Review: Totally Reliable Delivery Service

Wil Raterman
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Review: Totally Reliable Delivery Service

Do you ever question why your package has a small dent at your doorstep? Or maybe you wonder why it was delivered past the expected time slot. Well, We’re Five Games may not have provided an authentic representation of what goes on in the logistics department, but they sure put together an interesting and unique experience nonetheless. Customize your character and embark on a silly series of deliveries that can and will go wrong. Totally Reliable Delivery Service (TRDS) uses frustratingly and purposefully bad controls to test your patience. Get ready to laugh out loud or rip your hair out, depending on how you handle rage games.

Your Delivery Is On Its Way

When you boot this one up, you’ll host a game, or join an online server. Once thrown into the world, you can explore and take up delivery tasks to earn rewards based on your performance. Some are time based, and others are condition based. And by “condition”, your parcel can only take a certain amount of dings and drops before diminishing in quality, thus yielding a smaller reward. Use the reward money to unlock more areas of the map, vehicles to operate, and player customization options. Don’t expect a gold medal or a high reward each time though, even at the beginning. The controls are designed for you to make many mistakes.

The first couple of deliveries get your feet wet. From there you can go explore anywhere you like.

This another potentially polarizing title, so let’s start with the good:

What’s Totally Reliable

The world is quite fun to explore. I spent roughly half of my playtime simply driving around and seeing what is around the corner. There are many different towns, and geographical regions which adds a ton of variety to the missions. You could be driving a forklift through downtown carrying toxic waste. Or steering a helicopter over the mountains with one hand while the other holds onto the package that fell out. The inner kid in me got lost in the atmosphere when deliveries were clearly waiting for me. Your curiosity can be rewarded with hidden collectibles to find. I applaud the developers for creating an environment that is simply fun to hang out in. This leads to nostalgia and a return to the game after time away.

If you can avoid the tornadoes and other hazards, driving is quite enjoyable.

What’s also done well is how the optimistic music and bright colorful environment juxtaposes the hectic and stressful gameplay. It’s a blow to your ego when your package explodes feet away from the drop off box, yet the world feels so pleasant. It’s like Getting Over It With Bennett Foddy, where the calm narration does nothing to coax you after falling down a huge hill where you spent twenty minutes trying to climb. Overall, the graphics, sound, and atmosphere check out in my book. Now it’s time to shift the focus to…

What’s Not So Reliable

A title with intentionally corrupt controls needs extra attention when playtesting. I discovered some bugs while playing that made an already cumbersome experience all the more frustrating. Many times my character got stuck in the delivery box upon completing tasks. Also, it’s difficult trying to grab objects and steering wheels. There is a lack of polish in TRDS‘s collision detection. Also, when using a controller instead of keyboard and mouse, I found many of my inputs were not responding. While it’s ok for a game like this to have more control over the player than vise versa, bugs and glitches will kill the player’s motivation to progress. It was hard enough to load a cylindrical container onto a pick-up without it rolling off. Why would I even bother trying the helicopter missions without the help of a second player?

The destination is right there. Carrying things from point A to B can be a slog without a vehicle.

And a second player may be a fix here. Even if it doesn’t help curb the difficulty it will at least give the player someone to suffer with. Unless you are playing in front of a YouTube or Twitch audience, or even a roommate for that matter, I’m not sure that single player will be a very enjoyable experience. A few weeks ago I took a look at Aqua Lungers and had the same conclusion, but I may recommend that solo over TRDS since there are no in game issues to dictate the player’s success.

Target Audience?

Lastly, though not as important, is the game’s sense of humor and overall marketing. It’s a very small complaint, but I don’t understand the fart and dirty underwear jokes. Is TRDS reaching out to a young audience? The controls are so difficult that I can’t imagine a kid enjoying this unless accompanied by their parent or older sibling. Maybe this title was meant for some family-friendly fun after watching Shrek with the kids. With local split screen and online cross play, there are many ways to play this game, which is a huge benefit these days. But still, I found the small bits of toilet humor out of place and not all that necessary.

Deliver to the top of the blimp? Yeah, that’s not happening..

Bottom Line

Rage games are clearly not my forte. I maintained objectivity to the fullest with Totally Reliable Delivery Service and am honestly not sure whether or not to recommend. The multiplayer options lend themselves nicely and allow for accessibility, but I didn’t find many players online to fully take advantage of this. I also wouldn’t play this locally on the couch when I have much better hair-pulling titles such as Overcooked. While the atmosphere is great on it’s own, I’m not sure how long the player will remained captivated if they can’t complete enough deliveries to unlock the rest of the world. If you seek a disorienting solo experience, try Octodad instead.

Review: Pumpkin Jack

Daniel Waite
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Review: Pumpkin Jack

Life would be boring if everything went as we wanted it to. No arguments, or wars, and everyone is content with their lot. Everybody is happy with the peace, everyone, except for the Prince of Darkness, that is! If he isn’t happy, then you know there are going to be problems. Pumpkin Jack explores this mischievous story and more. Hell’s greatest trickster Jack will do the Devil’s work no matter who, or what he faces.

Developed by Nicolas Meyssonnier and published by Headup, this spooky 3D platform game asks you to control Jack the trickster. The spirit of this swindler has been trapped in a scarecrow’s body that has been adorned with the head of a pumpkin. This new facade doesn’t stop him from commanding the respect he deserves, though. Creatures listen to his silver tongue and monsters fall to his blade. All that Jack cares about is completing his quest for the Devil, and he will do it whatever the cost.

Bring it on.

Pumpkin Jack has a colourful story that relies on old-school mechanics.

For all its crazy and colourful presentation, Pumpkin Jack is simply a well-designed platform game. Relying on tried and tested mechanics, fans of the genre will find a comfortable title to play. Yet, for all its pure platforming gameplay, it borrows heavily from Hack ‘n’ Slash games, mainly the all-out button-mashing combat. This combination of styles makes for a fast-paced and odd story that works well together.

With harmony and content spreading over the realm of man, the Devil decides he’s seen enough. Happiness isn’t what he wants in the world; hatred, famine, war, and more are the tonic that appease. He sends demonic creatures to upset the balance, but the world’s greatest sorcerer repels these dark forces. With the Devil’s plan thwarted, he makes one last roll of the dice and makes a pact with Jack. Complete the Devil’s work, and his former indiscretions will be forgotten. Who could say no to that? Jack agrees to the task, and so begins his adventure.

A creepy graveyard, can it get any more spooky?

An owl, a cowardly crow, and Jack’s confidence.

The story is prevalent throughout, but it fades into insignificance quickly. You know what you must do. The only thing is to work out how to do it. This is where the owl guide comes to your aid. Sent to observe your actions, this bird of the night offers tips and guidance on each level. He makes sure that you stay on track and explains new mechanics as they arise. He’s there to offer a “helping wing” if need be. This owl isn’t the only feathered friend that flaps by your side. No, a cowardly crow joins the team. He may fear his own shadow, but he is key to ensuring you get to the sorcerer, and complete your goal.

Pumpkin Jack mixes standard 3D platform sections with mini-game style encounters. You will need to detach your head from your body to solve puzzles and unlock blocked paths. These smaller sub-stages ask you to work methodically and slowly. You will be expected to; move objects, jump gaps, and flick switches, to ensure that you can progress.

Other fast-paced moments involve; knocking down blockades, jumping gaps, and maintaining balance. This mix of approaches kept the action fresh, making sure that the levels never felt stale. With most of the platform/adventure moments leaning on the jumping and fighting mechanics, it could have gotten old quickly. Though it plateaus early on, it keeps your interest with witty dialogue, moderately challenging levels and a good variety in the stage bosses.

Catch this.

Pumpkin Jack looks great.

A Halloween themed platform game isn’t the most original idea, and it’s going to be full of clichéd images. Pumpkin Jack is guilty of hamming up its looks. Think of the first thing that springs to mind when you hear the word Halloween, and it’s almost certainly there. Sadly, it’s devoid of the classic “sexy cat”, but other than that, it’s full of classic images. Magical green flames, cobwebs, spooky creatures, and more. Each is portrayed with a dark and sinister tone that matches the theme perfectly.

The stage design was one area that struck me as particularly well done. Large flowing landscapes give the sense of vast spaces. Collectables hide in the strangest of places, forcing you to explore the well-designed world. The traversing of towers and climbing aboard soaring platforms allow you to look upon the land below from a birds-eye perspective. It was a nice touch that I never tired of.

It wouldn’t be a spooky themed game if it didn’t have a classic scary soundtrack. Pipes and bells rattle out a haunting tune in a minor tone. This slightly upbeat yet sinister melody plays throughout, capturing that ghastly holiday sound. This is accompanied by atmospheric howls from the surrounding creatures, and weird noises from the weapons you yield. It’s a strange combination, but it works well in portraying the theme.

No one messes with Pumpkin Jack.

The tutorial and owl are key.

A standard platform game is easy to pick up and play. The only complication is usually the failure in your abilities. Pumpkin Jack’s mixture of mechanics makes it tough to learn. This is where the short-lived, but well designed tutorial is key. Once you run through it, you’ll have a grasp of the fundamentals, but new mechanics are added. Therefore, you’ll rely heavily on the owl to help. The combination of the two makes this a straightforward game to play with an interesting and gentle learning curve.

I love it when developers make the collectables difficult to find. It makes all the hard work and grinding for achievements worth it. Red skulls are hidden on each stage, these act as currency to buy cosmetics, so if you wish Jack to look dapper, you’ll have to seek those skulls. Alongside them, you will discover a mystery item. These are both linked to the achievement list, so completionists will need to keep their eyes peeled. This has replay value if you want the 100% status, but other than that it’s a short one playthrough game.

Is Pumpkin Jack a platform classic?

I wouldn’t say that Pumpkin Jack will ever be regarded as a classic of the genre. Not that it’s poor! No, it simply lacks the originality of the leading titles and fails to capture your imagination like they do. I enjoyed my time with it, and I loved the stage design, style, and characters. Because of this, I recommend you buy it here! The Devil isn’t happy, people aren’t fighting and his plan to spoil the harmony is thwarted. Can you complete his quest and set Jack free? 

Review: RetroMania Wrestling

Daniel Waite
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Review: RetroMania Wrestling

It’s the late 80s early 90s, and it’s the heyday of the wrestling era. WWF is massive and kids love; Giant Haystacks, Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker. School playgrounds were full of children almost knocking their teeth out while pretending to be their favourite character. Every fan had a copy of at least one wrestling game in their library. The pixelated athletes were glorious to control, and it was an great feeling when you became a superstar wrestler. It was truly an amazing time to be alive. Roll on 30 years and the sport is still loved, but the computer games are poor. Can RetroMania Wrestling buck the trend and create the game we all yearn for?

Developed and published by Retrosoft Studios, this old-school pixelated sports game transports you back to a simpler gaming time. You’ll enjoy no nonsense battles, camp characters and absurd storyline. What on earth is there not to love about this game?

Who’d mess with that hunk?

RetroMania Wrestling is like a comfy pair of slippers.

RetroMania Wrestling’s straightforward approach makes it instantly likeable and easily accessible. Aimed mainly at the solo player, you control the career of Johnny Retro, a washed up wrestler who is trying to make a comeback after a serious injury. Working with Steve Richards, a former member of the Blue World Order and the best trainer in the business, you plan your return to the ring. Your goal is to win the only trophy that has eluded you across a glittering career, the National Wrestling Alliance World Championship Belt. It won’t be easy though, this prize is only for the best wrestlers and you have a lot to prove.

Its story, graphics and controls all feel familiar. From the moment I switched it on, I felt like I had travelled back 30 years. It was a nostalgia trip that was wonderfully comfortable, just like placing on your favourite pair of slippers. You’ll sit back, relax and lose yourself to the battles that take place in the ring.

Camp as a row of tents! 

This has to be one of the campest games I’ve ever played. From the cheesy script and character animations to the walk in scenes and taunting your opponents. It’s truly brilliant and captures the wrestling spirit immediately. From the moment you play, you won’t want to put it down. You’ll be desperate to know how Johnny Retro fairs, and who he’ll be fighting next. If you somehow tire of the career mode, others are available that can be played solo and in local multiplayer; 10 Pounds of Gold, Retro Rumble and Versus.

Each of these additional modes allows you to be distracted from the main story. 10 Pounds of Gold lets you challenge for that elusive belt without the weight of the plot around your neck. Retro Rumble allows for 15 wrestlers to battle it out to see who is crowned the winner. Finally, Versus, a fully custom mode where you pick the wrestlers and the rules. They follow the exact mechanics of the career mode, but without the rigidity.

It’s time to feel the pain.

RetroMania Wrestling leaves you scratching your head. 

RetroMania Wrestling is as easy as you’d expect a wrestling title to be. There are a few complexities such as; weak, medium and strong attacks, how to grapple, and how to throw properly. But mostly it’s a simple affair with a straightforward tutorial covering most of the fundamentals. Yet, what it fails to cover are some key elements; leaving the ring, pinning in tag team matches and so forth. This void of information is infuriating and will leave you scratching your head. 

I lost countless fights and had to waste time trying to fathom out a solution. It was a terrible experience of trial and error, with error winning 90% of the time. This tainted what was otherwise an enjoyable experience. Leaving me with a sour taste in my mouth and a desire to stop playing. Fortunately, I battled through and I recommend you do too, as the story and characters are worth the effort. 

Early console gaming at its best.

Retro and pixelated games are hot business at the moment, which is alright by me because I love the style and look. With its sharp and vivid colours, OTT character models and blocky details. This was reminiscent of everything that made early console gaming great. The robotic and clunky movement won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but I loved the rigidity and inaccuracies of it, and it simply adds to the old-school feel.

This continued with the rough audio that matched the era. Clunks, thuds, and slaps can all be heard as the battle begins. The music also has a fantastic 80s feel with its synthesised and coarse tone. The whole experience was bonded together by a brash commentary that richly described the action in the ring. As good as the story was, I came for the fighting, so it was a relief that Retrosoft Studios got this spot on.

Can you escape the cage?

RetroMania Wrestling will fill you with nostalgia and make you come back for more.

Who doesn’t want to battle it out for the right to be the number one wrestler? I could, and will, play this repeatedly until I get bored. The only let down is its lack of online play, as I would have loved to battle people from around the globe. A mainly story focussed achievement list is unlocked through natural progression. As a result, the desire to return comes from the enjoyment of each battle, rather than the grind to get the game completed.

I accept retro wrestling is a niche market, but fans of the sport should put down their modern games and see where it all began. It’s; camp, loud, ridiculous, and I loved it. For these reasons, you should buy it here! Help Johnny Retro return to form and win that elusive belt, no matter who he faces. 

Review: Mutropolis

Frances Addison
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Review: Mutropolis

Anyone who played computer games in the 90s will remember the surge of point-and-click adventure titles that preceded the millennium. Over time the game genre has largely diminished from new titles, which rely instead on the vastly improved interactivity and graphics possible with modern processing speeds, but there are still plenty of people who remember those old games fondly. If you happen to be one of them, you should definitely give Mutropolis a try.

This game is a brilliant return to a once-dead genre, and if you want to spend a few hours getting lost in a funny, colourful, low-stakes adventure, then this one is well worth the price of entry.

The story follows an archaeologist from Mars called Henry as he searches for the lost city of Mutropolis on the now-long-abandoned Earth. Along the way he’s joined by a handful of other members of his team and – inexplicably – the mysterious Egyptian goddess Isis, collecting items and solving puzzles in a desperate bid to save his boss Totel and stop a world-ending plot.

As with all point-and-click adventures, players interact with the game by clicking on things of note in the world around them to collect items, speak with people, or make observations on the things you can see. In terms of mechanics, Mutropolis could not be simpler, which is why it is so important that it gets everything else right and, in my opinion, it really does. First off, the artwork for this game is glorious. Colourful and bright, each scene feels like a painting, and it is a joy to spend time scouring every room for clues or items that might bring you closer to your goal.

The story has likewise been brilliantly refined and, while the general plot is reasonably predictable, the individual characters you meet along the way keep things interesting. In particular, it’s important to note that Mutropolis is funny; there are a lot of solid jokes, backed up by some excellent comedic timing from the voice actors, and I found myself laughing much more than I expected from such a relatively simple game. A lot of the references will play well to a Millennial audience, but that’s in no way a barrier for entry.

One aspect of Mutropolis that seems to have been carried over from its 90s predecessors that I could personally have done without is a number of non-intuitive puzzle solutions that can bring the whole game to a standstill. Anyone who is familiar with old point-and-click adventure games will remember the frustration of running up against a puzzle that doesn’t seem to have any logical solution, meaning that, in the absence of the internet since this is the 90s, players would have to randomly try to combine items in the hopes of stumbling on the solution.

In today’s modern world, the ability to dig out a full guide to all of Mutropolis’ puzzles online is tantalisingly easy, but it’s not really in the spirit of the game. However, even if you commit to avoiding any online assistance and rely wholly on your own wits, some of Mutropolis’ puzzles go beyond being an interesting challenge and into the realms of utterly baffling. In those cases, if you don’t seek outside help, you may find yourself falling back into that pattern of just clicking everything to see what works. It’s an effective strategy for sure, but it doesn’t make for the most enticing gameplay.

The solution here does not necessarily have to be changing the puzzles themselves; rather, having a built-in mechanism that you could turn to when you are genuinely stuck would have been a tremendous help. As it is, unless a bit of character dialogue happens to give you a nudge in the right direction, there’s nothing to help you out when you’re clearly struggling.

Despite these puzzles, however – and I should stress they are relatively few in number – the vast majority of this game is a pleasingly challenging adventure, with plenty of story to keep pushing you along and many laugh-out-loud jokes. Mutropolis isn’t a long game, so it’s not a massive time investment, but if you like solving puzzles, make sure to give it a try.

Review: C14 Dating

Daniel Waite
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Review: C14 Dating

We’ve all heard of the tale of the youngsters going to an archaeology camp for two months. They travel to further their studies, to discover themselves, and maybe find love. Okay, maybe none of us have heard this story, but its concept is familiar. It forms the basis of many a cheesy romantic comedy and works well when applied to the Visual Novel (VN) genre. C14 Dating explores this plot and takes you on a journey of friendship, love, and history.

Developed by Winter Wolves Games and published by Ratalaika Games, this VN adds to the increasing library that the publishers are supporting. A genre that has a niche following in the West is slowly becoming popular. Will an Americanised Rom-Com be well received, or will it need to be buried deeper than the discoveries the young adults find in this lighthearted tale?

Choices, choices.

A new country, new people, and new experiences in C14 Dating.

I’m going to open by saying Romantic Comedies are not my thing. I find them too wholesome, and their gooey plots pain my icy cold heart. But, for the sake of a fair review, I went into this with an open mind. The story is viewed through the eyes of Melissa Flores. She is a 3rd-year anthropology student who takes the chance to travel from California to Belgium to take on a two-month archaeology internship. She has never travelled this far from home, but she couldn’t turn down this exciting opportunity. With new sights to see, people to meet, and history to discover, she’d be a fool to let this opportunity pass her by.

If you’ve ever played a VN, you’ll be familiar with its setup, and C14 Dating adds nothing to the standard formula. With 5 romance options, archaeology based mini-games (though these can be switched off), and some beautiful Manga/Anime style art. It’s a game that follows comfortable game mechanics while looking fantastic. The well-written dialogue will keep you interested throughout, even if it made me cringe. The different characters’ personalities are well presented, and how the group evolves across the 2 months is interesting to see. 

The mini-games offer a welcome distraction from the many dialogue choices that are presented. But I felt they added little to the plot or the outcome of each storyline. However, I was glad they were used as they supported the theme with their quirky archaeological ways. If you plan on trying over one playthrough, I’d recommend having them on at least once.

Choose carefully.

Set your workload, form bonds, and try to fall in love.

The story plods along inevitably. Your decisions influence the path that the plot takes and impacts how the surrounding group of students view you. You are free to choose how you wish to spend your days, each one affecting your personality and the bonds you form with others. Unlike other themed VNs, C14 Dating demands you pay attention to your responses. Your decisions influence the intimate relationships you have, and one bad choice can seriously ruin your chances.

No matter what you choose, the story rolls on to its finale whether you like it or not. As the credits roll, you will discover if you have reached a good or bad ending. For this game, a good ending is Love, and a bad finish is Friendship. It’s as simple as that, and if you wish to see each one, you’ll have to manipulate your answers to impress your desired target.

By attempting each of the storylines you’ll see a variety of locations and parts of the tale that you’d otherwise miss. Running through the same sections was tedious, but when you discover an unseen area, or part of the plot, it was genuinely exciting. If you then combine this with; the additional dialogue and the new elements of characters’ personalities you’d otherwise fail to see, it made the effort worthwhile. The story was richer for the experience, and relationships had more depth.

The journal of love.

Beautifully presented, but nothing new.

One of the striking areas of all VNs is the vivid and distinct graphics you are treated to. If you love Japanese inspired art, you’ll love this. Bold colours, slick lines, and distinct character models all await. Emotion is shown with OTT reactions, and movement is expressed by the images fading from the shot. It’s a basic form of animation, but it works well with the genre. The text is remarkably easy to read, and the use of a distinct colour and a star symbol to highlight options made it easier to make your choices. C14 Dating doesn’t break the mould! But it delivers what is expected of it to a very high standard.

You know when I mentioned wholesome and gooey? Those are the words that I’d use to describe the audio. Its upbeat, cheery disposition was sickening. Its positive vibes run through every aspect, and though there are sorrowful moments, the music somehow pulls you out of a glum state. The audio wasn’t my style, but it worked with the romantic theme and will make you warm inside.

Which option would you choose?

Sit back, relax, and allow the story to take over.

What I love about Visual Novels is the relaxing nature of the setup. Even the titles that introduce mini-games to the fold are straightforward to play. It’s rare that you can simply sit back with a drink in hand, watching the plot unfold before your eyes.

VNs usually contain limited replay value, unless the plot is exceptionally good. What C14 Dating does well is its choice of multiple endings, hidden locations and use of mini-games. All these things combined give you a good reason to return if you wish to see the alternative endings. Achievement hunters will have to watch every romance blossom. It’s a rather time-consuming task, but a skip text function can speed things up.

Will you love C14 Dating?

The million-dollar question is, will you love C14 Dating? I wasn’t keen on the theme, it’s too sickly sweet for my taste. But if you adore rom-coms, you’ll lose yourself in it. A well-written script, interesting characters, unusual locations, and glorious graphics make up the bulk of the charm of this game. It’s a lengthy, but enjoyable read and I recommend you buy it here! Enjoy another culture, educate yourself, discover who you are, and finally fall in love. 

Review: It Takes Two

Daniel Waite
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Review: It Takes Two
https://youtu.be/xzZ3NHm6cU8

Sadly, marriages fall by the wayside. This is a tragedy as the sacred bond should last until “death us do part”. It goes to a whole new level of regret when young family members are involved. The reasons for parting ways vary, and though the separation can be the best thing for the children, they rarely see it that way. This sombre and eye-opening theme forms the backbone of the wonderfully touching game It Takes Two.

Developed by Hazelight and published by EA Originals, this 3D platform puzzle game removes you from the real world. Transported to a surreal “Honey I Shrunk The Kids” existence, you will explore vast landscapes as two miniature dolls. Yet, this is not your standard platforming experience. No, this is a co-operative essential game. In short, you must play with one other real person in couch co-op or online in order to get past the opening screen.

Like EA’s last co-op title A Way Out, this allows for any player to join the lobby of any friend who owns the licence. It’s a nice touch and prevents the argument where people don’t want to buy a game simply to play it with you. I applaud EA for their approach in this matter, as it would be easy to concentrate solely on sales than its gaming community.

Dr. Hakim is a Latino love god!

It Takes Two is a game of love and reconnecting.

When a game centres its story around separation and divorce, it’s going to be touching for many gamers. People’s opinions vary on the subject, but no matter your thoughts, we all have to agree that it’s a saddening and emotion laced concept. Luckily, EA Originals has focused all its energy on the rekindling of the broken relationship, and not the horrendous negativity that goes with it. This has created a somewhat amusing, warm and revealing story about two people who simply forgot what they mean to one another.

The premise for the game is simple, the couple must work together to overcome the obstacles they face. Queue many arguments and spats between the two, but they soon realise that they work better together when they communicate. You will; leap, sprint, wall climb and more. These Parkour moves will see you and your playing partner accelerate across the unusual playing surface. You will encounter some weird and wonderful “people” on your journey. Each will teach you a lesson about yourself, and how this trait has impacted your relationship.

A touching story, cleverly written.

Cody and May are the lead characters in It Takes Two. The couple bicker about the resentment they feel towards one another and decide divorce is the best option. Their daughter Rose overhears another of their fights, and the camera pans to two homemade dolls she is holding. They represent her parents, and she tells them she wishes that they never to part. 

The next day the heartbreaking news is broken to a quiet and reserved Rose. She asks to play and hides in the tool shed. Failing to compute what she has been told, she looks to The Book of Love by Dr. Hakim. It tells her that love requires work, and she doesn’t know why her parents won’t work for the love she can see between them. Understandably upset, her tears fall from her eyes and land on each of the dolls as she wishes they stay together. From here the adventure beings.

Cody and May awake to find they have transcended their own bodies to that of the homemade dolls. One a chubby clay man, the other a patchwork wooden doll. The house and the surrounding space now appear enormous and even the smallest of boxes is a challenge to overcome. What’s worse is The Book of Love has come to life. Dr. Hakim has possessed the book with his sexy voice and Latino ways. He acts as a guide and gives each chapter a purpose. He sends you on some bizarre journeys intending to fix your broken relationship.

Why let the snow slow you down?

It Takes Two has intriguing mechanics oozing from every pore. 

It wouldn’t be a platform game if it didn’t have all the aforementioned mechanics. Luckily, EA Originals have incorporated some more from other titles. Each additional skill is character specific and relate to the theme of each level you are playing. Cody may rewind time, whereas May can replicate herself.

These traits are brilliant to observe, but it can leave one part of the duo feeling like a voyeur. Where the game truly shines is the mechanics that require teamwork. These allow for the pair to work together to overcome puzzles, and to reach new otherwise unreachable places. It’s somewhat amusing observing May water Cody in a pot of soil to create a platform of leaves to leap upon. Or sap being launched on to obstacles only for fire to be shot at it to burn away the blockage to create a new path.

These are but some of the argument inducing elements that will guarantee fun, and fights among any gaming pair. There were many bitten lips, short, sharp sentences and giggles as we made our way through each level. A tester for any relationship, I think EA Originals has undoubtedly increased the divorce rate with this brilliant and patience testing title.

Brilliant locations and glorious characters.

It Takes Two allows its weird ideas to envelope every location it touches. You will explore out of this world areas and come crashing back down to a disco filled with items getting their groove on. It’s so surreal and odd that you allow its madness to wash over you. Going with the flow on this journey to rekindle love is a must. In doing so you’ll see every day mundane objects in a completely new light. Interacting with them will propel you into random mini-games that’ll have you shouting and roaring with laughter. It’s a whirlwind of an adventure, but it’s worth every minute.

Every part of this looks and plays out fantastically. A split screen has been cleverly incorporated, and the free flowing camera makes it easy to concentrate on what you are doing. The landscapes are vast and unique. The realistic zones use appropriate colours and tones, allowing the surreal levels to unleash every part of the rainbow. The clarity of the graphics, especially in the cutscenes gave the impression of an animated short film. Everything about how it looks is done to an incredibly high standard.

Luckily, the audio jumped on the bandwagon of excellence. You’ll cringe at Dr. Hakim’s sleazy ways, but he means well. The continual arguments amongst Cody and May reduce and the well acted dialogue flows alongside the story to its inevitable conclusion. The well thought out music enhances the emotion of each scene with a mixture of upbeat and sad tunes used. The sound effects match up with the dreamy weirdness of the whole situation, and will leave you equally bemused and entertained.

Who needs a horse?

Smooth and responsive.

For all its; great mechanics, wonderful audio, graphics, and excellent story telling, my favourite bit has to be the smooth controls. An odd thing to favour, you may think, but there is a method to my madness. My gaming partner was my wife. She doesn’t play normally, so a simple and responsive game made for a much more enjoyable experience. I don’t think I’ll be alone on this, and its ease will allow gamer of all ages to enjoy this.

When a game is such fun to play, why wouldn’t you want to return? Being able to play this with any of your friends for no additional cost is a massive plus. At a little over 10 hours gameplay, it offers enough depth to keep everyone happy. A tough achievement list will require you to explore and scoure each environment thoroughly. To get the 100% status you must select the right gaming partner, or be prepared to fight.

It Takes Two is a must have game!

Innovative games do not come around all too often. When one hits the market, you shouldn’t miss your chance to play it. I know I’ve gushed about my love of It Takes Two for an awful long time, but I don’t want you to miss out. You need this in your life, so buy it here! Rose doesn’t want to be part of a broken home. So help Cody and May see the errors of their ways, even if Dr. Hakim is a little cringe worthy. 

Win a WD_BLACK Call of Duty P10 Game Drive

Andrew Edney
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125
Win a WD_BLACK Call of Duty P10 Game Drive

We have a WD_BLACK™ Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War Special Edition P10 Game Drive to give away.

The WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive is built specifically for gamers looking to expand the potential of their compatible console or PC by saving their game library in a compact, on-the-go form factor.

This high-performance portable HDD drive, geared for console and PC, packs a punch, with USB 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5GB/s) connectivity, speeds of up to 140MB/s[1], and a massive 2TB[2] capacity.

WD_BLACK is dedicated to providing a top-tier HDD gaming experience with a 3-year limited warranty. The drive also comes equipped with 1,100 Call of Duty® points[3]

How to enter to win

We have the WD_BLACK Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War Special Edition P10 Game Drive to give away. All you need to do is enter below.

Win a WD_BLACK Call of Duty P10 Game Drive

The contest closes at midnight on 17th April 2021.

This contest is only open to those in the UK – sorry!

WD_BLACK Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War Special Edition P10 Game Drive 2TB retails for £99.99 MSRP, and thank you to our friends at WD for the prize

[1] Based on read speed and internal testing. As used for transfer rate, megabyte per second (MB/s) = one million bytes per second. Performance will vary depending on your hardware and software components and configurations.

[2] As used for storage capacity, one gigabyte (GB) = one billion bytes and one terabyte (TB) = one trillion bytes. Total accessible capacity varies depending on operating environment.

[3] Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War game sold separately. Internet connection and Activision account required. Offer limited to one per qualifying product purchase. Offer must be redeemed by date shown on the sticker on the front of your packaging, while CoD points supplies last. Western Digital reserves the right to change or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Review: Spacebase Startopia

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Spacebase Startopia

Who wouldn’t want to live in a world of peace and harmony? A place where we learn from our previous errors, and everybody works towards a better, healthier future for all! Science Fiction portrays aliens as ultra-intelligent beings that can amaze and do unthinkable things. What would you say if they were as infallible as us? Spacebase Startopia’s whole philosophy revolves around this concept, and a desire to become rich.

Developed by Realmforge Studios and published by Kalypso Media, this business management base building simulator is out of this world and addictive as hell. Originally released on Early Access, I was fortunate enough to preview it. Now it has made it to version 1.0, I’ve revisited it to give it the score it deserves. Returning to play would never be a chore as I loved it the first time around, and I was intrigued to see if any changes had been made.

Keep your guests happy.

Spacebase Startopia works brilliantly on console.

If you have ever attempted to play a simulation or strategy game on console, then you know there is always a concern. Will its UI be too complicated? Will the game be too complex? Can the machine handle the demand? Luckily, Spacebase Startopia plays like a dream. There are a few niggles along the way, and I’ll cover these off, but it’s mostly an enjoyable experience no matter what game mode you play.

Single-player and multiplayer options are at your disposal. Whatever is available to the solo player is also available to groups. Love the campaign mode, but want some company? Call a friend to help. You want to create the space base of your dreams, but want to share the fun with another? Hit that invite button. Or maybe you fancy competing to see who can run the best alien base. You can do that as well.

It offers so many modes to choose from that it’s hard to decide. It’s not a bad problem to have, and this game will keep you playing for hours. If you stick to the campaign mode, you’ll be gently introduced to more complex scenarios. These will test your abilities to plan and overcome obstacles. Free play lets you go crazy in a sandbox environment. Whereas, challenging your friends and family to see who can build the best base gets messy quickly. Think Monopoly, rage, and gloating, this brings out the best and worst in people, you have been warned!

Get those Fuzzies working.

Happiness and energy make Spacebase Startopia tick. 

Some of the greatest wars have started because of a misunderstanding. Spacebase Startopia grabs this idea with both hands and runs with it. Fights between aliens were breaking out because of an inability to communicate. When one group handed a bouquet to a nature-loving species, they were deeply offended. A 400-year long war begins, and the universe decides these mistakes cannot be repeated. Technology advances and the space base program starts. The intention is to create a place where aliens can co-exist in a relaxing and happy environment. All it will cost them is their hard-earned energy.

Heartless and ruthless businessmen saw a gap in the market and plugged it with their doughnut-shaped space vessels. The aim for each base you own is simple; build on each of the 3 available decks, keep all your visitors happy and healthy, and rinse them for as much energy as possible. The gameplay is much more complex than the premise, but once you get your head around it, it’s a pleasure to play.

The Biodeck is a beautiful place to visit.

3 decks, resources and staff.

Every base you visit has the same layout. A welcome deck on top, an entertainment layer in the middle, and a nature section holding it all up. Each is managed separately, but they all demand equal attention. How one section does affects another, and this impacts the success or failure of the base.

The top layer.

Here is where you accommodate all your alien visitors. They will be provided with births, medical treatment and more to ensure they stay healthy while on board. You also place all the ship essentials here, such as; factories, security, comms, etc. This is the brains of the operation, and if you plan this segment correctly, the visiting aliens will stay happy, healthy, and will fill your energy banks up.

The entertainment deck.

No one wants to visit a dull station, so don’t let that happen. This is the real money-spinner where disco’s, cafés, lottery and other energy grabbing rooms are found. Give those aliens everything they want and take all the energy they possess. It’s a ruthless business, but someone’s got to do it, right?

The botanical segment.

Everyone loves nature, and here the aliens can come to; relax, swim in the water pools, and take a break away from their hectic lives. Increase the attractive qualities of your metal doughnut while growing resources for use of the upper deck. It’s a constant juggling act as you terraform parts to generate the items you need.

Arrive, spend money, live, and then leave.

Staff.

The space base would falter if the correct staff aren’t hired. A long list of aliens can join your vessel (for a price, of course), and many have different levels of experience. Certain rooms require a set species of alien, so you must hire the right creature for the job at hand.

Not all jobs are completed by aliens; cleaning, building and demolition require drone-like bots known as fuzzies. These battery-operated beings roll around in an automated fashion. Set them down and let them get to work.

Once you’ve got your head around that lot, there are just battles to fight, and deliberate acts of terrorism to overcome. Aliens are a terrible bunch, and they will do anything to upset one another. Keep your eyes peeled and remove any threats before they become a problem.

The entertainment deck is the place to waste energy.

Space looks so beautiful.

If space looks this beautiful in real life, get me a one-way ticket as I don’t want to return. The levels of detail are incredible, with each of the alien models looking unique from other species. The range of colours used throughout could have been dull and lifeless. Instead, the developers went all out to create a vivid scene that is wonderful to look at. The clean and easy to navigate UI alleviated my fears of an overly complicated game. Helpful tips and reminders appear regularly to ensure you stay on track, and all objectives are shown with a helpful checklist. Realmforge Studios has done a fantastic job with the visual presentation of their project.

If you like your games laced with comedy and a futuristic space funk soundtrack, then this will be right up your street. You are accompanied by your robot assistant VAL, this emotionless entity loves to highlight your inadequacies. Compliments sound like a putdown, and you are left chuckling at its unintentionally harsh words. As with the visuals, the audio breathes life into this wonderful simulation title. The music distracts you from the challenging tasks you face, and the accompanying sound effects are wonderfully Sci-Fi and match the theme.

Disco time.

The simple UI makes this easy to learn, but the camera control is still too sensitive.

The combination of a clean-cut UI and in-depth tutorial makes this easy to learn the fundamentals. It is complex and takes time to get used to, but once you have it nailed, it’s a pleasure to play. Yet, it would be easier to control with a mouse and keyboard. Moving the camera is a challenge and selecting objects can be fiddly. It’s not impossible and doesn’t ruin the game, but it’s something you have to account for.

I was more than happy to return to play this, and I’m glad I did because the finished product is a polished gem. The new achievement list adds extra challenges alongside each campaign scenario. The continued ability to play with others was a well thought out and I welcomed the decision. Spacebase Startopia has the potential to keep you playing for a long time and you’ll lose hours of your life to it. If the developers add more content in future DLC and potentially a new style of base to work on, this would only add more reasons to return.

Spacebase Startopia is worth every penny.

With Gamepass and PlayStation Plus ruling the roost, gamers now view buying games as a serious investment. I can comfortably say that this is money well spent. Spacebase Startopia will stop you from wanting to put the controller down and leaving your house. It’s super addictive and spectacular for the solo player and with friends. Once you break the back of its complexities, you’ll fall in love with everything it offers. For these reasons, I recommend you buy it here! Bring peace and harmony to your entertainment station in space. Ensure everyone is happy, healthy, and spending their hard-earned energy. 

Review: Squad Killer

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Squad Killer

What I love about early arcade games is the lack of a story. Unlike the modern era where everything has to have a point, retro games relied upon their; addictive gameplay, pixelated graphics and simplicity to keep you playing. Squad Killer does exactly that. There is no explanation as to why you exist, what you are doing, and how long it’ll take to complete it. Yet, you keep playing regardless, determined to defeat that final boss and put the game to bed.

Developed by WAZUNGDEV and Eastasiasoft Limited, and published by the latter, this is one simple title that will get under your skin. An old-school 2D platform shooter that uses Rogue-like qualities to infuriate. Starting each turn with limited health, you must plan your approach to maximise your chances of survival. Death is all but certain, and even the most skilled gamers will have a challenging time.

Watch out for the red exploding boxes.

Squad Killer has brutally difficult gameplay.

This isn’t Dark Souls or Okunoka Madness, but boy is it tough. Everything in the world wants to kill you! Projectiles home in on your position, and no amount of jumping or dodging will help you escape the inevitable. Killing enemies will reward you with loot. Coins, grenades and health packs can be collected to help you progress. But don’t rely on these as the developer lacks generosity, and you’ll mainly be given coins. Don’t be too disheartened though, as the money buys you essential power-ups.

A retro platform game would be nothing if it didn’t have the obligatory power-up system. However, Squad Killer has used a slight twist on this loved mechanic. The power-ups do not get allocated during each stage. Instead, you must wait until the end of a designated level to purchase one from a random selection of 3. Never has this element been so key to your chances of success. Rapid-fire, increased health, more grenades, additional lives and more. Without them you will not get very far, so make sure you collect that loot, and spend, spend, spend.

17 levels and 6 bosses.

With only 17 levels and 6 bosses standing between you and victory, you may think that success will be easily achieved. Think again! There is nothing simple about this, and you are more likely to either cry or rage quit than you are to complete it. To add to the madness you are treated to 2 further modes; Boss Rush and Stacked Deck. Both require you to have unlocked prerequisites, and when you do, you’ll face the same tough mechanics. Though, Stacked Deck is a little more forgiving as you are blessed with 7 random power-ups to kick start your adventure.

I’m sure you are picking up on the “this is a tough game” vibe. So don’t let it shock you that the developers added another layer of difficulty to keep you on your toes. Each of the 17 levels will be chosen at random, making each playthrough unique. This affects your ability to plan, and you must wait to see which stage you have before you decide how you wish to tackle it. Add in the random roster of monster you’ll face and the aim of clearing the level to unlock the exit door gets increasingly harder.

A giant spider and plenty of bullets, it’s a deadly mess.

It looks and sounds like an old-school arcade game. 

With its fixed-screen, 2D perspective, pixelated and simple graphics, and crude level design, it ticks all the retro boxes. Eastasiasoft Limited updated it slightly with a modern look in the pixelated world. This ensures that it contains slightly more details than normal. I liked this approach as it made the landscape and sprites more interesting to look at and it also reduced the harsh lines, making it more pleasant on the eyes. I also appreciated the ability to change the colour palette. It didn’t alter the gameplay, but I chose Gameboy green as it felt the most suitable for the retro theme.

8 bit synthesised music is what I associate with arcade games of the 80s era. Luckily, this loud, high tempo audio is utilised throughout every level. This reiterates the old-school nature of this title and captures’ that 80s feel. Yet, it unfortunately lacks variety and this could make it annoying. What is used works perfectly with the gameplay as it creates a panicky and rushed atmosphere.

Create a plan to get around that lot.

Easy to pick up and play, but difficult to put down.

I always find it a little disconcerting when you are chucked in at the deep end with no tutorial. The best you get is a breakdown of the controls, and that is it. Luckily, you need little else as it’s pretty straightforward to play. Leap, slide, climb and shooting are your main concerns, so you’ll have this mastered in no time. Sadly, the controls are clunky with your character shooting where he deems correct, and not where you aim. This makes a tough game much harder, and I hope this gets ironed out in any future updates. 

You’ll need to take some seriously deep breaths to remain calm while trying this. The harsh realities of failure are ever-present, yet you’ll be desperate to keep playing. Its replay value stems from the desire to beat it, and not from a complex story, or ever-changing mechanics. The rogue-like qualities will infuriate some players, but I believe this is one of its better qualities, and it makes the game what it is. If you like your achievements, this is going to be for you. The 100% status is easy to achieve, leaving you to focus on beating all 6 bosses.

Is Squad Killer worth the investment?

There are so many retro indie games available that it’s tough to wade through the rubbish to find one worth investing in. Squad Killer is a hard but casual old-school experience that will keep you entertained for hours. Its concept is simple, it’s easy to pick up, but it’s likely to make you cry. For these reasons, I recommend you buy it here! Can you survive each of the 17 levels and the 6 bosses? Few will, but you may as well die trying! 

Review: Magic Twins

Kara Phillips
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0
Review: Magic Twins

Magic Twins is a sweet little puzzle game following the story of two twin witches in the quaint town of Mallorca. Although the premise is simple from the get-go, as you progress through the game you begin to develop your puzzle solving skills throughout a series of levels and tasks. Magic Twins can be enjoyed either single player, or favourably with a partner in order to learn a variety of spells and progress. To those playing this game solo, things do become challenging so I’d definitely recommend recruiting a friend. 

Simple story

The aim of Magic Twins is to change the colour of Abra and Cadabra’s uniforms with magic. Somewhat expectedly, something goes wrong during the casting and the pair bring Colormageddon to the world. Suddenly colours are coming to life, and wish to harm the twins. You must utilise their skills in order to protect them and also restore faith before Colormageddon takes over Mallorca. You are assisted by a cynical cauldron, who aids your journey in a tutorial-esque fashion. Throughout the game there isn’t really any narrative development and characters remain the same as when you start the game. Colormageddon is exciting and creates a feeling of urgency, sure, but you will question if it’s enough to keep you invested. 

Chibi cuteness

The art style is cheerful, and the music fits well. Everything follows an earthy, dark academia aesthetic. It’s easy on the eyes, and would appeal to all ages. Both Abra and Cadabra talk in a number of sounds rather than any sort of language, and the text moves slow enough to ensure it can be read before moving on to the next element of the story. With a simple concept to follow you can get cracking on puzzles very quickly, but they can become repetitive. Especially if you are playing solo. Periodically through levels, the twins encounter rifts which pump out new enemies to keep things fresh, but every level is pretty much the same. 

Rather repetitive 

Each level presents a different puzzle, which seems pretty simple once you get the hang of controls. But these levels begin to challenge you with regards to speed and accuracy. You don’t learn any new moves as the game progresses but you will need to ensure you’re moving fast and attacking sharply. I played the majority of this game on my own, which became rapidly more difficult as I got further with levels. The CPU solo players are given as assistance is ideal for early levels since your capabilities are well matched. As more enemies start pouring out of rifts and Colormageddon spills chaos into Mallorca, you’ll need a little more assistance.

The CPU eventually becomes weak and you have to take over that half of the screen as well, causing more panic and you’re better off finding someone to play with. It is possible to play as both twins, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend it. Enemies are produced at the rate to be taken down by two players. It doesn’t slow down if there’s only one of you. 

Final thoughts

As a whole, Magic Twins is an enjoyable puzzle game for two people to pass the time with. It’s cute, and simple, and definitely something I’d invite my friends to play again. If I were to be looking for a puzzle game to play on my own though, this isn’t one I’d necessarily reach for. It’s fun, but repeating the same thing is only fun for a little while. 

Review: HELM Audio DB12 AAAMP Mobile Headphone Amplifier

Andrew Edney
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0
Review: HELM Audio DB12 AAAMP Mobile Headphone Amplifier

Here is our review of the HELM Audio DB12 AAAMP Mobile Headphone Amplifier.

Small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, the HELM DB12 AAAMP Mobile Headphone Amplifier plugs seamlessly into any mobile device (Android, iOS, MacOs or PC supported) to deliver studio grade analog amplification from your mobile device to any pair of 3.5mm headphones. Powered by THX AAA technology,the HELM DB12 AAAMP provides +12 dB of zero distortion volume gain, improved stereo imaging and clarity (true linear amplification), plus an optional user-controlled +6 dB bass boost. With over six hours of mobile play time, the HELM DB12 AAAMP transforms your mobile device into the ultimate portable hi-fi audio solution. As a seal of its superior audio design and output, it has also achieved THX Certification, meeting the highest industry standards for its exceptional sound quality and performance.

Features

  • IMMERSIVE AUDIO ON THE GO – Music, Movies & Gaming. Your Wired Headphones Never Sounded So Good
  • STUDIO GRADE AMPLIFIER with Bass Boost Powered by the Award Winning THX AAA AMPLIFIER TECHNOLOGY – Boost the Sound from your Mobile or Gaming Device to Your Headphones
  • GAME CHANGING SOUND Anywhere You Go! Your Music, Movies, Youtube Videos, Twitch Streams and Gaming 
  • WORLD’S FIRST AAA  In-Line Audiophile Quality Headphone Amplifier That Fits In The Palm of Your Hand and a Separate Bass Boost Feature
  • DELIVERS MAXIMUM VOLUME +12dB with No Distortion, Greatly Improving Sound Quality and an Independently Controlled Bass Boost +6dB 
  • PLUG & PLAY – No Additional Components or Connections
  • AWARD WINNING THX AAA Lowest Distortion Amplifier
  • ULTRA-CLEAN POWER Breathing New Life in to Your Favorite Headphones 
  • EXCLUSIVE DESIGN – Brushed Aluminum Housing and Braided High-End Silver Cabling
  • 100% MOBILE – Rechargeable Battery With 6-8 Hours Play Time

What’s in the box?

The box contains the AAAMP, a manual, a carry case and charging cable.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

Setting up the DB12 is simple – just connect one end into the device you want to listen to and the other end connect to your headphones. Then start up whatever you want to listen to, slide the power switch to ON and that’s really all there is to it! You will immediately notice a real difference in audio quality. There is also a Bass Boost option which adds +6bB of low frequency boost if you want it.

Charging the DB12 takes around 90 minutes and will last for a good 6 hours of usage. Charging is as simple as plugging in the USB C connector into the DB12 and a USB charging point. There is a charging port light on the DB12 too so you can easily see the status. When you are not using it you can store it in the nice carry case that it comes with – that’s a nice touch! Using USB C is a great way to keep the DB12 future proof – with so many devices now using USB C it was a smart move on the part of HELM to use it too!

The in-line controls consist of volume up and down and a single central button use for play and pause, next or previous track.

The DB12 is very light weight – you will hardly even notice it’s there!

The sound quality is amazing – it really makes a difference using the DB12 compared to just plugging in your headphones. The THX AAA feature really makes the sound feel like you are right there!

The DB12 is a fantastic addition to you listening experience – once you have tried it you wont want to go back to listening without it! If you want the best audio experience you can get at a reasonable price, then look no further than the DB12 – it’s a must have!

The HELM Audio DB12 AAAMP Mobile Headphone Amplifier is available now priced around $179.99.

You can learn more from the HELM website.

Review: Samurai Shodown

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Samurai Shodown

I still have fond memories of visiting arcades as a tearaway youth. Changing up notes for coins and wasting them on countless rounds on the Street Fighter Arcade machine. With much money lost, and many hours invested, you’d think I was an expert of these games. Unfortunately, I’m not. But, I love to play them in my living room, reliving my youth and keeping the notes firmly in my pocket. Other 2D fighting games have made it to be household names; Tekken and Mortal Kombat join Street Fighter as fan favourites, but one that may have slipped people by is Samurai Shodown.

Developed and published by SNK Corporation, this 2D side-scrolling fighting game is a well-established franchise, but hasn’t piqued the interest of gamers like the aforementioned big players. A bold story is told in a Japanese tongue, leaving us ill educated players to read the subtitles to fathom out what is happening. This is a title that is aimed at the massive Anime and Manga market, and fans will lap up its style.

Just casually fighting with a bear behind you.

Samurai Shodown is all about body language.

Whenever I think of arcade fighting games I picture; buttons being smashed, fingers moving at lighting speeds, and gamers pulling off remarkable combos. Samurai Shodown goes down a completely different path. Though you can simply smash your way through your opponents, this is ill advised. A skilled enemy will slay you in moments as they counter your heavy attacks and leave you unarmed and begging for mercy.

Short 1V1 battles comprise 3 rounds. Each character has a limited amount of health, and a set arsenal of moves at their disposal. Every attack that you perform can be countered, and each character has a distinctive tell to show the observant gamer the way to overcome their foes advances. Heavy blows are overcome by short, sharp jabs to the face. Kicks and punches will cause little damage, but will prevent fighters from overpowering you with pacey blows. It’s a tactical game that requires a fine eye for detail, and a meticulous level of concentration.

A bizarre story of Evil.

Samurai Shodown has a distinctly odd story that has your fighter traversing from location to location seeking his opposition. Fights occur in the weirdest of places, and your opposition ranges from; muscle bound men to slight and nimble women. You will complete many rounds before finally coming face to face with a being that is possessed by pure Evil. Unsurprisingly, this demonic force is the main boss, and you are expected to defeat her to save the realm.

As weird as the tale is, it leads to no massive surprises, nor does it stand out against any of its peers. I enjoyed the dialogue being performed in Japanese as it added an authentic twist. The translation wasn’t perfect, yet it does a sufficient job in setting the scene, explaining the plot and adding emotion. Its gameplay mechanics, and beautiful presentation drives you to love this, and the many game modes that are available to be explored.

Keep your eyes on the prize.

Samurai Shodown has enough modes to last you a lifetime.

As much fun as it is to compete against the computer opponents, fighting games are all about hammering other humans into submission. Samurai Shodown offers a wide range of online and offline modes for you to explore. I spent most of my time playing offline, as my limited skills have faded somewhat since my youth, and being told to “Get Guuudddd!!!” by youngsters was as humiliating as losing every game. Yet, what I experienced was a friendly community. There were good lobbies that were a breeze to join and simple to navigate.

If you, like me fancy keeping yourself hidden from the online masters, then Samurai Shodown has you covered. You can battle in a traditional form with friends, or against computer players. You can also take part in; Time trials, survival or a score-driven gauntlet. Each is as obvious as they sound, and they don’t throw any curveballs or surprises. A practise setting allows you to hone your abilities and complete challenges, and finally you can hit the Dojo for some Ghost battles.

The Ghost battles aren’t as spooky as they sound, as they are simply the chance to challenge fallen players. The game will replicate the movement that they have made and offer a challenging enemy for you to fight against. In theory, this is great, but in reality it didn’t live up to the hype, and was my least favourite mode.

He’s in shape.

A cartoon come to life.

From my least favourite portion of the game, to my favourite. The art style is a thing of beauty. The level of detail is incredible, and the depth of colour makes it wonderful to look at. The crisp lines used to create each character and the amazing landscapes make this look like it’s straight out of a comic book. If you like a bit of gore with your fighting titles, you can opt to have a brutal experience. Blood spatters everywhere, and opponents can be dismembered. Victory tasted so much sweeter when your warrior stood above his opponent, covered in their claret.

Unlike many of its peers, this one plays out at a slower pace. Because of this you see the smoothness of the animations; the slicing of each weapon and the flash of each special attack. With so much going on, there could have been performance issues. This never occurred, and it was great fun to play.

It’s hard not to consider the soundtrack as clichéd, but everything screamed, “look at me, I’m Japanese”. From the distinct voiceover to the classic oriental audio, this plays out as you’d expect. Each fight has an upbeat tempo accompanying it to ensure that the adrenaline is pumping. And each of the characters has a sharp Japanese tone that is expressive, adding emotion to each cinematic. It was nice to listen to, but it had flashes of an 80s Hollywood martial arts film.

Looks like he’s lost his head.

Much harder to play than its peers.

With so much riding on you understanding your opponent’s plans, Samurai Shodown is a challenging title to pick up, let alone master. If you reduce the difficulty to its lowest setting, then you can roll through the opposition like they don’t exist. But, if you play the game like it’s intended, then you will need to master all the finer points before becoming a champion. There is something truly wonderful about this when it clicks, but its tough learning curve will frustrate many gamers who are used to button mashing ways.

Fighting games are an odd genre. They offer some of the best replay value, yet the gameplay is repetitive. Of course, each fight depends on your opponent, and this adds layers of uncertainty and excitement. This, as expected, has plenty of replay value for both the offline and online player because of the many game modes, and the 16 different characters that you may select from. With a large and challenging achievement list to unlock, this will keep you playing for hours if you get hooked.

Is Samurai Shodown worth your time?

If you are a lover of the genre, then I think you will fall for its charms. It doesn’t follow the same gameplay principles of many of its peers, and simply smashing buttons will not help you progress. You must read the situation, understand each character’s finer details, and learn when defence is the best form of attack. For all these reasons, I recommend you buy it here! Beautifully presented with an odd story that allows many of its other fantastic elements to shine, Samurai Shodown is a fighting franchise that deserves more recognition.

Review: Bite the Bullet

Alex Chessun
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Review: Bite the Bullet

Everyone with a TV has at least one TV show that is guaranteed to put them to sleep at night. Bite the Bullet, a monotonous 2D Indie-made roguelite RPG shooter has much the same vibe with unchallenging gameplay and a repetitive soundtrack that has the incredible ability to lull you to sleep while playing it.  

As a hired gun who completes missions for a space-dwelling corporation, you raid apocalyptic earth for the corporation’s DNA compendium. Told with a straight face, the story has countless opportunities to distract from the standard-fare gameplay with an amusing narrative but holds steadfast with its bland characters. Furthermore, dumbfounding issues and unnecessary features soon drain the title of any remaining potential its vibrant visuals and decent soundtrack suggest.

A portal leads to a secret room with an unlockable audio track.

Perhaps the most unique and innovative aspect of Bite the Bullet is inferred in its name; your weapons are not the only way to kill enemies – you can also eat them. Doing so replenishes your health while filling a meter that allows you to Hulk-out temporarily into a large destructive blue beast. Other weapons range from standard to intriguing and include a shotgun, a rocket launcher and a gun that fires small creatures. These abilities and weapons are, in theory, fun inclusions but unfortunately aren’t linked to either the story or any level-specific mechanics, and when combined with an overpowered shotgun, are rendered useless. This, in addition to copious amounts of character and weapon upgrades, makes it seem like a developer attempting to paper over the cracks and hide the core gameplay’s weaknesses. The character upgrade tree, in particular, has a ludicrous amount of unlockable stat upgrades for a title of only 8 levels that not only affects the overall balance but makes the game too easy too quickly.

The biggest issue with Bite the Bullet, however, is that shooting adversaries in a flurry of red pixel gore has never felt so bland and unsatisfying, with unimpressive sound effects and visuals making it feel like a means to an end rather than an enjoyable process. Even the introduction of its best weapon – the rocket launcher, never quite offers the explosion and enemy-filled scenes that you expect a game of this type to thrive on. Enemies are dispatched with ease in all but a few cases, but even in the unlikely event that one of them is causing you trouble, you can simply stand in front of them (your character sprite overlayed over theirs) and that will be enough, as for some inexplicable reason they are neither able to attack in that position nor are able to move from it.

Normally, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Poor AI/ poor mechanics are not my friend in this case however.

The level bosses are perhaps the biggest disappointment, as it gives the title an opportunity to shine with detailed sprites, and potentially the opportunity to use some strategy against an enemy, but they are essentially static target practice affairs with only a few of the bosses requiring you to jump.

One of the few bosses that actually moves

While you won’t necessarily be enjoying yourself as you hold down forward and constantly tap the shoot button, you can at least enjoy looking at it, with the game’s levels adorned with great 2D visuals. In addition to the effects and color palette, each stage has a nice amount of background detail that can easily go unseen such as aggravated beasts in incubator tubes itching to fight while others escape back into their homes. The enemies’ animation gives the world personality, and the spraying of red pixels against the different color filter applied with the alternative soundtrack give it a great overall design and cyberpunk feel. 

Finally waking you up, the final stages pose a challenge that requires a bit more of your attention with the introduction of basic platforming features and double the number of foes, but rather than feeling relief that the game might finally be showing some ‘bite’, you feel regret that the developers didn’t simply remove all the unnecessary bells and whistles and provide the same challenge in the earlier levels.

Why wasn’t this mayhem present in the earlier levels?

Bite the Bullet is a very short game that fails to nail even its basic gameplay mechanics – with haphazard AI and unrewarding gunplay – and as such makes it hard to recommend to anyone apart from the sleep-deprived. Nice visuals and a half-decent soundtrack might represent salvageable aspects, but this forgettable title will likely, and deservingly, be confined to the bargain bin of plumb average video games.

Review: Signs of the Sojourner

Daniel Waite
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Review: Signs of the Sojourner

Deck building games have always held a niche corner of the market. A small but dedicated group of fans rave about the enjoyment they have, and why everyone should give them a go. Titles such as; Hearthstone, Gwent and Slay the Spire top the list. Gwent is a game that I’ve invested plenty of time in, so when a twist on the genre appeared on the horizon, in the form of Signs of the Sojourner, I had to give it a go.

Developed by Echodog Games and published by Digerati Distribution, Signs of the Sojourner is a deck building game with a distinct twist on the standard approach. The normal requirement to collect orcs, skeletons and other deadly forces is discarded. Instead, it is replaced by conversations and the people you encounter. It’s a delightfully heartfelt title that will make you think about life’s smaller questions and the relationships with those around you.

A massive trade route that needs covering.

Signs of the Sojourner is a tale of redemption and trying your hardest.

Relying heavily on many of the core concepts found in other deck builders; this requires much planning and a lot of luck. The normal 1V1 all-out battle is replaced by a conversation. The dialogue of this interaction is never seen, instead you are told whether its outcome was positive or negative. A white or black mark is given to highlight the results. At the start you are told how many of each will be needed to end the chat, this indicates if you will get the outcome you’ll want. Too many black marks are not a good thing, and you’ll want to avoid this.

Yet, avoiding it is impossible and you soon learn that making everyone happy is an unobtainable task. You’ll quickly come to terms with the limitations placed upon you. You realise as the game evolves that this is a key concept, and it makes up an essential part of the story.

The plot revolves around an unnamed hero and his best friend, Elias. Your mother has recently passed, leaving you with few belongings and her shop in the desert town of Bartow. The store has no products to sell, and the town is slowly dying. The only way to stop this is to join the caravan of traders that your mother associated with. You must travel the land, talking to the people, and trying to gather items to trade. If you fail in your quest, the caravan will stop coming to Bartow and that will be disastrous for both your shop and the town.

Can you make all the connections?

Travelling is tiring, and conversations build decks.

Decks comprise special abilities and coloured shapes on each side. Blue diamonds, orange circles, purple squares and so forth. The aim is simple, match the previous symbol with the one on the left of your card. If you can’t it’s a mismatch and you get the dreaded black mark. Too many black marks will stop you from a positive interaction, and you’ll fail to get information or products for the store. The caravan goes on a set route, and the further you travel from home, the more complicated it gets.

This is where it becomes interesting. As conversations end, you must select an experience learned from that moment. You can add new colours to your pile, abilities, or stick with your hand by picking an identical card. The further you travel, the more you will need to change to appease people. By the end of your trip, you will be a different person, more rounded with the ability to speak to a wider audience. It was a genius way for Echodog Games to push their ideology in a standoffish way.

To make things tougher, fatigue cards come into play. These end conversations immediately, and show that a tired person is irrational and antisocial. Again, it was a fantastic way to express a real-life situation simply and concisely.

Does this beard ever stop?

Signs of the Sojourner is all about emotion and people.

I’m sure you now understand that Signs of the Sojourner is about the emotion of the situation, and the people you interact with. This is shown beautifully in the hand-drawn images of each person you see. A warm colour palette represents both the desert world you live in, but also the sincere relationships that you build. The encounters that are had on each journey have a Visual Novel style. Characters appear on the screen as a fixed image, bright and bold and interesting to look at. Each town and location is unique, breathing life into this slow-paced affair.

This is supported with an emotionally laced soundtrack. The imagery always displays a cheery disposition, yet the audio works alongside the text to deliver the outcome of each conversation. This continues the visual novel similarities and makes it easy to recognise failure and success. I loved the variety in the music and the wholesome nature, even when it played out sombre minor tones. 

Isabella always has your back.

Tough to learn, but fun to master. 

There is no doubting it, this isn’t an easy game to get your head around. With so many cards to select, routes to take, and decisions to make, it takes some getting used to. Fortunately, once you understand the fundamentals, it’s great fun learning to master the finer points. A thorough tutorial can confuse, but once you work through it, you’ll find a title that is a joy to play.

This hybrid deck building game is packed with replay value. Many endings require different friendships to bloom. You will concentrate your efforts in a different area of the map, hoping for a different outcome. There are some wonderful alternative finales to this title, and I strongly recommend spending the time trying to observe them all. If you are a completionist, you must experience every finish to get the 100% status. That will take time and will be beyond some players.

Is the Signs of the Sojourner worth your time?

If you love deck building games, then you’ll find a unique and fascinating title when you play Signs of the Sojourner. If you’ve never tried the genre, then I suggest that this could be a great place to start. A touching story mixes brilliantly with challenging game mechanics to create a standout game. I recommend you take a gamble and buy a copy here! Will the town of Bartow and your shop falter, or will you be a success on the road? Choose your deck, hope for some luck, and build long-lasting relationships. 

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