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Top 4 Android-Based Media Players for Small Businesses

Android

Andrew Edney

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Sep 16, 2022

Top 4 Android-Based Media Players for Small Businesses

As the 21st century unveils, it is appropriate to reflect on and evaluate the various transformations that have taken place in the corporate world during the last ten years. Twenty years ago, mobile phones could only make voice calls and had no other features. These phones are now multifunctional, acting as cameras, browsers, email servers and even hubs for small businesses.

With the advent of the mobile era came a variety of subsequent developments, including substantial modifications to shopper habits. If your firm has been attempting to contact consumers with the same old methods, you have observed a significant drop-off in engagement and results.

Your company would benefit greatly from a state-of-the-art digital signage solution that fully supports inexpensive devices using the ubiquitous Android OS. Android isn’t just an operating system for smartphones; its adaptability makes it a good fit for a wide range of digital billboard applications. For this reason, we have compiled a list of the four most highly recommended Android-based hardware media players that will continue to run your digital signage far into 2022 and beyond.

Each player has strengths and weaknesses, so you’ll need to decide which is best for your specific needs. But all are excellent choices for any business that wants to get the most out of its media.

Look HD-2214

There are a lot of different Android-based media players on the market these days, but the Look HD-2214 is one of the best. It’s got a sleek design, it’s easy to use, and it’s packed with features that will make your small business thrive.

The Look HD-2214 can be used as a digital signage player. It means you can display content like videos, images and text on a large screen for all your employees and customers to see. It’s perfect for displaying sales specials, announcements or anything else you need to share.

Additionally, it comes with pre-installed LOOK DS firmware that provides an opportunity for remote management of the content and device’s settings. So, if you need to show off your latest product or service even within several different locations and centrally control the process, the Look HD-2214 has you covered.

Google Chromecast

Chromecast plugs into the HDMI port on your TV and lets you cast content from your phone, tablet, or laptop. A few things make Chromecast an excellent choice for small businesses. First, it’s straightforward to set up—you must download the Chromecast app and follow the instructions. Once it’s set up, you can use it to cast content from just about any app.

Another thing that makes Chromecast a great option is its price. It’s one of the cheapest media players on the market and an excellent choice for businesses on a budget. So if you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-use media player, Chromecast is worth considering.

Amazon Firestick

An Amazon Firestick could be a good choice if you’re looking for a low-cost media streaming option for your small business. It’s small and discreet so that it won’t take up much space, and it’s effortless to set up. Just plug it into your TV, connect to the internet, and you’re ready. Plus, the Amazon Firestick comes with a lot of pre-loaded content, so you can start streaming immediately.

Remember that the Amazon Firestick is designed for streaming content, not downloading files. So if you need a more versatile option, you might want to consider one of the other devices on this list.

Xiaomi Mi Box S

If you’re looking for an Android-based media player that’s great for small businesses, the Xiaomi Mi Box S is a contender. It has many features that are perfect for companies on a budget.

For starters, it comes with 4GB of internal storage, with plenty of space to store your videos, music and photos. It also has a built-in Chromecast, which allows you to easily cast content from your phone or laptop to your TV. The Mi Box S runs on Android 8.1, so you can access all your favorite apps and games.

Seeing as how the 21st century is a digital era, it stands to reason that successful advertising calls for 100% digital strategies. Whether working with a tight budget or having the cash to spare, any of the four Android-based hardware media players listed here should be suitable additions to your corporate marketing arsenal.

Review: Gunslingers & Zombies

Natosha M

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Sep 15, 2022

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Gunslingers & Zombies is a strategy action game where you can plan out not only your moves but the entire team; the crew you’ve created to defeat the zombies roaming the grounds. It’s a very simple yet interesting themed game with a backdrop and setting of the wild west. Everything around each level has a perfectly detailed object matching the scene, the same goes for each building.

As a bunch of cowboys in a town of infested zombies, you must shoot and stab your way to complete the level. Killing each one before they defeat you and the town. So unlike the typical rough and angry bunch of cowboys in the wild west waiting to draw guns with the sheriff, this is more about you attacking zombies that will be causing havoc on each level you play.

🧟‍♀️ How Was The Game 🧟

I must start by saying that the graphics really capture the 3D polygon-character design perfectly. From the cowboys to the walking dead; zombies each one has a very simple design to them and so does the western setting. Plus, when you add in the music that plays in the background and the sound effects, it just complements the entire game perfectly!

Now for the actual gameplay, it’s quite easy to understand how to play. You mainly need to plan out where you want to place a team member and get ready to use your vast variety of weapons equipped on each cowboy. The truth for me is that I am a big fan of the variety of guns as they seem to be best at doing a great amount of damage from a distance. Nevertheless, each move made by every team member is done in one turn, then it’s the zombie’s turn to take you out as best as they can. The most challenging feature of the game is keeping an eye on every location of the level. Each wave brings some new and scary zombies lurking towards you and possibly will try attacking at one of the team members or the buildings in the town when you’re not looking.

To be honest, these types of games always felt like playing a real board game, that comes to life as you move and attack each zombie. Each square is a new place to move, but with a limited distance during each turn. Then when you can take out a zombie with an attack, there are some super close-up action kills, which can be quite entertaining and make the game slightly more interesting while fighting.

In my opinion, the game is simple and can be a bit lacking in much excitement. There are goals to be achieved and items to collect, but I think that it just doesn’t entertain as many other strategy games out there. I sort of just felt the game can be a little bit dull. I know I’m comparing it, but it just feels as if it could be made a bit more entertaining with something more added to the gameplay and graphics.

Lastly, I want to say that the difficult modes can make the game last. However, it is a short game and something that can be won quickly if you play it continuously, even best on easy mode. Nevertheless, you can win the game in the one mode and replay it in the difficult mode for a bit more of a challenge. So in my opinion it’s not such a bad game, just lacks something for my own personal preference to make it excellent!

🧟‍♀️ Final Verdict 🧟

Gunslingers and Zombies is such a simple game to enjoy. It’s filled with a few weapons, plenty of planning, and a bunch of zombies to demolish. The game does require a little planning to survive each level and move forward. The challenging part occurs as you move on and go through different waves or goals needed to be done. However, it is still a very easy game to pick up and play, perfect for beginner strategy gamers. So if you are up to saving the town and love strategy games, then get ready to shoot down and stab every last zombie in the west.

Review: Kitsune Zero

News

Xavier Berry

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Sep 15, 2022

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Kitsune Zero is stylized as an old school platformer, like the ones found on the older Nintendo consoles. More accurately, Kitsune Zero seems to be a reskin of the classic Super Mario Bro’s that can be found on the NES. While this is not a negative thing, those who have played those titles can know what to expect from a gameplay perspective.

Story

Kitsune Zero is a prequel to a game called Kitsune tales and focuses on the adventure of a character named Yumi. Players will guide Yumi through multiple stages to rescue a friend who was captured by an evil samurai. At the end of each level, there is a boss level styled after older Mario titles where players will have to traverse the level while the evil samurai will throw fire balls at them the closer, they get. Once players cross the bridge, there will be dialog between the two characters but that is about all there is for narrative.

The game doesn’t lean too heavy into plot and with the first 5 worlds being the focus for story, it won’t take long for players to see the credits on this short adventure. While not story related, it is important to explain that players might have a hard time finding this game on steam since it is also paired with another game. To track it down, I had to search for it and found it under the full name of Kitsune Zero/Super Bernie World. Although there is no real connection between the two games, it would have been better if Kitsune Zero was offered as a standalone game.

Gameplay

Players will be tasked with moving Yumi from one end of the screen to the other while dodging enemies along the way. Each enemy has a very basic pattern to follow but once they get mixed in with some of the platforming sections, things can start to get hectic. For example, I was stuck on a part in world 4-2 due to a turtle type enemy that was positioned on the platform I needed to be on. Players can take out the creatures by jumping on top of them but sometimes moving right passed them is the best answer.

As players traverse each level, they will find power ups that allow for Yumi to grow in size and eventually throw fire balls at the enemies. Taking damage will take away a power up and once players are reduced to her smallest size, one more hit will mean its time to start that level over again. Thankfully, there is no live system in place so players are allowed to make as many mistakes as possible without having to worry about being booted to a main screen.

There are coins scattered throughout the levels that tie into a scoring mechanic along with a timer that shows how fast players can clear a level. While there are around 25 worlds to be explored, the first 5 are where the story is at. After those 5, players are allowed to continue with the game and there are even new enemies to run into along the way, enticing players to continue playing after the credits roll.

There is voice acting for the few cutscenes to be found in the game, mostly between levels, and the quality of the voice acting isn’t too terrible. It is safe to say that the game does a good job of keeping the dialog to a minimum so players can hop right back into the gameplay aspect of Kitsune Zero.

Overall, this game hits all the nostalgia points that older Mario games have created while also managing to bring in a mixture of its own personality here. The game serves as a prequel to Kitsune tales and did a good job of bringing my attention to the series, even if it is bundled with a weird Super Bernie World tie in. With a small price point of 4.99 USD at the time of writing this, it is worth picking up if players are looking for a simple platformer to pass the time.

Review: You Suck at Parking

Daniel Waite

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Sep 15, 2022

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Racing games come in many guises. From arcade classics to ultra-realistic beauties, they offer plenty of variety and great settings. However, few are as frustrating or as rage-inducing as You Suck at Parking. It’s addictive and “just one more go” gameplay will suck you in for hours and leave you screaming relentlessly.

Developed and published by Happy Volcano, this is an arcade racing title. What’s more, it is brutally challenging and will test the best virtual drivers. Consequently, you’ll break your controller and lose your temper, but you won’t be able to put it down. Thanks to its simple approach and teasing action, you’ll always believe you have a chance. In reality, however, it’ll kick you about the park and laugh in your face as you weep.

It's flying time. — Power up and fly as far as you can.

You Suck at Parking is a brilliant casual title.

You’ve probably already guessed, but You Suck at Parking made me rage quit many times. Yet, my break from its moreish action was minimal, as I was desperate to be victorious. However, if you so wish, you can enjoy its array of stages casually. Thanks to its straightforward approach, getting back into the action was no hardship. But overcoming the array of obstacles and problems was another thing altogether.

You drive a basic vehicle that can be customised with whacky designs (more on this later). This car can not reverse and if you stop, it is classed as parking. Therefore, you must keep moving until you reach your designated parking bay. Moreover, each level has a set goal and an equal number of cars to drive. If you navigate each course and use the right number of vehicles, you’ll get a perfect score. Alternatively, you can simply complete each stage and move on to the next if you are struggling.

This is You Suck at Parking in a nutshell. You must avoid the crazy obstacles, drift, slide, jump into each parking bay, and explore some insane locations. The further you progress, the harder the game becomes. Consequently, it quickly tests your resolve, patience, reactions, and skills as you move from island to island.

Some of the roads are tight and dangerous. — Drift and slide your way to victory.

Traps, police, and a season pass.

What makes You Suck at Parking so great is its eclectic blend of death-inducing traps. With giant fans, boxing gloves, electric fences, swinging hammers, and the police to avoid, it gets messy very quickly. Alongside this, there are plenty of other problems you must acknowledge if you wish to be successful. One of the greatest issues, however, is managing your fuel consumption. If your car runs out of juice, you’ll stop and your vehicle is parked. This was particularly infuriating when you are in sniffing distance from your goal. Yet, this cruel mechanic is also rewarding. There was nothing better than sliding into a parking bay as your car ran out of gas.

So, you complete each stage, but what do you get for it? Well, you are awarded XP that unlocks cosmetic items. This sounds great, but only a few are free as the rest are hidden behind a season pass! Yes, the great cash-making scheme of microtransactions raises its ugly head again. This bane of the gaming industry is strong within this title, and that was disappointing. I despise this approach at the best of times, but it was made worse as it is unnecessary. What’s more, other than some customisation, it adds little value to the experience.

You Suck at Parking is bright and nice to look at.

You Suck at Parking reminded me of Art of Rally. Its voxel-inspired graphics and colourful landscape were fantastic to look at. Moreover, I enjoyed exploring the main world and discovering each hidden level. The isometric viewpoint worked particularly well with the fast-paced action and the tight and windy tracks. This was an excellent choice from the developers, as it made the game much easier to play. What was also good was the smooth animation and trouble-free gaming. On top of this, the level designs were interesting and the variety of settings was also good.

I was also impressed by the high-energy and jovial soundtrack. This was brilliantly accompanied by some loud sound effects and the obnoxious sound of horns and sirens. In short, it was ear-splitting and uncomfortable, but it enhanced the fast-paced nature of the game.

You suck at Parking is rewarding and frustrating. — Well done, now get on and park the rest.

Simple controls.

When reverse gear is removed, all you must focus on is acceleration, steering, and staying alive. Accordingly, You Suck at Parking has extremely simple controls to master. Fortunately, the responsive inputs make it easy to navigate the windy and often claustrophobic tracks. What wasn’t so easy, however, was tackling every obstacle you faced. As such, plenty of practice was necessary to perfect each level.

Undoubtedly, this has oodles of replay value. Not only is it a phenomenal single-player endeavour, but it is also a competitive and fun multiplayer game. With online leaderboards and arena-based fun, you will lose hours battling your friends. Alongside this, trying to perfect each level is no mean feat. Moreover, you must tackle some horrendously hard “master” levels as you progress. Consequently, this will test you throughout and will demand you keep playing.

You Suck at Parking is brilliantly brutal.

As much as I hated losing, I couldn’t put it down. You Suck at Parking is so painfully addictive that it should come with a warning. You’ll scream, cry, and quit as you try, yet fail to park every vehicle. Yes, I hated the microtransactions, but these can thankfully be ignored. Subsequently, I can easily recommend that you buy it here! Will you avoid every obstacle and become a parking legend? Jump, drift, and slide your way to victory.

Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection

Natosha M

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Sep 14, 2022

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Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection

Are you ready to start singing the tune, naming each turtle, and taking down Shredder? Well if you were a huge fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles(TMNT) back in the day or as of now, cause they’re still playing on the TV constantly in so many new styles or even in movies. Then, you need to give this game a try and add TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection to your gaming collection!

There are so many classic games to choose from, and plenty that many have never seen before. It brings back those classic arcade action fun and the love for a team of familiar cartoon characters in either black and white or color. However, what is marvelous about this one game is that you have a total of 13 with 11 new ones that have never been seen or played in North America cause they were only released in Japan. Therefore, you’ll be granted not just a handful of games, but s many to fight your way through.

This leads me to ask one question. Do you have what it takes to bring down Shredder and his large following of foes? Well if you are ready to go ninja and choose a turtle, then nothing will be holding you back!

🐢 How Was The Game 🐢

I must first start by saying that there are so many games in one download for the Xbox One and can also be played on Nintendo Switch. Each of these games comes from different consoles, all past and classic consoles. Some are arcade-style games, a few were presented first on the classic Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Sega, and even Gameboy consoles. Everyone is packed with plenty of ninja-style fighting moves that if you know the turtles, you know all TMNT games will be about fighting. So there is no doubt, that this collection is fully entertaining, and what really spikes my interest is the many to choose from!

I’ve been a big fan of the classic 80s TMNT and still love them throughout the years. They were always wonderful to watch and hilarious as well to watch on TV. Especially my favorite, Michelangelo who just made the entire show humorous with his foolish behavior and his large craving for pizza. Plus, each of them was named after artists another reason I loved the turtles, is cause I love art!

So what do you get with this game? I can tell you that there are plenty of excellent graphics when it comes to playing these old games on a newer console. You get beautiful clear graphics, and a choice to save when you like or even rewind if you need to, and play against others online or local. Plus, the artwork is another thing to admire. Especially when you just start the game, you have this cool comic book-style design and an entertaining, action-packed song that plays in the background.

When you do choose a game you’ll notice this nice framing of art that borders the game. No matter the game you play, it’s going to appear as if you are seeing each game on a smaller monitor with a border design that covers each side. I don’t find it unpleasing, it just reminds me of an arcade game or an actual size screen I’d play if it was a classic console. I’m sure not everyone will enjoy seeing a smaller screen to play the game on, but for me, it’s perfectly fine.

Below is a list of games included in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection and a few of my own opinions of each game:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Arcade)

The first thing when playing this game is the song which feels quite refreshing. Especially, those who loved that tune from the classic TV show. This is one of the games that come in color and have an option of 4 players. It feels like an arcade game with such bright and nice graphics as you move and fight through each location. The game is harder when you are a single player since there are so many enemies attacking you at the same time. Not fair if there are 4 or so enemies coming after you and they do move fast!

I also felt it got a little tiring hearing the same phrase repeated over and over, cowabunga. Yet, the movements are smoother, and so is the design of the turtles. I think this is one of the flashiest and action-packed versions in this collection, as there are even alerts to tell you to move forward and so much going on. It’s way faster and maybe a bit more challenging to get far in this game, thankful for the save feature.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Nintendo Entertainment System)

This game really explains through a little video clip of every character hero you can play as. From their name and the weapons they use, which is very nice for first-time players and those who have no idea who makes up the team of the TMNT. Now for the game, it’s a very fun one-player game where you can choose who you want to be. It doesn’t tell you how to play, but it’s quite simple to pick up, and as simple as the game is to play and use the controls, so are the colors of the enemies and the scenery.

There are 4 turtles to play through in this game and each has its own weapons to use. You can either just die and you can choose one of the other turtles to play or you can also change the player by pausing the game and choosing who you want to be. Even at the pause menu, Master Splinter tells you to fuel up with pizza to keep your energy up.

So as mentioned above, It’s a simple game to play and understand. Very easy to control, with not many buttons needing to be recalled, which is normal for an arcade and classic game. Also, if you ever played this before, it will bring back memories and remind you how simple it was back then and challenging to defeat enemies with just a horizontal or vertical use of a weapon. Plus, the many other things you can do in the game to stop the enemies from destroying the different locations you visit.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time (Arcade)

I like that it starts with you choosing a character right at the beginning, and it gives you this little warning to not do drugs before playing. I found that to be a bit cute and a nice addition for players, especially young players to follow through with. Also, the game is similar to the TMNT game before this one on the list of games. It seems as if the movements are faster and so are the enemies. However, the repetitive saying can be a little much. However, the color and gameplay are better and a bit more exciting with all the different moves and ways you can attack each enemy. It’s not such a bad arcade-style game!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game (Nintendo Entertainment System)

This game allows you to choose the turtle you’d like to play to begin. It can be played with two players which makes it easier to have another fighter to fight with, but if you want to play alone, that is fine too! Then there is a clip and you are ready to go fight! Each location is mainly played in the manner of fighting then you move on to the next portion of the game. It’s very simple and like many arcade games, not many buttons to learn to use the weapons or jumping movements.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project (Nintendo Entertainment System)

This is another game that allows a single or 2 player option. I wasn’t able to play this option, but there seem to be two different options, like player 2 A and player 2 B. Either way, when you do get to start playing, each player chooses a character, one of the turtles they’d like to use as their fighting ninja and the then the game begins.

I actually feel that the movements are a little updated by one unique move than in the second game. There is this ability to do this flying twirling action to knock out each enemy as they come along. You still need to move after defeating each bad guy before going forward, but the scenes are a bit brighter and set in a newer location. Still does feel like playing an arcade game at this time as well.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (Nintendo Entertainment System)

This version of the TMNT is actually a fighting game. You can fight your own turtles against each other. Playing through the story mode, verse player or CPU mode, and even tournament mode. This is what I find interesting that you can battle each turtle together when they are a team. I guess even friends and team ninjas can get angry at each other.

Either way, this is a fun game; a fun fighting game. It’s simple to play and allows you the ability to take out each player who comes up next. What I love is in the tournament option you are on a board that you move forward after defeating one turtle and see who ends up the champion at the end of it all. The movements feel a little slow to me, but there are a bunch of moves and even objects that come available in the game to use while fighting. It’s not too bad of a fighting game just feels slow when trying to perform an action as it takes longer to kick or punch.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)

A game that allows for one or two players and just like an arcade game, you move on while fighting each enemy that comes your way. It’s very neat with the close to a 3D effect of the enemy being thrown towards the screen, almost as if they are coming at you. The game is very nicely done and love that the movements are smoother and easier to perform. There are even a few options, not just the story style mode with a choice of one or two players, but you can even play against each other in a versus mode or trial mode option.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)

Here is a game that allows one or two players and you can either play the game or just watch it. There are a few other options in this fighting game, in which you really just fight one on one. It’s actually cool that you can go and attack Shredder or other monstrous creatures in the game, not just a turtle on another brother turtle.

The options to play through are either the tournament mode, a versus mode, or story mode. However, if you rather sit out and watch, that is also an option. So is choosing some unique monsters as fighters to play against one another, which is quite unique and fun too and even the graphics and movements are awesome!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Hyperstone Heist (Sega Genesis)

Either as a single-player or as a two-player game, this is mainly like an arcade-style fighting game. You fight and move on with either character; turtle of your choosing. The game includes many unique moves and can slightly, just slightly feel slow in moving, but otherwise, it plays really well and so is the graphics. I love the expressions on the faces of the turtles, easier for a single gamer to beat the crew of enemies without difficulty or losing so fast, and how much more flexible they perform each action in this game.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (Sega Genesis)

This is the first of the collection to include a practice mode. There are so many characters to choose from to fight in this game. Like April, Casey, Ray Sisyphus, and the 4 turtles. Each is able to be adjusted with the speed and power of the game. So it sort of allows you an additional bonus before fighting. Regardless, this is just like a traditional fighting game, where you can also verse one another or the CPU.

Oh and the characters, either one you choose still won’t be better than another. I feel the game is fair in that way. Since the CPU is very difficult, probably why you can adjust the speed and power. It isn’t so easy to even beat the CPU in practice, at least it is just practice and they move and fight back. They aren’t just dummies waiting for you to try out any attack. Either way, it’s pretty action-packed as all fighting games are and the graphics and movements are nicer in this game than many in the collection.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fall of The Foot Clan (Game Boy)

A single-player game in black and white, perfectly known for the classic Game Boy. It’s very large in the images of each character and villain you fight against. The choice of character is up to you and so is the stage. The only thing is that it will be a little difficult to tell the difference between whom you’ve chosen to play as. However, the weapons they hold will make it a bit more obvious.

Additionally, the movements are a little slow, but the gameplay is very straightforward. Since you just move ahead and fight or fight those from behind and just keep going. It’s a very easy game to get a hang of and I do like that close-up view of the characters in the game as it’s very clear to anyone to know what’s going on. Plus, it really does look like you are playing on the Game Boy console.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Back From The Sewers (Game Boy)

Here is another 1 player Game Boy game that is in the black and white color with a slightly faster move in action and still hard to tell the difference between a turtle, and a weapon is a way to answer that question. The close-up view is still there as in the first game and honestly, the jump and kick style moves look a little humorous as the body seems to stay straight while the legs just move horizontally. Nevertheless, it’s another fighting game you continue to fight each bad guy as they arrive as there really isn’t any way around them until you defeat them.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Radical Rescue (Game Boy)

I must say that this game is very interesting in that you go rescue your brothers, but also that you have more moves and can do so much more in the level. It’s not just a simple move forward when you can go above and break objects while fighting villains. I like the action and the many new moves you can perform. It’s also a game that allows you to collect passwords, but it doesn’t mean you have to use them, thanks to the save feature of the game. However, as a Game Boy game, this one really made the movements and what can be done a little more interesting.

🐢 Final Verdict 🐢

Honestly, it’s hard to say that this one game is horrible because in total it was just so much classic FUN! Games back then use to be slower and the colors or way they move are very obvious in each game. Sometimes the sayings, as phrases are a little much and at that time the game was pretty much exciting. So modern games to classic will be hard to find it that entertaining and enjoyable as many would like them to be. However, they are collections of the past, not much changed, and really a blast from the past when playing.

Plus, you get so many new games to try, 13 total and so many games to be entertained by. Each with its own, original, and unique game style to play through. I think for the older players, it will be memories that might spark how much fun and bring the familiar cartoon heroes back into their lives, TMNT. That is why I find this TMNT game to be nothing but an excellent game and worthy to be added to any TMNT collector’s collection!

Review: The Dark Prophecy

Daniel Waite

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Sep 14, 2022

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If you are a child of the 70s or 80s, you’ll fondly remember every RPG and point-and-click title you’ve experienced. These convoluted and often brutal games were clichéd, full of colourful characters, and had amazing worlds to explore. The Dark Prophecy aims to replicate this with its unusual story, weird characters, and simple mechanics.

Developed by Meridian4 and published by Ratalaika Games, this is a fantasy point-and-click adventure title. Furthermore, it uses well-trodden tropes, has a cutting and humorous plot, and is reminiscent of Monkey Island, Disc World, and Broken Sword. What’s more, you’ll have to piece together some cryptic clues to solve an eclectic blend of crazy puzzles.

Will you convince the king and save the kingdom? — I’m probably not dressed for the occasion.

The Dark Prophecy is slow but interesting.

What makes this genre so great is its slow and methodical approach. Thankfully, The Dark Prophecy has some fascinating stage designs, excellent one-liners, and a whole roster of interesting people and monsters to interact with. On top of this, it tests your brain as you must solve problems to progress the story.

You control Jacob, who is an ordinary boy living in an extraordinary world. Unbeknownst to him, his kingdom and his life are in grave danger. Someone has been messing with magic and he is tasked with saving the day. By undertaking a dangerous adventure, he will meet Merlin, pass on his message, and possibly become a hero.

I loved the magical fantasy settings. — This looks magical and dangerous.

Standard gameplay mechanics.

If you are familiar with this genre, then nothing will surprise you. Why? Well, the developers have played it safe throughout. Consequently, there are few surprises and most of the action lacks originality. This may seem like a complaint, but it isn’t. The phrase “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it”, is apt. As such, much of the retro gameplay and dated plot work perfectly with the silly fantasy tale.

The gameplay revolves around point-and-click mechanics. Subsequently, you must thoroughly explore every scene and location. Once you’ve found each item, they must be combined, used, or given to certain pivotal characters. By doing this, you’ll expand your interactions and will receive new tasks to complete. However, this can be frustrating if you get stuck and can’t find key items.

Unfortunately, there were many times when I simply guessed my way out of a problem, and this was annoying. Occasionally, the cryptic clues were too obscure, and this led to confusion and wasted time. Accordingly, some players will quit as progress often stall as there are no obvious solutions to hand.

The Dark Prophecy is pixelated and dated, but it looks great.

Maybe it’s the nostalgia speaking, but I adored The Dark Prophecy’s dated aesthetics. With a moody colour palette, pixelated imagery, and its brilliant fantasy setting, it looked great. Alongside this, I appreciated how easy the text was to read, and the simplicity of the UI. However, the developers could have alleviated the aforementioned game stalling issues with some simple visual changes. If they had implemented a light hue or sparkle to key items, it would have reduced the confusion and removed the issues altogether.

Alongside the delightful visuals was a folksy and magical soundtrack. The simple but fun music complemented the zany action without being overbearing. The sound effects were notably good with their comical timing and larger-than-life delivery. However, I was disappointed by the lack of acting. Unlike its peers, The Dark Prophecy missed a trick by relying solely on text narration. Had some of the dialogue been performed, it would have enhanced the story and the comedy moments.

So many decisions to make while playing The Dark Prophecy. — Should I help the prisoner?

A simple and well-considered control system.

I was impressed by the excellent controls. I expected it to be clumsy, awkward, and unbearable. Instead, it was a simple and well-considered system that is easy to understand and smooth to operate. By pressing one button, you flit between 4 working methods. You may talk to someone, use an item, move Jacob, or inspect your surroundings. This is the extent of the control setup and it is mastered in no time at all.

Where The Dark Prophecy is lacking is its longevity. If you are a veteran of the genre, you’ll fly through the game with little challenge. Yet, mere mortals, on the other hand, will struggle. Fortunately, though, the achievement list demands you return to experience different outcomes and some secret moments.

The Dark Prophecy is a great retro title.

This won’t appeal to everyone, but I think The Dark Prophecy is a great retro title. Its old-school aesthetics, simple mechanics, and the witty plot will impress older gamers. What’s more, it fills you with nostalgia while testing your resolve. Yes, it has its shortcomings, but I loved it nonetheless. As such, I recommend you buy it here! The world is in trouble and you must save it. Search for clues, help the locals, and pass your message on to Merlin.

Review: Nine Noir Lives

Lee Fairweather

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Sep 13, 2022

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During the 90s, Point and Click adventure games were one of the most dominant genre on the PC market. Titles like The Secret of Monkey Island, Full Throttle, and Myst, which all derived from that era, are rightly considered timeless classics. Nowadays, interest in the genre is arguably at an all-time low. Yet, there remains a small, dedicated fanbase that is eager to keep the flame alive. And it’s love letters like Nine Noir Lives that purr-fectly match this cat-egory.

Developed and published by South African based company Silvernode Games, Nine Noir Lives blends noir aesthetics with cat-tastic comedy writing. It is easily one of the most charming, entertaining, and hiss-terical graphic adventures I have played in recent memory.

Curiosity killed the cat.

Set within the bustling feline metropolis of Meow Meow Furrington, Nine Noir Lives sees us taking on the lead role of Private Investigator, Cuddles Nutterbutter. He, along with his trusty assistant Tabby, have been assigned onto a murder case as a last-minute replacement. The unfortunate victim, Edgar Montameeuw of the Montameeuws gang, has been found dead in his father’s establishment.

It is initially suspected that a rival criminal organisation called the Catulets are behind this attack. This leads the Chief of Police, nervous about an inner-city gang war, to ban all law enforcement officers from getting involved. However, as the case unravels, more questions arise. With nobody else to turn too, it’s up to the collective minds of Cuddles and Tabby to figure out what truly happened on that fateful night.

Mixing Noir with comedy.

From the outside looking in, the narrative may appear to be rather cliched and worn out, as similar stories have been done a dozen times over. But the further you delve into Nine Noir Lives, the more it’ll reward you with genuinely shocking moments, and an abundance of laughs. The cat centric references are also used as a device to drive the plot forward, and it does so rather ingeniously.

A prime example of this can be found in the NPC who has a catnip addiction. Rather than brushing this off as a throwaway joke, the game treats this like a serious problem. This is because catnip is equated at the same level in their world, as heroin is in ours.

While it might seem preposterous to claim, using terminologies like catnip was a major factor in immersing me into their universe. Furthermore, it showcased the developers had the cognisance of knowing when to be comedic, and when to be respectable. For this, I feel it necessary to commend Silvernode Games on their wherewithal.

Strut around like you own the place.

As a PI, you have to find leads via interrogating NPCs, exploring crime scenes, and solving miniature puzzles. From there, you’ll start to formulate a manifesto on who might have committed the murder. Needless to say, this is easier said than done.

To help you achieve this, you have 4 actions which you can perform freely. These are navigating, looking, talking/interacting, and finally, licking. That’s right, licking. Our fuzzy protagonist is addicted to licking any and all objects he can find. For the most part, the action itself serves no purpose, but it is humorous to see the other cats’ reactions.

Naturally, you’re all but guaranteed to run into a few roadblocks. If you ever find yourself particularly stumped, then you have the option to toggle on the ‘Story Mode’ setting. This provides you with hints about what to do next, so you can always keep the ball moving. You’ll still have to clear the puzzles in this mode, although, I never found those to be difficult or unbalanced. On the whole, if you view Nine Noir Lives like an interactive movie, then you’ll get a lot out of it.

Cat class and cat style.

As die hard fans will know, Point and Click adventure games often live and die by their story and art direction. When it comes to the latter, finding something that catches the eye of the audience is ridiculously tricky to accomplish. In the case of Nine Noir Lives, it successfully manages to pull this off, all while capturing the atmosphere of the narrative.

Each of the locales in the game, including everything from the environments to the interactable props, are expertly hand drawn. It’s curated in such a way that it replicates 30s style film noir posters, albeit with a retro neon flair. The use of vibrant colours only serves to highlight the set pieces intricate detailing. In truth, the various regions are high enough quality that anyone of them would work as a desktop background.

Outside of the scenery, the user interface has also been skilfully crafted. The different elements that comprise the UI, such as the text boxes, inventory, cursor, and even the menus, all react fluidly. Moreover, they also match the games visual and thematical presentation greatly.

I can’t say I’m a massive fan of the character designs. They aren’t necessarily bad, and nor are the unmemorable, but they are a noticeable downgrade in comparison to the backdrops. One thing they do have going for them is their ability to pop out on screen. While this might sound irrelevant, it effectively ensures you won’t accidently overlook any characters to engage with.

Meowrvalous voice acting.

If Nine Noir Lives had excluded voice acting for budgetary reasons, I don’t think anyone would have blamed them. This is why it was all the more surprising to discover that Silvernode Games had not only hired VAs, but that they’d recorded voiceovers for every single line of dialogue. All 125,000 words of it. What’s more, the actors themselves brought their absolute A game.

Clearly, Hermit Collective, which, admittedly, I hadn’t never heard of before, more than filled their quota in hiring exceptionally talented individuals. There are a handful of recognisable voices to be found, such as popular YouTuber ProZD, and anime aficionados Brett Bauer and Nancy Situ. We also have some fresh up-and-comers who more than hold their own alongside the veterans.

It really appears as though nobody wanted to up anyone else, but instead work together for the betterment of the narrative. The performances are bubbly, dynamic, and full of life, yet carefully approached to match their visual counterparts. It’s for that reason that props also most go to the voice directors, Lucas Gilbertson and Carol-Anne Day.

Coincidentally, they also played the parts of Cuddles and Tabby. Their on-screen relationship was scarily lifelike, and they riffed off of each other near immaculately. I suppose that’s to be expected though when the actors in question are married.

The OST avoids cat-astrophe.

Composer Travis Ford DeCastro completes the noir ambiance through his work on the soundtrack. Each of the tracks employ the use of orchestral based instrumentation, with the brass and double bass placed front and centre to appropriately set the mood. This choice allows the OST to cover a wide range of genres, from jazz and blues, to big band and swing. I found myself stopping from time to time simply so I could listen into the background music.

Of course, the music found in Nine Noir Lives will be compared to titles like Grim Fandango and Discworld Noir. I cannot in good conscious say that this OST reached those levels for me personally. But, to give credit where its due, Travis has produced an excellent batch of tracks that complement the games ideologies to a T.

Conclusion

Nine Noir Lives is a fantastic contemporary take on the Point and Click genre. It masterfully blends comedy with intrigue, which culminate together in a captivating and suspenseful story. The characters are equally as entertaining, and are expertly performed by a talented array of voice actors. Artistically, the hand painted backdrops are absolutely stunning, and composer Travis Ford DeCastro does an immaculate job of complementing them through his music. For fans old and new to the genre, you owe it to yourself to play this game.

Review: Color Breakers

News

Xavier Berry

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Sep 13, 2022

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Color Breaker is a game that requires players to paint a blank canvas to match a photo that they are given in a set amount of time. There is a co-op element to it but unfortunately, the game is very lack luster and will wear out its welcome a few hours in.

It would be easier to start with the gameplay since nothing else will make sense otherwise but since there isn’t much going on, this segment is going to be extremely short. Players are put on a timer and are given a blank canvas to match a pattern located in the corner of the screen. Players will guide little characters around the area as they pick up coloring pencils to mark the canvas. They are also able to erase any marks made but the focus of each island is to finish the series of paintings within the time limit. For example, the first island tasks players with solving three of these paintings but since this is a starting point, it might come off as confusing since players would still be learning the ropes. Once they finish the first painting, they are moved onto the next one with any left-over time if there is any. This seems like something that is working against the player and might make for an unpleasant experience.

Color breakers has a few modes available from the start, including a “campaign” mode as well as a creative mode. Starting with creative mode, there is a gallery of paintings offered that players can edit while also allowing players to create their own paintings using the games base mechanics.

Over in the campaign mode, players are offered a multitude of challenges that they can take on either solo or with up to 3 other players. There isn’t much to this mode since it involves players trying to make photos match what is in the corner. Honestly, the mechanics are rough, and I found myself struggling to make the photos line up since there was a lot of accidental marks along the way and swapping colors is a task. I could not imagine what this game would be like with 3 other players, but something gives me a strong feeling it would be nothing short of a chaotic mess with little progress being made.

Often, players will accidentally mark a spot on the canvas and will have to track down the right color to fix the mistake but since the pencils don’t have a static place on the screen, they can be pushed around as players walk around. This means that the colors a person might need may end up across the room which causes players to lose time just to make progress.

The game doesn’t have any memorable music and the graphic are what one would expect from a game aimed at party play. This is one of those titles that would be fun with a younger audience or even something to pick up for a bit while waiting on something else to install. I wish I was able to have more fun with Color breakers, but the game just did not settle well with me. If simple party games are something that catches your eye, then this might be worth adding to a Wishlist to pick up down the road.

Review: MG-X Pro

Daniel Waite

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Sep 13, 2022

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I love how modern gaming is evolving. The ability to take a mobile phone out and about and connect to your PC or console is mind-blowing. Furthermore, what is also great is the evolution of controllers to support this new market. Gamesir, Nacon, Backbone, Razer, and more are heavily invested. Accordingly, I’ve been lucky enough to try many of the leading peripherals. Today, though, I’ve struck it lucky again as I’m playing with the MG-X Pro, designed by Nacon.

Recently, I enjoyed reviewing the MG-X, and this well-received controller ticked many boxes. As such, I couldn’t wait to see how much better the pro version was. Alternatively, would it be much of the same, and I’d be left disappointed? Spoiler alert, the MG-X Pro is incredible and leaps and bounds ahead of the MG-X. Thanks to its ergonomic design and tactile grips, this feels comfortable to hold. What’s more, it has a fantastic battery life, excellent Bluetooth range, and is compact enough to fit your bag when travelling. Consequently, it does exactly what you want with a build quality to match.

The MG-X Pro is well-built and has an ergonomic design. — A well-built mobile gaming controller.

What’s in the box of the MG-X Pro?

The striking packaging is well-labelled and is easy to look at. With each key feature advertised, you know what you are getting. Moreover, its contents are nicely protected and they can easily be recycled.
The MG-X Pro is a tidy and robust device. This compact accessory has a spring-loaded slider to extend the mobile phone holder. Furthermore, the buttons are similar in size to a standard controller. Subsequently, it makes for a familiar and comfortable experience. The ergonomic handles have a tactile grip that feels nice to touch.
A USB-C charging cable. This moderately sized cable is used to charge the rechargeable battery. However, any standard USB-C cable can be used.
User guide. If you need help, this straightforward manual is simple to follow.

Technical aspects.

Connection	Bluetooth 4.2 low energy
Wireless	Yes
Headset jack	No
Joystick position	Asymmetric
Maximum phone length	6.7″
Compatibility	Android 6+
Battery life	20 hours+
Programmable buttons	No

Controllers are all about comfort and build quality. As such, the MG-X Pro shines because it excels in both departments. The smooth mobile phone clip extends to approximately 153mm. Consequently, this device can house many modern phones. Furthermore, devices running Android 6 and higher will be able to connect to this accessory. With Bluetooth 4.2, the controller has a low battery draw and connects in no time at all.

Alongside this, the textured grips and ergonomic handles are pleasant to hold. No matter the size of your hands, this device is neither too big nor too small. What’s more, the excellent buttons are a perfect size and are reminiscent of Microsoft’s official accessories. What was also impressive was the analogue travel and the responsive nature of the inputs. At no point did I experience any issues, nor was it frustrating to use.

Without a USB-C connector, I could have experienced latency issues. However, this wasn’t the case, and this was a fantastic device for FPS and racing games. Unlike its predecessor, the MG-X, this uses high-rise sticks and larger buttons that are easier to use.

Game in peace without your TV. — Break free from your TV.

The perfect companion for Xbox Game Pass.

Xbox Game Pass has taken the world by storm! Luckily, this Xbox-approved accessory works perfectly with the Game Pass app. Consequently, all you have to do is switch it on, load your favourite game, and enjoy your session. Fortunately, the MG-X Pro can also be used for any other mobile phone game. As such, this makes it a wonderfully versatile device.

However, you may be worried about battery life if you play for a long time. Thankfully, a handy LED highlights the battery status. On top of this, a clear indicator is shown on your phone to keep you up to date. With 20+ hours of juice, you needn’t worry too much. Yet, I was a bit disappointed there was no through-charging facility.

Now, without a built-in USB-C point, this was always going to be an issue. Accordingly, your mobile phone may run out of battery long before your controller ever does. Also, you must consider the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack point. Subsequently, audio can only be enjoyed through Bluetooth headphones or your phone’s speaker system. This could be problematic in crowded spaces or if you are low on battery. Neither of these issues is a deal breaker, but they are still annoying, nevertheless.

Is the MG-X Pro worth it?

Even though I found some minor niggles, I still adore this accessory. Why? Because the MG-X Pro is incredibly well-built, it looks great, and it’s super responsive. What’s more, its low-draw Bluetooth connection is excellent, and I liked the ergonomic design. It is also compatible with most mobiles. It won’t break the bank, and it’s perfect for Xbox Game Pass and mobile gaming. Therefore, it is easy for me to recommend that you buy it here!

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

Review: Zookeeper

Jonah Ehlers

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Sep 12, 2022

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When I Grow Up…

When we’re little, we often have big dreams for our futures. Sometimes these dreams are inspired by the people around us. Like pursuing a career as a chef, following in the footsteps of your parent. We’re often inspired by people we see in the news, or on TV, like astronauts or celebrities. Other times we’re inspired by our passions, perhaps going down the path of the artist.

Long ago my dream was to be a game ranger. I loved nature, and I loved animals. It was all I was interested in. I’d watch every nature show I could find. I’d buy every issue of Nat Geo Kids as soon as the latest one dropped. I hardly ever missed an issue, and would pore over every page as if it were the gospel. My room was filled with posters of lions, bears, eagles, elephants and on and on. I wanted a career that allowed me to interact with animals and be a part of their conservation and protection. As time went on though, I started pursuing other interests. I never did end up as the game ranger that 10-year-old me envisioned, in a spiffy safari hat, dusty hiking boots and a crisp pair of khaki shorts.

We Bought a Zoo

However, that love for animals and nature is still there. And so, upon taking a quick glance at Zookeeper, it sure did pique my interest. A game where I could play caretaker to a whole host of animals and ensure their happiness, while getting the (virtual) public interested in the creatures that dominated my childhood. How could I pass this one up? Unfortunately though, this title fell a bit short of the excitement I was feeling.

Zookeeper is a simulator in which you take the helm of a zoo and build it up to the point of legend. Almost every facet aside from paying taxes will be in your hands. And while that may sound like a lot of pressure, it’s actually quite the laidback and casual experience. Up to a point at least. On one hand, there’s not much of the resource management usually found in this genre. Just look after your cash, popularity, and the wellbeing of your animals. Animals require attention, stimulation, food, grooming, companions, and a suitable environment. However, the game never goes overboard when it comes to being able to juggle it all. You hire staff members to take care of your furry friends, with each member of staff having a somewhat distinct personality and preference in the animals they work with.

Hands-On Manager

My one major complaint in this department however, is this game’s need to have you micromanage every little thing your resident critters need. Instead of allocating a staff member to an enclosure and have them automatically act if for example, an animal is hungry. You constantly need to direct your staff to perform specific actions, and not doing so results in negative consequences for the creatures that rely on you. There is, however, a saving grace. You can bulk order actions. So if the entire enclosure is in need or some playtime you can direct the staff to go ahead and make sure everybody has some fun.

The micromanaging in general did become a little tiresome as things went on. Especially when you start to engage with your other responsibilities. One of these very important responsibilities is building up the grounds, by adding enclosures, decorations, and amenities for guests. This is essential to increasing the popularity of your zoo. Adding attractions for guests and the increasing the number of animals available for them to view is paramount. At first, you only have access to a couple of decorations, amenities and animals. In order to unlock more you need XP. And the best way to get this XP is to complete tasks, such as building specific amenities, or planting specific flowers/trees, etc.

I Should Want More

Completing tasks for XP is a tried and tested way of allowing sustainable and enjoyable progression across a campaign. However, the “enjoyable” part of progression wasn’t really a part of the equation for me when it came to Zookeeper. The thing that was sorely missing was the excitement and anticipation one normally feels when it comes to a management simulator. You’re always chasing that next unlock, or resource or building plan to take your land to the next level.

While unlocks and the things you build would more often than not have a positive impact on your career, such as increasing popularity, the happiness of animals, or income. I was never as excited about my progress in unlocking new staff, animals and decorations as I should have been, or even wanted to be. The spark was just missing in many aspects.

The Good

I will say though, there is a fair bit of content to be found here. Between 7 different parks with their own visual idnetity and its array of animals from deer to dinosaurs, you can hardly say there’s nothing to do.

Somewhere else it really delivers is in vibes. A bit vague I know, but the combination of the colourful and vibrant polygonal environments and animals, along with the quirky and fun background music created a cutesy and laidback atmosphere that worked really well for me while playing.

At the end of the day, Zookeeper is not a bad game. It just falls a bit short on keeping the player’s interest for extended periods of time. Zookeeper has potential for sure. It’s cute, relaxing and there is some fun to be found. However, as it stands, things feel a bit too middle of the road to justify any hype.