Review: Crab Champions

News

Tiziano Pepe

-

May 1, 2023

After 5 years of raving, the crabs have done messing around. Crab Champions is a game based on smash hit “Crab Rave”, a song released by Noise Storm, developed and pubblished by the eponymous company Noise Storm Limited. As advertised on its Website, the game revolves around the notorious crab hopping from island to island in a roguelike third-person shooter, fighting enemy crabs, pufferfish and pumpkins? Although still an early-access game, Crab Champions is already showing great initiative, with the game’s first patches being better than a lot of new releases, with a great variety of upgrades and weaponry that keep every run fresh! (Even though the balancing needs some fine-tuning). With 2023 seeming like a wonderful year for roguelikes, with sequels such as Darkest Dungeon II and ports from the playstation with Returnal, this april-fools game unironically seems to be a potential new contender.

But what can be so great about this game? From fast-paced smooth movement to interesting upgrade ideas, let’s dwelve into it!

Island Hopping

While definitely not the game’s focus, the graphics are very appealing nonetheless. With vibrant colouring and very cartoony trees, the game’s atmosphere stays very upbeat and eye-catching as you shoot and throw grenades at your enemies. Textures aside, the visual effects of the different projectiles and explosions can become distracting and they can make keeping track of every hostile entity even worse in an already-existing bullet hell (luckily, explosions are clearly delineated by circles regardless of their effects). As for other assets in the game, the very glossy and shiny effects that follow them can make the aesthetics awkward at times.

As for reaching these islands, the game sadly does not permit for the player to make many decisions; where Slay the Spire would allow for different pathings (removing tedious RNG and rewarding better decision-making), or The Binding of Isaac, setting randomized floor layouts to render every run unique, Crab Champions limits the player to two diverging islands that always lead to forced shops, horde events, and ultimately bosses. While definitely not a game-killer, replayability can most definitely end much sooner and make the gameplay loop feel repetitive, especially when the game refuses to give certain types of perks that can make the game feel incomplete.

Best movement shooter of 2023?

The movement’s fluidity in this game is unparalleled. Although only allowing simple movement options like dashing and double jumps, Noisestorm implemented the functions amazingly together in conjunction with momentum retainment to encourage a low skill-floor but high ceiling when confronting positioning. Meanwhile, the enemy design compliments these mechanics perfectly, as they throw large projectiles and mobile minions that keep you on your toes (Even though the sheer amount of visual clutter in boss fights make a lot of the damage feel unfair). For player whose aim is worse than average, the game remains very accessible through air bullet-time, decreasing a need for Aimlabs practice (not to mention that most enemies have sizeable hitboxes, allowing for more carefree spraying).

Currently, the upgrades, or perks, you can obtain as a crab are of a decent size, which promises very well for a game in early-access. While there are the usual “higher firerate” boosts, a lot of the loot was made with tactical build-crafting in mind, as they provide improvements mostly at the cost of other stats. This, paired with limited inventory slots, incite smart decision-making while still keeping the opportunity of busted runs through levelling-up already owned items. Although synergies can be found, the early-access builds do not have many, and the ones that can be found tend to be very niche and hard to obtain.

To compare this game to another in its genre, Crab Champions shares similarities with Risk of Rain 2, and it is safe to say that most Hopoo fans will have a blast with games. Practically every totem found in CC has a direct counterpart to the shrines in RoR2, very fun movement-centered shooting with RoR2’s different classes being represented in CC’s variety of weaponry found at the lobby, and a niche multiplayer community with wonderful members and a very active Discord community, even used by the main (and sole) developer of the game.

Following the ever-refreshing trend of certain Indie games, Crab Champions is a spark of hope in a field where triple A games fail to deliver. I personally have loved this game, and am glad it is ready to grow even bigger as the developer diligently updates it around monthly, and honestly I cannot recommend it enough. Sadly this game does not have much of any pubblicity as it is more of a passion project that refused itself to be sold to potentially harmful pubblishers, even though now it feels the consequences in major lack of advertisement. Regardless, I look forward to see the game’s full release (although it already feels like it) and whatever will come in the future!

Review: Little Witch Nobeta

Daniel Kelly

-

Apr 30, 2023

0

Soulslike is so loose a term that it seems to be applicable to anything. Like how every game that has a perfunctory upgrade tree is deemed an RPG. The term just doesn’t mean anything anymore, and the likelihood of a soulslike being anything special is pretty grim.

This may seem like a way to then build up to the revelation that Little Witch Nobeta is actually great, but no. It’s fine; like a lot of other soulslikes, it’s just fine.

Little Witch Dark Academia

First off, I am well aware that this title is in no way relevant, but there was no way I wasn’t going to use it.

You play as Nobeta, and you have to go through a castle to discover your *insert plot point of your choice*. There is also a cat. The story does not matter, and that’s fine. Soulslikes do not need good stories because the overwhelming majority of people who play them couldn’t care less. Cool levels, cool bosses, cool attacks. That’s all we want.

The game immediately boots you into what is the most confusing difficulty select screen since Resident Evil 1. You have the option between either ‘standard’ or ‘advanced’ mode. Seems simple enough until you realise that the advanced difficulty option reads “This is normal difficulty”. Why would they do this?

Anyway, I picked advanced, because difficulty options in soulslikes should be eradicated. If it’s supposed to be a tailored experience, then why bother with the option. And if it’s not a tailored experience, then why make a soulslike?

Enough Talk, Have At You!

After a frightfully bland tutorial, you are thrown into your first level. Initially you have only one form of magic available to you (Arcane). Your combat options are fairly limited, but you have what you need. You can aim, shoot magic, charge your magic for a stronger attack, and use your staff to bat away enemies.

On top of these you also have your mobility options: you can jump, double jump, dodge, and prolong your hangtime after a jump by using your melee attack. The other types of magic you can use are doled out to you through grimoires. These are collectible books which either teach you a new form of magic, or upgrade a form of magic you’ve already learned.

This is how you come to learn the other magical styles: Fire, Ice, and Thunder. Fire is your close-range shotgun, Ice is your rapid fire machine gun, and Thunder is your high damage, slow-firing sniper. All of these types of magic have a special attack that you can only use by taking a moment to charge up your next attack. This is high risk as it slows you down for a few seconds, but the charge can be cancelled at any time, most notably with a roll. This charge also keeps going, so if you roll out of it, it will continue charging like nothing happened. This sort of sounds like a backhanded compliment because it is. I used this every chance I got, and I don’t know if it’s supposed to be as powerful as it is.

The game also has all of the usual soulslike trappings: bonfire statues, stat upgrading, souls from enemies, loss of souls on death. It also has a lock-on, though outside of bosses I never found it useful. You can spend the souls you get from dead enemies to upgrade one of your stats (stamina, health etc.). This feels fairly artificial though as it’s not as though there’s any build variety in this game (you’re GOING to be using magic). This just feel like a cheap way to make the game seem deeper than it is.

Every stage has the concomitant boss. They’re fine. I really don’t have much more to say about them. They’re not particularly challenging, they haven’t any particularly interesting movesets, and there’s no clever ways to go about beating them. Your impression may vary though, as I am becoming so very sick of Dark Souls-esque bosses with health bars and intro cutscenes.

Level-Based Tedium

One thing which tends to get lost in soulslike games is the feeling of exploration. Now, this game does have some small in-level exploration when it comes to collecting items and finding chests, but because the game is split into levels, there is no macro-exploration, or any feeling of world building.

Every level is some variation of hallway (or cave) – arena (or cave) – staircase (or rocks) – boss arena, and, aside from the final level having an actual sky-box, there is no deviation from this. Now, this is not an inherently bad structure for a game. Onechanbara and DMC do this exact thing, but the difference there is that the lack of variety or dynamism in the world is more than made up for with the combat, and that just isn’t the case here.

You have your ranged options, as well as a single melee attack to get out of tight spaces, but I didn’t really feel like there was any sort of escalation with how I approached fights. My strategy in the tutorial was to stay away, shoot anything in sight, and dodge if necessary. Regardless of any other powers I acquired, this strategy worked all the way through. This can also be a problem in those previously mentioned games, but they alleviate this tedium by incentivising combos and style. This game has no such system.

So, I’m forced to ask again, why make this game a soulslike?

Final Thoughts

Here’s some other things I figure I should note:

I played the game on Switch and, while there were no specific hitches or glitches, the load times are frankly abysmal. I usually pause for a moment between sections so I can type up some first impressions, but with this game I could just use the 30-45 second load screens. This is not a problem with the game, just a limitation of the Switch. I’ve had similar load issues with other 3rd party games.

Should you choose to get this game, please change the starting camera position. The default is almost pushing through the back of Nobeta’s head and I’ve no idea why. The zoom when aiming is also too close, but that can’t be changed.

Little Witch Nobeta is nothing special. It does nothing better than any other number of games I could name. Its gameplay becomes fairly stale the moment you realise how truly limited your options are, there’s no sense of character building beyond flat stat upgrades, and the level variety is so stale that if not for some puzzles, I would have been convinced that the levels were randomly generated.

The game has some love put into it with the unlockable costumes and the small lore tidbits, but I just can’t recommend this to anyone who’s played a souls/ soulslike game before. Sure it’s fairly cheap, but there’s no shortage of cheap (and better) soulslikes.

Review: What The Bat

James Refelian

-

Apr 30, 2023

0

What The Bat may be one of the most unusual games I’ve played in VR, and quite honestly, it’s a wonderfully bizarre puzzle game with a lot of comedy and a few issues.

What The Bat Gameplay

The game has a simple enough concept. Your arms have been replaced with bats, and you need to get through life. The levels are basically mini-games that take you through life from infancy to beyond. From simple things like putting the blocks in the right hole to doing your laundry, you’ll have to find imaginative ways to complete the puzzles.

Being a VR game, the controls are incredibly intuitive. You swing your arms! The game is playable in roomscale mode, but also available in standing mode. Either way, you’ll want to ensure you have plenty of space to not run into issues with the game mechanics or, worse, hit things around you as you wildly swing your arms about. As a game, it’s a perfect introduction to VR without being too intense, but it’s also a fun puzzler and could be a great party game as you pass the headset and controllers around to take on the challenges.

With the PSVR2’s haptic feedback, the world feels immersive, despite being cartoony. Overall, the comedy is what keeps you playing, especially when combined with novel mini-game levels. Each level also provides something different, so it isn’t just swinging and hitting. Unfortunately, while very enjoyable, it’s also a pretty short game, although more content is apparently coming soon.

It’s not all a swinging hit…

When a game is transitioned to VR, it doesn’t always work, and sadly there are moments in What The Bat which doesn’t quite work in VR. Traditional puzzles, for example, don’t translate well. It isn’t unplayable, but there are moments which are less than ideal because it requires unusual movement or just hitting things until something happens. While the game never stops being fun, in these moments, it can certainly get annoying.

Final thoughts on What The Bat

What The Bat is a wonderful spiritual next game in the What The… franchise and will provide endless mini-games that will make you laugh as well as provide a challenge in this crazy cartoon world. From hitting a banana to putting the square in the square hole, it’s bizarre, hilarious, and simply wonderful. Minor gripes aside, What The Bat is one to play. Put it up on a big screen, share it with friends and have fun!

What The Bat is developed by What The Games, and more information can be found on their website.

Comfort while playing

If you’re a glasses wearer, save some money and check out VR Optician.

Review: VR Optician

James Refelian

-

Apr 30, 2023

0

[This article contains affiliate links and marketing promotion]

One of my biggest problems with VR is the fact that I need glasses to see just about everything. When I put on those headsets, wearing frames, it’s incredibly uncomfortable, even with the extenders often provided.

What is VR Optician?

VR Optician is a fantastic company based in Germany run by professional optometrists and VR enthusiasts. The company makes lens adapters for VR headsets designed to a high-quality and with premium materials to ensure comfort and functionality. Shipping their products worldwide, VR users no longer have to suffer the discomfort of wearing glasses inside the headset.

What does VR Optician do?

VR Optician provides high-quality, easy-to-install lenses that are manufactured to your prescription to ensure suitable viewing during VR gameplay sessions. The lenses all use special SLS adapters to make them as thin and as stable as possible. Each adapter is designed to sit as close to the lens as possible for maximum comfort. As a result, there is a large field of view when using the lens so as not to limit the headset’s capabilities. VR Optician also uses 100% Carl ZEISS Vision lenses, so you know you can trust the quality.

What headsets are supported?

It’s probably a shorter list to say what headsets they don’t cover! All the main headsets are there, Valve Index, both Quest 2 and Quest Pro, PSVR1 and PSVR2, PICO 4 and more. With new headsets being added to the list all the time, it’s a safe bet they support the headset you own or will own in the future.

What are the lenses like to use?

The entire process was seamless and straightforward. When you place your order, you simply add your prescription, and VR Optician takes care of the rest. They manufacture the lens adapters in Germany and ship them worldwide.

Delivery times were reasonable, and I was impressed with the packaging; the adapters come in a VR Optician branded glasses case inside protective pouches labelled left and right. You also get a cleaning cloth to make sure the headset lenses are clean before installation.

Depending on the headset, the adapter fits in a slightly different way. For PICO 4, for example, the adapter magnetically attaches over the lens. With the PSVR2, it simply clips on over the lens. In all cases, installation is very quick and simple.

Wearing the headset with the adapters was far more comfortable than using glasses and I didn’t notice any less of lens quality. What’s truly remarkable is that the eye-tracking software in the PSVR2 isn’t compromised by the adapters.

The quality feels good, and they all fit very securely in the headset. I now have them in both the PSVR1 and 2, Quest 2 and PICO4 and honestly, I’m so glad I found VR Optician!

How can they help you?

If you find yourself like me needing a solution for glasses when using VR, then VR Optician can probably help you.

If you use the code ‘moviesgamesandtech’, you’ll get 5% off your order or simply, use the below link: vroptician.com/?coupon=moviesgamesandtech. We receive a small commission for every purchase made using the coupon/link, and you’ll save some money.

To find out more about VR Optician, you can head to their website for more information. Alternatively, you can follow them on Twitter for the latest news and updates.

Review: PSVR2 (PlayStation VR 2)

James Refelian

-

Apr 30, 2023

0

When it comes to VR there are plenty of options, and it can be difficult to justify which one is the best to use. The PSVR2 is unique in the market, working directly with a console. This is then more aimed at providing a PCVR experience on a console as opposed to what you might get with a standalone headset. The price is eyewatering, it’s more expensive than a PS5, but when you think of it as an alternative to PCVR it’s a bargain because you won’t need that high-end PC to make it work.

PSVR2 Overview

The design is a clear evolution of the PSVR1, and I am pleased to say the controllers have had a complete redesign from those terrible move controllers used in the first generation. There have been minor improvements, with the tightening dial and release button, and USB-C connectivity. Much like its predecessor, the PSVR2 comes with integrated earbuds, or you can plug your own into the jack port. The cable that connects is wired into the headset, which is a shame; a detachable cable would have been ideal, but it doesn’t get in the way during gameplay. The headset has a few more buttons to control power and a dial to adjust the lenses. My favourite feature is the dedicated button that can trigger passthrough mode. While it’s only black and white it is a far more reliable mechanism than the side taps of alternative headsets.

The headset plugs into the PS5 directly and works with minimal effort or setup. One of the first things that will happen is a scan of your environment to establish a safe play area. Room-scale is available, but you’ll need a decent 2m x 2m space for it. If you cross over your designated area, the headset will warn you, so hitting into something isn’t too likely, but it’s a good idea to move anything fragile just in case!

Is PSVR2 Comfortable?

The PSVR2 headset is an improvement on its predecessor in terms of comfort, while still utilising similar features when it comes to adjustment with the dial on the back to tighten the strap and button on the front to adjust the front. There is some balance in the headset, but, as you’d expect, it’s front-heavy.

The dial on the top to adjust the lenses is a nice touch to get maximum visual comfort inside the headset. All in all, the headset is comfortable to wear for a few hours. The design of the earphones to clip around the back is also great to prevent unnecessary cables, and wearing them is comfortable too.

What is diabolical is the silicone eye cover. It’s uncomfortable, unpadded, and generally terrible. It will make you hot, uncomfortable, and generally astonished that someone at PlayStation thought it was a good idea. Seriously, for the price of this headset, I expect a lot more. The sooner a third-party replacement comes out, the better.

Set-up and Configuration

Set-up and configuration of the PSVR2 is incredibly easy. You plug it into your PlayStation 5. Ok, that’s a little oversimplified as you do need to configure some settings and set your play area and connect the controllers etc., but honestly, it’s super straightforward. Unlike standalone VR headsets, PSVR2 is reliant on the console to work, so it’s more of an accessory than its own thing.

Battery Life/Charging

As the PSVR2 is connected to the console directly via a non-detachable cable, the headset doesn’t need batteries and can, in theory, run for as long as you have electricity. Sadly, however, the same cannot be said for the controllers.

The controllers charge via USB-C, and they can be plugged into the console to charge, much like you would the standard controller. The controllers will only last for approximately four hours which is significantly better than the competition.

My biggest complaint comes with the official charging dock (sold separately). The dock comes with USB-C connectors that plug into the controllers, which allows for the controllers to attach magnetically to the dock and charge. The controller lights are supposed to light, but I’ve never really been able to tell if it’s working. The connection is also unstable, and the controllers are easy to knock off.

Visuals

One clear upgrade from the previous model is the resolution. While the PSVR1 was capped at 1080p, the PSVR2 hits an incredible 2000x2040p resolution per eye. This gives fantastic visual fidelity with a crisp and sharp image. In addition to great visuals, the PSVR2 also has high refresh rates (90Hz to 120Hz), which should reduce the motion sickness some people experience with virtual reality. Combined with the 110-degree field of view and vibrant OLED display, the immersive nature and visuals of the PSVR2 are excellent.

One of the most unique features of the headset is the intelligent eye tracking, designed to heighten responses and provide unique gameplay mechanics.

Overall, the experience was astonishing. I’ve used most VR headsets on the market at one point or another, and gameplay felt solid and immersive.

Game Selection on PSVR2

Currently, there are approximately 40 games available right now on the PSVR2, and rumours suggest a further 60 or so titles in development. While not as large a selection as, say, the PICO 4 or Quest 2, that makes sense. It’s only been out since February 2023. What is available, however, is amazing. From big titles getting the VR treatment like Resident Evil, Gran Turismo, and Horizon to more casual games. From shooters like After the Fall to a crazy bat-based game (What the Bat, I’m looking at you!). With Jurassic Park dinosaurs and terrifying horror games like Switchback, the PSVR2 will, from the off, have something for everyone. There’s also games which have been enhanced for PSVR2, like Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge.

I think the biggest appeal, however, comes from what could be possible in the future. Being directly tied into the PlayStation ecosystem, in theory, means any title you can enjoy on PlayStation could get the VR treatment. Imagine, an Uncharted, SpiderMan, Ratchet and Clank or God of War in VR? The possibilities are literally endless. I think that’s the biggest appeal of PSVR; whether exclusive titles like this will happen remains to be seen, but thankfully in the meantime, what is available is great.

Technical Specification

Display Method	OLED
Resolution	2000×2040 per eye
Refresh Rate	90Hz, 120Hz
Lens Separation	Adjustable
Field of View	110 degrees
Sensors	Six-axis motion sensor system (3-axis gyroscope and 3-axis accelerometer) IR proximity sensor
Cameras	4 embedded cameras for tracking IR camera for eye tracking (per eye)
Feedback	Vibration on the headset (Haptics in controllers)
Connection	USB Type C cable to PS5
Audio	Input: Built-in microphone Output: Stereo headphone jack

What’s In The Box?

VR Headset
PlayStation VR2 Sense™ controller (L) / (R) with attached straps
USB cable (for controller pairing and charging)
Stereo headphones
Three pairs of earpieces
Printed materials (which will include the Horizon game code if you bought the bundle)

PSVR2 Price and Availability

PSVR2 is available now from PlayStation Direct for £529.99 for the headset and controllers or £569.99 for the PlayStation®VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain™ Bundle, which includes the Horizon Call of the Mountain VR game as well. The charging station costs an additional £39.99, but I don’t recommend it.

Final Thoughts on PSVR2

The PSVR2 is a clear upgrade from PlayStation’s first steps into the world of VR during the last generation. While currently, games are few and far between compared to the standalone VR headsets, the access to possible franchises is unrivalled and promises some exciting possibilities in the future. PSVR2 is, however, an expensive accessory for an already expensive console, and while the audio and graphics are fantastic, and the headset is mostly comfortable to wear, it isn’t worth the current price unless you a) own a PS5 already and b) really want VR on the PlayStation.

Review: Havendock

Daniel Waite

-

Apr 30, 2023

0

Life on the open ocean isn’t supposed to be easy. However, if you create the right plan, get the right people, and work together, then everything should be good, right? Well, that’s the goal when you take on the latest colony sim game, Havendock. This Early Access title is rich in content and has an experimental multiplayer mode. Moreover, the developers love to add content and that’s something that impresses me.

Developed by YYZ and published by Different Tales and Indieark, this is a relaxed simulation title. What’s more, there is automation, colony management, and an abundance of merchants, fish, and resources. On top of this, the research elements are massive, the base building is fascinating, and this addictive title will only get better.

Organise your settlement to get the best out of your people. — A nicely organised settlement.

Havendock tells a familiar tale.

Disaster has struck, and you are stranded on a beach in the middle of the ocean. You scream, shout, and holler, but no one can hear you. Instead, you are kept company by fish and a never-ending stream of flotsam and jetsam. Accordingly, instead of moping about and losing your shit, you pick up anything helpful and start building. Within no time at all, your tiny structure is massive, and you become a self-sufficient colony. However, without the help of others, you are bound to fail. Therefore, make your town as attractive as you can and make the most out of a poor situation.

Havendock incorporates many mechanics of its counterparts. Think of Factorio or Rimworld, and you get the idea. Yet, unlike those titles, this doesn’t demand as much micromanagement. Instead, it is more straightforward and less stressful. Subsequently, it is the perfect game for lovers of the genre and those that wish for a more casual experience.

Expansion and planning are the key.

Though Havendock is more stripped-back than other games, planning and preparation are key gameplay mechanics. Accordingly, you must expand your base while managing resources, investing in research, and appeasing your settlers. Moreover, you must grow or catch food, produce clean water, and provide entertainment and housing for everyone on board. Alongside this, you’ll trade with floating merchants as you enhance friendships and sell unwanted goods.

When everything is going to plan, the action is smooth, enjoyable, and manageable. However, poor weather and unhappy individuals can change the course of your playthrough. Additionally, if you run out of food or water, or injuries and exhaustion kick in, things can quickly turn south. As such, you must expand gradually and plan your layout to make everything as efficient as possible.

You must use technology to survive a little longer. — Distill that sea water and survive a little longer.

Research and friendships are key.

You may not like having a large friendship circle. Yet, in Havendock, it is essential. If you do not appease the merchants, you’ll miss out on key items. Furthermore, if you do not have these game-changing items, your progress will stall and that’s never good. Consequently, you must sell unwanted goods to increase the love between yourself and every trader.

With your resources sorted and a stable base, you must focus on progression and research. The massive research tree brings your rudimentary settlement from the stone ages all the way to a high-tech wonderland. However, researching every item isn’t easy, as new resources are required to move forward.

This isn’t a new idea, but the balanced requirements for each new item or tier of goods were excellent. As such, though it is a little grindy in nature, the action never feels overwhelming and you are always in control.

Havendock is unbelievably cute.

This calm and cosy colony simulation title is unbelievably cute to look at. With simple sprites and a soft colour palette, it is pleasant to the eye. Furthermore, as you expand your base, you’ll find secrets galore, strange creatures to befriend, and a never-ending stream of materials in the water. Alongside this, the buildings look great, each plant looks unique, and the UI is phenomenal. With minimal stats to observe and easy-to-understand priority settings, the developers have got things just right.

A serene atmosphere needs an uplifting and gentle soundtrack. Thankfully, Havendock sounds as good as it looks. Additionally, the excellent sound effects help to set the scene. Whether it is the crack of lightning, the roar of a fire, or the whoosh of every wave, it sounds fantastic.

Havendock demands that you balance happiness and survival. — Keep your settlers entertained.

Surprisingly easy to play.

The simulation genre is dominated by complicated titles. Furthermore, most are cruel time sinks that overtake your life. Fortunately, though, this takes a different path. With simple controls and an excellent UI, it is surprisingly easy to pick up and play. However, it cannot be played on Steam Deck and this was disappointing. Consequently, the developers should focus on this platform to enhance the experience.

Though this is a casual example of the genre, it is no less addictive than its counterparts. As such, you can and will invest hours of your time. Thanks to its massive research tree and the freedom to build as you wish, you are afforded plenty of creative licence. On top of this, the developers are adding regular content updates to improve it further still.

Havendock won’t disappoint you.

Thanks to its hearty blend of cute characters, challenging moments, and base building, Havendock won’t disappoint you. What’s more, the drip-fed content, excellent research tree, and massive map make this a moreish title. Though it is in Early Access, it is thoroughly enjoyable and has masses of content. Accordingly, I recommend that you buy it here! Can you build a base and thrive? Grab any resources, expand your settlement, and welcome survivors with open arms.

Review: Dead Island 2

Josh Blackburn

-

Apr 30, 2023

0

Well, don’t I have egg on my face. I was firmly in the ‘Dead Island 2 will never come out’ camp. A sequel, eleven and a half years in the making, to a mediocre zombie game? Yeah, that’s gonna get lost between the sofa cushions. Goes to show my powers of prediction. But now we’ve answered ‘will Dead Island 2 ever exist’, we must move onto the stickier question, ‘why does Dead Island 2 exist’?

Eleven and a bit years is a long time ago, after all. Well, there’s no doubting that Dead Island 2 is fun to play. Hitting shambling horrors with whatever weapon-shaped things are nearby is reliably entertaining. In terms of hitting things with sticks, this is about as refined as you can get. If that’s all you’re after, then you’re set. For me though, Dead Island 2‘s biggest issue relates to its long incubation period. In eleven years, Dead Island has undergone remarkably little evolution.

Rough Day At The Beach

Dead Island 2 opens up with, what else, a plane crash. Before it crashes down, you get to pick which survivor you want to roll with. It’s a pretty diverse cast and each person is better suited to different playstyles. I went with a toughness and strength focused lady named Carla, knowing that these games tend to focus on melee. Plus she’s straight up punching a dude in her profile and I’m all about that. After picking your hero, you get about five minutes before you’re expected to insert sharp things into the brains of your fellow, salivating passengers. I’d like to say at this point that the combat is excellent. Blows feel heavy, sound gruesome and zombies react appropriately.

Picking up a pipe and smashing it into the head of a rotten hotel porter, causing their eye to dislodge and fly across the screen, gives me feelings that should probably be disclosed to a therapist. It’s paired with an elemental system, which has three flavours: fire, shock and acid. I found acid quite disturbing the first time I was grappled by a rapidly dissolving zombie. At least shock just makes ’em jiggle for a while. There are also a range of skills you can swap in and out, using a card system. It’s pretty robust, though I got through the whole game by just timing my blocks and stoving in skulls with whatever I had to hand.

The other face of combat is the inventory and this is where Dead Island 2 gains and loses points. On the good side, adding mods to weapons to change up their attributes and elements is nice. As you progress, you get some unique ones too. I liked the one that made critical hits explode, even if it basically involved taping a rotten spine to my knife. On the bad side, the aggressive weapon degredation is very frustrating. Weapons break quickly, meaning you constantly have to cycle through them. They’re also rapidly made obsolete by levelling. I was initially impressed by the wide open areas until I realised they had to be huge so you can find all the knick-knacks you need to keep your weapons up to date. Constantly comparing gear scores is very repetitive.

Dead Not-An-Island 2

Combat is also the first sign that Dead Island 2′s head is stuck in the past. The zombie types on offer here are so formulaic that you can pretty much predict the next one that’s going roll out. We’ve got the standard shamblers, the speedy buggers, the muscle men, exploding jerks and the big lads that’ve eaten all the pies and are in desperate need of an antacid. Even the final boss can’t get away from this, being a recycled zombie type that showed up hours previously. I kept waiting for Dead Island 2 to play its unique trump card but it never came.

Dead Island 2‘s plot is much the same story as well. Carla, bless her, gets bit early on but wouldn’t you know it? She’s immune. She drifts around Bel-Air and Beverly Hills (which admittedly isn’t on an island), slicing up the affluent dead, before getting entangled with the military and a mysterious doctor. It treads the usual zombie story beats so reliably that you can practically sing along. It’s saved by the sense of humour that runs through it. It’s almost B Movie level. Carla herself was a delight, regularly cracking jokes and just generally being upbeat and funny. The humour is well written and, crucially, contextual. It doesn’t just sling in a bunch of unconnected memes and random references and call it a day. Take notes, Gearbox.

The other saviour is the graphics. Dead Island 2 is really pretty. I don’t normally give much time to realistic graphics but good Lord. I took my first few steps on to Venice Beach and saw the heat shimmers coming from the road and the rolling sea in the background and gave an audible gasp. There’s a lot of attention to detail like that. It also leans into the B Movie vibe by ramping up the gore. Blood and guts are everywhere and your blows will slice off zombie limbs and do visible damage to their faces. It’s disgusting, disturbing and really, really awesome. Soundtrack is top notch too. Production value is definitely on point here.

Undead, Re-Dead

The point I keep coming back to in my head is the formulaic feel throughout. It’s baffling, especially as a stronger game has already come from the original developers: Dying Light (and its sequel but I can’t talk for that one). That title does everything Dead Island 2 does and more. The parkour and the nighttime chases added something to the zombie smacking. Dead Island 2 doesn’t have that. It gives you zombies, tells you to hit the zombies and then sits back and folds its arms. After eleven-odd years, I kind of expected a bit more.

Still, there’s no denying that Dead Island 2 is fun. It looks great and it plays great but it does nothing to provoke; to remain in the mind. I compared it to B Movies earlier but in truth it’s sort of like the opposite. It’s like a big budget blockbuster. It’s very exciting and over-the-top but its strict adherence to formula in an already saturated genre means it slides right out of the brain. If you want to switch off the old noggin and knock about some brain munchers, then you won’t find many better places. Otherwise, Dead Island 2 is liable to get lost in the horde.

(Dead Island 2 on the Epic Games Store)

Review: Monoprice Wireless Meeting Headset

Daniel Waite

-

Apr 29, 2023

0

Review: Monoprice Wireless Meeting Headset

Working from home is the new norm. Consequently, online meetings via Zoom or other webcasting software are commonplace. Therefore, equipping yourself with the right equipment is essential if you wish to appear professional. This is where Monoprice comes to the fore! The Monoprice Wireless Meeting Headset is versatile, comfortable, well-built, and affordable.

On top of this, these refined headphones can be used for music, gaming, and are compatible with a range of media devices. As such, they are perfect for business and pleasure. Thanks to their soft over-ear cups, foldable design and lightweight nature, they are ideal if you are away from the office, or simply want something less bulky. Additionally, the boom microphone is detachable, and this is great if you are listening to your favourite track or playing a single-player game.

What’s in the box of the Monoprice Wireless Meeting Headset?

The simple cardboard packaging gives little away. With limited images and a smattering of key information, it is understated and compact. What’s more, it’s mostly recyclable, and that was a great start.
The Monoprice Wireless Meeting Headset comes partially charged. The over-ear cups are a nice size and the faux leather material helps to keep your ears cool. Moreover, the headband is strong and feels robust. The port for the microphone can be easily identified, and the key buttons for power, volume, and sound boost are simple to locate.
A USB-A low latency dongle is provided to increase versatility. As such, this headset can connect via the USB dongle, Bluetooth 5.0, or 3.5mm audio jack.
A small USB-C charging cable is used to charge the device in under 2 hours. However, if the cable isn’t long enough, any standard USB-C can be used.
The detachable boom mic and foam cover are small, inoffensive, and easy to use.
Though this device is simple to set up, you may need some help. Thankfully, a simple user guide talks you through the fundamentals.

Technical aspects.

The Monoprice Wireless Meeting Headset is predominantly a business tool. Accordingly, battery life, connectivity, and sound quality are your priorities. Thankfully, this device ticks each of these boxes while exceeding my expectations on many levels.

Many top-quality headsets fail to outlast this excellent accessory. With a 2-hour charging window and up to 32 hours of talk time, you get a lot of juice to play with.

Another incredible element is the dual-chip design. These headphones can be connected to any compatible Bluetooth device. Alternatively, if you use the USB-A transmitter dongle, you’ll enjoy ultra-low-latency performance. Furthermore, thanks to the Bluetooth 5.0 technology, you’ll enjoy faster data transfer rates and improved battery life.

The audio quality is incredible. Thanks to the 3D stereo surround sound, you don’t miss a thing. Additionally, there is a boost button to enhance every noise while increasing the levels of bass. This minor touch wasn’t necessary during business calls, but it was great when gaming or listening to music.

Build quality.

If you are using your headphones for extended sessions, you want them to be comfortable. Thanks to the lightweight design and padded earcups, the Monoprice Wireless Meeting Headset is fantastic. What’s more, your ears won’t overheat, the sound wasn’t tinny, and controlling the volume was easy thanks to the tactile buttons.

The black finish was understated, but professional to look at. Additionally, the microphone port is well positioned to easily adjust the boom arm mic. Whenever a manufacturer creates headphones with a detachable microphone, I get worried. I’ve had terrible experiences where the sound quality is poor and the pickup is awful. Thankfully, though, the boom arm is flexible and picks up your words thanks to a crisp and clean voice response.

Each of the buttons and switches and located on the earcups in familiar positions. Subsequently, these tactile tools ensure that it is easy to adjust the sound, boost the volume, or switch from Bluetooth to the USB transmitter. Finally, whenever you are travelling, you don’t want clumsy headphones weighing you down. Thankfully, the foldable design is perfect if you are on your travels or working away from home.

Is the Monoprice Wireless Meeting Headset worth it?

The headphone market is saturated. Consequently, it can be tough to pick the right headset for the task at hand. Luckily, the Monoprice Wireless Meeting Headset is user-friendly, versatile, and great value for money. Moreover, its sound quality is excellent, the build quality is sturdy, professional, and understated, and the boom arm microphone is clean, crisp, and responsive. Additionally, the sound boost, incredible battery life, and multiple connectivity settings ensure that this is wonderfully versatile. Accordingly, it is for these reasons that I recommend you buy it here!

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

The Monoprice Wireless Meeting Headset has been award Movie Games and Tech's gold award.

Review: Not for Broadcast

Daniel Waite

-

Apr 28, 2023

0

FMV games are not everyone’s cup of tea. The voyeuristic nature of these titles can make them feel disjointed and remote. However, I enjoy the cinematic finish, the often humorous material, and the occasionally terrible acting. Therefore, when I read about Not for Broadcast, I couldn’t wait to get hold of a copy.

Developed by NotGames and published by tinyBuild, this is an FMV adventure title. Additionally, it has some hectic action and a phenomenal amount of content. Accordingly, it is a breath of fresh air and something that rarely becomes tiresome. Moreover, it tests your spatial awareness and ability to multitask.

I’m a typical man that struggles to breathe, talk, and think at the same time. However, I somehow managed to execute the interesting mechanics of this funny and challenging experience. Consequently, if you struggle to multitask, then fear not, as you too will succeed.

Not for Broadcast goes off on a tangent.

A predictable plot may be boring for some, but I like to know what I’m doing. Not for Broadcast is different, as it throws many storylines at you while allowing the action to go off on a tangent. Now, this may seem exciting, but it was often confusing and hard to keep on top of. Thankfully, though, the developers incorporated different mechanics to help you track each story and recap what you had just experienced.

You are Alex, an up-and-coming editor that has been chucked in at the deep end. Your predecessor has abandoned his station, and you are left to pick up the pieces. Without your help, the National Nightly News show will flop. Subsequently, you must learn the ropes quickly, keep your audience happy, and influence the running of each show. Additionally, you’ll select the ad breaks, keep on top of your equipment, and focus on whatever takes your fancy. Yet, if you screw up, the consequences are dire as your job hangs in the balance.

Change the political landscape one show at a time. — Can you alter the political landscape?

A job for life.

The phrase, a job for life has little meaning these days. But, Not for Broadcast spans a lengthy career of ups and downs. The story starts on election night, where you are shown the ropes by the ex-editor. During the phone call, he talks you through the fundamentals as well as dropping hints about the problems that’ll arise. After this, you are on your own as you try to piece together successful broadcasts.

Alongside this, your choices influence the surrounding world. Do you pick a photo of a loving couple or one of them in the middle of an argument? Your decisions change the course of the game and this was phenomenal. Accordingly, this enhances longevity and replay value, as no playthrough is the same.

So many buttons.

At first glance, Not for Broadcast is a confusing beast! Luckily, though, the excellent tutorial sets you on your way. With 4 screens to pick from, 3 adverts to play, volume controls, power switches, cooling fans, and more, there are many opportunities for failure. On top of this, you must tweak the signal to prevent interference. Moreover, there is a censor button to disguise the multitude of swear words that you hear.

If you can juggle these elements, you’ll stitch together a seamless broadcast to entertain the masses. However, minor mistakes are a turnoff and you’ll see your popularity meter drop rapidly. Yet, if you can switch cameras, bleep swear words, and time your breaks perfectly, your fan base will grow.

As you can imagine, this isn’t an easy task. But if you manage to keep up, you’ll enjoy some of the most hilarious interactions you can think of. Additionally, you can return to watch the backstage content that you may have missed. This was incredible as you can witness the love, hatred, and jealousy between each protagonist.

Don't forget to get the energy flowing. — Flick the switches and get the show going.

A comfortable gameplay loop.

Though the plot often went in many directions, the gameplay loop was reassuringly repetitive. Effectively, each show lasted between 15 and 20 minutes. During this time, you must focus on the action, move for reaction shots, and keep the interference to a minimum. However, occasionally, the game threw in curveballs to keep you on your toes.

This minor layer was perfect, as it stopped the gameplay loop from becoming monotonous. Moreover, when combined with the weird action, you experienced a bizarre but amusing outcome.

Not for Broadcast is immersive.

I’ve never been to a TV studio but I can imagine Not for Broadcast perfectly represents the environment. With busy interludes, prima donna guests, and plenty of cussing, it soon becomes overwhelming. Additionally, the calm control room is anything but serene. Therefore, a mellow atmosphere can soon become a hellish arena as things quickly get out of control.

Thankfully, though, the excellent UI helps to alleviate any problems you face. Moreover, every usable switch is clearly labelled, and this helps when things get hectic. On top of this, the FMV aspects are incredible! With fantastic backdrops, interesting characters, and amusing scenes, you’ll be entertained throughout.

The visuals are complemented by some awesome audio. Unlike its peers, Not for Broadcast tends to use a selection of decent actors. Moreover, the often slapstick style affords each character the freedom to do as they wish. However, during the serious moments, there are some excellent sombre, sincere, and touching elements. Alongside this, the music and sound effects are great. They didn’t do anything more than I expected, but I enjoyed them nonetheless.

Not For Broadcast allows you to pick which camera to focus on. — Which camera will you choose?

Incredible controls.

Though much of the gameplay is voyeuristic, you can quickly become overwhelmed. With so much going on, you need a phenomenal controller layout and responsive inputs. Thankfully, Not for Broadcast delivers this at all times. Furthermore, the aforementioned UI ensures that you keep on top of things with ease.

This genre has masses of replay value and longevity. However, Not for Broadcast takes it one step further. Not only do you enjoy multiple storylines, but the ability to revisit each recording was amazing. When you do this, you can witness every hidden gem that was otherwise missed. Accordingly, it helps to build a rounded view of each protagonist’s personality.

Not for Broadcast is a must-play FMV title.

I’ve never wanted to become a TV editor, but occasionally, things are forced upon you! However, I’m glad that I delved into this mad world, as this is a must-play FMV title. With awesome characters, excellent storylines, amusing moments, and the power to influence your audience, you’ll easily fall for its charms. As such, I recommend that you buy it here! Will you ensure the success of the National Nightly News? Control the screens, bleep out the profanities, and control the nation with your propaganda.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Purchasing Software for Your Organization

News

Christopher John

-

Apr 28, 2023

0

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Purchasing Software for Your Organization

Selecting new software takes work since there is much to consider when determining where to put your money. Making a well-informed and educated decision on which software to buy is crucial for your business and budget. After all, IT expenses account for a significant chunk of annual sales for the typical SMB.

But how can you know which program is best for your needs?

Here are five considerations to consider before purchasing software, whether you’re buying it for the first time or replacing an existing product. When you shop for software, follow these guidelines to ensure your team makes educated decisions about what to add to your IT stack.

1. Set objectives and determine your software requirements.

Before settling on a piece of software, you must take into account your company’s long-term objectives. Understand why you’d want to use that particular program. In terms of your company, what challenges are you up against? Will the program resolve these problems and any that may develop in the future?

You’ve probably run into a few issues, each of which has convinced you that you require some software fix. Write down all of your concerns so that you can prioritize the features you need against the ones that would be nice to have.

It’s important to compare features, capabilities, and user experiences when searching for the ideal piece of software. Think about how your teams will interact and what desired outcomes will come with the software before purchasing.

Afterall, you want your software running smoothly for your customers, the same way you enjoy the software used by your fav online entertainment – Jackpot Capital Bonus for the best casino game fun.

2. Is it customizable enough to suit your requirements?

On paper, customization seems ideal. Who wouldn’t want a system that is customized to their exact specifications?

However, there is a price to pay for customization, especially regarding your business’s software requirements. For instance, it’s possible that a complicated and difficult-to-learn system will result from a highly adaptable software system. However, the more you tailor your order, the higher the price may go.

The same may be said of the cost of simplicity. The less flexible the software is, the more challenging it might be to adapt it to the specific requirements of your business.

As your business’s needs and infrastructure evolve, the software might become more complicated to use. The level of software modification required depends on factors such as the team’s expertise and the trade-offs involved.

3. How simple is it to implement?

Ease of use is crucial when making a software purchase for a business. The best approach is to pick a piece of software that your staff can learn and use with minimal hassle. Remember that adoption may be hindered by a complicated paradigm that requires extensive study before it can be used effectively.

Therefore, do your homework to find the most user-friendly model to fulfill your requirements. You should also know how far the provider will go with their implementation if you opt for an extended software version.

Costs associated with committing to implementation services could end up being rather high, so you need to make sure you can afford it.

4. Can you count on bug fixes from the software company?

There are flaws in any software. To make an informed decision about what software to buy for your business, you should learn about the developer’s process for correcting defects. Find out how the problems you encounter are going to be fixed.

Verify that the provider will deal with issues specific to your company’s implementation of the program and the more general ones experienced by most customers.

Reading client evaluations on sites is an excellent way to learn about a company’s service and general customer satisfaction. Reading these evaluations lets you learn about the software’s merits and weaknesses and the company’s response to customer complaints.

Purchasing any product, especially brand-new software, should always include access to quality customer support services. During onboarding, you and your team will undoubtedly have many questions and likely require continuous technical help.

The ability to retrieve lost or deleted corporate data is another essential service that requires customer support.

Verify that the software vendor provides customer service and is available during normal business hours. For instance, if the software is hosted in another country, you can be online at different times due to the time zone difference.

A software company with a local support team in your nation or one that offers around-the-clock support is a big plus.

5. Security

With so many widespread cyber threats aimed at breaching organizations, security is also a major factor to think about. The average recovery cost from an online hack is high, which may put many enterprises out of business.

Look for software that provides the highest level of security to keep your customers’ and employees’ personal information safe. Don’t take any chances with your company’s safety.

Conclusion

These are but a few of the many considerations that should be considered when selecting business software. Taking your time to identify the best solution will pay off in the long run by saving you money and frustration.

If you are unsure of something, feel free to ask for clarification; doing so will help you pick the best option possible for your company.