What Gadgets are Needed to Win the Student Game Festival?

Mary Spears
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What Gadgets are Needed to Win the Student Game Festival?
Photo by Soumil Kumar: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-person-typing-on-computer-keyboard-735911/

Many students throughout the world spend time each week playing video games. It’s one of the most popular types of entertainment, in fact.  Online gaming has never been more accessible, whether you prefer playing on a dedicated console, through a web browser, or at an online casino. Here are a few of the many reasons why internet gaming has been and continues to be so widespread among students.  

Online gaming has several benefits, one of which is the wide variety of games available. To play any game, all you need is a compatible device and access to the internet through Wi-Fi. Any type of video game you can think of is probably available online, from first-person shooters to racing games. 

You may meet people from all around the world in virtually any online game. When playing games that support a headset and webcam, you may talk to other players and learn new strategies from them. Voice chat applications designed specifically for gamers are also available for more in-depth conversations with other players. 

Over the past few decades, advancements in gaming have been dramatic. It’s not hard to understand why online gaming is becoming increasingly popular; gamers get access to a wide variety of their favorite games 24/7 without leaving their homes. Some of them master their skills so much that they decide to participate in competitions. 

But to win a game festival, one needs to spend much time on preparation. This can be a challenge if you are a busy student with tons of homework and everyday classes. Luckily, there are some solutions to this problem. You can go to special websites, like the one where people pay for dissertation, and ask them to complete your home assignment for you. If you delegate part of your school projects, it will be much easier to focus on gaming. 

Below you will also find a list of gadgets you need to win. Keep reading!

Photo by Barthy Bonhomme: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-headset-hanging-on-black-and-gray-microphone-185030/
  1. HTC Vive Cosmos

Using the HTC Vive Cosmos, you may take a break from the physical world and enter a virtual one. It’s created with the singular purpose of providing memorable adventures. When you put on the headset and join the virtual world, you will feel as though you are actually there. 

  1. TP-Link Gaming Router

In order to provide the highest possible level of service, the dynamic optimization function will automatically reorder the traffic priorities. Wi-Fi speeds over 2.4 GHz that may rival the fastest wired connections are a game changer for any competitive situation. It’s compatible with the voice assistant Alexa as well. 

  1. X Rocker Video Gaming Chair

Get a better gaming experience while maintaining a comfort in the midst of intense battles. When playing games, it’s crucial that you’re able to kick back and unwind. In addition, it may be used as a place to lay back and enjoy some television, music, or relaxation time. Adjustable armrests and other comfort features are included. 

  1. Xbox One S

Xbox One S stores your games in the cloud, so you’ll never have to worry about losing, damaging, or misplacing them. The games are compatible with any Xbox One, so you can take your library with you everywhere you go. There are plenty of excellent games at your disposal. Have fun playing anywhere you choose. 

  1. WD Internal Gaming SSD

The greatest gaming SSD will provide you extra room to save your games. WD’s gaming SSD is made for you if you’re tired of waiting for the screen to load and playing games that crash frequently.o obtain an advantage over other competitors, speed is essential. This SSD comes in sizes ranging from 500GB to 2TB. To obtain an advantage over other competitors, speed is essential.

  1. Logitech Gaming Headset

Immerse yourself in the sonic experience and play like a pro. The cutting edge of audio engineering was used to improve this headset. The Logitech headset’s audio drivers give an excellent sound experience, allowing you to hear every nuance of the music you’re playing. With this, you can get a true sense of immersion in the game for up to 12 hours without any cables getting in the way. 

  1. BLUE Yeti USB Microphone

Yeti is here to help you communicate effectively with your teammates in-game. When you stream a game instead of playing one, you’ll immediately notice a higher level of professionalism. Yeti allows you to acquire high-quality studio-recorded audio and improves in-game communication with your opponents. It’s adaptable to many settings because of its modern design.

In conclusion

You, like any gamer, want to get better, but you don’t know where to start, right? You should upgrade your current configuration if it’s somewhat outdated. Gaining access to top-tier equipment enhances the game experience.

Review: Call of the Wild: The Angler

Daniel Waite
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Review: Call of the Wild: The Angler

Fishing is a divisive sport. Hell, some people wouldn’t even call it a sport! Yet, I think it is, so let’s move on. It is divisive because people don’t understand it. You can spend hours on a boat, by a lake, or on a bridge, with your lure in the water. For this whole time, nothing happens, no bites, no action, no luck! But you know the fish are there and this is what makes it so appealing. It is the challenge and the reward that have you hooked (pun intended). Call of the Wild: The Angler picks at this desire and drags you into its massive and beautiful open-world experience.

Developed and published by Expansive Worlds, this is a relaxing fishing simulation title. What’s more, there are masses of exploration mechanics, a stunning world to see, and an ever-evolving itinerary of content to enjoy. Designed by the same team that made The Hunter: Call of the Wild, this title focuses heavily on slow and realistic hunting experiences. As such, fishing fans that love competitive bass fishing may not enjoy the much more relaxed pace found here.

Call of the Wild: The Angler demands a catch and release approach to fishing.
What a mighty catch!

Call of the Wild: The Angler has a loose story.

Now, I normally enjoy a story-rich title. However, simulation games are so enthralling that a great plot isn’t necessary. Call of the Wild: The Angler sets the scene nicely with family history and an overview of the monstrous park. Yet, once you exhaust the stunning cinematic, you are free to do as you please. Now, this may seem strange, but there are quests and tasks to complete, or you can simply purchase some bait and start fishing.

Whatever you choose is up to you, and this is the beauty of this game. What was also fantastic was the focus on the “fish-and-release” techniques. Now, I’m not some super vegan, or any kind of vegan, but I don’t like unnecessary death. Thankfully, the fish-and-release approach reduces the need for gore and violence and is a much more environmentally and animal-friendly experience.

Though you are free to do as you wish, every task is punctuated by an in-depth tutorial. This may seem like overkill, but I enjoyed mastering each technique before I ran to the hills. You’ll learn a selection of fishing techniques, how to change your equipment, how to operate the boat, and finally the fundamentals of driving. This may seem pointless, but when the map is so humongous, walking isn’t advised. Instead, using a selection of vehicles will get you to some interesting lakes, rivers, and mountaintops.

Fishing plays second fiddle.

This may seem like an odd statement, but fishing occasionally plays second fiddle. If you wish, you can assist the park warden with a range of tasks. You’ll highlight invasive species, mark infested trees, and help to maintain each acre of this gloriously large park. However, if this doesn’t take your fancy, you can explore the vast surroundings and find outposts or special locations to relax in. Of course, you are then free to fish to your heart’s content.

If you complete any of these jobs, you are awarded money and XP. Both these elements are essential to progressing your character while buying better gear. With 12 different species of fish to hunt, and different lures, rods, reels, and techniques to learn, this is essential if you wish to catch the biggest and toughest fish around.

The world of Call of the Wild: The Angler can be truly spectacular.
Relax and take in that view.

It’s not perfect.

One of Expansive Worlds big selling points is that Call of the Wild: The Angler has multiplayer gameplay. Accordingly, this should be amazing when played with like-minded individuals. However, the online element is laggy, complex, and just a mess. This was truly disappointing, as I’d have loved exploring with friends while comparing each catch and fishing method. Thankfully, though, the developers are actively working on the game and this should be improved.

Other complaints focus on bugs and glitches that range from annoying to game-breaking! Occasionally, float fishing doesn’t work and the lure simply sinks, or you can’t adjust the tension and your line breaks. Alongside this, you become stuck in one spot, the car will stop moving, or the river/lake appears lifeless and you never get a bite. On top of this, you cannot play this on a Steam Deck at the moment. I don’t mean that it is poorly optimised, I mean that it simply won’t load. Consequently, this is something the developers need to address as this platform is expanding and gamers will demand Steam Deck access.

Call of the Wild: The Angler looks amazing.

With such a vast area to explore, the developers could have focused on a simple environment with little variety. However, instead, they created a lush world to dive into. There are masses of lakes, tree-lined paths, wildflower meadows, plenty of structures to visit, and overbearing mountains to climb. In short, it is a spectacular landscape to witness. But there are a few issues here and there to contend with. On close inspection, the water doesn’t appear as fluid as it should and the light doesn’t move as you’d expect. Furthermore, the animations don’t always match the actions and this was annoying. On top of this, walking through flowers or muddy areas leaves no traces of human interaction. This was disappointing, as it reduces the realism considerably.

What I can’t complain about is the atmospheric and immersive audio. With stunning environmental sounds and the joyous noise of the line spinning in the air, it captures the magic of fishing. On top of this, I loved the splash of the fish in the water, the rumbling sounds of the engines, and the rush of the wind. Subsequently, it was easy to lose yourself in this wild and immersive title.

Fish no matter what time of day it is.
Don’t let the dying light put you off.

Excellent controls when it works.

Simulation games are renowned for being unfairly complex. Fortunately, Call of the Wild: The Angler bucks this trend. Thanks to its incredibly in-depth tutorials and simple button layout, you’ll easily master the fundamentals. Sadly, though, I’ve read reports of issues when using a controller. Hopefully, like the other issues, the developers will work on a solution, sooner rather than later.

12 fish species doesn’t sound like a lot, and frankly, it isn’t. In the grand scheme of things, I expected many more species of fish than were offered. Yet, the developers have promised new content as the community grows and evolves. Consequently, I can see this side of things improving pretty quickly. This to one side, the rest of the gameplay is fulfilling, enjoyable, and challenging. As such, there is plenty of replay value and longevity to be had. Moreover, this will improve vastly once the online elements are fixed.

Call of the Wild: The Angler will be phenomenal.

In its current state, Call of the Wild: The Angler is a very good open-world fishing simulation title. However, once the problems are ironed out, and the content is expanded, this will be a phenomenal game. My prediction is that this will be the most in-depth and realistic fishing title to hit the market if it evolves and expands as intended. As such, I recommend you get ahead of the pack and buy your copy here! Can you find each monster fish hiding in the depths? Grab your rod, pick your lure and bait, and hope that luck is on your side.

Review: Pnevmo-Capsula

Daniel Waite
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Review: Pnevmo-Capsula
https://youtu.be/9FtVi0ZR5HI

In a perfect world, we expect everything to work. Moreover, everyone gets along, and everything runs smoothly. However, even when a utopian environment is created, rarely do things go according to plan. This is the driving force behind Pnevmo-Capsula. It is a game that’ll fascinate you while testing your grey matter.

Developed by Pomeshkin Valentin Igorevich and published by Sometimes You, this is an adventure puzzle title. It is set in a utopian atompunk world and focuses on a linear approach. What’s more, it demands an eye for detail as you must study documents, identify clues, and solve an array of challenges. 

Pnevmo-Capsula is an atompunk a vivid experience.
Move your mail cart and solve the puzzles.

Pnevmo-Capsula is undeniably simple. 

The plot of Pnevmo-Capsula is quite mysterious. As such, there are plenty of unanswered questions throughout. However, what is clear is your role as the protagonist. You control a small mail truck that must explore strange environments. By completing many puzzles, you’ll deliver telegrams and progress through this whacky world.

What was quite charming was the basic monorail system. Your mail cart can only move as far as the rails allow. Consequently, any obstacles must be overcome if you are to proceed. These blockages are formed by locked gates, broken rails, and electrified switches. Furthermore, there are some conundrums that open hidden paths and further problems. By thinking methodically and observing your surroundings, you’ll smash through the puzzles and complete the rigidly linear plot. 

Electrifying moments. 

No matter what you face in Pnevmo-Capsula, the action revolves around one key component. The mail cart emits an electrical current to activate switches, move rails, and complete puzzles. At first, this concept is somewhat confusing. However, once you understand it, navigating the railway is an easy task.

Using this special power, you’ll have to activate switches, twist dials, and send each telegram. Moreover, you are expected to read advertising boards and instruction manuals to find clues. Now, this wasn’t as clear as it should have been, and occasionally, it led to confusion and frustration. With no hint system and no obvious solution, you can become stuck on a problem for hours. What’s more, the fiddly controls and tight hitboxes cause further annoyance (more on this later).

If you put the problems to one side, you experience a charming game that is testing. Alongside this, I loved its simplicity, its desolate style, and its casual nature. Yes, it may be a little stripped back for some gamers’ tastes, but I enjoyed the refined style. 

Your electrical ability opens up new pathways.
Use your special ability to charge the switches.

Pnevmo-Capsula looks great. 

I adore industrialised artistry, and the atompunk theme ticks many boxes. With its cold and callous appearance and oppressive undertones, it lacks a human touch. This worked wonderfully with the mechanical protagonist and the basic tasks at hand. What was also great was the smooth animation of each puzzle. I loved how the rails moved and the electrification of each switch. But, sadly, what wasn’t great was the camera angle. As you moved, the camera followed you. Now, this shouldn’t be a problem, but it was. Why? Well, as the camera flipped around, it adjusted the direction of your controller. Accordingly, when you were meant to move forward, you’d move backwards, and vice versa. This made navigating harder than it should be and was an unnecessary frustration.

What I enjoyed, though, was the excellent audio. The basic but atmospheric soundtrack was complemented by some amazing sound effects. The spark of electricity and the sound of metal on metal were great. None of the noises was over the top, and this enhanced the empty nature of the surrounding world.

The rails can be moved to open new paths.
Stay on the rails and explore each area.

Frustrating controls. 

For all its plus points, Pnevmo-Capsula has some painfully frustrating controls. With unfairly tight hitboxes and the aforementioned camera issues, it will annoy you. This culminates in unsolvable puzzles, wasted time, and plenty of curse words. It is such a shame that the action is undermined by such minor issues. However, when you are stuck for hours because you are millimetres from an activation point, it is totally unacceptable.

Another downside to Pnevmo-Capsula is the lack of replay value. Because of its linear structure, you won’t miss any collectables. Furthermore, there are no alternative modes to play. Subsequently, once you complete it, you won’t return. Thankfully, though, there is some longevity as the puzzles are challenging and will test you. With around 3-4 hours of action, this inexpensive title is great value for money.

Pnevmo-Capsula isn’t perfect but is still enjoyable. 

I’ve aired my frustrations for all to see, but Pnevmo-Capsula is still an enjoyable game. I loved its artistry and its audio, and I enjoyed the simplicity of the cold and oppressive world. Yes, the camera and controls could have been better, but this isn’t a deal breaker. As such, I liked it and I recommend you to buy it here! Can you overcome the obstacles and deliver the mail? Use your electrical abilities to solve problems, open pathways, and deliver each telegram. 

New iPhone 14 Pro Max Cases from Catalyst

Andrew Edney
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New iPhone 14 Pro Max Cases from Catalyst

With the release of the new iPhone 14 Pro Max, you will want to protect your very expensive device, and that’s where the new cases from Catalyst come in.

Influence Cases for iPhone 14 Series – with MagSafe Ring

IMPACT PROTECTION TESTED TO MILITARY STANDARDS – Designed to survive 2.5X higher drops than military standard (MIL-STD-810G – 3m/10ft), but you won’t drop it using the lanyard included to secure it and go hands-free or the optional Crux Gear Accessories to prevent accidental dropping.

30% LOUDER SOUND – great for video/audio calls or playing music, only case designed to minimize background noise

PATENTED ROTATING MUTE SWITCH- No more broken nails or digging your fingers into a dirty, grimy hole to turn the sound on/off

COMPATIBLE WITH MAGSAFE – Reliable connection when using MagSafe Wireless Charging and MagSafe Accessories with the case on the device. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQp5zljzHOo

The Catalyst Influence Case for the iPhone 14 Pro Max is available now priced $59.99 and comes in either Clear or Black.

Crux Cases for iPhone 14 Series – with MagSafe Ring

IMPACT PROTECTION TESTED TO MILITARY STANDARDS – Designed to survive 2.5X higher drops than military standard (MIL-STD-810G – 3m/10ft), but you won’t drop it using the lanyard included to secure it and go hands-free or the optional Crux Gear Accessories to prevent accidental dropping.

33% WIDER SLIP-PROOF CORNERS – An anti-slip grippy textured design with 33% wider corners to protect iPhone edges from bumps and scratches. Made of durable, flexible TPU for easy and repeated installations without in-molded stress cracking at corners.

COMPATIBLE WITH MAGSAFE – Reliable connection when using MagSafe Wireless Charging and MagSafe Accessories with the case on the device.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sLvrDFYzos

The Catalyst Crux case for the iPhone 14 Pro Max is available now priced $49.99 and comes in Stealth Black.

Catalyst also have a number of other cases available for all different types of devices – check them out to find the one that you need!

Review: Alive

Daniel Waite
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Review: Alive

Money is a poisonous commodity. Sadly, you can’t live with it, nor can you live without it. Furthermore, people say that money doesn’t make you happy, but I don’t see too many depressed millionaires, do you? Anyway, I digress! What I’m trying to get at is that money is the root of all evil, and consequently, when you don’t have any, you’ll do insane things to ensure you get some. This is the idea behind Alive. It is a PC-only title that is eerie, and uncomfortable, but strangely tough to put down.

Developed and published by Open Door Games, this is an indie escape room title. What’s more, it has some cryptic clues at its core and is one of the many fascinating titles I saw at EGX 2022. Having experienced a snippet of its gameplay, I couldn’t wait to dive deeper. I played it on both Steam Deck and my laptop, and it performed admirably on both. However, Steam Deck players will not enjoy this as much as it has not been optimised for that platform yet.

Technology is mankind's downfall.
Where it all begins.

Alive has a cruel plot.

The action follows a young man called Chris. Sadly, he is struggling with debt and can’t see a way out. As such, he questions his existence and desperately turns to a competition to win some money. Accordingly, this was a life-changing moment as his world is turned upside down. Upon agreeing to the terms and conditions, Chris must place a VR headset over his eyes, and he becomes trapped in a virtual world. Here, he must escape each room and understand what makes his captor tick.

As you can see, the plot isn’t exactly original, but I loved its cruelty, nonetheless. What was also fantastic was the dark nature of the narrator/captor and the excellent insight into his psyche. As you progress, snippets of information are drip-fed into the conversation. What’s more, each room shows telltale signs of its twisted creator. I adored how these minor details supported the story while adding to the eerie and claustrophobic atmosphere.

Alive has some creepy levels.
Would you want to explore this school?

Standard escape room mechanics.

If you’ve ever experienced an escape room, you’ll feel very comfortable with the gameplay. Alive uses many well-trodden ideas to test your grey matter and push you to your limits. You’ll be forced to collect items, find hidden keys, search for clues, and decipher codes. Moreover, each item you find has a specific use, and this makes things harder still. For example, you may find a hidden code, but this is useless unless you know how to work out its meaning. Consequently, you must search your surroundings and think outside of the box to find the solution.

This may sound tough and unfair, but the developer isn’t a monster. No, he has placed a two-way communication system if you need to ask for help. However, use this sparingly as you only have 3 hints available. Thankfully, though, if you are logically minded, this should be more than enough to keep you going.

The hint system was fantastic, but at times the action felt too open and free. Now, this wouldn’t normally be a complaint, but in an escape room scenario, you want to be kept on a linear path. Furthermore, I occasionally escaped a room when I thought I had much more to do. Again, I shouldn’t be disappointed, but it left me reeling. Instead of a long-winded and convoluted puzzle, I felt like I cheated my way to victory. Consequently, it would be nice if the developers enforce a more structured approach to each level.

Alive is dark and moody.

As an indie developed title, I didn’t expect triple-A graphics or a highly polished finish. Yet, Alive does a great job with its visuals and its choice of colour palette. With a nicely varied stage design and a mixture of open and claustrophobic spaces, you won’t be bored by what you see. Furthermore, a creepy game about being trapped in a virtual world needed to be dark and moody. Thankfully, this is exactly what you get. Viewed from a first-person perspective and lit with minimal light sources, Alive makes your skin crawl. Subsequently, each stage is eerie and uncomfortable to explore.

This is complemented nicely by the horribly brilliant audio. The sombre music and sparse sound effects highlight your lonely plight. What’s more, the excellent acting and rich tones of the narrator make you feel powerless. As such, it is a dank title that gets under your skin.

A hospital is not the place you want to explore.
Exploring a hospital is pretty damn creepy.

A great UI.

With many items to use and tight spaces to explore, the controls needed to be good. Thankfully, they were, and this helps you to search your surroundings. Alongside this, the excellent UI and simple button layout make using each item a cinch. What was missing, however, was a virtual notepad to jot down your thoughts. This was particularly important during the school level, and I think this is something that’ll improve the end product, vastly.

Where Alive falls short, is both its replay value and longevity. With no game+ option or hidden surprises, there aren’t many reasons to return once you complete it. Had the developer introduced a new character with slightly different puzzles to overcome, there would have been a sense of déjà vu and a brilliant twist on the action.

Alive is fantastic while it lasts.

I’ve highlighted a few points that frustrated me, but this doesn’t detract from this amazing title. I absolutely adored my time with it and I think Open Door Games has done a fantastic job. With some minor tweaks to their current build, this will thrill and test you throughout. Furthermore, if some additional content and better structure are introduced, then this will be an incredible title. As it is, I loved it and I recommend you look at it here!

(More information on Open Door Games can be found here!)

Review: Onsen Master

Daniel Waite
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Review: Onsen Master

I love a story of tragedy! These touching tales are full of drama, loss, and meaning. Consequently, they are easy to lose yourself in and keep you focused until the end. However, I didn’t expect this to be the plot behind an Overcooked-esque title. Onsen Master combines crazy and demanding action with a melancholy and bizarre plot. Accordingly, it’s a strange mix that shouldn’t work, but somehow it does.

Developed by Waking Oni and published by Whitethorn Games, this is a hot spring customer management title. Furthermore, it uses well-trodden mechanics from similar games such as Moving Out, Tools Up! and, of course, Overcooked. As such, it will resonate with this genre’s passionate fanbase. However, will it do enough to stand out, or will it be a poor replica?

Onsen Master has so many sick people!
So many baths and too many sick people.

Onsen Master is short but very sweet.

The action follows an apprentice called Mu. This young lad is desperate to impress his Sensei and is dedicated to his role. Subsequently, he spends hours helping sick and elderly people in the country leading Onsens. Things were going well until disaster struck! One day, his Sensei left on an important quest, but he never returned. Fearing the worst, Mu undertakes a journey to discover the truth and rescue his beloved mentor.

The story is wonderful, and it’s beautifully integrated into the game’s maddening chapters. With 6 Onsens to visit, Onsen Master is unfortunately very short. However, there are several game modes to enjoy that increase longevity. Thankfully, though, the mechanics are pretty simple. Effectively, you must fill a hot spring with a specific ingredient. There are 5 to choose from and 4 tubs to use. Once you’ve ground the ingredient into a powder, you must place it in the water and grab each sick person. Accordingly, this gameplay loop continues until the timer runs out and your score is added up. Here, you’ll discover how many stars you’ve been awarded and you’ll move on to the next stage. As you can tell, we’re in pretty familiar territory with the structure and core elements. 

Luckily, though, Onsen Master has a few tricks up its sleeve. Each region comprises 3 levels and culminates in a special boss fight. These tough encounters twist the normal action and push you to your limits. With many tricks and underhand moves at the ready, each of the villains wants you to fail. However, with patience and planning, you can thwart their silly games and come out on top.

Every boss has a weakness.
Work out their weakness and then hammer them.

Onsen Master is pleasant to the eye. 

Like its peers, Onsen Master is pleasant to the eye. Its soft colour palette, excellent character design, and unusual range of enemies are amazing to look at. Furthermore, I adored the stage design, the flawless action, and the vivid yet stereotypically Asian surroundings. With plenty going on, the game could have faltered and stuttered repeatedly. Fortunately, though, this never happened, and it ran perfectly.

The stereotypes extend beyond the visuals. With a classic Asian soundtrack, it is overwhelmingly clichéd. However, I adored this approach, as it enhanced the traditional undertones of the story. Moreover, alongside the relaxing but upbeat music were some great sound effects. With weird noises for the monsters and realistic sounds for the hot tubs, it was a strange but effective blend that worked well.

Each stage in Onsen Master has unique challenged to overcome.
The festival stage is hectic but fun.

Excellent controls. 

My go-to complaint about this genre is it’s normally lacking balance. As a solo gamer, it’s frustrating and nearly impossible. But Onsen Master is different. Thanks to its amazing controls, every level is manageable. Furthermore, with a simple layout to understand, you grasp the basics immediately. Consequently, this is a fantastic title for gamers of all ages and abilities.

We all know that this genre is packed with replay value. Yet, Onsen Master goes further because of its excellent cooperative action and challenging additional modes. The story will test your resolve, but the arcade option will make you explode. As such, if you wish to succeed, you’ll have to spend hours tackling each level. Personally, I’m not sure what will break first, my patience or my controller.

Onsen Master is as good as its peers.

I was concerned that this would be a poor replica of its peers. However, I was foolish to think that way. It’s unique, but the short story is wonderfully complemented by some excellent gaming elements. On top of this, the additional modes add to the challenge and this was phenomenal. I thoroughly enjoyed playing it and I recommend you buy it here! Can you help every sick person and save your mentor? Explore the fantasy island of Izajima, complete your tasks, and save the day. 

How To Maintain Cooling Towers for Peak Performance

Andrew Edney
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How To Maintain Cooling Towers for Peak Performance

If you manage a cooling tower, you know how important it is to keep it running at peak performance. But what does it take to keep a cooling tower in top condition?

A cooling tower is an important piece of equipment in many commercial and industrial refrigeration settings. It is used to remove heat from a system or building by evaporating water. The water is pumped into the cooling tower and circulated around the interior. As the water evaporates, it removes heat from the system. The cooled water is then pumped back into the system or building to continue cooling it. When you invest in equipment like Evapco cooling towers, you’ll want to ensure optimal performance. Keep reading to learn more about maintaining cooling towers.

Inspect cooling towers regularly.

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Cooling towers are an important part of many commercial HVAC systems. To ensure peak performance, it is important to inspect these towers regularly and perform any necessary maintenance. The first step in maintaining a cooling tower is to clean it regularly. This can be done by removing the debris that has built up on the fill media and the sides of the tower. It is also important to clean out the drift eliminator, which helps remove droplets from the air stream that can cause water spots on surfaces.

The next step is to check the water level and make sure it is within the correct range. If not, adjust it accordingly using either a pump or a valve. Also, check the pH level of the water and make any necessary adjustments. Next, check all of the fans in the tower and make sure they are working properly. If not, replace them as needed. If any problems are found, repair or replace them as necessary.

Finally, monitor the weather conditions around the tower and adjust its operation accordingly. For example, if there is a lot of windy weather, increase fan speed to help compensate for lost airflow caused by wind turbulence.

Remove scale build-up as needed.

Scale is a build-up of mineral deposits on the inside of the cooling tower. This build-up has to be removed on a regular basis in order for the cooling tower to work effectively. If the scale build-up is not removed, it can cause a number of problems, including a decrease in the cooling tower’s efficiency, a decrease in water flow, and an increase in the amount of water that needs to be evaporated to achieve the desired cooling effect.

Removing the scale build-up is a process that is typically done by a professional. The build-up is removed either by manually scrubbing it off or by using a chemical cleaner. In some cases, the entire cooling tower may need to be disassembled in order to clean the entire unit properly.

If the scale build-up is not removed on a regular basis, it can cause a number of problems for the cooling tower. It is, therefore, important to make sure that the scale build-up is removed on a regular basis in order to keep the cooling tower running effectively.

Check the belts and pulleys.

One important part of maintaining cooling towers is checking the belts and pulleys. The belts and pulleys are what circulate the water through the cooling tower. If the belts and pulleys are not in good condition, the water will not circulate properly, and the cooling tower will not work as well as it should. It is important to check the belts and pulleys regularly and to replace them if they are not in good condition. If the belts and pulleys are not in good condition, the equipment in the facility may overheat, and damage may occur.

Get regular annual service.

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Annual professional service for your cooling towers is an important part of keeping them running reliably and efficiently. By having a professional service provider come out and inspect your cooling towers regularly, you can help avoid any unnecessary downtime or problems. Some of the main things that a professional service provider will look for during their inspection include dirt and debris, water condition, electrical issues, fan and motor problems, and structural integrity. If any problems are identified, the professional service provider can help recommend and implement the necessary repairs or maintenance. Regular professional service for your cooling towers is an important part of keeping them running at peak performance.

Overall, maintaining your cooling towers is important for peak performance. A commercial HVAC system running at optimal performance will benefit the operating budget. By following the proper steps and procedures, it is possible to keep the tower running at its best and avoid any potential problems.

The Best Way to Master the Art of Gambling Without Breaking a Sweat

Andrew Edney
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The Best Way to Master the Art of Gambling Without Breaking a Sweat

It doesn’t matter if you play slots, roulette, or craps. There are ways that will help you increase your chances of odds. This means you will easily be able to win lots of money without much effort. While the predefined house edge will always ensure that you lose more than you win. 

You shouldn’t take it too personally. Instead of worrying about having lower chances of winning, you should be focused on making the most out of these opportunities. You can focus on ways that will help improve your winning chances. In this article, our highlight of discussion will be the tips that will help you master the art of gambling:

  • Understand the Odds of The Game

The most important thing you need to be mindful of is that this game depends on luck. However, you can easily use different strategies to improve your chances of winning. And understanding the odds helps you do the same. Especially if you are a beginner, you need to look for games with better odds. However, the payout will initially be low. 

Your chances of winning will get scrutinized as well. Once you get more experienced, you can try new games with higher payouts. If you wish to play bet square online, you should be focused on trying to learn the chances of the odds first. 

  • Look For a Well Reputed Online Casino

Most people will not do thorough research when looking for an online casino. And what’s more, they will quickly make the first deposit without even giving it a second thought. So it’s best if you look for a well-reputed online casino before it is too late. 

For your information, the internet is even flooded with review sites that help you make the right choice. Visit one such platform so you get to know the best place to work on. 

  • Learn the Gameplay

Today, most casino games are easier to learn. Even if you are naïve, you can learn the craft quickly. You can even lay your hands at free games, so you can practice well before acquiring real money. These free games are provided as a complement to almost every game. 

There are even casinos that offer you 500 free spins, which is seldom heard of. As soon as you sign up, take advantage of it. Later, you can use these free credits to play and learn. 

  • Maintain a Budget

Never spend more than you can afford to lose. Compulsive gamblers will put everything on the line. You can play at any online casino with a defined budget. You can even initiate with pennies and proceed to millions of dollars. Fast-paced games can be accumulated at small bets. However, you should create a separate budget when you decide to gamble. 

You might even find yourself getting carried away with the excitement of betting. But don’t let that travel to your head. You need to be responsible for your money. 

  • Look For The Right Games

Today, there are various kinds of online games that you can play. The options are endless, and there’s a game for every player. The most common kind of game is slots. They usually are easy to play and have a high payout. Plus, they are fast-paced too. Then, you are also exposed to games like blackjack, baccarat, etc. We recommend you look for a game that offers the highest number of odds. 

  • Select The Right Volatility

Volatility is the metric payout that will promise the amount of money that will be paid to you. For instance, if you’re in a high volatility poker, there is a strong chance of winning. And not to forget, these games are usually for high-budget bettors. Not everyone can be a part of them with little money. 

  • Make The Most Out of Bonuses

Online casinos typically offer the best bonus so that they can grab your attention. They are usually provided to attract more people into the game. For instance, when looking for online pokies Australia real money, don’t forget to choose a site that offers an impressive bonus initially. Now is a good time to check out the bonuses available online, so you can make your decision.

Review: DreamWorks Dragons: Legends of the Nine Realms

Daniel Waite
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Review: DreamWorks Dragons: Legends of the Nine Realms

DreamWorks has created some incredible movies. Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train a Dragon are, but to name a few. My children adore the colourful animation and the funny plots. However, as an adult, I appreciate the sneaky jokes and the hilarious one-liners. Consequently, when I was given DreamWorks Dragons: Legends of the Nine Realms to review, I wasn’t disappointed. I knew there was a chance it would be a poor rip-off of the How to Train a Dragon franchise, but I was willing to take a chance. Fortunately, I wasn’t left disappointed.

Developed by AHEARTFULOFGAMES and published by leading children’s game publisher, Outright Games, this is an adventure title. It is a simple affair that is aimed at the 7+ market. However, younger family members may cope with the early stages and less demanding moments. Yet, to get the most out of it, I would let older siblings tackle the action. It uses the key protagonists from the How to Train a Dragon series, but no prior knowledge is needed. Thankfully, everything is well explained and nothing is left to chance. Accordingly, you can focus on the story and the straightforward gameplay. 

DreamWorks Dragons: Legends of the Nine Realms has an interesting selection of dragons.
Meet the team.

DreamWorks Dragons: Legends of the Nine Realms is nicely balanced.

Outright Games have published a vast range of children’s games and they get unnecessary stick. People say their games are too easy or unnecessarily simple. However, I disagree. Many gamers misunderstand the market they are aimed at and make many poor judgements. Yet, those same people will hopefully look at this title and realise it is more rounded and nicely balanced. The developers behind DreamWorks Dragons: Legends of the Nine Realms have used a gradual difficulty curve to suck you in and keep you playing.

The action focuses on the story of Thunder and the quest to find the missing Night Lights. By exploring 5 unique realms, and tackling many wild dragons, Thunder and his 3 friends will defeat the enormous bosses and save Thunder’s family. This may sound pretty basic, but the gameplay mechanics and loop have some nice variety that keeps you hooked. Each of the 4 heroes has special powers that overcome each opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. What’s more, a progression tree, challenge mode, and 2 special paths must be completed on each level. Subsequently, there is plenty to do and lots of things to find en route.

Each dragon plays their part.
Heat the crystals and clear the way.

Crystals and special attacks. 

Each dragon’s progress is dependent on you finding and collecting 4 coloured crystals. These are then spent on improving strength and health, and unlocking new skills and attacks. This is important, as the dragons become increasingly stronger in the latter stages. Furthermore, if you wish to complete the challenge mode, you’ll need the strongest team possible. 

Once you understand this basic concept, the gameplay flows in a semi-linear fashion as you remove obstacles, defeat waves of foes, and finish at a coloured crystal. The main path leads to a white cluster of crystals, whereas a secondary hidden route ends in an orange cluster of crystals. Once the secondary option is found, you unlock the challenge mode. This option comprises an array of special challenges, such as double damage, constant health drain, and so forth. 

The core combat mechanics rely upon an arena-based approach where a set number of dragons must be defeated. At first, this will not challenge you, but as the game wears on, your foes are stronger, tougher, and more varied. Consequently, you’ll have to use different teammates to overcome them, and the risk of failure is a lot higher. This challenge makes the gameplay loop much more enjoyable and will test younger family members to their limits.

DreamWorks Dragons: Legends of the Nine Realms looks great.

Many children’s games offer moderate graphics and this disappoints many players. Fortunately, DreamWorks Dragons: Legends of the Nine Realms looks great. Its interesting stage design and varied character models are fantastic to look at. What’s more, the attack animation is nice, and varied landscapes keep things fresh. On top of this, I enjoyed exploring each level, as the paths are well laid out and easy to follow.

Mostly, I can say the same for the audio. The music is enjoyable and hits the right notes. Moreover, it adds drama and danger at the right moments. Furthermore, the sound effects are good and rarely do they become tiresome. Sadly, though, the narration is a little dull and repetitive, which was disappointing. Consequently, the use of the same soundbites didn’t help to reduce the tedium or monotony. 

Will each dragon turn out to be a friend or foe?
Friend or foe?

Excellent controls. 

This genre is usually so dumbed down that the controls can be clumsy and frankly awful. Luckily, I experienced none of these issues. The excellent UI and responsive controls made everything flow nicely. The combat had distinct elements of hack ‘n slash, and changing between dragons was easy to achieve. What’s more, the flying element was great and the occasional QTE or boss battle was enjoyable. In short, the developers have done a great job with their controls and my kids found it easy to play.

Thanks to the challenge mode and progression tree, there are plenty of reasons to return. If you wish to see every element of the game, you’ll need to invest plenty of time and effort. However, if you simply want to get to the finishing line, around 5 hours should be enough to see the end credits.

DreamWorks Dragons: Legends of the Nine Realms is a great family title. 

I love this genre and will always review anything from Outright Games. For me, their titles rarely disappoint and my kids love every moment. Yes, occasionally as an adult they miss the mark, but for children, their games are phenomenal. DreamWorks Dragons: Legends of the Nine Realms continues this fine approach and I can’t fault it. For this reason, I recommend you buy it here! Can you and Thunder’s friends save the day? Defeat each dragon, unlock each realm, and save the Night Lights. 

Review: HONOR 70

Andrew Edney
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Review: HONOR 70

Here is our review of the new HONOR 70 Smartphone.

Designed for vlogging enthusiasts, the HONOR 70 is HONOR’s latest addition to its high-end N Series smartphone line up. The stylish device debuts with Solo Cut mode, which lets users easily produce vlogs that spotlight a specific person in a group through built-in Person Re-identification Technology. With Dual Video Streaming, HONOR 70 can record two videos simultaneously, with one featuring a single subject and the other capturing the full group. 

Capturing high quality vlogs is easy with the HONOR 70, thanks to its powerful Dual Main Camera that comprises a 54MP IMX800 Super Sensing Main Camera with a large 1/1.49-inch IMX800 Sensor and a 50MP Ultra-Wide & Macro camera. The new smartphone is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G Plus 5G and supports GPU Turbo X and OS Turbo X, delivering smooth performance and a responsive experience across a range of heavy-duty tasks, including video editing for vloggers who are always on the move. 

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The HONOR 70 looks great and is fairly lightweight. It’s got a curved glass and a beautifully sharp AMOLED screen and is very slim, so very easy to slip into your pocket and forget about.

The rear of the HONOR 70 has two separate camera rings, one with the new Sony IMX800 sensor which delivers a whopping 54MP and the other is an ultra-wide camera with a 50MP sensor – so you’ll be getting some really quality pictures using those! The front camera is a 32MP one too! The HONOR 70 can also record 4K video at 30fps.

The HONOR 70 gets a good day’s use of the battery – obviously depending on what you are using the phone for will depend on exactly how much battery life you get. In the box there is a 66W fast charger so you can quickly and easily add around 50% charge to the phone in around 20 minutes or so. One thing we noticed that was missing though was the ability to wireless charge – this sees to be the norm these days so it was surprising it wasn’t included. That said, it would likely have made the phone larger!

Sound wise, there is a mono speaker at the base of the HONOR 70. It’s not great to be honest, but it will do. That said, pair it with headphones and you won’t worry!

Last thing to watch out for is that there is no IP rating on the HONOR 70, so basically keep it away from water!

The HONOR 70 is the latest smartphone from HONOR and with a great price for a great spec, it’s one to take seriously.

The HONOR 70 is available now priced around £479.99 for the 8GB+256GB version and comes in either Midnight Black, Emerald Green or Crystal Silver.

You can learn more about the HONOR 70 from the HONOR website here.

A Closer Look at Geomag E-Motion

Andrew Edney
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A Closer Look at Geomag E-Motion

With Christmas just a few months a way, we take a closer look at the Geomag E-Motion.

Geomag is not just a construction set, but it’s also an educational game within the STEM category which will encourage the development of hand-eye coordination as well as strengthening visual sensitivity and attention span. It’s the perfect magnetic toy for kids but also super fun for adults too. This set is part of the Geomag Green collection which forms the 100% recycled plastics range. 

The E-motion Panels set uses the strength and energy of the Geomag magnets and spheres to build crazy spinning tops and suspended models that will spin for ages.  Geomag magnetic kits are the perfect way to express your creativity. There is virtually no limit to the creations that you can make. All you need is a kit and an active mind.

Whats in the box?

  • Storage box / Carry case
  • 12 metallic balls
  • 12 yellow magnetic rods
  • 8 red and orange triangular panels
  • 2 red and orange square panels
  • 1 orange pentagon panel

Geomag E-Motion is available now priced around £20.00 and is aimed at ages 5 and above.

Disclosure: This product was provided free of charge in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

A Closer Look at Geomag Magicube Magnetic Blocks & Wheels Set

Andrew Edney
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A Closer Look at Geomag Magicube Magnetic Blocks & Wheels Set

With Christmas only a few months away, we take a closer look at the Geomag Magicube Magnetic Blocks & Wheels Set.

Invite plenty of construction fun with this 13-Piece Magnetic Blocks & Wheels set from the Geomag Magicube range.

Let’s build! Children will love creating different shapes and structures with this easy-to-handle block building set. With magnetic connections on all sides, there are plenty of opportunities for fun. Plus, this set includes a set of wheels to get their creations on the move.

Grown-ups will appreciate that this block‐building set helps children develop their hand-eye coordination and cause and effect thinking. Plus, imagining new designs supports their creativity.

Product features:

  • Engaging, magnetic block-building set for hours of fun
  • Set includes: 5x blocks and 4x wheels
  • Stimulating shapes and colours
  • Fun and challenging
  • Magnetic connection on all sides
  • Wheels included
  • Made from 100% recycled plastic
  • Supports hand-eye coordination, cause and effect thinking and creativity

Suitable for ages 12 months and over.

The Geomag Magicube Magnetic Blocks & Wheels Set is available now priced around £29.99 and is aimed at ages 1 to 5.

Tips for Creating Effective Content for Your Website

Andrew Edney
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Tips for Creating Effective Content for Your Website

Your website is often the first impression potential customers will have of your business. That’s why it’s important to make sure your site’s content is well-written, informative, and engaging. Top website creators in Brisbane can assist you in achieving a professional and captivating online presence. Creating content for your website can be a daunting task. However, with a little planning and creativity, you can quickly and easily create content that is both effective and engaging.

Optimize your website for SEO.

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When you’re creating website content, it’s important to think about how you can optimize it for search engine optimization (SEO). This will help ensure that your content is seen by as many people as possible, and it can also help you to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). You can use a resource like the white label SEO tool to help improve your SEO strategy.

You’ll want to make sure that your titles and descriptions include relevant keywords for your content. This will help search engines index and rank your content more effectively. It’s also important to use keyword-rich headings and subheadings. Just like with your titles and descriptions, using keywords in your headings and subheadings can also help search engines to index and rank your content.

Linking to other pages on your website is also important and can help search engines to discover more of your content. It can also help to increase the time that visitors spend on your website. Similarly, external linking to other websites can also be beneficial for SEO. This can help to show search engines that your website is a valuable resource.

You’ll also want to make sure to promote your content across the web, on social media, and through email marketing. This will help to increase the reach of your content and improve your SEO.

Use infographics and other multimedia elements.

One way to make your website content more engaging and effective is to use infographics and other multimedia elements. Infographics are visual representations of data or information, and they can be a great way to communicate complex concepts in an easy-to-understand manner. Additionally, multimedia elements such as videos and slideshows can help break up the monotony of text-heavy webpages and keep visitors engaged.

When creating infographics or other multimedia elements, it’s important to make sure that the content is accurate and well-researched. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the visuals are appealing and easy to understand. You may want to consider hiring a professional graphic designer if you’re not confident in your own design skills. If you’re looking for inspiration, there are plenty of online resources that showcase excellent examples of effective infographic design.

Break up your content into small, manageable chunks.

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When creating content for your website, it’s important to break it up into small, manageable chunks. This will make the content easier to read and more likely to be remembered. It will also help keep your visitors engaged, ensuring that they stay on your site longer.

In order to break up your content effectively, you should use headings and subheadings to organize it. This will help your readers scan through the content quickly and find the information they are looking for. You can also use lists and bullets to highlight key points.

Additionally, you should vary the length of your paragraphs. Keep them short if you want to grab your reader’s attention quickly, or write longer paragraphs if you need more space to explain a concept. No matter what length you choose, be sure to use clear and concise language so that everyone can understand your message.

Overall, creating effective content for your website is important for a number of reasons. First, it can help improve your website’s search engine ranking, which can result in more web traffic. Additionally, effective content can help keep your website visitors engaged and interested, which can lead to more conversions. Finally, well-written content can also help establish your website as a credible source of information in your industry. By following these tips, you can create effective content that will help your website stand out from the competition.

Review: The Tarnishing of Juxtia

Xavier Berry
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Review: The Tarnishing of Juxtia

The Tarnishing of Juxtia is a side-scrolling adventure game that mixes in elements found in the soul’s genre. For those who are unaware of what that means, the soul’s genre is known for its difficulty by testing a player’s patience through tough combat instances that reward the player with an in game currency that can be utilized to level up certain attributes and improve their avatar. When players lose in combat, they are usually sent back to a check point and lose all the “exp” they earned and are tasked with making it back to the spot where they met an untimely end. If the player can get back to this spot, they are given their exp back and can continue their journey but if they fall once again before getting back their stuff, they lose their exp and have to make it all back up again. With the brief explanation of what a souls game out of the way, let’s talk about The Tarnishing of Juxtia and how it tries to be different than the many other games that flood this genre.

Story

The Tarnishing of Juxtia starts with players being reincarnated by a goddess named Juxtia and are sent through a mini tutorial to introduce them to the gameplay and get the player accustomed to what they will be dealing with over the course of the game. As players journey through the world, they will meet a cast of characters who will spend their time unfolding the lore around the two kingdoms and the ruins that surround them. There is voice acting for some of the characters and this makes each encounter feel a little livelier.

Juxtia, the goddess of the world, explains the history of the world as well as gives the player their task to complete along the journey. Once the game begins, players see their avatar rise from the ground and sets off on the tough road ahead of them.  

Gameplay

Gameplay can be broken up into two different categories and that will be how this review is explained. With an upgrade system, skill tree, and item pickups around the world, it will be easier if we split the two things up.      

            Out of Combat

            When players are not in combat, they will be traversing the dark and gloomy world. There are many characters that the player will come across such as the brandmaker who gives the players their first power skill or the Weaveress who increases the number of times players can heal themselves. There will also be occasions where the player must handle platforming puzzles as well as getting through traps located in each area.  As players unlock new areas on the map and open up new passageways, they will also unlock new weapons and armor sets to use.

            Each weapon type has its own unique feel to it and can be utilized to fit any players particular playstyle. For instance, I preferred to use the rapier type weapon since it was fast and torn down the enemy’s stamina bar quickly and it paired well with the standard sword. The promise of finding new weapons and armor sets had me exploring every little cove that I came across, but the linear gameplay ensured that I didn’t get too lost along the way.

            There are different areas that players can level up that impact different attributes such as health, stamina, and damage out put as well as other stats. Since each encounter may cause a player to lose out on much needed exp, it is important that players remember to spend it when they can or else, they might just lose it all due to a poorly mistimed jump or an unfortunate run in with one of the monsters in the game. 

            In combat

            Combat pits players against a multitude of enemies that all have various abilities and its up to the player to determine the best approach to each fight. Carelessness can cause a player to loose a lot of experience that they have built up so it is important to be cautious about each fight as well as look for any surprise ambushes that may occur. The Tarnishing of Juxtia has players also keeping an eye on their stamina bar but there is a mechanic to reward players for each enemy they take down. After connecting enough consecutive attacks, they can utilize the energy rush system to get extra stamina which allows players to attack without working about running out for a short period of time. This is especially useful when it comes to the bosses since they will present a major challenge for the player.  

            Each weapon type that is picked up along the way has its own weight and feel to it, with heavy weapons being slower with more damage while lighter weapons are faster but do less damage. Players can switch between two different weapons and are also equipped with magic spells and special abilities they can pick up from bosses. This means that the players arsenal has a lot that can be mixed around, but the unfortunate part of the combat is that the animations don’t feel as fluid as they could. It took me a few fights to realize that the initial sword has a combo string that can be used. There are also crossbow enemies that have arrows that feel as if they can track the player, even after being fired, so it felt like a guaranteed hit each time.

            Players will have to navigate platforming sections while also handling different enemy types and sometimes this juggling act can be a hassle and result in some unnecessary deaths. While there are certain fights that I lost due to a skill issue, there also was a fair share of deaths that had me ready to toss the steam deck across the room out of frustration since it was a hit that shouldn’t have landed or an unclear hitbox. For example, the first boss has a wind up attack but if the player is located behind the enemy they are still able to take damage.

Overall Experience   

With a simple story and a play time of roughly 20 hours, The Tarnishing of Juxtia is a fun bite sized adventure for those looking for something with a little difficulty to it. There aren’t too many gripes to be had with the game but one of the biggest flaws to be seen is the fact that combat can start to feel repetitive outside of boss fights and some of the enemies have some outlandish attacks that may feel unfair to some players. This is definitely a game worth picking up and is a wonderful addition to the ever growing genre of souls like games but with its own charm to make it stand out from the rest.

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