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Review: Slipstream

Daniel Waite

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Apr 6, 2022

Being able to drive fast cars recklessly is beyond many of us. Accordingly, it’s understandable that petrolheads and adrenaline junkies lean towards arcade racers. This genre has been around for years, and the latest, yet retro title to hit the market is Slipstream.

Developed by Ansdor Games and published by Blitworks, this is an old-school arcade racing title. It follows in the footsteps of the Outrun franchise and is heavily influenced by Sega. Consequently, it is filled with 80s and early 90s vibes, is distinctly old-school, and is rough around the edges.

Slipstream captures the cold nature of city landscapes. — Drift through the neon-infused city.

Slipstream is loaded with modes.

The story of Slipstream is nonexistent. Subsequently, your attention is held by the captivating action and the many modes you undertake. The lack of a plot did disappoint me, as I love how ridiculous 80s-inspired stories are. Yet, in the long run, it matters not as you quickly fall for its charms!

The multitude of modes that are available effectively demands the same thing. Race hard, overtake your rivals, and complete each leg of the race. However, it isn’t as simple as it seems, and the smallest of mistakes will undermine your progress. If you fail, and you will, it’s game over! Now, this may seem disappointing, but it’s not such a big deal. Luckily, each race is quick and you can easily jump straight back into the action.

The gameplay demands that you drive from point A to B as quickly as possible. If you fail to beat the timer, you’ll lose. Therefore, speed is of the essence. As you drive along, you’ll overtake NPCs and rival racers. However, depending on which mode you select, this is either essential or just part of the fun. During each event, you must drift every corner like a demented boy racer. By doing this, you’ll increase your speed while looking badass. Yet, extra speed increases the likelihood that you’ll crash. When this happens, you can rewind the action by up to five seconds. This is an essential tool that rectifies mistakes while keeping you in the lead.

Slipstream utilises couch multiplayer action. — Take on your friends in couch multiplayer action.

Solo racing or play with friends.

The original arcade racers were phenomenal, but they lacked multiplayer action. Luckily, Slipstream hasn’t made the same mistake. Subsequently, you can enjoy the hectic and fast-paced action alone or with three friends. This additional content adds to the longevity while making it exceptionally competitive. Besides, it was fantastic challenging your friends as the AI isn’t tough enough.

The gameplay is split across an array of modes. You’ll experience single races, grand tours, cup events, battle royale, and a cannonball race. Every one of them is filled with rivals, unique landscapes, and twisty tracks. Sadly, though, there is a distinct lack of challenge and this undermines the action. Other than crashing, there is little chance that you won’t win every event. Annoyingly, the computer puts up no fight and victory is all but assured.

Fortunately, nonetheless, the cup events and the cannonball races offer some unique rules. Moreover, you can also improve your car and at least this adds depth to a very shallow arcade affair. I wish the developers had consistently delivered this sort of detail, but unfortunately, it wasn’t to be.

Slipstream is gloriously old-school.

Ansdor Games has brilliantly captured the late 80s early 90s aesthetics. With boxy imagery, vivid colours, and basic animation, this is distinctly old-school in its approach. What’s more, the landscapes are wonderfully varied from icy tundra to neon-lit cities. Consequently, there is a nice blend of open spaces and claustrophobic tracks. These ensure the gameplay stays fresh while adding a minor layer of difficulty.

Where this excels is its synth music. The audio captures the era perfectly and is a wonderful accompaniment to the fast racing. The banging tunes are complemented by the screech of your tires and the relentless bangs as you crash for the n^th time. Subsequently, it was gloriously loud, obnoxious, and unbelievably retro.

Use the ice to drift. — The ice will help you drift.

Simple controls.

Drifting is a key aspect, and yet the developers allowed this to be automated! This strange move makes an already easy game much simpler. Alongside this, the steering is accurate and the rewind option is straightforward to execute. Sadly, this basic approach will disappoint adept gamers. However, it’s great for newcomers and younger players.

The single-player mode has limited appeal, and this impacts its longevity. Once you complete every task, which will take around three to four hours, there is little else to do. Thankfully, the excellent couch multiplayer mode will ensure you’ll return. Therefore, there is some replay value to be had from this retro racer.

Slipstream is fun but lacks depth and difficulty.

Arcade racers are all about the fun and the challenge. Subsequently, Slipstream ticks some of those boxes. It’s undeniably enjoyable, and playing with friends is excellent. However, it lacks depth and won’t challenge you. I wish every mode was as deep and fulfilling as the battle royale or cannonball race. Sadly, they weren’t, and this was a shame. All things considered, it’s fun and therefore I recommend you to buy it here! Will you beat your rivals and win every race? Choose your ride and drift your way to victory.

Puzzle Bobble 3D: Vacation Odyssey Boxed Release Coming Soon

Gaming

Andrew Edney

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Apr 6, 2022

0

Puzzle Bobble 3D: Vacation Odyssey Boxed Release Coming Soon

ININ Games, in partnership with Survios and under licence from TAITO Corporation are delighted to announce the upcoming boxed retail release of Puzzle Bobble 3D: Vacation Odyssey. This new entry in the classic Japanese action, puzzle-game franchise brings bubble-popping puzzle fun to the third dimension for the first time and can optionally even be experienced in virtual reality via PlayStation VR (PSVR). The game is coming for PlayStation 4 (PS4) and PlayStation5 (PS5), marking ININ Games’ first release on the 9th generation of consoles, and will be available for pre-order at select retailers soon. Eager fans can already look forward to the imminent pre-order start for the Limited Edition and Collector’s Edition which contain additional collectible items. These editions will only be available at Strictly Limited Games and their partnered fan store Gamesrocket. Pre-orders kick off on Thursday, April 7th.

About the Game

Bubble dragon brothers Bub and Bob are in for a surprise when their island vacation takes an unexpected turn for an epic, bubble-popping adventure in Puzzle Bobble 3D: Vacation Odyssey. Explore lush tropical islands, peaceful lakesides and even the pyramids while solving 100 new puzzles in Puzzle Bobble’s first-ever 3D and optional VR experience, the next evolution of the classic Japanese action, puzzle-game franchise! This game is positively bursting with its cheerful design, adorable characters, and timeless, fun gameplay for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

Features:

100 New Puzzles: Brand new 3D puzzles with special bubbles, fun power-ups and items add more depth and physics for a mind-bending challenge
Full PSVR Support [optional]: Virtual reality transforms players into a bubble-popping dragon with a first-person perspective, and even physicalized interactions when paired with PlayStation Move controllers. You can switch seamlessly between playing on TV and VR.
3 Distinct Puzzle Modes: Master the 100 progressively difficult puzzles in Story Mode, kick back and pop endless puzzles in Infinite Mode, or hop into online 1v1 Duel Mode, which supports matches across PS4, PS5 and PSVR.
Easy to Pick-Up-&-Play but Challenging to Master: Simple controls and intuitive game mechanics introduces puzzle popping in a fun, non-intimidating way
Fantastic tunes: Includes an all-new score by Zuntata, the composers for the original series!

Check out the trailer to see the game in action!

Limited & Collector’s Editions:

Strictly Limited Games and Gamesrocket are giving Puzzle Bobble 3D: Vacation Odyssey a much deserved special limited release, exclusively via the Strictly Limited Games Partner Store and via the Gamesrocket store.

The Limited Edition is limited to 2,000 individually numbered copies for PS4 and 1,500 copies for PS5, at a price of 29.99€/ $34.99, including a unique cover artwork and a colourful game manual.

The Collector’s Edition is limited to 1,200 copies for PS4 and 800 for PS5. It costs 59.99€/ $64.99 and includes awesome additional collectibles:

Special Collector’s Edition Box
Colourful Game Manual
Original Soundtrack
Vacation Odyssey Beach Towel
Bub and Bob Acrylic Keychains
Double-Sided Poster (A2)
4 Die Cut Stickers
3 Vacation Postcards
Bub and Bob Goggle Decal Stickers (VR Headset Compatible)

Both editions will be available for pre-order on Thursday, April 7th, at 4PM CEST and shipping is expected for Q3 2022.

Review: Z-Warp

Daniel Waite

-

Apr 6, 2022

2

Shoot-’em-ups are as popular today as they always have been. I’m not sure if it’s the retro style, simple approach, or hectic action that attracts us all. Whatever it is, you are guaranteed an addictive and hard-hitting experience. The latest title in a long list of games within this genre is Z-Warp. It has every element you’ve come to expect and will take you on a trip down memory lane.

Developed by Panda Indie Studio and Eastasiasoft Limited and published by the latter, this is a vertical shoot-’em-up. It embodies everything that makes the genre fantastic, and I adored its pixelated style, sharp sounds, and mind-boggling action. Furthermore, it is simple to pick up but almost impossible to put down.

The first boss in Z-Warp will test you. — The first boss will test you!

Z-Warp has a classic 80s-inspired story.

The story of Z-Warp plays second fiddle to the hefty action that unfolds. However, it is glorious and absurd. Moreover, it epitomises 80s gaming and you’ll adore its outrageous ways. The year is 21XX, and the Z-Division has been developing top-secret space exploration technology. Sadly, though, the experiment has gone wrong. After a successful warp into the far reaches of space, there is radio silence. Earth waits with bated breath and suddenly, a message comes through. Worryingly, it is a call for help and only a hero can save the day. Subsequently, a new pilot must be selected, and that is you. Your mission is to explore deep space and find the black box. By doing this, mankind will understand what went wrong and learn from its mistakes.

As I said, it’s absurd but wonderfully ridiculous at the same time. Once you understand the central story, you a flung into action. Consequently, you may pick between two game modes, story and endless. Both are equally challenging, hectic, and follow the same principles. Effectively, whatever you choose, you’ll scream and cry as you die for the n^th time.

Take down snappy. — Oh Snappy, go easy on me, please.

High scores, enormous bosses, and heavy weaponry.

As expected, Z-Warp has straightforward goals and is easy to understand. Therefore, the aim of both modes is to destroy every foe and obtain the highest score possible. Sounds simple, right? Wrong! Everything wants to kill you, as space is a dangerous and hostile place. Moreover, every stage is loaded with aliens that shoot you while having Kamikaze tendencies. On top of this, the end level bosses are just brutal. Subsequently, they are gargantuan terrors that emit bombs, and lasers, and are killing machines.

If you somehow survive a level, you must dust yourself off and start again. Furthermore, each stage you undertake has unique problems that must be overcome. Whether it’s spiked walls, aliens that block your way, or more, the solution stares you in the face. So, the enemies are tough, but you are tougher, still. Thankfully, you are armed with a laser cannon, machine gun, bombs, and an all-powerful instant kill. However, these aren’t always enough and you must rely on your ship’s shield. Fortunately, this does recharge, but you’ll need time and luck to keep it powered.

Z-Warp is beautifully dated.

Like its peers, Z-Warp is wonderfully dated. Its garish colours, simple sprites, and easy to follow vertical scrolling perspective are beautifully retro. Furthermore, the environments are varied, and this keeps things interesting. Alongside this, I loved how the action plays out in a small confined space. The white-bordered gaming area was reminiscent of a Gameboy, and this adds to the nostalgia.

This genre is renowned for its heavy soundtracks and loud sound effects. Luckily, Z-Warp is no different. Consequently, the music screams at you as you unleash hell upon your opponents. What’s more, the noise gets louder and more unbearable as you unload your arsenal of weapons. Now, this may seem horrific, but it is not. It’s wonderfully OTT and enhances the madness that unfolds.

Z-Warp demands you use your killer weapons. — It’s killer weapon time.

Where’s the explanation?

Being thrust into the action isn’t a bad thing, but a small tutorial wouldn’t go a miss. Disappointingly, Z-Warp fails to explain any of the fundamentals. Therefore, there is a fair amount of trial and error before you master it. Fortunately, though, the stages are tiny, so the disappointment is short-lived.

If you love the genre, you’ll play this until the cows come home. It’s undeniably addictive, and I loved trying to top the leaderboard. What’s more, the two modes keep you playing for hours. Alongside this, longevity is increased thanks to its tough achievement list. You’ll have to better many bosses if you wish to complete the game. All I can say is, best of luck.

Z-Warp is old-school gaming personified.

Thanks to its simple approach, challenging gameplay, and garish aesthetics, this is as retro as it comes. In fact, Z-Warp is old-school gaming personified. I adored its brutality, moreish ways, and heavy audio. Consequently, I recommend that you buy it here! Can you venture into deep space and complete your mission? Jump in your ship, destroy your foes, and attempt to survive.

Preview: Core Keeper

Davide Roriz

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Apr 6, 2022

0

Either I haven’t been paying too much attention to the usual gaming media buzz or Core Keeper really has come out of nowhere. I first heard about it during Steam’s Next Festival back in February, but it was only after it arrived on Steam’s Early Access that it really grabbed my attention. It’s the new survival indie hit that has been sitting on Steam’s top sellers for a while now, so if you fancy that sort of game, then you might want to keep this one on your radar.

Since games such as DayZ, Minecraft, and Terraria have popularized the sandbox survival genre, there have been numerous games that have attempted to find their place in this market. However, very few have succeeded. While some obviously lack any kind of inspiration or unique selling point, there are a select few who seem to have hit the nail right on the head. Despite the fact that the current version of Core Keeper is a very early one, and one that will undoubtedly change a lot as the game gets closer to its final release, I’m pretty confident when I say that the future is bright for this game.

While a lot of games seem to pour a lot of resources into making something really unique, something that nobody has ever seen before, sometimes they end up failing in providing an enjoyable gameplay experience. Sure, it might not be perfect, but for an Early Access title, Core Keeper sure feels great to play already. The Swedish team over at Pugstorm really seem to have struck gold.

It might not be groundbreaking in any meaningful way, but Core Keeper’s gameplay is a satisfying one that will, hopefully, only get better with time. For me, exploration is always a key aspect of this type of game. If I don’t feel motivated to go out and explore a game’s world, then that game has already lost me. Luckily, Core Keeper is quite compelling in this aspect, at least initially, when everything still feels and looks mysterious in the eyes of a new player.

As you step into Core Keeper’s world for the first time, there’s barely anything other than darkness all around you. A faint blue glow emanates from a nearby stone, one that’s intricately shaped and that looks exactly like the one that teleported you here, wherever here is. Whether you’re alone with seven other people, it doesn’t matter, you’re stuck underground.

The chamber where you start is completely enclosed, and so you find yourself forced to dig your way out into a series of small cave networks. There is no compass to guide you, and your map only shows what you’ve explored so far. However, you can spot tiny glints of light in the dark and you hurriedly make your way towards them. That’s how you often find ore or other things that have been randomly placed in your world. Core Keeper is a sandbox game, but these small hints really make it feel like the game is pointing you in a specific direction. Personally, I appreciate that.

I think that the genius thing about Core Keeper’s exploration is how mining is directly tied to exploration, and as a direct result, so is resource gathering. In Core Keeper, resource gathering and exploration are beautifully married together. Because the whole game takes place underground, you need to dig and mine walls in order to explore, and so you’re doing two things at once. I really think it’s quite a brilliant execution, even though it might not sound the most exciting.

There sure is a lot of mining to be done, but I quickly realized that this only made the discovery of ancient ruins and other landmarks all the more exciting. With that being said, mining is extremely satisfying, not only due to the sound that your pickaxe makes with every blow, but also due to the fact that you can see each block starting to crack as you hit it repeatedly. Another rather funny detail is the fact that walls wobble when you hit them, it’s almost like they’re made out of jelly. I think it’s quite funny, but I honestly stopped paying attention to it after a few minutes.

Thankfully, Core Keeper has streamlined a lot of the menial work that’s still present in a lot of survival games. For instance, torches can be crafted with just wood, you don’t need coal. Likewise, all you need to smelt ores is a furnace, there’s no need for fuel. I’m sure some people will be put off by that, but I think it just improves the gameplay flow a lot since it saves players time that can be spent doing more interesting things in the game.

Unfortunately, the combat has got to be Core Keeper’s weakest aspect. There’s just not much to it. Sure, you can get better weapons and armour to fight its various enemies and bosses, but combat just revolves around an attack and run loop. If you’re using melee, all you have to do is charge at the enemy when there’s an opening, attack, and then run from the enemy’s attack range. Rinse and repeat. It’s about as basic as it could be, but to be honest, I’m not sure how the developers could improve it without having to create an entirely new combat system from scratch.

Regardless, whether this will be detrimental to your gameplay experience as a whole will depend on what you’re really looking to get out of Core Keeper. If you’re looking for the whole package when it comes to a sandbox survival game, then you’ll probably be somewhat disappointed. However, if what you’re interested in is just a cosy and charming little survival game with the usual activities like fishing, farming, and tons of mining, then I’m pretty sure that you’ll have a jolly time with it.

Review: Rune Factory 5

Kara Phillips

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Apr 5, 2022

0

After ten long years of waiting, the Rune Factory franchise has been reignited for Nintendo Switch. The release of Rune Factory 5 has been long awaited by hundreds of fans ready to dive into dungeon crawling. With farming sims currently taking the internet by storm, Rune Factory 5 has been released outside of Japan at the perfect time.

If you’re searching for a sweet, simple pastime, then let’s explore what Rune Factory 5 has to offer.

Rune Factory 5 is available now on Nintendo Switch.

After awakening in the midst of an unknown land, you are diagnosed with amnesia. Your protagonist will struggle to remember who they are and how they arrived in the location. Obviously after some lengthy introductions, it’s your job to uncover these truths. You’re quickly taken in by a team called SEED, and taken on a tour of where you’ll stay for the next length of time. Several characters are also introduced, which may seem overwhelming to begin with, but throughout the title you’ll learn more about them. Making them far more memorable than your first interactions.

A stylish set of hello’s

Rune Factory 5 walks you through a lengthy tutorial to help you get to grips. At the beginning of the game, things feel quite slow in terms of pace. But as any good farming based simulator goes, this is the best way to get to grips with your homeland. You don’t learn Pelican Town off by heart during your first interaction in Stardew Valley, nor Mineral Town in Story of Seasons. Plus in Rune Factory, there are a huge number of people to meet. Starting off by walking around the town to introduce yourself is necessary.

However despite its stylish animated introduction sequence, the map itself feels a little empty. There are several large spaces with no selling point across the map and rather than bulking it out with uninhabited buildings or natural beauty, textures are flat. Which goes for the majority of the map. It just feels like it’s lacking a lot of promised detail. There is a mechanic which allows you to sacrifice a few frame rates for a higher quality look, but even then it doesn’t feel much different.

It appears that the majority of art perfection has gone into character design, which can be said for the majority of previously released Rune Factory titles. Specifically, dialogue portraits retain a certain level of detail which the core game misses. The same can be said for the frequent animated cutscenes which mirror the intense opening number of RF5. They certainly look the part, and are beneficial for players looking to get their romance on. Several cutscenes will also follow the romancing of certain characters so be sure to check the map to see where these are. They can’t be skipped though, so maybe take this as a break to get some snacks.

Farming & becoming familiar

As mentioned already, farming plays a huge part in what makes Rune Factory enjoyable. It’s praised for its farming factor, but upon completing the tutorial, it’s pretty similar to any other encounters you’ll have with farming in an RPG game. You already have access to money making through shipping items, and you’re told when to grow certain crops. Also, you’ll learn the frustrations of tool upgrade for what feels like the hundredth time, so those pesky boulders will have to stay for a little while longer.

Once you get to grips with the map you’ll notice just how much Rune Factory 5 has to offer. Even hours into the title, dungeons and areas of a map start to appear which you may have originally missed. Disregarding a few graphical errors, the game does have an extremely rich storyline and is far from lacking in content. It’s a shame that there are several elements of gameplay which cause input delay, which results in a pretty poor approach to combat.

Input delays and a skills for days

Combat is one of Rune Factories unique selling points. Unlike its competitors like anything from Story of Seasons, there’s a lot of combat involved in leveling. It’s not integral to having a good time with the title, and players are able to pick it up when and if they please, but it isn’t exactly worth picking up either. If you’re playing this title in handheld via Nintendo Switch, you’ll probably have a more beneficial time in combat. But if you play the console docked, then prepare yourself for several instances of button delay which will cause frustrating mishaps. It’s a shame, as some of the enemy design in this game is truly beautiful. But if there’s one thing to put you off engaging in combat, it’s lag.

Alongside leveling through combat, Rune Factory 5 has an extremely overwhelming skill set. There are almost too many skills to master. And far too many different crafting tables to memorize in order to pursue them. They’re scattered throughout your hometown to make sure you’ve always got easy access to them. Eventually you can place them in your own home. But for the beginning of the game, try and learn as much as you can. As you progress, you’ll eventually lose the ability to use base weapons and need to upgrade. But in order to do so you’ll need to understand how to do that. It’s all explained simply to you during the course of the game, but it’s worth spending some time mastering when you can.

A soundtrack to swoon over

If there’s one extremely notable feature to Rune Factory, it would be it’s charming soundtrack. Every adventurer needs a score to explore alongside. And this game certainly delivers. Several areas are accompanied by a set of wonderful tunes. They aren’t repetitive and in-your-face either, so you can quite happily go about your day without really noticing it. I thoroughly enjoyed the soundtrack. So much so I’ve had it on in the background when going about my own real life tasks.

Final thoughts

As a whole, I struggle to say that Rune Factory 5 was worth the 10 year wait. You’d expect such a sought after title would show some development since it’s previous title in 2012, but I can’t say this game delivers. There are definitely elements which are thoroughly enjoyable. The more time you put into the title, the more fun you’ll have. If you’re bored of every other farming sim and release from Rising Star, maybe this game could suit what you’re looking for. But if you’re searching for something a little more groundbreaking then you may want to keep looking.

Review: ReMarkable 2

Daniel Waite

-

Apr 5, 2022

0

Writing with a pen on paper is a way of life for many people. However, in this eco-friendly & technology-focused world, using oodles of paper is frowned upon. So, what is the answer? Do you use your phone to create a draft, or will you stick to your PC & laptop? Either way, this is likely to stifle your creative flow. So, what is the solution? ReMarkable 2, that’s what!

This beautifully slim writing tablet gives you the freedom to express your views while maintaining the feel of a pen on paper. It’s wonderfully advanced, offers a distraction-free experience, and is like nothing else I’ve tried before. Furthermore, it is stylish, lightweight, and has a battery life that puts the Duracell Bunny to shame. Moreover, from the moment I saw it, I knew it would be special. However, I just didn’t realise how special it would be.

What’s in the box?

As a reviewer, I was fortunate that the company behind ReMarkable 2 allowed me to test each product on offer. As such, I will highlight everything I received. Just be aware that many of the items are optional extras, and this is shown when you purchase your writing tablet.

Every object comes delivered in a crisp, striking, sturdy, and simple package. Furthermore, the goods are quality sealed, so you know everything is brand new. What’s more, there is an emphasis on recycling as all the packaging is paper or cardboard.
The ReMarkable 2 tablet comes pre-charged, but I recommend plugging it in before getting started. It is well-packaged and has a traditional but expensive look.
The USB C cable is made of a rubberised material and is of higher quality than most you receive with other pieces of technology. Moreover, it is long enough to be convenient and durable enough to survive multiple trips in your bag.
A straightforward and easy-to-understand user manual. This quick access guide explains the fundamentals of getting started. However, most of the start-up information is found on the tablet.

The ReMarkable 2 tablet comes in simple but effective packaging. — Simple but effective packaging.

The ReMarkable 2 tablet. — Simple but effective packaging.

The Accessories.

The basic Folio case. This grey textile protective cover is a fantastic way to protect your device when out and about. What’s more, it has a handy pocket to store your marker pen.
The Leather Book Folio case. The next step up from the basic model comes in three colours. I was sent the brown leather case that enhances its book-like feel and the traditional look. It is also magnetised and secures the tablet with ease. I adored this premium finish, as it complements the style whilst also being functional.
Standard marker. This grey writing tool is magnetised and a great way to make the most out of your tablet. It has a specialised nib and is pressure and tilt sensitive.
Marker Plus. This is the premium option that is a must-have for keen hobbyists and professional writers. It comes in a distinct black colour, uses the same pressure and tilt sensitive technology as the standard marker, and is also magnetised. However, where it differs is the built-in eraser for ease of use. Simply flip the pen over and undo any mistakes you make.
Spare Nibs. Both markers come with spare nibs to ensure you maintain the best quality writing instruments. They are simple to change and long-lasting. Consequently, there are no concerns that you will need to replace these often.

The Leather Folio Book Case in its simple packaging. — The Leather Folio Book case in its simple packaging.

The Leather Folio Book Case adds style and a traditional look to the ReMarkable 2 tablet. — The Leather Folio Book case in its simple packaging.

ReMarkable 2: It’s more than just a writing tablet.

Whenever I’ve discussed ReMarkable 2 with friends and family, they universally don’t understand the concept. Many of them believe that an iPad, Samsung Tablet, or even a mobile phone can deliver the same quality. However, they are wrong! Yes, the aforementioned products offer a version of the technology, while giving reasonable results, yet they are a million miles from what ReMarkable 2 delivers.

Not only is it a phenomenal note-taking device, but it allows you to work with templates, compose letters and documents, and much more. Subsequently, you can transcribe handwriting to email, make notes on PDFs, and demonstrate your work to a live audience. Therefore, it offers an array of solutions rarely seen in one package. On top of this, it has an exceptional battery life, can be carried in a small bag, and is the thinnest tablet on the market.

Alongside its stylish looks, massive 3000 mAh battery, and multi-faceted approach, it’s also unbelievably stable. Thanks to its purposefully designed Linux-based operating system, it doesn’t complicate matters. Therefore, crashes and errors are few and far between. In fact, my device never faltered once. This was particularly impressive as I allowed my young children to draw, scribble, and write to their heart’s content. Consequently, what I found was that it never stuttered, not even once, and that is mighty impressive.

The ReMarkable 2 tablet transcribes my terrible handwriting with ease. — Excuse my terrible handwriting.

Don’t let technology distract you.

Technology is a wonderful thing, but let’s be honest, it is distracting. Emails pinging left, right, and centre or the Internet, just begging to be searched. Whatever it is, it will stifle your creativity. Luckily, though, ReMarkable 2 is different. It doesn’t have apps, browsers, or games. There are no distractions and it is bliss. Therefore, when you sit down and write, nothing will stand in your way.

This return to my writing roots was magical and something I’ve yearned for for years. However, I worried that the blend of technology and traditional elements would be cold and callous. Yet, I was wrong. The team behind the tablet wants this to be as authentic as possible, and this was achieved through the final aesthetics.

Unlike its peers, ReMarkable 2 doesn’t rely on a sharp and bright back-lit screen. No, instead it incorporates something called a CANVAS display. This second-generation technology gives the impression of a paper-like surface without harsh lighting. As a result, it’s much easier on the eye and can be used in strong sunlight.

Alongside the beautifully subtle display is a feeling of friction and resistance similar to writing on paper. What’s more, you hear the familiar scratching of your pen as words form. This was the piece de resistance and something that surprised me. Here I was writing on a tablet, yet it captures everything I love about being an old-school journalist.

Technical Specifications.

Size and weight	187 x 246 x 4.7 mm Approximately 403.5 g (.88 lb)
Processor	1.2 GHz dual core ARM
Storage and RAM	1 GB LPDDR3 SDRAM 8 GB internal storage
Second-generation CANVAS display	10.3” monochrome digital paper display (no colors) 1872 x 1404 resolution (226 DPI) Partially powered by E Ink Carta technology Multi-point capacitive touch
Marker	No charging, setup, or pairing required Special high-friction pen tip Tilt detection 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 2.4GHz and 5GHz USB-C Accessory port
Battery	Rechargeable (Li-ion) battery USB-C charging 3000 mAh
Operating system	Codex — A purposely designed Linux-based operating system for low-latency digital paper displays
Document support	PDF and ePUB
Other	Menu language: English only Note and file syncing between reMarkable tablet and reMarkable apps for MacOS, Windows 10, iOS, and Android

Are there any negatives?

As a piece of technology, I can’t fault the ReMarkable 2. It is a phenomenal writing tool that can be used as an eReader as well as an amazing business tool. Subsequently, it has many uses that make it stand out from its peers. Furthermore, it is easy to set up, undeniably simple to master, and delivers on what it promises.

However, there is one small drawback: Sadly, the accessibility to every feature is locked behind a subscription service called Connect. This monthly renewable option allows users to transcribe written words to text, perform the tablet to screen elements, and more. Sadly, many may see this as an unnecessary expense, but I didn’t. This premium subscription service offers unrivalled benefits that none of its peers can touch. What’s more, there are regular updates that ensure the device is running optimally.

The ReMarkable 2 tablet with its fabric Folio case.

Is ReMarkable 2 worth it?

I was blown away by everything I experienced with my ReMarkable 2 tablet. From the simple but stunning packaging to the secure, reliable, and easy to understand operating system, this was a winner. Alongside this, the transcribing from handwriting to typed word was unlike anything I’ve experienced. The accuracy is just phenomenal, and this amazed me. Yes, it takes a little getting used to, and it highlights any lazy habits you have picked up. However, once you understand your flaws and its quirks, it’s incredible.

On top of this, the Marker Pens are responsive, wonderfully comfortable, and considerably weighty. They feel fantastic to hold and pick up every detail you make. What’s more, you are free to select from an array of digital tools. Whether it is a ballpoint pen, highlighter, pencil, calligraphy pen, or more, there is a vast choice. Furthermore, you can alter the colour, thickness, and so forth. This was a simple thing that ensures every element is user-friendly.

Everything considered, I was thoroughly impressed with what I saw. This tablet oozes quality and style from every pore and is worth every penny. It is fair to say there are always challengers to the throne, but ReMarkable 2 can’t be touched. I loved everything about it and I recommend you to buy it here! Don’t let technology shackle your thoughts. Return to a simpler way of writing and experience what it means to combine technology with good old fashioned paper.

Summary.

Finding a device that is as fantastic as ReMarkable 2 is rare. Subsequently, this exceptional tablet is quality personified and a must-have item. I adored everything it offered, even if it showed up my writing faults. Cut out the noise and distraction and allow yourself time to think.

_{(More information on ReMarkable 2 can be found here!)}

The Movies Games and Tech 5 out of 5 Gold award.

Review: Moon Knight Episode 1

Movies & TV

James Refelian

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Apr 4, 2022

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Spoiler Free Review of Moon Knight Episode 1

Moon Knight Official Trailer

Moon Knight is finally here! The much-anticipated next instalment of the Disney+ MCU series arrived on the 30 March 2022 with Moon Knight Episode 1. In the comics, Marc Spector (a mercenary) is left for dead and given powers from the Egyptian god Khonshu; he isn’t a god himself. Khonshu by the way is cool – he’s a god from Ancient Egypt who represented the moon. His name means “traveller”.

In Marvel Comics Khonshu is on a one-god war against evil. Marc Spector is given powers to become ‘the fist of Khonshu’ aka Moon Knight. Supernatural strength, heightened reflexes and endurance are part and parcel of this character’s powers, getting stronger depending on the phase of the moon. It will be interesting to see how closely the new series sticks to this origin. I am almost certain we’ll see the granting of the powers in a flashback sequence.

The series begins with Steven (Oscar Isaac), a museum worker at The British Museum in London going about his life. We learn quickly that he suffers with mental health problems as (as we saw in the trailer) he keeps himself chained to his bed and door taped up at night. If you know the comics, you know that Moon Knight’s alter ego also has dissociative identity disorder. Isaac plays this role brilliantly. He can achieve the subtle nuances of a man fighting an inner conflict – a mix of fear and sadness and in places, total confusion. While the British accent is a little hammy it’s certainly better than what us Brits usually suffer through in Hollywood productions where non-English actors attempt a ‘cockney/London’ accent.

The overall tone of Moon Knight Episode 1 is very much an introduction. We are introduced to the world of Moon Knight through the eyes of a character who knows as little as we do. That’s refreshing as we as an audience aren’t made to feel bad for not necessarily having read the comics. There is plenty of heart, interesting character study, light comedy and action sequences that will undoubtedly remind you of franchises like Indiana Jones.

In addition to Isaac, we also meet the character being played by Ethan Hawke. Another great portrayal of an interesting character. The series starts with an introduction to him over the main character. Hawke plays a cult leader exceptionally well, really grasping the double-edged sword of charisma and malice perfectly. His character is an interesting retelling of a known Moon Knight comic villain and I’m looking forward to seeing how this spin will work long term. Marvel is known from departing from comic book origins to give us something contemporary and fresh and Moon Knight is certainly no exception.

Visually, the show is a treat and Mohamed Diab has sympathetically introduced Ancient Egyptian mysticism into the MCU. Diab also gives us what promises to be a wonderful character study with Issac’s character. There is one scene in a London restaurant that is partuclarly moving. When most would have probably cut it out to keep pace Diab didn’t. For that I’m thankful.

Moon Knight Episode 1 also has a great soundtrack, which compliments the tone perfectly. What the series has to offer going forward will be exciting to find out.

Overall, Moon Knight is off to a fantastic start. It’s great to see a lessor known Marvel character being given a chance to shine. Isaac is honestly the perfect casting and I’m anticipating a strong series from the whole team and cast.

Review: Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tale Adventures

Daniel Waite

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Apr 4, 2022

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Review: Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tale Adventures

One of life’s small pleasures is being able to read to others. Subsequently, there is nothing more enjoyable than bringing the words of a book to life. Watching the audience’s reaction as the drama unfolds is priceless. What’s more, it’s equally great when artists reimagine classic tales. This is exactly what happens in Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tale Adventures. It’s a game all about familiar stories with amusing and unexpected twists.

Developed by Drakhar Studio and published by Outright Games Ltd., this is a colour action-adventure platform title. It utilises famous characters from Sony Pictures Animation films and will be a firm favourite for younger gamers. Furthermore, its gameplay unfolds across three well-known fairy tales, so adults can also enjoy what’s on screen.

Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tale Adventures is perfect for children.

Whenever I cover a game from this publishing and developer duo, I have to remember that their key audience is younger players. Consequently, the gameplay is usually much easier, has distinct repetitive qualities, and won’t challenge much more adept players. Therefore, an adult will probably tire of what they see, and won’t get the same enjoyment as a child would. However, as an onlooker, I enjoyed the twists of each plot, the colourful landscapes and the familiar tales and characters. Moreover, there are elements to the gameplay that younger players will struggle with, so this is the perfect opportunity to bond over a fun and whimsical title.

The action revolves around three classic fairy tales. There is Little Red Riding Hood, The Emperor’s New Clothes, and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. Each of these stories has a twist that usually involves the protagonists. For example, Little Red is played by Mavis, Dracula wants to play the part of Ali Baba, and it concludes with both heroes taking part in The Emperor’s New Clothes. Alongside the main characters, you will meet Frank, Johnny, Wayne, Murray, and more from this much-loved franchise. As I said, Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tale Adventures is aimed specifically toward children, but adults will enjoy much of the action.

Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tale Adventures has many mini-bosses to take down. — Thanks for the prize.

Repetitive, simple, but just right.

The gameplay is broken down into thirteen chapters. Little Red Riding Hood and Ali Baba comprise five chapters each, and the Emperor’s New Clothes only has three chapters. Now, this may not sound a lot, but the game forces you to return to most levels after new skills or powers are unlocked. Subsequently, each fairy tale takes a considerable amount of time to complete. If you also consider the collectables that must be gathered and each creature that must be slain, there is a lot going on.

Alongside this, you will have to tackle the end of story bosses that will challenge and defeat you. Consequently, they were one of the few difficult moments and take some patience and a tactical approach. Luckily, however, the developers aren’t monsters as they were generous with the ability to respawn whenever you died. Fortunately, checkpoints are never too far away, so you can simply jump back into the action as if nothing happened.

Standard Platforming mechanics.

Apart from the gargantuan bosses, many of the elements are familiar and easy to overcome. Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tale Adventures utilises standard platforming mechanics while mixing in some magical vampire powers. These special abilities help you to activate pressure plates, climb walls, jump obstacles, smash opponents, and more. Furthermore, you’ll have to scour each stage for coins, keys, and chests. These form the backbone of the collectable aspect and can be ignored if you so wish.

As already mentioned, the simplicity will be underwhelming for many older and more experienced players. Yet, younger gamers will love the repetitive nature and the straightforward approach. My children adored being able to play this with little guidance, and I was happy to let them explore, knowing that it was a safe and fun title with minimal violence and no gore.

All enemies must be defeated! — Kick some pumpkin ass Little Red Mavis.

Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tale Adventures doesn’t look Spooktacular.

Whenever I tackle any film inspired game, I expect the graphics to be highly polished and to wow me. However, Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tale Adventures doesn’t look Spooktacular. Yes, it is serviceable and children will love its colourful imagery, but it’s nothing special. The semi-linear gameplay is funnelled by invisible walls and claustrophobic spaces. What’s more, there is an array of glitches and issues. Monsters will disappear into the scenery, or you’ll die because you clip a wall or tree. Furthermore, Dracula’s running animation makes him look like a demented soldier doing the Goose step. Subsequently, it was very amusing, but the end product lacked polish and this was disappointing. However, my children didn’t seem to care, so maybe I’m just being picky.

As expected, the audio was inspired by each of the stories, and this was fantastic. The blend of songs was fascinating to listen to while adding a fun and whimsical element to the gameplay. What’s more, the sound effects were loud, unusual, and added a fantasy twist. However, what I found to be annoying were the repetitive sound bites that accompany much of the action. Had the developers toned this down a little, it would have been a better experience.

Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tale Adventures is full of colourful and weird environments. — Why do you look so smug Dracula?

Easy controls but thwarted by the terrible camera angles.

Whenever a game is aimed toward youngsters, you know it’ll be easy to master. Luckily, Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tale Adventures didn’t let me down! Thanks to its excellent tutorial, little guidance is needed to help children play it. Yet, this was far from perfect, as the camera angles are utterly atrocious. I mean, they are the worst I’ve seen in a long, long time! Furthermore, depth perception is hard to judge, and this causes much frustration and many unnecessary deaths. If you stand too close to a solid object, the camera moves and turns as if you are rocking on a boat. Subsequently, it’s nauseating and unnecessary. It made me sigh and mutter repeatedly and is the most disappointing element of this title.

Thanks to the monstrous amount of collectables, there is some replay value and longevity. You must collect cards, coins, and Frank’s body parts on each level you undertake. This involves you finding chests, killing monsters, and smashing everything in sight. It isn’t challenging by any stretch, but it’ll keep younger players entertained for hours. If you rushed through this, I’d expect it to last around five to six hours. However, if you take your time and search for everything, then you’ll need around ten hours to complete it.

Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tale Adventures is what it is!

Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tale Adventures sets its stall out very early on. Consequently, you know it won’t test a mature gamer or keep them entertained. Yet, if you are a parent, then this is the perfect addition to your library. Its whimsical and colourful ways will amuse younger players without the risk of gore, sex, or bad language. Furthermore, you’ll be amused by the twists in the plot and the colourful characters. Yes, there are issues, but most games have them. All things considered, this is an excellent title for children and I recommend you to buy it here! Can you complete each of the stories and find the collectables? Use your special powers, enjoy the unusual stories, and help Mavis and Dracula in their new roles.

Review: Cookie Clicker

Davide Roriz

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Apr 4, 2022

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If you have played Cookie Clicker previously, then you know what to expect, and you’re well aware that this might ruin your free time in the coming months. On the other hand, if you’ve never given it a chance, or if this is the first time that you’ve heard of Cookie Clicker or incremental games in general, then you might be confused as to why such a silly game has garnered such a huge following.

In essence, incremental games all have the same goal, you gotta make numbers go up. Sometimes you’ll have to reset a part of your progress to reap some rewards, but it all comes down to maximizing your productivity, whether that be cookies, ores, or whatever. In this case, in Cookie Clicker you’ll be building your cookie empire little by little, spending cookies as a way of further expanding your cookie making capabilities.

There are plenty of games like this out there, each with their own theme and mechanics, but I’m pretty sure that the genre only exploded in popularity when Cookie Clicker became a thing back in 2013. I actually find it hard to believe that it’s been almost a decade since I clicked my first cookie and found a new source of a dopamine rush.

So yeah, Cookie Clicker is a game about clicking on a huge cookie, but it actually isn’t. Despite its name, Cookie Clicker is more what you’d call an idle game, or an idler, and this is true for a lot of games in this genre. What this means is that you’ll actually only be doing something in the game every now and then, like buying upgrades that allow you to make more cookies. Meanwhile, most of your progress happens when you just leave the game open and let it do its thing, which in this case is making delicious chocolate cookies.

Still with me? Does it sound silly? If you’ve answered yes to both of these questions, then good, that means you’re one step closer to embracing a new addiction. Now, the truth is that, even though the game has only recently been released on Steam, it’s actually available for free here. Yes, it’s the whole game, pretty much a carbon copy of the paid Steam version, or vice versa, but you get what I’m saying.

So, the question is, what exactly does one get from buying the game on Steam? Well, besides the obvious one of having the game neatly stored in what’s probably your biggest game’s library on PC, I’d argue that its biggest feature is support for cloud saves and its integration with Steam Cloud. I honestly can’t stress how big of a deal that is for me, as I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve lost all of my progress in the past 9 years.

Besides that, the game also supports mods through Steam’s Workshop, over 500 achievements for all the achievement hunters out there, as well as some lovely music by the one and only C418. If that sounds familiar, that might be thanks to Minecraft.

At the end of the day, if you’ve read this far, I honestly don’t know why you did so. The game is free, so just try it out for yourself instead of letting someone online try to convince you to click some cookie. If you find any slight amount of enjoyment from it, then the game is ridiculously cheap on Steam, or you can also support the developer directly on Patreon.

Whether you end up liking Cookie Clicker, hating it, or letting it consume you, I won’t be held responsible for your actions. If you choose to delve deeper into the incremental games’ abyss, you do so at your own peril. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go check if grandma is still keeping up with the cookie production.

Review: Princess Farmer

Natosha M

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Apr 3, 2022

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Have you been searching for a new puzzle game with an adorable story that follows? Maybe one that includes you being a Princess bunny who must solve a few different puzzles through a vegetable garden-themed game board, by matching similar vegetables to win? If so, then check out this new game, Princess Farmer. It’s got that similar concept to Bejeweled, match 3 or more in a row to win, but it takes a few different challenging twists on how to play and win the game, making it original and even more interesting!

How Was The Game?

When I first began playing, the graphics were the first to attract my attention. It’s got such a cute variety of characters, background designs, and even adorable music playing throughout the game. It’s quite cheerful and welcoming to anyone who wants to play. I adore the cute bunnies with the cartoony-style appeal and many more 2D, cheerful animal friends to meet and some not so friendly, frenemies to beat.

Next, what stood out was the design of each episode being played in the form of a VHS-style tape. They all are including a different story and a variety of difficult options to choose from. There is even a quick play, which can be done with a co-op or as in the rest of the episodes, the story mode. I’ve played mainly the story mode where I got to visit the many other bunny characters and solve the problems that the animals needed me to. Each board game had a different challenge, with a few similar ones. The harder difficulty level was a great way to rack up the points and took a bit longer to accomplish, but the entire game can be done quite quickly if played nonstop without breaks or pausing. Additionally, there are a few items that one can acquire and use during the game to change the player’s appearance.

Also, as mentioned before, each puzzle board is themed as a vegetable garden. The only buttons you need to use are those that move you or help you pull up or put down the vegetables so that you can make 3 in a row match or more. Some of the challenges I’ve had to figure out were those that required the vegetable the animals in the forest may want, as well as matching each vegetable in a certain alignment. It’s not too tricky, while some have you going against a timer to see how much you can earn with each combination.

I honestly loved the different tasks, not being the same as you hop from one puzzle to the next. I don’t feel that it’s too much of a game that pressures the player, but there are some that might have you trying to think quickly, but not all the time. The only downfall about the game is that the story mode might be easy to complete. Leaving the player wanting more. This is something I’ve felt when I completed the game. There isn’t anything else I could find negative about the game. Everything played great and so was the story and puzzles that followed.

Final thoughts

I honestly feel that Princess Farmer is a cute and fast game to complete, with a few different challenging puzzles and episodes to visit. It also has a few original features, which makes it different than many other matching-style puzzle games. It would be a great game for anyone who loves a challenge or those who love to play at a relaxed pace. There are a few things that can be done in this game and it may fit anyone’s preference when it comes to a puzzle game. Regardless of the length of time, it takes to finish, this is still a great one to try and packs plenty of cuteness as you play!