Two Minute Review: RUGD Rhino Power USB-C Charging Cable

Here is our Two Minute Review of the RUGD Rhino Power USB-C Charging Cable.

This cable is the strongest and fastest charging cable on the planet. Built with industry-leading technology to fast charge the latest Apple iPhones and iPads, these cables are also made from indestructible materials that can withstand a minimum of 100KG tension and 100,000 bends.

Specifications

– Super Fast Charging – 3A, 60W PD

– Super Durable – 100KG Pull Tested

– Super Strong – 100,000 Bend Tested

– Apple MFi Certified

– MFi Lightning to USB-C, 1M

What’s in the Box?

The box contains the USB-C to USB-C cable.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

I don’t know about you but I am always needing a charging cable, whether it’s for my phone, my iPad, my laptop, or something else! More often than not those cables get easily damaged, but not the RUGD Rhino Power cable.

It’s very lightweight, but is very strong and tough! You can bend it and it wont break!

It’s also a fast cable – using it meant that my devices charged faster which is always welcome.

If you need to a new USB-C to USB-C charging cable then look no further!

The RUGD Rhino Power USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable 60W/3A is available more priced around £19.99.

You can learn more from the RUGD website here.

Review: ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro

Whatever keyboard you choose, you want it to be stylish, well built, and unbelievably responsive. How it looks is a preference, but how well it performs is essential. There are masses of choices available, but I’m here to discuss the phenomenal ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro keyboard.

This exceptionally vivid, stylish, and compact peripheral is perfect for pro or would-be gamers. It is tenkeyless, so it’s ideal for smaller desks and compact setups. Moreover, its smaller design leaves room for bigger gaming mice and larger controllers.

It is a reimagining of ROCCAT’s most popular keyboards and comes with their modern technology. Thanks to the inclusion of Titan switch optical, every keystroke is mind-bogglingly fast. Consequently, you won’t experience any lag and this is essential when buying a gaming accessory.

Compact but wonderfully vivid.

What’s in the box of the ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro?

  • The compact packaging is robust and sturdy. It safely holds the content without being overbearing or obnoxious. The box has the expected key information as well as the company logo.
  • ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro keyboard. This stunning looking keyboard is small, stylish, and heavy. It screams high quality and begs to be plugged in and used immediately. 
  • USB-C cable. The large rubberised cable is sturdy and long enough for most gaming setups.
  • User guide. A straightforward and matter-of-fact manual.

Technical aspects. 

ROCCAT® Titan Switch Optical (1.4mm actuation, linear)
100 million keystroke life-cycle
Compact TKL form factor
Integrated settings memory
ROCCAT® Easy-Shift[+]™ technology
32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 based processor
1000Hz polling rate
ROCCAT® Swarm software suite
Height: 3.40cm
Width: 36.00cm
Length: 13.33cm
Weight: 660g

Everyone knows that keyboards take a battering! Subsequently, you want something sturdy and built to last. Luckily, the ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro has this covered. When your accessory is covered with aircraft-grade aluminium, you know it’s strong and durable. What’s more, the switch durability is guaranteed to last for 100 million keystrokes. Yes, you read that right, a massive 100 million! It’s fair to say that ROCCAT has made this keyboard to last.

Talking of switches, let’s discuss the Titan switch optical technology. This advanced light speed tech offers precision inputs with zero lag. Alongside this, you’ll experience that familiar mechanical type keyboard without the usual delays. This is the key element that makes this peripheral stand out. Using this keyboard won’t feel alien or unusual. No, instead, you’ll be amazed by how quick and comfortable it is.

The AIMO intelligent lighting engine is integrated into this accessory. If you use AIMO products, you can create mind-blowing aesthetics without configuration. Furthermore, the clear transparent switch housing enhances the RGB lighting effects. If this is your first AIMO product, you can control the pattern, intensity, and colours with shortcut keys and the well-placed dial. With little effort, you’ll master the settings and find your perfect program.

A TKL keyboard is a little new to me. Usually, I game with a full-sized setup and I take advantage of the number pad at every opportunity. However, the ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro enabled me to game more naturally and comfortably. Moreover, I enjoyed the additional space I had for my ROCCAT Burst Pro Air mouse.

The ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro is unbelievably vivid.
It looks so pretty.

Is the ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro worth it?

The adage, you get what you pay for is true! When buying gaming peripherals, you want the best bang for your buck. Fortunately, ROCCAT delivers just this with their market-leading accessories at reasonable prices. Yes, there are cheaper alternatives, but they simply won’t compete. Furthermore, they won’t be as robust, nor will they have the best technology.

The ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro is so responsive that you’ll be left speechless. What’s more, its mechanical feel is instantly comfortable and reassuringly noisy. On top of this, you have the 100 million keystroke guarantee, the AIMO lighting engine, and easy-to-use shortcuts. Its compact design and TKL approach are perfect for compact desks or those who desire more mouse room. Furthermore, its robust design is reassuring while highlighting its elite status as a market leader. Consequently, I loved it and recommend you buy it here!

Summary.

The ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro is a fantastic gaming accessory. It’s rapid, stylish, vivid, and built to last. It uses the groundwork from other much-loved ROCCAT peripherals and produces a guaranteed fan favourite.

(More information on ROCCAT can be found here!) 

The ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro has been awarded the Movies Game and Tech gold award.

Review: Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX

Incredible audio is a must whenever you are watching a film or playing video games. Consequently, Turtle Beach is a household name that is associated with high quality and advanced technology. I’ve been lucky enough to try an array of top-end products from other manufacturers, but Turtle Beach is my go-to headphones. Fortunately, I’ve been able to test out the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX headphones, and I was amazed by the quality.

With true wireless connectivity, 5.1 Bluetooth, excellent sound quality, a retractable microphone, comfortable ear cups, robust design, and excellent battery life, this is an incredible headset for gaming. What’s more, it can be used with ease on Xbox, PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. Therefore, it is great value for money and extremely user-friendly.

The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen MAX headphones are stylish.
The midnight red headphones in all their glory.

What’s in the box of the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX?

  • The headphones are supplied in a sturdy cardboard box that is emblazoned with the company logo and key selling points. The majority of the packaging is recyclable and well built for transit. Consequently, you are assured that the accessory will be delivered in perfect condition.
  • Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX headphones. Available in an array of designs, I trialled the midnight red version. This striking look is colourful, fashionable, and stands out from the crowd. Alongside this, the headphones are lightweight and snug around your ears. There is also a retractable Omni-directional mic and easy-to-use controls. 
  • USB transmitter. This small but easy-to-use device enables you to connect with ease. Simply plug it into a console or PC, adjust the switch on the side, and hear the audio play.
  • USB-C charging cable. A small but robust cable that enables you to charge the headphones. 
  • Quick start guide. A straightforward manual that explains the fundamentals.
  • Turtle Beach Sticker. Show your love of Turtle Beach with this small sticker.

Technical aspects.

LicensingOfficial by Microsoft for Xbox.
BatteryRechargeable Lithium Polymer.
Battery life48+ hours.
Earcup DesignOver-ear with foam cushioning.
Drivers50mm with Neodymium magnets.
ConnectivityUSB wireless transmitter and 5.1 Bluetooth.
CompatibilityXbox, PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.

If you are budgeting for headphones above £100, you want exceptional sound quality and versatility. Luckily, these headphones give you both with no compromise. Thanks to the 50mm speaker drivers, you experience game-changing audio. Alongside this, you are treated to immersive surround sound! The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX is enabled for Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone: X and Sony 3D audio for PS5. However, be aware that Dolby Atmos and DTS:X may require additional subscriptions.

No one likes to shout and getting the balance just right can be a tough ask. Fortunately, this is a thing of the past thanks to the built-in mic-monitoring. Furthermore, the USB mode allows you to dial in the sound even more. On top of this, four prebuilt modes can be changed on the fly. Bass boost, signature sound, treble boost, and vocal mode help to enhance the experience further.

Sound levels are adjusted further still because of the well-placed dials. No longer will you need to change the console settings, simply adjust the volume directly on your headphones to ensure the perfect experience. These small but useful tools alongside the surround sound make these stand out from the crowd.

Do you want to rock camouflage headphones?
I can’t see any headphones.

Built to last.

When investing in tech, you want it to last. Not only do you expect it to be well built, but you demand a long-lasting battery. You are in luck again as the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX has both.

Headphones are renowned for breaking at the weakest point and this is usually the hinges and headband. Turtle Beach doesn’t want this to happen with their latest tech, so their modern accessories are hard wearing and robust. They blend comfort and reliability perfectly and should survive the most heavy-handed users.

Where this headset excels, however, is the massive 48+ hour battery life. This is incredible from a peripheral that offers crystal clear sound and booming audio. I was amazed by its “never-ending” battery life and this makes it phenomenal for long gaming sessions.

Another feature that I think is key for many gamers is its glasses-friendly ear pads. Now, this was of no concern to me, but I know this can be uncomfortable and a sticking point for many players. Fear not, however, as Turtle Beach has this covered. The over-ear design works perfectly for glasses without compromising use or audio quality.

Is the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX worth it?

With many fantastic headphones available, it is hard to make an informed decision. I’ve experienced the excellence of Razer, the value of Lucidsound, and the brilliance of the latest Turtle Beach accessory. Therefore, I can comfortably say that the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX headphones are phenomenal and will enhance your gaming experience. Consequently, I can’t help but recommend you to buy them here!

Summary. 

With 50mm speaker drivers, 5.1 Bluetooth connectivity, robust build quality, 48+ hours battery life, easy-to-use controls, and surround sound, these are a game-changer. What’s more, they are stylish, come in a choice of three designs, and have a crystal clear microphone. Therefore, if you are serious about audio, these are a must-have accessory.

(More information on Turtle Beach can be found here!)

The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen MAX headphones receive the Movies Games and Tech gold award.

Review: Moon Knight Episode 5

Spoiler Free Review Moon Knight Episode 5

Although this is a spoiler-free review of Moon Knight Episode 5 all images used have been taken from the episode.

Moon Knight Episode 5 takes us away from the usual superhero fare you’d expect with an MCU television show and gives us something totally different. Totally better. Following on immediately from Episode 4, we see Marc and Steven come face to face with Egyptian gods, question their past, and try and find balance in a broken psyche.

Oscar Isaac is incredible

Oscar Isaac deserves awards. There, I said it. His performance as Marc and Steven during this episode is taken to new levels of amazing. There’s one scene, the origin of the trauma, that is so well acted between Isaac and himself that you really do believe he’s acting opposite a clone. He captures the nuances of a traumatised mind, a questioning mind, someone who is upset, angry, and on the edge. Honestly, the range displayed here is stunningly good. Moon Knight has always been a character study and this episode really shows you why.

Steven comes into his own in this episode too. He develops and gets a far greater understanding of what’s really going on, what his role is, and what he can really do when pushed. There’s one scene where Steven is fending off attackers and we see the ultra-violence attributed to the Mr. Knight character.

What makes this episode stand out in the overall franchise is that not once does Marc (or Steven) suit up as Moon Knight/Mr. Knight. This is the most un-superhero show and it’s needed. It’s welcome. It’s perfect.

What else is great about Moon Knight Episode 5?

This episode also achieved one of the most important things we needed from Moon Knight. His Jewish heritage. We aren’t presented with the typical stereotypes either. There are actual rituals going on in his memories without any detailed explanation. This presentation of other cultures as normal and routine is wonderfully enriching and I’m glad it was included.

Moon Knight Episode 5 touches on dark themes, distressing themes, concepts of death and life, and the ability to reconcile with your own demons. It’s the deepest thing Marvel has ever attempted and has propelled the MCU to new levels of maturity.

Overlaying all this depth, we get a relatively basic plotline, more allusions to the third alter, and a veneer of ancient Egyptian mythology. A nice touch was the reveal of Moon Knight’s origin as the alter ego of Marc and Steven.

Conclusion

Moon Knight Episode 5 is the best episode yet for really showing us the most complex Marvel character we’ve been introduced to. With one episode left, there’s a lot to reconcile and I don’t want it to end… but it’s been the best MCU series so far.

Review: RogueBook

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Do you have what it takes to be a team of just two, trying to survive the menacing enemies through a strategic card-based attack game? Well, if the answer is yes, then you should try the game, RogueBook. It provides similar gameplay to that of Magic: The Gathering and even Faeria, where the adventure continues to change after each win. Leaving the player with plenty of difficult opponents to come up against and new heroic experiences to witness.

When you can discover new craftable gems and unique relics while using plenty of action-packed cards to bring down the rivals, you really won’t find yourself losing interest in this game that easily. The decisions on who makes up the two team members, where you want to go next, or how you want to attack with the deck of cards are all up to you. Leaving you with all the power to decide on how the game will play out and what the overall outcome will be, by your every move!

So there really is just plenty to enjoy, and as mentioned before, it never ends once you win the first time playing. It won’t let you down, as this game isn’t easy to beat! It’s difficult just at the start, so don’t worry about not feeling challenged, you will be! Everything about this game is requiring you to use your mind to plot and plan a better move each time your up to attack or where to go next on the gameboard; world map.

Graphics and Sound ⚔

The visual appearance is magnificent! It’s engaging with the dim but full of color background scenes that are illuminated on the screen as you play. Each attack and fight that occurred during the game, is action-packed and smooth with no difficulty making out each movement used with the card chosen. There are no signs of slowing down, blurred visuals or effects, struggles, or irregular movements when a card is chosen and the requested performance begins to play on the screen. It’s just perfect for each portion of the game, like that of the battle and board movement portion.

There was one problem that I came upon that is not something too drastic, but could be an issue when playing the game. Especially cause it’s the way of choosing from a selection of an item. There seems to be a very light blue color to indicate the choice being highlighted. The concern I have is that it’s too light to see what is being chosen. Players who have difficulty seeing or practically any player, like myself, may become a bit stumped for a few seconds because the color isn’t as obvious as everything else in the game. Thankfully, it doesn’t interfere with the gameplay.

Additionally, the music in the background is just what this heroic game needs! It plays at a perfect volume when turned up high and is completely well-fitted. The melody is powerful, but in no way irritating when listening for hours during gameplay. Honestly, it just works! Plus, with each action provoked during the game, the sound effects are very nicely initiated as well. Giving a true experience of the sound would be when something is being attacked, used with magic, being defeated, and many other actions performed. All in all, from the sounds to the graphics, this game will hook the player making it hard to pull one’s eyes away from the screen.

Final Thoughts ⚔

After playing a few games and playing some more, I find RogueBook to be astounding! It’s got so much that one can enjoy, from the action, planning, and even discoveries of unusual and unique relics, gems, original heroes or rivals, and the many different areas to travel to. On top of that, the game just never ends, each time the book is opened; the game is played. The cards are nearly never-ending as there are so many combinations and plenty to choose from.

I love when a game has a variety of things going on and continues to change each time it’s played. It is literally a game that continues to be different and full of new surprises. Especially, when the cards in one’s deck are never the same. Plus, the two heroes that the player is allowed to choose to create their own team makes it even more interesting to see what the outcome will end up being. Nevertheless, it’s still based on the planning of which cards to use and when it’s the right time to use them.

Lastly, I must say that RogueBook is one of those strategic action-packed games, with an adventurous journey and plenty of detailed graphics and entertaining scenes when moves are being made that I just love! Always working my brain and taking me away from reality into a world where I’m in charge, deciding my team’s fate. So I’m nothing but pleased with this game and love every single part!

Review: Itorah

Here’s an easy no-measurement one-bowl recipe. Combine some solid platforming, almost too easy melee combat, a light splash of Metroidvania elements, a gorgeous Meso-American art style, and a forgettable story. Mix well until blended. Slow cook for 10 hours, and voilà you’ve got a healthy helping of Itorah for one. 

This Feels… Familiar

You might have guessed by the above-mentioned recipe (you’re welcome by the way) that the title in question is Itorah; an action platformer and the first title from Grimbart Tales. You play as the titular character, Itorah, who is awakened by a mysterious disembodied voice urging her to rise from her slumber deep in the wilds of Nahucan. Who she is and why she was just napping in the middle of the forest are not questions you’ll have answered immediately. But when you get some answers you’ll come to find out, along with Itorah herself, that humanity is long gone. She is the last known human being alive. Which means she must have been asleep for a pretty long time. 

It’s not exactly a premise we haven’t seen before. And unfortunately, things don’t get any more exciting or innovative narrative-wise. A malignant force referred to as “The Plague” is responsible for humanity’s untimely demise. Now it’s taking things a couple of steps further corrupting the various creatures of the world to produce a rerun of history. She befriends a talking axe and the new inhabitants of the world, mask-wearing anthropomorphic beings, and begins uncovering what happened to her people. It’s up to Itorah, and her big-headed axe companion to fight and finally put an end to the plague.

Honestly, the story was pretty forgettable and I never found myself getting invested at all. None of the side characters really stood out in any way to liven things up either. The closest anyone got to being interesting was the talking axe I mentioned, who has a huge ego. He’s always fishing for a compliment about being among the greatest warriors ever, and always up for a brawl. Even then, I can’t say I really got attached to him. The rest of the people in the land of Nahucan were similarly bland archetypes you’ve seen time and time again. A worried and protective brother, a wacky and risk-taking explorer, a stoic and distrustful elder… You get the idea.

Hop, Skip, and Jump

However, while the story was a bit of a bland affair. The real draw of Itorah is the gameplay. Platforming is what you’ll be spending the majority of time doing and Grimbart Tales really did a great job considering this is their first developed title. There’s a nice variety of obstacles, that escalate in complexity as you move through the game. Going from simply jumping between ledges, to using a mix of timing and the use of Itorah’s abilities to work your way through the levels.

These levels, however, were not very complex. In fact, they were pretty linear. Which for a game with Metroidvania elements was a bit unfortunate. It felt like there was a bit of a missed opportunity to be able to fast travel to entrances of different areas and use newfound abilities to explore secret or optional areas later in the game. The flashes of Metroidvania gameplay are often just a couple of inaccessible paths, where moving in the direction the game leads you will bag Itorah a conveniently placed ability that immediately displays its value by helping her move toward her objective. There’s a little backtracking, but it really felt like I was being led by the hand to where I ought to go. A linear path, with spoonfed backtracking, resulted in a lack of an explorative feeling. 

Itorah is a forgiving game. While enemies can and will hurt you if you run around recklessly. Patience and a little precision can see you avoiding most attacks without breaking a sweat. They don’t do an awful lot of damage either. There’s also an absurdly high amount of enemies you can just straight up ignore. Run past, swim over, or dodge/roll through them never doing or taking any damage. It felt like a choice by the developers to give you some options when it comes to dealing with foes. Especially if you died after a long trek without any checkpoints. This way you can just skip a bunch of the fights you already got into. However, there will be moments where the only way forward is to employ a little old fashioned violence.

Combat and Controls

With Itorah being a less punishing game, you can make more risky manoeuvres and just enjoy some of the fast-paced combat. After a while, I found that the gameplay is what you make it. It can be a slow and tedious process if you refuse to take any damage at all. A war of attrition, snagging a hit on an enemy in any windows of opportunity. 

Or you can play the game as was intended. I mean, the fact that there’s a dodge button tells us that taking risks and getting a bit brazen in not that bad of an idea. Use I-frames to your advantage and roll through an attack in order to counter, or jump over an enemy and riposte the rump. The game even gives you more than one way of approaching things. A downward slam to use when jumping over an enemy. A crouched blow to avoid projectiles. A charged move that can do considerable damage if timed right. The ability to throw your weapon at some of the more annoying flying enemies. All these options in combat keep things fresh and fights exciting. 

However, while gameplay is fun and fast, I feel the controls could be a bit tighter. Sometimes when you string certain moves it feels like the input wasn’t registered. It makes it so you’ll put yourself in a dangerous position to attack and be unable to do the move you planned on, taking damage in the process. I’ve had many instances of taking damage I never would have if my input registered appropriately. Especially in moments when I would need to turn myself around and immediately dodge roll. I would often just turn around and the input to roll would be ignored, which was a bit frustrating. This made movement feel clunky when more precision is needed.

Would You Look at That

One thing I can find no fault with though is the art style. Visually this game is absolutely stunning. Inspired by a Meso-American aesthetic, the world of Nahucan was lovingly hand-painted to give the 2.5D environments an amazing amount of colour, depth and general beauty. The use of saturation and shadows in its lush and detailed environments are expert and I simply loved looking at it. While the gameplay may have been the initial draw, the backgrounds are what kept my attention the longest. I lost count of the number of times I audibly commented on what I was seeing. It’s a simple beauty that doesn’t over-rely on spectacle as much as it does a great art style. 

Itorah misses the mark in a couple of places, but was crafted so well in terms of its platforming and artwork. It may be a little too easy and straightforward for hardcore platforming fans. However, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a casual adventure in a beautiful world. 

Review: Rogue Legacy 2

For many people, creating a legacy for themselves is their life’s work. They feel like they haven’t achieved any life goals if their name isn’t remembered. Subsequently, this got me thinking! What makes someone remember your name? Do you have to be kind, caring, or courageous? Or does a simple act that changes a life suffice? Well, in Rogue Legacy 2, you must become a hero and write your legacy for the whole world to see.

Developed and published by Cellar Door Games, this is a whimsical rogue-like adventure title. It is brutally difficult. It will chew you up and spit you out, but it’ll also make you laugh until you cry. Furthermore, it brilliantly combines many genres to deliver a tough but moreish experience.

Rogue Legacy 2 is tough to put down.

Though Rogue Legacy 2 made me scream in anger, I struggled to put it down. Thanks to its masses of content, a large array of characters, procedurally generated maps, and Metroidvania elements, it never gets old. Moreover, you can alter the rules of engagement, take on Scar challenges, and meet some weird and wonderful characters.

Your legacy starts as an ill-equipped knight. His intentions are good, but his abilities are poor. Subsequently, death is all but assured of this hapless buffoon. As the dust settles, an heir steps forward! This warrior child takes on the role of any class you’ve unlocked. Furthermore, they are blessed with heirlooms, skills, and equipment that their predecessor has obtained. Therefore, the more you play, the better your gear is, and the higher chance you have of winning.

The goal? Find every Estuary, defeat them, and unlock the golden gates. Once this happens, your legacy is written and your family name will be legendary.

The world of Rogue Legacy 2 is a dangerous and dark place.
Shouldn’t this tree be planted in the ground?

Monsters, magic, and plenty of secrets.

Unsurprisingly, a fantasy game about knights and heroes is full of monsters and magic. Rogue Legacy 2 is the epitome of fantasy action with ninjas, knights, mages, archers, and more taking centre stage. You’ll fling ice, fire, lightning, and fart poisonous gasses. After all, it likes to stay humorous even when the action is hectic.

The hero must avoid traps, vines, spinning balls, and projectiles as they navigate the labyrinthine world. They’ll encounter flying eyeballs, mages, skeletons, cannons, and so forth. The action can be overwhelming, but it never becomes tiresome.

This is helped in part by the many secrets you must locate. Hidden behind fake walls, you must search for paths to grab untold riches. Alongside this, there are relics, heirlooms, and blueprints to discover. Each item will either help you permanently or temporarily. Also, some of the collectables have negative traits that’ll undermine your progress.

The bosses are massive and overpowered.
I’m not sure this is an even battle!

Gold, so much gold!

Money makes the world go around and Rogue Legacy 2 is no different. Your hard-earned treasures expand your kingdom, unlock new classes, and buy new equipment. You must think wisely, as every trip to the dungeon removes any leftover gold. So, spend it or lose it.

However, buying new equipment isn’t that easy! The blacksmith or alchemist cannot sell new goods if their blueprints haven’t been found. Therefore, you must explore every area, no matter how dangerous, if you wish to unlock every piece of equipment.

This element works brilliantly with the Metroidvania approach. You’ll discover an array of mysterious areas that are inaccessible until you defeat certain bosses or unlock specific abilities. Now, this can be frustrating. However, it ensures that the action is well-balanced while preventing you from constantly dying.

Rogue Legacy 2 is straightforward but looks great.

Though the concept behind Rogue Legacy 2 is straightforward, the graphics are anything but! I adored the cartoon approach, the varied dungeons, and the crisp sprites. What’s more, the animations are excellent, well-designed, and enjoyable to watch. Moreover, thanks to the clear UI, it is easy to navigate menus and identify the tasks at hand.

I admit that Rogue Legacy 2 drove me insane. I died too much, lost too much, and found it tough, to begin with. However, I loved the whimsical music and OTT sound effects. I couldn’t help but chuckle as I died for the nth time as the noises were so amazing. What’s more, each character has their own sound bites, and this prevents monotony.

Rogue Legacy 2 has a massive and overwhelming map.
Will you survive to explore every corner?

Tricky controls.

With so much going on, it is understandable that the controls are a little tricky to master. You will need pinpoint accuracy, fast reactions, and great twitch speed. There are moments where you must jump, spin, and dash in quick succession, and this can be hard to grasp. On top of this, you’ll have to cast magic, swing your weapon, and dodge your foe’s advances. It is pretty hectic and can overwhelm the most adept gamers. Luckily, though, you’ll experience a well laid out setup with responsive controls.

Rogue-like games ooze replay value, and this is no different! With many areas to explore, tons of characters to unlock and level up, Scar challenges, and more, it has longevity and replay value nailed. I was hooked from the start and it’s a game I love to play casually.

Rogue Legacy 2: An amazing sequel.

Sequels are not always the best idea! They lean heavily on well-trodden mechanics, lack originality, and feel bland. However, Rogue Legacy 2 is phenomenal. It’s as amusing as its predecessor, but it evolves past those fantastic foundations. If you love the original or the genre, you’ll adore this. Therefore, I easily recommend you to buy it here! Write your legacy into legend and become the next big thing! Defeat the Estuaries, unlock the gates, and be remembered.

Top Ways to Get Elden Ring Runes Fast for Leveling Up

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Source: Bandai Namco Entertainment

Elden Ring is, quite simply, one of the best games ever made. It has everything needed to immerse an interested gamer into its fantasy world. The game is not just a cakewalk too. It is challenging, testing gamers to the best of their abilities and letting them push themselves to the limit.

The game is very rewarding, that’s what we are trying to say.

However, the FromSoftware game, like almost any other game ever made, has currency, and if you want to (even remotely) enjoy this game, you have to be carrying a reasonable amount. The game’s currency is called runes.

Runes are the most important things in the Elden Ring. They are more important than weapons or potions or fancy spells. You need runes for almost everything. For example, you need runes for buying items, to upgrade your characters, to level up your character, and to level up your weapons.

So you need quite a lot of runes. How do you get these runes and what are the best and easiest ways to do it? 

Let’s dive right in, into lots and lots of runes.

How To Get Elden Runes Quickly

To quickly get runes, you can either buy them, kill demigods, or farm them.

Buying Runes

Like almost any other game that has currency in high demand, runes are sold online for real-world money. What can we say, the world is rough and people need money.

You can buy Elden Ring runes on many platforms. For example, if you want to buy Elden Ring runes on eBay, there are several sellers with different prizes. Hundreds of millions of runes go for three-figure sums, and a dedicated Elden Ring rune farmer can easily make up to $1000 in a week.

Because you cannot sell Elden Ring runes in the game, the whole thing is conducted like a trade. The person who wants to buy Elden Ring runes will pay for the runes then agree on a time and place to meet in-game. Then in-game, the seller summons the person who agreed to buy Elden Ring runes and then uses their inventory to drop the number of runes they both agreed on. The buyer then picks up the runes, and that’s it.

There are many other places to buy Elden Ring runes online apart from eBay, such as mmogah.com. Players can even decide to reach out to each other privately and meet physically.

It’s a quick way to get a lot of runes and level up quickly. This is the best option for individuals who need to level up very fast without the need to earn it themselves. 

Defeating Demigods

Demigods are the main bosses of the Elden Ring game. In the game, they all hold pieces of the titular Elden Ring called the Great Runes, and your chief objective is to gather these Great Runes by defeating the demigods and putting the Elden Ring back together. This makes the player become the Elden Lord.

The Great Runes come with some pretty sweet rewards (for example increasing health and making the player heal faster). But defeating the demigods does not just come with Great Runes and amazing upgrades. It also gives you a lot of runes, even though only two Great Runes out of seven give runes as a reward.

  • Radahn’s Great Rune gives you 70,000 runes to spend on your character.
  • Morgott’s Great Rune gives you 120,000 runes

While this is a good way to get a lot of runes in a really short time, it is also extremely difficult because the demigods are really hard to beat. Also, there is only a limited amount of runes you can get from using this method.

However, if you like a big challenge, then this method is your style.

Farming Runes

There are some specific locations in the Elden Ring game that contain a lot of runes that players can farm to replenish their runes and so on. These are some of the best places to farm runes in the Elden Ring game.

  • Palace Approach Ledge-Road

You need to have attained at least Level 50 to get the most out of this farming location.

There are two ways to reach the Palace Approach Ledge-Road. First, you could travel west from somewhere called the Consecrated Snowfield (use the map as a guide). Here, you will pass through a thick forest in the area called the Mountaintops of the Giants. It is defended by a character named the Sanguine Noble. You can easily defeat him and use the teleporter. You will get to the Palace Approach Ledge-Road.

Alternatively, you could meet White-Faced Varre in Liurnia of the Lakes. He then gives you a quest. If you complete it, you get the Pureblood Knight’s Medal. The Medal takes you to Mohgwyn Palace. There, you go backwards from your starting position, go up the ramp from the blood swamp, and you will arrive at the Palace Approach Ledge-Road Site of Grace.

Once you have gotten to the Ledge Road, all you need to do is shoot a bird with a single shot. You get 11,000 Runes with one shot. You just need to go back and repeat the process all over again for another 11,000, and so on.

  • Bestial Sanctum

To farm runes here, you should have attained at least Level 20. You also need to have faced Margit the Fell Omen and you must have been taken to the Roundtable Hold.

To get to the Bestial Sanctum, you need to converse with D, Hunter of the Dead who will give you directions that you can take to the Bestial Sanctum from Limgrave.

Then, go to the Third Church of Marika and acquire the Flask of Wondrous Physik. Then go north to a river, then turn right and follow the river. There, you will see a clump of trees with a teleporter there. Teleport to the Bestial Sanctum.

Be careful not to attract the attention of the boss standing outside the stairway. Go to the open plains. There, you will see small creatures in robes carrying either scythes or chains. They are really small, but they are strong, so don’t underestimate them.

Sneak up behind them and kill them. You get 1,000 runes for each one you kill.

If you die at any point, you can use your steed Torrent to ride back to your location and retrieve your runes, which is great as you don’t lose progress when you die.

  • Stormgate

This location is great for people just starting the game. You don’t need to have defeated any major bosses and so on. Just head to Stormgate. You will find some big trolls North of Stormgate. Each one you kill gives about 100 runes. They are dangerous and they hit hard, but they are really slow. So if you can avoid fighting them in a bunch or in a tight space, you should be fine. You can accumulate a lot of runes to prepare to face some early big bosses like Godrick.

For example, you need runes for buying items, to upgrade your characters, to level up your character, and to level up your weapons.

Here are some of the ways to get plenty of runes at once and level up quickly. Good luck!

Who Is Cisco 300-635 Exam Intended for? Here’s All You Need to Know About It!

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In today’s job market, experience alone is not enough to prove your skills. Anyone who wants to fill the top IT positions should bring something extra to the table. And this is where the professional Cisco CCNA 200-301 Questions come in. If you dream of building a successful career as a Network Consultant, Data Center Manager, Network or Software Engineer, there is no better way to validate your professional expertise than by passing the Cisco 300-635 certification exam. 

In this article, we will discuss the main details of this test, including its target audience and contents. Read carefully so that you don’t miss any important information!

What Is the Cisco 300-635 Exam?

Passing the Cisco 300-365, also known as Automating and Programming Cisco Data Center Solutions, exam enables you to demonstrate your proficiency in implementing Data Center automated solutions. This comprises expertise in programming concepts, orchestration, and automation tools. Immediately after successful completion of this test, you will gain the Cisco 300-420 ENSLD Questions – Data Center Automation and Programmability certification. Moreover, excelling in this exam brings you one step closer to qualifying for both the CCNP Data Center and Cisco Certified DevNet Professional accreditations. As Cisco 300-635 is a concentration exam for both these certification paths, all that’s left will be to pass the respective core tests.

Who This Test Is Suited for?

This exam is designed for a wide array of professionals. Specifically, it will suit the individuals performing one of the following roles: Network Engineers, Systems Engineers, Network Administrators, Deployment Engineers, Sales Engineers, and Account Managers. Although Cisco doesn’t impose any formal prerequisites for the Exam-Labs , it is recommended that potential examinees develop the following competencies: 

  • Fundamental knowledge of programming language concepts;
  • Fundamental virtualization and VMware knowledge;
  • Capacity to utilize Linux and Command Line Interface tools, including Secure Shell and bash;
  • CCNP level knowledge of data center;
  • Fundamental Cisco ACI knowledge 

What Knowledge Areas Are Covered in the Cisco 300-635 Exam?

The syllabus of the 200-901 DEVASC Questions is divided into four sections that are described below: 

  1. Network Programmability Foundation: here you will need to describe the characteristics of API styles and their challenges as well as showcase your knowledge of Python and network configuration tools. 
  2. Controller-Based Data Center Networking: the topic requires you to demonstrate a thorough understanding of ACI implementation, its policies, and applications. 
  3. Data Center Device-centric Networking: the focus of this exam section is to test your skills on Cisco NX-OS platforms, including implementing On-Box and Off-Box programmability as well as automation with NX-OS.
  4. Data Center Compute: the last topic will test your ability to configure Cisco UCS with developer tools and describe processes for utilization and implementation of UCS Director for virtual/physical infrastructure. 

You need to develop a solid understanding of the above-mentioned topics before appearing for the certification exam. For that, you can consolidate your knowledge of the tested objectives using the official preparation options offered on the exam’s webpage. Thus, the Implementing Automation for 300-430 ENWLSI Questionsis developed to equip you with both theoretical and practical knowledge needed for acing the Cisco 300-635 evaluation.

Conclusion

If you are a software professional who wants to display your exceptional competency in modern programming languages, orchestration, and automation tools, the 300-435 ENAUTO Questions is the perfect choice for you. In addition to providing you with a distinct skillset, this test paves the road to three Cisco certifications that can change your career path completely.

Review: The Sorrowvirus: A Faceless Short Story

Pain and suffering will break the most positive of people. However, what’s worse is when there is no escape! The people who are supposed to love you prolong this torturous experience and there is nothing you can do. This is the disturbing plot of The Sorrowvirus: A Faceless Short Story, a dark and sorrowful adventure.

Developed by Adam Sklar and Eastasiasoft Limited and published by the latter, this is a horror puzzle title. It is creepy, enriched with lore, and will make you shudder. Furthermore, it has multiple endings, secrets to discover, and mysterious puzzles to solve. Sadly, though, it is a short game that has no save function. Consequently, you must be willing to play it in one sitting or risk losing your progress.

The Sorrowvirus: A Faceless Short Story is creepy and uncomfortable.

When a story focuses on misery and illness, it’s understandably tough to swallow. However, The Sorrowvirus: A Faceless Short Story ups the ante because of its characters and touching plot. Subsequently, it is uncomfortable to play and will send shivers down your spine. On top of this, the inclusion of jump scares and standard horror mechanics makes it worse, still. It plays to an array of familiar clichés, but at no point did it feel tired or well-trodden.

You are Wyatt Heyll, a young man stricken with multiple ailments from an early age. To try to help him, his parents injected him with the titular Sorrowvirus! This obnoxious remedy prevents the user from dying. Instead, they enter a state known as purgatory where they can heal and return to life. This sounds wonderful for Wyatt’s parents, but the hero simply wants this torture to end. He doesn’t want to be ill anymore, and he wants to be free from the surrounding pain. Your aim is to grant Wyatt his final wish and to help him escape the never-ending cycle of death and rebirth.

Running away is always a go-to option.
I suggest you run away.

Simple but effective. 

Though much of the action is “old-hat”, I enjoyed its simple approach. Every element of The Sorrowvirus: A Faceless Short Story complements the other to create a seamless and bizarre experience. You’ll wander through claustrophobic halls while searching for clues and solving problems. While this happens, basic horror elements play out! You’ll hear creatures scurrying, horrible laughter, and eerie footsteps. In short, purgatory is creepy as hell. 

The aforementioned short game time isn’t an issue as the action spans 4 unique playthroughs. During each chapter, you’ll see the world from a different perspective while having new puzzles to solve. Alongside this, you’ll discover memos, notebooks and journals that uncover the lore and truth of this cruel story. Consequently, if you like a slow but information-rich tale, then this ticks many boxes.

There are many puzzles to solve.
Which will you light first?

The Sorrowvirus: A Faceless Short Story is a little dated.

Graphics don’t make the game, and this is fortunate as The Sorrowvirus: A Faceless Short Story is a little dated. There are moments where the textures or characters are rough and aren’t polished. Now, this doesn’t impact the gameplay it simply taints the end product, slightly. However, this aside, the variety in each chapter is admirable, and it prevents the gameplay from becoming stale.

What I appreciated was the excellent and well-conceived audio. Listening to the emotive soundtrack blended with silence and bizarre sound effects was magical. The developers have done a fantastic job of creating this creepy and sorrowful world. 

Time is an important concept in Sorrowvirus: A Faceless Short Story.
Use time to your advantage.

The excellent UI makes it easy to play. 

Excellent controls and a simple UI are key when a game is shocking and surreal. The Sorrowvirus: A Faceless Short Story could have been horrific to play. However, the brilliant UI and well-structured controls make it easy to understand. What’s more, the buttons are responsive, and this helps in the more unusual and less obvious situations.

The short playtime does affect its longevity, but it’s still thoroughly enjoyable, nonetheless. Scouring each location for clues was rewarding, as was solving each puzzle. Sadly, though, both the replay value and longevity are limited, but don’t let this put you off.

The Sorrowvirus: A Faceless Short Story is wonderfully weird.

This type of game usually makes me sigh. Many of the ideas have been done to death, and the action is tiresome. Yet, The Sorrowvirus: A Faceless Short Story is different. Its combination of jump scares, puzzles, and lore is refreshing and interesting. Furthermore, the characters are endearing and the setting is unique and captivating. Yes, it could look better, but this isn’t a game-breaker. I loved its creepiness and I recommend you to buy it here! Will your suffering finally end? A cure or death is surely just around the corner? 

Review: 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is a RPG, almost visual novel-esque title from Vanillaware. Published by Atlus, a company renowned for their expertise in RPG titles, you’d expect 13 Sentinels to be of the same caliber. To which it definitely is. Anyone searching for an engaging and heavily story based experience with dabbles of RTS will want to check this one out. 

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is available on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation

A mosaic of motives

The game explores the story of 13 protagonists. All of which are fighting an alien threat with the aid of advanced mech suits. So as you can probably imagine, 13 storylines are presented to the player to follow. Initially it is incredibly difficult to get to grips with what is happening. Who is who, and where this all feeds into itself. But after spending a good handful of hours with 13 Sentinels things begin to come together and make a lot of sense. The way players can approach these different storylines is completely different to an experience someone else may have. In a way, it makes what feels like an entirely unique experience to play through the game. There isn’t any right or wrong option, though there are consequences to your actions. 

Each character you follow is pursuing the main conflict for a different purpose which is explained during their chapters. In turn, they all have their own actions and distinct style to combat which comes into play during the RTS element to the title. Piecing together the storyline of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is definitely not linear. Rather than beginning with one character and slowly introducing yourself to the 12 other protagonists, the whole thing unfolds similar to a George R.R. Martin novel. The player needs to slot together the pieces of the whole jigsaw before things really start to make sense, which is what makes this title so unique. The only downside is how long it takes to really get to grips with what is going on. 

A space to think

Rather than following point after point of the same character, there’s a lot of room open for interpretation and speculation. Which is the main point I absolutely adored about this game. There is so much to keep you on your toes and there is so much to take into consideration. And when you think you’re finished, you can play again. You might not necessarily receive the same gameplay as the first time. This style of narrative can be extremely detrimental to gameplay if it isn’t done well. There isn’t much room for alright with a narrative so multiversal. Vanillaware makes it approachable and despite its initial confusion, very easy to understand when the ball gets rolling. 

The main menu allows players to access an archive of information for each character. So should you be invested in one protagonist and forget the motives of another, you can easily go back and recap. I loved this feature. Mostly because my brain is like a sieve when it comes to remembering more than three things maximum. Having an archive of everything I need to know in a place that’s easily accessible definitely made my time with this game more enjoyable. 

Aside from a story

Although the majority of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is dialogue based, encouraging a firm engagement with the story rather than any technical gameplay, there are several different elements throughout which give it more of a video game feel. When ‘suiting up’ and finally diving into the advanced mech technology, the game takes on a downward perspective on the cityscape and a real time strategy approach to combat.

During these sequences, you play as several suited protagonists and engage in a ‘stop and go’ combat. You take turns as each character planning out moves and utilizing different strengths to fend off the alien threat. Each mech suit has a cool down period. Allowing you the time to really think about how you’re going to play your next move. You use EP, which is sort of like mana, so you do have to think about your plays rather than rinsing the most powerful move. 

There’s also space to upgrade your defensive and offensive strategy by gaining meta chips once a battle has been won. As the game progresses, obviously you’re likely to gain more of these and unlock more powerful upgrades. It also gives you something to aim for when engaging in battle. Rather than just doing it to pass the time until the next chapter comes along. 

The aegis aesthetic

The appearance of this game deserves a special shout out too. Even though there isn’t much depth to how locations look in terms of perspective, every location is riddled with details. It is a stunning game to sit and admire, taking on a hand-drawn, watercolor style to it. The thirteen protagonists are easy to recognise without radiating a prominent ‘main character’ style. So they fit into the scenarios and locations they are in. The mech suits are towering without seeming out of place, and everything is neatly pulled together. It’s clear that the style of this game has been carefully thought out and executed to perfection. If the story doesn’t keep you coming back, the art style more than likely will. 

Final Thoughts

As a whole, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is an incredibly engaging game. It is equal parts entertaining and compelling whilst remaining fun and light. It’s super easy to pick up and pass the time, and is something that I constantly find myself thinking about. The story is thick enough to really sink your teeth into. There’s enough depth to keep you coming back to it time and time again. If you’re a fan of previously published titles from Atlus and Vanillaware, then I cannot recommend this enough.

Review: Tunche

Side-scrolling beat-em-up’s have a simplicity to them, a core concept so central to their identity and success that when it doesn’t land as you might expect it to, it can render an otherwise decent game dull and joyless. Tunche, unfortunately, is one such game as it knows exactly how to entertain, but strips out the fun and hides it behind grinding and upgrades, giving you RSI and a terrible first impression in the process.

A looker if ever you’ve seen one, Tunche’s hand-drawn animation entices with an almost Disney-like artisan approach, its detailed animation giving you hope for what’s to come, only for the aesthetics and design to fall flat, with its levels basic and a soundtrack that begs to be ignored. This then contributes to the game’s mediocre start as you are forced into earning currency to purchase moves and attack/health upgrades – to make the action even remotely fun – in sections of a level and with identical enemies that repeat over and over. 

These rogue-lite elements grind my goat as crowds of very similar enemies can only be defeated one way efficiently – unless you want your hands to fall off. Attacking enemies from behind inflicts critical damage so you aim to shepherd them into a crowd, dash behind them and then launch into repeating combos until they fall backward, dash behind them again and rinse and repeat. Levels of increasing difficulty and the occasional boss do little to stem the tide of tedium, in fact, the former does the opposite in crowding yet more enemies on the screen, which makes me think that unless this is played co-op, there’s actually not much reason to jump-in to the rather tepid water.

Long combos are button-mashing affairs. A 76-hit combo only resulting in only a B-grade makes my wrists cry.

Each of the 5 upgradeable characters has its own physical and magic attacks, but other than a special move, critical attacks are the only real way forward, limiting the experience and how much fun you can have with it. 

In a way, this reminds me a little of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles compilation that is due to be released shortly, in that you progress through (arcade) beat ’em up levels with similar enemies and repetitive attacks, but there are so many little details in the TMNT games that make such a big difference overall. In TMNT: Turtles in Time for example, there is level and enemy interaction as swinging an enemy side to side can hit objects or other enemies.

None of the enemies and their attacks affect each other in Tunche, even the suicidal animals that explode when they get close to you don’t affect the other enemies. TMNT also has great level variety with a different audio track for each, which would imbue each level with a personality of its own to the point where you could recognize them based on audio alone. Tunche has no such variety, and other than the bosses, I could never quite be sure how far I had progressed as every section is essentially the same.

The evil-looking Stitch amusingly makes reference to seeing you again as each playthrough has you starting from the beginning.

The upgrade system is also quite convoluted with its numerous currencies and types of abilities. Upgrades come in the form of two types – permanent and temporary, but the benefits of the two are dramatically different. Permanent ones are of huge help and can actually make the game somewhat enjoyable, but temporary ones are almost pointless as you can plow currency into them only to never actually receive them through the random spawns at the end of each area.

You also accrue a currency from the very beginning that has no explanation as to what it’s for until the end of the first stage, which is about as useful as the game’s talking Llama.

Not only is there no guarantee that you’ll ever see the benefit of the temporary upgrade, but for some reason, you are often required to achieve an A grade in the upcoming level for it even to kick in. This is much easier said than done, and to me is slightly counterintuitive as if you have already grinded enough to defeat the level that easily, you don’t exactly need more help. 

These are two ‘portals’ if you like, offering to two different options for the upcoming section. I believe they relate to your reward, but even at this point I’m not even sure.

Other than the restrictive upgrades, there’s also an issue with long loading times, providing you with a surprisingly long wait from the base camp, but funnily enough what would normally be a cause for concern in any other game, in this case actually gives your hands a break from cramp-inducing dash-hit-dash-hit gameplay, and I actually consider it somewhat of a benefit.

Thankfully single-player is not the only way to play the game though as up to 4-player co-op is really where the game allows itself to shine, the aesthetically pleasing animation compounding its benefits as the screen fills with action. Sadly, this is just local co-op however and there are no online capabilities.

Tunche is a beat ’em up that goes in a little too strong on its rogue-lite elements, unnecessarily forcing standard features behind a grind of unlockables and making the action overly repetitive. With its formula relying so heavily on upgrades, instead of more enjoyable arcade action, it takes too long for the stunted gameplay to reveal its potential – unless you have someone else to play with. 

Review: The Serpent Rogue

In a world filled with despair and destruction, it is easy to feel powerless. You are but one small being against mother nature and evil, so how can you compete? Worry not, as life is weird and wonderful and occasionally helps in mysterious ways. This is exactly what happens in The Serpent Rogue, a game about one being’s fight to save humanity.

Developed by Sengi Games and published by Team17, this is a dark action-adventure title. It uses a simple but eye-catching aesthetic, crafting mechanics, and clumsy combat. All these elements combine to deliver a challenging but enjoyable exploration game. Its approach and melancholy atmosphere reminded me of Don’t Starve. However, progress in The Serpent Rogue is slower and more experimental. Consequently, the lack of hand-holding and slow action will frustrate many.

The Serpent Rogue: a story of survival against the odds. 

The world is being destroyed by a shadowy entity known as Morbus. This corrupted power mutates everything it touches. Animals die and then rise again, and plants and trees become twisted and dangerous. What’s more, a deadly storm hunts you at every turn. Subsequently, you must move quickly, plan on your feet, and use potions to your advantage. Combat is, of course, a choice, but it shouldn’t be your go-to option. Strangely, this action-adventure title wants you to craft your way to victory, and that takes a bit of getting used to. 

You control a strange figure known only as the Warden. This masked individual is an expert in alchemy and must concoct potions to save the day. Furthermore, he is expected to experiment, scavenge for resources, and help the hapless surrounding humans. This combination of mechanics and loose story creates an unusual but enthralling survival game. Yes, its meandering pace will deter some, but I enjoyed its difficulty while exploring the corrupted lands.

The Serpent Rogue has an easy to navigate world map.
Where will you go?

Hard to get started. 

I always struggle when games fail to hold my hand. Subsequently, The Serpent Rogue was difficult to get into. Sadly, a lack of tutorial enforces trial and error and death is all but guaranteed. However, this brutality makes it moreish and oddly addictive. You’ll craft goods, potions, and food as you explore your dank surroundings. You are also forced to research ingredients, tame wild creatures, and hire people to assist you. What’s more, your foes have strengths and weaknesses that must be exploited to be victorious. In short, multiple calculations must be made if you wish to succeed.

Now, you may worry that this is too vague. Yet, I adored its obsession with death and its morbid atmosphere. Furthermore, the gameplay is rewarding when you discover recipes, solve problems, and finally progress. It’s a game that will attract a hardcore following and is tough to put down once you understand its fundamentals. Yes, death is always tough to swallow, but it’s not the end of the world. If you die, and you will, your kit remains where you fell. However, if you die without collecting it, it will be lost forevermore. This mechanic adds a further layer of difficulty to a game that is already challenging enough.

As you can probably tell, The Serpent Rogue isn’t for the faint of heart! It’s tough, unfair, and will drive you barmy. Yet, it’s this horrendous nature that makes it so enjoyable! You’ll scour the deadly landscapes and find secret passages, all while scratching around for solutions. Now, I understand this won’t be for everyone, but I cherished its horrific nature.

The docks are essential when expanding your following.
Who will you find at the docks?

The bad points!

I’m a fan of degrading equipment, survival stats, and challenging gameplay. However, when you blend this with a lack of direction and clumsy combat, it’s pretty frustrating. The hero is uncharacteristically slow and has the agility of a tanker. Consequently, avoiding enemy blows is nigh on impossible. This impacts your ability to survive and causes unnecessary deaths.

Alongside this, every tool degrades in record time. Now, I know the game focuses on potions and buffs, but this was ridiculous. Melee weapons are pointless and as much use as a chocolate teapot. I believe the developers got this balance wrong, especially for the early action. Sadly, this imbalance will put many off enjoying the rewarding and enjoyable later story.

The Serpent Rogue is simple but striking. 

In a world of death and destruction, there is an understandably sombre appearance. The Serpent Rogue capitalises on its melancholy nature with an array of darker tones and vivid reds. Furthermore, it has clean lines, a cartoon appearance, and many sinister characters. It enhances its simple style thanks to its basic UI and well-defined areas. The visuals won’t wow you, and there is no new ground broken. However, it was pleasant to look at morbidly.

This approach is continued with the heavy audio. There is a blend of calm songs and fast-paced dramatic music that makes the game uncomfortable to experience. The sense of urgency is clear whenever there is danger, and this puts you on edge throughout. What’s more, the sound effects are brutal and you’ll wince as blows are struck.

Have as many followers as you wish.
A bit greedy with the followers.

Slow but easy-to-understand controls. 

Had the hero been quicker and more agile, The Serpent Rogue would have been much better. No matter how many potions you brew or equipment you make, you’ll scream at the cumbersome gameplay. It was a shame as the UI makes it an easy-to-understand game. Consequently, you’ll master the fundamentals quickly, and this makes it somewhat worse. The Warden’s slow movement is annoying and undermines much of the action. You’ll know what you want to do, but you won’t be able to avoid your foes or death.

If you put the poor movement to one side, you experience a game full of replay value and longevity. Thanks to its monstrous achievement list, massive amounts of craftable items, and a big world to explore, you’ll play this for hours. Yes, it takes some time to get into it, but if you can overcome this, you’ll love the challenge you’ll face. 

The Serpent Rogue is challenging but rewarding.

If you adore a challenging game that doesn’t hold your hands, then love The Serpent Rogue. Its brutality won’t be for everyone, but I adored its rewarding gameplay, simple aesthetics, and addictive ways. The movement and combat let it down, but don’t let this prevent you from experiencing this gem of a title. Subsequently, I recommend you buy it here! Can you prevent the corrupted entity from taking over the world? Learn new recipes, craft items, and destroy every creature you face. 

Review: Bus Driver Simulator Countryside

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Have you ever wanted to not just ride inside a bus, but be the bus driver? In my own experience, I had in the past, I did think about driving a bus. Yet, I can’t get over the terrifying fear to drive a large bus with so many lives in my hand, all counting on me to safely bring them to their destinations. So I’m grateful there is a way to pretend to be a bus driver without all that pressure or fear, thanks to Bus Driver Simulator Countryside.

This game is an excellent way to be a great driver by using the tutorial stage to practice how to operate a bus correctly. Plus playing the game constantly, you only just get better at driving and doing the jobs being required to succeed. The buttons also are a piece of cake to work with, making it easy to control the bus. I honestly feel this game to be one of the easiest simulation-style driving games to play, without much time needed to learn how to work each function. Just makes it perfect for everyone.

Additionally, there are so many buses to choose from, which can be customized as you desire and many of the bus styles are related to the scenario; job, and locations you are stationed at. There is one valid observation about these buses, they all provide plenty of space for each passenger that enters or objects being delivered from one location to another. Even if some are a bit smaller in appearance from the outside, they all still can pack in plenty of people at one time. Plus if you use the camera and set it at a birdseye view, you can see all the beautiful sceneries at each visiting location you’ll travel through. That also includes daytime, nighttime, or just a change in the weather. Therefore, it might not be as scary to be a bus driver and possibly a bit more enjoyable, especially if it’s by playing this game!

Graphics 🚌

The visual appearance of each bus and the locations you’ll be traveling to and through are nicely designed. Yet, I feel it’s not as smooth when it comes to the digital appearance. It sort of gives me a pixelated or blurred impression. The grounds are barely raised and very similar to a flat surface with a slight texture, but more of just a color to match the weather or location it is trying to represent. I almost feel if it’s like a Playstation One game, how the graphics aren’t so crystal clear or very realistic, just a pretend to take on the real thing.

It’s not bad, in some way it reminds me of the first-ever game, The Sims I’ve played on the PS1 console. The people even appear just the same as in that game. They don’t appear to have that much difference from one another, many are the same person in the scene. So the game doesn’t really provide a large number of original passengers to be seen, just plenty of duplicates. This also goes for the buildings and objects in the game.

On a positive note, I do find that the driving portion and functions of the bus seem to move smoothly. Some of these really make for the bus to be a bit more realistic, like the lights turning on and off, the steering wheel moving when driving and the tires rotating when in motion, and the bus’s doors opening and closing as a real bus would. The bus isn’t the only thing that appears a bit more realistic. Even the passengers move like real people. However, if you get to see them on the bus, they may appear realistic. So great job on the graphics, but they also tend to collide with each other looking like a combined mess.

I do wish that there was more one can do with the customizing when it comes to the bus’s design. Adding color is fine, but it would be great to have a choice to give the buses a more edgy appearance or another few add-ons just for fun. The last issue is that the people, bus, and many objects could seem to vanish or go through other objects.

Sound 🚌

The music is soothing, like a bit of jazz and some extra upbeat tunes that can be played during the game. This is in the form of a radio, so it can be turned on or off. So it’s suitable and fits the travel feel of a bus ride, the music. I do find the sound effects to be perfect when it comes to the actions performed with the bus. Some include the sounds of each bus’s doors opening, the brakes, the windshield wipers, the lights, the bus’s engine starting, and a few more. Plus, I must comment on how nice the sound effects of the different weather changes are making it even more realistic.

I think, for the most part, the sounds in the game are perfect, except the music could be better. I just don’t like the be unable to hear what is going on in the game when the music is playing. Especially, during the tutorial stage when you want to know what actions you are doing is really taking effect. Then again changing the volume is a good thing to have! Even if they added the ability to choose a few different music stations by making it fit any player’s preference, that’s just me dreaming of what would be a nice addition.

Final Thoughts 🚌

I think being a bus driver would be interesting. I might not really want to be one in real life, but if ever being curious, this game provides that ability to drive so many buses and see if I have what it takes to get everyone safely to their destination. Furthermore, the entire driving around corners or just keeping the right speed seems very easy to do. I love that feature with the game, even more, that it changes how the bus drives when on different roads, like on dirt or when snow is on the ground.

The entire game is quite fun with plenty of tasks to accomplish, and many locations to visit! Plus, being able to make one’s own routes and the freedom to roam a little is quite nice. I feel the only two problems are that I wish some parts could be a bit clearer and more realistic, with some more customizing choices. Also, driving up hills or sloped locations can be very horrible. When you have no speed it is like slowly crawling to get to the leveled road to be able to move with speed again. Otherwise, the game isn’t too bad. Especially, if you loved the classic PS1 style graphics and don’t mind a limited amount of originality to the background visuals, the appearance of passengers, and the bus or objects around.

So if you are ready to be the bus driver, then it’s time to adjust those side mirrors, get the engine revved up, and start driving to the first bus stop. You don’t want to let the passengers down, they all have places to be and are counting on you to take them there.