Melobot: The last song, developed by Anomalie studio and published by Microïds, is a Musical Rhythm based Puzzle game about robots and plants.
I won’t beat around the bush with this one, I am not a big fan of the music or genre in gaming but Melobot: The last song really phoned this one in.
Melo-plot
In Melobot – A Last Song, you play as a cute little robot with the oh-so-important task of saving the world through music. Because why not? Equipped with the power of rhythm and plants that hum catchy tunes, you’ll explore yet another post-apocalyptic wasteland where the only way to stop mechanical baddies is by tapping buttons to some alien flora’s greatest hits.
It’s not exactly groundbreaking, but hey, at least it’s pretty to look at. And if you ever dreamed of battling robots with a keyboard or controller while being serenaded by quirky plants, well, Melobot might just be your thing.
Musical waste
I would like to applaud the opening section of this rhythm-puzzle game as it perfectly captured the true essence of the sup-par gameplay that was to follow
The idea of gameplay is that these robo plant thingy’s in the game will be down and your music, played via three buttons on the Keyboard, will bring them back to life. This is the bread and butter of this game and it will be the key to every lacklustre puzzle found in Melobot.
You’ve got 8 notes to hit in rhythm, and your performance gets a star rating, just in case you’re obsessed with perfect scores. You can run, but don’t get too excited—the sprint overheats, so you’ll end up waddling along most of the time.
Oh, and there are boss fights, if you can call dodging attacks and spamming your “shockwave” ability exciting. There’s also an upgrade system, but don’t expect anything revolutionary—just basic boosts to healing speed and sprint duration.
But it look good though
I will admit it though, this was one beautiful game. Melobot’s world is undeniably charming, built around soft colours and simple designs that give it a cosy, almost dreamlike quality. It has its own aesthetic, with a range of environments that are just begging to be explored—if only you weren’t moving at a snail’s pace.
The unique locations may not be massive, but they’re rich with little details that catch your eye, from the unique plants to the carefully designed landscapes. Each area feels thoughtfully crafted, and there’s always something visually appealing to discover.
The connection between the instruments you find and the environment is a nice touch, adding a sense of harmony between gameplay and the world.
Whether it’s the soft glow of alien flora or the subtle shifts in atmosphere, these small details elevate the game’s overall aesthetic, making exploration feel somewhat entertaining.
If you’re going to play, the looks are one thing I can recommend. The rhythm-puzzle game doesn’t try to wow you with flashy graphics or over-the-top effects, but instead, it relies on subtle beauty to carry the story. I honestly hated the gameplay but found myself stopping just to admire the world they’ve created.
Just missed it!
At the end of the day, Melobot: The Last Song had potential… but that’s about it. The gameplay is basic, repetitive, and frankly, nothing special.
Like a pretty lady that actually wants to talk to you, the slow pace and underwhelming mechanics drag it down.
So if you’re into some genuinely nice looking grass, trees, rocks, etc, and don’t mind mediocre rhythm-puzzle gameplay, go ahead and give Melobot a try. Otherwise, you’re not missing much.
Ship Graveyard Simulator 2 is a vast improvement on its predecessor. This sequel utilises many of the original core mechanics but improves on practically every element. As such, if you loved the first instalment, you’ll adore this beefed up version. However, word of warning, you will grind like never before. The ships are huge but the rewards are bigger. Accordingly, salvage has never been so exciting.
Ultimate Games developed and published this simulation experience. Moreover, it is a single-player experience set in a fictitious world. Additionally, it lacks a sense of realism as the protagonist is as strong as an ox and your haulage truck appears to have no weight limit. Yet, if you can ignore these silly elements, you’ll quickly become hooked.
Ship Graveyard Simulator 2 has no plot.
No plot, no plot, and again, no plot. I know sim games don’t need a story, but how hard can it be? Why not create a sense of drama and reward as you compete against your childhood best friend? Alternatively, maybe you’re divorced and you want to prove your ex wrong. Whatever the reason, give us something to grab hold of.
Unfortunately, Ship Graveyard Simulator 2 ignored this basic element and focused on the ship salvaging instead. Consequently, you’ll drive a large truck and purchase an array of enormous derelict ships. As you explore each proverbial gold mine, you must work out how best to strip it. One foul move and you’ll damage your valuable cargo. Therefore, you must take your time and understand that physics and poor planning undermine your profit margin.
Smack, smack, cut, cut, burn!
The basic gameplay loop Is repetitive and simple, but addictive! You begin with a free but basic salvage opportunity. Once you strip this vehicle down, you open new chances with larger and more complex vehicles. Alongside this, you can visit the local store to sell your materials or you can buy blueprints to improve your equipment. If you choose the latter, you must use your salvaged resources and your money to improve your gear. This is essential as the larger ships are time-consuming and the better equipment reduces effort while speeding things up.
As you explore each wreck, you must cut through metal, burn through welding, and hit screws and nails to remove material. Additionally, you’ll pick up equipment, oil, plastic, and more. Each of these items must be thrown into your awaiting truck and taken to the recycling yard to be sorted. This mini-game was enjoyable but basic. Alternatively, you can automate this task but you lose some resources doing so.
Contracts.
The gameplay loop rolls around and around and around. What’s more, you may revisit previously completed vessels if you wish to get specific products to improve your tools. However, this isn’t the only reason to return. Each mission has a small list of subcontracts that pay handsomely. Consequently, you’ll want to complete each one to increase your bank balance.
These contracts demand that you scour each location carefully. They’ll ask for metals, liquids, or specific equipment. If you fail to dismantle the ship correctly, it’ll collapse and you’ll lose precious cargo. Therefore, planning and patience are required to maximise your profits.
Ship Graveyard Simulator 2 looks rough.
No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t ignore the rough textures and poor graphics. Each NPC looks like they were designed in the early 2000s. Moreover, the animation is rudimentary and the lighting is all over the place. Subsequently, it isn’t the prettiest game, but it performs well, and that’s all that matters.
The audio won’t blow you away either. The basic sound effects are suitable but not impressive. The weird OTT sounds of huge bangs as you break each heavy weld were unusual. I appreciate what the developer was trying to achieve, but it undermines the realism and is unfortunate.
Tough to navigate UI.
The UI wasn’t great. This has been ported from PC and it suffers as a consequence. The controls are clumsy and moving between tools or highlighting contracts was slow. Moreover, the hero appears to run at 100 mph and he can throw over 100kg without breaking a sweat. As such, this was unrealistic and the package wasn’t in line with my simulation expectations.
If you dislike grind, you will not want to play this game. Every level feels like it lasts a lifetime. Furthermore, the never-ending bolts and interactive items can drag on. However, it is strangely addictive and I couldn’t put it down. If you invest in this, you’ll lose hours of your life without realising it.
Ship Graveyard Simulator 2 is a strange experience.
Everything tells me that I shouldn’t enjoy Ship Graveyard Simulator 2. The action is rudimentary, repetitive, and grindy. Yet, I cannot stop thinking about it. I loved smashing the hell out of each ship and the challenge of dismantling everything correctly. Yes, it is flawed, but I didn’t care. As such, I like it and I recommend buying it here! Can you get rich from salvage? Complete your contracts, improve your tools, and make cash from another man’s waste.
The Tru Sports Earbuds from Majority Audio are compact, comfortable, and reassuringly well-built. Furthermore, they have an IPX7 waterproof rating and an exceptional 30-hour playtime. As such, they are ideal if you love to walk, run, cycle, or hike. These affordable earbuds offer incredible audio quality and I wasn’t disappointed by the stereo sound.
Alongside this, Bluetooth 5.2 offers stable connectivity with a low power draw. This helps boost the battery life to keep you in the game for longer. Finally, if you like to talk as you walk, the built-in microphone and responsive touch controls make this possible. Though this wasn’t a feature I needed, it was handy to have, nonetheless.
What’s in the box of the Tru Sports Earbuds?
The tiny packaging is attractive and robust. The contents are well-protected and the box can be recycled.
The Tru Sports Earbuds use an over-the-ear hook for security. The sleek design is eye-catching but compact. The discreet design may disappoint flamboyant sportspeople, but I liked the subdued finish.
Charge the earbuds on the move with the high-powered charging case.
3 sets of ear tips are provided for different-sized ears.
Charge the case with the USB-C cable.
Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
The Tru Sports Earbuds tick plenty of boxes. Whenever you are exercising, you want comfortable accessories that are simple to use. Additionally, a stable audio connection and amazing battery life are a must. The Bluetooth 5.2 feature lets you connect these earbuds with ease. Furthermore, they have a 10-metre range before your connection drops. Though this wasn’t essential, it was nice whenever I roamed around my house.
The charging case was impressive. A 30-minute power boost gives you 2 hours of playtime. Consequently, you can keep listening to music without the worry of running out of juice. Moreover, the impressive 30-hour total playtime is great. If you love cycling, hiking, or running long distances, these earbuds will not disappoint you.
Audio quality.
Affordable earbuds usually deliver low-end audio quality. However, the Tru Sports Earbuds are different. The 13mm speakers are powerful enough to deliver crystal-clear audio and a hearty range of tones. Furthermore, the bass was comfortable without cracking or distortion whenever the sound was cranked up.
I was able to distinguish between each key tonal region and my playlist sounded great no matter the volume. This is ideal as high-speed sports generally battle uncomfortable wind and rain noises. Thankfully, this wasn’t a problem as I could push the volume without undermining the clarity of each track.
In my eyes, a built-in microphone isn’t essential. However, this one was handy to have. Every phone call I made was clear and there weren’t any horrible echoing sounds. Additionally, the voice pickup was accurate and the conversation didn’t have that distant hollow sound associated with hands-free communication.
Usability.
Each of the earbuds has touch controls that take some getting used to. Yet, once you master the inputs, you’ll love the user-friendly experience. You can play with your media settings and answer or reject calls with ease. This is ideal as you don’t want to mess with your phone whenever you are out and about. Finally, I love the charging case and its rudimentary design. A handy LED shows when it is charging and the case is easy to handle.
Build quality.
I was impressed by the finish and the discreet colour. The black earbuds have silicone earhooks that sit around your ears. Though they cannot be adjusted, they are designed to hug your ears without applying pressure. During my runs and cycling, they felt secure and I wasn’t concerned about them falling out. Additionally, there were no air gaps to reduce audio quality.
The IPX7 rating is essential. Sports accessories get soaked in dirt, sweat, and rainwater. Thankfully, the Tru Sports Earbuds will take each of these elements in its stride. The pebble case feels great in your hand. However, it can be a bit slippery when it gets wet. Luckily, though, it is hard-wearing and it can take a few knocks.
Are the Tru Sports Earbuds worth it?
If you want an affordable audio solution that is hard-wearing, robust, and easy to use, then the Tru Sports Earbuds are for you. Not only are they comfortable to wear, but the battery life is great and the audio quality is phenomenal. Furthermore, if you like to make phone calls on the move, these earbuds tick that box as well. Subsequently, it is a no-brainer and I recommend buying them here!
(More information on Majority Audio can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! Majority Audio provided a sample for an unbiased and free review!)
Funko Fusion is a modern twist on the much-loved LEGO gaming franchise. This colourful affair is jam-packed with memorable characters and interesting worlds. Additionally, there are puzzles to complete, quests to undertake and plenty of baddies to defeat. However, there is also an array of bugs to deal with and plenty of repetitive action to endure. Moreover, there is currently no multiplayer mode, and this wasn’t acceptable. Yet, I can see the potential, and I’m going to forgive plenty of the shortcomings as my review unfolds.
This 3D adventure title was developed and published by 10:10 Games. In its current format, it can be enjoyed alone. However, there are plans to incorporate cooperative action to bring it in line with the LEGO franchise. This will be fantastic as the difficulty balance isn’t perfect for a younger audience. Yet, once things are sorted, this will be the ideal game for families to waste some time.
Funko Fusion delivers some amusing moments.
Like all great adventure games, Funko Fusion incorporates many minor subplots into its hearty storyline. This was great as there are 7 familiar tales to experience alongside the overarching story. You can spend time in Jurassic World or discover what hides in the murky waters of JAWS. Alternatively, maybe you wish to grab a blaster and enjoy Battlestar Galactica or rummage through the streets in Hot Fuzz.
No matter which story you pick, it doesn’t alter the main storyline. The classic tale of good vs evil and the rise of a fallen king won’t amaze you. Yet, I enjoyed the occasionally witty moments and the snippets of an evil lord gaining power. Though this plot lacks depth, it works well with the 7 unique chapters and the madness that unfolds.
A collectathon.
Funko Fusion blends hack-and-slash action with a desire to smash everything in sight. Your surroundings can be hit or shot to unleash vinyl. This in-game currency is spent on health boosts, character regeneration, and other elements. Accordingly, finding as much as possible is essential. Though I understood the necessity of this layer, it doesn’t feel as fluid or enjoyable as the LEGO experience. Unfortunately, it is a bit of a grind and gaining enough vinyl to unlock everything is a bit of a ballache.
Alongside this, you must find hidden objects, meat, fossils, characters, and silver crowns. Each of these items can be used at the central game hub. As such, searching every nook and cranny becomes a key part of the gameplay loop. Therefore, if you don’t enjoy collecting every minor item you stumble across, you will quickly become tired of what is required.
The same mission again?
The witty cutscenes and silly one-lines punctuate every chapter. However, this isn’t enough to distract you from the rehashed mission cycle. Every chapter utilises the same core mechanics and boss battle. This was unfortunate as this forces you into a casual gaming mindset. Though the quests were fun, it was disappointing to experience a rehashed version 7 times.
Where Funko Fusion excels, is its puzzle elements. These enjoyable moments demand an eye for detail and quick reactions. Additionally, you may need to unlock new items to proceed and this requires some exploration and a patient mindset. If the rest of the game incorporated this varied and challenging approach, the end product would have been much better.
Bugs.
Oh Funko Fusion, what have you done? This game is riddled with bugs. Minor bugs, annoying bugs, and game-breaking bugs flit around the place and ruin your fun. Luckily, the developer has released several patches to iron out these creases. Accordingly, I’m hopeful that these issues will be resolved and the game will improve as a consequence.
The game-breaking bugs leave a bitter taste in your mouth. Losing progress through no fault of my own was infuriating. Moreover, corrupted puzzles, frozen cutscenes, and no clear progression drove me to distraction. Yet, I have seen an improvement, so I am confident these early teething issues will fade away.
Funko Fusion is a colour explosion.
Despite the glitches, Funko Fusion is a much-loved project. The little details in each unique world will make fans smile and chuckle. Furthermore, the characters are remarkably well-designed and I loved the mannerisms and the likeness of each leading protagonist. The detail can also be enjoyed in the stage layout and the smooth animation.
Unfortunately, the camera angles were occasionally off and this made combat and exploration somewhat tricky. Had this been tweaked, it would have been much more enjoyable to play. Though I haven’t experienced the multiplayer elements, I can imagine a split-screen solution will be a viable option.
The audio was vibrant, exciting, and loud. Each chapter complemented its unique setting and there are some snippets of famous music to enjoy. The sound effects were good and I liked the zap of each blaster and the crude crash of each shotgun. What’s more, the occasional moan of odd characters and the OTT slapping noises will make you chuckle.
What do I need to do?
The control system is well-considered and easy to master. Consequently, learning the fundamentals was a cinch. Youngsters and adults will both enjoy the action, though younger gamers may need some assistance. My only complaint is the lack of guidance with missions and key objectives. Had the developers made things more obvious, or if a minimap had been included, then things would have been much clearer.
In theory, Funko Fusion has unlimited potential. The developer can add new chapters and create impressive side quests to keep people coming back for more. This idea creates a moreish layer that will intrigue Funko Pop fans. Moreover, the volume of collectables will appeal to completionists. As such, this has plenty of replay value and longevity.
Funko Fusion needs more time.
Unfortunately, I feel that Funko Fusion was a little rushed. The volume of bugs and the lack of cooperative action support this claim. However, this will be a great adventure title once the issues are ironed out. Yes, it is repetitive, but I’m not sure that matters. It will be the perfect family game that can be enjoyed casually. Accordingly, despite its issues, I like it and recommend buying it here! Can you overcome the evil king and save the day? Complete each chapter, collect the crowns, and make the king whole again.
Remember the mini console “craze” a few years back? It all kicked off in 2016 when Nintendo released the NES Classic Edition, a tiny replica of their iconic 8-bit system packed with 30 pre-installed games.
Nintendo followed up with the SNES Classic in 2017, and after that, other companies jumped on the bandwagon. Sony released the PlayStation Classic in 2018, Sega launched the Genesis Mini in 2019, and even Konami got in on the action with the TurboGrafx-16 Mini in 2020.
Since then? Cricket chirps. Gone the way of the Tamagotchi it seems.
But, if we ignore the actual business motivations for the craze, and fantasize about another mini consoles hitting the market, which classic system do you think deserves the honor?
The OG Game Boy
The Game Boy, Nintendo’s handheld wonder, is an obvious choice for an official miniaturization. Well, on paper at least. The NES and SNES Classic Editions were likely just stopgap products, something to tide fans over during the Wii U’s twilight years and before the Switch’s launch. Nowadays Nintendo seems content to offer retro games through its Nintendo Switch Online service rather than produce dedicated hardware.
Besides, the market is saturated with Game Boy-inspired handhelds. From the Analogue Pocket to countless emulation devices, if you’re itching for some monochrome nostalgia, you’ve got options.
Despite having virtually no market reason to ever exist, we still believe that it deserves a mini-classic version based on its cultural impact alone. It was many gamers’ first portable system, introducing millions to the joys of gaming on the go.
Top 5 Must-have Titles
Tetris: Obligatory classic. OG console, for the OG release title.
Pokémon Red/Blue: Gotta catch ’em all, and your wallet’s contents.
The Legend of Zelda: It’s dangerous to go alone, but this adventure’s worth it.
Super Mario Land 2: Skipping the first, Wario time begins in this creative classic.
Kirby’s Dream Land: This hungry pink boy launched a star franchise.
Visualizing the (official) Game Boy Mini
A hypothetical Game Boy Mini could modernize the classic design with a backlit LCD screen, USB-C charging, and several other modern perks like wireless charging. Then, throw in multiplayer options for certain compatible titles, and you’ve got a default product template.
However, given the existence of Game Boy lookalikes today, it should transcend simply being a modern version, and be a collector’s item of sorts. In a memento format, I believe that the best way to preserve the legacy of this console is to make it into a fashionable accessory. A slightly larger keychain perhaps, that happens to be a fully functional console of its own.
To that end, we still need to make the innards as usable as possible. If it is not longer than two inches, it could support a 1-inch screen, allow for at least 10 hours of very low-power gaming time, and maybe even two or three fake tiny cartridges on the back.
Sega Saturn
Ah, the Saturn, the often overlooked 32-bit console, has a dedicated fanbase clamoring for a mini-console revival. Unfortunately, Sega has been hesitant to commit to such a project.
In a 2019 interview with IGN, Sega’s Yukio Sugino explained the challenges of creating a Saturn Mini, citing the system’s complex architecture as a major hurdle. If just raw computing power, it is just half a generation ahead of the first PlayStation. But the instructions and hardware processing stuff are what makes it challenging to recreate.
Well, there is the emulation solution. But that too is a can of worms, as the NES mini had already proven. Besides, Sega seems to be adamant about not relying on such options when seriously considering the project.
Nonetheless, Saturn’s library is a treasure trove of arcade-perfect fighting games, unique JRPGs, and 2D powerhouses that showcase the system’s strengths. Sega also teased that it hasn’t given up on the possibility just yet, even as late as 2023.
Top 5 Must-have Titles
Panzer Dragoon Saga: Rarer than a PS5, but infinitely more legendary.
Guardian Heroes: Is this a JoJo reference? No, it’s better.
Virtua Fighter 2: You can’t “Finish Him,” but you’ll finish nothing else.
Sega Rally Championship: Deja vu racing that’s actually groundbreaking.
NiGHTS into Dreams: This psychedelic fever dream revolutionized action games.
How would a Saturn Mini even work?
A Saturn Mini could be a sleek, black box that captures the original’s understated design. Modern amenities like HDMI output, CRT filter, save states, are the standard flair. But perhaps more importantly, we can implement online leaderboards for games like Sega Rally for retro competition.
For its power input, we can possibly use an alternative low-power mode, which would run exclusively off its HDMI 1.4 port. For standard play, the usual USB-C connection is used. As for other external flairs, we can add a non-functional front-loading disc tray, have all buttons function the same as the original, and retain the dual port connectivity. Dual boomerang (wireless) controllers are included, of course.
Nintendo 64
As we mentioned, the NES and SNES mini were more of a marketing gimmick by Nintendo than an actual, dedicated move to celebrate the legendary classics. As such, the window of opportunity of an N64 mini should have been long closed by now.
In fact, in a 2018 interview with Kotaku, Nintendo of America President (at that time) Reggie Fils-Aimé tempered expectations for an N64 Classic, stating, “I would not ever rule something out, but what I can tell you is certainly that’s not in our planning horizon.” Since then, Nintendo has remained tight-lipped about any potential N64 revival.
This was also acknowledged by the fans of that year’s Vancouver Retro Gaming Show, one of the most visited in NA, where this was a hot topic, especially the timing being very close to the Sony PlayStation 1 Classic release, while NES and SNES Mini held the hype-fort. However, some of the attendees commented that they would like to have a little bit of modern-day features, like a web browser and access to the Internet, which is true as they could access even more titles through local online casino CA gaming platforms, which also held different retro types of games, so you wouldn’t be considered by only the consoles native choices.
But you know what? The N64 still represented a quantum leap in console gaming, introducing analog stick controls and co-pioneering 3D gameplay in ways that still influence game design today. So, even with lots of N64 titles available on Nintendo Switch Online today, people still generally welcome the concept, whenever touched upon.
Top 5 Must-have Titles
Super Mario 64: So long, 2D platforming; hello, gaming revolution!
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: Hey, listen!… to this masterpiece.
GoldenEye 007: No Oddjob allowed in this multiplayer game-changer.
Mario Kart 64: Blue shells may end friendships, but start gaming nights.
Star Fox 64: Do a barrel roll into cinematic excellence in real 3D!
In an alternate universe with the N64 mini…
First and foremest, its iconic controller should be preserved as perfectly as possible, odd middle stick and all. Well, there is an argument for maintaining the original four ports, especially since we might still be able to cram them in despite a 50-60% reduction in the console’s original size. (a certain “cube” comes to mind).
Oh but, while the Rumble Pak connected to original controllers would still function as normal, Transfer Paks will no longer work, since we are dealing with a pre-set number of dedicated N64 titles. At the software front, HD upscaling is an absolute must, along with all other supporting visual enhancements like special AA options. Then other standard classic mini feature flairs apply.
Keep in mind that the mini version will show a cartridge (with a generic N64 logo) already attached to the slot!
PlayStation 2
And now we come to the heavyweight champion: the PlayStation 2. Sony’s best-selling console of all time seems like a no-brainer for the mini treatment, but it’s not without its challenges.
For one thing, Sony has absolutely no idea how to handle a mini console release well. The PlayStation Classic, released in 2018, was an absolute disaster. With a lackluster game selection, emulation issues, and a full price tag, it left fans wondering if Sony had learned anything from Nintendo’s success (other than making a quick buck).
Sure enough, Sony didn’t really seem to look back at all, being completely quiet on the PS2 mini concept altogether. Which is quite sad, because despite the technological and licensing hurdles, the PS2 is a historical giant that is comparable to how the SNES succeeded the NES.
Top 5 Must-have Titles
(Please don’t raise your pitchforks!)
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: Follow the damn train to open-world innovation.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater: Climb the infinite ladder of stealth-action perfection.
Shadow of the Colossus: Photos taken moments before artistic brilliance.
Final Fantasy X: HA HA HA your way through this emotional epic.
God of War II: Not yet “BOY!” but peak mythological mayhem.
If Sony truly cared about the concept of a Classic Mini
A PS2 Mini would need to capture the iconic design of the original, complete with the rotating PS logo. It should still be sturdy enough to be tilted upright just like the original, plus dual USB ports can be seamlessly integrated to represent the original memory card slots. If button size is to be maintained, it might be better to use a capacitive touch access style instead, since the original functions mostly only boil to powering the device on or off.
As for the chosen titles, we can expect fluctuations in performance due to the difference in processing loads clashing with the native emulation hardware. But, we should have several DLSS/FSR-like features that can smoothen the overall experience.
In conclusion, while each of these consoles has a strong case for miniaturization, the reality is that the mini console trend may have already “peaked.” Companies seem to be pivoting towards subscription services and digital re-releases rather than dedicated hardware.
However, if we had to pick one console that truly deserves the mini treatment next, it would be the PlayStation 2. Its vast library, cultural impact, and the fact that it’s just far enough in the rearview mirror to hit the nostalgia sweet spot make it the ideal candidate. The technical challenges are significant, but if any company has the resources and incentive to overcome them, it’s Sony.
One of my favorite modern video game movements, particularly regarding indie games, is this increased inclination to be culturally expressive. Homages, symbolisms, and blatant themes and motifs are derived from all sorts of places. Most of us are used to themes revolving around bigger cultural icons, like angels and Greek gods and all of that.
Do not get me wrong–I still love that kind of thing. But, Guayota, developed by Team Delusion and published by Dear Villagers, has such a unique plotline revolving around gods and goddesses I never heard of before. Several months ago, I had the lovely experience playing Tchia, a similar passion project in that the game highlighted core aspects of island culture otherwise not voiced to the world. I had yet to play or watch anything inspired by the Guanche’s mythology, the native inhabitants within the Canary Islands. This is what Guayota is all about.
This game is a 3D platforming puzzle adventure released back on August 13th, 2024. It can be played on the PC, on Steam, and the Nintendo Switch.
Hell is a place on Earth
Inspired by Guanche mythology and the legends of the Canary Islands, Guayota begins in the year 1506 with a group of Spanish explorers in search of Saint Brendan’s Island. This island is monikered “Paradise on Earth,” stirring a great deal of intrigue and rapaciousness. You play as a young record-keeper; someone who documents events that happen during your adventure, and record signs of historically significant information, like murals on the wall.
The player comes to find out that “Paradise on Earth” is more akin to a hell.
The player suffers a bit of a foggy memory once the ship crashes into Saint Brendan’s. You come across your colleague Nicholas, a chronicler who claims that the rest of the group has become lost inside the island’s temple. Nicholas feels that something is watchinghim in there, but shakes off the nerves knowing that they are supposedly in paradise. You will venture into this rustic-looking spiritual temple, making note of murals and geometric symbols, and looking for your colleagues Rodrigo, Leopoldo, and Aurelio.
The temple seems normal . . . at first. Things quickly go south as the player appears to be decimated by toxic fumes, suddenly transcending into this dark, permanent insanity, only to be saved by a little blue spirit dubbed Maxio. This is the spirit of a former shaman, who as you learn via the murals was imprisoned between walls while still alive. How cruel. This is the first marker that “paradise” is not as it seems.
The sun, the moon, and the stars
Guayota is a mythological demon, otherwise known as “the destroyer.” Former inhabitants of Tenerife would appease the demon by giving offerings to the island’s volcano. Achaman, the sky deity, eventually sealed the demon inside of the volcano, freeing Magec, the god of the sun, who then returned light to the world. Achaman will be responsible for powering these “glistening stones” the player comes across, which are used to open various doors within temples.
The game features a lot of symbology associated with the good gods Achaman, Magec, and the water and fertility goddess Chaxiraxi. While the temple’s murals give informative details of the past, they also express dire warnings of a potential future for the explorers filled with peril and demise. The player might witness these murals during a trance state, understanding the original Guanche intent. Otherwise, the player may see the murals in its altered form. The pictures are distorted and laced with biblical themes. According to Nicholas, this is either intentional desecration by Saint Brendan and his crew themselves, wanting to catholicize the island’s inhabitants, or . . . there is a more cryptic purpose of hiding an ugly truth.
The triune seal
Guayota is very Zelda-like in terms of temple and puzzle designs. The game most resembles A Link to the Past or A Link Between Worlds. Instead of Link and his sword and Navi, you play as a curious Spanish explorer kindling a torch and blue spirit called a Maxio instead.
The player is able to hit, pick up items, and mad-dash through crystalline walls. The puzzles are quite organic and fun, complex yet not too arduous. Some challenges are timed, and some temple rooms feature a surplus of deadly traps.
There are two level modes: “The Real World” and “The Plane of Madness.” You begin in the former version, and if you die, the level becomes the remixed madness design. Ironically, “The Plane of Madness” is significantly easier to solve. The original, real level is full of obstacles and dangers. Your character can take three hits before plunging into a dark madness. Beating either version of the level will allow you to progress, but beating both versions gives the player additional lore.
Honestly, some of “The Real World” traps are quite finicky. This is majorly contributed to unconcise hitboxes (I swear I did not touch that blade)! The screen only follows the torch the player holds, so if you are up against a wall, it is incredibly difficult to see. You can hardly rotate the camera, so there may be these annoying obstacles completely outside of your view. Otherwise, Guayota is an enjoyable “mind boggler.”
A folktale of dark and grim
Guayota looks super charming and shadowy. The cut scenes are reminiscent of a folkish storybook and the gameplay itself is pleasingly cel-shaded. I enjoy the character designs, in which they look like Jawas from Star Wars.
The game features enthralling, well-performed narration during the cut scenes. Absolute applause to Sarah Nightingale who provided the voiceovers. In my opinion, she has one of the most amazing storytelling voices I have heard in a long time. Please, turn up your game volume!
The soundtrack is quite beautiful; folksy at the campsite area but otherwise mystically ominous inside of the temples. With its own uniqueness, the music hits that Zelda vibe.
Final thoughts
Guayota is the kind of game where my enjoyment increased parallel to my playtime, taking perhaps 7-9 hours to finish. While the characters themselves could have been potentially fleshed out more, the story itself is wonderous, twisted, and both holy and unholy. I learned so much about Guanche spirituality and was able to do so by immersing myself in Zelda-like gameplay.
While there are several hiccups, it is hard to imagine a 3D platformer not having them anyhow. Also, there are two potential endings you can receive. One is a miraculous finale against fate, and the other has the crew succumbing to a bitter end. So, be wise players. Guayota is a monstrous entity to behold.
It is time to jump back on the rails as Train Sim World 5 is released. This improvement on last year’s iteration will have train enthusiasts frothing at the mouth. Furthermore, the developer has included requested content to keep its fan base happy. On top of this, the creator club lets you unleash your inner artist as you paint the livery of your dreams. Alternatively, maybe you wish to create a route and share it with the masses. Either way, the choice is yours.
This simulation game was developed and published by Dovetail Games. Moreover, it is a single-player experience that can be enjoyed in both first and third-person. This choice of camera angles was great as you can lose yourself in the moment or jump outside the cab to take in your surroundings. Additionally, there is a camera mode to capture perfect train shots as you explore the UK, Europe, and some iconic American locations.
Train Sim World 5 takes you back to school.
If you are a little rusty, or you are new to the franchise, worry not. The exceptional training school in Train Sim World 5 will have you up to speed in no time. What’s more, the helpful icon and highlighted switches, dials, and handles keep you on track. First, you will feel out of your depth. Every train feels alien and learning the fundamentals can be daunting. Luckily, the bite-sized chapters build your knowledge without overwhelming you. Though there may be a temptation to jump into the free mode, I wouldn’t be hasty. Every train is different and frustration and failure will be apparent if you run before you walk.
Like its predecessors, this doesn’t rely on a story. Instead, you focus your energy and time on the hulking freight locomotives or the EMUs or DMUs. Honestly, this approach should annoy me. However, I was too busy sounding the horn, flicking the point work, and playing with the safety systems to be bothered. What’s more, the stunning world and the desire to do a great job take centre stage.
Familiar elements.
Train Sim World 5 has maintained a familiar core. The AP system rewards you for a job well done, and you can examine your acceleration, braking curve, and accuracy when your day is done. Alongside this, there are the normal bells and whistles, and you are free to explore each location as you wish. This sense of freedom is essential if you want to improve your in-game score. As you find route plaques and other secret items, your experience bar will increase. Though this isn’t essential, I liked the badge of honour layer that highlighted your virtual prowess.
I admit that I overlooked the isolation of the AWS and DSD vigilance in TSW4. Consequently, I wasn’t going to make that mistake again. Though the safety systems make the action less relaxed, I preferred the increased difficulty and realism. Furthermore, the blend of old and new traction was fantastic. Whether I was navigating the West Coast mainline or hooking up trailers in a dusty American yard, I was spoilt for choice.
This is where this game excels. There are mountains of routes to explore and plenty of trains to play with. Furthermore, the free-roam mode lets you muck around without any restrictions. This will be perfect for streamers or role-play lovers. Whatever your reason for playing, you will lose yourself for hours.
Train Sim World 5: in with the new.
Driving a train is a dream job for many. However, have you ever wished to be a train guard? Checking tickets, interacting with the public, and moving luggage are all part of the role. Alongside this, you’ll have to manage the platform train interface whilst keeping the train on time. If this sounds like something you wish to do, now is your chance. Allow the train to do its thing as you scream “Tickets please”.
Though I didn’t spend hours undertaking this role, I found the interactions to be amusing and the system is well integrated. Furthermore, it makes a pleasant change from staring out of a window.
Another key change is the route-hopping feature. Though this seems simple and not that exciting, it perfectly connects your DLC across multiple routes. As long as you own the routes that combine with your current content, you may move from point A to B seamlessly. This was a great way to extend your run without having to mess around.
Fast travel.
The route hopping was a well-conceived idea. Moving between routes and common locations was sensible and user-friendly. However, the ability to view live maps of the whole network was spectacular. Like a train controller, you have full visibility of the surrounding world. What’s more, the realism of trains passing your location and the volume of rolling stock was an improvement on previous games.
The fast travel option was the icing on the cake, though. If you love to flit between routes and locations, this will tickle your fancy. Simply selecting a new station from your current location will move you around the rail network. Subsequently, you can enjoy different elements without having to waste hours between terminus stations.
Train Sim World 5 looks gorgeous.
I know train enthusiasts drool over steam trains and unusual liveries. However, I don’t understand the appeal. Yet, I can’t help but adore Train Sim World 5’s spectacular graphics. The sense of realism is off the chart and the in-cab equipment is accurate and great to look at. Alongside this, the varied weather fronts and the lighting effects are awesome. I loved the glint of headlights shimmering from the rails or the poor viability of belting rain. What’s more, the role of the conductor had some nice varied character models. Accordingly, the overall presentation was well-considered and this can be appreciated by NEDs and gamers alike.
The audio is immersive and superb. I adored the sound of each unique engine and the noise of the trains profiling across the rails. Furthermore, the sense of depth perception was excellent as speeding trains glide, and the audio intensity follows their movement. This was noticeable when wearing decent headphones. However, desktop speakers will do just as well.
Incredible controls.
Driving a train isn’t as easy as people think. The idiotic mindset over the past 2 years in the UK was unnecessary. It is a skilled task that requires a particular mindset. The developers have captured this idea in the challenging but incredible controls. The aforementioned tutorial sets you on your way. Furthermore, the training school acts as a recap if necessary. Consequently, you can brush up on your skills whenever it’s needed.
If you love the idea of driving trains, or you love this franchise, you will cherish Train Sim World 5. There is so much to do that this will keep you busy for hours. Moreover, you can incorporate any content you purchased if you’ve played the previous games. Therefore, this oozes replay value and longevity.
Train Sim World 5 is a great sim title.
Dovetail Games are market leaders. Their simulation products are second to none and this title doesn’t buck that trend. I loved the ultra-realistic trains and the spectacular tutorial. Furthermore, the trains are varied and interesting. Finally, I enjoyed the conductor mode and the fast travel was a welcome addition. As such, this is a great sim title and I recommend buying it here! Do you want to watch the world roll by? Pick your traction, grab your key, and get ready to become a train driver.
Dead By Daylight expands its universe with the release of The Casting Of Frank Stone. Is it a worthy addition to the franchise? Or should it have been left in the void with the entity?
The Entity Grows Hungry
Over the years I’ve had a love/hate relationship with Dead By Daylight, the asymmetrical horror game from Behaviour Interactive. But when I saw that Supermassive Games, the creators of Until Dawn and The Dark Pictures were making a horror game set in the universe of DBD, I immediately became excited. With this being a game by Supermassive, you can expect a horror focused story where your decisions in the game alter the outcome of the story. The Casting Of Frank Stone is an original story set across three timelines spanning 64 years from 1960 to modern day 2024. The plot intertwines these three timelines to perfection as a core cast of intriguing and engaging characters deal with the events of the past and present. Without giving too much away, the game follows the titular Frank Stone from his murderous rampage in the 60’s to his subsequent apparent demise and his resurrection attempts at the hands of a mysterious woman and the entity. This is accompanied by a film crew in the 80’s attempting to film a horror production at the scene of Stone’s crimes. I specifically have mentioned the entity due to the fact that Supermassive have leaned so heavily into the lore of Dead By Daylight it will be difficult for newcomers to properly understand at times. But for veterans of the franchise, there are so many easter eggs and nods to the game which is so wonderful. Every layer of the story is dripping in lore one way or another, from the entity itself to the characters, items and locations.
Like other Supermassive games, the plot is yours to shape and mould. Dialogue choices are back and each sentence carries weight and ramifications for the future. Supermassive are the kings of this style of horror game and it does not disappoint. It is violent and unpredictable and creates real tension as you wander through derelict areas and crawl through sewers. In terms of jump scares, there are not as many as I would have liked, but the overall creepy feel to the game will be enough to satisfy horror fans. I found this game to be their most unforgiving, with some choices I had initially thought to be minor, subsequently proving fatal. Each of the core five characters can be killed at virtually any moment past the prologue and that creates great tension and fear in every choice they make. I love every single game Supermassive has created and this is no exception, though I do have some qualms with the plot, particularly its ending.
Again, to avoid spoilers I don’t want to reveal too much but I felt the final third of the game was rushed and incomplete in many ways. I did not think I was nearing the end of the game and then only to see everything shift into 6th gear unexpectedly. This was disappointing as I wanted more time with the wonderful cast of characters so I could learn their motives and develop relationships. Having finished the story now three times, each ending did feel varied and different but they all lacked a definitive conclusion. But perhaps this is intentional and leads to more stories or continuations of this game. It’s a testament to the game that I wanted to play the game again and again and with over sixteen possible endings, I’ll be back for more. I just wish it was longer and allowed for more development of the characters and overall plot.
Hit That Skill Check!
If you are unfamiliar with previous Supermassive games, it is important to understand expectations when it comes to gameplay. For the majority of the game you are merely walking around investigating the areas you find yourself in, whilst choosing dialogue options. Like previous games, quick time events (QTE) return but with a twist, as they are modelled after the Dead By Daylight skill check mechanic which makes the game really feel part of the franchise. That is the meat and bones of gameplay; it is not going to be for everyone but for someone like myself who has played every Supermassive game, I adore this style. I love going through every nook and cranny of the environment to find collectibles and expand the narrative through texts and images you can pick up. Each of these collectibles adds weight and context to the story which really helps flesh out the narrative for both veterans of DBD and newcomers to the franchise.
There are some new quality of life improvements and additions Supermassive have implemented in The Casting Of Frank Stone. Again without spoilers, using a film camera in the game never felt so unique! Along with this, the developers have created the plunderers instinct tool which allows you to scan the environment for collectibles in that area. For someone like myself who loves to explore, this is a fantastic addition as it allowed me to be sure I had collected everything. Along with this, the addition of a prompt to let you know you cannot return to this area, is also welcomed. The final addition I loved in this game was the cutting room floor. The cutting room floor is unlocked after you finish your first playthrough and allows you to see your choices and the paths they created. This is wonderful as not only does it show your choices but it allows you to return to each specific scene to change and alter the outcome and see the results. Lots and lots of replay ability! I only wish like other Supermassive games I could have played the game alongside a friend since the lack of online co-op is a very strange choice.
Beauty In The Brutality
The Casting Of Frank Stone is a fantastic looking game. Supermassive have nailed the aesthetic and look of all three timelines. Each timeline looks and feels different, with the 80’s being my particular favourite. Environments are detailed and stunning; I could look at the Cedar Hills Steel Mill or the Manor all day long. Character models and animations are also top notch; this is Supermassive’s finest work and they should be lauded for the effort they have made. Lighting is also brilliant and helps accentuate the horror and keeps the tension sky high. When the characters show and display emotions, it looks incredible and really helps immerse you in the story, employing fantastic use of motion capture. The many many death animations are also gruesome and on the occasions I ended up getting a character killed, the deaths really hammered home the mistake I had made. It excites me for the next Dark Pictures game as everyone in Frank Stone looks and feels superb; this is a masterclass in presentation and design.
Similarly, the audio design and soundtrack of Frank Stone is wonderful. The voice acting on display here by the cast is stellar and really makes you care about these characters and their journey. Screams and cries are blood curdling and add true dramatic effect to each scene. Along with the voice acting, the sound design is first class with just simple effects like footsteps echoing in an abandoned workshop or doors being slammed in a chase scene. Every sound could have been taken straight out of a film; they sound so good. The musical soundtrack is also superb as it ebbs and flows with real purpose during intense moments. Supermassive always have good solid horror soundtracks and this continues with Frank Stone. This is accompanied by classic Dead By Daylight sound effects such as picking up an item or repairing a generator. For fans of the franchise, these are really cool moments that bring a smile to your face.
Verdict
The Casting Of Frank Stone is an evolution of the formula Supermassive Games have been cultivating for years. A strong diverse cast with wonderful voice acting helps propel the intense and chilling moments on display in this horror tale. Great quality of life improvements and innovations create strong benchmarks for interactive games. Whilst a rushed and muddled final act and the lack of co-op hurt the games overall appeal, there’s more than enough for horror fans to enjoy. Dead By Daylight fans will have an absolute blast with this game, as I did. See you in the fog!
Humans kinda suck, don’t they? That seems to be the message of Koboo: The Tree Spirit, anyway. We come across a pristine forest, full of mysterious spirits and beautiful guardian animals, and what’s the first thing we do? Take an axe to it. Set fire to it. Pillage every bough, seed and flower we can get our hands on until nothing’s left. A fairly timely plot, considering what’s going on in the world. Hell, we might have already dealt the Great Barrier Reef its death blow. It’s getting rather scary out there.
So I was fully onboard with Koboo: The Tree Spirit‘s message. As someone studying Environmental Science, I was all kinds of ready to kick some human butt out of the forest. But while I appreciate Koboo: The Tree Spirit‘s message, and its rather beautiful graphics, I find myself taking considerable umbrage with the gameplay. Were Koboo: The Tree Spirit a film, I’d likely be kinder to it. Sadly, it makes some quite fundamental mistakes that drag it down.
Eco Warrior
If you’re the type of person who hates it when environmental messages are thrust in your face, then you might want to look away. Koboo: The Tree Spirit pulls no punches. We play as the titular Koboo, the last surviving forest spirit. All the rest have been cut down by the encroaching humans, who now infest the woods. We’re the last gasp of a dying forest and our mission is to cut down the horde. A tall order for a tiny forest spirit, but thankfully we’re armed to the teeth. It’s a fairly simple plot, but having humanity as the enemy is interesting.
Keeping on with the positives, I rather like how Koboo: The Tree Spirit looks. True to how forests actually look, it’s a sea of bright colours. Different biomes look visually distinct and show the seedy underbelly of the forest well. It’s not every game that can go from a peaceful forest glade to a derelict crypt. There’s decent enemy variety too, with various flavours of human to rough up. At one point you might be beating up potion-throwing scientists, only to move on to a floating monk. Visually, Koboo is lovely.
Most of my ire is reserved for the gameplay. But let me lay things out before I start to rake up muck. Koboo is a platformer roguelike, which encourages acrobatic combat. Essentially, Koboo is broken up into combat arenas across seven different areas. I like that these areas connect in different ways. You only need to complete three areas to finish the game, but you can go back and explore the other routes. So if you get tired of the forest, you can dip into the crypts and castles. There are also lots of weapons – and modifiers – that change up how the combat functions. I enjoyed the boomerang, for example, as it could ping neatly through multiple enemies.
Tree Hugger, Human Stabber
Unfortunately, I have problems with both of Koboo: The Tree Spirit‘s main gameplay themes: the platforming and the roguelike combat. In platforming terms, the basic jump feels rather strangely floaty. It’s balanced, perhaps, by the fact that there aren’t really any platforming challenges to be found. There are spinning axes, but these just knock us away. We also start with a triple jump and dash as standard, so if things get hairy then we can just sproing away without worry. It all feels a little unsatisfying.
That feeling spreads to the general combat as well. Hitting enemies doesn’t have much impact to it, beyond a screen shake. Heavier weapons like the spear or axe suffer the most from this. We might as well be swinging a feather duster. That said, Koboo does try and add some interesting notes. The crits are one. Rather than just rolling the dice, crits are specific highlighted locations on enemies. So you’ve got to get yourself into the right position to do the most damage. I rather like that.
It’s undermined by another design choice: the size difference. Koboo makes its enemies pretty big compared to us. They don’t feel huge, though. Their attacks are fairly small, and very clearly telegraphed, and the dodge gives us quite a few invincibility frames. There’s no contact damage either, so you can just jump into an enemy and mash attack until dead. The daggers ended up being intensely powerful because of this. Jump into an enemy, flail at the crit spots, and dash whenever the big red exclamation point appears. Add the abundance of poison damage to it, and most enemies folded before their first attack.
Koboo: The Tree Spirit – Pretty But Hollow
The end result is that I hit the credits in under three hours and beat all the bosses in under five. Extremely threadbare for a roguelike. To its credit, Koboo does its best to throw in other stuff. There are hidden rooms throughout where you can learn a bit more about the plot. There’s also fishing – with fish that will talk about the complexities of life with you – and gardening. Though these last two mainly serve to feed the combat, which really doesn’t need propping up. It’s nice stuff, and the writing’s alright, but it’s too little to hold up the experience.
I note that Koboo: The Tree Spirit has a roadmap on its Steam page. Maybe I’ll be eating my words at the end of the year. Still, it isn’t just more content that Koboo needs. It needs a rethink on its balance. There needs to be a counter for just hovering in every enemy’s weak spot. Without that, we’re left with unsatisfying and strangely easy combat. In a game that’s fifty percent combat, that’s not good. Koboo: The Tree Spirit might look pretty on the surface, but the core is rotten.
For fans of visual novels and social deduction games, Raging Loop is an intriguing option. You play Haruaki Fusaishi, a college student who ends up in a town called Yasumizu. It’s a game with interesting characters and multiple endings that make you want to play it repeatedly.
A Long Night Out
Following the break-up with a girlfriend, you follow Haruaki Fusaishi as he journeys into the mountains. However, he finds himself lost at night and looks for a place to stay. After a weird interaction with a convenience store worker, he finds himself lost deep in the forest. A woman named Chiemi Serizawa rescues him and lets him stay at her place. The next day they wake up and soon Haruaki realizes the place he walked into is strange. He tries to leave the village several times, only to be thwarted at every opportunity.
Suddenly, a strange mist creeps into the village, and everyone starts to panic. Haruaki hides, only to hear noises outside. Once he runs outside, he is killed by a werewolf. At this point, the game lets you pick different paths to see what happens if you stay hiding. Haruaki retains previous knowledge about how he died and everything leading up to that event. After surviving the night, you learn about the werewolves. You learn about something called the Feast of the Yomi-Purge. Two werewolves are selected to kill everyone in the village before they are taken out by the humans.
Isn’t That Just Werewolf?
Just like in Werewolf, there are specialty roles that can help protect other humans and figure out who the werewolves are. I think the thing that frustrated me the most about the first part of the game is that you are a background character, just watching helplessly as a werewolf game is going on, and you can’t participate or make choices that impact the story. You find out about the different roles in the game. There is the snake, which can investigate who is human and who the werewolves are. Two monkeys who know who the other monkey is and can out each other to confirm they are human. The spider acts as a medic and can protect a werewolf from killing someone for a night.
This frustration continued until the end of the first ending. Each time you complete an ending of the game, good or bad, you get a key that unlocks a different choice at certain points in the story. After reaching the game’s first ending, the game loops you back to the beginning with more dialogue options. Still, Harukai retained the knowledge from the first ending. What I enjoyed about this game is that it subverts my expectations often You go into a new playthrough expecting one thing and you end up with a completely different story. I had one complaint about the game, and it was the pacing. The first playthrough was rough to get through, and not being able to make fun choices slowed down the experience for me.
The Wolf Among Us
Raging Loop is a visual novel game that brings you into a village in the middle of a game of Werewolf. However, there are actual wolves and people die. The unfortunate part about this game is that it took a while before I felt like I was having fun. Watching NPCs play a game of werewolf isn’t the most fun start to the game, but once you can impact how the werewolf games play out, I felt myself become a lot more invested. The characters are interesting, and the different branching paths encourage you to go back and play through the game over and over again. Visual novel fans looking for a fun story with multiple endings and a social deduction game should check out Raging Loop.
Operator 112 is the sequel to the popular and award-winning Operator 911. However, this beefy new kid on the block is bigger and more demanding in practically every way. It has retained many of the original mechanics though. Consequently, you’ll feel right at home if you have played its predecessor.
This real-life simulation title was developed by Jutsu Games and published by Ultimate Games. Moreover, it is a single-player experience that offers a career mode, a scenario selector, and a sandbox option. As such, you can stick to the rigid path set by the developers or experiment and make each run as simple or challenging as you like.
Operator 112 is tense and dramatic.
I’ve long thought that being a forces call handler would be a tough job. There is pressure, time restraints, and ridiculous prank calls to deal with. On top of this, they must organise crews from large areas to overcome any issues that arise. I was amazed that Operator 112 captures this tense and dramatic feeling in its gameplay.
You play the role of a call operator. In front of you is a 2D map of your region. This map can be huge and the number of forces at your disposal varies. However, what remains the same is the never-ending problems you must solve. Fires, trapped individuals, drug deals, robbery, and more must be handled correctly. Alongside this, you are peppered with emergency calls and the issues they create.
Surprisingly challenging.
The developer has done a great job of building you up before knocking you down! The opening elements are complicated but manageable. Furthermore, you have basic units to contend with and no weather fronts to avoid. However, this quickly changes as wind, rain, and traffic play a major part in your demise.
As incidents come to your attention, you must select the relevant emergency service to attend. Occasionally, a large fire, RTC, or robbery will require multiple units. Alongside this, your vehicles must navigate winding roads filled with traffic. Accordingly, you must select the nearest units without reducing coverage across the region. This tactical element was great, but there was a sense of luck as well.
Weather and emergency calls.
The RNG approach may drive you insane, but the weather issues will push you over the edge. When bad weather hits, certain vehicles cannot be used. This paralyses your workforce and spreads your resources even thinner. This idea makes a tough situation a little bit harder. If you then consider high winds and sprawling fires, each emergency can evolve at an alarming pace. This dynamic system makes Operator 112 a tough but moreish experience.
My favourite aspect of this game was the emergency calls. The voice acting was occasionally poor, but the content was fantastic. As the discussion unfolds, you are responsible for deciding if it is a prank or if the person needs assistance. Additionally, you need to use correct questioning to prise information out of any non-compliant callers. It wasn’t complicated, but it added a spectacular and interesting layer of depth.
Operator 112 has a refined style.
Mainly, the action plays out from a 2D map. This may seem like a boring decision, but it wasn’t. This approach made it easier to navigate the upcoming incidents. Furthermore, as your regions expand, you can keep on top of your units and the action that unfolds. The use of vivid colours and familiar tones was helpful as you send the police to a job, a blue line indicates their path. Alternatively, red is for fire, and white is for ambulance. This was brilliantly simple and helped manage the madness that unfolded.
The audio complements the visuals. The design is refined, but it boosts tension and the dramatic atmosphere. Each siren and crackle of a radio has an authentic edge that keeps you hooked. What’s more, the excellent emergency calls are brilliantly paced and great to listen to. Though Operator 112 doesn’t do anything spectacular, aesthetically, it is very pleasing.
The controls were frustrating.
The developers had done their best with the control system. The opening chapters act as a tutorial and there is a gentle learning curve. Yet, I believe that this would be better with a mouse and keyboard. Trying to flit between units and navigating the large map was occasionally tough. This came to the fore whenever the shit hit the fan! With loads of incidents kicking off and minimal units, it was frustrating when the controls let you down.
I enjoyed Operator 112, but I’m not sure if I want to keep playing it. The action ramps up and managing each chapter becomes increasingly difficult. However, the developer incorporated career points and an impressive array of custom settings to draw you back in. The career points are used to expand the world map and give you new areas to test your skills. If I do return, it’ll be on a casual basis in the sandbox mode.
Operator 112 was tough but enjoyable.
Operator 112 impressed me. Its simple ideas and dramatic edge kept me on my toes. Moreover, the emergency calls are great and there is a sense of realism. However, the poor controls and maddening action will put off plenty of gamers. Accordingly, despite these complaints, I like it and I recommend buying it here! Can you help each vast area? Select your units, manage each situation, and save the day.
The Dracula Castle 5075B keyboard from Akko is a thing of beauty. Its striking design is complemented by an array of special font keycaps. The ASA design and V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches ensure that this is a comfortable typing and gaming accessory. The proprietary plate mount stabilisers ensure that your out-of-the-box experience is second to none.
I’ve reviewed many Akko products, and I’m never disappointed. Their versatility, build quality, and quirky design make them stand out. Additionally, the high level of tech and responsive switches help you to keep ahead of your competition. However, if you do not game, fear not. The wonderfully designed keycaps are fantastic for typing and the switches and gasket mount are exceptionally comfortable to use. Accordingly, this is a wonderful keyboard if you have to work or game for any length of time.
What’s in the box of the Dracula Castle 5075B keyboard?
The packaging is simple but robust. The contents are well packaged and everything can be recycled.
The Dracula Castle 5075B keyboard is a small-form device. This compact design is perfect for tiny workstations.
A keycap puller and switch tool are provided.
Use the unique keycaps to express your creative side.
Miscellaneous stabilisers.
A USB-C cable to charge and power the keyboard.
Connect wirelessly with the USB-A dongle.
Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
Akko has pushed the boat out with this device. The 3 connectivity options create a user-friendly keyboard that will impress the toughest critics. The low-latency connection is perfect for gamers. What’s more, the lack of cabling will appease OCD workers who require a spotless desk. The handy built-in lighting highlights your battery capacity to ensure you never run out of juice.
The Dracula Castle 5075B keyboard has NKRO functionality. N-key rollover is essential for the optimum typing experience. Older devices may miss key inputs or respond slowly to your command. Thankfully, the NKRO removes this problem to ensure that you get 100% accuracy on every keystroke.
Finally, no one wants to play with settings when they are in the middle of a battle. Luckily, the handy rotary knob allows you to adjust the volume and the brightness of the RGB. Though this isn’t essential, the tactile button was useful and convenient.
Build quality.
Every layer of this accessory is incredible. The black livery is complemented by the striking keycaps. Furthermore, the special font options add a juxtaposing layer that catches your eye. The ASA keycaps may not be your go-to choice, but I found them to be accurate and pleasant to use. During the heat of battle, my fingers found the middle of each key with ease and I have no complaints.
This keyboard has the option of 3 switches. I’m using the yellow linear ones as I find the travel and actuation distance to be perfectly balanced. Moreover, they are ridiculously responsive and this makes typing just that little bit easier. Thanks to the 5-pin hot-swappable approach, you can chop and change your layout without soldering. This was great as it allowed newbies to customise their products with little expertise.
I hate it when your keycaps become shiny and the fonts begin to fade. Luckily, this keyboard has PBT double-shot keycaps to remove that issue. Yes, they are still prone to scratching, but they are hardwearing during general use. My advice is to take your time when removing the keycaps. If you do this, you will not scratch the finish as you adjust your switches.
Is the Dracula Castle 5075B keyboard worth it?
Akko has a strong fan base that is obsessed with its high-quality and impressive products. The Dracula Castle 5075B keyboard will appease this group of gamers and office workers. The keycaps are hard-wearing and great to look at. Additionally, the media and lighting knob create a user-friendly edge that was appreciated. Alongside this, the NKRO functionality was responsive and a game-changer when typing or playing your favourite FPS. Therefore, it is a no-brainer and I recommend buying it here!
Garden Witch Life is a cosy, slow-paced affair that utilises every genre trope. This may sound like it lacks originality and could be low on energy. However, this isn’t the case. The fun-filled fantasy world has a wholesome edge that will make you smile. Moreover, the missions are simple to understand and I loved the rudimentary approach. Yet, the developer has incorporated plenty of secret twists and turns to keep you on your toes. This was great as it prevented things from getting stale.
This fantasy life sim was developed by FreetimeStudio and published by SOEDESCO. What’s more, it is a single-player experience set in a 3D semi-open world. Accordingly, you are free to explore as you wish, but certain progression elements prevent you from discovering everything at once. This was fantastic as it kept you busy while stopping you from steam-rolling ahead.
Garden Witch Life tells a familiar tale.
This genre has a desperate edge where failure quickly turns to success. Garden Witch Life utilises this design in everything it does. Consequently, if you’ve played this genre to death, there won’t be any curveballs. However, if you are new to things, or you are a bit of a Jack of all trades, you’ll adore the whimsy charms.
You take the role of a down-on-her-luck alchemist who has recently been sacked. With the weight of the world on her shoulders, she doesn’t wish to return home a failure. Yet, her fortunes change when she stops at a little island. The locals need her help and the sense of community is missing. By working together, and completing quests, the would-be witch can find herself a new home and help those around her.
This isn’t the most original plot I’ve experienced, but I loved the characters you encounter and how well the action unfolds. Furthermore, the tasks were enjoyable and exploring the small but interesting world was rarely dull.
A comfortable gameplay loop.
Like its peers, Garden Witch Life demands that you farm, mine, and clean up your surroundings. The hero is given an abandoned house, and they must remove the clutter and decorate it to their liking. Along the way, you are asked to plant crops and remove any negative objects. Moreover, you’ll discover hidden areas and an array of chests to open.
As discoveries are made, you’ll unlock new recipes and ways to create items. Additionally, there is a gradual tool progression system to keep things balanced. This element was the slowest part of the core gameplay and may frustrate you. Money isn’t easy to come by, so getting the best tools to increase your revenue was a bit of a slog. However, once you open up the mine and discover secret resources, things get easier.
On top of this, you’ll find animals to pet and admire. Though this wasn’t essential, I enjoyed it regardless. The interaction with your fellow villagers wasn’t always necessary either. Yet, if you help them out, you are occasionally rewarded with seeds, food, or cash. Subsequently, keeping an eye on your neighbours and spending time with them had its rewards.
Do as much or as little as you want.
The hero has limited stamina and their days are short. As such, you must try to fit plenty of energy-sapping jobs into a small window. Now, this may seem stressful, but it wasn’t. Instead, there are no demands on your time. You may do as much or as little as you like. If you wish to spend a day in the village relaxing, you can. Alternatively, maybe you want to pick weeds and cook food. Either way, you are in charge of how productive you wish to be.
Garden Witch Life is vibrant and pleasant to look at.
The developer has gone all out on the OTT colour. The vibrancy is eye-catching, and I loved the use of light and shadow. What’s more, the fantasy edge has a slightly futuristic design. Accordingly, it was strange but interesting. Though Garden Witch Life was great to look at, I discovered some visual glitches along the way. The mine was the worst culprit, as I fell through the world and was stuck underwater for ages. Thankfully, the character reset setting overcame this silly and unfortunate problem.
The audio is somewhat subdued by comparison. The calm soundtrack allows the wholesome action to take centre stage. Moreover, the realistic sound effects are suitable for every tool you wield. This was pleasant but not mind-blowing. I prefer this approach rather than something that exploits the magical edge.
Tight controls.
Garden Witch Life can be played with a controller or mouse and keyboard. I tested the latter and found the interface to be easy to understand. What’s more, the key bindings are refined and this prevents things from becoming complicated. Though I didn’t try a gamepad, I can imagine it would be responsive and easy to use.
The action focuses on a calm and slow process. Progress can be tricky, but it was rarely tiresome. Additionally, the exploration elements were enjoyable whilst dipping into the fantasy realm. Consequently, there is plenty of replay value if you love a peaceful existence.
Garden Witch Life is a pleasant experience.
The developer has done a great job with this game. The action is easy to follow, and you never feel out of your depth. Moreover, I loved the character interactions and the enjoyable quests. On top of this, the freedom to plant crops and explore the world rarely outstayed its welcome. Accordingly, it is a pleasant game and I recommend buying it here! Can you make the strange island your home? Do up your house, grow some crops, and help the locals.
Squad 44 is a WW2-based online multiplayer tactical first-person shooter focusing on historical accuracy and realistic War strategies.
Many games these days claim that they are real war simulators, but very few get the idea across. Now, I am no World War veteran, but I’d wager that having the fear of god in your heart is one of the things you need to get across.
Short of my PC placing a gun to my head, Squad 44 comes really close to capturing the easily marketable real-life tragedy known as World War 2.
A Gameplay of War
What sets Squad 44 apart is its gritty, realism-heavy FPS gameplay. Victory depends heavily on team communication and tactical coordination.
Each player assumes a specific role—Rifleman, Machine Gunner, or Medic, among others.
These roles demand distinct playstyles, and the balance between them is key to your team’s success. I gravitated toward the Rifleman class, which offered flexibility in battle, but I also enjoyed playing as a Grenadier, strategically lobbing grenades to disrupt enemy formations. Unlike many shooters, this isn’t a run-and-gun affair.
Instead, Squad 44 requires strategic positioning and coordinated attacks. It can be unforgiving, but that only adds to the appeal of this online multiplayer WWII FPS.
I’ll be honest, this was more fun than the latest COD instalment. (I will not specify which one so this remains relevant for the future. Unless Activision releases a game of the year contender. In that case, ignore what is in this bracket.)
Historically accurate War
From Operation Market Garden to the Battle of Rethymno, Squad 44 immerses players in these well-documented WWII events, with vast, accurately designed battlefields and dynamic objectives.
The chaotic nature of these encounters—fighting for control of strategic locations like bridges or pushing through enemy defences—brings to life the harrowing unpredictability of war. Fans of history will appreciate the attention to detail, but be prepared for a steep learning curve as you navigate these complex, large-scale conflicts.
Decent choice
While the lack of extensive loadout customization might disappoint some players, Squad 44’s focus on historical accuracy justifies this design choice.
However, this design decision is driven by a commitment to historical accuracy, which plays a crucial role in shaping the game’s overall experience.
The game opts for preset load-outs that are faithful to the weapons, gear, and tools that actual soldiers would have had access to during World War II. This approach not only enhances the sense of realism but also creates a more immersive and authentic experience for players who appreciate historically grounded gameplay.
This not only adds to the realism but also forces players to adapt their strategies based on the available tools. Though I occasionally longed for more variety, the game’s tactical depth and the reliance on teamwork more than made up for it.
Though I sometimes found myself wishing for more variety in my loadout to suit my personal playstyle, the game’s reliance on teamwork and tactical planning more than compensated for this limitation. The need to work together as a squad, with each player having a distinct role based on their loadout, made battles feel more dynamic and meaningful.
In some ways, the restrictions on customization helped elevate the importance of communication and coordination within the team.
War is Cool! (I guess)
Squad 44 is an immersive and intense online multiplayer WWII FPS that excels in delivering historical accuracy and tactical gameplay.
While performance issues and a steep learning curve may frustrate new players, the game’s commitment to realism and squad-based coordination offers a deeply rewarding experience for those willing to invest time.
Despite it not being my cup of tea, Squad 44 looks promising, especially with recent updates and continued support from the developers. If you’re a fan of online multiplayer tactical FPS and WWII history, Squad 44 is worth your time.
