Exploring the Thriving Canadian Gambling Market

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For decades, the gambling business in Canada has continued to grow as more Canadians view gambling as a form of pleasure and a chance to make seven figures. The sector is, however, rapidly changing due to technological improvements and legislative reforms. It has a long history that you should be aware of before venturing into the sector. 

Using a reputable and established casino is the most crucial step in playing an online game. One of the top Canadian gaming platforms you should visit is casino Spin City. This article will provide a thorough insight into the outstanding fads and visions of Canada’s thriving gaming world in 2023.

The Development Of the Canadian Gambling Sector

Before the era of casinos and online gaming, there have been games of chance for millennia. Although earlier games were somewhat simple compared to today’s, the core idea behind them has stayed the same: people played them for fun and the potential to win money. That gaming has only been permitted in Canada for more than two decades is surprising because it has been a part of Canadian society for a long time. 

History indicates that gambling was not allowed when the British governed Canada. In the years after colonization, the restriction laws became minimal. Because at the period, lawmakers’ concerns about religion and moral rectitude were very strong. But after the report of people running unauthorized betting shops, the laws were modified.

In 1900, bingo and raffles became legal, but only for charitable purposes. Then in 1910, horse racing wagering was subsequently legalized. Later, the government relaxed its stance on regulating the sector. This occurred due to its openness to investigating additional sources of income and the more liberal social concepts. Although horse betting, lottery games, and chance-based competitions at local fairs were legal in Canada until 1969. 

You can see how Canada transitioned from a nation with stringent regulations to one that gives the business free legal cause. This is attributed to the government’s organizational structure and the dynamic between federal and provincial regulators.

Changes in the Canadian Gambling Laws

When you enter a Canadian casino now, you will experience an example of first-class entertainment, and this is because of the change in laws in 1970, which gives a clear difference from the gaming experiences of the past. The 1970 legislation modifications practically granted provinces the authority to enact their own gaming regulations. Soon after, the Internet era kicked in, giving rise to online casinos.

Around 2000, online casino slots became very popular in Canada, and a new dawn began. The expansion of the gaming sector has, nevertheless, impacted Canada’s economic and social structure in both positive and negative ways. Still, it has generated jobs and served as a source of revenue for the people and the government. In other words, the gaming business has become a common pastime for many Canadians and is still going to do so in the years to come. 

The Wonders of the Canadian New Gaming Industry

As we know, the Internet is one of the 21st century’s most significant innovations. It is due to the continuous development of new technology, such as video games and gaming platforms. In 2020, the Covid 19 epidemic caused a substantial rise in iGaming which came about as a result of the lockdown. During this time, all top online casinos reported a phenomenal increase in players.

The rapid improvement of technology has made it possible for casinos to keep coming out with new game types that cater to the needs of online players. Many new features like live dealers, cutting-edge graphics, and in-game chat with other players are available. Also, all gambling platforms accept all kinds of payment, including cryptocurrencies. Access to the Internet is now quick, affordable, and universal. Mobile devices are widely accessible; anyone can now play in online casinos.

Although legalizing gambling has been a battle for Canada throughout its history, it has increased considerably. It was noted that in 2021 the government passed a new law regulating online game sites for the better. So in this year and years to come, the gambling sector will thrive enormously.

Discover the Benefits of Gaming

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The Best Phones for Entertainment 

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Smartphones have become the most important gadget in our day-to-day life. It’s actually estimated that, on average, every mobile user spends around 155 minutes every day. So, you might want your laptop non-stop, but smartphones are a totally different story.  

If you are looking to play video games mobile games on your smartphone or catch your favorite TV shows, you want to invest in a better-quality mobile device. When you’re looking to use your smartphone for any type form of entertainment, it’s important to prioritize specific areas such as the performance, quality of the graphics, screen refresh rate, and battery life.  

In other words, you have to focus more of your attention on these features instead of on the camera, for example, since you mainly want to watch TV shows, play mobile games, read books, or listen to music. 

Within this comprehensive guide, you will find detailed information about some of the best smartphones on the market for entertainment on the go. We’ve made sure to include both phones labeled for gaming, premium devices, and budget-friendly smartphones. 

Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate 

Although this model is on the pricier site is a perfect smartphone for any gamer. It comes with a powerful Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen processor. Whatever your preferences might be, the Asus ROG Phone 7 is designed to support even the most demanding titles on the move. Moreover, it has a high-quality AMOLED display with a high screen refresh rate. So, you will find the gaming experience quite immersive.  

Here we need to mention the popularity of mobile games since most mobile gamers will find games from every possible category, from hyper-casual games and puzzles to action-packed games, even mobile versions of video games. The choices are endless, with many new games that are emerging on both Apple and Android devices. 

But you also find this smartphone quite popular for mobile casino games. In this case, we need to emphasize the necessity for a stable Internet connection and a high-performing device. Since there is a range of online casino games that vary from slots to live casino games, they not only require certain technical specifications from your device, but you also have to have a stable Internet connection. 

For example, if you want to play at a reliable online casino in Latvia, this is really the perfect device to do that because you can play any casino game of your choice and have a smooth gaming experience.  

Furthermore, it also provides excellent high-quality front speakers and advanced haptic feedback, which can make your experience more realistic whether you’re playing games of chance, or you want to play regular mobile games. 

In short, it has every option necessary for a personalized gaming experience. It also comes with specific customization options that you can attach to the device, and I will help you set up a portable gaming device based on your preferences. 

That being said, mobile devices also support any TV show or film that you want to watch on the move. It has beautiful graphics, a great AMOLED screen, and decent battery life. 

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is actually one of the best devices that you can use to watch any video or catch your favorite TV series. It has a cutting-edge 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. This means videos with vibrant colors and high-quality content are available on the move. 

But, obviously, there is another reason why this is a great smartphone, and that is its high-quality processor. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor. In other words, you can watch any film without lag and have a smooth gaming experience even if you choose to play your favorite mobile games. Lastly, the battery is massive – it’s a 5,000mAh battery, offering an extended battery life on the move.  

Pixel 7 Pro from Google 

The Google Pixel 7 Pro boasts the latest and one of the most powerful processors on the market, built with Google AI. The Tensor G2 chip is based on machine learning technology, making it a perfect processor for anyone that is looking to play mobile games or watch TV Shows from Netflix and other streaming services.  

It really represents a high-quality device, but it’s quite faster compared to competitors. Moreover, it comes with a 6.7-inch QHD+display, which provides rich colors and beautiful visuals. It’s actually perfect for watching films on Netflix and other streaming services because it is based on artificial intelligence technology, which will further personalize not only your gaming experience but also your recommendation on streaming sites. The battery life is also decent, and you can play mobile games for hours on end without worrying that you will run out of battery on the move. 

MOTO G 60 

MOTO G 60 is an affordable option and wonderful device as it is based on a decent Octa-core processor and has a smooth and high-quality display. It can offer memory storage of 128GB with 4GB RAM. It’s also a budget-friendly option that offers good support for even heftier titles, and it can also be used for watching videos and films because it has a high refresh rate. Furthermore, it supports a 5G network, so gaming on the move is a good option with higher internet rates. Also, the 6,000mAh battery provides a good battery life and performance.  

Summary  

In conclusion, modern mobile devices provide a better gaming experience than their older counterparts. Of course, you can also find most models are pretty good for watching any TV shows and movies, or videos or listening to your favourite audiobooks and songs. The quality and design of smartphones have increased over the years, and so it is the price of high-end models.

But, there are some budget-friendly options that cannot provide with a decent performance at their price range. So, make sure to do now is to do your research and compare features of mobile devices that are important to your personal goals and financial budget.   

7 Tips for Tech Firms to Thrive in this Competitive Environment

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You don’t have to be Einstein to see the radical shift taking place in today’s financial markets. There are several obstacles that new and small tech companies must overcome. Everyday falling valuations make it harder for startups to attract investment. Furthermore, many companies have adjusted their operations and strategy in response to the ever-rising inflation.

In such a situation, your company must be quick to adapt or be phased out. They have to constantly innovate to stay relevant and focus more on their customers’ needs and learn more about the trends in their field. Lastly, tech firms need to have a unique identity setting them apart from industry rivals – just as RedStag casino login has set themselves apart in the field of fun online gaming.

Here are seven ways to help your tech company stay afloat in today’s fiercely competitive market.

1. Know your clientele

Your clientele should be considered a treasure since they are the reason your business is still around. To give them what they want, you must first identify what it is they need. These days, thousands of other companies offer the same service or product as you, thanks to tech advancements.

As a result, providing excellent customer care is essential if you want to stand out. You can learn about your demographic through focus groups, interviews, surveys, and by using data analytic tools.

Another key approach to knowing who you’re catering to is monitoring how their tastes and spending habits are developing over time. This will allow you to meet their expectations and provide products or services they are inclined to purchase.

2. Pay attention to what you’re good at best.

To thrive in today’s cutthroat business climate, small companies should concentrate on what they do best and capitalize on that. Your startup will suffer if you try to do too much at once. Trying to invest your time and effort equally is tedious and wasteful.

Instead, startups should zero in on a few core competencies that will set them apart from their competitors and help them solidify their presence in the market. Customer service, cost-effectiveness, and offering novel products or services are all areas to focus on developing.

Before honing in on what you’re best at, you’ll need to carry out an analysis. This will help you identify your strengths.

3. Build a solid online identity

In today’s competitive market, your small tech startup must have a robust presence on the Internet. Your rivals are using the Internet, and you should, too. Doing so will allow your firm to reach a wider audience, and potential customers will see you in a more favorable light.

Increasing your visibility online can be done in many different ways. Curating a polished, search engine-friendly website is an excellent place to start. You can also reach your demographic through other social media sites. TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook are just a few examples of social media platforms that help businesses connect with customers and expand their brands.

4. Seek guidance

You need as much data as you can get your hands on to help get your startup off the ground. Make an effort to get guidance from established businesspeople, mentors, and specialists in your field. With this type of insight, you can assess the current business climate more precisely.

You could participate in industry-specific training, webinars, or conferences. You can also learn from books and blogs created by thriving business owners.

5. Set money aside for a rainy day

Startups should always have emergency funds. They should save aside some money in case they run into financial trouble, as a fund will help them weather storms and keep the firm solvent. It’s easy to dismiss the idea of putting money aside for a “rainy day.” Yet, doing so could be the difference between keeping your tech firm open and closing your doors.

If things are going well for you, you should be able to put away some money and reinvest in the company to help it grow.

6. Create a marketing strategy

Your company can’t thrive without an effective marketing plan. You need a strategy that will help you connect with your target customers and spread the word about your services. In addition, it should make it easier to monitor your results and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Content marketing, social media marketing, and email marketing are just a few marketing avenues you could look into. Investing in proper channels means finding the ones that work best for your business.

7. Adapt to change

Small firms today need to be adaptable to survive. They must be flexible enough to meet the ever-evolving demands of the market and their clientele. Lastly, startups must be prepared to take risks and test new approaches to market their services and products.

Your small business will only succeed in today’s cutthroat marketplace if you’re willing to be adaptable.

Conclusion

If you run your small business following these guidelines, you’ll have a better chance of succeeding in today’s cutthroat marketplace. Keep in mind, though, that nothing will guarantee the success of your business more than your own effort and commitment to it.

Get out there and launch the company of your dreams! Joining a local business group is a great way to meet like-minded people, learn about the business climate, and boost your confidence.

The PlayStation Showcase was… okay?

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Today, for the first time in nearly two years, PlayStation gifted us with a brand new games showcase. The last time they had a showcase, major games such as Final Fantasy 16 and Hogwarts Legacy were announced. Naturally, fans expectations were high as many expected Sony to reveal their next slate of big games coming for the next few years.

After such a long wait, this show needed to be huge, but sadly it was anything but. Most of the content shown today can be played on your Xbox. The Xbox twitter account even took a jab at this shortly after the briefing.

PlayStation Showcase Announcements.


The PlayStation Showcase wasn’t horrible by any means, in-fact, I think there was some really cool stuff shown.

The Metal Gear Solid 3 remake is exciting, we sadly only got a short CGI tease though. Bungie is bringing back Marathon, which for those who don’t know was the game they worked on before Halo. It seems this new iteration is an extraction shooter, similar to Escape from Tarkov, and surprisingly it’s going to be available on Xbox as well! Spider-Man 2 looks stellar, and so does Alan Wake 2.

It wasn’t all bad, but this was not the PlayStation showcase Sony fans were anticipating. No updates from the majority of their bigger studios, no update on Naughty Dog’s multiplayer for last of us 2 “Factions” which has been in development for quite some time now.

Setting Expectations.

In summary, Sony should have done a better job at setting fan’s expectations. This should have been labeled as a state of play. They also should have came out ahead of time and stressed that this would mainly include updates from third party developers.

After all, expectations are everything with shows like this, and this showcase has left quite a bitter taste.

The Spotlight now turns to Xbox, who are having their games showcase on June 11th followed by the Starfield direct. What are you hoping to see Xbox announce? What did you think of the Sony showcase?

The Showcase that Vindicated Playstation.

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Game showcases (especially Playstation’s) are almost always disappointing, yet I always get my hopes up, and then I get annoyed.

There’s always some speculation, but this time there were some pretty credible leaks, and I got excited again. Thankfully, it was all justified. This was wonderful.

Before we get into the games that people care about, here’s the bulk of the stuff that was announced:

This static listing is not to indicate that none of these are going to be good, but I cannot now think of a single thing to say about any of them. Now, let’s talk about the real games.


Oh My God, They Actually Did It.

Snake Eater is actually getting a remake. My prayers were actually answered. Snake Eater is unequivocally one of the greatest games ever made, and while I’m nervous about a non-Kojima driven remake, my critical thinking is currently being choked my a miasma of hype, so we’ll have to see how this one shakes out.

That’s not all we got though. In a Babe Ruth pointing to the stands-esque call, I figured they’d probably port the older games to newer systems as well if Konami had actually realised that I’ll happily pay full price for 15 year old games if I can play them on newer systems. So, guess what?

Hallelujah. They actually listened.


At Last.

Okay, what else did we get? Oh yeah. A trailer for the sequel to THE best fantasy action game ever made; one with actual gameplay, if you can imagine such a thing.

Dragon’s Dogma is a marvelous game. It’s the only large scale fantasy game I can think of with great (not just good) combat. Everything in it is wonderful and, if you haven’t played the original, it’s almost always $10 or less by now. Go get it, then get this.


The Sequel Few Wanted More Than Me.

Spider-man is my favourite superhero. The first game was the reason I bought a PS4, Miles Morales was the reason I bought a PS5, and this game will be the reason I… I don’t know, I guess I’ll just buy it.

Not only do we have black suit confirmation, but we also had playable Queens, Lizard, and full on Kraven hunt confirmation. Now if we can only get confirmation of the Alex Ross suit, then I can lock in my pre-order.

This is gonna be one wonderful year.

Review: Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition 

Does the simulation genre have to be realistic? Ideally, yes, but occasionally there is room for a bit of light-hearted relief. Luckily, this is where Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition comes to the fore. Originally released in 2018, you may be wondering why I’m reviewing such an old game. Well, the Last Journey Edition has recently been released on console and it comprises every DLC to date. Consequently, I wanted to write about this excellent game as I believe it shouldn’t be missed.

Developed by Lazy Bear Games and published by tinyBuild, this is an amusing RPG simulation title. What’s more, it has some colourful characters, some questionable moments, and a morbid Harvest Moon edge to the equation. Moreover, there is fishing, resource gathering, festivals, recipes, and a talking skull. Therefore, it’ll tick many boxes. However, if one of your boxes is a talking skull, I suggest checking in with the doctor to see if you are okay.

Use the bodies to help the Bishop.
Can you help the Bishop?

Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition tells a macabre tale.

The saying, “You never know when your time is up” is painfully correct. Subsequently, one moment you can be enjoying your best life and planning to meet your loved one, and then suddenly, you are struck down in your prime. Disappointingly for the protagonist, this is exactly what happens. However, instead of entering Heaven or Hell, he becomes the latest resident of a strange land. Furthermore, he is charged with becoming the new graveyard keeper, whether he likes it or not.

Determined to get back to his loved one, the hero will do whatever he can to appease those in charge and open a passage to his land. However, this is easier said than done, as everyone wants a piece of him. The Bishop demands that he maintain and appease the locals. The Inquisitor wants to burn every witch in sight, and finally, the talking skull doesn’t know what it wants. Accordingly, you are left to your own devices as you carve a path in this strange graveyard-keeping simulation title.

So much content.

The day-to-day running of the graveyard is pretty straightforward. Like its peers, you must manage your stamina, gather goods, and complete an array of side quests. Additionally, you are tasked with building new structures, opening secret tunnels, and managing every body that comes your way. Yet, where Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition is different, is its grotesque but amusing elements.

You must decide what to do with each body you are given! Do you cut out every vital organ and drain the blood? Alternatively, do you bury them respectfully while increasing the appeal of your church? Whatever you decide has a vast impact on how the game progresses. However, ultimately, each path leads to the same result, so your choices are effectively mute.

If cutting up bodies isn’t your thing, you can slay monsters, explore dungeons, or fish for food and goods. As long as you are gathering items and repairing your graveyard, you are bound to be helping someone out. Moreover, the further your progress, the closer you are to getting home.

Can you help the outcasts to start a new life?
Help the outcasts.

Quests and skill trees.

With plenty to see and do, I wasn’t surprised the skill tree was unbelievably massive! The hero earns XP in the form of green, red, and blue gems. Each one is allocated depending on the tasks you have completed. If you study, garden, or do manual labour, you’ll earn a smattering of XP. This is then used to unlock new items or skills, and you can then improve the quality of your graveyard, tools, and the food you eat.

Alongside this, Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition demands that you undertake a mind-blowing number of quests. There is a central quest line with steep requirements that takes up most of your time. While you try to follow this path, you’ll have to unlock blocked routes, repair buildings, and undertake questionable jobs. On top of this, you can complete plenty of side quests to improve your XP and earn some gold. These tasks also help to improve your relationship with the locals, so it doesn’t hurt to focus on them now and then.

The DLC is impressive.

Normally, I turn my nose up at any DLC on offer. As a general rule, it isn’t worth the money, and it rarely adds enough to make it worthwhile. However, Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition breaks the mould with its 4 unique additions. The excellent DLC bulks out the story perfectly while enhancing the amusing and morbid nature of the core game.

Each additional chapter adds hours of gameplay as well as some amusing events. Moreover, they expand each key player’s role in the game. Whether you help people to challenge the Inquisitor, or you build your own bar, it adds plenty of tasks and interesting ways to find out about your neighbours. On top of this, you’ll master automation to make things easier and cleanse a friend of their sins. Whichever path you tackle first matters not, as you’ll enjoy the madness alongside the core gameplay.

Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition is polished but old-school.

I love the sombre and melancholy aesthetics. Furthermore, the pixelated graphics and large world are phenomenal to look at. Additionally, the varied backdrops and locations are equally great. Whether it is the farm, swamp, or dungeon that you are exploring, they never get old. On top of this, the UI helps to alleviate any problems. With so much content and the deep skill tree, it could have been horrible to play. However, the developers have done a great job of keeping things simple.

The visuals are perfectly old-school. What’s more, the audio follows suit with its whimsy and folksy tones. The day-to-day action is accompanied by a blend of upbeat and medieval songs. This was fantastic, as it matched the tongue-in-cheek nature of much of the action. Alongside this, the basic sound effects are often OTT but brilliant at the same time.

Use the bodies to make some tasty beverages.
Time to brew some drinks.

Excellent controls.

Though there are plenty of tasks to complete and an array of unusual jobs to undertake, Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition is surprisingly easy to play. The developers haven’t overcomplicated the matter, and this was fantastic. Many of the actions require a single button press and managing your inventory or the skill tree was a cinch. Thanks to the aforementioned UI, all the fiddly elements are simplified, and this ensures that you can focus on the job at hand.

This is an incredibly large game to undertake. Thanks to the time-consuming quests, the never-ending demand for resources, and the amusing characters you interact with, you’ll play this for hours. On top of this, the amazing DLC enhances the experience further.

Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition is a brilliantly whimsy title.

Running a graveyard shouldn’t be this fun. However, Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition proves that you shouldn’t have preconceived ideas. Whether you are growing vegetables for a merchant, draining blood from corpses, or helping the local blacksmith, there is plenty to do. As such, this is one indie game that will impress you from the off. I adored this brilliantly whimsy title and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you complete every task and find a way home? Help the locals, improve the church, and become the best graveyard keeper ever.

Review: Advance Wars 1+2 Re-boot Camp

I enjoy strategy games, but had never played the Advance Wars games before. I suppose it was just something I missed out on initially, and, in looking back on it later, figured that as a GBA exclusive, I likely wasn’t missing much.

After about 50 hours, I’m pretty content to admit that I was wrong.

The GBA’s Limit

Advance Wars is a typical turn-based strategy game in which you take control of Orange Star’s forces in an attempt to push back the relentless assault of the Blue Moon’s army. These are the first two warring countries in the game.

The Advance Wars world is seemingly dependent on perpetual combat; unfortunate for its citizens, but great for us, because that’s where the fun starts. In every mission, you are plopped on one end of a map and the enemy is on the other end, with nothing more than a few unclaimed cities, some mountains, or a small river to separate you.

Initially you only have standard infantry units (with one or two anti-tank units) as well as a tank or two, and maybe an APC for re-fueling your vehicles and re-stocking ammo. This was about as far as I expected the game to go, as I again figured how much could really be pressed onto a GBA cart. This expectation was defied in every one of the next few missions.

After the first few skirmishes, the game then introduces you to the concept of capturing cities. Unclaimed cities can be captured by infantry so long as they are placed within the cities. Cities require 20 points of ‘damage’ before they are captured, and occupying infantry can only deal ‘damage’ equal to their max health (which is 10). This means that, for the next few missions, I was running around occupying anything and everything I could before my men could become too damaged.

After this, I was then introduced to the COs. These are your commanding officers, and each of them has a special ability which will give you a considerable boost for one turn. This ability is filled gradually over the course of the match, and which CO you pick when going into battle could pretty significantly influence your strategy.

THEN, I was introduced to the concept of the factory, which allows you to use money that you gain each turn from occupied cities in order to build new units. From helicopters, submarines, light tanks, mid tanks, missile launchers, and faster transport units, there are any number of options to keep the war machine rolling along.

Also, should you be crafty enough to be able to occupy your opponents HQ, then you win the round automatically. All of this isn’t even touching on the map variety. Some maps are even shrouded in a fog of war, which means enemies could be lurking anywhere just outside of view. A pretty common, but always effective, strategy game trick.

Fire When Ready

The combat in the game is simple: a unit has to be within range in order to fire on an enemy. This varies from unit to unit, typically inversely proportional with their power, but also in proportion with how ubiquitous they are. Standard combat units are fairly week, but extremely common, so they have to be right next to a unit in order to fire, whereas a tank can be a few squares away, and hit pretty hard, but it’ll cost a pretty penny to replace should it get overwhelmed.

One thing that always makes me nervous in strategy games is the implementation of luck as a mechanic. Some games like Steamworld Heist are incredibly stripped back in this area, and if you feel you can make a shot, then you will. However, there are those games like XCOM which seem to relish in the lies they will tell you with regards to your hit and crit chances.

Thankfully, Advance Wars is much closer to the Steamworld Heist side of things. The only thing luck can do is to cause you to deal slightly more damage. This is great, because it’s often a fairly negligible amount so it never feels too bad when you get hit by some, but it’s also bonus damage, so it feel great to deal out.

The campaign itself also never becomes too stale, as aside from the great map and unit variety, there are a few branching paths within the story. None are too drastic, and they do always feed back into the main story eventually, but it was a nice surprise that there are any choices to be made here at all.

Sights & Sounds of the Battlefield

If you’re wondering why the art style so far has looked somewhat familiar, it’s because this remake was made by Wayforward who also made River City Girls and the Shantae series.

Wayforward has always put forth some pretty beautiful art in their releases, art which is especially welcome any time they decide to remake an old game. In this package you get an opening cinematic, as well as partially animated, and partially voiced, models anytime a character speaks. You also get unique CO ability animations any time you break those out.

The only point of contention I’ve seen about this game is the change in gameplay art style. As opposed to the concomitant pixel-art of the GBA game, all in-game models are now in a sort of chibi 3-D toy style. For a few fans this was fairly off-putting, and I can understand. If they were to remake any of the GBA Castlevania games with 3-D models it would come off as cheap, whether it was or not.

We’ve all seen similar complaints with the Link’s Awakening remake, and the recent R-Type games. Admittedly, it can make the game look a little cheap, and it would have been wonderful if (like the Diablo II remake) there was an option to switch between both styles, but at a certain point, I hardly noticed it anymore. Not to say that you will be able to look past it if you absolutely loved the look of the originals, but it never hindered my enjoyment of the actual game.

Have At You!

The main thing which I imagine most fans will be excited for is the ability to not only make, but to share your own custom maps, as well as download the diabolical creations of other mad-men.

After the first few missions, you are given some campaign coins and are shown that there is now a shop available on the main menu. This shop allows you to buy new COs, collectibles, or new maps and map parts.

There is also multiplayer. Though this may be somewhat disappointing as you can only play with people on your friends list. I have no idea why this is so limiting, as I imagine most people who are going to jump into the online are not too likely to have a friend who also spent $60 on a GBA remake. Maybe it was just a limitation of development, and maybe it would have detracted in some way from the great single player experience, but this is still a weird omission.

Oh Yeah, There’s Two.

One thing I’ve neglected to mention throughout this whole review is that there’s two games in this package. While the second game is mostly iterative and doesn’t had a ton of new things, it’s also an entire separate game, filled with all the fun and variety of the original.

This is a full priced remake. For many older fans who have played the originals to death, aside from the visual touch ups (as well as the arguable downgrading of the in-game art), there’s not too much here to get you excited if you weren’t excited already. The custom maps feature and ability to share them online is great, but the lack of any meaningful online will be a disappointment for many. Though, if you have a die-hard friend group who don’t mind shelling out for the online service as well as the remake, then I’m sure you’ll have some fun.

The real value here comes from the possibility that you may be someone like me, someone who had never played these games before. For us, this is a great deal. If you are into strategy games and only know Advance Wars because maybe you’d seen the box in a Gamestop in 2002, then this is a pretty easy recommend.

Review: Project Nightmares

Haunted dolls are a big no, no for me. Whenever the horror genre uses this creepy concept, it freaks me out. These emotionless asshats scare the bejesus out of me, and nothing or no one will convince me to think differently. Consequently, when Project Nightmares Case 36: Henrietta Kedward opened the action with a malignant toy of doom, I was prepared to shit myself repeatedly. Unfortunately for me and my dry cleaner, this game lived up to its trouser-soiling promise. As such, this was one horror game that I loved and regretted almost immediately.

Developed by NC Studio and published by Feardemic, this is a first-person horror adventure title. What’s more, it has some basic puzzles to overcome and plenty of juicy jump scares. Moreover, it has procedurally generated gameplay and therefore, no playthrough is ever the same. This idea makes it stand out from its peers while enhancing replay value and longevity.

NC Studio is a tiny 2 person team that must be applauded for their efforts. According to their blurb, this is the first instalment in the series. Subsequently, there should be plenty more chapters in this spooky yet simple horror game.

A ghostly image appears before the hero.
What is that thing?

Project Nightmares uses some familiar mechanics.

I adored Project Nightmares’ simplistic approach. With familiar mechanics at its core, and plenty of confined spaces to explore, this doesn’t ooze originality. However, this matters not, as I “enjoyed” its dark and eerie ways, nonetheless. Much of the action focuses on you finding items and fulfilling your role as a paranormal investigator. Alongside this, you’ll have to complete puzzles, explore tight spaces, and avoid the attention of a demented and demonic being.

You are a gifted individual who wishes to help a group of scientists and paranormal investigators. Confined to a special machine, you are teleported into the body of a possessed doll. By transferring your mind to this vessel, you can understand its history and hope to stop it from completing its task. However, the demonic spirit will sense your presence and will stop at nothing to evict you from its body.

Death by candlelight.

Much of the opening action demands that you stroll along corridors with nothing but candlelight to illuminate the way. Yet, if this runs out, you are hunted immediately by a vengeful spirit, and you unsurprisingly die! As such, it is best to keep the candles burning as you explore your surroundings. By searching drawers and looking at paintings, notes, and pictures, you will piece together clues to help the investigation progress.

Alongside this, you will undertake many QTEs and plenty of puzzles as well. Each of these elements fails to break the mould. However, thanks to the procedurally generated ideas, no problem is ever the same. Thankfully, this was a great idea, as it kept things fresh while maintaining a sense of difficulty.

Light keeps you alive in Project Nightmares.
Be sure to keep the candle lit.

Henrietta is a bit of a dick.

You’ll encounter many tiresome spirits during your time with Project Nightmares. From the off, you’ll witness flying plates, breaking vases, and other supernatural events. Yet, as you progress, you’ll stumble across Henrietta. This troublesome beast is a bit of a dick and when you hear her scream, you best run for the hills.

This well-trodden but exciting element got your blood pumping. Whether it was a lack of light or the excellent QTEs, you’ll feel under pressure to tackle each encounter. Moreover, being chased by grisly ghosts and apparitions never gets old. As you dodge obstacles and navigate tight spaces, you’ll wait for each classic jump scare. Fortunately, Project Nightmares delivers these moments perfectly while balancing the requirement to solve problems and search for clues.

Talking of clues, there is a requirement to use a special lens to highlight supernatural moments. This basic tool broke up the inevitable sense of fear, but it wasn’t as smooth as I’d have liked. Accordingly, the immersive nature of the gameplay was occasionally ruined as you flitted between different perspectives.

Project Nightmares is creepy and immersive.

Talking of perspectives, the familiar first-person viewpoint enhances the eerie nature of this horror title. Furthermore, your limited vision and the claustrophobic spaces work perfectly. Alongside this, the horrific creatures make your skin crawl as you search darkened rooms for clues and a way out. However, though I loved the presentation, there were minor issues that somewhat undermine the finished product. With bugs and glitches to contend with, it breaks up the immersive nature of the gameplay and tarnishes an otherwise enjoyable title.

The developers haven’t relied on a haunting soundtrack to enhance the atmosphere. Instead, they focused their energy on creepy sound effects and gruff soundbites from the protagonist. This approach works extremely well, especially when you are exploring vast spaces. With the sound of footsteps and the occasional supernatural moment, you’ll be kept on the edge of your seat. What’s more, Henrietta’s blood-curdling noises make up for the silence you endure.

A flashlight highlights a grim figure.
That doesn’t look good.

Responsive controls.

Project Nightmares unfolds at a deliberately slow pace. However, the QTEs juxtapose this as they demand quick thinking and even quicker reactions. If you wish to survive each nightmarish encounter, you’ll have to pound the correct button, as indicated on the screen. Yet, this isn’t as easy as it sounds, as your heart will be racing. Fortunately, though, you are assisted by the responsive and well-considered controller setup.

Thanks to the procedurally generated mechanics, Project Nightmares oozes longevity and replay value. No matter how many times you play this game, you’ll never get the same experience. However, there is an argument that the never-ending stream of darkened corridors can become repetitive. Thankfully, this issue is overcome because of the unique puzzles you face.

Project Nightmares is tough and scary.

A 2-person project is normally loaded with bugs, issues, and underwhelming gameplay. Yet, Project Nightmares has managed to buck this trend, mostly. Thanks to the immersive first-person viewpoint, the creepy and sinister creatures, and the interesting puzzles, this is perfect for fans of the horror genre. Consequently, I enjoyed it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you stop the destroy the evil before it evolves? Explore a labyrinthine world, solve every puzzle, and avoid Henrietta’s deadly gaze.  

News: Backbone One – PlayStation edition for Android

Backbone has long been considered a market leader for Cloud and mobile gaming. Their excellent devices are groundbreaking, reliable, and comfortable. However, the focus has been predominantly on iOS users. Consequently, we lowly Android followers have had to wait or look at alternative products. Yet, that is about to change as the Backbone One – PlayStation edition for Android has been announced.

This incredible device retains all the amazing features of its iOS counterpart. Furthermore, there is a helpful app available to make your user experience more pleasurable. As such, if you invest in this device, you are assured of a well-built and responsive controller that’ll transform how you game.

What makes the Backbone One – PlayStation edition for Android special?

Designed in close collaboration with PlayStation, this new device picks up many of the design cues from the PS5 console’s DualSense wireless controller. This includes classic button designs and icons. This product is uniquely recognised as a DualSense by the PS Remote Play App. Consequently, it enables gamers to play their favourite PS4 and PS5 games on their Android device from anywhere.  

With access to broadband internet and a PS5 or PS4 console, players can plug in their Android to Backbone One and start playing PS4 or PS5 games through the PlayStation Remote Play App. Players will have the ability to lock their gameplay in landscape mode. Furthermore, they can access the PlayStation app by double tapping on the Options button on their Backbone One controller.

The Backbone App is also available now for Android. For Backbone One – PlayStation Edition for Android users, the app is fully customised for PlayStation, including the iconic button glyphs for the menu icons. The app features a dedicated content row that is updated regularly with all the new game releases, news and updates from PlayStation. The Backbone App also elegantly aggregates all your gaming content and services that support controllers, including mobile-native games like Call of Duty: Mobile and Diablo Immortal and services like SteamLink and Nvidia GeForce Now.

The Backbone One - PlayStation Edition for Android in white.

Where can I buy it?

The Backbone One – PlayStation edition for Android is available to buy now for £99.99. If this article has piqued your interest, click this link and purchase your new controller.

(More information on Backbone can be found here!

News: Amazon pre-Memorial Day sale.

I recently covered the Amazon Luna controller and Amazon Luna+ subscription. Consequently, this may have piqued your interest in this excellent Cloud Gaming service. However, you may have been put off by the initial outlay for either the Luna Controller, a Fire TV stick, or a new tablet. Well, worry not, as the Amazon pre-Memorial Day sale is here to save the day.

The Amazon pre-Memorial Day sale starts now through to the 28th of May 2023. During this time, you’ll grab some incredible bargains that are bound to bring a smile to your face. Whether it is the inclusion of Fortnite, the incredible streaming service, or the amazing and comfortable-to-use controller, you won’t want to miss out on a bargain.

What savings are available during the Amazon pre-Memorial Day sale?

Luna added Fortnite to the service earlier this month, and now is a great time for new users to sign up, because, for gamers who are new to Luna, the Luna Controller and a free 1-month Luna+ subscription start at just $49.99, a $30 savings. The Luna Controller is a high-performance wireless controller designed to provide an ideal playing experience on Luna and a fast connection between Luna gamers and their games and features cloud-direct technology and a multiple-antenna design that prioritises uninterrupted Wi-Fi for lower latency gaming.

Current Luna subscribers or those who’ve tried Luna before can take their gaming setup to the next level by adding a Luna Controller for $49.99 (regularly $69.99) or opt for a killer bundle of a Luna Controller and any Fire TV Stick which are now over 30% off. Starting at just $74.98, fans can enable gaming with the entire family on any TV effortlessly while enjoying an unprecedented level of fidelity. Additionally, there are gaming combos of Fire HD tablets and Luna Controllers, with bundles starting at just $119.98.

Here’s a full list of the gaming deals on sale this week:

  • Luna Controller + FREE 1-month Luna+ (new subscriber offer). Sale Price: $49.99 (down from list price of $69.99) – 29% off.
  • Official Luna Wireless Controller. Sale Price: $49.99 (down from list price of $69.99) – 29% off.
  • Luna Controller with Phone Clip Bundle. Sale Price: $64.98 (down from list price of $84.98) – 24% off.
  • Fire TV Gaming Bundle including Fire TV Stick and Luna Controller. Sale Price: $74.98 (down from list price of $109.98) – 32% off.
  • Fire TV Gaming Bundle including Fire TV Stick 4K and Luna Controller. Sale Price: $81.98 (down from list price of $119.98) – 32% off.
  • Fire TV Gaming Bundle with Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Luna Controller. Sale Price: $84.98 (down from list price of $124.98) – 32% off.
  • Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet, 8” HD Display, 32 GB, and Luna Controller. Sale Price: $169.98 (down from list price of $219.98) – 23% off.

If any of these great deals take your fancy, then click the link and grab yourself a bargain.

(More information on Amazon can be found here!)