Review: ZHP: Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman

Lee Fairweather
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Review: ZHP: Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman

To truly grasp what sort of game ZHP: Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman is, look no further than the intro cinematic. It immediately jumps into several different comedic conversations regarding a grandiose epic battle, which, for some reason, involve a baby that will decide the fate of the world. Right out of the gate, I was ready to be taken on whatever whacky ride Nippon Ichi Software had planned. And by the end of the game, I was positively enamored with it.

ZHP is a tactical RPG that was first released in 2010 on the PSP. 12 years later, it has been ported to both Steam and the Nintendo Switch as part of the NIS classics volume 2.

Story

Synopsis

The story begins with a prophecy dictating that an unapparelled danger is destined to befall the earth should an unnamed baby die. The baby, who was born on the 6th day of the 6th month at 6AM, is also sighted as having godly powers which can prevent the apocalypse. The citizens of the world imaginatively dub her as Super Baby, and herald her as their saviour.

Unfortunately, the Super Baby is kidnapped by the villain known as Demon General Darkdeath Evilman. He plans to kill her and end the world before she can become of age to save it. However, a hero by the name of Absolute Victory Unlosing Ranger aims to stop that by fighting General Darkdeath head on.

Sadly, our hero never makes it to the final confrontation. He is struck by a car on the way to the battle and left on the brink of death. He hands his Morph Belt to a passer-by who now has the impossible task of trying to defeat Darkdeath in his place. That poor soul turns out to be our main character and, unsurprisingly, they are swiftly defeated.

Shortly thereafter, our main character is sent on a training course at the Hero Training Facility. This is a space station ran by the World Hero Society who wants to help our character to become a fully-fledged hero. It then becomes our ultimate goal to become powerful enough to defeat General Darkdeath.

Parody

The great thing about ZHP is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s more than willing to poke fun at itself, as well as other titles that it is clearly inspired by. There are countless 4th wall breaking moments that give a nod to shows like Dragon Ball and games like Final Fantasy. As a fan of classic 90s era JRPGs, I found the parody elements to the story to be highly entertaining.

The narrative itself is purposefully barebones in order to enhance the comedic structure. However, if you aren’t familiar with what they are attempting to parody, then it may end up falling flat completely. Thankfully, the gameplay more than makes up for any shortcomings that can be had with the story.

Gameplay

Combat Sequences

In ZHP, you traverse through randomly generated dungeons. Each dungeon consists of a series of floors that are filled with different monsters to fight. The final floor contains a unique boss which you must defeat in order to complete the dungeon.

Combat takes place on a grid and operates on a rougelite turn-based system. There are a number of different actions your character can perform including attacking, moving, casting special abilities, throwing an item and grabbing an enemy. Doing any of these will causes your energy bar to deplete. Thus, it is important to strategize your moves ahead of time otherwise you risk dying.

Items are littered around the map which are useful for taking on the hordes of enemies. These include things like weapons, armour and consumables. Armour and weapons also come with some special features which provide things like stat boosts or new abilities. As carrying space is limited, you have to decide which items you want to keep for your current situation.

Though you don’t keep levels gained inside dungeons, your character does have a True Level which will persists. Your True Level records your base stats which determines how powerful you are at the start of each dungeon. In essence, the more dungeons you grind, the stronger your baseline will become.

Outside of dungeons you’ll spend time at the Hero Training Facility. There are various different buildings here that will help you on your journey. For instance, your home allows you to store any gear you found during your dungeon so you don’t lose it if you die. Whereas the Dark Clinic allows you to modify your body in order to improve your base stats modifier.

Gameplay Thoughts

The combat in ZHP is both engaging and extensive. The various items you have at your disposal, and vast range of enemies, ensure you won’t suffer from combat exhaustion. It’s worth keeping in mind though that you are expected to die a lot. If you feel like this may aggravate you, then it’s recommended that you skip this title entirely.

Sadly, there is a lot of content that has been cut from this port. The original PSP version had 13 additional dungeons based around popular animes of the time. These included Toradora, Spice and Wolf, and A Certain Magical Index to name just a few. As far as I can tell, these were cut due to expired licences. This is rather disappointing as I would have loved to haven given these a shot. Unfortunately though, it’s unlikely they’ll be added back anytime soon.

Art Style

The graphical aspect of ZHP can be broken up into two different categories. Firstly, we have the pixel aesthetic which is used to represent all of the characters and monsters in the game. The designs of these work in tandem with the zany story, as each character is branded with outlandish outfits. It’s truly astonishing and admirable the depth of variety in regards to the character artwork. The same principles are also applied to the monster designs which all look great in their own way.

Opposite of the characters are the environments which make use of standard 3D models. While there is a wide range of different styles and landscapes, they haven’t translated particularly well to a higher resolution screen. On my standard 1920×1080 monitor, they look really rough around the edges. This doesn’t appear to be a problem on the Switch though, so keep that in mind.

A similar issue can also be seen in the characters. When the camera zooms in on them, they appear blurry and out of focus. While this isn’t massively annoying, it can be a little distracting at times. These are issues that could have easily been tackled for the port, but for whatever reason, was simply overlooked.

Audio   

As you’d expect from a NIS soundtrack, the music is absolutely incredible. Masaharu Iwata and Manabu Namiki have composed excellent SNES inspired tracks which encapsulate the jovial nature of the game. The theme for the Unlosing Ranger is one of my personal favourites, and it’s been stuck in my head for days now.

One thing that I wasn’t expecting from ZHP was incredible voice acting. However, to my surprise, the entire cast performances capture the script perfectly. There were numerous times that they had me laughing out loud with the way they delivered the dialogue. It was only after I completed the game that I found out the cast was comprised of talent such as Kyle Hebert. I would have loved for the entire game to be voiced, but I understand that’s an unreasonable request for, what was, a PSP game.

Conclusion

ZHP: Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman is one of the more enjoyable parody games I have played in recent years. The story is full of genuine comedic moments that left me smiling and laughing throughout my playthrough. While the port does suffer from some graphical issues and cut content, there is enough depth and replayability to keep even the most veteran of players engaged. In short, what Conkers Bad Fur Day was for pop culture, ZHP is for JRPGs and anime.

Review: Jurassic World Evolution 2: Dominion Biosyn Expansion

Natosha M
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Review: Jurassic World Evolution 2: Dominion Biosyn Expansion

Jurassic World Evolution has always been a wonderful game. It can be very hard to get a hang of right away, as there is so much you can do and need to learn. I never felt it to be the easiest to master, especially once you start playing. The campaign stages really help aid in so much and guide you through each action you can and need to use, but sometimes it can be easy to forget different details needed to keep things running smoothly.

After a while, once you do get the gist of the game down and feel like it’s as if you’ve played the game all your life, well it isn’t too bad. The many things you can do are amazing and so realistic to what a real park manager would have to endure. All the setting up, keeping everything working properly, and of course, taking care of the dinosaurs. Since you won’t want to end up with any mishaps. Especially when we have dinosaurs to watch out for, so they don’t get loose.

The benefit of this new expansion will allow you to enjoy a few new dinosaurs that will bring something more to attract visitors, even yourself! It even adds more content to the game than the first DLC did, a few months ago. This expansion gives you some additional parts from the new movie, it includes a new campaign, a new chaos theory, and additional skins for certain dinosaurs, so they look a bit more damaged and appear changed up from what they normally would. Therefore, it’s not just new dinosaurs you’ll be granted with the Dominion Biosyn Expansion DLC, it’s a whole new addition added and one other change, an update for the game is also going to change the game up for all players.

🦕 What Is Included with The Dominion Biosyn Expansion 🦖

What you get with this expansion pack are a few new additions. The first I’d like to mention is the four new dinosaurs. These four will go under the names of the Pyroraptor, Therizinosaurus, Dimetrodon, and Quetzalcoatlus. Each of them has its own unique appearance, without none of them being too similar in traits or design. From my past experience with the last DLC, the content is never going to give you a bunch of similar dinos to add to your park. Instead, you get to enjoy a variety, which is so much more fun and enjoyable.

The way I felt about the four you do get in this expansion pack is well, just outstanding in appearance and amazing! Something that doesn’t look like a typical dinosaur I’d recognize. To be honest, I wouldn’t have ever thought they were real by how they appear. Nevertheless, I’m now learning something new and getting to see them for the first time in this game.

  • The Four Different Dinosaur Types:
    • Pyroraptor – Similar to the Velociraptor and Deinonychus dinosaurs. The thing about this one is it’s so striking and reminds me of a bird colliding together with a traditional land-walking dinosaur. It’s got such an unusual face with parts of a feathered bird appearance. Plus, the original red color will bring some WOW and more spectators to the park. All those positioned to take care of this cage, each ranger will need to be on top of caring for these ferocious and intimidating dinosaurs, they may bring more difficulties than others in the park.
    • Therizinosaurus – The first expression on my face is all amazement. This Dinosaur is unlike any other I’ve seen, which is like many. However, those large talons on this dinosaur will really tell it apart from any other. It’s very fierce and can reach the height of the trees, while those claws use as a defense mechanism or another way to catch their prey. In a way, of course, this will be my own opinion. This Therizinosaurus reminds me of an imagined monster in appearance, but also a dinosaur on the verge of being a bird, as it does fashion feathers on its body, but it doesn’t have the wings it needs to be a full winged bird style flyer. Some may consider the appearance corresponds correctly with its name, a scythe lizard.
    • Dimetrodon – This guy is a bit like a lizard, lower to the ground than the rest. It is a bit more extinct. So you won’t find so many wandering around, but in this game, you get a chance to have a few in your park. It’s got that spine-like back, similar to a few dinosaurs that I could see in their species or just lizards in general. However, what I’ve learned is that it’s there to help regulate heat. The other interesting aspect of this dino is that it’s a carnivore, so don’t think it’s going to just want to eat plants or fruits on the ground, it does have a love for meat.
    • Quetzalcoatlus – Keep an eye on this species, especially inside domes within the park. They are related to the Pterosaur species of dinosaurs. Also, have a large wingspan and loves to fly around. The beak is also another feature that is super large for this species. Makes it great to grab or use it to defend itself if needed. It’s a marvelous flying-dino and as always another great addition to the game and to add to your park.

The next additional feature in this expansion pack that adds a bit more eye appeal, is you’ll get to enjoy six new skins and two new variants. The skins and variants will all relate to the original game, such as the dinosaurs. For example, the ginormous and fierce T-rex, Giganotosaurus, and the Dilophosaurus will have a new appearance on their skin design, some related to the actual movie. So get close and take in the new look, it’s something amazing to see and an awesome way to make the game even more appealing.

The last special editions in this entire DLC include a new journey and chaos theory and even a free update that will also be available for all players. First let me tell you that the update will fix a few bugs, add new maps, and the park tour will be changed. One other thing is that it will update how the sandbox mode would play, by removing limits and adding a bit more freedom.

Now for the additional content with this DLC. You’ll get to play the campaign of Biosyn Valley, enjoying the many famous movie character voices as in the other campaigns, guiding you. The game will play like all other campaigns and just give you more to do. Another change is with the additional chaos theory, which will be about protecting the dinosaurs and bringing them back faster. Creating a larger park filled with them faster, using the new wrangling method. There will be no more tranquilizing step to port them. Of course, there will still be plenty of tasks and new obstacles to overcome during the game.

🦕 Final Thoughts 🦖

This was an excellent expansion! Each dinosaur brings something new to admire as you watch them in their cages. As well as more content to play and keep this game interesting as it moves along in the story. Just like the movie that is out many will feel so similar and now invites you to take part.

Honestly, everything from this edition of the game is incredible and even the lifelike of the dinosaurs is well done, loving the added skins too! I always admire seeing the way these new species react in their habitats or towards each other! So I’m sure if you loved playing Jurassic World Evolution 2 as much as I do, you’ll love these four new dinosaurs, the additional campaign, chaos theory stage, and extras added by this edition.

Review: Xreart Nintendo Game Boy Color Frame

Andrew Edney
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Review: Xreart Nintendo Game Boy Color Frame

Here is our review of the Xreart Nintendo Game Boy Color Frame.

Xreart takes you on a tour of the most classic and revolutionary tech products by deconstruction art and brings the nostalgia of that era.

Xreart frame is the ultimate collection for every tech fan and the perfect gift for any tech product owner who ever wanted to explore and discover the core of each of classic tech devices.

Specifications

Model: Game Boy Color
Template paper size: 11.81*11.81 in (300mm*300mm)
Frame size: 12.91*12.91*1.38 in (32.8cm*32.8cm*3.5cm)

Final Thoughts

If you, or someone in your life enjoys collecting retro games consoles, or you just want a call piece of art to hang somewhere, then these really are for you.

The Xreart Nintendo Game Boy Color Frame shows the Game Boy Color in its disassembled form, each component mounted along with descriptions and then placed in a frame ready to be put on the wall.

It comes very well packaged in its own box too.

This really is a very cool and unique gift, and Xreart are adding to their offerings all time – mine is now hanging in my office!

The Xreart Nintendo Game Boy Color Frame is available now priced around £163 (it’s on sale currently) and it’s available in a variety of colours.

You can learn more from the Xreart website here.

Review: Micro Scalextric James Bond 007 Race Set

Andrew Edney
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Review: Micro Scalextric James Bond 007 Race Set

Here is our review of the Review: Micro Scalextric James Bond 007 Race Set.

Aston Martin has been James Bond’s vehicle of choice throughout the 007 franchise, and this set celebrates his most iconic choices: the Aston Martin DB5 and Aston Martin V8. 

This set features over 3.5 metres of track, with 9 track layouts which includes a ramp the new lap counter booby trap track piece!

What’s in the box?

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

Scalextric produce a number of different size sets, this particular one is in their Micro range. What this means is that you can have all the fun of Scalextric but on a smaller scale, and believe me that smaller scale doesn’t take anything away from the fun.

This set is the James Bond 007 Aston Martin V8 vs the Aston Martin DB5.

Unlike other Scalextric sets, the Micro sets are powered by 6 AA batteries rather than from a plug. You don’t get any batteries with the set so make sure you have plenty to hand. Fitting them was simply a case of unscrewing the controller box and putting the batteries in.

You can make up the track however you want – there are multiple examples shown with the instructions, but half the fun is creating your own. Putting the track together is very easy and it wont be long before you are ready to race.

There is an additional track component included in the box – the booby trap counter. What this does is allow you to set the number of laps before the trap goes over causing the losing car to fly off the track. Each lap takes take one notch off the timer until boom!

The two controllers are easy to fit and they feel comfortable in your hand, and that of a smaller player – in the case of this review, my trusty almost 6 year old assistant! There are some speed settings as well on the controller that increases, or decreases the speed! My assistant preferred the setting on maximum speed!

Then it’s time to choose which car is for which player – then its race time!

The Micro Scalextric James Bond 007 Race Set is so much fun to play and doesn’t take up that much room. It’s quick and easy to set up (and put away when you are done). It will bring hours of fun to the whole family!

Now if you excuse me, I am off to try and win a race!

The Micro Scalextric James Bond 007 Race Set is available now priced around £69.99.

You can learn more from the Scalextric website.

Review: PowerA Xbox Series X/S Cuphead: Ms Chalice controller

Daniel Waite
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Review: PowerA Xbox Series X/S Cuphead: Ms Chalice controller

Xbox gamers are spoilt by the vast selection of controllers on offer. However, no matter how many features they have, most look bland. PowerA bucks this trend with its affordable, stylish, and feature-packed accessories. I’ve recently looked at their Cuphead: Mugman and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands pads. Therefore, when the PowerA Xbox Series X/S Cuphead: Ms Chalice controller arrived, I instantly loved its style.

This lightweight, striking, and robust controller certainly stands out from the crowd. What’s more, you know it’s going to be great to use, and as comfortable as a Microsoft official controller. What I also adore is PowerA’s fantastic customer service. Their responsive team takes all enquiries seriously and aims to help everyone the best they can. So, shall we cut to the chase and look at this in more detail?

The PowerA Xbox Series X/S Cuphead: Ms Chalice controller looks fantastic.
Such a stylish looking controller.

What’s in the box of the PowerA Xbox Series X/S Cuphead: Ms Chalice controller?

  • The packaging is sturdy, colourful, and amazing to look at. Furthermore, it has a unique magnetised flap that hides the contents. Once opened, there is some interesting information on the controller and some key selling points. However, I was disappointed by the plastic packaging. I wish PowerA would swap to an easier-to-recycle product.
  • The PowerA Xbox Series X/S Cuphead: Ms Chalice controller. This lightweight but well-built pad takes influence from its game. With Ms Chalice emblazoned on the left-hand side, and some cartoon imagery stencilled elsewhere, it looks fantastic. Moreover, it has a useful audio wheel, a 3.5mm audio jack, and 2 mappable buttons.
  • Micro USB-B charging cable. This 10-foot rubberised cable is flexible and made to last. It is painted a greeny-blue colour and matches the controller.
  • User guide. A small but easy-to-read guide. It helps you understand the fundamentals of mapping the additional buttons.
The full package.
Learn the fundamentals with this simple guide.
10-foot micro USB-B cable
Check out the mappable buttons.
The audio wheel and striking design.
Some interesting facts about the controller.
Time to unpack this controller.

Technical aspects.

CompatabilityXbox and Microsoft devices.
WirelessNo
ConnectivityWired
Bluetooth No
BatteryNo
Audio3.5mm jack
Audio ccontrolsQuick response dial.
Mappable buttonsYes
WarrantyTwo-year limited.

The best controllers are those that are comfortable and easy to use. Luckily, the PowerA Xbox Series X/S Cuphead: Ms Chalice controller ticks these boxes. Though it is lighter than the official pad, it still feels solid and hard-wearing. This is important whenever you are playing sports or FPS titles, as you don’t want it to break during a heavy session.

Alongside this, you want the pad to react to the action on the screen. Fortunately, the dual rumble motors does just that. With a strong vibration setting, you feel every shot, tumble, and explosion in every game you play. However, it wasn’t too powerful and PowerA has got the balance just right.

No one wants to stop gaming to adjust audio settings. Therefore, it was impressive that a quick-response dial was incorporated. This simple-to-use switch allows you to balance your audio with ease. What’s more, there is a one-touch mic mute option. Consequently, you can focus on the action and not on your settings. 

Finally, the well-placed mappable buttons are tactile and light to use. They sit on the back part of the shell directly in the middle. This was the perfect placement as your fingers naturally rested there. Each of the buttons can be mapped on the fly, and this keeps you ahead of the competition.

The perfect pad for Cuphead fans.

Is the PowerA Xbox Series X/S Cuphead: Ms Chalice controller worth it?

Retailing at £34.99 or $39.99 it is great value for money. What’s more, a two-year limited warranty enhances this further still. On top of this, it can be used for Xbox and any Windows device. Subsequently, this makes it useful for gamers who play on multiple platforms.

What’s also great is the detachable cable. Now, this may seem a minor thing, but it is not. If this monstrous cable becomes damaged, you can simply buy a new one. This is fantastic, as it prevents you from having to buy a completely new unit. Alongside this, the familiar share button allows you to screenshot and record. This isn’t a new feature, but it is popular and useful when bragging to friends.

Like its counterparts, I loved the PowerA Xbox Series X/S Cuphead: Ms Chalice controller. It looks funky, is easy to use, and has mappable buttons. For these reasons, I recommend you to buy it here!

Summary.

PowerA produces some amazing great value products. Moreover, their customer service is second to none. Consequently, you can rest assured that you have peace of mind and a quality accessory. I adored the look, build quality, and advanced features of this standout controller.

(More information on PowerA can be found here!) 

The Movies Games and Tech Gold award.

Review: Fillit

Xavier Berry
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Review: Fillit

Fillit is an extremely simple game that offers countless hours of fun with an extremely simplistic concept. Published and developed by 11sheep, Fillit runs for 7.99 USD on steam and is more than a generous price for the countless hour’s players will get from the game.

Fillit markets itself as a game inspired by things such as Xonix and Volfied, tasking players with the job of trying to navigate a dot across the map while trying to capture as much of the space as possible. This is done when a line is drawn from one wall to another and can even be used to redirect the path of the enemies, letting players formulate different approaches to getting higher scores. There is no story mode to focus on so the best way to look at the game is through the lens of something to pass the time by. I went from mindlessly going through levels to really trying to get a higher score than my previous attempts. As players progress through the stages, the game introduces new obstacles and enemies to hinder the players’ progress. With 96 levels for players to progress through in the single player mode, there is a lot to be done if there is nothing in your steam library that is catching the players attention at the moment. This is a good way to pass the time without having to get too involved in a convoluted story or complex battle system which can trap players for hours.

For those looking for a multiplayer experience Fillit offers both competitive and cooperative modes for couch co-op fun. The competitive mode pits two players against one another in a race to see who can clear most of the board while still navigating the enemies on screen and collecting the stars scattered about to help boost their score. If competition is out of the question, there is a together mode with over 40 levels of co-op fun to be had.

Overall, Fillit has a simple look and even simpler gameplay that will suck players in for what feels like an unknown amount of time while they try to finish a level. Every time I revisited the game to get screen shots or find out more from the game, time flew by while my little puck danced and dodged around enemy attacks. The vibrant colors and fluid controls really helps bring everything together and this is one of those games that would be great as apart of a bundle or to catch on sale.  11sheep really managed to create a game that will grab the players attention and not let go until they find themselves say “oh but just one more level and I’ll be done”. In a world where games are always trying to chase a new fad and latch on to them for dear life, it is refreshing to play something on the simpler side of things.

Review: Skábma – Snowfall

James Refelian
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Review: Skábma – Snowfall

Skábma – Snowfall is an adventure puzzle game developed by the Finnish indie developer, Red Stage Entertainment. It’s the only game I know that is based on the Sámi people and tells the wonderful story of Áilu, a reindeer herder who goes on a mystical adventure to learn the ways of their ancestors, harness the powers of the Noaidi Drum and Familiar Spirits to fight off a disorder threatening to destroy the lands.

Gameplay

Skábma – Snowfall is an adventure puzzle game with a difference. The world is your obstacle as you would expect but it isn’t full of things trying to kill you. In fact, there are no real traditional enemies to speak of. Rather, the world is being infested and it’s that which will kill you. As a result, exploration and narrative is the main point of the game. You will explore the world and learn more about it as well as the stories of Sámi and Noaidi.

The puzzles in the game are environmental in nature, traversing the world can be challenging in places and will sometimes require a good deal of exploring to find the right path. The abilities you learn along the way also get used for this purpose. Moving objects and jumping bigger distances for example. This can lead to very challenging jumping puzzles which can get frustrating if you don’t time them well.

As well as the main story quest, to save the land, there are a lot of little side-quests for Áilu to complete on their journey across the land. For example, your favourite cousin will want help finding her lost bunnies. Early in the game, you will get an ancient drum that will help you do a lot of different things. From using it to control your new special abilities to following the paths of bunnies and people so you can find your way. The drum will also draw your attention to the spirits living in certain trees that you can interact with, heal you and highlight treasures in the world that you can collect.

The Story of Skábma – Snowfall

The story focuses on a young Sámi child named Áilu who lives with his family in a small village. Áilu starts the game as a simple reindeer farmer until an explosion in the nearby tar pit brings a plague on this tranquil world. Áilu initially sets out to find a missing reindeer and is quickly drawn into an adventure to discover his heritage and save the land and his family.

Along the way, he finds a Noaidi drum and through that can connect with the world on a deeper level. From talking to tree spirits who haven’t heard people for so long through to the four familiars, Áilu is equipped to learn the ways of the past to save the future.

The story is gripping and full of cultural history and fairy-tale lore. It’s beautifully written and subtitled (the voice acting is in a different language). Every interaction feels meaningful, especially with the small cast of wonderful characters. At no point during my playthrough did I feel bored or want to skip dialogue. The whole thing is simply charming.

Controls

The controls in Skábma – Snowfall are simple to master. It’s the usual WASD layout with the mouse moving the camera. It’s a familiar setup so jumping right in and enjoying the game is easy without needing to master lots of different controls, breaking that initial immersion. Along the way, you gain some new abilities, and these are well explained with a simple and clean UI. You also get the tutorial for these new abilities tied directly into the plot making it all feel natural and seamless.

While for the most part, you control the direction of the camera, which allows you to see what you’re doing and where you’re going more easily (not to mention enjoy the beautiful world!) there are times when the camera will be fixed, and this can make movement difficult in places. It’s a minor gripe, but an issue, nonetheless.

Similarly, there are a few bugs that can make you fall off the world despite doing nothing wrong. As a platformer with jumping puzzles when the pathing isn’t quite right it can feel a bit clunky to navigate at times.

Graphics and Music

Graphically, the world is stunning. One of the most beautiful I’ve seen in a game this year. While the visuals certainly don’t live up to one of the leading AAA titles in terms of visual performance, they are charming and a joy to look at. The character models are soft around the edges, and everything has a slight cartoon look to it.

What Skábma – Snowfall does so well is draw you into the world to the point the world is almost as important as the cast of characters. You can interact with spirits in trees, explore plains, mountains, rivers, and more. It’s a wonderful world to get lost in, and a relaxing one too.

The music matches the overall feel of the game very well. In addition, a lot of your path mapping and powers come through beating a traditional drum which in turn gives an interesting soundtrack to play with.

Is Skábma – Snowfall a good game?

I was genuinely surprised by this indie game. Skábma – Snowfall is a beautifully written story blending important environmental messages with learning about a little-known culture. Overlaying all of that is a story about a boy reconnecting with his heritage to save his world with elements of fairy-tale, myth, and mysticism. The puzzles are fun, the powers are unique and interesting, and even without conventional enemies to fight it’s probably the best game I’ve played so far this year.

Skábma – Snowfall makes tranquil, puzzle-based exploration compelling. For that reason, despite a few bugs, it’s a game I recommend.

Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Cody May
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Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Cowabunga Dudes! The turtles are back in beautiful, brawler fashion with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge from developer Tribute Games. Tribute Games are no strangers to beat ’em up games; Justin Cyr, one of the founders having worked on Scott Pilgrim vs the World. Therefore, for many, this was a dream game, and ever since the reveal, fans have been hungry to dive in.

Tribute games are tremendously talented, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is without a doubt their best game. Not only is it their best game, but it’s one of the best games to launch in 2022. If you enjoy beat ’em up games, including some of the original turtle titles like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time, I absolutely cannot recommend this game enough. It’s fun, it’s chaotic, and it’s never felt better to kick some shell!

Evolving a Genre

The gameplay in Shredder’s Revenge takes everything you love about beat ’em up games and evolves it for the modern age. Each turtle has their strengths and weaknesses, Michelangelo, my favorite of all the turtles, has tremendous speed coupled with his outlandish personality. Donatello has outstanding range attacks, which makes attacking enemies from a safe distance viable.

I think Tribute Games did a stellar job with making each character feel fun and different to use, and they did so by paying attention to the little things. Whether it’s Donatello whipping out a Game Boy during his taunt, Raphael’s always serious scowl, or Leonardo being the only turtle with a flipping sword attack coming out of a double jump. They each feel distinct, down to their individual quirks, which is how the Turtles and their supporting cast should be.

It’s not just the characters, but the world that also got the same attention to detail. This game has some phenomenal enemy variety. I never got tired of fighting, partly because the combat in this game is just that good, but also because I felt like something new was always being thrown at me. Whether it was a multitude of ninjas, each with a different fighting style, or more wackier enemies like big dinosaurs that wield rocket launchers or pizza monsters that come out of the ground.

Audio and Visual

The visuals and sound design in Shredder’s Revenge are top notch. The pixel art is superb, and it’s combined with an equally great 90’s fueled score. The animations are slick, nothing feels out of place, and you feel the punch with every encounter.

Cooperative play

If you ‘ve thought about jumping into Shredder’s Revenge solo, I implore you to get a few of your buddies and play CO-OP. I’m sure the game is still fun by yourself, but I think you would be doing yourself a disservice. I played with my best friends Skylar and Alex, and it was a pizza-fueled joy ride from beginning to end.

Shredder’s revenge CO-OP is the most fun YOU’LL HAVE GAMING WITH YOUR FRIENDS IN 2022.

Closing Remarks

For many of us, the Turtles have a special place in our hearts. Some found them in movies; some found them on TV, or maybe even in the arcade all those years ago. Whatever the case, I think we can all agree that this IP is special, and it’s a shame they don’t have as strong a presence in pop culture as they once did.

All they needed was a talented team to come along, and utilize all of their best strengths in one package, showcasing what makes this universe so remarkable. Tribute Games were that team, and they succeeded. This game isn’t a big budget AAA title, that is trying to be something it’s not; it is what it is, and it excels at that.

Tribute Games have made what I now consider to be the gold standard for Beat ’em up games, and anyone who attempts to follow them up must aspire beyond the high bar that is Shredder’s Revenge. So, what are you waiting for? Get some buddies together, and go clean up the streets of New York City, as the unparalleled Heroes in a Half-Shell!

Review: Thunder Kid II: Null Mission

Daniel Waite
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Review: Thunder Kid II: Null Mission

Low-poly gaming reminds me of the Sega Saturn and late 80s entertainment. Its simple but garish approach is tough to look at, but it fills you with nostalgia. Therefore, when I was offered Thunder Kid II: Null Mission, I thought, why not. Having covered its predecessor a while back, I had high hopes this would be an improvement. Would the team behind the original listen to the feedback, or will it be much the same?

Developed by Renegade Sector Games and Eastasiasoft Limited and published by the latter, this is a run and gun title. What’s more, it has an arcade edge, is distinctly retro, and uses an obscene plot. Consequently, it has 80s vibes, is tough to look at, and is brutal on your eardrums. However, I wasn’t willing to let that put me off.

Some enemies will just keep shooting.
Dodge and weave the projectiles.

Thunder Kid II: Null Mission lacks depth.

Like the original, Thunder Kid II: Null Mission seriously lacks depth. Its simple concept, repetitive gameplay, and lack of progression hold it back. On top of this, your enemies are weak, the levels are too basic, and the bosses are simply annoying. In short, it repeats the shortcomings of its predecessor. Subsequently, I was disappointed! I expected it to evolve past its understated fundamentals, but this never happened.

Though the concept failed to excite me, I loved the story. You take control of Thunder Kid as he aims to protect humanity again. This overpowered superhero won’t stop until everyone is safe. Thankfully, he steps up as the Robot Empire has returned. Accordingly, they have kidnapped every human and wish to take over planet Earth. Conveniently, however, they left Thunder Kid behind and they’ll rue this mistake. You must traverse 7 worlds, annihilate every foe, and send the Robot Empire packing.

Avoid the bullets and stay on the platforms.

Shoot and dodge. 

The run and gun genre is renowned for its basic qualities. But, Thunder Kid II: Null Mission takes it too far. Each stage comprises an array of arenas connected by corridors. As you enter each one, you are faced with obstacles and foes. These must be overcome and then the action begins again. You’ll encounter flying machines, turrets, lasers, and grunts. Yet, with predictable movement and repetitive attack patterns, they offer little challenge. Sadly, the same can be said for the obstacles. These mind-numbingly simple obstructions are avoided easily. It was disappointing as you sauntered through each arena. I was desperate to be challenged, but this didn’t materialise.

The predictable nature of your foes was tedious. Consequently, the main mechanics of shooting and dodging were underwhelming. With some thought process and a little tactical nuance, you flew through every stage. Now, I’m not saying it needs to be the Dark Souls of the run and gun genre, but it’s too easy.

Alongside this, it is filled with bugs and glitches. First, the achievements don’t unlock. I understand this isn’t a major thing, but it is annoying nonetheless. Second, the environment sometimes kills you, and sometimes it doesn’t. Therefore, you never know what will happen. Finally, on one particular level, you become stuck in the rivers. This was annoying, as progression was nigh on impossible. These issues need resolving ASAP, otherwise, many players will be disgruntled. 

Thunder Kid II: Null Mission is wonderfully dated. 

Low-poly isn’t for everyone, but I love it. There is something about its blocky imagery and garish tones. Luckily, Thunder Kid II: Null Mission captures this perfectly on every level. Furthermore, it was interesting to play with a unique look for each world and different character models. My only concern was depth perception. Sometimes it was tough to judge distances, and this made it more frustrating. However, this is a small price to pay for such a retro treat. 

The audio enhances the old-school appeal further, still. Thanks to its ear-splitting tunes and loud sound effects, is brilliantly dated. What’s more, the synth sounds capture the era while maintaining the theme.

Thunder Kid II: Null Mission has a small amount of collectables to find.
Kill the enemies and grab the coin.

A simple concept = simple controls. 

Though I’ve been critical of many elements, the controls were great. Unsurprisingly, its simplicity makes it easy to play. However, they could have been awful. Luckily, though, they are well-considered and make up for some of the shortcomings. 

With a serious lack of depth, no character progression, and no additional modes, there is no replay value. Therefore, understandably, this impacts the longevity of an already short title. On top of this, the glitched achievement list makes it less desirable. 

Thunder Kid II: Null Mission takes a backward step. 

It’s rare that a sequel doesn’t evolve. But, Thunder Kid II: Null Mission takes a backward step. Nearly every aspect is worse than the original, and this is disappointing. I had high hopes, but they were crushed almost immediately. It is for this reason that I can’t recommend you to buy it! Yet, information regarding the title can be found here. Humanity is in trouble and a hero must come forward. Thankfully Thunder Kid is around to save the day in this easy and underwhelming affair. 

Review: Gravitar: Recharged

Daniel Waite
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Review: Gravitar: Recharged

Arcade gaming has always been popular. However, more recently there has been an upsurge of classic titles hitting the market. Thanks to Atari’s Recharged series, older and younger gamers can enjoy the early 80s titles. I’ve loved every game in this series, so I had high hopes for Gravitar: Recharged.

Developed by Adamvision Studios and SneakyBox, and published by Atari, this is an arcade shooter. It captures the masterful mechanics of the original, but it has a modern aesthetic, smooth gameplay, and plenty of new challenges to overcome. What’s more, it can be played solo and cooperatively, and this makes it better still.

Destroying the reactor is a staple mission of Gravitar: Recharged
Destroy that reactor.

Gravitar: Recharged tells a sci-fi tale.

You are a lone pilot light-years from home who must navigate uncharted territories. Consequently, you must stay alert as you leap from solar system to solar system. With deadly aliens, awful traps, and gravity to battle, you will be tested to your limits. Sadly, there is no backup or reinforcements to call upon. Therefore, it is you and your vessel against a mysterious and aggressive alien foe.

Wow, the 80s knew how to write a dramatic story. Yet, it plays second fiddle to the action that unfolds. You must complete a small selection of missions as you investigate each solar system. These comprise intel runs, all-out warfare, destruction of property, and more. Whatever your mission, gravity will hold you back! Why? You may think. Well, every planet’s gravitational pull is different. Subsequently, you must use all your skills to fly past every obstacle. In theory, it should be easy. In reality, it’ll drive you mad. You’ll fly into rocks, fall down into crevices, and make repeated errors. Yet, you’ll adore the madness and the tough action.

So many planets to pick from.
Find a planet and complete the mission.

Challenges, oh so many challenges.

The core concept reflects the original game’s ideas. But, Gravitar: Recharged ups the ante. With an array of challenges and gameplay-altering options, you are in for a treat. Yes, the mechanics are similar, but you have a distinct goal to achieve. Now, I found this rigid approach much more rewarding. It was pleasant to have a task to work towards, rather than aiming for a high score. What’s more, when working with a friend, it felt more tactical.

If you are a purist, you’ll adore the arcade action. This is because it is fast-paced, true to the original format, and it contains more surprises. However, I enjoyed the goal-based focus of the challenge mode. Alongside this, pushing myself to complete each of the 24 missions was tough. Luckily, though, I was helped by some OTT weapon upgrades.

A Recharged game would be nothing without power-ups. Fortunately, Gravitar: Recharged keeps up this tradition. With EMP grenades, homing missiles, tractor beams and more, you’ll annihilate your foes. These timed weapon boosts are key to your success, but so is your fuel. Canisters containing fuel are dotted around every planet. If you fail to collect them, you can kiss goodbye to that run. Annoyingly, the aliens love to destroy your supply, so be quick before they ruin your life.

Gravitar: Recharged looks great. 

What I love about the Recharged series is the modern take on a classic look. Gravitar: Recharged is no exception, as it looks great. Underneath, it retains its classic old-school charm. However, its neon-infused vehicles and bright and clean-cut environments bring it right up to date. What’s more, it runs perfectly with no frame rate drops or stuttering.

What’s also amazing is the eerie sci-fi audio. The haunting yet calm music is at odds with the hellish battles. Alongside this, the sound effects are varied, loud, and match the theme. The noise of laser beams, explosions, and sirens punctuates the serene soundtrack. This was phenomenal, as it adds energy to the hectic encounters.

Gravitar: Recharged is filled with danger.
Destroy the alien ship and avoid the lasers.

Simple arcade controls. 

Though much of Gravitar: Recharged has been modernised, the controls are not. Subsequently, focusing on the retro arcade approach was absolutely right. What’s more, they are responsive and their simplicity makes it easy to play. 

The original was addictive and unsurprisingly, Gravitar: Recharged is as well. Its fast-paced action, tricky flying and challenging missions make it a winner. Combine this with the cooperative gameplay, and leaderboards to top, and you get the perfect mix. Furthermore, it can be tackled casually, and that’s always a good thing.

Gravitar: Recharged is a modern classic.

Arcade gaming will never get old. Consequently, Gravitar: Recharged is a modern classic. It captures the essence of the original while polishing it for a younger audience. Veterans and newcomers will adore its sci-fi action and challenging ways. For these reasons, I recommend you to buy it here! Can you complete your mission, defeat the aliens, and return home? Well, who knows? But, if you can’t, no one will save you. 

Review: RiotPWR ESL controller

Daniel Waite
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Review: RiotPWR ESL controller

I’ve looked at many mobile gaming solutions. From the MOGA 2.0 gaming clip to the Backbone, Nacon MG-X, and finally the Gamesir X2 Lightning. These accessories all have pros and cons, but I’ve been impressed with each one. Today, I get to try out the RiotPWR ESL controller. This version is for iOS with its built-in lightning cable. However, an Android USB-C version is also available.

So, what makes this controller stand out from its peers? Well, first, it uses a traditional approach and doesn’t have a compact design. Second, it is super vivid with its eye-catching livery. Finally, it has no battery and is powered by your mobile device. Each of these elements is about to be dissected, so let’s jump on in.

Let’s get close and personal.

What’s in the box of the RiotPWR ESL controller?

  • The packaging is compact, stylish, and clean. It utilises the Xbox colour scheme and displays plenty of key selling points. What’s more, it is sturdy and the contents are well-protected. Importantly, it is easily recyclable as well.
  • The RiotPWR ESL controller. This Xbox-inspired controller has a lightning charging point, and 3.5mm audio jack, and is well built. Its button placement and features match a modern Xbox controller and are comfortable in your hand. Furthermore, it has a 2-3-foot lightning cable made from a rubberised material.
  • Information card. With scannable codes, you can download the user manual and gaming guide in seconds.
The full package.
Ready to game.
Is that a Microsoft controller?
The mobile phone clip.
A handy scannable guide.
Clean and simple packaging.

Technical aspects.

CompatabilityApple: iPad and iPhone
ConnectivityNo Bluetooth, lightning wired only
Wire length2-3 feet
BatteryNo
AppYes, Ludu Mapp
Audio3.5mm jack
Charging pointPass-through charging via the lightning port.

Wired gaming offers a superior latency-free experience. Thanks to the premium wired lightning connection, you’ll enjoy responsive controls. Alongside this, you needn’t worry about Bluetooth pairing. Accordingly, the plug-and-play feature gets you started immediately.

No battery = no problem! The RiotPWR ESL controller is charged from your mobile device. Fortunately, the low power draw ensures that your battery isn’t compromised during long sessions. However, if you run short on juice, it matters not. Thanks to its pass-through charging, you can power your mobile and keep gaming.

Social gaming and a helpful app.

The ability to stream and upload footage is a must. Thanks to the well-placed share button, this is easily achieved. On top of this, you can download the FOC Ludu Mapp App. This excellent tool helps you with multiple upload functions. Not only is it great for your socials, but it also contains helpful gaming information.

The app highlights over 1000 iOS games and apps that are fully controller compatible. Now, this may seem like a small thing, but it is not. This feature is convenient, easy to use, and is an absolute game-changer.

Sleek and simple design.

Overall impressions.

When taking a controller out with me, it needs to look great and must be robust. Luckily, the RiotPWR ESL controller does just that. With its white, green, and yellow design, and sturdy plastic shell, it is made to last and impress.

The button layout, analogue movement, and weight are on point. It has the same reassuring tactile feel as the official Microsoft accessory and is comfortable to use. However, it has a few design flaws that hold it back.

The Shortcomings!

The removable gaming clip is designed for mobile phones and sits over the controller buttons. Unlike the MOGA 2.0 gaming clip, this one obstructs your view of the pad and impacts the placement of your hands. If a higher position had been used, it would have been more flexible and comfortable.

The cable is ridiculously long and is permanently in view as you look at the screen. Now, I understand it has a multi-faceted approach for use with an iPad and other mobile devices. However, this is still an overkill. With masses of cable dangling next to your mobile screen, it looks unsightly and unprofessional.

This issue could have been easily resolved with a removable cable. This would have ensured it had a tidier finish and it could have been used for both Android and iOS. Moreover, damage to the cable will render the accessory defunct. This is a massive oversight and could cause problems down the line.

Is the RiotPWR ESL controller worth it?

So, we know what the controller is capable of, but is it worth the asking price? At $59.99 it is quite pricey, but it is cheaper than the Backbone, Nacon MG-X, and the Gamesir X2 Lightning. Therefore, it is good value in comparison. Yet, the MOGA 2.0 gaming clip and an official controller cost about the same. Consequently, it is probably a little on the sleep side. However, I still loved it and I recommend that you buy it here! Or, you can purchase it from Amazon!

Summary.

Though there were some niggles and design flaws, the RiotPWR ESL controller is a good purchase. It is sturdy and looks great. You must also consider its user-friendly and informative app and its excellent sharing features. It sits between the silver and gold awards, but I believe a generous gold award is deserved. If you want a traditional controller exclusively for mobile gaming, then look no further.

(More information on RiotPWR can be found here!)

The RiotPWR ESL controller is awarded a generous Movies Games and Tech Gold award.

Review (Early Access): V Rising

Lee Fairweather
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Review (Early Access): V Rising

When I first watched the trailer for V Rising, I wasn’t particularly enthralled with what I’d seen. This was because I had recently finished a 400 hour-long playthrough of Lost Ark. By that point, I was ready to take a break from the ARPG genre for the foreseeable future. At least, that was my plan.

A friend of mine, in his constant grind to find co-op games to play, decided that we were going to give V Rising a chance. After some fairly light hearted coercing on his part, I finally caved in and purchased my copy. Thankfully, this turned out to be a great decision.

Stunlock Studios, the developers and publishers of V Rising, have created a gothic world full to the brim with content. You play as a Vampire who has recently been resurrected after centuries of slumber. Like other games in the survival crafting genre, you have to gather resources, build up your base and, of course, survive the perils of the world.

Gameplay

Combat

The isometric viewpoint of V Rising allows for gameplay scenarios seldom seen in the genre. For instance, combat sequences take full advantage of the perspective with attacks and projectiles firing at you from all angles. This leads to some intense moments, which, ultimately, feel more rewarding as you are solely reliant on your skills to overcome each obstacle.

What’s more, you never feel as though the game is working against you. All movement options are fluid and seamless. You can dodge out of the way by dashing in one direction, then rotate your camera to sprint towards an isolated enemy. The best description I can give is that it feels incredibly natural to perform.

There are two main ways of fighting in V Rising. You have general weapons like swords and crossbows, each of which have their own attack pattern and style. There is enough variance amongst them that you’re bound to find something you’ll enjoy.

You also have access to various spell schools. These include blood, frost, unholy, chaos and illusion. They all share similar ideologies when it comes to how they act, but it’s the underlying effect that change depending on the school it belongs too. For example, frost will slow a target making it easier to kite around them, whereas blood will allow you to sap life out of your enemies.

Spells vary from offensive to defensive. They cover everything from fireballs, which do AoE damage, to counters, which stun your enemies upon being hit. You are also free to change your spells out whenever you want, meaning you can always choose the optimal setup for any given fight.

Survival

V Rising does a fantastic job of leaning into the vampire aesthetic. Things like walking into direct sunlight will cause your character to starting burning. You have to avoid this by walking in between shaded spots in the daytime, or waiting until nightfall.

The standard food and water meters, seen in the likes of Ark: Survival Evolved, have been ditched in place of a blood gauge. Preforming any action will cause this to slowly deplete over time. It’s up to you to maintain it by finding victims to feed off of. Thankfully, there are plenty of humans, animals and other creatures around to quench your thirst.

Although the blood gauge is a nice stylistic choice, it also directly impacts your character as well. Depending on the level of the creature you feed from, you’ll be given certain bonuses. These can include things like extra life regain, increased damage, or resistance to the sun. On top of this, you can use your blood gauge to restore some of your health in the heat of battle.

Building

Staying with the vampire themes, V Rising allows you to build the gothic castle of your dreams. The isometric camera makes this insanely easy to do. You start by placing down a ‘Castle Heart’ which provides you with your own plot of land to build on. You then use the grid like system to build your home in any way you desire. The system is very user friendly, and if you do happen to make a mistake, you can simply undo it to gain your resources back.

Gathering materials in this game isn’t a tedious venture either. You often gain the resources you need just by playing the game normally. If it still seems to slow to you, then you can simply up the drop rate in the server options menu.

Progression

You progress through the game by defeating an array of powerful bosses. These reward you with new item recipes, spells, and things like workstations to craft gear on. While you can technically attempt to fight any boss you want at any given time, you’ll find that it is nigh on impossible to do so without reaching that bosses level first.

Levelling up in V Rising isn’t done through the usual XP system. Instead, your level is strictly tied to the weapons and armour you currently have equipped. This means you’re only as powerful as the last boss you defeated. As such, it’s more beneficial to go through the bosses in order to receive your next appropriate gear upgrade.

To keep this from feeling repetitive, each boss has their own unique move set. These sequences include varying mechanics for you to learn which push your character to their upmost limit. You can either play V Rising in a PvP or PvE world as the game does a fantastic job at catering to both sides. You also have the choice to play with friends or on your own, both of which share an equally enjoyable experience.

Art and Audio

The art direction complements the medieval and gothic vibes perfectly. The environments range from dense forests to lush fields, and, in a really cool design choice, change dramatically depending on the time of day. Towns and settlements are seemingly inspired by the likes of Dracula, with cobblestone roads and looming Victorian-esque houses. These all provide the perfect playground to reek havoc on your unsuspecting prey.

Audio wise, there isn’t too much to say. The soundtrack blends into the background and elevates the idea that you’re playing as a heinous vampire. Similarly, the sound effects resonate well with what is transpiring on screen, and have been recorded satisfactorily.

Conclusion

In a market muddled with subpar survival games, V Rising is a noticeable step above the rest. The vampire aesthetic is executed upon phenomenally well, and the ARPG mechanics match the themes to perfection. Progression and base building are intuitively designed, and feature some nice range of depth to them. All in all, this is a superb game and a much-welcomed change of pace. It should only serve to get better once it eventually leaves early access.

Review: Flippin Kaktus

Daniel Waite
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Review: Flippin Kaktus

80s gaming has got a lot to answer for. Yes, it created some of the best and most original pieces, but it’s also responsible for some insane projects. Consequently, when a developer is inspired by this era, you never know what will happen. Flippin Kaktus is one such game that is hard-hitting and bloody bizarre.

Developed by Rage++ and published by No Gravity Games, this is a tactical platform adventure title. It has an aggressive story, a wild west theme, and plenty of violence. What’s more, it caters to calm minds and angry individuals. Subsequently, there are endless approaches to each stage, and this makes it unique and addictive.

Flippin Kaktus is unforgiving. 

Now, I’ve played some tough titles. Only recently I’ve reviewed TEN and I thought that was hard enough. However, my punishment continues as I grind my way through Flippin Kaktus. This unforgiving title will chew you up, spit you out, and stomp on your carcass. Therefore, understandably, my screams of rage were all par for the course! Though there are plenty of tools and techniques to overcome every problem, it’s still brutal. Accordingly, you’ll rage quit more than normal while vowing never to return.

The story behind Flippin Kaktus is one of drugs, anger, and revenge. When the Calaveras drugs cartel raids the hero’s home, he goes berserk. He must save his foster family from this evil organisation no matter the cost. At heart, he is a mellow cactus who wants a quiet life. Yet, there is a rage inside of him that is uncontrollable. When he breaks, you better watch out! If you are in his way, you’ll be annihilated. It is this power that he must now harness if he is to save the day.

The softly, softly approach isn't always viable.
Destroy the barrels and carve a new path.

Softly, softly, or all-out warfare. 

Flippin Kaktus is a game of many choices. The hero can use the environment and the interactive objects to his advantage. If he does this, he’ll avoid their attention like a green spikey ninja. You can wear a sombrero, hide behind bushes, push crates, dive into barrels, wear armour, and more as you hide in the shadows. However, this option is risky. Not only does it require perfection, but you must also test your reactions. Moreover, if you are spotted, you’ll have to avoid bullets, leap cattle prods, and run for your life. On top of this, there are falling bridges, spiked traps, flamethrowers, and more.

If the softly, softly approach isn’t your style, then worry not. Rage and revenge go hand in hand, and this is a fantastic thing. Simply allow yourself to be kicked by a donkey, and the party begins. The hero will see red and can destroy anything in his way. However, the rage power is short-lived, so you have to be careful. What’s more, it also leaves you with one bar of health. Therefore, you must be mindful of your approach, otherwise, you will die. 

Whichever option you choose, they are both viable paths. Moreover, experimenting with different styles was half the fun. Furthermore, the difficulty of the gameplay ensures that you will die. Accordingly, you lose little by trying out different styles. I thought this concept was fantastic, and though it was a little unorthodox, it works perfectly with the maddening action.

Boom, boom, boom, Flippin Kactus is full of surprises.
Watch it rain hell-fire!!!

Graphically, Flippin Kaktus is disappointing. 

I’m not usually fussed about graphics, but Flippin Kaktus disappointed me. Its dated style, pixelated imagery, and simple level design are underwhelming. Furthermore, the lack of detail was disappointing, and I yearned for much more. With such an interesting concept, the developers could have been more experimental and risqué. However, instead, you are treated to clichéd worlds and insipid characters.

This sadly leaches into the audio. The Western-themed music works well but lacks a cutting edge. What’s more, it is devoid of energy and this makes the gameplay feel flat. Alongside this, the sound effects lack oomph and each weapon appears bland. Again, it was a shame, as there was potential for a great experience.

Dark and mysterious levels await you on your journey.
Dark and mysterious levels await you.

A supertanker is more accurate. 

Tight and responsive controls are the minimum standard for platforming titles. Annoyingly, Flippin Kaktus lumbers along like a sloth. Its unresponsive controls have the accuracy of a supertanker. Consequently, death is a certainty and frustration is all but assured. With some minor tweaks, it could be vastly improved.

Thanks to its two unique approaches, there is some longevity and replay value. However, because of its shortcomings, you may not wish to return. I adored the interesting ideas, but I was disappointed by much of the action. Therefore, I struggled with the idea of playing it repeatedly.

Flippin Kaktus is an underwhelming retro title. 

I wish I could be more positive, but I can’t. Flippin Kaktus should have been a great retro experience. Yet, it left me wanting so much more. Sadly, it’s flawed in many ways because of its cumbersome controls. If this issue can be addressed, the game would be vastly improved. I can’t recommend it, but more information can be found here! Revenge and rage go hand in hand, but will you take a stealthier approach? 

Review: Dungeon Defenders Awakened

Alex Chessun
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Review: Dungeon Defenders Awakened

Jumping into a new gaming franchise for the first time can be a daunting task. Whether it’s a series that’s 7 story games long or a sports franchise that’s been running for 30 years, getting up to speed is a challenge. 

With that in mind, today’s challenge is Dungeon Defenders Awakened, the 3rd game in a 4+ game copy-paste tower defense franchise. 

If there’s anything that makes this challenge slightly easier to bare, however, it’s the fact that the developer – Chromatic – always releases these games on Steam first and foremost, giving console owners an interesting look-see behind the curtain of development and that rare opportunity to see how it performed. 

Sadly, although it was released 2 years ago, the answer to that is poorly, and this kickstarted remake of Dungeon Defenders looks to be nothing more than a poorly-veiled final cash grab with the developer now focusing its efforts on Dungeon Defenders: Going Rogue – a game in Early Access on Steam that was originally going to be Awakened DLC, before abandoning the ship and creating a new game entirely – which is currently at half the price.

I should also add that you can play the game’s predecessor – Dungeon Defenders 2 – as a free-to-play multiplayer game on all platforms. But before you decide that your $30 is better left in your wallet – which it is – let’s get into what Awakened offers, which is mindless action RPG loot gameplay, where you need to defeat waves of enemies and prevent them from destroying your ‘towers’, or in this case – cores. Rinse and repeat. 

The opening cutscene isn’t skippable for the first 37 seconds……..because I don’t value my time I guess?

There are plenty of characters and abilities, which allow for a large combination of defenses and weapons to be laid out on the maps, but the game’s formula and mechanisms are so basic and predictable that success is almost academic. This is due to the very narrow path level design and pre-determined enemy behavior – the game even showing their pathways in build mode – that has them spawn from their entrance and travel directly to your cores and mindlessly to their death. This means that the battle is more about you knowing the abilities available to you and where to place your defenses – which the map makes incredibly obvious – rather than any challenge the enemies provide.   

Up to 4-player multiplayer papers over those cracks – to an extent – as you have to work with others and overcome their weaknesses to succeed, fostering communication and loot sharing between teammates. This isn’t to say that there’s nothing enjoyable about the single-player mode, but if anything, it can be thought of as an extended multiplayer tutorial that gets old very quickly.

Nearly 5 identical modes for single and multiplayer make up the entire thing as well, which ultimately makes DDA feel like a cheap update to the original, as it only really improves the visuals, and ignores the improvements that DD2 offered in better maps and action. 

Hmmm, I wonder where I should place my weapons for enemies that religiously stick to paths??

If this was the first game in the series you could forgive some of the issues, but when DD2 is completely free (DDA having both a purchase fee and ps plus requirement), every single advantage DD2 has over DDA has Gandalf’s “You shall not pass” echoing in my ears – there is simply no justification for you to go down that road.  

One of my bugbears with RPGs is when attacks are met with almost zero visible reaction from enemies, with a number appearing above an enemy’s head, and a dull sound to combine for miserable feedback from the game. Unfortunately, when aligned with floaty controls and attacks with zero weight, Awakened‘s characters feel like animated plastic bags that swing toothpicks at padded pillows. Ridiculous comparison aside, it’s strangely relaxing, and the easy difficulty may act as a nice wind down from a hard day, but I don’t think that’s what the game is going for exactly.

With the ability to heal and mostly weak enemies, there’s not a lot of point leveling up any other stats other than attack and ability.

Adding yet more wood to the bonfire of my disappointment is the fact that DD2 does everything DDA doesn’t. Larger and more expansive maps have huge and chaotic enemy crowds that make things challenging and unpredictable, but the best thing about it is that the basic attacks have better feedback, and I feel like my character is actually attacking something, and the enemy in turn reacting like they are receiving damage. The pillows and toothpicks are gone and the action feels meaningful – it’s comparatively glorious. You can also change your character in the predecessor mid-fight in DD2 which is a feature absent in Awakened – yet another puzzling omission to add to the list.   

After laying down a base plant, my character’s best abilities – a laser flower and suicidal homing explosive mushrooms – wrecks havok before needing to be replenished or fixed after receiving damage or reducing in number.

Unless you are familiar with the series and wish to play a remake of the original, I would recommend playing DD2 for free, and then waiting to see which game the developer pulls the plug on (Awakened or Going Rogue) before committing to a purchase that requires multiplayer to enhance Awakened’s dull gameplay. 

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