Review: Eresys

Ralph Heseltine
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Review: Eresys

Eresys promises an intense cooperative horror experience set within a Lovecraftian nightmare. The game sees you complete quests, normally your standard fetch/extraction missions. You’ll be met with a variety of monsters that are not only there to stop you, but scare you. With its heavy emphasis on multiplayer gameplay and atmospheric design, it seemed poised to offer something unique for horror enthusiasts. However, despite the promising premise, the game struggles with significant issues that detract from its potential, leading to a mixed overall experience.

A Rough Beginning and Performance Woes

The game’s introduction is a stumbling block right out of the gate. Instead of easing players into its world, “Eresys” expects the player to take in far too much information at the start. To make matters worse, you are expected to read through all of this rather than experience it in a tutorial. This makes the initial moments feel overwhelming and daunting, which could deter players from continuing. Additionally, the game’s performance is unfortunately far from excellent. There seem to be frequent stutters and control issues that make it difficult to play smoothly, which detracts from the immersive atmosphere the developers clearly worked hard to create. I was personally playing this game on the Steam Deck and endured frequent small bugs or general issues.  These flaws make it difficult to find yourself immersed in this world.

Atmospheric Yet Repetitive Environments

Initially, Eresys’ atmospheric design was impressive. The dark, moody environments and eerie soundscapes create a genuinely unsettling atmosphere that feels true to Lovecraftian roots. However, this initial sense of dread is somewhat limited as the environments begin to feel repetitive and empty. While the maps do look great at first, they lack the depth and variety needed to keep the game engaging after a few playthroughs. Therefore, the repetition limits the game’s ability to sustain its eerie ambience over time.

Co-op Emphasis

A core aspect of Eresys is its cooperative gameplay, which is where the game should be at its best. You work together as a group to complete the same objectives as on solo but your collaboration can add more variety in gameplay – most notably the ability to revive one another. However, finding public lobbies was near-enough impossible for me, even after searching at various times of the day. This lack of an active player base made me as a solo player feel isolated and unable to experience the full cooperative potential of the game. This should be a drawback if for players who don’t have people they can play the game with online as the solo experience feels subpar in comparison to the co-op experience which seems to suit this game better.

The Horror

Despite the weaknesses mentioned above, “Eresys” delivers on its promise of horror. The game’s jump scares are effective and really get you out of nowhere. The Lovecraftian aesthetic is faithfully executed, with grotesque creatures and unsettling visuals that evoke a genuine sense of fear. The sound design helps build anticipation for one of these scares which could come anytime – usually in the form of a monster you have to do your best to run away from. The horror elements are, without a doubt, the strongest aspect of the game and provide the most compelling reason to play.

Verdict

“Eresys” is a game with a lot of potential that is unfortunately held back by several critical flaws. The info-dump introduction and struggling performance are red flags, and the repetitive environments bore over the initial excitement. The game’s reliance on co-op play is both its biggest strength and its weakness, as the sparse public lobbies make it difficult to experience the co-op experience which was. However, effective horror elements and a faithful Lovecraftian atmosphere offer glimpses of  potential in “Eresys.” For those with friends who also own the game and a penchant for horror, “Eresys” might offer some enjoyable moments. But for the average solo player, the experience is likely to be as frustrating as it is frightening. I would suggest proceeding with caution, and perhaps waiting for a patch or two to address some of the more glaring issues before diving into this eldritch world. However, for a diehard Lovecraft fan, this game is certainly capable of evoking a decent time.

Review: Riven

Phant0m
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Review: Riven

Puzzle games are super tricky to make. That magic of feeling relieved balancing with I have no clue what’s even going on, is quite a hard one to make yet I’m happy to say that Riven delighted that balance in my head. Hi my name is phant0m and these are my thoughts on Riven.

Visuals

First thing you’ll notice is how amazing everything looks! A colorful realistic world awaits you here, structures look awesome, foliage looks great, and a special shout out to the water which looks pretty damn amazing! There weren’t many flaws in this aspect which is normal for puzzle games, but this is different; the game also runs amazingly even when I maxed out the settings! Which means it performs great while the graphics look stunning!

Gameplay

Now I have to start this by saying I’m not the biggest puzzle enjoyer, mostly because I’m very slow. But I had a decent time here, getting through these. First major problem I experienced was on the behalf of spending 30 minutes of my total playtime trying to take off a locked door that had such a simple answer that I legitimately got so upset. But that was my fault, since everything else didn’t seem as close to as dumb as me figuring out the first little section. The puzzles do lack that feeling of aha! At times but when there are ones that make you feel that way, it did make me feel much better! Outside of that there isn’t more to the gameplay, just puzzles taking up most of the experience.

Story

The story of this game didn’t intrigue me much, from the concept to the way it’s told I just couldn’t help but not want to pay attention, every scene it felt like I was spacing out and maybe that was due to the spotty voice acting or the quality of the audio itself that maybe just threw me off, because the presentation didn’t seem bad, it felt ok. The scenes made sense, and the writing isn’t horrible, but at the end of the day this story was maybe just too confusing to attach me anywhere. Now that I think of it the story held close to very similar aspects for any time something was happening on screen and it was a lack of extra choices than im just watching them do something.

Characters/Music

The characters in the game at least did a better job of intriguing me, their designs looked cool and I could appeal to the small number of people in this game, although not voice acted the best they are definitely still believable, especially because of their motives. And the music was pretty alright, although not present in every moment when it is there it does add to the story’s entertainment or increases how much fun you have while solving a puzzle.

Performance

As stated earlier the performance of the game is insane for the level of fidelity here! I was hitting around 100 fps on this beautiful adventure on an rx6750 xt intel i5 13400f PC, including the fact that I was playing on maxed out settings! With not Crashes or frame dips, Which is absolutely stellar!

Verdict

Anyways if you’re wondering I do recommend this game, it makes you think, and at times makes you feel like you’re excelling while also giving you moments of feeling like an idiot. I give it an 8/10 with the only negatives lying in its storytelling and voice acting. Those were my thoughts on Riven. Thx for reading! 🙂 Keep doing great things! You’re good at them. Bye!

Review: Wall World

Daniel Waite
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Review: Wall World

Wall World shouldn’t be as addictive as it is. This cruel game breaks your soul as you eek closer to the finish line. This slow and methodical gameplay may frustrate some people. Yet, I loved the repetition and the sense of reward. Additionally, there are plenty of surprises to keep you on your toes.

This rogue-lite adventure was developed by Alawar Entertainment and published by UniqueGames Publishing. Furthermore, there are some glorious tower defence elements to get your teeth into. This is a solo experience that has an understated aesthetic. Moreover, it combines virtual climbing with side-scrolling exploration.

The hero has upgraded their mining laser in Wall World.

Wall World hides plenty of secrets. 

This mining title hides its story behind snippets of lore. As you explore the vertical mountains, you’ll discover hidden mines. Additionally, there are remnants of previous residents known as “the others”. This race of people was advanced, and their technology improved your chances. As such, it is best to find every last ounce of this once-thriving society.

Though the story plays a minor part, the action focuses on resource gathering and fighting. The demonic aliens are aggressive and will stop at nothing. As such, you must use your hulking “spider” vessel to defend yourself and thwart every hellish wave. However, this is no mean feat and failure is all but assured. 

A game of 2 halves. 

Wall World is brilliantly split into 2 distinct game modes. The first revolves around resource gathering and exploring each mine. This is great as your exosuit is utilised to remove waste and gather valuable assets. Furthermore, as you remove dirt, you discover new weapons, tools, and plenty of interesting secrets. Though the waste product may seem pointless, it isn’t. Every clump of dirt and every resource earns you cash. This can be invested in permanent upgrades to your spider and your weapons. Accordingly, this improves your chances of survival.

The second portion of the game is the cruel waves of attack. As the game progresses, an alien attack meter fills. Once it is at the brim, you must defend yourself and your spider. The aliens advance from 3 sides, and the longer you survive, the larger the waves become. Subsequently, you must plan, move, and shoot every weapon you own if you wish to survive. 

Upgrades. 

The gameplay revolves around temporary and permanent upgrades. The permanent upgrades are unlocked with cash. As mentioned, cash is found during each mining expedition. Consequently, the longer you survive, the more cash you earn. Additionally, the stronger your spider becomes. This is essential as like every other rogue-lite title, you are not going to complete this in one playthrough.

Where things become interesting are the temporary upgrades. Here you may play with different tactical ideas. Furthermore, there is a sense of trial and error as you never know which of “the others” upgrades you’ll find. The ability to test different approaches and upgrade every aspect of your mining rig and exosuit was impressive. However, getting the best of each element was challenging, and gamers will need patience if they wish to progress to the end game. 

Wall World is wonderfully pixelated. 

If you wish to play a polished title with a modern finish, then look elsewhere. Wall World is gloriously pixelated. Moreover, its colour palette is earthy and this adds a sombre and oppressive edge. Alongside this, you’ll enjoy some basic animation and some simple stage design. Though the visuals aren’t revolutionary, I liked the presentation nonetheless.

The audio is refined but effective. The sci-fi soundtrack adds a sense of danger and the loud sound effects enhance each attack. I loved the crashing of every rocket and the shrill noise of your machine gun. What’s more, the squelching sound of every broken alien body brings a wry smile to your face.

Excellent controls. 

Though it took me a few turns to master Wall World, I adore the excellent controls. The basic UI complements the simple button layout. Furthermore, the responsive inputs assist you in annihilating every alien attack. As such, the developer has done a great job with their user-friendly approach. 

As no playthrough is the same, and death is a guarantee, this oozes replay value and longevity. Yes, it is frustrating to lose your progress, but each baby step is rewarding. As you improve your gear, and you climb the wall, you discover new creatures and assets. Consequently, every playthrough is unique, and this keeps you coming back for more. 

Wall World is challenging and addictive. 

Though the gameplay is simple to understand, the action is surprisingly challenging. Wall World does not hold your hand, and every layer pushes you hard. On top of this, your progress is wiped and this makes you focus your attention. Though failure is a tough pill to swallow, I loved the rewarding action. Subsequently, I recommend buying it here! Can you get to the top of the wall? Upgrade your spider, find advanced weapons and tools, and mine everything in sight.

Review: Canyon BTHS-3 Wireless Headphones

Andrew Edney
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Review: Canyon BTHS-3 Wireless Headphones

Here is our review of the Canyon BTHS-3 Wireless Headphones.

Specifications

What’s in the box?

The box contains the headphone, cables and instructions.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

These Canyon wireless over-ear headphones may be your go to choice for everyday life.

They are packed with Bluetooth 5.1 and audio jack 3,5 mm, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility. The inline mic is highly sensitive and provides excellent clarity.

The headphones are foldable – shouldn’t take up much space if you need to carry them around.

The headband is also made to last: it is adjustable and reinforced by metal parts. Soft, comfortable cushions cover 40mm speakers, and the exterior is streamlined and feels like quality.

When fully charged you can expect to get around 15 hours of playtime.

The Canyon BTHS-3 Wireless Headphones are available now priced around £22.99 and comes in grey or beige.

You can learn more from the Canyon website.

Review: Canyon BSP-4 Wireless Speaker

Andrew Edney
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0
Review: Canyon BSP-4 Wireless Speaker

Here is our review of the Canyon BSP-4 Wireless Speaker.

Specifications

What’s in the box?

The box contains the speaker, charging cable and instructions.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

This stylish wireless speaker is the perfect combination of compact size, light weight and powerful, balanced sound.

The speaker is compatible with Windows, iOS and Android and supports three connection types – Bluetooth, FM, or Card, which allow you to listen to music from source and connect to your favourite radio wave. Wireless communication using Bluetooth 5.0 technology provides a high-quality music signal transmission at a speed of up to 2 Mbps at a distance of up to 10 meters while saving battery power.

You can use 2 speakers simultaneously to achieve surround stereo sound. An excellent solution for those who want to enjoy music in nature, in a country house or on the street.

Setting up the speaker was really simple – choose how you want to connect and then start listening.

Battery wise, when fully charged, you get around 4 hours of playback – so not a huge amount, but enough for a picnic or a party.

The Canyon BSP-4 Wireless Speaker is available now priced around £26 and comes in red, blue, grey and yellow.

You can learn more from the Canyon website.

Review: Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends

Daniel Waite
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Review: Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends

Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends is a cute title that slipped my radar. However, as it’s part of the Game Pass subscription, I decided to give it a blast. Needless to say, I’m happy I did as this little gem was addictive and heart-warming. Moreover, it has a pleasant story and easy-to-understand mechanics. As such, it is ideal for gamers of all ages and abilities.

This simulation game was developed by Catch & Release, LLC and published by Humble Games. Furthermore, it is a single-player experience with a colourful aesthetic. Additionally, there is no violence or swearing. Accordingly, this will tick those boxes if you want a safe but enjoyable title for younger gamers.

Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends tells a familiar tale. 

Cute simulation titles seem to lack originality. What’s more, they follow a familiar plot to appease this genre’s massive fan base. Now, I’m not complaining as I like the well-trodden ideas. Yet, occasionally, something a little unique won’t go a miss. I guess Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends tries this angle with its robotic protagonist. However, other than this, it offers few surprises. 

The comfortable plot revolves around the hamlet of Rolling Hills. This beautiful location is down on its luck. Consequently, the mayor gets inventive as he attempts to attract businesses and residents to settle down. His first move is to invite a sushi robot who wishes to appease its creator. This is a stroke of genius as this robotic creature serves delicious food whilst encouraging new visitors. But, the path to success rarely runs smoothly and weird things trip you up. Subsequently, there are a few twists and turns that keep you on your toes.

Day-to-day business. 

The core gameplay loop is simple. The robot must explore the small town while undertaking some basic tasks. Additionally, it’ll pick up rubbish, find gifts and make friends with the locals. Alongside this, there are challenges to complete and some drip-fed elements to keep you coming back for more. If this isn’t enough, you must invest in ingredients, buy new recipes, and upgrade your restaurant. 

Once you’ve nailed the daytime routine, you must begin trading. The restaurant element requires you to match a particular meal and quality of ingredients to each customer’s needs. Furthermore, you must be quick as they become impatient. Next, you must clean up any mess, wake up any sleepy customers, and keep everyone happy.

If you are successful, you’ll improve your reputation and you’ll earn some serious cash. The money is required to improve every aspect of your business and to help improve your friendships. Though it seems a lot, everything is well-balanced, and each new element is well-explained. As such, you won’t struggle and the restaurant concept never gets out of hand. 

Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends is pleasant to look at.

Though the surrounding world is compact, I enjoyed exploring each key location. There is a store, a café, and a workshop to visit. Each area lacks complexity, but they ensure the action plods on. The robotic hero rolls and dashes across every surface. The animation was smooth, and I liked the clean and cute imagery. Furthermore, the vibrant colours enhance the light-hearted theme.

The audio is wholesome. The upbeat soundtrack is fun to listen to and the basic sound effects match the actions. Though this element didn’t blow me away, I enjoyed the non-offensive style and the toe-tapping beats.

Tight controls. 

Your customers can be impatient. As such, you won’t want to make unnecessary errors. Accordingly, I was impressed by the excellent button layout and the tight controls. Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends is an easy game to master even though new mechanics are added regularly. Therefore, this is ideal for gamers of all ages and skills. 

The developers have done a great job of balancing the action. I never felt overwhelmed and there are new recipes, tasks, and activities to tackle. Consequently, if you fall for its charms, you’ll play this for ages. 

Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends is an adorable game. 

I had low expectations when I installed this title. However, I quickly fell in love with its fun action and charming world. Additionally, the gameplay is addictive and I adored the drip-fed mechanics. Alongside this, it is included with Game Pass, so you have nothing to lose. Subsequently, I recommend buying it here! Can you bring new customers and residents to Rolling Hills? Learn new recipes, make new friends, and become a local hero.

Review: Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

Matt Cooper
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Review: Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

It’s been three years since its original release and now the latest game in the storied Shin Megami Tensei franchise has been updated for modern consoles with the release of Vengeance. Does it add enough for returning players to catch the eye? Or should it have been left in the post apocalyptic desert?

Back With A Vengeance

I’ll be honest, I have never been a fan of JRPG’s, nor have I really experienced many throughout my years of gaming but Shin Megami Tensei V (Or simply SMTV) peaked my interest. Originally debuting exclusively to Nintendo Switch, SMTV blended different elements from past games in the franchise to wonderfully successful results and now it has hit current gen consoles with the updated Vengeance release. Along with the substantial story the original game had, it now releases with an alternative storyline. The game now sports two branches of the story, entitled “Canon Of Creation” and “Canon Of Vengeance” which create drastically different results as you progress later on into the game. The story of SMTV revolves around the player as the silent protagonist who, on one fateful day on the way home from school, has their life changed forever. Being pulled into a post apocalyptic future known as “The Da’at”, you are thrust right into the action, which I thought was a bold choice but the correct one.

From there, as you traverse this desert wasteland you come across Aogami (A proto-fiend) who you ‘fuse’ with to become a “Nahobino” which is a demon, blessed and/or cursed with vast knowledge. With the new storyline, the game offers you a choice upon fusing as to which path you want to take and I love that the options are available from the get go. Not everything is as it seems to be in the protagonist’s world and I became enthralled uncovering the mysteries of both modern Tokyo and post-apocalyptic Tokyo. Not knowing much about this franchise and story both helped and hindered my experience. In many ways it can be a lot to digest for a brand new player but also intriguing and enjoyable getting to know the vast and colourful cast of characters that are available to you to talk, fight and discover. Having now experienced both endings to the game, I feel Vengeance is a worthy addition to the tightly woven story. In truth, I prefer the Vengeance side of the story as it focuses more on the personal relationships of the humans of Tokyo. It puts more emphasis on their struggles, with the addition of a new ally called Yoko whilst also adding new villains such as the demon group Qadistu. For both returning and brand new players, the story has a lot to offer as it deals with themes of humanity, belonging and self worth. Like the story at times, gameplay is both brutal and unforgiving.

Brutal And Unforgiving

SMT has always prided itself on its unrelenting turn-based combat and SMTV does not let up in this aspect. The aim of the game is to defeat your enemies using a variety of abilities you unlock along the way. Furthermore, what makes this franchise unique is its emphasis on exploiting the enemies’ weaknesses. Throughout my time playing the game, I became more focused on building a team of ally demons that helped me to either counter, negate or downright wipe out the enemy I was facing. This makes the game really thought-provoking; whilst I was finding and adding these friendly demons to my roster, I was constantly checking their abilities and buffs to see if they could give me an advantage in battles. Like previous games, you have to negotiate and capture these demons before adding them to your side. I loved how you are able to fuse multiple demons together to create a new variant or ability. No fight is the same in SMTV and it is absolutely brutal at times.

I do not have a vast amount of experience in turn-based combat and boy did that show in this game. Many times during my playthrough I would be killed in one shot or obliterated by an enemy. At the start it was incredibly frustrating and rage-inducing but as I collected more demons, powers and items to help me in combat, I started to appreciate it more. Each fight feels like a tense chess match and you have to be on your toes to defeat your foe. I played the game on normal difficulty and a lot of the time it felt I had chosen the harder option. Despite being the same level as some of the bosses, I quickly learned that this does not equate to equal power. I was regularly bested by these bosses and had to turn to the many many side quests available to me in order to level up and gain extra buffs to help me succeed. As someone who loves to complete as much as they can during a game, I liked how you are nudged into these side quests which are varied in their subject matter. However, some players may be turned off when they cannot just progress through the main story. Each side quest felt like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle that helped show off Tokyo and its complexity and beauty. I would sum up combat and gameplay in this game as quite simply brutal but rewarding when you master it; it’s just whether you can get past the frustration to see the rewards.

Realm Bending Beauty

The world of SMTV is both massive and beautiful. With this being orginally a Switch title, the visuals are serviceable and modest, but it’s the art design that carries this game so wonderfully. Character models look as if they are taken straight out of a comic book or animated show- so superbly done and animated beautifully. The world of both Tokyo and the post apocalyptic version are dripping with style and class that truly light up when filled with the vast demons that populate the world. The desert in particular looks stunning and I could truly wander that area all day long with its dilapidated buildings and sand-engulfed towers which are really eye catching. Map design is also a strong point in this version of the game, having been updated from the original; areas are easy to navigate with the addition of better map markers and signs. The bird’s eye view of the area you are currently in is also fantastic and helped me to find every nook and cranny of the location I had been exploring. It’s these quality of life improvements that will help entice returning players into hopping back into the wasteland. The original game was also notoriously tedious in terms of its backtracking through areas but the developers have gone above and beyond to improve this with the creation of the Magetsu Rails. These are essentially shortcuts which help you zip back and forth between previously visited locations: a brilliant addition to the game.

The same can very much be said about the music and sound design. The music of SMTV is just magic. Badass synth metal courses through every fight, hyping you up as you engage in these titanic battles with the demons. A new battle theme has been added for this version which is another wonderful track in an already brilliant soundtrack. I truly felt that I was in the battle when this music started and sometimes I would prolong a fight just to hear another electronic metal beat bounce its way through. The soundtrack is also wonderfully nuanced, as during exploration and traversal moments, the music turns to an eerie creepy low drone that helps build the tension for the fights to come. Composer Ryota Kozuka has done a masterful job with this soundtrack and the new additions to it only heighten its greatness.

Similarly, the sound design is top notch. Abilities sound crisp and concise as you land them on the enemies and attacks sound powerful and violent. Each action sounds unique and different whether it’s your move or the enemy’s. Voice acting is also superb and really makes characters come to life. Each character truly sounds like they each have their own soul and that is difficult to achieve when there are so many different characters spread across the game. I had heard some criticisms that on the original release the sound effects were compressed and cheap at times but this is certainly not the case with this version at all.

Verdict

For someone who was brand new in many ways to this genre, I found SMTV enthralling in its deep and meaningful story, its superb cast of characters and its beautiful, yet haunting environments. However, I struggled at times to grasp its unforgiving combat. To sum up, this type of game and gameplay is certainly not for everyone, but for fans of the series, it’s the formula you know and love with wonderful new additions. Quality of life improvements help polish an already well-rounded game. Beautiful art style and a heart racing soundtrack complement the game to make a wonderful package for both returning players and newcomers like me. See you in the desert!

Review: Neon Rider Classic

Josh Blackburn
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Review: Neon Rider Classic

Neon Rider Classic gave me a bit of a philosophical moment. For one, its Steam description admits that it’s under thirty minutes of gameplay. In fact, once you get the hang of it, you can probably beat it in fifteen. It’s priced at about £2.50, which raised the question of how much you should expect from a game you’ve paid for. I feel like there are certain expectations generated when a game crosses the gap from free to paid. Though that might just be me.

The other factor is that Neon Rider Classic is a remake of a flash game. That strikes me as a bit weird and made me think about the death of Flash. Flash was a big part of my early gaming life, so I feel a little strange about games being remade and thrown up on Steam. But I’ll save the philosophising for a little later. First, I should probably talk about Neon Rider Classic itself. What little there is of it, anyway.

Insert Tron Reference Here

Neon Rider Classic is a mixture of two classic flash games, Neon Rider and Neon Rider World. The concept is nice and simple. You are the world’s least stable motorbike and you have to ride along a line to the goal. A large part of the challenge is keeping your bike level as you land jumps. The other challenge comes from the colour mechanic. You change the colour of your bike to ride on correspondingly coloured surfaces. Memorising what button corresponds to what colour is crucial as you navigate the thirty-one levels on offer.

That’s it. That’s the entirety of the game, unless you’re obssesed with beating your best time. There isn’t even a level editor, which I’m pretty sure was in Neon Rider World. It’s slightly baffling. You could beat this in the time it takes to eat dinner. It looks nice, at least, having shiny graphics and an alright soundtrack. Once you figure out to stop accelerating during jumps, though, you’ve checked off the only difficult part. Apart from the wonky physics that’ll send your bike randomly spinning out, I guess. Hard to say much about it. It’s not even a snack. It’s a vol-au-vent that you paid £2.50 for.

Loving Memories Of Flash

If I sound like I’m being harsh, it’s because I am. If you put Neon Rider into Google, you’ll find both the original and Neon Rider World available for free. The latter even comes with that level editor. The question that kept popping into my mind was: why bother paying for this version? It looks a little better and that’s it. That turned me on to thinking about Flash in general. See, back in the day, all I had to game on were handhelds and a creaky old Windows 98 computer. Thus came a saviour: Miniclip. It allowed me to experience bitesized games at no cost. Unless you count my parents not being able to use the phone.

You may remember that back in 2020, Flash was discontinued. Countless Flash games – and animations like Homestar Runner along with countless stick figure battles – were put in jeopardy. Free Flash games were an institution. A core, unrefined pool of creativity where people could release whatever they wanted. Thank the Lord for projects like Ruffle that emulate Flash. Gaming in general is in dire need of backwards compability right now. Erasing Flash games from existence just isn’t right. That said, while I approve preservation of older games, I’m less keen on remakes – which brings Neon Rider Classic into jeopardy.

Neon Rider Classic – Okay, But Unnecessary?

While Neon Rider Classic itself may be alright as a game – abrupt length aside – the score below indicates that I’m not sold on it. I don’t understand remaking an already available pair of games and not exploring the concept. Steam has an inbuilt workshop feature for crying out loud. Let people go crazy with it. Instead, we have a fairly routine replication of levels that you can play for free. It looks nicer, true, but so what? Chances are, if you’re interested in Neon Rider, then you’re already wearing rose-tinted glasses.

I’m sure the developers meant no harm by it. I don’t begrudge them wanting to earn a paycheque – nor wanting to revitalise a game from the past. I’m just grumpy. I just don’t like the idea of old, free games being preserved by being thrown onto Steam for a couple of pounds without taking the time to evolve the concept. The past should be preserved entirely as is – at the same price point. Otherwise, completely retool things for the modern age. Neon Rider Classic does neither and so I can’t help but get grumpy. Sorry, I’ll go back to Kongregate now.

(Neon Rider Classic’s Steam Page)

Review: Mullet Madjack

Saim Khurshid
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0
Review: Mullet Madjack

Mullet Madjack is an explosive Rogue-like FPS that is bound to get you hooked for hours with its upbeat 80s anime style and feel.

Gaming has always been a medium filled with repetition. Any concept that takes off is bound to be all you are going to see in the next 4-5 years. This is not necessarily bad, a lot of great things have come out of this way of building.

Look at Palworld. What it does is take the tried and tested methods of Pokemon, ark: survivor evolved and the hundreds of automation and farming simulators. The combination of all these game elements gives Palworld an edge over other games.

I know what you are thinking: “Why are we talking about Palworld if this review is about Mullet Madjack?”

Well, my simple friend, there lies the pudding or something like that. To me Mullet Madjack holds no true colours but the ones it has nicked have make it one of my top 10 games of 2024 (so far.)

The 80s Anime is Here!

Mullet Madjack goes for a very specific art style of 80s to early 90s futuristic Anime and it nails it so well. If you have seen shows like Bubblegum Crisis or A.D. Police, then you know exactly how this show looks. 

There is something quite soothing about the 80s outlook of the future. Imagine a person who does not know what the internet is, creating a depiction of what will happen around a 100 years later. 

It’s all TV and Radio pushed to the extreme with every character dressed either like a racecar driver or a dancer. 

However, this isn’t just a copy-paste of the past; the team is putting in some serious work here.

An 80s Anime plot

In the year 2095, robot billionaires take over the world by getting the general public addicted to dopamine. I could stop right here and it would be enough a premise for a video game but there is more.

Players assume the role of Jack, a Moderator hired by Peace Corp. to rescue the “Influencer Princess” from a skyscraper filled with killer robots in exchange for, get this, a brand new pair of shoes. 

The game begins with a plot revealed through a stream on a phone that Jack listens to while driving a weirdly proportioned sports car at a dangerously high speed. (I love this aesthetic, I really do)

The stream informs us everything and just like that, Jack ends up at a large skyscraper where we then switch from 80s anime plot to FPS Rogue-like gameplay.

The 80s Anime Game

The gameplay is an affair between and FPS run and gun and a Rogue-like. It has you running straight through a room, imagine Crash Bandicoot but first person, shooting Cyborg enemies. The catch is the timer.

Initially, You have 10 seconds on the clock. Every time you kill an enemy you get 3 seconds added, headshots gie 5 seconds and melee gives 10 seconds. The goal is to get to the other end of the round without the time running out. 

You do have a health bar which causes an immediate failure if you run out.

Like a rogue-like, you begin from the start of the first round if you lose.

There are two ways to play the game. Story mode and endless mode. As you can imagine, the endless mode tests how many rounds you can survive.

In story mode, you run through a set of 10 rounds per level with a total of I think 15-20 levels. Lose a round and you start from the beginning of your level, not the whole game.

At the end of each level, there is a boss fight where you fight some un-godly creature in a 1v1 battle. The game turns into Doom during this fight, all the way down to the enemy being a 2.5 sprite.

A system that works!

In my review of Noreya: the brown blunder, I said that I was getting sick of upgrading systems that have nothing of worth in them. Mullet Madjack is exactly what I wanted. 

Of course, Noreya was a Pixel art platformer and Mullet MadJack is an 80s Anime -style FPS Rogue-like but that does not change the fact that it has a brilliant and actually game-changing upgrade system which keeps getting more stuff added to it when the game progresses.

The same lady from the stream contacts you At the end of each round and offers one of three upgrade options.

No 1% damage or health upgrades. You choose between a heavy list of weapons and some brilliant changes to gameplay.

  • Shots will now ricochet
  • Shots will now go through multiple enemies,
  • Slide attack.
  • Health pickups increase the timer
  • Bloody Flaming katana with infinite throwing
  • Fire damage
  • Enemies will die if they touch you
  • Poison damage
  • etc…

This is just what you start with. More content unlocks as the game progresses. If there are secrets hidden through the game, well, it won’t be a suprise.

(There is an upgrade to increase the total time by 1… Just thought I should put it here so no one can call me out on hypocrisy)

A Must Play!

My final verdict is no different to the praise that this FPS Rogue-like has already acquired since its release. With The 80s Anime aesthetic and story along with killer gameplay, this is surely a game that more then its motivations.

While I will be the first one to say that Epopeia sounds like a Hive-like rash, Mullet MadJack is a must-play. If you like like 80s Anime, FPS, Rogue-like, Shooters, Boomer Shooters or any fast-paced action, I cannot recommend it enough.

Review: Wartales

Daniel Waite
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Review: Wartales

Wartales is a gritty, salt-of-the-earth RPG that feels fresh and familiar in equal measure. Moreover, it is available on Game Pass, so you can save some pennies whilst exploring a monstrously massive open world. The developer has also released 2 DLC packs to expand an already expansive and time-consuming experience. This gameplay and information dump may seem uncomfortable, but I rarely felt out of my depth.

This old-school RPG was developed and published by Shiro Games. During Early Access, it showed great promise. However, glitches and a bare-bones approach left gamers wanting. Thankfully, the full release has padded out the gameplay and left a rewarding game to get your teeth into. With plenty of mechanics to try out and loads of perks, quests, and equipment to equip, test, and complete, this will keep you busy for hours.

Wartales lets you write your story. 

RPGs are infamous for lore-rich endeavours that are laced with a fantasy edge. However, Wartales is slightly different. You are free to create your history, and destiny and fate play a massive part. You’ll also enjoy twisting the narrative as your actions have consequences. This sense of cause and effect was spectacular.

Though the story is fluid, and the action flows nicely, there is a central goal that expands your progress. Effectively, you must complete regional quests to cleanse each area and expand your journey. How you do this, and what you do in between, is entirely your choice. Additionally, you can do as you wish with your team, and theft and cannibalism are a necessary evil. Subsequently, if you wish to survive, you’ll have to shelve your morals and do what it takes to keep everyone happy.

Eat, sleep, survive, repeat. 

What makes Wartales so gloriously addictive is its simple mechanics. Your party of warriors must explore a gloomy world that is filled with deadly creatures and criminal scumbags. As you undertake each adventure, you must balance your health, stamina, food, and desire to complete each quest. As the game flows, you’ll visit hamlets and villages and accept jobs. These tasks pay handsomely, but you must be prepared as death is all but guaranteed.

Alongside this, if you don’t get the basics right, your team’s morale will drop through the floor. Accordingly, you must pay them handsomely and keep them fed if you wish to appease them. However, here lies the problem! Food is scarce, and gold is hard to come by. Consequently, you’ll have to forage mushrooms and potentially eat the odd human if you wish to get by. Each of these elements is but a small part of the rich tapestry of each playthrough.

Layers upon layers. 

Where Wartales excels is its deliberate use of multilayered elements. For example, you are expected to march for days across an array of spectacular regions. Though this may seem tiresome, it expands the sense of hopelessness and freedom in one fell swoop. Moreover, it demands that you balance your fatigue, food, and missions in one tactical move. 

On top of this, your team may be exhausted, but injuries and starvation must be addressed. Subsequently, what do you do? Do you go to sleep and allow the sick and hungry to perish, or do you march on hoping to avoid trouble and find a friendly village? Either way, you are doomed and must make a split-second decision for the best outcome for your team.

Combat. 

Wartales has addressed the combat system. During Early Access, it was somewhat tedious. However, it has been scaled back, but the difficulty has been enhanced. Accordingly, it can be spectacularly challenging and sometimes horribly unfair.

The turn-based concept won’t wow veteran gamers. Unfortunately, the mechanics are all too simple and this dumbs it down too much for my taste. Yet, if you want something easy to understand and quick to master, then this will make you happy.

Finally, there is the option to region-lock your opponents or have them scale in difficulty. Now, this was an impressive feature that ups the ante. If you want to be tested, then plump for the latter option. You’ll never be ahead of the curve and your team will be pushed by increasingly brutal monsters. 

Wartales looks amazing. 

I may be biased, but I love a gritty, isometric RPG. Furthermore, though it has old-school vibes, it is brilliantly modern and has some nice detailed touches. The scenery is spectacular, and I love the sense of secrecy and the unknown. As you explore each region, the fog of war disappears. In its place, you notice detailed villages, vast forests, and enormous mountains. Consequently, the developers have created an awe-inspiring and captivating world.

The retro vibes are enhanced by gruff and enjoyable audio. The music has a sense of despair and drama. Additionally, some light-hearted moments complement victorious events. Alongside this, you’ll enjoy some crunching noises and uncomfortable squelching as your party and your foes are sliced and diced. 

Exceptional controls. 

This open-world sandbox is glorious to explore. The exceptional controls make every task enjoyable. Whether you are running through woods, undertaking a spot of fishing, or attacking monsters, it is easy to understand. Moreover, the UI is well-designed, and each important element is easy to navigate.

If you so wish, you can play this repeatedly. There are so many avenues for you to explore and plenty of character builds to play with, that you’ll rarely get bored. Furthermore, the massive open world is a pleasure to tackle, and I loved the variety of monsters and the quests I had to undertake. Consequently, it oozes replay value and longevity.

Wartales is a phenomenal game. 

The sheer scale of what unfolds won’t be for everyone. Furthermore, there is a lack of guidance and this can be unnerving. However, I loved the freedom and the vast world. Moreover, the underlying political statements and the wonderful quests will suck you in. Yes, there could have been a core plot line that tied it together, but this wasn’t to be. I think Wartales is phenomenal and I recommend buying it here! Can you survive long enough to explore the grim world? Pick your team, go on an adventure, and survive any way you can.

Review: Exogate Initiative

James Refelian
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Review: Exogate Initiative

Xeno Bits’ Exogate Initiative catapults players into the heart of a pioneering intergalactic mission. As the overseer of humanity’s inaugural settlement beyond the Exogate – a cryptic network of instant travel gateways (Think Stargate). You’re tasked with establishing a base, governing, and exploring the uncharted cosmos.  Does Exogate Initiative carve a daring path for exploration aficionados, or does it fade into the vastness of space?

Building a Base for Intergalactic Success

Exogate Initiative throws you headfirst into base building. From humble beginnings with basic resource gathering and rudimentary structures, you’ll gradually expand your footprint, constructing research labs, production facilities, and crew quarters. The base-building mechanics are intuitive and provide a satisfying loop of resource gathering, construction, and research.

However, the game doesn’t hold your hand. While a tutorial mode exists, it skims the surface and doesn’t provide nearly enough detail to be useful. Mastering resource management, optimising production chains, and ensuring your crew’s needs are met requires experimentation and problem-solving. Overcoming these challenges can be immensely rewarding, instilling a sense of empowerment for experienced players. Newcomers might find the initial learning curve a bit steep, but with perseverance, they too can conquer the game’s complexities.

A Crew of Specialists in Exogate Initiative

Exogate Initiative’s diverse crew system is a standout feature. You’ll recruit specialists from various fields, each with their own unique skills and needs. Engineers keep the base operational, scientists unlock new technologies, and security personnel ensure the safety of your operations. Juggling their needs and expertise adds a layer of depth to managing your burgeoning space colony.

The crew members themselves aren’t just cogs in the machine. Each has a personality and backstory, adding some richness to the story. Witnessing their interactions and the occasional interpersonal conflict can be a welcome break from strategic planning. It also keeps you engaged and invested in the story of your fledgling space colony, which is good as the general narrative is lacking overall.

Venturing Beyond the Base: Exploring the Exogate Network

The real allure of Exogate Initiative lies in venturing out into the unknown. The Exogate network connects to various planets, each with unique resources, hazards, and potential for discovery. Sending out expeditions to these worlds adds a layer of risk and reward. Uncovering valuable resources can fuel your base’s growth while encountering hostile alien lifeforms, leading to thrilling (or disastrous) encounters.

However, exploration currently feels a bit limited. While the variety of planets is commendable, the lack of meaningful interaction with the environments themselves is a missed opportunity. The potential for uncovering alien ruins, establishing outposts on distant worlds, or engaging in more complex forms of diplomacy with alien civilisations remains untapped.

A Sense of Incompleteness

Exogate Initiative is currently in Early Access, and it shows. While the core gameplay loop is fun and engaging, there’s a sense of incompleteness. The narrative feels like a loose framework rather than a compelling story. Additionally, the endgame content is currently lacking, with players reaching a point where further expansion feels less impactful.

Despite these shortcomings, the potential for Exogate Initiative is undeniable. The developers seem actively engaged with the community, addressing bugs and releasing updates that add new content and features. The game could blossom into a truly immersive space exploration experience with continued development.

Final Thoughts on Exogate Initiative

Exogate Initiative offers a solid foundation for a compelling space exploration sim. The base-building mechanics are engaging, the crew system adds depth, and the potential for venturing beyond the known holds immense promise. However, the game is still in its early stages, and a lack of narrative depth, limited environmental interaction, and a currently weak endgame hold it back from greatness. With continued development, it could become a must-play for spacefaring sim fans.

For more information head to the Exogate Initiative website.

Review: Dungeon Alchemist

James Refelian
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Review: Dungeon Alchemist

Dungeon Masters, rejoice! Dungeon Alchemist, the brainchild of Briganti, is an absolute game-changer for crafting stunning and immersive maps for your tabletop RPG campaigns. While still in Early Access, this AI-powered map maker boasts a remarkable feature set that streamlines the map creation process, allowing you to unleash your creativity and breathe life into your fantastical worlds.

Effortless Map Creation with AI Assistance

Gone are the days of painstakingly drawing grids and meticulously placing dungeon tiles. Dungeon Alchemist empowers you to construct intricate maps with incredible ease.  You begin by selecting the desired terrain type, from classic dungeons and sprawling forests to bustling taverns and majestic castles. The AI then generates a base layout that you can further customise.

The real magic lies in the room creation tools. Draw the desired room shape, and the AI instantly populates it with a thematically appropriate interior. The variety is impressive, from grand throne rooms to damp, cobweb-filled crypts.  This eliminates the tedious task of manually furnishing each room, allowing you to focus on the finer details.

Customisation Galore in Dungeon Alchemist

But Dungeon Alchemist isn’t just about pre-made layouts.  The customisation options are extensive. You can tweak individual furniture pieces, rotate walls, and adjust lighting to create the perfect atmosphere.  For those who crave complete control, importing custom assets further expands your creative horizons.

Don’t underestimate the power of details.  Dungeon Alchemist allows you to add flourishes like bloodstains, cobwebs, and magical effects, imbuing your maps with a sense of history and peril.  These details go a long way in immersing your players in the adventure.

From Simple Encounters to Sprawling Cities

Dungeon Alchemist’s versatility extends far beyond basic dungeon layouts. You can craft sprawling cityscapes, bustling marketplaces, and even peaceful villages.  The ability to create multi-level structures adds a whole new dimension to your maps, allowing you to design intricate lairs and hidden passages.

The program also excels at generating outdoor environments.  Whether you need a sun-drenched meadow or a treacherous mountain pass, Dungeon Alchemist provides the tools to bring your vision to life.  The diverse terrain options and dynamic weather effects ensure that no two maps will ever look the same.

A Promising Future Filled with Potential for Dungeon Alchemist

While Dungeon Alchemist is already a fantastic tool, it’s important to remember that it’s still under development. The developers at Briganti are actively engaged with the community, constantly adding new features and content based on player feedback.  A vibrant Steam Workshop community provides a constant stream of user-created assets, further expanding the program’s capabilities.

The roadmap for future updates is ambitious, with promises of additional terrain types, more intricate building options, and even the ability to populate maps with dynamic creatures.  These planned additions solidify Dungeon Alchemist’s position as a powerful and ever-evolving tool for any DM seeking to elevate their campaigns.

Final Thoughts on Dungeon Alchemist

Dungeon Alchemist is a revolutionary tool that streamlines the map creation process without sacrificing creative freedom.  The AI-powered features make it easy to generate stunning maps, while the extensive customisation options allow you to tailor every detail to your specific needs.  Whether you’re a seasoned DM or just starting out, Dungeon Alchemist is an invaluable asset that will transform how you create worlds for your tabletop RPG adventures.  With its ongoing development and a passionate community, the future of Dungeon Alchemist is incredibly bright.

Review: Neptunia Game Maker R:Evolution

Dawid Wisniewski
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Review: Neptunia Game Maker R:Evolution

In “Neptunia Game Maker,” you step into the shoes of a dimension-traversing bug catcher ‘Neptunia’ who finds herself in a bizarre realm where game developers clash over territories to sell their creations. The premise sounds promising, offering a blend of action, strategy, and a meta-narrative ripe for exploration. Unfortunately, the game’s story, art, and mechanics fail to live up to this intriguing setup, leaving players with a disjointed experience that misses more marks than it hits.

New to the series, and I’m not sold.

Quick disclaimer, I have not played or even heard about this series before and I am aware there is an extended universe. My opinions are purely on this game alone and not the series as a whole.

The narrative, while initially engaging, quickly unravels into a chaotic mess. The idea of developers battling for market supremacy could have provided a unique and engaging story. However, “Neptunia Game Maker” never fully develops this concept, resulting in a plot that feels fragmented and incoherent. The characters, while visually appealing, lack depth, making it hard to care about their journeys or motivations. The game’s potential for a compelling storyline is squandered, leaving players lost and disengaged.

The most difficult battle was traversal

Visually, “Neptunia Game Maker” adopts an art style reminiscent of a story-driven RPG. Characters receive the most attention in terms of design, showcasing detailed and expressive models. However, this focus on character art doesn’t extend any farther. The environments are bland and uninspired, with enemy designs that feel recycled and generic. The levels themselves are labyrinthine and monotonous, providing little visual or structural variety. The game’s world is so dull that I found myself staring at the minimap more than the actual game, simply to navigate the uninspired mazes.

Combat in “Neptunia Game Maker” is another area where the game falls short. Players control a party of four characters in instanced battles, with each character having customizable combos. The core combat mechanic involves switching characters to extend combos, but this quickly devolves into button mashing with occasional character swaps. The lack of impactful combat is exacerbated by the game’s low difficulty. Fights are so easy that the brief transition into and out of battle often takes longer than the battles themselves. This lack of challenge makes combat feel like a chore rather than a thrilling aspect of the game. The repetitive battle music, which plays at the start of every encounter, soon became so grating that I ended up turning off the music entirely.

So many mechanics, so little depth.

One of the more perplexing mechanics in “Neptunia Game Maker” is the inclusion of a bike for faster travel through dungeons. While the idea of a bike sounds exciting, it is poorly implemented. Most dungeon terrains are not designed for bike travel, making it more of a hindrance than a help. This feature feels like an afterthought, added without proper integration into the game’s level design. There are however some dungeons or ‘levels’ that do utilize the bike in races and time travels so it’s not completely useless.

Outside of dungeons, players engage in game development, taking over territories with specific interests to expand their base and develop different genres and styles of games. Assigning top developers to projects can yield higher ratings and profits, and the games produced can be equipped on characters for stat boosts and bonuses. However, given the game’s overall ease, optimizing these mechanics feels unnecessary. The lack of challenge means there’s little incentive to invest time in maximizing team performance.

In summary, “Neptunia Game Maker” is a game that had a lot of potential but fails to deliver on almost every front. The story is disjointed and quite difficult to follow with how many characters get introduced every second. The design is uninspired which doesn’t utilise the art style and the combat is lacklustre. Features like the bike and game development mechanics feel half-baked and add little to the overall experience. I cannot recommend this game to anyone as even to experience the story the player would be forced to drag themselves through the combat encounters. In my opinion “Neptunia Game Maker” should have taken some tips form its own game making mechanics.

Game is available on Playstation 4/5 , Nintendo switch and xbox series x/s from 24th May 2024.

Review: Wild West Dynasty

James Refelian
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Review: Wild West Dynasty

Moon Punch Studio’s Wild West Dynasty attempts to capture the romantic allure of carving a homestead from the untamed wilderness of the Wild West. It places you in the dusty boots of a pioneer, tasking you with building a life and a legacy. Does it succeed in weaving a Wild West saga, or is it a wagon train headed for disappointment?

A Promising Premise with Rocky Execution

Wild West Dynasty stands out with its unique blend of survival, town-building simulation, and dynasty management. As a lone settler, you start by gathering resources, crafting basic tools, and establishing a foothold in the unforgiving frontier. Progressing further, you can attract other settlers, forming a fledgling community. This community can then evolve into a bustling town, complete with production facilities, trade routes, and even a sheriff to maintain order.

The concept of Wild West Dynasty is undeniably captivating. The idea of transforming a desolate landscape into a thriving frontier town holds immense potential. However, the execution falls short in several crucial areas.

Technical Stumbles on the Trail

Wild West Dynasty launched in Early Access with a concerning number of technical issues. Despite playing on a high-end PC, I experienced stuttering frame rates and unpolished textures. While some updates have addressed these problems, optimisation remains a concern, especially for players with less powerful machines. These technical stumbles can detract from the overall gaming experience.

Another hurdle is the game’s visual presentation. While it boasts a vast open world, the environments often feel bland and repetitive. Character animations also leave much to be desired, further diminishing the immersion factor.

A Sparse Frontier with Shallow Mechanics

The vast expanse of the Wild West can feel strangely empty in Wild West Dynasty. While the world is technically large, there’s a distinct lack of points of interest or engaging activities scattered throughout. Town-building mechanics are present, but they lack depth. Constructing buildings feels repetitive, and managing your fledgling settlement can become a chore.

Similarly, the survival aspects feel tacked on rather than integrated. The need for food and water is present, but they never feel truly threatening. Combat, when it happens, is clunky and unsatisfying.

A Glimmer of Hope: Potential for Redemption

Despite its shortcomings, Wild West Dynasty has redeeming qualities. The core concept of building a Wild West town holds promise, and the developers seem committed to improvement. Updates have addressed some of the initial technical issues, and the roadmap suggests focusing on adding more content and refining existing mechanics. I think this is a case of releasing the game too soon, even if it was early access.

The game also boasts a certain charm. The soundtrack evokes the dusty grandeur of the Wild West, and there’s a sense of satisfaction in watching your small settlement slowly grow. Wild West Dynasty might hold some appeal for players with a high tolerance for Early Access titles and a love for the Wild West setting.

Should You Mosey On Over to Wild West Dynasty?

Whether Wild West Dynasty is worth your time depends on your expectations and risk tolerance. If you want a polished, feature-rich experience, you’re best off waiting for further development. However, suppose you’re an Early Access enthusiast intrigued by the prospect of carving your own path in the Wild West, and you’re willing to overlook technical shortcomings and shallow mechanics. In that case, you might find some enjoyment here.

Final Thoughts on Wild West Dynasty: A Buggy Diamond in the Rough

This is a game with undeniable potential. The core concept of building a Wild West town is exciting, and there’s a certain charm to be found in its vast landscapes and dusty atmosphere. The developers have made a good start, and I hope future updates fix the issues because technical issues, repetitive gameplay, and a lack of depth hold it back from greatness. If the developers can address these shortcomings and continue adding meaningful content, Wild West Dynasty could eventually become a compelling simulation experience. However, right now, it’s a hesitant recommendation for Early Access enthusiasts only.

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