Which sports betting apps are the best to use in Virginia

Christopher John
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Which sports betting apps are the best to use in Virginia

There are plenty of things to look at when it comes to sports betting. But if you’re looking for the best sports betting apps to use in Virginia, here are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure the app is legal in Virginia. Second, look for an app that offers good odds and lines. Third, find an app that has a user-friendly interface. Fourth, look for an app that provides good customer service. 

Overview of the Virginia sports betting apps

While there are many different sports betting apps available in Virginia, not all of them are created equal. It is important to do your research and choose an app that best suits your needs. Be sure to read reviews, compare odds, and find an app that offers the best value for your money. Virginia became the 20th state to legalize sports betting when Governor Ralph Northam signed legislation in April 2021. The Virginia Lottery will oversee the industry and there will be a 10% tax on sports wagering revenue. Operators can apply for both online and retail sports betting licenses.

Since the legalization of sports betting in Virginia, there has been a surge in the number of sports betting apps available to residents. While there are many different options to choose from, we have compiled a list of the best Virginia sports betting apps currently available.

BetMGM sportsbook 

BetMGM sportsbook is one of the best sports betting apps to use in Virginia. The app offers a wide variety of betting options, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and more. The app also provides users with live odds, so you can make the most informed decisions when placing your bets. BetMGM s app is available for both iOS and Android devices. BetMGM Sportsbook has been a leader in the online gambling industry for years, and their sportsbook continues to offer some of the top betting options online.

While it may not have the same name recognition as some of the other sports betting apps, it is quickly becoming a favorite among Virginians. One of the things that makes BetMGM stand out is its user-friendly interface. Placing a bet is quick and easy, and there are plenty of options to choose from. 

In addition to its ease of use, BetMGM also offers some of the most competitive odds in Virginia. This means that you’re more likely to win big when you place a bet with BetMGM. If you’re looking for a new sports betting app to try, BetMGM is definitely worth checking out.  

FanDuel sportsbook

For those looking to place a bet on their favorite team, FanDuel Sportsbook is one of the best options in Virginia. The app offers a wide variety of betting options, from point spreads to money lines, and even props. What makes FanDuel Sportsbook stand out from the rest is the live betting feature. This allows users to place bets on games that are already in progress. For example, if you think a team is going to make a comeback, you can bet on them to do just that. The user interface is also extremely user-friendly and easy to navigate.

PointsBet sportsbook 

PointsBet Sportsbook is one of the leading sports betting apps in Virginia. The app offers a wide range of betting markets for all major sporting events, as well as a host of other features that make it a top choice for sports bettors. The app offers competitive odds on all major sporting events. This means that bettors can get great value for their bets. PointsBet has a user-friendly layout and interface that makes placing bets so easy. There is also a handy live chat function if you need any help while using the app. PointsBet sportsbook offers a wide range of betting options. You can bet on major sporting events such as football and basketball, as well as many other sports. You can also place bets on social and entertainment events if you want to spice things up a bit. 

DraftKings sportsbook 

DraftKings Sportsbook is one of the best options out there, thanks to its user-friendly interface and wide range of betting options. If you’re looking for a comprehensive sports betting experience in Virginia, DraftKings Sportsbook is the app for you. With an easy-to-use interface and a wide range of betting options, it’s the perfect choice for anyone from beginner to experienced bettors. Whether you’re looking to bet on your favorite team or try your hand at something new, DraftKings Sportsbook has you covered. With its user-friendly interface and wide range of betting options, it’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants to get into sports betting in Virginia. 

Caesars Sportsbook 

One of the best sports betting apps available in Virginia is Caesars Sportsbook. This app offers a wide range of features, including live betting, mobile wagering, and a large selection of markets. Plus, Caesars Sportsbook has excellent customer reviews and is known for providing a great user experience. 

Caesars is one of the most well-known and trusted names in gambling, and their sportsbook app is one of the best in the business. With a user-friendly interface and a wide range of betting markets available, Caesars is a great option for both experienced bettors and newcomers to sports betting.

Sports Illustrated (SI) Sportsbook

This app is available for both iOS and Android devices, and it offers a wide range of features for its users. Some of the key features of SI Sportsbook include live betting, mobile deposits, and a large selection of markets. The app also offers a variety of promotions and bonuses, which makes it an attractive option for many sports bettors. While SI Sportsbook is a great option for many sports bettors in Virginia, there are some other options worth considering. No matter which app you choose to use, make sure you do your research before placing any bets.

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Review: No More Heroes III

Daniel Waite
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Review: No More Heroes III

We’ve all had that gaming experience where we feel completely lost. Normally, it happens when you jump into a sequel and the story is insane, and the world is crazy. This is exactly how I feel about No More Heroes III! This bright, fast-paced and Manga/Anime-inspired beast is weird, amusing, and oddly compelling. Furthermore, it is by far the greatest game in the franchise. Thanks to its wicked sense of humour, slick combat, and open-world setting, you experience an acid trip of a game.

Developed by Grasshopper Manufacture Inc. and published by Marvellous Inc., this is an open-world adventure title. What’s more, it looks incredible, has some of the best swordplay I’ve experienced, and is undeniably odd. Further to this, the script is excellent; the gameplay is balanced, and you use a toilet to save your progress. In short, it throws in many curveballs to keep you on your toes.

The swordplay in No More Heroes III is incredible.
No one will mess with this Katana.

No More Heroes III is a story of triumph. 

The series follows Travis Touchdown, an Otaku assassin who is badass, witty, and obsessed with Asian culture. In this iteration, Travis has spent his last penny on a beam Katana. Consequently, he must get to work to refill his coffers. After meeting Sylvia, Travis does what Travis does best, and he slices, dices, and finishes his target’s life. However, you are quickly advised that there are 10 better, stronger, and more impressive contracts to complete. Yet, that is not all. No, because there is also a hit on your head, and you’re quite a valuable asset.

This is No More Heroes III in a nutshell. The action flows around an open and seamlessly brilliant world. Yet, the focus of attention is on each of the 10 boss battles you must complete. These fantastic encounters are punctuated by phenomenal cutscenes, unique mechanics, and eye-wateringly difficult tests. As such, you’ll desperately grind for XP as you hopelessly try to upgrade Travis’s base skills and stats. This is probably the low point of the action, as it feels grindy, drawn out, and possibly repetitive. However, the range of side missions is interesting, and thankfully, they retain the same charm as the main story.

Even the vehicles are ridiculous.
This machine is overpowered and over the top.

Side quests, and slick swordplay. 

I’ve alluded to the open world. However, in reality, it is more of a micro hub, comprising very little action. This may seem dull, but it wasn’t so bad, as each of the 6 areas has a unique style. These amusing nods to other gaming franchises are tongue-in-cheek and will make you chuckle. What’s more, the never-ending supply of side quests, collectables, and clothing options keeps things interesting.

The additional jobs are split into 2 categories; volunteer work for the community, and defence missions. Both tasks reward you with money to put towards ranked battles, but the requirements vary greatly. If you tackle the volunteer missions, you’ll cut grass for your neighbours, clean toilets, or pick up garbage. Now, this may seem tedious and boring, but it was oddly captivating. However, if you take on the defence battles, you’ll hone your combat skills, earn cash, and work towards each glorious boss encounter.

Whichever fight you undertake, you’ll be amazed by the incredibly slick swordplay. Furthermore, the attention to detail and energy system prevent it from being another mindless hack ‘n’ slash game. Instead, you must time your strikes, plan your defence, and recharge your beam Katana. If you fail to do so, you’ll be pounded into next week by every opponent you face. Accordingly, planning, patience, and sushi are a must if you wish to succeed.

No More Heroes III feels the next-gen power. 

Originally released for Switch in 2019, No More Heroes III was laced with problems. However, the 2022 update has ironed out the creases, and it performs admirably. With native 4k visuals and smooth 60 FPS action, it looks incredible. Furthermore, the cutscenes, backdrops, and animation are brilliant. I adored the clean-cut Manga/Anime influence, the insane comic book touches, and the tongue-in-cheek nods to pop culture. Subsequently, it is a colour overload, but one that isn’t overwhelming or OTT.

The brilliance continues in the audio. The zany and loud soundtrack is matched by the excellent acting. Consequently, the story is full of energy and timeless humour. What’s more, the futuristic sound effects work perfectly with the Matrix-like combat. It was easy to fall for its unusual charms, even if it was confusing most of the time.

Practise your combos and defeat every foe in style.
Hack, slash, and be victorious.

Clever controls. 

Though the maddening story and excellent aesthetics will steal the show, we mustn’t forget the clever controls. Thanks to a well-considered UI, and simple approach, the combat is incredibly smooth and enjoyable to experience. On top of this, using sushi to replenish health or energy is a simple task. With standard combat mechanics and some unusual special moves, it offers both familiarity and originality.

I’m theory, the semi-linear story and hub-like world should reduce the game’s appeal. However, in reality, the vast amount of collectables and non-stop side quests will keep you playing. Alongside this, there are many custom options for Travis if you wish to get creative. 

No More Heroes III is wonderfully unique. 

Whether you are a veteran or new to the franchise, it matters not. Everybody will be confused as hell, as they tackle this insane and deliberately exuberant title. Accordingly, you may be put off playing it. Yet, I urge you to rethink your decision. Consequently, once you understand its madness, you’ll fall for its crazy charms and silly story. As such, I can easily recommend you buy it here! Will you eliminate your targets and become the number one assassin? Slice, dice, and annihilate every foe you face. 

News: Dawn Apart

Daniel Waite
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News: Dawn Apart

Let’s be honest for one moment. A building simulation title gets announced more often than the news of Katie Price starting a new relationship. Consequently, you never know if you are on to a good thing. As such, I usually wait until others have reviewed the game to get a lay of the land. However, the announcement of Dawn Apart caught my attention. This space colony base builder ticks all the right boxes from the off.

With a scheduled release date of spring 2024, we have some time to wait to play it. Yet, I couldn’t hold off any longer. I instantly fell for its Factorio automation and the dystopian Rimworld setting. Accordingly, this game has some big influences that should create a deep and fulfilling experience.

Dawn Apart demands a focus on automation.
Plan your city and automate every task.

What is the story behind Dawn Apart?

Set on the distant planet of Aurora, you must control a colony of fortune hunters as you appease a corporate overlord. Furthermore, you are expected to protect your assets from angry and aggressive natives. Subsequently, things rarely go to plan as you try to fulfil the relentless orders. The horrendous contractor will stop at nothing to make a quick buck. As such, you’ll either work tirelessly to complete each quota, or you’ll rebel and do your own thing. Either way, you’ll enjoy a rich and challenging experience filled with twists and turns.

Set in a gloriously destructive voxel world, you are free to blow up everything you see. However, you won’t waste what you find. No, instead, you’ll use it to complete each contract or increase your structures. After all, you won’t want to lose your business to a bunch of ill-educated locals with a grudge. Dawn Apart attempts to break the mould. Therefore, it boasts such features as. 

  • Automate: Build vertically and erect sky-high factory complexes with assembly lines stretching over multiple floors.
  • Colonise: Manage a growing number of engineers, mercenaries, and civilians who have left their homes behind to start over in a lush but hostile world.
  • Destroy: Everything you build and encounter can be pulverised down to the last voxel.

One for the future. 

A year is a long time to be patient. Yet, I can’t wait to see this in early access. With an interesting theme, some phenomenal influences, and a few unique ideas, this is bound to pique many gamer’s interests. If you are sold on the idea, why not click here to wishlist it?

How Technology Can Help Reshape Your Business Today

Christopher John
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How Technology Can Help Reshape Your Business Today

There is no question that technology has had one of the biggest influences on the world of business in the past 20 years, and there is little doubt that your business has been impacted by technology in many ways. Embracing technology is a key factor in reshaping your business, including in the administrative process. For instance, if you’re in Georgia and looking to restructure your business as a limited liability company, there are online resources that can simplify the process. Don’t miss this user-friendly guide on apply for an llc in georgia to help make your business transformation smoother. If you want to run a successful modern business, it is almost impossible to do so without having your finger on the pulse of the latest technological developments. This is something that plays a huge role in allowing your company to be successful, as well as making everything easier and more efficient to do as a modern brand. There are loads of great ideas that you need to think about when it comes to improving your company through the use of technology, and one of the best parts of this process is to think about how technology influences your company.

There are loads of things that you can do to help utilise and embrace modern and emerging technologies, and use them to improve your business in the process. You probably rely on technology as a company more than you think you do, and this is why it’s important to understand the key role modern technology plays in any kind of business success or evolution. So let’s take a look at some of the most important ways in which modern technology has a huge impact on your business, and the degree of success you are able to achieve through the use of it. 

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-writing-on-tablet-computer-while-using-laptop-4348401/

Security

One of the biggest ways in which technology has improved in benefit of modern businesses is through the use of security measures. Protecting your company has never been more important these days, and the good news is that technology has made it possible to make our businesses even more safe and secure than they have been in the past. There are loads of amazing ways of being able to do this, and focusing on some of the best can make a huge difference for your business. Whether it’s data protection, spyware, CCTV security systems, or keycards there are countless ways of being able to improve security in your business through the use of technology. You can do so much to look after your modern brand through the use of technology, and making security a key priority for your business is essential for longevity and continued success. Try to make sure you implement technological security procedures within your company as much as possible, and you can reap the benefits of this.

Increased efficiency

There are loads of key steps that your business can take in order to operate better, and one of the key ones is to focus on improving efficiency. There are plenty of great benefits to running a more efficient business, and it could increase morale, productivity, and sales in the process. Coming up with some of the best ways of being able to keep your company more efficient is really important, and there are a lot of factors that play a role in this. Technology is one of the best things that you can use to improve and increase the efficiency of your business, and this is going to have an enormous impact on how your company has run, and the levels of success that you are able to enjoy has a result. For example, things like digitising the business and making use of software in order to carry out projects and complete tasks is really great for improving the efficiency of the brand. This is why it is super important to make sure that you implement technology into the company wherever possible. There are loads of wonderful ways of achieving this, and it’s something that can have a positive impact on the brand moving forward. 

A global audience

One of the biggest changes the technology has brought about for modern businesses is that it has given them access to a global audience. The reach of things like social media has been on an unprecedented scale to what businesses have previously been able to benefit from, and this has meant that any business in the world has a potential global audience at their fingertips. This is one of the most decisive factors that has played a role in reshaping modern companies, and businesses are needing to get wise to the power and reach of social media, as well as coming up with ways of making it work for you. Try to make sure that your brand has a strong social media presence, and that you are using sites like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook in order to increase your reach and boost brand visibility. A global audience has completely transformed business marketing and allowed brands to target people all across the world as opposed to simply their local area. The wide reaching ramifications of this are being seen every year, and more and more businesses are being formed with the appeal of new customers at their fingertips. 

Diverse marketing

Marketing is the essence of success in business, and as the saying goes, you are only as strong as your marketing strategy. You could have the best product in the world, but if nobody knows about it, you’re not going to make any sales. As such, it is imperative to be able to develop the strongest possible marketing strategy to elevate your business. In modern times, with a more competitive business marketplace, it has become even more important to develop a strong and diverse marketing strategy that will allow you to stand out again on edge on your rivals. For this reason, technology takes on additional prominence for so many companies, as it even is the playing field somewhat and allows businesses of all sizes to market themselves on a global scale, sometimes for little to no cost. Digital marketing experts can have the single biggest impact on your company, and this is why you need to hire them, and utilise their expertise in technology to benefit you. 

Better communication

One of the biggest factors that technology has been able to offer modern businesses is the ability to improve the way they communicate. As a company, communication is one of the most important and sought-after traits you can have. In order to run a business in the best and most effective way possible, it is essential to make sure that your company is communicating effectively, both with employees and with customers. There are tons of ways in which technology can help improve your communication as a business, and things like integrating chatbot into your website is the best place to start with this. Being able to communicate better with your employees and customers is so important, and something like a chat bot allows you to improve customer service via the online chat function and deal with any issues or queries customers may have in a swift and efficient manner. This is a really important part of improving your companies reputation, as well as allowing you to deal with any customer queries, and improve your focus on customer service long-term.

Prototypes 

One of the greatest advantages of modern technology is that it allows businesses to improve the way they approach product design. There are countless options for companies these days, and being able to improve the design and conception phase can be a game-changer. 3D printing is a huge part of this, and it has really helped to enhance and boost the way in which modern companies develop new products. There are also opportunities to develop prototypes digitally, and get renderings for how a product might look in advance. This is a really great way of being able to improve your company and what it can offer its customers. You need to try to come up with some of the best ideas that will help you to utilise technology when helping design your products and prototypes, and this can make a huge difference to long-term business success.

Protect Intellectual Property

As well as making it easier for you to develop your product ideas, technology can also help to protect them. Copyright and trademark infringements aren’t always easy to detect. There may be competitors copying your product ideas or counterfeits of your products being sold without you even knowing about them. Software such as SnapDragon brand protection can help you detect intellectual property infringements quickly and get them resolved fast.  This helps ensure your intellectual property is protected and your brand’s reputation is safeguarded.

Launching a business is easier than ever 

One of the great things the technology has brought about in recent times is the ability to create an online business from scratch with nothing but an idea and a laptop full. Technology is the great equaliser, providing everyone with the opportunity to succeed when it comes to planning and launching a brand-new business. There are loads of excellent ideas need to make the most of when it comes to improving your business, setting yourself up for success when it comes to launching a new company is vital. Opening an online business is easier than ever, and one of the key reasons for this is due to the emergence of technology, and how it is shaping and influencing the business well. Whether it’s an e-commerce business, or tech upstart, there are more opportunities than ever to successfully launch and run a brand-new modern business, and one of the best ways of achieving this is through the use of modern tech. 

There are loads of things to consider when you are trying to improve your professional future, and launching a brand-new start-up is an option that is growing in popularity for many people. One of the biggest reasons why new start-ups are growing in popularity is due to the rise and influence of technology. You can use this to your advantage by coming up with some awesome ideas to help you harness technology in a way that will benefit your business long-term, and help you hit the ground running when you launch a new company.

Review: Pathfinder Wrath of the Righteous

Daniel Waite
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Review: Pathfinder Wrath of the Righteous

Back in February 2021, I was fortunate enough to look at Pathfinder: Kingmaker. This classic D&D-inspired RPG kept me interested for hours and reminded me of Baldur’s Gate. Furthermore, I loved its lore, excellent storytelling, and its custom options. Accordingly, I gave it a 7 out of 10 as there were bugs and the action was far too difficult. Roll on nearly 18 months, and I get to look at Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. Will this newer iteration be more of the same, or will it evolve from its predecessor?

Developed by Owlcat Games and published by META publishing, this is a CRPG with a rich investment in D&D mechanics. Furthermore, it oozes fantasy tropes, has masses of characters to interact with, and there are many evil overlords and crazy creatures to encounter. In short, it takes on the classic OTT RPG story and ups the ante by about 30%. Therefore, if you are planning to tackle this 80+ hour monster, you better get yourself prepared for an epic trip.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous feels familiar.

Though no prior knowledge is needed, it certainly helps during the opening stages. However, if you haven’t touched this franchise, you’ll enjoy a thorough tutorial that talks you through the masses of fundamentals that need to be mastered. Sadly, though, if you are a fan, every element feels familiar, and there is a distinct element of Déjà vu. Now, this isn’t a bad thing per se, but having invested many hours in its predecessor, I was hoping for a fresh style and look. Instead, you get more of the same, but with a modern polish.

The game revolves around a hero who is the commander of the Fifth Crusade against the Worldwound. This dark place is a rift between reality and a demonic abyss filled with ungodly creatures. In these depths, there are unmentionable creatures that love to inflict pain on anyone or anything that dares to trespass. However, your band of heroes must cross that void if they are to complete whatever mission they undertake.

As you can see, it is a hearty story that instantly screams drama, danger, and death. Consequently, it grabs you from the off, and you’ll enjoy the meaty data dump, text-heavy story, and the constant flux and change of your characters as the story progresses. Furthermore, there are some excellent combat mechanics, plenty of weird creatures, and so many custom options that I lost count.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous has many incredible fantasy monsters.
Probably not best to mess with a dragon.

So many choices.

In standard CRPG practice, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous treats you to an eye-opening level of custom options. Subsequently, as the game opens, you are treated to no more than 25 classes and 12 races. This mind-boggling amount of information leaves you feeling dizzy, but once you clamber through the mountains of stats, information, and character models, you are chucked into a pretty standard-looking fantasy world.

Fans of the genre will feel right at home with the isometric viewpoint, easy-to-navigate UI, and party management screens. Furthermore, the choice of turn-based combat or an out-of-control real-time affair won’t feel too dissimilar to its peers. Regarding combat, I loved how each option can be changed on the fly. This was particularly key when battles got out of hand. Now, no matter how much experience you have, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous has the ability to keep you on the back foot. Accordingly, you’re going to want to slow things down now and then.

An ever-evolving story.

Another great element of this title is its consequential decision mechanics. Every choice has a positive and negative outcome. Sometimes, you even get something in between. As such, you never quite know where the game is going to go, or if you are doing the right thing. Therefore, will your actions be the catalyst for something great and life-changing, or will you curse yourself and alienate your party from a particular race or group of people?

Alongside the branching storyline is your ability to command a vast army. This portion of the gameplay moves away from the classic isometric viewpoint to a more traditional overworld map. Here, you can choose to expand your territories, establish new outposts, or help the crusade. Each of your armies will march along set paths where they will fight your enemies, capture new buildings, and push back the demonic hordes.

In theory, this area of the game should have been great, but in reality, it is a bit of a time sink that never pushes you. Unlike Total War, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous isn’t refined enough, nor does it have that eye-catching detail. Instead, it does an average job of delivering a war simulation without the tasty and addictive moments. Consequently, you’ll enjoy what you experience, but you’ll be begging for so much more.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous has some incredible settings.
You’ll adore the amazing settings.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous looks great.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is reported to be full of bugs and issues. However, I rarely ran into anything serious or game-breaking. Instead, in my experience, the issues were silly, and often humorous. I discovered enemies that would levitate or clip the scenery, spells that were a damp squib, and the occasional rip and tear with the backdrop. Thankfully, though, this was the extent of my problems. Furthermore, the developers are pretty hot on rectifying any problems, so expect regular updates as things are sorted out.

Visually, this is a dark and seedy title that has a classic CRPG style. I adored the blend of the overworld and isometric viewpoints, and I loved the character models as well. On top of this, the spark of magic, the excellent monsters, and the animation were all enjoyable and better than its predecessor.

The audio delivers a deep and rich sound that enhances the fantasy setting. With partial voice acting and some great sound effects, this does a great job of holding your attention. Furthermore, the soundtrack encompasses each dramatic moment with ease. Whether it was an upbeat and energetic battle cry or a sinister and dramatic song, it all worked perfectly.

If you could be a dragon, would you turn it down?
Life as a dragon is as fun as it sounds.

It plays well on console.

Having ported this from PC, I expected it to play horribly with a controller. However, I was wrong! Thanks to the excellent UI and radial menus, you can navigate much of the action with ease. Furthermore, the fantastic tutorial sets you up in no time at all. This is also helped by the two combat approaches and the free-to-move camera. With the ability to alter your viewpoint, you feel in control of the action and this helps when things get overwhelming.

Unsurprisingly, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is loaded with replay value. With oodles of subplots, loads of classes and races to choose from, and a monstrously large game to endure, you’ll be kept extremely busy. Moreover, to get the most out of this, you’ll need to invest upwards of 100 hours. As such, this isn’t a casual experience. Instead, it focuses on veterans of the D&D genre, and those that love the franchise.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is definitely an improvement.

I’ve aired my complaints regarding its predecessor. However, thankfully, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is a vast improvement. Yes, it still has bugs, and at times, it is brutal as hell. Yet, I loved the detail, the gritty lore, and the excellent storytelling. What’s more, the customisation options are phenomenal, and the crusade battle elements are interesting at the beginning. The developers potentially spread themselves too thin, and this is seen during those army mechanics. Consequently, this was probably the weakest part of this game. But I wouldn’t let that put you off. No, instead I’ll happily recommend that you buy it here! Can you complete your mission and help the crusade? Control your party and your army as you push back the demonic forces and save humanity.

Review: Unusual Findings

Daniel Waite
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Review: Unusual Findings

I’m a sucker for 80s cult classics such as The Lost Boys and The Goonies. These incredible films make you laugh, cry, and take you on a fascinating journey. I believe it’s fair to say that modern entertainment has lost this touch. Therefore, when something returns to these roots, it instantly piques my interest. According, when I saw the trailer for Unusual Findings, I knew that I had to get in on the action.

Developed by Epic Llama Games and published by ESDigital Games, this is an 80s-inspired point-and-click adventure title. What’s more, it has some ball-breaking puzzles, and a wonderfully rich and enjoyable plot to experience. Furthermore, it is loaded with nods to some of the best films, music, and games the 80s had to offer. As such, it will fill you with nostalgia as you lose yourself in its completely unbelievable plot.

Unusual Findings is a classic tale of adventure and friendship.

Unusual Findings does a wonderful job of delivering a classic tale all about adventure and friendship. As such, the game twists and turns and takes you along for this hearty and unbelievable ride. Furthermore, you are invested in the characters and their plight from the off. Quickly, you understand that your decisions and actions influence the flow and direction of the game. Accordingly, there are 3 unique endings and plenty of puzzles en route that must be solved in order to progress. However, these problems are convoluted, and tough, and will test the smartest of individuals. Subsequently, it was occasionally maddening when you got stuck with no obvious solution.

The game revolves around 3 young boys and their adventures at Christmas time. Vinny, Nick, and Tony are mischievous, naughty, and above all else, rebellious. All they want in life is to have fun and watch free cable TV. After all, who doesn’t want to watch some classic 1980s adult movies? In order to achieve this dream, the boys make a descrambler. Yet, something goes wrong as instead of getting their dirty films, they intercept a strange alien signal. Following this, a mysterious object crashes into the neighbouring woods and all hell breaks loose. A ranger is killed by a giant robotic alien, and the boys run for their lives. However, they decide in classic 80s fashion that they would stand up to this evil alien overlord, and thus begin their strange adventure.

Unusual Findings is full of classic 80s imagery.
Classic 80s entertainment.

Simple mechanics but unbelievably tough puzzles.

Unusual Findings has an undeniably simple concept. Effectively, the 3 boys must explore their surroundings while conversing with the locals and solving mountains of problems. Yet, this is where the simplicity ends, unfortunately. Disappointingly, Epic Llama Games has created a monstrously difficult point-and-click game that is borderline infuriating. With many hidden items and objects that must be combined, cleaned, fixed, and inspected, you never quite know what to do. What’s more, investigating your surroundings isn’t as easy as it should have been. No, instead, the side-scrolling method can be tricky to navigate at the best of times.

Unfortunately, the point-and-click mechanics don’t work particularly well when navigating each stage. Sadly, you’ll interact with many unnecessary objects as you make your arduous journey across each tiny location. This is made worse when you have to complete several journeys to collect items and solve each puzzle you face. If the developers had allowed the protagonists to move freely, this problem would have been eliminated immediately.

Other than the exploration, puzzles, and side-scrolling navigation, Unusual Findings focuses on plenty of conversations. What was great about this was that every dialogue option was laid bare for you to see immediately. Subsequently, you can steer each interaction however you saw fit. This was an excellent decision by the developers as you feel in complete charge of how the story progresses. Furthermore, depending on your decisions, the relationship between the boys, and the solutions to the problems, alter.

The comic book store is the home of every geek.
3 geeks one comic book store.

Unusual Findings looks incredible.

You’ll either love or hate the aesthetics. Accordingly, I adored both the visual and audio elements of this brilliantly dated game. With a pixelated finish, OTT sprites, interesting landscapes, and much more, it was a treat to play. Furthermore, if you love the 80s, you’ll be tickled by the amusing Easter eggs. On top of this, the refined UI and easy-to-use pointer make exploring each location a little easier. However, if there was a way to explore each area without the need to side-scroll, it would have been much better.

With a distinctly retro soundtrack, and some fun and interesting acting, the audio didn’t disappoint. The excellent music adds drama and danger and is reminiscent of some of the best film soundtracks. Moreover, the simple sound effects bring the game to life without being annoying, shrill, or in your face.

Unusual Findings is wonderfully 80s by design.
Where it all begins.

Frustrating but serviceable.

I didn’t have high hopes regarding the control setup. This genre never works well on console, and unfortunately, Unusual Findings falls foul of the normal issues. However, even though I found it to be frustrating, it was still serviceable, and it didn’t detract from the otherwise incredible plot.

Thanks to the dialogue choices, and ever-changing story, there is plenty of replay value to be had. What’s more, with 3 endings to enjoy, and a colourful and interesting world to explore, you won’t tire of what you experience. But you will become annoyed at the unnecessarily tough and impossibly long puzzles en route.

Unusual Findings is great, but it has its problems.

If you love nostalgia and a retro plot, then you’ll adore Unusual Findings. It does a great job of capturing the 80s in every aspect. Yet, the poor navigation and ridiculously tough puzzles undo most of the fantastic work. However, I still adored its script, the setting, and the aesthetics. Subsequently, I recommend that you buy it here! Can you save the town and stop the aliens? Solve puzzles, work together, and prevent the extraterrestrials from completing their ghastly plan.

Review: Nitro Kid

Xavier Berry
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0
Review: Nitro Kid

Deck builders come in many different flavors and while each may start to blend together, Nitro Kid does a good job of standing out from the rest. Allowing players to take control of 3 different characters with unique abilities and different paths to take during the story missions, players will find themselves entertained over the course of the game.

Each character has a wide array of cards to chose from

Story

The story is very to the point and gives players a solid understanding of what their mission is right off the bat.  Players will control an agent of CINDER and must tackle a corporation that is responsible for a new narcotic named Nitro. Over the course of the game, players will uncover more information about the evil corporation and their test subjects which are called “Kids”. Since the game expects players to make multiple runs through the story, it is nice to have these story bits given to players in smaller segments.

Gameplay

Players will start each run by picking a different character that pulls inspiration from different pop culture icons with the first being a Bruce lee inspired character named L33. As players progress through the game, they will unlock J4X and K31.

Each run will have players selecting a set amount of cards for their chosen character before entering a room. Once players have gotten set up and enter the room, they will be given a set amount of enemies to take down while managing their cards and health. I found myself fully enjoying L33’s deck since I was setting up enemies to take extra damage when inflicted with burn. As players clear rooms, they will earn money that can be spent on different cards that can be utilized during each run.

Nitro Kid presents itself in a pixilated, 80’s inspired art style and this is a wonderful combination for the aesthetic. One of my complaints is a minimal one but the area players are bound to look like floating cubes in space. Since the story involves players rushing through 3 floors of the building, I would have appreciated it the floors seemed to flow a little better but this Is a minor gripe that many may overlook.

There will be occasions where players must make decisions in the story that will grant them different abilities, the opportunity to get more cards, or enable them to recover some health.

Another rough area that I found myself struggling with was the lack of information presented with each skill in combat. I had a hard time determining what “burn” was initially and ended up wasting a few turns just to figure out what the move was. Since players are encouraged to tackle each run as effectively as possible, it is a shame that there is this element of trial and error just to find out basic information. While this information is presented when selecting the cards initially, it would be nice to have the descriptions explained in the moment so that decisions can be made with full information.

Final Thoughts

Nitro kid does a wonderful job of standing out from other rouge-likes but some of the glaring issues prevent it from being a strong contender against other titles such as The darkest Dungeon and one of the more recent popular titles, Hades. It was a fun little adventure and could definitely hit the spot if players are looking for another game to add to their backlog but will certainly leave players looking for more after their initial run is finished.  

Review: Yuoni

Daniel Waite
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Review: Yuoni

As a child, I can remember being haunted by many creepy tales. Whether it was whispering a name into a mirror 3 times to make a ghost appear, messing with Ouiji boards to speak to the dead, or stories of serial killers, they all chilled my blood. However, as an adult, I love anything that incorporates this idea. The thought of folklore that is horrendous, unexplained, and sinister gets my heart pumping. As such, when I was offered Yuoni, I couldn’t resist.

Developed by Tricore and published by Chorus Worldwide Games, this is a first-person survival adventure. What’s more, it incorporates a weird game of hide and seek, and is painfully slow to experience. Yet, this tedious pace is designed to enhance the fear factor as the game relies on traditional jump scares and its melancholy and sombre surroundings. Consequently, if you enjoy harder-hitting and faster-paced titles, you will be sorely disappointed from the off.

Yuoni plays it too safe.

The concept of Yuoni should have been fantastic. However, in reality, the developers have played it far too safely. Their reliance on the same vital mechanics and a rinse-and-repeat gameplay loop leave you wanting much, much more. Sadly, even the jump scares and ghastly apparitions do little to improve the situation. Consequently, a horror game without much horror, fear, or suspense leaves you with a bitter taste in your mouth and an overwhelming sense of disappointment.

You control Ai, a quiet student who feels like they don’t truly belong. As such, they tag along with a group of more outlandish students, and this is the start of a terrible and life-changing mistake. The group hears the tale of Tsun, a boy who died at a local abandoned hospital. The ghost of this unfortunate lad is said to haunt the area, and by dipping a doll into a bucket of water and escaping, you’ll be granted a wish. Yet, for poor old Ai, her experience doesn’t end when she escapes. No, instead, she awakens to the ghastly figure of Tsun, and the knowledge that she must escape or be stuck in the nightmarish realm forever.

The world of Yuoni is dark and creepy.
Such a creepy world.

Run, hide, escape, repeat.

The repetitive gameplay loop is simple. You must explore the creepy hospital while looking for one of the hidden dolls. If you find one of these horrendous items, you’ll need to track back to the start and burn it. Subsequently, if you are successful, the day is over, and you must begin again. However, as you’d expect, things are rarely that simple. Instead, you encounter some heinous monsters that want to kill you. There are some that can hear but can’t see, and then there are the ones who can see but can’t hear.

In order to escape their attention, you must hide in the shadows, under beds, or in lockers. Alternatively, you must hold your breath as you sneak past and evade their gaze or hearing. If you fail to do either of these things, you must run for your life and hope the annoying turds don’t catch you. If they do, you’ll die and the cycle begins again. This is noticeable when you grab the doll. When this happens, you are chased by a fast-moving monster with many eyes. This beast won’t stop until you are captured, so a good memory of the stage layout is a must.

The further you progress, the more convoluted the stages become. What’s more, you discover snippets of information about the people that are supposed to be your friends. I don’t know what was worse. Was it knowing the true intentions of your “friends”, or escaping the deadly game of hide and seek?

If it looks like a shadow beast, then it's best to stay away from it.
Probably best to stay away from the shadow beasts.

Yuoni is too dark.

Whenever I play this genre, I expect it to be claustrophobic, uncomfortable, and sinister. However, Yuoni takes it too far. Its dark environment and shadow beasts make it unnecessarily difficult to navigate and play. Furthermore, it wasn’t always easy to denote which doors could be opened, or which path to take. This wouldn’t be such a bad thing, but when you want to explore without drawing unnecessary attention, it could have been much clearer. I understand that the developers were trying to create an uncomfortable vibe, but I don’t think they got the balance quite right.

One element I did enjoy was the audio. Whether it was the slamming of doors, the sound of your breath being held, or the noise of each ghoul, I never tired of it. Moreover, the lack of music created a daunting and empty world that worked perfectly with the action. Alongside this, the uncomfortable squeals and true moments of fear from Ai were horrible to listen to.

So many dark images.
What is that?

Sluggish controls.

Though the gameplay was mostly slow and methodical, the controls were too sluggish for my liking. Consequently, I always felt like I would be caught or make a mistake. On top of this, the breathing mechanic was absurd. Ai can hold her breath for an incredible amount of time and this was just stupid. Not only did it make most situations unrealistic, but it also took away from what little challenge there was. Accordingly, the developers should have balanced this to make the action much tougher.

For all its negatives, there is a fair bit of longevity and replay value. If you can look beyond the shortcomings, you get plenty of horrible subplots about Ai’s friends. Furthermore, there are multiple endings to be “enjoyed” if you can survive each day. Unfortunately, though, I’m not sure many people will stick with it to experience each playthrough.

Yuoni could have been great.

Yuoni left me feeling disappointed. In theory, this should have been a game I loved. However, in reality, it falls short in practically every department. Sadly, the action lacks finesse, and the reliance on traditional jump scares is way beyond tired. Unfortunately, Yuoni does very little to make it stand out from its peers and there are many better games in this genre. As such, I won’t recommend that you buy it. Yet, more information can be found here if you so wish. Will you escape the nightmare realm? Explore your surroundings, collect the doll, and burn it to end your misery.

MCM 2022 – Hands-On with Like a Dragon: Ishin!

James Refelian
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MCM 2022 – Hands-On with Like a Dragon: Ishin!

Background

The original game (Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin!) was released in Japan only for the PlayStation 3 and as a launch title for the PlayStation 4. In 2023, the remake called Like a Dragon: Ishin! will be released on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a spin-off to the top-rated Yakuza series from SEGA but set during the late-Edo period as opposed to modern-day Japan. Considering the success of the original and other samurai-based next-gen games like Ghost of Tsushima, how does Like a Dragon: Ishin! fit in?

I got hands-on at MCM Comic Con 2022 last month to find out!

Like a Dragon: Ishin! Gameplay

In the game, you play Sakamoto Ryoma, who has arrived in Kyoto to find his father’s killer. As the plot unravels, so will the era of the samurai, and you will need to clear your name and protect your honour in this epic historical adventure.

The demo area felt very open-world within the confines of the accessible areas of the city, and along the way, there were many side-quests and mini-games to enjoy and experience and make the world feel more complete. This is, of course, alongside the main quest. One particular mini-game that stood out was the almost rhythm-game-styled drinking contest you can partake in. with so much to explore, I can imagine spending countless hours just wandering around and taking everything in. Of course, walking the city is not without its dangers; gangs will face you and other enemies lurking in the crowds.

Combat in the game is free, as opposed to the turn-based JRPG of the original. Moves feel fluid and unique, and you can select from different fighting styles using your sword or a revolver. This can make for some fantastic combos and excellent finishing animations. What Like a Dragon: Ishin! does retain, though, the card-based skill system. This is a unique way to implement a sort-of skill tree and one I will need longer than the demo to understand how to use entirely correctly. Controls felt good in movement and combat, and they never felt glitchy or unresponsive.

While not much of the story was divulged during the demo session, the cutscenes that did play were well-acted and engaging. It’s shaping up to be an exciting story that I’m looking forward to exploring further.

Final Thoughts on Like a Dragon: Ishin!

It’s hard to say if Like a Dragon: Ishin! will be the best samurai game of the current generation or even if it will be the best Yakuza game. What I can say, though, is that it is incredibly promising. I thoroughly enjoyed the demo and wished it had been longer. Graphically, it looks fantastic, and the gameplay felt very smooth. The story shows much promise, so all the markers are there for something truly remarkable. Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a highly anticipated game! 

Release Information

Like a Dragon: Ishin! releases worldwide on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X and PC on 21 February 2023.

For more information, check out the official website.

Review: Fallen Legion: Rise to Glory

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Fallen Legion: Rise to Glory

Deceit, betrayal, and death are the signature moves of greedy and selfish individuals. These sinister snakes will do whatever they can to gain power, and they don’t care who they step over to get it. This is the backbone of Fallen Legion: Rise to Glory. It combines Fallen Legion: Flames of Rebellion and Fallen Legion: Sins of an Empire to create a familiar experience. However, it has some new characters to encounter, but it retains much of the charm and many of the mechanics.

Developed by YummyYummyTummy Inc. and published by NIS America Inc., this is a side-scrolling and story-rich JRPG. Furthermore, it comprises real-time combat, a smattering of tactical nuance, and some well-trodden story elements. What’s more, there are some moralistic moments, plenty of political dilemmas, and lashings of battles to overcome. As such, there is plenty going on as you try to piece together a punctuated story.

The combat is fantastic.
Choose your attack and combine your approach.

Fallen Legion: Rise to Glory tells a tale as old as time.

You control either Princess Cecille or Legatus Laendur as you either restore your broken kingdom or try to create a new world order. Sadly, Princess Cecille’s father has passed, and this allows Legatus a window of opportunity. Fenumia is on the brink of war, and the smallest of sparks will set fire to this besieged kingdom. Will you choose to smother the flames, or will you add fuel to the fire and watch the walls burn down?

Depending on which character you pick, you will see the story from their perspective. However, the core gameplay and much of the action remain the same, no matter your decision. You’ll observe a repetitive side-scrolling adventure that is punctuated by real-time combat encounters. Alongside this, the main map comprises nodes for each poignant moment in the story. As you travel from one stop to another, you’ll hear snippets of the main plot that change depending on your character and the political decisions you make.

The bitesize chunks and casual arcade approach worked brilliantly with the meaty cutscenes and the fast and tough real-time combat. Moreover, the developers did well to keep the gameplay flowing even when there were lulls in the story. With an array of enemies to overcome, bosses to defeat, and your band of heroes to control, you have plenty of plates to spin.

I loved the political edge found within Fallen Legion: Rise to Glory.
Which option will you pick?

Combat mechanics and Exemplars.

Where Fallen Legion: Rise to Glory excels is its combat mechanics. The fast-flowing and slick battles were simple to understand, but hard to master. You control a band of heroes known as Exemplars. Each of these characters has strengths and weaknesses, and can only be used when they have enough Action Points (AP). The AP allows you to strike your opponents with melee, ranged, and magical attacks. Moreover, if you successfully hit your foes, you’ll create a chained combo, and this deals a devastating blow. However, if your opponent breaks your defences, you’ll lose your combo and you must start again.

Alongside the brutal attack commands, you must time your defence to perfection. Accordingly, if you fail to do so, you’ll be smashed to pieces by your foes, and you’ll lose every major battle you encounter. Alternatively, though, if you can time the use of your shield perfectly, your opponents will be stunned, and you can unleash hell upon them.

This back-and-forth between attack and defence is what makes Fallen Legion: Rise to Glory so special. Sadly, many of the other elements feel tired or understated. Yet, this undeniably smooth and challenging core concept ensures that the game is neither tiresome, tedious, nor underwhelming.

Fallen Legion: Rise to Glory has a traditional style.

If you love the JRPG genre, then you will adore Fallen Legion: Rise to Glory. The classic sprites, smooth animation, and interesting settings are fantastic. What’s more, the simplified overworld and its node navigation were equally good. On top of this, the varied backgrounds and trouble-free gaming make this a maddening but enjoyable experience. Moreover, the excellent UI and clear indicators ensure that you don’t struggle.

Alongside the amazing visuals was some classic Asian-inspired music. The electrifying soundtrack adds drama to the fast-paced action that unfolds. Furthermore, the occasional bits of acting worked perfectly alongside the narration. However, I would have loved there to be more acting. The well-delivered lines added an extra layer and made each scene much more immersive. Consequently, the end product would have been better had this been a major portion of the game.

Allow the Grimoire to guide you through the darkness.
Will the book be a blessing or a curse?

Brilliant controls.

When a game focuses on real-time combat, the controls have to be on point. Fortunately, Fallen Legion: Rise to Glory got this spot on. The reactive controls and excellent button layout make it a joy to play. What’s more, though it can be challenging to keep up, it never felt overwhelming or uncomfortable. Instead, the action was perfectly balanced from start to finish.

Though the developers worked hard to keep things on an even keel, you can tip the balance in your favour. Your character can be fitted with gemstones to improve their stats. Furthermore, there are political moments that alter the story and change the flow of the game. However, it doesn’t have multiple story branches and many subplots. No, instead, these decisions have a minor impact on the grand scheme of things. Yet, it increases longevity somewhat, and that’s a good thing.

Fallen Legion: Rise to Glory is good but repetitive.

I love JRPGs. Therefore, Fallen Legion: Rise to Glory piqued my interest. Sadly, though, as much as I enjoyed it, it was unfortunately repetitive. Every stage follows a similar pattern, and the only real difference is the monsters you face. Yes, the political dilemmas add some drama, but it follows a linear pattern that becomes old before its time. Thankfully, its incredible combat and wonderful aesthetics save the day, while keeping you interested throughout. It is for these reasons that I recommend you buy it here! Will you save the kingdom, or will you smash it down and build something new? Undertake a wild adventure that is slick, colourful, and challenging. 

Top Reasons Why Online Casinos Are so Popular?

Christopher John
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Top Reasons Why Online Casinos Are so Popular?


Don’t worry! We won’t judge you for asking this question at all. After all, millions of people are surprised at how fast the idea of online casinos has made a strong corner in our minds. After all, online gamers can play quality games from within the four walls of their homes. 

The massive popularity of online casinos remains a huge controversy in many parts of the globe. And some of the best online casinos have amazing services to offer. This is why they eventually get solidified in the culture of your country. 

So if you have been wondering about the reasons behind this euphoria, we are glad to have you here. Below, we will shed light on some of them:

  • Variety of Games

The number one reason why online casinos are so famous is that people have a variety of games to play from. Gone are the days when players had to restrain themselves to a certain number of games at a land-based casino. Now the times have changed, and people can enjoy a variety of games anytime. 

The online gaming industry is well aware of the huge demand, and this is why all platforms have amazing games to offer. Looking for online casinos Canada will unleash details of more casino games than you can imagine. So if you like to play a variety of games, choosing an online casino will be a good idea.

  • Safe Payment Platforms

If there’s one juicy advantage of the gaming industry in this regard, it is the availability of safe payment platforms. Unless you have been living under a rock, you will know that it is due to the availability of e-wallets and online money exchanges that people can rely on this option. 

Hadn’t it been for this, online casinos would have never reached these skyrocketing heights of success. Online platforms offer plenty of payment options, unlike land-based casinos.

  • Better Security

Everyone has reservations in mind when they are playing on an online platform. While technology has revolutionized almost every industry, cyber security threats will always be around the corner. And this industry, too, isn’t too far from getting attacked. If you have played in a land-based casino, you probably would have seen somebody getting close to your bag. 

But when you play online, you can rest assured that your identity is discreet. Since the security of online casinos is at an all-time high, you can rest assured that nothing will go wrong. You can always be relaxed about your personal details being secure. 

  • Amazing Bonuses and Promotions

Incentives are the biggest advantage of playing in an online casino. Let’s suppose you deposit $100, you might get $300 deposited in your account right away. Most online casinos will lure the audience to join the platform by offering free money. And since this looks appealing, one can easily avail lots of bonuses and promotions. 

Plus, when you keep playing in an online casino for a long time, the platform will provide you with amazing benefits. You might even get a membership card. This will open up more discounts when you play next time. 

  • Better Player Accessibility

It is not a new thing that online casinos can offer better accessibility to players.  However, this industry has gone the extra mile and outperformed conventional gaming. Improved technology makes it easier for multiple users to play at the same time. 

Let’s suppose, If you live in Canada, you could be playing with somebody from Southeast Asia. Accessibility has finished the gaps that once existed between the global audience. For swift speed to paddling equal services to everyone, the gaming industry has come a long way. 

  • Saves Time

When you don’t have to travel to a land-based casino, you will eventually be saving a lot of time. With an online casino game, all you need is a steady internet connection. Once both of them are on the same line, you can start gambling online.

You could even be simply lying on your couch and playing your favorite game. So what are you waiting for? Now that a large part of the global population is enjoying themselves, you need to do the same.

Review: Hopdodge

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Hopdodge

Puzzle games come in all shapes and sizes. As such, what I find challenging might be a walk in the park for you. However, I’m confident that most people will be pushed to their limits when they take on Hopdodge. This brutally tough title makes you think outside the box and across many plains. As such, it’ll twist your understanding of reality and will push your grey matter beyond its comfort zone.

Developed and published by BlankGamesOnline this is a grid-based puzzle experience. Furthermore, this is this developer’s first game, and boy oh boy, what a memorable step into the industry it is. Not only does it capture the brilliance of this old-school genre, but it is mind-blowingly difficult while incorporating a silly and absurd story. As such, it’ll make you think while treating you to the odd chuckle as well.

Hopdodge uses a cliched idea of hell.
Is this what hell looks like?

Hopdodge is tough to manage. 

The story of Hopdodge won’t win any awards. However, I liked it nonetheless. You control a cute bunny who is tricked into helping a demonic skull. Now, this evil being sends you from Heaven to Hell, and you must complete each puzzle to escape. Alongside this, there are many chapters that comprise odd and interesting subplots. Whether it’s three rabbits working together to escape, or the Skull generally mucking around, it matters not. Accordingly, the key focus is on the puzzles rather than the silly environments they are set in.

Though the story isn’t vastly important, each subplot highlights the core element of each puzzle. Whether it is avoiding traps, dodging monsters, working together, or flipping switches, the title of each chapter gives it away. Yet, though you may know what is asked of you, you’ll still struggle to complete each challenging problem. Why? Well, you must twist and turn the camera to reveal hidden paths, 3D blocks, and an array of obstacles. Not only this, but you’re required to have razor-sharp reactions, and you can’t falter or think twice. Consequently, you’ll have to memorise each path, move quickly, and hope that luck is on your side.

Avoid the monsters and complete the puzzles.
It is best to avoid that monster.

3 acts, common elements, but unique problems. 

What makes Hopdodge so great and moreish are the familiar mechanics. No matter which puzzle you undertake, you’ll see the same characters, and witness common elements, but you’ll experience plenty of unique problems. As such, you’ll rarely tire of what you see, even if it is nigh on impossible to solve every issue. On top of this, to make things harder, the developer refuses to lend a helping hand. Consequently, no hint system makes this tough game a little harder still. Now, some may think this is unfair, but I loved the isolation. Yes, I cursed my luck when I got stuck, but when I found a solution, the relief was euphoric.

Now, the restriction of the grid-based approach may frustrate some players. However, I liked its rigidity and how it pushed the methodical part of your brain. Moreover, this is particularly noticeable when you control more than one rabbit and you must jump gaps and activate switches. Each rabbit can complete these tasks with ease, but they’ll only jump in the direction they are facing. Subsequently, you must use each grid to face the correct way while avoiding monsters and obstacles. In theory, this is easy. However, in reality, it is tough, complicated, and often weirdly enjoyable.

Hopdodge is low-poly but high in colour. 

Low-poly gaming isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, when combined with neon colours, I love the Tron-like aesthetics. Furthermore, the basic approach ensures that you focus on the mind-boggling problems you encounter. On top of this, every stage looks unusual, and no level was the same. What was great as well, was how smooth the camera was, and the ease with which you could observe your surroundings. Had the developer gotten this wrong, Hopdodge would have been a horrific game to play.

Alongside this, you enjoy a fun and upbeat soundtrack. The blend of music and the nonsensical sound effects worked perfectly. Moreover, the developer ensured that things never got stale thanks to the variety of songs on offer. Accordingly, the tough puzzles juxtaposed the jovial and folksy audio to keep things lighthearted and relaxed throughout. 

Why would a rabbit trust a talking skull?
Oi skull, why did you drag the bunny to hell?

Excellent controls. 

When precision and pace are key, you need excellent and responsive controls. Thankfully, Hopdodge delivers this with its straightforward and robust control system. As such, all you must focus on is jumping, moving, and adjusting the camera. Consequently, it is an easy title to pick up, even if the puzzles are tough to complete. 

Thanks to its sheer difficulty and a fun and in-depth level editor, Hopdodge keeps you busy. I enjoyed the freedom of the stage creator and how the developer incorporated every asset. Subsequently, you are free to design maddening stages that’ll push fellow gamers to the limit.

Hopdodge was a tough but pleasant surprise. 

Hopdodge isn’t a game I’ve been tracking. Sadly, I believe many people will have missed this excellent title. However, if you love the puzzle genre, and want something that is testing and unusual, you should give it a go. Yes, there are moments of rage-inducing madness, but these simply add to the fun. As such, I recommend you buy it here! Will the rabbits make it back to heaven? Complete each puzzle, avoid trouble, and reach those pearly gates. 

Review: Nexar Beam GPS Dash Cam

Andrew Edney
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Review: Nexar Beam GPS Dash Cam

Here is our review of the Nexar Beam GPS Dash Cam.

Beam is Nexar’s most popular dash cam. It’s tiny and easily concealable behind the rearview mirror. Beam records crisp 1080p full HD video and comes equipped with a suction cup mount and built-in GPS.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the Beam, instructions, suction mount, cable, USB charger, installation tool and clips – basically everything you need!

A Closer Look

Setting Up

Setting up the Nexar Beam is all done from within the Nexar app. Just download it to your device and follow the steps to pair and setup. Once that’s done just fit the Beam into your vehicle and that’s it.

Final Thoughts

The Nexar Beam GPS Dash Cam is small, but does a really great job!

As mentioned earlier, setting up and configuring the Beam is really simple and only took a few minutes. The longest thing will be fitting the wires neatly within your vehicle, but Nexar include all the tools you need so just take your time and it will look great.

The video quality on the Beam is excellent, both in the daytime and at night.

The Beam comes with an 32GB SD card in the box which records about 4 hours of footage before overwriting earlier footage. You can either buy the Beam with a larger SD card or you can simply swap the 32GB card for a larger one.

Unlike other Dash Cams, the Beam doesn’t have a screen on it – everything is done in the app. You can look at live footage, play back footage, make settings changes, and so on, all from within the app, which frankly is so much easier and less fiddly than doing it on the back of a tiny screen.

Because the Beam has built in GPS, it also shows and records your route, so you can see everything about it, so in the event of an incident, you can easily and quickly see where that incident took place. The footage is also backed up to the Nexar Cloud for free!

You don’t have to be in your car for the Beam to record an incident. If it detects a break in to your car, or a collision, the Beam starts recording automatically. You can also get notifications sent to your device and check the footage if needed.

A nice feature in the app shows you were you parked your car and it can also direct you to where you are parked. This feature would certainly have helped me out a couple of times in the past!

Overall the Nexar Beam is a fantastic Dash Cam and we highly recommend it. With Christmas just around the corner, why not buy it for someone you love, or even for yourself!

The Nexar Beam GPS Dash Cam is available now starting at £139.95 for the 32GB SD card version.

You can learn more about the Nexar Beam from here.

Review: Tribit MoveBuds H1 Wireless Earbuds

Andrew Edney
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Review: Tribit MoveBuds H1 Wireless Earbuds

Here is our review of the Tribit MoveBuds H1 Wireless Earbuds.

Features

  • Qualcomm Apt-X decoding and 13mm high-performance mic driver for increased bass and treble fidelity, Transparency mode.
  • High wearing comfort .
  • IPX 8 waterproof by SGS, antibacterial, protect against dust and sweat, designed for workout.
  • Up to 65H long playtime with quick charging case.

What’s in the box?

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The case is quite large, but then it needs to be to hold the earbuds. That said, the case is lightweight so is easy to carry around.

The earbuds go around your ears and hang there, with the tips inside your ear. This helps keeping them in place if you are using them during a rather heavy workout. There are a number of different tips provided in the box too.

Talking of heavy work outs, the earbuds are certified IPX8 waterproof so they should be protected if you are sweating lots!

Battery life on the earbuds are great! A fully charged pair along with the fully charged case gets you around 50 hours of use – which is great! A single charge will get around 15 hours of use, which should get you through most situations. It takes about 90 minutes to charge the earbuds from the case, and if the case needs charging, that fully charges in about 2 hours.

Connection the earbuds to your device is simple – just enable Bluetooth and following the pairing steps and thats it!

Sound quality is great and there’s even a transparency mode so that you can also hear sounds around you.

The Tribit MoveBuds H1 Wireless Earbuds are available now priced around $62.99.

You can learn more from the Tribit website here.

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