Review: Clash 2

Saim Khurshid
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2
Review: Clash 2

This review has been scrapped and rewritten three times as everytime I sat down to put my views on paper, I found myself going back to Clash 2, hoping that there would be something else this turn based strategy game could give me, just enough to sway my mind but the result was always the same… Clash 2 has to be one of the most boring games I have ever played!

A struggle to Enjoy

Oxford dictionary describes disappointment as sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfilment of one’s hopes or expectations. I would describe disappointment as the main gameplay loop of Clash 2. 

From the onset you are shown a really promising and fun-looking concept. Roam the map collecting resources to upgrade aspects of your base so that you may have access to better soldiers for your party. Then take your party of stacked soldiers and one commander and fight scattered enemies around the map for more loot which will then allow you to upgrade your base, which will then give you better soldiers. So on and so forth, till you achieve the final goal which is usually to defeat a certain enemy or reach a certain indicated point on the map. 

The combat of this turn based strategy game itself is a simple turn based system not different from that of Fire emblem. Here you will be stacked up(max 8) against the enemy team and the fight goes on till one team runs out of members. If a soldier dies they remain dead and if your main character dies, game over. So remember to keep saving. There is an auto-save but I found it too random to trust.

This is a basic gameplay loop for the turn based strategy game and one you will be on for the whole duration of your game.

I know what you are thinking, “This sounds alright, how is it boring?” but listion and I will tell you about the tedious horror that awaits.

The game begins with players having access to their main character, who may or may not already have a team assembled. From there you are told to run around to gather gold. This in itself brings out the first glaring choice; You can only walk a few steps before you can no longer walk for the turn.

Meaning just to get enough gold to even think about starting the game, you will spend over 4 uneventful turns, each taking a sweet time to load up. Then with the gold, you click on your base, here you can grab either basic characters that would be as useful to you as cardboard cutouts or you can make upgrades such as hospital or smith or whatever.

You can stack only 6 tasks at once, assuming you have the gold to do this. For each upgrade, you will have to wait one turn. Once you have the upgrades done and you are 7 turns in, now we can proceed with gameplay.(Each character you make, takes one turn each to summon as well and they take up the same spot as the upgrades)

Oh, it gets worse!

With a team ready, you head for enemies. 

So 6 turns later and every weather in the game experienced, you reach your enemy. Not the enemy you need to defeat to progress the story or win the game… No no no! A random enemy standing around for you to kill and there will be dozens of these everywhere and you need to get into combat with most of them to get the resources you need.

It made me laugh when I went to fight my first enemy and the game showcased quite boldly that you can just automate the result. Like in any sane world would I consider the preceding gameplay to have been something I would want to focus on.

When you get into the fight, you are taken into a small grid based map with rarely any terrain. From here the game works just as would something like a Fire Emblem(without any of the actual personality or attachment to the characters, of course.)

In itself the combat is fine but when you have to do it over and over and over and over again…. You start to consider pushing that shiny ‘Automate’ button. 

That got me thinking; what is there in this game? Like what’s the reason behind its existence? It clearly does not have much in its base building or loot gathering elements and the combat, although passable, soon becomes just as tedious and monotonous as everything else.


There must be an online multiplayer, right? And this story mode(more on that in a bit) is just some glorified tutorial…… Nope! The game has no online modes, there is the same PC multiplayer though so I called a friend……

Worse With Friends

Starting the multiplayer was quite simple. Go to skirmish. Pick the colour of your flag, the battle style of you main commander character(magic, archer, swordsman) and your faction.(more on that later) Then you have to pick a team number even though you can only have 2 teams.

From there we access the most useless menu. Here the game asks you to make settings: choose a map and choose weather. 

Hover your mouse over ‘choose a map’ and you get the text: “More maps coming soon” (Wow! Can’t wait for that DLC) 

Go to the weather and the game asks you, in detail, how you want the weather. Despite the fact, that the damned thing keeps changing by itself regardless.

Once inside you will find that the slow paced gameplay does not get any better in multiplayer. They decided to place both characters on opposite ends of the map with both players trapped by a dozen enemies. These enemies must be defeated to progress. 

It took us over 1 hour to get to each other and the final fight took less than 2 minutes. Then all one had to do was walk over to the enemy base and take it as their own.(which was insanely tedious) 

The tale of cliché

The story of Clash 2 is a clash between two religious factions. The Heathens; a tribalistic people who worship nature, more accurately a sort of Avatar-esque great tree. The others are The Purians; a more aggressive type of people who believe in more modern day stuff. 

The game comes with 2 story lines, either play as the Heathens or the Purians.

Without spoiling much, you can see this difference in the way both sides name their locations and characters. For example: with the Heathens having a sacred site as their base healing, where the Purians have a hospital. 

The plot for the Heathens starts with the main character(Elena) going to save her brother(Hjarn). Only to realise he had betrayed them and joined the Purians (who she referred to as the new faith.) (the scene has a more to it but I do not wish to spoil) 

The story for the Purians goes in the opposite direction. It tells us the other side of the story with the rise of the Purians. Here you play as a commander named(Harvig) looking to fulfil his orders to the fullest and at any cost.

A Journey Best Forgotten

The turn based strategy game Clash 2 falls short of expectations and fails to deliver an engaging gaming experience. Despite its promising concepts, the gameplay quickly becomes tedious and monotonous. From the laborious resource gathering to the repetitive turn-based combat, the game struggles to maintain interest. 

With Rarely any real brain power required for this turn based strategy game, the less said about the multiplayer, the better!

While the story attempts to inject some narrative depth, the clash between factions feels clichéd and fails to captivate. Whether playing as the Heathens or the Purians, the plot fails to resonate, leaving players disinterested in the outcome.

Ultimately, the turn based strategy game, Clash 2 lacks the essential elements that make a game enjoyable. With its tedious gameplay, uninspired storytelling, and lack of innovation, it’s difficult to find redeeming qualities in this title. 

For those seeking a truly engaging gaming experience, Clash 2 falls short of the mark.

Review: ABRISS-Build to Destroy

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: ABRISS-Build to Destroy

ABRISS-Build to Destroy is a contradiction in terms. The idea that you create something beautiful, intricate, and spectacular, just to annihilate something else was alien to me. However, this is exactly what you must do if you wish to succeed at this unusual building game.

This physics-based builder was developed by Randwerk Games and published by astragon Entertainment GmbH. Moreover, it has plenty of game modes to keep you entertained. However, no matter which mode you select, the gameplay rarely changes. Consequently, if you love to test your building prowess, and you enjoy destroying stuff, this will be the game for you.

ABRISS-Build to Destroy focuses on its action. 

ABRISS-Build to Destroy doesn’t have a core plot. Instead, its campaign mode adds new elements to test your experimental mindset. Moreover, there is more than one way to skin a cat. Accordingly, you can tackle each stage however you wish. It was this freedom that caught my attention and I loved testing out new ideas. 

Each level centres around an immense structure. At its heart is a red orb that must be struck. If you succeed, the level is over, and you move on to the next stage. Yet, that is not all. You are awarded points depending on how destructive you are. Additionally, you may combine your building blocks to create complex machinery or structures that’ll annihilate anything in its path. Subsequently, you are only limited by your imagination. 

More than just a campaign.

ABRISS-Build to Destroy would have fallen short if it didn’t have additional modes to enjoy. Luckily, you can build whatever you wish in Sandbox mode. Alternatively, you can aim for a high score in Endless mode. Alongside this, there is the opportunity to capture each build using the in-game camera system. 

Though the freedom to build whatever I wished in Sandbox mode was fun, it didn’t keep me focused. I liked the structure of the campaign mode. 7 unique worlds and a restriction of building parts test your mindset and imagination. However, if you wish to push your ability and get a high score at the same time, Endless mode is the option for you.

ABRISS-Build to Destroy has a futuristic edge. 

The clean lines and neon-infused imagery give ABRISS-Build to Destroy a futuristic edge. Alongside this, the red hue of the target gives you something to aim for. The cold and industrial imagery is complemented by the stark and defined UI. Accordingly, you can focus on your build and the minor hurdles that stand in your way.

The audio complements the clinical finish. The high-tempo music has an electric feel. Additionally, the crunching sound effects as the buildings are struck were perfect. Moreover, I liked the blend of futuristic noises and the calm ambient sounds. As such, though it is a little strange, it is pleasant to listen to.

Brilliant controls. 

I expected ABRISS-Build to Destroy to be a pig to play. Thankfully, though, the controls were perfect when using my gamepad. Thanks to the brilliant UI and the excellent camera angles, you can navigate every stage with ease. Moreover, it is simple to undo any terrors or remove an array of blocks at once. Subsequently, you can experiment without too many hiccups.

The 3 unique game modes and the 7 worlds ensure that this has plenty of replay value and longevity. Additionally, the inclusion of a leaderboard will get those competitive juices flowing. As such, you can return to this repeatedly without getting bored. 

ABRISS-Build to Destroy is an unusual but fun title. 

Though I was never entirely comfortable with the concept, I liked ABRISS-Build to Destroy. I had great fun creating monstrous towers and weird destructive equipment. Moreover, the drip-fed elements and the drive towards experimentation kept me coming back for more. Accordingly, I liked it and I recommend buying it here! Destruction is the dish of the day. Therefore, you must pick your ingredients, create something special, and watch the rubble build around you.

Review: Telmari

Phant0m
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0
Review: Telmari

” A plunging wonderful time! “

Not many games have captured my attention quite like this one! Its fun, exhilarating and creative. Hi My name is Phant0m and these are my thoughts on… Telmari!

Visuals!

First thing I’d like to talk about is how gorgeous the visuals of this game are. The artstyle is fun and creative, every area looks stunning even if similar. Furthermore colors pop, the colors range from cool green, to bright oranges, to eerie purple; The only issue I experienced was how little diversity there was in the levels, until you leave certain chapters you’ll be looking at the same thing for quite a while, for example in the first few levels you’ll only be looking at green plains in the background, a floor to walk on, a character to move with, and things to avoid. It’s pretty simple and fails to excite me most of the game.

Gameplay!

What is exciting! The gameplay! Each level is fun to traverse (even if I’m dying most of the time) . It consists of you trying to avoid obstacles or creatures to get to the end with a plunger bow that helps you move around. Although a simple concept they do a lot to make it entertaining like the mentioned animations which are fluid, your movements responsive, and enemies are ruthless. Combine these elements and you have the ingredients to create a good time, but the puzzle design might crash your party; I personally got stuck on levels for over a hundred deaths before figuring out what to do, and at first I blamed myself for being an idiot, but after a few more runs I realized that my creativity hindered my ability to complete levels; This game is designed for you to follow the fox that leads you, and lacks the ability for me to create my own path, most of the levels are blocked by vines or enemies that kill off certain paths, and I could only describe it as irritating. Even more irritating is the fact that there aren’t many rewards besides added items that try to improve traversal but are also limited.

Story/Characters/Music

There isn’t much of a story here, since most of the game is just gameplay, but when there is, its simple, maybe youll see fun dialouge, and cute characters, but thats all i truly saw, and when it comes to music, there is quite literally one track, buuut in its defense its a really good track, i think its awesome and helps the experience feel cool.

Performance

Lastly the performance of the game is great, I ran into 0 issues running the game, I didn’t have to tweak settings, it all worked perfectly right out of the gate and it never crashed. In fact the only issue I experienced was audio being a little too loud but that was quickly adjustable.

Verdict

Anyways if your wondering I do recommend Telmari, it’s a nice small escape into another world that’s beautifully created.I give it a 7.5/10 The negatives are mostly caused by the lack of freedom making the game difficult to recommend to those who don’t like linear puzzle experiences, but for those who do, the small price of this game and the small experience is easy to recommend as someone who has difficulty making time for big triple AAA experiences. Those were my thoughts on Telmari. Thanks for reading! And keep doing great things! Your good at them. Bye 🙂

Side Notes

I think Telmari is a game that could be amazing on mobile, it’s simple style and aesthetic seem perfect for small screens. The controls are also simple if your worried about them being confusing or difficult to work with. The Pc I used is a laptop using a GTX 1650 and an Intel I5 10300H and 16 GB of RAM.

Get the game at: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2468110/Telmari/

Review: The Thaumaturge

Jax Sun
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0
Review: The Thaumaturge

Image credit: 11 bit studios

Thaumaturge, in simple English means miracle worker. One who wields magic and use them in benefit for human society. We can find such figure in Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, etc. Now, we able to enjoy role-playing as a miracle maker in the new release game by 11 bit studios,The Thaumaturge.

The Thaumaturge Trailer

Video credit: 11 bit studios

Gameplay

Image credit: 11 bit studios

You play as Wiktor Szulski, a Thaumaturge who investigates the mysterious cases that happen in Warsaw. Due to the lack of interaction with the environments and NPCs, it’s a bit lackluster to find myself wandering around but unable to interact the citizens and objects. Then, the only people I can interact with are the key characters who plays a great part in the story and sub-key characters who are involved in cases. Which literally means the only things I can interact with are those with indicators.

Investigation Puzzles

Image credit: 11 bit studios

The case emerges when Wiktor interacts with the surrounding objects. The object can be vary from paperwork to personal belongings. Sometimes, Wiktor will discover the Traces of Emotions that linger in the objects. Once Wiktor found the traces, he has to track down the owner of the traces. The emotions can be anything, such as sadness, fear, pride, etc. Usually a wild Salutan connects to the owner of the emotion because they bear a Flaw. Only a person with Flaw will attract a wild Salutan, that connection could potentially make the bearer as Thaumaturge.

Turn-Based Combat

Image credit: 11 bit studios

The turn-based combat can be considered as understandable and simple to master. The Queue indicates each turns of Wiktor and his enemies. Wiktor’s attack time consumption will arrange his turn accordingly in the Queue. There are a number of options are offered to players: Quick Attack, Planned Attack, Damage over Time Attack and Influences. As Wiktor progress further, he will obtains different attack moves and can be used on battle. Furthermore, Wiktor can uses upgrade points to unlock different set of skills for different purposes and scenarios. Besides of the mentioned, Focus plays a vital role in battle. Player should pays attention to the Focus points. Wiktor’s action queue will be affected once it’s being drained. In the end, I find the combat system pretty fine and master it pretty well. The rest is the strategy, I personally recommend the passive debuff. It works well and saved my life in tough battles.

Flaw and Salutan

Image credit: 11 bit studios

Salutan, a spirit that in search of Flaw and a partner for Thaumaturge. Flaw is a negative mark that possess on human, it can be emotion or behavior. Wiktor possess FlawLike Upyr, Wiktor’s first Salutan since he’s young. Due to Wiktor’s Flaw of Pride, Upyr’s able to connect with him. Salutan has many usefulness in social interaction and during combat as well. They are like Stands from Jojo Bizarre Adventure which I enjoy it very much personally. During combat, you can summon Salutan to use its magic tricks to make a passive damage move or distraction.

In Overall

Image credit: 11 bit studios

In my humble opinion, The Thaumaturge is a AAA Open World wanna-be game but with limitations. In other words, a gem that is shaped but lack of fine edges. The story and background settings are amazing. Yet, from the world structure to minor details. The limitation of the game has many, such as loading section in between of traveling, the map for exploration isn’t that big enough, the animation lack of details, etc. Despite of all the mentioned, the game still has something to offer. The story campaign, the thaumaturgy and detective investigation puzzles. The Thaumaturge still worth to play if you love any gameplay elements I just mentioned.

Review on PC. (Also available on PS5 & Xbox series S/X).

Review: Silent Hope

Bryan Applegate
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0
Review: Silent Hope

INTRO – Welcome to the Silent Hope of the Abyss

Silent Hope is a video game created by Marvelous! In this dungeon action RPG hybrid, players assume control of one of 7 classes as they fight their way through an abyss to free a Princess from a Crystalized tear, and rescue a King gone mad. So, does this game serve up a good time, or is this one title that should be avoided?
Let’s find out!

STORY – Silent Hope, the Interactable Fairy Tale

There are 7 Playable Classes in Silent Hope

NOTE: The following Story preview/synopsis comes from the game description on the My Nintendo page for Silent Hope. All credit goes to them.

“One day, a terrible calamity struck a peaceful kingdom. In the chaos that followed, the people began to deceive and backstab each other. Their King used his powerful magic to steal away people’s ability to speak and hurled himself into the Abyss. His daughter, the Princess, cried an endless flood of tears until they encased her in a giant crystal teardrop.

Many years after these events faded to memory, seven rainbow-colored lights flew from the Abyss. These rays of hope appeared before the Princess manifesting themselves as seven heroes, ready to answer the Princess’ call for help. Why did the King abandon his daughter and his people? And why did he steal their ability to speak?” – My Nintendo story description for Silent Hope.

The rest of the story from there is full of twists and turns. The Princess will serve as Narrator for this game, so it feels like a storybook fairy tale come to life. I actually used to read fairy tales and have them read to me growing up, since this type of storytelling is right up my alley, and also suitable for young teens. But, how does the gameplay of Silent Hope stack up? Let’s dive into that Abyss and find out!

GAMEPLAY – 7 Classes, 1 Abyss, 1 at a time

Silent Hope Gameplay is pretty good with the randomized dungeon layouts.

NOTE: The following gameplay tidbits come from the software description of Silent Hope on the My Nintendo page for this game. All credit goes to Marvelous and Nintendo.

“◆Seven Heroes, Seven Unique Fighting Styles
Choose from a motley crew of characters like the well-rounded Wanderer, long-range specialist Archer, or heavy-hitting Warrior to find whose skills suit your playstyle, and embrace new roles and abilities as you gain more experience. Use crystals found throughout the Abyss to switch characters or return to Base Camp.”

“◆A Home at the Edge of the World
Find new recipes and materials and return to your Base Camp at the edge of The Abyss, where each character has a unique job. From alchemist to blacksmith to cook, each hero brings something different.”

“◆Engaging Exploration and Dungeon-Crawling
Experience a new layout each time you enter the enigmatic Abyss, keeping you on your toes every moment you explore, and look out for Memory Rifts, where greater rewards — and challenges — await.”

Essentially, in short, the dungeon layouts are randomly generated each time you enter the Abyss. A easy playthrough in one instance could be a nightmare the 2nd time around, or vice versa. Make sure to level up each hero, and not just your favorite one. Memory Rifts offer bigger rewards, but also greater challenges, so plan accordingly.

FINAL THOUGHTS – A Solid Game, with a bit much to do at times

In closing, Silent Hope is a excellent, Etrian Odyssey-styled dungeon crawler with a great story, lots of things to do at base camp, and randomly-generated dungeon layouts. That being said, the music was a bit forgettable, and only the title theme and the first dungeon theme stuck out to me on a first listen to. Also, there can sometimes be a bit too much to do in the base camp at one time, which leads to a sense of feeling overwhelmed.

Despite these 3 setbacks, the rest of the game definitely does way more than enough to make up for those shortcomings. I definitely recommend this game if you haven’t played it already.

Review: Rune Factory 3 Special

Khloe Turner
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0
Review: Rune Factory 3 Special

An eagerly awaited title . . .

Rune Factory 3 Special is a remaster of the 2009 original developed by Neverland Company Inc. This title was launched in Japan in March of 2023, then worldwide in September of the same year. This game can be played on Windows or the Nintendo Switch.

Rune Factory has accrued a devoted fanbase these past decades; and if you have never heard of the franchise before, it is similar to (and originally a spinoff from) Harvest Moon, but with a richer story and with added combat. Rune Factory 3 Special is an exciting mix of the action RPG and real-life simulation genres, which players can farm, craft, develop their relationships and fight monsters.

A short and sweet adventure

Compared to other titles in the franchise, Rune Factory 3 Special is short, sweet, and relatively easy even on the harder difficulty settings. This could be considered a good entry point for newcomers to Rune Factory. Purely the storyline itself may take 25-30 hours to get through.

While the story is shorter than some of the other Rune Factory games, players are overall encouraged to take their time and explore all the other mechanics of the game, including exploration, foraging, farming, cooking, crafting tools and accessories, and developing friendships and potential romances with the inhabitants of Sharance. To craft more advanced recipes, players must raise their skill levels in order to accumulate RP, or Rune Points.

In the game, you play as a young man named Micah who is suffering a bad case of amnesia (of course). The daughter of Sharance’s mayor, Shara, offers Micah a place to stay within the enormous Sharance Tree at the forefront of the town, where Micah must raise and tend to the farms around it. However for some strange reason, the Sharance Tree has not bloomed for 50 years and the surrounding land has begun to decay. Creatures, called univir, from Sol Terrano Desert have also become hostile towards Sharance’s townsfolk.

Early on in the game after completing Shara’s first quest, Micah is able to recollect that he is indeed a half-monster himself, and is able to turn into a golden wooly. He decides to keep this a secret due to the unfriendly relations between humans and monsters. After traveling to Sol Terrano Desert, Micah learns that humans and univir used to live in harmony before the former kicked them out, which is what led to the current hostilities and hatred.

Throughout the story, Micah travels to four different major areas and upon each dungeon completion, he recovers memory orbs that heal his amnesia and allows him (and the player) to learn more about Micah’s past. These memories provide key information on what players need to do next. It is learned that in order to help the Sharance Tree blossom, monsters and humans must unify and coexist peacefully once again. To unite the races, Micah tells everyone the he is half-monster, and after some arguing that follows, the two sides agree to unify at the Unity Festival.

The tree begins sprouting at the Unity festival but cannot fully blossom until Micah marries one of the human bachelorettes in Sharance. Players are allowed to pursue whichever girl they choose, but on the wedding day, the bride is nowhere to be found. Players eventually learn that their bride-to-be is somewhere within Dragon Cave. After defeating the final boss Aquaticus–who insists that Micah does not deserve to marry either monster nor human, and that humans and univir should never reunite–Micah reconnects with his bride and chooses to stay in Sharance to wed and return life to the tree and land.

From golden boy to golden wooly

So, yes, Micah is half-monster. Players can transform into a golden wooly and play the game in that way! Being a wooly feels silly and powerful, and in combat, you can knock enemies around and issue massive physical and splash damage.

Combat is overall quick and dynamic, and there is a plethora of weaponry to choose from. At the start of the game, Gaius offers you any weapon of your choice, from aces to short swords to staffs. I chose the double blades, which are fast and deadly, but it does negate the power of the shields I equip and consumes a chunky amount of RP. Every weapon comes with its own perks and cons, so choose wisely to your own playing style.

As you progress through the game, Micah can invite other townsfolk to join his party. Each party member has their own stats and abilities: Sofia is a capable healer who can also wield swords, Raven has incredible fire spells and a high HP stat, and Evelyn utilizes ranged attacks. Unfortunately, you can only recruit one person at a time, alongside a monster companion or plant pet. Overall . . . I did not use the recruiting mechanic too much since Micah is heavily capable on his own, especially in the golden wooly form.

Meet the bachelorettes

The most significant, popular feature of Rune Factory is the friendship system, where Micah is able to flourish relationships in a platonic or romantic way. In order to advance relationships, players can complete tasks requested by villagers and talk with them and give them gifts. Micah can develop a romance with any of the 11 girls of Sharance, and in order to complete the main story of Rune Factory 3 Special, Micah has to marry one of them.

Players can choose from Shara, Daria, Collette, Sofia, Sakuya, Pia, Raven, Karina, Carmen, Marian, and Kuruna. In fact, Micah can date multiple women at the same time . . . but you can only choose one bride in the end after hitting relationship level 10. Once this is completed, players can select the Newlywed mode from the main screen of Rune Factory 3 Special which offers additional content separate from the main story, showcasing Micah’s life with his new bride. Players can select any of the eleven girls’ stories in the Newlywed mode regardless of who Micah married in the main story.

It is also important to note that in the Newlywed story, all recipes are unlocked and Micah’s crafting level is automatically set to 99.

I personally chose Carmen, because I love her short hair and theatrics. Honestly, I also enjoyed getting closer to her brother Carlos along the way. Speaking of, it is worth noting that players must marry a female candidate. Micah cannot date nor marry other male villagers, but can foster friendships with them. I viewed this as a major downside and it would have been a huge plus if the remaster had allowed same-sex marriages, or at least the option to play as a girl and not only the male version of Micah. However, the remaster is fully faithful to original and does not deviate in this mechanic.

Final thoughts

Rune Factory 3 Special is truly special indeed. Despite being shorter and simpler compared to other titles in the franchise, the game offers such a fun experience with cute, charming characters and hilarious and self-aware dialogue.

The remaster is a major performance upgrade from the original, with smoother running fps, more convenient controls, and other components that adds that well-deserved “special” in the name: a new “Hell” difficulty to challenge more experienced players, as well as Newlywed mode and “Another Episode” DLC (short voice-acted scenes of the life of Micah, his wife and children).

The qualms I have with this game include its super easy combat difficulty (which newcomers may enjoy) and the slight bugginess and sensitivity of the farming mechanic. The remastered voice acting is not as favored as the original cast, particularly because there is less distinction in the vocal personalities of the bachelorettes. Even though the voicing sounds a bit more indistinguishable and less dynamic, one can still sense the effort put into the lines, and there is also much more voiced dialogue overall.

Review: Qomp2

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Qomp2

Qomp2 proves that life is only as mundane as you make it. If you so wish, you can break free from every rudimentary task and fulfil your potential. However, where there is reward, there is risk. Consequently, you will fail repeatedly before you succeed.

This old-school action title was developed by Graphite Lab and published by Atari. Moreover, it takes influence from the classic game Pong. Accordingly, it utilises many straightforward ideas as you navigate a deadly maze filled with 30 levels. On top of this, there are drip-fed obstacles that heighten the sense of danger. This unnerving edge keeps you alert and prevents the action from plateauing.

Qomp2 tells a story of adventure. 

Fulfilling your destiny can be a tiresome quest. This is particularly true if you exist as a ball from the game Pong. Subsequently, if you want to break free from this mould, you must do something radical! By tackling 30 levels of increasing difficulty, you will prove the naysayers wrong. Additionally, you will fulfil your potential.

Though the story is ridiculous, it isn’t overbearing. Instead, Qomp2 focuses on its ball-breaking gameplay. Moreover, the blend of claustrophobic spaces and deadly obstacles tests your resolve. However, thankfully, there are plenty of checkpoints to keep things moving nicely. This was a good thing as I believe I would have quit long before I got to the final stages.

The short levels should have been a walk in the park. However, saw blades, spikes, lasers, and more stand in your way. Alongside this, there are boss encounters that push you to your limit. Consequently, this isn’t a game for the faint of heart, and you must be patient and calm if you wish to succeed.

Qomp2 takes a refined approach.

The old-school gameplay is complemented by some refined graphics. The simple stage layout focuses on a fixed-screen perspective. As you delve deeper, the levels fade from one screen to another. This basic idea adds a sense of mystery and tension. Furthermore, you never know what traps await you as you move closer to the end goal.

The audio utilises an 80s synth edge. This upbeat soundtrack should have been more daunting and sadistic. As it is, the high-energy tunes juxtapose the careful and often slow progress. Furthermore, there isn’t a vast array of sound effects to enjoy. Subsequently, you’ll concentrate on the maddening gameplay instead.

Simple controls. 

Where Qomp2 excels is its simple controls. The ball can be made to dash or turn 45°. This is the limit of the input system. However, things are complicated further when obstacles and special tools mix things up. You must weave between spikes and blades. Alternatively, you’ll bounce off walls or use vacuums to adjust your trajectory. Either way, you must avoid death if you wish to progress.

30 levels doesn’t seem a lot. Yet, the action becomes so intense and convoluted that you enjoy plenty of replay value and longevity. Though this won’t be considered a cult classic, and you probably won’t return to it once you complete it, I enjoyed my first playthrough.

Qomp2 is a tough but enjoyable indie title. 

If you enjoy being tested without a complex storyline, then Qomp2 could be for you. The basic puzzles and layers of difficulty keep you coming back for more. Additionally, the boss levels add some unique elements to prevent things from becoming stale. As such, I enjoyed it and I recommend buying it here! Can you leave the paddles behind? Break free, avoid obstacles, and complete every level.

Review: Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection

Sam Butler
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0
Review: Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection

Star Wars: Battlefront is a franchise near and dear to my heart. My time with these games will always make me feel nostalgic. So I was surprised and delighted to see the announcement of Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection. I was ready to return and relive part of my childhood. The remaster promises 64 online multiplayer, updated graphics, and bonus content. However, Aspyr failed to deliver a functional Star Wars: Battlefront franchise remaster.

Not Like The Simulations

Battlefront’s gameplay is simple. You have different classes ranging from assault, heavy, engineer, support, and special classes. You have different spawn points; you take over every spawn point or reduce the enemies’ forces to zero. It is the quintessential battlefield clone but occurs across Star Wars’ iconic battlefields. Shooting feels more arcadey than your typical battlefield game, and you can swap between first and third-person perspectives. In Battlefront II, you can access heroes and villians from the franchise, such as Darth Maul or Luke Skywalker. Characters with lightsabers feel powerful, sometimes too powerful compared to those with a blaster, but not invincible to take down.

There are also various game modes to choose from between the two titles. Battlefront I offers Galactic Conquest, where different factions fight over control of the galaxy by fighting on different planets. Controlling a planet offers bonuses during the battle, like extra health or sabotaging vehicles on the battlefield. There is a campaign, but it’s just playing the standard mode on different maps. Battlefront I was a foundation point, but it feels slightly barren compared to Battlefront II.

Battlefront II has a more robust campaign that follows an elite squadron of clone troopers from the beginning of the Clone Wars through the empire’s fall. It is an interesting take on the events of the franchise from the perspective of characters who fought for the republic and the empire. The campaign offers unique objectives not seen in other parts of Battlefront. Hero assault pits every hero against every villain in what becomes a button-mashing fiesta. There are also Capture the Flag and Galactic Conquest returns as well. Both games offer split-screen multiplayer for those looking to play with friends locally. However, it’s only a two-player split-screen, which is weird because the original Xbox version offered a four-player split-screen option, a choice I found most baffling.

A Bad Feeling About This

Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection promises an all-in-one experience for some fan-favorite Star Wars games. It has been updated with 64 online multiplayer games, Hero Assault on all ground maps, and the DLC. Unfortunately, my time with the game was riddled with bugs, crashes, and instability. Playing on Xbox Series S, my first multiplayer game ended in victory; however, transitioning to a new map caused my game to crash. I’ve also had my game crash due to overwriting a save file. I’ve had to quit to the main menu of my Xbox because it wouldn’t recognize my controller after a quick resume. Even when I could get into multiplayer games, my games were laggy and unstable, so my blaster fire would register later. It would also take me pressing refresh multiple times to find a server or restarting my game to find dedicated servers.

Unfortunately, this remaster is plagued by bugs despite the gameplay being fun. When I could play, I had a lot of fun blasting through waves of enemies, capturing command posts, and reliving a childhood favorite. I’m hopeful that patches will fix this game soon. That server stability will improve the online experience because the main selling point of this collection is the online multiplayer, and it failed to deliver a smooth experience. While PlayStation and Nintendo Switch players might not have any other way to access these games, players on Xbox and PC can buy these games for cheaper than what the remaster offers, with a less buggy experience.

No New Hope

Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection should have been a slam-dunk remaster. Instead, Aspyr broke two games that just needed a little polish. If you’re looking to re-live the experience of single-player campaigns or galactic conquest, this collection might be worth picking up. For those looking for an online Star Wars shooter experience, this is not the remaster you are looking for. While I can only hope that patches will fix this game’s problems, I don’t know if they will help it recover from the rocky launch. I would avoid this game until there are massive improvements.

Review: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Jorge Castilho
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Review: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

From Jet Set Radio to Yakuza.

Unless you’re deeply involved in the Japanese gaming industry, the name Masayoshi Yokoyama might
not ring a bell. While he may not be as widely recognized as Shigeru Miyamoto or Tetsuya Nomura (at
least to me), he is undoubtedly one of the most respected figures in the gaming industry.

Yokoyama is responsible for classics such as Jet Set Radio and, of course, Yakuza. It’s in the Yakuza series
that Mr. Yokoyama truly shines. Like a Dragon is a Yakuza spin-off series that debuted on the Sony PS3
and PS4 platforms in Japan in 2014 to very positve reviews from Japanese critcs.

In general, Yakuza is an acclaimed series with fans all over the world. While I’ve never explored the series
as thoroughly as it deserves, Infinite Wealth is without a doubt one of the best RPGs I’ve played in recent
years.

Ninjas in Hawaii.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a turn-based RPG with action elements developed by SEGA. It is
available on PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, and PC (Steam) so that no one misses
out on this experience, unless you only have a Switch. It was Like a Dragon that introduced the turnbased combat system to the Yakuza series.

The story follows Ichiban Kasuga, hailed as the “Hero of Yokohama” after the events of the 2020 game,
which marked his debut in the series. However, this time, he must face new threats in a place far from
Japan: Hawaii. Our goal is to find “our” biological mother.

The game’s story features several memorable and nostalgic characters from the series, with a highlight
on Kazuma Kyriu, the original protagonist of the franchise, who takes on a secondary role in this game.
Despite the interesting narrative and quite fun gameplay, the slow and excessively long start may tire
some players, which was not a problem for me as I enjoy this type of narrative.

Like a Dragon retains the series’ signature style of humor and drama, with hilarious and emotional
moments, striking a balance between the dark and the comedic. This continues to be one of its
strengths. The Kasuga and Kiryu duo is fantastic, showcasing perfect chemistry between the two and
serving as a great homage to fans of the series.

Turn-Based Brawls in Paradise.

Infinite Wealth introduces a new level of freedom to the series’ combat. Players can now move freely
around the combat zone, using proximity and the environment to their advantage when atacking.
Despite being a turn-based game, standing still is a bad idea. The system reaches its peak in the series.

With a vast job system, players have more options than ever to customize their combat style. Enemies
are also more intelligent and will not be caught off guard easily, requiring the use of more elaborate
tactics and items.

Gameplay is the highlight of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, cementing it as one of the most entertaining
turn-based RPGs in recent memory. Its frantic pace and fast-paced battles encourage players to fight
repeatedly, preventing missions from becoming repetitive. The variety of enemies and creative bosses
contribute to this exciting experience. The game demonstrates that this genre, often associated with
complex strategies, can also be accessible to more casual players.

“Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a digital amusement park.”

One of the things that gives Infinite Wealth its charm is its wide variety of mini-games. These include
delivering food within a time limit Crazy Taxi-style, collecting cans to recycle, playing casino games like
Blackjack and regular Poker, enjoying a good game of darts, fishing, singing karaoke, and much more. The
sheer number of activities available means that even if you get tired of the main story, you don’t have to
switch to another game to take a break. Like a Dragon is truly a digital amusement park.

But our friends at Sega have left one more surprise for everyone’s delight: ARCADES! Within the game,
you can play classic titles like Virtua Fighter 3tb, SEGA Bass Fishing, and SpikeOut. The latter never left
Japanese arcades, so this marks its debut for Western audiences.

A Genre-Bending Adventure Beyond the Brawls

In conclusion, Like a Dragon is much more than just an RPG. It is a story with themes that go far beyond
fighting, with memorable characters and epic scenes for all fans of the franchise. The turn-based
gameplay is practically flawless, as it manages to bring elements of strategy and positioning without
making the experience to demanding. Yes, the beginning can be slow, but what is “on the other side of
the curtain” is an experience that deserves everyone’s attention, from casual gamers to the most
demanding. t’s still early in the year, but Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is undoubtedly one of the best
games of 2024 so far.

Review: Quadroids

Daniel Waite
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Review: Quadroids

QUADROIDS is a game that blew my mind! This isn’t because it was visually impressive, or the action was unique. No, it was just a brutally testing affair. Every stage demands that you adjust your perspective while testing your grey matter. Accordingly, this isn’t a game for the faint of heart.

This multiscreen puzzler was developed by Blue Loop and published by Just For Games. Moreover, it can be enjoyed alone or with another if you are struggling. As such, you can show off your mental prowess if you love to be tested or beg a friend to help you as you try to complete every level.

QUADROIDS tells no story. 

Though QUADROIDS’ gameplay is fascinating, no story captured my attention. This shortcoming doesn’t impact the core gameplay, but it would have been nice to have something to distract from the brutal puzzles. 

This sadomasochistic approach will attract a niche audience. Gamers who adore Souls-like titles or Super Meat Boy will cherish every soul-destroying moment. As such, if you are a newbie to this genre, you may wish to start elsewhere. 

In theory, it shouldn’t be this hard. 

When you break down the core gameplay of QUADROIDS, you realise that the concept is undeniably simple. Effectively, you must complete 4 minor puzzles from a split-screen viewpoint. Therefore, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. However, it takes a fair bit of getting used to as you divide your attention and the inputs keep changing. 

Each screen is controlled by one button as you explore that area. This input helps you avoid puzzles, leap chasms, and reach new platforms. Sounds easy so far, right? Well, this is where things start to heat up. There is no methodical movement between the screens. Therefore, one level can run left to right, another top to bottom, or finally, it can be random as hell. This odd idea ensures that you never know what to expect, and it keeps you on your toes.

Matters are made worse as traps, obstacles, and other elements are drip-fed into the action. Consequently, your attention is divided further as you try to control multiple characters while avoiding the inevitable failure.

QUADROIDS is refined. 

QUADROIDS will not blow you away with its presentation. Its refined and basic approach is understated and does not test the power of modern machines. However, I enjoyed its stripped-back look. Furthermore, the level design was interesting and varied. On top of this, each obstacle was unique and this helped you to navigate each tough level. 

The audio was eerie but wonderfully captivating. The mix of synth music and haunting sound effects enhances the sci-fi theme. Additionally, it increases the sense of despair and loneliness. Consequently, it is weirdly alluring and this creates a sense of depth. 

Responsive controls. 

Though the control setup is refined, the action is tough to master. Therefore, the responsive controls were pleasant to experience. This considered approach alleviates some of the challenging aspects and this makes QUADROIDS more bearable. 

There are over 100 hellish levels to test your resolve. Each one of these tough endeavours will make you want to pull your hair out. On top of this, there is a leaderboard that highlights your incredible pace, and you can play this with a friend if you so wish. Subsequently, if you can stomach the brutality, there is both replay value and longevity.

QUADROIDS is tough but rewarding.

No matter what way you look at it, QUADROIDS is a tough game. However, it is this testing nature that creates a rewarding experience. Though this will kick your ass repeatedly, you will return for more. As such, it is a tough but fair game, and I recommend buying it here! Can you complete every level? Grab a friend, keep your cool, and tackle every puzzle.

Review: Endless Dungeon

Xavier Berry
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Review: Endless Dungeon

 If there is one thing that I have come to enjoy about rogue lites, its that they can offer countless hours of fun while still keeping the gameplay both engaging and exciting without running stale. It gets even better when the game is able to incorporate the rogue-lite elements into its story. Endless dungeon did a wonderful job of bridging the gap between gameplay mechanics and its story and while there were some minor frustrations to be found, I was pleased with my time here.

Endless Dungeon will have players exploring an abandoned space station after watching a crew of explorers meet their untimely end after crashing into it. The only person to survive was a janitor who claims that he is not quite up to the task but fortunately for him, he doesn’t have to go through the journey alone. With a multitude of characters to pick from with various loadouts and abilities, we will have to explore the space station and uncover the mysteries found here while trying to find a way to escape.

The space station is filled with monstrosities that are out to provide our heroes with all kinds of roadblocks on their journey and will succeed in this more often than not but thankfully the space station is equipped with the ability to have our heroes “reload” back at the home base every time they die. I love seeing this mechanic catching the new member of the crew off-guard because it is a foreign concept and not something you would expect to run into in a real situation and it also gives an explanation as to why we are able to have so many runs through the station. 

Before each run, we will select a character and two more supporting characters to help aid us on our journey. The game does offer 3 player co-op but I played through this with the support of the CPU controlled characters and found them to be helpful in their own way. They manage enemies well and would focus their fire on whatever was being destroyed in the general area so the extra firepower was nice. 

Each character has their own specific loadout and abilities to help move through the game so there is something for everyone out there. I found myself playing as Bunker since I enjoyed the shield bash area of effect attack as well as their voice lines when adventuring through the hallways of the station. You are able to upgrade the characters and their weapons with the resources you find during your runs so not every player will have the same experience. 

After selecting your load out and heroes, it’s off to pick a mission and the location that you will be exploring. There are difficulty options that can be picked before each run so if you are wanting a more laid back experience or want to get some friends together for a tough run then you can do so. There are a multitude of locations to choose from as you unlock more areas during your journey so it is important to fully explore each room in order to find the key that unlocks the next area. I enjoyed having the option to change scenery and tasks after each run so I did not grow tired of the same hallways. 

Your goal during the runs will be to establish a route for your crystal bot to reach a specific area and this is done by unlocking rooms that connect to one another. The room layouts change with each run so there is no need to worry about things getting stale and repetitive. I always felt a sense of unease and excitement since I didn’t know what the next room had in store for me. Was it a generator to get extra resources so that I could boost my defenses or was it a nasty nest of creatures waiting to get ahold of me? There was no way of knowing without heading in and I loved this. 

As you explore the rooms and prep yourself for the wave of monsters, you will find stations for you to set up turrets in anticipation for a tower defense style of action. Each turret will function differently with some focused heavily on taking out enemies while others focus on hindering their movement. It is important to set these up accordingly because you and your companions will not be able to handle the amount of enemies thrown your way on the normal mode since they come from all directions and have one goal in mind, to destroy your crystal bot. If they succeed then the run is over but if you manage to hold them off and protect the little robot then you are able to continue exploring. As you wander through the hallways you will pick up keys and other items that will provide more context in regards to the nature of the ship. Taking these items back to base will also reward you with options to build up your characters and prep yourself for the next run. 

I found myself constantly going back for more and had a hard time putting this down. As someone who focused on the solo aspect of the game, I had a ton of fun and can only imagine how much more fun it would be with friends. This is definitely a title worth checking out for those who love rogue-lites and want something new to playthrough. 

Review: PC75B Plus Air keyboard

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: PC75B Plus Air keyboard

The PC75B Plus Air keyboard from Akko is a fantastic addition to your workstation. This 75% form factor beast is easy to use and looks fantastic. The clean white finish is complemented by the adjustable RGB backlighting. Moreover, a custom knob allows you to change your settings with ease. Alongside this, it is wonderfully versatile as it can be used wirelessly, via Bluetooth, or wired using a USB-C cable. Accordingly, it is ideal if you work from home, game, or commute.

On top of this, it is amazingly accurate thanks to the N-Key rollover technology and the responsive switches. Akko has incorporated its V3 Cream Blue Pro switches. Consequently, you’ll enjoy a responsive typing and gaming experience. Finally, if you are a Mac user, you’ll enjoy the Mac-OS-friendly design. In short, this keyboard packs an awful lot into its tiny form factor.

What’s in the box of the PC75B Plus Air keyboard?

  • The monochromatic packaging looks fantastic. What’s more, it can be recycled and that’s a big plus. 
  • The PC75B Plus Air keyboard feels substantial. The metal case is sturdy, and the white finish is clean and eye-catching.
  • The USB-C cable is used to charge or connect the device. 
  • A USB dongle to connect wirelessly.
  • Lift the keycaps with the keycap pullers.
  • Learn the fundamentals with the user manual. 

Technical aspects. 

There are plenty of excellent keyboards. Consequently, the PC75B Plus Air keyboard from Akko must deliver if it wishes to stand out. Thankfully, it does just that, and I was impressed with its tech-packed approach and its versatility. First, the linear switches can be exchanged with any 5-pin aftermarket alternative. However, I enjoyed the responsive nature and the feel of the V3 Cream Blue Pro Switches.

The 3.3mm travel distance is substantial enough for typing but responsive enough for gaming. Additionally, I never worried whenever I used this for competitive gaming. You enjoy rapid inputs during every encounter thanks to the impressive actuation force. Second, I experienced no latency issues no matter the connection method. As such, this is perfect if you wish for a clean and simple workstation.

The battery life varied, but I had no issues when I reduced the intensity of the RGB lighting. However, if you love to go loud and proud, you will need to keep the device topped up between gaming sessions. This wasn’t an issue as the chunky USB-C cable can be used while the device is in use. Accordingly, even if you run out of juice, you can carry on gaming. 

Usability.

The PC75B Plus Air keyboard can be used on a variety of devices. Additionally, the OSA keycaps are comfortable when typing or gaming. Then you must consider the custom knob that allows you to adjust the RGB light setting. This superb tool is straightforward to use. Though this may seem a minor element, I loved its rudimentary approach.

On top of this, the ability to hot-swap the switches was a game-changer. Akko offers 3 different linear options. This is perfect as you can create your ideal device with minimal effort or knowledge. Finally, the smaller form factor is ideal if you have a compact workstation.

Build quality. 

Akko is renowned for its exceptional build quality. Subsequently, I wasn’t surprised that the PC75B Plus Air keyboard looked and felt great. The metal case has a brushed colour finish and white keycaps complement the white livery. Each of the keycaps is made of PBT and the sub-dye process ensures durability and no discolouration.

The detachable USB cable and the USB dongle are well-built. Furthermore, the ability to switch between each mode was straightforward. Finally, the north-facing RGB emits a pleasant effect and the stable keyboard footing prevents the device from slipping or moving. As such, you are assured of the best experience whether you are gaming or typing.

The adjustable feet allow you to set the height of this keyboard with ease. With three positions to choose from, you will find a comfortable and supportive angle. As such, this is ideal for marathon gaming sessions.

Is the PC75B Plus Air keyboard worth it?

There are plenty of amazing gaming keyboards. Consequently, it is tough to plough through a competitive marketplace. However, Akko has done an amazing job with this device. Not only does it look amazing and feel great, but it is easy to set up and use. Additionally, the ability to swap the switches and the pleasant keycaps make this a fantastic peripheral. Accordingly, I recommend buying it here!

(More information on Akko can be found here!)

The PC75B Plus Air keyboard has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Poor Things Movie Review

Isabella Cerullo
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Poor Things Movie Review

Poor Things Movie Review

With Emma Stone. Photo By deadline.com
Photo Property – deadline.com

As a woman myself.

And with strong opinions about feminism or about being a woman in general.

With positive and negative experiences we face as women.

I consider this review will reflect a very conflictive opinion with the original intention I wish, and suppose, they had behind this movie.

And this requires a deep debate, in my opinion.

Some people will be on my side, some others will simply continue with their lives.

Which is totally fine!

But I can anticipate that I really disliked this movie and I had to express it.

I was expecting something else, for the amount of time I waited for this release… I’m disappointed.

Poor Things’ Eccentricity Destroys The Narrative

Honest Movie Review of Poor Things starring Emma Stone.
Photo Property – Isabella Cerullo & Robert Ebert

I simply had to write about this, because they missed the most important point of the story.

And I’m not specifically referring to the cinematic exquisiteness or the excellent filmmaking skills inspired by classics.

Things I will discuss later through this article in detail. (Not so much, just a bit).

But I’m mad!

How could they miss the terror someone faces as a child, and the unfortunate event of experiencing an abuse?

How could they focus on extremely unnecessary graphic scenes, instead of the real message?

And I must say, this is entirely my opinion.

But why did they focus so much on disturb, explicit, and deviant content?

Why would you portrait females as ”dumb”, ”infant” if you are trying to create a valuable metaphor?

It’s more on a psychopathological and perverted side, than in the actual meaning and motivations of the film.

Even Emma Stone responded, after Poor Things’ criticism of being ”exploitative” and ”sexist”:

”My mom has this saying that at the start of a relationship you say, ‘Oh we’re so in love we finish each other’s sentences.’ And then, as time goes by, it becomes, ‘You’re always interrupting me.’ That can happen in a relationship with film, too, especially a film like this, that’s asking more questions than giving answers”.

You can learn more about Emma Stone’s opinions and how she responded to all the criticism, by visiting the original source.

And I’m really sorry, but her answers aren’t enough for me.

”But why are you so emotional?, this is just a movie” you might think.

Well, movies and art in general are there to communicate important messages to people.

And with different and unique kinds of styles and creative dynamics you already know.

Of course! This is still fiction!

But for me, is exactly like using a person’s true life events, to your advantage and make necessary changes to create a script and earn money from them.

In, obviously, a not-so-honest way.

Is simply unethical and absolutely disturbed.

Poor Things is not even entertaining as a film.

Being in the situation where you have to justify a story by ”having more questions than answers”, is not convincing for me in this particular opportunity.

Is it due to societal norms the reason why we don’t have enough answers?

Personally, I don’t think so.

Cinematic & Movie Visuals’ Review – Poor Things

Poor Things vs Metropoli by Fritz Lang
Photo Property – thecinegogue

I already mentioned slightly that Poor Things won visually.

There’s no doubt a filmmaking student or cinephile delectated themselves with the wise cinematography.

Of course, this is all entirely my opinion.

And it was fun to see on Instagram that people are already making brilliant comparisons to classics such as Metropoli.

Absolutely inspired by this film and everyone who knows this German movie by Fritz Lang.

Could have felt the excitement that happens when this is accomplished the right way.

Poor Things’ 2 most FAQs

Poor Things Movie Review Biased for sure! Photo Property by imdb.com
Photo Property – Isabella Cerullo & imdb.com

I was passionate and emotional about Poor Things.

But we still need to answer some of the ”natural” and more ”normal” questions people may have around the movie.

And I’m very happy to solve those questions right now!

If you already know the answers. Please, feel free to skip this part of the blog I won’t be angry.

I promise.

What is Poor Things’ Movie About?

To provide a simple answer (it could contain a certain level of spoilers, be aware):

Poor Things is a movie about a woman who was married to a misogynists’ and abusive man who induced her to commit suicide.

And an unethical scientist recovered the protagonist’s body. In this case, Bella’s, to make a brain transplant.

After she awakens. A journey of sexual discovery around the world begins for her.

Poor Things a Movie for Kids?

No.

Oh! Absolutely not.

I would have suggested a ‘yes’ if I didn’t think it isn’t helpful nor educative for young kids.

The reality, is that I don’t think Poor Things is the best movie to support young people around those topics.

There are better alternatives, that are for teens. And because of the amount of abuse, that sadly occurs, to young kids.

Maybe talking or introducing these topics to kids is actually a good idea to create awareness and prevention.

I’ll share some suggestions:

Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Ghost World.

Spring Awakening.

With the inspiration of Reddit’s awesome source and opinions.

Poor Things’ Movie Review – Conclusion

Poor Things unfiltered comparing Poor Things' movie to Metropoli.
Photo Property – Isabella Cerullo, cinegogue, theharvardcrimson, imdb, bostonherald.com

Well, we already know I despised Poor Things unfortunately.

Without any filters!

But I think I have a positive end of the story’s review.

It started a precedent to keep talking about sensitive topics, and unravel really important matters to try to solve and communicate realities that involves: suicide, abuse, misogynism, and more!

We just need to keep improving the way we do it.

But that’s just my opinion!

Do you agree? Or did you really like the narrative made in Poor Things?

Would love to hear your opinion!

Thank you for reading. It means a lot!

Don’t forget you can check excellent reviews, such as this one!

Review: Nyaaaanvy

Laurence Wall
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Review: Nyaaaanvy

Preen those whiskers and put on your shades, because it’s time for some butt-sumo, Nyanvy style. Grab power-ups, dodge bombs, and watch out for flying projectiles as you fight for dominance in a series of wild and whacky environments. Jump, dash, and flail that wiggly body to knock your enemies off the stage, and become the Cat of Cats!

Nyaaaanvy is a charming indie title, created by the three-person team at DigitalMind. It embraces a simple concept: be the last cat standing, but does so in a way that anyone can understand. The tutorial is lightning-fast and offers the basics so you can get stuck into the action. The controls are straightforward, thus being able to be played by seasoned veterans and newcomers alike. Battles are fun and quick, you can hop into a game and have a blast without having to overthink, and there are difficulty modes that allow you to tune the game to whichever challenge suits you best.

One of the most entertaining things about Nyaaaanvy is creating your avatar. The developers added a lot of customization options so you can create whatever strange thought that pops into your head. For me, that would be creating a Wooper-themed Nyanvy, who has just the perfect amount of goofiness. And this is truly where the game shines. The cats, whether serious or ridiculous, simply radiate personality. Equip your cat with wheels, or proclaim them as royalty with a golden crown, save your ideas as presets and create your own army of whacky warriors. Nyaaaanvy doesn’t take itself seriously, and so every minute I spent with a smile on my face.

Though it is very short, the story mode came as a pleasant surprise. This is a great place to start before getting into the arcade mode and online challenges, as it eases you into the basics without holding your hand too much. This particular tale is a bizarre one, featuring a Nyanvy tournament, strange alien bunnies and evil penguins, and yet it works surprisingly well as long as you don’t think about it too much. With a weirdly catchy cat-based soundtrack, some amusing dialogue and some simple but effective cutscenes, the story moves at a breakneck pace and never fails to amuse. There’s a message in there somewhere too, about embracing individuality in a society that enforces conformity, which was oddly profound in a game about long floppy cats. Perhaps that’s why it worked so well, it certainly got me thinking. One thing to note that makes the story even better is making sure to customize your cat before engaging in the story. Seeing Wooper-Nyanvy battling on an escaping bus while being chased down by a giant maniacal penguin was a sight to behold!

This isn’t to say that Nyaaaanvy is perfect, however. I had some issues with the calibration of the mouse while the game was in window mode, yet this could be rectified simply by using the keyboard to navigate or by fiddling around in the settings. In addition, sometimes if you skip a cutscene in the story mode, the enemies don’t spawn, causing you to have to restart the mission. The arcade and sub-games offer a nice extra challenge, but Nyaaaanvy could certainly do with having some more stage variety, and perhaps some new power-ups to spice up the gameplay a little. On a final note, I tried to play the online multiplayer, yet couldn’t find any competitors. Perhaps it was because I was on a North American server, but I can’t be sure.

There was one idea during the story that I found myself enjoying quite a lot but could do with a little more development. Most of the story focuses on the sumo-battles between the player and other fighters, yet halfway, there’s a section set in a secret base with lots of puzzles and tricky jumps to make. There’s a slight resemblance to the levels in the Mystery Dungeon format there, with the grid-based map format and enemy encounters, which could definitely do with a little more focus and screen time. More adventure-style gameplay, exploring different parts of the world and unlocking new abilities with your Nyanvy, could really flesh out the story a bit more and add a welcome new dimension to the formula.

Not to say that any of these points mentioned detract from the game, there’s still a lot of fun to be had. While the story may be a little short, and the menus somewhat basic, the style is simple but very effective. Though it may not be a game that you play forever, it’s a great way to spend half an hour if you need a little competitive action. If you’re looking for a cheap party game to play with a couple of friends then look no further, Nyaaaanvy is the perfect pick.

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