Events

Review: Qomp2

Daniel Waite

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Mar 22, 2024

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.

Review: Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection

Sam Butler

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Mar 22, 2024

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Review: Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection

Star Wars: Battlefront is a franchise near and dear to my heart. My time with these games will always make me feel nostalgic. So I was surprised and delighted to see the announcement of Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection. I was ready to return and relive part of my childhood. The remaster promises 64 online multiplayer, updated graphics, and bonus content. However, Aspyr failed to deliver a functional Star Wars: Battlefront franchise remaster.

Not Like The Simulations

Battlefront’s gameplay is simple. You have different classes ranging from assault, heavy, engineer, support, and special classes. You have different spawn points; you take over every spawn point or reduce the enemies’ forces to zero. It is the quintessential battlefield clone but occurs across Star Wars’ iconic battlefields. Shooting feels more arcadey than your typical battlefield game, and you can swap between first and third-person perspectives. In Battlefront II, you can access heroes and villians from the franchise, such as Darth Maul or Luke Skywalker. Characters with lightsabers feel powerful, sometimes too powerful compared to those with a blaster, but not invincible to take down.

There are also various game modes to choose from between the two titles. Battlefront I offers Galactic Conquest, where different factions fight over control of the galaxy by fighting on different planets. Controlling a planet offers bonuses during the battle, like extra health or sabotaging vehicles on the battlefield. There is a campaign, but it’s just playing the standard mode on different maps. Battlefront I was a foundation point, but it feels slightly barren compared to Battlefront II.

Battlefront II has a more robust campaign that follows an elite squadron of clone troopers from the beginning of the Clone Wars through the empire’s fall. It is an interesting take on the events of the franchise from the perspective of characters who fought for the republic and the empire. The campaign offers unique objectives not seen in other parts of Battlefront. Hero assault pits every hero against every villain in what becomes a button-mashing fiesta. There are also Capture the Flag and Galactic Conquest returns as well. Both games offer split-screen multiplayer for those looking to play with friends locally. However, it’s only a two-player split-screen, which is weird because the original Xbox version offered a four-player split-screen option, a choice I found most baffling.

A Bad Feeling About This

Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection promises an all-in-one experience for some fan-favorite Star Wars games. It has been updated with 64 online multiplayer games, Hero Assault on all ground maps, and the DLC. Unfortunately, my time with the game was riddled with bugs, crashes, and instability. Playing on Xbox Series S, my first multiplayer game ended in victory; however, transitioning to a new map caused my game to crash. I’ve also had my game crash due to overwriting a save file. I’ve had to quit to the main menu of my Xbox because it wouldn’t recognize my controller after a quick resume. Even when I could get into multiplayer games, my games were laggy and unstable, so my blaster fire would register later. It would also take me pressing refresh multiple times to find a server or restarting my game to find dedicated servers.

Unfortunately, this remaster is plagued by bugs despite the gameplay being fun. When I could play, I had a lot of fun blasting through waves of enemies, capturing command posts, and reliving a childhood favorite. I’m hopeful that patches will fix this game soon. That server stability will improve the online experience because the main selling point of this collection is the online multiplayer, and it failed to deliver a smooth experience. While PlayStation and Nintendo Switch players might not have any other way to access these games, players on Xbox and PC can buy these games for cheaper than what the remaster offers, with a less buggy experience.

No New Hope

Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection should have been a slam-dunk remaster. Instead, Aspyr broke two games that just needed a little polish. If you’re looking to re-live the experience of single-player campaigns or galactic conquest, this collection might be worth picking up. For those looking for an online Star Wars shooter experience, this is not the remaster you are looking for. While I can only hope that patches will fix this game’s problems, I don’t know if they will help it recover from the rocky launch. I would avoid this game until there are massive improvements.

Review: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Jorge Castilho

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Mar 21, 2024

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From Jet Set Radio to Yakuza.

Unless you’re deeply involved in the Japanese gaming industry, the name Masayoshi Yokoyama might
not ring a bell. While he may not be as widely recognized as Shigeru Miyamoto or Tetsuya Nomura (at
least to me), he is undoubtedly one of the most respected figures in the gaming industry.

Yokoyama is responsible for classics such as Jet Set Radio and, of course, Yakuza. It’s in the Yakuza series
that Mr. Yokoyama truly shines. Like a Dragon is a Yakuza spin-off series that debuted on the Sony PS3
and PS4 platforms in Japan in 2014 to very positve reviews from Japanese critcs.

In general, Yakuza is an acclaimed series with fans all over the world. While I’ve never explored the series
as thoroughly as it deserves, Infinite Wealth is without a doubt one of the best RPGs I’ve played in recent
years.

Ninjas in Hawaii.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a turn-based RPG with action elements developed by SEGA. It is
available on PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, and PC (Steam) so that no one misses
out on this experience, unless you only have a Switch. It was Like a Dragon that introduced the turnbased combat system to the Yakuza series.

The story follows Ichiban Kasuga, hailed as the “Hero of Yokohama” after the events of the 2020 game,
which marked his debut in the series. However, this time, he must face new threats in a place far from
Japan: Hawaii. Our goal is to find “our” biological mother.

The game’s story features several memorable and nostalgic characters from the series, with a highlight
on Kazuma Kyriu, the original protagonist of the franchise, who takes on a secondary role in this game.
Despite the interesting narrative and quite fun gameplay, the slow and excessively long start may tire
some players, which was not a problem for me as I enjoy this type of narrative.

Like a Dragon retains the series’ signature style of humor and drama, with hilarious and emotional
moments, striking a balance between the dark and the comedic. This continues to be one of its
strengths. The Kasuga and Kiryu duo is fantastic, showcasing perfect chemistry between the two and
serving as a great homage to fans of the series.

Turn-Based Brawls in Paradise.

Infinite Wealth introduces a new level of freedom to the series’ combat. Players can now move freely
around the combat zone, using proximity and the environment to their advantage when atacking.
Despite being a turn-based game, standing still is a bad idea. The system reaches its peak in the series.

With a vast job system, players have more options than ever to customize their combat style. Enemies
are also more intelligent and will not be caught off guard easily, requiring the use of more elaborate
tactics and items.

Gameplay is the highlight of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, cementing it as one of the most entertaining
turn-based RPGs in recent memory. Its frantic pace and fast-paced battles encourage players to fight
repeatedly, preventing missions from becoming repetitive. The variety of enemies and creative bosses
contribute to this exciting experience. The game demonstrates that this genre, often associated with
complex strategies, can also be accessible to more casual players.

“Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a digital amusement park.”

One of the things that gives Infinite Wealth its charm is its wide variety of mini-games. These include
delivering food within a time limit Crazy Taxi-style, collecting cans to recycle, playing casino games like
Blackjack and regular Poker, enjoying a good game of darts, fishing, singing karaoke, and much more. The
sheer number of activities available means that even if you get tired of the main story, you don’t have to
switch to another game to take a break. Like a Dragon is truly a digital amusement park.

But our friends at Sega have left one more surprise for everyone’s delight: ARCADES! Within the game,
you can play classic titles like Virtua Fighter 3tb, SEGA Bass Fishing, and SpikeOut. The latter never left
Japanese arcades, so this marks its debut for Western audiences.

A Genre-Bending Adventure Beyond the Brawls

In conclusion, Like a Dragon is much more than just an RPG. It is a story with themes that go far beyond
fighting, with memorable characters and epic scenes for all fans of the franchise. The turn-based
gameplay is practically flawless, as it manages to bring elements of strategy and positioning without
making the experience to demanding. Yes, the beginning can be slow, but what is “on the other side of
the curtain” is an experience that deserves everyone’s attention, from casual gamers to the most
demanding. t’s still early in the year, but Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is undoubtedly one of the best
games of 2024 so far.

Review: Quadroids

Daniel Waite

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Mar 21, 2024

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QUADROIDS is a game that blew my mind! This isn’t because it was visually impressive, or the action was unique. No, it was just a brutally testing affair. Every stage demands that you adjust your perspective while testing your grey matter. Accordingly, this isn’t a game for the faint of heart.

This multiscreen puzzler was developed by Blue Loop and published by Just For Games. Moreover, it can be enjoyed alone or with another if you are struggling. As such, you can show off your mental prowess if you love to be tested or beg a friend to help you as you try to complete every level.

QUADROIDS tells no story.

Though QUADROIDS’ gameplay is fascinating, no story captured my attention. This shortcoming doesn’t impact the core gameplay, but it would have been nice to have something to distract from the brutal puzzles.

This sadomasochistic approach will attract a niche audience. Gamers who adore Souls-like titles or Super Meat Boy will cherish every soul-destroying moment. As such, if you are a newbie to this genre, you may wish to start elsewhere.

In theory, it shouldn’t be this hard.

When you break down the core gameplay of QUADROIDS, you realise that the concept is undeniably simple. Effectively, you must complete 4 minor puzzles from a split-screen viewpoint. Therefore, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. However, it takes a fair bit of getting used to as you divide your attention and the inputs keep changing.

Each screen is controlled by one button as you explore that area. This input helps you avoid puzzles, leap chasms, and reach new platforms. Sounds easy so far, right? Well, this is where things start to heat up. There is no methodical movement between the screens. Therefore, one level can run left to right, another top to bottom, or finally, it can be random as hell. This odd idea ensures that you never know what to expect, and it keeps you on your toes.

Matters are made worse as traps, obstacles, and other elements are drip-fed into the action. Consequently, your attention is divided further as you try to control multiple characters while avoiding the inevitable failure.

QUADROIDS is refined.

QUADROIDS will not blow you away with its presentation. Its refined and basic approach is understated and does not test the power of modern machines. However, I enjoyed its stripped-back look. Furthermore, the level design was interesting and varied. On top of this, each obstacle was unique and this helped you to navigate each tough level.

The audio was eerie but wonderfully captivating. The mix of synth music and haunting sound effects enhances the sci-fi theme. Additionally, it increases the sense of despair and loneliness. Consequently, it is weirdly alluring and this creates a sense of depth.

Responsive controls.

Though the control setup is refined, the action is tough to master. Therefore, the responsive controls were pleasant to experience. This considered approach alleviates some of the challenging aspects and this makes QUADROIDS more bearable.

There are over 100 hellish levels to test your resolve. Each one of these tough endeavours will make you want to pull your hair out. On top of this, there is a leaderboard that highlights your incredible pace, and you can play this with a friend if you so wish. Subsequently, if you can stomach the brutality, there is both replay value and longevity.

QUADROIDS is tough but rewarding.

No matter what way you look at it, QUADROIDS is a tough game. However, it is this testing nature that creates a rewarding experience. Though this will kick your ass repeatedly, you will return for more. As such, it is a tough but fair game, and I recommend buying it here! Can you complete every level? Grab a friend, keep your cool, and tackle every puzzle.

Review: Endless Dungeon

News

Xavier Berry

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Mar 21, 2024

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If there is one thing that I have come to enjoy about rogue lites, its that they can offer countless hours of fun while still keeping the gameplay both engaging and exciting without running stale. It gets even better when the game is able to incorporate the rogue-lite elements into its story. Endless dungeon did a wonderful job of bridging the gap between gameplay mechanics and its story and while there were some minor frustrations to be found, I was pleased with my time here.

Endless Dungeon will have players exploring an abandoned space station after watching a crew of explorers meet their untimely end after crashing into it. The only person to survive was a janitor who claims that he is not quite up to the task but fortunately for him, he doesn’t have to go through the journey alone. With a multitude of characters to pick from with various loadouts and abilities, we will have to explore the space station and uncover the mysteries found here while trying to find a way to escape.

The space station is filled with monstrosities that are out to provide our heroes with all kinds of roadblocks on their journey and will succeed in this more often than not but thankfully the space station is equipped with the ability to have our heroes “reload” back at the home base every time they die. I love seeing this mechanic catching the new member of the crew off-guard because it is a foreign concept and not something you would expect to run into in a real situation and it also gives an explanation as to why we are able to have so many runs through the station.

Before each run, we will select a character and two more supporting characters to help aid us on our journey. The game does offer 3 player co-op but I played through this with the support of the CPU controlled characters and found them to be helpful in their own way. They manage enemies well and would focus their fire on whatever was being destroyed in the general area so the extra firepower was nice.

Each character has their own specific loadout and abilities to help move through the game so there is something for everyone out there. I found myself playing as Bunker since I enjoyed the shield bash area of effect attack as well as their voice lines when adventuring through the hallways of the station. You are able to upgrade the characters and their weapons with the resources you find during your runs so not every player will have the same experience.

After selecting your load out and heroes, it’s off to pick a mission and the location that you will be exploring. There are difficulty options that can be picked before each run so if you are wanting a more laid back experience or want to get some friends together for a tough run then you can do so. There are a multitude of locations to choose from as you unlock more areas during your journey so it is important to fully explore each room in order to find the key that unlocks the next area. I enjoyed having the option to change scenery and tasks after each run so I did not grow tired of the same hallways.

Your goal during the runs will be to establish a route for your crystal bot to reach a specific area and this is done by unlocking rooms that connect to one another. The room layouts change with each run so there is no need to worry about things getting stale and repetitive. I always felt a sense of unease and excitement since I didn’t know what the next room had in store for me. Was it a generator to get extra resources so that I could boost my defenses or was it a nasty nest of creatures waiting to get ahold of me? There was no way of knowing without heading in and I loved this.

As you explore the rooms and prep yourself for the wave of monsters, you will find stations for you to set up turrets in anticipation for a tower defense style of action. Each turret will function differently with some focused heavily on taking out enemies while others focus on hindering their movement. It is important to set these up accordingly because you and your companions will not be able to handle the amount of enemies thrown your way on the normal mode since they come from all directions and have one goal in mind, to destroy your crystal bot. If they succeed then the run is over but if you manage to hold them off and protect the little robot then you are able to continue exploring. As you wander through the hallways you will pick up keys and other items that will provide more context in regards to the nature of the ship. Taking these items back to base will also reward you with options to build up your characters and prep yourself for the next run.

I found myself constantly going back for more and had a hard time putting this down. As someone who focused on the solo aspect of the game, I had a ton of fun and can only imagine how much more fun it would be with friends. This is definitely a title worth checking out for those who love rogue-lites and want something new to playthrough.

Review: PC75B Plus Air keyboard

Daniel Waite

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Mar 20, 2024

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The PC75B Plus Air keyboard from Akko is a fantastic addition to your workstation. This 75% form factor beast is easy to use and looks fantastic. The clean white finish is complemented by the adjustable RGB backlighting. Moreover, a custom knob allows you to change your settings with ease. Alongside this, it is wonderfully versatile as it can be used wirelessly, via Bluetooth, or wired using a USB-C cable. Accordingly, it is ideal if you work from home, game, or commute.

On top of this, it is amazingly accurate thanks to the N-Key rollover technology and the responsive switches. Akko has incorporated its V3 Cream Blue Pro switches. Consequently, you’ll enjoy a responsive typing and gaming experience. Finally, if you are a Mac user, you’ll enjoy the Mac-OS-friendly design. In short, this keyboard packs an awful lot into its tiny form factor.

What’s in the box of the PC75B Plus Air keyboard?

The monochromatic packaging looks fantastic. What’s more, it can be recycled and that’s a big plus.
The PC75B Plus Air keyboard feels substantial. The metal case is sturdy, and the white finish is clean and eye-catching.
The USB-C cable is used to charge or connect the device.
A USB dongle to connect wirelessly.
Lift the keycaps with the keycap pullers.
Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

There are plenty of excellent keyboards. Consequently, the PC75B Plus Air keyboard from Akko must deliver if it wishes to stand out. Thankfully, it does just that, and I was impressed with its tech-packed approach and its versatility. First, the linear switches can be exchanged with any 5-pin aftermarket alternative. However, I enjoyed the responsive nature and the feel of the V3 Cream Blue Pro Switches.

The 3.3mm travel distance is substantial enough for typing but responsive enough for gaming. Additionally, I never worried whenever I used this for competitive gaming. You enjoy rapid inputs during every encounter thanks to the impressive actuation force. Second, I experienced no latency issues no matter the connection method. As such, this is perfect if you wish for a clean and simple workstation.

The battery life varied, but I had no issues when I reduced the intensity of the RGB lighting. However, if you love to go loud and proud, you will need to keep the device topped up between gaming sessions. This wasn’t an issue as the chunky USB-C cable can be used while the device is in use. Accordingly, even if you run out of juice, you can carry on gaming.

Usability.

The PC75B Plus Air keyboard can be used on a variety of devices. Additionally, the OSA keycaps are comfortable when typing or gaming. Then you must consider the custom knob that allows you to adjust the RGB light setting. This superb tool is straightforward to use. Though this may seem a minor element, I loved its rudimentary approach.

On top of this, the ability to hot-swap the switches was a game-changer. Akko offers 3 different linear options. This is perfect as you can create your ideal device with minimal effort or knowledge. Finally, the smaller form factor is ideal if you have a compact workstation.

Build quality.

Akko is renowned for its exceptional build quality. Subsequently, I wasn’t surprised that the PC75B Plus Air keyboard looked and felt great. The metal case has a brushed colour finish and white keycaps complement the white livery. Each of the keycaps is made of PBT and the sub-dye process ensures durability and no discolouration.

The detachable USB cable and the USB dongle are well-built. Furthermore, the ability to switch between each mode was straightforward. Finally, the north-facing RGB emits a pleasant effect and the stable keyboard footing prevents the device from slipping or moving. As such, you are assured of the best experience whether you are gaming or typing.

The adjustable feet allow you to set the height of this keyboard with ease. With three positions to choose from, you will find a comfortable and supportive angle. As such, this is ideal for marathon gaming sessions.

Is the PC75B Plus Air keyboard worth it?

There are plenty of amazing gaming keyboards. Consequently, it is tough to plough through a competitive marketplace. However, Akko has done an amazing job with this device. Not only does it look amazing and feel great, but it is easy to set up and use. Additionally, the ability to swap the switches and the pleasant keycaps make this a fantastic peripheral. Accordingly, I recommend buying it here!

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

The PC75B Plus Air keyboard has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

_{(Full disclosure! Akko provided a sample for this review!)}

Poor Things Movie Review

Isabella Cerullo

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Mar 20, 2024

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Poor Things Movie Review

With Emma Stone. Photo By deadline.com — Photo Property – deadline.com

As a woman myself.

And with strong opinions about feminism or about being a woman in general.

With positive and negative experiences we face as women.

I consider this review will reflect a very conflictive opinion with the original intention I wish, and suppose, they had behind this movie.

And this requires a deep debate, in my opinion.

Some people will be on my side, some others will simply continue with their lives.

Which is totally fine!

But I can anticipate that I really disliked this movie and I had to express it.

I was expecting something else, for the amount of time I waited for this release… I’m disappointed.

Poor Things’ Eccentricity Destroys The Narrative

Honest Movie Review of Poor Things starring Emma Stone. — Photo Property – Isabella Cerullo & Robert Ebert

I simply had to write about this, because they missed the most important point of the story.

And I’m not specifically referring to the cinematic exquisiteness or the excellent filmmaking skills inspired by classics.

Things I will discuss later through this article in detail. (Not so much, just a bit).

But I’m mad!

How could they miss the terror someone faces as a child, and the unfortunate event of experiencing an abuse?

How could they focus on extremely unnecessary graphic scenes, instead of the real message?

And I must say, this is entirely my opinion.

But why did they focus so much on disturb, explicit, and deviant content?

Why would you portrait females as ”dumb”, ”infant” if you are trying to create a valuable metaphor?

It’s more on a psychopathological and perverted side, than in the actual meaning and motivations of the film.

Even Emma Stone responded, after Poor Things’ criticism of being ”exploitative” and ”sexist”:

”My mom has this saying that at the start of a relationship you say, ‘Oh we’re so in love we finish each other’s sentences.’ And then, as time goes by, it becomes, ‘You’re always interrupting me.’ That can happen in a relationship with film, too, especially a film like this, that’s asking more questions than giving answers”.

You can learn more about Emma Stone’s opinions and how she responded to all the criticism, by visiting the original source.

And I’m really sorry, but her answers aren’t enough for me.

”But why are you so emotional?, this is just a movie” you might think.

Well, movies and art in general are there to communicate important messages to people.

And with different and unique kinds of styles and creative dynamics you already know.

Of course! This is still fiction!

But for me, is exactly like using a person’s true life events, to your advantage and make necessary changes to create a script and earn money from them.

In, obviously, a not-so-honest way.

Is simply unethical and absolutely disturbed.

Poor Things is not even entertaining as a film.

Being in the situation where you have to justify a story by ”having more questions than answers”, is not convincing for me in this particular opportunity.

Is it due to societal norms the reason why we don’t have enough answers?

Personally, I don’t think so.

Cinematic & Movie Visuals’ Review – Poor Things

Poor Things vs Metropoli by Fritz Lang — Photo Property – thecinegogue

I already mentioned slightly that Poor Things won visually.

There’s no doubt a filmmaking student or cinephile delectated themselves with the wise cinematography.

Of course, this is all entirely my opinion.

And it was fun to see on Instagram that people are already making brilliant comparisons to classics such as Metropoli.

Absolutely inspired by this film and everyone who knows this German movie by Fritz Lang.

Could have felt the excitement that happens when this is accomplished the right way.

Poor Things’ 2 most FAQs

Poor Things Movie Review Biased for sure! Photo Property by imdb.com — Photo Property – Isabella Cerullo & imdb.com

I was passionate and emotional about Poor Things.

But we still need to answer some of the ”natural” and more ”normal” questions people may have around the movie.

And I’m very happy to solve those questions right now!

If you already know the answers. Please, feel free to skip this part of the blog I won’t be angry.

I promise.

What is Poor Things’ Movie About?

To provide a simple answer (it could contain a certain level of spoilers, be aware):

Poor Things is a movie about a woman who was married to a misogynists’ and abusive man who induced her to commit suicide.

And an unethical scientist recovered the protagonist’s body. In this case, Bella’s, to make a brain transplant.

After she awakens. A journey of sexual discovery around the world begins for her.

Poor Things a Movie for Kids?

No.

Oh! Absolutely not.

I would have suggested a ‘yes’ if I didn’t think it isn’t helpful nor educative for young kids.

The reality, is that I don’t think Poor Things is the best movie to support young people around those topics.

There are better alternatives, that are for teens. And because of the amount of abuse, that sadly occurs, to young kids.

Maybe talking or introducing these topics to kids is actually a good idea to create awareness and prevention.

I’ll share some suggestions:

Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Ghost World.

Spring Awakening.

With the inspiration of Reddit’s awesome source and opinions.

Poor Things’ Movie Review – Conclusion

Poor Things unfiltered comparing Poor Things' movie to Metropoli. — Photo Property – Isabella Cerullo, cinegogue, theharvardcrimson, imdb, bostonherald.com

Well, we already know I despised Poor Things unfortunately.

Without any filters!

But I think I have a positive end of the story’s review.

It started a precedent to keep talking about sensitive topics, and unravel really important matters to try to solve and communicate realities that involves: suicide, abuse, misogynism, and more!

We just need to keep improving the way we do it.

But that’s just my opinion!

Do you agree? Or did you really like the narrative made in Poor Things?

Would love to hear your opinion!

Thank you for reading. It means a lot!

Don’t forget you can check excellent reviews, such as this one!

Review: Nyaaaanvy

Laurence Wall

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Mar 20, 2024

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Preen those whiskers and put on your shades, because it’s time for some butt-sumo, Nyanvy style. Grab power-ups, dodge bombs, and watch out for flying projectiles as you fight for dominance in a series of wild and whacky environments. Jump, dash, and flail that wiggly body to knock your enemies off the stage, and become the Cat of Cats!

Nyaaaanvy is a charming indie title, created by the three-person team at DigitalMind. It embraces a simple concept: be the last cat standing, but does so in a way that anyone can understand. The tutorial is lightning-fast and offers the basics so you can get stuck into the action. The controls are straightforward, thus being able to be played by seasoned veterans and newcomers alike. Battles are fun and quick, you can hop into a game and have a blast without having to overthink, and there are difficulty modes that allow you to tune the game to whichever challenge suits you best.

One of the most entertaining things about Nyaaaanvy is creating your avatar. The developers added a lot of customization options so you can create whatever strange thought that pops into your head. For me, that would be creating a Wooper-themed Nyanvy, who has just the perfect amount of goofiness. And this is truly where the game shines. The cats, whether serious or ridiculous, simply radiate personality. Equip your cat with wheels, or proclaim them as royalty with a golden crown, save your ideas as presets and create your own army of whacky warriors. Nyaaaanvy doesn’t take itself seriously, and so every minute I spent with a smile on my face.

Though it is very short, the story mode came as a pleasant surprise. This is a great place to start before getting into the arcade mode and online challenges, as it eases you into the basics without holding your hand too much. This particular tale is a bizarre one, featuring a Nyanvy tournament, strange alien bunnies and evil penguins, and yet it works surprisingly well as long as you don’t think about it too much. With a weirdly catchy cat-based soundtrack, some amusing dialogue and some simple but effective cutscenes, the story moves at a breakneck pace and never fails to amuse. There’s a message in there somewhere too, about embracing individuality in a society that enforces conformity, which was oddly profound in a game about long floppy cats. Perhaps that’s why it worked so well, it certainly got me thinking. One thing to note that makes the story even better is making sure to customize your cat before engaging in the story. Seeing Wooper-Nyanvy battling on an escaping bus while being chased down by a giant maniacal penguin was a sight to behold!

This isn’t to say that Nyaaaanvy is perfect, however. I had some issues with the calibration of the mouse while the game was in window mode, yet this could be rectified simply by using the keyboard to navigate or by fiddling around in the settings. In addition, sometimes if you skip a cutscene in the story mode, the enemies don’t spawn, causing you to have to restart the mission. The arcade and sub-games offer a nice extra challenge, but Nyaaaanvy could certainly do with having some more stage variety, and perhaps some new power-ups to spice up the gameplay a little. On a final note, I tried to play the online multiplayer, yet couldn’t find any competitors. Perhaps it was because I was on a North American server, but I can’t be sure.

There was one idea during the story that I found myself enjoying quite a lot but could do with a little more development. Most of the story focuses on the sumo-battles between the player and other fighters, yet halfway, there’s a section set in a secret base with lots of puzzles and tricky jumps to make. There’s a slight resemblance to the levels in the Mystery Dungeon format there, with the grid-based map format and enemy encounters, which could definitely do with a little more focus and screen time. More adventure-style gameplay, exploring different parts of the world and unlocking new abilities with your Nyanvy, could really flesh out the story a bit more and add a welcome new dimension to the formula.

Not to say that any of these points mentioned detract from the game, there’s still a lot of fun to be had. While the story may be a little short, and the menus somewhat basic, the style is simple but very effective. Though it may not be a game that you play forever, it’s a great way to spend half an hour if you need a little competitive action. If you’re looking for a cheap party game to play with a couple of friends then look no further, Nyaaaanvy is the perfect pick.

Review: Virche Evermore -ErroR: Salvation-

Josh Blackburn

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Mar 20, 2024

0

Review: Virche Evermore -ErroR: Salvation-

Virche Evermore. There’s a title for you. I put Virche into Google but the best it gives is a surname with the definition of ‘High Intelligence’. Not normally something I’d consider title material, but there you go. Don’t get me started on the random capital R in Error. But anyway, it actually fits in a peculiar way. Virche Evermore is a chaotic and frankly unsettling game. Makes sense that the title wouldn’t follow any normal rules. Much like its title, I’m not entirely sure how I feel about Virche Evermore.

Like most I’ve played in this genre, I found the story and character reveals to be very interesting but the actual gameplay leaves me feeling rather cold. It’s much the same story with the last Otome game I played. In both cases, I went in expecting a light romp full of handsome anime men and was met with something quite different. In this case, an unexpected helping of horror and despair. I rather liked it, even if Virche Evermore wasn’t too fussed about having me around.

Love And Death

Virche Evermore comes out swinging right from the word go. Our heroine, Ceres, is the physical embodiment of death. Though rather than a skull face and a scythe, she has bobbed blonde hair and a teeny-wee smile. She’s more of a death-by-excessive-kindness kind of a reaper. She makes a deal with a shady bloke called the ‘Watchman of Death’, who tasks her with uncovering the strange happenings going on around the country. Happenings like a burly bloke with a halberd slicing people into unrecognisable meat chunks. I said ‘horror’, after all.

I rather like it. It feels like every small facet of Virche Evermore is fleshed out, almost to the point of mania. The world is under a curse that kills people by the time they turn 23, tech exists to clone their bodies and download their memories and there are black flowers everywhere that kill people when they’re picked. It’s relentless, impressive worldbuilding. Characters get the same amount of love too. Take Lucas, a kind teacher with impossible strength, or Mathis – awkward, shy but obssessed with revenge. Pretty much everywhere you look, there’s something interesting. It’s ultimately what kept me plowing through.

I’m going to nitpick the line-by-line writing in the usual fashion, but everything in Virche Evermore reeks of unrestrained creativity. I imagine this is part of the beauty of a visual novel, as a standard novel would have to go through a publishing house. With visual novels, you can write what you want without a squad of editors snipping it down. Hence all the blood, gore and… rather uncomfortable endings. I rather like the whole unsettling aspect. Added on to that is some lovely art, with character designs matching their personalities and some stunning background work. Voice acting is pretty top notch too, even if it is in a language I don’t speak.

Neglected For Choice

On the despair front, Virche Evermore forces you to play through all of the bad endings for its characters before you can get the good ones. This is where the horrific stuff comes in. Take, for example, an ending where the worst dregs of humanity are repeatedly downloaded into a character’s brain, night after night. Fun times for all. Being a fan of horror, I rather like this – and the need to play the bad endings ensures that the only way to go is up. Not to mention that seeing these characters at their worst is good motivation to see them in a better light.

In truth, my only issues with Virche Evermore are ones that are largely endemic to the genre. The writing, for example, has that particular visual novel quality of being horribly overwritten. It delights in saying something obvious in dialogue and then saying the same thing right after in narration. Like when the Watchman magically heals a hand wound and disappears into the night, only for Ceres to think she ‘wouldn’t be suprised if he’s not human’. Yes. Welcome to obvious land, Ceres. It did start to grate after a while. This isn’t telling over showing. It’s showing then telling. Still, my biggest gripe comes from the actual gameplay.

I appreciate that if you’re a fan of the genre, this may not bother you, so feel free to skip down to the score. It’s the lack of any real input on our part that does it. For the vast majority of the game, Ceres makes the decisions, not us. She decides where to go, what to do and who to talk to. It’s like looking through a picture book. At set points, a binary choice will pop up to divert things but then it indicates visually if you picked the right answer. If you didn’t, it comes with a flowchart that lets you reset your choice and go down the other route. Our input is then down to the level of clicking through PowerPoint slides.

Virche Evermore – An Interesting Read

To me, it’s just not what I call a ‘game’, exactly. It’s a story that’s content to unfold largely without me. But that’s personal preference and putting that aside, my feelings towards Virche Evermore are largely positive. It’s thoroughly unsettling from start to finish and I’m down with that. The world and its characters are relentlessly creative. The actual writing does labour the point quite a lot though, so I did find it a game that I needed to play in small bursts because my brain kept getting saturated by excessive narration.

In the time I had, I only managed to get through two of the (bad) endings, but was left broadly entertained. I’ve not played many in this genre – to be frank, I’m not that keen on playing more – but I’d imagine Virche Evermore is part of the upper crust. It’s a story that’s worth experiencing as I doubt you’ll find much like it. The lack of player agency may be offputting, but if this your cup of tea and you’re in the mood for something full of blood, gore and handsome anime men, then give it a whirl.

(Virche Evermore’s Store Page)

News: Amazon Spring Deal Days

Daniel Waite

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Mar 20, 2024

0

Akko knows that PC gaming is an expensive hobby. However, if you want the best gear, you know you have to shell out a reasonable amount of cash. Thankfully, this incredible company has discounted some of its amazing tech for this Amazon Spring Deal Days event. I know what you are thinking, a money-off sale isn’t that special. Well, when you see what is on offer, you may change your mind.

This sales event runs from March 20^th until March 25^th. Moreover, Akko has discounted 6 unique products to improve your gaming experience. Accordingly, if you wish to upgrade your switches, keyboard, or keycaps, then you’ve come to the right article. There is up to a whopping 31% off these stunning items. Furthermore, you know you’ll receive exceptional customer service from both companies. As such, you have nothing to lose.

What tech has Akko discounted during the Amazon Spring Deal Days?

Akko 5075B Plus Gaming Keyboard.

The Akko 5075B plus keyboard is equipped with a professional Beken multimode controller chip and supports Bluetooth modes, 2.4 GHz wireless and USB-C wired. Additionally, the hot-swap PCB gives you the freedom to change the 3-pin/5-pin switches without soldering. Finally, All keys of the keyboard can be re-mapped to enable action sequences except the ones used for controlling the Macro mode.

_{Amazon Spring Deal Days – RRP £115.99. Discount 31%. Sale price £80.03}

Akko 5075B Plus Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.

The black and silver scheme combines the classic elegance of black with the sleek sophistication of silver. Akko 5075B Plus comes with a function row and a multimedia rotary encoder for productivity. All keys of the keyboard can be equipped with RGB effects via the online updatable battery cloud driver. Moreover, an upgraded version of the Akko CS switch, the switch with a dustproof shaft, features higher stability.

_{Amazon Spring Deal Days – RRP £105.99. Discount 25%. Sale Price £79.49}

Akko 5075S RGB Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.

5075S ISO-UK keyboard is equipped with hot-swappable terminals, with which you can install keyboard switches directly without soldering. Gasket mounting is a type of keyboard mounting where no screw holes are drilled into the switch plate which usually has a cleaner sound profile because the gaskets cushion the shock of each keypress. Double-shot keycaps are extremely durable and wear-resistant even for decades, and the printed legends are particularly vivid and sharp with high contrast, which is proven to be sturdy and oil-proof even after a long time of use.

_{Amazon Spring Deal Days – RRP £103.69. Discount 20%. Sale Price £82.95}

Akko V3 Pro Cream Yellow Mechanical Keyboard Switch.

The cream switches now feature alloy copper and palladium gold contact, which provide better conductivity, stability, and durability. With the 20mm spring extension, the POM/PC/PA materials will make the switches more smooth and creamy, providing a unique typing experience. Akko CS switches are equipped with LED slots ready for LED Mod/Assembly, and are SMD compatible (LED underneath the switch), giving you the flexibility to create a custom keyboard that stands out from the crowd.

_{Amazon Spring Deal Days – RRP £20.99. Discount 20%. Sale Price £16.79}

Akko V3 Fairy Linear Silent Keyboard Switch for Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.

Akko 50gf linear silent fairy switches are designed to minimise noise during keypresses. The linear silent switches provide a consistent and smooth keystroke without a tactile bump or audible click, making them ideal for users who want to type with minimal disturbance. Akko fairy switches have an approximate lifespan of 50 million keystrokes based on laboratory durability tests. One pack comes with 45 switches and a plastic tray, ensuring your switches stay in top condition.

_{Amazon Spring Deal Days – RRP £22.69. Discount 20%. Sale Price £18.15}

Akko Custom Keycaps Set.

The Red Fuji keycap set is inspired by the Japanese woodblock artwork depicting the reddish Mt. Fuji at dawn in early autumn. This custom keycap set comes with a base set including command and option keycaps specifically for Mac OSX users. Dye-Sub PBT keycaps are extremely durable and resistant to wear even for decades, and the legends won’t fade away easily compared to conventional ABS keycaps.

_{Amazon Spring Deal Days – RRP £44.99. Discount 20%. Sale Price £35.99}

Grab yourself a bargain.

5 days is not a long time. Consequently, if you are looking to improve your gaming set-up, you will not want to miss out. Akko produces some of the best products available. Therefore, if you can buy one at a bargain price, it is a hell of a good deal. Remember, the Amazon Spring Deal Days only runs until March 25^th. Subsequently, you will have to act fast if you wish to grab a great deal.

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