Events

Review: Minds Beneath Us

Khloe Turner

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Aug 15, 2024

It is no secret that A.I. and its capabilities are igniting a fierce global debate. The future of this rapidly developing technology has stirred a myriad of concerns for people, not only in terms of employment, but it also adds to the existential questions of human purpose and exceptionality.

BearBone Studio, a game developing company based in Taiwan, came out with their first ever game: a sci-fi, dystopian narrative featuring a city overly reliant on A.I., and what this means for everyday citizens. The game is a wonderful, intriguing concoction of deep plot, interesting relationships, quick time events, and the ability for players to select their own decisions that affect the overall story.

Minds Beneath Us was released on July 31st, 2024 on the Nintendo Switch, Steam, and PC.

Man versus the machine

Without spoiling too much, Minds Beneath Us takes place just over two decades into the future, in a cyberpunk and somewhat dystopian-feeling Taipei-inspired megacity. By the late 2040s, the world has become dominated by A.I., perhaps improving some aspects of daily life while simultaneously surging human unemployment. Society is facing a peculiar dilemma of the strengths of automation versus the power and purpose of humanity.

Frances and Jason walking in Wanpei in Minds Beneath Us

The game features five chapters (alongside a prologue), and prominently focuses on the lowkey, introverted man named Jason Dai, in which you play as throughout the game . . . well, sort of. Jason appears to be an unusually strong and agile human being living in a simple apartment with his girlfriend, Frances Cheng, getting ready for his interview with Silencio for potential employment. Frances works as a higher up at the company, and explains to Jason (and the player) that Silencio is what is called a “flops farm,” in which “flops” are computational power given by contractors to operate the A.I. systems in place throughout the city. Frances hopes that flops farming will solve the unemployment crisis and get lower-income folks a chance to emerge from the slums of society.

Jason and Frances in the Vision Corp rooftop in Minds Beneath Us

The story is quite the slow-burner, starting off shrouded in mystery as you play as Jason Dai, experiencing “the farm” for the first time and getting to know fellow employees and the ensuing drama in both the screening and the operations sector. As days go by, players unravel the suspicious, dangerous undertones of the industry and insinuations of the dangers of late-stage capitalism in the world of A.I., and the continuing hierarchies of socioeconomic strata.

Minds literally beneath us

The visuals of Minds Beneath Us are stunning, resembling the same dingy, 2D-shaded atmosphere of Playdead’s Inside. Like the latter title, the characters in Minds Beneath Us lack facial features, adding to the anxious atmosphere. Just recently, Barebone Studio released a DLC soundtrack; the game’s music is a wonderful medley of eeriness and suspense, coupled with several futuristic, light-hearted tracks.

Perhaps I am reading too much into it, but I think the lack of character facial features highlights something important. Players are only able to identify characters by build and hairstyle, certainly giving off this dystopian lack of individual importance (i.e., humans are merely workers, mere numbers). In the game’s setting, the cost of human labor is extremely cheap in comparison to A.I., furthering the feel of humans being a simple commodity more than anything. Characters are also emphasized by their movement and breathing, in which this exaggerated breathing visual is an excellent antithesis to the lifeless world of automation.

Being that this game is Barebone Studio’s first published title, Minds Beneath Us is a mind-blowing entry to the narrative genre that deserves more spotlight. For the most part, the game operates like a visual novel, so a majority of the game will be reading through dialogue and clicking objects to learn more about them. The story is captivating almost immediately, and I personally could not stop playing. Despite being a narrative, the gameplay does include several quick time events scattered through the game, and most importantly, players will need to make big decisions that could alter Jason Dai’s relationships and his ultimate fate.

The choice is yours . . . or is it?

Minds Beneath Us is considered a decision-based narrative . . . but honestly, most of the choices that the players makes are not heavily consequential. Oftentimes, Jason Dai’s dialogue options (or, rather, the player’s choices as an “M.B.U” in Dai’s body) are trivial, only warranting slightly different responses from other characters. On the other hand, some choices will unlock new “side quests” or new pathways towards different relationship dynamics, which can help or hinder the player in a lot of instances.

Jeff Wu confronting his uncle in Minds Beneath Us

Even though most choices will not affect the ending per se, there is certainly an emotional element added to the gameplay. Being rude to coworkers would make me feel horrible, and I may garner a sense of “missing out” if my choices prevented me from hearing side conversations, which usually provided deeper world-building. As a player, it is certainly worth your while to make sure to unlock all possible dialogue options, and side conversations and quests. There will indeed be heftier choices that affect the overall game experience, for example, when Jason Dai must decide whether to join the ops sector or the screening sector.

The biggest decision that matters happens towards the end of Minds Beneath Us, which will result in one of the four possible endings. I do wish that there were even more endings to get, or at least I had hoped that some of my earlier decisions would drastically affect the end of the game. But, regardless, every decision altered something, whether it be an interpersonal relationship or the types of information the player receives.

Fast and furious

Another gameplay feature is the QTEs, or “quick time events.” These events are sparse and brief, but nonetheless thrilling. For the most part, players only need to focus on the spacebar and the “E” key. Most of the QTEs are combat, which it is cool to watch the fluidity of Dai’s dodges and punches. This is particularly amazing since Barebone Studio states that the game is hand-drawn. The stakes are low, however, in that if players fail to complete the QTEs, the scene will simply start over. Other events include small actions, like quickly catching an object or device.

This may not excite people who enjoy a fair share of player-input. The gameplay is not too abundant aside from walking around, but I think that Minds Beneath Us is excellent at conveying its story and roping in players enough to which the constant decision-making is ample.

Silencio bruno

There is a lovely surplus of fleshed-out characters as well. Some you will love, and some you will hate, but regardless each character is thought out and amusing to interact with. Jason Dai can make nice with people or make enemies out of his coworkers, and choose the degree of his involvement with workplace drama.

To my fascination, all the employees are incredibly sweet. Originally, I thought the friendliness and “righteousness” of the characters was excessive, but that may be the point. Minds Beneath Us is showing that at an individual level, most people want what’s good for their loved ones, or even for society as a whole. But, oftentimes we may not be aware the degree of which we are feeding into the machine. The characters in Minds Beneath Us want to benefit the world in anyway they can, with some believing that closing the farm will save lives, while others thinking that flops farming tremendously helps put food on the table for the unemployed. However, Vision employees are unintentionally participating in “evil”, juxtaposing the detachment and intentionality of CEOS and a higher up stratum.

Final thoughts

Minds Beneath Us is encapsulating, anxiety-inducing, thrilling, and philosophical. Only taking place in the near-future, it is hard to say that this dystopia is not relevant to our current reality. Perhaps it is this blend of morbid curiosity and high-key awareness of modern, persistent struggles, but I just cannot peel my eyes away from this gem of a game.

Minds Beneath Us does feature several translation errors, and some of its UI can be worked upon. Particularly the “tab” button could have been cooler than just operating as a player objective display. Also, the auto-saving feature is kind of annoying. Players are unable to save their game freely, and must wait for an autosave before or after important events.

Otherwise, this game came as a brilliant surprise full of interesting twists, engaging dialogue, and a dark plot. I cannot recommend this title enough.

Review: Bang Bang Barrage(Demo)

Saim Khurshid

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Aug 15, 2024

0

Bang Bang Barrage is a 2D-Roguelike, Railshooter- like, Multiplayer game with a unique take on its inspirations—a true gem of the creative indie market.

I never reviewed a demo before so my expectations were at a default low. Bang Bang Barrage seemed to have sensed that the defences were low because it blew me away!

Good Banger

On the forefront, Bang Bang Barrage looks like a simple game. Seemingly thrown together over a few weeks or months as a side project. However, once that play button is pressed, it does not take long to get lost in one of the most entertaining and quality games I have seen in a while.

You play as a blob with a gun on a boat, shooting enemies that appear in the water. There are no movement controls, you move with the recoil of your gunshot.

You shoot and kill enemies while also making sure you do not run into any of them or any of their projectiles. Some drop diamonds, which act as currency used to buy upgrades and the game continues until you run out of lives.

Like most Rogulikes, Bang Bang Barrage starts slow and easy but as you progress, it gets harder and harder, showcasing a wide variety of enemies that keep things fresh and interesting.

So we have a basic understanding of the core gameplay. It is unique but by itself, it does not match the praise I showered earlier.

So what really gives it the edge?

Well, it’s the upgrades.

Banger Shop

Back in (month)(2024 for future reference), I had reviewed a little game called (SNOOKER). It was a snooker-based Rougulike with some unique ideas but ultimately, it failed to impress due to its lacklustre upgrades and game tweaks. I previously commented that the game felt like a low-effort flash game.

My expectations were quite similar when Bang Bang Barrage’s Shop boat first dropped anchor at the centre of the water. Thankfully, the results were very different.

No lousy one per cent increases or extra balls nonsense, this roguelike showed me some great results.

Large bullets, ricocheting bullets, reloads cause explosions, enemies die on impact, and much more. I won’t spoil all the details, as this is something best experienced firsthand. I believe this is something that must be played to get the complete enjoyment out of it. Truly Amazing!

Sadly, nothing can truly be so pure. Even though it is just a demo, I have counted a fair share of enjoyment-tampering stumbling blocks within this little game that should be mentioned.

The Bad

Let’s begin with the obvious: Goals.

Bang Bang Barrage gives you a very vague idea of where you are headed. Every time you fail, there is a Cuphead-esque progress bar that seemingly has an end in sight. It doesn’t specify how far you’ve progressed; it only shows a visual cue.

I went near 50,000 points and barely crossed the quarter line. This was over 20 minutes of survival, mind you.

Another issue that I can dig out from the well of Pedantic cavils, is the Co-op mode.

This should have had 2 boats. Instead, both characters share the same dinghy, with each bullet affecting the boat’s direction. Sounds like chaotic fun but it gets old fast.

In the end, here is what I’ll say:

Banger after Banger

If you’re into roguelikes of the Vampire Survivors family or just looking for something new, definitely give this game a try. Despite being just a demo, Bang Bang Barrage packs a punch with its creative gameplay and impressive upgrade system.

Review: Monster Run

Daniel Waite

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Aug 14, 2024

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Monster Run is a chilling but fun-filled murderous experience. Additionally, it allows you to take on the role of a giant demonic cat as you unleash hell on armies of moronic humans. This hybrid title is violent, challenging, and rewarding. Furthermore, there is a tactical edge as your huge cat has an array of special skills and unlockable abilities.

This rogue-lite beat ’em-up was developed by Interactive Fate and published by Iceberg Interactive. Moreover, it is a single-player experience that plays out from an isometric viewpoint. Its simple style is punctuated by gore and death. What’s more, there are 60+ enemy units to tackle and an array of tactical elements to be considered. This combination is occasionally tough to swallow as the hectic action can push you over the edge.

Monster Run highlights humanity’s destructive edge.

It has been 100 years and the demonic cat has calmly slept. However, a dark cloud is forming above its nest. Humans have encroached on its territory and the forest they once called home is slowly being destroyed. This will not do, and the demonic cat will stop at nothing to thwart the invaders. Yet, unbeknown to them, the humans will not back down. Armies of armour-clad warriors, wizards, and archers stand between the cat and victory.

This may seem like a one-sided battle, but it isn’t. The giant feline has magic, fire, sharp teeth, and powerful claws on its side. Moreover, it is agile, determined, and unbelievably pissed off. Consequently, though it only has the traditional 9 lives, this should be enough to recapture the forest and kill every human in sight.

Excellent gameplay.

The gameplay loop is fantastic. Though it has a repetitive nature, I liked the reassuring style and how easy it was to understand. Additionally, each fresh run is unique. As such, though the action follows a familiar loop, the gameplay rarely falls flat.

First, the kitty is relatively weak. Well, as weak as a demonic cat can be. Yet, as you thwart your foes, you gather XP. These experience points can be invested in new magic, armour, better attacks, agility, and so forth. Whatever you spend your points on, will improve your chances.

As the action evolves, the missions become extremely hectic. The armies expand and the units are tough to defeat. Alongside this, there are defensive structures to destroy and a never-ending stream of deadly magic to avoid. Subsequently, you must be patient and work on your tactics if you wish to succeed.

Balanced gameplay.

This genre can be repetitive, unfair, and suffer with grind action. Thankfully, Monster Run avoids most of these issues. The balanced gameplay allows you to evolve the protagonist without bum-rushing each level. Moreover, your enemies are tough but a tactical approach and some impressive magic will keep you ahead of the game.

On top of this, you’ll replenish your mana and health as you find food and increase your stats. This is vital if you wish to keep each of your 9 lives. If you die too many times, your run is over and you must start again. Consequently, running in all paws blazing isn’t the best move you can make. Instead, identify the weaknesses and smash the hell out of them.

Monster Run looks great.

Monster Run doesn’t cut corners when it comes to its presentation. The isometric viewpoint lets you plan without giving you too many clues about what to expect. Furthermore, the unique backdrops create an array of issues that must be overcome. This element is combined with new buildings and swathes of enemy units. Subsequently, you’ll have your work cut out as you attempt to stay alive. Though it has a stylish finish, there were some frame rate drops. This was unfortunate as it undermines the polished nature of this gruesome title.

The audio is fantastic. The dramatic soundtrack is great to listen to. Additionally, I loved the hardcore sound effects that make your skin crawl. The noise of bones breaking and soldiers dying was oddly rewarding. Moreover, the crash of tumbling buildings and the crackle of fire never get old.

Impressive controls.

Monster Run took a little getting used to. The controls were alien to me and I struggled at first. Yet, the excellent UI and some trial and error helped to cement the inputs. Alongside this, every action was responsive, and the button layout was simple to understand once you got your head around each command.

The opening levels are easy to mow through. Furthermore, tactics go out of the window as you slice, bite, and burn everything in sight. However, this soon grinds to a halt as the difficulty ramps up. This was great as it adds to both replay value and longevity. Moreover, the rogue-lite layer ensures that no playthrough is ever the same.

Monster Run is gruesome and great fun.

I couldn’t resist the chance to become a demonic cat. The idea of smashing humans for ruining my peaceful land was too much to turn down. If you then consider the fantasy edge and the blend of skills and upgrades, you get a challenging but moreish experience. Accordingly, I love its gruesome nature and I recommend buying it here! Can you overcome the invaders and save your land? Go hunting, evolve, and kill anything that moves.

Review: Stealth Play and Charge Comfort Controller

Andrew Edney

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Aug 14, 2024

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Review: Stealth Play and Charge Comfort Controller

Here is our review of the Stealth Play and Charge Comfort Controller for Nintendo Switch.

Offering a better, more traditional controller experience than Nintendo Switch’s standard controllers, which many find too small and uncomfortable, with the added bonus of multi-coloured LED lights. Users simply slip their Joy Cons into the controller and get started. A charging cable is included so low battery doesn’t need to result in game over.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the controller base, a charging cable and quick start guide.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

Using the Stealth Play and Charge Comfort Controller is really easy – just slide your joy cons into it and away you go.

Using the controller feels really good – it has a rounded grip and gives you that classic controller feel.

You can use the controller whilst charging too so you can always be playing if you wish.

The controller has 5 animated lighting effects and an off mode if you dont want any effects. The effects are powered by a built-in rechargeable battery.

There are also joy con charging indicators too so you can see they are charging.

If you want a great controller with some cool effects for you Nintendo Switch, then take a look at this one.

The Stealth Play and Charge Comfort Controller for Nintendo Switch is available now priced around £19.99.

You can learn more from the Stealth website.

Review: MG108B Rainbow keyboard

Daniel Waite

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Aug 13, 2024

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The MG108B Rainbow keyboard from Monsgeek is a niche product. Though it retains Monsgeek’s quality approach, the vibrant colour palette won’t appeal to everyone. I’m not a vast lover of in-your-face peripherals, but the vibrancy was alluring. Furthermore, I’m a sucker for full-size accessories, so it ticked many boxes. However, I have no other rainbow-themed items, so unfortunately, it stuck out like a sore thumb.

This versatile product uses 3 connection modes. You may use Bluetooth or the wireless dongle. Alternatively, you may charge the battery while you play with the USB-C cable. This versatility will appeal to gamers and office workers. Moreover, the low-latency inputs are great if you play fast-paced games.

On top of this, the build quality is second to none. The robust OEM double-shot keycaps are hard-wearing. Additionally, the vibrant colours will not fade over time. What’s more, the V3 cream yellow pro switches were responsive and quiet. However, if you wish to customise the keyboard, you can. The switches and keycaps can be adjusted if you want a different look and feel.

What’s in the box of the MG108B Rainbow keyboard?

The box isn’t as in your face as expected. The understated design is professional, and the packaging can be recycled.
The MG108B Rainbow keyboard is loud, colourful, and eye-catching. Each row has a unique colour and the case is pleasantly understated. Moreover, there are FN keys to increase functionality and usability.
Charge the device with the USB-C cable.
Pull the keycaps with the keycap puller.
Spare keycaps can be used.
A wireless dongle increases versatility and usability.
Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

Though the design is outlandish, the MG108B Rainbow keyboard is jam-packed with modern tech. The V3 cream yellow switches offer a pleasant actuation distance for a responsive feel. Moreover, no matter your chosen connection, you enjoy low-latency inputs. This was vital whenever I played FPS games or when I cracked on with work. Either way, the keyboard kept up with my typing speed and I noticed no lag.

Unlike other keyboards, this one allows you to hot-swap the switches without the use of solder. This is great if you want to create the perfect gaming or typing keyboard. The 5-pin switches can be removed with ease. As such, you can adjust the typing experience with little effort.

Connectivity.

I love the streamlined nature of wireless gaming. Yet, I often compromise to guarantee a perfect wired connection. Thankfully, this device offers both, no matter what path you choose. The 5.0 Bluetooth may not be the most up-to-date option, but it is strong, stable, and reliable. Alternatively, the 2.4 GHz mode is plug-and-play and simple to arrange. I went for this option as it felt the most convenient.

If your keyboard runs out of juice, you needn’t worry. You may use any USB-C cable to charge the battery whilst you keep playing. This approach was a great choice as gamers will appreciate the simplicity. If you are worried about running low on power, the helpful backlit RGB lighting indicates how much power you have remaining.

Build quality.

The MG108B Rainbow keyboard is exceptionally well-built! The OEM double-shot keycaps are wonderful to use. The slightly textured finish increases typing accuracy without undermining the vibrant colours. Moreover, the contrasting fonts are robust and will last the test of time.

The strong case can be adjusted across 3 comfortable positions. The small feet make minor adjustments from flat to a couple of degrees. Consequently, you can elevate the height to your liking with ease. The USB port is hidden towards the rear of the case. This snug fit prevents damage to your cable while helping to keep your device connected.

Finally, the backlit RGB lighting can be adjusted using the Monsgeek program. I didn’t change the settings as I liked the generous hue. Moreover, the colourful keycaps were given a deserving pop thanks to the simple but effective lighting.

Is the MG108B Rainbow keyboard worth it?

This is a functional and versatile device that will impress the toughest critics. However, the unique design will only attract a niche audience. The in-your-face rainbow design looks amazing, but I know it won’t appeal to everyone. If you love colourful accessories and top-end gaming peripherals, then this will be the device for you. As such, I love it and I recommend buying it here!

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

The MG108B Rainbow keyboard from Akko has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review – Guayota

Josh Blackburn

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Aug 13, 2024

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Guayota seeks to shed light on the history and culture of the Canary Islands. This caused me pause for thought. I realised I don’t know anything about the Canary Islands, other than that flocks of British tourists often migrate to Tenerife. Sadly, the Canary Islands has a few brutal periods in its history. Most prominent being its conquest by the Spanish. The age of exploration was underwritten in blood, and the native islanders, the Guanche, are the ones that paid the price. Soon, their culture and languge began to fade.

Guayota filters this through a local legend, the island of Saint Brendan, with a Lovecraftian lens. A great evil lurks within a set of temples and the natives carved murals to keep people away. As expected, the new arrivals scratched their catholicism all over them. To dig into all this, we need to solve a big collection of puzzles. These are definitely the highlight. They’re smart and, for the most part, enjoyable. There’s only one fly in this soup and it’s a strange one: The Legend of Zelda.

Mythical Mysteries

Guayota‘s story opens with a ragtag crew sailing to the mythical island of Saint Brendan, named after the monk who supposedly first landed there. Apparently, it’s an island you can only get to if you’re not trying to get there. So we do the only rational thing: go to sleep in the middle of the ocean. If it works, it works. Once we wake up, we’re on the sandy shores of Saint Brendan’s island. Guayota really does make it look good. Everything is in smooth, bright colours. It doesn’t look far off a paradise.

A bit of a shame, then, that ninety percent of our playtime is spent in dark, underground labyrinths. It fits the Lovecraftian theming, I suppose, but a few more outdoor areas would have made better use of the graphics on display. Still, being locked underground isn’t too bad if we get some interesting puzzles out of it. In fact, Guayota‘s major mechanic comes directly from wandering around underground. Our torch gets blown out but we’re rescued by a peculiar spirit, who allows us to see into an ethereal dimension.

The switch between the two influences which puzzles we get. The ‘light’ world tends to favour traps, which I’ll get to in a moment, while the ‘dark’ world is more of a classic puzzler. The puzzles are really rather good. They begin with a simple idea, such as lighting up stones to unlock doors, and gradually escalate from there. They strike the right balance when it comes to difficulty. Not too easy, so you can’t breeze through, but not so hard that you can’t solve them eventually. There’s a fair few of them, too. I did find myself getting trapped a couple of times, thanks to the dash mechanic, but this sort of thing can be fixed in updates.

Quite The Puzzler

The strength of Guayota‘s puzzles lie in the simplicity of its core mechanics. Each of the first three temples introduce new mechanics, and put them through their paces, but the real treats come with the fourth temple, where they all start to blend. For example, there’s a type of red stone that can do two things: split lasers into four, and explode, which can light torches. Lasers can explode them, so the final puzzles come down to constantly turning your thinking upside down. They produced a good number of the coveted eureka moments.

That said, it begins to suffer when it brings in another of its main influences: The Legend of Zelda. See, the traps I mentioned before are things like spinning blades and arrow traps. Though, in this case, they fire water to extinguish your torches. I very much dislike these traps. They feel remarkably cheap for a game with otherwise enjoyable puzzles. They make it hard to think. I enjoy crossword puzzles. I wouldn’t enjoy them if someone was pelting me with cricket balls after every solve.

What’s more, after three hits, we get dumped from the light world into the dark one. These aren’t without some cheap tricks; it’s got a love for invisible walls. The lack of traps, though, means we can appreciate the beauty of the puzzles. The dark world is like a slightly more complex version of the light world puzzle, which I thought was a good idea. Leave the traps for the action fans. To get the full experience though, you need to beat all light and dark puzzles. I had little desire to repeat a difficult puzzle, but in a more annoying fashion.

Guayota – Great Puzzles, Poor Traps

Still, Guayota had enough good ideas to keep me pressing on. Take the murals, for example. To uncover the mystery of the island, we need to solve the puzzles, whereupon our hero copies down the murals he sees at the end. The dark world shows the original, Guanche mural, while the light world shows the version the monks altered. Together they begin piecing together the true picture. It’s a neat way of linking together gameplay and story.

Truthfully, I think the Zelda influence was a misstep. An ingredient that hasn’t spoiled the meal but has dulled down the flavours a bit. It’s a damn shame because it’s an interesting setting that yields up some excellent puzzles, with some nice Lovecraftian drizzle on top. If Guayota had stopped there, I’d be singing its praises from the rooftop. As it was, I ended up just focusing on the dark world puzzles. I won’t say what the resultant ending was, but remember this is a Lovecraft story. Those don’t usually end with our hero in a laughing freeze-frame as the credits roll.

(Guayota’s Steam Page)

Review: Hex Gambit: Respawned

Daniel Waite

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Aug 12, 2024

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Hex Gambit: Respawned is a casual experience that can be enjoyed alone or online. This strategic experience takes a little getting used to. However, once you get to grips with the fundamentals, you’ll enjoy every short, sharp battle. Now, I love this genre, but trying to explain the mechanics in layman’s terms isn’t easy, so you’ll have to bear with me when I get to that part.

This card and board strategy title was developed by One Man Left Studios and published by Blowfish Studios. Furthermore, it has a challenging solo campaign, and it can be enjoyed with friends or strangers online. The simple board-like stages offer unique goals, and mastering each unit is no easy task. Accordingly, you will be tested even when you master every element.

Hex Gambit: Respawned asks you to prove your worth.

Sadly, there isn’t much of a story to get your teeth into. Yet, the bite-sized missions offer enough lore and focus to hold your attention. The campaign mode consists of 21 levels and armies of warriors from the Hex Royale. Each army comprises a unique set of fighters, and it is your responsibility to take them out and be victorious.

Alongside the campaign mode is a fun online or private lobby option. Here you may challenge people online to prove your tactical prowess. I must admit, this wasn’t something I pursued all that often. However, each match I did complete was fun, pacey, and pushed me to my tactical limits. Though I played this on the Xbox Series X, I can see that it would be an ideal title for portable gamers. Therefore, if that is your preference, you may wish to pick this up to speed up your commute.

Plenty of mechanics.

We’re now at the part that I’m dreading. How to explain the mechanics without complicating things? First, this is a turn-based strategy affair where each team has 3 AP (action points). During your turn, you may spawn new units, move existing warriors, attack your foes, or use a special power to hit your enemy’s pillar(s). Furthermore, you may use your leader’s limited abilities to turn the tide of war in your favour. Each leader has a unique skill that must be considered when you start your advances.

The aim of each mission is simple. The first team to 10 points is the winner. Now, you may achieve that by killing your foes or completing a pillar tap. Each action earns you a point, and you must decide how aggressive you wish to be. Alternatively, you can go all-out and try to win by knockout. If you somehow manage to eliminate every enemy, you’ll win by default. This option isn’t easy to complete and things are made more difficult when you consider the massive flaw in the gameplay loop.

Flawed ideas.

Strategy titles are fascinating as you have full command over which approach is appropriate. This micromanagement may be tough to master, but it is extremely rewarding. Sadly, Hex Gambit: Respawned has taken a different path! Though your enemies seem to have full control over their forces and tactics, you are limited to whatever the developer has decided.

I understand why this approach has been taken, but it is undeniably restrictive and it will frustrate genre experts. I rolled with the punches, but I desperately wanted more freedom and flexibility to decide my path. Had the developer incorporated this option after the game was completed, I think it would have created a balanced and fair result.

Hex Gambit: Respawned is clean and pleasant.

This subcategory of the genre isn’t renowned for exceptional graphics. Instead, developers tend to focus on gameplay. Thankfully, Hex Gambit: Respawned spared some time to create a clean and pleasant finish. Each stage has a vibrant style that is interesting to look at. What’s more, it is easy to understand how your troops move. Consequently, navigating each battlefield was a cinch.

The audio adds some depth and energy to each short match. The songs are loud and upbeat and are supported by the never-ending sound effects. Each unit makes random noises as they move, jump, and attack. Additionally, they all have individual sound effects for their melee or ranged combat. The variety was interesting, and I applaud the developer for their efforts.

Excellent controls.

Though there are plenty of layers to master, the controls help you to get things right. Moreover, the responsive inputs and intelligent button layout keep you on track. Furthermore, the well-considered tutorial ensures that newbies to the genre will not struggle.

Thanks to the online and local multiplayer modes, you can return to this repeatedly. What’s more, there are several captains and units to understand and perfect. In addition, there is a Cross-Play option if your friends play on other platforms. Each of these additional items adds to the moderate levels of replay value and longevity.

Hex Gambit: Respawned is a decent strategy title.

I wasn’t completely sold on this game. The shortcomings frustrated me and this made the action feel occasionally unbalanced. However, I love the straightforward ideas and the pleasant aesthetics. Furthermore, the controls are great and there is plenty of replay value. Accordingly, it is a decent strategy title and I recommend buying it here! Can you make it past the Hex Royale? Pick your captain, choose your tactics, and grab 10 hard-earned points.

Review: Epomaker EK98 keyboard

Daniel Waite

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Aug 11, 2024

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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

0

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.