Review: Hello Neighbor 2

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: Hello Neighbor 2

Sequels can evoke some very powerful emotions. When its predecessor is phenomenal, you can’t wait to get stuck in. However, if the original was awful, chances are you’ll scowl at the thought of wasting your time. Sadly, for me, the latter option materialised when I was given Hello Neighbor 2 to play. Why? Well, I hated the first game with a passion. Its clunky controls, surreal plot, and stupidly tough puzzle mechanics enraged me. Consequently, I was apprehensive about investing my life into the sequel.

Developed by Eerie Guest Studios and published by tinyBuild, this is a horror adventure title. What’s more, it has an open world, plenty of stealth mechanics, and some ingenious, albeit hard puzzles to solve. On top of this, the graphics and audio are impressive. Yet, the controls weren’t perfect. There is not enough guidance, and the developers have perhaps bitten off more than they can chew. Subsequently, there is potential, but it is, unfortunately, poorly executed.

Mr Peterson returns in Hello Neighbor 2.
Oh no, not again.

Hello Neighbor 2 makes you paranoid.

You are Quentin, an investigative journalist who is sent to discover the truth about Raven Brooks. Children are missing, and no one knows who is to blame. As such, you are hired to break into every house and leave no stone unturned. Unfortunately, Mr Peterson and his chilling cohorts are displeased at seeing you. Accordingly, you must use stealth, cunning, and luck to complete your task and find the culprits. 

My disdain for the original isn’t a secret, but I did like its sinister edge. Thankfully, Hello Neighbor 2 retains this idea with its creepy protagonists and first-person perspective. Instead of one creepy individual to focus on, there is a village of eerie folk to investigate. As such, every building is searched, and each person is a suspect. Therefore, you move from house to house, completing an array of mind-bending puzzles while hiding in the shadows. If you can solve every problem, and tick each person off of your list, you may crack your case, and escape this strange, but ominous town.

One of the locals stands over you while pointing a gun in your face.
Someone isn’t happy.

Familiar mechanics. 

Much of Hello Neighbor 2 is mechanically similar to its predecessor. Consequently, you must use obscure visual clues to discover each puzzle. Sadly, this can be frustrating even if the eureka moments are rewarding. Furthermore, the lack of hand-holding or guidance will just piss you off. This is especially true when you are being stalked by a kidnapping weirdo. When the pressure is on, and you are hiding in a cupboard, it is particularly annoying. 

I hate to admit it, but the problems are so absurd that I turned to a guide to help me progress. I wasn’t proud of this approach, but aimlessly searching for clues was a real turnoff. Moreover, being stuck in the same house for hours on end tests your patience to the limits.

I admired the developers’ focus on evolution. The push from a singular area to an open-world setting must be applauded. However, the familiar quests and the one key puzzle per zone soon became tiresome. Subsequently, the game spreads itself too thin, and it is devoid of rich or deep elements. Instead, you are left with a rinse-and-repeat effort, albeit in some interesting new environments.

Hello Neighbor 2 looks exquisite. 

The core elements didn’t strike the right note, but visually, Hello Neighbor 2 looks exquisite. The bold colours, clean lines, and oddly OTT imagery are a treat to the eyes. What’s more, the throwing and movement animation is great, and the first-person perspective enhances the horror elements. On top of this, there are some great surreal moments, and some exciting and unusual locations to explore. 

The visuals are expertly supported by audacious audio. The strange music, environmental sounds, and loud sound effects combine perfectly. However, its lack of dialogue or narration undermines the story. Furthermore, the lack of guidance adds to unnecessary confusion.

One of the townsfolk has a key that must be stolen.
How will I get that key?

Sloppy controls. 

Like its predecessor, Hello Neighbor 2 is painful to control. Consequently, selecting objects, throwing items, or climbing ladders is a pain in the balls. Furthermore, the layout is confusing and poorly explained. As such, the already sky-high levels of confusion turn into an unbearable tsunami of rage and hatred. 

If, and that is a big if, you can ignore these shortcomings, there is plenty of longevity and replay value. With some nice Easter eggs and some deep-seated lore, it is fascinating. However, it’ll take a strong stomach and even stronger willpower to explore this game fully. 

Hello Neighbor 2 is a marginally better sequel.

It was always going to be a tough task to get me onside, but sadly, the developers have failed. The same issues rear their ugly heads time and time again. Consequently, I was repeatedly frustrated and annoyed throughout. Yes, the graphics, audio, and setting were great, but that wasn’t enough. Even when Hello Neighbor 2 excelled, it wasn’t enough to paper over the cracks. Disappointingly, I cannot recommend that you buy it. However, more information can be found here! Crimes have been committed, and the village is a mess. Can you find the clues to unearth the culprits? 

Review: Soulstice

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: Soulstice

Hack ‘n slash adventure titles are low on my priority list. Why? Well, they are usually repetitive and full of annoying soundbites. However, occasionally, I’m wrong and a game from this genre stops me in my tracks. Soulstice was one such experience that caught me off guard. Without the normal mindless combat and irritating audio, I was pleasantly surprised. Yet, will it do enough to change how I feel about the genre?

Developed by Reply Game Studios and published by Modus Games, this is a fantasy hack ‘n slash title. What’s more, it is story rich and has some phenomenal acting throughout. On top of this, the combat is enthralling, the action is balanced, and it is perfect for newcomers and veterans alike.

The female protagonist wields a hammer while she's surrounded by monsters.
Use the hammer to wipe out your foes.

Soulstice is captivating but familiar. 

The gaming industry is fickle and gamers the world over complain bitterly about a lack of originality. Mostly, this is a fair viewpoint, but occasionally, I love to see a glimpse of top-end games in other developers’ work. Accordingly, Soulstice had a familiar edge to its visuals and gameplay. Though the action was extremely linear, I was reminded of both Devil May Cry and NieR Replicant. This isn’t a bad thing as both games are phenomenal. However, I don’t believe this has enough about it to be awarded such accolades.

The story focuses on 2 sisters, Briar and Lute. The first is alive but cursed and the second was sacrificed to ensure the pair were reborn as The Chimera. These ungodly beings are destined to share an intertwined existence, but they care not. Instead, they use their new powers to assist The Order and help the sprawling city of Ilden. A tear has appeared above the city and The Order must investigate the cause, battle the wraiths, and rectify the situation. This is where the sisters come into play. By working together, The Chimera will expel these evil forces and save the day.

It’s all about the combat. 

With a predominantly hack ‘n slash core, the game unsurprisingly focuses on its combat mechanics. Yet, it still tells an incredible story thanks to the amazing acting and attractive cinematic. The gameplay is split into chapters that comprise pockets of fighting, some basic exploration, and the odd secret to find. The secrets transport you to a challenge arena where you must pit your skills against waves of beasts and creatures. These additional quests can be revisited at any time if you wish to practise or improve your final score. 

However, the body of the game concentrates on excellent fighting mechanics. At first, the game gives you a gentle introduction that is particularly underwhelming. Yet, after a few hours, the combat becomes intense, and each of the protagonists expands their vocabulary of attacks and their arsenal of weapons. Lute is an ethereal being and acts in a support role. In doing so, she is the guardian of her living sibling. By increasing her blocking capabilities or the range of her spectral powers, she is a useful ally to call upon. 

Soulstice mixes magic and melee combat.
Use Lute’s powers to kill ghostly beings.

How about Briar? 

Briar, on the other hand, is a cold-blooded killer. Armed with a meaty sword, her skill tree focuses solely on her destructive powers. As the game unfolds, she wields a hammer, a bow, and a giant metal fist. The first allows you to clear swarms of enemies in one swift attack. Alternatively, the bow takes down your foes from afar and the glove decimates armour. Each unique weapon is an essential tool to tackle the swarms of beasts that you’ll face.

As the game evolves, you must combine the sister’s powers to be successful. Lute must use her spectral range to allow Briar to kill the ghastly apparitions. Alongside this, her ability to freeze and block attacks is a key combat mechanic. This is then balanced perfectly with the entropy meter. This special gauge ensures that Lute uses her powers sparingly. If the meter maxes out, she vanishes and Briar is left alone and exposed. Consequently, you must balance each of the sisters to overcome each combat encounter.

Soulstice looks amazing. 

Whenever a game is a blur of activity, you need it to look great and perform admirably. Thankfully, Soulstice does just that. Its sombre and oppressive colour palette is complemented by the moody dialogue and fascinating plot. What’s more, the combat animation is smooth, OTT, and has a wonderful fantasy edge. Accordingly, it looks amazing and the backdrops are intriguing. My only frustration came whenever I wished to explore the massive sprawling city. Unfortunately, invisible walls and the linear approach prevent you from venturing off the set path.

Alongside the magical visuals were some great audio moments. The plot is delivered perfectly thanks to the phenomenal acting. Furthermore, the aggressive soundtrack is complemented by loud and obnoxious sound effects. In short, it is loud, in your face, but boy, does it work well.

Use your bow to take out enemies from afar.
Grab your bow and take down your foes.

The controls are the cherry on top of the cake. 

Things get better as you consider the control setup. With plenty of combos to execute and some meaty combat to address, it could have been tough to play. Fortunately, though, the excellent layout, responsive inputs, and thorough tutorials make it a cinch to play. As such, even when the new mechanics are dropped in, you never feel out of your depth. 

The developers have done a great job with both longevity and replay value. The aforementioned secret arenas are moreish and challenging. Moreover, each fight is ranked to give each chapter an overriding score. This was an excellent idea as perfectionists will return to get the best result. Alongside this, there is an array of difficulty settings to defeat along the way. 

Soulstice is a great game. 

Though it isn’t as good as NieR or Devil May Cry, Soulstice is a great game. However, I wasn’t a fan of the strict linear style or the occasionally repetitive action. Yet, the stunning graphics, fantastic audio, and brilliant controls make up for this. Accordingly, I recommend that you buy it here! Can you help The Order and save the day? Work as a team, master your skills, and defeat every monster. 

5 Useful Beginners Tips for Getting Started at Online Casinos

Christopher John
-
0
5 Useful Beginners Tips for Getting Started at Online Casinos

If you’re new to playing at online casinos, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some useful beginner’s tips for getting started at online casinos for the first time. 

Top 5 tips for getting started at online casinos

Here are 5 top tips that are useful for beginners who have never played at an online casino before. If you’re searching for an online casino to sign up to, always remember the following:

  • #1 – Look for a fully licensed online casino that’s owned and operated by a reputable company
  • #2 – Check that it’s protected by SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption technology and that it accepts your preferred payment method
  • #3 – Make sure that it has a decent selection of games that have been developed and supplied to the casino by industry leaders
  • #4 – Find out what kind of promotions and bonuses it offers both new and existing members
  • #5 – Learn the rulers and strategies of certain games before playing. Practice in the free play mode, where possible, until you get good

You should be fine if you can remember these important factors when searching for a good online casino. For example, if your preferred online payment method is PayPal, you should only be looking for the best Paypal casinosto sign up to. 

The cashier/banking section will reveal each payment method currently accepted at the casino. Now, let’s take a closer look at how you can get started at online casinos.

How to sign up to an online casino

You will need to register a new account when you have found a reputable online casino that accepts your preferred payment method. It takes less than a couple of minutes to complete the online application form, and your new account can be activated in just seconds as soon as you have filled it out. You must be at least 18 years old to sign up to an online casino and play in the real money mode. 

During the sign-up process, you can also generally set deposit limits, session time limits, and spending limits. It’s worth setting these limits because they are a great online casino bankroll management tool. 

Verification process

When you have signed up to an online casino to play in the real money mode, at some point, the casino’s verification department will get in touch with you and request certain documents from you. It ensures you meet the age restrictions and fraudulent activity, and providing the casino with the necessary documents is something you cannot avoid. 

If you don’t provide them with any required documents, your account will be temporarily locked until you do. The verification process shouldn’t take any longer than 48 hours to complete, and the types of documents that you need to send are proof of identification and proof of address. 

In other words, this can include a bank statement or bill (which must be less than 12 weeks old), a mobile phone, gas or electricity bill, and a scanned colour copy of your passport or driving licence. As soon as you have proven that you are who you say you are, any restrictions that were placed on your account will be lifted. 

News: Monoprice

Daniel Waite
-
0
News: Monoprice

Christmas has come and gone and the tech industry is back in full swing. Therefore, that can only mean one thing, it is time for some face-to-face events! As such, 2023 welcomes the most influential tech event of the year, and that is CES. This phenomenal gathering allows the best manufacturers to highlight their upcoming products. Last year, I was fortunate enough to work with some of the leading lights of the industry. Thankfully, this continues as today I’m going to shout about Monoprice.

Monoprice sells some of the most affordable, yet advanced technology available. What’s more, it pushes the envelope and tries to be innovative as well as sensible. Accordingly, there is something for everyone and a price point to match. Whether you are looking for a new monitor, cables, CNC machines, or outdoor gear, they have you covered.

What will Monoprice bring to CES?

  • PC Accessories. Monoprice reaffirms its top spot in the PC accessories space! As such, consumers eagerly await the unveiling of a new CrystalPro 40-inch UltraWide USB-C monitor. With a 3440×1440 pixel IPS panel, HDR600, and 144Hz refresh rate, this new monitor boasts outstanding visuals, while its height-adjustable stand with tilt and swivel adjustments ensures maximum viewing comfort. The new Crystal Pro 40-inch UltraWide monitor will be released in Q1 2023. Monoprice will also unveil several value-packed, high-speed USB-C docking stations, including a 12-in-1, 13-in-1 and 15-in-1 solution, all designed to maximise laptop productivity on the go.  
  • Cost-Effective 8K AV Cables. Monoprice is no stranger to AV cables. In fact, affordable, high-quality cables are what the company was known for in its early days. At CES, Monoprice stays true to its roots, showcasing a variety of AV cables to help customers cost-effectively make the transition to 8K. Cables include SlimRun 8K Certified HDMI cables of varying lengths, 8K DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI adapter cables, 8K USB-C to DisplayPort 1.4 cables, and more.  

What else?

  • CNC Machine. When it comes to 3D printing, Monoprice has built a solid reputation for uncompromising performance, features, and value. At CES, Monoprice expands its creator products to include a new compact, desktop CNC Router for milling and engraving wood, plastic, acrylic, soft metals, and other materials. Perfect for beginners, this compact and lightweight 3-axis CNC machine offers a 30x18x4.5cm working area and packs a high-torque 775 spindle motor that operates up to 9,000 RPM. The new CNC Router Kit will be available in Q1 2023.  
  • Health and Wellness. Showcasing the latest innovations in health and wellness, Monoprice unveils its new SevaCare product line. It will debut with a pulse oximeter and blood pressure reader. These new SevaCare products, among others, will be released in Q2 2023.  
  • Outdoor Gear. Since launching its Pure Outdoor product line, Monoprice quickly became a one-stop shop for outdoor gear. Monoprice continues to expand its line of must-have equipment. Consequently, we now see the new Emperor 25 12-volt portable refrigerator and freezer. At just 24 lbs, this compact, 25-litre fridge plugs into standard automotive 12-volt ports (AC adapter included for wall-outlet use) and keeps food fresh, reaching temperatures as low as -7°F (-22°C). The Pure Outdoor Emperor 25 will be released in Q1 2023.  

Some information on Monoprice.

Monoprice, the best value in consumer electronics, is unveiling a variety of exciting new products from several categories at CES 2023. New products on display include several PC accessories, 8K AV products, outdoor gear, healthcare products, and more.  

“Monoprice is the low-price leader in high-quality consumer electronics, and this year we aim to expand that position to cover a variety of new B2B and B2C categories,” said Bernard Luthi, CEO at Monoprice. “Our showcase at CES is just a tiny preview of what’s coming in 2023, with many new and exciting product lines being introduced and tons of new products being added to our most popular product lines.” 

(More information on Monoprice can be found here!) 

Review: The Entropy Centre

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: The Entropy Centre

The puzzle genre is a little hit-and-miss. Occasionally you stumble across a game that is so hard that you scream, throw your toys out of your pram, and uninstall it immediately. On the flip side, there are titles that lack any sort of challenge. Consequently, this is equally frustrating. Therefore, I don’t envy the teams that work on these projects. It must be hard to get the balance right while also incorporating an exciting story. As such, when The Entropy Centre landed on my desk, I was understandably reserved.

Developed by Stubby Games and published by Playstack, this is a puzzle adventure title. What’s more, it has a captivating plot that is laced with razor-sharp humour. Furthermore, it has a wonderful futuristic setting and some mind-bending puzzles, and it has a balanced approach. Subsequently, it’ll test you throughout without the risk of rage quitting.

The Entropy Centre has a strong core mechanic of rewinding time.
Plan your moves and reverse time.

The Entropy Centre tells a daunting tale.

Games in this category rarely tell a decent story. Normally, the developers focus on the mechanics of their game and little else. Thankfully, The Entropy Centre balances both as you experience a heartwrenching story that is juxtaposed with humour, mind-boggling problems, and an unnerving sense of doom. Accordingly, it is tough to put down once you get into the swing of things.

You control a worker who has lost her memory. She awakens to find no one around, and her surroundings are trashed. Moreover, a tannoy repeatedly barks out orders and a labyrinthine world enhances her disorientated state. Quickly, though, she discovers an artificially intelligent being known as ASTRA. This dry but witty machine attempts to push you forward. However, its lack of empathy and emotion lead to some amusing albeit uncomfortable moments. With its help, you’ll power the space station you reside in and stop a cataclysmic event on Earth.

The hero stares down an ominous orange corridor.
That doesn’t look safe.

Time won’t stop you. 

Death, destruction, and despair are the core elements of the plot. Yet, it isn’t all doom and gloom. No, instead, the use of time-bending mechanics and intricate puzzles takes the edge off your impending demise. With 15 acts to complete and a world-saving mission to finish, time should be of the essence. However, you are free to move as quickly or as slowly as you like. Unlike its peers, there are no rewards for rushing through stages, nor is there a scoring system for getting everything right. Instead, the enjoyment comes from completing each testing challenge you face. 

The Entropy Centre is a maze-like game that combines oodles of rooms across an array of floors. A new puzzle element is added as you complete each act, and this ensures that the game gets increasingly tougher. This was an excellent approach as it ensures there is a tough but fair learning curve. The basic idea is to activate switches to unlock doors in order to progress. However, things aren’t that simple as you must activate plenty of switches with limited tools to hand. Consequently, you’ll use ASTRA to reverse time and rebuild structures. 

This handy AI can help to pick up boxes or springboards or reverse the path in which they’ve moved. Accordingly, you must deconstruct each puzzle and work backwards if you wish to solve each problem. This unusual style takes some getting used to, but once you get into the groove, it becomes second nature as logic and a methodical mindset take over.

The Entropy Centre has a familiar look.

The developers have created a pleasant world to observe. However, many of the assets look familiar, and the small rooms are generally devoid of items or intricate details. Now, this isn’t a complaint. Instead, it adds to the sci-fi style and the clinical nature of the task at hand. What I did like, on the other hand, was the incredible animation when moving items. It was fantastic to watch buildings being repaired or boxes floating through the air. What’s more, the transitional scenes between acts were filled with drama and minor puzzle elements. This was equally good as it tied together each chapter and kept the story flowing.

The visuals were nicely complemented by the excellent audio. The constant noise of the tannoy, the sound of structures crumbling, and the upbeat and dramatic soundtrack were all great. However, the pièce de résistance was the excellent acting. The combination of the female protagonist and the cold but amusing AI worked wonderfully. With punchy one-lines and a clear lack of empathy, it’ll make you chuckle throughout. 

The hero observes the path of every item she has controlled.
Make sure each path is correct.

Amazing controls. 

It’s easy for developers to focus on the wrong things. When this happens, the fundamentals usually get missed. Fortunately, The Entropy Centre doesn’t fall into this trap. Rather, it has a strong foundation from which to evolve. Subsequently, the controls and core mechanics are phenomenal. As such, you’ll pick it up with ease and enjoy manipulating time and space repeatedly.

Where it falls short, though, is its replay value. Like many of its peers, it has a linear framework that doesn’t stray from the path. Therefore, once it’s finished, there is little reason to return. Fortunately, the first playthrough is excellent, so this isn’t too much of an issue.

The Entropy Centre plays with your head. 

Generally, I like my puzzle games to be more traditional. As such, I’ve played Myst and other similar titles to death. Yet, The Entropy Centre took me by surprise! I adore its interesting mechanics, excellent story, and wonderful acting. Yes, the lack of replay value was disappointing, but it wasn’t a surprise. Accordingly, I’m happy to recommend that you buy it here! Will you save Earth from its cataclysmic event? Explore the space station, solve the problems, and remember that you can manipulate space and time. 

Popular Online Casino Games in the UK

Christopher John
-
0
Popular Online Casino Games in the UK

Betting and gambling are extremely popular in the UK. In the year ending March 2022, roughly 45% of adults had participated in gambling activity which shows just how prevalent it is. There are many reasons that people partake inthis including it being fun and there is a large opportunity to win money. 

Betting can be done both online or in a bookie and some of the most popular things to bet on include football, boxing and online casino games. If you’re not familiar with online casinos then you may have been missing out on years of fun whilst you’ve focused your bets elsewhere. 

Read on to learn why online casinos are so popular and which games specifically are favourites amongst the UK population.

Online casino games rise in popularity

Gone are the days when you have to physically go to a casino to place bets! Now you can simply fire up your laptop or open an online casino app on your phone and get stuck in. This is one of the main reasons for the popularity of online casino use increasing.

One of the other reasons is the many bonus offers that customers are sent when they have a membership with certain providers. These allow people to gamble for free with the chance of winning money back in return. So, whether you’re a university student on a budget or a top earner in your company, everyone can get involved with online casino play.

What are the most popular games to play? 

With so many to choose from when you first enter an online casino, you may feel lost when deciding where your skills will be bets placed. Why not try one of the following popular games:

Poker

This is a game all about outwitting your opponents and there are many variations such as Texas Hold’em or 7-Card Stud. Each provides a unique spin on the classic game. The winner is the person with the best hand of cards but even if you don’t have a great hand, you can still trick your opponents into folding with your poker face.

Bingo

A classic that has been enjoyed for decades, online bingo is a fun game for any customer to play. It combines luck with a competitive spirit which is why people continue to go back for more.

Slots

Online slots can yield a huge return for very little effort which is why they’re so popular. Simply pull the online lever and watch the machine spin and reveal if you’ve won. These games are known for their interesting graphics on screen too which helps to add to the excitement.

Review: Rooten

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: Rooten

January is a month when everyone is a bit lost. Your money is running out, you don’t know what day it is, and leftovers are the new norm. However, there should be some residual festival cheer to warm you up. Consequently, when I was given Rooten to review, I was taken aback by its melancholy and sinister ways.

Developed by Amortiz Games and published by Samustai Ltd, this is a horror adventure title. What’s more, it’s slow-paced, eerie, and atmospheric. From the off, you can see the influence of Darkwood. This is a horror title that is currently being reviewed by James Refelian, so watch this space. Anyway, let’s get back on track and focus on all things, Rooten.

The hero stands alone surrounded by murky fog and dark trees.
Life is lonely.

Rooten has a creepy plot and a creepier atmosphere.

I’m all for an unnerving experience. However, Rooten pushed me into an uncomfortable place. Its secretive characters, unhinged plot, and oppressive environment made my skin crawl. Moreover, you never know if you are doing the right thing as your choices influence the plot. Furthermore, each decision impacts your relationships with the NPCs. Subsequently, you continually question your thoughts and the path you walk. 

You are an investigator who is sent to a research station in the middle of a forest. On arrival, there is no welcoming committee and things are unusually quiet. Your transport away from this squalid place won’t return for 7 days, and you must uncover the secrets of this hideous location. By exploring your surroundings, you’ll encounter creepy locals and an even creepier atmosphere. What’s more, there is a mysterious creature that haunts you every day. As such, your survival instincts kick in and you’ll do anything to stay alive. However, you are free to do as little or as much as you like. Accordingly, will you help the locals and complete your task, or will hide and hope that’s enough?

Rooten has many game-changing choices. In this case, would you poke the weird leathery sack, or would you walk away?
What would you do?

Slow and steady wins the race.

My overriding thoughts when playing Rooten were, “damn this is slow!”. By slow, I mean that a snail moves faster. Now, this was tedious, but it’s a deliberate mechanic from the developers. Accordingly, you can’t run, and the day/night cycle is like pulling teeth. Furthermore, if you’ve completed a task, you never know whether to finish the day or not. Sadly, this leads to plenty of wasted time and unnecessary exploring. Had there been more pointers to assist you, then this would easily have been eradicated.

Alongside this, the freedom to do as much or as little as you please makes it difficult to focus. Consequently, it is easy to lose track of what you are doing or simply lose interest. This was unfortunate, especially as your actions matter. As such, it was too easy to mindlessly wander while waiting for the game to evolve.

An incredible atmosphere. 

Where Rooten shines is its ability to freak you out. The short and illogical dialogue often makes you uncomfortable. In turn, this enhances the secrecy of each character and adds to the plot’s many mysteries. On top of this, the environment is just horrible. Its oppressive nature, combined with a lack of guidance, leaves you uneasy. However, this lack of hand-holding is also a negative. Consequently, it’s a bit of a double-edged sword, and a problem that isn’t easily solved.

Rooten is disgustingly beautiful.

The aforementioned atmosphere is derived from incredible aesthetics. With a wonderfully hand-drawn style and an earthy palette, it is disgustingly beautiful. Furthermore, Rooten is reminiscent of Don’t Starve. The stark emptiness combined with the oppressive hopelessness really sets the scene. Moreover, the clean lines and the simple backdrop are uncomfortably nice to look at. 

What was also great was the stripped-back audio. The developers have created classic jump scares with the use of animal noises and masses of silence. This was excellent, as it could have been ridiculous. Instead, you are haunted by everyday sounds and your imagination. 

The world is dark, foggy, and ominous.
Strange plants and a murky environment.

Basic controls. 

The control system is extremely well-considered. With limited tasks to complete and a tedious pace, complexity wasn’t called for. Rather, you enjoy a basic but responsive set-up that is supported by a straightforward tutorial. 

Theoretically, Rooten has plenty of replay value and longevity. With multiple endings to “enjoy”, and a fast playthrough time, you can experience many finales. However, the slow pace and lack of guidance make you question it. I liked the random nature of each day, but I’m not sure I’d want to return repeatedly. 

Rooten is uncomfortable and oppressive, but it’s far too slow. 

There is plenty to enjoy whenever you tackle Rooten. Its characters are creepy, its atmosphere is incredible, and the plot keeps you guessing. However, it’s far too slow and the lack of guidance is frustrating. Subsequently, it is a good game, but there is room for improvement. As such, I liked it and I recommend that you buy it here despite its shortcomings! The forest is full of secrets, animals, and monsters. Can you overcome them and survive for 7 days? 

Review: Terracotta

Xavier Berry
-
0
Review: Terracotta

Terracotta is a game that knows just how to hand out challenges without overwhelming players with an overload of information. With each new puzzle, I found myself pulling back to look at the playing field as a whole before making the next move. For a game with over 80 hand-crafted levels, the ability to maintain a level of uniqueness with each new level can make or break the experience overall. In the case of Terracotta, I found myself feeling a sense of accomplishment with each success. Pair this with exciting boss fights that will put you on the edge of your seat and you have a wonderful concoction that makes each session fun. 

The story of Terracotta revolves around a warrior who was chosen to protect the world in the afterlife. By utilizing some new found powers, the warrior is tasked with overcoming a multitude of challenges while facing down dangerous enemies in order to keep the world safe. The power of the Tao is given to the warrior and this becomes his main way of interacting with the twin realms, Yin and Yang, during his journey.

While the story of Terracotta is a reason to pick it up, the gameplay is the main reason to stick around. I found the use of the two different realms for both story purposes as well as a gameplay element to be a fresh take on puzzle “rooms”. Since the game requires players to switch between both worlds to find out new solutions without having to completely rip the player away with something like loading screens, the immersion is able to continue on without being broken. For example there are segments where something in Yang may be broken, such as a bridge or a tree blocking a path, and players are able to press a button to switch over to the other realm. The obstacle may not exist in this world or it may be in a different state which means that players are able to progress without having to go to a statue or switch to make the realm change. By not halting progression with an unnecessary step, I found myself able to continue through each puzzle without frustration in regards to actually getting to the puzzle itself. 

Enemies in the game will try to hinder the warriors progress so it was important that I paid attention to the world around me as I solved the puzzles presented to me. There were instances where I had to utilize the wall ability to block arrows from causing damage. While the warrior may not be able to directly fight back, his abilities to solve puzzles can also be used in combat to help get away without a scratch on him. Instead of breaking the game up into puzzle and combat segments, Terracotta manages to blend both elements in a way that keeps the game moving without causing things to come to a halt.

My time with the game was one spent being mesmerized by both the wonderful art style as well as the soothing music as I took my time to solve each puzzle. There were some minor glitches that prevented me from progressing in certain areas but at the time of this review, I was playing through it on both the steam deck when it was unverified as well as the Pc so this may not be the case for other players. For those looking for a strong puzzle game with a unique story and setting, Terracotta is definitely worth adding to the collection. 

Review: Afterglitch

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: Afterglitch

Occasionally, you encounter a form of media that blows your mind. Now, I don’t mean that it is incredible and unique. No, instead it is weird, unusual, and tough to explain. This is my experience with Afterglitch! It is a bizarre exploration game that does little to settle you in, and even less to explain what is happening. As such, you have no clue what is happening during your short game time.

Developed by Vladimir Kudelka and published by Hangonit Studio, this is a sci-fi exploration title. What’s more, this single-player endeavour transports you to many surreal, beautiful, and unusual environments. Accordingly, it is a visual treat even if the action is hard to understand. Furthermore, this reliance on a dreamlike world is uncomfortable and disorientating, as well as intriguing and alluring.

Afterglitch allows you to float through strange corridors.
Where does this corridor go?

Afterglitch doesn’t hold your hand. 

Unlike its peers, Afterglitch does little to explain its plot. Instead, you are left to your own devices as you explore each stage. This minimalist approach, combined with an array of simple mechanics, ensures that this is an easy-to-pickup title. However, its lack of hand-holding makes the experience uneasy and unnerving at the same time.

You control a spaceman who is on a mission to find an ancient alien species. On his journey, he discovers clues about mankind’s origins and answers to his questions. Yet, the way they are displayed feels more like an abstract painting rather than the core principle of a game. Subsequently, you continually question what is happening, as well as what you discover.

4 spaceships hover ominously.
I hope they are friendly.

What the heck is happening?

Though much of the action is simplicity personified, you’ll still be thoroughly confused. Consequently, I spent much of my time uttering the words, “what the heck!”. However, this didn’t tarnish my time with Afterglitch. No, instead, it spurred me on as I explored each weird stage.

The action develops at a relaxed pace with no danger, combat, or violence. As such, you can take your time as you try to work out the meaning of each level. Effectively, you’ll explore an array of landscapes while searching for an image or other lifeless astronauts. As this happens, you take in the stunning surroundings while enjoying the wholesome audio.

You are expected to walk on water, manipulate mirrored images, float through space, and decipher ever-changing landscapes. Accordingly, it is a trippy experience that takes some getting used to. However, once you get to grips with the fundamentals, you’ll enjoy each setting and its bizarre ways.

Afterglitch looks fantastic. 

Afterglitch is an unusual title that oozes creativity. As such, the developer took this to the next level as they created a beautiful and odd game. Each chapter flows and moves as you navigate a non-linear world. Unlike its peers, there are no hidden walls, and each stage feels endless. However, thankfully, they are not as each level resets if you move too far from the main objective. Moreover, the sci-fi edge is felt throughout as alien structures and usual items are discovered throughout. This was great, as there was some consistency in an otherwise weird and surprising game.

Unlike the visuals, the audio was more subdued. With a simpler approach, it was understated but enjoyable. What’s more, the basic environmental sounds and refined narrative kept you guessing throughout. 

A spaceman hovers in a surreal and unusual arena.
This is unusual.

Basic controls.

Vladimir Kudelka wants you to focus on the experience. Accordingly, he created a basic control system that was easy to understand. With the use of one analogue stick and nothing else, you focus your energy on the weird action. This was an excellent decision as the dreamy mechanics and unusual environments didn’t need any more complications. 

Where Afterglitch falls short is its longevity and replay value. It took me under 3 hours to work my way through this title, and I have no reason to return. Understandably, this was disappointing, as the aesthetics were so unusual. Consequently, I would have liked more reasons to explore this in greater depth.

Afterglitch is odd but fantastic. 

Other than the lack of hand-holding and longevity, Afterglitch is a phenomenal yet odd experience. The developer has created a surreal, unique, and artistic game to explore. However, I would have liked more structure and more padding to the plot. Yet, if you can live without these things, and you want something unusual to play, then this will be right up your street. Subsequently, I enjoyed it and I recommend that you buy it here! Will you complete your mission and discover an alien species? Explore each strange level and enjoy the abstract surroundings. 

Review: Watch Over Christmas

Cody May
-
0
Review: Watch Over Christmas

Happy Holidays to all! Watch Over Christmas is classic point-and-click adventure title developed by Dionous Games. In this Christmas adventure, you play as Cisco, a young boy who like any other kid is impatiently awaiting Santa’s arrival. In a matter of hours, you must be the one to save Christmas for all.

Unjolly Gameplay in Watch Over Christmas

For those of you familiar with point and click adventure games, you’ll know exactly what to expect in Watch Over Christmas. This game doesn’t do a lot to change up the formula and often becomes tedious as even in the first level you find yourself searching a large mansion with near endless rooms. For some, this may be welcome, but I found it to drag down the experience. I got rather frustrated only 20 minutes into my play-session of Watch Over Christmas.

This tedious gameplay is also dragged down even further by lackluster voice-acting. Granted, this game’s target audience is much younger than I. Kid’s who love Dora the Explorer may enjoy hearing the main character shout the same voice lines at you repeatedly.

Watch Over Christmas FALLS SHORT

A Christmas in Jeopardy

While Watch Over Christmas wasn’t for me, I’m sure many families could have a good time with it. It has a cool visual style to it, which kids will gravitate towards. Every kid loves Christmas, and they’ll do anything to save their most precious holiday.

Point and click adventure games can be a good time, such as Grim Fandango from LucasFilm Games, or more recently Thimbleweed Park from Terrible Toybox. Watch Over Christmas falls short of these games, but if you’re a parent, you may want to check this game out with your kids around the holidays. It’s not for me, but you should never let another’s opinion stop you from trying a game.

Review: Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova

With children in tow, gaming can be a bit of a minefield. As an adult, these games can be monotonous, mind-numbing, and dull. However, you don’t want your munchkins playing violent, rude, or unsuitable titles. Consequently, you must find the right balance to appease everyone. Thankfully, Outright Games understands its audience. Accordingly, this is apparent when you play Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova.

Developed by Tessera Studios and published by Outright Games, this is an action-adventure title. What’s more, it can be enjoyed solo or with another cooperatively. As such, it is the perfect game to enjoy with your mini-me or a like-minded friend. However, the repetitive action and OTT story may be too bothersome for some gamers. Subsequently, this will appeal to a niche audience.

The deck of the Protostar with the lead characters.
Welcome to the deck of the Protostar.

Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova has familiar sci-fi tropes. 

You’ll adore the audacious plot and colourful characters if you love Star Trek. Yet, if this isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova on a base level. Thanks to its whimsical story, snappy one-liners, and exciting mechanics, you have enough to keep you occupied from start to finish. Moreover, there are plenty of collectables, some upgradable equipment, and a dashing of tactical nuance to keep you focused.

You control Dal R’EL and Gwyndala as they race against time to save their friends. This pair and their crew decide to borrow the Protostar in order to explore space. However, as they encounter a strange new star system, disaster strikes. Accordingly, the crew are teleported to the nearest planet, or so they think. Instead, a fault with the system sends each person to a random place. Following this, you must explore weird and wonderful locations and rescue your colleagues.

A new path is opened with the help of your crew.
Use your crew to open new paths.

Basic mechanics, but a fun experience. 

As a child-friendly title, I’m glad that the overall experience was fun. However, the basic mechanics will leave older gamers wanting more. The action focuses on simple combat and familiar weaponry. Furthermore, there are the usual adventure tropes and some easy-to-solve puzzles. Yet we still had a great time exploring each alien location and battling the array of unusual monsters. 

If you play this solo, you can switch between either hero on the fly. Moreover, as you find each crew member, you unlock an additional ability to aid you on your journey. On top of this, you’ll unlock new gear and extra powers the further you progress. Though none of these elements was mind-blowing, they added a welcome change to proceedings.

Alongside this, each stage had a scoring system to keep things interesting. You compete against your partner across various categories. Furthermore, as a team, you are awarded up to 3 unique medals. As such, you may wish to return to find every secret and unlock every medal. 

Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova is colourful and pleasant to the eye. 

I’ve played many Outright Games titles. Therefore, I know what to expect. This publisher focuses on the gameplay rather than a high-end finish. However, this isn’t to say it looks dated or rough. No, instead, it isn’t ultra-realistic, nor does it deliver anything too original. Consequently, its colourful and interesting backdrops were familiar but pleasant to the eye. Alongside this, the action flows nicely; the animation is smooth, and the cinematic is functional. More importantly, we experienced no glitches or game-breaking bugs.

What wasn’t so great, sadly, was the audio. The acting is somewhat wooden; the soundbites are repetitive and annoying, and the sound effects won’t blow you away. Yet, it doesn’t ruin the end product or wow you. Rather, you are dragged through a loud and OTT endeavour of sci-fi noises and b-rated acting.

Destroy each of the robotic aliens.
Tackle those aliens and escape your fate.

Nice controls. 

A child-friendly game must have good controls. If they don’t, the end product is tiresome, uncomfortable, and a complete failure. Fortunately, Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova delivers nice controls that are easy to understand. What’s more, they are responsive, well laid out, and straightforward to master. On top of this, the tutorials are broken down nicely, so younger players can understand the fundamentals.

Though the action is somewhat repetitive, there is longevity and replay value. Thanks to the long list of collectables, and the scoring system, you can keep playing until you perfect each level. Moreover, the solo and cooperative action ensure this is enjoyable alone or with others. 

Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova is an enjoyable but niche product. 

I understand that Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova won’t be for everyone. What’s more, its stripped-back approach and repetitive nature will turn some gamers off. However, I think it’s an enjoyable, albeit niche, product. Alongside this, my kids loved the OTT and absurd story, the whacky characters, and how easy it was to play. Therefore, I can happily recommend that you buy it here! Can you save your friends and escape your impending fate? Explore each planet, solve the problems, and kill every alien you face. 

Review: Swordship

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: Swordship

As a gamer, I’m always keen to invest my time in a massive game or two. However, occasionally, I love to pick up a casual arcade title. As such, when I was given Swordship to review, I couldn’t resist. Its retro look, simple approach, and fast-paced action were irresistible. But could its short, sharp gameplay hold my attention for extended periods?

Developed by Digital Kingdom and published by Thunderful Publishing, this is an arcade racer. What’s more, it flips the mechanics of the traditional arcade shooter. Consequently, you have to reset your brain and focus on a fresh take on this much-loved genre. Alongside this, Swordship has a brutal rogue-lite concept. This harsh but moreish element makes you scream with anger and dance with joy.

Can you avoid the red laser and bombs?
Keep out of sight.

Swordship is a futuristic game. 

The world has gone to shit, and much of the populace has been abandoned. Accordingly, these people are known as “The Banished,” and they must fend for themselves. However, there are a group of criminals who despise the lack of equality. As such, they steal containers full of food and goods and donate them to this unwanted group. You are one of these pilots who must risk their lives to bring hope and supplies to those that are less fortunate. 

Though the plot sounds grand and dramatic, the delivery is anything but. Instead, the gameplay focuses on your tiny vessel as you weave, dodge, and avoid an army of psychopathic robots. Now, this may sound easy, but the relentless pace and never-ending attacks ensure it’s tough as hell. On top of this, the vertical scrolling and procedurally generated nature of the action keeps you guessing throughout.

Unlike traditional shooters, your vehicle has limited or no weaponry to speak of. Instead, you must use your enemy’s aggression against them. This twist on the usual approach was both interesting and tough to get used to. If you then consider the brutal pace and the random nature of the action, it adds fresh impetus to this well-trodden genre. 

The ship sets off an EMP to stun those around them.
What a shock.

Points and upgrades. 

Like every great arcade title, Swordship focuses heavily on a scoring system. Subsequently, you are awarded points for every action you complete. Furthermore, the more containers you steal and donate, the greater your points tally will be. However, with death just around the corner, sometimes it is better to sacrifice your points to give yourself a better chance.

If you so wish, you can keep every container you find. If you do this, you’ll be awarded extra lives as well as a temporary upgrade. Both of these were essential if you wished to progress. Consequently, you had to balance your score by gaining extra lives and improving your ship. 

However, there is more to the scoring element than first meets the eye. As each run ends, your total score is checked against a progression meter. If you have gained enough points, you’ll unlock permanent upgrades and new ships to try out. These improved vehicles increase your chances of survival while enhancing your weaponry. Alongside this, you’ll discover hidden lore that improves an otherwise limited story.

Swordship has a classic arcade appearance.

Swordship won’t blow you away visually. However, I liked its simplicity and vivid colours. What’s more, every element was easy to understand. Yet, mastering every finer detail was no mean feat. With so much going on, it was tough to avoid the lasers, bombs, cannons, and much more. Thereupon, the developers have done a fantastic job of creating a deceptively simple title that is moreish and tough to put down.

I wish I could be so complimentary about the audio. Sadly, though, I cannot! The upbeat music plays on a continuous loop. Accordingly, once you’ve died repeatedly and listened to the same song many times, you get sick of it. Therefore, it would have been better if the developers had incorporated a wider range of songs into their library. If this had happened, the game would have been improved vastly.

Swordship is full of explosions like this massive bomb going off.
Kaboom!

Sloppy controls. 

I was pleasantly surprised by the drip-fed mechanics and the straightforward controls. Yet, the lack of accuracy and the sloppy nature of the movement was disappointing. Consequently, this was a factor in many deaths, and this made the action unnecessarily frustrating. Other than this, the inputs were relatively responsive, and this mitigated the shortcomings. 

Thanks to the rogue-lite elements, there is plenty of replay value and longevity. Moreover, the interesting scoring system and the temporary upgrades ensure you had something to play for. As such, the moreish action was tough to put down while being incredibly rewarding as well. 

Swordship was a fun but tough nut to crack. 

Swordship did a fantastic job of twisting the normal genre tropes. As such, it delivers interesting and fun action throughout. However, its tough gameplay can become frustrating when you fail repeatedly. Consequently, it’s an arcade title that’ll take plenty of patience and practice to master. Though it kicked my ass repeatedly, I still loved it. Therefore, I’m happy to recommend that you buy it here! Can you help “The Banished”? Dodge, weave, and dive to avoid projectiles and collect cargo. If you do this, the outcasts may live to fight another day. 

Review: ACDsee Photo Studio Ultimate 2023

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: ACDsee Photo Studio Ultimate 2023

In August 2022, I was fortunate enough to look at ACDsee PSU 2022. I found the software to be user-friendly, easy to understand, and great value for money. However, it didn’t offer too many new features, and this was somewhat disappointing. Roll on a few months, and I’ve been given ACDsee Photo Studio Ultimate 2023 to review. Consequently, I couldn’t wait to see what was new, and how it stacks up against its peers.

The first point to note is the price increase! Now, this software is still great value for money. However, whenever you begin creeping toward Adobe prices, you give your fanbase a few more things to consider. The next area to observe is the familiar layout. The single interface comprises 5 easy to navigate tabs. Furthermore, you can prioritise specific folders for ease of use. Finally, some nice new features enhance this all-in-one photography software. As such, this is a go-to option for amateurs and those who want something a little more straightforward.

What’s new in ACDsee Photo Studio Ultimate 2023?

ACDsee Photo Studio Ultimate 2023 includes AI-powered selections. Now, this may sound fancy, but to dumb this down, it’s similar to the edit mode on a Google Pixel phone. For example, you can auto-edit large areas of your pictures, instantly remove unwanted items, and so forth. However, let’s take a closer look at each tool. 

AI face edit is a fun and interesting option that allows you to adjust eyes, increase and decrease other features, and generally lark about with people’s faces. This was an interesting option that produced some nice results. Yet, it had to be used with some key editing tools if you wanted to hide blemishes or adjust skin tones. Now, this may seem minor, but a one-stop-shop option within this mode would have increased usability.

AI actions are an incredible option if you want to make sweeping alterations to any image. Here, you can change your backdrops with ease, remove items, blur images, or simply create a striking colour foreground on a black and white canvas. When this mode works well, it is straightforward, and the results speak for themselves. Yet, when it goes wrong, you must manually adjust the end product, and this can be fiddly and time-consuming.

The new elements keep coming. 

Photomerge was an option I was most excited to play with. With three areas to use, it is an interesting inclusion to the ACDsee software. However, ACDsee Photo Studio Ultimate 2023 hasn’t quite nailed this editing mode down. Unfortunately, the HDR option isn’t expansive enough, and exposures are all over the shop. Furthermore, the Photo Stack mode created additional problems when exploring high-contrasting imagery. Finally, there is a Panorama mode to play with. This was my go-to area and the one that I had the most success with. But, word of warning, once you complete your edit, your files are saved as a JPEG. Consequently, it can no longer be edited, and that was just annoying. As such, you must edit all images before using the Photomerge option. This was a little counterproductive, but something that can be altered by the developers down the road.

A massive improvement to this year’s update is the Shape Selection Tool. This simplified pen tool allows you to accurately select any object within an image. However, it takes a bit of getting used to it, but once you master it, you’ll love how it works.

Usability!

Like its predecessor, ACDsee Photo Studio Ultimate 2023 has a fantastic UI to work with. With an easy-to-navigate single interface, it is phenomenal for newcomers and veterans alike. The UI comprises 5 well-labelled tabs. Manage, Media, View, Develop, and Edit make up this incredibly intuitive and user-friendly software.

The two main areas of use are Manage and Develop. These tabs offer incredible cataloguing as well as amazing raw processing power. Here, you can adjust the main elements of your images with ease. Accordingly, you can play with lens correction, fix red eye issues, crop, rotate and straighten, soft focus, split tones, adjust white balancing, and much, much more. What’s more, your original image remains safe as ACDsee Photo Studio Ultimate 2023 creates a unique file.

Edit mode. 

If you are new to photo editing, or you simply want an easy life, then the Edit tab will be your best friend. Here, you can make sweeping adjustments to each layer without too much stress. However, the options available to you are limited in comparison to other market-leading competitors. This will disappoint some high-end users, but ACDsee Photo Studio Ultimate 2023 has never been marketed towards this USP. Instead, it focuses heavily on photographers that want a pleasant result without the brutal learning curve.

Consequently, ACDsee Photo Studio Ultimate 2023’s all-in-one approach will be phenomenal for some, but underwhelming for others. If you are used to the leading elements of Adobe, then this won’t float your boat. However, if you want something a little less demanding, then this will tick many boxes.

How does ACDsee Photo Studio Ultimate 2023 compare?

This year’s ACDsee Photo Studio Ultimate 2023 is a vast improvement on last year’s instalment. With some nice new features, the same excellent UI, and a straightforward approach, there is plenty to shout about. Yet, the results aren’t as sharp as Adobe, and it is missing some features that high-end users will desperately need. Accordingly, this will be perfect for many people, but professionals will be underwhelmed by what’s on offer. 

This isn’t to say that ACDsee Photo Studio Ultimate 2023 can’t be used by everyone, because it can. Nonetheless, you must be aware of its limitations. However, for the price, you get an incredible piece of software that can’t be disregarded. Subsequently, I recommend that you buy it here! 

Price: £134.99 for a perpetual license or £79.99 a year or £7.99 a month for a subscription service. The advantage to the latter is that you receive continued updates for the length of your subscription.

(More information on ACDsee can be found here!)

ACDsee Photo Studio Ultimate 2023 has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech gold award.

Review: The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me

Daniel Waite
-
2
Review: The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me

Mindless and gory games are all well and good. However, I always make room for dramatic and testing titles that have a deep plot. Though these experiences are normally time-consuming, I appreciate the intricacies, the various characters, and the lavish environments. Consequently, when I was offered The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me to review, I couldn’t turn it down.

Developed by Supermassive Games and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, this is an interactive drama and survival horror. What’s more, it has a complex plot, an ever-changing storyline, and some high-maintenance characters. Furthermore, it is the 4th instalment in this wonderful franchise and retains many much-loved mechanics while offering some new elements.

The Quarry was a Supermassive Games release that I thoroughly enjoyed, and the 3 previous instalments of this series have been intense, challenging, and memorable. As such, if The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me is only 70% as good, then it will be an incredible and horrifying experience.

A dark and eerie corridor lit by moonlight.
Would you walk down this corridor?

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me starts as it means to go on.

As The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me is so story-heavy, I’m going to try to avoid any spoilers. Yet, I will endeavour to give a brief outline without ruining many of the unpleasant surprises. The action follows a team of 5 documentary makers. This group wishes to go out with a bang and therefore, they take a gamble when a mysterious invite heads their way. The leader of this crew is offered the opportunity to film in a modern replica of serial killer H. H. Holmes’ “Murder Castle”. On arrival, it appears to be a fantastic opportunity, but as the plot unfolds, you soon realise that they have bitten off more than they can chew.

Without going any further, this gives you an understanding of how twisted and mysterious this game is. On top of this, you must decide how to progress and try to balance the relationship between each character and another. What’s more, you’ll be expected to find items, solve puzzles, and run, leap, and crawl past obstacles. Unlike its predecessors, these new mechanics add a challenging layer to proceedings. Furthermore, the inventory system demands that you search each nook and cranny while making every puzzle more complex and convoluted.

Decisions have consequences.

Now, I adored how the plot played out, and the pace of each cinematic. However, the shining light has to be the consequential decision-making. At every key moment, you are free to decide how the action progresses. Whether it is a conversation, an action, or simply the path you take, it has massive ramifications on the end product. Subsequently, your decisions have game-altering consequences, and the protagonists can pay with their lives. Moreover, you can make or break each relationship with the push of a button.

Though these choices may seem minor, they can lead to some weird and wonderful cinematic. If one of the heroes is isolated, they could become trapped, hunted, or worse. Yet, if the team can stick together and work things out, potentially, they can escape their doomed fate and the evil presence at the “Murder Castle”.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me has some creepy monsters. This zombie-like beast is horrific.
I’m sure they’ve looked better.

QTEs.

Like many interactive drama games, The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me is punctuated by QTEs. These simple tasks enable you to open doors, unlock furniture, rewire fuse boxes, and tackle any unwelcome guests. On top of this, they highlight each character’s personality, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. What’s more, you are expected to hide in plain sight, control your heart rate and much more. Accordingly, this isn’t simply a voyeuristic endeavour with some exploration elements. No, instead, you are in control of every aspect of the story, and that was fantastic.

Unlike its predecessors, the developers have accounted for human error in many of these events. Consequently, mistakes aren’t as hard-hitting as they used to be, and I was grateful for this change. Alongside this, the introduction of platforming elements and balancing mechanics expand the playing area while retaining a sense of oppression and claustrophobia.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me is incredibly dark and eerie.

The correct use of lighting can make all the difference. Thankfully, Supermassive Games has done an incredible job. The dank and eerie world is uncomfortable and petrifying. What’s more, you are always on the edge of your seat as you await the inevitable “brown trouser” moment. Subsequently, every room and corridor fills you with expectant dread and this was exhausting. On top of the excellent settings were the phenomenal cinematic. The level of detail is second to none, and the amazing animation and realistic character models are truly breathtaking.  

This is complemented by the atmospheric audio. The stunning environmental sounds set the scene, while the varied soundtrack adds energy, drama, and a lighthearted twist to the action. Additionally, the acting is incredible and you’ll love, loathe, and fall for each character’s unique charms. Like the visuals, the audio is intense, well-considered, and perfectly balanced.

A room full of dummies, or is it?
Are they just props?

Amazing controls.

When QTEs are your bread and butter, the controls have to be amazing. Fortunately, they were well-considered, responsive, and easy to understand. Alongside this, the simple and robust UI ensures that you always know what to do. However, if you happen to become lost, there are plenty of hints and tutorials to get you back on track.

With multiple storylines to explore, plenty of QTEs to overcome, a massive hotel to explore, and oodles of puzzles, this has replay value and longevity at its core. On top of this, there are collectables to find, dioramas to unlock, and premonitions to discover. Moreover, each playthrough allows you to potentially save every member of the crew. However, doing this is no mean feat, and it’ll take more luck than judgement to succeed.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me is incredible.

This genre can be hit-and-miss. When a developer gets it wrong, the experience is dull, tepid, and wooden. Furthermore, the setting is disinteresting, and the game lacks oomph. Thankfully, though, The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me does everything right. The characters are interesting, playful, and cruel in equal measure. What’s more, the plot is deep, and sinister, and has many twists and turns. Alongside this, the QTEs are intriguing, challenging, and enjoyable. Accordingly, this is an incredible game and I recommend that you buy it here! Few things in life are guaranteed. However, death is one of them! Can you survive this horrific ordeal, or has the Grim Reaper signed your death warrant?

1...228229230...1,616Page 229 of 1,616