Here we take a closer look at the National Geographic Dino Fossil Dig Kit.
Kids will love excavating genuine dinosaur fossil specimens in this National Geographic Dinosaur Dig Kit. Using the archaeological tools provided, children can uncover 3 dinosaur fossils from around the world including a replica T-Rex tooth, dinosaur bone, and dinosaur poop that’s approximately 50 million years old!
Each set contains:
Digging brick
3 dinosaur fossil specimens
Chisel, brush and magnifying glass
Full-colour learning guide and instructions
If you have a child that is interested in Dinosaurs, or just likes digging to find things, then the Dino Fossil Dig Kit is the perfect choice for them!
The National Geographic Dino Fossil Dig Kit is available now priced around £12.90 and is aimed at ages 8 and up.
Here is our review of the Sleepy Friends: Sleepy Sheep Night Light Tonie.
At the end of an exciting day it can be challenging for little ones to wind down. Sleepy Sheep Night Light Tonie was created to help. By combining beautifully composed melodies and a warm glow, with the ability to record and play personalized goodnight messages, it helps create a mood of gentle enchantment – perfect for winding down and drifting off. It’s a comforting presence throughout the night too, helping little ones fall back to sleep on their own if ever their dreams are interrupted.
What’s in the box?
The box contains the Sleepy Sheep, instructions and a charging cable.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
We are big fans of the Tonies story box – my trusty 6 year old assistant has been listening to Tonies for a number of years now and he eagerly awaits new ones!
This particular Tonie doesn’t just have music, songs or a story, its also a night light!
The night light part itself can be used without the Tonies story box. There are 4 dimmable brightness levels on the Sleepy Sheep so that you can get the right one for your little one. There is an option to power-off the night light after 30 minutes or if you want to you can have it on until the batteries run down. Switching the Sleepy Sheep on and off, or change the power-off option is as simple as pressing a button on the underside of the sheep.
The batteries are charged using the supplied USB cable and when fully charged, at the lowest brightness level, should last around 240 hours – which is a long time!
As well as the night light functions, the Sleepy Sheep also comes with 90 minutes of Sleepy Sheep at the Enchanted Lake, which is a bedtime melody that should help your little one settle down to sleep.
As with some of the other Tonies, you can also record your own bedtime stories using the mytonies app – which is very easy to use and it makes a lovely addition to be able to play your own story, especially if you might not be there for bedtime!
If your little one if having trouble sleeping or they need a night light, then take a look at the Sleepy Friends: Sleepy Sheep Night Light Tonie, you won’t be disappointed.
The Sleepy Friends: Sleepy Sheep Night Light Tonie is available now priced around £34.99.
Here is our review of the Monoprice Consul Series USB-C Adaptor.
Extend your reach and grasp new possibilities your USB Type‑C computer with the Monoprice Consul Series of USB‑C; adapters! By unlocking USB‑C 3.1 functionality, the Consul Series is able to offer a variety options to expand your ability to work anywhere you need or want.
This Consul Series USB‑C to HDMI Adapter allows you to connect an external HDMI display to mirror your laptop’s display or expand your system’s desktop area, with support for resolutions up to 4K@30Hz. It also features a Gigabit Ethernet port, a USB‑C port, a USB 3.0 Type‑A charge and sync port, two USB 3.0 Type‑A data ports, and SD and microSD UHS‑I card slots for advanced data transfer capabilities. The built‑in Gigabit Ethernet adapter allows you to enjoy the superior security and increased speeds of a wired Ethernet connection.
USB 3.0 connectivity allows you to charge and sync mobile devices or use external drives and provides data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps through either the USB Type‑A or USB Type‑C ports. The USB‑C port supports the Power Delivery (PD) 3.0 standard, delivering up to 100 watts of power to compatible devices. The PD 3.0 standard also ensures that connected devices won’t reset or disconnect when power is applied to or removed from the USB‑C port. The lightweight and premium aluminum design results in a better built adapter, making it more durable than adapters made of plastic.
What’s in the box?
The box contains the USB-C Adaptor only.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The Monoprice Consul USB-C Adaptor is a small and lightweight piece of kit that is really easy to use and is incredibly useful!
Just plug it into a USB-C port on your computer and then you have a number of additional ports available to you, including Gigabit Ethernet.
I used the adaptor on my MacBook Pro and it worked great! My particular model of MacBook Pro only has 4 USB-C ports, so if I wanted USB-A, Ethernet connectivity or SD or MicroSD connections I would need additional kit, each one normally taking up a free port. But not with this device – one port is all you need, and don’t worry if your computer only has one USB-C port, because this adaptor can also power your computer if its powered by USB-C.
If you want a good quality, good looking piece of kit that increases your available ports for your computer then look no further than this one!
The Monoprice Consul Series USB-C Adaptor is available now price around $68.99.
Nothing beats a Christmas movie – at least, at Christmas time. Most people think there is a time and a place for festive movies, and that time is December. But the buzz about the Holidays tends to get earlier each year. It might be the height of summer right now, but just watch as Netflix starts to sneakily add Christmas movies to its line-up with months to go until the Big Day.
Christmas is, of course, a useful thematic tool for movie producers. It can provide a backdrop for the main plot, an architecture for the characters to move around without necessarily being the main aspect of the story. On the other hand, putting Christmas central to the theme is a money-spinner; otherwise, studios wouldn’t do it.
We can point to so many films that are directly about Christmas, like Elf and the Miracle on 34th Street, and even titles like Let it Spin attract players because Christmas is the central theme. Yet, we wanted to pick out five Christmas-themed movies that you could easily enjoy all year round. The point of these movies is that you could remove the Christmas elements, and they would still be great. These five can be enjoyed any time of the year:
Die Hard
Yes, yes, we are starting with the “Christmas” movie that has become an internet joke. But that’s the point of this list. It’s a moot point as to whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Had it been set in the heart of summer, it would still be one of the best action movies ever made. The John McClane movies spawned several sequels; some good, some awful, but the original remains far superior to the rest. You know the plot, and you’ve likely seen it before, but there is always a good time to rewatch Die Hard.
It’s a Wonderful Life
For many, watching It’s a Wonderful Life is a tradition every Christmas. Indeed, many television broadcasters schedule it on Christmas Eve. But like Die Hard, It’s a Wonderful Life would work just fine if there were no mentions of the C-word in the film. In fact, it’s not the plot that should draw you into the movie, it’s the towering performance of the brilliant Jimmy Stewart. The icon of the Hollywood Golden Age was so good that you could watch him read the phone book and still find it compelling. He’s great in a movie that is so saccharine you could mix it into your coffee.
Gremlins
A mainstay for those of us brought up in the 1980s, Gremlins has remained charming and funny through the decades. There is something of its time about the movie, as if it could only be created in the 80s. Nonetheless, it mixes horror and humor to brilliant effect. As for the Christmas element, the only need for it is to facilitate the giving of the gift that goes wrong. A funny, silly horror that clocks in at way less than two hours (remember when movies did that?). Stick it on any time of year.
Bad Santa
Alright. It would be difficult for Bad Santa to exist without the thematic aid of Christmas, given it’s about a cantankerous and almost-nihilistic mall Santa Claus. But the movie is just so funny, thanks to star performances from Billy Bob Thornton and Bett Kelly. While the movie is famed for its black humor – do not let your kids watch this – it has a surprisingly sweet ending. It won’t make you long for Christmas in any sense, but you’ll laugh guiltily all the way through.
Batman Returns
Perhaps joining Die Hard in the argument of what makes a Christmas movie, Tim Burton’s Batman Returns actually forms part of the director’s unofficial “Dark Christmas Trilogy”, joining Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Batman Returns is arguably the best Batman film not called The Dark Knight, with brilliant performances from Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer, and (in particular) Danny DeVito. Christmas plays a minor role in the movie, for atmospheric purposes only. But this brilliant sequel has aged well, and it still stands up 30 years later.
Cryptocurrencies are changing the world of finances with technological advancements and innovation. Many people are now trading crypto to take advantage of their potential financial growth and independence. Even advanced traders find it challenging to navigate this market because of its unstable live crypto prices and complex dynamics. With numerous cryptos to choose from, one needs a carefully devised plan to tackle this volatility and dynamics. This is where crypto trading strategies come in handy.
For novice users, trading strategies serve as a guide that helps them navigate the complex world of digital assets. These strategies offer a structured way to assess the market and make wise choices that could lead to profitable opportunities. By using various approaches and instruments, strategies can be customized to match various trading styles, levels of risk, and investment objectives. Let’s find out the most profitable crypto trading strategy that can benefit novice users.
Finding the Best Strategy for Crypto Trading
For beginner traders, getting into the world of trading can be risky, especially with the fast-changing market and numerous cryptocurrencies available. However, there are popular techniques tailored specifically for beginners that can help them make proper decisions and establish a strong foundation for a prosperous trading career. Here are some of those sought-after techniques:
HODL (Hold On for Dear Life)
Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)
Breakout Trading
Swing
Copy Trading
We will describe two of them in more detail.
Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)
DCA presents a straightforward and effective tactic for novice traders. It entails investing a fixed amount of funds at regular intervals, irrespective of the current cryptocurrency price. By consistently purchasing smaller quantities over time, traders can mitigate the impact of volatility and take advantage of the overall upward trend. DCA serves as a long-range strategy, enabling traders to gradually accumulate assets while reducing the risks associated with market timing.
Copy Trading
For novice traders eager to learn from advanced counterparts, copy trading can prove to be the best crypto strategy. Such platforms enable beginners to replicate the trades executed by successful counterparts. By selecting reputable traders with a proven track record, beginner users can execute similar trades without having in-depth knowledge. However, it is imperative to carry out research before selecting a trader to copy and continuously monitor their performance.
To learn more about techniques for trading in the market of digital assets, read the WhiteBIT blog. Navigate through the blog’s categories to find the information of your interests. Read the guides on trading and bolster your trading skills by using the WhiteBIT exchange.
Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of eSports betting, where European online casinos are taking the tech-savvy generation by storm. In this article, we’ll explore how online casinos in Europe have embraced the rise of eSports and are providing exciting opportunities for players to bet on their favorite competitive video games.
So, grab your controller, sit back, and let’s embark on this eSports betting adventure!
The Rise of eSports: A Phenomenon for the Digital Age
In recent years, eSports has exploded in popularity, captivating millions of passionate gamers worldwide. European online casinos quickly recognized the potential of this digital phenomenon and have actively embraced eSports betting as a way to engage the tech-savvy generation. With eSports tournaments attracting massive audiences and prize pools, the online casino industry saw an opportunity to cater to the growing demand for eSports betting.
eSports tournaments, such asLeague of Legends World Championship and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Major Championships, attract millions of viewers, rivaling traditional sports events. European online casinos recognized the immense appeal of these tournaments and started offering betting markets to cater to the gaming community’s enthusiasm.
eSports Betting: A Unique Gaming Experience
eSports betting provides an exhilarating and interactive gaming experience that resonates with the tech-savvy generation. Betting on eSports matches allows players to combine their passion for gaming with the thrill of wagering. European online casinos have created dedicated eSports betting sections, offering various markets and competitive odds for popular eSports titles.
From predicting the winner of a match to betting on specific in-game events, eSports betting offers a variety of options for players to explore. It adds an extra layer of excitement to the gaming experience, as players can now root for their favorite teams while having a financial stake in the outcome.
Engaging with the eSports Community: Tournaments and Promotions
European online casinos understand the importance of engaging with the eSports community to create a thriving betting environment. They actively sponsor eSports tournaments, organize exclusive events, and offer promotions tailored to the gaming community’s preferences.
By sponsoring eSports tournaments, online casinos gain exposure to a vast audience of passionate gamers. This allows them to establish themselves as reputable platforms for eSports betting. Additionally, casinos in Europe offer exclusive promotions and bonuses for eSports betting, enticing players with enticing offers to get in on the action.
Live Streaming and In-Play Betting: Enhancing the Experience
To cater to the fast-paced nature of eSports, European online casinos have embraced live streaming and in-play betting. Live streaming platforms like Twitch have become hubs for eSports enthusiasts, allowing players to watch their favorite matches in real time. Online casinos have integrated these live streams into their platforms, allowing players to watch and bet on matches simultaneously.
In-play betting takes the excitement to the next level, as players can place bets while the action unfolds. Whether it’s predicting the next kill or the outcome of a crucial team fight, in-play betting keeps players on the edge of their seats, immersing them in the eSports experience.
Ensuring Safety and Fairness: Licensing and Regulation
As with any form of online gambling, ensuring safety and fairness is paramount in the world of eSports betting. European online casinos understand the importance of licensing and regulation to provide a secure and trustworthy betting environment.
The best online casino in Europe platforms adhere to strict licensing requirements and regulatory standards, ensuring that players can enjoy eSports betting with peace of mind. These casinos operate within a legal framework, implementing measures to prevent underage gambling, protect player funds, and promote responsible gambling practices.
Conclusion
eSports betting has emerged as a thrilling and engaging way for European online casinos to connect with the tech-savvy generation.
By embracing the rise of eSports, these casinos offer a unique gaming experience that combines the excitement of competitive video games with the thrill of betting. Through live streaming, in-play betting, and engaging with the eSports community, online European casinos have created a vibrant ecosystem for eSports enthusiasts to explore.
So, if you’re a gaming aficionado looking to add extra excitement to your favorite eSports tournaments, look no further than the best online casinos in Europe. With their dedication to safety, fairness, and innovation, these casinos provide a platform for you to indulge in eSports betting and join the worldwide community of passionate gamers. Place your bets, cheer for your favorite teams, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
Reverie: Sweet As Edition is a joyful nostalgic experience that is pleasant to the eye. Furthermore, its fun story, familiar characters, and wonderful lore make it an interesting and enjoyable game to play from beginning to end.
Developed by Rainbite and published by Eastasiasoft Limited, this is an action-adventure title. Moreover, it has some basic puzzles and plenty of RPG moments. What’s more, there are some interesting dungeons to explore, loads of bosses to defeat, and an array of monsters and creatures to overcome. As such, this short game will entertain you from the opening gambit.
Careful of those creatures.
Reverie: Sweet as Edition tells a great story.
You control Tai, a young lad who travels to Toromi Island to visit his grandparents. This mystical place has a secret that has been passed down from generation to generation. However, few believe it to be true, until Tai arrives. Inspired by the legend of Maui and the Giant Fish, this surreal plot explores some wonderfully unusual topics. Additionally, the developers have enjoyed their creative licence.
The action focuses on a semi-linear approach. As such, you’ll enjoy drip-fed elements and classic blocking mechanics. Accordingly, you’ll be prevented from exploring the whole map until you have the relevant tools. These items can only be obtained once you complete each dungeon. On completion, you’ll be able to explore otherwise unreachable areas.
This gentle learning curve was great as you became accustomed to each new tool. Sadly, though, the game offers little guidance on how each item works. As such, you may become stuck on a puzzle until you work out the finer points. This was disappointing, as the rest of the action is well explained and easy to understand.
Collect every feather that you find.
Collectables, fighting and puzzles.
The gameplay concentrates on 3 key elements; collectables, fighting and puzzles. The collectables are there to tease completionists. Moreover, they demand that you explore the world thoroughly if you wish to find every feather. I loved this small portion of the game as it made you search every nook and cranny. Moreover, you got to see areas that you’d have otherwise missed.
The core aspect of the gameplay has to be the fighting and the puzzles. There are 4 dungeons to explore and plenty of monsters to slay on the way. The opening dungeon is simple to navigate and the problems you encounter are easy to overcome. Yet, the second and third dungeons will test your logical mindset and your memory recall. On top of this, the bosses will give you a hard time until you highlight their weaknesses.
Though Reverie: Sweet As Edition won’t test veteran gamers, I enjoyed the causal gameplay and the progressively tougher ideas. As the plot reaches its finale, there is a distinct difference between the opening chapter and the final moments. Moreover, it doesn’t stray from its nostalgic roots, and this was fantastic.
Reverie: Sweet as Edition is bold and wonderfully pixelated.
I adore a pixelated experience. Subsequently, Reverie: Sweet as Edition was right up my street. The stunning colour palette was bold and flashy. As such, it was beautifully retro without being OTT. Furthermore, the finish was modern and the clean lines and interesting sprites were great. On top of this, the stage design was impressive, and each dungeon had a varied approach.
Alongside this, I loved the quaint audio. The mixture of dramatic songs and softer tunes enhanced the drama and the family moments. Additionally, the shrill sound effects retained a dated edge, which worked perfectly with the retro style.
Time to fight a giant hedgehog!
Excellent controls.
The developers have done a great job of simplifying the control setup. With only a few inputs to learn, you’ll master this in no time at all. This is then helped by the excellent response rates and the well-considered UI. In short, this is a great title for gamers of all skill sets.
Though there are collectables to find, Reverie: Sweet As Edition is a little short for my liking. Consequently, once you get through the story and find every feather, there are few reasons to return. This was a shame, as I loved exploring the world and discovering new places.
Reverie: Sweet as Edition does its job perfectly.
Reverie: Sweet as Edition doesn’t break the mould. Yet, it undertakes its job perfectly. Yes, there are a few shortcomings regarding longevity and replay value. However, I’m being somewhat picky. Mostly, this game delivers everything you want from a retro action-adventure experience. Accordingly, I enjoyed it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you uncover the secrets of this mystical island? Learn new tricks, overcome each puzzle, and defeat every boss.
When you think of video games, do you immediately associate them with negative effects on mental health? Think again. Contrary to popular belief, gaming can actually have a positive impact on your mental well-being.
Video games have long been criticized for their potential to contribute to sedentary lifestyles, addiction, and social isolation. However, recent research has shed light on the potential benefits that gaming can offer, particularly in terms of mental health.
In this article, we’ll explore the surprising ways in which video games can improve mental health. From enhancing cognitive skills to providing stress relief and fostering social connections, gaming has the potential to be a powerful tool for mental well-being.
So, if you’ve ever felt guilty about indulging in a gaming session, read on to discover the positive effects that it can have on your mental health.
Gaming Distract Players Who’ve Experienced Trauma
Gaming can provide a distraction for players who have experienced trauma by offering an immersive and engaging experience that allows them to temporarily escape from their thoughts and emotions related to the traumatic event.
Engaging in gameplay requires focus and concentration, which can help divert the player’s attention away from intrusive thoughts or memories associated with the trauma. By directing their attention toward the game, players can temporarily shift their focus and find relief from distressing thoughts.
Gaming Provides Mental Stimulation
Gamers often face challenges and obstacles that they need to overcome, which helps to enhance their cognitive abilities. This mental stimulation can improve memory, attention span, and multitasking skills.
Furthermore, many video games require hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes. Regular gaming can help to improve motor skills and coordination, as players need to react quickly and accurately to the on-screen actions and prompts.
Certain Games Provide Stress Relief
Many games are designed to be enjoyable and relaxing. They can offer a calming and soothing experience by incorporating elements such as peaceful environments, soothing music, and repetitive tasks. These activities can promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and provide a sense of tranquility.
Games can help individuals regulate their emotions by providing a safe outlet for expression. They can offer a way to release pent-up emotions, such as frustration or anger, in a controlled and non-destructive manner. Engaging in gameplay can help individuals process and manage their emotions effectively.
Social Connection
Some games provide opportunities for social interaction and connection, whether through multiplayer modes or online communities. Socializing and connecting with others who share similar interests can be uplifting and comforting, especially during times of stress or isolation.
Building relationships and engaging in cooperative or competitive gameplay can foster a sense of belonging and support. Players can also join teams for tournaments where they have the opportunity to travel, meet new people, and potentially win prizes.
Games often have clear objectives or missions that players strive to complete. These goals provide a sense of direction and purpose, and when they’re achieved, players feel a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
What’s more, games typically offer a progression system where players can advance through different levels or unlock new content. As players make progress and earn rewards such as points, achievements, or in-game items, they feel a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue playing.
Improves Problem-Solving Skills
Games often require players to think critically and strategize in order to overcome challenges and obstacles. Whether it’s solving puzzles, making decisions in a virtual world, or strategizing in a competitive game, players are constantly exercising their problem-solving abilities.
Ultimately, playing games can enhance cognitive skills such as logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and creative thinking. By regularly engaging in problem-solving activities through games, individuals can develop these skills and apply them to real-life situations.
Final Thoughts
The benefits of gaming extend beyond mere entertainment. Video games have proven to be a powerful tool in improving mental health. From enhancing cognitive abilities to providing stress relief and fostering social connections, gaming offers a plethora of advantages for individuals of all ages.
By recognizing and embracing the positive impact of video games on mental health, we can promote a holistic approach to well-being and encourage the integration of gaming as a valuable therapeutic tool. So, let us embrace the power of gaming and unlock its potential to improve our mental health and overall quality of life.
Dark Quest 3 reminds me of my “super-nerd” youth. This tabletop fantasy experience has the potential to be a Dungeons and Dragons masterpiece. However, in reality, it fails to hit the mark. Unfortunately, repetitive gameplay and a lack of new features hold it back. Luckily, though, it is still enjoyable in short bursts.
Developed and published by Brain Seal Ltd, this is a fantasy tactical title. Moreover, it has rogue-lite elements. On top of this, you need the luck of the Irish if you wish to complete each run. Consequently, it can be a frustrating experience, especially when things don’t go your way.
Which creature will you kill first?
Dark Quest 3 tells a dastardly plot.
The plot epitomises the fantasy genre. As such, I adored its dramatic tones, unbelievable subplots, and dark characters. Furthermore, I cherished the presence of the Game Master and this was reminiscent of tabletop gaming. Yet, if you’ve never experienced a tabletop fantasy game, this level of detail may be lost on you.
Dark Quest 3 focuses on an all-powerful wizard. This evil mage is power-hungry and wishes to rule the kingdom. Thankfully, the elder “GM” has called upon you to help. By gathering a band of heroes, you will cross several realms and fight dark forces. Your mission is simple. Get to the wizard, smite him where he stands, and save the kingdom.
The plot creates a sense of false hope.
The opening scenes create a false dawn. Disappointingly, once the scene is set, the action goes rapidly downhill. You soon realise that the drama is nowhere to be seen and the slow-paced gameplay meanders like a sloth. As such, you’ll tire of what you see in record timing.
The exploration elements of the game focus on a random card system. Here you’ll endure special events, ambushes, healing, and so forth. On top of this, in classic tabletop gaming style, there is a reliance on a 10-sided die. By rolling the die, you’ll explore multiple outcomes of any given situation. For example, your dwarf may find a trap and the outcome is decided by the score you roll. With 4 possible results, you could hurt yourself, a party member or everyone, or evade the trap altogether. This core mechanic haunts the action and becomes tedious very quickly.
Can you upgrade your heroes?
Combat and upgrades.
The other side of the game is the combat experience. Here, the developers have focused on a stripped-back turn-based endeavour. Effectively, you can move as much as you wish and chose whether to attack or defend. Once your turn is over, your enemy goes and that’s about it. Unfortunately, there is no cover to defend yourself, and zero tactical nuance. Accordingly, it becomes tiresome quickly, and this was a shame.
Not every element was this dire, however. The upgrade system, though random, was an interesting idea. The aforementioned card system is used to upgrade your fighters. Whether you improve their health or power up their attacks, the choice is yours. Furthermore, your band of heroes has no health limit. Subsequently, if you are lucky, you can have a burly team of fighters to take on the evil mage.
Dark Quest 3 looks fantastic.
Dark Quest 3 disappointed me, but visually, I was impressed. The brilliant take on tabletop gaming will be familiar to many gaming nerds. I adored the fantasy setting and the excellent character models. Alongside this, the roll of the die and the ye olde text was equally fantastic. Consequently, the developers have done an awesome job with this D&D-influenced title.
The audio brought a smile to my face. The booming GM and the folksy soundtrack were ever-present. Moreover, the loud sound effects worked wonderfully with the fantasy theme. My only complaint is that the sound bites were somewhat repetitive. As such, the rogue-lite approach was increasingly frustrating as you heard the same noises every playthrough.
Roll the die and hope for some luck.
A better tutorial was needed.
Dark Quest 3 isn’t that tough to play. Yet, a better tutorial would have improved the experience. With little guidance, you are thrown in at the deep end and left to fend for yourself. This was disappointing, as it puts your back up almost immediately. However, once you get past this learning curve, you’ll enjoy a simple-to-play and easy-to-understand game. Alongside this, the UI is intuitive and the controls are reasonably responsive.
As this is a rogue-lite title, it does have replay value and longevity. Yet, the repetitive nature of the action and the simple combat are off-putting. Therefore, after a couple of hours, you’ll become bored and put it down. As such, this is best enjoyed as a casual experience between other games.
Dark Quest 3 didn’t do it for me.
Other than its presentation, Dark Quest 3 disappointed me. Unfortunately, it failed to match its potential, and this annoyed me. On paper, it should have been fantastic. In reality, it missed the mark repeatedly. Accordingly, I don’t recommend that you buy it. However, more information can be found here! Can you stop the evil wizard? Grab your heroes, roll the die, and hope for luck.
The Chrono Jotter reminds me of a recurring dream I have. I’m back in school. History class, specifically. The teacher has asked me a question but I have no idea what the answer is. Everyone stares at me and falls silent and I’m left there with nothing but the ticking of the clock. Suddenly finding yourself back at school would be bad enough. Being back at a school where all your friends are trying to murder you, though? That’s a lot worse.
That’s how The Chrono Jotter steps up the game. It’s a cheery high school drama that’s occasionally interrupted by someone having their trachea sliced up by a kitchen knife. The pairing works pretty well too and The Chrono Jotter avoids most of the worst excesses of the genre – though the gameplay lets the side down a bit. The shoddy localisation only hurts it further.
A Bloody Lottery
Visual novels live and die on their writing, so let’s start with a deeper dive into The Chrono Jotter’s plot. The game opens with our protagonist, Ibuki Ran, trapped in a small underground room. Not the most promising start for our hero. She’s in the midst of fighting off an ‘illness’, while all her thoughts are bent on finding her girlfriend, Sakura An. Once she escapes from the tiny cellar, she finds herself in an old school. She then bumps into some colourful characters who cheerfully inform her that their favourite pastime is brutally murdering each other. Turns out they all draw lots on who is the murderer and who is the victim and act accordingly. I prefer Euromillions, personally.
This may sound a little eerily familiar, but the twist is that once the murder is solved, the victims pop back to life. This is quite the clever twist, as it allows the casual murders to become part of how the characters interact. Brutal murders lead to tender moments and dark topics, most notably suicide, can be approached in a direct fashion. While it doesn’t quite dig into the deep topics as well as it could, the actual writing and premise is good. Characters interact with each other well, with only occasional cringeworthy lines, and their conflicts feel grounded and interesting. I couldn’t think of a character I disliked, which is rare for the genre.
There’s a strong theme of mental illness, obsession and dependency throughout. While it can lean into glorification of mental illness at times, it generally feels respectful. I found myself getting quite emotionally invested towards the end. That said, while the spirit of the writing is good, the line-by-line writing is awful thanks to some of the worst localisation I’ve ever seen. Typos and awkward sentences are common, potentially hinting at a Google translate situation but there’s more. Character names (and even genders) are frequently wrong or change unexpectedly. One whole line is completely untranslated. It adds to a frustrating jankiness, that takes a bit of effort to work through.
Notebook Time Machine
The Chrono Jotter also has a few interesting notes in the gameplay department. For one, when you begin you’re asked to make some bizarre choices that build your stats in three areas: Insight, Dexterity and Charm. These are used in skill checks to open up options throughout. Refreshingly though, these don’t lock you out of chunks of the game thanks to the Backtrack system, which allows you to zoom back in time. It has a use in solving murders but it also allows you to retry skill checks and take different dialogue options. Might hurt replay value, I suppose, but I appreciated being able to experience a complete story. Quite often visual novels feel like a book that someone’s arbitrarily snipped pages out of.
That said, while the backtracking adds a certain frisson to the murder investigations, the actual gameplay is a little thin on the ground. If you’re expecting to scream ‘OBJECTION!’ at someone, look elsewhere. We do the full investigation routine, poking at set areas and listening to Ibuki chinwag, but we don’t do anything with it. Instead, when the clues are gathered, Ibuki herself will talk through the relevant questions. You get a handful of small multiple choice questions and then Ibuki just deduces the murder. At one point, I had no idea who the killer was until Ibuki confronted them and they confessed. Guess I’ll never be a private detective. It feels quite dissappointing to not put the pieces together ourselves.
Still, The Chrono Jotter wormed its way into my heart regardless. I think a decent reason for that is because the art is lovely. Every character looks visually distinct and appealing and their reactions change appropriately to match their tone. None of them felt over-the-top or embarassing. The settings too are nicely drawn and it has a brought, colourful feel to it that contrasts well with the brutal murder scenes. It really adds to the feeling of subtle cosmic horror that underpins things.
Noting The Supernatural
I can hear the gameplay side of my brain screaming in disagreement, but I really do like The Chrono Jotter. It has a layer of nice character writing drizzled on top of an expansive feeling world. Things do get exceedingly bizarre at the end, but there are hints throughout that there are supernatural things going on. Ibuki jots down the ones she remembers in her notebook and reading them is great. As a dedicated binge-reader of the SCP wiki, it scratched all the right itches.
The localisation issues do make me sad, though. Every time I ran into a janky sentence or a blatant typo, it made me wonder if The Chrono Jotter is better in its native language. It certainly made it hard to get into at first. Still, if you look past the jankiness then you’ll find The Chrono Jotter has a decent amount of depth. It’s far from the strongest in the genre but it’s a solid punt at something new and it made me glad to play through it. Still not going to play the lottery, though.
Shame Legacy is a strange horror title that focuses on slow gameplay and stealth elements. Furthermore, the well-trodden mechanics will leave horror and adventure fans wanting much more. However, the interesting, albeit familiar plot and eerie atmosphere mitigate the occasionally cumbersome action.
Developed by Fairyship Games and Revenant Games and published by Destructive Creations, this is a horror adventure title. What’s more, there is a lack of combat and the action relies heavily on stealth mechanics. As such, this is much slower than its peers. Yet, this isn’t too much of a problem if you enjoy an uncomfortable and creepy atmosphere.
Can you solve the puzzle?
Shame Legacy is far too familiar.
Cultists in a damned village aren’t a new idea. As such, you may sigh when you experience the opening cinematic. Alongside this, the surreal plot often leaves you guessing as you get snippets of information with minimal guidance to connect the dots. However, this minimalist style and lack of hand-holding juxtaposes an almost linear and straightforward approach. Subsequently, this adds to the confusion and leaves you scratching your head just a bit more.
You play the part of a father that has lost his family. You awake confused and dazed in a dank and grim village. Although you are confused, you are aware that you are in trouble. The villagers appear possessed and they are vying for your blood. Additionally, a fiery apparition is chasing you as your family’s past appears to have caught up with you.
Hide, sneak, and complete every puzzle.
Shame Legacy has a healthy dose of cliched jump scares to enjoy. Alongside this, there are some wonderful stealth moments as you sneak your way past every zombified villager. However, the AI was remarkably poor and though this aspect of the game was great, there was minimal difficulty, as they barely reacted to your presence. Luckily, though, the developers mixed things up with traps and audio clues. Consequently, if you move too quickly or you step on a trap, the zombies are alerted, and the shit hits the fan.
If you are chased, you must run for your life! Boxes, cupboards, and other darkened locations serve as a temporary respite from these insatiable beasts. However, if you are caught, you may defend yourself by completing a simple but annoying QTE. By lining up a cursor and tapping some buttons like a crazy thing, you will push the villager away. Yet, if you fail, they’ll grab your staff and bludgeon you to death. As such, it’s best to be successful in every QTE, or death is all but assured.
Alongside these elements, you’ll be tasked with completing some rudimentary puzzles. No matter your skill level, you will not struggle with this aspect of the game. As such, Shame Legacy will frustrate some gamers, as there is little to no challenge when it comes to completing each puzzle.
What is happening here?
Chased by a fiery beast.
The zombified villagers were horrific, but the fiery beast was a tad worse. This hellish creature appears at the most inopportune moments. When it does, you are required to sprint, crawl, climb, and navigate tight spaces. If you can keep ahead of this mysterious monster, you’ll get one step closer to finding out what has happened whilst escaping the demented villagers.
Shame Legacy is wonderfully atmospheric.
The core concept wasn’t as great as I hoped. Yet, its presentation is fantastic. Accordingly, Shame Legacy is wonderfully atmospheric and undeniably scary. When the stealth mechanics work, there is a sense of anticipation and plenty of unknown elements to deal with. On top of this, the oppressive world and tight spaces make it a grim game to explore. This is then matched by the gruesome zombies and the smooth animation.
The audio complements the plot and the visuals perfectly. With a sombre and sorrowful soundtrack and unbearably loud sound effects, it is uncomfortable to listen to. What’s more, I liked how the volume of your actions altered depending on your stance. This core gameplay mechanic was brilliantly executed and worked well with the theme.
Can you escape and survive?
The QTEs were painful to complete.
Getting to grips with the controls was simple. Thanks to the opening tutorial, you’ll understand what you need to do in no time. However, the “combat” QTEs were painful to tackle. Unfortunately, it was tough to line up the cursors, and this led to frustration. Had the developers incorporated a more straightforward idea, then this element would have been vastly improved.
Shame Legacy lasts for around 3 to 4 hours. Accordingly, there isn’t much replay value or longevity. This was a disappointment as the stage design and excellent atmosphere deserve to be shown off for longer. Once you tackle every moment, there is sadly no reason to return. As such, though the action was slow, and you will be left wanting.
Shame Legacy should have been much better.
The potential is plain to see. However, the developers stuck to a rigid approach, and this impacted their creative licence. Though the story is as old as the hills, I liked the stealth mechanics and the wonderful stage design. Moreover, the creepy atmosphere was impressive, and the audio was uncomfortably oppressive. Yet, it isn’t long enough, the controls aren’t great, and it lacked originality. Despite these issues, I think this should be picked up when it is on sale. Accordingly, I recommend that you buy it here! Can you discover the truth and escape your fate? Stay out of sight, solve the puzzles, and evade the fiery beast.
3D Action/Adventure Platformer is a genre with a number of standout franchises under its belt. From Tomb Raider to Uncharted, Mario 3D World to Psychonauts, there is no shortage of delicacies on offer should you wish to indulge in this particular buffet. However, once all the good stuff is gone, The Crown of Wu remains.
To say this game is flawed is tantamount to claiming that space is a bit big, the ocean is a tad wet, or The Flash’s ropey CGI is only slightly off-putting. Within minutes of firing up The Crown of Wu for the first time, I knew this would be a happy experience for me.
Before I get too bogged down in negativity as I am usually wont to do, I’ll try and set the scene and give a few positives if I can. No promises.
Rough night eh pal?
The Crown of Wu has you playing as the titular Wu, an evolved form of ape-like creature not unlike those found in Planet of the Apes, only slightly more Feudal Japan-ish. You awake after an indeterminant amount of time imprisoned for vague reasons and in the meantime, everything has gone awry. You are tasked, by another ape seemingly speaking a dialect of Simlish, with regaining your powers (?) and fixing the mess you see in front of you.
So off you go, jumping, sprinting, climbing, all that good platformer stuff, with a bit of combat thrown in. The game attempts to guide you in these early stages by using on-screen button prompts, however, often you’ll find that nothing happens when you hit the button in question as the hitbox for the prompt is actually bigger than the hitbox for the command, which as you can imagine is infuriating.
One positive is the environments The Crown of Wu places you in, I’ve no idea why you’re flinging yourself between floating islands covered with glowing crystals and faceless enemies but as a still image it looks very cool. And whilst Wu usually moves like a man on a multi-directional treadmill, when he climbs to the top of a wall, he does a little flip to ascend the final few feet which is also very cool.
Alright, I’m out.
There is so much wrong with this game. You are literally dumped into a world gone wrong, but not in a compelling way because I have no idea what it looked like before because you’ve made my character an ape. I’ve no idea what an ape society might look like. To me, this could be totally normal. If you’re going to have the plot of the game uncovered as a mystery disaster, at least give some idea of what is actually wrong with the world.
Most games that attempt this are either based in our reality so we can see the differences immediately or have a pre-disaster portion of the game that sets the stage for our investigation later on. This does neither, and so, I don’t particularly care that things have gone bad.
As mentioned above, Wu doesn’t look like he’s fully connected with the world around him, instead of climbing a wall, it looks like he’s doing a climbing animation whilst the camera pans up. Jumping feels fine but running around feels as though I’m on ice with no real physics to my movements.
Combat is ok I suppose but some mad button mapping makes it unintuitive and the tiny tutorial at the start of the game doesn’t help much. To heal you must hold L2 and Triangle, but you may not move as you do, perfect for boss fights, don’t you agree? The regular attack is Square, but the strong attack is L1 + Square. The whole thing feels like it was built by someone who’s never held a controller before.
Poorly timed screenshot but I guess the particle effects look nice up close
The worst of all is the prompts from your guide that do essentially nothing to clear up any issues you may have. He’ll say something like, this enemy has a shield, there must be something nearby that can deal with it. You don’t say, buddy. Or he’ll say fire a wind blast at those fans, you do so, and nothing obvious happens and the game moves on. Just a maddening lack of game design that makes me feel as though this was added in later as QA feedback was that it wasn’t clear what to do so they reluctantly stapled this on top.
In the course of writing this review, I’ve learned that Red Mountain Studio, the developers of this game are a very small team and that might explain some of the oversights, but this is not a fun experience and honestly feels like it could have come out on the PS2.
Deadliest Catch: The Game replicates the drama of its TV series counterpart. Furthermore, this competitive fishing simulator will test your patience as you battle the weather and your AI opponents. On top of this, once you battle past the unsatisfying controls, you’ll enjoy the moreish action.
Developed by Moonlit and published by Ultimate Games SA, this is a simulation title. Moreover, there are business elements to enjoy and a vast ocean to explore. As such, there is plenty to see and do if you can cope with the repetitive gameplay.
Such a beautiful view.
Deadliest Catch: The Game tells a familiar tale.
You are a Greenhorn fisherman who wishes to make his fortune. However, this is no easy task as you compete against experienced crews. What’s more, the ever-changing seas and migrating crabs will test your knowledge and skills. Yet, if you can purchase the correct gear and ride your luck, you’ll be crowned champion of each season.
This is Deadliest Catch: The Game in a nutshell. Effectively, you are asked to equip your ship with bait, pots, and tools. From here, you must use your map and knowledge to find the best fishing spots. As the money rolls in, you can invest in new equipment and better skills. By doing so, you’ll improve your haul, increase your bank account, and destroy your crabbing opponents.
The crew.
Your levels of enjoyment will fluctuate. Sadly, there is little depth and the action rarely alters. Disappointingly, you can revisit the same fishing grounds with no negative impact. Accordingly, this impacts the gameplay and the levels of realism. However, where it excels is its crew management, catching quotas, and the ever-changing weather.
At first, you can’t afford a crew! Consequently, you must undertake every job yourself. Yet, this soon changes and you can hire up to 4 people to help you out. Once this happens, you can focus on steering the boat and gambling on new locations. Your crew will load the baskets, retrieve each catch, clean the deck and sort the crabs. Subsequently, they take the sting out of the everyday chores.
The crab quota is an extremely important aspect of the game. Fines are levied against anyone that returns with young or female crabs. As such, you or your crew must examine every crab to select the right one. This rudimentary mini-game was tiresome, so I recommend getting your workers to undertake this task.
Look at that haul of crabs.
Rough seas and bugs.
Life at sea is dangerous! Deadliest Catch: The Game tries to replicate this with its brutal weather fronts and choppy seas. Annoyingly, though, the storms are all talk and no trousers. Consequently, you’ll laugh repeatedly as your boat disappears under the waves and beneath the gaming world. Additionally, your crew and equipment will remain unscathed, no matter the danger they faced.
Disappointingly, this wasn’t the only bug or issue I faced. The action is laced with problems and these hold the game back. Whether it was permanent black screens, crashes, faulty controls, or the power to teleport, it was unbelievably rough. Accordingly, it lacks a polished finish, and that was unfortunate.
Deadliest Catch: The Game isn’t pretty.
I don’t need great graphics to enjoy a game. But Deadliest Catch: The Game is borderline hideous. If I overlook the bugs and glitches, all I see are poor textures, reused assets, and a low render distance. These are problems that this genre is famous for. Therefore, it didn’t surprise me in the slightest. Moreover, the bugs and glitches are likely to be ironed out, so this didn’t bother me too much either.
The audio, on the other hand, was great. The sense of drama and anticipation can be felt at all times. Furthermore, the realistic sound effects and the ambient noises were perfect. Though the storms didn’t look great, the howling wind, beating rain, and crashing waves were fascinating to listen to. Had the developers replicated this visually, this would have been a spectacular title.
The sea is getting rough.
Clumsy controls.
The controls are undeniably clumsy and annoying. However, once you realise that accuracy isn’t key, you get used to the cumbersome inputs. Unfortunately, the crane is dreadful to control and baiting the traps can be tedious. Yet, once you hire a crew, you can forget these problems. Additionally, the longer you play, the easier things become. As such, the issues quickly melt away.
Unlike its peers, Deadliest Catch: The Game has limited depth. Yet, it is oddly addictive, and I lost hours during every session. The active leaderboard pushes you, and the challenging AI doesn’t give up easily. Unlike its PC counterpart, this has no online gameplay. Consequently, this will annoy some gamers.
Deadliest Catch: The Game could have been better.
I adore the simulation genre. Therefore, it takes a lot for me to be disheartened. Thankfully, Deadliest Catch: The Game does enough to keep you entertained. However, it could have been much better. The lack of depth and the current finish are not good enough. Yet, if they add more DLC and iron out the problems, this will be an exceptional title. Accordingly, despite its issues, I recommend that you buy it here! Can you become a veteran fisherman? Hire a crew, buy the right gear, and return with a hefty crab haul.
Dedicated Wireless Hotkey, catch wonderful moments in time.
Voice control makes everything easier with hands free
What’s in the box?
The box contains the front and rear dashcams, cables, sticky pads, a wireless hotkey, a tidying tool and more!
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
With so many accidents and incidents happening on the roads, or even when parked, having a dashcam you can rely on is crucial, and that’s where the Venture Element 2 Dashcam comes in.
The box contains everything you need, the front and rear dashcams, all the cables and connectors, sticky pads and even a tool to help keep the cables tidy.
Setting up the dashcams was fairly quick and easy – the thing that took the longest time was getting the cable between the front and the rear dashcam hidden away. Thankfully thats where the tool in the box comes in very handy. I also really liked that Ventrue even included extra sticky pads in the box in case I needed to move the dashcam.
The magneitc-assist mounts makes the dashcam easier to install and more stable on the windshield. The last thing you want is for it to move or even fall off!
You can use the Vantrue app to control a number of the settings of the dashcams, views the dashcams and even transfer files – all really simply.
The E2 dash cam, using the SONY sensor, captures front and rear at 2596 x 1944P 24FPS with stunning detail that can clearly show license plates or road signs at a distance during the day and night. The quality really is very good, even at night!
You can use the voice control features to do various tasks, including taken photos, start and stop recordings, lock a video in the case of an emergency and more. The voice controls even work in multiple languages, although I only tried in English.
Included in the box is a wireless hotkey which can be used to save videos and take photos if you don’t want to use voice commands. This is really handy and you can place this anywhere where you can easily and safely use it without causing a distraction.
All in all this is a really great dashcam that is easy to setup and use and provides great quality images and is a must have if you drive!
The Vantrue Element 2 Dashcam is available now priced around £219.99.
