Review: Let Bions Be Bygones

Laurence Wall
-
0
Review: Let Bions Be Bygones

When a mysterious woman in a devilish red dress comes knocking, flush with cash and dangerous ideas, there’s only one thing to be done. Light that cigarette and whip out your notebook because there’s a mystery afoot, one that will take you deep into the neon-drenched underbelly of your darkest nightmares. Decisions and choices await you at every turn, what is truly right and wrong? That is for you to decide.

Let Bions be Bygones is a point-and-click adventure title from the minds at Bohemian Pulp. The story is set on Terrahive, a bizarre cyberpunk-esque planet riddled with crime and tortured souls. Set off on an adventure as John Cooper, a down-on-his-luck PI who quickly becomes obsessed with uncovering the fate of a young girl who has gone missing. A slippery cast of deadbeats and oddballs await you, and slowly but surely you may unravel Lucy’s fate.

The introduction to Let Bions be Bygones is certainly intriguing, starting with a great premise and a couple of wacky and memorable characters. The first thing that grips you and drags you into the world is the charming art style that the devs have clearly worked very hard on. The pixel art here is superb, and though characters may seem pretty blocky, this doesn’t stop them from exuding personality. It’s dark yet bright, hopeful yet dismal and awash with colour. Your adventure takes you to some incredible-looking areas, it’s worth your time just to stop and take a look at some of the backgrounds and enjoy the little details that make the world seem inhabited and thriving.

Yet I knew something was bugging me right from the outset. It’s hard not to feel in this day and age that the trope of neon-lit cyborg-populated dystopias has become a little overused. This coupled with the deadbeat, cigarette-smoking, broke detective cliche, it’s just a little too much. While the story is presented well, Let Bions be Bygones doesn’t do anything that I haven’t already seen before. The point-and-click style is interesting, but ultimately another thing that’s been done, and in more interesting ways. The game at the outset even acknowledges these stereotypes and cliches, yet I don’t think that gives the devs a free pass. Just because you acknowledge that something is cliche, that doesn’t negate the fact that you’re not innovating. 

As we get into the gameplay, new things begin to crop up, little things, yet annoyances nonetheless. Audio issues plagued my experience throughout, whether it’s weird levels in the vocals, where some characters feel like they’ve been professionally recorded and others sound quiet or scratchy, or even voice lines failing to play when the text pops up. In addition, while I enjoyed Cooper’s gun dialogue at the beginning, as the game goes on, the constantly spewing sidearm loses its novelty and becomes a thorn in your side, making the conversations feel longer and more bloated than they need to be.

Let Bions be Bygones particular struggles in this regard. While Act 1 is fairly well-paced, and I enjoyed it a lot, acts 2 and 3 lost me. Whether it’s the non-stop sci-fi buzzwords and jargon that aren’t explained properly or the multiple different objectives with no clear path or sense of direction, it’s easy to feel lost and completely mentally overloaded as the stakes get higher. At one point, a strange black cutscene occurred, which looked as though the game was glitching, (though this may have been the style) and I truly had no idea what was going on.

Shortly after this, the game finished fairly anticlimactically, and I was left feeling a little dumbstruck. I hadn’t made the right decisions, that was for sure. In most visual novels it’s fairly clear which decision will lead to which endings, but in this case, I felt baffled. I can’t help but feel the devs are going to alienate some players this way. Part of me wants to go back, yet playing through the whole experience all over again, and being thrust into an adventure that didn’t quite compute sounds overwhelming.

Palers, Azurites, Hive-minds, Uppers and Bions, it’s a lot, and various choices are being thrown at you left, right and centre. I think there’s a lot of fluff here that needs to be stripped back. Build up the characters more, make us care about their lives and let them influence our decisions. The description is great, but the characters are key! Give the experience a bit of polish before sending it out into the world. I’m aware the devs are currently listening to feedback and acting on it, yet this title doesn’t feel ready to come out. Especially as it was originally just Acts 1 and 2. 

A few times, I was stuck in a cutscene that wouldn’t finish, with no dialogue options available. In others I was presented with dialogue options about events I had not discovered yet, leading to me gawping in utter confusion. And even more crucially, some of the actual hitboxes on the click options feel awful to interact with. In a ‘point and click’ adventure I would believe that this is one of the most important things to get right. If things on the screen are hard to click… well safe to say you’re doing something wrong.

It needs work, that’s for certain. But these are things that can be ironed out. I think with a bit of polish this game could be great, because there’s some real promise here, it’s just buried under a lot of unnecessary clutter. If you’re a sci-fi lover with a passion for mystery. I’d say this is a game for you. But maybe give it a bit of time in the oven first, this project isn’t quite ready yet.

Review: Indika

Ralph Heseltine
-
0
Review: Indika

A new journey in Tsarist Russia awaits you. Indika Is a 3rd person adventure game created by Odd Meter –most of the team actually emigrated from Russia to Kazakhstan to create this game. Your character is Indika, a nun, who seems to lack a connection or even conversation with other beings,  except for the voice inside her head…

Once Indika begins her journey we see her begin to question her very religious upbringing, an upbringing inspired by the writer, Dmitry Svetlov’s, childhood. These conversations are explored deeper when her company changes from the voice in her head to Ilya, a convict she meets. The game is a journey where you’ll be met with various platforming challenges or puzzles. In one of the puzzle sequences, you have to prey whilst the indoctrinating voice in your head reprimands you. The platforming occasionally goes into 2D which normally resembles a flashback.

The Visuals

Indika has already been praised for a surrealist style and photorealistic look. The game really stands out in its style, an impressive accomplishment for a game so grey! It tells its story through colour. Nostalgic flashbacks to Indika’s past are bright and much more colourful compared to her distressed present. During the sequences where Indika has to pray and is reprimanded by the dominant religious voice in her head, the screen goes a dark red. There’s even a fantastic surrealistic shot which involves a dog that has just chased Indika and Ilya, as a monologue talks over. The use of the melancholic grey tint helps exaggerate the importance of what is happening in the story when we see a colour change. I think the faces do look a little unpolished at times, particularly Indika’s, but aside from that the game is very aesthetic overall.

The Story

Indika has grown up a nun, however after being treated awfully her whole life she enjoys the distraction of meeting Ilya and going on their adventure. It’s the conversations that Indika has with the voice or with Ilya that add so much depth to this story that it makes the travelling sequences as enjoyable as the puzzle sequences. Ilya and Indika’s conversations in particular thrive in this game. Their debates over religion, philosophy or free will are thought-provoking. Ilya believes he is on a mission given to him by God – a message that he received in a cup. The themes seem to critique aspects of organised religion, in this case, the Russian Orthodox church.

There are some more grounded themes too. Ilya may be a convict who seems somewhat crazy, but on multiple occasions, he shows he’s a good-natured man. He saves a woman from being assaulted and also suggests that all animals deserve their free will, not just humans. Probably my favourite aspect of this game is the narrative shared by Indika and Ilya, their dichotomy, and how their relationship blossoms throughout the game. Some of the themes of blind obedience/compliance tie in well and are inspired by modern life in Russia under Putin.

The Gameplay

The gameplay is straightforward and very narrative-driven. During Indika’s journey, a lot of the game feels like a walking/traversal simulator with dialogue. However, she’ll often come across puzzles or platforming sequences which she needs to overcome to progress in the story. All of the puzzles are fairly easy to solve, which is a fitting choice for a game so driven by its narrative. It might’ve become a bit much if the game consisted only of Indika traversing and talking so the puzzles work as an excellent option to sprinkle the game with variety.

At its core, the gameplay feels like an Uncharted game slowed down and minus the shooting. This is not just because of the likeable lead characters and puzzle/platforming, but also how it incentivises exploration within its traversal. While the game will tell you where you need to go through dialogue and cutscenes, it doesn’t hold your hand through techniques such as a waypoint or map. You just have to go on your own hunches, which adds to the feel of adventure. While the gameplay is fairly minimal, it is very self-aware in its presentation of being a game. There’s a skill tree which is pretty much pointless, the story is split into missions which don’t break up the story in much of a memorable way. However, despite these shortcomings, the concept works in the format of a video game.

Final Verdict

Overall, I would certainly recommend Indika to any fans of platformers or story-driven adventures. It doesn’t take long at all to connect with these characters and the story. One warning is the game is quite short, it currently sits with an average of a four-hour playtime on Howlongtobeat.com. It’s also not the most replayable experience, there isn’t much outside of the story to do. So if you’re looking for something to keep you entertained for a longer time frame, this might not be for you. For me personally, I think it was an appropriate length for the story it was telling and I wasn’t at all bothered by its short length. I’m very much looking forward to seeing what Odd Meter produce next.

Review: RailGrade

Saim Khurshid
-
0
Review: RailGrade

Kind of reassuring that people of sound mind still exist in the world of games. To me the business oriented RTS is always like a warm hug and when RailGrade revealed that it is about managing real time industry and trains, I felt a sip of warm choco milk on the edge of my lips.

RailGrade is a rts management sim about using railways to transport resources and power industry on an off-world colony.  The colony never really plays into much except the setting of the story. As much as that sounded like an oxymoron, let me explain.

Oh, A Plot

The story follows us as we are summoned to an off-world colony after Saito,

Department Head of Off World Colonies, manages to mess up the entire planet’s automated track system.Your job is to, mission by mission, fix all the chaos Saito caused and continue on doing tasks for your employers. 

While it may seem the planet aspect of this game is integral, it takes the back seat most of the time and if I am being honest, you could have replaced it with countries or cities and the effect would be the same. In the end it doesn’t really matter as it is sufficient enough for the gameplay that is the real knockout in this one two combo. 

RailGrade just works

There is nothing that unique or out of this world in the gameplay of rts RailGrade but it is its execution that really sells it. Whether you play the story mode or the sandbox mode of RailGrade, it is a classic case of easy to learn, hard to master. 

RailGrade starts off teaching you how to install tracks, stations and train engines along with compartments. Then things start getting a bit more technical. The more compartments, the slower the trains get. Here you need to decide if  you want to build another train or add another engine. Do you build more tracks? Where do you place them to cost the least amount of cash? These are questions that don’t get answered simply but with careful planning.

CHOO! CHOO!

In my run, I was on a mission where I had to bring oil and water from drilling sites back to a factory. These oil sites were spread far and in different directions while the water spouts were near the factory but you had to order the build needed to get the water out. Still, it looked simple and I could see the way through. Oh ho no!

I built three different tracks, one on each side of the factory, and guided them to their respective oil drills.  On the track close to the water spouts, I built two factories and one loop around them attaching back to the track. Now, it was time for trains

I gave each track two trains, one that was long with six compartments and one engine and the other had three compartments and one engine. Now It was time to wait for the quota to be met. 10 minutes later, only 30% of my goal was complete. 

I click on the bank, get a loan but before I could spend, half of it was gone. “Oh no!” I said.

The factories, drills, tracks and the trains cost money to run. I still had two loans available so I decided to find the source of the problem.

The factory had no water. I looked at the loop and it was fine, I looked at the pumps and they had water. I clicked on the trains and they had water then what was the problem? Frustrated, I clicked on one of the oil drills. Woe is me, they need water to run.

Not only were my trains dropping water at the oil drills, but drills without water access, never made oil. Did not matter how much loan I grabbed, it was too late for me.

For the readers concerned, this disaster I just recited, was extremely fun!

RailGrade: I like it

So there you have it. If you like RTS management then this game does very little wrong but if story is something you want, I can not recommend RailGrade. Well, unless corporate hoo-ha is something that entertains you then this has a lot of that.

The effort Minakata Dynamics put into this game shows and even now I just want to step back in and play.

Hence I have shared a piece on this game, in my concluding sentence, I shall leave you with this: Don’t itch dry rashes, it will make them worse.

Review: Madara Destruction controller

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: Madara Destruction controller

The Madara Destruction controller from LEXIP is lightweight, eye-catching, and wonderfully versatile. It is compatible with PC and Nintendo Switch and can be used wirelessly (OLED switch docked) or wired. Furthermore, it has elite technology as the rear buttons can be mapped on the fly. Alongside this, it is a limited edition item and its striking aesthetic will impress fans of the Naruto: Shippuden Manga series.

This ergonomic controller feels comfortable in your hands. Additionally, the unusual livery has a pleasant grippy nature, reducing the risk of accidental damage. Furthermore, each button has a pleasant travel distance, and each input’s location is familiar whether you are used to a PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo gamepad. As such, you won’t have that uncomfortable bedding in period. 

What’s in the box of the Madara Destruction controller?

  • The compact packaging looks fantastic! The dark and sultry colour palette catches your eye. What’s more, it is recyclable.
  • The Madara Destruction controller looks fantastic. A blend of plum and blue gives this gamepad an unusual appearance. Moreover, the blue Manga-inspired details capture the theme perfectly.
  • A USB dongle allows you to connect wirelessly.
  • Charge the device with the braided USB-C cable.
  • A certificate of authenticity is provided. 
  • Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

The Madara Destruction controller delivers on every key gaming element! The inputs are responsive, and it is easy to set up. Furthermore, it is compatible with Windows 10/11 and Nintendo Switch. Xbox and PlayStation gamers may be disappointed, but LEXIP offers alternatives for those systems. Thanks to the 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, you will not experience any latency or lag issues. Moreover, connecting the controller for the first time was a cinch.

The in-built battery life was just as good. I could get around 18–20 hours of juice from one charge. Additionally, it took me around 2 hours to fully charge the gamepad when it wasn’t in use. You may worry that this isn’t great for marathon gaming sessions. However, you can plug the device in and use it with a wired connection instead.

I was impressed by the vibration settings and the rear mappable buttons. The double vibration approach ensures that you feel closer to the action. Though the increased feedback was unusual at first, I loved how aggressive it was for racing and FPS titles. 

Usability.

I’ve used some impressive gamepads. The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless controller and PowerA’s enhanced controllers lead the 3rd party market. However, the Madara Destruction controller does a great job of keeping in line with its peers. The mappable rear buttons can be adjusted with ease. Moreover, the impressive in-built LED strip helps you to identify when you can change each button.

If mappable buttons aren’t your thing, there is an impressive share button that keeps your followers and friends updated with your latest and greatest achievements. Though this wasn’t a priority, I know that many people will adore this feature. 

The ability to choose your connection was impressive. Yet, if you are playing with a Switch Lite, you will need a special adaptor. Sadly, this isn’t included, so you will need to order this item (more information can be found on LEXIP’s website).

Build quality.

The Madara Destruction controller feels like a slimmer version of the PlayStation gamepad. The slim handles and well-positioned buttons are wonderful when gaming casually or during longer sessions. Moreover, the rear buttons are well-located as they sit in a natural finger-resting position. Each of the triggers has a generous travel distance and the pressure delivers a tactile and definitive feel. Alongside this, the analogue sticks are responsive, and I experienced no dead zones or drifting.

Aesthetically, this gamepad stands out from its peers. The blend of plum and blue is alluring but unusual. Additionally, the striking blue plastic details capture the Manga inspiration perfectly. Though this controller won’t impress everyone, I loved its unique finish and the well-considered ergonomic design. 

Is the Madara Destruction controller worth it?

Available for under £90, this device is at the higher end of the mid-range price point. This may put some people off, but I think you get a lot of bang for your buck. Not only is this a limited edition item, but it looks incredible as well. Furthermore, it is well-built, the inputs are responsive and there are no input issues or latency. Moreover, it can be used for the Nintendo Switch and PC, and it has an impressive battery life and adjustable rear buttons. Accordingly, it stands out from its peers and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on LEXIP can be found here!)

The The Madara Destruction controller has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! LEXIP provided a sample for this review!)

Review: Bootleg Steamer

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: Bootleg Steamer

Bootleg Steamer proves that crime most definitely pays! However, where there are massive crime-ridden gains to be had, there are hefty prices to be paid. Accordingly, this is very much a risk vs reward experience. Alongside this, it captures the essence of the 1920s and 30s perfectly. As such, you’ll enjoy a journey into America’s murky past.

This rogue-lite title was developed by Team Junkfish and published by Junkfish Limited. Moreover, there is a sense of resource management and stealth action. Subsequently, there are plenty of elements to juggle in what appears to be a straightforward endeavour. Thankfully, though, a thorough tutorial and a gentle learning curve keep you on the straight and narrow.

Bootleg Steamer takes a jolly trip across prohibition.

You are lucky enough to live in one of the greatest countries in the world. America is the land of the free and the home of the brave. Well, most of that is true unless you lived through the American prohibition! This was a dangerous and fascinating era of their limited history. Furthermore, the Mafia and other crime empires thrived thanks to the strict drinking laws.

This is where you step in. You control the captain of a steamer ship. At first glance, this vessel appears quite ordinary. But beneath the deck is a cargo of illegal goods and a greedy, cash-hungry crew. Your job is to keep them safe whilst avoiding the coastguard and making a tidy profit at the same time.

14 years to become filthy rich!

Bootleg Steamer allows you 14 years or 14 levels to make as much cash as humanly possible. Each year is represented by a slow-moving calendar. As time passes, the days reduce, and pressure builds. If you avoid detection, you’ll progress to a new year and the gameplay cycle starts again.

The aim of the game is simple. You must purchase legal and illegal goods to sell to cities under prohibition laws. Furthermore, there are quests to complete, new ships to buy and impressive upgrades to install. Moreover, there is the Mafia to contend with and the watchful eye of the coastguard to avoid.

With so many elements in play, you have plenty to contend with. Yet, it is this madness that makes Bootleg Steamer both addictive and challenging. Additionally, the cruel twist of the rogue-lite genre adds a dramatic edge that keeps you coming back for more.

Risk vs reward.

What makes this so brilliantly addictive is the straightforward risk vs reward mindset. You are free to select the captain, crew, ship, and upgrades that suit your play style. Additionally, as long as you have the cash, you can adjust every element as the game progresses.

On top of this, you must balance your cargo of illicit goods with less profitable items. This can be a tough juggling act as a vessel filled to the brim with illegal items earns you a pretty penny. However, being caught too many times by the coastguard will end your crime spree. Accordingly, you must be aware of the constant game of cat and mouse.

Finally, shipwrecks, party boats, and the Mafia play an essential role in this world of crime. The shipwrecks hide random surprises, whereas the party boats are perfect for dumping some alcohol for a quick profit. The Mafia, on the other hand, offer short-term buffs for a potential ball-breaking loss. Consequently, getting on their bad side is not advised.

Bootleg Steamer transports you to the 1920s.

Aesthetically, the developer has done an incredible job. The level design is clever, varied, and interesting to explore. With a range of obstacles to avoid, and rat runs to sail through, you’ll love exploring every stage. Alongside this, the rich, earthy colour palette delivers a dated ambience with a modern finish. The crisp lines, interesting character models, and unique ship designs were fascinating and great to look at.

The soundtrack is simply divine! The jazzy tunes have a wonderful authentic gramophone edge. Moreover, the upbeat tunes enhance the naughty criminal vibes. Subsequently, there is a sense of mischievous fun as you undertake every level.

No controller support.

Bootleg Steamer may annoy controller-loving gamers. Sadly, in its current build, it doesn’t support a gamepad. However, you may use WASD and your mouse or simply your mouse to navigate the world. Either way, the inputs were responsive, accurate, and simple to understand. Additionally, the physics of each ship’s strengths and weaknesses were highlighted. Poor turning circles, slow acceleration, and impressive top speeds can be experienced through the well-considered control system.

This rogue-lite has that “just one more go” feel. Furthermore, no matter how many times you fail, you never let that put you off. On top of this, there are plenty of tactical elements to test and many play styles to experience. Consequently, this has both replay value and longevity.

Bootleg Steamer is a great Indie title.

The indie market is saturated. Therefore, it is tough to stand out from the crowd. Luckily, Bootleg Steamer does just that with its fresh gameplay, authentic aesthetics, and addictive nature. What’s more, putting the boot into the government’s ridiculous laws is the cherry on top of a crime-riddled cake. Unsurprisingly, I love this naughty prohibition-breaking title and recommend buying it here! Profit is profit, no matter how many laws you break. Pick a ship, choose your crew, and avoid the coastguard.

Review: Madara Destruction headset

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: Madara Destruction headset

The Madara Destruction headset from LEXIP will drive Manga fans crazy. This Naruto: Shippuden-inspired device has a distinctive finish and some impressive tech. Moreover, it is well-built, and it is extremely comfortable to wear. Accordingly, if you wish to stand out from the crowd, this is the product for you.

Alongside this, the audio quality is fantastic, and the detachable microphone ensures that you can use it for gaming and music while commuting. Furthermore, it is wonderfully versatile as it utilises Bluetooth and wired connectivity. However, it is restricted to the wired option when gaming on PlayStation and Xbox. This may be slightly disappointing for some, but it didn’t bother me or hinder me. Instead, I appreciated the plug-and-play approach and the aesthetics.

What’s in the box of the Madara Destruction headset?

  • The sleek packaging is eye-catching. With stunning imagery and key selling points, the box is informative and wonderful to look at. Additionally, it is fully recyclable.
  • The Madara Destruction headset uses an over-ear design. The wonderful padding is comfortable, and the rich colour palette matches the theme. Alongside this, it has tactile buttons, a USB-C port, and a detachable microphone.
  • Braided cables allow you to charge or connect the device to any compatible product.
  • A certificate of authenticity is provided.
  • Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

Though the Madara Destruction headset is jam-packed with modern tech, it is surprisingly simple. The 50mm drivers deliver an impressive range of tones and bass. Furthermore, the 5.1 Bluetooth functionality ensures a stable and low power-draw connection. This was important as no one wants their headset to run out of juice mid-session. However, if that were to happen, you could simply plug the device in and keep gaming to your heart’s content.

During testing, I was able to get around 20 hours of battery life whilst listening at 80% volume. Though this may not seem a high number, few gamers will exceed this limit. Moreover, the quick charge facility allows you to boost the battery life in around 2 hours. Alternatively, you can plug it in and forget the battery altogether. 

The tactile buttons allow you to mute your microphone, power the device, and adjust the volume. Additionally, you can place the device in pairing mode. If you choose this option, a helpful voice talks you through each key moment. Consequently, you can’t go wrong when setting it up.

Audio quality.

I love an all-singing and all-dancing headset. Yet, one key aspect that cannot falter is the audio quality. Thankfully, the Madara Destruction headset delivers a hearty range of tones that will not disappoint. I tested the device with a range of genres and plenty of cinematic, and it never broke a sweat. Furthermore, I was able to identify the lower, mid, and higher tones and there was no sign of distortion or crackling when the volume was cranked up.

The bass line was just as impressive. Though it wasn’t overly strong, the bass never overpowered the other layers. Subsequently, this balanced approach was fantastic. I loved how easy it was to listen to the harshest genres without wincing. Moreover, the incremental volume helped to keep things on an even keel. Alongside this, the microphone quality was impressive. The gold-plated connections help to reduce static and unwanted interference. The result? No popping, crackling, or horrific echoed party talk.

Build quality.

The Madara Destruction headset won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. The distinctive details of the headband and the microphone are Manga-personified and will divide its audience. The detachable microphone has an impressive blue dragon’s head. This garish and outlandish design matches the theme. Moreover, this is complemented by the blue armoured plastic that connects the headband and the earcups.

These accents juxtapose the plum earcups and headband material. This rich choice of colours was bold but impressive. Accordingly, if you opt for this headset, you will stand out from your peers. Design choices to one side, the plump earcups and the breathable material are perfect for lengthy gaming sessions. What’s more, the padded headband reduces pressure on your head and ears. This lack of pressure will help if you wear prescription or gaming glasses.

Is the Madara Destruction headset worth it?

Available for around £80, this headset sits in the mid-range price point. Yet, it has some upper-level tech and it is a limited edition item. Additionally, if you love Naruto: Shippuden, this is a must-have gaming product. If you then consider the excellent audio, usability, compatibility, build quality, and unusual but eye-catching aesthetic, this is an outlandish product that is bold and unusual. Consequently, I love it and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on LEXIP can be found here!)

The Madara Destruction headset has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! LEXIP provided a sample for this review!)

Review: Imagine Earth

Matt Cooper
-
0
Review: Imagine Earth
Three years since landing on PC and Xbox, Imagine Earth makes its way to PlayStation and Nintendo. Does it stick the landing or are you left wondering what could have been?

For The Good Of The Colony

Developed and published by Serious Brothers, Imagine Earth is billed as a economic strategy and climate crisis simulator set in outer space! As a space colony manager, it’s up to you, the player, to explore and populate planets for the betterment of the human species, ensuring its survival. This is the meat and bones of the story available in Imagine Earth. Across the course of the campaign you are tasked with populating and managing six different planets, each with their own benefits and problems. The campaign effectively works as a challenge mode for each level/planet. Set in the Andromeda Galaxy, these different planets offer varying tasks for the player which really helps diversify the campaign and help the player to understand the overarching themes of the game, particularly its environmental message. The first planet you land on serves as your tutorial planet. Beautifully narrated by your unnamed colony advisor, the game does a wonderful job setting up the tasks and challenges on the horizon for the player.

Throughout the campaign, which roughly takes twelve hours, there are numerous tasks the player has to complete. Serious Brothers have crafted a real thought-provoking narrative that balances the fine line between sustainability and profitability. You’ll work against scheming corporations hellbent on profit at any cost, or cooperate with alien inhabitants to ensure the survival of their race and the planet. The environmental themes are so deeply woven into the narrative and the gameplay itself; it is impossible for the player to ignore them. Imagine Earth doesn’t bombard you with preachy warnings but does allow the game itself to become a discussion on the perils our own planet faces with climate change and global warming. It is commendable how much deft storytelling the developers have poured into the game. Imagine Earth really can at times serve as a discourse on our current environmental struggles and I think that’s a wonderful way of creating impactful storytelling. Of course in a management sim like this, it’s important that the gameplay itself serves the player.

Planet Fixer-Upper

At its core, Imagine Earth is your typical management sim. You can construct districts, farms and markets, along with energy distributors and mining resources to help keep your colony thriving. Controls are easy to get a hang of and are responsive; building has never felt easier for me in terms of picking the right zone for your construction. A unique aspect to the game is the fact that you have to acquire licences for research and technologies within your colony. This adds an element of thought and detail for the player that is not always there in simulators. Deciding on whether to unlock a planetary scanner or a thermal cooler for your powerplants really adds variety to the game and allows you to focus on what you feel warrants your attention. Random events like patent thieves trying to steal your newest technologies or forming alliances or rivalries with alien races really help sprinkle a genuine sense of the unknown for the player and are welcome distractions.

Like the story, moral and environmental issues are woven into the gameplay itself. Build too many factories and powerplants and your planet will begin to pollute, causing the area in which you can construct to shrink over time. Overpopulate your areas with districts and no viable food consumption and the colony will suffer. Wild fires and meteor showers derail your best laid plans. These mechanics created such a fine line for me I loved it; I constantly felt as though I was battling against time itself, while also being conscious of the environment. It really created a pace in a simulator game that I feel is unrivalled and different, a real thought-provoking game.

A Galaxy Of Wonders

Along with its core campaign mode, the game also has a multitude of options for the player, whether you want to face AI companies in competition mode (a mode which could add online matchmaking that could create real fun for a co-op partner) or kicking back and creating the ultimate utopia in endless and challenge modes. The depth and variety in this game is something to be really applauded. What also makes this game hard to put down at times is its beautiful art design. I marvelled at the graphical prowess of the game which I really did not expect. Planets look colourful, vibrant and ooze detail at each turn. I often would spin the camera around the planet to view its beautiful scenery. Sometimes simulators and strategy games like this leave graphics and presentation to the wayside. But Imagine Earth really is a gorgeous game to look at.

Along with its wonderful presentation, the music and sound design of the game are a real high point for me. The soundtrack has such a retro sci-fi feel to it and so I absolutely adored it. Set at such a perfect level, the score is so relaxing and comforting for the gameplay. Serious Brothers have made such a complementary soundtrack that perfectly meshes with gameplay and is thus highly impressive. Sound design also delivers, with ships landing and alerting the player to deals to be made, and voice acting that really sounds true to the sci-fi genre. It’s a shame the campaign doesn’t utilize more of the voice acting overall. But despite that, the developers have nailed the look and feel for the genre both visually and through sound design.

A Few Minor Bumps For Mankind

Whilst playing Imagine Earth there were some issues along the way. Throughout my time I suffered from numerous crashes, severely affecting my journey at times. Due to autosaves not being frequent enough, I lost hours of progression due to these crashes and I hope that the developers can patch such issues out in due course as it really hindered my overall enjoyment of the game.

While controls are responsive and easy to get a hang of, the UI can be hectic at times and downright confusing at best. The tutorial really weighs heavy on the player as a great deal of information is thrown at you with little time to digest it all. Often I felt overwhelmed with the text and analytics on my screen and I found myself consistently pausing to make sure I had a grasp on what my colony needed. Similarly, menus can be clunky and hard to navigate; some veterans of this genre will love this, but I fear most newcomers of the genre will simply become put off by the lack of direction the game offers you at times.

Verdict

Imagine Earth really hits home with its thought-provoking narrative and overarching themes that really are close to reality. With gorgeous visuals and game design, great sound and a serene and calming soundtrack, Imagine Earth is an impressive game when everything is going for it. Crashes and a chaotic UI can hinder that experience but overall it’s one I really would recommend checking out. To infinity and beyond!

News: FlexiSpot Brand Day sale event

Daniel Waite
-
0
News: FlexiSpot Brand Day sale event

The FlexiSpot Brand Day sale event allows you to make massive savings from the 6th of May 2024 until the 31st of May 2024. This incredible furniture manufacturer has created some of the most comfortable and innovative products available today. Furthermore, office workers, streamers, and gamers enjoy the health benefits of their ergonomic chairs and their impressive standing desks. Alongside this, you can improve your office space with amazing storage solutions or relax with a stunning reclining chair.

During this sale period, you can save vast sums of money on a range of FlexiSpot’s top sellers. Additionally, there are giveaways to improve your workspace without spending a penny. Consequently, this is one massive sales event that you will not want to miss. I have reviewed plenty of this brand’s products and love every item I’ve handled. Whether it was the C7 Air Ergonomic chair or the E7 standing desk, I was not disappointed!

What’s available during the FlexiSpot Brand Day sale event?

Event 1: Early Bird, Early Code (6th-12th May).

You can kickstart your journey to a healthier work environment with FlexiSpot’s Early Bird offers. From May 6th to May 12th, seize the opportunity to upgrade your workspace with exclusive discounts on selected products. Amongst these coveted deals are:

E8 Standing Desk: Get ready to experience the epitome of ergonomic design with the E8 Standing Desk. Designed to adapt to your work style, this height-adjustable desk promotes flexibility and comfort. During the Early Bird promotion, the E8 Standing Desk is available at the special price of £279.99, down from its original price of £439.99.

BS8: Be ready to improve your seating experience with the BS8 ergonomic chair. Crafted with premium materials and ergonomic features, the BS8 ensures optimal support and comfort during long work hours. Don’t forget to grab this opportunity to own the BS8 at the discounted price of £199.99, a significant reduction from its original price of £299.99.

Event 2: Flash Sale of the leading products (6th-12th May).

Be ready to be dazzled by FlexiSpot’s Flash Sale extravaganza, featuring irresistible discounts on their most sought-after products. From May 6th to May 12th, gear up for four exciting flash sale sessions, each targeting different product categories:

Standing Desk Flash Sale (11 am, 6th May): You can experience the future of ergonomic workstations with the Q8DB-EU standing desk. Designed for seamless transitions between sitting and standing, the Q8DB-EU empowers you to work smarter and healthier. During this flash sale, you can seize the opportunity to purchase the Q8DB-EU at the unbelievable price of £99.99, a staggering reduction from its original price of £699.99.

Office Chair Flash Sale (11 am, 8th May): Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to productivity with the BS10 Office Chair. Engineered for exceptional lumbar support and comfort, the BS10 Office Chair is a game-changer for your home or office. So, don’t miss out on the chance to own this premium chair at the unbeatable price of £49.99, down from £429.99.

Recliner Flash Sale (11 am, 10th May): You can get involved in ultimate relaxation with the XR5 Recliner. Featuring luxurious padding and an ergonomic design, the XR5 Recliner offers unparalleled comfort for your leisure time. Therefore, go and secure your spot in this flash sale to bring home the XR5 Recliner for only £99.99. A remarkable discount from its original price of £499.99.

Event 3: Number Games (6th-28th May).

Be ready and prepare for a thrilling challenge with FlexiSpot’s Number Games! From May 6th to May 28th, put your puzzle-solving skills to the test and win exciting prizes. Here’s how it works:

  • Objective: The goal is to clear the board in 125 seconds by finding numbers that add up to 10.
  • How to Play: Scan the board for numbers that add up to 10, frame them, and cross them out to earn points.
  • Prizes: Compete for a chance to win cash rewards and exclusive products such as the CMP027, CB10-H-W, and E7W.

Event 4: Free Order & Shop Early, Save More (13th-17th May).

Time: 11 am, 13th May & 11 am, 17th May.

You can take advantage of the ultimate reward with FlexiSpot’s Free Order event. So, be one of the first 20 orders on May 13th and May 17th to receive your order completely free of charge. Thus, don’t miss this opportunity to upgrade your workspace without spending a penny!

Event 5: Shop Early, Save More.

Time: Starting at 20:00 on 13th May, lasts until 17th May.

You can get a head start on savings with FlexiSpot’s Shop Early, Save More event. Starting at 8:00 PM on May 13th until May 17th, you may unlock exclusive discounts on their best products, including the E7Q and BS12 Pro. Hurry, as these discounts are available for a limited time only!

Event 6: Site-wide Discounts (18th-31st May).

You have the chance to finish strong with FlexiSpot’s Site-wide Discounts event! From May 18th to May 31st, enjoy £30 off orders over £400 site-wide. Plus, when you purchase the E7, you can add the CB10 multifunctional locker to your cart for just £9.90. Therefore, don’t miss this chance to save big on premium ergonomic products for your home or office.

Plenty of savings during the FlexiSpot Brand Day sale event!

The FlexiSpot Brand Day sale event will not disappoint. With plenty of items on offer and new activities to be experienced, this offers a wide range of goods for everyone. Moreover, you could save yourself an enormous amount of cash if you are lucky enough to receive your order free of charge. Accordingly, don’t miss the chance to improve your workspace.

(More information on FlexiSpot can be found here!)

Review: Chimp Quest Spirit Isle

Dawid Wisniewski
-
0
Review: Chimp Quest Spirit Isle

Chimp Quest Spirit Isle takes players on a journey through levels filled with puzzles and challenges, all against the ticking clock. As you navigate through this intriguing world, your objective is clear: interact with resources, repair broken buildings, and overcome hazards to complete each level. While the premise holds promise, the execution leaves much to be desired, earning this game a modest 5/10 rating.

One of the game’s primary mechanics revolves around time-based completion, with players aiming to earn up to three stars by finishing levels swiftly. This adds a layer of urgency to the gameplay, injecting excitement as you race against the clock to achieve your goals. However, as I expect this game to be target mainly at children, this time pressure can also feel overly stressful, detracting from the enjoyment for some players. Especially as there is a separate score system and one way to bump the score up is by pressing on little hidden critters around the game board. But again the score does very little for the player because the stars are only earned by completing each level in a timely manner, and it’s not very forgiving either.

Interactivity is key in Chimp Quest Spirit Isle, with players tasked with clicking and interacting with various resources scattered across the game board. The player will repair broken structures in order to unlock new types of chimps on that level (workers, farmers , warriors and more) those will help in mitigating hazards, most actions however use a resources, from bananas to wood and stone even including some magic. This hands-on approach to problem-solving fosters engagement, encouraging players to strategize and think on their feet as they choose which path is the better option.

Despite its strengths, Chimp Quest Spirit Isle falls short in terms of depth and variety. The gameplay loop, while initially engaging, quickly becomes repetitive, with little innovation to sustain long-term interest. Additionally, the lack of meaningful progression or rewards beyond earning stars and moving on to the next level may leave players feeling unfulfilled. The idea behind the game is simplistic but I can see potential in the idea and with a better execution could of been something I would come back to during travel.

Visually, the game offers a colourful palette, but it’s hindered by a rather flat board design, which can lead to confusion regarding what is and isn’t interactable. Despite the vibrant hues, the lack of depth in the visuals can make it challenging to discern certain elements within the game environment. This issue can detract from the overall experience, even though there are paths your chimps have to follow, they may sometimes blend in too much into the background of the game. When all the colours hit you at once as well it may be difficult to distinguish hazards from background decoration.

In conclusion, Chimp Quest Spirit Isle offers a decent diversion for fans of puzzle-solving and time management games. Its time-based challenges and interactive mechanics provide moments of enjoyment, but ultimately, its lack of depth and variety prevent it from reaching its full potential. While it may satisfy casual players looking for a quick distraction, it fails to leave a lasting impression. With some refinements and additional content, it could evolve into a more compelling experience. As it stands, however, it’s a game that’s best approached with tempered expectations.


Review: The Fall of the Elena Temple

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: The Fall of the Elena Temple

The Fall of the Elena Temple is a small indie title that has slipped under my radar. This distinctly old-school endeavour is perfect to test your grey matter. However, if you want an in-depth story or modern graphics, you’ll want to give it a miss. Moreover, it is available for under £3, so it’s a cheap investment even if you are on the fence.

This platform title was developed and published by GrimTalin. What’s more, it has puzzle mechanics that’ll trick your mind and push you to your limits. It was this element of the game that pleased me the most. The developer has created a challenging environment that balances new mechanics and simple level design. Accordingly, though it isn’t particularly original, it is fun to play nonetheless.

The Fall of the Elena Temple has no story. 

Like its retro predecessors, The Fall of the Elena Temple focuses on its gameplay rather than its plot. Now, I believe there was room for both, but sadly the creative minds behind the scenes had other ideas. This lack of a story was a shortcoming as I’d have liked to empathise with the protagonist. Alternatively, having some depth and reasoning behind each stage would have been pleasant. 

Thankfully, the gameplay is captivating and challenging enough to hold your attention. The hero has minimal skills and even fewer abilities. Consequently, he relies on magical collectables and a methodical mindset to overcome his obstacles. As the game evolves, new hazards and mechanics are drip-fed to increase the difficulty while keeping you interested.

Balanced gameplay.

The Fall of the Elena Temple demands a methodical mindset. The hero may only jump a minimal height and if they fall from a platform, it complicates matters further. This restricted movement may seem annoying, but it forces you to plan and utilise clever stage design. Throughout each level, some doors transport you to different areas of the map. Alongside this, they occasionally change their destination, so this complicates things further. 

As you explore each world, you must collect every coin to open the gate. If you miss a coin, and cannot reach it, you must restart and try again. This precise approach leaves no margin for error. Yet, matters are made worse when traps and deadly creatures are introduced. Once this happens, you’ll need to collect hearts or thwart the monsters to progress. 

If this isn’t enough, you collect a magic crystal that allows you to reverse any falls you make. Subsequently, you can collect each coin and plan a path to complete every stage. Other mechanics complicate things further. However, the core gameplay ideas never change. This ensures that though the action gets harder, everything is introduced at a fair and balanced pace. 

The Fall of the Elena Temple is amusingly old-school. 

The developers have undertaken a tongue-in-cheek approach. A Gameboy-like console borders the fixed screen. Additionally, the backdrop can be changed to represent many classic gaming locations. I adored this amusing yet nostalgia-infused idea. Alongside this, the monochromatic colour palette and basic pixelated imagery were perfect. Though this won’t test modern machines, I adored the trip down memory lane.

The audio is more traditional. The synth soundtrack is tough to listen to. However, it matches the era perfectly, and it adds drama and energy to each level. Alongside this, the sound effects are basic but suitable. Consequently, it doesn’t do anything new, but it works nonetheless. 

Simple controls. 

The Fall of the Elena Temple has a great in-game tutorial system. Subsequently, whenever new mechanics are introduced, it helps you to overcome them. Furthermore, the straightforward button layout and responsive inputs are ideal for tackling the platforming elements. 

Where this is sadly lacking is replay value and longevity. Yes, there are bonus levels and plenty of challenging hurdles to overcome. Unfortunately, though, once you’ve extinguished each problem, you have no reason to return. Yet, as it costs less than £3 this is a minor quibble that shouldn’t put you off. 

The Fall of the Elena Temple is good, old-school fun. 

If you love puzzle titles, and you are a fan of retro gaming, then this should be on your radar. It is somewhat basic, and I was disappointed by the missing story. However, the action was challenging and it kept me interested for hours. Accordingly, I enjoyed it and I recommend buying it here! Can you collect every coin and escape? Plan your route, find the magical objects, and unlock that gate.

Review: Tell Me Your Story

Khloe Turner
-
0
Review: Tell Me Your Story
This is a title image to Tell Me Your Story.

One of the greatest treasures of life comes from the wisdom of our elders. Many of us at some point in time have sat down with an elder, family or stranger, and respectfully listened to their wise tales, adventures, and generational experiences. If you have yet to behold such a wonder, I highly recommend seeking out these stories. The lifetimes of our fellow humans will never cease to be amazing.

In Tell Me Your Story, a young girl named Amelia visits her Grandmother Rose’s cottage in the summer. Amelia discovers all sorts of unique artifacts and mementos in Rose’s home, and as it turns out, her grandmother was quite the world traveler in her youth! Rose journeyed to marvelous locations within Asia, Europe, and the Amazon. Players visually sift through Rose’s adventures in Tell Me Your Story, experiencing the beautiful bonding of generations and receiving the wisdom of a well-traveled lifetime.

RedDeer Games is the developer of Tell Me Your Story, and is available on the Nintendo Switch and on Steam. The game was published on April 26th, 2024.

Unraveling the adventures of Grandma Rose

The introduction to the story, Amelia going to visit Grandma Rose.

Tell Me Your Story is purely a visual experience, lacking any voice-acted or text-based dialogue. As Amelia and her pet corgi–named Peanut–visit her Grandmother, players immediately begin to discover Rose’s acquired artifacts and learn about their origins.

Through beautifully drawn artwork, Grandma Rose chronicles about her youthful adventures in search of Aztec legends in the Amazon; her travels from Paris to Istanbul; and journey within the Yunnan region of China. In order to advance through the memories, players must solve series of puzzles. These puzzles involve finding and clicking objects and/or moving them around in a certain order or pattern.

It is a short and sweet narrative that perhaps takes no longer than an hour or two. This is about the same length of time it took for my own grandparent, in real life, to recount their own personal life journeys to me!

Curl up with a handheld puzzle

Tell Me Your Story is a relaxing puzzle game and picture-based adventure, fully relying on its artistically drawn scenes to guide you. There are virtually no hints aside from image-based cues . . . and even though there is a “hint” button, it probably will not aid you too much. The hints tell you what most players can already easily infer. The puzzles themselves do not take too long in theory, and there is a good amount of variety and creativity to them.

This is an image of Grandma Rose's adventures to the Amazon.

The artwork of the game is mesmerizing. Amelia and Rose are very sweet-looking and fun characters to see on the screen. The game makes a great use of vivid, dreamy colors and mini animations as you solve puzzles. Its soundtrack is also rather cozy, enough to relax players without distracting them from the puzzle-based challenges.

The “guessing game”

The biggest issue with Tell Me Your Story is that while it is considered a puzzle game, at times it feels more like a “guessing game” . . .

This is an image of a puzzle in Tell Me Your Story.

This title throws you to the wolves: there is absolutely no explanation at the start of the game. Tell Me Your Story, well, does not tell you the story, it shows you. Players must make inferences on both the narrative as well as to the solutions to the puzzles based on imagery and visual cues. There is a complete lack of text and dialogue for context.

Perhaps for some players, these elements make the game more immersive and cozy. You can hold your laptop or Switch close to you as you cuddle up on a couch; the music is softly playing and you can feast your eyes on wonderous graphics and blast through the puzzles.

On the other hand, this could prove to be frustrating. Some of the puzzles are honestly not intuitive at all, or require an awkwardly strict solution. The first puzzle, for example, is insanely particular about the way players must move the boxes and pots around. Even if you know the solution, you have to finesse the items around very specifically. If the game does not like the way you moved them, the object resets to its original position. The hints are no help at all, and if you are one to struggle with visual cues, the puzzles can be downright impossible. Since there is no context for the mechanics of the game, sometimes I just erratically clicked the screen until something happened. A “guessing game” at its core.

This is a picture of the first puzzle in Tell Me Your Story.

For some people, the lack of sound can be rather boring. Personally, I feel more immersed in a globetrotting tale like this one when something is spoken. At least some more sound effects would do. I was the type of kid who loved to be read to as I imagined the visual settings, as opposed to looking at wordless picture books. But, that is just me. This game will appeal to a particular audience.

Final thoughts

Tell Me Your Story is a very short romp with an interesting storyline, full of eye-catching elements. I wish the game was a tad longer to get more bang for your buck, but it is what it is. While I have my personal gripes, I think that this title can appeal to enjoyers of puzzles and picture-based stories.

A picture of all the characters in Tell Me Your Story.

This title has a lot of potential–it is relaxing, offers creative puzzles and solutions, and the characters are vivacious. However, there were many sluggish and frustrating moments. Overall, it is an adequate, cozy puzzle game, just do not expect too much.

Review: Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a stupidly addictive title that got under my skin. Every aspect of this game made me grin from ear to ear. Furthermore, its spectacularly straightforward mechanics ensure that it is as casual as they come. Yet, there is a sense of repetition and the classic JRPG quirks will annoy some players. However, I was having none of that as I lost myself in its awe-inspiring story and world.

If you have played Suikoden or Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, you’ll know exactly what you are getting. There is a vast, sprawling world to explore, a ridiculous number of heroes to recruit, and endless turn-based battles to tackle. Alongside this, there is a truly emotional story that is wonderfully narrated, and some tactical elements that will test your resolve. Consequently, it ticks many boxes for many people.

This JRPG was developed by Rabbit and Bear Studios and published by 505 Games. Moreover, this superb title is a spiritual successor to the much-loved Suikoden franchise. Accordingly, it has some fantastic old-school mechanics that are approachable and user-friendly. Additionally, the exceptional story unfolds at a comfortable pace. As such, you never feel out of your depth.

Eiyuden Chronicles: Hundred Heroes tells a tale of deceit.

Trust and honesty are 2 characteristics that many people favour. However, when power and control are at the fore, these soon fall by the wayside. Sadly, this is exactly what happens in Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. The protagonists face a deadly decision that will change their lives as they know it. Yet, with a plucky team at his side, the hero of this tale can right the wrongs and save the day.

The story unfolds in a territory called Allraan. This dangerous place is split between different people and the Galdean Empire rules the roost. However, the Watch, a bunch of mercenaries with special powers, help to maintain balance. The leader of the empire, Dux Alric, wishes to control every region in the territory. Accordingly, he utilises the power of the rune lenses and a campaign of destruction and deception to trick his enemies. Yet, he hadn’t planned on the resolve of the Watch and their plucky leader, Nowa.

So much going on!

If you want a game that combines base building, mini-games, fishing, and fighting, then look no further! Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes packs so many layers into its gameplay that it should be impossible to play. However, the perfectly balanced story and drip-fed mechanics ensure that it is easy to follow and straightforward to master. Alongside this, the main story is divided into 3 key components. Each element tells the plot from a different perspective. Now, this could have been horrific. However, each bite-sized encounter and perfectly timed cinematic keeps you on track.

As the story unravels, you must venture from point A to B whilst completing quest after quest. The gameplay is punctuated by dungeon-crawling moments and an impressive 3D world map. The latter is traversed with an oversized Nowa model. This simple perspective gives the impression that great distances are covered in a matter of moments. I adore the quick and easy navigation and the beautiful environments you encounter.

Alongside this, there are plenty of heroes to recruit and a massive castle to redevelop. This base represents your in-game achievements. Furthermore, it allows you to kick back and relax with your army of warriors. It was a nice addition to the core gameplay and a perfect distraction from the never-ending adventures. 

Turn-based combat. 

Though exploration and the subsequent dungeon crawling are essential, you’ll enjoy a never-ending stream of fighting. This random mechanic will drive some people insane. Yet, I loved the repetitive battles and the ability to test out new tactical ideas. Your party is made up of up to 6 heroes. 3 may stand to the front and 3 hold the rear position. Each has a strength and weakness, and you must plan your party accordingly. In typical turn-based fashion, you will select your action of choice and watch the round evolve. Alternatively, you can select auto and let the computer take the burden. 

The auto mode was great when you wanted no input into your teams’ actions. However, this wasn’t the best approach when you tackled a gargantuan boss. During these encounters, you have “gimmicks” that must be manipulated to improve your chances of winning. Additionally, you’ll need to maximise your rune abilities and your combo attacks to decimate your foes and be victorious. Sadly though, each foe has no weaknesses that can be targeted for a further advantage. This somewhat undermines the tactical layers and this was unfortunate.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is retro with a modern edge. 

Pixelated games are two a penny. However, when the developer gets it right, it is divine to look at. This title gets every visual aspect spot on. The lush environments are juxtaposed with grim landscapes. Moreover, the character models are larger than life and wonderfully animated. On top of this, I loved the OTT combat and the impressive rune lens power. This captures every aspect of a fantasy RPG perfectly. Subsequently, I was impressed from beginning to end. 

The audio is the glue that holds every layer together. Thanks to the awesome acting and the fantastic writing, every piece of cinematic and dialogue is fascinating. Alongside this, the music delivers a range of emotions. This varied soundtrack is superb! Whether it is the upbeat sound of success or a minor-laced song of doom, you will not get bored. 

So much replay value. 

I expected this to be challenging to master. Yet, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a cinch to play. The excellent tutorial is complemented by the well-considered controller layout. Furthermore, the impressive UI ensures that party management and every fine detail are straightforward to navigate. 

I expected this to be all-consuming. However, I am so addicted to this title that I’ve struggled to put it down. Moreover, it has so much longevity and replay value. Consequently, you will lose hours of your life to this beautiful fantasy JRPG. 

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes gets it right. 

I may be biased, but Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is practically perfect. The story is wonderfully absurd whilst being emotive and interesting. The volume of recruitable heroes is impressive and levelling them to a useful standard isn’t too challenging. Alongside this, I loved the blend of tactics and the minions and bosses you face. If you then consider the excellent base building and the mini-games, there is plenty to keep you busy. Accordingly, this is a superb JRPG and I recommend buying it here! Can you become a hero? Gather your party, hone your skills, and right the wrongs.

News: Mother’s Day 2024 in America

Daniel Waite
-
0
News: Mother’s Day 2024 in America

It is almost time for Mother’s Day 2024 in America. We’ve had our fill here in the UK, so our friends across the pond may wonder what to get for their “mom”. Well, if they are busy, smoothie-loving individuals, the deals from BlendJet could be right up their street. Alternatively, maybe they need a practical data solution. If this is the case, PNY has you covered with their phenomenal flash drives.

Each of these brands is offering incredible savings on their lead products. However, I’m going to highlight the ones that caught my attention. Additionally, I’ve reviewed the BlendJet 2 device and know it is a brilliant product. Accordingly, if you purchase that blender, you will make someone happy. Furthermore, their storage devices’ robust and secure nature is reassuring and impressive. 

What’s available this Mother’s Day 2024 in America?

The PNY DUO LINK iOS USB 3.2 Dual Flash Drive bridges the gap between mobile and desktop. Consequently, it is the ideal mobile storage solution for file management on the go. Moreover, it is the perfect tool to free up space on iOS-equipped mobile devices. What’s more, the DUO LINK Dual Flash Drive allows for the transfer of content to full-size devices. From there, users can take their content to the next level, or save their files on a permanent storage device. 

The free DUO LINK 4 app allows users to stream their media and backup contacts directly from DUO LINK. No Wi-Fi is needed. Furthermore, the DUO Link iOS USB 3.2 Dual Flash Drive is ideal for use across operating systems and host devices. With multiple connections, it has the potential for content creation and its file management is near limitless.

Mother’s Day 2024 in America Sale Price: $29.99 (50% Off) | MSRP: Starting at $59.99.

PNY 32GB Elite Class 10 U1 micro SDHC Flash Memory Card (3 pack).

PNY Elite class 10 U1 microSD flash memory cards are perfect for the latest smartphones, tablets, action cameras, surveillance cameras, and drones. These microSD cards expand the onboard memory of mobile devices, allowing you to free up space to enjoy more digital content such as apps, images, videos, movies and music. 

U1 technology is ideal for continuous HD photography and full HD videography, allowing you to capture high-quality HD video and photos with your action camera, drone, or other mobile device. PNY Elite microSD cards are Rated class 10, U1, so you can quickly transfer and share your content while you’re on the go.

Mother’s Day 2024 in America Sale Price: $12.99 (15% Off) | MSRP: Starting at $14.99.

BlendJet 2.

BlendJet 2 serves up big blender power on the go. The BlendJet 2 portable blender was created so you can make anything you want, anywhere in the world — from a mountaintop to your kitchen worktop. It’s easy and convenient to use at home, at work, outdoors, at the gym, in the car, at the beach, on holiday or wherever the day takes you.

Traditional blenders only use their blades to blend, but we invented a new method that makes every other blender obsolete. Our secret weapon? BlendJet 2’s stainless steel blades are offset from the centre of the base, which creates a tornado effect that blasts ingredients into the back of the jar 275 times per second, resulting in dramatically better blending. This technology — combined with a more powerful motor and doubled battery capacity — makes BlendJet 2 five times more powerful than BlendJet One.

Mother’s Day 2024 in America Deal: Save up to 12% off one BlendJet 2, 15% off two, and 20% off 3 or more.

(More information on PNY can be found here!)

(More information on BlendJet can be found here!)

(Full disclosure! BlendJet provided a sample for my original product review!)

Review: Evil Nun: The Broken Mask

Mani Naghshbandi
-
0
Review: Evil Nun: The Broken Mask

Evil Nun is a popular smartphone franchise, the first game of this franchise was released in 2018 with the name the nun, and due to legal problems and the similarity of the name of the game with the name of a movie, it was removed from the stores and became available to download again in August with the name Evil Nun: Horror at School.


The next game of this franchise was released in 2020 named Evil Nun 2: Origins for smartphones, which was a prequel to the first game, the next game of this franchise was a spin-off of Evil Nun called Evil Nun Maze: Endless Escape, which was released in 2021 for smartphones. The fourth game called Evil Nun Rush was released for smartphones in 2022, which was actually a version of Evil Nun Maze: Endless Escape with extra content.


These 4 games have been released for free for smartphones, and the first game has been downloaded 50 million times, the second game 10 million, and the third game and the fourth game have been downloaded 1 million times each, these numbers show the success of the game on smartphones.


In December 2023, for the first time, a game from this franchise was released for PC and gaming consoles called Evil Nun: The Broken Mask, which is actually a version of Evil Nun: Horror at School that has been completely rebuilt and is a remake of this popular game. this game was made with unreal engine 5 and not with unity like other games of this franchise.

STORY

The story is very simple and it’s just a general story that you know almost all of it from the beginning of the game and not much is added during the game, you go to a religious summer camp and as soon as you arrive, Sister Madeline imprisons you and you find out that this summer camp is a trick and you have to escape, on the way you find out that other children are also imprisoned in this school and you have to save them with the help of the blue handed child’s guides that are around the map.

Around the school, there are letters from parents or imprisoned children that you can find, and after each time you find the magic cup, a sign will appear showing how the imprisoned children feel about the school and sister Madeline.


The story is very simple and without twists and it takes almost 3 hours to finish, and even though the game is not very expensive and is 20 dollars, it still does not make 3 hours enough and its still considered short.

GAMEPLAY

The gameplay is smooth and in my experience there were no annoying bugs in it, the game starts from the room that sister Madeline took you to, you have to open the door and you will see a letter that is your first quest log, in this early part of the game you can only move around in a small part of the school and escaping from sister Madeline in that small and labyrinth-like space is very scary and gives the player a sense of fear, this part may take 10 minutes and after that you will get to the new and bigger part of the school, in this part you can easily escape from sister Madeline and the feeling of fear in the game is almost completely gone, the player is busy solving puzzles and sometimes encounters sister Madeline, and loses her after only a few seconds of walking away and continues his/her work again, the gameplay becomes extremely repetitive after half an hour and you are just solving puzzles that are not at all challenging or varied, you just have to find the item you are told and take it to another place, all the puzzles in the game are the same and only the locations and items change, in general the only thing that is varied during the game is the map, and in every chapter you can get to a new part of the map.


You can finish this game in almost 3 hours, and after 30 minutes it becomes very repetitive, and only in the last few minutes you get a new ability to move around.


There is no manual save feature in the game and the game is saved after finishing each chapter, so if you close the game before the end of a chapter, you have to start that chapter again from the beginning.

MAP DESIGN

The best part of the game is its map design, a large school filled with religious books and crosses, darkness and loneliness can be felt in the map and it creates a scary atmosphere, some signs or crosses on the walls can fall on the floor if the player touch them and draws the attention of sister Madeline towards the player, the shortcuts are amazing and will surprise the player.

VISUALS

When we hear that a game is being developed with unreal engine 5, we are sure that it is going to be a good game visually, and Evil Nun: The Broken Mask is no exception, all the textures are high quality and realistic. which convey fear to the player, the facial design for sister Madeline is good although it could have been a bit more detailed, the resolution and performance were fine and stable in my experience.

SOUND DESIGN

The sounds of objects falling and scary effects are acceptable, but the sound of sister Madeline’s footsteps is not clear at all, and it is almost impossible to know her location based on the sound of her footsteps.
Sister Madeline’s voice acting is not very scary and is not very good at creating fear, and of course the number of sentences that Sister Madeline repeats is very few and repeated.
The soundtracks of the game are extremely pleasant and convey the sense of fear well.

CONCLUSION

The story is very simple and without twist, it does not make you curious about it and it is short.
The gameplay is very repetitive and you only solve repetitive puzzles and sometimes you encounter sister Madeline.
The map design is great and its shortcuts will surprise you.
Visually, it is good and has stable resolution and performance.
The sound design is not good and you can’t tell where Sister Madeline is walking by the sound of her footsteps.

1...126127128...1,617Page 127 of 1,617