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Conquer Your Fear and Experience a Scary Escape Room

News

Christopher John

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Apr 23, 2023

Conquer Your Fear and Experience a Scary Escape Room

Are you afraid to visit a scary escape room? We will tell you how to overcome your fear. Top scary rooms for your escape included.

If you are seeking an experience that will give you an adrenaline rush and scare you in a good way, a scary escape room is a perfect choice. The escape rooms are designed to place you in the middle of a horror world, with scary sound effects, creepy settings, and jump scares that make you scream. The challenges and puzzles are made to be difficult and will test your problem-solving skills. There are a variety of clues and riddles to solve.

How Do You Conquer Your Fear And Make It Through A Scary Escape Room?

Here are some tips to help you survive and thrive:

Choose A Good Team

When going into a horror-themed escape room, it is recommended to go with a group. The more people in the group, the less intimidating the experience becomes. A larger group means less chance of getting separated, and the creepy sounds become less scary due to the loud noises of your friends. Having at least one brave person in the group can make the experience less scary.

Keep A Clear Head

It’s important to remind yourself that it’s only a game and try to keep a small voice in the back of your mind that constantly reassures you. There will be moments when you’ll genuinely feel scared because experts design these games to elicit maximum fear. They know exactly how to push the buttons of your subconscious for maximum effect. If someone in the group has a panic attack, it can add to the overall stress that the team is feeling.

Work Together

In a scary escape room, working as a team is crucial. Communicating with your team members and collaborating to solve the puzzles is important.

Your Lead Can Come From Hidden Clues

Although clues are given before the game begins, it’s important to keep your ears open during the game because the sounds that occur can sometimes lead you to the next clue. The more alert and attentive you are, the easier to win the game.

Be Prepared For Some Typical Scares

The most effective way to scare someone is through gradually increasing tension, which requires patience and persistence. However, some techniques can achieve a similar effect in a shorter time, such as using jump scares, creepy sounds, flickering lights, and disturbing props. Another effective technique is to separate group members, as it is easier to terrify a person when alone.

Make Sure To Put On Comfortable Clothing And Shoes

It’s important to wear comfortable clothing and shoes when going to a scary escape room, as some rooms might require crawling and running. Be prepared to get a little dirty, as there are situations where fake blood or other substances might get on your clothes and shoes.

Armed with these tips, you’ll be able to overcome your fears and enjoy the excitement of a scary escape room. So, gather your most courageous friends and prepare for an unforgettable adventure that will get your heart racing.

Top Scary Escape Rooms

If you’re a fan of horror and excitement, check out our top picks for the most thrilling and heart-pumping Questroom escape rooms that are guaranteed to leave you screaming for more.

Cannibal’s Den

In Cannibal’s Den, players are trapped in a cold, damp room with memories of being picked up by a man who seemed nice but turned out to be a serial killer. The game is a thrilling and suspenseful prison break experience that forces players to use their ingenuity and wits to escape before becoming the killer’s next meal. The game may include acting, uses fog, and is 60 minutes long.

Resurrection

In Resurrection, players are tasked with investigating a serial killer who has been terrorizing Los Angeles. One of the player’s friends has fallen victim to the killer, and they seek vengeance by assisting the lead detective on the case. The group finds themselves at the home of the most recent victim with one hour to investigate before the police arrive. The game blends terror and comedy and includes a live actor. This game has moderate physical activity, strobe lighting, and fog effects.

Malediction

In Malediction, players find themselves in front of an old cabin as they stumble through a mystical wood. As they head towards it, they hear the story of an evil Witch and a brave Warrior whose battle ended with the Warrior being transformed into stone under the Witch’s curse. Players must break into the Witch’s cabin to avoid the same fate to create a magical elixir that can transform the Warrior back. Malediction is an interactive escape room experience emphasizing immersive interaction and team building quests between players and actors. It features a ‘Dark mode’ that players can select to change the game’s tone to a mature rated-R version. Beware, as the actor can be berating and humiliating. This game has strobe lighting and fog effects and is 60 minutes long.

Conclusion

Scary escape rooms are an exciting way to experience the thrill of horror in a safe and controlled environment. By following these tips, you can conquer your fears and enjoy the challenge of solving puzzles and clues with your friends. Remember to choose a good team, keep a clear head, work together, and be prepared for some typical scares. If you’re looking for a heart-pumping adventure, try one of our top picks for the most thrilling and immersive escape rooms.

Review: Chef Life A Restaurant Simulator

Amish Alvi

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Apr 23, 2023

0

Review: Chef Life A Restaurant Simulator

Chef Life is the newest in a long line of restaurant simulation games, but this one is actually endorsed by the Michelin food guide! Most restaurant simulation and tycoon games tend to focus on the business side of running a restaurant, while keeping the cooking to a minimal, Chef Life is very much focused on the opposite. Offering a unique look at what it takes to be a head chef in a restaurant, learning different recipes, improving on dishes and deciding your own menu while doing every little task required for completing a recipe all the way from ordering the ingredients to chopping all the veggies and putting the dish in the oven. Having played through a myriad of restaurant tycoons, playing a game that actually lets you go through the intricate details of the cooking process feels like a breath of fresh air.

A Typical Day in the Kitchen (Gameplay):

Chef Life’s core gameplay loop consists of getting to your restaurant bright and early every morning, picking out your menu and then ordering the supplies you’ll need for the day once the menu is finalized. Players also have the option to order in surplus and freeze their produce for later use if they wish to do so, however this usually ends up decreasing the quality of the produce and is seldom ever something that you truly need to do.

Once your produce is delivered the game gives you a bunch of free time to mess around in your kitchen. This time can be utilized to learn new recipes for future menus, prepare things in advance for the service, or go around buying upgrades for and decorating your restaurant. Later on, you also get introduced to your own sous chefs whom can be ordered to either clean up the kitchen before service, prepare appetizers, or help you in preparing dishes or ingredients for service.

As the time for service approaches your access to the pantry as well as having the ability to order around the sous chefs is taken away and time freezes until the player walks up to the door and flips the sign from “Closed” to “Open”, officially beginning the day’s service. Something to note here is also, if the player is in the middle of a recipe as the clock ticks over to service time, they can continue cooking while time is stopped as long they don’t need to access the pantry to pull out more ingredients.

Service time is when the gameplay truly heats up. Starting service restricts the player to just the kitchen, as customers come into the restaurant one by one and place their orders. At this point the player can either order their sous chefs or start cooking the order themselves, following each recipe to completion and filling each order.

Based on the quality of one’s ingredients and execution of the recipe, each dish ends up with a letter grade indicating how much the customer will end up enjoying it. Serving a dish with a high letter grade but letting it sit out so that it cools down before serving can also result in a poor review.

Once every customer is served, service is finished and the chef can once more walk around the entire restaurant and talk to anyone that may want to get their attention. Talking to people is how most of the Story advances in the game, which brings us to the next section.

Story

Chef Life presents itself with an open ended narrative, however there are individual character and progression stories that can be followed to achieve certain milestones. Story beats happen when characters request to talk with you either before or after service and ask you to perform certain actions during service that progress their individual stories. Once you’ve listened to the initial request, each quest can also be viewed again at a bulletin board in your office.

The Game has quite a cast of characters to get to know further which really adds depth to the world of the game. Learning the backstories and motivations of each character allows you to actually be immersed in the experience of being a new restaurant owner in a community instead of just feeling like a random restaurant in generic unknown video game city. The cast of characters themselves are varied and intricate, including a food influencer who requests certain types of dishes and menu items to blog about, a Michelin star chef who acts as a mentor and really pushes you to up your game with more complex dishes, a government employee who informs you about happenings in the city and requests menu themes to cater to events and tourists that might want to dine at your restaurant, and an old man who’s mother used to own the restaurant before you, who wants you to keep her memory alive. There’s also your own sous chefs, each with their own motivations and goals of what they want to get out of working for you. Completing your sous chef’s storylines allows them to level up and be better at helping out with service.

The inclusion of character storylines weaved together with different gameplay requests really adds a lot to the immersive experience and enables players to explore more parts of the game that perhaps they would not have explored without the added importance.

The story does indeed culminate into something with a proper ending, one that I will not be spoiling here, but it is very much a fulfilling experience to run through. It is also to be noted that one can continue playing even after the “ending” and keep completing requests that may still pop up from time to time.

Oh The Bugs!

Technologically and graphically the game is pretty simply put together. With a low poly art style that fits the restaurant aesthetic well. That being said, there are quite a few visual and technical glitches that a player can expect to encounter while they go on running their restaurant. Some of these glitches are simple visual discrepancies such as characters T-posing while cooking animations still carry out in front of them or your wait staff clipping through tables in their quest to deliver food.

Then there are the more notorious game breaking bugs, which can be a lot more frustrating to experience. While playing through the game I joined the official discord to compare my experience with other players and was shocked to discover quite a few of the players being unable to progress because of various systems being completely broken or their entire save file being totally corrupted. The glitches include: time being completely stopped and not progressing, save data being corrupted or reset, quest lines not progressing even though you have completed the requirements (I ran into this myself a few times but was able to restart the game and have the questlines progress correctly). I was also informed that the vast majority of bugs were encountered by players on consoles, where patches take a lot longer to be delivered. So if you are looking to purchase the game for one of your consoles I would consult the discord first to see if there are any known bugs in the latest patch.

Replay-ability and Achievement Hunting Potential

Something I do like to do with a lot of games that I personally enjoy is going back to get achievements as well as explore paths that I may not taken previously. The game’s plotline does allow you to choose multiple directions your restaurant can take with different specialties, each choice having their own achievement options for which players may want to replay the game, but as the moment where the plotlines diverge is very clearly marked, one can also simply backup their save file at this point and restore to gain the other option. The achievements are also pretty straightforward and tied to different things players can do in the game such as having a menu featuring only Pasta dishes or plating the dishes so that each ingredient is stacked onto another to make a tower of ingredients laid out on a plate. I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of achievements and I believe apart from the story divergence most of the achievements are attainable in one playthrough. I will also note here that after sinking 40+ hours into the game I still don’t have all of the achievements so if you’re looking to 100% you may or may not be looking at at least 50 hours, excluding a game breaking glitch that forces you to restart your run. One thing I will mention is that the game does feature a preference menu that allows you to customize certain aspects to make dealing with service a lot less of a hassle and does not affect achievement progression.

Final Thoughts

Going into this game I expected an uncomplicated cooking simulator experience but I am glad to say that chef life does a lot more than just simulate cooking, although the cooking simulation part is very involved as well. Having sunk 40+ hours into the game I do think that I will eventually return to 100% the game, the gameplay loop is enjoyable enough for you to keep going without feeling stressed out by the complicated cooking, and the inclusion of your sous chefs getting better at helping out over time makes the game go by a lot easier once you hit that late game progression.

This is very much a delightful experience for those that prefer chore-heavy simulation games, provided one can look past some of the game breaking bugs.

I would like to award Chef Life a rating of 7/10

I believe it executes well on what it sets out to accomplish, however the game does feel very rough around the edges and with further polish, could be a much more exciting experience.

Preview: Bat Boy

Daniel Waite

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Apr 23, 2023

0

Retro platforming titles are two a penny! Whenever you look at the indie gaming scene, a new platforming experience is begging to be tried out. However, how can you pick decent games from the tripe? Well, that is the question I ask myself regularly and something that I considered when I was given Bat Boy to preview.

Developed by Sonzai Games and X PLUS Company Limited and published by the latter, this is a platforming experience. What’s more, it is delightfully retro in its approach, easy to understand, and oozes old-school charm. On top of this, there is some replay value thanks to its drip-fed mechanics and hidden collectables. Yet, does it do enough to make it stand out from its peers?

The hero avoids a pig whilst jumping towards some baseballs. — Jump the pigs and use the baseballs.

Bat Boy has a ridiculous plot.

Like every popular 90s platforming experience, Bat Boy enters the realms of the ridiculous. You control Ryosuke, who is a schoolboy who enjoys playing with his friends. Yet, this young lad and his pals are no ordinary youngsters! No, these sports-loving kids are also superheroes. Therefore, when Lord Vicious arrives and tries to host a sinister athletic event, the friends won’t stand for it. But sadly, Lord Vicious has other plans and kidnaps everyone except for Ryosuke. Accordingly, this young lad must use his special powers and his superhero alter ego of Bat Boy to save the day.

As I said, Bat Boy is pretty ridiculous. However, it is this madness that makes it work on many levels. Not only is the writing amusing, but each stage is interesting, the sub-bosses are challenging, and surviving each platforming element tests your skills. As such, it has everything you want from this genre and much more.

The hero points their finger towards a samurai warrior. — What are you doing?

From zero to hero.

The protagonist may picture themselves as a hero, but to start with, they are weak as hell. Consequently, the opening levels involve basic but well-trodden mechanics that won’t shock you. Yet, once the action progresses, you’ll unlock new skills that enable you to jump higher, move quicker, and attack tougher enemies.

When these elements are unlocked, the game evolves nicely. Not only do you feel empowered to kick some ass, but you can return to previous stages to find hidden locations and collect any missed items. This was fantastic, as it scratched that completionist itch inside us all. Furthermore, it was great as you could ignore it if you so wished. Alongside this, I enjoyed the simplicity of the overworld map. Its design reminded me of the Super Mario Bros. node-style map, as you have the freedom to tackle any stage that you’ve unlocked.

Though there was a lot to love about Bat Boy, it doesn’t offer an original experience. Yes, the writing is good; the backdrops are interesting, and the characters are colourful, but it feels extremely familiar. Now, this isn’t a bad thing per se, but the lack of originality may annoy some veteran gamers. I, though, enjoyed the retro ideas and the overwhelming nostalgia vibes that ooze from every pore.

Bat Boy is pixelated and dated.

I know what you are thinking, “Why, oh why, do we want another pixelated game?”. Well, fortunately, or unfortunately, the pixelated approach is here to stay. Subsequently, I’ve given up fighting it. Instead, I enjoy the old-school charm, interesting stage design, and fun sprites. Thankfully, Bat Boy has this in abundance as you tackle an array of weird and wonderful creatures. Additionally, the bosses are huge, scary, and ridiculously overpowered. Moreover, the level design is clever, as it hides many secrets in plain sight. Therefore, it is perfect for casual gamers and those that want a deeper experience.

The audio follows suit thanks to its electronic vibes. With high-energy and upbeat tracks, it screams 80s-90s gaming. What’s more, the shrill yet basic sound effects enhance the retro narrative.

Swimming with deadly fishes isn't a good idea. — Keep on swimming.

Brilliant controls.

The developers have created a user-friendly title. With drip-fed mechanics, an excellent tutorial, and responsive inputs, this is easy to pick up and play. Additionally, the straightforward controller layout helps you further still. However, what I adored most was the introduction of new skills. As you kill each boss, you’ll absorb their abilities. This was fantastic, as it added depth to the gameplay without complicating the action.

Bat Boy is as casual or as deep as you want it to be. If you so wish, you can fly through every stage and bum-rush the core gameplay. Alternatively, you can return to search out the hidden fruity collectables to help make special drinks for the local vendor. Whatever you decide, you’ll enjoy the platforming elements and the array of creatures you must overcome.

Bat Boy is silly and ridiculous, but all too familiar.

Bat Boy doesn’t break the mould. Consequently, experienced gamers will enjoy familiar gameplay and polished mechanics. As such, though it doesn’t evolve the genre, it is enjoyable to play nonetheless. Furthermore, the plot is silly, the action is ridiculous, and the aesthetics are wonderfully old-school. Accordingly, I enjoyed it despite its familiarity, and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you save your squad and defeat Lord Vicious? Jump chasms, climb walls, activate switches and destroy enemies in this charming retro title.

6 Great Online Games Worth Trying If You Love Stardew Valley

News

Christopher John

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Apr 23, 2023

0

6 Great Online Games Worth Trying If You Love Stardew Valley

Are you a fan of Stardew Valley? Well, that’s no wonder! This game combines the peacefulness of farming with the excitement of an adventure. With its charming pixel art and addicting story, it’s no surprise that this game has become so popular. But what if you’re looking for something else to explore after you’ve completed the game? Look no further! Here are six great online games worth trying!

6 Top Games for Stardew Valley Fans

1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

This charming life-simulation game has been around for a while, and it’s just as lovable and addictive as ever. With its focus on building relationships, exploring a new island, and creating your paradise with the resources available, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the perfect game for anyone who loves Stardew Valley. In addition, it offers other fun activities such as fishing and bug-catching, while the adorable characters will make you feel part of their world.

2. Solitaire Social

If you’ve enjoyed Stardew Valley, then you’ll want to check out Solitaire Social, an online game that offers players an entirely new way of enjoying the solitaire game for free! Here you’ll find various Solitaire tournaments: the main goal is to play all the cards of the deck faster than your opponent. You’ll also be able to use different spells and tricks to finish the Solitaire game faster.

Here, too, you can practice your creative skills by decorating a garden, a bayside, or a farm. After all, there’s nothing quite like designing your own functional and creative outdoor area in the comfort of your own home — and Solitaire Social makes this dream come true!

3. My Time at Portia

Another excellent choice for those who enjoy colorful design and charming animation, My Time At Portia focuses on building a workshop and restoring the abandoned village of Portia. You’ll get to explore dungeons, and craft items, as well as make friends with the citizens of Portia. If you’re a fan of the crafting and exploration aspect, this is the game for you. It will also be the best pick for those who are looking for something more story-based.

4. Harvest Moon: Light of Hope

This classic farming game is perfect if you’re looking for a gentle story and addictive gameplay. As the name suggests, Harvest Moon: Light of Hope puts you in charge of a farm where you’ll have to build your homestead and raise animals. You will also explore the town and meet the locals, who will help you advance in the game. This title is a must-try with its relaxing atmosphere and charming characters.

5. Don’t Starve

Don’t Starve is an action-adventure game with a unique art style and a captivating story. You are tasked with surviving in the wilderness while battling monsters, crafting items, and gathering resources. With its roguelike elements, Don’t Starve is an excellent game for those who are looking for something that is both challenging and rewarding. And if you’re a fan of Stardew Valley’s exploration and crafting, this is a game you should check out.

6. Graveyard Keeper

Last but not least, Graveyard Keeper is a stonkingly good game if you like Stardew Valley. You play as the Gravedigger and tend to a sprawling medieval graveyard while simultaneously managing an illegal business. It’s a fantastic mix of resource management, town-building, and engaging story-telling, all set in a vibrant world with a truly unique art style.

You’ll find yourself exploring caves, revealing secrets, crafting tools, building your own church, even participating in witch trials — it’s an incredible adventure. And the soundtrack is phenomenal too! If you’re looking for something with lots of charm and complexity then chances are you’ll love Graveyard Keeper!

Beyond the Stardew Valley

There you have it – six great online games that are perfect for any Stardew Valley fan. Whether you’re looking for something similar in terms of art style, mechanics, or storytelling, these games will bring your adventures to the next level. So be sure to check out one (or all) of these titles and start your journey through the world of online gaming! Have fun!

What channels are sex toy companies using to promote their products?

Uncategorized

Andrew Edney

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Apr 23, 2023

0

What channels are sex toy companies using to promote their products?

Sex toy companies have been around for decades, providing individuals with products that enhance their sexual experiences. Over the years, sex toy companies have faced a significant amount of stigma and scrutiny from society, but with the rise of digital marketing and the normalization of sexual wellness, these companies have found new ways to promote their products.

In recent years, sex toy companies have turned to a variety of marketing channels to reach their target audience, including both traditional and digital channels. One of the most unique and rapidly growing channels that sex toy companies are using to promote their products is OnlyFans. This platform has completely changed the way sex toy companies are connecting with their audience, providing a new level of intimacy and personalization in their marketing efforts.

Traditional marketing channels for sex toy companies

Traditional marketing channels such as print ads, television commercials, and billboards have been used by sex toy companies for many years to promote their products. Print ads in magazines, newspapers, and flyers have been a popular choice for sex toy companies because they can reach a large audience at a relatively low cost. These ads are often placed in adult-themed publications or alternative lifestyle magazines to target a specific audience. Television commercials have also been used to promote sex toys, but due to the sensitive nature of the products, these ads are typically limited to late-night cable TV or streaming services.

Billboards are another traditional marketing channel used by sex toy companies to promote their products. These ads can be placed in high traffic areas such as highways and busy city streets, and often feature provocative images or messages that grab the attention of passersby.

Historically, these traditional marketing channels have been used by sex toy companies to create awareness and drive sales. While they are still used by some companies today, many are shifting towards digital marketing channels that offer more targeting capabilities and cost-effectiveness. However, traditional marketing channels can still be effective for some sex toy companies, especially those with a more mainstream and less niche audience.

The benefits and challenges of using OnlyFans for sex toy companies

OnlyFans offers a unique platform for sex toy companies to connect with their audience in a more intimate and personalized way. One of the key benefits of using OnlyFans is the increased engagement that companies can expect from their subscribers. By offering exclusive content and promotions, sex toy companies can build a dedicated following and create a sense of community around their brand. This increased engagement can lead to higher revenue and customer retention rates.

Another benefit of using OnlyFans is the ability to target specific demographics and niches. With the platform’s search and filtering capabilities, sex toy companies can identify and reach their ideal audience more effectively. Additionally, OnlyFans allows for more creative freedom in terms of content and promotions, which can be tailored to a company’s specific brand and messaging.

Another challenge is standing out amongst the competition. OnlyFans has become increasingly popular in recent years, and there is now a wide selection of accounts available to consumers. Sex toy companies must find a way to differentiate themselves and offer unique content and promotions to attract and retain subscribers. For those interested in finding the top selection of Only Fans accounts, there are review pages available online that provide comprehensive analysis and ratings of the most popular accounts on the platform.

However, there are also challenges associated with using OnlyFans for sex toy companies. One of the primary challenges is navigating the platform’s rules and regulations, which can be complex and restrictive. For example, OnlyFans has strict guidelines around explicit content, and sex toy companies must ensure that their content complies with these guidelines to avoid being banned from the platform.

The emergence of OnlyFans

OnlyFans is a subscription-based content platform that allows creators to share exclusive content with their subscribers for a monthly fee. While the platform was originally designed for creators in the adult entertainment industry, it has since expanded to include a variety of content genres, including fitness, cooking, and music. Sex toy companies have found a unique opportunity to leverage the platform as a marketing channel to connect with their audience in a more intimate and personalized way.

One of the primary benefits of using OnlyFans for sex toy companies is the ability to offer exclusive content and promotions to their subscribers. This content can include product demos, behind-the-scenes footage, and personalized messages from the company’s spokesperson or model. By offering this exclusive content, sex toy companies can create a sense of community around their brand and increase engagement with their audience.

Another benefit of using OnlyFans is the level of personalization that companies can offer their subscribers. Unlike traditional marketing channels, OnlyFans allows for direct communication between the company and its audience. This allows companies to tailor their content and promotions to individual subscribers’ preferences and interests, which can lead to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Overall, OnlyFans offers a unique opportunity for sex toy companies to connect with their audience on a more intimate level and build a dedicated following. By providing exclusive content and personalized promotions, companies can increase engagement and revenue while differentiating themselves from competitors.

Overall

In conclusion, sex toy companies have a wide range of marketing channels available to them, including traditional channels like print ads, television commercials, and billboards, as well as more modern digital channels like social media and influencer marketing. With the emergence of OnlyFans, companies now have a unique platform to connect with their audience in a more intimate and personalized way, providing exclusive content and promotions that can help to build a dedicated following and increase engagement and revenue.

While each marketing channel has its own benefits and challenges, the most effective approach for sex toy companies will depend on their specific brand, audience, and marketing goals. Some companies may find success with traditional marketing channels, while others may benefit more from digital channels or a combination of both.

Ultimately, the key to successful marketing for sex toy companies is to stay true to their brand and messaging while remaining sensitive to the unique challenges and regulations of the adult industry. By understanding their audience and staying up-to-date with the latest marketing trends and technologies, sex toy companies can build a strong and loyal following while also expanding their reach and increasing revenue.

Win a code for Medieval Dynasty on Xbox

Andrew Edney

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Apr 23, 2023

27

Our friends at Toplitz Productions have given us 5 Xbox codes for Medieval Dynasty to give away.

Medieval Dynasty is a unique mix of life simulation, survival and strategy build-up game. Explore a huge and living open world, build up your village and lead your folks through the middle ages.

How to enter to win

We have five codes for Medieval Dynasty on Xbox to give away, enter below:

Win a code for Medieval Dynasty on Xbox

The contest closes at midnight on 7th May 2022.

Please note that the codes are for UK and European Xbox accounts – if you cannot redeem an EU code, please do not enter as you will not be able to exchange the code for something else.

Review: Monoprice Gas-Lift Height Adjustable Sit-Stand Mobile Rolling Workstation Laptop and Computer Desk V2

Andrew Edney

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Apr 23, 2023

0

Review: Monoprice Gas-Lift Height Adjustable Sit-Stand Mobile Rolling Workstation Laptop and Computer Desk V2

Here is our review of the Monoprice Gas-Lift Height Adjustable Sit-Stand Mobile Rolling Workstation Laptop and Computer Desk V2.

The Monoprice Gas‑Lift Height Adjustable Sit‑Stand Mobile Rolling Workstation is a versatile sit-stand solution perfect for laptops, presentations, and general use. Boost productivity and comfort by changing work positions throughout the day with quick and easy height adjustments. With built‑in casters and a tall vertical range, this versatile desk is useful in homes, schools, offices, conference rooms and more.

Features

Easy height adjustment
Gas‑lift technology
Embedded tablet groove and recessed cup holder

Heavy‑duty casters
High quality construction
Eco‑friendly MDF desktop

What’s in the box?

The box contains everything you need to build the desk, including all the tools and instructions.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

Having a computer desk is really useful, being able to move it around to wherever you wanna use it is even better. This is where the Monoprice Gas-Lift Height Adjustable Sit-Stand Mobile Rolling Workstation Laptop and Computer Desk V2 really comes into its own.

The desk comes very well packaged in various pieces, and is quite heavy. Putting together the desk is fairly simple, everything you need is included in the box, including the various tools to help you put it together. It took around 20 minutes or so to build, and you can do it with one person, but doing it with two is easier.

The desk feels very solid and is built from high quality material. And it also looks good.

The desk itself has an area to put your tablet on and also somewhere for holding your cup. Obviously you have quite a lot of desk space itself to place your laptop or anything else you want to use on the desk.

When the desk itself is fully built it’s quite heavy, but it’s actually very easy to move around because it’s on heavy duty wheels. There are also locks on the wheels to stop it from moving when you’ve got it in the right place, and they are very easy to lock and unlock.

The desk itself is height adjustable and can be easily moved up at the press of a lever. The desk effortlessly moves itself up to the desired height. It is however slightly harder to get the desk lowered and does require a little bit of effort to push down on the desk.

You’re in the market for a high-quality movable desk, then you really need to take a look at this one, it’s certainly ticked all the boxes for me.

The Monoprice Gas-Lift Height Adjustable Sit-Stand Mobile Rolling Workstation Laptop and Computer Desk V2 is available now priced around $149.99.

You can learn more from the Monoprice website.

Review: Lost Dream: Darkness

Samuel Beattie

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Apr 23, 2023

0

A game can be viewed as a form of art in several ways, for instance, its amazing soundtrack, beautiful visuals, and engaging narrative. Unfortunately, Lost Dream: Darkness, developed and published by Morning Shift Studios, fails at all of the ways a game strives to be an art form. Furthermore, the game also fails to deliver anything enjoyable at all. This title is a game that features a bland world, a poor narrative with no direction, and no music. The only saving grace of this title is that it has no bugs or glitches.

From Darkness to Light

The plot of Lost Dream: Darkness is as follows: A fox wakes up to too much rain. This fox has a blue light all over his body for some reason. Regardless, he journeys for about 15 minutes until you reach the light and the end of the game. Over your 15-minute journey, you will encounter four lines of dialogue, none of which explain what is going on, why you need to reach the light, and who this fox is.

Overall the story is very weak in this title. I did not care about the narrative being told because of the non-existent world-building and character development. The dialogue is also very pointless, all of which are various ways of telling the player how far away they are from the end of the game. This is a huge disappointment as the game’s marketing will have you believe it is very story-focused. Unfortunately, this game’s story is very weak and the gameplay is just as weak.

The Empty Land

It is a challenge to even get to the gameplay of Lost Dream: Darkness. This title has a very unclear menu that pops up as soon as the game begins which had me believing the game was broken. I would hit quit, to close this menu but it sent me to the title screen instantly. This was very annoying, however, it was a small issue compared to the rest of the game.

This game has some of the most boring and pointless gameplay I have ever played. There are three control options, jump, move, and attack. While the jump and move commands are used in this game, the attack button is completely useless as there are no enemies. Furthermore, the jump button is used only three times throughout the game. This means the game is essentially walking throughout a bland world with the same tree and rock models plastered everywhere until you reach the end of the game. As stated before this game is 15 minutes long. Even though it is short, it still felt like it took an hour to beat thanks to the boring nature of the gameplay.

Green Green Grass

Lost Dream: Darkness disappoints yet again with its presentation. As stated before, the same models and textures are reused throughout the whole game. While this isn’t inherently a problem, most games do this, the game doesn’t have any interesting landscapes or landmarks to counteract the lazy reuse of these models. Furthermore, you will see the same model on the same screen multiple times, which is very immersion-breaking. While the model work is well done, it’s overlooked by the reuse of these assets.

While the game does not have any music, the sounds of rain, swimming, and walking are done very well. I was quite impressed by it. Unfortunately, this doesn’t save the game from its lack of music or its lack of interesting gameplay. Lastly, the game runs smoothly at a consistent frame rate and is optimized very well.

Last Dream: Darkness

Lost Dream: Darkness is one of the worst games I have ever played. If it wasn’t for this review, I would have quit the game halfway throughout of pure boredom. While the sound design is alright, every other aspect of the game is lacking. I do not recommend giving this game a go even for its fairly cheap price. I hope that this title leads to a better game in the future from these developers.

Review: Mangavania

Daniel Waite

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Apr 22, 2023

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Mangavania is a title that screams retro-influenced! With an old-school aesthetic, 8-Bit music, and simple stage design, it is brilliantly minimalistic. However, it is also challenging, charming, and unbelievably addictive.

Developed by Alexander Nikolaev and published by Sometimes You, this is a platforming experience. Moreover, it comprises old-school imagery and a healthy dose of Metroidvania influence. Consequently, there is plenty of exploration, jumping, fighting, and some basic puzzles to be solved. Moreover, there are unlockable abilities, a timer to beat, and a scoring system for each stage.

Mangavania is a tale of sibling love.

You control Yuhiko, a young and skilled ninja. This stealthy warrior ventures into the underworld to find a cure for his brother. However, en route, he encounters many traps and monsters that test his ability and his resolve. Yet, with the desire to save the life of his brother, Yuhiko puts himself in danger while learning new tricks along the way.

The plot and the mechanics are familiar, but the blend of Metroidvania action and platforming mechanics helps to keep things fresh. Moreover, the range of monsters, and gradually more convoluted stage design ensures that this doesn’t plateau. On top of this, Mangavania has a rudimentary scoring system for each level. Consequently, competitive individuals will push themselves to memorise each stage while aiming for a near-perfect speedrun.

Some of your enemies are tough and quick. — Avoid their quick hands.

Collect the orbs, find new friends, and escape.

For unknown reasons, the exit for each stage is locked behind a gate. Accordingly, the only way out is to find 3 flying orbs. These glowing entities are hidden in plain sight and you must use parkour skills to obtain each one. However, this is easier said than done, as there are traps, crumbling platforms, lifts, and monsters to overcome.

Whether you tackle jumping blobs, bats, shadow creatures, or sneaky wizards, they will test your resolve. Additionally, you’ll have to unlock fresh abilities to tackle some of these creatures. To gain each new skill, you’ll have to spend your hard-earned gems. These valuable assets are awarded at the end of each level. Furthermore, the better your score, the more gems you are awarded. The 4 unique abilities are essential as they tip the scales in your favour. As such, they are a must if you wish to progress.

Though each dungeon is dangerous, you’ll find friendly spirits behind locked doors. If you can find the key and say hello, they’ll give you advice, gems, and a health refill. Consequently, it was an additional layer that added depth as well as a reason to thoroughly search each area.

Can you find the creatures hiding behind locked doors in Mangavania? — Open the door and find a friend.

Mangavania is beautifully old-school.

I cherish a monochromatic experience. Furthermore, I enjoy it when the developers add a hint of colour. This minor edge is the perfect tool to highlight key mechanics, such as checkpoints or danger areas. Thankfully, Mangavania uses this approach perfectly. Moreover, the black and white colour palette perfectly fits the retro art style. Subsequently, the rudimentary sprites, understated level design, and basic animation are exactly what you want from this genre.

Alongside the dated visuals was some 80s-inspired audio. This uncomfortable music was tough to listen to. With shrill tones and upbeat nature, it personifies the genre. Yet, I’d have liked a larger selection of songs, as it quickly became repetitive. If we overlook the music for one moment, the sound effects were great. Accordingly, you’ll enjoy the thud of your sword, the twang of your bow, and strange sounds from every enemy.

Mangavania has some cruel and touch bosses. Can you avoid the giant cutting sword? — They look like trouble.

Am I a platforming master?

This genre isn’t my forte. However, the simple setup and easy-to-understand fundamentals made me feel like a pro. Alongside this, Mangavania drip feeds its mechanics to prevent an overwhelming experience. Additionally, you are free to upgrade any ability at any time. Therefore, you can choose how you wish to progress and that was amazing.

What was also great was the addictive gameplay. Thanks to the scoring system, the Metroidvania elements, and the tough but fair enemies, you can play this repeatedly. What was missing, however, was the total incurred time. Had the developers included this information, it would have been a perfect speedrun title.

Mangavania is simple but brilliant.

Some gamers moan when a game lacks complexity. However, that is what makes Mangavania so amazing. Its simple stage design, stripped-back ideas, and moreish action keep you going. Additionally, it is great value for money and perfect for completionists. Accordingly, though it was short, I recommend that you buy it here! Can you find the cure for your brother? Kill monsters, befriend spirits, and survive every dungeon.

Review: The Great War: Western Front

Reviews

Xavier Berry

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Apr 22, 2023

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History is a subject that has found itself in the middle of all kinds of media. We have documentaries and mini series on almost every historical event that has occurred over the years and video games have found many ways to get us immersed into this historic battles through various systems. Some games, such as Call of duty and Battlefield opt for a first person shooter approach where we normally fill the shoes of a soldier on the front lines. Of course, these are dramatized versions of what happened but that is to keep the action high and the player invested in the game. There are other games that take a different route and prefer to put the player in charge of large armies and are tasked with not just fighting the good fight but also winning the war through strategy and next level thinking. The Great War:Western Front is a World War I strategy game that has us taking control of different armies so that history can be told once again.

Instead of opting for the more popular war, this game turns its focus to the battlefields of World War I. Taking place from 1914 to 1918, we are able to witness history unfold first hand through a series of campaigns. The focus is less on the boots on the ground action and instead more towards the military history viewpoint. For those who struggle with history and keeping themselves invested, this can certainly be a long and dry experience but those who love historical accuracy will find that there is a lot to appreciate here.

Gameplay is similar to that of most RTS games which means you will be tasked with moving units to different points on the map to either prepare an attack or set up a defense in anticipation of the enemies moves. There is a lot of information that is delivered all at once but thankfully the tutorial is there to help ease you into the way things will unfold. Unfortunately, this may deter some people from playing any further than that since there is a huge information dump and most of it feels necessary to succeed in the game.

While there is a multiplayer aspect to the game, I will solely be focusing on the single player portion due to the fact that I was already feeling lost and overwhelmed by the information presented. As someone who doesn’t play a lot of RTS games, this could simply be an issue for those like myself while others will be prepped and ready to dive right into the multiplayer.

Both Skirmish and Campaign modes will see players trying to defeat the opposing side by either depleting their national will, which is done by defeating enemy troops and squads, or by capturing their capital. Capturing the capital required a lot more work due to the fact that you have to deplete their stars and since their capital can be located a good distance away from yours, this means that sending troops out there while also keeping your own capital defended was a major resource drain.

Fighting it out between troops felt like a better approach but this also meant that you are constantly putting your troops in harm’s way. All my victories were won by what felt like mere inches so there was never this feeling of overwhelming joy. This made it hard to want to continue to play since there was no feeling of personal progression. While this is a wonderful portrayal of what the war was like, it doesn’t lend itself to a fun gameplay loop.

Outside of the gameplay, The Great War: Western Front does a wonderful job of giving you all the information that you need to make a decision. The map is full of both caricatures of the soldiers and vehicles from both sides so each decision that is made can be made knowing what is going on in the area. Although we are given all of this information in a HUD that is clean and understandable, it still felt overwhelming to have to account for every little thing before heading off into battle. This is definitely a game catered towards those with experience in the RTS field and while the tutorial does a good job of explaining the basics, it does not prepare you for when its time to apply that knowledge to a real game. The Ai had me rethinking a lot of my moves and actions and there were multiple times where I felt like restarting the game from the beginning would help eliminate some of those issues.

The Great War: Western Front: is a wonderful treat for those who have experience with the RTS genre and an intense interest in history. For those like myself who have no experience with RTS games however, this can be a major struggle to get through and has the potential to be just another game in a backlog that won’t be touched again after the initial hours.