Review: D80 Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers 

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: D80 Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers 

The D80 Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers from Majority pack a massive punch. Additionally, there is so much tech stuffed into those tiny shells, that I couldn’t help but smile. These compact bookshelf speakers deliver incredibly crisp audio. On top of this, they incorporate HDMI arc technology, so they can control and play all of your devices from one convenient remote control. If this wasn’t enough, they are straightforward to set up, and they are affordable as well.

These self-powered speakers deliver an incredible 80W of power. This may not seem a high value, but the audio quality and the volume will blow your mind. Moreover, the lack of distortion and the delightful range of tones and depth of bass will impress you from the off. Alongside this, there is an array of connectivity options that enhance the usability and versatility of this device.

What’s in the box of the D80 Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers?

  • The colourful packaging will catch your eye. Moreover, it is robust and it can be recycled.
  • The D80 Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers look great. The black finish and compact stature ensure that they don’t overpower your workstation. Additionally, the front panel of both speakers is clean and understated. 
  • An RCA to aux cable is provided to enhance connectivity options.
  • Connect the speakers with the provided speaker cable.
  • Control the device with a handy and straightforward remote control.
  • A power cable is provided to power each speaker.
  • Learn the basics with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

Gone are the days of having a set of speakers for every device in your household. Instead, you want one decent pair that tackles every job head-on. Thankfully, the D80 Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers cope with these demands and much, much more. These impressive little beasts utilise an array of connectivity options to enhance their versatility. First, you can use the optical connection for your TV. This crisp and high-quality option is perfect for audiophiles who love their movies or TV series. This option reduces latency problems while ensuring you enjoy the audio as it was created.

Alternatively, maybe you wish to stream music or a video from Deezer, Spotify, or YouTube. With the touch of a button, the D80 Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers can connect to any Bluetooth-compatible device. The Bluetooth 5.0 option uses a low power consumption to help extend the battery life of any streaming device. Furthermore, it increases the range and the strength of the connection. Accordingly, you can enjoy your music from different rooms in your house without the worry of losing connectivity.

Finally, you can go old-school and connect your device via the included RCA connection. Though this wasn’t my preferred method, I experienced no crackling, popping, or distortion. Subsequently, if you wish to utilise this option, you know that the quality is as impressive as the modern alternative.

Sound quality.

These active-powered speakers deliver exceptional audio quality! Consequently, they are perfect if you love to watch films, play video games, or enjoy the latest TV blockbusters. Either way, you are assured of a meaty bass line and a delicious range of tones. The clarity between the sweet highs, warm mids, and deep lows was impressive. Moreover, the silk-domed tweeters offer a rounded soundscape compared to their peers.

80W of power shouldn’t have been impressive. However, the built-in amplifier delivers awesome stereo sound. Additionally, the combination of modern connectivity options ensures you never experience mediocre audio. No matter how much I cranked up the volume, the D80 Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers never failed. The sublime audio performed admirably, no matter the genre or the layers of aggression from every FPS I tested. Accordingly, these speakers were undeniably versatile and wonderfully robust whenever they were put under pressure.

Build quality.

The D80 Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers won’t impress those who wish to have an RGB in-your-face device. However, if you want something understated and professional, then this is the option for you. Additionally, the compact design is ideal if you have a smaller workstation, or you wish to reduce clutter. On top of this, the ability to reduce wires while using the HDMI arc port was a stroke of genius. 

Alongside this, the curved shell and the delightful silk-domed tweeters look fantastic. Subsequently, these will not look out of place in a modern office. Finally, the decision to hide the switches and buttons at the rear of the device was impressive. You may switch the speakers on, play with the connectivity, and adjust the EQ settings. Moreover, you’ll discover the optical port, HDMI arc port and the RCA jacks. This compact, but well-considered approach is straightforward to use while delivering a clean and refined finish.

Are the D80 Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers worth it?

Buying the right speakers for your house or your gaming rig can be difficult. No one wants to pay too much and then discover poor quality or a lack of versatility. Fortunately, the D80 Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers break the mould. Not only do they look great, but they deliver exceptional audio. Moreover, they won’t break the bank. Therefore, if you want plenty of bang for your buck, I recommend buying them here!

(More information on Majority can be found here!)

The D80 Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! Majority provided a sample for this review!)

Review: Moto Turntable

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Moto Turntable

The Moto Turntable from Majority adds a modern twist to a much-loved music platform. Vinyl has always been popular. However, it is growing from strength to strength as retro everything is all the rage. Furthermore, nothing beats the crackle and hiss as the stylus touches the surface. Though youngsters may not understand the nostalgic vibes, they can soak up the warmth and honest tones of a bygone era.

This turntable looks incredible! The walnut finish is rich and wholesome to the eye. Additionally, it has some spectacular features that make it stand out from its peers. First, the AT3600L Audio-Technica Cartridge delivers a spectacular tone and a strong and reliable connection. Second, you may use the built-in speakers for convenience or connect to an external speaker system (wire not included). Third, there is the option to play music from a USB drive or a Bluetooth device. Accordingly, this is wonderfully versatile while looking delightfully old-school. Finally, you can record every track directly onto a USB drive. Therefore, you may back up your favourite tracks and store them for future use.

What’s in the box of the Moto Turntable?

  • The packaging is robust and attractive to look at. Moreover, it has key selling points and some interesting imagery.
  • The Moto Turntable is easy to the eye. This stylish turntable has a felt map to protect your vinyl, 3-speed options, and a latch to protect the arm. On top of this, the controls are easy to navigate and the built-in speakers complement the slick and streamlined finish.
  • A plastic dust protector is provided. This easy-to-fit extra is sturdy and easy to handle.
  • Power the device with the power cable.
  • Maximise your options with the 45 RPM adaptor.
  • Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

Though the Moto Turntable is jam-packed with modern tech, it was surprisingly easy to use. If you have never delved into the glorious world of vinyl, this device should be your starting point. Majority have thought about every possible aspect as they have included the options for 3 RPM settings. You may select between 33, 45, and 78 RPM. Accordingly, you will have no issues with any vinyl that you test out. Alongside this, there is an auto-stop switch that prevents your stylus from becoming damaged. Each of these options was straightforward to select and even easier to understand. Consequently, this is an ideal device for technophobes and newbie music lovers.

Using the Moto Turntable as a vinyl player is its primary function. However, you can easily use your phone or a USB device to mix things up. The well-labelled front-facing switch can be adjusted for each input mode. Moreover, you can connect to external devices using the 3.5mm port. This array of connection options was phenomenal, and it ensures that versatility is a priority.

If you love the idea of recording your songs to play and edit on your PC, this device allows you to do that. Simply plug in your USB drive, hit the record button, and the turntable does the work for you. Alternatively, maybe you wish to sample elements of each tune. If this is the case, you can hit the split button, and you’ll record segments of every tune you are listening to. The recording quality was decent, and I’d say that the Bitrate was equal to most streaming platforms. Subsequently, you will experience decent audio quality if you wish to sample and edit songs.

Audio quality.

The built-in speakers deliver a pleasant range of tones and a decent bass line. Though this element may not concern everyone, I was impressed with the clarity and the authentic sounds. These tiny speakers were punching way above their weight and I experienced no distortion or crackling when pushed to their limits. However, if you want the best experience, I recommend combining them with a decent set of external speakers. 

The AT3600L Audio-Technica Cartridge is a great addition to this device. This excellent cartridge is easy to handle and simple to replace. Moreover, it helps to deliver the best quality audio time and time again. I was impressed by the generous range of tones and the punchy bass line. Its authenticity and rich sound quality were welcome no matter the genre I tested. Whether I enjoyed the upbeat layers of a Motown classic or plumped for a drop of rock music, this device never let me down. Accordingly, it was a brilliant decision to include it in the Moto Turntable.

Build quality.

A classic audio device needs a sophisticated design. Thankfully, the Moto Turntable delivers this in spades! The walnut effect finish has a classic look that is complemented by the black accents. The larger dials and push buttons are simple to locate and easy to use. Additionally, the helpful LED system helps you to know when a device is connected and what the system is doing. 

Each of the ports is secure, and I had no issues with poor connections or audio quality. Moreover, I loved the smooth nature of the raise lever and the auto-drop feature. Consequently, it was a pleasure to watch the needle move into place. Furthermore, it was reassuring that the stylus was protected, and my precious vinyl wouldn’t become scratched or damaged.

Is the Moto Turntable worth it?

If you wish to listen to music in its purest form, then you must invest in a turntable. The ability to listen to vinyl and all its imperfections changes the meaning and the experience of each song. Additionally, the Moto Turntable looks incredible. Subsequently, if you want a conversation starter that delivers incredible audio and an unquestionable level of versatility, then this is the device for you. As such, I adore it and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on Majority can be found here!)

The Moto Turntable has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! Majority provided a sample for this review!)

News: Train Sim World 4 DLC

Daniel Waite
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0
News: Train Sim World 4 DLC

Train Sim World 4 has been a revelation since its release last year. Train spotters and fans of simulation titles have lost hours of their lives to this ultra-realistic game. Furthermore, with plenty of routes to explore and a vast range of trains to drive, there is plenty to keep you busy. Consequently, you may shrug when I announce the release of a new Train Sim World 4 DLC. The Gospel Oak to Barking Line addition allows players to enjoy a section of the London Overground.

Lovingly nicknamed the Goblin, this route traverses some famous sites and has been running for 150 years. Accordingly, you’ll pass through 7 unique boroughs of North and East London. This route forms part of the TfL’s initiative to simplify the London Overground. As such, you’ll note that it is part of the Suffragette line to honour the 20th-century movement. This name change will not impact the gameplay. Instead, the acknowledgement from the developers enhances the level of realism.

Some details of the Train Sim World 4 DLC.

An Aventra Adventure awaits in Train Sim World 4! Discover the dense North & East London boroughs aboard modern traction. Furthermore, you’ll traverse a newly electrified and extended line fit for future riverside services. Become something of a London Overground driver yourself and conquer the pumpkin-orange passenger duties of the Suffragette line: Gospel Oak – Barking Riverside.

150 years in the making; the Gospel Oak to Barking Line was happenstance-constructed through the means of multiple companies building adjacent lines. As links, junctions and various termini were built and changed, this meandering route through no less than 7 of North & East London’s boroughs took shape as a vital strategic railway, albeit not a well-looked-after one.

Once earmarked for closure, and allowed to be rundown into disarray, Transport for London (TfL) took the line under their wing alongside other routes in 2007 when London Overground was launched to transform them into lines fit for the future. State-of-the-art throughout, the line from Gospel Oak is now an electrified, high-density passenger route, making use of the brand-new Class 710 Aventra, while also still leaving space for freight as part of the National Rail network.

Where can I buy it?

The Train Sim World 4 DLC is available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. This exceptional add-on will test your patience and your ability to work in high-pressure locations. Subsequently, you can experience the hustle and bustle of London life whilst helping every commuter and tourist explore our wonderful capital.

(More information on Dovetail can be found here!)

Review: Clash 2

Saim Khurshid
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2
Review: Clash 2

This review has been scrapped and rewritten three times as everytime I sat down to put my views on paper, I found myself going back to Clash 2, hoping that there would be something else this turn based strategy game could give me, just enough to sway my mind but the result was always the same… Clash 2 has to be one of the most boring games I have ever played!

A struggle to Enjoy

Oxford dictionary describes disappointment as sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfilment of one’s hopes or expectations. I would describe disappointment as the main gameplay loop of Clash 2. 

From the onset you are shown a really promising and fun-looking concept. Roam the map collecting resources to upgrade aspects of your base so that you may have access to better soldiers for your party. Then take your party of stacked soldiers and one commander and fight scattered enemies around the map for more loot which will then allow you to upgrade your base, which will then give you better soldiers. So on and so forth, till you achieve the final goal which is usually to defeat a certain enemy or reach a certain indicated point on the map. 

The combat of this turn based strategy game itself is a simple turn based system not different from that of Fire emblem. Here you will be stacked up(max 8) against the enemy team and the fight goes on till one team runs out of members. If a soldier dies they remain dead and if your main character dies, game over. So remember to keep saving. There is an auto-save but I found it too random to trust.

This is a basic gameplay loop for the turn based strategy game and one you will be on for the whole duration of your game.

I know what you are thinking, “This sounds alright, how is it boring?” but listion and I will tell you about the tedious horror that awaits.

The game begins with players having access to their main character, who may or may not already have a team assembled. From there you are told to run around to gather gold. This in itself brings out the first glaring choice; You can only walk a few steps before you can no longer walk for the turn.

Meaning just to get enough gold to even think about starting the game, you will spend over 4 uneventful turns, each taking a sweet time to load up. Then with the gold, you click on your base, here you can grab either basic characters that would be as useful to you as cardboard cutouts or you can make upgrades such as hospital or smith or whatever.

You can stack only 6 tasks at once, assuming you have the gold to do this. For each upgrade, you will have to wait one turn. Once you have the upgrades done and you are 7 turns in, now we can proceed with gameplay.(Each character you make, takes one turn each to summon as well and they take up the same spot as the upgrades)

Oh, it gets worse!

With a team ready, you head for enemies. 

So 6 turns later and every weather in the game experienced, you reach your enemy. Not the enemy you need to defeat to progress the story or win the game… No no no! A random enemy standing around for you to kill and there will be dozens of these everywhere and you need to get into combat with most of them to get the resources you need.

It made me laugh when I went to fight my first enemy and the game showcased quite boldly that you can just automate the result. Like in any sane world would I consider the preceding gameplay to have been something I would want to focus on.

When you get into the fight, you are taken into a small grid based map with rarely any terrain. From here the game works just as would something like a Fire Emblem(without any of the actual personality or attachment to the characters, of course.)

In itself the combat is fine but when you have to do it over and over and over and over again…. You start to consider pushing that shiny ‘Automate’ button. 

That got me thinking; what is there in this game? Like what’s the reason behind its existence? It clearly does not have much in its base building or loot gathering elements and the combat, although passable, soon becomes just as tedious and monotonous as everything else.


There must be an online multiplayer, right? And this story mode(more on that in a bit) is just some glorified tutorial…… Nope! The game has no online modes, there is the same PC multiplayer though so I called a friend……

Worse With Friends

Starting the multiplayer was quite simple. Go to skirmish. Pick the colour of your flag, the battle style of you main commander character(magic, archer, swordsman) and your faction.(more on that later) Then you have to pick a team number even though you can only have 2 teams.

From there we access the most useless menu. Here the game asks you to make settings: choose a map and choose weather. 

Hover your mouse over ‘choose a map’ and you get the text: “More maps coming soon” (Wow! Can’t wait for that DLC) 

Go to the weather and the game asks you, in detail, how you want the weather. Despite the fact, that the damned thing keeps changing by itself regardless.

Once inside you will find that the slow paced gameplay does not get any better in multiplayer. They decided to place both characters on opposite ends of the map with both players trapped by a dozen enemies. These enemies must be defeated to progress. 

It took us over 1 hour to get to each other and the final fight took less than 2 minutes. Then all one had to do was walk over to the enemy base and take it as their own.(which was insanely tedious) 

The tale of cliché

The story of Clash 2 is a clash between two religious factions. The Heathens; a tribalistic people who worship nature, more accurately a sort of Avatar-esque great tree. The others are The Purians; a more aggressive type of people who believe in more modern day stuff. 

The game comes with 2 story lines, either play as the Heathens or the Purians.

Without spoiling much, you can see this difference in the way both sides name their locations and characters. For example: with the Heathens having a sacred site as their base healing, where the Purians have a hospital. 

The plot for the Heathens starts with the main character(Elena) going to save her brother(Hjarn). Only to realise he had betrayed them and joined the Purians (who she referred to as the new faith.) (the scene has a more to it but I do not wish to spoil) 

The story for the Purians goes in the opposite direction. It tells us the other side of the story with the rise of the Purians. Here you play as a commander named(Harvig) looking to fulfil his orders to the fullest and at any cost.

A Journey Best Forgotten

The turn based strategy game Clash 2 falls short of expectations and fails to deliver an engaging gaming experience. Despite its promising concepts, the gameplay quickly becomes tedious and monotonous. From the laborious resource gathering to the repetitive turn-based combat, the game struggles to maintain interest. 

With Rarely any real brain power required for this turn based strategy game, the less said about the multiplayer, the better!

While the story attempts to inject some narrative depth, the clash between factions feels clichéd and fails to captivate. Whether playing as the Heathens or the Purians, the plot fails to resonate, leaving players disinterested in the outcome.

Ultimately, the turn based strategy game, Clash 2 lacks the essential elements that make a game enjoyable. With its tedious gameplay, uninspired storytelling, and lack of innovation, it’s difficult to find redeeming qualities in this title. 

For those seeking a truly engaging gaming experience, Clash 2 falls short of the mark.

Review: ABRISS-Build to Destroy

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: ABRISS-Build to Destroy

ABRISS-Build to Destroy is a contradiction in terms. The idea that you create something beautiful, intricate, and spectacular, just to annihilate something else was alien to me. However, this is exactly what you must do if you wish to succeed at this unusual building game.

This physics-based builder was developed by Randwerk Games and published by astragon Entertainment GmbH. Moreover, it has plenty of game modes to keep you entertained. However, no matter which mode you select, the gameplay rarely changes. Consequently, if you love to test your building prowess, and you enjoy destroying stuff, this will be the game for you.

ABRISS-Build to Destroy focuses on its action. 

ABRISS-Build to Destroy doesn’t have a core plot. Instead, its campaign mode adds new elements to test your experimental mindset. Moreover, there is more than one way to skin a cat. Accordingly, you can tackle each stage however you wish. It was this freedom that caught my attention and I loved testing out new ideas. 

Each level centres around an immense structure. At its heart is a red orb that must be struck. If you succeed, the level is over, and you move on to the next stage. Yet, that is not all. You are awarded points depending on how destructive you are. Additionally, you may combine your building blocks to create complex machinery or structures that’ll annihilate anything in its path. Subsequently, you are only limited by your imagination. 

More than just a campaign.

ABRISS-Build to Destroy would have fallen short if it didn’t have additional modes to enjoy. Luckily, you can build whatever you wish in Sandbox mode. Alternatively, you can aim for a high score in Endless mode. Alongside this, there is the opportunity to capture each build using the in-game camera system. 

Though the freedom to build whatever I wished in Sandbox mode was fun, it didn’t keep me focused. I liked the structure of the campaign mode. 7 unique worlds and a restriction of building parts test your mindset and imagination. However, if you wish to push your ability and get a high score at the same time, Endless mode is the option for you.

ABRISS-Build to Destroy has a futuristic edge. 

The clean lines and neon-infused imagery give ABRISS-Build to Destroy a futuristic edge. Alongside this, the red hue of the target gives you something to aim for. The cold and industrial imagery is complemented by the stark and defined UI. Accordingly, you can focus on your build and the minor hurdles that stand in your way.

The audio complements the clinical finish. The high-tempo music has an electric feel. Additionally, the crunching sound effects as the buildings are struck were perfect. Moreover, I liked the blend of futuristic noises and the calm ambient sounds. As such, though it is a little strange, it is pleasant to listen to.

Brilliant controls. 

I expected ABRISS-Build to Destroy to be a pig to play. Thankfully, though, the controls were perfect when using my gamepad. Thanks to the brilliant UI and the excellent camera angles, you can navigate every stage with ease. Moreover, it is simple to undo any terrors or remove an array of blocks at once. Subsequently, you can experiment without too many hiccups.

The 3 unique game modes and the 7 worlds ensure that this has plenty of replay value and longevity. Additionally, the inclusion of a leaderboard will get those competitive juices flowing. As such, you can return to this repeatedly without getting bored. 

ABRISS-Build to Destroy is an unusual but fun title. 

Though I was never entirely comfortable with the concept, I liked ABRISS-Build to Destroy. I had great fun creating monstrous towers and weird destructive equipment. Moreover, the drip-fed elements and the drive towards experimentation kept me coming back for more. Accordingly, I liked it and I recommend buying it here! Destruction is the dish of the day. Therefore, you must pick your ingredients, create something special, and watch the rubble build around you.

Review: Telmari

Phant0m
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0
Review: Telmari

” A plunging wonderful time! “

Not many games have captured my attention quite like this one! Its fun, exhilarating and creative. Hi My name is Phant0m and these are my thoughts on… Telmari!

Visuals!

First thing I’d like to talk about is how gorgeous the visuals of this game are. The artstyle is fun and creative, every area looks stunning even if similar. Furthermore colors pop, the colors range from cool green, to bright oranges, to eerie purple; The only issue I experienced was how little diversity there was in the levels, until you leave certain chapters you’ll be looking at the same thing for quite a while, for example in the first few levels you’ll only be looking at green plains in the background, a floor to walk on, a character to move with, and things to avoid. It’s pretty simple and fails to excite me most of the game.

Gameplay!

What is exciting! The gameplay! Each level is fun to traverse (even if I’m dying most of the time) . It consists of you trying to avoid obstacles or creatures to get to the end with a plunger bow that helps you move around. Although a simple concept they do a lot to make it entertaining like the mentioned animations which are fluid, your movements responsive, and enemies are ruthless. Combine these elements and you have the ingredients to create a good time, but the puzzle design might crash your party; I personally got stuck on levels for over a hundred deaths before figuring out what to do, and at first I blamed myself for being an idiot, but after a few more runs I realized that my creativity hindered my ability to complete levels; This game is designed for you to follow the fox that leads you, and lacks the ability for me to create my own path, most of the levels are blocked by vines or enemies that kill off certain paths, and I could only describe it as irritating. Even more irritating is the fact that there aren’t many rewards besides added items that try to improve traversal but are also limited.

Story/Characters/Music

There isn’t much of a story here, since most of the game is just gameplay, but when there is, its simple, maybe youll see fun dialouge, and cute characters, but thats all i truly saw, and when it comes to music, there is quite literally one track, buuut in its defense its a really good track, i think its awesome and helps the experience feel cool.

Performance

Lastly the performance of the game is great, I ran into 0 issues running the game, I didn’t have to tweak settings, it all worked perfectly right out of the gate and it never crashed. In fact the only issue I experienced was audio being a little too loud but that was quickly adjustable.

Verdict

Anyways if your wondering I do recommend Telmari, it’s a nice small escape into another world that’s beautifully created.I give it a 7.5/10 The negatives are mostly caused by the lack of freedom making the game difficult to recommend to those who don’t like linear puzzle experiences, but for those who do, the small price of this game and the small experience is easy to recommend as someone who has difficulty making time for big triple AAA experiences. Those were my thoughts on Telmari. Thanks for reading! And keep doing great things! Your good at them. Bye 🙂

Side Notes

I think Telmari is a game that could be amazing on mobile, it’s simple style and aesthetic seem perfect for small screens. The controls are also simple if your worried about them being confusing or difficult to work with. The Pc I used is a laptop using a GTX 1650 and an Intel I5 10300H and 16 GB of RAM.

Get the game at: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2468110/Telmari/

Review: The Thaumaturge

Jax Sun
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0
Review: The Thaumaturge

Image credit: 11 bit studios

Thaumaturge, in simple English means miracle worker. One who wields magic and use them in benefit for human society. We can find such figure in Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, etc. Now, we able to enjoy role-playing as a miracle maker in the new release game by 11 bit studios,The Thaumaturge.

The Thaumaturge Trailer

Video credit: 11 bit studios

Gameplay

Image credit: 11 bit studios

You play as Wiktor Szulski, a Thaumaturge who investigates the mysterious cases that happen in Warsaw. Due to the lack of interaction with the environments and NPCs, it’s a bit lackluster to find myself wandering around but unable to interact the citizens and objects. Then, the only people I can interact with are the key characters who plays a great part in the story and sub-key characters who are involved in cases. Which literally means the only things I can interact with are those with indicators.

Investigation Puzzles

Image credit: 11 bit studios

The case emerges when Wiktor interacts with the surrounding objects. The object can be vary from paperwork to personal belongings. Sometimes, Wiktor will discover the Traces of Emotions that linger in the objects. Once Wiktor found the traces, he has to track down the owner of the traces. The emotions can be anything, such as sadness, fear, pride, etc. Usually a wild Salutan connects to the owner of the emotion because they bear a Flaw. Only a person with Flaw will attract a wild Salutan, that connection could potentially make the bearer as Thaumaturge.

Turn-Based Combat

Image credit: 11 bit studios

The turn-based combat can be considered as understandable and simple to master. The Queue indicates each turns of Wiktor and his enemies. Wiktor’s attack time consumption will arrange his turn accordingly in the Queue. There are a number of options are offered to players: Quick Attack, Planned Attack, Damage over Time Attack and Influences. As Wiktor progress further, he will obtains different attack moves and can be used on battle. Furthermore, Wiktor can uses upgrade points to unlock different set of skills for different purposes and scenarios. Besides of the mentioned, Focus plays a vital role in battle. Player should pays attention to the Focus points. Wiktor’s action queue will be affected once it’s being drained. In the end, I find the combat system pretty fine and master it pretty well. The rest is the strategy, I personally recommend the passive debuff. It works well and saved my life in tough battles.

Flaw and Salutan

Image credit: 11 bit studios

Salutan, a spirit that in search of Flaw and a partner for Thaumaturge. Flaw is a negative mark that possess on human, it can be emotion or behavior. Wiktor possess FlawLike Upyr, Wiktor’s first Salutan since he’s young. Due to Wiktor’s Flaw of Pride, Upyr’s able to connect with him. Salutan has many usefulness in social interaction and during combat as well. They are like Stands from Jojo Bizarre Adventure which I enjoy it very much personally. During combat, you can summon Salutan to use its magic tricks to make a passive damage move or distraction.

In Overall

Image credit: 11 bit studios

In my humble opinion, The Thaumaturge is a AAA Open World wanna-be game but with limitations. In other words, a gem that is shaped but lack of fine edges. The story and background settings are amazing. Yet, from the world structure to minor details. The limitation of the game has many, such as loading section in between of traveling, the map for exploration isn’t that big enough, the animation lack of details, etc. Despite of all the mentioned, the game still has something to offer. The story campaign, the thaumaturgy and detective investigation puzzles. The Thaumaturge still worth to play if you love any gameplay elements I just mentioned.

Review on PC. (Also available on PS5 & Xbox series S/X).

Review: Silent Hope

Bryan Applegate
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0
Review: Silent Hope

INTRO – Welcome to the Silent Hope of the Abyss

Silent Hope is a video game created by Marvelous! In this dungeon action RPG hybrid, players assume control of one of 7 classes as they fight their way through an abyss to free a Princess from a Crystalized tear, and rescue a King gone mad. So, does this game serve up a good time, or is this one title that should be avoided?
Let’s find out!

STORY – Silent Hope, the Interactable Fairy Tale

There are 7 Playable Classes in Silent Hope

NOTE: The following Story preview/synopsis comes from the game description on the My Nintendo page for Silent Hope. All credit goes to them.

“One day, a terrible calamity struck a peaceful kingdom. In the chaos that followed, the people began to deceive and backstab each other. Their King used his powerful magic to steal away people’s ability to speak and hurled himself into the Abyss. His daughter, the Princess, cried an endless flood of tears until they encased her in a giant crystal teardrop.

Many years after these events faded to memory, seven rainbow-colored lights flew from the Abyss. These rays of hope appeared before the Princess manifesting themselves as seven heroes, ready to answer the Princess’ call for help. Why did the King abandon his daughter and his people? And why did he steal their ability to speak?” – My Nintendo story description for Silent Hope.

The rest of the story from there is full of twists and turns. The Princess will serve as Narrator for this game, so it feels like a storybook fairy tale come to life. I actually used to read fairy tales and have them read to me growing up, since this type of storytelling is right up my alley, and also suitable for young teens. But, how does the gameplay of Silent Hope stack up? Let’s dive into that Abyss and find out!

GAMEPLAY – 7 Classes, 1 Abyss, 1 at a time

Silent Hope Gameplay is pretty good with the randomized dungeon layouts.

NOTE: The following gameplay tidbits come from the software description of Silent Hope on the My Nintendo page for this game. All credit goes to Marvelous and Nintendo.

“◆Seven Heroes, Seven Unique Fighting Styles
Choose from a motley crew of characters like the well-rounded Wanderer, long-range specialist Archer, or heavy-hitting Warrior to find whose skills suit your playstyle, and embrace new roles and abilities as you gain more experience. Use crystals found throughout the Abyss to switch characters or return to Base Camp.”

“◆A Home at the Edge of the World
Find new recipes and materials and return to your Base Camp at the edge of The Abyss, where each character has a unique job. From alchemist to blacksmith to cook, each hero brings something different.”

“◆Engaging Exploration and Dungeon-Crawling
Experience a new layout each time you enter the enigmatic Abyss, keeping you on your toes every moment you explore, and look out for Memory Rifts, where greater rewards — and challenges — await.”

Essentially, in short, the dungeon layouts are randomly generated each time you enter the Abyss. A easy playthrough in one instance could be a nightmare the 2nd time around, or vice versa. Make sure to level up each hero, and not just your favorite one. Memory Rifts offer bigger rewards, but also greater challenges, so plan accordingly.

FINAL THOUGHTS – A Solid Game, with a bit much to do at times

In closing, Silent Hope is a excellent, Etrian Odyssey-styled dungeon crawler with a great story, lots of things to do at base camp, and randomly-generated dungeon layouts. That being said, the music was a bit forgettable, and only the title theme and the first dungeon theme stuck out to me on a first listen to. Also, there can sometimes be a bit too much to do in the base camp at one time, which leads to a sense of feeling overwhelmed.

Despite these 3 setbacks, the rest of the game definitely does way more than enough to make up for those shortcomings. I definitely recommend this game if you haven’t played it already.

Review: Rune Factory 3 Special

Khloe Turner
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Review: Rune Factory 3 Special

An eagerly awaited title . . .

Rune Factory 3 Special is a remaster of the 2009 original developed by Neverland Company Inc. This title was launched in Japan in March of 2023, then worldwide in September of the same year. This game can be played on Windows or the Nintendo Switch.

Rune Factory has accrued a devoted fanbase these past decades; and if you have never heard of the franchise before, it is similar to (and originally a spinoff from) Harvest Moon, but with a richer story and with added combat. Rune Factory 3 Special is an exciting mix of the action RPG and real-life simulation genres, which players can farm, craft, develop their relationships and fight monsters.

A short and sweet adventure

Compared to other titles in the franchise, Rune Factory 3 Special is short, sweet, and relatively easy even on the harder difficulty settings. This could be considered a good entry point for newcomers to Rune Factory. Purely the storyline itself may take 25-30 hours to get through.

While the story is shorter than some of the other Rune Factory games, players are overall encouraged to take their time and explore all the other mechanics of the game, including exploration, foraging, farming, cooking, crafting tools and accessories, and developing friendships and potential romances with the inhabitants of Sharance. To craft more advanced recipes, players must raise their skill levels in order to accumulate RP, or Rune Points.

In the game, you play as a young man named Micah who is suffering a bad case of amnesia (of course). The daughter of Sharance’s mayor, Shara, offers Micah a place to stay within the enormous Sharance Tree at the forefront of the town, where Micah must raise and tend to the farms around it. However for some strange reason, the Sharance Tree has not bloomed for 50 years and the surrounding land has begun to decay. Creatures, called univir, from Sol Terrano Desert have also become hostile towards Sharance’s townsfolk.

Early on in the game after completing Shara’s first quest, Micah is able to recollect that he is indeed a half-monster himself, and is able to turn into a golden wooly. He decides to keep this a secret due to the unfriendly relations between humans and monsters. After traveling to Sol Terrano Desert, Micah learns that humans and univir used to live in harmony before the former kicked them out, which is what led to the current hostilities and hatred.

Throughout the story, Micah travels to four different major areas and upon each dungeon completion, he recovers memory orbs that heal his amnesia and allows him (and the player) to learn more about Micah’s past. These memories provide key information on what players need to do next. It is learned that in order to help the Sharance Tree blossom, monsters and humans must unify and coexist peacefully once again. To unite the races, Micah tells everyone the he is half-monster, and after some arguing that follows, the two sides agree to unify at the Unity Festival.

The tree begins sprouting at the Unity festival but cannot fully blossom until Micah marries one of the human bachelorettes in Sharance. Players are allowed to pursue whichever girl they choose, but on the wedding day, the bride is nowhere to be found. Players eventually learn that their bride-to-be is somewhere within Dragon Cave. After defeating the final boss Aquaticus–who insists that Micah does not deserve to marry either monster nor human, and that humans and univir should never reunite–Micah reconnects with his bride and chooses to stay in Sharance to wed and return life to the tree and land.

From golden boy to golden wooly

So, yes, Micah is half-monster. Players can transform into a golden wooly and play the game in that way! Being a wooly feels silly and powerful, and in combat, you can knock enemies around and issue massive physical and splash damage.

Combat is overall quick and dynamic, and there is a plethora of weaponry to choose from. At the start of the game, Gaius offers you any weapon of your choice, from aces to short swords to staffs. I chose the double blades, which are fast and deadly, but it does negate the power of the shields I equip and consumes a chunky amount of RP. Every weapon comes with its own perks and cons, so choose wisely to your own playing style.

As you progress through the game, Micah can invite other townsfolk to join his party. Each party member has their own stats and abilities: Sofia is a capable healer who can also wield swords, Raven has incredible fire spells and a high HP stat, and Evelyn utilizes ranged attacks. Unfortunately, you can only recruit one person at a time, alongside a monster companion or plant pet. Overall . . . I did not use the recruiting mechanic too much since Micah is heavily capable on his own, especially in the golden wooly form.

Meet the bachelorettes

The most significant, popular feature of Rune Factory is the friendship system, where Micah is able to flourish relationships in a platonic or romantic way. In order to advance relationships, players can complete tasks requested by villagers and talk with them and give them gifts. Micah can develop a romance with any of the 11 girls of Sharance, and in order to complete the main story of Rune Factory 3 Special, Micah has to marry one of them.

Players can choose from Shara, Daria, Collette, Sofia, Sakuya, Pia, Raven, Karina, Carmen, Marian, and Kuruna. In fact, Micah can date multiple women at the same time . . . but you can only choose one bride in the end after hitting relationship level 10. Once this is completed, players can select the Newlywed mode from the main screen of Rune Factory 3 Special which offers additional content separate from the main story, showcasing Micah’s life with his new bride. Players can select any of the eleven girls’ stories in the Newlywed mode regardless of who Micah married in the main story.

It is also important to note that in the Newlywed story, all recipes are unlocked and Micah’s crafting level is automatically set to 99.

I personally chose Carmen, because I love her short hair and theatrics. Honestly, I also enjoyed getting closer to her brother Carlos along the way. Speaking of, it is worth noting that players must marry a female candidate. Micah cannot date nor marry other male villagers, but can foster friendships with them. I viewed this as a major downside and it would have been a huge plus if the remaster had allowed same-sex marriages, or at least the option to play as a girl and not only the male version of Micah. However, the remaster is fully faithful to original and does not deviate in this mechanic.

Final thoughts

Rune Factory 3 Special is truly special indeed. Despite being shorter and simpler compared to other titles in the franchise, the game offers such a fun experience with cute, charming characters and hilarious and self-aware dialogue.

The remaster is a major performance upgrade from the original, with smoother running fps, more convenient controls, and other components that adds that well-deserved “special” in the name: a new “Hell” difficulty to challenge more experienced players, as well as Newlywed mode and “Another Episode” DLC (short voice-acted scenes of the life of Micah, his wife and children).

The qualms I have with this game include its super easy combat difficulty (which newcomers may enjoy) and the slight bugginess and sensitivity of the farming mechanic. The remastered voice acting is not as favored as the original cast, particularly because there is less distinction in the vocal personalities of the bachelorettes. Even though the voicing sounds a bit more indistinguishable and less dynamic, one can still sense the effort put into the lines, and there is also much more voiced dialogue overall.

Review: Qomp2

Daniel Waite
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Review: Qomp2

Qomp2 proves that life is only as mundane as you make it. If you so wish, you can break free from every rudimentary task and fulfil your potential. However, where there is reward, there is risk. Consequently, you will fail repeatedly before you succeed.

This old-school action title was developed by Graphite Lab and published by Atari. Moreover, it takes influence from the classic game Pong. Accordingly, it utilises many straightforward ideas as you navigate a deadly maze filled with 30 levels. On top of this, there are drip-fed obstacles that heighten the sense of danger. This unnerving edge keeps you alert and prevents the action from plateauing.

Qomp2 tells a story of adventure. 

Fulfilling your destiny can be a tiresome quest. This is particularly true if you exist as a ball from the game Pong. Subsequently, if you want to break free from this mould, you must do something radical! By tackling 30 levels of increasing difficulty, you will prove the naysayers wrong. Additionally, you will fulfil your potential.

Though the story is ridiculous, it isn’t overbearing. Instead, Qomp2 focuses on its ball-breaking gameplay. Moreover, the blend of claustrophobic spaces and deadly obstacles tests your resolve. However, thankfully, there are plenty of checkpoints to keep things moving nicely. This was a good thing as I believe I would have quit long before I got to the final stages.

The short levels should have been a walk in the park. However, saw blades, spikes, lasers, and more stand in your way. Alongside this, there are boss encounters that push you to your limit. Consequently, this isn’t a game for the faint of heart, and you must be patient and calm if you wish to succeed.

Qomp2 takes a refined approach.

The old-school gameplay is complemented by some refined graphics. The simple stage layout focuses on a fixed-screen perspective. As you delve deeper, the levels fade from one screen to another. This basic idea adds a sense of mystery and tension. Furthermore, you never know what traps await you as you move closer to the end goal.

The audio utilises an 80s synth edge. This upbeat soundtrack should have been more daunting and sadistic. As it is, the high-energy tunes juxtapose the careful and often slow progress. Furthermore, there isn’t a vast array of sound effects to enjoy. Subsequently, you’ll concentrate on the maddening gameplay instead.

Simple controls. 

Where Qomp2 excels is its simple controls. The ball can be made to dash or turn 45°. This is the limit of the input system. However, things are complicated further when obstacles and special tools mix things up. You must weave between spikes and blades. Alternatively, you’ll bounce off walls or use vacuums to adjust your trajectory. Either way, you must avoid death if you wish to progress.

30 levels doesn’t seem a lot. Yet, the action becomes so intense and convoluted that you enjoy plenty of replay value and longevity. Though this won’t be considered a cult classic, and you probably won’t return to it once you complete it, I enjoyed my first playthrough.

Qomp2 is a tough but enjoyable indie title. 

If you enjoy being tested without a complex storyline, then Qomp2 could be for you. The basic puzzles and layers of difficulty keep you coming back for more. Additionally, the boss levels add some unique elements to prevent things from becoming stale. As such, I enjoyed it and I recommend buying it here! Can you leave the paddles behind? Break free, avoid obstacles, and complete every level.

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