Review: Spot the Intro

Daniel Waite
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Review: Spot the Intro

Spot the Intro board game is the second product I’m reviewing from Cheatwell Games. I’ve recently covered Tension and I applauded its competitive nature and easy-to-use approach. This game takes a slightly more time-pressured approach as 15 seconds and a handful of bars of music is all you have to succeed. This cruel design is challenging and can lead to frustration. However, it is fun, amusing, and highlights everyone’s musical prowess.

It doesn’t matter what age you are, there is a category for everyone. Whether you like 60s music or more modern stuff, you’ll find a tune that you’ll love. Word of warning, though, you’ll need the Internet to play this up-to-date game. As you access each category, you must use the QR codes to select each song. Once the information loads up, you may use an array of popular streaming platforms to play each tune. This was great as the action flows nicely.

What’s in the box of Spot the Intro?

  • The packaging is small and hard-wearing. Furthermore, the colours are attractive and it will look great on your shelf. 
  • The board is small and robust. Moreover, the colours are vibrant and it is built to last.
  • There are 6 categories of questions to pick from. 
  • An array of colour tokens can be selected. 
  • Learn the basics with the rulebook. 

How to play Spot the Intro. 

The concept of Spot the Intro is exceptionally easy. Players have 15 seconds to listen to a track and state the song. Furthermore, there are bonus points for naming the artist. If you can get either of those points, you can attempt to answer the additional question for another point. If you only manage 1 correct answer, you move 1 place. 2 answers, 2 places, and 3 answers, 3 places. As you land on a square, you must pick between 2 categories. This process continues until the winning team has reached the end.

As you scan the QR code, you are given the option of using Apple or Amazon Music on your device. Alternatively, you may use YouTube. The latter option was great as it was free. Yet, be aware that unless you are a premium subscriber, you will be directed to adverts between songs. Accordingly, if you subscribe to a premium music service, this is advised for the optimum experience. 

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How easy is it to play?

We played in teams of 4 and had a varied age group. Unfortunately, our youngest struggled as the music was a little old for her. However, anyone from the age of 8 who is keen on modern music will have a good time. The songs are varied and the manufacturer hasn’t focused on one genre. Subsequently, there is something for everyone and this will test your musical knowledge.

Moving across the board and keeping track of scores was also simple. The 3-point system was perfect and this kept things from becoming complicated. Most of our games lasted between 40 minutes and an hour. Consequently, it never outstays its welcome and we enjoyed every moment.

Build quality. 

Spot the Intro is built to last. The packaging is strong and the small box is ideal for your gaming room or storage area. The small board is perfect for tiny workstations as well. Therefore, if you love to play games when camping or you wish to take this to a friend’s house, the small packaging is ideal. 

The board is light but robust and the colours are vibrant. I appreciated the vinyl record layout and the contrasting colour palette. Furthermore, each QR code was easy to scan and I never struggled to access each song. Finally, every part of the game fits snugly into the box and it was easy to unpack and repack the game.

Is Spot the Intro worth it?

Spot the Intro is aimed at a niche music-loving audience. Additionally, you may not be a fan of some of the music choices, so this will put some people off. Yet, I loved the variety and how easy it was to play. Moreover, the board design and the hard-wearing materials ensure that it is great to look at and will last the test of time. Consequently, I love this game and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on Cheatwell Games can be found here!)

Spot the Intro has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)

Review: Construction Simulator Stadium Expansion

Daniel Waite
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Review: Construction Simulator Stadium Expansion

Construction Simulator Stadium Expansion adds 20 hours of building madness to the core game. I reviewed the base title in 2022 and scored it an 8/10. Here is a summary of my thoughts. “If you adore the genre, this will tick every box. With masses of things to do, plenty of machines to master, and a deep management model to explore, it is incredible. I have few complaints, and therefore, I can easily recommend you to buy it!”.

Needless to say, I was excited to jump back into the construction industry to see what this new DLC offered. Unfortunately, my save was no longer available, so I wasted a fair few hours getting myself to the DLC elements. However, this wasn’t so bad as I was able to familiarise myself with the fundamentals and redo each fun mission.

This ultra-realistic simulation title was developed by Weltenbauer and published by Astragon Entertainment GmbH. Furthermore, it is a solo third-person experience. This may annoy gamers who enjoy first-person perspectives, but it didn’t bother me at all. I liked the external camera position and the clear markers to complete each task at hand.

Construction Simulator Stadium Expansion has a fun plot. 

I’m a sucker for a sim game with a decent story. Thankfully, Construction Simulator Stadium Expansion ticks this box. It has 5 main story elements and a handful of generic contracts to complete. Alongside this, there are plenty of plant machines to drive and loads of miscellaneous tasks to follow. As such, there is plenty to keep you busy as you improve your company.

I was a fan of the story but the acting was wooden. The lack of emotion and the inability to refer to the protagonist with the correct pronouns made me laugh repeatedly. I’m not sure why the developer allows you to create a character only for the dialogue not to match up. It was a strange choice, but one that lightens the mood throughout. 

Balance the books. 

The gameplay demands that you build your business slowly. Expansion is tedious but there is a realistic edge that I appreciated. As you complete each job, you are awarded cash and XP. The money is required to hire equipment and buy materials. Moreover, you’ll need to pay for repairs and fuel. Thankfully, it isn’t that challenging to earn a good wage and your bank balance flourishes as a consequence. XP is a little tougher to collect and levelling up your character takes time and effort. Yet, once you start moving through the ranks, your skills become stronger and each task is easier to execute.

Construction Simulator Stadium Expansion focuses on the revival of the town and a new tourist attraction. The massive stadium is tackled across the 5 core missions and it was fascinating watching everything come together. Much of the 20-hour gameplay revolves around this task and I liked the familiar mechanics and the enormous project that you undertake.

Construction Simulator Stadium Expansion looks rough. 

Visually, Construction Simulator Stadium Expansion isn’t that pretty. The textures are rough and items, cars, and trucks appear out of nowhere. Alongside this, items clip through solid objects, and the trees and other surrounding elements appear flat and lifeless. This was disappointing as I hoped a new DLC would have a slightly polished edge. Though the graphics don’t detract from the action, they are tough to look at. 

The audio isn’t much better. The basic sound effects rumble away whilst you execute each task. The noise of the engines and the scrape of a bucket on the floor are perfectly suitable. Yet, it’s the constant noise that is tough to swallow. Every element of this game requires high-powered machinery. Subsequently, there is no respite and your ears will hate the continuous drone. On top of this, the acting is laughable and the developers could have done much better. 

The controls are okay. 

The gameplay is broken down into 2 key aspects; exploration and construction. The latter option is fantastic. The control system is well explained and completing every job was fun. Furthermore, a helpful UI and tutorial keep you on top of each job. The exploration elements are weak and cumbersome. Steering your truck is painful and you’ll spend more time crashing into walls or other vehicles than you’d like. As such, the control system could have been much better. 

20 hours of additional gameplay is great value for money. Despite the poor driving controls and the woeful aesthetics, Construction Simulator Stadium Expansion is a great addition to the core game. 11 main missions and contracts will keep you busy and the ideas integrate nicely with the original story. Consequently, this has plenty of replay value and longevity.

Construction Simulator Stadium Expansion is a decent addition. 

Despite its shortcomings, this base game and DLC are extremely good examples of the simulation genre. Moreover, the ability to drive massive machines and build monstrous projects is something I couldn’t resist. Subsequently, I like this expansion and I recommend buying it here! Can you improve the fortunes of the town? Complete every contract, hire the correct equipment, and build that stadium ASAP.

Review: Fairy Tail: Dungeons

Saim Khurshid
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Review: Fairy Tail: Dungeons

Developed by Genolabo and published by Kodansha, Fairy Tail: Dungeons is an RPG deck-building rogue-lite featuring characters from the Fairy Tail anime series.

I will make it clear, I have no idea of the Fairy Tail series. I knew it existed but every time it came into view, it looked like PG- Smut. As far as tie-in games go, this one is no lazy phone-in.

A Fairy Tail accounted for

There are a lot of characters in this deck-building rogue-lite and they come and go as you play. I dared to try and remember all their names but ultimately I had to give up. Maybe if I had seen the 328 episodes of Fairy Tail, I might have an idea but I have a life to live.

Regardless, for the sake of these reviews, I am gonna go through characters via look and their cliche in the world of Fairy Tail.

Story

The deck-building rogue-lite begins inside a giant castle. A boy with pinky-red hair and a thick white scarf is running towards the basement. He has a Blue with white tummy anthropomorphic tom cat with him and they are both in a hurry.

In the basement, they meet a hooded figure that reveals itself to be another anthropomorphic cat but Gray.

The cat tells MC and his sidekick cat that there are secret magical mazes that need to be traversed or something bad might happen. The cat says he is looking for a character(Who will remain un-described) and the MC says that the person is his friend too.

They all enter the maze through a giant glowing teleportation door to find the dude in question.

This is where they introduce the Gameplay. However, I want to finish the story first. Don’t worry, I won’t spoil anything, just giving you the idea.

After we fail to find our friend and are kicked out of the maze, we get reunited with our other buddies. One is a pink girl with armour that protects absolutely nothing on her body and a tall guy without a shirt.

After we give them a summary, We get to pick one of the three humans as our MC. (More on that later)

The way this is introduced made me think that more characters would get unlocked as you play, but in my time, I failed to get any so I don’t know.

Other Characters

We go through the portal again, see a map of progress and the Fairy Tail starts anew.

Now, as the game progresses, we get these little moments called interactions. In these, we will meet other characters on their personal missions. These characters would either be already known by our MC or by the hooded grey cat(#fan service). I’ll get to the purpose of these interactions later.

There are a lot of these interactions and almost every time you meet someone new with their own set of plot and dialogue.

I won’t spoil any of their stories but I will tell you that meeting them has plot significance and I will tell you that Fairy Tail: dungeons does have an ending.

Not just a dungeon crawler

Gameplay-wise, it is a fairly simple ordeal. You go room after room in a dungeon through a map and fight enemies. After each fight ends, the Health from it is carried on to the next fight. If it runs out, you die. Combat is turn-based and deck-based. 

You are given 4 cards. Each card has a required ‘power points’ number on them. The cards are one of three: Defence, Attack and effect. These can be punches and kicks or magic attacks. The more the game goes on, the more of these cards you get. 

You have 3 ‘power points’ by default. 

The enemies are a classic affair of RPG- Cliche. We are talking about orcs, trolls, bats, glob monsters, etc. 

You attack in your turn and then take a hit from every enemy in their turn. Yes, it is as unfair as it sounds.

Characters

After the tutorial is finished you are introduced to two playable characters leaving you with a choice of three.

  • Red hair Kid: Brawler: Starts with moves about punching and kicking.
  • Pink Girl: Magic: Starts with Magical Attacks
  • Shirtless Dude: Evader: Starts with a lot of Dodges and blocks(Seriously the best option)

I get the feeling this was supposed to be a party-gathering game. Won’t complain as it has some charm to it with the single-character system.

Upgrade system

Main thing you want to focus on gameplay-wise in the deck-building rogue-lite Fairy Tail: Dungeons, is collection and upgrading cards. This being a rogue-lite, these cards stay with you in future playthroughs but the upgrades do not. So deal with that wisely.

Like a fork with one missing tine, you can new cards/upgrades in three ways:

  • Trader: A shop set up on the map that you can access to buy either new cards or other usable items such as health, modifiers, etc.
  • Awards: Winning a fight gives you three basic cards or items. You get a rare award for clearing the stage.
  • Travellers: Meeting new characters gets you gifts from these characters. These gifts could be cards or items. When you meet a character the second time, you will help them in a battle. Win this battle and they will award you with a special card that does not charge any power points to use.
  • Journal: before and after fights, you can access your journal. In this journal, you can get yourself permanent upgrades using money.
  • Campfire: Finally, the rogue-lite has a campfire at the end of every stage. You can replenish 30 points of health or upgrade any card in your use.

Would come again!

A lot to unpack with this game but in the end, it got me wanting to play more. Fairy Tail: Dungeons would throw something new towards me whenever I started to feel a little bit of repetitiveness, and it would be reel back in.

Let me make it clear that I am no fan of Rouge-likes or Rouge-lites and I certainly have not watched a second of Fairy Tail, but still, I had a blast with this one. Now take that as you will but as far as I am concerned, Fairy Tail: Dungeons is a recommendation from me. 

Maybe I should watch the show. You know, get addicted to over 300 episodes of Weeb stuff.

Technological Advancements In The World Of Online Casinos

Andrew Edney
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Technological Advancements In The World Of Online Casinos

The industry of online casinos has grown significantly and has come a long way within the last few years, thanks to technological improvements. From expanding Aviator games and the possibilities of accessing games and increasing the entertainment value of the gaming process, technology is gradually defining the future of online gambling. In the next section, you will look at the major technological advancements that are revolutionizing the online casino business and enhancing the experience of the players.

Innovative New Casino Games: A Spotlight on Aviator

Online casinos have always been a fascinating area of entertainment that knows incredible new releases like Aviator games. In the market saturated with classic games, aviator stands out as a unique game giving the player the chance to think and take risks. In Aviator games the symbol depicted is a small airplane that appears on the screen with a multiplier on the rise and the player has to cash out at the right time before the airplane flies away and the game ends. The more time you give, the more you stand a chance to get a huge payout but the chances of losing it all also increase with time. The game combines the elements of time, guessing and probability in a very simple yet very challenging and entertaining way.

The game mechanics within the Aviator design are completely up to date and make for a very tense and exciting experience for the players in real time. This is a nice change from the usual slot machine or table game of traditional casinos and has gained a lot of followers which prove that new technologies are enabling casino game designers to come up with new ideas. Gamblers seeking variety are turning to games such as Aviator to demonstrate how new ideas are revolutionizing the online casino market.

Mobile Gaming

The first great change that can be observed in the sphere of online casinos is mobile gaming. All the current online casinos have a mobile version, which means that you can play your most loved games on the go. Sometimes you are just killing time, say at a train station and other times you are just lounging at home; one thing is for sure, mobile gaming apps have popularized casual gambling by making whole casinos portable. The advancement in user interfaces and the convenience of gaming have surely improved the popularity of online casinos for mobile phones.

Enhanced Graphics and Game Design

Technology has made casino games have very good graphics and the design of the games has been stepped up in these online casinos. The new casino games have improved a lot and players can now find high-definition graphics, smooth animation and even realistic sound effects. This emphasis on the visual and the aural makes it easier to recreate the thrill of a real casino floor and brings the whole experience right to the player’s fingertips, making online gambling a truly engaging experience.

Faster Payment Methods

It is also due to technological advancements that the process of payments is made a lot easier in online casinos. It is now possible to find numerous fast and safe deposit and withdrawal options including credit and debit cards as well as e-wallets and bank transfers. This feature has successfully cut down on the time that a player has to wait before they can either deposit money into their accounts or withdraw their winnings. These enhancements in financial transactions have brought benefits to the satisfaction of online casino players.

Live Dealer Games

Of all the new features that have been added to online casinos in recent years, live dealer games have to be one of the most thrilling. Live stream technology enables the players to interact with real people through video links and thus makes the virtual casino experience more tangible. For example, in blackjack, roulette and baccarat, it is possible to communicate with the dealer and other players, as well as with the cards dealt. This combination of advanced technology with face-to-face contact has injected new life into online gambling.

Security Enhancements

Due to the increase in the number of online gaming sites, security is one of the most valued aspects to both the players and the gaming companies. With the help of encryption and SSL, information like personal and financial data is protected from being attacked by hackers. Moreover, two-factor authentication and biometric identification are used more and more often to protect players’ accounts. These technological precautions have enhanced the trust of the players in online casinos and have thus made them more secure for the whole world.

Customizability

Online casinos are integrating personalization features that enable the players to choose what they would like to play. The game features provide players with options to change things such as language, color and sound to the preference of the player. Some platforms go further to recommend games to the players depending on their behavior which will make the players get games that they will enjoy playing. This level of customization helps keep the players interested and certainly increases their satisfaction level. 

Cross-Platform Compatibility

This has been made possible by the many devices that players can use to access online casinos, which makes cross platform compatibility a must. These features are up to date to make sure that games will work well with PCs, Laptops, tablets and even smartphones without reducing the enjoyability and performance of the game. One is also allowed to transfer from one device to the other with ease in the middle of a game whether it is from a computer at home to a mobile phone. This flexibility of use improves the user experience, since gamers can enjoy a nice gaming session without interruptions.

Review: Natsu-Mon 20th Century Summer Kid

Khloe Turner
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Review: Natsu-Mon 20th Century Summer Kid

The summer has officially dwindled away, but the yearning for the dog days remain. Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid encapsulates this pure sentimentality (or perhaps a longing) of rural 90s summertime recreation. A game filled with exploration and novelty–a birth between The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild‘s expansiveness and Animal Crossing‘s chillness–Kaz Ayabe of Millennium Kitchen crafted yet again another nostalgic experience. After all, it was Ayabe behind the famed Boku no Natsuyasumi series.

The game was released worldwide outside of Japan in August of 2024. It can be played on PC, Steam, and the Nintendo Switch.

Wakey wakey, rise and shine!

A small family travels to Yomogi Town in rural Japan to join up with a circus troupe. They are worried about having enough funds and the proper licensing to do so, however. Their 10 year-old son, player character Satoru, promises to help them with accruing money. However, on the second day of the game, the parents suddenly disappear, and Satoru is left in the care of the rest of the troupe and Kyoko, the town’s innkeeper.

intro to natsu-mon 20th century summer kid

Natsu-Mon is set in the sunny month of August, taking place over a period of 31 days. Satoru is left to his own devices catching bugs, chatting up townsfolk of both friendly and suspicious natures, discovering new geography, solving local mysteries, and climbing up anything imaginable. Perhaps one day, Satoru will have enough stamina to climb to the tippy top of the circus tent.

A main feature of the game is that Satoru has this special summertime school project where he documents each day with a journal. He draws pictures and writes descriptions (e.g., “First bug caught this summer!”). The player can add a cute stamp to it too. The drawings are adorable and you can choose the length and detail of the journal entries.

There’s 31 days of summer vacation . . .

Players are able to gain more stamina and hand tools easily, but Satoru’s only true limitation is time. There is a day-to-night cycle and the player should be in bed by 10pm. The time, however, can only be known if you find the watch. Otherwise, you will be shut down a bit Stardew Valley-style without the on-screen fainting.

dinner with the circus troupe

Players can catch hundreds of bugs, reel in fish, adding them to a personal collection or offering your findings to the museum like in Animal Crossing. Or, Satoru can give certain catches to Kyoko in order to make specific seafood recipes. Satoru can ride the bus, sell bottles and sea shells for money, and take on little side quests such as figuring out why the shrine path mysteriously went dark or filling out an insect encyclopedia for the town’s reporter. It is a certainly relaxing, low-key experience for those searching for this kind of game. I think I would enjoy playing Natsu-Mon while on a long train ride or flight.

For the Type-A personalities out there, do not fret. Natsu-Mon does offer little goals to meet, and players get cool stickers for achieving them. Goals include catching ten different species of bugs, or trying to climb up the clock tower, for example. You can also determine how fast each day goes. Players can change the setting to make time fly by faster, if you would like more of a challenge. Players can leave it on normal or make the game more “relaxed,” with much longer daylight in-game hours. I personally think that “normal” works fine. Yomogi Town and surrounding areas are big, but not that big, so I believe that players can manage doing most everything within a simple month. If not, it creates further replayability.

A world of wonder and whimsy

Stylistically, the game looks whimsical and fun! Natsu-Mon features colorful, detailed 3D environments with a cartoony approach. Each and every character looks unique and animated, making the world feel alive alongside its countryside aesthetic.

cartoon Japanese landscape in natsu-mon

The music was composed by Hideki Sakamoto and Ryo Shirasawa, integrating beautifully with the visual design and makes players feel at ease.

The biggest issue with the game is the myriad of translation errors. Natsu-Mon is probably best played in its original Japanese language, as aligned with the handful of voice-acting scattered throughout the game. Fortunately, Natsu-Mon is not plot-centered, so it can get by alright with translation issues here and there . . . but it’s quite enigmatic. You have to play close attention and use contextual clues to figure a lot of it out. I do find a bit of humor in it though.

satoru of the circus troupe catching bugs in natsu-mon

Final thoughts

Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid might not top the beloved Boku no Natsuyasumi games, but regardless it offers lots of replayability and a sense of warm, childlike sentimentality. I think I would have adored this title during the pandemic situation. Or times where I longed to be in the outdoors myself. It is very much a combat-less, open Zelda game and a hodgepodge of those highly acclaimed life simulations.

art journal of Satoru in natsu-mon

I truly recommend this game for fans of explorative adventures like Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing, or those just looking to reminisce on the good old days, both real and imagined.

Review: Creatures of Ava

Daniel Waite
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Review: Creatures of Ava

Creatures of Ava is a wholesome title that may not grab you at first. Its art style takes some getting used to and its basic quests and side missions never test you. However, once you become accustomed to its looks and you fall for its charms, you’ll become emotionally connected with the fantasy story.

This creature rescue adventure was developed by Inverge Studios and published by 11 bit studios. Moreover, it is a single-player, third-person experience. Unlike many of its peers, it focuses on healing, friendship, and love. Thankfully, fighting and violence take a backward seat and this creates a pleasant and calming atmosphere.

Creatures of Ava tells an amusing and touching story. 

The developer wastes no time in chucking you in at the deep end. From the off, you are surrounded by interesting creatures and lore-filled artefacts. Additionally, there is a clan of untrusting but fun aliens to interact with. This blend of outlandish sci-fi gives you no time to breathe. However, the exceptional narrative from Rhianna Pratchett delivers a captivating and magical plot that delivers on many levels.

You play the role of Vic, a 22-year-old nature adventurer. This would-be hero is partnered with a serious but loving scientist called Tabitha. The pair have been sent to Ava on a special but challenging mission. An infection known as “The Withering” is changing the planet. This cruel disease is poisoning the plants and changing the animals. Yet, the heroes must work with the Naam to eliminate the threat and save every creature of the titular planet.

Simple gameplay. 

Open-world adventures are usually giant collectathons filled with challenging and rewarding action. Creatures of Ava bucks this trend as many of the linear quests are easy to complete. Moreover, the straightforward fetch missions and photography elements won’t test you. 

This isn’t a complaint as it is the simplicity that sets it apart from its competitors. What’s more, the need to use robots and music to save each creature was fascinating. The local creatures fear you and it isn’t until you play their song that rapport can be built. Once you have their trust, they will follow you like a sheep with a shepherd.

As you remove the animals or you complete quests you earn XP. This can be put to good use as a small skill tree can be unlocked. This element was essential as your magical staff casts stronger spells. Moreover, breaking “the Withering” becomes easier as your magic connects with multiple victims.

Creatures of Ava is a colour explosion. 

Though the action may be underwhelming, visually, it is a colour explosion. Creatures of Ava uses its fantasy theme to its fullest. The bizarre creatures come in all shapes and sizes. Additionally, the trees and plants have a glorious out-of-this-world edge. Though the world isn’t massive, each key location offers enough variety. This blend of aliens and individual environments made every step an exciting experience.

Unfortunately, though it is vibrant and eye-catching, it has its problems. Screen tears, misplaced colours, and odd highlighting tarnish the end product. What’s more, I lost my tamed creatures through the gaming world repeatedly. This lack of finesse was disappointing and I hoped for better. 

The audio is a mixed bag as well. The soundtrack is wholesome and upbeat. Furthermore, it has some dramatic moments to complement the combat encounters. This was great as it enhanced the touching story and the fantasy theme. Sadly, though, the voice-over work was hit and miss. When it included the acting, it was great and worked exceptionally well. Yet, some cutscenes had no acting and this was strange. The game would have been better had every scene been supported.

Comfortable controls. 

The developer has made Creatures of Ava a user-friendly experience. Though the bugs undermine the exceptional controls, it is easy to master. Furthermore, the UI is streamlined and this allows you to focus on the excellent story and rescuing each creature. 

This isn’t a particularly long game. Even when you consider each region and the long list of animals to save, there isn’t a lot to it. However, there are meditation points to find, wind charms to capture, and photos to take. What’s more, there are plenty of side quests to tackle if you wish. As such, there is enough to keep you busy.

Creatures of Ava is limited but fun.

Creatures of Ava doesn’t excel as an adventure game. Instead, it is its fantasy story and charming nature that capture my attention. I loved the weird creatures and the lush environments. Moreover, the wholesome plot is funny and touching. Accordingly, I enjoyed it and I recommend buying it here! Can you remove the infection and save the day? Help the Naam, rescue the creatures, and become a hero.

Review: Tension

Daniel Waite
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Review: Tension

I adore board games. Getting friends and family around a table and laughing and joking is heartwarming. Furthermore, the added competitive edge creates an enjoyable atmosphere that is hard to beat. Accordingly, when I’m offered some interesting board games to review, I can’t turn them down. Cheatwell Games have asked me to look at several of their products. The first is Tension. This fast-paced and loud experience is great for all of the family. Moreover, it is easy to understand and tough to put down.

A game can last up to an hour, but 40 minutes was the sweet spot. Moreover, there are tons of questions to ask and plenty of challenging and easy categories to navigate. Consequently, this is ideal for players from all backgrounds and ages. Unlike other board games, this one requires a tiny workspace. Therefore, it is perfect if you are camping or you have a small living room table.

What’s in the box of Tension?

  • The packaging is small, colourful, and reassuringly robust. It is perfect for staking with other games and it highlights the basic concept. 
  • The board is small and strong. I like the vivid colours and easy-to-follow tiles. 
  • 4 packs of questions are provided.
  • 2 figurines are required to move around the board. 
  • Keep on top of the score with the push/pull counter. 
  • An egg timer helps you time each round. 
  • Learn the fundamentals with the rules. 

How do you play it?

I won’t go into every detail, but Tension is remarkably easy to play. The aim of the game is to navigate the board and get to the end first. En route, you’ll have to answer either red or blue questions on a set subject. Each team has 1 minute to shout out any answer they believe is relevant to the subject. There are 10 possible answers and the questioning team must mark off each correct answer. However, if an answer is replicated, the questioning team can shout at the answering team to distract them.

As you navigate the board, some special exceptions must be acknowledged. You may pick your category or state how many answers you think you’ll get right. These special tiles are few and far between, but they add enough of a dynamic to keep things interesting. 

How easy is Tension to play?

We played Tension with a varied age group. Our youngest player was 6 and the oldest was 72. Subsequently, we had a good range of players and a solid knowledge foundation. This made the action easy to understand and simple to follow. Though the youngest players struggled with the concept of repetitive answers, this mattered not. You are free to be as friendly or as competitive as you like, so we just went with option 1.

The varied subject matter helped to keep everyone on their toes. Furthermore, the special tiles added a fun layer that enhanced the competitive edge. What I adored most was the short playtime. With such a varied age group, they could have become distracted quite easily. However, 40 minutes was perfect and they never got bored.

Build quality. 

I hate it when board games are poorly made. Thankfully, Tension is built to last. The board is chunky and strong and the cards are robust. What’s more, I loved the vivid colours and the easy-to-read font. The packaging is nicely constructed and I wasn’t worried about unpacking and repacking each piece. Finally, the box looks fantastic when stacked on a shelf. Though this may seem minor, many board game enthusiasts love to have their collection on display. Consequently, this one will not be an eye sore and it will not look out of place. 

Is Tension worth it?

Tension is one of those games that can be played on a rainy day or when friends come over for a drink. Its competitive edge will cause minor arguments, but it isn’t as bad as Monopoly. This affordable board game is the ideal game for Christmas or maybe you wish to treat someone to a new item for their collection. Either way, it is fantastic and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on Cheatwell Games can be found here!)

Tension has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)

Review: Yoto Mini

Daniel Waite
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Review: Yoto Mini

The Yoto Mini is a tiny but powerful audio device for all of the family. This incredible tool is the smaller but more versatile version of the Yoto player. I love that music box and my youngest daughter listens to it daily. Accordingly, when we had the opportunity to get our hands on its portable sibling, we jumped at the chance.

This tiny device requires some minor compromises. However, this doesn’t undermine your listening experience and I believe you get great value for money. Additionally, you enjoy Yoto radio, unlimited audio, and every exceptional story via the Yoto digital store or physical cards. Consequently, if your kids love audiobooks or music, the Yoto Mini is the perfect tool for them. 

What are the compromises?

The Yoto player is a powerful audio device that is suited for a bedroom or living area. Furthermore, it can be charged wirelessly and it has a massive battery life. On top of this, there is stereo sound, a thermometer, and a nightlight. As such, it packs plenty of tech into its compact design.

The Yoto Mini focuses on a portable approach. Subsequently, a few of these elements have had to be removed. The battery is around half the Yp capacity and it can only be charged via USB. Furthermore, it has mono sound and there is no nightlight or thermometer. None of these compromises bothered me as I loved the portability and the large chunky buttons.

What’s in the box of the Yoto Mini?

  • The packaging is cute but refined. The robust layers keep the contents safe and they can be recycled. 
  • The Yoto Mini is tiny. This adorable device is lightweight but hard-wearing. Moreover, it has a small display screen, large dials, and a slot for each Yoto card. Finally, there is an audio jack for headphones. 
  • Charge the device with the USB-C cable. 
  • A blank Yoto card is provided to create a digital story via the Yoto app. 
  • Learn the fundamentals with the user guide.

 

Technical aspects. 

This compact player packs an almighty punch. Though it only offers mono output via its speaker, I didn’t mind. The audio quality is still impressive and there weren’t any uncomfortable or flat moments. Additionally, the volume levels are powerful and your kids can crank it up when they are listening to their favourite song or book. 

The up to 14-hour battery life may disappoint some parents. Yet, I found that this was sufficient. Thanks to the fast charging facility, the Yoto Mini was rarely out of juice. Furthermore, whenever we were out and about, it could be charged from my Cuktech power bank for added convenience. Word of warning! Make sure that children do not charge this in their bed. The Yoto player and Yoto Mini need ventilation and a solid flat surface whenever they are being charged.

Finally, if your kids have wireless headphones, they can use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly. This was great as it reduced clutter and kept things streamlined. Thankfully, this was easy to master and connecting the headphones was a simple task. 

Audio quality. 

The Mono sound may seem disappointing. However, the Yoto Mini offers size-defying sound. The powerful speaker was impressive and the music and spoken clarity were fantastic. My daughter tends to set everything at maximum volume and this didn’t falter. No matter how hard she pushed the volume, the audio didn’t crack! Moreover, the range of tones was comfortable and every piece of dialogue was clear and easy to understand.

Build quality of the Yoto Mini. 

The build quality is phenomenal. The hardened plastic shell can take some rough and tumble. What’s more, the little digital display is cute and vibrant. This screen helps you to keep on top of your settings, and this improves usability. If you have youngsters, you know they love to fiddle with everything. Thankfully, every vital port and element is well positioned. The USB and audio ports are robust, reducing the risk of damage.

Alongside this, the 2 chunky control knobs are easy to handle. The large orange design is eye-catching and the fundamentals are obvious without having to grab the user manual. If you are using physical audiobook cards, the recessed slot is located at the top of the device. Though kids could pour liquid into this area, they’d struggle to insert other foreign objects. As such, this helps to reduce risk and potential issues. Whenever the cards are inserted, they are held tightly within the player and I had no concerns with damage or losing them. 

Usability. 

The Yoto Mini is so easy to use that a child can master it. This was good as my 9-year-old was all over it like a rash. The tactile buttons are fun to use and the display screen highlights the consequences of her actions. Furthermore, clear audio tones highlight whenever any task has been completed. This was great as you can’t go wrong. 

If your kids love to listen to white noise or they need a clock to stay in bed, this player accommodates those needs. This was an unexpected extra that was a pleasant surprise. Both features are easy to find and simple to set up. We’ve all used YouTube and other streaming services. These free-to-use platforms are great, but the constant ads are infuriating. Thankfully, Yoto is ad-free and you know that the included Yoto radio and other features are child-friendly and great to listen to. 

Audio cards. 

I was provided Yoto’s latest Harry Potter series and The Famous Five audio collection. These stories were brilliantly told and the acting, sound effects, and music create a sense of drama. Subsequently, you can easily lose hours as you drift away and listen to each tale unfold. If you love either of these story collections, you will not be disappointed. 

The blank Yoto cards are another great solution. You can download a large selection of stories via the free Yoto app. The blank card can be wiped and reused as much as you wish. Accordingly, your children can enjoy new stories or games every night if they wish. 

The audio cards are the size of a standard business card. Moreover, they are robust and can take some minor mishaps. However, they will get damaged if you twist or pull them. As such, some care is needed when you handle each card. 

Is the Yoto Mini worth it?

The Yoto Mini 2024 version is available for under £60. This is unbelievable value when you consider every feature. Additionally, the free radio service, downloadable audiobooks, and exceptional build quality make this an appealing device. I loved its versatility and powerful mono speaker. What’s more, the design was great and it is effortless to use. Therefore, this would make a great Christmas present and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on Yoto can be found here!)

The Yoto Mini has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! Yoto provided a sample for an unbiased and free review!)

A Closer Look at Squishmallows Take 4

Andrew Edney
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0
A Closer Look at Squishmallows Take 4

Here we take a closer look at Squishmallows Take 4.

Version 1.0.0

Squad up with Squishmallows Take 4: the family game for any Squishmallows-lover!

Looking for a fun group game? In this fast-paced, quick-thinking game, you’ll race to collect 4 of a Squad before your opponents. Choose which of the four cards you want from the ones in play—but watch out.

If you reach for the same one as someone else, you’ll have to race to grab the exclusive Benny The Bigfoot Squishmallow in the center!

Perfect game for game night with your friends, family, at school or at home—no matter where or when, you’re bound to love it.

The box includes an exclusive Squishmallow – Benny the Bigfoot, 84 square cards and some instructions.

The game is a lot of fun, and even when you are not playing it, you can cuddle Benny the Bigfoot.

Brought to you by What Do You Meme?, Squishmallows Take 4 is available now priced around £16.99 and is aimed at ages 8 years and up.

A Closer Look at Cat Days

Andrew Edney
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0
A Closer Look at Cat Days

Here we take a closer look at Cat Days from Farplace Games.

A short strategic game of cards where you want to fill your week of cats and score more points than anyone else.

Start with a cat tree enabling placement of 3 cats on the same day, increasing your score.

One copy of the game is needed per 2 players who wish to play i.e. if you have 3 or 4 players, you will need 2 copies.

As well as having a fun game to play, every game sold helps animal rescue work, so what are you waiting for?

Cat Days from Farplace Games is available now for £5.00 and it would make a great Christmas stocking filler.

You can learn more about Farplace Games from their website.

Review: SanDisk 256GB Pokemon microSDXC for Nintendo Switch

Andrew Edney
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0
Review: SanDisk 256GB Pokemon microSDXC for Nintendo Switch

Here is our review of the SanDisk 256GB Pokemon microSDXC for Nintendo Switch.

Running out of space on your Nintendo Switch? With new games growing in quickly, the 256GB Pokemon SanDisk microSD card for Nintendo Switch will put an end to your storage woes! 

In partnership with Nintendo, this offering provides the highest capacity in the officially licensed SanDisk microSD cards lineup, giving Nintendo Switch players even more space to take their favourite games on the go. 

Play your games in Pokémon style with this officially licensed microSD card line for Nintendo Switch from SanDisk. Fan favourites like Pikachu add some Pokémon flair to your storage, and each specially designed card is tested and approved for use with Nintendo Switch systems. Begin your Pokémon adventures faster with read speeds up to 100MB/s, and add your favourite titles, videos, screenshots, and more to your card at rapid write speeds up to 90MB/s. With a lifetime limited warranty, SanDisk has your back, so you can play your favourite Pokémon games for years to come.

The SanDisk 256GB Pokemon microSDXC for Nintendo Switch is available now priced around £29.99 and is a must have if you want to increase the size of your Switch library, and even better if you are a fan of Pokemon.

You can learn more from the Sandisk website here.

Review: SEGA: Sliding Sonic Holdems

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: SEGA: Sliding Sonic Holdems

The SEGA: Sliding Sonic Holdems is the perfect gift for lovers of this famous hedgehog. The vibrant colours, striking design, and exceptional build quality are apparent. Furthermore, I adored its retro nature and the sense of energy. This 4″ figurine is perfect if you wish to add a splash of colour to your desk or if you wish to keep things streamlined.

The handy cupping area is ideal for your mobile phone or your earbuds. Accordingly, you won’t continually misplace your essential tech if you are like me. Moreover, I hate a messy desk, and this product keeps things neat while adding a fun and exciting edge. 

Design features. 

This 4″ tall figurine is robust, stable, and pleasantly heavy. The base is big enough to keep Sonic upright and I wasn’t concerned about damaging the finish. Its vibrant colour and eye-catching design reminded me of the 90s SEGA Mega Drive hero. This slightly dated look brings back memories of my childhood and I appreciated this model over the modern approach.

Sonic’s curved arms cup your mobile phone or earbuds case. The area is large enough to hold bulky phones, but snug enough to keep everything safe. My phone vibrated many times in the holder and it never fell off. This was reassuring as my phone is always on the go.

Is the SEGA: Sliding Sonic Holdems worth it?

If you love Sonic the Hedgehog, then you’ll adore this figurine. It is striking, well-made, and built to last. Furthermore, it keeps your desk clean and adds energy and fun to any workstation. However, if you cherish other characters from the franchise, you can order different models to complement your tastes. This is the perfect gift for gaming enthusiasts and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on EXGPRO can be found here!) 

The SEGA: Sliding Sonic Holdems has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)

Review: SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game is a childish title that will make younger gamers smile. The large open world and familiar characters are great to interact with. Moreover, the simple tasks and freedom to explore must be applauded. However, there are a few glitches and issues that impact things. Accordingly, I’m hopeful that these minor problems will be ironed out. If they are not, it isn’t game-breaking, it simply undermines the polished finish.

This 3D open-world experience was developed by PHL Collective and published by Outright Games. Moreover, it is a single-player game, which may disappoint some parent and child teams. However, I was happy to sit back and watch my munchkins tackle each task between them. I laughed as they giggled their way through Bikini Bottom. The physics-based mechanics are ridiculous and Patrick Star can destroy anything in his path.

Patrick is driving a boat whilst wearing a captains hat in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game.

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game is mindless fun. 

The plot is as deep as a puddle. Ironic, I know, as this is set at the bottom of an ocean. Yet, the storytelling and character depth won’t remind you of a Shakespearean masterpiece. Instead, you’ll take every moment with a pinch of salt. This approach was perfect for my kids as they loved the stupidity of every encounter. However, adults will roll their eyes as each bite-size encounter amounts to nothing more than toilet humour and childish shenanigans.

This may seem like I’m complaining, but I’m not. I cherished each silly moment. SpongeBob, Mr Krabs, Plankton, and more demand your help as you jump, roll, and drive across Bikini Bottom. Consequently, each of your favourite locations can be explored and there are tasks to be completed in each area. Yet, if you just wish to run riot, you are not penalised for taking a break. This level of freedom was ideal as my youngest daughter loved colouring in the large canvas and driving the police cars across the sandy sea bottom.

No rest for the wicked. 

As you complete each mission, a new one will be flagged on your radar. Whether you are asked to remove loud teenagers from a sunbathing spot or you need to shoot crates with a coconut gun, it doesn’t get boring. Furthermore, you may be asked to collect rubbish or clean gloop from prime locations across the sea floor. Either way, the tasks are easy to complete and perfect for a younger audience. 

I adored the selection of venues to explore and the short, sharp missions were achievable for the youngest of players. Alongside the main quests, you are asked to find jars of mayo. This was a little testing as they are hidden in the strangest of locations. This additional task was tough for my youngest kids, but my oldest daughter who is 10 loved the challenge and showed her sisters how it was done.

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game looks great.

Child-friendly games tend to look awful. Thankfully, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game is eye-catching and perfect for its intended audience. The large open-world is a pleasure to explore and the characters are nicely detailed. What’s more, the cinematic is well-presented and this kept the action flowing. Unfortunately, though, there are some issues where you can see through the floor and the camera occasionally gets stuck in the scenery. This was a shame as without these problems, it would be an extremely well-polished title. 

The audio is as loud and hectic as you’d expect. Every character sounds like they should and the noise levels are uncomfortably high. Yet, it is this cacophony that adds energy and drama to each mission. The shrill sound of each siren or the noise of each creature chatting will make you wince and smile. 

Patrick enjoys watching TV in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game.

Good controls. 

The camera can be problematic. However, the controls are easy to understand and simple to master. Patrick rolls around, burps, jumps, and grabs items with both hands. Furthermore, the physics-based elements allow the world to shift and flow as items are struck or picked up. This was nice to experience, but it made things tricky at times. However, as long as you are patient, you can overcome many of the issues related to these mechanics. 

Replay value and longevity are at an all-time high. There are many mayo jars to collect and plenty of missions to complete. Furthermore, you can redo quests if you like or explore Bikini Bottom at your own pace. Either way, there is plenty to see and do in this child-friendly game. 

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game is great fun.

An adult will think that this is repetitive, simple, and childish. However, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game is not aimed at adults. Its key demographic will love the vivid graphics and the burps. Furthermore, they’ll adore each quest and the large open world. It is silly, loud, and remarkably easy to play. Accordingly, it is perfect for kids and I recommend buying it here! Can you become a Bikini Bottom hero? Help the locals, explore the world, and find every jar of mayo.

Review: Fall Guys: Ice Cream Holdems

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Fall Guys: Ice Cream Holdems

The Fall Guys: Ice Cream Holdems solves a well-known problem. If you have a desk and a mobile phone or earbuds, you know that things can get messy. Accordingly, a fun and interesting solution has been found. This colourful 4″ statue is perfect for housing your tech. Alternatively, maybe you just love the game and you want to brighten your workspace. Either way, this product is perfect.

This simple hardened plastic item will get people talking. The amusing style highlights your light-hearted side and the strong design hugs your phone or earbuds case. Consequently, you know that your precious electronics are safe and your workspace is clean. 

Design features. 

The Fall Guys: Ice Cream Holdems has a robust base that ensures perfect balance. Furthermore, the curved arms create a dramatic stance that is ideal for your electronic goods. Accordingly, my phone can vibrate to its heart’s content without falling to the ground. This was reassuring as my phone never stopped. Alternatively, I liked how it cupped my earbuds. I’m forever misplacing them, so this is the perfect solution and a time saver.

The hardened plastic makes this a robust item. I admit I dropped it a few times, but that mattered not. The figurine simply bounced and no damage was done. If you wish to add a vibrant and futuristic edge to your gaming set-up, then look no further. The vivid pinks are juxtaposed with the softer yellows. Moreover, the gormless expression captures the essence of the protagonists perfectly. 

Is the Fall Guys: Ice Cream Holdems worth it?

If you want to tidy your desk while adding some colour and flair, the. The Fall Guys: Ice Cream Holdems is worth every penny. This striking 4″ figurine is nicely balanced and has a pleasant weight. Additionally, it is ideal if you are a fan of the game. The curved arms comfortably hold a phone or earbuds case and I had no concerns about them falling from the cradle. Subsequently, I love this product and I recommend buying it here!

The Fall Guys: Ice Cream Holdems has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(More information on EXGPRO can be found here!)

(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)

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