The time has finally arrived, and this year’s Steam Next Fest starts today! With seven days of indie game developers showcasing their latest projects, there is bound to be something available for everyone.
What is Steam Next Fest?
Steam Next Fest is a week-long love letter to indie games. Developers can showcase and promote their projects and make demos available to play. It’s also so much more, with community at its heart. From live streams to chatting with the devs themselves, It’s like a virtual indie game convention. From a developer side, it’s an opportunity to shout loud and proud about what you’ve been working on, get early interest and visibility and, best of all, real feedback.
What kind of games will I find?
Think of a genre, and there will be a game in it that will interest you. There’s literally a little of everything. From action RPGs to roguelite horror. From Space base simulation to bullet hell and racing. It’s a great opportunity to try out something new and see what kind of games are coming in your favourite genres. We’ll cover plenty of Steam Next Fest games, and this page will be updated, so you have a handy guide.
Game Links
[Coming Soon]
Get Gaming!
Steam Next Fest has officially begun, so download and enjoy those demos! Let us know in the comments what games you try, and what we should keep an eye on.
Adventure Academia: The Fractured Continent is a relaxed Anime strategy RPG with cool visuals that both kids and adults can enjoy, as long as you aren’t looking for anything particularly hardcore, story or gameplay-wise.
Set in the world of Class of Heroes! – a series of PSP games also published by Acquire – where school kids save the world, you are a character named Alex who looks to do that very thing with characters he drags along on his journey. Interesting obstacles and sets of enemies are set on a board game-like stage, and with magic that you can summon characters (presumably straight out of their classroom) onto the battlefield.
Explaining the story in any more detail would be giving the kid-focused story more credit than it deserves and would likely bore you unconscious, so we’ll cut straight to the important part – the gameplay.
Different to previous games in the series which has first-person turn-based UI with health bars and static character avatars, Fractured Continent is an entirely different beast, with a colorful 3D map where you drag and drop your charming autonomous 2D avatars that bop up and down and from tile-to-tile and need to complete a goal on each map as they move in unison with your main character.
Every new map starts the same way. You have limited energy allowing you the ability to place only two characters on the board and your energy increases at a set rate based on the level of your characters and boosts from defeated enemies. With your increased energy total you can place more characters on the board, level-up the current ones or use your characters’ special moves. if your character is defeated, they sit on a cool-off period before they can be revived again.
The visuals are crisp and incredibly endearing, especially the animation of the characters as you pick them up and place them around the map, almost like you are the parent of some unruly kids that you can’t help but love.
The action itself is only somewhat strategic, in the sense that you need to micromanage your characters’ positions on the map as the timer is paused – which amusingly involves picking the characters up by the hand and plonking them down back on the board. It also requires you to know which characters suit which maps best and with a variety of different level designs, encourages you to tinker with your lineups and character types, and this is where the game is at it’s best, with a relaxed grind that doesn’t feel particularly stressful or taxing.
The ability to completely change your approach to each map, whether you challenge yourself by using only two characters for an entire map and use strategic placement and micromanaging of your team to completey boss a level with just two archers or take the opposite approach and have a specific role for everyone in your team or go full blitzkrieg, the possibilities are broad and flexible enough to spend many hours tweaking your team if you give yourself time enough to plunge into the mechanics.
The amusing way in which defeated enemies fling off the map as if launched off into space is super satisfying to watch.
As fun as gameplay is, however, there are some drawbacks with relying on this alone to pull you through to the end. It is possible to fast forward the actions of your characters when you feel that the game is getting repetitive, but forcing the player to pay attention to the placements of your characters’ unintelligent movements (and be unable to program them in manually), can lead to some frustrating supervision.
Ultimately, this brings me back to my opening gambit – Fractured Continent is both a light attempt at gameplay and story, so if you don’t wish to take it too seriously, you can have a good time, but if you do tend to delve into a game’s elements individually as you play them, you won’t be able to ignore how shallow its elements are.
As example of this is the integration of the story and gameplay which is almost laughably thin, as the team -which you can customize the name, gender and race of – only lives through the action on the battlefield and your upgrades in the menus, so the whole idea that they exist are related to a school and an associated story is quite a stretch.
In fact, apart from the main character, none of the characters that you interact with in the main story actually make an appearance or feature in your team (unless you pay for them as DLC, which might as well mean they don’t exist). Therefore, the story and the gameplay feel like two markedly separate entities.
In a glass half full kind of way, the paper-thin anime-esque story’s cliched characters don’t get in the way of you enjoying the gameplay, but it’s a wasted opportunity for the game to build layers for the characters you actually like. Building bonds between characters in terms of stronger attacks or small interactions would have made the experience far more well-rounded.
With decent core gameplay, but a discardable anime story and minimal depth, Adventure Academia: The Fractured Continent is a game for casual strategy game fans who want to enjoy some lightweight mechanics without jumping in at the deep end, which – as a fan of this approach myself – there is certainly a market for, but just don’t expect to be wowed in any given area.
The world of business management is a cruel and unforgiving place. Furthermore, you have to be of a certain character to successfully run a business. We’ve all seen great business leaders like Elon Musk and Bill Gates. However, have you ever wondered what sacrifices they made to get to the top? Well, wonder no longer as Startup Company Console Edition is here to answer these questions.
Developed and published by Hovgaard Games, this is a business management sim. What’s more, it has some tongue-in-cheek moments as it pokes fun at established social media platforms. Accordingly, you’ll chuckle as you experience an immersive and content-rich simulation game.
Arrange the office for optimal performance.
Startup Company Console Edition lets you choose your path.
The key to a fantastic business is finding a unique idea, working hard, and having a great team around you. On top of this, you must reward excellent behaviour, be competitive with your peers, and stand out from the crowd. As you can see, that is a pretty big list. However, if you get things right, you’ll become wealthy and reap the rewards.
Startup Company Console Edition replicates this from the very beginning. At first, you must decide what venture to focus on, who your CEO is, and the name of your company. From here, you are free to do as you will. Accordingly, you must decide who to hire, what to pay them, and the business model you wish to follow. Unfortunately, though, this led to a heavy data dump and a testing learning curve. Yet, once you get over the initial hurdles, you experience a rich and fulfilling simulation title.
Choices, choices, choices!
The simulation genre is renowned for its in-depth gameplay. However, this one takes the biscuit. At every turn, you have problems to deal with as you must micromanage your team. Whether it is training, building components, balancing morale, or expanding your empire, there are plenty of plates to spin. On top of this, you must focus on revenue streams, researching new features, improving your website, and much more.
Alongside this, you’ll need to fight off your competitors while creating a world-beating USP. Accordingly, this takes plenty of planning, work, and time. Moreover, you’ll have to fire and hire your staff depending on the needs of your business. Perhaps you require more designers than developers? If this is the case, you must fire your team and rehire new workers. As such, you must be cold and calculating to ensure your business thrives.
Study the data and get ahead of your competition.
Money, money, money.
Hiring and firing and morale are all good, but money makes the world go round. Subsequently, the bulk of Startup Company Console Edition focuses on different revenue streams. You can pour your time into a subscription service with complementary add-ons, or stick to a standard ad-based service.
Whatever you decide, you need followers to ensure it works. Consequently, you are required to attract new fans and appease your existing fanbase by evolving your website and dealing with complaints. This is easier said than done, as it requires you to follow the analytical data and react accordingly. Furthermore, occasionally, you must do what is best for your company, no matter how divisive or unpopular the move is. This constant shift from cash flow and satisfaction was both challenging and rewarding.
Startup Company Console Edition is stark to look at.
With such an analytical approach, Startup Company Console Edition is stark to look at. Its stripped-back style and mellow colour palette do little to wow you. However, this basic approach ensures that it is easier to play. Furthermore, the excellent UI and well-considered radial menu help to alleviate confusion. Yet, unlike Theme Hospital or Two Point Campus, it lacks a colourful or humorous edge. This was disappointing, as this would have broken up the seriousness of the gameplay.
The underwhelming visuals are supported by a calm and chilled-out soundtrack. Though the simplicity of the music didn’t impress me, it worked well with the theme. Moreover, the lack of sound effects or acting reinforces its lacklustre nature.
Increase your Web page capacity.
Excellent controls.
I fear this genre when playing on a console. Why? Well, the controls tend to be awful. Thankfully, the developers have successfully ported this from PC. Moreover, the incredible UI and intuitive controls make it a wonderful game to play. Furthermore, thanks to the excellent tutorial and guide, you never fell lost or out of your depth.
Startup Company Console Edition is a time sink. With multiple paths to explore, and employees to fire and hire, no playthrough is the same. Consequently, this unsurprisingly oozes replay value and longevity.
Startup Company Console Edition is wonderfully unusual.
I love this genre, but Startup Company Console Edition took me by surprise. I expected it to perform similarly to Theme Hospital or Two Point Campus, but it didn’t. Instead, it focuses on micromanagement and data analysis. Subsequently, it demands an eye for detail and a methodical mind. This wonderfully unusual approach made it tough to pick up, but unbelievably rewarding once mastered. Accordingly, I loved it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you take the world by storm? Plan your business model, research new ideas, and manage the next big thing.
The gambling market in Canada is one of the biggest and most renowned worldwide. The Great White North has a long history of traditional gambling, reaching all the way back to 1758 when a lottery was introduced. But with the rise of technology and online gambling, Canadian online casinos have become increasingly popular.
The country has made it a priority to ensure that its citizens are given the opportunity to enjoy various different online casino games with ease. As a result, Canadian online casinos have seen significant growth over the past decade. Today, you can play casino games simply by joining some of the best platforms. Just read reviews prepared by Wagering Advisors, and you’ll find many real money sites where you can make that much-expected casino win.
But how is this even possible? And why online casinos are so popular in Canada? In this post, we will analyze factors that contribute to the development of Canada online casinos. Let’s take a look!
Before we dive into the details, it’s important to note that Canada is home to some of the largest and most successful gambling operations in the world. While many countries struggle to make ends meet, Canadian gambling companies are booming. According to the report, the market size of the gambling sector in this country is well over $12 billion.
It means there are lots of well-established casino businesses all over the country. In addition, these companies are constantly looking to expand their presence and services. As a result, there is an increased demand for online casinos in the Great White North.
Key reasons why the online market is thriving
The Canadian gambling market is booming due to a number of reasons. Here are some of the most important factors that have aided in its growth:
1. Increased accessibility
As we already mentioned, a typical gamer could conveniently access online casinos. Every person can do it simply by joining the site that looks best. The registration process is fairly straightforward and easy to complete. All it takes is a few minutes to create an account and start placing your first bet.
Moreover, you can play casino games from anywhere in the world using your mobile device or computer. It has opened up a lot of possibilities for those who want to gamble online. The convenience factor is particularly important when it comes to Canadians as they are used to having access to various different gambling options. With an increased number of online casinos, players don’t have to go out of their way to find a suitable gambling outlet.
2. Amazing game selection
Another factor that has helped the growth of Canadian online casinos is the impressive game selection. Players can choose from a wide variety of options such as slots, table games, live casinos, and more. This offers them plenty of opportunities to find their favorite casino game and make some real money out of it.
Moreover, most online casino games also come in different forms and themes. For instance, there are countless video slots that feature different characters and stories. This makes it easier for players to find a game that fits their interests, preferences, and wallet size.
3. Attractive bonuses and promotions
In addition, local casinos are usually quite generous when it comes to rewarding their loyal customers. Most platforms offer attractive bonuses and promotions for both new and existing players. So if you are looking for some extra cash, you can easily find it at an online casino. These incentives help to attract more players and keep them coming back for more. Popular options include:
Welcome bonuses for new players
Deposit bonuses for existing players
Free spins or free play chips
No deposit bonuses who those who want to save some money
Loyalty programs with rewards and incentives
These offers not only provide extra funds but also allow players to try out new games and get a taste of the online gambling experience. As such, it’s no wonder why virtual casinos are so popular in the Great White North.
4. Secure banking methods
Canadian online casinos offer a wide range of secure and reliable payment methods. These are suitable for both deposits and withdrawals. This is important as it allows players to easily and quickly fund their casino accounts. Popular options include:
Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
These payment solutions are renowned for their security and safety. Some of them even provide additional protection against fraud and identity theft. This means you can make deposits and withdraw your winnings without any worries.
5. The market is highly regulated
Finally, the Canadian gambling market is well-regulated by the government. All online casinos are required to obtain a valid license from the relevant authorities in order to operate within the country’s borders. This ensures that all players can enjoy a safe and secure experience when playing on these virtual platforms.
All provinces regulate their own gambling activities, so you need to make sure that the casino is licensed and certified in your region before signing up. You should also look out for the eCOGRA stamp of approval as it indicates that the online casino has passed strict testing and provides fair gaming opportunities.
How do online casinos contribute to the country’s economy?
Online casinos are a major contributor to the Canadian economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. This money is used to fund various public programs and services, but that’s far from being the only benefit. Here are the main points:
New jobs for local residents
Digital gambling platforms require a lot of manpower in order to operate and maintain. This means the industry creates plenty of new job opportunities for local residents. From software engineers to customer support representatives, there is a wide range of positions available for those who are interested in working in the gambling industry – not to mention marketing specialists, analysts, and so on.
Increased tax revenue
Online casinos also generate a lot of tax revenues for the government. This money is used to fund various public services such as health care, education, infrastructure development, etc. All these factors contribute to making Canada a better place to live in.
Thanks to casino money, many sports clubs have been able to finance their activities, which would have otherwise been impossible. Additionally, several charity organizations have also benefited from the industry’s contributions.
A boost for the tourism industry
Online gambling platforms can also help to boost tourism in Canada. Many players are attracted by the country’s vast selection of casinos and often choose to visit them during their travels. This means that the gambling sector has a positive impact on the tourism industry as well.
As you can see, online casinos can be beneficial to Canada’s economy in many different ways. They bring increased tax revenue, create new jobs for local residents, and help boost the country’s tourism industry. All these factors contribute to making Canada a more prosperous and vibrant place.
What will the future bring?
The online gambling industry is flourishing these days, but what will the future bring? Well, considering the latest developments in technology, it’s safe to assume that virtual gambling platforms will continue to gain popularity. As a result, we can expect to see more virtual casinos and increased competition among them.
Besides that, gaming platforms will probably add new games to their portfolios and attract even more players from around the world. For instance, sports betting is likely to become increasingly popular in the coming years. The same goes for eSports tournaments that have already established themselves as one of the most exciting trends in gambling.
Furthermore, we can expect more players from Canada to take part in online gaming activities due to its convenience and safety. This means that the industry will continue to thrive. All in all, it’s safe to say that the future is looking bright for the Canadian gambling industry. With more opportunities and better technology, players can expect an even greater experience when playing at online casinos.
Conclusion
Digital gambling in Canada is getting bigger – and for many great reasons. From increased tax revenues to new job opportunities, the industry has proven itself to be a beneficial part of the country’s economy. Furthermore, thanks to technological advancements and improved safety protocols, more players can now enjoy gaming platforms with confidence.
In such circumstances, it’s safe to say that online casinos are here to stay – and they will likely continue to bring various benefits to Canada’s economy in the years to come. So if you’re a player who’s looking for a fun and potentially lucrative pastime, why not give online gambling a try? You might just find yourself winning big.
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is an ever evolving hobby. In the past decade alone, we’ve had the introduction of its most popular iteration, 5e, and seen a massive influx of players shifting over towards online play. Consequently, this movement also sparked a whole new wave of digital services. Some of them good, and some… not so much.
Today however, I want to highlight a few of the tools that I absolutely adore. To try and keep this in line with my other D&D articles, I’ll primarily be targeting my picks with beginners in mind. If you’re interested in my other D&D content, you can find links to them in the conclusion section below.
Tabletop Simulator
Let’s kick things off right with a hotly debated topic! That being VTTs, otherwise known as Virtual Tabletops. The market is chock-full of different options when it comes to these, but finding the right one can be difficult task. Personally speaking, I prefer 3D environments over 2D ones, and for my money, nothing in that field has come close to Berserk Games, Tabletop Simulator.
Available through Steam, Tabletop Simulator allows you to design your own table space from the ground up. Need something that can accommodate 6 players? No problem. Want a place for a small and intimate session? Easy as pie. But the main reason I believe Tabletop Simulator is superior to all of the other VTTs is its innate mod support. This grants you immediate access to a near limitless number of minis, models, and boards, all of which can be used throughout your future sessions. Additionally, if you happen to have the technically knowledge, you yourself could even script some of your own desired features.
It’s also worth mentioning that Tabletop Simulator is remarkably intuitive to use. In fact, this is true to such an extent that, in my experience, non-PC gamers take no time at all in adjusting to the controls. With all that in mind, I cannot recommend Tabletop enough. It’s been my party’s choice of VTT for the better part of 3 years, and we’ve never looked back since adopting it.
D&D Beyond Alternatives
OGL Controversy Summary // Why would one need an alternative?
If you haven’t been keeping up with D&D news lately, then you might not be aware of the debacle surrounding the OGL (Open Game Licence). To give a brief rundown, the OGL legally permitted 3rd party publishers to develop unofficial D&D content for over 2 decades. However, Wizards of the Coast recently unveiled plans to alter this agreement, including brand new monetary fees, and the right to manipulate unofficial content in any way they want. Unsurprisingly, this didn’t sit too well with the fanbase.
In an act of solidarity with independent creators, a large portion of the community cancelled their D&D Beyond subscriptions. Whilst this certainly helped to stir the conversation back into a positive light, many fans, soured by the situation, have opted to seek a permeant alternative.
Possible Replacements
For those in that camp, a small collection of D&D Beyond substitutes can be found below. I’ve chosen these particular ones as they will allow you to import your pre-existing character sheets. That way, you won’t lose anything in the process either.
Truthfully, I myself haven’t committed to any one option as of writing this. So far, I’m leaning towards Foundry VTT as it seems to be the most rounded product. However, I implore you to check them all out, and find out which one works for you.
OneNote
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “What? OneNote? Really?” And yes, admittedly, it does sound rather bizarre. But for us D&D players, it genuinely offers a powerful toolset for compiling and organising our notes. This is primarily due to the manner in which OneNote is presented, which, unlike Word, is closer in style to that of a notebook. Essentially, this means we can interact with a page in any way we want, whilst also being able to properly categorise it.
For instance, you might want to create a page dedicated to a questline that you’re currently on. This page may include things like a block of text detailing the quest synopsis, a sketch of some important runic symbols, and an image of the local towns map. This page could then be appropriately renamed, and filed under a section labelled “Quest Log”.
For DMs, the exact same principles apply. You could have sections devoted to NPCs, villains, regions, loot, religions, and so on. You could even go a step further and colour code everything, or, separate your notes out into different books entirely.
Seriously, the fluidity of OneNote is second to none, and I highly suggest giving it a shot. Plus, if you already own Office, then, by extension, you already own OneNote as well.
Hero Forge
At some point throughout your D&D tenure, you’ll probably get the itch to make a personalised mini. Of course, you might already be able to do this yourself using the likes of Blender or 3ds Max. But for those of us that aren’t that way inclined, our pals over at Hero Forge have our backs.
This is an online app that provides its users with the paraphernalia they need to create their own unique character models. It isn’t too far off of the systems you’d find in a video game, helping to give it a sense of familiarity. It’s also full of various customisation options, making it exceedingly likely that you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. The major properties they allow you to modify include:
Species
Face & Body
Clothing
Gear
Poses
Stage / Tilesets
Hero Forge is also routinely updated with new content, and has been taking real strides recently to expand beyond their humanoid catalogue. It’s still early days on this front, but creatures like griffins, bears, and raptors are amongst the growing pool of choices.
You can easily spend hours upon hours perfecting your ideal design within Hero Forge, or, if you prefer, use one of the countless premade options instead. Regardless of which way you go, it’s an extremely flexible device, and one that you can use for free! Well… sort of.
Users are freely able to design their own minis, but you do have to pay to either download them, or to have it printed and shipped out to you. It is relatively affordable though, and they do offer a premium subscription service for anyone looking to do bulk purchases. Oh, and as an added bonus, the models themselves can natively be imported into many VTTs. Including the aforementioned Tabletop Simulator!
Kenku.fm
One aspect of D&D that I often find to be horrendously undervalued is audio. To be more specific, I’m talking about the combination of music and ambient soundscapes. Finding ways to incorporate these into your sessions can do wonders for player immersion. And the best way that I’ve found to do this is through Kenku.fm.
Available as a pay what you want service, Kenku allows you to control all of your audio software from within one client. It can natively be streamed through apps like Discord, and is exceptionally useful for DMs to streamline their workspace.
For example, in one tab you might have music playing from a custom Spotify playlist. Then, simultaneously in another, have ambient sounds from a YouTube video overlaying on top. For pivotal storyline moments, you might have a dedicated soundboard tab that you call on for extra dramatic flair. The possibilities here are endless.
If you do plan to use this on Discord, be warned ahead of time that you’ll have to create your own bot in order to be able to do so. Thankfully, this isn’t as difficult as it sounds, and by following this guide here, you should have it up and running in no time.
Conclusion
In summary, check out:
Tabletop Simulator for your VTT needs.
Foundry VTT as a possible replacement to D&D Beyond.
OneNote for all your note taking and compiling.
Hero Forge for your miniature creations.
and Kenku.fm for an all in one audio client.
Needless to say, this is just a short glimpse of what the digital world of D&D has to offer. Still, I hope you will get as much out of these as I have over the years. At the very least, it can’t hurt to try them, right?
In February 2022, I was lucky enough to review OlliOlli World. This colourful and clichéd skating experience was addictive, silly, and somewhat challenging. Since then, 2 DLCs have been released. Accordingly, today, I’m looking at the final piece of the puzzle, OlliOlli World: Finding the Flowzone.
Developed by Roll7 and published by Private Division, this is a fast-paced linear sports title. What’s more, it has a colourful cast of characters, some interesting locations to visit, and some gnarly tricks to pull off. However, it doesn’t add too much to the original game, and this was disappointing.
The Radmospheric 3.
Finding the Flowzone has its own story.
As we know, Radlandia is never too far from a problem. Unfortunately, the hidden sky city of Radlantis is under threat. The “business frog” B.B. Hopper wishes to exploit this secret place, and you mustn’t let that happen. Aided by Gail Force, a skate god, and the Radmospheric 3, you must thwart his plans and save the day.
It’s fair to say that like the main game, Finding the Flowzone has a bizarre and nonsensical story. Yet, I didn’t mind this trip into the absurd. Instead, I went with the flow and appreciated the silly shenanigans and classic, gnarly phrases.
What disappointed me was the lack of evolution. Other than the introduction of the wind mechanic, much of the action remains the same. Furthermore, the wind power is automated and your character responds similarly to using a half-pipe. Consequently, the latest mechanic adds little depth, and this was frustrating.
Avoid the bee and complete your trick.
5 zones and 17 levels.
As with the main game, Finding the Flowzone comprises multiple zones. Each of these areas is unique and increases the difficulty of the gameplay. What’s more, in total, there are 17 new levels to experience as you try to save the sky city. Furthermore, each of these zones focuses on the wind mechanic as you are blown from pillar to post.
What was interesting about the new mechanics was the ability to incorporate many of the old tricks and skills. Moreover, the fast-paced nature of the action made it increasingly tough to complete every task and challenge. This was fantastic, as the demanding action was fun and testing. Subsequently, it is great for veterans or newcomers to the franchise.
Finding the Flowzone is wonderfully vivid.
OlliOlli World caught my eye because of its zany colour palette and varied backgrounds. Thankfully, Finding the Flowzone follows suit. The clean-cut lines, OTT characters, and wonderfully vivid colour palette are fascinating to look at. On top of this, the smooth animation makes it easy to play. I adored the basic overworld layout and the simple but interesting level design. Though the art style may divide its audience, I loved it and everything that I saw.
The audio was equally good. I adored the upbeat songs and the basic sound effects. Consequently, the developers have done an amazing job of creating a dramatic and fun game. However, the lack of acting was a little disappointing. It was a missed opportunity and a rare mistake by Roll7.
Grind those rails.
Amazing controls.
Having not played OlliOlli World for a while, it took some practice to get back into it. However, thanks to the intuitive controls and excellent tutorials, I was soon up and running. Alongside this, the excellent layout and responsive inputs ensure that you keep up with the rapid pace of the game.
Finding the Flowzone may not add a lot in terms of depth. Yet, it is still addictive as hell. With multiple challenges and 17 levels, you are kept busy for hours. On top of this, you can pull off an array of tricks and stunts as well as forge your own path on many of the stages. Accordingly, it has both replay value and longevity.
Finding the Flowzone is a brilliant addition to the core game.
DLC is divisive. Consequently, many gamers feel that additional content should be included for free. I can see both sides of the argument and believe that high-quality DLC should be paid for. Finding the Flowzone is definitely an excellent addition to the base game and is well worth the money. Though it doesn’t add too much depth, you’ll love the extra levels and the tough challenges. Furthermore, the zany story is hilarious if not a little OTT. Subsequently, all things considered, I recommend that you buy it here! Can you save Radlantis from the “business frog”? Perform tricks, complete each challenge, and save the day.
Valentine’s day is an opportunity to show your loved ones some extra attention. However, no matter how much we adore a certain brand, they rarely give anything back. EPOS is different! This Valentine’s day, they are slashing their prices on some of their top-end tech. So without further ado, let’s look at the EPOS Valentine’s day event.
What is available during the EPOS Valentine’s day event?
GTW 270 Hybrid Closed Acoustic Wireless Earbuds with Dongle
Leave the world behind with no compromise audio delivered byGTW 270 Hybrid wireless earbuds. Its unique shape ensures a secure and comfortable fit for hours of high-end audio playback. As an EPOS Hybrid product, the GTW 270 Hybrid delivers multiple connection options; Bluetooth® or EPOS Low Latency connection with the USB-C dongle. Escape to new worlds while on the go.
The EPOS B20 four-pattern USB streaming microphone is a high-quality, digital plug-and-play microphone that will elevate your game. Volume, gain, mute, and pickup pattern dials are built into the microphone together with a headphone jack for real-time monitoring.
Engineered to deliver competitive edge-boosting performance, the GSP 600 delivers high audio fidelity and exceptional realism with precise accuracy. The microphone’s flexible lift-to-mute boom arm allows for the best voice pickup position and its ergonomic design delivers comfort for long gaming sessions.
The GSP 500 open acoustic gaming headset features high-fidelity audio reproduction delivering incredibly natural and spatial sound for an immersive game experience. Chat clarity is delivered by a microphone with a lift-to-mute flexible boom arm that adjusts for the best voice pickup positioning.
The GSP 670 is a premium wireless gaming headset for the demanding gamer. Customise 7.1 surround with the EPOS Gaming Suite and adjust chat and game audio independently. Intelligent battery management preserves battery life and Bluetooth® lets you switch seamlessly between your game and phone.
Big discounts are available.
The EPOS Valentine’s day event is a fantastic way to treat that special person in your life. Whether it is a new microphone, gaming headset, or some mind-blowing earbuds, you are spoilt for choice. Accordingly, you cannot go wrong with this incredible brand.
EPOS Unveil Big Valentine’s Savings On Premium Audio Lines in its February Sale. Special promotion includes rarely discounted big hitters the B20 Streaming Microphone, and GTW 270 Hybrid on-the-go in-ear earbuds.
Premium gaming audio brand EPOS today announce savings of up to 38%* on bestselling lines in the run-up to Valentine’s Day, including exclusive discounts on the much-loved B20 streamingmicrophone, and the award-winning in-ear, on-the-go all-rounder, the GTW 270 Hybrid. From 1st – 14th February discerning gamers can find their perfect audio partner for less, with big savings on fan favourites at eposaudio.com
*While stocks last. Offers may vary by country and may be subject to change.
Togges is a 3D puzzle platformer that feels familiar and yet unique at the same time. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most entertaining platformers I’ve played recently. I first got my hands on Togges at EGX 2022 and thoroughly enjoyed it. So I was hopeful the full debut release from Regular Studio and published by Thunderful Games would live up to expectations.
Togges Gameplay
Videogames are fantastic; they allow you to be transported to weird worlds, play as the strangest characters, and do the most bizarre activities to achieve the endgame. The game pushes the boundaries with this in the best way. You play as a Roomba. (Think circular robot vacuum cleaner but in space). As “Space Roomba” you are tasked by the King to help him protect the universe… by dominating it. You do that by dropping and collecting Togges, cute little cubes that help you collect fruits and solve the puzzles. You, your Togges and the King travel around the galaxy to different planets (think levels) to gather more fruits.
Unlike most platformers, though, you have to build a line (and sometimes a tower) of Togges from the starting point to the items you need to collect or things you need to interact with. This makes the challenge more unique; you can’t just run, jump, and get to the end. You have to plan your path. What makes this more complex is that there is a limit to the amount of Togges you can drop. Not only that, but you can unlock different colour Togges with different abilities. For example, you can stack higher with the orange Togges (which costs more of your limit), allowing you to reach higher points.
While Togges is classed as a 3D platformer, that feels a little disingenuous. It’s more open world in each level, you can go anywhere with or without your Togges, and there are numerous mini-puzzles, other things to collect to increase your Togge capacity and almost side-quests. Yes, there are many puzzles, but they are different from running, jumping, and solving puzzles on a linear path.
Puzzles with a difference
Togges is more than a platformer. The puzzles are designed with the central gameplay element in mind, Togges. From ones that stop water but can’t stack high to the giant-sized ones that get you to higher points. As you progress through the game and get to new destinations, using the different varieties will be important to get those fruits and other collectable items.
Puzzling is the name of the game. You must work out how to reveal or even get to the fruits. This can be working out how to unlock a chamber in a maze, getting across water, spikes and lava or even just getting to a new part of the map past obstacles.
In addition to the main storyline, there are several mini-puzzles to solve along the way, often revealing a piece of fruit or other collectable or upgrade component. Radar to help you find fruit, items to increase your Togges limit, or bombs are all available for you to find!
Audio and Visuals
The world of Togges is bright, colourful, and cartoony. It’s a joy to look at and wonderful to explore different worlds. Each level feels very different, which keeps the game feeling interesting throughout. Unfortunately, some of the later levels get a little too big for comfort, which can confuse things, but it’s certainly not the worst thing.
From an audio perspective, the sound and music are clear and don’t get repetitive or annoying. While characters have sound effects while talking, it sadly isn’t voice-acted. What Togges does have is a lot of text-based dialogue, which can feel like gameplay is slowed down too much. It would have benefited from less dialogue or voice acting.
Is Togges a good game?
Togges is a joyous game to play. It will challenge you with its unique traversal and puzzle-solving mechanics. It will make you smile and provide you with hours of Roomba-based fun. If you like puzzle platformers and are bored of similar titles, give Togges a try because it won’t disappoint.
The promotional material for Darkwood promises to scare you without using jump scares. This is both slightly misleading because jump scares are definitely in play, but also, in a way, very true. Darkwood does so much more.
Gameplay
Not all horror games are created equal. Not all horror games are filled with gore, grotesque monsters, and more jumping than a trampoline park with jump scares at every turn. Darkwood does use some of these typical horror tropes – and perhaps every horror game needs these – but it goes a lot further.
Darkwood is a 2D top-down survival horror game that sees you twisting and turning through the layers of the story, trying to escape these mysterious and creepy woods. Each day, you must go out, find resources, and complete objectives to ensure your survival and further your goal and then be sure to make it back in time before darkness descends and the monsters come out. It is a must to build up your safe house with enough energy to keep the lights on and barricades to keep them out.
You will find, as you play, a bizarre cast of characters to interact with, some of which allow you to buy and trade supplies. Collecting resources is a must. Items can be found in your inventory, some of which can be equipped. From healing to weapons and lights, you will need to decide what to carry and leave behind to make room for new loot as your goals take you further away from safety. Crafting plays a big part in getting new items or improved ones that you need to stay alive. This is survival horror at its finest.
The story is dark and twisted, and you will feel a sense of unease throughout. The tutorial does a fine job of not only introducing the world and teaching you how to play but also subverting all you think you know and making the game uneasy from the get-go.
When it comes to difficulty, Darkwood is not an easy game. You will be challenged and most likely die on numerous occasions. Thankfully, death isn’t a restart, and you will awaken having lost some random items. Don’t worry; you can get these back by visiting your corpse.
Audio and Visuals
Darkwood relies heavily on the audio and visuals of the game to create a constant sense of uneasiness. Whether that’s low rumblings of monsters or wolves from the shadows ahead or the eerie music slowly getting louder with each step. The sounds and soundtrack are woven into the DNA of the game and make it an unnerving experience. While the game uses a few jump scares, its delivery is more intelligent than that.
The building of tension is particularly prevalent with the use of lighting. Day turns to night, and the tension builds with the narrow beam of your torch being the only light you can use to explore… or escape quickly back to your safe house. This narrow cone of light is reminiscent of the fog of war in RTS titles. Remember to breathe through this, as Darkwood will constantly play on your mind and emotions! While it has a few jump scares, Darkwood relies more on building tension with excellent use of lighting and sound to assist that.
The game overall has a 2D, top-down perspective with impressive pixel art. On the PS5, this is beautifully rendered in 4k, making the images sharp. The overall tones are relatively realistic, bordering on the dark side, and this visual style also helps build the general atmosphere of the world.
What is different about Darkwood on the PS5?
So, I played Darkwood on PS5, which offers some great differences from other versions. Firstly, it has excellent 4k visuals, while the graphics style used in the game is more on the retro end of the scale than ultra-realistic. However, it provides a nice crispness to the images and text on the screen. This makes it very playable on large screens.
The best feature, in my opinion, is the use of haptics and the controller speaker. This helps deliver those scary moments and adds to the game’s immersion.
Is Darkwood worth getting?
Darkwood is a horror-survival game that is genuinely creepy and ultimately will give you a sense of uneasiness. As opposed to jump scare after jump scare. Although don’t be under the impression there aren’t any, because jump scares are included! What makes Darkwood worth getting is that it offers so much more. The layers of the game are exceptionally intertwined, making the story an experience that must be tried to appreciate this unique and unusual game fully.
The future of gaming looks fantastic. Soon, we’ll be fully immersed in incredible VR worlds or use our mobile phones via Cloud gaming. However, retro gaming holds a special place in many gamers’ hearts. Accordingly, whenever a manufacturer creates a replica machine, nostalgia hunters lap them up. Consequently, I know that the release of the SEGA Astro Mini City V will be well received.
In the world of retro gaming, they don’t come much bigger than this! Thankfully, it’s finally available across Europe at just 1/6 of the size! I am, of course, talking about the much-loved SEGA Astro City Mini V based on the 90s favourite, the Astro City arcade cabinet. Packed with an incredible 22 games, thisis primed for hours of fun with its nostalgia-inducing vertical screen for marvelling at these arcade classics.
What games are included with the SEGA Astro City Mini V?
An arcade is only as good as its games, however, and in this area, it delivers the goods. Featuring on the arcade are the following classics:
A 1/6 size faithful reproduction of the original Astro City arcade cabinet that dominated arcades in the 1990s. The SEGA Astro City Mini V reproduces the vertical screen specification common to many shooting classics. Subsequently, it is used to stunning effect by the incredible roster of games that come included with this mini arcade classic.
A love letter to arcade history, this is a must for retro fans and collectors. As such, it brings the classics back to the living room. With its stunning form factor complete with a 4.6-inch LCD monitor, ball-top joystick and action buttons which perfectly replicate the genuine arcade feel. With many of the classic shooters featuring two-player options, gamers can plug in up to two SEGA Astro City USB controllers (sold separately), allowing simultaneous two-player play. For those craving the big screen experience, gamers can even play on their home TV thanks to the HDMI output and included cable!
The SEGA Astro City Mini V is distributed across the EU by Game Outlet Europe® and is available now at Amazon® and other leading game retailers at SRP of €249.99.
