SwitchBot Curtain is a small wireless robot that makes any curtains motorized and smart with a 30-second installation. After attaching to your curtain, you can then open and close your curtain with your smartphone. Or, just set a schedule to automatically open or close the curtain.
No matter it is Rod, U Rail track, or I Rail track, SwitchBot Curtain can always fit. Make sure you select the right type and measure the dimensions of your curtain rails, so it can work smoothly on your curtains.
What’s in the box?
The box contains the SmartBot Curtain body and hook pair and top lid, USB-C charging cable, rod connector, plastic strip and clips, plus some instructions.
A Closer Look
Setting up the SwitchBot Curtain
Download the SwitchBot app and follow the instructions to both install and configure the Curtain.
The Optional SwitchBot Solar Panel
Final Thoughts
The most important thing you need to do when getting the SwitchBot Curtain is to make sure that you buy the correct one for the type of curtain type you have. The versions are Rod, U Rail and I Rail and each one is different. There are also white and black versions so make sure to get the one that fits in best for you.
Fitting the SwitchBot Curtain was very simple – it took less than a minute. Everything you need is included in the box for your type of curtains. Just download the app and follow the instructions. As part of the configuration process the app gets you to move the device to the left then to the right and does various configuration test. These are really simple and only take a few minutes, then you are ready to use it.
There are different ways of having the device open your curtains – you can use the app to move it left or right, use the app to fully open or close the curtains, set up a schedule so that at certain times of the day selected sequences happen, you can open or close the curtains when the device detects movement on the curtains or you can have it open when the device detects sunlight. There are so many options for you to choose from, however you want to use it will be easy.
The battery lasts for around 8 months depending the number of times per day it’s used, however you can also fit the optional Solar Panel which just fits on the back of the SwitchBot Curtain meaning you will never have to charge the battery again (assuming it gets sunlight).
Over the SwitchBot Curtain is a great gadget for opening and closing your curtains without the need for doing it yourself. Sometimes at the end of a long day, or first thing in the morning, who wants to be bothered doing that – well now you can have it done for you.
The SwitchBot Curtain is available now priced around £55 for a single unit, £106 for a starter pack (which includes two units) and £197 for a home pack (which includes four units). The type of curtain you have also affects the price. The SwitchBot Solar Panel is also available now priced around £17.
What are games for? Ask 100 different gamers and you’ll get 100 different answers. It’s why we, as a species, have made more than 100 games. I mean, probably. I haven’t actually counted. I thought I’d make a good start by counting up the games in the Fifa franchise but quickly lost the will to live. But back to the original question. If you want a cinematic experience, with action and violence and spectacle then you want Red Dead Redemption, The Last of Us, God of War. If you want a compelling narrative with a story to rival a classic novel then you want Spec Ops: The Line, Life is Strange, God of War. If you want a game with incredible feeling combat with a Mjolnir-like axe then… Okay, I might be biased towards a particular game there. But, what do you play if you just want to chill out, if you want to sit down, relax and unwind while a game dances on your retina like Anton Du Beke dancing on a giant pink marshmallow? Well, in that case, you might just want to play Tasomachi.
In Tasomachi you play as Yukumo, a young airship captain whose airship goes a bit crash-ey in the opening of the game. To repair Yukumo’s ship you’ll need to collect Sources of Earth (little paper lanterns) from around the town. With enough lanterns, you’ll unlock new areas and challenges which, in turn, allow you to earn even more lanterns and, in the process, dispel the fog that has settled around the town and restore it to its former brilliance.
That’s the whole game. Explore one of the most beautiful worlds in video games and collect lanterns at your leisure, with relaxing bird song serenading you through your journey. Zero time pressure. Zero stress. Zero worries at all. And as a completely accidental by-product of your chilled-out chocolate-free Easter Egg hunt, you get to help out the locals of the town – adorable tiny anthropomorphic cat creatures who deeply need your help with their mysterious fog problem.
And when I say ‘one of the most beautiful worlds in video games’ I really mean it. It’s stunning to look at. There are screenshots around here somewhere – look at them. It’s vibrant, it’s saturated, it’s colourful. It’s gorgeous.
The way collecting Sources of Earth works conjures some hazy half-forgotten memories of Jak and Daxter (to age myself, potentially the first game I ever played) where the main thrust of the game is collecting Power Cells that are dotted all over the map, some of which can be found and collected in the world and some of which require the completion of challenges. I also remember Jak and Daxter being punishingly difficult and one of the most stressful things on earth (at least to my idiot 12-year-old self) so that is where the parallel ends.
You need 90 Sources of Earth in Tasomachi to fix your airship and a further 60 to completely banish the fog. I believe there are around 200 for completionists. Many of these can be found in the world by wandering around town or doing some very gentle platforming. To find more you’ll need to work your way through Sanctuaries, which require you to complete 4 platforming challenges to gather 5 lanterns and unlock a new skill. The new skill will allow you to go back to areas you’ve already explored and gather more Sources of Earth, along with assisting you in future Sanctuaries. The first one of these is a ‘Ground Pound’ style move.
These platforming challenges are where the only slight cracks in the peaceful facade of Tasomachi start to appear, as the platforming is a little floaty and imprecise, with some difficult keyboard combinations to hit for Yukumo to do exactly what you need. These struggles are likely lessened if you play on a controller but the Sanctuaries are where I started to feel the rage that fuels my normal waking existence bubble up beyond the point it had been suppressed to by the calming influence of Tasomachi. It’s a mild thing but it is a little disappointing when the third person movement and camera controls feel really nice the rest of the time.
To conclude this review I could wax poetic about how great Tasomachi is but that seems a little vulgar and to-the-point for such a graceful and peaceful game. So instead I’m going to round this off in the style of Bob Ross, but if he were a video games journalist. This is a happy little game. The world is your world and you can find freedom in its streets. We can fix anything that happens here. We don’t make mistakes, we just have happy little accidents. We’ve got all the time in the world.
Being a stuntman sounds like a cool job! Fast vehicles, the smell of petrol, adrenaline rushing through your veins, and hordes of adoring fans. Yes, it’s dangerous and there is every chance you’ll lose your life, but I’m sure the risk is worth it. REKT: High Octane Stunts puts you in the driving seat and asks you to flip, roll, and spin.
Developed by Little Chicken Game Company and published by No Gravity Games, you’ll play this casually, aiming for a high score. Set across four arenas this high-energy racing game can be enjoyed solo or with three others locally.
Get that pickup going.
REKT: High Octane Stunts is a fun, casual experience.
When Tony Hawks Pro Skater 1 first hit the scene people were addicted to its arcade-style. REKT: High Octane Stunts aims to replicate this experience. With simple tasks to focus on and many cars to unlock, you’ll have plenty to do as you perform endless tricks in each arena.
The gameplay is split between solo and local multiplayer modes. Both maintain the same high-energy focus and will keep you playing for hours.
Solo allows you to play Challenge and Practice events. Both are effectively the same and you will race around each level, leaping from ramps, flying through hoops, and collecting clocks to extend your time. The premise is extremely straightforward; land on your wheels to increase your multiplier or crash and get REKT.
Multiplayer makes this game what it is, and it’s a shame it’s local only.
I’m not surprised that this is local multiplayer only, because of the indie developers budget. It’s a shame though as this mode is fun and enhances the entertainment factor. With four events to select, there is something for everyone. Score, Virus, Checkpoint and Capture the Crown are your options.
You race against one another trying to gain the highest score. Crash into each other to pass on the virus and the last car standing wins. Speed through checkpoints the first there gets one point, and it’s first to five. Finally, keep the crown for ninety seconds to be the victor. It was fun, childish, exhilarating, and super addictive.
Thrash that beetle.
REKT: High Octane Stunts is all about new cars, RP, and upgrades.
All these stunts and tricks aren’t just mindless fun. No, they help you explore and complete each of the three set tasks. REKT: High Octane Stunts gives you random missions to attempt; drifting a set distance, X amount of spins or flips, collect clocks to increase your time, and so forth. If you are successful you’ll earn RP, the in-game currency.
RP is used to unlock arenas and to upgrade your vehicle of choice. Improve its grip, speed, spin and flipability. It’s easy to earn RP, yet it focuses your mind and each completed task gives you a sense of achievement.
A long list of cars awaits to be unlocked. Getting them all is simple enough, but it requires dedication, lots of tricks, and precision to land on your wheels. Every point you score in the arena tallies up and automatically adds each vehicle to your garage. At the start, you’ll gain a new car with every visit to the arena, but as the required score increases, as does the challenge.
Dated, but nice to look at.
This is one indie title that won’t blow you away with its graphical quality. The blocky world and bright colours give this a dated finish. Yet, this matters not as it’s still nice to look at. The cars all vary in style and this is helped by an array of custom options at your disposal. A lack of detail to the final product gives this an early 2000 aesthetic. The gameplay is smooth in its handling, and the tricks and stunts seamlessly flow into one another.
As you’d expect from the theme, the audio blasts out some aggressive tunes. The loud soundtracks are a brilliant accompaniment to the fast-paced action on the screen. It pains me to say that the sound effects weren’t as good. The engine noises lacked oomph and there is a distinct lack of arena ambience. I was desperate for OTT commentary and crowd noises, yet what you get is a bit of a damp squib.
So many cars to pick.
Landing on your wheels every time is easier said than done.
Focusing simply on spinning, flipping, and rolling, you know the controls are going to be straightforward. Every trick is performed using the analogue sticks and nailing them was a fun and easy task. What wasn’t so forgiving, however, was landing on your wheels every time. This takes practice, timing, and finesse. Learning to get this right is a challenging but enjoyable part of REKT: High Octane Stunts.
As a premise, it’s quite repetitive, and this holds the solo mode back. Where the game excels is the local multiplayer option. Here you’ll have great fun as you fight with friends for hours. If the developers added an online mode, this would increase the replay value and longevity. A moderate achievement list lacks difficulty but completionists must invest time into this to get their 100% status.
REKT: High Octane Stunts is fun, but needs more meat on the bone.
I love casual arcade games as they serve a purpose and fill a void. REKT: High Octane Stunts does just that, but to fulfil its potential it needs more meat on the bone. If the developers added more solo events or tasks to try, then this would be a much more rounded experience. Its multiplayer mode is excellent, and I enjoyed playing solo, but I simply craved more from it. I had fun with this and recommend you buy it here! Jump in your vehicle and flip, leap, and spin your way to victory.
Death Crown is a 1-bit real-time strategy/tower defense game that acts as a call-back to two-tone gaming, a cry for simpler times where video games cost an arm and a leg and their difficulty would cause the destruction of controllers the world around. Unfortunately for Death Crown it wasn’t made in the 1970s however, and no matter what angle you look at it from, a more modern standpoint looks poorly upon it, proving that sometimes simple isn’t best, with an inefficient map design and overly simple gameplay mechanics that fail to achieve even its most basic goals.
Like any strategy/ tower defense game, you attempt to gain territory and create an army with mined resources while protecting yourself from the enemy. It’s the basic premise of the well-trodden genre, but sadly for the player, the game’s ambitions begin and end there with a gameplay loop and game length sufficient enough for a modern-day free demo.
The view can’t be expanded, spun or shrunk and is only marginally easier to look at while playing.
Sending your units on the attack places lines on the map to indicate their route and the movement of circles along those lines show the speed and number of units attacking, but it’s far from an effective representation of attacks as the tiles are – ironically – overly detailed within the game’s small maps and there is far too much happening in such a small area with the two-tone design helping very little to discern between the details. You also can’t tell if your units are causing any damage to the enemy, which is always frustrating as conquering the enemy is supposed to be the best part of the game, but instead, it barely registers visually. Even extra effort has to be made to figure out whether you or the enemy control the tiles you are attempting to places units on, playing needlessly into the enemy’s hands.
It’s odd that the developer couldn’t make the map bigger to ease this problem, but these interface and functionality issues are far from an island on their lonesome and are accompanied by few attacking options and strategies that the tower defense genre is known for, largely due to their only being one enemy.
What could be considered an admission of fault is the inclusion of different colour schemes, which begs the question – Why was the standard black and white design chosen when it causes so many issues? After you’ve changed the scheme and have gotten used to the crowded map, some satisfaction can be had in the campaign mode but it does little to encourage repeat playthroughs.
A slightly better colour scheme that gave me a second wind to continue with the campaign mode…
Addictive gameplay loops don’t always require a great deal of variety, but what is essential is that the game provides a satisfying and rewarding interaction for the player. Death Crown has so little interactivity that you’d think it would be possible to make it enjoyable, but with the visuals already causing issues, repetitive and redundant actions add to the player’s woes. After defeating an enemy that you assigned numerous units to defeat, your units simply become idle instead of automatically shifting focus to another unit. This then requires you to individually assign orders to each of them over and over again, when surely a shortcut key could assign attacking units to one enemy unit, or at least the enemy’s base. It is, after all, one of only two actions the game provides you – attack route plotting and unit creation/destruction – and it still trips itself up over it.
Why you are punishing mortals – or for that matter who you even are – is a mystery.
The laundry list of issues continues with a story that provides more questions than answers and a looped soundtrack that attempts to build tension and drama only for it to be a victim of my mute button. All of this is to say that Death Crown is about as bland as a mouth of crackers without anything to wash it down with.
While it’s debatable whether greater functionality and larger maps would’ve saved the day – or your patience – what is certain is that the poor interface and the overly simplistic gameplay loop provide no substance or reason to return other than to complete its short campaign. The question then is whether or not it’s even worth one playthrough. Unless you’ve never played a tower defense game, I’d say it’s not, but the stylish design – its only redeeming feature apart from functioning gameplay – could attract those looking for something nostalgic.
Brutally difficult games are nothing new. There are an array of ball-breaking titles for you to choose from, each will make you frustrated and angry. Most of these harsh beauties are influenced or are sequels to early gaming franchises. The 80s tended to create unnecessarily tough games and the Ghosts ‘n Goblins franchise was born from this horrible cesspool. Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection is a modern take on its previous iterations and is a love letter to every great aspect of these much-loved classics.
Developed and published by Capcom, this is a borderline sadomasochistic 2D platform title. Unfairly cruel at times, this once exclusive Nintendo Switch title has been given the green light for a full console release. Everyone now has the chance to rage quit, scream expletives, and generally hate life.
An army of zombies.
Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection made me want to cry!
This thirty-year-old franchise was a mainstay in my household when I was growing up. I loved watching my brother playing it and dying repeatedly. I’d chuckle to myself thinking he was useless and wondered how he could be so terrible at a game. Roll on a few decades and who is laughing now? Certainly not me! The gameplay is so tough that it verges on torture and I admit failing it for the nth time made me want to cry.
Fortunately, Capcom isn’t all bad as they allowed a range of difficulty settings to be selected. You can start at the bottom and have unlimited lives and the option to spawn from where you died. Or you can up the difficulty and slowly remove the player aids. Unless you want to smash several controllers, I suggest starting low and working your way up.
If you have a friend who wishes to play, Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection has got that covered too! In a first for the franchise, couch co-op has been introduced which vastly reduces the overall challenge. With a choice of three spirits to help you, you can overcome obstacles and hellish monsters with relative ease. Well, at least compared to the solo game that is.
A traditional story for an old-school series.
You control Arthur, a heroic and famous Knight. He’s relaxing with the princess after his latest endeavour and it quickly becomes apparent that something is wrong. The town is ablaze and a black cloud is forming. The fruit of the divine Umbral Tree dies and loses its colour. Worst of all, the princess is kidnapped by the Demon Lord. Arthur will not sit by in his underpants and let this happen! He puts on his armour, forms a plan, and goes after the princess who hides in the Demon Realm.
How terribly dramatic, eh? The fairytale-like theme helps to form the world you explore. The brilliantly detailed picturesque storybook land is a pleasure to traverse. You’ll face five stages of sheer hell before you rescue the princess, though I fear many will not bother as the challenge is so great. The first two stages allow you to select which path you’d like to take. After that, the game dictates the route to the Demon Lord.
Avoid the fire breath.
Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection is all about sprites, magic, and an arsenal of weapons.
Like all platform games, Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection is all about the collectables. Luckily, these aren’t merely ornaments that show how committed you are. No, they help improve Arthur temporarily and in the long run. Golden chests contain new weapons that improve your chances immediately. Ignoring these valuable assets is foolish and unwise, so collect each one you can. If you are agile enough, you can collect magical sprites that help to reinvigorate the Umbral Tree. These magical beings disappear as quickly as they appear, so you must be quick to gather them all.
The divine Umbral Tree is a game-changer as it gifts you magical powers and attributes that assist you in your adventure. You gain the ability to shoot lightning bolts, create shields, increase your inventory slots, and more. Which skill or spell you wish to equip is your choice. Capturing each of the limited sprites is the only thing standing between you and ultimate power.
Retro gaming with a modern look.
I’m not willing to bad mouth the Nintendo Switch, but allowing this to be played on more powerful machines was the right move. On the Xbox Series X, this looks incredible and runs buttery smooth. The level of detail across each stage was unbelievable, as was the variety in look and style. The eerie gothic theme is enhanced by the use of sultry tones and the fairy tale imagery supports the clichéd but well thought out story.
The audio met my expectations with a soundtrack that will meet the approval of its many fans. Each stage has an eerie song accompanying the action, and every boss fight has an upbeat, overbearing tune to match the situation. The sound effects are good with a mixture of retro noises that ties in with the original titles.
Dodge that cyclops.
Why is Arthur so God damn slow!
I’ve seen pensioners on zimmer frames that move faster than Arthur. No wonder the guy survives wars, every time one happens he ambles to the battlefield to arrive as it’s over. His meandering is infuriating and causes many deaths. This combined with the lame ability to jump, gives you a recipe for disaster. Capcom could have and should have done better with the controls. Weapons can only be thrown horizontally or vertically and attack is the only form of defence. These oversights make a tough game much harder.
For those of you who can stomach it, this has plenty of reasons to return. With multiple difficulties, couch co-op, a tough achievement list, lots of spells to find, and a shadow mode to explore, this has ample replay value. Sadly though, I’m not sure many will experience much of this because of its cruel difficulty level.
Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection is brilliant, it’s just too hard!
A tough game is one thing, but this is borderline sadistic and is something altogether different. There is a lot to like about Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection, but equally, there is a lot to hate. If you a fan of the franchise and love its brutality, then you’ll adore this. Or, if you like extremely challenging games such as OkunoKA Madness or Super Meat Boy, then this will be fun for you as well. I recommend you buy it here, but it should come with a health warning! Grab your armour, save the princess, and defeat the Demon Lord. Do all this and don’t smash your controller, best of luck!
PLAYMOBIL have launched some new sets that would be perfect for Fathers Day.
For the classic movie-loving dads
PLAYMOBIL has launched a brand-new collectable version of the classic DeLorean the perfect gift for dads who love to relive their childhood. The iconic DeLorean from the cult series has been reimagined as Playmobil goes back to the future!
Great Scott! It’s finally time to continue the journey! After the first PLAYMOBIL DeLorean Time Machine celebrated its world premiere in 2020, the iconic time-travelling car from Back to the Future in a miniature format generated a great deal of hype. And the success story is set to continue: With two new, exclusive sets, master toy partner PLAYMOBIL is once again taking fans Back to the Future!
A crazy trip through time with PLAYMOBIL
You almost need to think fourth-dimensionally: The two new PLAYMOBIL sets for the film trilogy guarantee an exciting trip through time! Marty’s Pick-Up Truck brings back plenty of memories and is sure to delight collectors with an exclusive postcard. The legendary HoverboardChase comes with its protagonists in the futuristic outfits from 2015, and the Mr. Fusion Reactor to expand the DeLorean Time Machine set, and is sure to conjure up a nostalgic smile on fans’ faces with detailed accessories such as the Jaws 19 film poster. Collectors also get a postcard with an awesome lenticular effect.
For the Nostalgic dads
Playmobil has launched two of the most iconic cars ever made! The VW Camper Van, affectionately known as the “Bulli”, has been a reliable companion for the most diverse challenges in daily life for 70 years – and has earned a special place in its owners’ hearts for generations. The cult vehicle with the carefree “California feeling” is a loyal companion for all kinds of new adventures and still makes the dream of freedom and independence come true for many fans to this day. Accordingly, the PLAYMOBIL-Volkswagen T1 Camper Van comes fully equipped with a seating area, travel kitchen, sleeping area and plenty of storage space.
The second Volkswagen addition to the PLAYMOBIL fleet is also a legend in its own right. The VW Beetle is a true classic and, with over 21 million units produced, was the world’s best-selling car for a long time before it was surpassed by the VW Golf. It shone on the big screen as the film star “Herbie” and it is known, loved and still in use as a family car all over the world.
As a child, I loved playing JRPGs. With a lack of money growing up, I never had the freedom to buy multiple titles. So I was drawn to this genre because of its value for money, style, and interesting stories. As I’ve grown, I’ve not played as many of these games as I’d like, so when I was offered one to review, albeit a demo, I jumped at the chance. tERRORbane has recently been announced to the world, and I was fortunate enough to get a sneaky peak to give you my insight.
Developed and published by BitNine Studios, this JRPG is a tongue-in-cheek title. A lighthearted affair that mocks the clichés that exist in the genre and the gaming industry. Following the classic RPG approach, fans of these games will feel right at home with its comfortable mechanics, standard imagery, and expected storyline.
tERRORbane has a unique edge that makes it stand out.
By not taking itself seriously, tERRORbane stands out from its peers. Unlike many games that create an immersive culture through its story and audio, this one breaks the 4th wall and invites you to interact with the “developer”. This leads to a comical insight into the great minds behind the game.
The “developer” is trying to create the “perfect” game. Sadly for him, his creation is riddled with bugs and errors. The protagonist known as tERRORbane wanders around a gloriously old-school world uncovering glitches and bugs in each of the chapters of the story. Each section has a set amount for you to find and only by exploring the surrounding areas will you find them all.
Just the world falling apart.
Hilarious bugs.
The game has a story that you must follow to its predictable conclusion. Yet en route you a free to explore the villages and talk to the locals. These adventures uncover a multitude of errors within the game’s code. Finding each leads to some funny and unusual moments. A game rarely wants you to find its game-breaking issues, but in tERRORbane, it’s a must.
With the “developers” reputation on the line, you must explore the gaming world, uncovering all the hidden issues. If you are successful, you’ll become the Bane of Errors and you’ll have witnessed some wonderful nods to previous gaming moments. With many hidden Easter eggs for you to discover, you’ll spend as much time enjoying the bugs as you will the references to past gaming greats.
The blue screen of doom!
A lovely JRPG experience.
What I particularly like about tERRORbane is the classic JRPG approach. The simple pixelated sprites, the sharp colours, and the easy-to-read text were all wonderful. It all harks back to the genre’s heyday. I could only see one chapter, but I hope there will be a variety in design and the bugs and glitches become more outrageous.
The audio follows the graphical approach with a retro style of shrill simple music and basic sound effects. The constant noise of the “developer” cursing his luck will amuse you and this enhanced the lighthearted take on the genre. Like the graphics, I hope the developers consider adding a variety of songs. This will prevent the action from becoming monotonous and will reflect the game’s many influences.
Knight vs rock, who will win?
Keyboard only controls with no customer option.
Being mainly a console player, I’m a little rusty on my use of Mouse and Keyboard. With a set layout, you must move with the arrow keys and use an array of buttons for actions. Even with my rustiness, it was simple enough to play. I did, however, find it a little odd that there were no custom options available. Going forward it would be beneficial if this was added alongside controller support.
With a main story to get hooked on and multiple bugs and errors to find, I’m sure this will keep you entertained throughout. Its simple style sucks you in and its humorous writing and classic look will make you want to keep playing. As long as BitNine Studios maintain this standard from start to finish, this is bound to be a success.
I’ve had a small taste of tERRORbane and now I want more.
The demo gave me enough of an insight to know I want to keep playing. This small snippet got me hooked and I want to see how crazy these glitches become. If you love the genre, I’m sure you will adore this unusual lighthearted tale. Sadly it’s not available until Q3 2021, but all great things are worth waiting for. I enjoyed my time with it, so pre-order it here! Games are rarely bug free, but this one is purposefully infested. Follow the story, find the glitches, and become a hero!
Summary.
tERRORbane is an unusual JRPG that breaks the 4th wall. Embrace the madness, enjoy the Easter eggs, and find all the whacky bugs.
(Reviewed on PC. Also available on Nintendo Switch Q3 2021.)
Bounty hunting is nothing new. Where there are criminals, there will always be heroes who put them in their place. Even in the distant future, lawless aliens will need to be rounded up and made to pay for their crimes. Mighty Goose explores this possibility with its fast-paced all-out shooting fun.
Developed by Blastmode and published by Playism, this is an arcade run and gun title filled with retro vibes. You control a beefcake goose who must take down every enemy he faces. Honk, shoot, and pillage your way to victory. Bad guys need to pay, and only a burly space goose has the balls and skills to make it work.
Dodge the mayhem.
Mighty Goose is loaded with arcade fun.
Run and Gun shooters are so easy to get wrong. Developers can go OTT on the manic action, without focusing on layers of depth and challenge. Luckily, Mighty Goose has all the mayhem in abundance, but it also has elements of strategy and customisation that allow you to alter the gameplay.
There are plenty of primary and secondary weapons to choose from, war machines to drive, skill chips to allocate, and companions to team up with. Every gamers experience will differ, yet everyone will enjoy the same high-energy arcade gameplay from start to finish.
Geese eat worms, not the other way around!
Every stage is unique.
It was easy to fall for the retro charm that oozes from Mighty Goose. The side-scrolling perspective moves smoothly through each of the unique stages. You will leap from moving trains, free prisoners, be forced to battle to the death, and more. I loved the imagination and variety of missions that you undertook.
Nothing screams old-school arcade title more than monstrous screen-filling bosses. Every beast you face sends shivers down your spine as they leap from side to side, firing projectiles, making your life a misery. As with most enemies, it’s simply a case of learning their attack pattern and finding their weaknesses. Yet, this is easier said than done as death is all but guaranteed. Your toasted goose carcass lies on the ground, and you must rethink your approach and try again.
The world of Mighty Goose is wonderful to explore.
From the main base hub to each world you explore, Mighty Goose is a wonderful pixelated adventure. The simple yet striking graphics show off a modern arcade aesthetic. The sprites all vary, and each has a level of detail to make them easily identifiable. Whether your foes are dropping from the sky, spawning in front of you, or rolling from the side, the action is always smooth. The firing and punching animation is clean, and the vehicles all generate a sense of speed as they blast around the levels. The stages have layers of complexity that make each standout, and I never tired of progressing my journey.
When you have a sound team that has worked on some great indie titles, you know this will be a winner. Dominic Ninmark has composed tracks for; Moonrider, Blazing Chrome, and Gravity Circuit. His magical touch has excelled with an eclectic mix of synth-rock and funky-jazz fusion progressions. It was a brilliant combination that helped drive the gameplay forward and to set the scene. This, combined with the loud crashing sounds of munitions blaring, worked a treat. The audio was just what I expected for an arcade title, but the quality was higher than I could ever hoped for.
Get to the war machine.
The well-designed UI makes playing this a cinch.
I’m not all about an easy life, but when a developer comes up with a simple control system, I’m one thrilled gamer. The clean-cut and easy-to-understand UI made learning and playing this a walk in the park. Selecting your companion, secondary or primary weapon, and navigating the landscape was easily achieved. Furthermore, the lack of latency issues and responsive controls enhanced the playability.
Arcade titles are renowned for their replay value. Even if they are short, they are usually addictive and get under your skin. Mighty Goose has combined moderate gameplay with an NG+ mode and the desire to keep playing. Veteran gamers will mow through the levels and will use their ungodly skills to annihilate every boss. Yet, they will find the NG+ mode challenging. Completionists need only finish the game to unlock most achievements, with some grinding required for the remaining few. You’ll have plenty of reasons to return to this inexpensive arcade shooter.
Mighty Goose ticks all the boxes.
It isn’t always easy to pick the correct casual game. Everyone has to have a game they can turn to between their triple-A marathons, and I believe Mighty Goose could be that title. The levels are short enough to try with limited time, and the action is interesting enough to keep you wanting to play. Excellent graphics, a wonderful soundtrack, brilliant concept, and unique levels made this stand out from its peers. I loved it and recommend you buy it here! If you ever need a bounty hunter, give the goose a call!
Pecaminosa takes on the story of John Souza, a former detective with a dark past. Upon beginning the game you are visited by the spirit of the last detective you killed. Thus the story of Pecaminosa falls into place. When meeting new characters, more story is unveiled. The pixel theme 2D approach to a challenging 90’s style game makes Pecaminosa an enjoyable experience all round.
Not so fun for the family
The controls are simple to pick up and explained in the first few missions for the game, but I wouldn’t suggest it is fun for all the family. Pecaminosa holds the characteristics of a classic noir. It’s graphic and sleazy and all things wonderful about an underground detective game. Characters swear and speak fouly towards one another, there’s guns and fights and clubs where characters don’t want to be seen. You have to speak to people to find the truth and location of your enemies, but they definitely don’t sugarcoat their experiences. Although the controls are simple, they aren’t customisable. Aim is occasionally challenging and sometimes the dash function doesn’t run as smoothly as you’d like – but regardless, it is still fun.
The story typically follows the expected cliches of a detective seeking redemption. Despite it being fun and engaging, there aren’t really any twists and turns to make you stand out of your seat. It’s fun to play handheld, on the go or in between tasks as you tend to know exactly where to go and what to do without being told. The graphics are smooth and the characters and places look great. Everything is unique to location, creating a perfect noir immersive experience. On occasion, this can make it seem somewhat empty though. A lot of tasks require walking from point A to B and then back again. Pick up this item, take it here, then return with something else. It feels repetitive what it’s about the sixth time you’ve explored this area.
Stunning sound
One of the best features arguably is the sound design. A smooth jazz soundtrack accompanies exploration, fitting perfectly with the feel of Pecaminosa. Sound effects used in the city are traditional and familiar, so the music really stands out. Half the time, you’ll probably sit back and feel like you become John Souza due to how engaging the music makes the game. It’s sleek and perfect, mimicking the locations you’re in perfectly. Even boss fights have their own themes to be intimidating, and fights have different patterns so you never feel like you’re doing the same thing over and over again.
Life points
Each time you level up, you’re asked to use your skill points to buff skills. Luck, intelligence, force and endurance are the four skills you can use when interacting with characters. Obviously buffing different things makes certain encounters easier, so use your points wisely. Interactions with characters are definitely made more interesting when these skill points are utilised.
Final thoughts
As a whole, Pecaminosa is a very enjoyable game. It definitely proved me wrong when I didn’t think it would be so excellent upon picking it up. I’ve been playing bits of the story here and there when I can, and would definitely recommend. If you want a little bit of jazz filled, detective redemption, this is most certainly for you.
If the 80s taught me anything, it’s that crime does not pay! No matter how great the bad guy was, they never overcame the hero. It certainly never helped that their ego’s and ridiculously convoluted plans impeded success. They could send wave after wave of henchmen, but this never thwarted the good guy’s progress. Donuts ‘n Justice portrays this clichéd idea in its stereotypical cop adventure tale.
Developed by FobTi Interactive and published by Ratalaika Games, this is a retro side-scrolling beat ‘em up game. Using classic mechanics, and a bizarre story, you control two streetwise cops who refuse to let their town be overrun by thugs and criminals. This is a title that screams old-school influence, and fans of the Streets of Rage franchise will love this simplified version of that much-loved series.
Hit the baddies, not their hostages.
Donuts ‘n Justice: Clichéd title for a clichéd game.
Donuts ‘n Justice does everything it can to embrace its stereotypical take on the genre. It has; a cheesy storyline, classic bosses, and OTT weapons. Yet, the simple take on the genre doesn’t mean that the game is easy to play. No, with three difficulty settings, this is one title that will push you to your limits.
Being the expert of indie titles, and loving this genre in particular, I attempted to play this on the normal setting. What a mistake that was! I had my arse handed to me repeatedly and was surprised by how difficult it was. Reducing it to play it on the lowest difficulty made completing it a cinch, and this left me reeling at the lack of balance between each mode. The hardest “Chuck Norris” setting would be a challenge for the man himself, and I gave up trying as I rarely made it past the first stage.
I could not find a playing partner to help me take this on in the hardest setting, but you can try to defeat this in 2 player couch co-op mode. With both of you controlling each of the cops, this will certainly make completing it a much easier task.
So, what’s Donuts ‘n Justice all about?
The aim of each of the four levels is straightforward. Walk from left to right, shooting every enemy you face, collecting each crate filled with weapons and grenades en route. Your hero starts with 3 lives and a bulletproof vest. As he is shot his health depletes and his armour breaks. You will find pink doughnuts to replenish your health, new flak jackets to add armour, and green doughnuts to slow time down. Yep, drugged snacks are a thing in Donuts ‘n Justice.
Weapons are locked behind a progress wall and the more you play, the greater the choice of guns that become available to you. Pistols, machine guns, flame throwers, and more will become unlocked. Combining deaths to earn mega combos is the quickest way to earn badges and these unlock each random weapon. Grenades form part of your arsenal, but they are not as fun as I expected. Throwing them is more luck than judgement as they rarely land where you want, and they explode as and when they like.
No time to take in that beautiful sunset.
Old-school foes for a retro game.
I’ve already moaned about the difficulty, but oddly that’s not because your foes aren’t predictable. Their shooting patterns are easy to read, and each one follows the same path. The challenge comes from the number of enemies that are presented. Wave after wave of thugs can approach you from either side of the screen, and this swarm of baddies makes progress slow and arduous.
On top of the many brutes that you face, you will also encounter four main bosses before you visit the head honcho. Each of these enormous beasts will exhaust your arsenal of weapons and leave you contemplating what to do next. Like their minions, you must learn their movement patterns and attack their weaknesses. These hulking beings added a layer of variety to the game and it instantly reminded me of the boss battles from many of the great side-scrolling beat ‘em up games.
A modern take on the arcade look.
I’m so used to modern pixelated games that it’s hard for me to see the dated quality of their imagery. Donuts ‘n Justice is a proper retro arcade title that is well polished to appease a modern audience. The garish colours, simple sprites, and basic backdrops won’t wow gamers. Yet, I was impressed with the variety of landscapes, the use of tone to emphasise the seedy nature of the game, and how smoothly it ran. Each of the levels was basic and a lack of obstacles and depth made the gameplay feel flat. It would have been nice if there were cars to leap over, boxes to hide behind, or platforms to jump onto. These would have matched the theme and added some interesting much-needed mechanics.
A classic 80s soundtrack plays out alongside the action at all times. The electronically synthesised music adds drama and the clichéd cop TV series element that the developers craved. The upbeat tempo makes it feel dramatic and pushes you to move quicker and to take risks. The music, however, is overpowered by the OTT sound effects, and the constant screams. Bullets whizzed through the air and hit their targets with a deafening thud, and each death is met with a blood-curdling scream. Alongside this a gruff commentator announces your combo kills, making the audio a loud and high-energy affair. It screamed arcade title from the opening scene and though it won’t be for everyone, I loved its ear-piercing sounds.
There is nothing more exciting than a high speed car chase.
A simple arcade game has an easy control system.
As you’d expect from any basic arcade game, it should be easy to play. Luckily, Donuts ‘n Justice is as simple as they come. The fundamentals are shown to you at the gun range and once you pass this entry-level tutorial you are set on your way. Being an 80s cop hero has never been so much fun. With only a few buttons to focus on, you can concentrate on the hordes of thugs that descend on you.
Like most Ratalaika Games titles, this one has an easy achievement list to complete. With the easiest setting taking around one hour to complete, you may worry this lacks replay value. Worry not, with three difficulty settings, co-op mode and a boss event to take on there is plenty to do. It’s an inexpensive title, so it’s great for achievement hunters and retro gamers alike.
Donuts ‘n Justice scratches that beat ’em up itch.
Though the simplicity and old-school graphics may not be for everyone, the gameplay shines through. Lovers of the genre will fall for its basic charms and its 80s style. The harsh nature of its difficulty will make you wince in pain, but this gives it longevity. I also loved the addition of couch co-op and the boss mode. It’s a delightful nod to Streets of Rage and I recommend you buy it here! Eat doughnuts, defeat baddies, and become a clichéd 80s cop.
Visual Novels are coming at us thick and fast, but few reach the level of depth that you’ll experience in Winds of Change. It’s the ultimate furry adventure that has already been well received on Steam with a whopping 97% positive rating. Developed by Klace and published by Crunching Koalas, this is one story that’ll keep you hooked from beginning to end.
About Winds of Change.
Winds of Change tells a tale unlike any other, mixing light-hearted, almost idyllic scenes of everyday life with the intensity of struggling with the fallout of civil war and rebelling against tyranny and acts of malice. Every character encountered on the way has faced various difficulties and must own up to their past in order to secure a brighter future.
The story of the land of Alestia is one of strife, heroism, and the everlasting fight for freedom and peace. In a land held in a tight grip of ancient forces vying for absolute control, a light of hope shines, lit by a humble Seer, the chosen of the spirits. As the Seer, the player’s choices will affect the lives of everyone in this world.
Along the way, the Seer will be aided by friends and comrades coming from all walks of life. With deep backgrounds to explore and potential relationships to foster. Everyone has their own story to tell, their own ambitions, goals, and fears. Witness their lives unfold and help steer them in the right direction – to happiness, fulfilment, retribution, or even love.
Travel through a vibrant, living world with a rich history and distinct scenery. It’s all captured gorgeously in interactive, painted landscapes and interiors. Discover pieces of lore in hidden books and explore the story of Alestia told with captivating images.
Crisp graphics, and beautiful scenery await.
Key Game Features:
Bond with a varied cast of characters.
Make difficult, impactful choices that shape the world.
Dive into a beautifully crafted world of stunning visuals.
Immerse yourself in a fully voiced, complex story.
Explore a mature, dark fantasy setting.
Interested gamers can use this link for further information and a chance to buy your own copy! Available from the Nintendo store for $19.99.
Oh, how I love and loathe hardcore platform games in equal measure. The gameplay is oddly addictive and there is a sense of achievement once you overcome each obstacle. The sense of rage and frustration is off the scale and the highs and lows make this genre so popular. Dungeon Escape is a difficult platform game that attempts to replicate the style and danger found in Super Meat Boy.
Developed by Roenko Games and Eastasiasoft Limited and published by the latter, this is a simple 2D retro platform title. Set across fifty increasingly difficult stages, you must control a small yellow creature who needs to escape his captors while trying to find freedom.
So many circular saws.
Dungeon Escape is addictive and simple.
There is nothing complex about Dungeon Escape! The game focuses on escaping each of the levels by finding a key and unlocking the exit. As you try to collect the key you must gather coins, avoid or kill your captors, and leap over spikes. There is also the matter of circular saws to avoid, so best of luck staying alive.
The fixed-screen perspective allows you to work out your plan of attack, yet mistakes are all but guaranteed. Tight spaces and specific routes must be traversed to be successful. One wrong move and you’ll be sliced by a blade or impaled on spikes. It’s brutally difficult but its simplicity makes it super addictive and you’ll struggle to put it down.
Lava and traps!
The solution isn’t always obvious.
What I particularly enjoyed was how quickly it lulled you into a false sense of security. Stages appeared simple and collecting the key looked easy, but it was rarely straightforward. You’d take a route, kill your foes, collect the coins, but could not get to the exit without dying. You spawn in, try again, and fail repeatedly. It was gloriously annoying and will keep hardcore platform enthusiasts entertained for hours.
Unlike many of its peers, Dungeon Escape has kept the mechanics extremely basic. With two actions at your disposal, you can single or double jump. There are no power-ups, wall climbing or sliding, and enemies can only be attacked by jumping on their heads. Its simplicity personified and allows you to focus on the aim of the game rather than a complex approach.
I also enjoyed the drip-feeding of new enemies and sneaky mechanics that increased the difficulty of each level. No longer will you look at still spikes and stationery circular blades. No, shards fall from the ceiling or leap from the ground, and blades fly. It was madness and made a slow-paced title much faster and tested your reactions at the same time.
A minimalistic look gives Dungeon Escape an old-school vibe.
With gaudy colours, simple lines, and basic sprites, this won’t be considered graphically advanced. The fixed-screen 2D perspective is both basic and retro in style. The blocky traps give you the impression of the obstacles rather than a detailed image. These are not negative observations as I adored the nod to the old-school platform genre. I admit it took a while to get used to it on a large screen, but once you adjust, you’ll love every minute.
Keeping with the retro theme, the developers used a synthesised 80s inspired soundtrack and basic sound effects. The music choice was bizarre as it didn’t match the theme. Though there was a sense of urgency to the gameplay, there were no time constraints or punishments for taking your time. I wish the audio reflected this by blending slower more mellow tracks with the upbeat eclectic songs already incorporated.
Escape your captors.
Simple to pick up, infuriating to master.
Jump, move, and unlock a door. What could be easier? Dungeon Escape isn’t about complicated actions, instead, it wants you to focus on precision. Luckily the movement is tight and accurate, meaning only your lack of skill will prevent you from being victorious. Like Super Meat Boy, you know what you need to do, but a lack of finesse and planning will prevent you from success.
Successful or not, you will want to keep playing this. You will die repeatedly, losing your composure as you do. You will take some deep breaths, focus your mind and try again. The addictive nature of the gameplay will keep you entertained for hours and though the achievement list isn’t challenging to complete, each of the fifty levels is. It’s an inexpensive game, and it has hours of gameplay, so it’s great value for money.
Dungeon Escape will make you roar with rage.
I have to be in the right frame of mind to play a hardcore game, and fortunately, Dungeon Escape caught me at the right time. Its horrific ways made me roar with rage and brought a wry smile to my face. The basic approach and minimalist graphics should be admired as should its old-school vibes. It’s not as difficult as some of its peers, but it offers an extreme challenge that’ll scratch your brutal desires. Fans of the genre need this, so buy it here! Avoid the traps, kill your captors, collect the coins, and make it to the exit!
Ys Origin is an A-JRPG and a prequel to the Ys series with a different flavor from the other games. As a challenging dungeon crawler, Ys Origin is an action-packed game that is sure to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience for any RPG fan.
Ys Origin was originally released in 2006 for PC in Japan, while the English version launched in 2012. It was then later released for the Nintendo Switch in October 2020. Almost 15 years later, this game may look a bit dated on the Switch, but I personally love the visual charms of older games.
Gameplay:
As a prequel, this is the first game in the Ys series where the protagonist is not Adol Christin. This came as a bit of a surprise, but it was refreshing to explore new characters.
Particularly in Ys Origin, you can either play as the Axe-wielding, Yunica or the magical prodigy, Hugo. In addition, each character has their own unique fighting style, but personally, I preferred Yunica’s combat style over Hugo’s. Even though the stories for each character diverge, there is a lot of repetition, but with an unlockable character and the additional game modes, this gives the game a fair chunk of replay value.
Ys Origin mainly takes place in Devil’s Tower, where the protagonist must fight their way through hoards of monsters and save the twin Goddesses. There are several different environments that present an array of obstacles as you make your way through the tower. And Ys Origin does a great job providing a variety of enemies with different attack patterns, which makes for an enjoyable battle experience. The boss battles were also pretty challenging without ever feeling overly frustrating.
Unlike the engaging gameplay, the story felt very lackluster and was pretty repetitive. The dialogue was also predictable and a bit cliché. Overall, it felt like the gameplay was prioritized over the story, which felt strange for a game that is focused on the backstory of the main series.
Additionally, as someone who loves game exploration, I felt like Ys Origin was lacking in this aspect. Even with the few available treasure chests, they were too easy to find and didn’t feel very rewarding. If the game utilized the Mask of Eyes more, which allows you to see hidden passages and objects, I think it would make for an even more enjoyable experience.
Pros:
Engaging gameplay, an array of enemies, & challenging boss battles
Affordable price for a JRPG at only $20
Great replay value with the additional characters & game modes
Cons:
Can’t pause during boss fights – which means you can’t heal either
Dull plot & dialogue
Repetitive
Conclusion:
Overall, Ys Origin is absolutely worth checking out for any RPG fan. It takes about 10 hours to complete each character’s route, and with the additional game modes, Ys Origin clocks in to be more than 30 hours of gameplay – not bad for a $20 game. If you’re into dungeon crawlers or want to try out the series for an affordable price, I highly recommend this action-packed game.
Here is our review of the new 2021 HONOR MagicBook 14.
The compact, light and thin aluminum chassis design of HONOR MagicBook 14 makes it the ideal working companion, regardless of remote or on-the-go working. Enjoy and experience outstanding portability and performance at the same time.
Specifications
DESIGN
Dimensions (L x W x H): 322.5 x 214.8 x 15.9 mm Weight: 1.38 kg Chassis: Aluminum Color: Space Grey
PROCESSOR
Intel Core i7-1165G7
CPU
Intel Iris XeGraphics
DISPLAY
HONOR FullViewDisplay: 14 inches Screen-to-body ratio: 84% Size of bezel (three sides): 4.8 mm Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Contrast ratio: 1000:1(Typical value) Color: 72% NTSC(Typical) Support (TÜV RheinlandLow Blue Light Certification) Support (TÜV RheinlandFlicker Free Certification) Brightness: 300 nits(Typical)
RAM
16 GB DDR4 Dual-Channel RAM
STORAGE
512 GB PCIe NVMeSSD
COOLING SYSTEM
Dual Heat Pipes & Supersized Cooling Fan
BUTTONS AND PORTS
HDMI port Left side: USB3.2 Gen1 Right side: USB 2.0 3.5 mm headset and microphone 2-in-1 jack x 1, support both OMTP and CTIA Fingerprint power button
BLUETOOTH
Bluetooth 5.1
BATTERY
Capacity: 56 Wh(Rated capacity) 65W Fast Charger Charging time using 65 W charger: Charges to about 44% after 30minutes, Local 1080P video playback for 10.5 hours on a single full charge
The box contains the MagicBook 14, power supply and cable and instructions.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The MagicBook 14 looks very sleek and is only 15.9mm thick, and weighs only 1.38kg which means its light enough to carry around without causing any issues.
The MagicBook 14 comes in either Space Grey (the one we have for this review) or Mystic Silver – both of which make it look very professional.
One of the things that really sets the MagicBook 14 apart from other similar laptops is the gorgeous 14inch Eye Comfort HONOR full view display. The Eye Comfort feature means that you can view the screen all day with low blue light, so this should dramatically cut down on any eye strain.
The screen itself produces very clear and vidid colours – wether you are looking at photographs or watching a movie – its quite striking. You can even open the screen so that it’s laying flat if you want to.
The sound quality is also excellent with the speakers providing a virtual surround sound experience – which again is great for listening to music or watching a movie.
The battery lasts for around 10.5 hours, although this will change depending on what you are doing – the more power intensive applications, the quicker the battery will drain, but you can play around with the settings to get it to work best for you. And what’s really great is the fast charger that comes in the box is capable of charing the MagicBook from 0% to 44% in around 30 minutes with 68% in around an hour, which really helps if you are in need of a quick charge. The power supply is small and lightweight too so you can easily carry it around in your bag if you need to and it connects to the laptop via USB-C.
The power button also doubles as a finger print reader if you want to use that to log in to Windows, as well as having the option to use a pin instead of a password – the choice is yours.
The keyboard is very comfortable to use for extended periods of time too and the trackpad is very receptive and easy to use.
The MagicBook also uses the very latest Wi-Fi 6 technology meaning that you get the fastest possible connection available to you.
The MagicBook has two USB ports and an HDMI port, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack, which may be enough for some people but if you need more you will need to consider a docking station of some sort.
It also comes with 16GB ram and a 512GB SSD, which is very fast, so you should have enough for most tasks.
The MagicBook also uses enhanced cooling and heat dissipation so you can be sure that the laptop isn’t going to melt on you!
Performance wise, the MagicBook 14 has the latest 11th gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor which really does provide enough power for anything you want to throw at the laptop, including editing 4K video files!
Multi-screen collaboration is a feature that enables you to use up to three apps and lets you share your smartphone screen and files on the MagicBook 14, allowing you to edit them with the same keyboard and mouse. Pick up exactly where you left off without having to jump between devices which is a really useful feature.
If you are in the market for a very nice high quality Windows 10 laptop with a gorgeous screen and great battery life then you will want to take the MagicBook 14 out for a spin.
The HONOR MagicBook 14 (NDR-WFE9HN) is available now and at the time of writing there was no UK pricing available.
