Review: Interstellar Plunderer

Jorge Castilho
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Review: Interstellar Plunderer

Interstellar Plunderer: A Swashbuckling Ride Through Space with Roguelike Charm

Do you like loot? Do you like roguelike games? How about Star Fox? If any of those questions is yes then I have a game for you, Interstellar Plunderer! Arcade-style space shooting, roguelike elements, and a dash of spaceship customization, a space pirate dream.

Developed by Cozy Frog Games, this indie game offers a thrilling, somehow repetitive, experience for those seeking a quick adrenaline rush through the vast infinite of the cosmos.

The story is a familiar spacefaring yarn: you, a daring pirate captain, scour the galaxy in search of plunder. You’ll blast your way through generated sectors, each teeming with enemy ships, hulking space stations, and the occasional boss. While the narrative itself is forgettable, the focus is the fast-paced action and the thrill of the chase.

Interstellar Plunderer embraces the core tenets of the roguelike genre. Each run begins with a basic ship and throws you into the fray. Death is permanent, forcing you to start anew with the always few credits you managed to accumulate. However, these credits allow you to unlock permanent upgrades between runs, gradually empowering your future ventures. This creates a captivating loop: each run becomes a stepping stone towards a more powerful ship, allowing you to delve deeper into the ever-changing sectors.

Shooting Your Way Through the Stars

The core gameplay revolves around piloting your ship and engaging in frenetic dogfights. Controls are responsive and intuitive, allowing for smooth maneuvers and precise targeting.  Dodging enemy fire and unleashing a barrage of your own becomes a dance of skill and strategy.  Enemy variety is decent but will soon be all the same, with basic fighters, heavily armored cruisers, and agile interceptors keeping you in combat mode all the time.

Weapon choices are plentiful, ranging from deadly lasers to slow-but-powerful torpedoes. Experimenting with different loadouts adds a layer of strategic depth, allowing you to tailor your arsenal to specific enemy types or your preferred playstyle. Plus, there’s loot scattered around that gives you a temporary power-up, juiced lasers, super-shields or a ship that handles like a dream!

The Importance of Loot

Loot is the lifeblood of Interstellar Plunderer. Destroying enemies and exploring space stations showers you with credits and resources. These resources are used to upgrade your ship’s hull, shields, and weapons between runs, progressively turning your vessel into a formidable force. Additionally, you can acquire consumable items that offer temporary advantages like hull repairs or damage multipliers.

Aesthetics and Audio: A Retro Trip

Visually, Interstellar Plunderer embraces a retro aesthetic. It goes for a cool, old-school vibe where Spaceships and “space stuff” are all blocky and colorful, just like classic arcade games. Don’t expect mind-blowing graphics, but the simple style fits with the fast-paced action. The soundtrack is pure 80s synth-wave awesomeness, totally matching the space pirate theme and pumping you up for epic space battles. Somehow reminded me of the Sega Mega Drive era, and that’s always cool.

Interstellar Plunderer is a solid roguelike experience offering a satisfying blend of space combat, loot collecting, and ship customization. The core gameplay loop is undeniably fun, but repetitive elements and a lack of a deeper narrative might deter players seeking a more expansive experience. However, for those seeking a quick and thrilling space adventure with a dash of roguelike charm, Interstellar Plunderer is a worthwhile journey.

I’m sorry but I have to get this off my chest. The more I play, the more it looks like the Gummi Ships missions from Kingdom Hearts 2. Okay, I said it.

In Conclusion:

If you’re a fan of arcade-style shooters, roguelikes, or simply enjoy blasting your way through waves of enemies in space, Interstellar Plunderer is a game worth checking out. It offers a polished gameplay experience with a charming retro aesthetic and a strong focus on loot-driven progression.  However, be prepared for some repetition.

Review: Isonzo

Laurence Wall
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Review: Isonzo

Brush off those history books, because it’s time to travel back to war-torn Europe in Isonzo: Italian Front. Prepare to storm the battlefield in your role of choice or ready your defenses for the oncoming onslaught of rifle fire. Learn some history about the locations and battlegrounds of the Great War, and the real-world weapons soldiers used to defend their country. The bugle has sounded troops: it is time to go to war.

The first thing you will be struck by when you load up Isonzo is the overwhelming sense of over a hundred years of history pressing down on you. Recreating the Great War is no easy feat, and while this title certainly isn’t perfect, it truly forces you to consider what the conditions were like for the soldiers who died fighting for their countries. Whether it’s the little stories that accompany the match loading screen, informing you of the fighting that occurred in that particular setting, or even the brilliant weapon descriptions that flesh out every gun, rifle, and even spade, it’s an immersive experience, that’s for sure.

In addition, the lengths Blackmill Games go, to nail that fighting experience is greatly appreciated. The slow painful push of creeping up the hills and crawling through the trenches to gain an inch of ground upon your enemies is very entertaining. The game wants you to keep low, and use the terrain to your advantage. Sprinting across the open fields and into enemy territory is a death sentence without a doubt. Teamwork, tactics and battle strategy are your friends here. Flank your opponents, call in airstrikes or tactical smokescreens and flush those troops out of hiding so you can pick them off one by one.

Of course, all this might not be immediately obvious. One thing Isonzo could do is to have a more integrated tutorial that teaches you about working together and utilizing the different combat roles. Usually, I’m not too bothered about tutorials, but in this case, I think it would certainly help. Upon loading the game, you’re plopped onto a big title screen with a few options. It doesn’t ease you into the experience. But then again, if you’ve ever played an FPS title, one could assume most people already know what to expect.

Another thing, that would have been a useful inclusion, is the addition of a story mode that takes you through the events of the Italian Front, one battle at a time. Learning that story from 1914-1918 would lend a lot of context to the fighting, and make the experience more meaningful. Not everyone cares about the story here, but I think when recreating something of such historical magnitude, this is pretty vital. Moreover, practicing against the computer is something that would prepare less experienced players for the real, more intense battles that begin in multiplayer. Getting spawn-camped by a sniper on a ridge who knows every possible spawn location isn’t exactly immersive.

That said, the maps that are included are great and surprisingly expansive. Whether it’s towering snow-capped mountains, riddled with twisting, confusing ice caves, or flaming pock-marked fields littered with the blasted rubble of demolished houses, the visual storytelling is wonderful here. Barbed wire snakes across the vistas and dramatic terrains can be your salvation or your demise. While the graphical quality and textures might not blow you away, it’s certainly nothing to be sniffed at. The key here is the realism of the locations and the weapons. That’s what sells this experience.

This isn’t to say that Isonzo is without flaws. For starters, many games can be extremely one-sided, leading to a frustrating experience, especially when you’ve just started. I can see certain players leaving early in the experience due to this steep learning curve. The path to unlock all the weapons is also a little bit of a grind, with the starting selection of weapons being pretty lackluster. This lack of variation leads the classes to feel a little…samey.

And while I appreciate the attention to detail regarding reloading and the firing rate of weapons, it can feel painfully slow at times, (especially when you accidentally cancel your reload twice in a row and subsequently get snuck up on and bludgeoned to death.) Bullets here are lethal… I mean that’s obvious, but I really mean lethal. One bullet from a rifle is instant death. One well-placed bullet from a handgun, bye-bye. And while I again appreciate the realism, it can be brutally punishing at times, when you get sniped from someone you can’t see, (there’s no kill-cam.)

But petty complaints aside, Isonzo is a rather well-rounded experience. If you can gather a little team, and form a squad, then that’s the way to go here. You’re in for a treat. If you’re playing alone, it’ll be tough, but you’ll still have a good time. Immerse yourself in history, imagine the actual people who went through the grueling trials of combat, and the experience will be more meaningful. Whether it’s the vibrant landscapes or swelling soundtrack, Isonzo has a little bit for everyone. It can comfortably take its place as a real contender in the historical FPS genre.

Review: Metal Mind

Josh Blackburn
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Review: Metal Mind

Metal Mind makes me feel very old. Not because my reflexes have slowed and I can’t dodge like I used to. Not just because of that, anyway. No, it’s because part of being an adult is having a constant conveyor belt of responsibilities. That makes roguelikes a bit tricky. It’s hard to take a break from the dishes or cleaning the house, when you know you’re just going to be greeted with a stream of failures. It’s why roguelikes live and die on how they feel. They need to sink their hooks in right from the get-go.

That means not just excellent combat but an interesting world or some sort of gimmick. Unfortunately, that’s where Metal Mind falls down somewhat. It has a few interesting notes in the core gameplay loop but that’s sort of all it has. It serves to remind me how crucial the surrounding elements are to a roguelike. Every death has a percentage chance to make the player drop the game, and it’s those elements that shrink that percentage. Metal Mind isn’t a bad game, but to truly damn it with the finest praise, I could describe it in one word: competent.

Metal Mind - Roguelike Combat

Chrome Cranium

Most of Metal Mind’s gameplay revolves around the fact that we’re a little robot. We’re assembled and booted into the world to fight back against the AWC, an organisation that doesn’t like our robot friends having intelligence. They’re rounding them up and, presumably, crushing them into cubes. Being a robot makes us wonderfully modular. Our head, core and engine can all be swapped out freely, though better gear is heavier, slowing us down. It’s not a bad system; the different skills and types of gear (and weapons) provide a decent smattering of different playstyles. As you pump money into upgrades, you unlock a steady stream of new ones too.

Our metal man progresses in a way that’s reminiscient of something like The Binding of Isaac. Each level comprises a series of connected rooms and when you charge into them, a horde of enemies will spawn and the doors will lock. You gotta shoot ’em all to escape. The shooting itself isn’t too bad, with a couple of gimmicks. Rather than ammo, you have ‘heat’. When it gets too high, your gun overheats, which can cause special new effects depending on the gun. Like the Corgi gun, whose single shot turns into a spray when overheated. The downside is the gun locking up to cool down, so you need to balance heat against the special effects. Not bad stuff.

Metal Mind - Roguelike Combat

Steel Skull

I do have a couple of big issues with Metal Mind, though. Movement speed, for one. It’s largely based on the weight of your gear, but even with low weight, it’s still painfully slow. One of the earlier enemies are fast moving dogs, that nick at your armour constantly as you try and outrun them. Much more frustrating, however, is the aiming. There are two modes: auto-aim and magnetic targeting. It’d be fine if they stayed in their lane, but magnetic targeting keeps snapping to enemies anyway. It feels awful to have your character suddenly spin ninety degrees. It also keeps targeting invisible – and impervious – enemies, which frequently caused me to start shooting into the wall.

These problems would seem more surmountable if Metal Mind had more of a reason to press on. The story presence is so light it would fit on a post-it note. Hell, the final boss is a giant, unsmiling machine with interchangeable giant hands. I would like to know more about that, but Metal Mind is tight-lipped. It doesn’t have much going for it visually, either. It’s not bad looking but it’s not particularly interesting to look at either. It’s a series of boxy, grey environments filled with fairly similar enemies. It’s crying out for some sort of uniqueness in design, but all the tweaks have gone into the main gameplay gimmicks.

Metal Mind - Roguelike combat

Metal Mind – Mind Over Soul

They aren’t bad gimmicks. Our modular robot and the overheating system are nice, but they’re just evolutions of an inventory and ammunition. In the end, I found I tended to gravitate towards the same guns and gear each time. Stripped of its gimmicks, Metal Mind feels very repetitive. Each run is against the same enemies in the same room types. With only four levels in total, you can reach the final boss without encountering anything new from run-to-run. That’s a death knell for a roguelike.

I used the word competent before, in an effort to be diplomatic, but the truth is that, much like its protagonist, Metal Mind is lacking in soul. It constructed a reasonable gameplay loop and then left it at that. The fact that it has fatal flaws, like the aiming, is almost tragic. There are little pockets of fun when the gameplay all clicks together but the chosen genre makes it a slog to get to them. The roguelike elements being nothing but flat stat boosts make Metal Mind simply a slow march to inevitable victory. In such a saturated genre, I’d recommend wearing out your walking boots elsewhere.

(Metal Mind’s Nintendo Page)

Review: Lawn Mowing Simulator

Daniel Leal
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Review: Lawn Mowing Simulator

Background

Lawn Mowing Simulator is developed by Skyhook Games, a UK-based developer with experience in developing simulation games. Simulation games differ from many other genres of video games in that they are designed to be as realistic as possible and to simulate certain activities such as playing a sport, running a farm, or creating a rail network. While other games can often be stylized, both in terms of gameplay and graphics, simulation games are usually very realistic (although there are some exceptions). Lawn Mowing Simulator aims to recreate the fun of mowing lawns through playing a videogame.

First Impressions

Lawn Mowing Simulator has nice bright menus that are at first sight appealing to look at. However, once you try to traverse the options you’ll see that the menus are clunky, hard to navigate and that there are too many options. The menus aren’t intuitive at all, and a simpler design may have been a better option for the developers. I also noticed ads for DLC in the menu which shouldn’t be the focus when you are deciding what mode to play on your new game. The overly complicated menus that try to sell you more content when you haven’t even got into a lawn mower for the first time result in a confusing experience where the player may feel overwhelmed with options and game modes.

To be fair to Lawn Mower Simulator, there are free play modes, a career mode, and more, so whereas the game could have just had a free play mode and let the player experience the gameplay primarily through that option, the addition of a career mode is an ambitious choice. There are also 20-30 minute long ‘contract’ modes, where the player is given a contract to cut grass in a certain area. The wealth of game options is a asset to Lawn Mowing simulator it’s just a shame that the menus are so clunky.

Gameplay

The experience of mowing lawns in Lawn Mowing Simulator is a realistic experience as simulator games often are. The player starts off in first-person mode before they get into the Lawn Mowing machine and the way the game feels at this stage, means you may have been expecting to pick up a rifle and start a first-person shooter campaign, but this is lawn mowing, and the games primarily about cutting grass. Once you sit in the machine, the player can switch to third-person mode. Then you get the engine running and can start to drive the Lawn Mower over to a grassy area. The Lawn Mower doesn’t cut grass automatically, you have to press the X button to begin cutting grass. It’s not as satisfying an experience as core gameplay mechanics in other games.

In Resident Evil 4 it is the satisfying shooting and hitting targets that makes the game satisfying, in Zelda:Ocarina of Time, it is Z-targeting, and the resulting combat that makes the game so good. Unfortunately, cutting grass in Lawn Mowing simulator isn’t the amazing gameplay element that it could have been. Cutting grass in Lawn Mowing simulator is serviceable, and I’m sure the game has its fans, but it doesn’t make for a really fun experience, probably similarly to what cutting grass is like in the real world.

Sounds and Visuals

As a simulation game, Lawn Mowing Simulator recreates gardens, parks, and outdoor areas quite realistically. That’s the game’s aim and the graphics look ok. Each blade of grass is depicted. However, the graphics look really dated. They would look bad for an Xbox 360 game, let alone in 2024. Textures are muddy, graphical elements ‘pop in’ regularly, and it doesn’t look good. However, it’s a colorful game, and there are many shades of green. In terms of sound design, there are nature noises that play while you are mowing lawns, and the sound is well done for what is needed. However, there is no soundtrack while playing (at least that I came across). Again the sound and visual design is servicable, but not great.

Conclusion

Overall, I’d say Lawn Mowing Simulator is a serviceable simulation of what it is like to mow lawns. While this is not my kind of game, I can see why others would value it and become addicted to it with its wealth of game modes. However, the menus are clunky, DLC is offered as soon as you start the game, and the graphics are poor, despite doing their job. Any game’s value comes down to its gameplay elements and unlike the great titles out there, the core gameplay elements of Lawn Mowing Simulator are not satisfying, or addictive enough to make this game worth my time. As far as simulation games go, Lawn Mowing Simulator is an average title and should be avoided unless you are passionate about mowing lawns.

Review: BlazeRush

Robert Gillespie
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Review: BlazeRush

Have you ever wondered what Mario Kart would look like if it was inspired by Mad Max? Look no further than BlazeRush, a wild arcade racing game developed by Targem Games. If that name doesn’t sound familiar, it should. They developed the popular, multiplayer, combat car game Crossout. With a title like that under their belt, it shows that these developers understand what makes a good car-focused game, and BlazeRush is no exception.

Otherworldly Racing

Let’s start off with the futuristic, yet old setting you’ll be racing in. The environments range from overgrown grassy temples, to frozen industrial ruins. You’ll see this presented in the background and on the walls surrounding each track. There’s not too much going on in terms of detail, but it’s just enough to immerse you in the setting and to keep you focused on the race at hand.

Unlike Mario Kart, the tracks you race on are floating. I found that this design helps to keep your eyes on the track, since there will be a lot to focus on and watch for. There will be randomly placed jumps, tight corners, and even missing chunks of track segments to avoid. You also have to watch for the falling item pick-ups that will be vital to your success (more on that later).

Adding to the worn and dilapidated atmosphere of BlazeRush is the game’s explosive sound design and effects. Rockets, gatling guns, jet boosts, etc. all have tangible and gritty sounds that transform the feel of every race. If the weapons manage to find their mark, cars will explode in fiery detail, leaving trails of smoke all over the track. It makes for some great, “OMG!” moments, and trust me, you’ll be saying that a lot. Plus, you’ll be headbanging to the game’s electric soundtrack throughout as well.

Modes, Modes, and More Modes

BlazeRush nails the overall otherworldly feeling it’s going for, and the gameplay compliments it well. To start, you’re given the choice of two different modes. The first one is called Adventure and is where you’ll be spending most of your time in the game. Adventure consists of three game modes including Races, Survival, and King of The Hill. These levels each have their own unique challenges and subgoals, such as getting first in races or scoring the most points in certain objectives.

By completing these levels and depending on how you do, you’ll be given two things: Points, which are used to unlock more cars, and Cups, which are used to unlock more levels in Adventure. There are over 200+ Cups to earn in Adventure mode. It took me around a couple of hours to get up to 100+ cups. At the same time, I also unlocked a large quantity of cars by scoring a lot of points in the levels. This method of unlocking things is perfect for BlazeRush, since it provides a decent challenge for those looking to one hundred percent the game, while not being too restrictive for players who want to hop in and simply do some races.

The other mode you can pick is called Tournaments. This is where you can set up your own custom matches against AI or your friends on a local or online network. In Tournaments, you’re given the choice between four different game modes. These include Races, Survival, King of The Hill, and BlazeBowl.

Races mode is what you’d expect: a straight racing game. You compete with up to 8 other bots for first place, all while dodging and attacking your opponents.

In Survival mode, you have to keep ahead of a giant car-mashing machine that slowly gets faster and faster as time goes on. If you are the last one to survive, you earn 4 points. The round will then repeat until someone earns at least 15 points. 

As for King of The Hill mode, your goal is to stay in front of the pack. By doing so you will earn points every second, and you win by gaining 50 points.

BlazeBowl mode is one of the later added game modes, which has you playing a Rocket League-like football match.

My favorite game mode has to be Survival. Don’t get me wrong, races are fun and all, but it doesn’t compare to the exhilarating challenge that Survival provides.

Engineered for Destruction

BlazeRush features a nice chunk of wild racing machines. These come in three categories: normal cars, tracked cars, and flying cars. Each of these have their own traits that affect how you use them in a race. Flying cars, for example, have a lot of speed, but are a bit harder to control and are weaker to damage. Tracked cars have much better handling and stronger protection, but suffer from lower acceleration. Normal cars fall into a mix of the two.

On top of this, each car has its own levels of acceleration, mass, and handling. This means that no car will feel the same. My personal favorite is Rex. It’s a chunky but sleek looking flying car that has some powerful acceleration to boot. Overall, the diversity of cars available is impressive.

You’re going to need a lot more than just your car to win races though. All along the track, there will be various pick-up items that you can use to shoot, boost, and blast your way to first place. However, the items won’t be sitting on the track. Instead, the items will drop just a few feet from your car as you race. What’s more, these items will spawn at an increased rate behind, and therefore unavailable to, whomever is in first. This helps to keep the races not so one-sided and to keep everyone together, which makes for an engaging and extremely fun experience.

The items come in various forms that can help to either hinder your competitors or push you ahead. There are gatling guns, missile launchers, and even a sonic blast weapon that can push cars off the track. Alongside the weapons are boosts that you can use to give yourself an edge if you’re falling behind. These items, alongside the unique cars, work to make each racing experience all the more enjoyable and engaging, especially if you have friends to compete with.

Checkered Flag

The only gripe I have with the game is with its camera. Instead of going for a third person chase camera, BlazeRush maintains a consistent third person overview camera that tries to keep its focus on all the racers. In my first few races, I actually found myself enjoying the camera perspective. It lets you see all the chaos that unfolds during the races. However, when I started to get better at the game, the camera started having issues focusing on everyone, since I would be too far ahead for it. This meant that I couldn’t see what was in front of me, and it kept trying to yank everyone behind me forward. Don’t get me wrong, I still prefer this type of camera positioning, but it’s just something you have to get used to if you find yourself far out in front.

As far as the game’s content goes, there is a fair amount to unlock for a game of this size, but once you get every car and unlock each Adventure level, there isn’t much else to do except partake in some custom races. Personally, I still enjoy the game despite this limitation. It’s the perfect arcade racing game that offers a lot of replayability if you want to take your mind off things and play some quick sessions with your friends.

Review: Turbo Golf Racing

Daniel Waite
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Review: Turbo Golf Racing

Turbo Golf Racing has been in Early Access for nearly 2 years. However, it has made it to full release and can be enjoyed as part of the Xbox Game Pass service. I previewed this game in 2022, and I wasn’t impressed. I scored it 5/10 as I bemoaned its lack of originality and adventure. Accordingly, will I enjoy the full release, or will it be much of the same?

This action racing title was developed and published by Hugecalf Studios. Moreover, it has a handful of game modes, plenty of customisation options, and loads of stages to enjoy. Alongside this, it is vibrant, well-polished, and enjoyable as a casual experience. Though I still feel it lacks originality, it was competitive and fun in short bursts.

Turbo Golf Racing chucks you into the action. 

This sports endeavour dumps the idea of a career in story mode. Instead, it puts all of its eggs into one fast-paced and adrenaline-filled basket. Though this didn’t surprise me, I would have liked to see more depth. Furthermore, if you love to play offline, Turbo Golf Racing doesn’t cater to these desires. 

You must concentrate on 3 game modes. There is the 8-player racing, a precise and calm golf option, and a time trial. Each of these options utilises the same mechanics, but they test different skills and abilities. The latter unlocks courses while highlighting your skills to a global audience. If you wish to be slow and accurate, the Golf mode is for you. Complete each round with the lowest number of shots and win. Finally, the 8-player racing is intense, fun, and mindless. Accordingly, there is something for everyone.

Cores and power-ups. 

A futuristic sci-fi racing game would be nothing without insane power-ups. Thankfully, Turbo Golf Racing takes this idea and boosts it with steroids. You may customise your car with aggressive and passive cores that match your gameplay style. Additionally, you can find power-ups on the course that can change the way you play. 

With boost pads to race over and rockets to collect, you can sprint ahead and slow down your opponent’s charge. It was this aggressive edge that would drive you mad and make you laugh. There was nothing worse than racing towards the hole when a rocket or other weapon slows you down!

Turbo Golf Racing looks incredible.

Just like Rocket League, Turbo Golf Racing has a simple but polished exterior. The movement is smooth and easy to follow. Moreover, the stage design is intelligent and interesting and the vehicles look amazing. Alongside this, I experienced no glitches or bugs. Accordingly, the developers have used their Early Access phase to iron out any issues.

The audio matches the high-energy sci-fi theme. The loud and exciting tunes are drowned out by obnoxious engine sounds. Additionally, the crash of missiles and strange power-up noises are suitable and interesting. Consequently, it piques your interest immediately. 

Accurate controls. 

Aesthetically, this game was perfect. However, the controls were nearly as good. The well-considered layout is complemented by an excellent tutorial. What’s more, the responsive inputs help to keep you in the competition. Subsequently, this is a great title for newbie gamers. 

Thanks to the cross-play feature and the 3 game modes, this has replay value and longevity. On top of this, it has a season pass with objectives to complete. As such, you’ll become hooked on winning every game and completing each goal. 

Turbo Golf Racing has improved. 

My 5/10 preview seems extremely harsh. However, 18 months in Early Access appears to have worked wonders. With more game modes and smoother gameplay, it is a joy to play. Additionally, I loved the competitive action and the brilliant aesthetics. Furthermore, it is included in the Game Pass subscription service. Accordingly, I love it and I recommend buying it here! Can you master the racing golf course? Pick a car, choose your skills, and win every hole.

Review: Beat Slayer

Phant0m
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Review: Beat Slayer

” A Gritty game thats always on beat “

This game is fantastic simple fun that takes inspirations from games like hades and hifi rush to a very different level! Hi my name is phant0m and these are my thoughts on the game Beat Slayer!

Visuals

First thing I gotta talk about is the fun and gritty art style. It’s very much a colorful steampunk base mixed with some cool color flourishes to balance a bit of dead grays and awesome brights, the character design is especially awesome since the characters look great! Highly detailed and unique, the level design isn’t as special looking though, although simple it does nothing to peak my interest, neither do the enemies which fall flat just the same.

Gameplay

The gameplay is super inspired by a mix of hades and Hi fi rush, you’ll be fighting on a continuous roguelike mode while hitting and dodging on the even more continuous beat, if you hit the enemies on beat you’ll do more damage and kill the enemies quickly which feels as great as it sounds. It’s fun and super punchy, the weapons have decent variety but I do wish there were more, the skill tree is also super interesting as it truly does make you stronger. The combat is honestly the highlight of the game for me.

Story 

The story is also not bad, the game’s plot follows a simple concept, you are trying to save your brother in a dystopian world where the government is against you, it’s a simple concept, and it would’ve worked well if not for the dialogue, the dialogue loses me on so many instances. I felt that it wasn’t interesting or oftenly the characters stopped talking about important things or what I was doing currently. 

Characters

The characters seem interesting and have quite a few defining traits making them interesting. But they lack any real depth making them bland in the time that i played. They do have cool designs, but not cool enough to be interesting during dialogue or story beats. Speaking of which, the voice actors do a good job of entertaining me, although most of the characters don’t sound different from regular people, they still played their part well enough to show off emotions and fun dialogue, just not heavily immersive.

Music

And The music is really cool, punky and right in rhythm with the combat and world. It’s not an amazing track but it’s good enough to listen and fight during it, there aren’t many tracks but they fill up a good amount of the game. and side note that the game is always consistently on beat, and if you can’t stay on beat they provide an assistance mode that I personally didn’t use, since I could use some rhythm.

Performance

The performance of the game is pretty good, it runs perfectly on my computer, and the controller support is amazing. Didn’t have a single issue in my several hours played.

Verdict 

Anyways if you’re wondering I do recommend this game! It’s super fun, engrossing, punchy and just absolutely awesome. I give this game an 8.5/10 With super minor flaws like the story and characters, but this still absolutely skyrockets to one of my favorite roguelikes out there! Those were my thoughts on Beat Slayer! Thx For Reading! Keep doing great things! You’re good at them. Bye 🙂

Side Notes

This was reviewed on PC which contained an Rx 6750 XT powercolor, and an intel i5 13400f. I ran into 0 crashes or framerate drop issues during my playtime. also the games controller support is amazing, there was 0 problems in connecting my controller and playing.

Review: CipherCraft: Cyber Guardian Introduction

Saim Khurshid
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Review: CipherCraft: Cyber Guardian Introduction

Getting into ‘CipherCraft: Cyber Guardian Introduction’ was an interesting feeling. You could take one look at the title and have little hope for what the simulator could have in store. Sadly, in this case, one can easily judge the book by its cover.

CipherCraft: Cyber Guardian Introduction reveal trailer

CipherCraft: Cyber Guardian Introduction is a simulation game that puts players in the role of a cyber guardian.
The task is that you must assemble computers and battle hackers in a cyber attack simulation.

With a glaring lack of challenge or drive to keep me playing, I found that there is not much in this title.

CIPHER STALE

The game begins with the task of cleaning a room filled with trash. This in itself seemed to be an indication of all that was to come. Once you slowly and painfully pick each piece of random trash into the can, now the game lets you begin.

When the tutorial showed me how to buy parts and told me that I would be assembling computers myself, I was hopeful that some rabbit would be exiting a hat but things worked out in a different way.

Once I placed the purchased items down, a tutorial began, showing me how to proceed and warning of potential mistakes. However, my disappointment set in when the tutorial revealed that the process wasn’t hands-on. Instead it involved monotonous mini-games like stopping the metre on green or rotating objects along certain axes. This reliance on mini-games meant that the game lacked a real fail state. Success depended solely on completing these simplistic challenges. While these mini-games might be suitable for children’s entertainment, they felt out of place in a game centred around complex machinery like computer parts.

CYBER Drag-on

The next step introduced is the software side of things. Which just as the real thing, is all about clicking things and watching them load. Really something if monotony is your thing.

Honestly, I do not know what else to say about this side CipherCraft except that it just is what it is.

Anti- Climactic Hacker

The last big thing hyped up in this letdown of a game was becoming a Cyber Guardian and dealing with the ‘Hacker,’ who’s supposed to sneak into your work and do who-knows-what. But to be honest, by that point, I was so bored that I might have missed some of the story about the whole cyber security stuff. You’re supposed to fend off the hacker, which might sound exciting to some, but I just couldn’t get into it.

Miss of the Century

From the mundane task of lacklustre computer assembly to the cyber attack simulation, ‘CipherCraft: Cyber Guardian Introduction’ fails to engage players with its simplistic mechanics and repetitive mini-games. Even the introduction of the Hacker element, meant to inject some excitement into the gameplay, falls flat due to its lack of clarity and depth.

To put it simply, ‘CipherCraft: An overly long title about cyber security’ doesn’t live up to its potential as a fun PC Shop/Cybersecurity game. It’s disappointing because it doesn’t give players the engaging experience they were hoping for. Instead of being exciting and interesting, the game feels boring and average. It’s a shame because it could have been so much better if it had more depth and excitement.

NOTICE: However, it’s important to know that CipherCraft: Cyber Guardian Introduction is a free Cyber security and computer building game that you can get on Steam. It is set to be a part of a bigger game called ServiceIT. So, until the whole ServiceIT game is out, we might need to wait before making a final decision. Even though the game is boring for now, we should wait to see what changes developers make for the final release. That way, we can see if the game gets better or adds more stuff. So, while CipherCraft might not be great yet, let’s wait and see what happens next.

Review: Outer Terror

Daniel Waite
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Review: Outer Terror

Outer Terror doesn’t break the mould. Instead, it uses tried and tested mechanics and dated 80s and 90s nostalgia to get your juices flowing. Moreover, its moreish gameplay and straightforward ideas make this simple to learn, but a tough game to put down. Accordingly, this is an intense and enjoyable indie experience.

This arena-based rogue-like was developed by Salt and Pixel LLC and published by Ratalaika Games. Additionally, it can be enjoyed alone or with another player. This cooperative action adds depth to an otherwise well-trodden genre. What’s more, the clichéd comic book art style and the familiar horror gameplay will impress and scare you in equal measure.

Outer Terror focuses on its heroes.

This 80s/90s-inspired adventure has 5 unbelievable and unique stories to enjoy. Moreover, there is an array of sinister monsters to overcome. However, that is not all! You must explore vast maps and tackle enormous boss battles as you try to complete each outlandish plot.

You control one of 10 heroic individuals. These hardcore warriors must explore deadly environments whilst completing an array of tasks. With a never-ending wave of enemies to defeat and plenty of weapons to choose from, each playthrough is never the same. On top of this, each of the protagonists has a special weapon and a list of strengths and weaknesses that must be considered if you wish to be victorious. Though the differences between characters can be minimal, it offers enough variety to keep you focused throughout.

Simple mechanics.

Each playthrough follows a similar pattern. You must choose whether to go it alone or ask a friend to play cooperatively. Next, you must select your character and pick your story. After this, all hell breaks loose as you complete each quest and explore the vast wilderness. En route, you’ll encounter monsters and creatures that will make your skin crawl. What’s more, you will pick up coins and earn temporary XP to improve your character.

As your character improves, you may select from a limited number of weapons. Each slot can be upgraded and once you maximise your potential, you will face an enormous boss. Yet, getting to the boss battle is no easy feat as you will have your ass kicked multiple times. Additionally, the environments can be tough to explore, and each side quest will test your ability and patience. Subsequently, getting to each boss encounter should be considered an achievement in itself.

Upgrades and an arsenal of weapons.

In typical genre fashion, Outer Terror has a list of temporary and permanent upgrades. The latter can be accessed before you start each hellish run. However, affording each of these bonus abilities is a challenge. Unless you work hard, or you are extremely lucky, you will have to grind away to improve your hero.

If that isn’t enough, you can improve your chances of survival as your character gains XP during each playthrough. With an array of options to pick from, you can specialise your skills to match your approach. As such, you can lean towards a defensive build. Alternatively, you can upgrade your weaponry and hope this is enough to survive.

Outer Terror has old-school vibes.

The colour palette, comic book cinematic, and simple pixelated graphics emit an old-school vibe. I adored this dated approach and I enjoyed every cinematic treat. On top of this, the animation is basic but effective and the monsters are laughable and terrifying simultaneously. My only complaint is the monster’s ability to move through buildings. This issue was stupid and unfair. What’s more, it delivers an unpolished finish that tarnishes the end product.

The audio was more rounded and enjoyable to listen to. The soundtrack is aggressive and upbeat. The blend of heavy tracks and synth music matched the 80s theme. Moreover, the loud and uncomfortable sound effects enhance the drama without being OTT or annoying.

Brilliant controls.

Like Brotato and Vampire Survivors, Outer Terror uses a simple control layout. You may unlock usable items and special perks. However, it is a mostly automated title that requires you to avoid your foes and allow the auto shooting to rule the roost. This rudimentary idea may annoy you, but there were some tactical elements. Once you unlock certain tools and skills, you can manipulate different situations to your advantage. I loved this basic idea as it added depth to an otherwise simple approach.

If you don’t mind repeatedly losing your progress, this game will be right up your street. The cruel nature of each playthrough is hard to swallow. Additionally, the unbalanced and expensive upgrades make the action far too grindy for my liking. I’d have preferred a more considered upgrade system as it would have improved things considerably.

Despite its minor issues, Outer Terror is fantastic.

If the developers could tweak the balancing issues, then Outer Terror would be a challenger to Vampire Survivors. However, it doesn’t quite compare and this may disappoint. Yet, if you want a simplified and fun nod to 80s/90s horror, then this is the game for you. I love the aesthetics and the wonderful learning curve. Accordingly, I recommend buying it here! Can you complete each chapter? Choose a hero, explore each vast land, and kill every boss you face.

4 Reasons to Send Gift Hampers to Your Clients

Andrew Edney
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4 Reasons to Send Gift Hampers to Your Clients

Relationships matter in business. To retain client loyalty, you must attempt to express your appreciation for the custom when the opportunity arises. 

For instance, you could send a thoughtful gift at Christmas or when their business reaches a landmark anniversary or receives a prestigious award. 

Gift boxes and hampers are a great way to convey your gratitude and are bound to excite a client once they arrive at their address. 

If you are unsure if it is the right option for your company, here are four reasons to send gift hampers to your clients.

1 – Strengthen Your Personal Relationship

    Sending a generous gift box or hamper to a client is a great way to develop or strengthen a personal connection. 

    The thoughtful gesture will blow them away once it arrives at their address, and they will likely reach out quickly to express their appreciation. 

    It is a powerful way to improve the professional relationship moving forward, as it could help your team form a more personable connection and may help you retain their loyalty.

    2 – Convey Your Brand Identity

    A gift hamper provides an opportunity to promote your brand identity to your clients, which will confirm you are the right company for them.

    Send a gift box or hamper that represents your brand and proves it has exceptional attention to detail.

    For instance, you can create your own gift hampers for many clients by purchasing attractive wholesale gift boxes to house and display various items, such as perishable and non-perishable foods, beauty products, liquor, and more.

    You can choose from various designs that best reflect your branding, such as wood crates, luxury picnic baskets, embossed paperboard guitar boxes, or even Texas flag metal containers, to name a few options.

    Also, you could prove you have excellent attention to detail by including items they might have mentioned they love during a meeting, such as their favourite cookies, drink, or beauty product.

    It will prove you listen carefully and are willing to go above and beyond to make them happy.

    3 – It’s Fun and Thoughtful

    Don’t send an important client a dull gift that will fail to bring a smile to their face. Ditch branded mouse pads and mugs, as they lack thought and imagination.

    Instead, send a fun gift box or hamper with a mix of items that will make them want to explore its contents right away.

    You can trust they will enjoy browsing and sampling the items inside, which could encourage positive word of mouth and many referrals.

    4 – They Will Remember Your Gift

    There is no doubt a quality gift hamper will leave a lasting impression on a client. 

    The fun experience will stand out in their mind, from their surprise when receiving it to exploring and sharing the items with others.

    It is a positive moment they will always associate with your business, helping your brand to become their favourite business to work with each year.

    Don’t allow your gifts to blend in with the crowd. Impress every client by sending a thoughtful, personalized hamper they will love.

    Review: Spirit City: Lofi Sessions

    Thomas Hopkinson
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    Review: Spirit City: Lofi Sessions

    Spirit City: Lofi Sessions is a gamified focus tool for working/studying. MoonCube Games are the people behind this game and they also published it themselves. The release date of this game was quite recent, being April 8th 2024.

    When looking into Spirit City: Lofi sessions, I thought I would put it on a few times and forget about. However, upon playing, it pleasantly surprised me with what it offered. I can see myself using it as a tool for many more hours to come. I will say, there are several areas that left me wanting a little more, especially knowing what I do now about it. These only translate to minor changes really though.

    The fundamentals

    Screenshot showing the decor menu alongside some of the tools in the game.

    First and foremost this game is a tool. There are a variety of things you can do in this game for productivity. This includes, setting timers with intervals, creating to-do lists, making a habit chart, recording journal entries and playing music/sounds. These all function quite well, I especially like the pointers for the journal entries. A stopwatch is something I wish was in the game though, as I use those a lot.

    Customisation is another aspect to the gameplay. You can customise certain parts of the room and your character. There is quite a good range of things you can customise with. You can also buy more items in the shop too using currency you get from playing the game. The lighting and pose of your character are changeable as well, with quite few options. Though, with regards to buying things, it would have been nice to be able to demo how the bought stuff will look in the 3d space rather than just an image of it.

    Lure those spirits!

    Screenshot showing how to get one of the spirits in the spiritdex

    There is more to the game than it being about customising and being a tool. Spirits inhabit the area and you are able to lure them and befriend them. This adds a monster collector aspect to the game, with more being available as you play the game. Each spirit requires you to be doing certain tasks, have it be a certain time of day, play certain sounds or a mix of multiple of these. You can begin luring a spirit by meeting certain conditions. Make sure to look at the spiritdex, as that tells you the conditions required. A red notification will pop up with a successful lure. Clicking on this will then allow the spirit to join you and you will add them to your spiritdex.

    Being able to capture spirits adds some depth to the game making it more than just a tool. I do wish there was more of a guide as to how close you are to luring the spirit. As you may be luring but then need to turn the game off soon. With a meter or something you would know how much more you would need to leave the game on. With the game being something you leave on in the background, this doesn’t matter too much though.

    Altogether it’s a fun and well functioning game, despite the few nit-picks I have and additions I want.

    Lots of charm

    Screenshot showing a zoomed out view of the full room at sunset

    I wasn’t expecting anything with this game’s narrative, with the type of game it is. It was great to be wrong about this though. Now while there is no epic tale here or deep message, the writing that is there is full of charm. You get all the game’s narrative from the spiritdex. In there you can find all your spirits that you have collected and alongside them is some information. Each dex entry gives you a good idea of the spirits personality. There is some great humour in here too with the names of some of the spirits and some of the comments about them.

    The writing of the game perfectly reflects the type of game it is, chill and simple.

    Perfect vibes

    Screenshot showing my favourite visual aesthetic in the game

    One of the best things about this game is the presentation. The UI/HUD is simple yet effective, the stylized look works really well for the cosy vibes and the music is exactly what you would want to here from this type of game. On top of this, the animation is really smooth and there is a lot of attention to detail. When the wind sound is on, you can see the trees blow in the wind. This is just one example of the attention to detail. Speaking of sound, the selection is really good. There is pretty much everything you would want there, from bird song to a crackling fire.

    A really cool thing I want to mention with the music is, you not only have access to four great lofi playlists in the game but you can also use the in game web browser to select your own music from YouTube. I did notice some videos were not able to play through the browser the game uses. Though there are so many alternative uploads to music on YouTube it didn’t really matter much to me.

    The presentation of this game was something that had to be good. I can happily say it looks and sounds great.

    Get workin’

    Screenshot showing me hard at work on this review

    Spirit City: Lofi Sessions is a great gamified focus tool for when you are working from home or studying. I have been using it myself while I have been working on university work. I found it to be helpful and better allowed me to focus. It also doesn’t use up too much memory or CPU. This allows you to do quite a few other things while it’s running.

    This game isn’t offering too much to people outside of this demographic though. The other things it does like room/character customisation and monster collecting you can find done better in other dedicated games. However, what needs to be in the game, is in the game. It’s a game that achieves what it should without lots of unnecessary extras and complications. The spirits and customisation are welcome though and give it more originality for sure. Adding small things and changing some stuff, could really elevate this game to the next level. I have no doubt that with the planned updates they can achieve this. I can’t wait to see what comes from this game in the future.

    If you have any interest for this game after reading this review, go here to purchase it for yourself.

    Review: Let’s Sing 2024

    Daniel Waite
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    Review: Let’s Sing 2024

    Let’s Sing 2024 is a fun-filled title that is great for all the family. If you are a future Von Trapp family or adore karaoke, this is the game for you. With multiple modes to enjoy and online leaderboards, this will get your competitive juices flowing. Furthermore, who doesn’t love to sing their heart out?

    This singing simulation was developed by Voxler SAS and published by PLAION. Moreover, it can be enjoyed even if you don’t own a microphone. The clever developers have created an app that lets you use your phone instead. This fine choice ensures that everyone gets to join in the fun.

    Let’s Sing 2024 has a great story mode.

    Though you may not buy Let’s Sing 2024 for its story, the developer has incorporated an interesting tale to add depth and pizazz. The core gameplay mode lets you design your avatar and undertake a challenging singing career. With twists and turns, you experience the highs and lows of this tough career path. 

    At first, your coaches teach you the basic gameplay fundamentals and how to sing. After this, you are free to test your skills as you try to become a global superstar. En route, you’ll team up with virtual singers and this adds a layer of realism. Additionally, the solo career route is tough to perfect and this will push wannabe singers to their limits. 

    Multiplayer fun. 

    Though I enjoyed the solo mode and its colourful characters, I spent most of my time playing the multiplayer elements. There are 3 options to choose from as you battle friends, family, and strangers online. Each mode is competitive but light-hearted. Additionally, there are over 30 songs to choose from and a range of genres and eras to select from.

    This vast range of tracks allows younger gamers to lose themselves in the action. Furthermore, older players will love the classic rock songs and some of the modern tunes. What makes these modes particularly good is the lack of toxicity. Playing online can be a powder keg of problems and hatred. However, Let’s Sing 2024 doesn’t suffer from those issues. 

    Alongside this, the lobbies feel welcoming, and the online leaderboards add a delightful sense of fun competition and support. Accordingly, if you want to show off your skills to the world, you know that you can do so without being heavily judged.

    Tracking your performance.

    Tracking your performance is as easy as watching the screen. Thanks to the accurate pitch monitor, every tone is measured and scored. What’s more, if you combine perfect notes, you’ll be rewarded a combo bonus. Not only does this give you a sense of reward, but it highlights your singing prowess. 

    Highlighting your dulcet tones is all well and good. However, what you want is some cosmetics for your avatar. Well, the better you do and the more songs you perform, the more items you unlock. Now, this may seem like a minor point, but my kids loved designing their perfect singer. Additionally, it was fun to adjust your costume whilst accessorising with some crazy goods. 

    Let’s Sing 2024 is basic but attractive.

    Though Let’s Sing 2024 has a jazzy and vibrant backdrop, the graphics are basic. The simple UI is perfect to track your score and the character models are about 5 years out of date. Yet, this mattered not as everything worked perfectly. The rudimentary approach was ideal as it let you focus on the singing and little else.

    The audio was great. However, your experience will only be as good as the gear you own. It won’t end well for you if you have poor speakers or a woeful microphone. Yet, if you own some moderate equipment, you’ll enjoy every note and song you hear.

    Straightforward controls. 

    I adore the fact that you can use your phone instead of a mic. This simple idea makes this an inclusive and user-friendly title. Alongside this, setting up your microphone and calibrating it was a cinch. Consequently, you won’t struggle even if your friends and family try to rush you.

    Let’s Sing 2024 delivers exceptional replay value and longevity. The International hits pack has over 30 songs to enjoy. Furthermore, the VIP pass can be purchased to try a massive library of online songs. Alongside this, the online leaderboards and multiplayer modes are moreish and competitive. Subsequently, you will return for more.

    Let’s Sing 2024 is a great simulation title.

    This won’t be for everyone. Yet, if you love singing, and you want a break from shooting virtual people or kicking a pixelated football, then this will be right up your street. As such, it was great fun and I recommend buying it here! Do you wish to become a global superstar? Grab your mic or phone, select your song, and top every leaderboard.

    Review: BIT.TRIP RERUNNER

    Jorge Castilho
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    Review: BIT.TRIP RERUNNER

    Into the Beat.

    Let me start this review by saying, rhythm games were never really my thing. The only exceptions are Guitar Hero and Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory (it’s Kingdom Hearts, i’ll consume everything about that franchise!), so when BIT.TRIP RERUNNER arrived at my doorstep, I was skeptical.

    BIT.TRIP RERUNNER is a remaster of a classic rhythm platformer game, originally released as Bit.Trip Beat in 2009. “Rhythm platformer” might sound strange at first – in traditional platformers, you set the pace. However, BIT.TRIP RERUNNER throws that idea out the window and creates a surprisingly good experience. It’s a reminder that sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone in gaming can lead to something truly enjoyable.

    BIT.TRIP RERUNNER is a reimagined experience with perfectly balanced difficulty and a lovely crafted production. For those who have never played a Bit.Trip game before, this is the perfect time to start.

    Make the Perfect Run.

    Bit.Trip Rerunner’s challenge comes from how many obstacles you face. You can choose from low, medium, or high difficulty, which impacts the number of hazards you need to dodge. This difficulty setting also affects your point multiplier, starting at Mega and increasing through Super, Ultra, and finally Extra. These difficulty levels are reflected by a colorful bar behind CommanderVideo and a more intense soundtrack. For an even tougher test, you can turn off the automatic checkpoints (which are on by default). Additionally, you can toggle a collision counter and ladder assist to further customize your experience.

    With a straightforward yet engaging gameplay loop, you’ll constantly move forward, relying on precise jumps, powerful kicks to smash barriers, and the directional controls for a variety of actions. Slide under obstacles, launch off trampolines, activate a protective shield, or even absorb certain hazards. In mid-air, you can extend your jump with a satisfying glide, and a dedicated button lets you fire projectiles to destroy the occasional blue stone blocking your path.

    Smooth Moves & Crisp Lines.

    On top of the 36 brand-new levels, Bit.Trip Rerunner throws in a collection of bonus levels featuring music from the preceding 8 games. Altogether, this bumps the total up to over 150 levels, significantly extending your playtime beyond the main story.

    The game also boasts a thriving Community Zone. Here, you can explore levels crafted by other players, put your skills to the test, and even cast your vote for the most impressive ones. The central hub keeps you informed, providing details about each level’s difficulty, length, and your total number of collisions.

    Bit.Trip Rerunner ditches the old look in favor of vibrant, modern visuals. While some cinematics still retain a touch of pixelated charm, the overall aesthetic is now sleek and dynamic. Background elements, like cranes and machinery, come alive with smooth animation. These crisp, clean lines perfectly complement the angular, all-black design of CommanderVideo. Having performance issues? Don’t worry, apparently everybody has it. You can adjust the resolution and frame rate (FPS) to optimize the game’s performance for your system.

    The music is a total banger! This is the kind of soundtrack that begs to be blasted through wired headphones or cranked up on your speakers. The coolest part? Your gameplay directly contributes to the music, making every successful jump and dodge sound even more epic. And if you’re new to the series, you can unlock the original game’s tracks for a double dose of retro goodness!

    An Unforgettable Trip.

    I had an incredible experience with this game, one that will remain in my SSD when i feel like jumping around. Between the multiple difficulty settings and the relentless pursuit of a perfect run, it’s insanely replayable. The level creator is the icing on the cake, giving you the possibility of craft your own stages, then dive into the wild creations of the community. There’s always something new to conquer.

    Review: Sophia the Traveler

    Khloe Turner
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    Review: Sophia the Traveler

    Sophia the Traveler is an adorable and refreshingly challenging hidden objects game developed by Thermite Games. Akin to other favorites, like Where’s Waldo (or Wally) and Hidden Folks, players are tasked with finding a certain amount of items and characters hidden throughout different maps.

    It appears to be innocuous at first, but as players travel through each scene, the game becomes increasingly more difficult!

    This title was released April 11th, 2024 to both Steam and the Nintendo Switch.

    The adorable little cousin of Where’s Waldo

    Sophia is a sweet little traveler who enjoys photography, music, and writing postcards. She alongside her beloved dog and parrot are set out to explore the beautiful landscapes and attractions of Venice, Italy. The game immediately throws you to the ropes after witnessing some cute photos of Sophia’s travels to each location.

    There are ten full levels, or “scenes,” in total. According to Thermite Games, there are over 1,800 different characters and more than 300 unique sound effects! This is rather impressive. Sophia the Traveler is certainly jam-packed with charm and liveliness, operating as if you are flipping through a hand-drawn picture book. It may seem overwhelming at first due to its immense details, but this is what makes Sophia the Traveler so immersive and challenging.

    Scenic views and helpful clues

    As you progress through each scene, the maps become more expansive and complex, which means there are more objects and people to find. On the sidebar, clicking on a thumbnail of a person or item can give you a hint to its whereabouts. Sometimes these hints are immensely helpful, and other times it is rather vague.

    If you continue to struggle, players can also receive magnifying glasses, which zoom in on the location of the next object that is left to find. These magnifying glasses recharge (and stack up) after a six minute time period.

    I appreciate the challenging nature of the game, but the six minute recharge is a bit . . . much. Some objects are extremely well-hidden, and having to wait for this chunk of time can be a huge lull. Perhaps it would make more sense if the wait time were one to three minutes instead. Playing on hard mode removes these hints completely.

    However, the scenes themselves are not timed. There is no rush for players at all, so take your time and enjoy the animated, vivacious scenes of Venice!

    A relaxing tour through Venice

    The art style itself is cute and picturesque, reminding one of flipping through a children’s book! The softness of the art and the soundtrack emits this nice, relaxing feel. After successfully finding a hidden object, several of Sophia’s friends jump onto the screen and cheer for you. While this is nice and encouraging, the particularly sound effect is kind of too loud.

    Another neat aspect of Sophia the Traveler is the amount of easter eggs players can find sprawled out through the scenes. Without spoiling too much, you may come across some familiar faces . . . like Pinocchio or Darth Vader! These little nuances brings a smile to my face.

    Final thoughts

    Sophia the Traveler is a charming edition to the hidden objects genre; the game is adorable, surprisingly challenging, and genuinely reflects the real landscapes of Venice quite nicely. Playing through the scenes can be a relaxing way to spend your time . . . sometimes. There are several instances where the smaller objects, like the dog’s bone or a key, was near impossible for me to find. This became slightly irritating, especially when accompanied with unclear hints. While it is cool that players can click on the tiniest of windows and drawers to open them, there are dozens to sift through.

    Regardless of the above complaints, Sophia the Traver is highly recommended if you are looking for a fun, scenic point-and-click game that simultaneously challenges the brain.

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