Review: Destroy all Humans! 2 – Reprobed

Daniel Waite
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Review: Destroy all Humans! 2 – Reprobed
https://youtu.be/cl8fokvSrTw

When it comes to certain franchises, you know exactly what to expect. GTA is gory and violent, Forza is mind-blowingly realistic, and COD is competitive and full of hackers. However, what if you want a deep but amusing game instead? Well, you turn to the likes of Saints Row or Destroy all Humans! Luckily, the sequel remake to the latter is released in August, so the long anticipated wait is almost over. Destroy all Humans 2 – Reprobed is a zany adventure that is full of innuendo, smut, toilet humour, and more. Consequently, it is aimed firmly at an adult audience, though younger gamers will enjoy it at a shallow level.

Developed by Black Forest Games and published by THQ Nordic, this is a sci-fi adventure title. What’s more, it has a vast open world that is traversed with the use of an alien spaceship. As such, each smallish location is manageable, interesting, in-depth, and full of collectables. On top of this, there is a whacky and amusing story to enjoy, a bunch of eccentric characters to encounter, and plenty of crazy action. In short, it evolves nicely from its predecessor and will entertain you from one hour to the next. 

Destroy all Humans 2 – Reprobed tells an amusing tale.

In this revisited sequel, you’ll enjoy a similarly zany and bizarre plot. Moreover, the witty one-liners and sexually charged innuendo will have you belly laughing throughout. On top of this, the wicked range of alien weaponry and dastardly tools at your disposal add a cruel twist. With a high degree of open-world action and the freedom to choose side quests, you are left to your own devices. This was fantastic as there are plenty of minor tasks, collectables, and people to toy with.

The story revolves around Cryptosporidium 138. Unfortunately, 137 dropped dead, so his clone steps up to take the reins. Our new hero is made from purer DNA and is the only Furon to have genitalia. This “special” gift is known as “The Package” and it’s causing quite the stir. The KGB sees the Furons as a threat and decides to blow up Crypto’s mothership. This sends Crypto into a spin as his boss, Orthopox 13, is killed and his home is destroyed. Luckily, though, Orthopox 13 infuses his consciousness into a HoloPox unit. Subsequently, he can still bark orders and insists that Crypto get revenge. Accordingly, an unusual adventure begins, and lots of death, destruction, and anal probing unfold in the aftermath.

Unleash your jetpack and take to the sky.
Fly like a bird with your handy jetpack.

Familiar gameplay mechanics. 

If you love the open-world genre, then much of Destroy all Humans 2 – Reprobed will feel familiar. With the usual plot progressing missions and a range of random side quests, it keeps you busy at all times. Alongside this, you must find collectables to improve your equipment, cores to unlock lost gear, and Arkvoodle sites to open landing spots. On top of this, you are free to fly a saucer, bodysnatch unwitting humans, or blow their brains out to collect DNA.

If none of those things takes your fancy, you can spread some hippy-free love and begin a dance craze. Whatever you decide to do, Crypto delivers with cynical wit and a razor-sharp tongue. What was particularly great was the introduction of new mechanics as the game evolves. These plot-specific entities increase Crypto’s arsenal of guns while increasing the childish humour. I mean, who doesn’t like probing a fat policeman or crushing someone with a tractor beam?

However, what is important is upgrading your tools to give you a fighting chance. Every piece of equipment you own can be improved by Furotech and reactors. These essential resources are found dotted around each level and are awarded during each mission (more on that shortly). As your gear is enhanced, you’ll be able to shoot for longer, lift heavier weights, and take more damage. This results in a badass extraterrestrial with a cocky and appalling attitude.

Pick your death ray and fry anything in sight.
Take to the sky and fry whatever you fancy.

Great locations and excellent quests. 

With 5 locations to explore, and an increasingly bizarre plot to enjoy, Destroy all Humans 2 – Reprobed doesn’t disappoint. You’ll explore America, England, Japan, Russia, and finally the moon. In each of these locations, there is an array of ghastly creatures, special agents, and a top-secret twist to enjoy. During each encounter, you must use every tool on hand and master your Psi abilities if you wish to survive. Throwing cops or agents miles into the air never gets old, nor does evaporating them on the spot. Sometimes, a sneaky undercover approach is essential. However, if you so wish, you can go in all guns blazing.

At times, though, the choice is out of your hands. During every mission, you have a set goal and a list of additional optional targets. These range from not being detected, to blowing up agents with explosives. Whatever they are, they are normally manageable but add a degree of difficulty to each encounter. Furthermore, the more tasks you complete, the more Furotech you are awarded. Accordingly, ticking off every additional goal is essential if you wish to upgrade everything. 

The childish and often simple story won’t disappoint. Whether you are trying to woo a hot Russian agent, tricking a stinking hippy, or destroying some whacky drug supplies, it’ll make you smile. What’s more, the crass writing style and deliberately rude approach will make you chuckle repeatedly.

Destroy all Humans 2 - Reprobed is full of unnecessary destruction.
Do you need to be so destructive?

Destroy all Humans 2 – Reprobed looks incredible.

I enjoyed the recent remake of Destroy all Humans! However, I couldn’t imagine how great the remade sequel would be. Destroy all Humans 2 – Reprobed looks incredible because of its polished cinematic and steady frame rate. Moreover, the fantastic city designs and varied character models add life to each location. Furthermore, the movement is slick, and I noted no glitches or bugs. This was pretty impressive when you consider the size of the entire package. With plenty of action unfolding, and explosives going off regularly, I expected there to be issues. Fortunately, I was wrong, and this exceeded my expectations.

My high praise must be put on hold for one moment. The reason for this is the loading speeds are mind-numbingly long. For a modern title, this is totally unacceptable as it breaks up the action and frustrates you. In the grand scheme of things, it is minor. But, compared to the other elements, it really isn’t good enough. 

Moaning complete, let’s look at the excellent audio. Quite frankly, if you don’t love the phenomenal and witty acting, there is something wrong with you. You’ll adore the amusing script and the stereotypical take on each country. In an era where being offended is just around the corner, the developers step dangerously close to the line. However, I’m glad they did as the result is spectacular. On top of this, the sound effects are loud, in your face, and wonderfully stupid. They are then complemented nicely by an array of songs that match the timeline and culture of each location.

Take a moment an enjoy every landscape.
What are you looking at Crypto?

The controls could have been more intuitive. 

On the surface, the controls are pretty easy to understand. As effectively, it’s a case of point-and-shoot. Yet, when you get into it, there are so many tools at your disposal that it gets messy. What’s more, remembering each option when the action is hectic can be hard work. Luckily, the excellent UI and radial submenus take some of the brunt. But, for me, it could have been more intuitive and easy to work with. These issues aside, you’ll enjoy a responsive and accurate setup that somewhat masks the other issues I encountered.

The open-world genre is loaded with longevity and replay value. Of course, Destroy all Humans 2 – Reprobed maintains this standard. With a large list of quests, plenty of collectables, and multiplayer action to enjoy, it’ll keep you going. Unfortunately, I didn’t experience the multiplayer mode, but I’m sure it won’t disappoint.

Destroy all Humans 2 – Reprobed is a witty, must-play remade sequel.

Now, I know that some sequels are disappointing. Fortunately, Destroy all Humans 2 – Reprobed is a witty, must-play remade sequel. Thanks to its awesome script, excellent acting, and childish humour, you’ll be entertained throughout. Then, there are the great graphics, zany characters, and brutal arsenal of weapons to enjoy. Yes, the controls could have been better, and the loading times were tedious, but these things don’t detract from its brilliance. Accordingly, I adored it and I recommend you to buy it here! Is revenge a good enough reason for annihilation? Who cares? Grab your gun, repair your saucer, and destroy all humans! 

News: The Gap

Daniel Waite
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News: The Gap
The Gap highlights happier times
Happier times.

It’s been a while since I’ve been able to look at a Crunching Koalas title. However, this Polish publishing house is renowned for some incredible and touching games. Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales, Darkwood, and This War of Mine are just a few they’ve been involved with. Therefore, when news about The Gap landed in my inbox, I got very giddy, indeed.

If this latest title is anything like the others they’ve worked on, we’re in for a treat. Yesterday, at the Future Games Show, a new trailer had its exclusive world premiere. Below, you can witness a snippet of what to expect.

What’s The Gap about?

Developed by LABEL THIS Studio and published by Crunching Koalas, this is a dark and ominous sci-fi journey. What’s more, it covers some tough subjects and has images that are intended for a mature audience. Consequently, I can’t wait to see how the plot unfolds and the lengths the developers will go to.

The Gap follows Joshua Hayes and his struggles in life. His family is inflicted by a rare illness that eats away at your mind. As such, your sanity and memories are stripped, and your identity begins to vanish. However, while Joshua attempts to unravel the mystery, he must delve into his psyche to explore his memories and salvage his life.

The Gap will have some unusual and strange imagery.
What is this?

Core mechanics. 

Though there will be a glimpse of puzzles and problem solving, the gameplay focuses on its narrative and melancholy atmosphere. Furthermore, there are cryptic messages to locate that offer an insight into each vision. I expect the action to be slow and contemplative, with surreal surroundings and a high degree of unnerving moments. What’s more, the characters will be secretive and aloof to enhance the mysterious nature of the plot.

With such a fine pedigree, I’m certain that The Gap will deliver on every promise. It’ll be available on PC (Steam), Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. If this announcement has tickled your fancy, more information can be found here!

(More information on Crunching Koalas can be found here!) 

Review: Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

Daniel Waite
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Review: Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

As an adult, we like to think that we know everything. Sadly, this isn’t the way, as the younger generation is usually better informed. Now, I’m not talking about advanced specialist subjects, I mean general knowledge and junior school education. This is where Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? holds its own. Based on the popular TV show, you get to prove your intelligence while defeating the kids in your life.

Developed by Massive Miniteam and published by HandyGames, this is a family-friendly trivia title. What’s more, it has a fun, competitive edge and can be enjoyed solo or locally with up to 8 players. Consequently, it is a great game to play with friends or loved ones.

Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? is a classic quiz game. 

Though, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? lacks any type of story, it’s entertaining, nonetheless. Every playthrough follows a traditional TV quiz format where you are the contestant supported by a group of kids. Moreover, there are rounds of questions to get right, mini-games to overcome, and true or false problems to solve.

Playing this is as simple as picking your avatar and starting the action. What isn’t easy, however, is the vast selection of questions on offer. With 6800 questions to answer across 24 different subjects, your mind and knowledge will be tested. Furthermore, the real kicker is the all-or-nothing attitude.

Progress is dependent on you getting your answers right. If you are successful, you’ll proceed from 1st grade up to the 6th. However, if at any point you get an answer wrong, it is game over and you must start again.

50/50 but will you still get it wrong?
Would you know the answer?

Harsh penalties, but the kids can help, as can the cheats. 

Failing on a question intended for a 3rd grader is tough to swallow. Yet, this is the harsh reality of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? But there are tools in place to help you to overcome these issues. If you are stumped for an answer, you can cheat your way to victory!

With 3 cheats available per playthrough, they can be a real-life saver. During every round, you are assisted by a child who excels in certain subjects. These little munchkins don’t influence the game unless you decide to cheat. You can opt to copy their answer, ask the class their opinion, or ask for a new question altogether. If you choose the latter, you cannot cheat again during that question. Consequently, you are on your own.

Alongside the cheating, there is a minor tactical element. Each child has strengths and weaknesses in each subject. Therefore, they may be as clueless as you are. Subsequently, asking them for help will be useless. As such, you must think wisely before you request their help.

Your classmates are pretty supportive of your work.
Your classmates are happy with your performance.

Multiplayer is the king!

Though I enjoyed my solo endeavours, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? excels as a multiplayer title. The developers have allowed every player to share a controller if they so wish. This was an excellent choice as few people have 8 controllers lying around their house.

Taking on your friends was fantastic, as the action was genuinely competitive. Accordingly, it was amusing to watch each individual flunk the answers to the most rudimentary questions. Consequently, each playthrough is laced with banter, bragging rights, and a torrent of abuse. I mean, who doesn’t like to watch their intelligent friends crash and burn?

Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? is vivid and well-polished. 

Though, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? isn’t a visual masterpiece, it looks nice, regardless. Thanks to its cartoon style, vivid colours, and polished finish, it’s easy on the eye. Moreover, the animations are smooth; the characters are fun, and the blend of questions and mini-games keeps things interesting.

The audio is both fun and full of energy. With two OTT presenters and an array of excitable children, there is plenty of noise. Furthermore, I loved the cliché one-liners and the cheesy puns that aligned with every category. However, the glitz and glam nature of the action becomes tedious pretty quickly. Subsequently, this is best enjoyed casually.

Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? has plenty of classmates to help out.
Get to know your future classmates.

Simple controls = no problems.

It is easy to play because of the UI and minimalist button layout. With no effort at all, you’ll understand the fundamentals immediately. What is also good is the pinpoint accuracy during mini-games. Fortunately, the precise and responsive nature of the controls ensured that unnecessary mistakes were rarely made. 

The multiplayer option unsurprisingly enhances the longevity and replay value. However, if you are a completionist, or you like to unlock custom goods, then this has you covered. Potentially, there are hours upon hours of action if you wish to tick off every box. 

Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? delivers what’s promised. 

Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? is a niche-market game. Yet, it can be phenomenal with the right group of friends. I loved the range of questions, the competitive edge, and the custom avatars. Yet, I know it won’t be for everyone, but I liked it nevertheless. As such, I recommend you to buy it here! Why not prove your mental prowess and defeat the children in your life? 

Review: Beast

Cody May
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0
Review: Beast

Thriller movies are some of the best pieces of cinema you can see, and one of the best types of thriller movies are ones involving creatures. Most creature-flicks are horror films with the creature being a nasty, grotesque, nightmare-inducing abomination looking for humans to terrorize. But in my opinion, the scariest type of creature-flicks are ones with real-world animals, with events that could/do happen to people.

This film is about one of the scariest predators in the wild, the lion, and star Idris Elba finds himself going face to face with one to protect his daughters in ‘Beast’.

How We Got Here

Idris Elba’s character plans a trip to Africa, to spend some much needed time with his daughters, who are coming off the painful loss of their mother to cancer. He wanted to reconnect with his daughters after being somewhat absent in their lives for some time, and to also show them some of their mother’s heritage in the area in she grew up in. All goes awry when a Lion attacks their lone jeep in the wild, and what follows is an action packed 90 minute thrill ride.

Hope Amidst the Chaos

The locations in which the film was shit were outstanding, and the acting is simply incredible, from the always outstanding Idris, to his daughters who give convincing and real performances. Seeing Elba’s desperation and desire to not let his girls die was very powerful, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Closing Thoughts

Although we live in a digital age with many skipping the theaters and opting to watch movies at home, I still believe in the power of cinemas. Some movies are best experienced with your loved ones and this is one of them. One of my few complaints of the film, is that the CGI is quite noticeable.

The tension is so high, you’ll be clinging on to your loved ones with anticipation, with a heart full of fear every time the lion is on screen. I highly recommend everyone watch Beast, especially if you’re looking for a fun summer blockbuster that doesn’t waste a second of your 90 minute viewing experience.

Review: Spider-Man Remastered

Lee Fairweather
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Review: Spider-Man Remastered

PlayStation gamers have been rather spoiled when it comes to 1st party titles. God of War, The Last of Us and Uncharted, are all, deservingly, critically acclaimed masterpieces. As such, when Sony started porting their exclusive titles over to PC, I eagerly waited for my opportunity to finally play Marvel’s Spider-Man. And thankfully, my prayers have been answered in the form of Spider-Man Remastered!

Spider-Man Remastered was originally released on the PS4 back in 2018. It was developed by Insomniac Games, and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Now, 4 years on, its available to play on PC via Steam, including both the main game, and all of its additional DLC.

Familiar story, new coat of paint.

Spider-Man Remastered doesn’t waste any time on our hero’s origin story. In fact, it firmly places us 8 years deep into his superhero career. For many of us, including myself, this is a welcomed choice due to how overexposed his genesis story is.

The game begins in proper with our hero capturing and imprisoning Wilson Fisk, a criminal overlord better known as Kingpin. With him out of the picture, its assumed that his gang will diminish, ultimately reducing the number of unlawful activities in Manhattan.

In reality, the demise of Fisk allows a new and mysterious gang called ‘The Inner Demons’ to step up and seize control. Exactly who they are or where they came from isn’t entirely clear. As always, it’s up to our friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man, and his merry band of allies, to figure this out and put a stop to them before they destroy all of New York.

The narrative rivals much of what you’d see in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s a standard superhero affair. Not quite on the level of Infinity War or Guardians of the Galaxy 1, but captivating enough that you’ll want to see it through to the end.

Days in the life of Peter Parker.

Of course, there is no Spider-Man without Peter Parker himself. – Yes, I know there are other iterations of the Webhead, but let’s disregard those for now. – We get to explore his career and personal relationships, including how difficult it is to balance it all alongside his alter ego. Narratively, this helps humanise Peter, making you root for his success.

Yet, the way this has been implemented into the game is, mostly, less than ideal. Certain gameplay sequences involve you controlling Peter to explore locations like Aunt May’s shelter, or Dr. Octavius’s lab. In theory, this might seem like a great idea. But in practice, it’s largely slow, boring and pointless.

Why? Well, 50% of these sequences boil down to finding an NPC to trigger a cutscene. Once the cutscene has transpired, the game instantly places you back in control of Spider-Man. Why they didn’t decide to cut the filler sections out and simply play the cutscenes is beyond me. Don’t get me wrong though, I still thoroughly enjoyed Peter’s character progression, and the voice actor portrayal of him was beyond excellent.

Does whatever a spider can!

Combat in Spider-Man Remastered is based around a 3 buttons system. One for striking, one for web abilities, and lastly, one for dodging. Inputting specific button combinations will allow you to perform various special moves. For instance, you can slam into the ground to create a large shock blast, or swing an enemy continuously around you. Many of these are locked behind an upgrade system, but I’ll touch more on that later.

Leaning into Peter’s inventive nature, Spidey also has several different gadgets at his disposal. These allow you to gain the upper hand in tricky or challenging situations. For example, the trip mines come in handy whilst you are trying to be stealthy, and the Concussive Bombs are great as a diversion tool.

Intertwined with all of this is the combo system. Successfully chaining attacks together will fill up the Focus gauge. This is a mechanic which allows Spider-Man to heal on the fly, or, once the Focus bar is full, execute a finishing move which immediately knocks out an opponent.

Altogether, the combat has a surprising amount of depth and complexity to it. It’s astoundingly smooth and robust, sharing a similar concept to the Arkham series. You can spend hours trying to figure out an optimal combo, or try to discover something in the heat of the moment. It’s undeniably a lot of fun, but it did become somewhat samey quicker than anticipated.

More on the man behind the mask.

As mentioned earlier, there are moments in the game that involve controlling Peter Parker. While most of these are a complete waste of time, there are some sequences that actually have a gameplay purpose. These come in the form of minigame puzzles, akin to the Bioshock series. It’s just a shame there weren’t more of these in Peter’s gameplay scenarios.

Fortunately, there are a plethora of extra activities to engage in as Spider-Man, which help to keep things feeling fresh. You’ve got side missions, street crimes, gang headquarters, research facilities, photography tasks, collectable gathering, and, bizarrely, pigeon catching. And yes, the latter of which is as funny as it sounds.

Swinging around the concrete jungle.

Navigating around the map in Spider-Man Remastered is as seamless as it is entertaining. With the push of a button, you’ll be able to launch out a web and start swinging from building to building. Depending on where you swing from will influence the animation that plays, and I cannot begin to stress how awesome it is to see these transpire in real time. Moreover, you also have the ability to perform mid-air tricks, wall run, leap over obstacles, and utilise launching points. These are all particularly useful when trying to garner, or maintain high speeds.

If you’ve played the old PS2 games, then this will feel very familiar to you. For those that haven’t, be prepared to experience one of the best traversal systems of all time. If your concerned that it sounds rather repetitive, then you need not worry. You’ll quickly unlock the ability to fast travel early on into the campaign. Honestly though, I can’t imagine that anyone would ever get tired of this mechanic.

Taking things to the next level.

There are a lot of ways that you’ll be able to upgrade Spidey throughout the course of your playthrough. Firstly, we have skill trees that are separated out into 3 distinctive categories. Innovator, Defender, and Webslinger. Inside each tree you’ll find perks, traits and extra abilities which you can use to maximise your playstyle. This is also how you unlock the special moves that I discussed earlier on.

Next up are the gadgets. These can be improved upon in minor ways, from lowering their recharge rate, increasing the amount at your disposal, or raising their overall potency. Some gadgets also have to be purchased manually before you gain access to them, which you can do here.

Finally, we have the suits themselves. Unlocking a new suit will sometimes provide you with a unique ‘Suit Power.’ Effectively, these are ultimate abilities which massively impact the course of a fight. There are far too many to mention, but one of my personal favourites was the EMP suit which stuns enemies and disables their weapons. Suits also have special modifiers, called ‘Suit Mods’, which give Spider-Man additional passives.

Truth be told, these systems are ridiculously flexible. Theory crafters will have a great time dissecting these to uncover which paths they’d like to take. It’s also one reason that I’m considering doing subsequent playthroughs, despite feeling drained by the gameplay itself.

New York has never looked so good!

Spider-Man Remastered has a lot going for it in the graphics department. To start with, the entire landscape of New York City has been expertly crafted, from the sprawling skyscrapers, down to the luscious parks. It’s truly jaw dropping just how beautiful the region is, and you’ll find yourself wanting to manual navigate the city to experience it.

Although they largely designed the city after its real-life counterpart, Marvel fans will be happy to discover that it’s also influenced by the MCU. This means you can visit locales like the famous Madison Square Garden, as well as iconic film sets such as the Avengers Tower. There are some structures which have been omitted, such as the Dakota Building, but it’s unnoticeable in the grand scheme of things. 

On top of this, the remaster also adds RTX capabilities into the conversation, elevating the visual presentation to an entirely new level. The lighting, reflections, and shadows are all highlighted in defined and lifelike ways. It truly feels like a next gen title when playing this on the highest settings.

Outside the environments, the character models also have a shocking amount of realism to them. The facial tracking on the eye movements and lips are near unparalleled, something that seems to be the norm for Sony’s 1st party titles. Spidey’s suits are another massive high point. Things like frayed and stretched fabrics are all noticeable when zooming in on our webbed hero.

The combination of the environments, lighting and character models easily solidifies this title as one of the most gorgeous games on the market today. Like Parker’s former photography career, Spider-Man Remastered is truly picturesque.

Audio design worthy of a Daily Bugle headline.

As one might expect, the SFX have been recorded and implemented with expert precision. However, it’s the manner in which they’ve been used which really caught me off guard. Whether intentional or not, the audio team has done an immaculately job of portraying the conflicting principles of our hero against his enemies. While this may sound rather pompous, I do have an explanation to back it up.

The cartoonish SFX are solely reserved for Spidey himself. Deciding to forgo any realism serves to substantiate his ‘no killing’ policies, and frame him in a positive light. On the flip side, the villains’ firearms and explosives sound as authentic as the latest Call of Duty release, firmly cementing their cruel and brash disposition.

Although it’s subtle, this audibly showcases the differing ideologies between the sides of good and evil. As a former designer, it’s something I personally found to be truly remarkable, and I commend the developers for their intuitiveness.

The Spider-Man Remastered soundtrack smartly borrows elements from Danny Elfman. For those that don’t know, he was the composer of the 1st and 2nd Sam Raimi films from the early 2000s. The orchestral arrangements, although obvious, embody the superhero ambience to perfection. This is achieved through fast paced percussion, and the bombastic up-front brass instrumentation. It truly makes you feel like you’ve taken over Toby Maguire’s role in the original movies.

Admittedly, I wouldn’t be confident in saying that “I found the Spider-Man Remastered soundtrack to be memorable.” I would however be fine with stating that “the OST works incredibly well within the confines of the game.”

Conclusion

Spider-Man Remastered is another superb PC port from the PlayStation catalogue. Its combat and traversal systems flawlessly capture the feeling of playing as Spider-Man, but it does become somewhat repetitive quicker than you’d expect. Graphically, the game looks absolutely stunning, especially when utilising the RTX options. And while the audio design is remarkably well crafted, the games soundtrack does suffer from being unmemorable. Overall though, Spider-Man Remastered is massively entertaining. If you’re a fan of the Webhead, the MCU, or the Arkham games series, then this is a title worthy of checking out.

Review: Kid Ball Adventure

Daniel Waite
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Review: Kid Ball Adventure

Why is it that love and danger go hand-in-hand? Every video game demands that you put your life on the line for your loved ones. Moreover, to make matters worse, you normally require ungodly skills to progress through the simplest of stages. Well, unsurprisingly, this is exactly what happens in Kid Ball Adventure. It is a game that will drive you crazy as you become hooked on its deceptive simplicity.

Developed by Spoonbox Studio and Ratalaika Games and published by Eastasiasoft Limited, this is a 2D precision platformer. What’s more, it has an array of game modes to make it that bit harder. As such, you’ll scream with rage as you die repeatedly. However, when you are successful, you’ll enjoy the euphoric and fleeting moment of victory.

Keep playing by collecting the green gloop.
Collect the goods, increase you lives, and keep playing.

Kid Ball Adventure is a simple tale of love. 

Dragons have an unhealthy obsession with kidnapping fair maidens. Shock horror this is exactly what happens to the protagonist’s bit on the side. There they were, enjoying a bounce along the road, when the evil dragon struck. He grabbed the innocent pink ball and stole her away to his lair. As a consequence, the hero must undertake a dangerous and difficult journey across 100 stages.

As you can see, Kid Ball Adventure is a simple tale of love. What’s more, the simplicity extends to the core concepts and the level design. Subsequently, the action is easy to understand, even if it’s tough to overcome. Its gameplay is reminiscent of Super Meat Boy and OkunoKa Madness. Yet, it isn’t quite so brutal, and therefore won’t make you want to smash your controller.

There are plenty of obstacles to overcome.
Don’t get caught out by the tiny spikes.

Keys, gates, and obstacles. 

Every stage is broken down into core components. There are collectables to gather, a key to find, and plenty of obstacles to overcome. First, if you strike anything you die. Second, if you fall into a pit, you die. Finally, if you screw up…you guessed it, you die. Therefore, nothing but precision will do in this cruel platforming title.

Yet, I may be exaggerating slightly, as planning and patience are key. If you study a route, observe your enemies, and miss some collectables, you can progress pretty quickly. However, the drip-fed traps and new enemies will keep you on your toes. There are spikes, circular blades, projectiles, and more that await you at every turn. On top of this, you can’t kill your enemies. Therefore, all you can do is avoid their attention and make your way to the exit.

Kid Ball Adventure is old-school. 

Precision platformers belong to a golden era of gaming. Consequently, Kid Ball Adventure has captured this in its retro aesthetics. With garish colours, clean lines, and repetitive backdrops, it is distinctly old-school. What’s more, the sprites are basic but cute and the obstacles contrast the landscape. As such, everything is easy to identify, and this makes it nicer to play.

Thanks to its familiar plot, you can enjoy a dramatic soundtrack. This jovial and upbeat affair drives you onwards. Alongside this, there are some nice shrill sound effects to complement the visuals. All in all, it lacks originality but works wonderfully with the theme.

You'll finally come face to face with the dragon in Kid Ball Adventure.
Pesky dragon.

Simple controls. 

Though precision is the name of the game, Kid Ball Adventure is easy to master. With minimal effort, you’ll understand the controls and enjoy a stripped-back UI. Moreover, the responsive inputs and accurate movement ensure that frustration and failure are kept to a minimum.

With 100 levels to complete and a gradual difficulty curve, there is plenty of longevity. However, this is enhanced thanks to the excellent time trial modes. With three to pick from, you’ll test your abilities and patience as you up the ante.

Kid Ball Adventure ticks many boxes. 

If you want a challenging but not infuriating precision platformer, then this is your game. Kid Ball Adventure will push you to your limits without being unduly harsh. As such, it is rewarding, addictive, and great value for money. It is for these reasons that I recommend you to buy it here! Can you bounce through every stage and save your girlfriend? Avoid the obstacles, grab the collectables and unlock each door. 

Preview: Turbo Golf Racing

Daniel Waite
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0
Preview: Turbo Golf Racing

Rarely do I look at a game and think, damn, that is going to be awful. Sadly, however, Turbo Golf Racing did just that. Everything about it screamed well-trodden and unnecessarily dated. Yet, I have been wrong, so maybe I’m in for a pleasant and unexpected surprise.

Developed by Hugecalf Studios and published by Secret Mode, this is a fast-paced sports title. Like Rocket League, it blends adrenaline-fuelled racing with an unexpected sport. In this case, instead of football, you get to “enjoy” the upper-class ramblings of a round of golf. Now, I know what you are thinking! How on earth do the two marry up? Well, this isn’t golf in many of the traditional senses. As such, the only similarities are the courses, the ball, and the hole to aim for. Accordingly, it is more of a racing game than a hybrid sports experience.

Find the hole and win the round.
Almost there.

Turbo Golf Racing is all about the action. 

With a choice of 8-player online action or solo gaming, this will attract an array of players. Furthermore, lovers of Rocket League will be attracted to the sharp visuals and simple gameplay. However, for me, it was dull, lacked finesse, and quickly became tiresome. This wasn’t helped by the lack of a plot, and the non-existent career mode to sink my teeth into. 

So, we’re not off to a great start, but things can only get better. Surely? Luckily, they did as the level designs, vehicles, and ability-boosting cores add some depth. Alongside this, the online mode is surprisingly competitive, if not a bit mind-numbing. Disappointingly, the solo experience was underwhelming and lacked challenge. Unlike the online gameplay, there was no spark of adrenaline, nor was it competitive. Instead, you must drive as fast as possible to beat a set time. If you do this, you are awarded stars and you must move on.

The online mode, on the other hand, is set across 3 events. During each race/round, you must avoid obstacles, your opponents, and any pitfalls as you speed to the pin. If you get there first, you bag the maximum score and move onto the following hole. The winner is the person who scores the highest (so nothing like golf). As you play, you are awarded currency that can be spent on unlockables. On top of this, there is a season pass to complete and other tasks to work towards.

Use your turbo booster to keep up.
Catch up with your turbo booster.

Power-ups and unique courses.

Where Turbo Golf Racing excels is its course design and an array of power-ups. These important elements add depth and drama to an otherwise bland affair. I adored the speed boost on the fairways, the sluggish roughs, and bogged-down sand traps. Furthermore, the obstacles cause problems that must be avoided at all costs.

Unlike the obvious elements of each course, the power-ups are more random. This was great as it mixed up the action while including some nasty surprises. You could shoot missiles to blow up your foes, slow them down, or block their advances. Consequently, whatever upgrade you got, you needed some skill and a massive chunk of luck to be successful.

Turbo Golf Racing is nicely polished.

Game Preview titles are renowned for their lack of polish. However, Turbo Golf Racing looks really nice. I admired the variety of courses and the detail on each vehicle. What’s more, the gameplay is buttery smooth with limited frame rate or performance issues. If the developers retain this high level of performance as the game evolves, it could be spectacular. Thanks to the Urban, Wild, and Industrial themes, you won’t tire of what you see.

Unsurprisingly, the audio is loud and obnoxious. Moreover, the vehicles are deafening and the music is upbeat. Subsequently, the sound effects complement the audio further because of their high energy. With missiles booming, engines roaring, and vehicles crashing, it is a cacophony of noises that are uncomfortable but suitable to the genre.

Turbo Golf Racing allows you to pick your ride.
Race your friends and win the round.

Occasionally unresponsive controls. 

Though I’ve bemoaned much of Turbo Golf Racing’s mechanics, I was frustrated mostly by the controls. Due to their unresponsive nature, the racing was particularly difficult. Consequently, until you get used to their unusual ways, you’ll be frustrated repeatedly. However, once you understand how they respond, you’ll enjoy each event and the ensuing challenge.

I can’t understand the addictive nature of these titles. For me, they are repetitive and plateau very early on. Yet, if unlike me, you love this genre, you’ll find plenty to do and many challenges to complete. On top of this, there is a season pass to explore, unlockables to obtain, and the honour of being the best golf racer to fight for. 

Turbo Golf Racing wasn’t for me.

There were sparks of excellence, but mostly, Turbo Golf Racing was a poor attempt at replicating Rocket League. Of course, it is an early access title, so it may pull it around. However, in its current build, I cannot recommend it. More information can be found here, though! Have you ever wished to combine racing and golf? Now is your chance in this adrenaline-fuelled but mundane gaming experience. 

Review: HF500 Anti-Twist Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Pets Edition from Hoover

Andrew Edney
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0
Review: HF500 Anti-Twist Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Pets Edition from Hoover

Here is our review of the HF500 Anti-Twist Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Pets Edition from Hoover.

The Direct Impulse Motor has been developed for consistent power output & high efficiency, spinning at 100,000 RPM and delivering 75AW of suction power, to achieve impressive dust and debris pick up on all kinds of floors.

No need to worry about tangled hairs : our new Anti-Twist floorhead features an integrated comb to prevent hair wrapping around the roller during cleaning. Maintenance is quick and easy, as the transparent window pops open for instant access.

The brushbar has a mix of soft and hard bristles to clean all types of hard floors and carpets effectively. Use the CARPET button for deep cleaning, or switch off to clean rugs and hard floors.

Need to pause for a moment? HF500 can be temporarily parked in the upright position on hard floors, thanks to the Hoover Quick Park&Go system.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, Removable Battery Pack, UK Charging plug, 2in1 Dusting/Upholstery tool stored onboard, Crevice Tool, Cleaning Tool, Motorised Mini Turbo Pets Brush and an Accessory Bag.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

Everything you need is included in the box, including the mini pet brush which will help get rid of any stubborn pet hair! There’s even a light on the front of the hoover which helps you see what you are hoovering up. This is especially useful when hoovering under things.

The selling point for this particular hoover is the Anti-Twist floorhead which prevents hair wrapping around the roller during cleaning, and so far during the testing of the hoover this worked very well.

Battery wise a full charge takes around 2 1/2 hours and will last around 45 minutes in Auto mode, 25 minutes in Standard mode and 10 minutes in Turbo mode. Obviously the mode you use will be dependant on your cleaning needs. The battery can be removed and recharged anywhere convenient.

When the container is full it’s very easy to empty, just remove it, place it over a bin or bag and click it open.

The hoover stands at 69cm and so is easy to store in a cupboard without taking up too much space. The hoover even stands on its own without having to lean it against something. This is also very useful when hoovering if you need to stop mid-hoover – no more laying it down on the floor and having to bend over to pick it up!

Using the hoover was very easy, select the power mode you want and start hoovering – it glides fairly effortlessly over different surfaces and picks up everything in it’s path. The hoover fits together easily and can be taken apart just as easily. You can even use it in hand-held mode so you can really get into the small hard to reach places.

If you are looking for a great all round cordless hoover that’s designed to help clear up pet hair with the unique anti-twist feature then you really should take a look at the HF500, it won’t let you down.

The HF500 Anti-Twist Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Pets Edition from Hoover is available now priced around £299.

You can learn more from the Hoover website here.

Review: Smash Boats

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Smash Boats

Being a ship captain isn’t an easy job! Plenty of things can go wrong, and disaster is often irreversible. Accordingly, no one wants to go down with a sinking ship, so what are you going to do? Well, the answer: think fast, move faster, and keep your vessel intact. This is the core concept behind Smash Boats. It is a modern Battleship title that is fast-paced, with considerably less strategic thinking.

Developed and published by Smash House Games LLC, this is an arcade-inspired warfare game. What’s more, it is jam-packed with childish humour, turds, and an array of funky warships. As such, there is plenty of different approaches to try, many enemies to blow up, and an array of levels to overcome. In short, it captures a dated era of gaming that is often overlooked. 

Smash Boats is mindless fun. 

Now, I normally enjoy a story-driven game. Yet, occasionally, I’ll put this aside if the gameplay piques my interest. Luckily, Smash Boats did that with its arena-style battles and mindless action. Consequently, it’s a great casual title that can be picked up and put down with ease. 

The gameplay revolves around many levels of increasing difficulty. The environments you visit are all water-based and loaded with obstacles, enemies, and power-ups. The aim of each stage is to survive, collect the stars, annihilate your foes, and manipulate your surroundings. However, this is easier said than done as your opponents gradually become more advanced and dodging their advances is increasingly challenging.

The selection of vessels in Smash Boats is both vast and amusing.
Captain that shark vessel and bite everything in sight.

New vehicles and quick thinking. 

So, whenever you’re faced with a brutal learning curve, what are you going to do? Well, you “get gud”, that’s what! Effectively, Smash Boats is a game that demands practice, patience, and fast reactions. Yet, this doesn’t mean that it’s complicated, because it’s not. Everything about this game is easy to understand and straightforward to overcome. Therefore, if you wish to progress and unlock every vehicle, you must utilise power-ups and each vessel’s special abilities.

To do this, you must collect every star on each level. If you gather enough, you’ll unlock new maps, different vehicles, and experience unique gameplay styles. The drip-fed unlockables were a fantastic idea that prevented the game from stagnating. Consequently, if you are tired of one vessel, you could quickly jump to another to mix things up.

Don't be afraid of the giant squid.
Boom, boom, get out of my way giant squid.

Power-ups and “Mayday events” 

Alongside this, the power-ups and “Mayday events” kept things fresh. First, the power-ups give you short-time buffs. You’ll gain unlimited ramming power, a shield, more health, and more. On top of this, you collect 5 letters that spell out “SMASH”. If you do so, you’ll unlock a nuclear bomb that’ll annihilate everything in sight. These additional abilities enhanced the gameplay in a simple but enjoyable way. Without them, the action would have been unbalanced and possibly tedious.

Finally, the “Mayday events” will keep you on your toes. Your ship is transported to a special location where 10 stars are up for grabs. However, there is a catch as you have a limited timer to collect them all. What’s more, you must avoid obstacles, explosions, and so forth as you whizz around each compact location.

Smash Boats is pleasant enough. 

Rarely am I blown away by an indie title, and Smash Boats didn’t surpass my expectations. However, it’s still pleasant to look at, turds and all. Moreover, it uses a vivid colour palette, some simple stage design, and contrasting imagery to reduce confusion. As such, it is easy on the eye without being spectacular. Furthermore, it plays at a consistent frame rate and there were no visual glitches to report. This was particularly impressive, as at times, the action becomes hectic and the screen is awash with colours.

The audio also hits a pleasant note. Though it never wowed me, nor did it do anything unique or unusual. Instead, its soundtrack is jovial, fun, and just what the doctor ordered. This is then complimented by some hearty and loud sound effects. You’ll enjoy the sound of circular saws, bombs exploding, and ships sinking. All in all, it’s a loud affair that is reminiscent of some great arcade experiences.

The levels are varied and colourful.
I love the fantasy theme.

Occasionally clumsy controls. 

Though much of the action is easy to follow, the occasionally clumsy controls are frustrating. There was nothing worse than dying through no fault of your own. The phrase “turning circle of a tanker” is relevant and apt. As such, your pacey opponents will often dodge your advances. Consequently, you’ll be left screaming and ruing your awful luck.

If you love unlocking new bits and bobs while completing every element, then you’ll love this. Smash Boats certainly has a lot of unlockables and plenty of stages to experience. However, where it falls short is its lack of multiplayer action. This was disappointing, as teaming up across the eclectic levels would have been great fun. Instead, you are destined to sail and battle solo. 

Smash Boats is a lighthearted and immature title.

If you want a serious endeavour, then Smash Boats isn’t for you. However, if you want something that is lighthearted and immature, then look no further. With childish humour, interesting levels, and fun boats to control, there is plenty to keep you entertained. What’s more, it can be enjoyed casually and at your pace. It is for these reasons that I recommend you to buy it here! Can you avoid the obstacles, collect the stars, and destroy your foes? Pick your ship, use the power-ups, and be victorious. 

Review: Ynglet

Natosha M
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0
Review: Ynglet

A relaxing and meditative adventure awaits you in the game Ynglet. You will play as a jellyfish-type creature that floats through a hand-drawn world full of bubbles and plenty of spacious areas to explore through. Unlike any other platformer game, this one is without a platform. Instead, you’ll be required to float and bounce around worlds in search of your missing friends who were separated by a comet. As you travel through each location, you’ll enjoy the beautiful and calming music notes that play each time you touch any portion of the level.

How Was The Game

At first, I felt like the artist who designed the game, a fully hand-drawn game added a creative aspect worth keeping my interest to play. As I’m not too much into music and platformer games, which just appear as if they are still being designed, planned, or even in the beta stage. This game didn’t feel quite that way to me.

Many might first sense it to be easy, imperfect, and not anything typical of a brilliant game that is vibrant, 3D, and full of realistic appeal in its graphics or quality. However, take it from me, for a relaxing and easily drawn game, this isn’t one to pass up! It really supports a creative idea that is very well entertaining to play. Especially with so many puzzles to work through and many friends to rescue.

It’s also got music that plays as a key on a piano or some sort of single beat. Actually, it could be one beat or a few beats playing at the exact same time, depending on the size of the object you are going through are just bouncing off of. Also, the friends you find to rescue will interact with you in their own unique sounds as well.

On the other hand, why this game is so relaxing for the player because of a few things. I noticed there isn’t any competitive or time-rushing gameplay, frustrating and difficult problems to solve, or requiring you to be a quick player or do some difficult moves to proceed to the next portion of the game. So if it’s a child or an adult playing, this game works for everyone. Especially, since it’s absolutely easy to play and understand from start to finish without becoming perplexed. That is exactly how I felt when I started playing. Even if the game may not take too long to defeat, it still is quite enjoyable and something worth trying when you want to escape the stress of the real world.

Now before starting the game, they do have the option to play a harder version than the normal style of the game. So if you can accomplish the first challenging mode with ease, it’s now a chance to play it again and go for the difficult option in gameplay. Also, it’s cool you can end up restarting the game at any time. If you accidentally fall or happen to not make the location, as this jellyfish guy can only go so high before falling from one location to the next, you can easily restart and end up not having to wait for a reload.

Each square; bubble can be a new checkpoint to start back at again. Just float until the square fully turns pink all on each edge. That way you won’t start from the beginning and can continue from where you left off. It’s a new idea in gaming, with unlimited continuing locations. I like it!

A question that many may wonder about and I did at the beginning. Are there any bad guys to face, large bosses, or unbeatable obstacles that stand in the way? The answer to this is no. It’s more of a puzzle-adventure style challenging game to play and not one based on fighting or defeating big sea monsters. It’s mostly figuring out ways to move through a world, like a puzzling maze of bubbles and music from start to finish. Also, a few bonus areas open up and plenty of cute-shaped fishy friends to collect! Nothing in this game seems off, nor did I struggle to play and enjoy.

One last thing, I noticed that there aren’t really any loud sounds, just a light tune in the game. Even the ones that are triggered by the objects your jellyfish guy may bounce or fall upon. The friends and the interaction they have with you may also contribute some sound effects, but it’s very soft in the music that plays. Furthermore, it is so easy to notice how simple the graphics are in this game, with shapes and plenty of colors. Even the hero, who we play as the jellyfish is simply shaped like a triangle with tentacles of squiggly lines and circles. The fish and other friends are also very simply designed, but honestly, it all contributes to the originality of the game, which I love!

Final Thoughts

This is a very different game, something that I wouldn’t find copied or made by another. As it’s all hand-drawn and the storyline is not very large or similar to any other game as well. The worlds you visit are very interesting and each has these individual sounds that play like music notes, as you bounce and float into different objects. It’s quite interesting and fun to achieve when roaming and exploring the levels for your friends. Lastly, the game to me felt quite easy, relaxing, and just plain fun! It might not be super long or take much use of the brain, but it is something that will keep you calm and entertained as you rescue your friends.

Review: Live A Live

James Refelian
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0
Review: Live A Live

In 1994 Square developed and published a JRPG, Live a Live, for the Super Famicom. 28 years later the game has been re-made on the Nintendo Switch and finally made its way to western markets. While the graphics and audio updates are a welcome refresh, including voice acting. While some of the mechanics should have remained in 1994, Live a Live is still ground-breaking nearly three decades later.

Gameplay

Live a Live is almost a love letter to films, games, and television series that you will probably recognise. Featuring some obvious tropes, it’s a wonderfully nostalgic reminder of why these genres work so well. That is until the game pulls out the rug from under you and suddenly, it’s unique and fresh. You take on the role of a central character during a specific point in the past, present, or future and follow through with a story unique to that chapter. This is great but what sets Live a Live apart is how it then ties all of that together. You’ll have to play it to find out how!

There are crafting mechanisms, dialogue, side-quests, mini-games, and more to explore – along with a basic leveling-up system that in most cases unlocks new abilities. This all feels very traditional for any RPG game. Unfortunately, and maybe this is a trend of its era, cutscenes are often dragged out unnecessarily with large gaps before the next piece of dialogue just so the NPC can move slightly to the left. On occasion, the animations are interesting or amusing enough for this to be ok, but for the most part, it spoils the flow. Thankfully, you can skip these, but it does mean you might miss some key dialogue. Similarly, the grind can be tiresome (and in these cases, I often jumped into the present day for a Street Fighter-styled break!). If you’re a fan of RPGs, as I am, you’ll stick with it. I do wish the ending had been a little shorter, and a little tighter in that regard as unfortunately it lacked an explosive climax to the narrative.

Combat in Live a Live is the same… but different.

Regarding combat, Live a Live is very clever. Throughout each chapter, it employs the same turn-based grid system. You can move a member of your party, select attacks, and select which square they will have an effect in. However, each chapter feels unique. Foes can have specific weaknesses or resistances.  The player character and the party have unique abilities that can only be used in certain ways and while some are ranged, others are close combat only. There are ‘tougher’ foes that if you beat you win the whole encounter as the weaker foes run away. You end up learning how to play the grid system like a game of chess, building from knowledge gained in previous chapters where relevant. Despite all using the same grid, it always feels exciting and fresh.

Live a Live takes you through the ages…

Live a Live is broken down into seven primary chapters. While there is a story that reveals itself as time goes on, each chapter is unique and can be played in any order. You can also leave each chapter and go back to it if you like. This is wonderfully unique as, while each chapter doesn’t take an incredibly long time to finish, it is almost like seven distinct games. Where Live a Live excels, is that it does tie it all together in the end making it feel less fragmented than it otherwise could have done.

Pre-historic

The pre-historic chapter focuses on Pogo, a caveman who exists before language. This is interesting as a concept, especially as the game has voice acting because you now need to work things out based on simple pictorial depictions and a series of grunts. Items that can be collected and crafted, and the attacks themselves are all appropriately themed to this period. Unique to this chapter, Pogo can smell out his foes which leads to combat encounters. The story in this chapter is focused on Pogo, and his tribe exiling him for rescuing and hiding a woman intended for sacrifice.

Imperial China

In the Imperial China chapter, you play Shifu, an aging master of an endangered martial art. Shifu is searching for a disciple to take his place and encounters a rival master with whom he must beat. Uniquely, in this chapter, you can pass on battle techniques to your disciples. This adds a unique feel to the combat encounters.

Edo Japan

While in Edo Japan you play as the shinobi Oboromaru. Tasked by his master to rescue a politically important person, and kill the captor. What makes this chapter feel especially unique is how it plays more like a stealth-action game, as you can cloak yourself and sneak around to achieve your objectives. This is a nice change of pace and makes the playthrough of this chapter particularly stand out.

Wild West

What self-respecting RPG could wander through different historical periods and not land on the wild west? In this chapter, you play as the Sundown Kid, a gunslinger who is forced to work with a bounty hunter to save a town from bandits. There’s still combat in this chapter and long-distance mechanics as well which makes the grid a unique experience, but with the added tactical planning of using the townsfolk to lay traps. It’s almost a bit like a tower defence for this part, but without the currency, spending to buy the traps.

Present Day

In the present-day chapter, you play Masaru Takahara, a fighter who wants to become the strongest person in the world, he does this by fighting opponents in different combat styles to learn their moves and get stronger. This chapter felt more like playing Street Fighter than an actual JRPG. This was a lot of fun, it highlighted the tactics involved in the grid-based combat system and despite being the same system in every chapter, I wasn’t bored.

Near Future

When you enter the near future, you take on the role of Akira, an orphan with special powers that allow him to teleport and read minds. This often leads to comedy elements with the mind-reading and a teleport system that doesn’t always work! Akira is in pursuit of a biker gang and learns a dark secret about them that must be stopped. In this chapter, you have the interesting mechanics of Akira’s abilities as well as the unique world travel. To get to the next plot destination, you move around the city in a top-down view, either avoiding or engaging in combat with patrolling foes.

Far Future

In the far future, you play as a little robot, called Cube, on a cargo ship headed to Earth with a vicious monster in the cargo hold. When the monster escapes, Cube must investigate while all around it the crew is being killed off. In this mode, there is no fighting making it a unique experience compared to the previous chapters.

Live a Live Audio and Visuals

The audio and graphics were completely redone for the Nintendo Switch version. Visually, the game is stunning to look at. An interesting blend of sprite graphics with a unique depth of field makes it feel more than your retro JRPG. The colours are vibrant, and the worlds all feel unique and relevant to the time the chapter is set in. I particularly enjoyed just how different each chapter felt in this respect. It wasn’t the case you were in the same location at different points in time, but all over the place. The characters, items, enemies, and moves all are uniquely tailored to the specific chapter.

The audio follows suit, while some of the voice acting is a little over-the-top, I didn’t mind it that much. The music also fits the genre that each chapter lends itself to and is wonderfully scored and created. It feels retro, but that fits with the game’s overall charm and legacy.

Is Live a Live a good game?

Live a Live on Nintendo Switch is a fantastic update to a classic that was only ever released in Japan.

If you’re a fan of JRPGs then you will really enjoy Live a Live. Full of comedy, action, and adventure across multiple time periods Live a Live is overall a solid game. Sure, some cutscenes drag out. Some of that RPG grind is tedious but it’s still a must-play entry into the genre.

Review: South of the Circle

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: South of the Circle

The choices we face in life can have deep-seated ramifications. So much so, that ill-made decisions can haunt us forever. However, this doesn’t mean we regret what we’ve done. No, instead, we will always wonder about our alternative paths, and what could have been. This is the wonderfully deep narrative of South of the Circle. It is a cinematic experience that will melt the iciest of hearts.

Developed by State of Play and published by 11 Bit Studios, this is a cinematic adventure that’s driven by your decisions. What’s more, it highlights the painful choices we make in life and the consequences that follow. Its plot is dark and melancholy, but bittersweet at the same time. The slow-paced storytelling balances heartwrenching drama with uncomfortable and tense moments.

South of the Circle is historic and relevant. 

South of the Circle splits its narrative across two distinct chapters of one man’s life. You play Peter, a Cambridge academic who has a brilliant mind. A chance encounter on a train ensures the protagonist’s existence will never be the same again. Here, he meets Clara, a young Scottish academic who has a zest for life. The two instantly hit it off, and a friendship and possibly more start to unfold. However, this is only one part of the tale.

Desperate to complete his paper, Peter charters a plane to a base in Cold War, Antarctica. Sadly, an accident occurs and the plane crash lands miles from the nearest outpost. Bruised but otherwise unscathed, Peter begins his journey on foot to save his and his pilot’s life. However, as he makes his arduous trip, his past decisions haunt him in the form of vivid cinematic experiences. Here, you understand what makes the man tick, and why he finds himself in a cold wintry hell.

The budding relationship between the protagonists is heartwarming.
Peter and Clara during better times.

An immersive title. 

Whenever a game splits its focus between two distinct elements, it can be off-putting. What’s more, it can feel punctuated and the action splutters and fails. Luckily, though, this isn’t the case in South of the Circle! Instead, you enjoy a truly immersive title that wonderfully blends the past and present. Subsequently, every flashback flows from the now into a relevant object or structure within the cinematic.

This was exceptionally well delivered, as the plot flowed seamlessly from one moment to the next. What was equally good, was the core decision mechanics. With a range of emotions to pick from, such as assertive, passive, aggressive, and confusion, you can tailor Peter’s answers to each situation. What was better, still, was how poignant moments drove the key areas in the plot. For example, will you focus on your career, friendships, or romancing Clara? Whatever you decide, it has a bearing on the relationships that form and the way the story unfolds.

This was truly fascinating as the developers hid curveballs within the plot to keep you thinking. Furthermore, there were moments when certain emotions weren’t available, so tough and often unfair decisions had to be made. This was excellent, as it highlights that life is often unfair. What’s more, it is these poignant moments that often stand out against the positive and rewarding choices.

Sadly, salvation isn't as close as you think.
Maybe this is your salvation?

South of the Circle is beautifully delivered, but also cold and haunting.

The simple art style worked wonders with the haunting storyline. Moreover, I adored how the rich colour palette of the hazy memories juxtaposed the cold and dangerous present day. Though much of the imagery was rudimentary in design, its minimalist approach was brilliantly understated. What’s more, the tight camera angles and often fixed perspective added an element of tension to the dramatic moments. Then there was the incredible merging of each era of Peter’s life. The seamless transition between memory and real life sucked you in and captured your attention.

Further to this, the audio was captivating. I adored the excellent acting and the environmental sounds. The cold and callous world was filled with daunting and aggressive noises. Whereas the safer and pleasant times with Clara were upbeat and jovial. This combination of music and sound effects enhanced the incredible story alongside the well-written narrative.

South of the Circle highlights the dangers of the Cold War era.
Cold War, Antarctica is a dangerous place to crash.

Basic controls. 

The controls and key mechanics are a little confusing, to begin with. Accordingly, the opening scenes may not develop as you wish. However, once you get to grips with the emotions and the relevant buttons, it is plain sailing. Alongside this, there are some open-world moments that require a keen eye for detail. Yet, this isn’t challenging, nor is it time-consuming. As such, it keeps the story flowing nicely.

The pivotal moments in the plot alter the course of the game. Consequently, this adds to the replay value and longevity. Furthermore, the characters evolve based on your choices. Therefore, you’ll enjoy unique moments whenever you try a new playthrough.

South of the Circle is a touching and melancholy experience. 

South of the Circle used some risqué mechanics at its core. Subsequently, plenty of things could have gone wrong along the way. Luckily, though, the excellent story, brilliant acting, and seamless transitions create a touching, yet melancholy experience. Accordingly, I admire its approach and I recommend you to buy it here! The past holds you back and endangers your life. Focus on the here and now and survive this horrific ordeal. 

A Day at BRICKLIVE in the Park 2022

Andrew Edney
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0
A Day at BRICKLIVE in the Park 2022

Yesterday, myself and my almost 6 year old assistant visited BRICKLIVE in the Park.

BRICKLIVE is focused on creating an environment that encourages interactive play, fosters creativity, collaboration and physical experiences in an inclusive and safe environment.

BRICKLIVE in the Park 2022 is taking place between Saturday 20th August 2022 and Wednesday 24th August 2022 at Evolution in Battersea Park London.

To celebrate the return to live events, the BRICKLIVE team have pulled out all the stops for this one and are bringing some of their newest and biggest brick-based models. Highlights among the attractions include the Safari explorer zone, a mythical labyrinth full of fantastic beasts, and an out of this world space adventure and much more!

These zones are packed with selfie opportunities, challenges, games, and life-sized brick sculptures that are certain to make your draw drop. Whether building spaceships, cities, Minecraft or giant towers you will find a zone that’s right for you. There is something for all builders young and old, including Duplo.

The events lasts for 3 hours (either a morning or an afternoon session), and includes lots of LEGO exhibits, LEGO creations to sit in, lots of LEGO to build (there are literally ball-pits filled with LEGO, a lots of tables to make your own creations) and even a really fun bouncy castle (thankfully not made of LEGO!).

The time really flew by, there is so much to see and do and we both had a really lovely time, so much so we cant wait for the next BRICKLIVE!

Tickets are still available from SeeTickets priced around £21 each.

DISCLAIMER: We purchased our own tickets for BRICKLIVE in the Park 2022 and all opinions are our own.

Review: Cult of the Lamb

Daniel Waite
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Review: Cult of the Lamb

People frown when they hear the word cult! It inspires images of fanatics, ghastly rituals, and ungodly acts. Now, these things may or may not be true. But, when I was gifted the chance to create and run my own cult, I couldn’t turn down the opportunity. Cult of the Lamb is the perfect title for would-be cultists or those with a soft side for the dark arts.

Developed by Massive Monster and published by Devolver Digital, this is a base-building rogue-lite adventure title. Furthermore, it brilliantly splits its focus between your cult and their home, and the exploration and resource management elements. What’s more, there are plenty of quests to tackle, many monsters to slay, mountains of upgrades, decorations to place, and followers to convert.

Cult of the Lamb is absurd and addictive. 

I’ve played some great games recently, but this one is truly moreish. Because of its multi-layered approach, its gameplay ticks many boxes. However, this does have its drawbacks, as the initial learning curve is tough and confusing. Yet, once you get over this hurdle, you experience a rich and rewarding game that is tough to put down.

Though there are many outlandish moments, the most absurd, for me, was the plot. You are the last of your kind and consequently; you are hunted because of this issue. 4 deities decide that you cannot live and work together to sacrifice you to end your bloodline. The aforementioned evil power has other plans and brings you back to life as a vessel for his plans. 

He empowers you to start a cult and destroy each of the deities. By doing so, he’ll break the chains that trap this devil from being reborn. To make matters stranger, you are a lamb and your followers are anthropomorphic beings with personalities and traits.

Cult of the Lamb has an excellent base-building element.
Build the base of your dreams.

Plenty to do.

What truly amazed me about Cult of the Lamb was the volume of things to do. On top of this, there are many upgrades, new buildings, curses, doctrines, and so much more. What starts out as a low-key affair (albeit with a heavy data dump), soon turns into a micromanagement dream or nightmare depending on your preferences.

Alongside this, you must balance your exploration into enemy territory. Here you’ll explore a labyrinthine world of arena battles. Each small area is full of monsters, tarot cards, and more. Each dungeon culminates in a boss fight, and eventually, when all criteria are met, you’ll face off against each of the gods that sacrificed you.

If you are successful in annihilating the all-powerful deity, you’ll unlock a new realm and the madness starts over. However, you can return to previous locations and try an endless mode. This option progressively gets harder and you must recognise when to quit. Consequently, the rewards are great, but the risk is greater. Because it’s a rogue-lite title, you know that failure will be harsh. Therefore, you must decide whether you run with your loot, or gamble and keep going.

Dark imagery and powerful gods rule the roost.
Don’t upset the all-powerful gods.

It is all about the cult.

You’ll get sucked into the excellent adventure moments. But progress is heavily dependent on how you manage your cult. Accordingly, a well-run and disciplined environment will shower you with rewards. Alternatively, mismanagement will cause followers to lose faith, starve to death, or revolt and leave altogether. So, how do you keep them happy? Tasks, food, and plenty of rituals and sermons.

Whatever your approach, you’ll have to be smart, ruthless, and calculating. After all, no one wants an elderly cultist screaming the odds! No, instead, kill two birds with one stone and kill the old codger. Hey presto, no elderly person to die and stink up the place, and everyone believes you are a wise and just leader.

Sometimes Cult of the Lamb delves into elements of love.
Everyone loves a ritual of love and marriage.

Devotion and doctrines.

Leading by force is not always the right option. This is where devotion and doctrines are so key. By setting out the rules of your cult, your people know how to behave and what to expect. Furthermore, you unlock rituals to help your progress, or to remove troublemakers. Of course, this is all in the name of faith, so no one will complain at the odd missing cultist.

Devotion is the commodity used to unlock new structures and advance your cult. Without it, you’ll struggle to appease your people, and life will be miserable. However, by improving your home, your people evolve from a rudimentary bunch with all the mod cons. As such, you’ll leave behind your sleeping bags and unhealthy meals, and will build farms, shelters, and, of course, places to worship the lamb.

Cult of the Lamb looks fantastically dark.

I instantly admired Cult of the Lamb’s art style. With its isometric viewpoint, Don’t Starve style, and wonderfully dark moments, it’s eerie, creepy, and morbidly charming. Moreover, the rituals have unique animations and your followers are cute as hell. On top of this, it runs extremely well on the Xbox Series X with no frame rate problems or visual glitches.

Alongside the incredible visuals are some wonderfully haunting and amusing sound effects. Whether it is the slashing of your weapon, the scream of your foes, or the inane chatter of your followers, it never gets old. Furthermore, each region has a distinctive sound that helps to set the scene while making each one unique.

Your new followers can be found anywhere.
Save that hostage and gain a new follower.

Slash, curse, roll.

Many rogue-lite titles focus on a brutal experience. Luckily, though, Cult of the Lamb is different, mostly. Thanks to its balanced approach, the combat elements never feel out of reach. What’s more, the UI is stripped back, and this helps to keep things simple. As such, you’ll focus on attack, rolling for defence, and using your curses. This is the extent of the control layout and this makes it easy to master. On top of this, you’ll enjoy the dungeon crawling while getting to grips with the other mechanics.

Cult of the Lamb is so addictive that I want to play it now. Once you grasp the fundamentals, you’ll cherish every cultish moment you encounter. Whether it is sacrificing your followers, fishing, playing dice, or hunting for resources, I never tire of it. Then, there is the small task of rescuing a devil and getting revenge. All in all, it’ll keep you busy for hours.

Cult of the Lamb didn’t disappoint.

I’ve read reports of bugs and glitches, but I didn’t experience any. Accordingly, I wasn’t disappointed at any point. For me, Cult of the Lamb delivered on every aspect and excelled in many areas as well. It is for these reasons that I recommend you to buy it here! Being a cult leader is not an easy task. However, with a considered approach and plenty of rituals, you can run your cult like a well-oiled machine.

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