughout the device to deliver a cleaner typing experience. The device can be set across 3 unique typing positions. Moreover, the wireless dongle is housed nicely behind one of the adjustable Multipoint feet. This was a clever idea as it kept things streamlined.

If you love cherry profile keycaps, then this will be right up your street. The familiar curved pattern feels fantastic to use during marathon sessions. When you combine this with the flexible PC plate, you’ll notice a lack of fatigue and more accurate inputs. The keycaps will retain their colour and detail because of the high-quality PBT material. Thankfully, they resist dirt and that horrible shiny finish. Subsequently, you’ll enjoy highly durable keycaps that will last the test of time.

RGB lighting is an essential part of a gaming arrangement. The south-facing lighting creates a pleasant hue that can be adjusted. Gamers are encouraged to adjust the lights whilst creating colours that are as unique as the user. Furthermore, if you use this as a wireless device, you may check your battery status against the RGB indicators.

Is the Epomaker EK98 keyboard worth it?

No matter how many TKL keyboards I try, I always return to a full-sized device. Accordingly, a smaller form factor that doesn’t compromise usability is always welcome. What’s more, thanks to the wireless options and spectacular build quality, it was hard not to love this device. Consequently, this is fantastic and I recommend buying it here!

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

The Epomaker EK98 keyboard has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: Ancient Phantasma

Saim Khurshid

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Aug 11, 2024

0

KEMCO’s Ancient Phantasma is a dialogue-heavy Turn-Based RPG of the most generic moulds.

First launching this game, I did not know who it came from, and going in, I would not hold it against anyone for thinking Ancient Phantasma was an Indie passion project. That’s right, the title falls under the KEMCO banner but fails to meet their usual standards.

Heavy RPG Dialogue.

From the very beginning, Ancient Phantasma showcases a habit of telling over showing. Characters would often info dump, giving us these long and tedious conversations where everyone is just lost in a vortex of infinite exposition.

Imagine it. You just defeated a group of Thieves and your characters are now meant to have a little look back. I would expect some heart-to-heart with a little insight but instead, I get 20 minutes of yapping.

“Hey, Dean, why do you always insist on dealing with these criminals? You are the son of our leader, you should not be out here. Especially now that your father died in mysterious circumstances and the local leaders seem to be at unrest with us.”

“Don’t worry, Flei. I am a Knight, it is my duty to protect. That is what my father, the king, would have wanted anyway. Let’s focus on these thugs, who have a hideout in the mountains beyond these walls and then….

You get my point? Dialogue heavy!

Regardless, when not trying my patience, the plot of Ancient Phantasma is not the worst. It’s very generic, as most RPGs go, but it has its hooks if you like this sort of jam.

Heavy RPG Plot

In Ancient Phantasma, you follow Dean as he crosses paths with a formidable monster during a mission with his knight buddy, Flei. Not long after, they bump into Krucia from a neighbouring kingdom, who’s alarmed about monster invasions in her homeland.

Like I said, the plot is your standard fare, but it slots right into that retro RPG charm. Along the way, you’ll meet various colourful characters like Sophia, the talented but modest witch, Dean’s loyal best friend Kaine, and Rizelda, the ancient with a sweet tooth. The cast is engaging but dialogue-heavy, and the world feels inviting but overwhelming.

However, I still feel that the landing is off. It is not the worst plot but come on. This is KEMCO we are talking about. Very generic for their standards.

Oh yes, a little background of the story without delving into spoilers. The land is Sandoria, your default RPG world 101. Many years of peace, sudden war, magic nonsense. A Legendary leader dead, demon king on the horizon. You know, the usual.

All is well and good but let’s get to the bread and butter of any good RPG, the Combat.

Butter

Don’t get your hopes up too high. Once more we have failed to do anything too special. Still, it is an acceptable turn-based system, just not awe-inspiring.

You’ll immediately notice that regular attacks let you time a couple of extra button presses to boost damage, which is a nod to Super Mario RPG.

The Accel gauge introduces some choice—slide it left or right to speed up or slow down, with the usual trade-offs of more damage or less. Elemental skills can hit groups of enemies, and there are secret techniques that drain your LP gauge for heavy hits. Link skills, similar to those in Chrono Trigger, add a bit of strategy, and the ability to swap rows and reserve characters mid-battle is a nice touch.

Overall, while the variety of bosses and their minions can be satisfying to defeat, the turn-based combat system doesn’t exactly break new ground. It’s functional, but nothing that really stands out.

The Game That Could Have Been

So, where does that leave us with Ancient Phantasma? Unfortunately, it’s a bit of a letdown. While the game doesn’t stray too far from the familiar RPG mould, it doesn’t bring anything particularly fresh or exciting to the table.

The turn-based combat is serviceable but lacks innovation, and the constant barrage of random encounters can quickly become tedious. Despite its retro charm and a few decent features, it doesn’t quite manage to break the mould.

Ancient Phantasma feels like a missed opportunity for KEMCO to push their boundaries. It’s business as usual with a few tweaks, but it won’t be the game that hooks you in for the long haul.

Review: Blacksad: Under the Skin

Daniel Waite

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Aug 10, 2024

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Blacksad: Under the Skin has been released since 2019. However, next-gen gamers can now enjoy a modern polish. Moreover, previous glitches and issues that haunted this title appear to have been ironed out, mostly. Consequently, if you played it 5 years ago or are new to the experience, you’ll love the crisp graphics, interesting story, and fun detective elements.

This detective adventure endeavour was developed by Pendulo Studios and published by Microids. Furthermore, it is influenced by the fantastic and much-loved comic book series. Subsequently, fans of that will adore every gritty and gruesome scene. Sadly, if you like to play with others, this won’t be the game for you. Additionally, if you want something fast-paced, then you may wish to look elsewhere. Yet, if you like playing alone, and you thrive in methodical situations, then this will tick many boxes.

Blacksad: Under the Skin tells a classic tale.

There is nothing better than a phenomenal detective story. The twists and turns and the suspicious characters keep you guessing throughout. If you then add in a cast of anthropomorphic protagonists, then you have your work cut out for you. However, the animalistic edge was fascinating. Furthermore, the developer does a great job of matching familiar character traits with each key player.

You play the role of John Blacksad. He is a private detective with a gruff voice and an eye for detail. What’s more, his cat’s senses and reactions allow him to avoid danger and investigate the strangest of scenes. Moreover, his intuition helps him to piece together random clues that solve the crime.

The crime was heinous! Joe Dunn, owner of Dunn’s boxing gym, is found dead. His star athlete is missing, and his daughter is in mourning. As such, Detective Blacksad must step up to the mark and save the day. Yet, this is easier said than done as lies, mysteries, and money muddy the water.

Fascinating gameplay mechanics.

Blacksad: Under the Skin mixes a blend of slow-paced elements with some reaction-based QTEs. Alongside this, there are plenty of investigatory moments as you explore each vital location and question witnesses and suspects. This portion of the game was fantastic. As you speak to each person, your questions and their responses drive you on unique paths. Accordingly, you will have to perfect your questioning if you wish to witness every ending.

As you visit new locations, you must find every hot spot. These key areas highlight clues and handy hints. Furthermore, they help you to piece together each element of this twisting mystery. However, the further you delve, the more complicated things become. What’s more, as you help or hinder certain individuals, this can influence your progress. Consequently, thinking about the bigger picture is essential.

Finally, the QTEs are simple but effective. You’ll have to dodge punches or hammer the action button to act forcefully. Either way, it adds a much-needed layer of energy to an otherwise slow experience.

Become a crime fighter.

Blacksad: Under the Skin demands that you use cat senses to uncover minor and major clues. This was fantastic as you used John’s keen eyesight to find hints and eliminate would-be suspects. Though this wasn’t the most complex of ideas, it worked particularly well.

Alongside this, you must use a mind map to combine the evidence you’ve found. As you search each location and question people, you’ll increase your options. Though it can be challenging to know which clues pair up, I liked the difficulty and the flow of the story.

Blacksad: Under the Skin looks great, but it is flawed.

Using a well-known comic book as your foundation is a brave move. Keen fans will pick apart minor issues and this can undermine the gameplay. Luckily, the developer has done a great job with their presentation. The world feels like a 1950s American town. Additionally, the animal-like characters move and act as you’d expect. This level of detail sucks you into the bizarre fantasy world. However, it isn’t perfect as Blacksad regularly pushes his hands through solid items and there are some frame rate problems.

Though the visuals weren’t perfect, the audio was great. The jazzy soundtrack captures the 50s theme. Moreover, the gruff acting and the era-specific language sucks you in. I loved the excellent cinematic and how every ounce of dialogue is perfectly delivered. If you adore the comic book, you’ll love how the developer has brought every character to life.

Sluggish controls.

Sluggish controls and a slow-moving protagonist cause no end of issues. As you explore each key location, you have to flit between hot spots. In theory, this should be easy, but in reality, it was tedious and made exploration much harder. Luckily, the QTEs were unaffected by this problem as the responsive inputs ensure you can dodge, weave, and fight back with ease.

If you can put up with the shortcomings, you’ll enjoy plenty of replay value and longevity. The developer has hidden collectable sports cards throughout the world. These Hall of Famers do not impact the storyline, nor do they add anything to the action. Yet, you will look for every card as you search for clues. Additionally, as you mould John’s personality, the story ebbs and flows. As such, you must try different responses if you wish to see every finale.

Blacksad: Under the Skin is a good detective game.

The developer has done a great job with many of the core elements. However, there were still issues with this next-gen update. Unfortunately, these problems are tough to ignore and they will cause problems. But thankfully, there are plenty of highlights. The visuals are great and the audio is wonderful. What’s more, I loved the dialogue and searching for every clue. Accordingly, this is a good detective experience and I recommend buying it here! Can you solve every crime? Explore each location, question everyone, and master your senses.

Review: Frontier Hunter: Erza’s Wheel of Fortune

Dawid Wisniewski

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Aug 10, 2024

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Review: Frontier Hunter: Erza’s Wheel of Fortune

“Frontier Hunter,” offers a classic Metroidvania experience with a mix of both highs and lows making for a enjoyable adventure. While it’s clear that the developers had some great ideas, the execution leaves room for improvement in several areas.

Cheesy and forgettable.

The story, while not particularly memorable, serves its purpose in driving the player forward. It’s not the worst narrative by any means, but it’s not the highlight of the game either. The plot introduces characters and objectives in a light hearted, cheesy manner that the game doesn’t take too seriously. This relaxed tone can be refreshing for players looking for a more laid-back experience rather than a deep, narrative-driven journey.

I never want to fight another mosquito.

Visually, the game struggles to leave a lasting impression. The anime-style character designs are charming even if they could use some work too. But they clash with the outdated, uninspired bundle of assets used for the backgrounds. This results in an aesthetic that feels disjointed, with areas that fail to distinguish themselves or create a cohesive world. The lack of visual variety also makes navigation and backtracking a chore, especially in the early stages, as the environments are so unimaginative that they become difficult to remember or map out in your mind. At times I felt like I was playing a weird Bennet Foddy’s metroidvania.

Tedious enemy encounters further exacerbate this issue, as some foes, particularly the small flying ones, are more frustrating than challenging due to poor aerial combat options for a good chunk of the game. This, combined with a bizarre decision to use air movement for swimming in water sections, results in gameplay moments that are more perplexing than enjoyable. A huge redeeming factor is that around the halfway mark there is a skill that allowed me to dash through the enemies which made traversal and backtracking a lot less of a chore.

Combat almost worthy of a Beyonetta title.

Where the game truly shines is in its combat system, which is both satisfying and fun. The introduction of three distinct characters, each with unique combat styles, adds a layer of depth and variety that keeps the gameplay engaging. The ability to swap characters on the fly allows for dynamic combat strategies. With customization options, including two weapon slots and two spells per character, offer plenty of opportunities for experimentation. Each character also has access to three unique weapon types, which further enhances the combat’s versatility. The inclusion of skill books and blueprints for crafting gear that feels impactful without and encourages smacking every inch of the scenery for a chance at a hidden wall.

While the game’s overall progression is well-balanced, with the player generally matching the difficulty of new areas, those who enjoy thorough exploration may find themselves overpowered by the time they reach a boss. This can lead to anti-climactic encounters where bosses are quickly dispatched before they can pose a real threat.

“Maybe wait for a sale on this one.”

Ultimately, this game is a mixed bag. Its combat is addictive and well-designed, offering plenty of content, secrets, and mechanics to keep players engaged. However, the lack luster graphics, at times frustrating enemy design, and odd gameplay choices hold it back from reaching its full potential. It’s a game worth playing, but perhaps one best picked up during a sale.

“Frontier Hunter: Erza’s Wheel of Fortune” is available on the. Playstation 4 and 5 , Nintendo Switch and PC from 26th July 2024.

Review: Nobody Wants To Die

Matt Cooper

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Aug 9, 2024

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Nobody Wants To Die releases with much mystery and intrigue. The question is does it capture the imagination or is there much left to be desired?

A Hauntingly Beautiful Noire Tale

When Critical Hit Games announced Nobody Wants To Die as their debut title with its reveal trailer, it instantly had my attention. Set in a dystopian New York that initially you could mistake for the 1920’s, the game actually takes place in the far future: 2329 to be exact. This world has a retro-futuristic tone that immediately struck a cord with me. The flying cars of the world look like classics of the past, whilst the clothing and weaponry also have that prohibition era theme, with tommy guns and pinstripe suits galore. It reminded me very much of one my all time favourite games in Bioshock. In this future New York, technology has expanded to new heights with the discovery of a substance known as ichorite. This substance allows citizens to have their brains scanned and encoded so in the unfortunate event they die, their consciousness and memories can be transferred to a new body. Due to the soaring costs of this practice, the rich have stipulated that customers have to essentially sign up to a subscription based service where you rent a body. This is such a cool and intriguing concept which, much like the fantastic Altered Carbon, just adds mystery and intrigue for the player from the get go.

The story of Nobody Wants To Die revolves around the protagonist James Karra, a troubled, yet brilliant detective who works in the Mortality Department and is haunted by the events of his past. Yes, it’s a theme in noir thrillers we often see but it is done here to perfection. Having recently transferred to a new body due to past events, James experiences hallucinations because of not properly synching with the new host. Right from the moment you take control of Karra, you are thrown into visions of his past which just made me so invested in the game from minute one. Whilst having to cope with his new body, you are thrown into a murder mystery plot involving some of the big hitters residing in New York, such as the mayor and his business associates. The plot deals with themes of mortality, self worth and the abuse of power in ways that I really didn’t expect. I don’t want to give that much away regarding the plot because I think it is absolutely imperative to know as little as possible.

I say this because the game is so damn good at keeping you hooked and enthralled, whilst constantly shrouding you in this mysterious dark noir thriller of a world. Aided by Sara, Karra seeks to uncover the true plot behind various killings. It’s a plot that is not exactly new in terms of themes and tropes but it is executed to perfection and in my opinion is amongst the best narratives I have seen in the past few years. The use of dialogue options is fantastic and creates replay ability along with the multiple endings on offer. It is like Cyberpunk, Blade Runner and LA Noire had a baby. Just a fantastic creation of a genre that is often left along the wayside in the video game space. The one down side to it is that it’s just not long enough; a playthrough will take you around six hours to complete. I desperately need and want more of this world!

Revel In The Reconstruction

Of course, gameplay is also important in pushing the narrative to new heights, and this game doesn’t disappoint. With this designed and advertised as a first person narrative adventure, it’s important to get your expectations right for this game. If you are looking for many shootouts and action sequences, this will not be for you. Critical Hit Games have chosen to focus mainly on the investigating side of crime thrillers, with near perfect results. When you arrive at your first crime scene, you are introduced to the main gameplay element which is reconstruction. Using the Reconstructor, a futuristic tool where you can relive and watch previous events, you must uncover the secrets of the crime scene. This is such a fantastic mechanic as you quite literally get to see how events play out in slow motion, whether it’s a gunfight aboard a blimp or a supposed suicide in a public building. It is so well done I cannot praise it enough. I loved using this tool to help find my next clue. Along with this tool, there are three other main tools: the X-Ray, the UV light and the camera. The X-Ray is another fantastic tool as it lets you see bullet protectory. All these tools help you collect evidence which you then use to piece together the mystery on the crime board back at your apartment.

The crime board is fairly self explanatory, as you have to piece together the evidence you have collected, using each clue you have obtained. It’s simple, yet satisfying, connecting the dots to the mystery and the dialogue is wonderful, explaining each clue and its connection. That is pretty much the basis of gameplay in Nobody Wants To Die, bar a few quick time events. It is certainly not going to appeal to everyone but I adored it. Another criticism levelled at the game is that it holds your hand too much and directs you to each objective. Whilst part of that is true, the developers have done a great job creating such wonderful conversations between James and Sara during the parts where you are directed to do something. This really wasn’t much of a problem for me at all. Another element of gameplay I love is the exploration of the crime scenes. Picking up random objects and inspecting them leads to new information regarding the story, which really helps flesh out the world and its characters. It is brilliant secondary storytelling that can often be left at the way side.

A True Homage Of Beauty

Along with its gripping story and innovative gameplay, Nobody Wants To Die possesses some of the best visuals I have seen in recent memory. The retro-futuristic city of New York is breath-taking. In scenes where you are in your car, I often stopped to admire the city itself. Buildings tower above you like giants, whilst Blade Runner style digital advertisements appear and catch your eye. Everything looks stunning, including character models which are top notch. Looking through crime scenes is also wonderful, due to the level of detail on display here by Critical Hit and they should be lauded for their work here. One small but important aspect I adore, is how good the rain looks. In a dark, brooding game like this, rain can be used to display the tones and emotions of the city and it’s so good I sometimes stopped just to look and admire. Lighting is also high quality and really helps create tense moments, particularly when you are trudging through the city slums on the outskirts. Character animations are also stellar, with the reconstructions of the crime scene showing off this aspect in beautiful haunting fashion. So much of this game reminds me of one of my favourite films of all time, L.A Confidential. It’s like imagining that film set in a dystopian future. I love everything about this game in terms of design and presentation. It is an absolute feat of graphical capability by the developers.

Similarly, the sound design and music in this game are incredible. The soundtrack is modelled closely to the aesthetic, with a classic soundtrack that, once again, you could mistake for being taken out of the type of films I have mentioned. The soundtrack slowly builds tension during the crime scene investigations and it truly felt like I was a detective in the 1920’s at times. In contrast, I found that the base music setting was too loud and overpowered some of the dialogue in the game. However, once I had found the right balance, that became a minor issue. Along with music, sound design is wonderful for the tools you use. Once again, using the Reconstructor is fantastic; you hear the sounds as you rewind time to uncover the story. Special mention should go to Phillip Sacramento and Keaton Talmadge as James and Sara, whose stellar voice acting really helps sell the story to the player. Great emotional range from both actors and I am excited to see what they appear in next.

Verdict

Nobody Wants To Die is everything I wanted it to be and more. It felt like a 1920’s detective thriller in the future and I loved every second of the mysterious twisting story that had me gripped until the very end. Stunning visuals that can compete with any AAA game on the market and a gorgeous soundtrack that helps heighten the tension and mood really seal this game as one of my favourite experiences this year. Its linear structure will not be for everyone and its short length left me wanting much more. But for a first attempt for Critical Hit games, this is a slam dunk. I just hope they return to this fantastic retro-futuristic world they have created. Now I’m off to get some ichorite and rent a body! See you in NYC!

Review: Beyond Good and Evil 20th Anniversary Edition

Daniel Waite

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Aug 9, 2024

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Review: Beyond Good and Evil 20th Anniversary Edition

Beyond Good and Evil 20^th Anniversary Edition proves that a remaster can be a viable option. This title has long been renowned as one of Ubisoft’s greatest achievements. Therefore, it was a pleasant surprise when they announced the release. They have also kept the price point surprisingly low, so veterans and newcomers can enjoy it without breaking the bank.

This semi-open-world adventure game was developed and published by Ubisoft. Moreover, though there are several protagonists, this is a single-player title. Moreover, some dated stereotypes stick out like a sore thumb. However, this remaster remains faithful to the original, so you have to take the rough with the smooth. Where this version differs, is a new quest line and some cosmetic items. The former element gives a cheeky wink to the much-anticipated prequel. Accordingly, I have my fingers crossed that Ubisoft does not disappoint us.

Beyond Good and Evil 20^th Anniversary Edition tells a phenomenal story.

It has been over 20 years since the original was released. Yet, the story and its cinematic works perfectly with a modern audience. The cutting banter and heart-warming elements will make you laugh and smile. As such, if you failed to play this first time around, fear not. This remaster is worth every moment, and you can enjoy every crass, emotional, and amusing moment as if it were 2003.

You control Jade, a journalist/adopter of troubled children. When her home is attacked by an alien species known as DomZ, she has had enough. As she explores the marvellous world of Hillys, she stumbles across a rebellious group filled with secret agents. Consequently, this is her chance to save the day and make a difference. Helped by her adoptive uncle Pey’j and double agent, H, she must thwart the Alpha section and uncover the mystery.

A game of 2 halves.

Beyond Good and Evil 20^th Anniversary Edition divides its core elements between combat and stealth. The combat layers are, unfortunately, a little clunky. Furthermore, they are limited by modern standards and your assistant is somewhat useless. Yet, occasionally, their special actions save the day and this makes up for their otherwise “chocolate teapot” approach.

Like the combat, the stealth elements are a little rudimentary. Effectively, Jade simply has to avoid the Alpha section cone of vision. This is pretty simple as conveniently placed walls or holes are strewn in every location. Furthermore, the combination of hiding and fighting outstays its welcome. Thankfully, though, it’s a means to an end and I forgave the slightly dated elements.

A simple open world.

Unlike modern open worlds, Beyond Good and Evil 20^th Anniversary Edition is much more refined. The semi-linear style doesn’t have all the fluff and unwanted garbage from modern Ubisoft titles. Additionally, there are some side quests, such as a photography hunt to keep you entertained. Alongside this, you can undertake hovercraft races or find pearls to upgrade your vessel.

The pearls are won by completing mini-games and visiting vendors. Alongside this, there are some hunts to complete and a few hidden locations to discover. Though the world map is compact, there is enough to see and do to keep you going.

Beyond Good and Evil 20^th Anniversary Edition has a delightful modern edge.

Remastered games are two a penny. However, with so many being released, you’d think developers would understand what their audience wants. Most get it wrong, and the result is disappointing. Thankfully, this game has got every layer spot on. The modern edge has delivered some exceptional lighting and prime cinematic that is simply stunning. Furthermore, the world of Hillys is fascinating to explore. Though the combat animation could have been better, this doesn’t detract from the overall presentation.

The audio is simply divine. The soundtrack is airy and captivating. Additionally, the combat elements are dramatic and hard-hitting. If you then add in the loud sound effects and the spectacular and often witty acting, this is a game that has aged brilliantly.

Clunky controls.

I could praise this title for days. Yet, the occasionally clunky controls are a bit annoying. This affects the combat and makes some of the open-world elements somewhat tedious. However, you must remember that this is staying faithful to the 2003 experience and some things have to give. If you can forgive these issues, you will have an amazing time throughout.

Replay value and longevity have been enhanced because of the cosmetic items and the additional quest line. Alongside this, the core quests are fantastic and the ability to photograph the local creatures will keep you busy. You can bum-rush the main storyline, but this misses many fantastic moments. Consequently, exploring every avenue is the only viable option.

Beyond Good and Evil 20^th Anniversary Edition is a must-play remaster.

If you’ve never played the original, you are in for a treat. However, if you’ve played and completed the 2003 title, you are still in for a treat. This spectacular remaster ticks all the right boxes. Yes, the combat and controls are a little clunky and some of the language is dated, but this matters not. Accordingly, do yourself a favour, and buy this game here! Can you unravel the dirty secrets behind the Alpha section? Explore Hillys, take out your foes, and become a hero.

Review: Capsule Gaming Microphone

Daniel Waite

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Aug 8, 2024

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The Capsule Gaming Microphone from NZXT is an affordable and solid way to improve your gaming environment. Furthermore, thanks to its Unidirectional cardioid voice pickup, it captures your words and little else. As such, if you are typing or there is plenty of background noise, your followers or friends will be none the wiser.

Alongside this, it can be used on the provided stand, attached to your boom arm, or purchased as a spring-free option from NZXT. This smooth and robust device can be mounted to your desktop and adjusted to maximise the microphone’s potential. However, more on the boom arm later. For now, let’s focus on the Capsule Gaming Microphone.

This compact device looks fantastic, and you can choose from 2 simple colour options. I picked the all-black version, but there is a white and black option if you so wish. The mic has a streamlined design and a pleasant light ring to highlight when it is on and when the microphone is muted. This simple approach is perfect for technophobes or gamers who want a plug-and-play experience.

What’s in the box of the Capsule Gaming Microphone?

The packaging is vivid but simple. The vibrant colour will catch your eye and I liked the discreet finish. Additionally, it can be recycled.
The Capsule Gaming Microphone is compact and great to look at. The professional and refined design is ideal for trouble-free gaming. Moreover, it has a 3.5mm audio port, a USB-C port for power, and a boom arm connection port.
The boom arm adaptor lets you adjust your set-up with ease.
A USB-C to USB-A cable powers the device.
Complete the streamlined look with the quick-release stand cover.