B.I.O.T.A is an 8-bit Metroidvania action-platformer released and it’s developed by small bros and published by Retro vibe. While it can be too repetitive and its limited 4-colour palette can be off-putting sometimes, I think you might want to check this one if you are a fan of retro Metroidvania games.
Gameplay
B.I.O.T.A feels good to play. The controls can be a bit slippery on a keyboard but, when I change to the controller it feels smooth. One thing that annoys me kept carried on though, the controls on wall-jumping are finicky and frustrating. It is the only thing that breaks my enjoyment when speeding through the level. When a platform that I need to reach requires a wall jump, it held my momentum from going to the next platform or made me fall down into a floor below or to my death.
Even if I screw up, the game has a dedicated save button after each room you cleared. So, if you die you can load in the room you last save in. But if you forgot to save at a room or at all, there are only several save points on each biome. However, these save points are too few and far in between of each other. So if you rely on these save points, it will make lose a lot of progress and it can be a tedious experience to retrace the same rooms over and over.
There are multiple characters that you can control. In the beginning, there are 4 character you can play and more if you progress further into the game. However, even with their unique abilities, stats, and guns, I found that they all have this familiar feeling to play each character like there is no distinct feeling to each character.
Graphic and Sound
It looks and ooze the aura of a game that is born from the Gameboy Color era. The colors are strictly revolves around the 4-color from those era too. Color scheme can be changed into other preset color palette in the game pause menu. B.I.O.T.A offers more than ten 4-color palettes and more of the preset can be unlocked from collecting items hidden throughout the game.
The downside of the 4-color palette is that sometimes the bright colors can be too bright. After ten minute or so playing it, I was left with a headache after staring at the game’s bright colors. This bums me out since I was enjoying playing it.
Sound design, although limited in terms of variety, is crisp and clean. The main theme and the background music are catchy and sound effects are pretty crisp. But, after a while I found it rather boring and repetitive to listen since it loops over and over until you find the next biome.
Conclusion
B.I.O.T.A had some problems that held it back. Its repetitive gameplay, playable characters feels the same, and headache inducing colors ruined my overall experience. For me, this wasn’t a game that can itch that NES or Gameboy Color nostalgia cravings but, I can see why this game can be perfect for others. It is easy to pick up and fun to play. I do wish that the developer can improve more and I will be looking forward on their next project.
Mankind is decimating the surrounding world. Whether it’s trees, flowers, or animals, nothing stands in the way of progress. We sadly forget the destruction we cause as long as we are safe and happy. However, Gibbon: Beyond the Trees drags us straight back to earth with its emotive story and touching imagery.
Developed and published by Broken Rules, this is a poignant side-scrolling adventure title. It depicts the survival of a family of Gibbons who attempt to escape the clutches of humans. With no spoken dialogue, you must explore the emotion through actions and images, and this will make it resonate with everyone.
Gibbon: Beyond the Trees is beautiful and harrowing!
I’m fascinated by the animal kingdom and our impact on it. Therefore, this was the perfect game for me to review. Not only does it take you on a harrowing journey, but it highlights the beauty of these magnificent beasts. You’ll explore 10 chapters of lush jungle, horrendous logging, and cold cities. Furthermore, you’ll be hunted by mindless thugs as you attempt to protect your family.
Every chapter flows wonderfully as you swing through dense canopies while grabbing vines, branches, and treetops. What’s more, you can use your partner to soar to new heights as you assist each other through this acrobatic journey. On top of this, you’ll learn to backflip, slide, and run to escape your tormentors. Timing is everything, and death and failure are just around the corner. Consequently, you must be agile, think fast, and plan ahead as you race past the beautiful and barren landscape.
Life was peaceful before man came along.
A game of two modes.
Gibbon: Beyond the Trees has a short one hour story that is captivating from beginning to end. The relationship between the family is touching, and you’ll be desperate for them to survive. I won’t ruin the plot, but it takes you on an emotional roller-coaster. I cherished the simplicity of the story and the range of emotions you’ll experience. You’ll admire the athleticism of the Gibbons and detest the loggers and hunters. I rarely experience such brilliance in a short title, but this game has it all.
Now, you may worry that a one-hour playthrough isn’t enough. Frankly, I agree! Luckily, though, there is a second option to tackle after the dust has settled. You can enjoy every chapter again in the “Liberation” mode. Here you must swoop through trees while finding the caged animals. Sounds easy, right? Unfortunately, it isn’t as you must locate them and hit their cages to free them. If you miss them, they remain locked up and you must revisit the chapter again. In theory, this wasn’t a bad thing. In reality, it felt a little padded out and was tiresome once you missed for the nth time. A checkpoint system would have alleviated this pain, but the developers failed to incorporate this option. If this was added retrospectively, the game would be vastly improved.
Look before you leap.
Gibbon: Beyond the Trees is simple but beautiful.
Having ultra-realistic and high-fidelity graphics is amazing. However, sometimes it’s not essential. Gibbon: Beyond the Trees proves this with its simple but beautiful approach. The wide variety of landscapes, vivid and natural colour palette, and free-flowing movement are great to look at. You’ll admire the lush jungle while being horrified by the destructive fires and felled trees. What’s more, the cold juxtaposed city landscapes highlight the plight of these endangered creatures even further. The game’s stark imagery does wonders in driving home the reality of the situation without being too preachy.
This is continued with the spine-tingling audio. The calm and emotive music is combined with dramatic heavy moments. Each different element tells the unique parts of the story without the use of text. This was a fantastic choice as you easily became immersed in the ever-changing world. Alongside this, the excellent environmental sounds and cruel everyday human noises add to the beauty and brutality of the gameplay.
It is a concrete jungle out there.
Easy to play.
With the choice of keyboard or gamepad, Gibbon: Beyond the Trees is extremely user-friendly. I chose the latter option and found it to be responsive and easy to understand. Swinging, sliding, and completing backflips were done with a simple push of a button. Yes, timing everything to perfection was tough, but that makes the action much more rewarding.
Once you’ve experienced the main story and explored the Liberation mode, there isn’t much else to do. Sadly, this does impact the longevity and the replay value. If the developers can expand the base game with some procedurally generated levels, this would keep you going. Alternatively, some unique challenges would demand you return and this is something that should be explored.
Gibbon: Beyond the Trees is heartwarming.
You’d have to be a heartless monster to not enjoy this game. Its story is touching, uncomfortably realistic, and a damming representation of mankind. Consequently, I loved its wake up call and its beautiful aesthetic. It pushes its message without being preachy and is a gem of an indie title. I adored it and I recommend you to buy it here! Can you save your family or is the damage already done?
Have you ever gone to your local store and thought I could do better? Well, now is your chance! Roll up your sleeves, put on your apron, and jump into a ye olde folksy world. Winkeltje: Little Shop lets you fulfil your fantasy of running a small convenience store from the comfort of your sofa.
Developed and published by Sassybot, this is a relaxed resource management simulation title. You must control every element of your business while trying to please every customer. It’s mainly relaxing and enjoyable. However, there are moments of madness and headache-inducing task juggling. In short, it is the perfect representation of owning and running a busy all-purpose shop.
An interesting blend of weapons and bread.
Winkeltje: Little Shop uses a simple concept.
Like all great business sims, Winkeltje: Little Shop has a simple concept. You must start at the bottom and work your way upwards. Effectively, you begin with a tiny shop and you must expand, find new products, and make as much cash as possible. However, unlike its peers, this game doesn’t move from map to map. No, all the action remains in one key location. Therefore, the only way to change things is to begin a new game and increase the difficulty.
Now, you may think that is ridiculous, but it isn’t. The action is oddly addictive and the straightforward approach works really well. I started on the easiest setting and I’m glad I did. I was able to master the fundamentals without too many problems. What’s more, it allowed me to experiment without the fear of being penalised for too many mistakes. However, it would have been nice to adjust the difficulty as I went. This would have prevented the loss of data alongside reducing the repetitive nature of the gameplay.
Grow produce and improve your profit margins.
Debt… oh, so much debt.
Inheriting a shop should be a good thing, unless it’s up to its eyeballs in debt, that is. This is the start point for Winkeltje: Little Shop and the aim of the game. You must run your business effectively and efficiently to turn a quick profit. Each playthrough comprises 20 debt-ridden chapters and failure to pay up is catastrophic. Consequently, you must expand and purchase items within your means. If you do not, your game will end prematurely and your shop will fail.
Sounds brutal, right? Well, don’t worry as the action is balanced nicely, so it’s almost impossible to miss a payment. Thanks to a large array of goods on offer, as well as your ability to grow, forge, make, and brew items, you’ll soon be rolling in cash. As you progress, you must improve the appeal of your store and your level. As this happens, you unlock new recipes, furniture, and equipment. You’ll install a forge, gardens, cooker, and so forth. Using these creates more expensive items but uses basic resources. Subsequently, you must balance advanced objects with entry-level gear to ensure every customer is happy.
Winkeltje: Little Shop looks dated.
As much as I loved the simple concept, the dated graphics weren’t great. Winkeltje: Little Shop’s old-school imagery works well with the theme and genre, but it won’t wow many gamers. Many of its peers are more realistic and much nicer to look at. What’s more, they have a larger roster of characters to interact with and the environment is more attractive. Sadly, the demand for a medieval theme means that earthy tones dominate proceedings. Therefore, much of the action is bland, repetitive, and understated. None of this simplicity ruins the game. I just yearned for variety and a better quality finish.
Though the graphics weren’t great, I enjoyed the relaxing audio. The chilled folksy soundtrack is distinctly medieval and works wonderfully. Furthermore, it is complemented by simple sound effects. You’ll enjoy nice environmental sounds combined with typical shop noises. It won’t wow you, but it is enjoyable nonetheless.
A small but well-designed shop.
You’ll repeatedly select the wrong thing.
Be prepared to sigh an awful lot! The clumsy controls make selecting tables, shelves, or customers a tiresome task. You’ll repeatedly select the wrong thing and find yourself shuffling from object to object. It’s annoying as hell and probably the worst element of this game. If Winkeltje: Little Shop was easier to play, it would improve the game exponentially.
The controls drove me insane, but I loved the special events and seasonal moments. As the year rolls on, items become less or more expensive and new customers visit your store. Therefore, you never quite know what to purchase. This mysterious element leaves you guessing throughout, and this was great. If you fall for its slow but ye olde charms, there is longevity and replay value. However, after my first playthrough, I wanted so much more and didn’t fancy returning.
Winkeltje: Little Shop is a nice little game, but it needs more depth.
I don’t mind a simple and understated game, but simulation titles need some meat on the bone. Unfortunately, Winkeltje: Little Shop is far too simple to invest hours of your life. Unlike its peers, you’ll tire of what you see and do very quickly. This was unfortunate, as it really is a nice little game. I wished it evolved, but this wasn’t to be. All things considered, I recommend it despite its shortcomings. Can you clear your debt and run a successful business? Buy the stock, craft some goods, and turn a profit.
Who doesn’t love facing overwhelming odds and being trapped deep behind enemy lines? Well, maybe not everybody, but that is precisely the sort of situation that we find ourselves in Home Behind 2.
The action takes place in the fictional country of Scaria, where a decade of internal turmoil has culminated in a revolution. While a part of the country is ravaged by war and people are still figuring out where their allegiances lie, Akadullah, the malevolent dictator, rules with an iron fist deep within the capital, protected by the might of his armies.
After finding yourself stranded behind enemy lines, you and a bunch of unlikely allies take up arms and begin a long and arduous journey to topple the regime once and for all. Without going much more into it, the story is nothing to write home about. For the most part, the dialogue feels too overdramatic. A lot of times, the characters feel completely out of place. It’s almost as if they were trying to make them memorable in some way, but they just ended up making the dialogue sequences feel like such a drag.
As for the gameplay itself, it’s got a lot of stuff in it, both good and bad, but I think that this can be a pretty divisive game, so you might want to read some more about it to make sure that you don’t end up disappointed, one way or another.
At its core, Home Behind 2 is a party-based RPG with real-time pausable combat and a strong focus on party and resource management. If you’ve played games like Darkest Dungeon or Iratus: Lord of the Dead, then you’ll find this game to be extremely familiar. It’s worth noting that, while you can play through the game once and be done with it, this is one of those games that was made with multiple playthroughs in mind.
The main reason why you’d want to replay the game would be due to all the gameplay possibilities that stem from the game’s vast array of classes, abilities, weapons, and, more importantly, random events. Besides that, the game also features a meta-progression system that allows you to unlock upgrades that will make your life easier in future runs. Therefore, there’s more than enough reason to revisit the game if you end up becoming a fan of the gameplay loop.
As you play through the campaign, you’ll slowly explore the map of Scaria, which gets increasingly more difficult the deeper you into the regime’s territory. At the same time, as the war continues, things will slowly escalate, so there is definitely a certain degree of urgency. The game doesn’t really force you to keep moving forward, since there’s no game-ending consequence for taking your time clearing every town and camp, but you might still want to prioritize.
During missions, you’ll scavenge resources, which you can then use to upgrade your camp and gain access to new mechanics and tools. Furthermore, you’ll also slowly build up your roster of companions, and this will allow you to send idle members in solo missions where they’ll gain resources and increase your reputation with various factions. A huge aspect of Home Behind 2 is the resource management, which comes in many forms. Whether you’re building up your stockpile to upgrade your camp’s facilities, crafting new weapons and armour, or treating and levelling up your companions, there’s a lot to keep track of.
When you’re not managing your war camp, you’re be exploring the numerous locales or fighting innumerable enemies. All these aspects of the game are interconnected, as one couldn’t possibly exist without the other. For the most part, the game can feel a bit grindy. However, I enjoyed how I was able to slowly build up my camp and equip my troops with better equipment. With that being said, exploration can feel monotonous, while combat is sort of a mixed bag.
The party system gives players plenty of options to customize their dream team of revolutionaries, but ultimately, I think it all falls apart since you can automize the whole combat system. Sure, this might not be the most efficient option, especially on higher difficulties, but I still found it to work most of the time. Essentially, it almost feels like it removes the combat from the game, since you don’t really have to think much about it. The end result is that you end up just having to worry about managing equipment, stats, and healing your companions. It will certainly not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Overall, Home Behind 2 provides a pretty compelling setting and a series of mechanics, but it ultimately fails to deliver a memorable gameplay experience. The combat is repetitive, the dialogue doesn’t match the tone of the game, and exploration feels pretty much the same throughout the entire game. Sure, this is one of those games where you can probably spend a hundred hours if you’re really into it, but I’m afraid that not many people will remember this game fondly. Hardcore fans of the genre will most likely find it fun, or at least engaging in some way, I certainly do, but you have to keep in mind that it doesn’t reinvent the wheel. For what it is, it’s pretty alright.
When you look at each individual aspect of Home Behind 2, whether that be the combat or the management side of the game, they might not seem like much or be the most compelling, but, as a whole, Home Behind 2 is greater than the sum of its parts. This is definitely not the kind of game that will appeal to everyone, and it surely isn’t one that I consider a “Must Play“, but fans of the genre should have no trouble having a good time with it. As long as you’re not expecting anything groundbreaking, Home Behind 2 won’t disappoint.
Following the MotoGP isn’t done because of a love of the sport. No, it’s a way of life. If you are a fan, you enjoy every element of the event. You’ll adore the riders, the teams, each adrenaline-fuelled encounter, and, of course, the monstrous machines. Therefore, if you are also a gamer, you’ll be the first in line to buy MotoGP 22. This long-running franchise has improved over the years, and this iteration is no exception.
Developed and published by Milestone S.r.l, this is an ultra-realistic racing simulation title. It is the latest addition to the long-running franchise. What’s more, it incorporates every modern racer, team, track, and some classic experiences to boot. Consequently, this is a great game for lovers of the series and newcomers alike.
MotoGP 22 is challenging but fair.
No matter how many racing games I play, I’m always concerned about the learning curve. Furthermore, my love of fast cars and motorbikes normally holds me back because the games lack realism. Luckily, though, MotoGP 22 embraces every petrolhead’s attention to detail by creating an in-depth and detailed experience. However, for those that like to simply race, the complexities can be overlooked. This balances out the action perfectly while keeping a wide range of players simultaneously happy.
Sports simulation aficionados have high expectations and MotoGP 22 lives up to them. It offers a vast range of modes, excellent graphics, realistic audio, and fantastic multiplayer options. Moreover, there is the chance to play couch co-op with friends and family if you so wish. However, it does rely on some staple mechanics and features, so fans may not be so amazed.
Get your knee down.
There is plenty to do!
No matter the sports game, I jump into the career mode. Fortunately, you get the full racing experience thanks to Moto3, 2 and finally GP. This was an awesome way to build up to the main event. Though the mechanics don’t change as such, it was fascinating to work through the ranks over a lengthy career. What I also enjoyed in this mode were the customisable options. Every element of your race weekend and the team can be altered. You can adjust the bike, interact with your manager, and aim for new contracts. What’s more, you can attempt every session or jump straight to the race. Whatever option you choose, the gameplay is enthralling and filled with adrenaline-fuelled action.
If the career option isn’t for you, there is quick mode, Nine Season 2009, practice, and online action. These extra gaming areas tick all the boxes without the time-consuming elements. Fancy a causal race? Set up quick play or challenge the online community. Fortunately, the latter choice isn’t full of toxic morons. However, the skill level is painfully high, so be prepared for a challenging time.
Practice makes perfect, and the masses of tests and advanced and basic trials hone those skills. This is essential if you want to get the best out of the game. It can be extremely frustrating to rely on driver aids as well as reducing the realism considerably.
Though I loved the aforementioned options, my attention was drawn to the Nine Season 2009 mode. Who doesn’t remember this classic year where 4 great riders battled for the crown? Relive all the action with 17 chapters and footage from this amazing season. You’ll have to overcome multiple challenges and this will fill you with nostalgia. It was an incredible addition from the developers and one that makes this stand out from its predecessors.
Hear the roar of the crowd.
MotoGP 22 looks phenomenal.
Why wouldn’t you want to race around the world’s best tracks? MotoGP 22 allows this to happen with exact replicas of each iconic raceway. Avid fans will know every curve, dip, and grandstand as they roar around each circuit. What’s more, the bikes look stunning and the character models are amazing. In short, it looks phenomenal. Every moving part turns, jumps, and pivots as you’d expect. Thankfully, it doesn’t put a foot wrong, as you admire every piece of masterful engineering. Alongside this, you can custom design every livery, your character, and your gear. Though this wasn’t essential for me, many players adore this advanced option.
The audio matches the brilliant graphics. With loud and uncomfortable engine noises, you are transported to every race day. Unlike other biking games, the mechanical noises represent each class of bike accurately. Furthermore, I appreciated the build-up to each session and the background music. There is some excellent commentary and the high-energy tunes get you in the mood. What’s more, I adored the subtle tyre sounds, the crunching crashes, and the noise of the weather.
Get that wheel off the ground.
Challenging controls.
Unsurprisingly, this ultra-realistic title is a pain in the arse to master. With tyres to nurse, brakes to control, the weather to focus on and the bike to balance, it’s tough to handle. Luckily, the aforementioned tutorial mode eases the pain, as do the adjustable driving aids. However, no matter how you approach it, it is still tough to handle. You’ll need patience, dexterity, and skill to get the most out of this game.
If you are buying a sports simulation title, the likelihood is that you are obsessed with it already. Therefore, you’ll play it to death no matter the circumstances. Luckily, though, MotoGP 22 is addictive for avid fans and casual players. With multiple options to select from, split-screen gameplay and an excellent albeit tough online community, this has both longevity and replay value.
MotoGP 22 is fantastic.
I won’t mince my words; MotoGP 22 is fantastic. It captures the brilliance of the sport, offers customisable options, and is filled with nostalgia. Its in-depth career mode is phenomenal, as are the Nine Season 2009 challenges. If you are a petrolhead or a fan of racing, this is a must-have title. Yes, there are some rehashed elements from previous iterations, but this should not put you off! All things considered, I recommend you to buy it here! Grab your leathers and helmet and become the next racing legend.
Before we get into the Ruined King, let us discuss how we got here.
For over 10 years, Riot Games had exclusively focused their developmental efforts on creating and maintaining League of Legends. This paid off massively for them as League rose to unfathomably heights, and still remains today as the most concurrently played title worldwide.
However, on League’s 10th anniversary, Riot announced that they were aiming to expand their catalogue, and were going to put the S back into Riot Games. They began with the launch of the competitive FPS Valorant, and followed up shortly thereafter with the digital collectible card game, Legends of Runeterra. They also branched out of the gaming space late last year, when they partnered with Netflix to release the hit animated series, Arcane.
The Ruined King is an isometric, turn based RPG, set within the fictional world of Runeterra. The story revolves around a mismatched group of heroes on their journey to stop the sinister Viego, and the apocalyptic curse known as the Harrowing.
The playable characters, which consist of Ahri, Braum, Captain Fortune, Illoai, Pyke and Yasuo, are the true backbone of the narrative. They are all situated in the port city of Bilgewater for their own reasons, but it is the looming danger of the Harrowing which brings them together as a team. You find out more about their motives and backgrounds as you progress through the story, and the game does a stellar job of blending it seamlessly into the main plot.
None of this would be possible however without the all-star cast of voice actors, the likes of which include Laura Bailey and Liam O’Brien. They perfectly capture the dynamic of what it is like to be in a roleplaying party, and it seems as though the dialogue is often trying to mimic that of a D&D session. In the end, it was their performances that created a deeper level of immersion for me, and in turn, is what made me truly care about the outcome of the story.
You might ask, “will I still enjoy this game if I haven’t played League of Legends before?” While I do believe you might get more mileage out of this if you’re already a fan, the answer to that question is still a resounding yes! Airship Syndicatehave done an incredible job to accommodate any new players that are venturing out into this universe for the first time.
Art
The art direction is similar to the one used in League of Legends, but leans a bit heavier into the graphic novel stylization. This ends up working to the games favour, as characters personalities shine through in the forefront, while backgrounds still remain vibrant and lively. Combat sequences were another visual treat for me, though admittedly, the animations did get a little repetitive after a while. Thankfully, Airship Syndicate have provided players with a way to increase the combat speed, so once combat exhaustion does set in, you can turn that on to make things a bit more manageable.
There are only two regions in the game to explore, those being Bilgewater and the Shadow Isles. Other regions like Ionia and Freljord are referenced, but you sadly never get the chance to sail out and see them. I personally never felt tiresome of the locales I was exploring, so this didn’t really have an effect on the game for me.
Gameplay
Exploration
Traversing the game is all fairly standard and straight forward. Speak to NPCs to pick up quests, buy and sell items from vendors, and so on. There are puzzles to solve out in the wild as well, and these help to break up the standard gameplay loop.
Additionally, there are couple of side events you can partake in. The first of which is the bounty board, which rewards you for tracking down and defeating powerful enemies, and the other is a fishing mini-game. While the latter was fairly relaxing, it lacked any real substance to keep me entertained for prolonged periods.
Battle Mechanic
The combat in this game uses a system called ‘Lane Initiative’, which, for all intents and purposes, is an innovation to the combat timelines seen in the likes of the Trails series. For those that don’t know, combat timelines provide you with information on when everyone will be making their next move, thus, allowing you to make more tactical decisions.
The combat timeline in the Ruined King is referred to as the Initiative Bar, and it is split up into three separate lanes called ‘Speed’, ‘Balance’ and ‘Power’. Using an ability in the ‘Speed’ lane will make that action preform faster, but as a trade-off, it will be slightly weaker. ‘Power’ will make your action take longer to execute, though it will pack more of a punch when it does. Lastly, the ‘Balance’ lane acts normally, and has no changes in speed, or ability potency. You’ll also have to deal with regional effects which apply varying buffs and debuffs.
While the Lane Initiative system does a nice job of improving upon an otherwise stale design, it unfortunately made the game a bit too easy for me. The lack of any really challenge made combat sequences rather boring, and this even while playing it on its hardest difficulty.
That’s not to say that the Lane Initiative system doesn’t have potential though. If Airship Syndicate are going to do a sequel, I hope they build upon the foundations they’ve made here, and create a more robust system with additional features.
Customization
Of course, no RPG is complete without character customization options, and the Ruined King has a fair amount of depth when it comes to this. For starters, each ability comes with its own mini skill tree, so you can modify the way that they work to suit your needs. Additionally, entire characters can be spec’d into specific avenues, so if you want to change your healer into more of a damage dealer, there is options to do that.
There is also a plethora of gear to find within the world, which come with different properties and affixes. You can also enchant the gear to give them additional benefits and traits, or, to mix up the way that they work entirely.
Audio
On the audio side there really isn’t too much to say. The arrangements made for the soundtrack are perfectly suitable for what they need to do, and the sound effects are crisp matching that of their visual counterpart.
Final Thoughts
The Ruined King is varied enough that it kept me entertained throughout the majority of my playthrough, but combat fatigue eventually left me feeling a little exhausted by the end of it. While the story is fairly simplistic, the charming characters, mixed with the sublime art style, made it a fun jaunt overall. If you are a fan of League of Legends and turn-based RPGs, then this is the game for you. Otherwise, I’d recommend waiting until this goes on sale before picking it up for yourself.
Do you have what it takes to help return the ocean’s bioverse back to normal? If you think you have the time to solve some challenging puzzles while guiding our little hero in this game, Lumote to the end of each location safely, then you should give this game a go!
Lumote: The Mastermote Chronicles is a fully illuminated 3D-style platformer that is not only an adventure game that needs you to find the exit, without getting harmed. Instead, it’s a puzzle game, which requires you to lead Lumote to the end after figuring out the correct way to do so. Each level is designed as towers in the sea, but the problem is mainly the puzzles you’ll face, as some may be a bit more tedious than others.
By the way, each of the beautiful levels glows so brightly from its design, and as Lumote takes a step, bounces, leaps, or in any other way interacts with the objects and ground, he also makes the tower-style levels light up. Many of the wonderful abilities Lumote possesses will be taught through the first portion of the game. As he can do so much without speaking and just using his unique creature-style body to interact with the other bioluminescent creatures and objects. Plus, there are many collectible items to be discovered and they are hidden around each part of the level, another side goal to enjoy while playing.
Oh yes, Lumote may be cute, including his adorable appearance and noises, as much as how beautiful the levels appear. However, cute doesn’t mean easy! This game will have a variety of hard to easy puzzling levels and some may be fast to solve as others may take some time. So if you feel you have the time and want to use your logical knowledge to figure out each level, then let Lumote brighten up your day!
Graphics and Sound
The game supplies a variety of luminescing colors, which works with the entire sea theme of the game. I loved the bright and lit-up levels design on these high towering platforms. It was really an excellent idea for the ocean bioverse design. Each towering platform has a squared-out design, simple and safe for moving around on, but the only issue is that it’s not safe if you miss the ledge. The edges aren’t blocked so you will fall fatally if you end up not getting on the ground fully. Nevertheless, it’s just what the game should include making it a bit more challenging than just about going easily through the levels without the chance to mess up.
The character’s design and the other bright creatures, really add a bit of friendly and welcoming love to the game. Making it perfect for anyone to play. No gore or fear in this ocean-style game, just tons of cute and adorable gameplay. Additionally, the movements were very normal to a platform game or one that you’d get when playing as a human. There is no flowing or swimming, even if it’s based in the sea. If you want to go left, right, jump or do anything else, it’s all controlled very easily with the remote and isn’t anything spectacular or different because of the game’s theme or character.
Possibly the way to interact with items may be unusual, but there isn’t something too pronounced that will stick out as much. One pleasure is that there are no worries of restrictions to move or get to leap higher; double jump in this game. Plus, the music that plays in the background is a perfect water-based game sound. It really complements the game quite nicely, adding this lovely tune to the underwater theme. So are the cute sounds of Lumote as he moves and interacts with items. Some sound human-like and others more of just cute noise.
Final Thoughts
Lumote: The Mastermote Chronicles is such a luminous adventure and puzzling game. It’s absolutely full of levels to enjoy, with plenty of tricky obstacles to figure out. Some may go super fast, while others require a few learned skills and some logical thinking to figure out. I honestly love the difficult level of the game, it’s not too hard or too easy, but just one of those games that require more thinking than simply using weapons to defeat an enemy.
I did find a few features to be absolutely great, and it’s not including just the eye-catching character and level design. The game has a really easy-to-use and sensitive camera rotation, allowing a view from above, below, left, or even right. There is no blocking of the visible portions of the game. Another one is that I also enjoyed that Lumote can double jump. Many games don’t have this and I’m so used to it after playing others. It allows me to reach the height I want or just fulfill that need to click the button twice. Lastly, the level is in one single location, not a bunch of loading time is required.
However, there is one issue that I’ve encountered in the game when you mess up, sometimes it could be an issue or it could be still repairable. You have to plan right and restart that section, which is great that it saves each time you complete a portion or you’ll have to start it all over. Sometimes, I wished if there were no moves it would warn you that no further moves were available and you will need to be restarted. Just think it would be easier, but it’s just a small thing and my own opinion.
Lastly, this game is very nicely designed and the puzzles are challenging, requiring sometimes a few mistakes till you get them right. However, I love the use of logic when it comes to solving puzzles than playing a game to defeat enemies. Additionally, the sea-like background music, 3D graphics, and cute characters all play a great part in the game and it all just works! So if it’s solving puzzles under the sea where it’s lit up with plenty of bright-neon style lights and this cute bioluminescence style creature, well this is a fun game to wrap one’s mind around and be absolutely entertained with the lights.
The path to righteousness can be complex and full of heartache. You are often left with many difficult decisions, and those that you love may get left behind. However, the rewards usually outweigh the negatives even if your soul disagrees. This is the idea behind Trek to Yomi. It is a dark and sombre game that captures the brilliance of Japanese culture.
Developed by Flying Wild Hog and published by Devolver Digital, this is a fighting action-adventure title. It has a phenomenal cinematic that creates a moody and mystical atmosphere. Furthermore, it combines realistic elements of Asian life with bizarre and often unnerving surreal moments. On top of this, it has a fantastic story, interesting characters, many skills to unlock and collectables to find.
Trek to Yomi tells a classic story.
I have always admired Japanese culture and the “Way of the Samurai”. Therefore, whenever a game depicts this theme at its core, I jump right in. Luckily, Trek to Yomi blends realism and surrealism beautifully. Even when the game goes into a dreamlike state, it doesn’t leave its roots behind. Consequently, the story and the gameplay flow nicely, especially when you have no idea of what’s happening.
The plot revolves around a young Samurai called Hiroki. His master is dying, and he promises to protect the village and the people he loves. Sadly, this vow is tested when his once peaceful village is attacked. Caught off guard, and desperate for victory, Hiroki is led astray. This error costs him and the villagers dearly, and he must battle invading forces and brutal overlords if he is to right the wrongs.
Slay your foe.
A short game.
Set over 6 chapters, Trek to Yomi can only be considered a short title. Now, you may want more bang for your buck, but worry not! Luckily, this is available as part of the Game Pass subscription. Consequently, you have nothing to lose by trying this visual masterpiece. Yes, I’m jumping in early on with my love of the graphics, but I can’t help it. Trek to Yomi is simply stunning to look at. With monochromatic visuals and authentic landscapes, it is easy to admire what unfolds. Yet, just because it is beautiful, doesn’t make it a phenomenal game. Sadly, there are many shortcomings that hold back its potential.
First, the rigid linear focus makes the world feel small and claustrophobic. This isn’t usually a bad thing, but the environment is so inviting (in a macabre way) that I was disappointed that I couldn’t explore it. Second, the combat is awfully lacklustre. There are an array of warriors to tackle and weaponry to use. What’s more, you unlock plenty of combo attacks, blocks, and equipment to balance the books. However, repetitive and dull encounters make this element a bit of a damp squib. Third, there are too many save points. Shrines heal you while saving your progress. This happens so regularly that there is next to no risk in any given situation. Consequently, death has no meaning and your loss is minimal, so you go balls to the wall every time.
This was particularly poor in a game set around discipline, skill, and combat. I wanted to slice off limbs, time my blows perfectly, and dodge my enemy’s advances. Instead, I hacked away like a maniac and rarely did this approach fail me. There is, of course, a stamina bar to consider as well as tougher opponents, but both rarely held you back. If the developers had tightened this up, the game would have been much better.
Avoid the arrows that rain down on you.
Trek to Yomi was interesting to explore.
Though much of the core gameplay disappointed me, the level design did not. I’ve already gushed about my love of the visuals, but each chapter’s sprawling landscapes were just as good. With limited exploration options, it could have been a mundane and lifeless experience. However, leaping across buildings while killing your foes with barrels or other objects was fascinating. Furthermore, searching for stamina and health boosts, new attacks, or collectables was excellent. Secrets were hidden in plain sight, and finding every one of them wasn’t easy.
Alongside the captivating environment was the amazing audio. The persistent sound of terror and loss was haunting as you explore your surroundings. A torturous and sombre atmosphere is created thanks to the harrowing noises and horrific images. Dilapidated villages are matched with the roar and crackle of the fire and the shrieks of mourning villagers. It is hard to say that I loved this brutal experience, but I can’t help but admire what I saw. Moreover, you are immersed in the action thanks to the use of subtitles and authentic Japanese dialogue. You may despise the use of subtitles, but it was the perfect accompaniment to add to the realism.
Such a beautiful world to look at.
The controls could have been better.
I’m not the biggest fan of multi-button combo attacks. I find them to be overly complex, usually poorly thought out and tough to execute. Unfortunately, most of this is true of Trek to Yomi as you try to remember a long list of unique commands. With finishing moves, heavy attacks, light attacks, blocks, and ranged weaponry, there was an awful lot to master. Annoyingly, no matter how many moves I was given, I stuck to what worked. Luckily, however, the fundamentals worked well and were responsive. This meant that you could pick it up and play without worrying about massive combos or complex moves.
With only 6 hours of gameplay, this is a short but stunning game. Sadly, if you are not a completionist, you won’t get the most out of it. However, if you love to search every nook and cranny, you’ll enjoy exploring each chapter fully. Subsequently, finding every collectable isn’t easy and many of the secrets can be overlooked. Therefore, if you are a completionist, you’ll have your work cut out for you.
Trek to Yomi could have been better.
Many Game Pass subscribers will love the cinematic experience and story-rich gameplay. However, Trek to Yomi could have been much better. With overly complicated controls, poor combat, and strict linear progression, it is too restrictive and frustrating. I loved the immersive atmosphere and the deep lore, but there are better Samurai games on the market. All things considered, this is worth trying and can be purchased here! Will you keep your vow or will you let yourself and your people down?
Although this is a spoiler-free review of Moon Knight Episode 6 allimages used have been taken from the episode.
Moon Knight Episode 6 picks up right where the previous one ended and shows us the fallout of that fatal incident. What takes place is a race-against-time to save the world, and perhaps on a more personal level for the players to save themselves too. May Calamawy shows us that anyone can be a hero and, as we’ve seen all along, she is a force to be reckoned with. The character of Layla is fantastic and the development she gets in this episode is a ‘leaping-off-the-sofa’ cheer moment. Moon Knight deserves more episodes just so we can see more of Layla being awesome.
Ethan Hawke’s villainous Harrow is hell-bent on releasing the ancient Egyptian goddess Ammit to fuel his cult’s goals of exacting judgment. They’re targeting the souls of people who may not have even committed the crimes yet. Harrow has more depth than this, we really see the inner workings of his troubled mind and the nuanced performance is chilling.
It may come as no surprise that Oscar Isaac shone once more as the title hero. Playing multiple people sharing a scene is never easy, but he does it perfectly. He also brings his own flair to pre-existing comic book characters. We also get to see Moon Knight in action for a large part of the episode. It certainly feels more ‘superhero show’ when he dons the suit, but it also feels like so much more.
Moon Knight Episode 6 is a solid conclusion to the series. The stories are rounded out nicely, with room to expand into another series or movie if needed. It doesn’t feel incomplete. While a shame if we never saw any more Moon Knight, I’d be satisfied with this series as the MCU representation of one of my favourite comic book characters. The episode was nicely paced without rushing the conclusion as these things can often do. The action sequences were awesome, with wonderful shots displaying the fighting sequences well with the backdrop of impressive CGI action. Overall, this episode is as strong as the rest of the series and a satisfying watch.
Make sure to watch the mid-credits scene!
Thoughts on the series
Moon Knight Episode 6 concludes this Disney+ masterpiece in a wonderful way. It was slated for the longest time as a limited series, but I hope they change their minds. Moon Knight deserves more episodes. Simply, it’s the best series to have appeared in the MCU Disney+ line-up. It’s full of action, has deep lore, blends comedy with heartfelt topics wonderfully, and best of all? Addresses mental health in a way that most shows shy away from. Every character is brilliantly developed, and Oscar Isaac is superb in the title role. If there’s one series you choose to watch, make it Moon Knight.
Dragon Saddle Melee is a classic 2D arcade action game developed and published by Main Tank Software. The premise is simple, you get to ride around in a dragon and fight enemies in an arcade multiplayer setting. While its simplicity causes the game to get stale after a while, the mechanics are quite fun and easy to pick up.
Gameplay
The main mechanic of the game is riding your dragon better than other players and reacting to the environmental challenges that change with each round. The controls are simple and easy to learn.
There are power-ups for the players to pick up, there is enough variety to keep the core gameplay interesting. The power-ups allow players who can masterfully make use of them to score easy points or make a comeback from a desperate situation. While they do provide the player with a leg up, they aren’t too powerful as to cause players to dominate the game by just using powerups.
The arena is simple and not visually distracting. It fits the overall vibe of the game just fine. However, I do believe having more than just one arena would have elevated the gameplay and prevented every match from feeling the same after a while.
Challenges and the goals change in each round, the game wouldn’t be as much fun without this feature. The rounds change often enough to keep the players engaged. One big improvement for the round system would probably be shuffling the different types of rounds, instead of always going in the same order. However, the rounds changing in the same order every match allows players to strategize and plan. While I believe the shuffle system would work better, this is not too big of a problem within the overall gameplay.
Players can choose to either play against bots or other players. The AI for the bots is not too bad but it doesn’t offer anything to write home about. From what I’ve experienced there’s no real way to invite friends to the same lobby or join a specific lobby which is a big minus for a game in this genre.
Technical Side
The animations and overall movement of the dragon is quite responsive, which alleviates possible frustration in a game where a small mistake can cost you a life. There is partial controller support which means you can use a controller to control your dragon and use items, but you can’t use it to navigate within the in-game options menu. I haven’t experienced any bugs while playing or had any frame rate problems or crashes. The system requirements for the game are quite modest and most PC’s will be able to run it smoothly.
Graphics and Audio
The graphics do a good job of capturing the retro arcade feel, the details of the dragon and the animations are also quite good. There is only one background for the whole game which is a minus, having multiple backgrounds would have added a lot to the “feeling” of variety.
The music is fitting for the gameplay and the genre. The sound effects are nothing special but they get the job done.
Conclusion
Dragon Saddle Melee doesn’t offer its players a lot of variety or many different mechanics, however the existing gameplay is quite polished and feels good to play. I had a lot of fun just bouncing around the arena with my dragon and on top of other dragons. Its price is quite cheap, it would make a good choice for a game to relax with after a tiring day.
I love a game that has a deep story, interesting characters, and an emotive core. However, occasionally I enjoy mindless violence! Wildcat Gun Machine focuses on the latter option because of its lack of plot. Moreover, it chucks you in at the deep end with hard-hitting action.
Developed by Chunkybox Games and published by Daedalic Entertainment, this is a bullet hell dungeon crawler. Designed in the same vein as Hades, but without the finesse, this title isn’t as groundbreaking as its rivals. However, don’t let this put you off, as you’ll have plenty of fun and frustration en route.
Wildcat Gun Machine rinses and repeats.
Normally, I’m not a fan of repetitive gameplay. The constant rehash of ideas and mechanics becomes tiresome beyond belief. Yet, in Wildcat Gun Machine I didn’t mind its rinse and repeat nature. Luckily, the developers added enough of a twist to the actions that I never got bored. However, massive fans of the genre may become frustrated by the lack of evolution and depth.
As mentioned, there is no story to talk about. Therefore, you are left to your own devices and imagination as you explore each room. This isn’t an issue, but I would have liked some meat on the bone. The gameplay is broken down into chapters that comprise multiple areas, many locked doors, and gigantic robotic bosses. There are oodles of traps, plenty of guns, loads of upgrades, and cute kitties. Consequently, the blend of elements leads to a confusing experience that supports the bullet-hell approach.
Choices, choices!
Keys, guns, and death.
I’m conscious that Wildcat Gun Machine could be considered a puzzle title. However, this “tag” is so loose that it’s almost irrelevant. Yes, you have to explore the labyrinthine world to find keys to progress, but this is the extent of that element. Subsequently, it felt more adventure/Metroidvania than anything else. The multicoloured keys send you on a predetermined route, which makes the game distinctly linear. Now, this is fine, but I would have liked a heavier focus on Metroidvania. It would have been fascinating to combine maze-like gameplay with the brutality of each arena.
This brutality is countered wonderfully by a large array of weapons and upgrades. As you explore, you will find bigger and better guns and skeletons to loot. The new weapons balance out the difficulty and give you a unique strategic approach. Whether it’s a high-powered rifle, machine gun, or grenade launcher, they all have pros and cons. Alongside this, you have unlockable perks such as dashing, grenades, and more. You are also blessed with a special ability that turns you into a killing machine.
As mentioned, you must loot skeletons to upgrade your character. This is supported further as you kill each enemy you face. You’ll gather bones that can be spent on new pistols, and increased abilities. These are game-changers and are essential as you progress. If you fail to maximise your hero, you will die! Death is absolutely guaranteed, but it isn’t too frustrating. Unlike rogue-lite/like games, you don’t lose your progress or anything you’ve gathered.
Use the checkpoints to renew your kitties.
Wildcat Gun Machine looks surprisingly good.
I expected Wildcat Gun Machine to be your standard pixelated indie title. Instead, it’s a vivid and well-polished cartoon affair. Consequently, it is a treat for the eyes and a pleasant change from the norm. Alongside the striking imagery, I adored the variety of monsters, the unique backdrops, the gargantuan bosses, and the interesting stage design. With many of the core elements reused throughout, I thoroughly expected the graphics to follow suit. Luckily, however, they didn’t, and this makes it stand out from its peers.
The action is fast and hectic and so is the audio. The aggressive hard-hitting tunes combine brilliantly with the silly, sci-fi sound effects. Therefore, you experience loud and uncomfortable audio that matches the theme and genre. However, it is not perfect! Many of the noises sound similar and I would have liked more variety. What’s more, it would have been interesting to have soundbites for each foe you faced. Sadly, this wasn’t to be, and this was an oversight.
Make sure you avoid those bullets.
Simple dual analogue controls.
When all hell is breaking out around you, you need the controls to be simple. Luckily, the easy to master dual analogue approach makes it a cinch. Furthermore, the well-designed UI complements the control layout. Each ability, item, and new weapon are straightforward to use and this was fantastic. Consequently, this is an excellent game for veterans and newcomers alike.
With many mysterious elements and loads of weapons to unlock, this has both longevity and replay value. It would be easy to lose hours in each chapter, and certain areas are tougher than others. Subsequently, completing this is no mean feat.
Wildcat Gun Machine needed direction.
Though I’m comfortable with a free-flowing game, I still enjoy some guidance. Consequently, Wildcat Gun Machine needed more focus and direction. Yes, the action is linear, but I’d have liked to know why everything was occurring. Though these complaints don’t take away from the game’s brilliance, they would have made it so much better. Yet, all things considered, I still recommend you buy it here! Scour each level, grab the skeletons, upgrade your character, and kick some ass.
Ghost on the shore is a game that will stick with players for quite some time after they watch the credits roll. Developed by Like Charlie and published by Application Systems Heidelberg, the story behind it is one of sadness and sorrow but has cute little moments to help make the journey a little easier on the heart. Pairing the simple art style with the subtle and peaceful music helps make this game a wonderful experience from start to finish, even if it does take a some time to get started. Do you want to know more about Riley’s journey as she tries to find out the mystery of the islands? Well grab a life jacket and hop on board as we set sail for the Rogue islands in Ghost on the shore.
Story
The game starts off with Riley navigating a small ship through a terrible storm as she sets off on a personal journey to see what the world has to offer. As things start to take a turn for the worse, a voice chips in and begins to walk our protagonist through some helpful steps in order to make it safely to her destination. This catches Riley off guard and she begins to struggle with the idea of having someone supporting her who isn’t physically there.
Once she manages to steer the ship to a dock, Riley finds herself on an island that looks like it has seen some better days in the past. Buildings lay wasting away by a tattered dock with no signs of anyone else on the Island as. As Riley adventures through the Island and uncovers its mysteries, the voice of Josh is there to help shed some light on things as they peer into the lives of those who were here before. The relationship between the two of them is tense at first but as the hours pass, players can make decisions that will help shape their relationship. These dialog options aren’t just for flavor text though and can have an impact on the ending that players will see by the time their adventure comes to an end.
Gameplay
Ghost on the Shore is a first-person adventure game that puts players in the shoes of a woman named Riley who is also accompanied by Josh, the mysterious voice in her head who seems to know a little bit about the island that she is on. The game has some accessibility options that should be an industry standard but sadly are not, with the ability to turn Head bob on or off being the major one that stood out. The game also supports multiple languages and even has subtitles that players can adjust the size of to help with visibility. This is something that I genuinely appreciated since I was sitting a little further from my desk due to the game featuring controller support. Ghost on the shore supports both Xbox and PlayStation controllers and it was nice to be able to plug and play without any hiccups or spending extra time in the options menu.
As players travel across the island, they will find a multitude of items to interact with. Most objects can be turned around and examining them will often lead to either Riley talking to herself about an observation or a conversation between Riley and Josh about the residents on the island. Riley will occasionally take notes in her journal as well as draw sketches of the things that she has seen along the way. Players can look at these notes to help get a little more information and revisit any letters or tapes that they have picked up throughout the game.
One of the best aspects of the game is how the relationship between both Riley and Josh continues to develop and unfold. Players are given dialog options throughout the game and Ghost on the shore does a really good job of utilizing these choices to help expand on the characters. Riley can try to convince herself that the voice isn’t there, or she can fully embrace the situation by talking to him during their journey. Sometimes there will be moments where the two get real snarky with one another and players can get the feeling that the pair is starting to get a little more comfortable with each others presence. These dialog choices will have an impact on their relationship and can even impact the ending that the players see which will provide a reason to come back once the initial playthrough is finished.
Final Thoughts
Ghost on the shore is a slower paced adventure that is sure to capture the hearts of those looking for a bit of mystery. The story is captivating and the ability to interact with different objects to get an understanding of the different lives that used to inhabit the island really helps bring the player along. The mystery of who Josh is and his connection with Riley is sure to have players glued to their screens. If you are a fan of story heavy games with a sense of mystery, Ghost on the shore is definitely worth your time.
On my brother’s 10th birthday, he wanted only one thing. I was too young to know what a console was; I had no idea what Nintendo was if I’m honest – so the concept of a Nintendo Wii was pretty irrelevant to me. Nonetheless, he was ecstatic as we got to the toy shop, and he got the gift he’d been after for months. So we set up the white box in our living room and chose two games – one of which being Wii Sports.
I’m sure you know how revolutionary this game and the Wii were when released. Implementing motion control for a household console and having controllers that didn’t leave wires draping over the carpet and savage tripping hazards for any blissfully unaware family member was a cultural reset for anything gaming.
I fell in love.
My brother and I played Wii sports almost religiously – and obviously, he was way better than me due to being older and having experience with video games beforehand. But Wii sports was something I could grasp and enjoy even after crying about losing at bowling for the sixth time in a row.
Many gamers are in the same boat when thinking about Wii Sports. It’s fondly referenced in conversation and is always a laugh when pulled out at a party. This is because it was revolutionary when it was released. But you can’t kid yourself into believing that the Wii isn’t outdated.
That’s not to say it isn’t still one of Nintendo’s best co-op games ever to be released. I still love it, and I will always be thankful for all the memories of getting up on a Saturday morning with my brother and watching him master the arts of a smash serve. Or fondly remember my Dad’s thorough coaching on flicking your wrist at the end of a bowl to get a strike. All of it feeds into how I became such a fan of video games, and they’re wholesome memories I probably share similarly with everyone who played them growing up.
So when Nintendo Switch Sports was announced in February 2022, it felt like my brother’s 10th birthday again. I watched the direct with bated breath, feeling like I’d walked into that big toy shop, but now I knew what gaming was.
Nintendo Switch Sports is now available via the Nintendo e-Shop.
How times have changed
I think many gamers were skeptical when we watched the trailer for this game. It’s been anticipated by such a vast audience since the Nintendo Switch was released, so it needed to be done right. With Wii sports holding such a firm place in our hearts, the release of something new that might replace that will need to be top tier even to be considered. We were after something just like the original game’s experience, but it needed to highlight everything positive about the Nintendo Switch and its capabilities. I don’t think any of us knew what we wanted, but we just knew we did.
It’s not you; it’s Mii.
The first thing that stood out to me was the difference in art style. Wii Sports allowed players to use their Miis rather than automatically generated characters, but Nintendo Switch Sports shakes things up. Sure, you can still use your Mii if that’s more your style. But Switch Sports is equipt with character creation as soon as you begin the game. Rather than the 2D appearance of Mii’s, there’s a more rounded and modern approach to characters called “sportsmates.” You can completely personalize your sportsmate to be the best representation of you, then give them a nickname and a title, and you’re good to go.
I love Mii’s. Any fan of Nintendo probably does. They’re hilarious and iconic to the brand – and there’s nothing like the joy of coming across a Mii created under the image of an obscure character. Which you definitely will. I played a volleyball match against a Monty Mole Mii, and yes – it was just as terrifying as you can imagine. But the Switch Sports character creation shows how times have changed and is a gentle reminder that this game is not just a copy of Wii Sports from the moment you start. The new characters are wide-eyed and eager to play – and incredibly expressive during tense matches, which I found particularly charming.
An incentive to exercise
As you progress through the game, you unlock more options to continue to customize your character. So rather than being limited to customizing your character once and never looking at it again, you continue to unlock hairstyles or outfits, or equipment as you earn more points from competing online. THIS is where my competitive side began to come out.
Unlockable rewards come as a set of three cards, each card hosting a handful of prizes and offering a complete outfit upon completion. To unlock a single award, you need to earn one hundred points. To earn points, you need to play games, and the more success you have, the more points you get (you probably know where this is headed now), so I rinsed through this game.
As a somewhat perfectionist, I needed every reward and, in turn, every outfit, but that meant hours of gameplay. I have never felt this eager to engage in any sort of exercise. Suddenly a match of badminton was a life or death deal. Bowling turned into a battle royale, and volleyball became a test of skill unmatched by anything I do in my day-to-day life. It has been hilarious.
An internet sensation
You can enter matches online with two players for tennis, volleyball, and bowling. I’ll preface now, you may end up in several backhanded remarks if said partner hits a ball that you claim would go out of the court, or they miss a spike in volleyball and hand a point to your competition. But if you fight through this tension, you are welcomed into a world of competitive team gaming that I haven’t found so fun in a while. These online games are the only way to unlock the points for cosmetics and rewards, so they will probably be the thing you spend the most time on.
Unlike Wii Sports, you can compete as a team against another random player and put your skills to the test. I adore this feature, and I think Switch Sports would be incredibly repetitive and boring without it. It’s what I found pulls the game together to make it a unique and refreshing experience for literally everyone involved. Of course, you never know who you’ll be paired with, and since ranked matches can’t be played in a team, you never know how hard your skills will be tested.
There’s no voice and no text chat either, so the only way you can communicate with the opposite team is by four stickers of characters showing different emotions. By default, you are given feelings of joy, applause, crying, and a thumbs up. But, if played correctly, you can pull out the competitive nature of any player. In Rocket League, when you miss a shot or are responsible for your team’s own goal, everyone spams you with ‘Nice Shot!’ It sends that guilt and anger and the need to prove yourself in the next match racing through your body?
Spamming the applaud sticker every time the opposing player does something similar is the Nintendo Switch Sports equivalent.
It was moments like this where I felt like sitting back and cracking my knuckles, ready to show the court who’s boss (even though I probably lost the match, which is why I got shamed in this way in the first place.) Don’t get me wrong; I’m a very competitive person in every game I play. But Nintendo Switch Sports is another level. I have no shame in saying it, but I put so much energy into the matches I pulled a muscle on my first day of playing. Did that put me out of business for the next day? NO! Should I have taken this as a sign to chill out and take it easy on the game? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
I adore how competitively people react in this game. Suddenly it’s not just a party game; it’s a trial to see if you’re Olympic-level worthy. Online play was one of the best things Nintendo could’ve added to encourage player interaction, and when I say they’ve done it right. I mean it.
Ready, set, match
Enough about what it feels like to play the game; let’s focus on what makes it so desirable to play and how things have changed since we all picked up Wii Sports.
Nintendo Switch Sports features old classics any player of Wii Sports will remember and introduces several new games. Football, chambara, volleyball, and badminton are all new additions. Of course, there’s still Tennis and bowling, but if you grew up playing these two and need something new – Switch Sports has you covered.
Sword swinging and shuttle sending
Chambara and badminton are single-player games, so it’s just you and your competition fighting it out. These can be played online or locally, and both are equally fun. One of my main concerns with badminton was that it might play the same as tennis since it follows the same concept of hitting the thing over the net and hoping your player misses a shot or hits it out of the court upon return.
But it’s far from being a carbon copy. Sure, it follows the same mechanics, but the Switch has utilized its rumble physics to make badminton feel lighter than tennis. The use of buttons on a single controller can also have you running around the court and making your competition lunge for a skillfully placed drop shot.
As for chambara, this game is not easy in the slightest. It relies heavily on you reading the next move of your competition, which is something I learned I was pretty poor at very quickly. There is a tiny gameplay window, so it’s got your hair standing on edge from the minute a match begins. Once you get into the rhythm of expecting your competition’s next move, you’ll be a chambara champion. I’m currently playing ranked, and the match is ridiculously good. What rank I’m playing at is classified information to protect my pride before you think about asking.
Let’s get ready to rumble.
I cannot emphasize how fantastic the game feels in terms of rumble. Tennis feels heavy, badminton is light, and you know when you’ve been hit in chambara. Of course, you need to hit the shuttlecock with some real beans if you want to make sure it goes over the net (hence why I pulled a muscle, I was swinging my arm so hard it hurt.) But in tennis, a light tap could result in an unexpected point. You can also judge how hard to send a shot by changing how hard you swing, which I think Wii Sports missed entirely.
Directional swinging is also pretty integral. It’s the best way to throw the competition off and go for gold in volleyball. I didn’t pick this up until a few days into playing, and suddenly I felt way more successful. The hints the game gives you during loading screens are pretty helpful; who would’ve thought?
It’s easy to say Nintendo Switch Sports makes the most of motion control and other tracking features the Nintendo Switch is capable of. But, as I mentioned, the Wii was pretty revolutionary for its time. The Switch honors many of these features while making them more up-to-date and appropriate for modern gameplay – encouraging that feeling of childlike glee again.
Spike and Score
Going back to team games, volleyball and football are two more new additions for this release. Football is split into teams of four players and has a Rocket League feel about it. Frankly, it may just have a football feel. It’s never been a game I played or watched growing up, so I can’t speak from any experience in that sense.
For this game, you need both joy-cons. You can play two players, but you’ll need a pair of controllers. If you have Ring Fit, you can use the leg strap to play for a more immersive experience. (And more strenuous as it involves jogging on the spot – blegh.) But holding both controllers works just as well. Football is an exhilarating chase with seven other players trying to score a goal. Except, your characters can hilariously dive halfway across a pitch to steal a ball.
These games require a few more buttons and swings to remember than a game like tennis. But it pays off once you get to grips with the controls. Volleyball is by far my favorite sport. It requires slightly more skill in terms of timing and remembering the pattern of setting up for a spike. Once you’ve got into your groove and you’re paired with some decent competition, these matches can be pretty intense.
I appreciate a challenge, and volleyball requires a lot of gambling your competition moves like chambara. However, getting a perfect run of actions and a spike leading to the destruction of your partner is another refreshing sense of pride Nintendo Switch Sports offers the average joe. (Meaning me. I am the average joe in question, and I like winning.)
Final thoughts
My time with Nintendo Switch Sports has been one of the most fun experiences I have had with a co-op game. And frankly, the most fun I’ve had with anything sport-related ever. I adored Wii Sports, but Switch Sports has given us the breath of fresh air we needed. It has everything good about Wii Sports while adding its twist and charm to a new title.
If you are hunting for a new party game to whip out to get everyone excited and involved, I cannot emphasize how much I recommend this game. It’s so fun without needing a heavy story and tense gaming to enjoy. Plus, I’m sure it’ll make some memories you can reflect on in the future as Wii Sports did. How can it not?
Oh, by the way. The slide-on straps are vital if you want to have a TV by the end of your playthrough. Joycon controllers are surprisingly slidey if you’re throwing your arms around. Of course, maybe that’s just me.
Picking the wrong headset can be disastrous for your gaming setup. This can be made worse if you have a limited budget and multiple devices to connect to. Consequently, you must consider how they sound, ease of connectivity, and build quality. There are also many other factors to weigh up as you think about your next purchase. I rarely look at entry-level headphones, so, therefore, I was intrigued when I was asked to review the GXT 391 Thian headset.
I’ve recently looked at the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen MAX headphones and I loved them. Subsequently, I was concerned that the GXT 391 Thian headset wouldn’t compare. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised as this multi-use peripheral is user-friendly, robust, lightweight, and has some decent audio quality. It has a flexible microphone, well-placed buttons, and it is made from recycled materials.
Enjoy wireless PC and PlayStation gaming.
What’s in the box of the GXT 391 Thian headset?
The lightweight packaging is flimsy and uninspiring. Consequently, it was unfortunately damaged in transit. Luckily, though, the contents survived the posting ordeal. Furthermore, it has an insipid design because of its cooler colour palette that looks cheap and bland. However, it is emblazoned with useful information and the company logo. A massive positive from Trust Gaming is the fully recyclable packaging.
The GXT 391 Thian headset. This lightweight accessory has a basic but robust appearance. It can be used wirelessly or plugged in with a dual 3.5mm audio cable. The earcups are adjustable and have a cool and comfortable leatherette finish. Alongside this, there are well-placed on-ear controls that are simple to use.
USB C Charging cable. This cable allows for up to 13 hours of wireless gaming. The short rubberised cable is hard wearing and works from any USB A port.
USB wireless dongle. A compact and sturdy device that is automatically connected to your accessory. Turn on your headphones, plug in the dongle and listen to your heart’s content.
1.2m audio cable. A nylon braided cable that allows you to connect to any device with a 3.5mm audio port.
User manual. This simple guide depicts your setup with straightforward images.
Simple and understated packaging.Easy to understand user manual.The large nylon braided audio cable.USB C charging cable.USB A wireless dongle.GXT 391 Thian headset.The full package.
Technical aspects.
Earcup type
Over-ear
Frequency range
20-20,000 Hz
Driver size
40mm
Controls
Volume Mute microphone Power
Connector
Wireless via USB dongle 3.5mm aux for wired connection
Wireless range
10m
Playtime
Up to 13 hours
Dimension
160*190*75mm
Weight
200g
No one wants to spend hours of their spare time setting up their gear. Luckily, the GXT 391 Thian works straight out of the box. Plug in the USB dongle or the audio cable and your headphones will work. Alongside this, the basic connections allow you to swap between devices with ease. Furthermore, the 5.8 GHz Wireless setup ensures fast and lag-free connectivity.
The rechargeable battery lasts up to 13 hours. Now, for serious gamers, this will be a little short. However, for casual players or those playing wired, this matters not. A clear and helpful LED indicates the charging status, and this prevents you from running out of juice.
With easily accessible controls, you can mute your mic, adjust the sound and toggle power. What’s more, the 40mm drivers deliver a wide range of tones and some decent bass. Consequently, the headphones add to the immersion of big triple-A games or movies you may watch. Furthermore, the bass isn’t too heavy on your ears. I have experienced headphones that leave your head buzzing. Fortunately, the GXT 391 Thian’s are more subtle. They rely on the 40mm drivers to deliver a crisp and comfortable sound.
The Wireless connection is not only lag-free, but it works perfectly on PC and PlayStation. This gives the headset a premium feel at an affordable price. However, for Xbox or mobile gamers, the wired approach is just as good. Both options have their pros and cons, and the lengthy audio cable ensures that you are still free to move about.
He looks happy with his headset.
Are the GXT 391 Thian headphones worth it?
With a vast array of headsets on the market, it can be tough to choose. Luckily, I think these affordable and straightforward headphones will appeal to many. Now, I found them a little understated for my liking and I prefer something more substantial. Consequently, they were lighter than I’d liked and the earcups were too small. What’s more, a bit of glitz and glam to the livery is never a bad thing. Sadly, the black design is just too simple and potentially a little dull.
However, looks and weight aside, there’s lots to like about this accessory. First, making your product from 85% recycled material is a winner in anyone’s book. Then to combine this with a robust and stylish look is just incredible. This is then enhanced further because of the user-friendly approach, excellent sound quality, a multi-use options. Subsequently, this is a great entry-level product and excellent for younger or casual gamers. Though it didn’t tick every box, I think Trust Gaming has delivered a solid and dependable peripheral that won’t break the bank. If you are in the market for an affordable headset, I recommend you buy it here!
Summary.
This jack of all trades won’t compete with high-end headsets. Its understated looks, lightweight approach, and noticeable cheaper packaging highlight its key demographic and its shortcomings. Yet, if you want a multi-use accessory that ticks many boxes without being OTT, then this would be money well invested.
(More information on Trust Gaming can be found here!)
