Fable was once a pillar for Xbox alongside Halo and Gears, but has since been on a 12 year hiatus. In 2020 Xbox confirmed Fable was being rebooted by Forza Horizon developer Playground Games. Since then they have been radio silent and fans have been clamoring for an update. After a suspicious twitter post, it seems Xbox are potentially teasing Fable for the June 11th showcase.
The twitter post in question was posted at 5pm eastern standard time today. It features an Xbox controller covered in glitter, with a glitter trail leading to an image of the the Xbox showcase promotional image. It features rather fable-esque music as well.
As always take any rumor with a grain of salt. Fable being shown in some capacity would back up reports I heard a few weeks ago that Xbox was wanting to showcase it at either their summer showcase or at the game awards.
Fable is such an underrated franchise. Not to mention, Playground Games are simply one of the best studios in our industry. I cannot wait to see their take on Fable. Fingers crossed we see it June 11th at the Xbox Showcase!!
Being able to work on the move is essential for many people. Moreover, finding a convenient way to do this is easier said than done. So, do you take a laptop and have to carry it around all day? Or do you work on your phone and forget the keyboard and mouse? Both options are feasible, but they have their shortcomings as well. This is where the JLab Go Wireless Keyboard comes to the fore!
This compact TKL device is perfect for people who want to work whilst commuting. Alternatively, it is a handy option if you wish to work outside and soak up some sunshine. With a stylish and robust shell, comfortable keystroke distance and excellent connectivity options, this ticks many boxes. Additionally, it costs £19.99 and therefore, it’s an affordable option for many.
What’s in the box of the JLab Go Wireless Keyboard?
The slender box is sturdy and pleasant to the eye. Furthermore, the blue finish is complemented by key selling points and images. Additionally, it is fully recyclable, and that’s a plus point.
The JLab Go Wireless Keyboard is protected by blue tissue paper. This was unusual but pleasant, as it enhanced the professional finish. The slender and compact design is nice to look at and the USB dongle is hidden in the battery compartment.
2xAAA batteries are needed as it has no in-built battery. Consequently, you’ll need to keep spare batteries at hand.
The user guide breaks down the fundamentals.
Technical aspects.
Portable keyboards can be phenomenal and awful! The smaller size can impact the size of the keys, the keystroke travel distance, and comfort. Thankfully, though, the JLab Go Wireless Keyboard was pleasant to use. The tactile keys are responsive and sizeable, and the layout is similar to the Apex 9 Mini. As such, using the keyboard for extended periods was a comfortable experience. Additionally, there is no way to adjust the height. Now, this may concern you, but the lie-flat position feels natural and was easy to use.
A major concern when using a wireless option is connectivity. Fortunately, the JLab Go Wireless Keyboard uses both 5.0 Bluetooth and a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle. Whichever you use, you are guaranteed a seamless experience. By flicking a switch, the keyboard will move between 3 different modes. Accordingly, you can connect up to 3 devices with ease. On top of this, you suffer with no latency issues, and I never experienced a drop in my connection.
Build quality.
Portable devices have to be robust and hard-wearing. Luckily, the JLab Go Wireless Keyboard is built to last. Moreover, it looks stylish as well. With a combination of matte and glossy black accents, it is refined but pleasant to the eye. Additionally, the multi-function keys are well-labelled and the control button is easy to locate.
Alongside this, there is a media knob to control any connected media device. Though this wasn’t entirely necessary, it was nice to have. JLab has done well to hide the USB dongle within the keyboard’s battery compartment. This ensures that the dongle won’t get lost while maintaining the device’s clean image.
Is the JLab Go Wireless Keyboard worth it?
Though I shouldn’t judge goods by their price point, I was worried that this would be woeful. Moreover, I feared the low price would equal low quality. Fortunately, I was completely wrong. Instead, the JLab Go Wireless Keyboard surprised me! Every aspect of the design was great and using it for extended periods was pleasant. What’s more, it looks great, and it is small enough to fit into your bag.
If you then consider its versatility, you’ll be impressed further still. Thanks to the Bluetooth and wireless connection, you can use this device on your PC or laptop, tablet and mobile phone. As such, it is the perfect option if you want to travel light. My only complaint, however, is the AAA battery situation. This isn’t great for the environment and you could run out of juice if you don’t carry spares. Yet, this is a minor complaint. Accordingly, this is an excellent investment and I recommend that you buy it here!
Fighting games live and die by the community that they build. If there is a strong online presence and an active community than there is a strong chance that the game will continue to be played years after the initial release. For new players, jumping into an online match and playing with others is where a majority of the fun comes from and when that isn’t avaliliable, the game runs the risk of being put down for good, no matter how solid the gameplay is. Unfortunately, that is a risk the genre runs and The Rumble Fish 2 has fallen victim to this. The time I spent playing the multitude of modes was fun but there was no pay off.
The story here follows several characters as they progress through an torunament held by an illigal fight club. With a multitude of characters to play through, Arcade mode alone is worth running through. I spent a lot of my time practicing the systems here since the CPU was capable of putting up a decent fight. This was also how I found my favorite character to play with, a simple fighter named Aran. After running through his story in arcade mode, I figured it was time to move on to the next best thing. Survival mode.
With a plethora of modes to play through, it is important to know that The Rumble Fish 2 has a pretty decent roster to enjoy for newcomers to the series. I had no prior experience with this game so seeing 3 character slots for DLC characters wasn’t too bad. Upon doing a little research though, it seems those DLC characters were previously available in the first title so it is a little disappointing to see them locked behind the paywall. This may not matter to new players but is something returning players might want to take note of, especially if it was one of their favorites.
Each character has their own unique moves and systems so there is something for everyone. A character can trigger an effect that allows them a set amount of time with their special ability. Some are able to heal themselves during this time frame while others take advantage of the extra damage boost. Aran, my main character, had an after shadow that followed up my moves with the previous move. This meant I was dealing out twice the damage if I could get my attacks to connect.
The visuals found here are reminiscent of old school 2-D fighters. I reviewed this on the Nintendo Switch OLED and found that the sprite work looked wonderful on the colorful screen. There is an option to switch on a scan line setting that gives the feeling of playing on an older monitor and this drove home that old school feeling. The animations are smooth and each characters limbs seemed to move on their own, which was a little jarring at first but grew on me over time. This allowed each movement to feel fluid and connect without making the models look stiff or out of place when attacking. As fights continue to progress, you are able to perform part breaks which will inflight cosmetic damage to characters. Some characters will lose articles of clothing while others will see their faces begin to swell from the constant beating they receive. This was a fun little mechanic to notice during each fight and I often found myself proud of the matches that ended with me in perfect condition while my opponents were left bruised and beaten.
Each stage is wonderfully designed and does a good job of being colorful without being too distracting. Fighting games have to have a fine balance so that players don’t loose focus on the fight or have their attention pulled away but all the stages found here fit perfectly within the games world while also being easy on the players. Stage music is also pretty catchy but there were no tracks that really stood out. The overall presentation here is alright and dosen’t pull away from the action too much.
With Arcade mode and Survival mode knocked out, I was feeling extremely confident in my skills so the next step was to take those skills online and find out where I stood amongst the other players. This is where my experience began to fall apart. Over the course of a week, I tried multiple times to find matches online and would wait upwards to 3 minutes just for an error to occur. I am unsure if this is a problem with North American servers or if there is a lack of a player base here but this really ruined the game for me. All the time I spent practicing with my characters amounted to nothing since there was no way for me to test my skills against other players. While there is a local versus mode, it was hard to convince friends to try out a new game when we had already established our routine games. This just shows the importance of the online presence and community. While I could probably find Discord groups to join and organize matches, That same amount of work could be put into me booting up a game that has a thriving community and would put me in matches right away.
Another issue that I found during my time might be a minor one over all but was one that I found bothersome enough to point out. Each character has their own personality and quirks that they bring to the table, which is expected in a game with a decent sized roster. It is important for players to be able to find a character they like and making characters different from one another helps create this space for players to find a fitting match. The Rumble Fish 2 has a great cast ranging from a fighting nurse to a kid carrying a paint brush. One character is a kid-swordsman who wears an eyepatch and has an interesting mechanic where she is able to switch stances during the fight. The issue I have was found when I finished my match against her with Aran. Being a typical womanizer, he makes a ton of comments in regards to not wanting to fight a woman or how he has no issue fighting men but struggles when it comes to fighting women.
After his fight with the child though, he says “can’t wait to see how you look in ten years. Hope you can leave the violence behind” which is extremely inappropriate to say to a kid. Since none of their ages are given in any of the information found in game, it is hard to gauge how old each character is but the character this is told to looks like a child so this is upsetting. Aran also seems to grope some of the women at the end of the match, rushing over to the them and crouching down after making suggestive hand gestures. While I enjoyed his play style, it was hard to like the character due to these moments.
Overall, I would love to say that The Rumble Fish 2 is worth picking up but with an online community that appears to be non existent and some character issues, it is hard to recommend., For those looking for a fun survival and arcade experience, there is a lot to be found here. If you have a group that is looking for some fun local matches, there is enough variety between the characters to make for some fun matchups. For those looking to play this online though? It is important to know that finding a match might be harder than any fight you are able to find.
We haven’t even made it to June and the first half of the year has been jam packed with major game releases. With many major releases still scheduled to come out, plus unannounced games yet to be confirmed, 2023 might be one of the greatest years in gaming history.
2023 Starts With a Bang
Some years start slow, others start fast. 2023 was the latter, as we kicked off the year with game after game, many of them receiving critical acclaim.
Firstly, we had Dead Space remake. Finally, after a ten year absence, EA’s survival horror franchise was brought back from the dead, and it was good… really good.
We then Spring-boarded into the most surprising game of the year, Hi-Fi Rush, developed by Tango Gameworks. Everything about this game was surprising, considering most thought Tango’s next game would most likely be Evil Within 3 (or something horror-like). But no, Hi-Fi Rush is a rhythm based action game with a colorful art style and wonderful cast of characters. To add to the surprise, it was shadow dropped! The full game launched the same day as Xbox’s developer direct, and it launched virtually bug free.
Then, Capcom’s remake of the legendary Resident Evil 4 was released shortly after, and to no surprise it was fantastic. Capcom themselves are on an amazing streak of releasing amazing games and this one was no different.
One of the major contributors to 2023 being one of the greatest years in gaming history is without a doubt The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This will be most gamers game of the year. It’s an innovative, sensational experience that deserves all the praise it’s getting.
Those four are only a small taste as many other games released in the first half such as Hogwarts Legacy, Wild Hearts, Forspoken, Wo Long, Atomic Heart, Dead Island 2, Star Wars Jedi Survivor, and many others!
Diablo 4 & Street Fighter 6
June already looks stacked with releases as three major blockbusters are launching in the month. We’ve already kicked the month off strong as two of those blockbuster games reviews went live today, and they are looking like GOTY contenders.
Firstly, Street Fighter 6, which launches June 2nd, 2023. The reviews came in today and it’s sitting at a whopping 92 metacritic for PlayStation 5!
Secondly, Diablo 4 also had reviews go live today, and it’s also sitting at an incredible 92 metacritic for Xbox Series X!
Lastly, the last major release for June is Final Fantasy 16, the long awaited new entry in the legendary franchise. Reviews aren’t out yet, but from the early previews we’ve seen, it’s looking like it’s gonna be one to remember. (Below is a link to the easy Allies preview for Final Fantasy 16. This is one of many early previews for the game but it’s one of my favorites).
Major Games Still Releasing in 2023
With such a jam packed first half, you’d think the second half would be lighter in comparison, but we still have many major games scheduled for release. Let’s look at some of the major releases still coming later this year.
First, is the brand new RPG from gaming legend Todd Howard and Bethesda Game Studios. If you’re a fan of Fallout or Elder Scrolls, this is one to keep your eye on. Starfield is scheduled to launch September 6th, 2023 for Xbox and PC.
Second, Spider-Man 2 from Insomniac games. Anything Spider-Man is always going to be massive, and after the incredible first game, the sequel should be nothing short of spectacular.
Third, Mortal Kombat 1. The latest addition to the legendary franchise is a series reboot bringing the series back to a more grounded feel.
Finally, Alan Wake 2. It’s been thirteen years since the first game, and fans have been clamoring for a new game since. Alan Wake 2 is a pure survival horror game, and the gameplay shown at the recent PlayStation showcase looks mind-blowing.
Again, these are only a few of the titles scheduled for release. Armored Core 6 is the newest game from legendary developer FromSoftware, releasing August 25th, 2023. Pikmin 4, Assassins Creed Mirage, and many more are still scheduled for release this year.
Not to mention, we are on the cusp of many summer showcases such as the Xbox show (June 11th), Summer Game Fest (June 8th), and Ubisoft Forward (June 12th). Many more games will be announced and given release dates at this show, potentially adding to an already amazing year.
Closing
When the PS5 and Xbox Series X launched back in 2020, many complained about the lack of major games releasing for the new hardware. There wasn’t many games showcasing the power of the hardware, not to mention many games weren’t releasing to critical acclaim.
2023 is showcasing the creativity and talent of the industry as a whole. Not only are lots of games releasing, the games themselves are just good.
If you have been waiting for games to come and validate your purchase of expensive new hardware, then 2023 is your year. There’s games for everyone, and many of them are releasing to outstanding quality. 2023 is without a doubt one of the greatest years in gaming history.
Afterimage could easily be confused for a Metroidvania title. Hell, even I was convinced for the first few hours. However, what becomes apparent is that this unusual title focuses on a non-linear storyline that enables you to explore freely and define your own paths. Moreover, this generates a rewarding experience as you construct the plot and enjoy the ending that you’ve worked towards.
This unique adventure title has plenty of special endings and a massive world to explore. Moreover, like the best RPGs, you can create a player that complements your playstyle. Furthermore, there is a vast range of equipment, magic, and “Afterimage” abilities to refine your experience further still. This was an excellent decision, as you can play this multiple times and no experience will be the same.
Developed by Aurogon Shanghai and published by Modus Game, this is a non-linear adventure title. What’s more, it has masses of RPG mechanics and a monstrously big world to explore. On top of this, there are oodles of creatures to defeat, 30 or so bosses to destroy, and 60+ NPCs to interact with. As such, there are plenty of tasks to enjoy, loads of creatures to slay, and an incredible skill tree to unlock.
Don’t miss out on the collectables or the special chests.
Afterimage tells a haunting tale.
You awaken in a dank cave with no memory of what has happened. Your mentor has been taken and you must rescue her, no matter the risk. However, this decision has devastating consequences. Renee’s decisions set into motion an unstoppable chain of events. Accordingly, how she behaves and who she helps will determine mankind’s fate.
This is a lot to take on for even the greatest of heroines. However, with the help of her mouthy but adorable sidekick, Renee will complete her goal. By exploring a vast number of unique environments, she will unlock new skills, find talent points, and avoid traps, obstacles, and other life-ending encounters. However, the massive bosses and never-ending creatures cannot be avoided. Therefore, you must study their quirks, focus on their weaknesses, and defeat every one of them.
A slow burner.
Renee is a capable fighter. However, she is limited in what she can do. Consequently, the action starts off slowly as you grind your way through wave after wave of grunts, creatures, and cruel bosses. However, as the action progresses, you’ll find new weapons and extra abilities. Moreover, you’ll discover new equipment and have the chance to upgrade your gear. These ideas aren’t new and the developers are stepping over some well-trodden ground. Yet, I liked how everything was drip-fed and the action wasn’t monotonous as a consequence.
Once you get to grips with your build and the gear you wish to use, you can focus on fine-tuning your abilities. The more bosses you defeat, and the better you are at finding collectables, the more “Afterimage” abilities you can unlock. These special powers are essential if you wish to explore every location. Without them, you will not be able to crawl through gaps or leap large chasms. Moreover, they are essential whenever you are tackling some of the harder bosses.
Where will you land?
Big boss battles and plenty of quests.
Exploring each area was exciting and interesting. With plenty of NPCs to interact with and an array of side quests to undertake, you won’t get bored. Whether you are looking for ingredients, trying to find artefacts, or helping someone to complete their adventure, it never becomes tiresome. However, your progress can be hindered by the brutally tough boss battles.
Whenever you stumble across a gargantuan beast, your heart sinks. These sinister creatures will stop at nothing to kill you. Sadly, this pretty much always happens and you’ll end up respawning at the nearest checkpoint. On top of that, you’ll lose your XP unless you can get to your grave before you die again. Think of Dark Souls and you kinda get what I mean. Alongside this, if you use a checkpoint to reheal yourself, you respawn every creature. Subsequently, it can be tough to navigate the windy labyrinthine world, as the creatures are always there.
However, back to the bosses! These cruel menaces follow a set routine of attacks. Accordingly, you must study their form and attack their weaknesses. Yet, this isn’t always enough, and this is where your special abilities and character build come into question. By selecting the right gear, and making the most of every ability, you will bamboozle your opponent and win each encounter.
Afterimage looks amazing.
Afterimage is one of the most attractive indie titles I’ve played. The stunning blend of colours and interesting backdrops are a treat to the eyes. Moreover, the incredible character models and smooth animation make it a joy to play. On top of this, the vast world is breathtaking and the mixture of obvious and hidden paths works incredibly well.
This is complemented by the whimsy audio. The magical music comprises 40 original songs that set a rich and atmospheric scene. The soundtrack is incredibly relaxing whilst adding drama and depth at the right times. This is supported perfectly by the fantasy sound effects and the fantastic acting.
Aesthetically, Afterimage is the perfect example of what an indie game should be! Its buttery smooth performance is only bettered by the incredibly captivating music. As such, this has to be one of the best-looking and sounding indie games of 2023.
He isn’t a fun….guy
Brilliant controls.
The combat can be as fast or as slow as you wish. You can equip dual blades to slice your foes to bits, or bludgeon them with a massive “Greatsword”. Alternatively, you can master your magic as you cast fireballs and other mind-blowing spells. However you approach each situation, you are guaranteed a smooth experience. The brilliant controls are responsive, well laid out, and easy to understand. Furthermore, any new skills are clearly explained, and this prevents you from getting confused or frustrated.
Afterimage oozes replay value and longevity. Thanks to the massive world and the multiple endings, you can return to play this many times. Moreover, there are countless character builds and a vast arsenal of weapons to select from. What’s more, you can upgrade your gear to create a powerful and almost unstoppable warrior.
Afterimage is incredibly good.
Indie games get plenty of stick for not breaking the mould. Sadly, the market is saturated with poor titles and this prevents the hidden gems from being discovered. However, Afterimage stands out from its peers as it tells a wonderful story and looks and sounds incredible. Alongside this, the combat is slick and the quests are enjoyable. My only complaint is that the large world can be overwhelming. Furthermore, it can be tough to remember what ability you need to access each unexplored area. However, these issues are minor in the grand scheme of things. Accordingly, I loved this spectacular game and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you regain your memories? Explore each vast location, learn new skills, and save your mentor.
We take a closer look at the Smashers Dino Island Mega Dino Egg by ZURU.
Smash your way to an epic prehistoric adventure with Smashers Dino Island Mega Egg.
SMASH your egg to smithereens to uncover the 25 hidden surprises inside this action-packed egg! Search through cotton candy foam, squishy sand and super stretchy slime for your dino pieces. Along the way, look out for a pesky pirate figurine and 4 epic smashers mini eggs that hold exclusive characters!
Look closely to uncover the 4 Dino Island stickers and new golden dino skull pencil topper amongst your treasures. Construct your dino parts to discover which Smash-o-saur you’ve discovered! Will you find the mighty T-Rex or stealthy Stegosaurus? What arrrgh ye waiting for! Get smashing to discover your new dangerously epic Smashers Dino!
Product Features
Slime, fizz and Smash your way through over 25 Dino Island surprises and build the ultimate Dino SMASH-O-SAUR
Smashers is the unique play experience that lets you smash, smash, smash! Smash your Mega Egg to smithereens to discover the Dino Island treasures. Smash through 4 mini egg surprises to let the mini characters loose across Smashers Dino Island! Use the nest to rebuild your eggs to smash again!
Discover mini egg surprises with over 20 characters to smash and collect! Deep in the Smashers treasure you’ll discover the pesky pirate figurine. Will this pirate stand a chance against your Smashers Dino?
Smashers compounds provide a mind-boggling tactile play experience! Dino pieces are hidden in squishy sand, cotton candy foam and ultra-stretchy slime for smashing kids to explore and discover!
There are two prehistoric beasts and over 20 Smashers mini egg characters to collect! Get Smashing to discover the world of Smashers Dino Island!
The Smashers Dino Island Mega Egg was a lot of fun to play with and explore. My trust 6 year old helper really enjoyed the fact he had to follow a map and scratch off the next step before then retrieving the next packet for opening, and he loved that each packet had different contents such as the slime – always a favourite with young ones!
The main egg and the mini eggs are all reusable and can be put back together fairly simply so you can have lots of fun playing with them once the initial play has finished.
Smashers Dino Island Mega Egg is available now priced around £25.00.
Hack ‘n Slash games aren’t my cup of tea. I don’t enjoy the mindless combat and the endless waves of monsters and foes. However, Demon Skin is different. This dark and cruel title is brutally tough, and it has some excellent combat mechanics. Moreover, its sinister story is captivating, and the setting is uncomfortably morbid.
Developed by Ludus Future and published by ESDigital Games, this is a hack ‘n Slash title. What’s more, it has some old-school adventure elements and a vast arsenal of weapons at your disposal. On top of this, the monsters are unbelievably tough, and the game pushes you to your limits.
Demon Skin tells a cruel tale.
Being a hero isn’t an easy task. Yet, you don’t expect your life to be turned upside down when you try to save the world. Sadly, this is exactly what happens in Demon Skin! The protagonist, a member of the Order of Wanderers, witnesses a sinister ritual. Trying to prevent it from ending, he throws himself into a flow of energy. This split-second decision has serious ramifications as he is turned into a demon. Not happy with his new form, he must undertake an adventure like no other. En route, he will slay monsters, find new powers, and hopefully restore his former glory.
The story is absurd, but it works well with the fantasy theme. Moreover, the gruff characters and evil overlords add a grandiose element to this odd title. As you push further into the gameplay, you explore some excellent environments. Each of these locations has vast dangers that must be avoided and death is disappointingly all but assured. However, if you die, you will thankfully respawn at a nearby checkpoint. Fortunately, the developers have kindly integrated a vast number of checkpoints to mitigate the guarantee of failure.
The world is oddly beautiful.
Linear gameplay but excellent combat.
I have to be in the mood for a linear tale. Sadly, I find the funnelled mindset too restrictive, and this usually frustrates me. Yet, Demon Skin does a great job of keeping you focused, as the combat is never-ending. Furthermore, the excellent and slick fighting mechanics are fascinating and will test the best gamers of this genre.
The hero has a choice of 3 stances to overcome his opponents. Depending on which one you select, they’ll have an impact on your foes. For example, a low blow to a skeleton will knock it off balance. You can use these small bits of intel to your advantage, and kick every creature’s ass. Alongside this, you’ll have to dodge and weave to avoid unwanted attention. Luckily, each creature follows a set pattern whenever they are attacking. Consequently, all you must do is study their form, learn their patterns, and use this knowledge to your advantage.
This approach works wonderfully well with each of the massive bosses that you must annihilate. These awful entities kick your ass repeatedly. However, once you understand what must be done, you’ll make light work of their advances.
Make sure to leap those chasms.
Weapons and a simple skill tree.
The combat element was incredible. Blocking your foes by selecting the right stance is tricky, but achievable. Yet, what makes this element even better is the arsenal of weapons at your disposal. Each blade, axe, or bludgeoning device has unique characteristics. Subsequently, you must study the combo guide to get the best out of each weapon. alongside this, they have special attributes that add to your attack and defence. As such, you must pick the right weapon for each combat encounter.
What wasn’t so great, however, was the simple skill tree. I expected this to have a deep and rich character development. Unfortunately, I was wrong! Instead, as you level up, you get to select between attack, stamina, and health. This is the extent of the character progression, and it wasn’t enough for a modern game. Accordingly, though the rest of the action is rewarding and interesting, the character progression is undercooked and disappointing.
Demon Skin looks great, but the acting is woeful.
I cannot find fault with the grim visuals. The 2D side-scrolling nature of the action works perfectly with the linear gameplay. Furthermore, the varied stage design keeps you interested and the character models are detailed and unusual. On top of this, the animation is smooth, and this helps the aforementioned combat mechanics.
You must also consider the basic but interesting platforming mechanics. This element ensures that the linear approach didn’t become tedious. Moreover, there are plenty of hidden treasure chests, skill points, and other key items that must be searched for.
I can’t complement the visuals enough. However, the audio wasn’t so great. annoyingly, the acting was wooden at best. What’s more, the spoken dialogue didn’t match the subtitles. Therefore, it was confusing and didn’t work well at all. However, this issue to one side, the music and the sound effects were good. The grim-sounding tunes add a gritty edge to an already dark experience. As such, it sets the scene and was very impressive.
Burn baby burn.
Occasionally clumsy controls.
The combat was slick and smooth, but it was held back by the occasionally clumsy controls. Sadly, the dodge and rolling commands are linked to the same input. As such, you’ll make numerous mistakes and get hit or killed unnecessarily. On top of this, the hero has a turning circle of a tanker. Consequently, when you are trying to avoid falling spikes or leaping across crumbling platforms, it is unbelievably tough.
Demon Skin has limited replay value or longevity. Though there are plenty of collectables to find and loads of weapons to try out, the action rarely changes. As such, if you wish to complete this game, you’ll have to endure the same action repeatedly, and that will get somewhat tiresome. Yet, the first playthrough is great and challenging and will keep you busy for hours.
Demon Skin is a slow burner.
It took me a considerable amount of time to get into Demon Skin. I found the action to be frustrating, and I didn’t get the concept. However, once I understood the key elements, I fell for its gritty and grim charms. Moreover, the bosses are great, the weapons are incredible, and the combat is incredibly slick. Accordingly, I loved it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you regain your old form? Kill every foe, master each weapon, and make the Order of Wanderers proud.
Minesweeper is a classic computer game that has stood the test of time and continues to engage people of all ages. The main idea behind the game is to clear a grid of hidden mines without detonating one. Players use logic and probability to figure out where the mines are located, based on the numbered clues provided on the grid. In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at strategies for mastering the game, and its continued popularity in the digital age. Keep reading to learn more about this iconic game.
Strategies for Mastering Minesweeper
Although when you play Minesweeper it relies partly on luck, several strategies can greatly increase your chances of success. First, players should focus on opening as many squares as possible by clicking on corners or edges of the grid. This minimizes the risk of accidentally clicking on a mine while providing valuable clues about the surrounding squares. As you progress through the game, these clues will help create a clearer picture of where mines are likely to be located, allowing you to make more informed decisions about where to click next.
An essential skill in Minesweeper is the ability to recognize patterns. Certain combinations of numbers on the grid provide definitive information about the location of nearby mines. By familiarizing yourself with these patterns, you can rapidly deduce which squares are safe to click and which should be flagged as potential mine locations. To speed up your gameplay, you can use the left and right mouse buttons simultaneously to clear safe squares, a technique known as chording.
Developing a winning strategy also involves understanding probability and making calculated risks when necessary. When faced with an ambiguous situation, try to weigh the likelihood of a mine being present based on the information given and the overall density of mines on the grid. This can help you make more accurate decisions in situations where an educated guess is required. With practice and persistence, you’ll find your win rate and speed improving over time.
The Timeless Appeal of Minesweeper
Despite its age, the simple and addictive nature of Minesweeper ensures it remains popular even today. The game has stood the test of time due to its satisfying combination of skill, luck, and risk. There is a compelling sense of achievement in methodically clearing a grid, making players eager to try again and improve their performance. The rapid pace of Minesweeper games also encourages replayability, as players can finish a game within minutes and immediately start another. Players might also like classic games such as Sudoku and chess.
Modern Minesweeper
Modern technology has allowed for the creation of online leaderboards and speed-running communities, fostering a competitive and social aspect of the game. Minesweeper enthusiasts can now share their strategies, compete against each other, and participate in online tournaments, adding a new dimension to the experience. This sense of camaraderie and challenge has helped keep the game alive and thriving in the digital age.
Moreover, the game’s minimalist design and straightforward ruleset make it a versatile pastime that can be enjoyed casually or in more serious contexts. From web-based versions and mobile apps to in-browser extensions and custom clones, Minesweeper has adapted seamlessly to modern platforms and will continue to appeal to future generations of puzzle enthusiasts.
Minesweeper has successfully maintained its undeniable charm and addictive gameplay throughout the years. Its timeless combination of logic, pattern recognition, and luck has cultivated a dedicated following and continued relevance in the world of gaming. As technologies evolve, Minesweeper adapts to various platforms and player preferences, ensuring this classic game remains a beloved pastime for many years to come.
In the early to mid 2010s, survival horror as a genre was dead and left by major publishers. But after 2017’s Resident Evil 7, fast forward to 2023, and survival horror is having a renaissance.
Survival Horror’s Rise & Fall
During the early 2000s, there was no shortage of survival horror games. Franchises like Resident Evil and Silent Hill set the standard for how great these games could be. What resulted was every developer trying their hand to make the next horror franchise.
So many gems resulted from that time period such as, eternal darkness, fatal frame, condemned, and the suffering just to name a few. With such popularity it seemed like there was no way down.
However, the 2010s were a turning point for the worst. Franchises like Resident Evil saw steep declines with fans not liking the more action heavy Resident Evil 5 & 6. PT from Hideo Kojima was canceled by Konami, and the 2008 smash hit Dead Space ended after a rather poor 3rd entry.
With so many misses and publishers not believing in the financial potential of the genre anymore, survival horror seemed dead and forgotten.
Survival Horror’s Revival
With no major releases, the genre seemed finished. It was never a situation where people didn’t care, it’s just in a world so ruled by money, the games seemed to have lost their way and instead was chasing cash. All the genre needed… was a spark.
Its spark came in 2016, with the announcement of Resident Evil 7. A soft-reboot of the franchise bringing the series back to its roots. It was first person, horror and puzzle focused. It was phenomenal and it sent a shockwave through the entire industry.
Not only did it revive a lost franchise, it saved the entire survival horror genre. Thus sparking the survival horror renaissance!
Below is my favorite reaction of the RE7 reveal. I’m a massive Easy Allies fan and with Resident Evil mega fan Michael Huber on the set, the excitement of how big this reveal was is truly felt.
Survival Horrors Renaissance
It’s been six years since the release of Resident Evil 7 and its effects on the industry have been felt. Resident Evil 2 & 3 were remade to critical acclaim. Silent Hill has been revived by Konami, with a remake of Silent Hill 2 coming this year and a new Silent Hill is in production.
Currently, in 2023, the year has been dominated by Survival Horror. Dead Space Remake launched earlier this year and it was simply phenomenal. We’ll likely see Dead Space get a new entry in the coming years.
Resident Evil 4 remake launched shortly after Dead Space, and it’s as good as you’d imagine.
Alan Wake 2 gameplay was recently shown at the PlayStation Showcase and it looks stellar, it releases October 17th, 2023.
It seems now more than ever, developers are once again emphasizing survival horror. Indie titles like signalis are attempting that old-school Resident Evil feel. In past years, you would have struggled to find major survival horror releases in a year, but now, 2023 is packed.
Survival Horror Fans are eating good.
Closing
It’s safe to say the industry realizes that if you make great horror games, people will buy them. We as players never stopped caring about these games, it was the industry as a whole who needed to take a step back and evaluate what makes these games special.
It’s not micro-transactions or flashy action sequences. But instead, smart enemy design, fun weapons, scenarios that make the hairs on your back stand up. It’s that desire to keep playing even though you’ll have nightmares later. You want to show your friends, you want to see your friends reaction to that scary moment. That is survival horror… and we’ve found it again.
For many people there’s nothing better than getting home of an evening and realizing you’ve got nothing at all booked in, meaning you’ve got a whole evening completely free to dedicate to a new video game. Better still, you’ve got the house to yourself, so you can turn the lights down low and frighten yourself half to death! For some, there’s nothing better than a great horror game, so we’ve curated a list of the most brilliant horror releases for PC, that you’ll want to schedule in some scare time for immediately.
The Last Of Us
Here at Movies Games and Tech, we love the survival horror genre and The Last Of Us part one is a particular favorite because it’s available to play on PC. There have been several remakes of the original game, as well as sequels and remasters, however, sometimes it’s the oldies that truly are the goodies and we think this is the case with The Last Of Us. The first game was released an entire decade ago, but it still stands up as one of the best games in the genre. Of course, the game has also seen a surge in popularity lately thanks to the hit HBO series that allowed us all a glimpse into another side of the characters that we’d come to love from the video game.
For those who haven’t heard of the game before, and somehow missed the series too, this game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world. A fungus has spread rapidly throughout the planet, turning people into zombie-like creatures who are intent on spreading the disease by biting and infecting their prey. You follow Ellie and Joel on their quest to survive in this harsh new landscape. Fans of shoot-em-up style games and large open world maps will love this one.
House Of Fun
If The Last Of Us all sounds a little bit too terrifying for you, but you still want a spooky something to get your teeth stuck into then the House of Fun slot by BetSoft might be a good choice for you. This game takes a slot format and is played on a 5×3 grid. It’s a classic style that will be immediately familiar to people who already play slot games and easy to pick up for those who don’t. The game begins with Paul and Jane’s car breaking down, meaning they just go and search for help in the nearest house. Unfortunately for the couple, the nearest house is the House of Fun. The backdrop to the slot game is a spooky house, situated in a garden dotted with gargoyles.
The spooky feel of the game continues into the symbols on the reels, where a terrifying man in a green suit is the highest-paying symbol. You’ll also find a haunted candelabra, a gruesome gargoyle, and plenty more besides. If you want to try out this game but don’t fancy wagering your own money, then VegasSlotsOnline gives players the option to play the full version for free for an unlimited time. This means you can get to know all of the features before diving in and placing your bets.
If you enjoy getting underneath the skin of the characters in horror movies, then this release from Supermassive Games and 2K is a must. It was only released last year, but already it has a cult-like following. The game sees you play as a group of teens, each having spent the summer camp working as counselors. Now, they have to make it through a night out in the forest with no idea what lurks in the darkness beyond. You’ll be spending a lot of time conversing with the others and trying to move stealthily through your environment, but each decision that you make can drastically change the fate of you and the others. We love that this game takes some horror tropes and turns them on their heads, whilst absolutely leaning into others so much so that it’s hilarious. If you’re into over-the-top gore, unexpected surprises and plenty
God of Rock isn’t a big-ticket title. In fact, I’d never heard of it until I was given the code. However, with so many games saturating the market, this isn’t that surprising. Accordingly, will an unknown entity impress me or will there be a good reason that I missed it altogether?
Developed by Modus Studios and published by Modus Games, this is a rhythm-based battle experience. Moreover, it has music at its core and is grimy, angry, and brilliantly addictive. If you’ve ever played Guitar Hero or other similar titles, this will be right up your streets. Consequently, this unknown entity was a pleasant surprise and something that deserved more recognition.
It starts off so easily.
God of Rock is all about the music.
No matter your music taste, you can appreciate a quality song when you hear one. God of Rock takes this idea and drives it home thanks to its wonderful array of unique and original songs. What’s more, the blend of offline, local, and online play creates a competitive atmosphere that’s enjoyable, challenging, and a tad unusual.
God of Rock has no story and little depth. I believe that this was a mistake, as the developers could have easily incorporated an intriguing plot. However, it wasn’t to be. Instead, you take part in lengthy 1V1 battles of rhythm-based madness. In order to succeed, you must hit every note perfectly and knock out your opponent.
Things are hotting up.
Never-ending rounds.
The most interesting aspect of God of Rock is the possibility of never-ending action. If 2 equally matched opponents face off, the rounds can last forevermore! Consequently, this is as much a game of skill as it is mental strength.
Each fight starts off slowly and then things go crazy. The notes move across the screen and you must hit the right button as it passes the centre of your instrument. If you time it better than your opponent, you’ll hit them and take some health. However, if you match your timings, you’ll parry each other’s attacks and the battle continues. Alongside this, each character has special attacks, charged combos, and other abilities to unleash. These overpowered techniques will cause mayhem and will get the crowd excited.
The brilliant thing about these special attacks is that they add a tactical layer to the action. If your opponent is tough, you can unleash an array of powerful blows to knock them off their stride. Additionally, each character’s unique finishing moves add a level of uncertainty to the mix. Subsequently, you must experiment with each person to find the right fit for you.
God of Rock = tunnel vision.
To appreciate the artistry on display, I had to sit back and watch others play. Unfortunately, the nature of this genre creates a tunnel vision effect that blindsides you to the bigger picture. Yet, once you step away from the action, you’ll appreciate the amazing backdrops, the varied stage design, and the incredible character models.
The audio falls foul of the same issue. As you are playing, you don’t listen to music. Instead, you focus on the beat and the notes in front of you. Yet, once you step back and listen, you’ll be amazed by the blend of genres and the complexity of each aggressive tune.
Can you keep up?
The controls are superb.
Rhythm-based games live or die depending on their control systems. If the setup is awful, the game stutters and fails miserably. Alternatively, like God of Rock, a superb setup will create an incredible experience. The responsive inputs make it much easier to time each note. What’s more, the brilliant UI and adjustable settings enhance the usability further still.
Where God of Rock falls short is its longevity. Without a story or career mode, it can plateau easily. On top of this, the player base is non-existent. Consequently, playing someone else online is rarer than hen’s teeth. As such, this was disappointing, as it should have been as addictive as Guitar Hero, but it isn’t. However, with some minor weeks and DLC, it could recover and become a cult classic.
God of Rock doesn’t offer enough.
This unknown entity impressed me. Subsequently, I adored its grungy approach, exceptional graphics, and amazing audio. Moreover, the controls are superb and the accessibility options are great. Alongside this, it is fantastic to play locally or against the Computer. Yet, with no player base or story mode, it doesn’t offer enough. As such, I desperately want more content to be released, so it fulfils its potential. Despite these issues, I still loved it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you impress the crowd and become a rock god? Hit the right notes, defeat your opponent, and soak up the adoration.
Here is our review of the UGREEN 9 in 1 USB-C Docking Station.
Powered by the latest DisplayLink technology, the UGREEN USB C Docking Station equips multiple displays, max data transfer speed and fast charging for your MacBook.
Features
9-in-1 Expansion: With an array of 9 high-performance ports, the UGREEN USB C Docking Station is equipped with 2x HDMI, 2x DisplayPort, a 100W USB-C Power Delivery Port, a 10Gbps USB-C 3.2 Gen2 Data Port, 2x 10Gbps USB-A 3.2 Gen2 Data Port and a 1000Mbps Ethernet Port.
Dual Media Display: Use the 2 HDMI ports and the 2 DisplayPorts of the Laptop Docking Station to connect 2 4K@60Hz monitors to your MacBook and each monitor can display different content to make multitasking a breeze.
Transfer Files in Seconds: With 3 USB 3.2 Gen2 ports on the UGREEN USB C Dock, a mixture of USB-A and USB-C and all of the USB ports offer 10Gbps performance, enough to transfer a 10GB file in just over 16 seconds.
100W USB-C Power Delivery: Keep your laptop powered up with 100W max charging via the USB-C Power Delivery port. Takes up less space than connecting with a huge DC Power Adapter while giving you just as much power.
Fast and Stable Network: Connect to the Gigabit Ethernet port via the Docking Station Dual Monitor and enjoy a fast and stable network up to 1Gbps.
What’s in the box?
The box contains the 9 in 1 docking station, a cable and instructions.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The UGREEN 9 in 1 USB-C Docking Station is small, and sleek and looks great sitting on a desk.
As the name implies, there are 9 ports on this docking station (10 if you actually count the power port).
To set it up, you use the supplied USB-C cable to connect to your laptop. You may need to install a DisplayLink driver depending on what type of laptop you are connecting to and whether you already have the driver installed.
Then next thing to do is to connect all of your devices to the docking station – whether thats your mouse and keyboard, external drives, RJ45 cable, whatever. There are also two separate sets of display connections (both supporting HDMI or DisplayPort). There is also a USB-C power port that you might need to use depending on what you are connecting to your docking station. I set up mine with a constantly connected power cable just to make my life easier in the long run.
There is a power button on the docking station that can be used to turn it off if needed (and back on again!).
And that’s it – the docking station is now in full operation and everything you need is right at your fingertips. Well, I say everything, for me personally, I would have loved an SD card reader too, but thats just being greedy!
The UGREEN 9 in 1 USB-C Docking Station is a must have addition to any desk!
The UGREEN 9 in 1 USB-C Docking Station is available now priced around £199.99.
After a lackluster showcase from Playstation, Xbox now has a chance to dominate the news during the summer showcase season.
When Sony announced their Playstation Showcase for May 24th, many fans thought it was a sign of confidence. Had they came out two weeks ahead of Xbox and put on a stellar show, Unreachable expectations would have been put on the Xbox Showcase. Now, Xbox are breathing a sigh of relief as they are poised to have the best showcase of the summer.
The Summer Showcase Feud
The summer of gaming has been a long tradition in the industry, being termed by many as “Gamers Christmas.” It’s a jolly time where tons of new games are revealed, gameplay is shown, and dreams come true. Xbox and Playstation have battled for years during the summer. Each wants to put on the best show for their fans and gamers everywhere.
Although some may not think it’s a big deal, a really good showcase can swing the mindshare of the consumer. For instance, it was the 2013 infamous PlayStation showcase which was the final nail in the Xbox One coffin. At the end of the day, gamers want to see a good show, and they’ll respect the ones who give it to them.
Heading into this years summer, many at Xbox probably gulped when Sony announced their first showcase in two years. Expectations were high, with most thinking this was gonna be the be-all-end-all showcase of the summer with Sony revealing a multi-year new phase of exclusives. That however didn’t happen and most were left unsatisfied, leaving all eyes on the Xbox Showcase on June 11th.
Xbox Showcase Rumors I’ve Heard
Yes, many did expect Sony to announce a multi-year roadmap of major exclusives, but I’ve heard Xbox are actually the one planning that. From what my sources have told me, Xbox is planning a showcase to “Wow Gamers… they want people to be convinced in their vision for game pass and that they can release a major quality exclusive every quarter.”
I’ve heard gameplay is a major focus, particularly with a game such as Avowed from Obsidian Entertainment. I was told Avowed is a game everyone at Xbox is raving about and that they believe it’s going to blow people away at the showcase.
From what I’ve heard will be shown, Xbox have a chance to dominate the summer showcase season.
It all remains to be seen though and any rumor you hear should be taken with a grain of salt. As a fan of gaming, I cheer for everyone. I was hoping Sony would have a great show and I liked some of the stuff there. I’m hoping Xbox has an amazing show, with games for everyone and major surprises.
