Review: Granblue Fantasy: Relink

Mani Naghshbandi
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Review: Granblue Fantasy: Relink

The first game of the Granblue Fantasy franchise was released for smartphones in 2014 and became a very successful game on smartphones and attracted many fans, five years later in December 2019 the first game of this franchise on consoles and PC was released under the name Granblue Fantasy versus, which was not in the RPG genre like the first game, but in the fighting genre, and four years later, in December 2023, the second game in the fighting genre was released for PS5, PS4 and PC under the name Granblue Fantasy versus: rising And with an interval of almost two months, on February 1, 2024, the first Granblue Fantasy with RPG genre was released for consoles and PC, returning to the genre of the first game in the franchise.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink in Action RPG genre was released in February after more than seven years in development.

The RPG genre is one of the most popular genres in the video game industry and has many fans, but many games are released in this genre every year, which has created a lot of competition for these games, so Granblue Fantasy: Relink must have high quality to be successful in this competition. Has it been able to achieve the required quality? In the following, you will get the answer to this question.

STORY

The story is good and not bad by any means but not a great story, the story starts and the prologue is on the grandcypher flying ship where you meet your crew who are supposed to be with you throughout the game, at the beginning you are in a storm And after some time passes and the storm ends, you reach Zegagrande Skydom, the members of this crew are Lyria, Vyrn, Katalina, Io, Rackam, Eugen, and Rosetta, and you are the captain of this crew, and your goal is to go to Estalucia, which is a mythical astral realm, after some time has passed since reaching Zegagrande Skydom, monsters will attack your ship and give you the basic combat training of the game, and then strange things will happen to Lyria, who has a life link with the captain (if something happens to one of them Both of them feel that and their life and death are tied together) and causes the crew members to worry, but they get over it soon.

Lyria can command primal beasts and summon them, and katalina is her guardian.

After reaching the city of folca, you meet rolan and the news comes that the village of tempeal is in danger and you go there to help and notice the presence of a primal beast and you have to catch it with the help of lyria so that it does not harm people. In the third chapter, you meet the main villain of the game, Lilith and understand that she needs Lyria for her powers and wants to kidnap her, your story and main goal begins here.

The general story is very ordinary, but it works well in details and plot twists, especially at the ending parts of the story. The length of the main story is almost ten hours and it is short, and it would be better if it was least fifteen hours, but fortunately, other contents of the game is very large and vast.

The game has twelve chapters, one of which is the prologue and one is chapter 0 which is the epilogue and starts after the completion of the main story.

By going to the quest counter section in the cities, you can access the fate episodes, which are actually the backstories of the characters in your crew. and for each episode you need to complete the unlock requirements of that episode.

CHARACTER DESIGN

The design of the characters is wonderful, each of them has their own unique morals that you will get to know during the story, the design of the characters is so good that you become attached to them in the first few minutes.

GAMEPLAY

The gameplay is very diverse, deep, smooth and enjoyable, at the beginning of the game you have two skills and the square button is for attack and the triangle button is for unique attack, by pressing R2 you can dodge and with L1 you can guard, each character has a combo list. and using it you can perform different combos and hit the enemies, for example three times a square and once a triangle, two squares and two triangles, etc, the skills are different for each character and the arrangement of different skills It is completely in the hands of the player. For example, I will explain some skills: reginleiv: fires a projectile attack, decimate: a multi-hit slash attack with a wide attack radius, casts a circle that restores allies’ HP, enchanted lands: a fast, piercing lunge attack and many other skills that by unlocking them in the masteries section or the skill tree, you can get different and diverse skills for each character, four skills can be equipped at the same time, and by holding R1 and pressing one of the buttons (X, square, triangle, or circle) to use your skills that you have already arranged, there are several types of skills in the game: wind, plain, water, fire, dark, and earth. by hitting the enemies more often your art level will increase and your skills will cause more damage to the enemy.

Normal attacks are not limited to melee either and you can choose characters with ranged attack.

You have to choose four crewmates as your party members for the battles, at the beginning of the game you can select your party members only from the main characters of the game story that I mentioned earlier and then you can get the crewmate cards from knickknack shack and add new members to the party, the crewmates you buy have no role in the story and cutscenes, and only the main characters are present in the cutscenes.

During the battles, there is a blue line next to your enemies, when that line is filled, you can press the circle button in a limited time to execute the link attack, and all of the party members that are in the selected range of that enemy will perform a powerful attach against that enemy, and this link attack is one of the best gameplay features of this game, when the orange line is filled or almost filled under the health bar of you and the rest of the party members, you can press L3 and R3 to execute skybound art and deliver a very powerful blow to the enemies, if one or two or three or all four of the members of the party are almost full of orange line and are present in the designated area, a final hit will be done, and all the people present in that link will attck together with a powerful attack.

There is a potion wheel in the game, one of which restores a part of your health, one restores your entire health, one restores a part of your health and all party members, and the other restores you quickly and efficiently when you are in critical condition and waiting to be revived. If your health reaches zero during the fight, you will enter a critical condition and you will not be able to fight until the circle that shows on the screen is full, if the party members come to your aid, the circle will be full faster and if more party members help reviving you, it will get faster.

The boss fights of the game are very diverse and are not repetitive, each of them has their own moves and after being damaged a lot, they go into overdrive mode and deliver faster and stronger attacks to you and your party members, boss fights are very enjoyable and epic. and they are all well designed.

The way of moving the camera and locking on the enemies can sometimes be annoying and a bit difficult, but it is not a significant problem.

Loadings are annoying during the transition from gameplay to cutscene and from cutscene to gameplay, and this problem could easily be solved with the power of PS5’s SSD and would not be annoying.

Animations and various effects are excellent and smooth and have helped to make the gameplay more enjoyable.

Weapons can be upgraded by collecting materials from the main and side quests of the game, after the weapons level is maxed, you need a special material to uncap level and upgrade your weapons more and you can collect those special materials by doing side quests.

At the beginning of the game, the gameplay may be a little confusing, but after the first few hours and learning it, you will experience a wonderful gameplay.

The variety of enemies is large and you will encounter different types of enemies in each region.

LEVEL DESIGN

The amazing level design is one of the things that you quickly notice, the quests are never repetitive and monotonous and you don’t just go to a point to fight, the way of fighting and the events that happen during the quests are very diverse and even once you wont feel that the quests are repetitive and monotonous.

VISUALS

Visually, this game looks like a very beautiful painting, the world is very colorful and eye-catching, and each environment is visually very different from the other, and each one is like a very beautiful painting.
But visually it is not heavy for PS5 and it can run 4k60fps but unfortunately you have to choose between 4k and 60fps.

SOUND DESIGN

The sound design is also well done, the soundtracks are fantastic and match the gameplay very well, each soundtrack is better than the previous one and always amazes you and is very pleasant to the ears.

CONCLUSION

The story is ordinary and acceptable and strong in some final parts. The gameplay is extremely smooth, varied and fun, the camera movement is a bit difficult and the loadings are annoying. Great level design makes the game never repetitive. The visuals are beautiful and the art is charming, but it doesn’t run at 4k60fps. The soundtracks are very catchy.

Review: Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley

Daniel Waite
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Review: Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley

Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley embodies every fine element of this incredibly touching franchise. Furthermore, every aspect respects the fine work of Tove Jansson. Accordingly, if you adore this heart-warming and family-friendly series, you will cherish every moment you spend playing this title.

This musical adventure game was developed by Hyper Games and published by Raw Fury. Thanks to its spectacular audio and touching story, you will fall for every ounce of Moomin charm. Moreover, the faithful adaptation of each main protagonist will fill you with nostalgia. As such, though this is a new adventure, it has so many wonderful, familiar moments that it will make you smile.

Snufkin relaxes whilst enjoying some fishing.

Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley tells a sad tale.

The joy of Moominvalley is the love and nature that surrounds it. Yet, when this is removed, the residents have no idea of how to deal with the situation. Luckily, this is where Snufkin steps in. This nature-loving hero hates modern life. Additionally, he can’t stand it when inconsiderate people ruin every beautiful and untouched area. Accordingly, he will do anything to prevent his home and favourite places from being decimated.

During your time in Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley, you must follow a linear storyline and a fairly rigid gameplay loop. The hero, Snufkin, must undertake a variety of tasks and sub-quests to help the residents and save the valley. However, this is easier said than done as puzzles and some minor stealth mechanics stand between you and success. Furthermore, the more you progress, the more damage and destruction you witness. Subsequently, you must work hard and fast if you wish to bring life back to your favourite places.

Snufkin talks to Moominpapa outside the Moomin house.

A simple concept.

Though the plot and characters are complex and touching, the core gameplay concept is undeniably simple. Snufkin is sent on an array of missions that unfold at a gentle pace. En route, he will encounter plenty of creatures and weird and wonderful beings. Each of these animals must be lured into helping you with the aid of a harmonica song. First, the music is basic and will not appease everyone. However, as the game evolves, you discover new layers to your music and this helps to entice the toughest of creatures.

Alongside this, there are some basic puzzles and some stealth moments. Neither of these will test your resolve or your skills, but they are fun to experience and add an element of variety to an otherwise structured performance. Additionally, you must use your song to manipulate some of the creatures you see. This was a great tool that amused me every time. I loved tricking the park keepers whilst sneaking past them and destroying their signs and statues.

Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley looks phenomenal.

Aesthetically, Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is an absolute winner! If you have watched the TV series, or you have read the books, you will cherish every single second. However, if you have somehow missed this wonderful franchise, you may wonder what the heck you are looking at. The faithful imagery and vibrant colours transport you to the nostalgia-infused 90s cartoon. Moreover, the lush world design and the slight layer variation capture your attention. Another fine element is the cinematic. The phenomenal storytelling was a joy to watch, and I could happily watch it over and over again.

The jaw-dropping audio complements the visuals. The touching soundtrack captures every fine aspect of the original series. On top of this, there is an underlying modern tone that will resonate with younger gamers. If you then consider the fine sound effects and the delightful ambient sounds, you will adore everything you see and hear.

The park keeper is told that his work is very important by the police.

Excellent controls.

Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is a relaxing game. However, the minor puzzle and stealth moments somewhat up the ante. Subsequently, when the gameplay ups the tempo, you rely on the responsive and well-considered keyboard layout. This is supported further as every action is highlighted on the screen. Therefore, you can’t go wrong as you explore and solve the issues in Moominvalley.

Where this is sadly lacking is replay value and longevity. If you undertake every side quest, you may get around 5 hours of gameplay. However, if you push through and focus on the core storyline, you will be lucky to enjoy 4 hours of action. This short play time was not enough for me. I wanted the game to go on and on. Yet, when the end credits rolled I was left wanting. Consequently, I desperately hope that the developers work on a sequel or some additional content.

Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is a must-play game if you are a fan.

If you adore the Moomins, you must play Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley! This incredibly touching experience will make you smile throughout. Moreover, its ability to stay faithful to the original protagonists and their characteristics was impressive. If you then consider the amazing aesthetics, you will be transported to this weird but nostalgia-infused cartoon world. Accordingly, I adore this game and I recommend buying it here! Can you save Moominvalley? Explore the world, solve each problem, and cherish every musical moment.

Review: Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator

Daniel Waite
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Review: Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a taxi driver? Nah, me neither. Yet, here I am looking at Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator! This simple but interesting title scratches that sim itch as well as allowing you to take in some lovely sights. On top of this, there is a small progression system as well as the chance to manage a small business. Consequently, it attempts to fit plenty of depth into a rather niche endeavour.

This simulation title was developed by Simteract and published by Nacon. This solo experience asks you to drive across a vast sprawling city whilst making plenty of money in the process. Additionally, you must explore each nook and cranny and discover landmarks and plenty of street art. Though much of the action follows tried and tested mechanics, I enjoyed the relaxing and realistic approach.

Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator allows you to write your own tale.

I often have people question my desire for a story when playing a sim game. Now, I know hobbyists adore the realism and the lack of adventure. However, I like a bit more depth to my games and often enjoy the smallest of plots. Thankfully, there is a minor backstory to the action and this was enough to keep me happy. Yet, I would have enjoyed a bit of rivalry or a love interest. Sadly, these things never materialised.

Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator focuses on your ability to navigate the streets of Barcelona. Additionally, you must expand your business and complete an array of special jobs. However, the main gameplay loop revolves around everyday people and their desire to move from point A to point B. This rudimentary mechanic should have been mundane. Instead, it was fascinating to follow the laws of the road and explore the vast city streets.

Enjoy driving your cab from a first-person perspective.

A lowly taxi driver.

At the start, you have one small car and little experience. Yet, with time and effort, you expand your business, improve your skills, and have the ability to own a fleet of luxury cars. Moreover, you can pick from an array of jobs and test your skills with special events. However, no matter what you do, you must abide by the rules of the road and maintain each vehicle you drive.

It is the maintenance element of the gameplay that adds depth to the realism. If you misuse your brakes or your speed, your car will slowly crumble. Moreover, crashing into other vehicles or buildings is detrimental to your life, car, and your earning potential. As such, you must keep on top of your fleet of cars if you wish to run the best business around.

If you tire of taking punters to their desired destinations, you can drive to your heart’s content. As you explore the bustling streets, you can observe graffiti or an array of museums, sculptures, and landmarks. This minor addition to the gameplay breaks up the repetitive nature of each job whilst adding XP to your character.

Time to roll down the windows.

XP.

The XP and progression system are essential if you wish to streamline your business. You can choose to improve your earning potential or your driving abilities. Alternatively, maybe you’ll focus your time and money on your workforce and their cars. Either way, your main goal is to explore as much of Barcelona as you can whilst making a healthy profit at the same time.

If you wish to see everything on offer, you must complete an array of tasks to improve your standing. Whether you take on normal driving tasks or undertake unique events, it is up to you. I loved the latter option as it was more challenging to speed to a set location or remain calm and abide by every law of the road. Whichever you choose, make sure to do it to the best of your ability. The better you do, the more money you earn, and the quicker your business expands.

Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator is pleasant to look at.

The developers have done a great job with Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator. Visually, the city is impressive to witness. On top of this, the cars are realistic and I liked the basic damage elements. Whether you choose to drive from the seat of your car or enjoy an external viewpoint, the gameplay is just as good. What’s more, the attention to detail and the rendering distance ensure that you won’t tire of what you see, and the action is wonderfully immersive.

As you’d expect, there is an array of radio stations to pick from. However, I was unable to make any work. Now, this may be a glitch or user error, but no matter how hard I tried, I never heard a peep. Subsequently, I focused my attention on the vast array of sound effects. The excellent ambient sounds were impressive. Moreover, I liked the engine noises and the horrific sound of every crash. Accordingly, the developers have created a realistic title.

Explore Barcelona as the sun is setting.

Excellent controls.

Thanks to the thorough tutorial, you will learn the fundamentals in no time. Additionally, the excellent UI and wonderful button layout help you to navigate the tight streets of Barcelona. Though I wasn’t a fan of the first-person viewpoint, I liked the realistic nature of the controls and how responsive every element felt. 

The world map is huge! Consequently, there is plenty to see and loads of streets to explore. Moreover, you will discover landmarks and graffiti for hours on end. Alongside this, the character progression system and the business management layers keep you coming back for more. Therefore, this has both replay value and longevity.

Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator is a fun sim title.

Becoming a virtual taxi driver wasn’t on the cards. Yet, I enjoyed my time with Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator. This realistic endeavour will grab your attention from the off. Additionally, the simple-to-learn mechanics enable you to lose hours of your life without thinking about it. If I was critical, the action can be considered repetitive, and I’d like the developers to add a greater variety of quests and special events. These shortcomings to one side, I loved this game and I recommend buying it here! Can you learn the knowledge? Jump in your car, pick up each punter, and make a fortune in the process.

Review: Growth

Bryan Applegate
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Review: Growth

INTRO

This is the Header image for Growth on Steam, courtesy of the Steam page for this game.

DISCLAIMER: This review was possible by VoodooDuck and/or Assemble Entertainment. They were generous enough to send a code over to Movies, Games, and Tech for review purposes. Thanks, everyone!

Growth. It means a measurement of one’s ability to grow as an individual or being. In this particular case, it’s also the title of a video game, surprisingly enough.

Growth, for those unaware, is a game where you acquire animals to then send out in order to acquire terrain in an attempt to reach a hidden volcano and render it dormant for the sake of the animals. At least, that’s the gist of the plot that I got from the game’s text info boxes, but I can go over it more detail during the story summary.

Regarding the release date, It was made for the PC on October 16th, 2023. It was courtesy of Developer VooDooDuck and Publisher Assemble Entertainment. It was built for PC launchers like Steam and GOG. it made its way onto the Switch eShop – at least in Europe – on December 21st, 2023.

So, does this game manage to impress with its premise and gimmicks? Let’s find out. This is my review of the Switch version of Growth.

Story – There’s room for Growth

The Loading took nearly 30 seconds! After that, I was able to play on a random, procedurally-generated map.

To recap for those who skip the intro, the plot for Growth is rather basic. You are guiding an initially limited number of animals to a dormant volcano in an attempt to save the developing lands and acquire more animal types along the way. That’s kind of it without getting too deep into spoiler territory. At least the tutorial and controls work well enough.

Gameplay – Good, but room for Growth

As for the gameplay, it… works, but also has issues. You are given 1 hippo and 2 deer. The music is relaxing, but it’s more to help calm you down after you inevitably fail to make any progress towards the volcano. The more animals or “resources” you get, the more you can progress. Do expect a different map each time you play, though.

Also, there’s a high score mechanic. The highest I did get was over 2,000 points… ugh! Even when I did know what to do and how to best optimize my range, I only got into the 900 points range or so each subsequent time. This game encourages strategizing your movements due to a lack of a Bonafede time limit. You are punished for random guessing. I could understand needing to strategize at your own pace in other games like Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky. Here… not so much.

Final Thoughts

Growth is a mostly relaxing time, despite the focus on Strategy and procedural-generated maps.

It was a good time for strategy games on PC and Switch. Despite the flaws I mentioned above, getting a high score can be addicting, and the success you feel when you make some progress – however minute it is – is immensely satisfying. It is a very relaxing game with a lot of depth to it.

(Growth’s Steam page)

A Closer Look at Star Wars Unlimited

Andrew Edney
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A Closer Look at Star Wars Unlimited

Fantasy Flight Games, in partnership with Lucasfilm Ltd., announced the upcoming release of Star Wars: Unlimited, an all-new trading card game of unlimited possibilities. This game features iconic heroes, villains, ships, and settings from all facets of the legendary Star Wars franchise, including movies, TV series, comics, video games, and everything in between.  

Star Wars: Unlimited is a fast-paced, dynamic game that is both easy to learn and strategically deep. The robust development of the game has been underway for the past three years, and fans can look forward to a regular release schedule of three sets per year.

Fully integrated into the entire experience, Organized Play has been designed alongside the game from the beginning and will be ready on day one. From weekly store-level community experiences to worldwide large-scale events, there will be something for gamers of all levels to enjoy.

In this fast-paced, easy-to-learn trading card game (TCG), you and your opponent face off in exciting head-to-head battles featuring tons of iconic Star Wars characters. Whether you’re a Star Wars fan, a card game fan, or both, Star Wars: Unlimited is a game that anyone can enjoy. 

The first set (the two-player starter set) is available now priced around £34.99 and is aimed at 2 or more players aged 12 and up and is a lot of fun, and if you are a Star Wars fan, this is a must have!

You can learn more from the Star Wars Unlimited website.

Review: Edifier MR4 Powered Studio Monitor Speakers

Andrew Edney
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Review: Edifier MR4 Powered Studio Monitor Speakers

Here is our review of the Edifier MR4 Powered Monitor Speakers.

Features

  • Smooth frequency response for great audio reference
  • 1-inch silk dome tweeter and 4-inch diaphragm woofers deliver pure sound
  • MDF wooden cabinets minimize acoustic resonance
  • Simple connection to mixers, audio interfaces, computers or media players
  • Front-mounted headphone output and AUX input for convenience
  • Multi-functional knob for power, volume and sound effects toggle
  • Monitor and music modes to fit various scenarios

What’s in the Box?

The box contains the two speakers, various cables and instructions.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The first thing you notice when you take the MR4s out of the box is that they look great – especially in white! Setting up the speakers is just a case of placing them on your desk or wherever else you want them to go, connecting the two speakers together with the supplied cable and then connecting to your source. If your source happens to have a 3.5mm port on it then you can use the supplied RCA to 3.5mm cable, which saves you having to buy one.

On the front of the active speaker is a multifunction dial that acts as both the power, volume and function mode (the function mode being either monitor mode or music mode). There is an LED to shows which mode you are in (Red for monitor and Green for music). There is also an AUX input and headphones output.

On the rear of the active speaker are low end and high end EQ trimmer dials and other inputs.

The MR4s are purely analogue so there are no digital inputs, USB ports or the ability to connect using wireless.

The sound quality is very good – you are certainly getting your monies worth with these speakers.

The MR4s are not just for listening to music, they are for helping you to create music, hence the ability to adjust the EQ and it works pretty well. Having the trimmer dials on the back though can be a bit of a pain when wanting to continually adjust them, but you get used to their position pretty quickly.

The Edifier MR4 Powered Monitor Speakers are available in white or black and retail for around £109.99 and would make a great addition to your desk setup.

You can learn more from the Edifier website.

Review: Quilts & Cats of Calico

Khloe Turner
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Review: Quilts & Cats of Calico

The title says it all–do you love cats? Do you enjoy puzzles? Then this may be the game for you!

The Award-Winning Strategy Game

Quilts & Cats of Calico is based off of the award-winning board game of the same name, earning the title of the 2021 American Tabletop Strategy Game Winner, now brought to you digitally as a vivified video game experience.

Monster Couch, the game developer, has done an amazing job adapting Quilts & Cats of Calico into a video game format. In this way, players can save time from having to physically set up all the bits and pieces of the board game and instead hop right into the fun!

How does one play Calico? You compete with various opponents by sewing cozy quilts and creating both tactical and aesthetically-pleasing quilt patterns. Players try to complete certain pattern and/or color combinations to achieve objectives and to score the most points.

Players pick one of the three quilt tiles from the bag on the right hand side and place it on the board where they see fit. You score the most points by completing your objectives, and by completing certain patterns that attract cats or that earn cute little buttons. As can be seen in the picture below, I have three pink tiles touching each other which scored me a pink flower button (worth three points). I also have a purple flowery tile touching a dark blue leaf-patterned tile, which the cat named Millie likes. Millie coming to my quilt has scored me another three points!

A Cozy Experience

If you have never played the board game before, do not fret! The tutorial is wonderfully smooth and concise, showing you all the ropes without feeling too complicated, overwhelming, or annoyingly dragged along.

You have the option to either play solo against A.I. opponents, verse locally, or compete online. You may challenge up to four opponents, and players have the choice as to whether they want to play in “real time” (meaning that players and opponents are playing at the same time), or “asynchronously” (in that you and opposing players get a full 72-hour window to make a move).

Quilts & Cats of Calico is turn-based, so after you make your turn, you must wait for other players to make their move. I personally enjoy turn-based games as it allows players time to think, strategize, and observe opponents’ moves.

Overall, games move along briskly, perhaps 20ish minutes at maximum. If you are an enjoyer of puzzles, you will find the gameplay to be rather relaxing, paired with a soothing soundtrack. To make up for the lack of tangibility that a real board game has, the digital version of Quilts & Cats of Calico offers some fun quirks to your game: cats roam and sleep around the quilt and you even have the option to pet them with your mouse!

The Cat-Worshipping Kingdom of Scratchington

Monster Couch adds a a full story mode to the realm of Calico, and I have got to say . . . the plot is wild.

You play as a young quilter who lives in the “Free City of Tomkitty,” located in the Kingdom of Scratchington. The people of Scratchington are heavy cat-worshippers, believing them to bring immense good luck and fortune. Also, Scratchington is at full-scale war with another kingdom, and the player’s father had gone off to war and never returned. The player runs around completing quilting tasks and you must try to attract as many blessings from kitties as possible.

So, uh, yes, the story is rather silly, but in a fantastic way.

The story itself is relatively short and sweet, but the challenges and puzzles become increasingly more difficult as the game progresses. The puzzles require lots of strategizing and thoughtful tactics. The soundtrack to this mode is lovely and the characters are quite charming. While the plot itself is wacked, I believe it to be an excellent and needed addition to the game that gives you more bang for your buck with all the content.

There is also the Master Quilter’s Challenge mode that offers 20 difficult new challenges for players to attempt. While some of Calico’s puzzles seem easy at the start, be warned: as I have heard from other enjoyers of the game, Quilts & Cats of Calico is simple to learn yet hard to master.

Final Thoughts

As someone who had never played the original board game, I can confidently say that I had a blast playing through Calico. I respect the increasingly difficulty with each puzzle challenge which kept the gears in my brain moving. Everything operated very well including the online multiplayer. While there were times that puzzles became a bit too tedious (requiring multiple restarts), and while there were times that both real and A.I. opponents took a long time to complete their turns, I never really felt frustrated. This was perhaps due to both the relaxing nature of quilting and the fact that cute kitties were roaming around all over my screen!

Quilts & Cats of Calico is a unique strategy game that is fun to play solo or with friends.

The only aspects that I was not the hugest fan of are perhaps the slight uncanny valley the art stye gives, especially with the human characters, as well as sometimes the mechanic of cats being able to walk all over the quilt . . . . you, know, those darn kitties occasionally got completely in the way and blocked my tile placements.

Overall, Monster Couch did an excellent job adapting this game digitally. I also recommend checking out their other adaptation of Wingspan!

Bonus – Even More Cats

The icing on the cake for this title is it’s cat creator! Yes, you read this correctly.

Players are able to add their real-life cat (or an imaginary one) to their own Calico game. You are able to form your kitties with various colors and shapes and additional accessories.

Review: Warhammer 40,000 Special Pack DLC

Daniel Waite
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Review: Warhammer 40,000 Special Pack DLC

The Warhammer 40,000 Special Pack DLC for PowerWash Simulator is intense! This latest addition to the OCD-focused gameplay will test your patience like never before. Moreover, fans of Warhammer will adore the attention to detail and the insane jobs that you have to undertake. In typical PowerWash fashion, this endeavour is filled with massive filth-ridden items and a fine edge of fantasy creative licence.

This simulation add-on was developed by FuturLab Limited and published by Square Enix. Furthermore, it can be enjoyed alone or cooperatively online. As such, you and your friends can grab a pressure washer, load up on special detergents, and clean the filthiest of items until they sparkle like a new pin.

The Warhammer 40,000 Special Pack DLC doesn’t hold back.

Unlike some of its predecessors, the Warhammer 40,000 Special Pack DLC doesn’t hold back. Instead, it chucks gargantuan builds at you from the off. This overwhelming experience will fill Warhammer fans with joy. However, if you buy this simply to complete the achievements or to get a fix of new cleaning jobs, this will be slightly off-putting.

On top of this, if you tackle this alone, it can be time-consuming and tough to handle. Yet, if you enjoy the slow and methodical gameplay and the weird sense of reward from cleaning each item, you will cherish every moment. Additionally, with 5 stages to complete and a host of 40K items to wash, this will get your fantasy juices flowing.

A fine blend of tasks.

At its core, the Warhammer 40,000 Special Pack DLC doesn’t break the mould. However, when you consider the variety of each stage, I was happy with the price-to-content ratio. Additionally, the familiar gameplay will make fans of the franchise smile. With nothing new to learn and familiar tools at your disposal, you can simply jump into the action and focus on the task at hand.

The 5 unique levels highlight the level of detail and the crazy nature of each fantasy vehicle. These massive machines vary from a Dreadnought to a Land Raider. Furthermore, there is a tank to polish and an Imperial Knight to make shine. Each of these tasks takes ages to complete, and I found this to be more challenging and time-consuming than the Back to the Future or Sponge Bob Square Pants alternatives.

The Warhammer 40,000 Special Pack DLC looks incredible.

Staring at each level for minutes at a time is standard practice for PowerWash Simulator. However, the Warhammer 40,000 Special Pack DLC takes it to a new level. With so many nooks and crannies to clean and large vehicles to clamber on, you need to keep your wits about you. Thankfully, the fine graphics and simple stage design keep you on track. Moreover, the ability to highlight dirt and tag team with another player helps to speed things up.

I adored the graphics. Yet, the audio has always been a sore subject. The continual whoosh of water drives me insane. Sadly, there is no way to turn this off and there isn’t much of a soundtrack to distract you. I’d have liked it if you could reduce the sound effects whilst enjoying an upbeat or theme-specific soundtrack.

Excellent controls.

The developers have done an amazing job with the control layout. Thanks to the well-labelled diagram and the familiar setup, this can be mastered in no time. Moreover, if you are new to the game, you will understand the fundamentals without the need for a long-winded tutorial.

Though the Warhammer 40,000 Special Pack DLC is tougher than its predecessors, it has limited replay value and longevity. Available for around £7, you’ll get between 5 and 7 hours of gameplay if you wish to complete everything. Consequently, I believe this is great value for money and well worth an investment.

The Warhammer 40,000 Special Pack DLC is a fantastic addition to the franchise.

I love it when you get something unusual to play. This fantasy add-on to a well-trodden franchise is worthy of your time and your effort. The enormous vehicles and familiar Warhammer items will make fans smile. Additionally, the time-consuming levels will test your patience and resolve. Subsequently, this is a must-buy for lovers of PowerWash Simulator. Grab your pressure washer, pick your detergent, and clean every mind-blowing level!

Review: Shiren The Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon Of Serpentcoil Island

Sam Butler
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Review: Shiren The Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon Of Serpentcoil Island

For the first time in 13 years, Shiren The Wanderer returns for a new adventure. The roguelike from Spike Chunsoft sees Shiren traverse randomly generated dungeons as he fights monsters and climbs Serpentcoil Island in search of treasure. While the difficulty spikes may turn some players away, those looking for a difficult roguelike should consider checking this game out.

The Adventures of Shiren The Wanderer

The story starts as Shiren and his pet ferret, Koppa, hear rumors about an island called Serpentcoil Island and how there is treasure to collect. Later, in a dream, a mysterious girl asks the heroes to help rescue her, and it is off to the island they go to. The next thing you’re fighting the big boss, where you instantly get obliterated. You wake up on Serpentcoil Island with amnesia and must find your way back to the top to defeat the monster.

The setup of this game is not great and felt very cliche. As you progress deeper into the dungeons, more characters reveal themselves, and side stories unlock. You meet a pirate crew who only takes treasure that they need as they oppose a rival pirate faction that wants to take everything. You meet a village of ninjas who defected from their old clan and are afraid for their lives. Old characters from past games pop up along the way to help you as well. Optional side paths open up to give players extra challenges along the way. There is nothing earth-shattering here, but it does a good job of fleshing out Serpentcoil Island and gives players a reason to keep running through the dungeons.

Deciphering The Mystery Dungeon

Of course, the main part of the game is the dungeon crawling. Shiren and enemies move on a grid. When you move, the enemies move. Floors are procedurally generated, and you pick up items as you explore each floor. In other roguelikes, such as Hades and Slay The Spire, the depth lies in what power-ups you get and how you build your character. Power-ups do not exist in this roguelike. Instead, the depth of this game lies in how you approach the dungeon. How you move to influence the enemies’ movement. As the player, you must influence the enemy’s movements to avoid taking unnecessary damage or getting overwhelmed by multiple enemies. Learning about the different enemies to navigate each dungeon efficiently is key to surviving this roguelike adventure. Managing your items, health bar, and fullness bar is also a crucial part of the game.

This game is difficult. Enemies hit hard, especially at the beginning when you’re just picking up items. Many runs have ended early for me because of unfortunate enemy placements or because I didn’t pick up a weapon or shield to deal with enemies. Not knowing what to do against certain enemies can lead to untimely deaths. In particular, I’ve had a lot of trouble dealing with these mudslimes that can surround and trap you in place before beating you to death. Your runs can end if you don’t have items to escape certain situations, which can be frustrating. That frustration turned into some fun ah-ha moments the more I played the game.

Shaking Off The Rust

While strategizing how to tackle these dungeons is fun, the combat itself is unsatisfying. You press a button, attack the enemy, and the enemy attacks back. Rinse and repeat until someone dies. You can throw items at enemies or use weapons and magic, but executing combat is not fun. This is a shame because this genre has games with excellent combat. The other big problem I’ve had is with movement. I’ve been in situations where the game would move me one more space than intended, which led to unintentional damage. Other times, the grid system would make talking to NPCs along the way frustrating.

A lot has changed in the roguelike genre since Shiren’s last adventure. Many of those evolutions in the genre make playing this game feel a little dated. I wish there were more to do in the hub world. I wish I could build my character in the dungeons rather than rely on items to survive. Despite not having those things, learning how the game works is still fun. For those looking for a challenging roguelike, Shiren The Wanderer offers a dungeon crawler that makes players think about how they move. While there is strategic depth, its clunky movement, unengaging combat, and generic fantasy plot keep this game from being a great roguelike.

Review: E7 Standing Desk

Daniel Waite
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Review: E7 Standing Desk

The E7 Standing Desk from FlexiSpot is the younger sibling of the E7 Pro desk I reviewed in August 2023. I adored that product and admired its build quality and safety features. Moreover, it is an undeniably affordable option for office workers or those who like to game. Consequently, when I saw this desk available at an even more impressive price point, I had to have a look!

This striking piece of furniture is available in a choice of frame colours and different worktop materials. Additionally, you may pick a variety of shapes and sizes depending on your office and your needs. This was phenomenal, as the one-size-fits-all approach isn’t always appropriate. On top of this, though this desk is better for your pocket, FlexiSpot hasn’t skimped on the safety features or the build quality. As such, I had high expectations for this product.

What’s in the box of the E7 Standing Desk?

  • This item is supplied in 2 large and heavy parcels. The understated boxes are robust and recyclable. As such, they follow FlexiSpot’s environmentally friendly aspirations.
  • The E7 Standing Desk is heavy but stylish to look at. The 2 metal legs are strong and large and the worktop is slim but sturdy. Accordingly, this combination is perfect for a professional workstation.
  • You are provided with every tool and screw to complete the job.
  • A user manual talks you through the build process.

Building the desk.

The E7 Standing Desk is a hefty and large product. I picked the 180×80 cm worktop, so I had my work cut out for me. However, with the help of my partner, I was able to move each heavy part and build the desk with ease. Thankfully, there are pre-milled holes for every bolt and the user manual gives you step by step guide. Yet, if you wish to speed things up, a battery-powered screwdriver with Allan key bits will save you time.

Each part is well-labelled and adjusting the frame and the legs is a cinch. What’s more, connecting the motors and the handy control panel is straightforward. Word of warning though, you will have to find a suitable position for each of these bits as there are no pre-drilled holes. This wasn’t an issue, but using the provided screwdriver may not be as simple as an impact driver or powered screwdriver.

Once you get your head around the layout of each section, the desk can be constructed with ease. Together, we had the desk made in around 20 minutes. If you have to do this alone, it will be closer to 30 and turning it over onto its legs will be hard work. Consequently, you will need to be careful that you don’t injure yourself. Finally, I recommend using the supplied cardboard to keep the desktop from becoming damaged during the build.

Technical aspects of the E7 Standing Desk.

A standing desk alters the way you work and improves your health. Sitting at a desk isn’t good for your back or hips. Additionally, it reduces productivity and concentration. These issues can be removed if you invest in the E7 Standing Desk! The ability to alter the height of your workstation is a game-changer. Furthermore, if you share the desk with colleagues or your family, it ensures that everyone has the perfect seating position. Alternatively, you can adjust the worktop height to a comfortable standing position.

This desk has a range of 58-128cm and a lifting capacity of 125kg and a static load bearing of 161kg. Subsequently, it is ideal for youngsters and adults, and it will easily lift most gaming rigs or professional layouts. Alongside this, it can fit into many office spaces as the desktop dimensions are 120-200cm wide and 60-80cm deep. 

If you work in a shared office, no one wants to hear the whirr of loud motors. Thankfully, this desk operates at under 50 dB. Though this isn’t whisper quiet by any stretch of the imagination, you won’t get any complaints from your neighbours. On top of this, the low-power draw ensures that you will not run up huge energy bills by having it plugged in. This element is further improved as the control panel has a sleep mode that saves energy whenever it is not in use.

Build quality.

In typical FlexiSpot fashion, build quality and safety is at the fore. I chose an all-white finish using a rectangular worktop. This clean finish is complemented by the slim worktop and the wonderful wire tidy system. Additionally, the control panel is simple, effective, and pleasant to look at. The 4 programmable settings allow you to preset 4 unique heights for each user. Alternatively, you may have a favoured standing and seated position that can be selected at the push of a button.

Alongside this, the hard-wearing metal frame looks fantastic. The solid base colour can take some minor knocks, and it can be colour-matched to the desktop. Each independent motor is strong and sturdy. Consequently, it easily lifts your monitor, case, and other essential items. 

Safety. 

On top of this, there is anti-collision technology to ensure that your children or animals don’t get crushed. This safety system can be altered at the control panel, and you can adjust the sensitivity or turn it off altogether. When switched on, the desk will highlight if there is an obstacle and prevent the worktop from lowering. Furthermore, if the anti-collision tech activates, the desk rises slightly to release any item that may become trapped. This is impressive as it reduces the risk of injury with youngsters or fur babies running around.

The excellent wire housing system reduces the risk of trip hazards. Moreover, it prevents your workstation from becoming an unsightly mess. This easy-to-fit tool is well-positioned under the worktop. Additionally, it is easy to open if you need to alter your setup. 

Is the E7 Standing Desk worth it? 

If you suffer from sore hips, a bad back, or poor productivity and concentration, then a standing desk could be the answer. The E7 Standing Desk helps to correct poor posture. What’s more, the ability to stretch and move is a game-changer. If you then consider the striking and professional finish, this is the perfect addition to any office space. Accordingly, I recommend buying it here! If you wish to save some more money, have a look at the FlexiSpot Spring Sale!

(More information on FlexiSpot can be found here!) 

The E7 Standing Desk has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full Disclosure! FlexiSpot provided a sample for this review!)

6 Reasons Using a VPN Makes Sense as a Video Gamer

Andrew Edney
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6 Reasons Using a VPN Makes Sense as a Video Gamer

Being a gamer is more of a lifestyle than a hobby. Sure, you play a lot of games, but you also mingle in these online spaces, organize your life around massive events and releases, and identify with some of these communities.

This is why it’s so hard to separate the real world from the digital world sometimes. It’s also why a gaming obstacle seems like a massive obstacle (far bigger than it actually is). Fortunately, some of these obstacles can be bypassed with the use of a VPN.

Here’s how this can be done and why using a VPN makes perfect sense to a video gamer (in general). 

source

  1. It allows you to play geo-blocked games

Some games are only allowed to people in certain regions. This means that if you’re outside of the region, you may not be able to play, even if you are willing to legally purchase the game.

In fact, there are some consoles (primarily Switch) that create this sort of problem. For instance, the Nintendo store is not available in some countries, which means that, in order to get the game, you would have to buy a physical copy. This is a huge problem, mostly because you have to order a copy from a local supplier (and hope they have it). You also need to wait for it to arrive instead of just downloading it and playing it right away.  

Now, while VPN cannot help you with the Nintendo store, this is a recurring problem with many different games and stores. So, what you can do is get a VPN and solve it yourself. According to Techopedia, a paid VPN is best, as, with free VPNs, the main drawback is the very low number of servers and geos covered. Aleksandar Stevanovic continues with the fact that this may be a showstopper if you need to access resources from specific geos or a wide range of locations around the world, which is certainly the case when gaming.

  1. Keeping you safe from swatting

It’s important to understand one thing – swatting is a serious threat, and some communities are notoriously toxic. 

Let’s say you’re a 4X strategy gamer. Most of the time, you play a single-player game, hunting for achievements. The most scramble you’ll get into is an occasional subreddit argument about the best starting strategy for your faction of choice. 

Most of the time, you’re just trying to get better, and even if you do play multiplayer, the audience is, on average, more mature. These are usually people working their 9-to-5, looking to unwind a bit after the office.

FPS games, on the other hand, are something entirely different. Not only are you at threat of doxing but you might also get swatted just for headshotting someone three times in a row. This is a serious threat, and you need to take it seriously. Needless to say, a VPN can help keep you safe. 

  1. Avoiding bandwidth throttling

ISPs (internet service providers) are known to throttle during specific times of the day. This way, they reduce the overall pressure on their network and ensure that the average user has a better internet browsing experience.

Now, there are a few problems with this. First, there are a lot of games with high data use. These are mostly online games like MMOs and competitive multiplayer games. Now, if the ISP decides to throttle while you’re playing, you’re in for a world of lag. Even if it doesn’t outright ruin your chances of performing at the best of your abilities, it will reduce your overall enjoyment of the game. 

Once again, the amount of data you’re using (and the amount of data you need) depends on the game you’re playing. 

By encrypting your data, a VPN will help you avoid data throttling. In other words, the ISP won’t know if you’re playing the game or not. They’ll assume that you’re just using the internet. All in all, It’ll be a lot harder for ISPs to throttle your data. 

  1. Bypassing IP ban

Is bypassing a ban ethical? Well, it depends on the point of view. Sure, the developer has the right to choose who can use their game, but if it’s a free game, a case can be made that it’s free for everyone (or it’s not free). If it’s a paid game, how ethical can it be to ban you from something you’ve paid money for?

All in all, not all bans are justified. Sometimes, you are a bit toxic, but for a good reason. Sometimes, a person much more toxic taunts you, and they don’t get a ban (you do). 

As you can see, there are plenty of ways bypassing the IP ban can be morally justified, but how do you do it?

Well, starting a new account is the most obvious way, but a lot of game developers and support teams are aware of that. So, what they do instead is ban the IP. fortunately, changing your IP is not that hard when you use a VPN. You’ll be back in the game in no time, and they’ll be none the wiser. 

  1. Early availability of some new releases

Sure, some releases have the same global time. This means that you get to see the release and the time zone. Most likely, if you’re using a great platform, you’ll even see the time when the game will be released in your region.

However, this is not always the case. Sometimes, for whatever marketing reasons, the game is set to release at a set time and date, regardless of the time zone. A game may launch at 22:22 or 11:11. The thing is that, if that’s the case, you might be able to access it sooner by using a VPN.

By tricking the system into thinking you’re at a different location, you’ll have earlier access than some of your friends.

Now, this is not just important for those who are impatient (although, sometimes, even a few hours means a lot). For a reviewer, a chance to release an early video can make a massive difference in views and engagement.

All of this is for just using a VPN.

  1. Safer way to play via public WiFI

Gamers don’t always play from home. This is especially the case if they’re using mobile games, tablet games, or just have a gaming laptop. 

Now, the very point of gaming from a portable device is the idea of playing on the go. A sleepover at a friend’s house is never problematic. What about playing from a park, a coffee shop, or a hotel that you’re staying at?

Sure, these can be completely safe and innocent, but is this really the risk that you’re willing to take?

Now, the best form of protection is definitely to be cautious when using public WiFi or to avoid using it altogether. Alas, since the latter is never really an option, it’s important that you start using a VPN.

This will give you that extra layer of encryption that may be just enough to avert a massive disaster. 

For a gamer, a competitive edge is all that matters

Regardless of whether it’s allowing you to play a video game, you wouldn’t otherwise be able to, keeping you safe online, or allowing you to bypass a ban, there’s no doubt about the usefulness of a VPN. Nowhere is this as important (or as appreciated) as in this field. In other words, a VPN is something that every gamer should have installed on their device of choice.

Review: Fortnite Peely Switch Protective Case

Daniel Waite
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Review: Fortnite Peely Switch Protective Case

The Fortnite Peely Switch Protective Case from PowerA is a fantastic accessory. This hard-wearing case looks incredible, and it’ll show your love for this fast-paced game. Additionally, it is versatile as it will house any Nintendo Switch. On top of this, it includes a bonus content code to spice up your in-game content.

If this wasn’t enough, the handy insert lets you carry 9 of your favourite games. As such, this is the perfect choice if you are commuting or going on holiday. Alongside this, the build quality is exceptional. Therefore, you know your precious console will be safe if it’s dropped or knocked.

What’s in the box of the Fortnite Peely Switch Protective Case?

  • The packaging is striking but minimal. It can be recycled and it highlights key selling points. 
  • The Fortnite Peely Switch Protective Case is great to look at. Moreover, the attention to detail and robust nature is impressive.

Technical aspects. 

Whenever you consider a protective case, you don’t think about multi-use functionality. However, the Fortnite Peely Switch Protective Case can be used for a couple of tasks. First, it does exceptionally well in its primary goal. The protective nature of this product is incredible. Additionally, thanks to the striking markings, you’ll always open it the right way up.

Second, there is a handy stand built into this case. With little effort, you can play your Switch hands-free. Though this wasn’t always essential, it was nice to have. What’s more, it worked perfectly when combined with the Fortnite Peely Wireless controller. This robust stand is secure, and it prevents your Switch from moving. Consequently, it is ideal if you are commuting on a train or travelling by car.

Build quality. 

Where the Fortnite Peely Switch Protective Case excels is its build quality and versatility. I adored the stunning theme and the little bits of detail. For example, the zip captures the Fortnite essence perfectly. Alongside this, the zip is strong and flexible and the rubberised handle is comfortable to hold. Then you must consider the interchangeable insert to fit every type of Switch.

The aforementioned hands-free stand is straightforward to operate. Thanks to the Velcro system, you can change the layout of your case with ease. Furthermore, the handy cardholder will keep your games safe. Accordingly, this accessory is perfect for clumsy youngsters and heavy-handed adults. 

Is the Fortnite Peely Switch Protective Case worth it?

No matter how careful you are, accidents happen. If you damage your console, it can be disheartening. However, matters are made worse when you can easily avoid it. Consequently, investing in this case could be the best decision you make this year. Not only does it look amazing, but it is versatile and well-built. Therefore, I recommend buying it here!

(More information on PowerA can be found here!)

The Fortnite Peely Switch Protective Case has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full Disclose! PowerA provided a sample for this review!)

Review: Potions: A Curious Tale

Laurence Wall
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Review: Potions: A Curious Tale

Journey with Luna as she embarks on a mystical adventure to become the potion master she was always born to be. Engage with a colorful cast of characters you may recognize from popular fairy tales, myths, and legends. Seek the help of witches, concoct powerful potions, and delve deep into the temples of the land to uncover an evil plot that threatens to swallow the world whole.

At first glance, Potions: A Curious Tale is a sweet little indie title brimming with charm and witty writing. The opening cutscene sucks you into the world and sells you on the idea of experimental potion crafting. Luna seems charismatic, accompanied by her faithful companion Helios, and right from the get-go you find yourself rooting for her. The first fight holds so much promise, as you find yourself battling a towering Kraken and must use the surroundings to ward him off. But don’t be deceived, it is a great shame that this is about as deep as any boss battle will get.

Potions: A Curious Tale has a lot of things going for it, creative writing, an interesting world, a bestiary brimming with monsters, and dozens of mysterious brews to discover. Yet it is seriously let down by the lack of polish. As soon as you arrive in Old Haven, the town feels dead, which wouldn’t be a huge problem if this issue was rectified down the line, yet even as you recruit (and that’s a word used lightly) more townsfolk, the town never really feels more alive. There are four buildings of which you will only ever use one, Granny’s house, where you mix your potions and get ready for the next adventure. The inn is small, the NPCs fairly one-dimensional, and the other two buildings can’t even be entered, which is a shame. In addition, when you recall home you’re automatically plopped into Granny’s house, even if you don’t need to be there, which makes getting back to the world map more of a chore than it needs to be.

It would be remiss to ignore the good points, however. This title is built on a brilliant foundation. Unlocking new pages in the bestiary and mixing different animal parts to fill out the recipe book is certainly a lot of fun. Fascinating ingredients can be found by interacting with creatures in different ways, and these new potions can have varied effects on the world, from growing vines to reach new places to controlling a bull with a pot of red dye. But how useful are these potions in actuality? I found myself using the same three or four potions for the majority of the playthrough (water potions, lava potions, and spike potions), despite having crafted and tested most of them. Using all of the potions in your arsenal should be a crucial part of the adventure, but in reality, many were rather underwhelming and wholly unnecessary. Also, some potions wreaked havoc on my sense of immersion, namely, the Greater Summon Cloud, which honestly looks like the development team just copied an emoji onto Luna’s head and called it a day.

In terms of difficulty, a casual player won’t find themselves struggling much with this potion adventure. I wouldn’t class myself as a particularly skilled player, and yet throughout my quest, I never died a single time. I’m still not sure what happens when my health bar depletes to zero. Similarly, the puzzles encountered in the temples were embarrassingly simple, featuring uninspired block-sliding puzzles, brazier lighting puzzles, and a lily pad ‘maze’, with none of the intrigue that made similar puzzles in The Legend of Zelda so captivating. None of these temples will challenge you or take more than 10 minutes of your time, though perhaps this is for the best. On another note, twice I became stuck, once after pushing a large block onto a pressure plate and being trapped inside the temple, and another in the Temple of Life, where I found myself out of water potions and trapped on a small platform by the darkness behind me. These, however, were rectified by teleporting home and trekking to the temple again, yet this feels unnecessary. It certainly shows a lack of playtesting that this game sorely needs.

Perhaps the final nail in the coffin lies in the story. Or rather, the lack of story. Even now I couldn’t say what it was about, something about fairies and darkness? By the time it starts to become clearer (and I thought the story was about to unfold) you press three switches and the game suddenly ends. It took me by surprise and I felt myself feeling a little cheated, or at least underwhelmed. One could argue this isn’t about the story, it’s about the potions and Luna’s journey, but I can’t help but disagree. A powerful story would make that journey feel more important, and the characters would feel more fleshed out. It also doesn’t help that every character only has a single portrait and a fixed expression, which makes them feel lifeless and hollow. Luna’s rival Emily feels particularly rushed in this regard, as her redemption happens in the span of a minute and she’s left with a frown on her face. Are we supposed to feel sorry for her, or Prince Charming who has a similar change of heart? It’s messy, confusing, and more than anything, rushed. These atonements don’t feel earned, and as such, I find it hard to care for any of the characters, (apart from Helios, he’s great).

Whether it’s discrepancies in visual style, stiff animations, or the surprising shortness of the game, Potions: A Curious Tale struggles to find its place among the growing swathe of popular indie titles. And what makes this particularly difficult to write, is that I truly wanted to love this game. It has so much potential, yet almost none of that is fully realized. It could be incredible with enough time and a little more effort, but right now, it seems that this potion needs a little more time in the cauldron.

Review: Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore

Isabella Cerullo
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Review: Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore

Review – Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore developed by Seedy Eye Software.

Did Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore truly lived up to the Zelda CD-i’s expectations, is it meme-worthy, or it was finally taken seriously?

Hold the horses, and scimitars. Because I’m about to uncover my most honest review with all the answers + some review curations from other excellent experts with very controversial and distinct opinions.

Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore - GalleryImage
Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore – GalleryImage

1.The Music is Impeccable & A Classic

Maybe you will think this isn’t the most important aspect to consider as our first appreciation to the game.

But for me, it deserves all the attention!

If we are comparing this game to Zelda CD-is such as Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon. It means this project could be classified as the perfect match to the 90’s, extremely characteristic kind of game.

Why?

The music aside from being sensational and fun. Indeed reflects that style from those times perfectly.

It sets the ambience in such perfect way. That I felt I was playing another CD-i Zelda game solely for this reason.

And I don’t know what you might be thinking.

But the music and overall sound design can be one of the most crucial aspects to determine if a game or movie could be considered ”good”, or reflect what they intend in the best way possible.

I’m very curious to know your opinion as well. Does music choices truly matters to you?

2. Arzette has brought a lot of controversial opinions

The thing is. If you aren’t familiarized with this type of gameplay and CD-i Zelda games I mention several times through this review.

It could be possible to primarily feel like is a bad game with no interesting aspects, or without a profound reason to actually play it.

But I personally feel you will be missing out in a game that you can tell it was created and developed with care.

With a hand-made backgrounds, colorful characters, and story-rich/funny game. Which I can imagine was a tough thing to accomplish.

Sets this game a part.

There are some gamers that criticized it for being visually unattractive or ”too similar” to the Zelda games.

And it was interesting to see some comments:

YouTube comment to Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore review.

Or captivating observations as:

YouTube comment to Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore review.

3. Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore a ”love letter” to the Zelda games?

digitaltrends.com wrote an entire article about it. And if you would like to know what they think of the game, you can always check out the link provided!

And I must say that they are talking facts!

Some gamers said that even though those Zelda games were ”terrible” and meme-worthy. Were absolutely better than Arzette.

For reasons such as: ”too spacy with lack of features”, ”the dialogues were too long to keep it up”, ”way too ugly visuals”, etc…

But I don’t think the only reason why Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore exists, is entirely to copy those Zelda games or to be an improved version as everyone is saying.

I think they simply wanted to create an inspired version with it’s own unique voice!

Is fun, lovely, funny, characteristic, and absolutely unique.

Arzette:The Jewel of Faramore - Photo Property Pushsquare.com
Arzette:The Jewel of Faramore – Photo Property Pushsquare.com

4. A feminist game

I mean, this will be considered detestable for a huge amount of people.

And since it was Women’s Day very recently. I wanted to highlight this fact.

Also! As a woman, is super cool to play a game where a female is the leader and heroin!

I don’t think comparing to Zelda games was the most important part to talk through the article, but doesn’t she look like a Gerudo member? I love it!

Hey! Have you seen her scimitar?

This in particular was absolutely beautiful. I adore the scimitar she uses, and makes me feel empowered during the game.

Arzette's beautiful and feminine scimitar.
Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore – Photo Property noticiasdelmundo.news

5. Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore – Has an extremely long story

Yes and no!

The dialogues were funny and accomplished an amazing story-rich game.

Aside from excellent frame choices to compile a cinematic story I enjoyed so much.

This is positive for gamers like me that enjoy deeply this type of game narrative and care about it.

But if you prefer more straight-forward games such as Medieval Machines Builders, then, this isn’t for you.

And of course, I understand we really want to keep advancing with the gameplay and being trapped with the same scene for too long, can make us a bit impatient.

Which is something to observe.

As much as I’m a naturally patient person and enjoy these aspects. It could get slightly boring at times.

But not a huge problem for me in particular.

Photo Property pushsquare.com
Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore – Photo Property pushsquare.com

6. Conclusion: Is it worth the trouble & Deserves more than a ”meme-worthy” label?

Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore has space for improvements, that’s for sure.

But for me in particular, covers most of the qualities I look in a good game:

  • Strong music choices.
  • Excellent platform gameplay.
  • Story-rich I mentioned I truly value.
  • And dedicated to curious gamers.

I don’t think is by far a meme.

If the idea was to take this game seriously compared to the cd-i Zelda games.

Then, is accomplished!

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