Review: NeoSprint

Daniel Waite
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Review: NeoSprint

NeoSprint is an old-school experience that focuses on fun, thrills, and high-octane action. This forms the return of Atari’s “Sprint” franchise. As such, you know that the driving will be aggressive and the courses will be interesting. Additionally, there are plenty of game modes to get your teeth into. As such, this packs an awful lot of elements into its retro gameplay.

This racing title was developed by Headless Chicken Games and published by Atari. Moreover, it can be enjoyed alone or with up to 7 other gamers on one screen. This delicious old-school approach is bound to cause arguments. Furthermore, there will be laughter, smiles, and plenty of fun as everyone races to be crowned the victor.

NeoSprint focuses on racing hard.

Though there are some minor rivalries in NeoSprint, don’t expect a story-rich endeavour. Instead, the developer has focused on racing hard and oodles of fun. Additionally, they have included a track construction option to appease anyone with a creative mindset. This was a great choice as the retro gameplay thrives as a consequence.

No matter which mode you select, you’ll enjoy tackling your friends or the computer. The no-holds-barred approach allows you to bump into anyone you fancy. Accordingly, things get a bit heated when everyone picks on the best driver. Though bullying isn’t cool, it was hilarious to win by any means necessary.

Race for collectables. 

One element I loved was the rewards system for winning each event. As your treasure box is opened, you are showered with new skins, cars, and track pieces. This was fantastic as you never knew what prize was coming. Furthermore, this sense of surprise keeps you coming back for more. 

With a vast range of game modes at your disposal, you can play this for hours. However, the obstacle course option drove me insane! Not only does it test your accuracy and control, but the timings are so tight that you’ll struggle to get a gold medal. Though I loved the challenge this mode set, it made me scream more than it should have. Consequently, I’m not sure whether to curse or congratulate the developers.

NeoSprint has a polished, retro finish. 

The top-down racing perspective reminded me of Micro Machines. Moreover, the colourful Matchbox vehicles only served to reinforce this idea. However, unlike the original Micro Machines, NeoSprint has a delightfully polished, retro finish. The clean lines and excellent race tracks are phenomenal to experience. Moreover, the varied day/night cycle and the rich colour palette were fantastic. 

The audio combines a high-energy soundtrack with simple but effective sound effects. I adored the shrill engines and the screeching tyres. Additionally, the crunching sounds of each car crashing were unbelievably pleasurable. Though it doesn’t tread any fresh ground, it works perfectly. 

Tight controls. 

Mastering each car is no easy feat. You’ll have to drift around corners, avoid obstacles, and accelerate down each straight. Subsequently, you’ll have to plan your approach and stay out of trouble. Balancing aggression and control is easier said than done. If you add the constant banging and crashing, then matters are made worse. Thankfully the tight controls and responsive inputs mitigate some of the minor complications. 

NeoSprint keeps things simple. Consequently, it could have become tiresome pretty quickly. Luckily, though, the action is addictive and each game mode is fun to test. Alongside this, the track construction feature allows you unlimited creative choices. Finally, the obstacle option will push you to your limits. As such, this has both replay value and longevity. 

NeoSprint is a great racing experience. 

Though NeoSprint won’t compete with modern racing simulation games, it is brilliant nonetheless. If you love retro gaming and want something different, this is the game for you. I adored the visuals and the booming audio. Moreover, the controls are tight and it oozes replay value. Consequently, I love it and I recommend buying it here! Can you become a legendary arcade racer? Pick a car, choose your course, and leave everyone in your wake.

Review: Radiant Tale -Fanfare!-

Josh Blackburn
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Review: Radiant Tale -Fanfare!-

It’s always a little awkward reviewing fandisks. It feels like I’ve been invited over to watch a boxset but I arrived late and everyone else is halfway through it. I’ve gotta try and figure out the plot and character motivations, even though most of the setup has already happened. Though in the case of Radiant Tale -Fanfare!-, most of it is set after the story end. So it was like trying to piece together a TV show from your friends’ conversations afterwards.

Still, it did a reasonable enough job of setting the scene. I’ve reviewed a few of this type of game before. They aren’t really my thing, but it’s one of those titles that I can see appealing to fans of the genre. If you’re a fan of visual novels – specifically Otome ones – then you’ll find lots to love here. If you’ve already played Radiant Tale, then it’s indispensable. It’s a large serving of extra content. You should already know if you’re onboard with it and my old man-esque quibbling won’t matter too much.

Radiant Tale -Fanfare!-

Send In The Clowns

Let me do a quick plot recap of Radiant Tale as I understand it. Our heroine, Tifalia, begins by working as a waitress in a pub, but her life changes when she bumps into a dragon, Vilio. He drags her into CIRCUS, an act that travels around the world banishing bad feelings with the final hope of reviving the crown prince, whose heart has been frozen. I’m simplifying, but it feels like a plot with a lot going for it. They travel to different cities, all of which feel quite different, and meet interesting characters along the way. Not to mention the different flavours of magic.

Radiant Tale -Fanfare!- adds to story in three different ways. Firstly there’s the ‘IF’ segment. This takes place after the normal end of the main game and offers up two new love interests. I went with romancing Jinnia, the flamboyant ringmaster. I liked the character, but wasn’t too enthused with the writing. There was no driving conflict other than ‘main character is painfully shy’. She saw him without his shirt on and her brain broke. There’s a whole lot of telling without showing – a common visual novel issue – and this segment ramped it up to the max.

Radiant Tale -Fanfare!-

Lovey-Dovey

Radiant Tale -Fanfare!-‘s ‘AFTER’ sections do a bit better in that regard. These take place after the Happy endings of all the main character romances. It’s nice to see a relationship evolve past the getting together stage, and it adds nice twists to the main plot. The story involving Vilio, the dragon, was a favourite. Tifalia becomes his mate and gains long life as a result. A big part of the story is her coming to terms with the fact that all her friends will die. It added some much needed depth to the romantic proceedings, and put some weight behind the writing. The third segment, ‘INTERLUDES’, are short stories that take place during the main plot. These are okay, but too short to dwell on here.

Outside of the writing, there are some technical strengths. It looks gorgeous for one, with both the character art and the background art being a knockout. There’s a strong sense of a fleshed out world here, which the art contributes to. Its main limitation is the gameplay. There isn’t any. Par for the course for a visual novel, I suppose, but offering nothing but the odd binary choice every now and then is maddening to me. At this point, you might as well cut out the choice and just make it a book. It blocked me from properly getting into it.

Radiant Tale -Fanfare!-

Radiant Tale -Fanfare!- – Food For Fans

What might help is not making it immediately obvious which choice is the right one. When you choose the right one, a little flashy effect plays. Given that you can save before every choice, picking the right one is a given. Again – why even have a choice at that point? Are you trying to make sure I’m still awake, Radiant Tale -Fanfare!-? Well, I mostly was. As grumpy as I’ve sounded in this review, there were definitely scenes that melted my frosty heart.

I think it’s nice to play one of these games where it doesn’t take a sharp left-turn into creepy-ville. The characters all get along and what conflict there is comes from outside. It’s usually quite interesting conflict too, like a perfume that makes people crazy. While I’m not about to break out my wallet to play the original game, Radiant Tale -Fanfare!- captured my interest. Given it’s absolutely not aimed at me, that’s quite a feat. For fans of the original, you’re in for quite a treat.

(Radiant Tale -Fanfare!-‘s Nintendo Page)

Review: Magical Drop VI

Phant0m
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Review: Magical Drop VI

Have you ever played something that makes you feel like your playing a mobile game but exceeds the basics so far that you couldn’t help but grow to love it? Hi my name is phant0m and these are my thoughts on…. Magical Drop VI!!!

Visuals

First thing you’ll notice in this game is some nice drawings and decent visuals, nothing too crazy on screen, as I said it kinda gave me the vibes of a mobile game, which in this department it would be an awesome looking one! The drawings of the characters is a warm anime kind of style and the surrounding areas are super colorful and outwardly which makes sense as this is a game about gods and taking care of a world!

Gameplay

When I first played this game I couldn’t believe how difficult the very first enemy was! I spent half an hour trying to be the very first person in the story mode, and i thought I would never beat the game because I kept switching between difficulties including the easiest without being able to beat them, and once I finally did the rest of the game was so much easier in comparison, even the final boss wasn’t hard, and once I completed the first run I came back and it was still too difficult for me, whatever AI they used on that character needs to be put on the final boss and switched out immediately. But if you want to know what the gameplay was like outside of that, it was a pretty basic match this row of blocks with its color making them explode and disappear, if you have a stack of three going downward it will explode everything in that area, and the main goal is to have several of these go off at the same time, if you don’t you die, and not gonna lie it was a pretty addicting loop, an insanely fun one too!

Story/Characters

The story of this game has you recruiting plenty of powerful gods to try and save the world, you’ll recruit them in a random order you can choose. Deciding the short date of the plot by either being evil or good, I found it engrossing enough to play my first few times to collect as many characters as I could. Not only that but these characters also have multiple character lines that are actually fun to read through even if it is a bit simple. The only problem I had regarding the story was that there wasn’t more, I truly wish there was so much more because the game kept ending before I could spend too many hours on it. If the game had a longer story with these solid characters, I would’ve definitely played more of them! The characters designs were also cool and unlocking them for the arcade mode was a pretty nice reward for my efforts of trying out different storylines.

Music

Music was also pretty nice, I wouldn’t call it absolutely amazing but I still had some fun listening to it. I wish it was a bit more mellow during exploration, and then eat more hectic during the gameplay to really scare me and fill me with tons of adrenaline.

Performance

The performance of the game ran super well on my base PS5, the only thing I ran into was the first fight being harder than everything else, but that’s ok.

Verdict

Anyways if you were wondering I do recommend this game, it’s so simple and enjoyable; That i Could help but have fun! I give this game an 8.5/10. The only real negative lies in the fact that I not only wanted more but felt there should be. And also the AI that held me up for a half hour :(. Anyways, that’s it from me! Thanks for Reading! 🙂 Keep doing great things, you’re good at them. Bye.

Review: Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers

Andrew Edney
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Review: Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers

Here is our review of the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers.

Versatile speakers will have you wanting to play every device off of them. Plug in your gaming console, computer or TV for exceptional sound quality. The R1700BT has built-in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Dynamic Range Control (DRC) to prevent distortion. 

The R1700BT is equipped with a 19mm dome tweeter and a 4-inch bass driver in each speaker creates rich lows and clear highs. With the front facing bass reflex port, low frequencies are emphasized giving the bass more power.

Specifications

What’s in the box?

The box contains the speakers, cables, instructions and a remote control.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers look really good – whether they are sitting on a bookshelf or your computer desk, they really look the part!

Connecting them to whatever source you want to use is really simple – you can use the supplied cables or you can connect to them using Bluetooth.

You can control the source, volume, treble and base using dials on the right hand speaker to get that perfect sound.

There is also a small remote control included in the box that enables you to control the volume and source too.

The sound quality is really good, whether you are listening to music or the sound coming from a game.

The Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers are available now priced around £120 and are available in Brown, Black or Silver.

You can learn more from the Edifier website here.

Review: Motorcycle Mechanic Simulator 2021

Mani Naghshbandi
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Review: Motorcycle Mechanic Simulator 2021

The simulator genre in video games has many fans and attracts those who are not gamers because there are those who like to experience things that they cannot do in the real world and want it to be as close to reality as possible and be a complete and realistic experience.

Motorcycle Mechanic Simulator 2021 is the only choice for those who want a simulator where they do motorcycle repairs and upgrades.


Motorcycle Mechanic Simulator 2021 was released in November 2021 for PC, January 2023 for Nintendo, November 2023 for Xbox and in It was at last released for PlayStation in June 2024.


The games of the simulator genre may be about something that has a lot of fans, such as car racing, or it may be about something that has less fans and people go to experience it who have already been looking for such a thing and gamers wont randomly see this games and buy them.

I think motorcycle mechanic simulator is of the second category and not a game that someone randomly sees in the store and decides to buy it, now is this game suitable for those who are looking for such an experience?

GAMEPLAY

In the gameplay, much attention has been paid to the details of motorcycle parts, and it is detailed and realistic, and it can be said that it has been successful in this part.


There are several different types of motorcycles in the game, each of which has several motorcycle models: Texas riders, urban knight choppers, punch bikes, Cheyenne rovers, desert eagle racing, gizzy motors and sport race motors, and some of these just have one model, like Texas riders, which only has the spitfire, or some of them can have several models, like sport race motors, which has three models: Sporty, Naky, and Toury.


The variety of motorcycles in the game has increased the variety of the gameplay and prevents repetition, every customer who brings his/her motorcycle to your shop for repair or upgrade has a different request, and some may be short or long, any type of motorcycle is different in The way its parts are placed and you have to remove other parts that are blocking the part you want to get to the desired part and then repair or replace that part.

but the big problem in the gameplay is the lack of tools for disassembling and assembling the parts, which means that you only select the wanted part and remove it, or by looking at its screws and holding X, you disassemble the screws one by one and you cant use any tools and This gives a big blow to the realism of this simulator, the second problem is that the controls are not rememberable and sometimes they are not smooth and can be annoying.


One of the most unexpected and very good things in the game is the skilltree, where you can get new abilities or improve your current abilities, your skill points will increase by completing each task.


In this game, your goal is not only focused on repairing motorcycles, but one of your goals is to get new garages and expand your business to more areas, and this has given more variety to the game, in the garages that You can buy the devices you need that have been unlocked for your level and put them in the garage according to your taste, such as: tire balancer, brake lathe, tire changer and etc.

After finishing repairs or upgrades, you can take that motorcycle for test drive in the map and drive with it, and if there is a problem, you will notice that, but unfortunately, not much work has been done on this part of the game and its controls can be annoying. in my opinion this part has a lot of untapped potential.

VISUALS

Visually, the garage environment is not very eye-catching and the textures are low quality and could be better, but the motorcycles are visually good and acceptable, although they could also be better and the reflections, shadows and quality of the textures could be better.

CONCLUSION

Motorcycle Mechanic Simulator 2021 has a great variety in the number of motorcycles, and each of these motorcycles has a unique, realistic and detailed arrangement of parts, but the lack of tools and annoying control is the negative part of its gameplay. This game is the only option for those who are looking for a simulator of motorcycle repairs and upgrades, and it is good and suitable.

Review: Neptunia: Sisters Vs Sisters

Daniel Waite
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Review: Neptunia: Sisters Vs Sisters

Neptunia: Sisters Vs Sisters is my first step into this gloriously vivid world. My first thoughts were, “What the hell is going on?”. Needless to say, everything was confusing and the never-ending dialogue, cute phrases, and strange lore had me scratching my head. However, once I kind of got to grips with things, I loved the adorable characters, the vibrant setting, and the touching relationships.

This action RPG was developed by Compile Heart and published by Idea Factory International. Furthermore, it is a single-player game that explores an open 3D world. Additionally, there is a basic 2D map for exploration and some excellent, albeit confusing, cutscenes to enjoy. As such, this has a lot going on as a compelling story and plenty of humour is crammed into every moment.

Neptunia: Sisters Vs Sisters tells a story of hope. 

No matter the genre, I adore a story of hope. When everything seems lost, it is captivating and rewarding to fight to survive. Alongside this, when friendships blossom and enemies are thwarted, it’ll make you smile from ear to ear. Thankfully, Neptunia: Sisters Vs Sisters delivers this approach from every angle. 

The faraway PC continent is in trouble. As such, the Goddesses investigate. Whilst they are away, Nepgear and the other candidates are sent to investigate an abandoned laboratory. Unbeknown to them, this is the catalyst for an unwelcome chain of events. The Ashen Goddess places them in a sleep chamber, and they next awaken 2 years in the future. With despair and danger at their doorstep, the candidates must look for a ray of light to brighten their day.

Exploration. 

The action revolves around this sense of loss and failure. The team lack experience, but they make up for it with heart and bravery. However, at times, this is not enough. Instead, the trio of heroes must work together as they explore new locations and complete quests. Each of these adventures is loaded with monsters and challenging obstacles to overcome. Additionally, there are resources to find, discs to discover, and plenty of hidden traits to unlock and master. 

As the group explore the vast world, they will encounter cruel monsters. This is where Neptunia: Sisters Vs Sisters excels. The combat is fun and fluid. Yet, it may be a little too straightforward for veteran gamers. However, if you like a smattering of timing-based combat and a wonderful combination of skills, then this will make you smile. 

The combos are truly amazing. As each companion masters their abilities, the chain of events is spectacular. Furthermore, if you time things right, you’ll stop every foe in its tracks. Though this was somewhat unfair, I loved mowing through my opponents.

Familiar mechanics. 

Though the combat was unique, the rest of the gameplay has a familiar edge. There are standard character progression ideas and skills and traits are well-trodden. Yet, when you consider the smooth fighting and the seamless transition between fighters, then all is forgiven. 

Alongside this, I enjoyed the social network aspect that plays on the cutesy and futuristic edge. This playful element enables you to accept side quests for big rewards. Moreover, there are accessories to discover to jazz up your heroes. This wasn’t essential, but it adds a camp and upbeat aspect to an occasionally oppressive tale.

Neptunia: Sisters Vs Sisters is all about boobs.

I know Anime and Manga have an obsession with tiny wastes and massive boobs, but Neptunia: Sisters Vs Sisters takes it to the next level. No matter where you stare, there are scantily clad maidens and boobs as far as the eye can see. Now, I’m no prude, but this was borderline insane. Yet, once you get over the boobies and the lack of clothing, you can admire a wonderfully animated experience. Furthermore, the settings are beautiful, and the colours are vibrant. My only complaint is the stiff combat animation. When combos are essential, I wanted this to be a seamless transition between fighters. However, occasionally, it was clunky and uncomfortable to look at.

The audio builds on the cute and fun vibes. The upbeat dialogue is catchy and adorable. Additionally, it is delivered at a pleasant pace. However, the sheer volume of words can make it tough to focus. As you explore each 3D space, you’ll enjoy a combination of upbeat and dramatic music. This perfectly enhanced each moment. Additionally, the simple but effective sound effects complemented the futuristic and magical edge. 

Decent controls. 

The developer has incorporated an excellent tutorial. Moreover, there are handy hints to talk you through new concepts. This was ideal as you never felt out of your depth. Alongside this, the control layout is easy to follow and the inputs are responsive. Consequently, you won’t struggle as you try and string together lengthy combo attacks.

There are plenty of collectables to find and massive spaces to explore. What’s more, there are side quests to add depth and cosmetic items to add some wow factor to your wardrobe. Additionally, each area has a completion status if you wish to mop up any missing bits. When you combine these elements, you’ll enjoy plenty of replay value and longevity.

Neptunia: Sisters Vs Sisters won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. 

The RPG genre isn’t renowned for its cutesy approach. However, Neptunia: Sisters Vs Sisters takes it to the next level. This in-your-face style will annoy some gamers. Furthermore, the OTT boobs and lack of clothing could be a little inappropriate. Yet, if you take these elements with a pinch of salt, you’ll enjoy a fun and captivating story about loss and hope. Accordingly, I enjoyed it and I recommend buying it here! Can you work together to save the day? Become a team, highlight your strengths, and battle the darkness.

Review: DarkStar One – Nintendo Switch Edition

Josh Blackburn
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Review: DarkStar One – Nintendo Switch Edition

I can’t help but think of that Douglas Adams quote. “Space is big. You just won’t believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it’s a long way down the road to the chemist’s, but that’s just peanuts to space.” It’s true. Space is unfathomable. Traveling to Mars alone can take anywhere up to a year, let alone leaving the solar system. That’s why a lot of sci-fi media, DarkStar One included, put in hyperspace drives or Stargates. Otherwise playing one would be a second job.

The danger there is that you go a little too far in the other direction. Compressing Space down into tiny pockets, which you spend about five minutes in before moving on. Unfortunately, DarkStar One leans a little on that side. It’s balanced out somewhat by some buttery smooth controls and entry-level space combat, but the teeny-tiny space pockets cause it to fall into a bit of a repetitive loop.

DarkStar One

Ground Control To DarkStar One

I should probably clear up what DarkStar One actually refers to. It’s a special, top-secret ship with ‘organic components’, which is gifted to our protagonist, Kayron. I had to look that up and apparently it is a real name. Apologies to all Kayrons out there for giggling at your sci-fi name. Anyway, Kayron’s father passed away before Kayron had finished his training, but once he graduated he was given a bit of unpleasant news: his father’s death was more sinister than it appeared. That kicks off a race to track down the truth.

As plots go, it’s not the best. That might be something of a biased statement because the voice acting is awful. Given that this is a re-release of a game developed by a fairly small – and now defunct – German developer, I can understand why it’s not the best, but it was rather grating. The plot also isn’t structured well. The one goal of finding the truth about our Dad gets constantly strung along, as we get pulled into doing favours for everyone under the sun.

But we’re not hear to listen to plot; we’re here to fly spaceships and go ‘pew pew pew’. The flying controls feel great. It’s quite basic – an entry-level space sim perhaps – which suits me fine. One stick handles the camera while the other handles propulsion and strafing. For combat, you lock on with a button press and twirl around each other, desperately hammering the ‘fire lasers’ button. Combat lock-on indicates where to fire, but you need to lead shots, use reverse thrust sensibly and match your opponents moves. I found it quite exhilirating, and it fits the Switch controls well.

DarkStar One

Pew Pew Pew

Which is good, because ninety percent of activities in DarkStar One end in combat. To be fair though, there’s quite a few different things you can do before that. There are set contracts at trade stations, which are usually hunting pirates or transporting cargo. I liked the transporting bit, being a closet trucking sim fan, though the hyperspace rended it a little uneventful. You can also trade goods, do some piracy yourself or engage in smuggling. As you do each task, you gain reputation which nets you a bonus at the end. The main missions spice things up at times as well, occasionally taking you down to planets to do some canyon fightin’.

The problem is that DarkStar One very quickly falls into a pattern. To progress in the story, you need to upgrade your hyperspace drive and weapons. You do this by acquiring upgrade artifacts, and then spending cash to upgrade your gear. So the loop is thus: hit story roadblock, acquire upgrades, do petty jobs for cash, buy upgrades and repeat. The flow of the game constantly coming to a complete halt does get repetitive, especially when you hit a tech level where basic enemies are completely trivial.

It does try to spice it up by adding in lore and alien races, though contact is mainly limited to quick communicator exchanges. The races I encountered weren’t too bad, but they feel a little stock. Like they’re cut out of the beginners guide to sci-fi races. So we have races like the Mortok, which are all about honour and battle. Or the Raptors, who are snake-fish people who roll their s’s and have a million Gods. They feel like one-trick ponies and rarely get any screen time. Instead, we’re stuck with Kayron and partner Eona, who mostly just discuss the plot.

DarkStar One

DarkStar One – An Intriguing Relic

Still, I found myself strangely sucked into DarkStar One. Part of it is probably the easy flying, but there’s this sense of a lot of things going on. As I approach stations, I have to actually open communications with them to land. Sometimes police will approach me and scan me for illegal goods, meaning I have to rely on my jammer if I am, indeed, carrying something I shouldn’t be. While these mechanics might be shallow individually, they amount to something that feels a lot deeper.

What I haven’t really touched on yet is that DarkStar One is a re-release. It originally came in 2006 for the PC and it does carry that kind of feel to it. There’s a sort of janky charm to the cutscenes, for example. Honestly, though, the fact that it was a re-release kind of slipped out of my head after a while. Could be because I’d never even heard of it before, but it also could be because it kind of holds up. It may be teaspoon-shallow when divided into parts, but when assembled into a whole: DarkStar One is pretty dang fun.

(DarkStar One’s Nintendo Page)

Review: Chromatic Memories

Saim Khurshid
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0
Review: Chromatic Memories

Not a full-on puzzle game nor a complete point-and-click adventure, Chromatic Memories is an fauvist art game that sits at an interesting position in my eyes. It surely was not boring but still, I would never want to experience it ever again.

Chromatic Memories: Announcement Trailer

I don’t hate it, yet I don’t love it and I am hesitant to even say I like it but in the end, I have to admit, there is something worth looking at. The game left me with mixed feelings, which is intriguing, as it doesn’t happen often.

Art but confusing

At the helm, Chromatic Memories is a point-and-click adventure with dialogue portrayed in the visual novel style. 

The story takes place in the Canary Islands around the early 2000s. You play as an artist named Nayara who can draw people’s memories and erase them. This is not portrayed as a magical revelation as she does not seem to be the only one who can do this, and the whole process involves one heavily looking machine.

he game starts with Nayara feeling like she has forgotten something. Later, we find that she has removed something from her memory. As you can guess, the plot then has us going from place to place, talking to person after person, trying to figure out what exactly was it that Nayara wanted to forget in the first place.

While the premise is intriguing, the narrative sometimes feels disjointed, with certain interactions dragging on without adding much to the plot. 

I won’t spoil what exactly Nayara wanted to forget, but I will say it did not feel all that satisfying to know. The resolution felt somewhat anticlimactic, leaving me questioning whether the journey was worth the destination.

The visual style of Chromatic Memories is of the fauvist art movement from the early 20th century. The movement itself was an avant-garde break away from norms as young artists decided to disobey the conventional ways of drawing and birth a more chaotic and unruly means of expression.

For those who do not care for art, that means it looks like it was drawn by millions of ants covered in paint. Not bad in any way, just an interesting choice of animation. The art style is undoubtedly unique and might be the most memorable aspect of the game. It evokes a sense of chaos and creativity, fitting well with the game’s theme of memory and forgetfulness.

However, I fear the theming might prove to be a bit too forgetful because Fauvism art does tend to be hard on the eyes. 

Destination slog

While the fauvist art style and abundance of characters may, at first, make you feel like the journey is going somewhere fun, the slow nature of everything soon starts to take a toll on one’s patience. The pacing of the game is sluggish, with long dialogues and easy puzzles that can become tiresome.

Might just be me, so if you have the patience, there may be some enjoyment for you in this artsy little game. The game’s soundtrack and sound effects complement the visual style, creating an immersive atmosphere that can be quite captivating if you’re in the right mood.

Not for everyone

Chromatic Memories is a unique game that stands out for its art style and intriguing premise. However, the slow pacing and somewhat unsatisfying narrative resolution might not appeal to everyone. 

If you appreciate avant-garde fauvist art and have the patience for a slow-burn narrative puzzle games, you might find something worthwhile in this game. For others, it might just be an interesting but ultimately forgettable experience.

Review: Astrune Academy

Dawid Wisniewski
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Review: Astrune Academy

Astrune Academy is a nostalgic trip back to the golden era of JRPGs, evoking the charm and simplicity of classic titles like the early Final Fantasy series. With its pixelated graphics and turn-based combat system, the game initially captivates players who long for the days of 16-bit adventures. However, very early on, it becomes evident that Astrune Academy’s blend of old and new isn’t quite as harmonious as one might hope.

The game’s graphics are a delightful homage to the classics, featuring detailed sprites and vibrant, hand-drawn environments. The overworld map and various locales within the game have a distinctly retro aesthetic, which will undoubtedly appeal to fans of old-school JRPGs. However, despite the visual appeal, the world design itself feels uninspired. The areas are often bland and repetitive, failing to create a memorable sense of place.

In terms of gameplay, Astrune Academy sticks closely to the JRPG formula, featuring an overworld map, random enemy encounters, and turn-based combat. The battle system is straightforward with skills and item usage during battle, with both player party and enemies being placed on a grid to help the player choose more effective skills based on area of damage. Unfortunately, the simplicity extends to the world itself, which feels lifeless and lacking in engaging content. Which the developers clearly knew as they added a auto battle button for each fight.

The game’s integration of mobile-style mechanics is even more apparent. Features like random equipment forging, reviving characters with rare currency, and the inclusion of a 3x EXP bonus as DLC disrupt the balance and immersion of the game. These elements feel intrusive and out of place in a title that otherwise tries so hard to emulate the classics.

Astrune Academy’s soundtrack starts strong, with tunes that perfectly capture the essence of a traditional JRPG. Unfortunately, the music quickly becomes repetitive. The lack of variety is glaring, and the seemingly random switches to combat music mid walk through town only exacerbate the issue. What begins as a nostalgic nod to classic gaming soon turns into an annoyance, as the repetitive tracks loop endlessly, grating on the player’s ears.

The narrative of Astrune Academy begins on a promising note. The story follows a group of students in their first year at the titular academy, a refreshing departure from the usual “save the world” trope that so many JRPGs start with. All of the main characters are actually very distinct with not just playing different roles in combat but also adding to the dialog which although not the most imaginative, it’s by far no the worst I’ve seen. The initial chapters focus on the students’ growth, friendships, and smaller-scale adventures, providing a charming and relatable experience. However, the plot eventually falls into familiar clichés and lacks the depth and intrigue needed to sustain interest through the game’s entirety.

Astrune Academy had the potential to be a charming throwback to the JRPGs of yesteryear, but it falters due to uninspired world design, a repetitive soundtrack, and the intrusive integration of mobile game mechanics. The story’s initial promise and the classic gameplay are overshadowed by these issues, leaving players with a sense of what could have been. While it may still hold some appeal for die-hard fans of the genre, Astrune Academy ultimately serves as a reminder that some things are best left in the past.

The game is available on all platforms from 14 June 2024

Review: Ufouria: The Saga 2

Daniel Waite
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Review: Ufouria: The Saga 2

Ufouria: The Saga 2 is a colourful adventure title that picks up where its predecessor left off. Thankfully, you need no prior experience to love this latest endeavour. However, fans of the franchise will enjoy familiar faces and locations. My memory of the original is a little fuzzy, but I laughed and smiled, and had a thoroughly enjoyable time throughout.

This action-adventure title was developed by Sunsoft and published by Red Art Games. Furthermore, it has a wicked sense of humour, and it can only be played as a solo experience. However, this doesn’t hold it back as the zany levels and whacky story keep you coming back for more.

Can the team destroy each monster in Ufouria: The Saga 2?

Ufouria: The Saga 2 tells a silly story. 

The dialogue is laced with humorous moments. Yet, it is the story that is truly hilarious. Thankfully, the combination of well-timed dialogue and silly jokes keeps you chuckling from beginning to end. Alongside this, the silly nature of the plot and the weird characters will pique your interest immediately.

The world of Ufouria was once a peaceful place. However, a crafty alien wants to ruin the day. His sticky Bumyon’s bullish nature will destroy everything. Thankfully, Hebe and his companions work together to thwart the alien’s plot and become a hero. Yet, their efforts are sometimes unusual, and this takes you on a strange adventure that is filled with danger.

Drip-fed mechanics. 

The action revolves around a handful of small stages. These worlds constantly change and this helps to keep things fresh. Additionally, each hero has a set of skills that enable you to overcome different obstacles. As such, the drip-fed mechanics keep you focused from one level to the next. 

Alongside this, you must collect coins and drink cans to unlock new skills and unique items. Each of these elements is as important as the other, and you can’t progress without them. As you explore each new location, you’ll encounter new enemies and find hidden locations. Furthermore, there is a boss to defeat, and a special bird to assist. This bird allows you to fast travel between zones, so keeping him onside is a good move. 

What’s not so good?

Ufouria: The Saga 2 is extremely polished. However, the action is too easy, and the game suffers as a consequence. Though there are plenty of collectables to find, you’ll be lucky to get around 10 hours of gameplay out of this title. This was disappointing as I wanted it to test me and push me harder.

The developer attempts to pad things out with some additional challenges and a mountain of secrets to uncover. Yet, both of these elements can be ignored as you plough your way through the action.

Ufouria: The Saga 2 looks delightful. 

I cherished the arts and crafts patchwork theme. Moreover, the characters are adorable, and each stage is unique. Alongside this, there is a healthy roster of enemies to overcome and I loved the excellent animation. If this isn’t enough, the wonderful pastel colours and rich scenery will make you feel warm and fuzzy. 

The audio is just as good. The wholesome soundtrack is supported by a fine range of sound effects. Moreover, it lacks aggression and drama. Instead, as the level unfolds, you plod along to the relaxing and enjoyable tunes.

Hebe is collecting coins in Ufouria: The Saga 2.

Great controls.

Platforming games need tight and intuitive controls. Fortunately, Ufouria: The Saga 2 is fantastic to play. The simple control layout and responsive inputs are easy to understand. Additionally, the short but helpful tutorial helps to master the fundamentals. Accordingly, this is the perfect title for younger and older gamers alike.

Though each short level is relatively easy to overcome, there are mini-quests to up the ante. Furthermore, each stage is unique and this keeps you on your toes. The drip-fed mechanics and unique characters add to the depth and this increases both replay value and longevity. 

Ufouria: The Saga 2 is a great platform experience. 

If you want an amusing, interesting, and attractive indie title, then this is the game for you. The plot is funny, the writing is interesting, and I loved the level design. Alongside this, it can be enjoyed by a range of gamers. Consequently, I love it and I recommend buying it here! Can you save your home and defeat the alien? Search each region, build your team, and save the day.

Review: Finding America: The West Collector’s Edition

Khloe Turner
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Review: Finding America: The West Collector’s Edition
Title screen of Finding America: The West Collector's Edition

Are you an avid puzzle-enjoyer with time to spare? Big Fish Games has come out with the full collector’s edition of Finding America: The West, a hidden objects title full of unique challenges and minigames. Developed by Boomzap, this game offers a de-stressing romp through the magnificent landscape of the American West through a variety of low-stakes puzzles.

Finding America: The West Collector’s Edition is available on Steam, PC, the PlayStation 5, and the Nintendo Switch.

Welcome to the Wild West

Finding America: The West offers a hefty puzzle-based campaign through the western United States, featuring vivacious scenes of the Grand Canyon, Santa Monica, Yosemite National Park, the Redwood Forest, and more!

The main game has 38 campaign chapters. The collector’s edition provides 12 bonus chapters, but they cannot played until all of the base campaigns are finished. Each chapter is centered around a specific location and has two to four different puzzle games, mostly finding hidden objects. These HOGs come in a variety of modes, including the “standard mode,” the “scrambled mode” (the items to find present themselves in jumbled, randomized letters), and “image mode” (the items to find are silhouetted).

Campaign screen for Finding America: The West Collector's Edition

After finishing all of the HOGs in a chapter, players must then complete a minigame to move on. These minigames offer a great variety of puzzles, and certainly a type for everyone! These include jigsaw puzzles, sliding puzzles, spot the difference challenges, among others.

Players can choose their difficulty setting at the start of the game. Luckily, you can adjust this if needed. The easy and medium difficulties have relatively fast hint-recharging and have no miss-select penalties. Hard mode has a notably longer hint-recharge time and will give players a miss-select penalty. This means that if you accidentally (or intentionally) click the wrong item in the HOGs, you are docked points. Players are free to customize the difficulty as well.

Stars and keys forever

It is a nice feature to be able to customize the difficulty. Overall, Finding America: The West is a low-key, self-paced, puzzle-solving experience. Easy and medium difficulties soften frustrations from miss-clicking, because it is pretty easy to press random spots of the screen by accident. Although, hard mode will definitely provide more of a challenge for those looking for it.

Wild West scene in Finding America: The West

If wanted, players can receive hints and “superhints.” Regular hints reveal the location of one unfound hidden object, while “superhints” reveal all the remaining objects to find. Use them wisely! Depending on the difficulty setting, the recharge time for the hints will vary, but it is usually always under a minute. Not too challenging at all in this regard, fitting the relaxing, chill vibe of the game.

Another extra mechanic include finding stars and keys. These can be found in each and every scene. Finding a star unlocks that scene’s “unlimited mode,” which will allow players to replay the level as many times as desired. Though it is kind of unfortunate that a star is needed to replay levels. More specifically, I wished that the campaign mode was not so linear; it would be nice to skip around and play locations that interest me, playing scenes in whatever order I would want. I do not see what is stopping the game from allowing players to do this, because Finding America has no storyline. You also have to wait until the very end for the bonus content, which is very limiting.

Difficulty settings in Finding America: The West Collector's Edition

The keys that can be found per scene will give a fun fact about the location you are playing in. This is a neat little detail that makes the game a bit of a learning experience!

Take a closer look . . .

For the most part, Finding America: The West Collector’s Edition is a smooth, enjoyable experience. There are loads of content to uncover, and players can get rewarded with a multitude of downloadable wallpapers.

Jigsaw puzzle in Finding America: The West Collector's Edition

A big downside, at least on the Nintendo Switch version (which I played), is that the game has various bugs. Sometimes, a scene would show up completely white and blank, with the HUD visible or not. Or, it would take several clicks until the game registered that I pressed an object. The most frustrating bug was when I would zoom in or out of a scene with the magnifying glass, but then the screen would lock and I could no longer zoom or move. I would have to reload scenes several times throughout my playthrough to negate these performance issues.

Final thoughts

Finding America: The West is a solid hidden objects game suitable for any age, and any sort of puzzle fan. There is a massive amount of content well worth the price. I would not say that Finding America is remarkably unique from other Big Fish titles, but I appreciate the wild west theming and diversity of puzzles.

Achievements from a scene in Finding America: The West Collector's Edition

The bugs present slight problems, but they are not game-breaking, only frustrating. If you have spare time and want to challenge yourself mentally, then this is a nice middle-of-the-road, enjoyable game.

Review: UNABLES

Daniel Waite
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Review: UNABLES

UNABLES is a title that will make you feel nauseous. However, this unwanted side effect is countered by some incredibly funny moments. As such, your stomach will churn as your belly wobbles and your face hurts. Thanks to its physics-based mechanics, it will make you scream and swear. Additionally, the ticking clock adds unwanted pressure to get your blood pumping.

This amusing puzzle title was developed by Artur Hilger and published by Forever Entertainment. Furthermore, it is a single-player game that is viewed from an isometric viewpoint. Moreover, you are free to move the world and the camera however you like. This was a great move as it made it easier to complete each stage. Yet, the constant shift of the surrounding landscape was uncomfortable to witness.

UNABLES is bloody stupid. 

The developer had decided that sensibilities and a straightforward plot were not for him. Instead, he has gone all “Monty Python” with his insane skits and bloody stupid episodes. This may seem like a complaint, but it isn’t. I love MP and I adore the stupidity that unfolds. However, the bizarre nature of the gameplay makes this a tough title to follow, and many people will get lost along the way. 

The action uses a chapter system to progress the gameplay. What’s more, each stage is scored using a star reward chart. If you collect every item in the allotted time, you are awarded 3 stars. If you fail, you’ll get 2 or 1 star depending on how many bits you’ve gathered. Now, this may not seem like a big deal, but the more stars you earn, the more levels you unlock. Consequently, your progress can be halted if you suck at the game. This was frustrating, but you can reduce the difficulty if you are struggling. 

A simple concept. 

Though it was challenging to move the world and collect each item, the action follows a simple concept. At the start of each stage, you have a list of items to find. These objects are highlighted by a box, and you must move your character to touch the area. However, it isn’t that easy, as each hero is stupidly lazy. Accordingly, they won’t move unless you flip, spin, and shake the world.

As their environment rocks and sways, every item and the protagonist fly like rag-dolls through the air. Subsequently, you must time each move if you wish to gather every item. This wouldn’t be so bad, but occasionally, you must enter buildings or open doorways. This was extremely challenging and something that would cause endless broken controllers. 

UNABLES is unique. 

The gameplay is unlike anything I’ve tried. However, the visuals take it to the next level. The clean lines and interesting art styles ensure that UNABLES is unique. I loved the blend of genres and the tongue-in-cheek reference to old films and sci-fi plots. What’s more, though the physics-based action turned my stomach, every ounce of animation was well-considered and perfectly executed. 

The audio was an eclectic blend of dialogue, music, and deafening sound effects. As each stage was disrupted, the items smashed and crashed into the scenery. Moreover, the witty acting was amusing, and the music added drama and energy. 

Brilliant controls. 

UNABLES may have been challenging and rage-inducing. Yet, the brilliant control system was well-thought-out. Furthermore, the straightforward UI helps you understand your objectives. Yes, there is the occasional bit of trial and error, but once you get to grips with what is required, you’ll have an amazing time.

This is a Marmite experience. The challenging action and the cruel mechanics will make plenty of people curse and quit. However, if you stick at it, and work through the pain, you’ll enjoy an amusing and rewarding game. Subsequently, it has replay value and longevity.

UNABLES broke me. 

The second I read the blurb, I knew I was in trouble. Moreover, I’m lucky I didn’t break a controller as I failed repeatedly. Yet, UNABLES tickled me in a way that other games haven’t. The bizarre blend of genres and the excellent visuals were great. Furthermore, the witty dialogue will make you smile. Accordingly, though it is painful to play, I love it and I recommend buying it here! Can you keep your cool and find every item? Twist the perspective, throw the protagonists, and complete every stage.

Review: Horizon Chase 2

Dawid Wisniewski
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Review: Horizon Chase 2

“Horizon Chase” is an arcade racing game that has managed to capture the essence of what makes the genre so exhilarating and accessible. With its vibrant and eye-catching graphics, delightful soundtrack, and straightforward yet engaging gameplay mechanics, it stands out as a hidden gem that I’m sure to return to.

The first thing that strikes you about “Horizon Chase” is its simple but highly appealing graphics. The game’s bright colours and distinct artistic style make each level feel unique and alive. The tracks take you on a global journey, with each map offering a fresh visual identity. Whether you’re racing through the neon-lit streets of Tokyo or the serene landscapes of the Italian countryside, the game’s environments are always a treat for the eyes. Not only are they all vastly different from each-other, some will even offer environmental “hazards”. From dessert levels being covered in sandstorms or the cities changing into night time over the course of the race are among some of these nice little additions.

Complementing the visuals is an amazing soundtrack that perfectly matches the game’s high-energy races. The music in “Horizon Chase” is not just background noise; it elevates the entire experience. Each track feels tailor-made for the high-speed, adrenaline-pumping action, making every race not only a test of skill but also an auditory delight. That being said it was also the only bad thing I can say about the game, as I have experienced a couple bugs that resulted in the music not playing. From the music playing while paused which resulted in the track running short and me finishing the race in silence, to one race straight up being longer than the track playing no matter how fast the player gets through it. This was not a super prominent issue but it happened enough to have to mention it.

One of the standout features of “Horizon Chase” is its easy-to-pick-up driving mechanics. Even if you’re new to racing games, you’ll find yourself quickly getting the hang of it. The controls are intuitive, allowing you to focus on enjoying the race rather than grappling with complex manoeuvres. This accessibility doesn’t come at the cost of depth, however. The game offers plenty of challenge for more experienced players, especially in the later stages.

“Horizon Chase” offers a variety of modes to keep you engaged. The main World Tour mode takes you through a series of progressively challenging races across different locations. This is where you’ll spend most of your time, honing your skills and unlocking new cars. Tournaments provide a side activity, stringing together a series of levels from the World Tour in quick succession, perfect for those looking for a bit more structure and competition

In addition to the regular races, “Horizon Chase” features time trials that offer a greater test of your driving skills. While the early time trials are relatively simple, the difficulty ramps up quickly. Mastering these trials requires precision and perfect turns at maximum speed, providing a satisfying challenge for those looking to push their abilities to the limit.

The progression system in “Horizon Chase” is straightforward but effective. Completing races earns you XP, which can be used to level up your cars to a maximum of level 10. As you unlock new cars, they start at higher levels, ensuring they remain competitive in later stages. This system keeps you motivated to continue racing and improving your vehicles, providing a steady sense of achievement. In addition to these, completing races with the same car will unlock new body customisation as well as completing certain events will unlock new wheels and livery’s to ensure you can keep your looking fresh throughout your journey.

For those who enjoy racing with friends, “Horizon Chase” does not disappoint in that aspect either. The game includes a robust multiplayer mode and supports split-screen play. This feature is a fantastic addition, making it an excellent choice for gatherings and parties. The thrill of racing against your friends on the same screen is something that many modern racing games have neglected, and it’s refreshing to see it included here. The best part for me is that the world tour is also playable in split screen, which means the game can be enjoyed with a friend or partner and not hinder the progression.

Overall, “Horizon Chase” is an absolute joy to play. Its combination of stunning visuals, engaging music, and accessible yet challenging gameplay makes it a standout in the arcade racing genre. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick race or a longer session tackling the World Tour, the game is always ready to provide a good time. It’s the kind of game that you can easily pick up for a few minutes or lose yourself in for hours. With its variety of modes and multiplayer options, it’s a game that will keep you coming back for more.

Horizon Chase 2 is available on all platforms now.

Review: Elias 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Daniel Waite
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Review: Elias 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar

The Elias 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar from Majority Audio is an audiophile’s dream! This spectacular product will make your ears purr and your skin tingle. Thanks to the glorious up-firing speakers, you enjoy a rich and wholesome range of tones. Furthermore, it has plenty of connectivity options and is ridiculously easy to set up.

The black finish and sleek body also create a refined and classic look. Accordingly, this will look amazing on top of your entertainment unit or mounted on your wall. Finally, there is a clear display and tactile buttons to help you get the most out of this unit. As such, technophobes can improve their entertainment system without anxiety or stress. 

What’s in the box of the Elias 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar?

  • The packaging has a pleasant earthy finish. Furthermore, it is robust and can be recycled. 
  • The Elias 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar is great to look at. The mesh grill hides the speakers and the display. Moreover, the wiring is easy to hide, and the buttons are simple to find. As such, this will create a refined and clean finish.
  • The HDMI cable is hard-wearing and is used for the HDMI arc feature. 
  • Power the device with the chunky power unit. 
  • Sit back and relax with the remote control. 
  • A pair of wall mounting brackets are provided. 
  • Learn the fundamentals with the user manual. 

Technical aspects.

My love of audio has grown as technology improves, and Dolby Atmos is a game-changer. Accordingly, whenever this appears on any sound equipment, I get excited. This 3D surround sound brings every film, TV program, and song to life. Furthermore, it creates a captivating and unforgettable experience. Consequently, it is a must if you love films, or you simply want the best audio experience.

The Dolby Atmos is complemented by up-firing speakers. This approach creates a warm and rounded soundscape. Additionally, the tones are balanced, and the bass isn’t overbearing. As such, you’ll enjoy cinematic audio from the comfort of your home.

Connectivity. 

Where the Elias 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar excels is its connectivity options. Whether you are old-school with your AUX cable, or you utilise HDMI Arc connectivity, this soundbar has you covered. Alongside this, you can use an optical option or wirelessly connect using the Bluetooth 5.3 feature.

This feature ensures a lower power draw and improved stability. Moreover, your device can be located further away from the source, and you will not experience interference, crackling, or poor sound.

Flitting between each mode is as simple as pushing a button. What’s more, you can use the top-mounted inputs or the handy remote control to flick through your options. Either way, it is straightforward to execute and anyone can master this device. 

Sound quality. 

As expected, the Elias 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar delivers mind-blowing audio. The rich range of tones is complemented by the decent bass. Furthermore, the 3D sound draws you into every film, song, and TV program. This was particularly impressive as the unit is relatively lightweight and compact.

I had no difficulty in picking out each low, mid, and high point in each song I enjoyed. Moreover, the depth of sound was impressive during heavy action films. I adored the booming noise of bombs exploding and the ricochet of flying bullets. 

The up-firing speakers maximise your audio experience as the sound waves reflect off the nearest surface. This gives the feeling of immersive sound without undermining the quality. There are caveats to this, though, as the higher your ceiling, the less effective it can be.

Build quality. 

Majority Audio doesn’t skimp on quality. As such, I knew that this would be a well-designed product. The metal grate is strong and well-painted. Additionally, the black finish is smooth and will last the test of time. Alongside this, the cable placement is efficient and this helps to reduce the sight of unsightly cables. 

I was impressed by the position of the tactile buttons and the quality of the remote control. Furthermore, the cables are flexible and will survive the occasional bout of roughhousing. 

Is the Elias 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar worth it?

Modern TVs deliver a poor audio experience. As such, investing in a soundbar is a no-brainer. The Elias 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar takes it one step further with its incredible connectivity and surround sound. Moreover, it is built to last and it will complement many modern entertainment arrangements. Accordingly, I love it and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on Majority Audio can be found here!)

The Elias 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

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