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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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!)

Review: Lunar Lander Beyond

Daniel Waite
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Review: Lunar Lander Beyond

Lunar Lander Beyond is a challenging sci-fi title. This physics-based experience will have you on the edge of your seat. Additionally, it is one of those games that makes you gurn and make ridiculous faces. However, you’ll be so lost in the action, that you won’t realise how ridiculous you look. Furthermore, the sense of reward and the euphoria of completing each mission outweigh how stupid you look.

This action-adventure title was developed by Dreams Uncorporated and published by Atari. Additionally, it is a single-player game that uses a 2D side-scrolling approach. This simple idea may feel underwhelming, but the action is challenging enough without upping the ante further. As such, you’ll forgive the basic imagery and focus on completing every challenging mission. 

Lunar Lander Beyond tells an outlandish tale. 

Sci-fi games and unrealistic plots go hand-in-hand. Yet, Lunar Lander Beyond has an interesting tale to tell. Additionally, there is an underdog theme that makes you empathise with the protagonist. Consequently, you’ll get sucked into the action without realising it. 

You are a newly appointed captain of the Pegasus Corporation. This heartless business cares not for its workers and focuses on profits and little else. As such, the mortality rate is off the chart and hiring decent pilots for your lander vessels isn’t a priority. Subsequently, you must make do with the crew you have and the traits they bring to the table.

Bite-size action. 

Where this excels is its challenging but bite-size action. Each short mission is broken down into easy-to-follow objectives. Furthermore, every perk and vessel is well-defined. Accordingly, you can select the correct tool for each mission and pick the correct pilot to undertake each job.

The game is broken down into manageable chunks. Whether it is the perks you are selecting, the crew you are managing, or the mission you must complete, it is easy to understand. Furthermore, each micro mechanic is well explained. The result is a pleasant title that doesn’t confuse you. However, the action is brutally tough because of the physics-based approach.

Crash, crash, and crash again. 

Crashing is par for the course. You’ll hit rocks, statues, asteroids, and buildings. This causes damage to your ship and stress for your pilot. Each of these elements is troublesome as they have major consequences. First, there is the issue of dying. A broken ship is no good, especially if you wish to live. As such, avoiding obstacles or collecting power-ups is a must. Alternatively, settling on a landing pad can save the day.

Second, no one wants to be stressed. If your pilots are overwhelmed, they can go insane! Insanity and deadly space travel do not mix. Subsequently, you’ll need to rotate your crew, focus on their health, and avoid every obstacle.

Ships and perks. 

The missions vary nicely. Yet, the core gameplay effectively remains the same. However, you can pick from 4 unique ships and plenty of perks to mix things up. Though this may seem like a minor thing, it alters the way you fly and changes your approach to every mission.

This small element adds masses of depth to a relatively simple concept. Additionally, some missions are better suited to different vehicles, so you may have to return if you want the highest scores. Now, I wasn’t worried about being awarded a gold medal during each level, but other gamers thrive on a completionist mentality. As such, this ticks that box nicely. 

Lunar Lander Beyond is pleasant to look at. 

Though the visuals won’t blow you away, I liked the presentation. The simple ship design has some excellent detail and the thruster animation is eye-catching. Alongside this, each stage is varied even though they are compact by design. The claustrophobic tunnels and the broken scenery ensure that every level is challenging to navigate. 

The audio has a bizarre light-hearted edge. Additionally, the electronic vibes enhance the sci-fi theme. The interesting and unusual sound effects complement this. Each ship is loud and obnoxious, but they are not unbearable to listen to. Although it lacks a truly modern edge, Lunar Lander Beyond has delivered a balanced set of visuals and audio.

Challenging controls.

The developers have done an amazing job with the control layout. Furthermore, the intuitive UI helps get you on your way. However, the physics-based action is particularly challenging to master. As such, plenty of rage-inducing moments will make you want to cry. Yet, if you can stick with it, you’ll be rewarded with an interesting and tough sci-fi endeavour. 

This oozes replay value and longevity. Each fresh pilot is an unknown and the mixture of perks and the unique ships add further layers. Accordingly, you can test your skills with an inexperienced pilot, or trust a veteran to see you through. 

Lunar Lander Beyond pushed me all the way. 

I don’t usually appreciate physics-based titles. They drive me around the bend and I normally give up far too easily. Luckily, I invested a fair bit of time, patience, and effort and the reward far outweighed the stress. Moreover, the story was interesting and I loved each mission. Consequently, I recommend buying it here! Will you become the next big thing at the corporation? Choose your pilot, pick a ship, and complete every mission.

Review: Be my Horde

Dawid Wisniewski
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Review: Be my Horde

“Be my Horde” is an intriguing blend of wave-based gameplay and Overlord-style minion summoning that offers a fresh and engaging experience. As a player, you control a powerful necromancer who raises fallen enemies to join her ever-growing undead army. The game’s art style is simple yet effective, and the gameplay, while initially straightforward, reveals a surprising depth as you progress.

In “Be my Horde,” you navigate through a field teeming with scattered enemy groups. Every minute, an event occurs that sends a stronger group of enemies your way, adding a layer of intensity to the gameplay. The core mechanic revolves around defeating enemies and then raising them to join your ranks as undead minions. These minions surround and follow you, albeit with limited direct control. Initially, this lack of control can be frustrating, but as you grow accustomed to it, you discover the strategic nuances it brings.

Each run is structured around a very simple gameplay loop. You scout around the field, defeat enemies, raise them, and face increasingly challenging waves. This loop is easy to understand and pick up, making the game accessible. However, the difficulty spikes noticeably around the 7th minute, that made me reconsider how I’m playing the game and revealing a deeper layer of strategy than initially apparent.

The game’s strategic depth becomes evident when you consider minion positioning and management. Raised minions join you in a circle, and their placement can significantly impact your success. For example, positioning your minions to fight on multiple fronts without being overwhelmed is crucial. This strategic placement not only helps manage enemy waves but also optimizes the growth of your undead army, setting you up for future challenges.

After each run, you respawn at your lair, where you can use harvested souls for various upgrades. These upgrades include increasing the number of minions you can raise at the same time, boosting health, and enhancing speed for both the player and the army. Additionally, there are scrolls that unlock new troops or modify the map with features like graveyards, where you can raise additional troops. This progression system adds a layer progression. Especially the speed of raising the undead which makes waves far more manageable than at the beginning, this encourages players to continually improve and adapt their tactics.

Despite its many strengths, “Be my Horde” does have moments that feel excessively challenging. The lack of variety during runs, with no pickups or level-ups, can make the game feel repetitive. However, the strategic elements of minion placement and army management help mitigate this to some extent. At the time of this review the game is in early access which is important to state as the game has a lot of room for improvement.

I have spent around 5 hours in the game before I upgraded the lair fully and then played for another hour or so just trying to get better and adapting different strategies to survive as long as I could. The key additions that would benefit the game would be adding more variety during runs. Adding pickups, more temporary power-ups, or dynamic events could break the monotony and provide additional layers of strategy. More diverse enemy types and environmental hazards could also keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with “Be my Horde”. For its very low price, the game offers a compelling and unique experience that is both challenging and rewarding. The premise is fantastic, and the potential for future updates to expand on its core mechanics is exciting. The game’s early access status means there is room for improvement, but even in its current state, it is a worthwhile experience.

I highly recommend checking out “Be my Horde”, especially given its affordable price. It’s a game that rewards strategic thinking and planning ahead, and with continued development, it has the potential to become a standout title in its genre. Keep an eye on future updates, as they are likely to bring even more depth and variety to this already promising game.

Review: Killer Klowns From Outer Space

Matt Cooper
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Review: Killer Klowns From Outer Space
It’s been 36 years since the cult classic landed in cinemas and now, the Killer Klowns From Outer Space are back! Is the game faithful to the beloved film? Or should these iconic monsters have stayed in the past?

The Cult Classic Reimagined

I was shocked when Illfonic (Makers of the woefully underrated Friday The 13th Game) announced their next game was Killer Klowns From Outer Space, primarily due to the fact that this franchise truly is a relic of the past. But I’m sure glad they did. As in their previous games, Killer Klowns follows an asymmetrical format with a unique twist. Instead of the standard one enemy versus four survivors, Killer Klowns creates a real fresh experience with its format. Pitting seven terribly dressed and styled teenagers against three of the titular Klowns is an absolute blast. This decision really makes this game stand out amongst a plethora of horror titles. The games I have played over roughly my 20 hour playtime so far have been a mixture of chaos, laughter and nail biting moments.

With this being a licensed title, it’s important that the game itself honours and respects the original film and Illfonic have not disappointed. Everything looks like it has been plucked straight from the film itself – from the cotton candy ray guns, player outfits and right down to the Klown death animations; this game is a truly faithful homage to the film. You can really tell the developers themselves are true fans of the original with all the love and care that has been poured into the game. With this being a purely multiplayer title, there is no real story or narrative for the game to follow other than the simple premise that both the humans and the Killer Klowns have for themselves. For the human team, your goal is to escape the Klownpocalypse and survive the night, where as the Klowns’ ultimate goal is to capture and kill every last human in their invasion. It’s a simple narrative but one that works wonderfully in an asymmetrical game like this. More background to the film and additional narrative is found through collecting lore tapes that are scattered across the maps. These tapes provide backstory for the characters, weapons and locations that I found were really interesting and captivating for me to discover, plus these tapes give you a ton of xp – a welcome bonus. It’s important the gameplay loop matches the goofy and silly energy of film, and Killer Klowns From Outer Space does not disappoint!

Cotton Candy Chaos

The gameplay in Killer Klowns is best described as fast, frenetic fun. Each 15 minute game feels chaotic, silly, goofy and just a downright good time. Playing both the Klowns and the humans feels vastly different as these are essentially two different games. The goal for the humans is to escape and this is achieved through brilliant map design, with multiple escape routes making it thrilling and exciting. Fill up the boat or power up a portal; these are just some of the options available to you. For the Klowns, your goal is to track down the humans and eliminate them all, or trigger the Klownpocalypse to end the game prematurely and wipe out every remaining human left in the game. To do this, you have to power up stations with cotton candy cocoons. These cocoons not only help trigger the end of the game if all 20 are placed, but also spawn lackeys. These lackeys are small NPC’s but can attack and injure players which help the Klowns pinpoint where humans are on the map – a really cool and unique addition.

Movement and gunplay feel serviceable for the Klowns as they are deliberately slower than the humans but its the abilities and classes that help keep it fresh. Across both sides there are five playable classes ranging from tank type builds that focus on strength and melee or speed based builds to help you track down enemies or evade them. The class system is solid and enabled me to test out various builds to find my style. Playing as the Klowns became my preferred choice, although the game employs a randomised team selection per game which really makes every game unpredictable. Klown abilities also are impressive, ranging from teleporting across the map to luring an enemy into a stun. These abilities helped me greatly in stopping the enemy team and are vital to victory.

Playing as the humans garnered mixed results for me personally. Movement and controls are solid but nothing new to the genre, whilst gunplay can feel a bit clunky at times using the shotgun or the pistol. There are a variety of melee weapons for the player to use, making this element of combat my preferred option. I loved getting into a fight with a Klown using my baseball bat or my fire poker, and killing the Klowns using a sharp weapon felt especially satisfying, but only when in a fight with one of them. Playing as the human can be frustrating when getting ganged up on by Klowns, particularly when the Klowns just dodge and weave your attacks. Whilst these are frustrating parts, playing as the humans has some amazing elements that diversify the gameplay. What I adored is the introduction of the mini games when you have either escaped the map or died. These mini games range from shooting hoops, whack a Klown, bursting balloons to memorising sequences. Upon completing the mini games, you are rewarded with an in game item that either you can gift to a player who is still alive or save it for your loadout in-case the resurrection machine is activated. This addition is absolutely fantastic and helped keep my interest even when I had been killed. A fantastic creation by Illfonic.

Straight From The 80’s!

Graphically speaking, this game is never going to blow you away with its visuals but they are good enough to not to ruin the experience. In my time playing, I had a few minor technical issues ranging from crashes to some minor texture pop ins but nothing that really affected my view too much. Each of the five locations look different and very large in scale due to the amount of players in the game. My personal favourite is the amusement park which has wonderful lighting and scale to it, with the rides at the park illuminating the map itself. The locations themselves are populated with vibrant pink cotton candy blocking areas of the map which look fantastic and true to the original. Character models themselves are fantastic, with the Klowns looking superb. The level of customisation available is also a strong point and allows you to create your Klown or human in true 80’s fashion. A solid effort in presentation and design by the development team! The only minor issue I have with the locations themselves is that they are so big that you can easily get lost and separated from your team. Whilst the Klowns do have an in game map to access, the humans don’t, which is an understandable choice as it’s meant to heighten tension and fear but can occasionally boil over to frustration.

The music and sound design in the game are other high points. Chase music ramps up as Klowns get closer to humans, creating real cinematic moments whether you’re being chased or chasing your prey. The soundtrack itself is composed by the man behind the original films soundtrack, John Massari. The main theme is a wonderful homage to the original ‘Klown March’ track from way back in 1987 and feels right at home. Again, it shows the true love and passion the developers at Illfonic had for this game. In terms of sound design, its crucial in a multiplayer game like this that the design is top notch and I’m thrilled to say it well and truly is. Footsteps are crisp and clear, with the Klowns’ shoes squeaking everywhere they go which is both hilarious and terrifying. The ray guns sound excellent, whilst in game voice chat is some of the best I’ve seen in terms of its ingenuity. Proximity chat is deployed but it’s the little things such as when you are cocooned, your voice sounds realistically muffled to other players. They are small details but ones that I greatly appreciate.

Verdict

For fans of the original film, this game is a true love letter to the original through wonderful sound and character design. Brilliant and innovative additions to the asymmetrical multiplayer genre and strong and unique map design help make this game stand alone in a plethora of available titles. Whilst the game can be frustrating at times due to balancing issues, its overall package is strong enough to overcome this. A relic of the past with a fresh twist. Send in the Klowns!

Review: Platinum P41 SSD

Daniel Waite
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Review: Platinum P41 SSD

The Platinum P41 SSD is a phenomenal piece of kit for your gaming needs. This PCIe NVME M.2 product is available in 3 sizes: 500 GB, for $82.99, 1 TB, for $129.99, and 2 TB, for $173.95. These prices will vary, but these were accurate at the point of review. Sadly, SK Hynix hasn’t expanded past the 2 TB storage capacity, but that wasn’t an issue for me. However, you may have to look at another manufacturer if you need a heftier solution. If you can “cope” with a mere 2 TB of space, then you’ll be impressed by the lighting-fast speeds, the stability, and the competitive price point.

This SSD is SK Hynix’s first step into the PCI Express 4.0 internal SSD market. Yet, what a splash they have made as this beastly device delivers incredible sequential read and write speeds. Accordingly, this will load your OS in no time and keep you on top of your gaming needs without breaking a sweat. Word of warning, however, it does not come with a heat sink as standard. Consequently, you may wish to invest in one if you wish to increase longevity. This is essential if you are using this drive for a laptop or your PlayStation. Though I didn’t experience any negative side effects without a heat sink, I would be more comfortable in the long term knowing the temperatures were reduced.

Benchmark.

For clarity, I benchmarked the SSD using the following machine. An ASUS TUF Gaming 650M-Plus Wi-Fi DDR5 motherboard, AMD 7800X3D, 64 GB G-Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 6,000 Mhz CL32 clocked at 6,000 Mhz, and the MSI GeForce RTX 4080 Super Gaming X Slim 16 GB White. Furthermore, there are various fans, an AIO cooler, and other miscellaneous objects. The testing benchmark delivered approximately 7,300 MB/s read and 6,850 MB/s write speed. By comparison, my Samsung 980 Pro 2 TB delivered 6,450 MB/s and 5,045 MB/s read/write sequential speeds respectively.

It’s an impressive SSD.

My main gaming rig is equipped with Samsung’s 980 Pro 1 TB and 2 TB drives. I had spent plenty of time researching my needs and this market leader tempted me with impressive speeds and great value for money. Yet, now the Platinum P41 SSD is in my hands, I’m in a bit of a muddle. Why? Well, this device outperforms both drives during every benchmark test I could find. Using Crystal DiskMark 6.0 Sequential testing, I was blown away by the awe-inspiring speeds. Effectively, it outperformed my Samsung drive by around 1000 MB/s at both read and write speeds. Furthermore, it outstripped its advertised speeds of 7,000 MB/s and 6,500 MB/s read and write speeds respectively. This result was so shocking that I ran the test multiple times and came to the same conclusion every time as well.

Alongside this, the Platinum P41 SSD uses SK Hynix’s own 176-layer TCL NAND flash as well as their Aries controller. This helps to deliver top-end specs that will make its competitors weep. Accordingly, you’ll enjoy up to 1.4 million IOPS. Furthermore, the new Aries controller offers twice the number of channels and up to 33% higher bus speeds. On top of this, there is an impressive 5-year warranty on offer and a guarantee of 1,200 TBW lifetime write capacity for the 2 TB model. This offer is in line with its competitors and sadly falls below some of the leading devices. However, you needn’t worry as this should far exceed the average user’s storage capabilities.

The Platinum P41 SSD has drive cloning.

Though the usability of an SSD isn’t a top priority, it is pleasant when a company thinks about the little things. Luckily, SK Hynix has done just that with their specially designed cloning tool. They have teamed up with Macrium to offer the SK Hynix System Migration Utility for SSD (try saying that after a few beers). Moreover, you can download the Drive Manager: Easy Kit to observe your drive’s health, run diagnostics, and erase data. The wonderful thing about this software is it works with other drives as well. Subsequently, you may manage your data from one free-to-download tool.

Is the Platinum P41 SSD worth it?

If you wish to have a lightning-fast drive that delivers market-fast speeds, then this is the device for you. Furthermore, it has an impressive warranty and its lifetime write capacity is more than sufficient for many uses. Its only shortcoming is the lack of a heat sink. This may be a sticking point for some people, but a small investment in a thin but effective heat sink will reduce the risk of thermal throttling for hardcore gamers. Another element to consider is the announcement of the P51 drive. If you are not in a hurry, and you have a few more pounds to spend, you may wish to wait for that to hit the market. However, if you are impatient, or you need a new SSD immediately, I recommend buying it here!

(More information on SK Hynix can be found here!)

The Platinum P41 SSD has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full Disclosure! SK Hynix provided a sample for an unbiased and free review!)

Review: New Star GP

Daniel Waite
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Review: New Star GP

New Star GP is a retro and addictive racing simulation title. I use the phrase simulation loosely, as pretty much anything goes. Consequently, the action is hectic and your pulse will race. Furthermore, no matter how long you play, you’ll just want one more go.

This arcade experience was developed by New Star Games Ltd and published by Five Aces Publishing Ltd. Moreover, it can be enjoyed alone or on one screen with friends. Either way, you’ll have a blast as you zoom around tracks, upgrade your car, and aim to become a global superstar. Where it excels is its light-hearted nature. Though you must win every event, there is no pressure. Additionally, you are free to be as nice or mean as you like to your rivals. Subsequently, you can be Mr/Mrs popular, or the most hated individual on the grid.

New Star GP tells the tale of a rookie.

Everyone loves an underdog story. The tale of a no-one working their way through the ranks and becoming a world beater. This is exactly what happens in New Star GP. Though the plot isn’t a bestseller, I loved the straightforward approach and the excellent rivalries. What’s more, who doesn’t love it when you prove every naysayer wrong?

You control a rookie driver for an unknown Formula One team. It is the 1980s and everyone adores the big-named teams. However, you’ll prove them wrong by improving your car and hiring new staff. Moreover, you’ll take bribes, upset your opponents, and stop at nothing to get to the top. After all, no one remembers 2nd place!

Excellent mechanics. 

Though the action is relatively simple, I adored the number of races and the variety on offer. Alongside this, there are perks to unlock, upgrades to research, and a rivalry system to master. Accordingly, there are plenty of plates to spin as you battle for the number one spot. 

On top of this, you must consider in-race tactics if you wish to outsmart your foes. You are in control of your pit stops and your fuel levels. Furthermore, you have a booster system to use, and you must keep on top of your vehicle’s maintenance. This is easier said than done, as every collision or poor piece of driving damages your equipment. Additionally, if you are too harsh on the brakes or your tyres, you’ll come to a sticky end.

If that isn’t enough, you must consider the weather as well. Rain and slick tyres do not mix! As such, you must plan to maximise your chances to win each event. If you mess up, or you damage your car, you’ll hobble around the track and watch your opponents fly past you. Therefore, planning, patience, and an iron will are required if you wish to complete New Star GP.

The shortcomings. 

Though I loved New Star GP, the arcade gameplay will annoy more serious gamers. The lack of qualifying was frustrating. Consequently, you start at the back of every event. Additionally, the bumper car-style aggression was borderline insane. This aggressive driving approach was amusing, and it was an exceptional way to make enemies, but it was extremely unsporting.

Alongside this, you ghost through your opponents when you exit the pit lane. Subsequently, if you time it right, you can gain precious seconds without any skill. Finally, rear-running cars are more aggressive than your direct rivals. Instead of moving out of the way, these crazy assholes race you with all their might. This was unexpected, ridiculous, and infuriating.

New Star GP is a pixelated dream. 

If you want polished and modern graphics, then this isn’t the game for you. The gaudy colour palette and boxy pixelated graphics are tough to look at. However, it is a pixelated dream that is perfectly retro. I adored the simple art style and the interesting tracks. Furthermore, the animation was brilliantly clunky and everything has that nostalgic edge.

The audio generates an old-school vibe. The synth music is upbeat and brilliantly aggressive. Additionally, the sound effects will make your head spin. The screeching tyres and the crunch of metal on metal are all too much. I adored the banging audio and the energetic soundtrack.

Spectacular controls. 

Old-school games are renowned for their clunky controls. Luckily, New Star GP broke this rule! The exceptional controls are responsive and easy to master. Moreover, you’ll love the simple layout. No matter your age or your ability, you’ll have a great time playing this arcade experience.

Every race is fast-paced and brilliantly compact. Consequently, this is a superb casual title. Furthermore, you can enjoy this with friends if you like competitive action. On top of this, the upgrade system is comprehensive, and I loved how the team perks impact your tactical goals. As such, this has both replay value and longevity. 

New Star GP is an amazing indie title. 

Racing games take themselves too seriously. Furthermore, you have to micromanage every detail and that drives me insane. Luckily, this game is different. It focuses on hard racing and oodles of fun. What’s more, it is addictive and devilishly retro. Accordingly, I recommend buying it here! Can the rookie overcome the odds and become a champion? Choose your upgrades, tackle your foes, and win every race.

Review: The Exit 8

Ralph Heseltine
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Review: The Exit 8

The Exit 8 is an Indie game which has taken the gaming community by storm. The game by Kotake Create is a walking simulator based in a Japenese subway. You play as someone looking to leave the building by getting to exit 8 (you start at Exit 0). Advancing up the levels is done by anomaly spotting. You really have to adjust to this and keep your eyes peeled at times some of these can be very difficult to spot. It takes a very short time to realise this game is a loop. The game uses its eeriness to creep the player out which makes us really second-guess every decision we make.

Pick a side

The game essentially works by the player being stuck in this loop. It’s up to the player to notice any anomaly in the environment. These can be completely obvious, like a literal waterfall chasing you out. Or perhaps something very specific like the writing on a sign changing. If you notice an anomaly, you should go back. When you do you’ll see the number on the yellow sign go up. The goal is to get to 8. When you do not see any anomalies, you should walk forward. If you were correct in thinking there were no anomalies, you will also be rewarded with the number increasing. However, any wrong decision will result in the number resetting all the way back to 0. This adds to the desperation of focusing hard on each area desperate not to miss anything. Every time I decided to walk forward, I never felt certain that there was no anomaly.

Eerie Environment

While what I have described may not instantly sound very scary, this game is really creepy. It achieves this through various methods. For starters, the sound in this game makes the player feel on edge. It’s pretty much silent except for the footsteps of you and the man who walks past you(more on him later). This adds to the sense of wanting to escape this place and hopefully reunite with society. This stressful, lonely feeling is added by security cameras and signs which make you feel like you’re perhaps not supposed to be there. Now onto the man. While you continue through the loop of hallways, you cross paths with a man holding a briefcase. His expression is muted, he has no dialogue and, unless if there’s an anomaly, he will do the same thing every time. This is a great way to heighten the tension as it feels like he’s part of this surveillance. This game really succeeds in making the player feel a bit claustrophobic and desperate to get out of this place.

Verdict

The Exit 8 is a fun near-horror experience. This game is all about its eerie atmosphere, as soon as you boot the game up, you are in. There are no menus or anything. Its looping Groundhog Day-esque style successfully makes the player feel claustrophobic and desperate to exit. The actual environment this game creates is probably the best part, despite it being so repetitive and minimal. It boosts the high stakes from the established tension by making any errors relegate you back to zero. The game does provide a fun and thrilling experience and allows you to get right in thanks to its simplicity. However, this simplicity does limit it to being a game that struggled to entertain for more than one evening or so. Though there is still a lot of content, you can finish the game 3 or 4 times over and there will still be anomalies you haven’t noticed before. Some of these anomalies are almost too tricky to spot. So much so that players believed there to be a glitch where there would be no anomaly but they were still penalised for going forward. Things like noticing the posters have gotten bigger might be a step too far for the game’s casual audience. Though overall, The Exit 8 definitely provides a good time. It’s simplistic and minimal yet very rewarding and immersive so for its low price, it’s worth a try.

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