Review: Submerged: Hidden Depths

Daniel Waite
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Review: Submerged: Hidden Depths
https://youtu.be/7LeUf5h4J9k

Survival is mankind’s strongest instinct. Yet, when you are facing an all-powerful foe, all hope is bound to be lost. Consequently, you’ll turn to your family for support as you try to overcome the heinous obstacles in your path. Submerged: Hidden Depths captures this solitude and despair in its melancholy, but peaceful story. 

Developed and published by Uppercut Games, this is a relaxing but sombre adventure title. It is the sequel to Submerged the award-winning game. Subsequently, it has strong foundations that evolve in this instalment. A word of warning, however, this won’t be for everyone because of its lack of combat and slow pace. Yet, if you love moody music, playful cutscenes, and simple puzzles, then this is definitely for you.

Submerged: Hidden Depths has a simple story. 

A gift is supposed to be a wonderful and heartfelt thing. Therefore, you wouldn’t expect one to turn you into an outsider. This is what happens to Miku and Taku, the sibling protagonists in this tale. Miku was gifted a special power that causes flowers to grow from her arm. People are scared of this gift and banish the pair from their homes. However, they shouldn’t have acted so rashly. This ability overcomes the black roots that are threatening mankind. Consequently, the pair must work together to find seeds to destroy the plants and save the world.

This is about the crux of the story. Once the opening scenes play out, there isn’t much acknowledgement of its existence. Yet, this wasn’t a bad thing as the action focuses heavily on the siblings and the situation. I adored the bond between the pair and the jovial moments they shared. Their relationship juxtaposes the melancholy world you explore, and it was a bittersweet experience.

Much of the action is a blend of Kevin Costner’s Waterworld and the game The Falconeer. I make these comparisons because there are distinct elements of despair, destruction, and loss. Alongside this, there is a large and sparse world to explore, with undertones of fear and isolation. In short, it’s not a laugh a minute, but it is endearing and you’ll adore the lead characters. 

Memories linger until the seeds are destroyed.
Destroy the seed and remove the memories.

No combat, no violence, just exploration!

Adventure games rarely ignore combat mechanics. However, Submerged: Hidden Depths does just that. The developers have created an ultra-relaxing title that has no fighting or violence at its core. This may confuse or disappoint some, but I found it to be refreshing and brave. Moreover, this ensured the other key elements took centre stage.

At the heart of the gameplay is exploration. You sail a decrepit vessel between islands, lookouts, relics, and more. It is an essential tool that allows you to search ruins and progress the story.

Alongside the vast ocean is a ridiculous amount of collectables to find. There are ship pieces to alter your boat’s appearance, flowers to collect, animals to tag, and diary entries to find. These snippets of information were wonderful as they drip-fed the lore of the land. This was an excellent idea, as it added some much-needed depth.

Submerged: Hidden Depths has some stunning creatures to find.
One of the many stunning creatures you’ll find.

Puzzles and seeds. 

The aforementioned black roots can only be overcome with Miku’s gift and by collecting enormous seeds. I admit it was a bizarre idea that I never understood. What’s more, it was rarely challenging to achieve. Consequently, I spent my time wondering if the action would ever become harder.

This lack of a challenge sadly leeches into the puzzling moments, and this was frustrating. I could accept the lack of combat and the other simple elements. However, I expected the puzzles to test me. At best, you’re searching for any collectables or hidden paths. At worse, the answer is given to you on a plate. I get the relaxed vibe, but I think it went a little too far.

Submerged: Hidden Depths looks nice, but it has issues.

As you begin your journey, the vivid colours and azure ocean are noticeable. They stand out like a sore thumb amongst the destruction before you. What’s more, there is a vast emptiness that’s haunting, yet alluring. All these elements combine to add to the sombre and melancholy atmosphere. On top of this, there is a fascinating blend of landmarks to visit and islands/buildings to explore. Subsequently, you won’t tire of exploring this dank world. 

However, it’s not perfect! There are many visual glitches in both the cinematic and the open gameplay. Alongside this, it’s hard to identify steps and ledges and this makes it tough to navigate tight spaces. Unfortunately, this impacts the gameplay, and I wished it was better polished.

The graphics were problematic at times, but the audio was perfect. Its sombre tones set the mood while highlighting the protagonist’s plight. With a lack of spoken dialogue, I was amazed by how emotive it was. The use of tone and pitch brilliantly deliver poignant moments and I adored it.

Slide, swing, and jump between the islands in Submerged: Hidden Depths.
Slide your way across the map.

Easy to understand controls. 

A simple game needs simple controls, right? Absolutely it does and thankfully Submerged: Hidden Depths is as straightforward as you can hope for. With an excellent UI, highlighted button commands, and basic instructions, you will not struggle to master this.

The story lasts between 4 to 5 hours with another 3 or so are needed to mop up the loose ends. Furthermore, there is a ridiculous amount of collectables to find and a reasonably large world to explore. Consequently, there is some longevity and replay value. 

Submerged: Hidden Depths is relaxing but lacks challenge.

I was desperate for Submerged: Hidden Depths to jump to the next level. Sadly, though, it rigidly sticks to its guns, and that was frustrating. Yes, it’s relaxing and rewarding when you collect every seed. However, I wanted more. It’s a great game, but it wasn’t for me, sadly. All things considered though, I recommend you to buy it here! Will the siblings save the world or is the damage already done? Sail the ocean, find the seeds, and destroy the black roots. 

Review: Winter Ember

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Winter Ember

Revenge is a dish best served cold. However, it’s also an all-consuming power that will control every aspect of your being. Consequently, you must be strong-willed, disciplined, and willing to see your plans through. Winter Ember focuses on this dark emotion in its cruel and melancholy plot.

Developed by Skymachine Studios and published by Blowfish Studios, this is an isometric stealth game. It’s set in a seedy and sinister Victorian world and relies heavily on dark shades and moody music. What’s more, it utilises crafting and RPG elements as well as an expansive landscape to explore. I found it to be unnecessarily cruel at times, as well as being disjointed and perhaps a little too adventurous with its core mechanics. In short, it doesn’t get everything right, but it’ll appeal to many gamers, nonetheless.

Winter Ember tells a familiar tale.

Wanting to seek revenge for wrongdoings against your family has been done a million times before. Yet, if it’s done well, we can overlook the well-trodden story. I admit I admired Winter Ember and its rich plot and sinister world. At first glance, it was captivating, and I found the sombre mood to be endearing. However, this does somewhat wear off as the game lingers on.

You control Arthur Artorias, the only surviving member of a powerful and rich aristocratic family. After the dust settled and the crimes were “forgotten”, Arther started to piece together his plan. Subsequently, he trained to become a thief and an assassin! His new skills allow him to discover the truth and right the wrongs of the past. As I said, it’s not the most inventive of tales. Yet, it works well with the setting while providing some much-needed depth to the gameplay.

Your prey won't know what hit them.
He never felt a thing.

Wonderful stealth mechanics. 

Unsurprisingly, the stealth mechanics in this stealthy title are incredible. There is something truly fascinating about hiding in the shadows and pouncing on your foes. Fortunately, Winter Ember captures this essence perfectly within its gameplay. Each area you visit has items that you can hide behind or within. Whether it’s a chest to dive into, reeds to crouch behind, or crates to stand on top of, it has it all. Furthermore, you can extinguish flames to enhance the shadowy world that is essential to your success.

This lowlight setting is supported perfectly by the clever use of line-of-sight mechanics. Therefore, most of the landscape is hidden behind a “fog of war”. Consequently, the map will only reveal itself when your line of sight is clear. Thankfully, this also applies to your opponents, so if you can’t see them, they can’t see you. I adored this deadly game of cat and mouse as it brought out the inner assassin in me. However, the slow and steady approach won’t be for everyone! Winter Ember requires an awful lot of planning and patience and the occasionally snail-like pace can be unbearable.

This being said, if you like a slower and methodical title, then this will be perfect for you. You’ll enjoy searching manor houses, peeking through locks, peering through windows, and clambering over rafters. All in all, it creates an absorbing and sneaky game that demands a calm and well-thought-out approach.

Enemies will block your attacks. You must be wise and overcome their defences.
Use your skills to overcome their defence.

From sublime to disappointing!

Games rarely divide my opinion as much as Winter Ember has. When it got everything right, it was phenomenal. Unfortunately, though, it got too many elements wrong. First, there is the badly synced cinematic that also juxtaposes the Victorian setting. This was stylish to look at, but it simply didn’t work with the grimy world that’s been created. It reeked of a lack of direction and watered-down the end product. Second, the RPG elements were poorly implemented. New abilities and character improvements were actioned with skill points. These collectables were found in locked areas and were awarded for success in quests. However, the style of the game ensures that there is little benefit as you improve each of the 70 skills. It was a shame as the potential is plain to see! Somehow, the execution of these ideas wasn’t seen through and it undermines the action significantly.

Though I found these areas to be lacklustre, the crafting and theft elements were great. As you wander the streets, you’ll gather resources and steal valuable items. These can then be used to make an array of arrows and to earn you considerable sums of cash. I loved the selection of ammo on offer as each executes a unique task. Whether it was to take down an opponent, melt ice, extinguish fire, activate switches, and more, they add to the complex and puzzling moments. Cash, on the other hand, is used to bribe people, buy favour, and purchase items from the black market. I found this to be balanced, fair, and an excellent way to ensure you kept searching for goods in every room you entered.

Winter Ember was confusing to navigate.

I expected that Winter Ember would be dark and gloomy as well as atmospheric. However, what I didn’t expect was it to be a pain in the arse to navigate. Consequently, exploring each of the claustrophobic hideouts, houses, and city streets was frustrating as hell. Hindered massively by its isometric viewpoint and grainy imagery, it’s a real turnoff. What’s more, the map is appalling and identifying ways to progress is challenging. I believe the developers had good intentions with their simple UI, but it backfired horribly. Subsequently, a bit more direction would have helped to overcome the many graphical issues.

It’s not all doom and gloom, as the audio is fantastic. There is a real sense of danger and grit within each of the songs. Alongside the atmospheric music were the realistic sound effects. I adored the swish of the sword, the twang of the bow, and the clunk of locks being picked. There is also an array of soundbites that add a human element to each of your foes. 

Winter Ember is cold and dank.
Don’t let the snow stand in your way.

Strange controls. 

I love when a developer focuses on a simple control setup. However, if it’s too basic, it causes confusion and frustration. Winter Ember falls into this trap as it overlays several commands onto the same button. Accordingly, you’ll make irreversible mistakes. Whether you try to roll, but fall from a great height instead, or fail to stealth kill someone, it has a significant impact on the gameplay. What’s more, the buttons weren’t as responsive as I’d have liked. Sadly, this causes more issues, as your foes will spot you and kill you. I expected much better and sadly, this didn’t deliver.

Thanks to its slow and methodical approach, this oozes longevity. But your patience will be tested to the limit as you’ll die repeatedly. This shouldn’t be a problem, but checkpoints are sparsely located and losing all progress will make you scream. I admit that I played this sporadically as the constant fear of death reduced the enjoyment considerably.

Winter Ember has potential. 

There was such potential for this to be phenomenal, but it fell short. Yes, the stealth elements, audio, and longevity are fantastic, but everything else is lacklustre. Consequently, I spent more time groaning than I did having fun, and that’s not good. Winter Ember left a bitter taste in my mouth as I expected so much more. Sadly, I don’t recommend you to buy it at this time. However, more information can be found here! Will you put your new training to the test? You should, as revenge is on the cards if you are patient enough. 

Review: GameSir X2 Lightning.

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: GameSir X2 Lightning.

Mobile gaming is big business. Now, I’m not talking about Nintendo Switch, as that is a whole different beast. No, I’m discussing the likes of xCloud from Microsoft and Google Stadia. The latter sadly didn’t take off, but xCloud is massive! Subsequently, where there is demand, new products come to the fore. Recently we have seen a meteoric rise in gaming clips, for example, the MOGA 2.0 gaming clip. Alongside this, you’ll see a full range of third-party Bluetooth controllers. Yet, I’m not here to discuss these either. Instead, I want to look at the GameSir X2 Lightning device. 

iOS users were bitterly disappointed when Microsoft focused its soft launch of xCloud on Android devices. However, a subsequent full rollout in specific countries allows Apple users to enjoy the benefits of this streaming service. Therefore, these consumers are going to want and deserve the best gaming experience and the biggest bang for their buck. Consequently, this is where the GameSir X2 Lightning device comes into play. It’s lightweight, easy to set up and good to look at. So, let’s wait no longer and see what’s on offer. 

What will you play on your GameSir X2 Lightning device?
Stylish and simple design.

What’s in the box of the GameSir X2 Lightning device? 

  • The accessory comes in a flimsy and lightweight cardboard box. It is bright and simple to look at. Furthermore, it has all the key selling points and is emblazoned with the company logo. Thankfully, it is easily recyclable and I applaud the manufacturers for their efforts. 
  • GameSir travel case. This basic but attractive, tough case is black and burnt orange and will easily protect the contents. It’s stylish, well made, and lightweight. 
  • The GameSir X2 Lightning device. It is nestled within the protective case and is secured by elastic cords. It’s robust, bright, and easy to use. 
  • Accessories box. This holds the instruction manual, spare analogue stick covers, and several stickers. Like the outer packaging, the box is red and is also recyclable. 
Simple but effective packaging.
The clean and simple packaging
It comes with a handy carry case.
A handy carry case.
The GameSir X2 Lightning is safely stored away.
Safely stored away.
Simple but sleek design.
GameSir X2 Lightning.
GameSir X2 Lightning has a nice accessory package.
The accessory box.
The full package.
This is what you get in the box.

Technical aspects. 

The GameSir X2 Lightning is compatible with an iOS device that uses a lightning charging port. What’s more, it will comfortably house any phone between 100mm and 173mm in length. Therefore, many Apple devices are suitable for this accessory. 

Thanks to its hard-wired approach, latency is a thing of the past. Unlike its Bluetooth peers, you won’t experience lag or connectivity issues, and this was phenomenal. Alongside the plug and play functionality, is the ability to charge your device through the additional lightning port. This was an excellent decision from the manufacturer as you need not worry about your battery life. 

The button layout is as important as potential latency issues. Luckily, the GameSir X2 Lightning excels here as well. The smaller than normal buttons are comfortable to use, easy to locate and feel nice against your thumbs. What’s more, the bumpers are perfectly placed and the L3 and R3 analogue inputs work well. 

The GameSir X2 Lightning is usable for an array of streaming services.
Which service will you use it for?

Is the GameSir X2 Lightning device worth it? 

If mobile gaming is your thing, then I’m sure you’ve done extensive research. You’ve already identified the simplicity of the MOGA 2.0 gaming clip, or the brilliance of the Razer Kishi. Yes, there are other devices available, but these are the most popular alternatives out there. However, the MOGA clip is inexpensive, but it requires a separate controller, and that’s just clumsy. The Razer Kishi, on the other hand, is excellent but expensive. So, where does that leave us? The GameSir X2 Lightning, that’s where! 

It is inexpensive, well built, comfortable to use, and allows you to charge your device. Furthermore, it has a handy carry case, is lightweight and it will take a beating thanks to its robust design. On top of this, it has a spring-loaded clip that comfortably adjusts to house an array of iOS devices. 

The simplicity of its design and the sleek buttons make it a great option for mobile gaming. I adore its clean look and no-nonsense style. Moreover, its plug and play functionality is user-friendly. Subsequently, it can be mastered by the biggest of technophobes. It’s a fantastic bit of kit and I recommend you to buy it here! Improve your gaming experience with this mobile, low latency and inexpensive controller.

Summary. 

The GameSir X2 Lightning device stands out from its peers because of its design and price point. It’s easy to set up, comfortable to use, and robust. It’s an excellent and affordable alternative to the Razer Kishi and a wonderful accessory for Apple gaming fanatics. 

(More information of GameSir products can be found here!)

The Movies Games and Tech Gold award.

Review: Tape: Unveil the Memories

Jonah Ehlers
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Review: Tape: Unveil the Memories

Sins of the Father

In the small town of Antumbria, Spain in 1997, Iria, our protagonist, finds an old videotape from her father. An acclaimed director of horror films who, as it turns out, had disappeared years ago. She watches the tape, discovering a message from the missing man. This leads her down a rabbit hole to find out what happened to him, and eventually what dark secrets her town and family share.

After watching the tape and experiencing somewhat of a quick and unwitting interdimensional trip, (I struggle to describe what else it could be) Iria finds herself in a deserted hospital. But things are not quite right. Why is she alone in this place? Why are benches and chairs floating in the air? And why is a monster made out of film reels stalking her?

Before you land up in the hospital, a quick perusal of Iria’s home reveals that her father’s passion for horror had passed down to her. Her room is filled with books, magazines, and films in the genre. Tape: Unveil the Memories is packed with references to and spoofs of classic horrors, Like Caroline’s Baby (Rosemary’s Baby) and The Gleaming (The Shining). These references carry over to this pocket dimension, along with some of her father’s work. His screenplays, storyboards, and film equipment are strewn about the place, making this a nexus for both father and daughter.  

The mystery of her missing father went a lot deeper than I was expecting. Taking some drastic and dark turns that really threw me for a loop. I enjoyed the way the story was told. Through notes, storyboards, and correspondence that when viewed alone made little sense, but all came together to form a tale interweaving Iria’s memories and her father’s secrets. 

Use Your Time Wisely

This place she finds herself in is constantly guiding her towards the truth of her father’s disappearance. At times, it even seems like her father is actually the one guiding her. As you explore you come across more tapes, these begin to change from one-sided messages to more of a dialogue. Her father even answers her directly through certain recordings. Doors open as she finds certain items, and the layout of areas changes to lead her to the next piece of the puzzle.

However, her hand isn’t held the entire way through. This place completely ignores the rules that govern time and space. Your first clue, of course, is the levitating furniture. Often your path is blocked because of this, or secrets are hidden behind puzzles that require you to disobey the laws of time and space yourself. 

Your tool to accomplish that feat is an old video camera that once belonged to Iria’s father. It may have just been a regular old camera in the real world, but here, it holds some very interesting power. It can freeze and move certain objects forward and backwards through time. It’s a cool mechanic that initially sounds like it can lead to some trippy and innovative gameplay moments. 

However, there were many puzzles that never really lived up to that promise. These were often disappointingly simple and straightforward. Rewind a couple of things to unblock a doorway, or piece together a broken item of interest. As the game progresses the puzzles get slightly more interesting, but not enough of them really went that extra mile. Luckily those few that did, made for some creative moments. Such as one puzzle that had you fast-forward a falling vanity table in order to get the mirror to ground level. This enabled you to then crawl through to the other side, into the same room, but with slight differences.

You Again?

Although the puzzles do make up a good chunk of gameplay, there’s also a fair amount of slow and monotonous sneaking around. I mentioned earlier, that as you explore this fever dream a hulking mass of a creature pops out of walls and slowly patrols rooms to provide a bit of danger to your quest. You’ll then need to use cover and avoid red beams of light from its three lens-like eyes to go about your business. 

This creature matches the straightforward feeling of the weaker puzzles. It will essentially walk back and forth slowly, making it laughably easy to avoid it. As a consequence, whatever sense of fear you may have had at first quickly disappears. There’s not enough variety in this portion of gameplay and the beast showed up a little too often. At a certain point, you feel more inconvenienced than anything else. 

As you fall deeper into the mystery, what started as a hospital quickly begins to take another form. Holes in hospital walls and floors with film burned edges start to let wallpaper and carpets bleed through, as Iria’s memories begin to overlap. Reality in this place begins to crumble more and more as your own bearings and sense of direction start to become muddled. These make for some interesting visual moments, and combined with the time-bending camera begin to take on an Inception-like style. The visuals, while not initially striking definitely had some stand-out moments. Especially towards the end when everything just goes bananas.

Tape: Unveil the Memories is a game with an interesting idea, but unfortunately just falls a bit short. While the narrative and drip-fed creative puzzles kept me going, it became somewhat of a chore by the end. With some more variety in gameplay, and additional complex puzzles, this could definitely have been a big winner for me. While I wanted to love it, I just couldn’t quite get there.

Review: Time Loader

Natosha M
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Review: Time Loader

Are you ready for a new puzzle game that will keep your mind working harder to figure out problems of the past to prevent disasters in the future? As we play as the little hero, a toy-sized robot who must travel back in time to repair everything that may be problematic that will require a bit of planning to get from one location. Hopefully to repair the issue and have the future come out bright and disaster-free for our creator.

The entire game has plenty of obstacle-style puzzles to accomplish, keeping players busy gaming for hours. Even as cute and small as we may appear, we still are quite mighty and are provided with plenty of awesome weapons and tools to use. Everything must be done accurately or the consequences maybe not be all that great. Even as we get to listen to some 90s music, our main goal is to be a hero and prevent the future disaster that our creator had us travel back in time to fix. So the only question that would be fitting is to ask is if you have what it takes to prevent future disasters in this game, Time Loader?

Graphics

The visual appearance of the game is rather nice! Each location has a beautifully built background of a normal size home. It also is filled with regular-sized items and objects, when traveling to the 90s there will be actual items like a classic Nintendo Gameboy, floppy disc-taking computers, an actual floppy disc, and a few more flashback items of the 90s. As the little robot, we appear similar to a toy in a room of large objects. The entire scene is correctly designed and provides a clear view of that effect. The game makes it quite easy to know which object or location may be accessible and useful during the game.

One aspect of the graphics, which I really adored is that the game didn’t skimp on the timing and realistic effects of the robot or any of the items brought to life. The most fantastic feeling occurs when you use the analog stick to move the robot. The wheels rolling on any surface during the game and the robot’s single-arm raising and being used to grab an object feels amazing! Just as if the player is the actual small robot in the game!

Plus, adding in those realistic visual effects, makes the entire movement and action being done or created while moving the robot feel so real. Especially how difficult it is to actually grab an object and use the controls to throw or do certain actions. I don’t know if I’m unhappy with the difficulty, as it feels a bit real and gets easier to figure out over time. There is one other issue and it’s the loading time. The game takes a bit of time to load from one section to the next. Even if it’s a bit slow, the new tasks during the game popup pretty well and it doesn’t seem to hinder any flaws.

Sound

The music is mediocre for a flashback to the 90s. It’s got a slight upbeat tune which can be an excellent sound to this slightly-adventurous puzzling game. However, the music is so weak in the volume department. Since I do like to listen to something with a bit more rhythm and beat when playing a puzzle game or any game, to be honest. Unfortunately, this game doesn’t provide such loud background music even having the music turned up as high as possible.

There are plenty of obstacles that occur in the same home throughout the game which is easy to hear a bit more of the music, but in other parts of the game it’s very low and light. I just think that it needs a small tweaking in the volume range to be a bit louder. This would make the game so much better if the music was as loud as the robotics voice. I’m glad I can say that the speech in the game is plenty helpful and able to be heard, but the music is even very light on the highest setting.

Final Thoughts

So are you looking to bring an original game, starring a robot as the little hero and tasks that need to be figured out to your daily gaming agenda? Well, this is one that will do just that! Providing such an assortment of obstacles that require planning and perfect timing to get you to move on to the next. It’s not super easy or too hard, maybe the only difficult portion is getting a hang of the robot’s control on the Nintendo Switch Lite. However, getting a handle on the controls and engaging in the challenging part is what makes this game quite amazing and entertaining!

Plus, for the outstanding puzzles that a small robot must be used to solve, it won’t be like any other game. I think that’s a bit part of why I love this game as well as it really puts the brain to work. Regardless, this is a wonderful game, with plenty of puzzles and beautiful background scenes and objects to marvel at while playing.

Review: Hidden Shapes: Animals + Lovely Cats

Daniel Waite
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Review: Hidden Shapes: Animals + Lovely Cats

Puzzle games are wonderfully relaxing yet taxing for your mind. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be brilliantly simple or overwhelmingly difficult. Furthermore, they can test each part of your mind with the array of problems on offer. No matter which puzzle style you like, you won’t find anything more adorable than Hidden Shapes: Animals + Lovely Cats.

Developed by YAW Studios and published by QUByte Interactive, this is a minimalist picture puzzle title. It isn’t a game that’ll test your mathematical prowess, nor will it demand hours of logical thinking. No, instead, you’ll tweak the spatial part of your brain as you reconstruct every image before you.

Hidden Shapes: Animals + Lovely Cats is rewarding.

I haven’t played such a relaxing game in a long time. Hidden Shapes: Animals + Lovely Cats is a gloriously simple puzzle title. Its casual approach and minimalist style capture your attention from the start. Furthermore, its beautiful imagery makes it attractive for younger players as well. Consequently, my children were fascinated as we adjusted the puzzle to discover each secret picture.

The game comprises 2 distinct categories and these are cat pictures and an array of other animals. Both options contain 20 puzzles with 2 difficulty settings. The first playthrough asks you to twist each section of the picture to create the foreground of the image. The second attempt, on the other hand, is tougher and more unusual as the background contains more details. However, neither of them is too challenging, yet I found completing each puzzle to be a rewarding experience.

So many surreal images.
So many dreamy images.

Helpful hints. 

Though many of the problems lacked challenge, you’ll still need the occasional helping hand. Luckily, the developers are generous as there is a helpful hint system that points you in the right direction. This was an essential tool for any younger players and it will be invaluable to them. Unfortunately, many of the pictures rely on minor details and 100% accuracy to complete them. Therefore, with many strange shapes to look at, it was easy to overlook the discrepancies. Fortunately, though, the hint system allows inexperienced gamers to get on with it with minimal risk.

The relaxing nature of Hidden Shapes: Animals + Lovely Cats is its unique selling point. Accordingly, I applaud the developers for their understated mechanics and easy-to-understand puzzles. However, I yearned for so much more and consequently wished there was a challenging option to push older gamers. Yes, I loved what I experienced, yet I wanted more! I was desperate for it to evolve past the rudimentary twisting of squares and matching of lines. Sadly, that never happened. However, perhaps additional and tougher content will be added to address this later.

The monochromatic imagery is simple, yet striking.
Monochromatic simplicity at its best.

Hidden Shapes: Animals + Lovely Cats is gorgeous. 

A game rarely makes me stop and admire what I’m looking at. Normally, I enjoy what I observe, but I don’t see the beauty. However, Hidden Shapes: Animals + Lovely Cats slaps you in the face with its Anime cat imagery and stunning depiction of nature. The game wonderfully blends minimalist monochromatic outlines with vivid and striking pictures. Consequently, the reward for solving each problem was a bright and elegant image that make all the effort worthwhile.

The desire to create a calm and relaxing environment is enhanced thanks to the chilled out audio. The calm music ensures you never feel rushed, and this was wonderful. What’s more, there are no sound effects to distract you from the task at hand.

Hidden Shapes: Animals + Lovely Cats uses many random images.
Kitty tea party time.

Great user-friendly controls. 

A simple concept needs a straightforward control setup. Fortunately, Hidden Shapes: Animals + Lovely Cats has just that. You’ll quickly understand the fundamentals and you’ll have it mastered in no time. This was particularly great for younger gamers, as they can enjoy it with minimal assistance or supervision. 

I loved everything about it except its lack of replay value. Once you have completed every puzzle and seen every image, there is no reason to return. It was a shame there were no further game modes or challenges to tackle. I believe the developers could have included a speedrun or limited moves option to increase the difficulty. Had this been included, it would have increased longevity exceptionally.

Hidden Shapes: Animals + Lovely Cats is simple but wonderful. 

Games don’t always require a complex and in-depth story to be great. This is proven in Hidden Shapes: Animals + Lovely Cats as it’s simple but wonderful at the same time. I adored its minimalist approach, basic controls, and calming audio. What’s more, it’s brilliant for all the family and that’s a massive positive. Consequently, I loved it and I recommend you to buy it here! Can you twist the images and piece together each picture? Join the lines and unveil the secrets in front of you. 

Epics of Hammerwatch: Heroes’ Collection Coming Soon

Andrew Edney
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Epics of Hammerwatch: Heroes’ Collection Coming Soon

Strictly Limited Games, in partnership with Crackshell and the acclaimed indie publisher and porting experts BlitWorks, is proud to announce the upcoming limited boxed release of Epics of Hammerwatch: Heroes’ Edition. Both critically acclaimed Hammerwatch games and everything you could wish for from the Hammerwatch universe will finally be available in a single, physical collection (of course including all previously released DLC) for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 (PS4). Pre-orders for the Limited Edition and Special Limited Edition will kick off on Sunday, April 17th, at 12 AM CEST (midnight), only at Strictly Limited Games.

The Heroes’ Edition includes the praised indie hack and slash hit Hammerwatch, and its popular rogue-lite sequel Heroes of Hammerwatch – Ultimate Edition. Check out the brand-new trailer to take a closer look.

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Hammerwatch:

A hack and slash action-adventure, set in a unique fantasy pixel art environment. Play solo or gather your friends for a memorable online or couch co-op session, in this adventure from the bottom to the very top of Castle Hammerwatch. Then, crawl around the desert in the Temple of the Sun Expansion and try to survive in the two extra modes. Pick your class and kill hordes of diverse enemies throughout unique environments, riddled with traps, hidden secrets and puzzles.

a screen showing explosion of crystals

Features:

  • 7 classes to master, each with unique features and skills to unlock to develop your character
  • Multiplayer co-op fun for up to 4 players, online and local
  • How tough are you? Pick your difficulty and further customize it with several modifiers
  • 2 campaigns: Castle Hammerwatch & Temple of the Sun
  • 2 extra modes: Hero defense & Survival
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Heroes of Hammerwatch – Ultimate Edition:

Heroes of Hammerwatch is a rogue-lite action-adventure game set in the same universe as Hammerwatch. Encounter endless hordes of enemies, traps, puzzles, secrets, unforgiving bosses and lots of loot, as you battle your way through procedurally generated levels to reach the top of the Forsaken Spire. Then, dive into the 3 additional DLCs included: Witch Hunter, Pyramid of Prophecy and Moon Temple!

A screenshot showing a dungeon that's dimly lit, with battling heroes and monsters

Features:

  • Choose your own style: 9 classes available, all with unique stats, abilities and playstyles.
  • Procedurally generated levels offer a high replay value and pose a new challenge with each run.
  • Persistent progression: Your heroes retain the experience and upgrades gained from each run, becoming more powerful as they level up. 
  • Online Co-op: Play with up to 3 friends in online co-op, you can even bring your own heroes to your friend’s game!
  • Includes all 3 DLCs: Witch Hunter, Pyramid of Prophecy and Moon Temple. With many additional skills, items, areas to explore, 2 new game modes, 2 new classes and much more!
  • New Game+: Even if you beat the game, the challenge never ends!

Strictly Limited Editions:

Strictly Limited Games is putting together the exclusive Epics of Hammerwatch: Heroes’ Edition, giving the Hammerwatch universe the boxed legacy it deserves, with two unique limited editions, available for pre-order via the Strictly Limited Games online shop.

The Limited Edition is limited to 3,000 copies for Nintendo Switch and 1,100 for PS4, at a price of 29.99€, including a colourful game manual.

The Special Limited Edition is limited to 1,000 copies for Nintendo Switch and 600 for PS4, for 49.99€, including lots of exclusive collectibles from the Hammerwatch universe: 

  • Special Limited Edition Box
  • Colourful Game Manual 
  • Original Soundtrack
  • A3 Double-sided Poster
  • 7 Character Die Cut Stickers
  • Game Logo Patch
  •  4 Background Art Post Cards
  • Character Group Shot Magnet
Special limited heroes edition contents

Both editions will be available for pre-order on Sunday, April 17th, at 12 AM CEST (midnight) and shipping is expected for Q3 2022.

Review: Sally Face

Daniel Waite
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Review: Sally Face

Life is often cruel, unkind, and unforgiving. There is plenty we don’t understand, yet people are still quick to judge. This is compounded further when you are young! You do know not of what the world is capable of, but you must behave and conform to society’s ideals. In short, it’s a minefield of guaranteed mistakes and learning curves. However, what we hope is that our errors are minor and our lessons are great. These ideas and more form the core concept of Sally Face. It is a bizarre title that’s filled with mystery, humour, and some heartbreaking twists.

Developed and published by Portable Moose, this is an adventure puzzle game. Its story is unnerving, creepy, and a little strange. It was originally released as a drip-fed episodic title, but console gamers receive the full shebang from the off. Fans of Broken Sword, Discworld or Monkey Island will adore the tongue-in-cheek writing and the problem-solving elements.

Sally Face is eerie and uncomfortable to play. 

The use of taboo subjects is nothing new in the gaming world. In this instance, Sally Face touches upon mental health issues in a non-direct manner. The characters rarely appear “normal”, and the world is disjointed and obstructive. Consequently, the simplest of tasks are difficult to achieve and everyone appears to have an agenda. However, this isn’t a game like Hellblade or Limbo! Both of these titles use mental health in a more direct, yet abstract way. Sally Face, on the other hand, uses its ideas to set the scene while creating an unnerving atmosphere.

The story revolves around Sal Fisher, a boy/man who wears a prosthetic face. This unusual chap moves to the Addison Apartments with his father. On the day of their arrival, they are met by a grisly scene as their neighbour has been murdered. You’d think this would be bad enough. However, the building hides many secrets. Sal must team up with a group of outsiders to solve the many mysteries they encounter. There are supernatural elements, demonic beings, and a power that overshadows the whole community. Together, you must search for clues to thwart the darkness that’ll destroy the world.

Sally Face looks creepy and unnerving.
Sally Face at his finest.

Gruesome encounters.

The story comprises 5 chapters that span Sal Fisher’s unfortunate existence. Each portion of the story is equally gruesome and uncomfortably eerie. Furthermore, it always returns to Addison Apartments and its eclectic community. The majority of the story is told through flashbacks of Sal’s memories. Sadly, as an adult, Sally Face is awaiting trial for the crimes he has committed in his youth. Without ruining the plot, they are all horrifically intertwined and oddly supernatural. However, what they highlight is how strong and essential friendship can be.

The majority of the gameplay focuses on a point and click approach with many puzzling moments. Subsequently, the linear plot demands that you search for clues, find objects, and complete tasks. On top of this, there are mini-games to complete and some hidden Easter Eggs to discover. What’s more, the characters evolve and the relationships change depending on each unique situation.

Though each chapter is relatively short, the problems you face are challenging. You must combine memory recall with a logical thought process. Alongside this, you must scour each floor of the apartment building for any items you desire. The supernatural portion of the game is dealt with using a handheld gaming console. This strange tool emits a signal that allows you to interact with each apparition that haunts the building. I loved the simplicity of this mechanic as it reduced confusion and was key to progressing the story.

The doctor wants to help you.
Tell the doctor the truth.

Sally Face is gruesome and striking.

Though the gameplay in Sally Face focuses on a simple 2D approach, it’s still gruesome and striking. The clean-cut character models and mountains of grotesque imagery will make you scowl and wince. Moreover, the brutality of each situation is captured in the fantastic cinematic. With depictions of gore and violence, this isn’t for the faint of heart. However, I loved its horrific ways. What’s more, I liked the basic chapter layout and how easy it was to navigate each area. With a lot of back and forth required, you needed not to lose your way. Fortunately, the developers got this right, otherwise it would have been frustrating.

Alongside the gory nature of the gameplay are distinct melancholy vibes. This was excellent, as it built a strange rapport with the protagonist and his friends. This was captured brilliantly in the sombre, yet emotive heavy metal music. No matter which chapter you experienced, the sad, minor toned songs can be heard. Yes, this leads to depressive undertones, but luckily, the amusing dialogue and puzzle elements keep you busy. What’s more, the excellent sound effects enhance the OTT supernatural elements without becoming tiresome.

The Game Gear is used to find the undead.
Use your Game Gear to find the undead.

Some moments of trial and error. 

Sally Face demands that you search for clues and piece together random bits of information. However, what it doesn’t explain is the need to find hidden objects. Consequently, there is a fair bit of trial and error as you solve each puzzle. This was a bit of a surprise as I expected it to follow more traditional point and click mechanics. Thankfully, though, it works well and makes the action a little more challenging. Alongside this, there is a simple to use UI and responsive controls and this makes it easier to play.

Because of the array of mini-games and hidden surprises, there is some longevity and replay value. However, once you’ve discovered every secret, there is little reason to return. Luckily, you’ll enjoy around 10 hours of eerie and creepy gameplay. Subsequently, this is great value for money.

Sally Face is horrific but brilliant. 

I always suspected that Sally Face was creepy, but I couldn’t have imagined how horrific it would be. Its gory images, strange story, and cruel twists are captivating. I loved its odd ways, weird characters, and difficult puzzles that are fascinating from the off. I adored it and I recommend you to buy it here! Will Sal’s crimes define his future or will the supernatural world be your saviour?

Review: Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition

Natosha M
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Review: Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition

Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition has been remastered and is still one of the top best JRPG games one can play! The story is what really makes this game amazing, it’s captivating and with the brilliantly enhanced, digital appearance the game plays and appears so much better. Even the sounds and music is perfectly balanced and it just makes the entire story come to life!

The game returns me back to the age of the original PlayStation, which had helped me fall in love with RPGs even more, especially JRPG games. A few examples are that of Dragoons and the remarkable Final Fantasy series. There are many more, but those really were my top faves. Even though the graphics back then weren’t as crystal clear or smooth as they are today, I still love to reminisce and play those games as much as I do love to play some pixelated games on a SNES console. Plus, all the unique and brilliant characters to play in this game make it entertaining to see what each can do and change it up each time playing.

The most exciting feature that I haven’t played for a while in more of the recent RPG-style games is that classic pull you into the battle effect. It really leaves you surprised with many or just a single enemy to battle. It’s always a surprise and there are so many unorthodox enemies to defeat. Each with its own unique abilities, which can put up a bigger challenge. However, I always learned to start defeating the easier enemies a bunch of times, till I level up sooner and can fight the harder ones with ease. So it was always a pleasure to fight the battle and not run from them, which aids in future battles.

Visual Graphics

I’ve tried the classic Chrono Cross for the Playstation in the past. However, this game has really been improved, especially for the Xbox One and recent consoles. It really brings a better experience! The action plays way smoother and has a more accurate design in the character’s art. The appearance of the game is brighter in color and is easier to depict everything on the screen without a hazy or faded blur. Honestly making it appear more appealing to anyone’s eyes as they watch what they are playing on the screen.

The action and all-over battle sequence is quite entertaining and has always been a wonderful aspect of the game. It’s improved so much that it’s a bit clearer and easy to see each attack performed or spell cast. However, the speed rate as it plays each action; the battle, movements during the actual game, and the video of the story going forward can still be a bit slower. It may make a new player feel as if the game is a bit slow or not such a high-rated contender in many recent RPG games. On the other hand, if it’s a player from the 90s that may be playing this game or a lover of Chrono Cross, well this game can bring back some excellent memories of the Playstation edition with the addition of a great amount of visual improvement!

Sound

The game isn’t only visually enhanced, but so is the sound and let me say that the overall music is nice and plays smoother as well. It’s a brilliant soundtrack that works well with each portion of the game. A bit more engaging when it needs to be, particularly during battles. While it also has a mystical and fantasy quality that really brings the game to life with every unique change or transition in the game.

Honestly, the music is just perfect! It complements the game perfectly and enhances the player’s gameplay. Adding that additional benefit of feeling the emotion to have the player connect with the story being told and what is being viewed on the screen. The same goes for the sound effects.

Enhanced Features

I really have to applaud the adjustments that come with the controls of the game. I really have to admit the ability to fast forward as a choice is a wonderful addition. I can speed through the long speeches and make the game move at a much faster pace as I play. So it ends up being my turn during the battles and even just in general, the movement around the game.

It has really made the slow parts go much faster, even if it makes for a strange effect. I actually don’t mind too much with the other features, not to say the graphics and sound aren’t excellent but the only really best part for a slow loading and moving game, with a long dialogue when it comes to the story is having the ability to fast forward.

However, there was one thing about the speed. It could be just the game or the additional speed effect with the new enhanced option. I found myself unluckily having to restart because of getting stuck with another character in a tight spot. No matter the moving to go a different way. I can find myself stuck that the only option is to restart from the last saved area or auto-saved location.

Thankful there is auto-save otherwise it would be so sad to restart after defeating so much and having to do everything over again. So there are a few ups and downs, but again it could be just the game itself. It would be wonderful if there was an additional rewind method to use to get back a few seconds from the location I’ve gotten stuck into.

Overall Opinion

Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition has been an excellent experience! An improvement that really makes for even better gameplay. The best part of the remake is that it helps me remember why I loved Playstation and JRPG-style games. Even without the enhanced features, the game is great! On the other hand, I have no negative remarks to add about these additional features to the game. It really makes for more exhilarating gameplay!

No wonder why it’s a big hit, not just among old-time players who played the original game, but even newcomers who are going to play it for the first time. Unfortunately, there may be a few slow bits on how things move, but it still has that great story and is packed with action that any gamer, would really find appealing. Therefore, I found that this game will bring nothing but hours of entertainment, with 40 uniquely different characters to play and a story that unravels as you play and defeat enemies along the way. It’s definitely a game to have in one’s collection!

Review: Moon Knight Episode 3

James Refelian
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Review: Moon Knight Episode 3

Spoiler Free Review

Although this is a spoiler free review of Moon Knight Episode 3 all images used have been taken from the episode.

The episode takes things up a notch and spends its runtime developing characters and themes with just a small scattering of action sequences. For most of the episode we see Marc Spector (Isaac) have his mental health questioned as he comes to terms with living with Steven on the inside. What is particularly interesting is that the episode hints at more personalities in the System than perhaps they both realise. While I wont share details on what happened (because spoilers) it’s safe to say that Jake Lockley is likely going to make a dramatic appearance sooner rather than later. Isaac continues to do an exceptional job playing both personalities. We see the more fragile side of Marc as his issues are thrusted into the light.

Moon Knight Episode 3 is set exclusively in Egypt and what sets Moon Knight apart is it shows us both the usual scene of dessert and pyramids, but also thriving cosmopolitan cities. This is a refreshing take and it’s nice to see a more realistic portrayal. The whole episode has an Indiana Jones vibe which makes the whole thing a lot of fun. The humour continues with Steven being the real source of comedy lines.

May Calamawy returns as Layla El-Faouly and shows us all that she is just as interesting and capable character as Marc / Steven. What’s cool is seeing her handle herself in an extended fight sequence where I won’t lie – she stole the show.

Things develop with the villainous Arthur Harrow played by Ethan Hawke. Hawke continues to play up to the sinister cult-leader vibes he’s given us in previous episodes. Now more than ever his evil plans are revealed as he gets closer to his goals. One moment had me shouting at the TV because Marc was discredited in favour of Harrow.

Khonshu continues to blur the lines between good intentions and being a jerk. There’s a few moments which are excellent visually and show the character’s true nature. As an Ancient Egypt history buff, it’s always a delight when the show leans hard into the myths and legends. Moon Knight episode 3 didn’t disappoint. Gods, mummies, and pyramid interiors all feature in this episode and are portrayed in a way that doesn’t really seem out of place with the MCU. This isn’t exactly easy to do considering the topic, but it really does work well. While no other part of the MCU is even remotely referenced, you very much believe it to be apart of this bigger universe.

Moon Knight makes a brief appearance for an extended fight sequence that is honestly brutal. I hope we get to see more of the titular hero in the back-half of the series. While the character study and action-adventure nature of the series is fantastic; this is still a superhero show. It should feature the hero, in costume, for a lot longer than it has so far. I suspect things will now move more in that direction as the story begins its climax and descent to conclusion. What we do get, however, is seriously cool and very rewatchable.

Is Moon Knight Episode 3 a strong midway episode?

Moon Knight Episode 3 can be summed up with a line from Red Skull in Captain America: The First Avenger – “searching for trinkets in the dessert”. Ok, that’s an oversimplification. It’s a fantastic 53-minute romp of action, adventure, magic, character study, ass-kicking, and Egypt mythology.

Review: Secrets of Dumbledore

James Refelian
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Review: Secrets of Dumbledore

Spoiler Free Review

WHILE THIS REVIEW of FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE IS SPOILER FREE; THE IMAGES ARE TAKEN FROM THE TRAILER

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – Secrets of Dumbledore is finally out after a rocky path to release. It’s not often a main character is removed from a project and it’s a natural worry that it won’t be quite as good. Well, in Secrets of Dumbledore we see Mads Mikkelsen take over the role of Gellert Grindelwald from Johnny Depp. Mikkelsen does a fantastic job in making the character his own and providing us with a nuanced and menacing performance. Mikkelsen has a natural charisma that works perfectly for this role and in the shared scenes with Jude Law (Albus Dumbledore) you can really believe the characters shared history and turmoiled love.

Dumbledore and Grindelwald at odds in Secrets of Dumbledore
It’s a little more than a lover’s tiff!

As well as Mikkelsen Law also provides a standout performance, as a younger Dumbledore. Let’s face it, he’s a much beloved character from the original Harry Potter stories which means it must be right. What Law has developed is a version of the character that you can believe is the younger version of Harris and Gambon. In certain lines you can almost hear the same accent coming through. This is exactly what long-time fans of the Wizarding World franchise deserve and I’m pleased to see the care Law has given to the role. The film, as hinted at by the title, is very much focused on the Dumbledore family and we learn a lot more about events hinted at in Harry Potter and detailed more in Crimes of Grindelwald.

The lead, Eddie Redmayne, as everyone’s favourite (and let’s face it only!) Magizoologist; Newt Scamander is as fantastic as ever. He bumbles about in this charmingly geeky and awkward way. In this film, much like the previous two, Newt is working with Dumbledore to try and stop Grindelwald’s nefarious plans.

Newt does a dance in Secrets of Dumbledore
Newt does a dance!

Along the way he employs the help of old characters like Jacob, Theseus, Yusuf Kama, and Bunty. We also get a character that was a blink-and-you-miss-it cameo in Crimes of Grindelwald, Eulalie Hicks. It’s great to see a more diverse ensemble come together in this action-adventure plot. Jacob, as you would expect from the previous movies, continues to be the comic relief.

Jessica Williams, the actress who plays Eulalie Hicks, is superb. She has some great dialogue and action sequences that are vital to the story. Although this is the first proper appearance of the character, she quickly became one of my favourites during the 2-hour 23-minute runtime.

Eulalie Hicks in Secrets of Dumbledore
Jessica Williams as Eulalie Hicks in Secrets of Dumbledore

The film has received a lot of negative reviews for being a slow, political, and lumbering mess. I must disagree. Thankfully, there are still an abundance of fantastic beasts in Secrets of Dumbledore as you would hope and expect. The plot is a globetrotting adventure with themes that reflect the rise of a truly evil person under the disguise of making things better. Perhaps those who feel this is ‘too political’ can make more modern associations other than that of World War II and Hitler’s rise to power. While the ‘Hitler-Like’ villain is tried and true in fiction for decades this doesn’t detract from the enjoyable movie where good is trying to outwit evil.

Secrets of Dumbledore has fantastic CGI elements that showcase some nostalgic parts of the Harry Potter world while introducing us to new and exciting locations. Fantastic Beasts is really delivering on the Wizarding World aspect of the franchise. The music is also a delight throughout as it harmonises with the rest of franchise while still feeling fresh.

Is Secrets of Dumbledore worth a cinema trip?

Simply, yes. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – Secrets of Dumbledore is a strong entry to the series and while not as good as the first, isn’t bad by any means. It’s defintiely one to watch in the cinema. The story is furthered, the characters are developed and most importantly – it leaves you wanting more. Accio sequel!

Hogwarts in Secrets of Dumbledore
A stunning vista of Hogwarts in Secrets of Dumbledore

Review: MLB The Show 22

Daniel Waite
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Review: MLB The Show 22

I’ve been a sports fan my whole life. Consequently, I cherish watching and playing at every sporting event I can. However, many of the “Americanised” games are of little interest. Most of them seem slow, complicated, and convoluted. Yet, my curiosity always gets the better of me and I end up trying them, anyway. Subsequently, when I saw that MLB The Show 22 was coming to Xbox Game Pass, I was intrigued.

Developed by San Diego Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, this is a sports simulation title. It is jam-packed with features, looks fantastic, and captures the atmosphere of the ballgame. Furthermore, it has been added to Nintendo Switch and cross-play has been introduced. Therefore, it is easier to play with friends across multiple platforms.

Across the pond, baseball is considered an enthralling and entertaining event. Yet, being. British, I consider it a glorified game of rounders. I’m sure I’m wrong, so let’s jump right in and see what makes it so popular.

MLB The Show 22 has something for everyone.

I was instantly struck by the breathtaking graphics and the sheer scale of the game. The choices in front of me were overwhelming at first and this made me a little uncomfortable. However, this fear soon melted away as I began to familiarise myself with each game mode.

The developers have blown other sports franchises out of the water because of their creative options and in-depth gameplay. There are retro modes, the Home Run Derby, challenges, exhibitions, online matches, Diamond Dynasty, Road to the show, and so much more. On top of this, there are oodles of stats to sift through, and you can create your stadium.

In short, MLB The Show 22 re-introduces many of its much-loved ideas to this year’s iteration. Yet, it isn’t a rehash of previous gameplay mechanics in a new guise. No, instead, the action feels more polished and tighter while also being user-friendly for newcomers.

Batter up in MLB The Show 22.
Batter up!

Diamond Dynasty and Road to the show.

Diamond Dynasty returns to MLB The Show 22 because of its addictive content. The card-collecting endeavour is similar to Ultimate Team and other team-building modes. Here you must rely on luck, judgement, and tactics to build a fantasy lineup. If this is your thing, you’ll lose hours of your time fine-tuning every layer in this deep and interesting mode.

However, if this doesn’t interest you, maybe, Road to the show is more your thing. This option allows you to create a rookie who must work through the ranks and become the next big thing. It comprises character training, an underdog story, excellent cinematic, and many highs and lows. Consequently, it was my go-to mode, and I became addicted to creating the world’s greatest pitcher. Fortunately, it was extremely easy to pick up, and every element was well explained. 

There are, of course, other modes to explore. These include online options with cooperative action, and the chance to compete in the World Series. Thankfully, every choice feels like it offers something new and this was fascinating.

Become a pitcher and work the mound in MLB The Show 22.
Work the mound.

MLB The Show 22 is incredible to play.

My expectations of a modern sports title were exceeded many times over. MLB The Show 22 looks exceptional, runs smoothly, has no frame rate drops, or noticeable glitches. What’s more, the cinematic is fantastic, the stadiums are ultra-realistic, and the characters are lifelike. On top of this, the UI is clean-cut, easy to navigate, and simple to understand.

More importantly, though, the fast-paced section of the game is buttery smooth. The transition from pitching to fielding is incredible, and this helps balance the gameplay. Furthermore, the viewing angle behind the batter is perfectly set to make it easier to play. All in all, it looks great and is easy to follow. 

Sports simulation titles are hollow without excellent audio. Fortunately, the ultra-realistic sound effects transport you to each game. The crowd roar as you make a home run, or go crazy as someone is struck out. Alongside this is the exceptional commentary. This offers real-time updates of each player’s stats with a rundown of what’s happening. Consequently, I loved the realism of the audio and appreciated it when it padded out the slower moments.

Steal those bases.
It’s time to steal the base.

Phenomenal tutorials.

MLB The Show 22 is exceptional for inexperienced baseball fans. Its mechanics are well-explained thanks to the phenomenal tutorials. Yet, there is one glaring oversight! Sadly, many of the stats are abbreviated, and I had no idea what they meant or what they did. It was extremely frustrating as the information forms a key component of the gameplay. Therefore, it would have been useful if this was better explained to newcomers. Other than this, the controls are amazing. There is an array of unique methods for every element. Thankfully, this ensures that you can get the best out of the game. What’s more, there is a dynamic difficulty setting that adjusts the gameplay. This option makes sure that you are always challenged in every element of the game.

Does this have replay value? Of course, it does. With the introduction of cross-play and the inclusion of the Nintendo Switch, online gaming has never been so easy. The longevity is further enhanced thanks to masses of game modes at your disposal. However, to get the most out of this, I believe you’ll have to love this sport. Consequently, if you are like me, you’ll enjoy this casually between other titles.

MLB The Show 22 doesn’t reinvent the wheel.

Using many well-trodden elements comes at a risk. However, MLB The Show 22 has done well to mitigate this. Thanks to its many modes, polished mechanics, and cross-play, it has the fresh impetus to succeed. Furthermore, it’s included in the Game Pass subscription, so that’s a massive positive for Xbox gamers. It may not be my go-to sport, but I enjoyed it nevertheless. Subsequently, I recommend you buy it here! Will you build a fantasy team or create the next big thing? Whatever you choose, there is a gameplay option just for you.

Review: Gal*Gun: Double Peace

Kara Phillips
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Review: Gal*Gun: Double Peace

Gal*Gun: Double Peace is a fast paced, amusing rail shooter which encourages the stereotypical bishōjo genre of it’s similar titles. Appealing to what can only be described as a ‘niche’ audience, this title hosts a mashup of mechanics. It’s a shooting gallery, visual novel and dating sim all wrapped up in a stampede of anime school goers. 

Proclaimed as the number one ecchi shooter, Gal*Gun:Double Peace is not for the faint-hearted (and definitely intended for a mature audience.)

Gal*Gun Double Peace is availible for purchase on Nintendo Switch, Playstation and Steam.

A hands-on experience

As the title begins, we are introduced to our protagonist and swiftly asked to decide what personality they have. A handful of options are present upon first play, but several remain locked due to incompletion of specific storylines. As a perfectionist, having several personalities to unlock which may shift the gameplay in certain ways is one of the most engaging elements in a title like this. It’s a continuous drive to replay stories time and time again, even if one scene may be slightly different. Each personality type also comes with several ranked characteristics, such as athleticism and *ahem* lewdness. These characteristics will increase/decrease during gameplay depending on how well you act during a stage, but they are never really explained in detail. 

The same goes for tutorials prior to new levels. Whilst they explain briefly what you need to do, the only real learning comes from completing tasks. Which occasionally can be detrimental to your relationship with certain characters. Gal*Gun is a very hands-on experience (literally) in terms of gameplay . Which is quite ironic as it feels a bit like you’re learning alongside the protagonist. Boss battles come in several forms, from a simple pattern with analogue sticks to strategically using your weapon during a fight to save your lover. They’re not repetitive in visual aspects, which I went into this game thinking would be the case, but in terms of mechanics once you’ve done one you’ll understand how to do the rest. 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Visually, Gal*Gun Double Peace is a nice looking title. It’s got the bright colours that you’d expect from something so fast paced and anime inspired. It runs smoothly for the majority, and it’s very user friendly. Everything is accessible and understandable when you need it. Menus are easy to navigate, as are several elements of DLC which are interpreted into the base game. All in all, it definitely looks the part. The only issue is some of the movements whilst you are going around the map from the perspective of the protagonist feel a bit rigid. They move almost robotically, so the game strays from being a first person shooter like a Call of Duty game. 

More than meets the eye

It’s also full of unlockable content, which is great should you want to play it several times over. More often than not you’ll spot something to collect and move too quickly before you can actually gather it. You also don’t learn where some collectables are hiding until halfway through the title where you accidentally find sandwiches smuggled under someone’s uniform. It’s a very comical approach to unlockable content and it feeds into the humorous atmosphere of the game. There’s also a scrapbook of sorts which contains all the information you could possibly want to know about each student. So, once again, you’ll need to keep cycling through levels should you want to complete this.

In terms of repetition, this title can seem a little so if you’re playing with difficulty set to beginner. You’ll find the gameplay to seem a bit linear and the soundtrack will no doubt get on your nerves. Not to mention the consistently repeated voice lines of NPC’s in every single new area you enter. If you’re searching for a faster experience, then try your hand at expert mode. Sure your health bar is far more likely to deplete under the boot of the least expected, but it’s got a little more fun behind it. The three hour runtime of this title is something you’ll probably want to keep putting down to come back to after a while. 

Final thoughts

As a whole, Gal*Gun Double Peace is certainly fun. It is easy to pick up and definitely engaging in terms of gameplay. Even the simple story and sour outcomes will leave you wanting to try again. Be prepared to feel a little frustrated from time to time though, because the repetitive nature of this title will be the thing stopping you from a handful of attempts in one sitting. But if you’re searching for something fun and lighthearted and you’re a fan of the bishōjo genre or already existing Gal*Gun titles, then this is definitely for you. 

Review: Rune Factory 4 Special

Natosha M
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Review: Rune Factory 4 Special

Do you like action, adventure, RPG, and maybe even simulated games? If so, you’ve possibly tried a few of these genres combined, but have you ever tried all four in one? Well if you’ve played any of the games in the series known as Rune Factory then you know what it means to be entertained with an endless amount of freedom to explore, defeat enemies, and the possibilities to build a life.

So, with a new game known as Rune Factory 4 on the Nintendo Switch, recently released on other consoles and systems, what can you expect? Well, it will still bring a great story with an adventure that follows, plenty of monsters to discover, and plenty of action-packed battles. Now for the SPECIAL features that are now included in this game. This will include a chance to play the game in a more difficult mode and even a mode that allows you to get married!

How was the Game?

Rune Factory has always brought such a bit more freedom to the way one can play the game. So to be honest, this game is no different when it comes to exploration, but it does improve a little on the graphics, speed, storyline, and the additional features you can tackle while playing. This brings me to the first thing that really is always a favorite of mine while playing the game. You never have to play the game in one straight course; going from start to finish.

That also goes for the game modes, since there is the additional Newlywed Mode. The goal of this game is not limited to playing the game till you defeat the final boss or rescue and find the object you need to complete the game. Instead, Rune Factory 4 as many before is full of exploration and other fun lifestyle hobbies you can engage in and master while playing. You practically can have your very own fantasy farming lifestyle in this game.

The game has similar gameplay to Harvest Moon and even the activities you can engage in may remind you of Animal Crossing, but a bit more action-packed! With all the monsters you may raise and battle at festivals, the option to direct a conversation with the choice of words you’d like to respond with, the crafting of weapons and accessories, the real-time battles you find while embarking on this adventure, and the activities like farming, fishing, and even cooking that you can do during the game.

Once the game begins, it’s quite familiar to Animal Crossing, and many others of the Rune Factory series. The choice of being a female hero or a male is up to the player, and from there the story begins. Everything in the first portion of the game is easily explained and eventually, when new things you are able to tackle arise, it is also explained. As for the Newlywed Mode, I haven’t played this portion of the game to explain what goes on, but I’m sure it has a similar outcome.

The entire game, from start to end of the story is quite remarkable and enjoyable! It’s got its hilarious, passionate, and heroic portions to the story which makes it fun to read through and not speed past what everyone is saying. I sometimes like to just ignore the speech portion, but in a way, this game has a bit of humor and unique friends to meet and enemies, which makes the storyline quite intriguing to read as I played. Now for another portion that I do like because I love farming and sim-style games would be the gardening and the other side activities like fishing and cooking. All of them are very easy to get a hang of and fun.

Of course, when playing the story portion and not just relaxing with the activities. There is more to be revealed as a portion or quest; a task is completed. Some can become a bit more challenging and difficult as you move on from the beginning portion and further into the game. Regardless of how difficult or easy, I love this in an RPG-style game. It just makes it quite fun and action-packed to play! Even more, the joy of crafting different weapons from materials I’ve found or raising monsters for the battle is awesome! I almost feel as if I’m playing a combination of games in one.

One Last thing, no matter which mode is played. the characters and the graphics remind me of a classic game console. The way the characters react and their actions are extremely enthusiastic. Like an anime series in the way, they produce their emotions. The design in the art also reminds me of playing an RPG-style game on the Playstation or PS2 console. By the way, it’s not a bad thing! I sort of like that memory of what I once loved in the past with an action-adventure, RPG-style game, and it just makes this game even more interesting to play.

Final Conclusion

If you want to play a game that will have you acting as a hero in plenty of action-packed battles and raising monsters to battle, with the addition of tending to a relaxed simulated-fantasy lifestyle. Such as catering to your farm, cooking some lovely meals, and even getting married! Then you should check out Rune Factory 4 Special. It’s fully enjoyable from start to finish and has plenty of events and obstacles to tackle. The blend of simulated play and an RPG adventure game combined will provide such a fun and long-lasting eventful game to play for days.

Additionally, I feel this game is much more entertaining than many others with some similar features. All because of the enormous amounts of quests and adventures that one will enjoy throughout the game. It also doesn’t lackluster in the beautifully designed background and character graphics as if you were playing the original version on the Nintendo 3DS console, including the weapons and objects used and visible during gameplay. This game brings so many action-packed battles, while many relaxed hobbies on the side that can be performed as well. There is just so much going on, that it’s hard to put it down. I feel this will be a beloved game for many different gamers, with the many different opportunities one can accomplish and all of them are equally exciting as the next.

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