When it comes to trading forex, there are many potential pitfalls that traders can fall into. From inexperienced traders making rookie mistakes to seasoned professionals overlooking critical details, anyone can make errors that can lead to losses. In this article, we will explore some of the most common mistakes to avoid when trading forex.
Lack of Education and Research
When it comes to forex trading, inadequate education and research can lead to costly mistakes. That’s why it’s important to have a thorough understanding of the market, everything about deriv withdrawal, technical analysis, and risk management. Without this knowledge, traders may struggle to develop effective trading strategies and navigate the withdrawal process. Therefore, it is crucial to invest time in learning about all aspects of forex trading before jumping into the market.
Traders need to invest time in learning and researching the market to make informed decisions. Without a strong foundation, one can make impulsive choices, which may lead to significant losses.
Overtrading
Another common mistake is overtrading. Traders may feel tempted to open multiple trades at once or increase their position size to make more profits. However, this approach can backfire and lead to losses. Overtrading can also result in emotional exhaustion, which can cloud a trader’s judgment and lead to even more mistakes.
Ignoring Risk Management
Risk management is a crucial aspect of forex trading that many people often overlook. Traders need to define their risk tolerance and set stop-loss orders to manage their positions’ risk. Ignoring risk management can lead to substantial losses, as traders may hold onto losing trades in the hope of a market turnaround.
Focusing on Short-Term Gains
Traders may fall into the trap of focusing on short-term gains, neglecting the bigger picture. Forex trading is a long-term game, and one needs to focus on building a profitable portfolio over time. Focusing on short-term gains can lead to impulsive trades and a lack of discipline, which can result in disappointments.
Ignoring Fundamental Analysis
Fundamental analysis is a critical tool in forex trading, as it helps understand the underlying factors that affect the market. Traders who ignore fundamental analysis may miss critical information that could impact their success. While technical analysis is essential, it should not be the sole focus of one’s strategy.
Poor Broker Selection
Choosing the right broker is crucial to one’s success in forex trading. A poor broker selection can lead to issues with the platform, poor customer support, or huge fees. One needs to research and choose a reliable and reputable broker that meets one’s needs and offers the best conditions for one’s strategies.
Not Using a Demo Account
Finally, many people overlook the importance of using a demo account to practice and test their strategies. A demo account allows one to familiarize with the platform and test out different strategies without taking any risks. By using a demo account, one can build confidence and experience in real-time market conditions before risking real money.
By avoiding these common mistakes, traders can maximize their chances of success in forex trading. One should invest time in learning and researching the market, managing risk, and understanding the broker’s terms and conditions before trading. With discipline and practice, one can become profitable in the forex market.
From gruesome titles like Resident Evil 4 to sports-themed products like FIFA, gamers have generally always had a diverse collection of games to sample on an extensive selection of devices. Another genre of gaming that has always appealed are Norse mythology releases.
Games that collide with real-world history and mythology tend to register big numbers, with an influx of titles adding so much to a gamer’s arsenal. Featuring the likes of Odin, Thor and Loki, products in this space tend to showcase their immense power as players go on a memorable journey that many other titles simply don’t possess. As such, sampling products of this type has always appealed to gamers who have an interest in Viking and Scandinavian lore, particularly as we’ve been treated to some seriously good releases over the years.
Focussing on both new and old options, with some titles being accessible on mobile and others via a PC machine, let’s take a look at some of the most enticing games for Norse mythology lovers right now.
Song Of Iron was released in 2020
A highly pleasurable release to play, Song Of Iron is an indie product that managed to impress mass audiences. A side-scrolling adventure game, it first came to the fore in 2020 and is packed full of Nordic-inspired features, from the characters throughout to the art style that makes it so attractive to the eye. With players having to tackle a variety of nasties, some of which are associated with the body of myths, it offers a tense but all-action escapade to dive into. If you can manage to get your hands on a copy of Song Of Iron, then you certainly won’t be disappointed.
Oddmar follows the story of a Viking reject
There’s a strong chance you’re aware of Oddmar, but for those who aren’t, it’s a much-loved product that tasks players with helping a Viking reject that has been shunned by his village to be accepted into Valhalla. Somewhat unsurprisingly, Loki is the main instigator in this one after the God of Mischief steals Oddmar’s tribe from him and manages to formulate their escape. From there, players play along as Oddmar as he hopes to prove himself to the gods and take down a variety of trolls, destroy groups of goblins, and solve a selection of puzzles in order to gain the trust of those around him. A fantastic action-adventure 2D platformer, Oddmar is a must-play product.
Age Of The Gods Norse: Book Of Dwarves is a superb casino product
An excellent title from the PC, mobile and iPad gaming sphere is the Age Of The Gods Norse: Book Of Dwarves game, a slot product developed by Playtech that is played on 5×5 reels and offers a potential RTP of 94.11%. Dwarves are prominently featured in this one as they were regarded as master craftsmen and intelligent characters. Overall, the pleasurable book theme makes for an enjoyable title play for a few hours, particularly if you can manage to find the five high-value character symbols. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is hard to fault
Millions of gamers have explored the open-world masterpiece that is The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, but not everyone is aware of the various nods to Norse mythology throughout. For example, at the start, Nord thief Lokir is featured as he is taken out by archers while trying to avoid execution after stealing a horse. That in itself was a reference to Loki, too. Even the game’s ultimate boss, Alduin, is based on Jörmungandr, too.
Special mention must also go to God Of War, Valheim, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
If your furry friend has been diagnosed with allergies, you are likely seeking ways to alleviate their discomfort. One popular option is Apoquel, a medication that relieves dog itching and inflammation.
If your dog’s allergies are causing pain, you may wonder, “Is there an alternative to Apoquel for dogs?” Fortunately, many safe and effective methods exist for managing your furry friend’s allergies without relying on medication.
This blog post will provide expert advice and tips for managing your dog’s allergies without Apoquel.
Understanding Your Dog’s Allergies
Before diving into alternative methods for managing your dog’s allergies, it’s important to understand what causes them. Allergies in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Environmental allergens, such as pollen, mold, and dust mites
Food allergens, such as wheat, soy, and dairy
Flea bites
Contact allergens, such as certain fabrics or cleaning products
The symptoms of allergies in canines can vary, but common signs include the following:
Itching
Redness and inflammation
Hair loss
Biting and scratching
Ear infections
If your pet has any of these symptoms, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.
Alternative Methods for Managing Your Dog’s Allergies
Change Your Dog’s Diet
A common cause of allergies in dogs is food. Switching to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet can make a big difference if your pet has a food allergy. Look for foods that are made with high-quality proteins and limited carbohydrates. You can also try feeding your dog a raw or homemade diet, but consult with your veterinarian first.
Use Natural Supplements
There are a variety of natural supplements that can help alleviate your dog’s allergy symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil supplements, can help reduce inflammation and improve your dog’s skin and coat health. Probiotics can also be beneficial because they help promote a healthy gut microbiome, boosting your dog’s immune system and reducing inflammation.
Use Natural Shampoos and Conditioners
Natural shampoos and conditioners on your canine’s coat can help reduce itching and inflammation. Look for products free from harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate their skin.
Try CBD Oil
Dog owners concerned about the potential side effects of Apoquel or looking for a natural solution may ask their veterinarians – Is there an alternative to Apoquel for dogs?
CBD is a natural alternative to Apoquel, gaining popularity among pet owners. CBD oil interacts with your dog’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates many bodily functions, including the immune response. CBD oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, making it a practical option for managing allergies in dogs. When choosing CBD-based products, look for one specifically formulated for pets and made with high-quality, organic hemp.
Manage Environmental Triggers
If your dog is allergic to environmental triggers, such as pollen or dust mites, managing their exposure can help alleviate their symptoms. You can try the following:
Using air purifiers or HEPA filters in your home
Vacuuming and dusting regularly
Bathing your dog regularly to remove allergens from their coat
Keeping your dog indoors during peak allergy season
Consider Acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can effectively manage dog allergies. Acupuncture involves inserting tiny needles into specific points on your dog’s body, which can help stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. TCM uses a combination of herbs and other natural remedies to address your dog’s symptoms and imbalances.
Conclusion
So, there are natural and safe alternatives available. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before trying any new treatment methods for your dog’s allergies. With proper care and attention, you can help your dog live a happy and healthy life, free from the discomfort of allergies.
Last time out I recapped the timeline from Skyward Sword to Ocarina of Time and how a bunch of Links and Zeldas do battle with various forms of evil. You can find a link to that article here:
It is at this point that the Legend of Zelda timeline splinters into three paths, each resulting from a different conclusion at the end of Ocarina.
Timeline A: Link is defeated and killed by Ganon atop Hyrule Castle. It is this timeline we will explore over the next few thousand words.
Timeline B: Link is victorious but travels back in time to his childhood, using his knowledge of the future to defeat Ganondorf before his nefarious schemes can take root.
Timeline C: Link travels back to his childhood but does not retain his memories of Ganondorf’s treachery, fading into anonymity.
Now that you’ve wrapped your head around that we can begin. Are you sitting comfortably? Well we’re beginning anyway.
A Link to the Past
A Link to the Past was originally released way back in 1991, which as we all know, makes it a natural sequel to 1998’s Ocarina of Time, 2002’s Four Swords, 2004’s Minish Cap, and 2011’s Skyward Sword.
So, Link dies facing Ganon in the climactic battle in Ocarina of Time. Not ideal, as this results in Ganondorf obtain the completed Triforce, luckily Zelda and the other sages are still able to seal him away in the Sacred Realm. Less fortunately, he takes the Triforce with him.
Over the years a peace is maintained but rumours spread around the power contained in the Sacred Realm with a few going so far as to try and access it. These poor souls are never heard from again.
Ganon’s imprisonment in the Sacred Realm may have kept Hyrule safe but it has twisted the place into the Dark World, inhabited only by evil.
Flip forwards a few generations and we arrive at the start of A Link to the Past. The Sacred Realm is still cut off from Hyrule. It is then that a wizard calling himself Agahnim pops up, kills the King, and begins hunting for the female descendants of the Sages. Guess who’s one of them? Correct, Zelda, and guess what happens to her? Also correct, she is kidnapped (count 4).
Naturally, Zelda responds by sending a telepathic communication (she can do that now) to Link, a local boy she’s never met. Link and his uncle are living nearby and are descended from the Knights of Hyrule. Link storms the castle, rescues Zelda and takes her to safety. He is then tasked with recovering the Master Sword and defeating Agahnim.
Suffice to say, he does these things.
But wait! The true enemy was Ganon the whole time, gasp!
Link beats him too. Takes the Triforce, wishes for peace. The end.
Link’s Awakening
Now, I don’t want to shock you, but the Link in Link’s Awakening is the same Link as in A Link to the Past. I know. Insane, but it’s true!
Another shock might be that for the first time in the Legend of Zelda chronology we have two games being released in timeline order. Link’s Awakening was originally released in 1993, two years, and get this, AFTER A Link to the Past. Madness.
What we also have here is a Legend of Zelda game that does not contain the character(s) of Zelda at all.
Link is shipwrecked on the mysterious island of Koholint following a training mission. Koholint Island is a bizarre place. For instance, there is a volcano on the island that is plugged by a giant egg. Why is the island so weird? Well, because it’s all a dream of sorts.
The island has been created a sleeping fish known as a Wind Fish. In order for Link to leave the island he must wake the Wind Fish. To do so he collects a series of magical musical instruments, making such a din that the fish wakes and the illusion vanishes, along with all the island’s inhabitants. Not that Link cares. Brutal, that lad.
The Oracle Games
Two games for the price of one here. Not really. But they’re so closely linked (ha) that I’ve bundled them together for the purposes of brevity.
Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages were both released in 2001 which is crying shame (for you) because now I must bring back this bit: Oracles being released in 2001 clearly makes it a natural successor to 1993’s Link’s Awakening.
Returning for Oracles is Twinrova, a boss from Ocarina of time. Clearly time doesn’t mean much to these witches as they’re still kicking hundreds of years later. They want resurrect Ganon as villains in this series are wont to do.
To do so they kidnap the titular Oracles. Link travels to the home realms of the Oracles bringing peace to each by hitting stuff with his sword a bunch. But wait, all this sword-swinging is for naut as Zelda is kidnapped (count 5) by Twinrova as a sacrifice in the ritual to restore Ganon. Link obviously foils this plot, saving Zelda once more. Twinrova then decide that they shall serve as the sacrifice, restoring Ganon but not in the way they would have wished.
This Ganon is nothing more than a massive pig without anything of the intelligence that makes Ganon such a formidable foe. So, Link does what Link does and defeats him. Fin.
A Link Between Worlds
A Link Between Worlds is a spiritual successor to A Link to the Past and therefore the story follows a lot of the same beats with a few additions later in the game. Worlds was released in 2013 which ruins my bit somewhat.
The plot of Worlds starts in a familiar way, a sorcerer named Yuga attempt to kidnap the descendants of the sages once more. Link stumbles across Yuga doing just that, the quirk this time is Yuga does so by turning the poor lass into a painting. Yuga knocks link out by shifting inside the wall as an illustration then fleeing to his home in Lorule. Yup, Lorule.
Link tracks Yuga down with the help of some weirdo named Ravio and succeeds in getting turned into a painting too. Silly boy. Luckily for Link he has the power to shift between 2D and 3D states thanks to a plot device given to him by Ravio.
Shock horror, Yuga is planning on resurrecting Ganon. Zelda is kidnapped (count 6).
Link pursues Yuga to Lorule and discovers the backstory of Hyrule’s mirror world. The history of which is very similar, they possessed their own Triforce but destroyed it when they figured it wasn’t worth the constant strife created by those who sought its power.
Link also meets a dark version of Zelda known as Hilda who helps him in his battle against Yuga as he seeks the Triforce of Courage.
Twist! Hilda is the mastermind behind everything! Gasp! Seems Hilda wants Hyrule’s Triforce to replace the one destroyed by her ancestors. Link defeats both Hilda and Yuga with the help of Ravio who seems to be Link’s doppelgänger in Lorule. Link uses his wish upon uniting the Triforce to restore peace and prosperity to both realms, saving the day once more.
Triforce Heroes
Onwards to 2015 and Triforce Heroes. Some actual logical chronology here. Boring.
This game is a joke. Link (same Link) wanders the land and discovers the realm of Hytopia which seems to be a realm that values fashion above all. Link discovers an evil witch has placed a curse on the land’s princess. Which, upon investigation, appears to be that she is stuck in a jumpsuit. Awesome.
Link and his lookalike boys (multiplayer effort) find the witch, break the curse. Sorted.
The Legend of Zelda
It’s the OG! Released in 1986 which must come after 2013 in time’s great tapestry. Because if it doesn’t then what are we even doing here?
But first, backstory. This isn’t detailed until the sequel The Adventure of Link but does take place but the story of the 1986 classic.
With the power of the Triforce, generations of Kings use it maintain peace and order across Hyrule until one day, one King does something properly dumb. He splits it up, hides Courage, gives wisdom to Zelda, not sure what he does with Power, probably stashes it in his mattress.
As mentioned above the monumental dumbness of this decision becomes apparent as the kingdom falls into decline. Couple that with the prince putting Zelda into a coma as instructed by an evil wizard and you have a disaster of epic proportions. When the prince realises what he has done he places Zelda in a sacred altar. This story is passed down through the ages as The Tragedy of Zelda the 1st.
But we’ve already seen multiple Zeldas in this timeline I hear you cry. Yes. And yet, Zelda the 1st. Deal with it I suppose.
Ganon is back because reasons. Zelda reacts by splitting the Triforce of Wisdom into eight pieces that she scatters across the realm.
A young hero (Link) is tasked the handmaiden Impa with gathering these pieces together, flying in the face of the plan of her princess but hey ho. This allows him to defeat Ganon. The End.
The Adventure of Link
1987. Sigh.
Link is milling about Hyrule dealing with the aftermath of Ganon’s nonsense from the previous title. Ganon’s minions have concocted a plot in which they’ll kill Link and sprinkle his blood on Ganon’s remains, therefore restoring him to life. They fail.
Six years pass. On Link’s 16th birthday the Triforce symbol appears on the back of his hand. He asks Impa just what is up with that, and she regales him with the tale of Zelda the 1st. Impa tasks Link with finding the Triforce of Courage in order to reunite the Triforce and save sleepy Zelda.
He does. Class.
And with that we arrive at the end of this branch of the timeline. Known as the dark timeline it certainly has some more morose story beats but as with all Legend of Zelda games, Link triumphs in the end.
We have a little over a week to go until the release of Tears of the Kingdom and I have not completed these articles at a pace that suits that deadline. So, expect the second and third branching timeline articles to follow fairly quickly after this.
Hope you’ve enjoyed and we’ll start the next article with Majora’s Mask.
The Amazon Luna+ subscription service has long been enjoyed in America. Consequently, its fan base has been vocal about a key title that has been missing. As such, Amazon has listened and Fortnite is now included for Prime and Amazon Luna+ subscribers.
This may not be big news for PC and console-exclusive players. However, cloud gaming fans will jump for joy. The Amazon Luna+ service allows you to play on multiple devices using either the Luna controller or a touchscreen device. As such, it is a versatile system that is affordable and stable.
I adored this revolutionary way of gaming. Thanks to its easy-to-use app, great value-for-money subscription options, and excellent controller, this is an impressive newcomer to the streaming platform.
Fortnite on Amazon Luna is the cherry on top of the cake.
Fortnite isn’t a new title. Yet, the news that it is included in Amazon Prime and Luna+ subscription services is exciting. Lovers of this game can now get their fill as long as they have a mobile or Wi-Fi connection. Moreover, you may play using your mobile phone or the excellent Luna controller.
If you are new to the subscription service, you can try it free of charge for 7 days. Subsequently, there is nothing to lose as you compete against the best players in the world. Check out my thoughts on Amazon Luna+ and the Luna controllerhere! Alternatively, more information on the service can be found here!
(Amazon Luna+ is available in the United States, Canada, Germany, and the UK.)
An anniversary is a fantastic occasion to celebrate. Consequently, Flexispot has announced a flash sale to celebrate its 7th successful year and its growing popularity. This much-loved brand leads the way with revolutionary office furniture. Therefore, whenever they offer a hefty discount, my head gets turned.
The Flexispot Flash Sale runs from May 22nd until May 26th 2023. Therefore, Flexispot will offer Flash Deals of up to 33% off their incredible desks and chairs. Movies Games and Tech have been fortunate enough to review many of their products. As such, each has been awarded our Gold Award.
Our thoughts on Flexispot.
Whether it is the BS11 Pro chair, the EHD2 Standing Desk, or the Q8 8-in-1 Standing Desk, they have thoroughly impressed us. Moreover, Flexispot has added a range of children’s desks, a new standing desk, and plenty of ergonomic chairs to their range. Subsequently, there is something for everyone from this market-leading company.
Every item we’ve looked at has been amazing value for money, innovative and stylish. Made from the best materials available, their goods are hard-wearing, professional, and great to look at. Moreover, the ergonomic designs ensure that they are comfortable while inviting the correct posture during office and gaming hours.
If you are tired of sitting at your desk all day, why not invest in one of Flexispot’s incredible standing desks? The smooth motors and excellent safety system make sure that you have a powerful but reassuringly safe desk or chair.
Don’t miss the Flexispot Flash Sale!
With less than a month to go, why not head over to Flexispot’s website and see what they have to offer? Click the link to be sent straight to the sale page!
(More information on Flexispot can be found here!)
Ravenlok is the latest indie title to hit Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass library. As such, subscribers can get their hands on this fairytale-inspired game for absolutely nothing. Now, I’m not here to discuss the value of this amazing service. Instead, I can’t wait to tell you about this interesting pixelated adventure.
Inspired by Through the Looking Glass, this often surreal experience incorporates some zany characters, weird locations, and well-trodden mechanics. Moreover, it has plenty of combat moments, and it follows a mainly linear plot. However, there is a smattering of side quests to pad out the content and distract you.
Developed and published by Cococucumber, this is a fantasy adventure title. What’s more, it has a touching plot, plenty of magic, and some riddles and puzzles to solve. Yet, it is pretty easy and fans of hardcore experiences will find this a bit of a cakewalk. Consequently, it’s not the longest game I’ve played, and that was disappointing.
Hello Mr Hatter.
Ravenlok is a familiar affair.
Though the Looking Glass and Alice in Wonderland have always entertained me. Accordingly, Ravenlok’s obsession with the core ideas made me giddy with excitement. Furthermore, the developer’s use of creative licence and the stunning fantasy settings were incredible to explore.
You control a young girl whose family has moved to the countryside. After her parents inherited her grandmother’s house, her life was uprooted. Bored, and with nothing to do, she explores an old barn. Here, a magic mirror transports her to a fairytale land and her fate is revealed. Hailed by the locals as the hero “Ravenlok”, she must defeat the Queen and lift the curse that grips the kingdom.
A trilogy of gargantuan beasts.
The action is split across 3 distinct locations. Each area contains key protagonists from Through the Looking Glass and an array of never before seen individuals. By helping these characters and undertaking a range of quests, you’ll unlock new abilities, interact with friendly creatures, and battle an endless stream of monsters. Moreover, there are many bosses, collectables, and wave after wave of creatures to destroy.
Alongside this, Ravenlok has an unhealthy obsession with straightforward fights, fetch quests, and simple levelling up. Each of these elements undermines your journey and makes things far too easy. For example, every monster drops gold and feathers. The latter resource is used to upgrade the hero. However, the requirements to do so are mind-numbingly low and make the hero unbelievably powerful.
The gold, on the other hand, is used to buy potions. Now, this isn’t a bad thing, but as there is nothing else to purchase, you are left with masses of health potions and bombs. Subsequently, you never die, and your foes are annihilated as you throw acid and fire into their faces.
Don’t get crabby.
So many quests.
Ravenlok isn’t stingy with its action! As such, you roll from one quest to another as you defeat monsters, gather items, and collect 3 trinkets. En route, the hero unlocks 4 skills that make her an ungodly powerhouse. Consequently, every monster melts away as her magic sword and fire spells smash everything in sight.
The combat issues to one side, the developers created a fun and interesting fast travel system. Every key area has a magic mirror that can be activated. Whether in the Mushroom forest, a Hydra den, or the Queen’s palace, you can move around seamlessly. This was a great idea as many of the side quests pull you all over the place. As such, it would have been tedious if you had to walk back and forth repeatedly.
Ravenlok delivers a stunning fantasy world.
The simple and repetitive action may not have floated my boat. However, visually, it is phenomenal. The Voxel art style and the rich colours are incredible to observe. Moreover, the excellent animation, lush sprites, and varied backdrops are amazing. As such, I never tired of exploring each location and was amazed by the interesting twists on a much-loved fairytale.
The fantasy theme is complemented by the fun and folksy audio. With whimsy songs, sombe tunes, and some dramatic moments, the music supports the free-flowing story. What was disappointing, though, was the underwhelming sound effects. For unknown reasons, the noise of a breaking vase is associated with every non-monster strike. Whether it was a table, tree, or toadstool, they all sounded the same.
Oh my, what a silly hat you have there.
Hack ‘n slash your way to victory.
Unlike its peers, Ravenlok doesn’t demand a high level of skill. With masses of monsters but low levels of risk, you simply hack your way to victory. However, occasionally, you will use the dodge mechanic to evade a boss’s main attack. The simplicity undermines each battle and will annoy veteran gamers. I wish Cococucumber had created a difficulty option as this would have removed this issue.
Unfortunately, this isn’t long enough. Around 5 hours will get you through the body of the game and that was disappointing. Yes, there are collectables to find, but these add little to the action. What was great, though, were the interesting puzzles and riddles. These slower elements added some difficulty while breaking up the never-ending fights.
Ravenlok is good, but it needed more.
My review seems negative. Yet, I struggled to put this down, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I wanted it to evolve and challenge me. Unfortunately, this never happened as it relied on familiar mechanics, even though the plot was insane. Accordingly, I still recommend it despite its shortcomings! Can you become a here? Grab your sword and shield, collect the trinkets, and defeat the Queen.
Lightracer Spark is an interesting take on civilization games that puts players in the role of an amender that comes from a high civilization. Tasked with guiding living beings through tough times or seeing them fall is up to you in this sci-fi civilization game. For those with experience in this field, this is a different take on a well established genre that will draw them in and hold their attention. Those without this experience are in for a task heavy ride that does a wonderful job of bringing you along while explaining the mechanics in an interesting manner.
The story here has a very simple start with you filling the role of an Amender tasked with guiding a civilization over a course of time. Starting a project may lead to you watching as years pass by before you get to see the results of your work so it is important that you look at the bigger picture when making decisions. While there are other games in this genre that are able to give you this feeling while still maintaining an engaging story, I found it soothing to make plans and watch as things unfold.
When you start the game up, there is a lengthy tutorial that guides you through a lot of the game’s mechanics before letting go of your hand. As someone who doesn’t have experience with a lot of games in this genre, it is always nice to get a full rundown of things before being let to my own devices. With a lack of multiplayer, It was nice to know that my knowledge was going to be tested against a pc and not a player who has put countless hours into learning every minor detail and optimization for the best results. This means that I was able to focus on enjoying my time here without worrying about how I would do in an online match.
Through the use of a solid and lengthy tutorial, I was able to find my way around the game’s many menus but it is important to note that things can get overwhelming pretty quickly. There is an order of operations here and I found myself forgetting what steps I should be taking before making the next move. This resulted in moments of me staring at the screen while trying to figure out what the next best thing for civilization may be.
It is important to understand that Lightracer Spark currently has one chapter out with two more planned as free DLC. I genuinely hope that the energy and mechanics here are seen in the next two chapters while improving on some of the minor mistakes that can be found. For instance, I would love subtle reminders about how some of the mechanics work when relevant. Like I said before, I often found myself trying to remember what was going on or how certain elements actually worked. The DLC is a perfect opportunity to introduce new civilizations to interact with as well as clean up some of these mistakes found here.
Lightracer Spark has a wonderful artstyle and an even better soundtrack to accompany it. The world continues to turn as you make decisions and navigate the menus. A peaceful and soothing soundtrack plays in the background and I soon found myself turning off my podcasts to just listen to the soundtrack as I helped guide my civilization to prosperity. When cutscenes play out, it is done with a beautiful yet simple art style that doesn’t wear out its welcome or clash with the games aesthetic. Since this is a civilization game with visual novel elements, it is comforting to know that these elements all flow well together without clashing or causing any issues.
With a simple UI and a basic story to follow, I believe Lightracer Spark is a great addition to anyone’s library that is looking for something soothing to play. With a tutorial that ensures players are knowledgeable about the mechanics here as well as a visual style that makes it easy to get lost in, this game is a relaxing journey to go through that has moments of frustration. If you are able to overcome this initial feeling of frustration and really commit these mechanics to memory, you will find a gem of a game that utilizes all of the mechanics introduced in the game. It is nice to see that everything introduced here continues to show up down the road, even if it is infrequent and hard to recall right away.
Power Chord is a highly complex, strategic, roguelite, deck builder with rock’n’roll flair – The Game That Changed My Opinion on Deck builders.
As someone who has always been hesitant about deckbuilding and card-based combat games, I was pleasantly surprised by the unique gameplay of Power Chord – a game that has completely changed my perspective on this genre.
The premise of the game has you fighting upwards a Demon Tower with your band mates taking up key roles in the combat. You have vocalists acting as healers with their soothing voice, drummers tanking with their huge presence, bassists doing status effects and stuns, and lasty guitarists leading the way as DPS. The game has 4 levels each making you traverse a crisscrossing map, choosing between shops, gear, world events, battles and elite battles; All while making your way to the level boss at the end. Along the way you’ll be able to gain new cards for each band member, new gear for added abilities and even unlock more characters to replace in your band for future runs.
Level 1 Map
Having very little experience with deck builders I didn’t expect much from this game going in. I assumed it would just be a straight forward linear card combat game with deckbuilding opportunities here and there. What I got instead was a boatload of fun with a lot of re-playability partly due to the fact that each role in the band has at least 3 different potential characters that can be chosen allowing for a huge variation of teams and play styles. The game literally has me looking up all the potential cards and gears to strategize exactly how I wish to plan my runs and what cards I should be hoping for with alternatives incase I don’t find those in my current run.
With a great amount of variety and randomness also comes some steep difficulty. The game itself is pretty complex with its mechanics which may not be easy to stomach for those that probably do want a straight forward deckbuilding experience, however it isn’t simply the complexity that makes it difficult. The battles themselves get tougher and tougher the more you play, every type of mechanic that the player has access to, so do the enemies and while you are deck building to make sure you have the best band you could run into some very heavily built monsters with the perfect random combination to counter all your strategies. It will take quite a bit of strategizing and a little bit of luck to make it through this one, but for those that love a challenge the game is definitely satisfying from start to finish.
Graphics and Sound
Being a game about fighting demons as a rock band, you’d expect there to be a lot of musical variety. While the music is pretty nice and intense, it does get repetitive after a while, after listening to the same battle songs over and over (since you’re going to have multiple runs) I ended up just muting the entire game and listening to my own music in the background. A game that is expected to be played again and again in countless runs does need to take into account how it can stay fresh and easy on the ears and I believe this was a missed opportunity especially with the theme of the game.
I do very much enjoy the weighted poster-ized art style the game employs, coupled with 3d animations for each of the battles makes for a satisfying viewing experience. I also appreciate that the mixture of fonts and art does not make the cards or other abilities hard to read or understand, I commend the game for being able to pull off a stylistic approach without becoming too ambiguous in its communication of gameplay.
Final Thoughts
I would recommend this game to more seasoned veterans of the deck building genre. The game is HARD and UNFORGIVING! I find myself enjoying a challenge but I don’t think this is true for all gamers, try this if you masochistically enjoy tougher games or if you want a challenge after getting through more accessible deck building titles like slay the spire. DO NOT PICK THIS UP IF YOU ARENT FAMILIAR WITH DECKBUILDING!
On the difficulty note, perhaps the game could use some balancing or more card additions that ease the gameplay while still keeping the difficulty high due to randomness. I am definitely excited to see where this game goes with future updates and more band members added to the roster.
For now, I definitely think it is a great niche option for deckbuilding fans that love a challenge, and the strategy involved surely had me biting and coming around to look forward to trying more deck building games in the future.
All in all with its challenging gameplay, satisfying art style and mediocre variety in music I award Power Chord a rating of 7 / 10
One of the central dilemmas faced in video game development is the eternal question: to innovate or not to innovate? Do you invest significant time and resources into experimental gameplay mechanics that could end up either a triumph or disaster? Or do you focus on iteration, polishing up familiar staples into competent (albeit all too familiar) diamonds? This is particularly true for the dungeon crawler: experiment with the familiar genre tropes and risk alienating long-term fans to bring in new ones, or provide more of the same? Aside from distinctive art direction, Labyrinth of Zangetsu opts for the latter, for better and for worse.
Developed by ACQUIRE and KaeruPanda, Labyrinth of Zangetsu finds the feudal Japan-inspired city of Ido overrun by a mysterious black ink, an existentially terrifying evil threatening to envelop and destroy the city for ever. You are tasked with leading a party of characters, both premade and player-created, through a nightmarish labyrinth, increasing in death and danger as you progress. It’s a standard dark fantasy story, neither gripping nor off-putting. What players will first notice, however, is how Zangetsu looks.
It is impossible to talk about this game without mentioning its distinctive art style. Inspired by sumi-e ink brush painting, the dungeons are rendered in gloomy black and white, adding to the oppressive and almost nauseating atmosphere. This is an inspired choice – subverting expectations by depicting a beautiful traditional art style as a corrupted and malignant force helps to flesh out the game’s world. Not many games are this successful in synergising different elements of a game’s presentation to achieve a cohesive effect. Enemies are largely yōkai, supernatural creatures drawn from Japanese mythology and folklore. For a game with such accomplished art direction, the enemy design feels a little dull. They’re far from bad, but with such a rich well of mythology to work with, they aren’t quite as impressive as other games with the same inspiration.
While Zangetsu innovates aesthetically, mechanically it plays like a standard dungeon crawler. Your party members can be customised through both species and class, allowing you to experiment and discover ideal builds through good old-fashioned trial and error. Classes are generally fairly self-explanatory: Samurai are powerful physical attackers best suited for your front line, while a Thief works best on the back line, skilled in both ranged attacks and disarming and opening treasure chests. For fans of the genre, this will be a familiar and comfortable gameplay loop; if that’s not you, you might find the experience repetitive and a little dull.
When it comes to anti-frustration features, a common obstacle for people looking to get into dungeon crawlers, Zangetsu has a lot to be commended on. The difficulty is well-balanced, slowly ramping up as players venture deeper into the ink brush dungeons. For experienced veterans, there’s a hard difficulty that’ll provide you with a real challenge. The lack of random encounters is particularly welcome, which at this point should be near mandatory. Not only does it take away so much frustration, it allows players more opportunity to strategise and experiment with different builds, without fear of a random encounter taking your party out through a lack of preparation.
Nevertheless, that’s not to say this game is without annoying features. Many basic actions require the player to hold down buttons for a second as opposed to a simple button press. This might make sense if the action in question was something significant that a player wouldn’t want to take accidentally with a mistaken button press. However, there is no reason why basic interactions in-game require this, and over the course of the game it becomes deeply irritating.
Your enjoyment of Labyrinth of Zangetsu will largely depend on how you feel about dungeon crawlers as a whole: despite its fascinating aesthetics, at its core this game is a very familiar experience. If you’re not already a fan of the genre, this probably won’t be a particularly enjoyable use of your time. However, if you’re looking for your next dungeon crawler fix, you could do much worse than Labyrinth of Zangetsu.
