Here is our review of the Lexar NQ100 2.5” SATA III (6Gb/s) SSD.
Improve your system’s performance with the Lexar NQ100 2.5” SATA III (6Gb/s) SSD. This easy upgrade gives you faster boot-ups, application load times, and data transfers, with read speeds of up to 550MB/s. It is also cooler, quieter, and more energy efficient than a traditional hard disk drive.
Features
Boost your computer’s performance for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads
Fast performance, easy upgrade
Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
Three-year limited warranty
Specifications
Color : Gray
Capacity : 240GB, 480GB, 960GB
Interface : 2.5” SATA III (6Gb/s)
Speed :
240GB —sequential read up to 550MB/s 480GB —sequential read up to 550MB/s 960GB —sequential read up to 550MB/s
Operating Temperature :0°C to 70°C (32°F to 158°F)
Storage Temperature : -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
Shock Resistant : 1500G, duration 0.5ms, Half Sine Wave
Dimension (L x W x H) : 69.85mm x 100.2mm x 7mm / 2.75” x 3.94” x 0.28”
Weight : 34g
What’s in the box?
The box contains the NQ100 drive.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The Lexar NQ100 SSD is small and lightweight and is very easy to fit into a PC or laptop, or use it as an external drive if you so wish.
It’s quiet (there are no moving parts which makes it quiet) and its very fast too with read speeds up to 550 MB/s.
My only criticism (and that’s a strong word) is that the size of this NQ100 SSD we got in for review is 240GB which is very small, so it’s not going to be big enough to be your main drive on a laptop or computer, however at the price it’s really great for an additional drive. If you want to replace your main drive then go for the largest capacity – you won’t be disappointed.
The Lexar NQ100 2.5” SATA III (6Gb/s) SSD is available now priced at around £32 for the 240GB version which is incredibly good value.
During the recent PlayStation VR Spotlight, Sony presented a number of PSVR compatible games, which are scheduled for release in 2021. Just like many other VR games, the list consists of titles that will turn the players into the game’s hero, giving them the opportunity to explore, to use weapons, to use special powers and to interact with NPCs or even other players. All that is possible, by simply using the VR headset, PS Move and the VR Aim controller.
VR Gaming Is Not Everyone’s Favourite, but It is Worth Trying
It is no secret that Sony has had a hard time selling as many PSVR units as they would have wished to sell, and the reason for that is that the product does not really give players something extravagant. Most players feel that spending so much money in order to get a headset that offers inferior gaming is not as rewarding as playing Mega Moolah in New Zealand – mansioncasino.com/nz and they are not wrong. The VR gaming experience players have had up to now feels like gaming has gone back to its sixth generation. Nevertheless, things are about to change as studios are starting to focus on VR gaming, and this means that virtual reality is going to get a lot better.
The 2021 VR Highlights
If you have managed to buy a Sony PlayStation 5, then you are up for a treat. All PSVR games are compatible with Sony’s ninth-generation console and this means that you will be able to play some incredible virtual reality games on your new console. The most anticipated VR game of the year is, of course, After the Fall. This cinematic action-adventure title is a fast-paced game that will get your heart beating faster in no time. It is a masterpiece created by the team that worked on Arizona Sunshine, and it is the game that is expected to be named the VR Game of the Year.
Another highly anticipated VR title is Doom 3: VR Edition. This version of the game consists of the original Doom 3 game and of all its DLCs. The only difference is that now, players will have the ability to play it in VR, and this promises to make the gaming experience even more enjoyable. Doom is the trademark game for first-person action, and getting the opportunity to play it in a virtual reality environment feels like a natural step for the evolution of the series.
VR Games Worth Their Money
Fracked is a title that aims to steal the spotlight from games like After the Fall and Doom 3. This game will make you feel like a superspy, not only because of the covert ops you will need to take part in but also because of everything you need to do to complete your missions. From skiing to climbing and from shooting down opponents to stealth missions, this game can offer you many hours of gameplay.
If you are a fan of JRPGs, then you should consider buying a copy of Zenith. This game feels like the VR equivalent of games such as Persona and Sword Art Online. All you have to do is to put on your VR gear and to take a dive into the magical open world of Zenith.
The last VR must-have of 2021 is Song in the Smoke. If you are a fan of games such as Ark Survival Evolved, then you really need to give this game a try. Just like in Ark, your survival depends on your every move. You will need to eat, to hunt, and to use your weapons in order to stay alive.
We have two copies of Yellowstone Season 2 to give away on Blu-ray.
From writer/director Taylor Sheridan (Hell Or High Water), “YELLOWSTONE” is an engrossing family drama that follows the epic story of a multi-generational family that controls the largest contiguous ranch in the U.S. In Season 2, John (Kevin Costner – Dances With Wolves), Kayce (Luke Grimes – The Magnificent Seven) and the rest of the clan battle constant encroachment from ruthless enemies on all sides.
The “YELLOWSTONE” Season Two three-disc Blu-ray™ and four-disc DVD sets include all 10 hour-long episodes from the second season, plus over three hours of additional content, including over 45 minutes of exclusive, never-before-seen footage. Among the exclusive content is an in-depth, 30-minute exploration of the second season, detailing the show’s heightened drama and rising stakes through interviews with Kevin Costner and other cast members. The disc collections also include exclusive deleted scenes and a look at the show’s stunts, along with “Behind the Story” and “Stories from the Bunkhouse” segments for each episode, and more.
How to enter to win
We have two copies of Yellowstone Season 2 on Blu-ray to give away. All you need to do is enter below.
Eldrador Creatures – Baby’s first turn-based strategy.
I didn’t expect much from Eldrador Creatures when I booted it up. Aesthetically, it looked very similar to something like Skylanders and, considering it’s tied in with the toy company, Schleich, I was expecting something with a similar pay-to-play component, relying on limited gameplay on initial purchase causing a child to incessantly nag their parents for the toys to unlock more of the game and please our capitalist overlords. But, after a few hours of playing, I can confirm that’s not the case and the game is entirely self-contained, with nothing unlockable through toy purchases. With my mind set to rest on that front, it was time to do my job and draw my thoughts on the actual game together into a coherent review and I think it’s safe to say that I was completely blown away. It’s really rather good.
Eldrador Creatures is a very standard turn-based strategy game. It’s basic, with simple controls and a comprehensive tutorial, which considering the target market is mostly kids, is fantastic. It’s tight with nothing extraneous at all. It situates itself as an introduction to turn-based strategies so it’s easy to understand and has no unnecessary complications. In a market full of impenetrable behemoths like XCOM, it’s nice to see an entry-level game like this aimed at kids, as a kind of gateway drug to turn-based strategies. My previous recommendation for this sort of game would’ve been Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle which is equally aimed at kids and brilliant, despite playing like the fever dream of a teenager after writing some questionable fanfiction. But Eldrador Creatures is even more stripped back and pure that that, making it perfect for beginners.
The controls are incredibly easy to pick up and the first few levels do a good job of tutorialising you through them. On your creature’s turn, you can move and do one of two things: attack an enemy creature within range or use your special ability. The special abilities are simple but powerful – things like attacking an enemy on their turn if they enter your range or making a duplicate to draw attacks. The enemies have the same control set, making the game incredibly fair and skill-based. This control scheme is really easy to pick up and play and also allows you to start thinking about strategy and putting your turns together in a way to plan your way through the battle. You’re turn-based strategising before you know it and without the game telling you to, you’re acting like some kind of lava monster Sun Tzu. I can see it making someone new to the genre hungry for more and eager to start dabbling in the dark magic of XCOM.
To help you along your way, every round gives you the opportunity to use a mini creature. These are little bonuses that apply to a creature on the field, giving one of your creatures a buff to its movement speed, attack power, defence, etc or giving a similar debuff to an enemy creature. This is a great way for the game to tip the balance slightly into your favour, giving you a little advantage in a difficult fight. You get these mini creatures at the end of a battle and they’re given out quite generously. You can even replay earlier levels to get more if you’ve run out and you’re struggling with a fight. I didn’t find myself needing to do that (weird flex but okay) but it’s nice that the option is there.
Alongside those mini creatures, at the end of almost every level, one of your existing creatures will get an upgrade to their abilities (something like a passive ability to avoid some incoming damage) or you’ll unlock another creature. The game really throws these upgrades at you which gives you a real sense of achievement and progression. It also keeps your development in line with the difficulty curve of the game and keeps you interested in playing the next level and seeing what your new abilities can do.
If you’ve never played a turn-based strategy before or if you have a spare child lying around that you’d like to introduce to the genre (or, in a thought that is new and terrifying to me, if you’re a child yourself reading this), I cannot recommend Eldrador Creatures enough. The ‘downside’ of the game is that it’s not particularly complex or long, but that’s not the point. For the target audience, I see Eldrador Creatures as a delicious patatas bravas to enjoy as an entrée to your Spanish meal of turn-based strategy games.
I love when a game is so simple in concept that you can pick it up instantly with no tutorial. The platform genre leans this way with its easy-to-understand controls and straightforward mechanics. When I was offered Pinkman+ I happily accepted. Its retro look and basic story instantly appealed to me. I also suspected that it would be a quick causal title to add to my library.
Developed by Green Dinosaur Games and published by Ratalaika Games, this fast-paced adventure platform title asks you to move a pink-skinned male from point A to point B. In doing so he must avoid many traps, activate switches and stay alive. This is easier said than done as much of the action takes; a steady hand, patience, and a bit of luck.
Pinkman+ simple by name, simple by premise.
Pinkman+ asks you to traverse 100 handcrafted levels in a world know as “The Mind”. Each stage is brilliantly designed, thwart with danger, and deceptively difficult. The early levels contradict that last statement, as it starts off very easily. No additional mechanics are added, and you move from one ledge to another. Extra elements are chucked in the pot that you must remember and overcome. The pink male has a jetpack with limited fuel, this enables him to hover and clear large gaps. He also has the power to wall jump, this complements his flying ability, and the two are often combined to progress through the levels. There are no shocks, but you will need an essence of planning and precision to get through the more difficult later stages.
Rocket Man!
Once you understand how to move around each level, you are then introduced to many traps, 20 all told. These vary from; spikes, missiles, lasers, moving platforms, circular saws, electrical blocks, treadmills and more. These obstacles intertwine with one another and make your route arduous and complex. The difficulty really ramps up, and you’ll take deep breaths to stay calm.
No additional lives mean that death is a real problem in Pinkman+. Luckily, checkpoints are scattered around each stage. These allow you to start your attempt from that location when you die. To complicate things further, you cannot unlock the exit gate unless you activate the button. The path to this is usually lined with spikes and lies beyond a vast chasm. Running the gauntlet of traps was bad on the first occasion, but having to do it for a second time will push you over the edge when you brush against a spiked wall.
It’s enjoyable and contains some challenge, but it’s nothing new!
The well designed levels, interesting combination of threats, and simplicity of movement were interesting and worked well. But it failed to deliver anything new to the genre. It’s fast-paced nature added some pressure, as did the speedrun clock that always acknowledged how quickly you worked through the issues you faced. Yet there wasn’t anything in the gameplay that I couldn’t find in another platform title.
One pink man and so many traps.
I enjoyed that there was a lack of “traditional” enemies. Odd aliens weren’t wandering around this bizarre landscape. The threats all came from technology and projectiles. These weapons followed a set route and were predictable, but that didn’t make them any easier to avoid. They’re deadly and will end your run in the blink of an eye. These were the only element that required you to use the world around you to avoid them. This forced you into planning your approach and added a much needed tactical element to this fast-paced title.
Pinkman+ is tough on the eyes.
I’ve played some games that are vivid, bright and scream look at me, but nothing like Pinkman+. This garish and horrifically bright game will burn your retinas with its intensity. Neon colours fill your room as each level is awash with an 80s style colour scheme. 16 different combinations have been created, and upon death the world will flash to a new selection. It’s shocking, unexpected, but it works fantastically well. If you then look at the basic and uncomplicated art style, this is a game that doesn’t overdo its presentation. The developers were happy to allow the gameplay to take the lead role. Every other element sat back and acted as the supporting cast.
To continue on with the 80s vibe, Green Dinosaur Games utilised a Synthwave soundtrack. This added a computerised futuristic feel to the story. This unnatural and upbeat audio worked well with the otherwise silent gameplay. It added an element of excitement and demanded that you approached each level in a more aggressive and faster way. It was a really clever use of dated music that matched the theme perfectly.
Boulders and spikes, what a deadly mix.
Simplicity makes this work.
The platform genre ticks so many boxes for gamers because of its colourful worlds, but also its accessibility. No matter your skill level, you will pick up a controller and make it through the game with some practise. That is how this is set up, there is no complex controller layout and there is no tutorial, yet you get into the action very quickly. The only thing that will hold you back is your own timing, and ability to remain calm on the harder stages.
With 100 levels to explore, and new gameplay mechanics being added regularly, the game reinvents itself constantly. If you then add in the variety in stage design, and the speedrun counter, there is a fair bit of replay value to be found. If you are an achievement hunter, this one won’t take long to hit the 100% mark, maybe an hour tops. But if you wish to see all the levels, you will need around 4 to 5 hours, at £4 this proves great value for money.
Being a pink dude is a retro-futuristic dream.
I knew that I’d enjoy Pinkman+, I just didn’t realise how much. The ease of the opening stages builds up your confidence until you power through the levels. Once you get into the flow, you won’t want to put it down! You take each new trap in your stride, and restart the game upon death, knowing that victory is just around the corner. If you want a casual and unusual platform game, buy it here! Can you journey deep into “The Mind”, overcoming each trap, and making it to safety? If anyone can do it, the pink man can do it!
With the rise of mobile gaming, tablets, portable consoles, and the increased strength of the internet, there are no requirements to go to an arcade to get your gaming fill when you are away from home. These once bustling venues were the mainstay for many “mature” gamers, but the younger generation will sadly miss out on this great institution. Arcade Spirits is a Visual Novel (VN) that focuses its plot around this amazing nostalgia laced world, and the people that live at the heart of it.
Developed by Fiction Factory Games and published by PQube, this single-player Visual Novel asks you to interact with a wide range of people, to build a working relationship with them, and maybe more. Arcade Spirits allows the player to influence the people around them. You can look for romance, or you can play it in a purely platonic fashion, the choice is yours. I found it refreshing that the developers empowered you to make this decision. So often in VN’s you are forced to follow an approach that feels unnatural and unwanted. This can impact how you feel about each character you interact with, and can taint the story.
An odd, yet familiar setting.
Set in the year 20XX, you control the main protagonist in a futuristic neon world. Mobile phones, 3D apps and all science fiction based nonsense, have come true, yet arcades have survived this technological onslaught. The world of gaming almost collapsed in 1983, after an ill advised and poorly developed game nearly made it to market. Had it done so, that would have been the fall of the modern era, and computer games would have been no more! Dah dah daaaaaaaahhhhh. This tongue-in-cheek approach forms the basis for much of the plot.
Will you fall for her techie charms?
References are made to classic retro games, and there are lighthearted digs towards the modern gaming landscape. It’s a brilliantly delivered story that will have you; chuckling, cringing and scowling at its mixture of weird and wonderful characters. The game starts after you’ve been sacked from your latest job. Your housemate suggests you download the IRIS app to help find employment, and have a more positive outlook on life. Begrudgingly, you install the program, boot it up and watch it kick into life. This is the beginning of your new adventure, one that leads you to the Funplex arcade. This is a place where you discover your calling, and you start to understand the true meaning of family and friendship.
A game of many choices.
VN’s are all about the choices that you make, and the impact they have on the surrounding people. Arcade Spirits takes this one step further by allowing you to decide your; sex, look, and if you wish romance to form a key component of the plot. This inclusive approach was fantastic and rarely does it appear in this genre. Decision making is at the core of everything that this stands for, and 4 different responses allow you to build rapport, and create a character profile for yourself. Will you be; funny, serious, balanced or empathetic? You must think; is it more important to build bonds with people and consider my response? Or answer how you wish and go with the flow!
Whatever your decision, the story rolls on regardless. Friendships will rise and fall, and romance will blossom if you so wish. You’ll witness the love and passion for the arcade that each of these people call work. You soon realise that the arcade isn’t just a vocation, but it’s a way of life. The people that you call friends will soon become your extended family.
Don’t mess with the Queen Bee!
Similar to its peers!
Like other VN’s the concept of the game is extremely simple. Follow the plot, make your choices, and live with the consequences. Though you are free to decide on your characters’ look, sex and name, this has no bearing on the story. Unlike many of its peers, your decisions don’t impact the direction of the story, they just affect how each character perceives you. I found this a little odd as the tale marched onwards, regardless of how you dealt with any situation. Once you start this, it feels like you are on a one-way trip to your destination. The scenery may alter slightly throughout, but the core route stays the same. This felt a little too restrictive for me and removed a much loved element that I have experienced in many other VN’s.
Over the top imagery.
Like many of its peers, the visuals are way over the top. A colourful and crisp art style defines each of the characters and their local environments. A variety of backdrops are used to pique your interest and to keep things interesting. Fixed images that flit on and off the screen simulate movement, and each of the characters’ faces alter to highlight a swing in emotion or dialogue direction. I really like how this genre delivers its material; it’s simple, easy to look at, and usually incredibly detailed. It stands shoulder to shoulder with much of its competition, and will keep you focussed from the first word to the last.
The audio plays out along the same lines as the visuals. A well conceived idea that is executed well, but it feels familiar if you are a fan of the genre. The music disappears into the background, failing to make a lasting impression. It’s neither good nor is it bad, it simply exists. This allows the sound effects of the many machines and the spoken dialogue to rule the roost. The voice work has two settings, full speech or quick quips. Whatever your decision, they both complement the plot, and help to progress Arcade Spirits story nicely.
Is this Scooby Doo?
A relaxing platform.
When a game is predominately based around reading, and limited decision making, you know you are in for a relaxing experience. Controller use is kept to a minimum, and snacks can easily be consumed while playing. If you wish to take this one step further, you can automate the whole process (not the snack eating), and allow the computer to take all the heavy lifting. So, sit back, put your feet up, and let the story flow before your eyes.
VN’s suffer with a lack of replay value, and like a good book, the only time you will return to it is if you truly love it. With a lack of variety in the plot, the only reason to return would be to try a different approach with certain characters. Though, I doubt many gamers will want to sit through the whole story again for a slightly different relationship. Luckily, the story is very good, so though you won’t come back to it, you will enjoy the first read through.
A well conceived idea.
I really enjoyed what Fiction Factory Games have created. The many gameplay choices allow you to feel in control of how the story plays out. A well written and nicely paced script ensures that you don’t get lost amongst a variety of subplots and its many characters. Creating your personality was a nice touch, and how this influenced others was an interesting gaming choice. Arcade Spirits won’t tick all the boxes for the fans of the genre, but its inoffensive approach means it should be added to your library, so buy a copy here! Create your character, download IRIS and see where life will take you in this colourful and fun Visual Novel.
“Paging Bomberman. Please make your way to ‘relevance’ on Aisle 3″. While you may not know what a pager is, you’ve surely heard of Bomberman, the series with 71 releases since 1983 – or perhaps you haven’t, as it’s only had 2 releases in the past 10 years.
When an industry-leading series with tens of millions in cumulative sales slows its prolific release schedule, it’s only natural that this explosive gap is filled with similar games from smaller developers. Welcome to Blast Zone! Tournament, developed by Victory Lap Games.
For those unfamiliar, the Bomberman formula, which was one of the originators of the battle royale style gameplay, tasks you with defeating enemies on a large grid with bombs. The explosions of your bombs stretch vertically and horizontally, the length of which can depend on the bomb or upgrades picked up by your character. If you sit on a square diagonal to the explosion, you’re safe, assuming you are able to find one in the short time it takes the bomb to detonate. It’s a simple formula that has stood the test of time – to a degree – but it does have some shortcomings. With a group of friends or with an overwhelming number of enemies in single-player mode a great deal of fun can be had, but if you’re only facing a few computer-controlled characters, the pace of the game slows to a crawl, with easily deciphered and counterable moves leading to repetitive and boring gameplay.
Blast Zone! Tournament tries to put a youthful spin on the established blueprint with the characters given a chibi-like design and the menus a Fortnite battle royale-esque loadout screen look complementing the online offering. More modern features extend to the ability to change your appearance with items won through a slot machine loot box or through purchasing in-game currency. While I’m hardly a proponent of loot boxes, it’s somewhat lucky you can randomly change your character’s look as their chibi-like designs instead of cute, are slightly off-putting.
I just can’t get along with the alien/baby-like body proportions
The presentation issues continue with a menu design and soundtrack both basic and unappealing, cheapening the product overall. This is an unfortunate impression to give before you even jump into the action itself, especially as the graphics and animation look more than serviceable and run without issue even with constant action occurring all around the map.
An example of great-looking level
Single-player mode allows you to complete up to 80 missions each with three levels of difficulty and a customizable exhibition mode allows the player to adjust gameplay in every area through various adjustable settings. For myself, this involved making maximum range bombs explode almost instantly with 170% speed increases, resulting in impossibly difficult and unreasonably fast matches, great for those with very little patience. Numerous gameplay types exist with a Splatoon-like mode where two teams compete to cover the majority of the map with paint from the explosions of your bombs, collecting coins from exploded blocks, team deathmatch, and my favorite – a zombie mode where defeated characters are turned into zombies and need to run down the living ones. Online multiplayer with the ability to talk to your team would be the best way to enjoy the action, assuming you can find enough people to play it, but even so, the single-player and local co-op modes provide ample variety to enjoy the game.
Ever been Paintbombing?
With fast, frenetic gameplay and numerous modes, the student in Blast Zone! Tournament may have surpassed the master in Bomberman in gameplay if not visual design. Old-school Bomberman fans will enjoy the classic mechanics and the new modes, and newer fans will no doubt appreciate the online multiplayer and the expansive battles, but it’s hard to say whether the largely identical gameplay and poor presentation will convert any non-fans of the genre.
Neurodeck is a game with a great premise. It is a journey into the protagonist’s psyche through high stakes battles against their deepest fears. And when I say high stakes I mean it.
Failure is not the end
There is no retry or continuing right where you took your defeat. Once it’s over it is exactly that. Over. You’ll have to build your deck from scratch in each campaign. But that’s exactly what makes it a good deck builder.
Taking a defeat in Neurodeck may feel as such on your first run. But soon you realise that with every failure you become more powerful. You may have lost what you thought was a star studded deck, but every run yields more of a chance for that perfect selection of tools. There is an answer to every situation, and it takes time to fully understand what a scenario might need from you. One phobia may inflict debuffs on you, which requires the spiritual beliefs card to clear debuffs and inflict damage to the phobia for every debuff lost. Another phobia might stack wrath upon itself, boosting its offensive capability. This situation might call for a little anarchy to wipe their buff and offer them a 10HP loss for their trouble.
I was really grateful for the fact that there isn’t some ultra steep learning curve, where I might have needed an almanac just to figure out what was going on. Failure is part of the game, and reinforcing each loss with a tangible sense of understanding as to my shortcomings was great. One could even attribute that logic to life. We might falter and fall, but there is always the chance to try again, in whatever way works. And that next try might be the one that brings success. Especially when we learn from past mistakes.
Face your fears
There are 14 phobias to fight in Neurodeck from agoraphobia to phasmophobia, even masculinity. Battling against them for the first time means you have no idea of their capabilities. You have to face them and beat them to learn what they are and what their weaknesses might be, which comes in clutch when you inevitably fight them again down the line.
This is a great way of introducing them and teaching the player what they are up against. It also proved to be a great way of learning more about the many existing phobias, some of which I was familiar with but never had a name for.
They’re well designed and animated for the most part with some unsettling sounds and sights from many, especially tokophobia, the fear of pregnancy and childbirth. I was drawn to the dark and shadowy figures that these phobias presented. They all brought with them a sense of dread in their designs and movements.
The cards at your disposal
There is a wide array of cards that you have the chance to collect throughout each run of the campaign. And each fits within the framework of mental health. Many cards are in the forms of coping mechanisms, events in life, and real world objects that have carried over into this neural realm such as comfort food and journaling. There is also a christmas day card which grants sanity (HP) and adds two present cards to your deck. This present card has the ability to inflict damage to the phobia, while shuffling another present card into your deck. This card has the added benefit of not using an action point, making it wildly useful.
Each card has their purpose. None felt wasted or pointless, and there was some nice synergy between cards that could make for a powerful deck. Getting your hands on these cards is nice and simple, and there are a good amount of ways to go about it. Defeating a phobia gives you a choice of four cards. But between each battle, you choose between destinations like the kitchen which grants buffs, the bedroom where sleep adds cards or taking surveys to gain traits. Some of these locations may also hold excerpts from the protagonist’s life detailing experiences, memories and dreams that have gained a foothold in their mind.
The surveys grant passive traits like extra sanity when drawing a card, or sanity and stamina whenever a card is discarded. They ask scenario based questions that would categorize you as one of two things, which yield one of two cards. Having only two answers per question was a bit limiting and there were a good couple of instances where neither answer would be accurate for me, but I would resign myself to picking the closest answer. Of course you could outright ignore accuracy in responses just to get the trait you want.
Far from perfect
There were a couple of hiccups and bugs throughout my time with it. Most were UI issues, such as the settings icon being blocked by the scrollbar at times. There was also a problem with text blocking the trait explanation within the traits menu.
The biggest problem for me came from the remove a card option. The ability to remove a card isn’t readily available. It’s one of the destinations you visit between battles. Clicking on the arrow to cycle between cards just removes the current selection. There’s not even an “are you sure” in case of a mistake. You click an arrow to choose the card you want to get rid of and boom, the wrong one is gone. I’ve tried this multiple times, but each instance is the same. At this point I just avoid removing cards, but it would be so useful. Especially if you want to increase the chances of drawing a useful card in an oversaturated deck.
Neurodeck is an enticing deck building game that I found myself looking forward to consistently. With oodles of replayability, different sets of challenges in starting stats and cards, and mental trials there is a lot of content to enjoy.
Pang adventures sees two brothers on a quest around the world, with levels taking place in locations such as Bora Bora and Death Valley.
The brothers goal is a simple one: to save humankind from an Alien Invasion – one ball pop at a time.
The series is based on a collection of arcade games from the 90s, and this new addition does a great job of delivering a faithful and enjoyable title, with a modest game length extended by a reasonable level of challenge.
A good challenge:
–
The basic premise is simple: you need to pop falling alien bubble / ball things(who am I to say, really), within a strict time limit. Each level features this same initial premise, but with additional layers added regularly that test both your wit and reactions.
Initially, the gameplay seemed pretty unremarkable.
However, very quickly, I found myself having to think; and consider how to best approach the level so that I could hit my target within the time limit, as well as avoid getting hit with any bubble’s. There were times where I genuinely thought: “This is literally Dark Souls, but in bubble form”.
This may have been a slight exaggeration. However, similar to Dark Souls, I felt the same kind of euphoric feelings when finally surpassing my first real roadblock: the Bora Bora boss. This game is incredibly rewarding and things did get very tense; very quickly. Some of the levels I found really quite challenging; forcing me to tactically plan out my approach.
For a game that is about popping bubbles, there is actually a fair amount of thinking involved… at least for me!
The bubbles themselves all behave in different ways, and this is something you need to consider when tackling a level. A larger bubble moves relatively slowly, and can be much easier to evade, than say, multiple fast moving smaller bubbles. If you’re not careful, it is easy to be quickly overwhelmed in a bubble minefield; which might sound quite pleasant. It is not.
These considerations and challenges are so important, as without them, this game wouldn’t have much in the way of longevity.
There are three modes that players can take on; the tour mode, which is essentially the game’s story mode(which is perhaps a bit generous, as there really isn’t much in the way of a story here). This is the mode you will likely spend the most time with.
Score attack, a more authentic arcaded style mode unlocked after completing tour mode, that restricts you to three lives and no continues.
And Panic mode, a survival mode, which again restricts you to three lives, as you try to reach level 99. This mode in particular does have a certain addictive quality; I found myself yearning for ‘one last run’ to level 99. Alas, I was unsuccessful.
Each mode allows for online co-op, which encourages an added level of synergy between players; to see who can take down the most balls! Trust me, it is actually really fun.
Appealing visuals:
–
Pang Adventures art style definitely helped keep me engaged. The games colourful and detailed visuals bring a lot of life to the experience; especially when facing off against the games’ various Alien bosses.
Coupled with some fun sound design, Pang adventures digital palette feels inspired and distinct. From the Icy Arctic tundras, to the tropics of Bora Bora, the game’s backdrops are diverse and intentionally juxtapose with the constant threats you’re facing.
But… is it worth it?
The regular edition of the game runs at a modest £8.99, which I would say is a reasonable price for what you’re getting. But, the game’s longevity is heavily contingent on whether or not you wish to play competitively – that being trying to accrue the highest possible scores, on the various modes. The story mode is pretty short, and this is certainly not a game that you would play for any sort of narrative reason.
However, if you do enjoy the core gameplay loop, which becomes increasingly more thoughtful as the game progresses, then I would say this game is worth your time. The game can be genuinely challenging, and the feeling of finally overcoming a level – through a combination of strategy and fast reflexes – really is quite satisfying.
Pang Adventures successfully focuses on the niche it is trying to fill; putting faith into its core gameplay, to provide a fun and visually engaging experience for players of all ages. If you’re looking to delve into nostalgic waters, or are just up for a challenge that may – or may not be comparable to Dark Souls(allegedly), this might not be a bad addition to your collection.
When books get converted into a; TV series, film or gaming franchise it’s a gamble. In theory, it should be a raving success with ample money behind it, a massive fan base, and as many plots and well-designed characters as you can shake a stick at. Beast Quest is a much-loved book series aimed at young adults. It follows the tales of a young Knight called Tom and his female friend Elenna. The pair attempt to bring peace and order to the world of Avantia.
Developed by Torus Games and published by Maximum Games, this cartoon RPG adventure has been out for 3 years and has failed to make a good impression on its audience. Will I see it any different to my peers, or can I find a diamond in the rough?
A colourful Fable-Esque themed world jumps out at you the moment you load in. You are chucked straight into the action with a cut scene that attempts to bridge the novel with its newfound home on the console. This quickly rolls into a brief yet in-depth tutorial that teaches you the fundamentals. You are told why you have been chosen, and what mission you must undertake to save the world. It’s all straightforward and familiar, like any of the hundreds of RPGs I’ve played. This wasn’t an issue, however, as many have this inherent fault and originality is scarce these days.
Ah, such a pretty birdy.
A tale of one Wizard and four Beasts!
The story revolves around a deluded and evil Wizard who wishes to destroy the world by controlling four beasts of different elemental powers. Fate dictates that a young man who is true of heart will step up and save the world. Unsurprisingly, that is you, Tom the young, unheard of Knight. You must venture across 5 realms; a volcano, forest, icy plains, mountains and a grassy plateau. Each has a unique look and comes with its challenges and monsters to battle.
As you succeed in each fight, you will earn AP. This is spent on improving your character and your skills. The main attributes are; speed, health, power and defence. Alongside this, you will unlock; new attacks, better ways to block, and more. Like the story, this is nothing new, and it won’t amaze you with any surprise elements. Equipment will be found or purchased to further improve stats. I liked the cosmetic changes with each main garment or weapon choice, but was disappointed that the smaller trinkets didn’t appear. It’s as if the small details didn’t matter, but in an RPG they help to define your personality.
To follow on from this, the game sets itself up as a tactical RPG with battles that require; patience, skill and observation. In reality, it’s an arduous hack ‘n’ slash event that suffers from a serious case of Deja Vu. The developers attempted to mix things up with your Beast Quest companions’ special attacks. Sadly, this added very little other than to end a battle early, but that at least eliminated the tedium of each event (every cloud and all that.)
Maybe the main bosses and side quests will be its saviour?
When a game centres all its attention around its 4 beasts and an evil Wizard, you are right to expect some epic fights. Don’t get your hopes up! Repetition is the tonic that Torus Games rely upon. Sadly, this isn’t the cure for what ails this title. Well, surely its shining light is the many side quests you undertake? It is if you like; collecting flowers, wolf skins, pieces of paper and many other (*sarcastic tone*) “dangerous tasks” like these, then you’ll be in your element. But seriously, everyone knows that the secondary missions are a mere distraction, unfortunately these are so weak in design that it’s a painful experience taking them on.
A wooden shield against flames, I don’t fancy my chances.
With such an excellent foundation found in the Beast Quest books, I was shocked by how badly wrong the developers got this. It’s mediocrity at its best! If you had never seen an RPG in your life, you may be fooled into thinking this was a good example, but you are more likely to be put off the genre for Eternity. It sadly lacks any redeeming features, and I have yet to cover; the wooden acting, terrible script, dreadful sound bites and dated graphics.
Amateur dramatics has less ham than this.
A three-year-old game shouldn’t; look, feel, and behave like it was made for an early generation console. Yet, somehow, this is exactly what happened with its odd 3D presentation and terrible cinematic. There are clear influences of; Fable, Zelda and Monkey Hero. The three combined should make an awesome looking game, however, it’s a mess. Bad animation haunts this throughout, and the enemies slide towards you slowly. The landscape is blocky and bland to look at, and quickly blurs into one easy to forget image. The lip-sync of the cutscenes is off and easily distracts you from what is being said. It’s one plus side is its use of colour works well with the fantasy setting. The bright and vivid tones set against the earthy landscape made the characters stand out.
Moving swiftly on to the audio. Cheesy, horribly acted and memorable for all the wrong reasons. The script is dreadful and is full of failed humour and a wooden delivery. Every time the action stopped, and it cuts to one of these scenes, my heart sank. If it wasn’t so badly presented, I’m sure the intended jokes would have amused me, but it failed miserably. On the plus side, I enjoyed the music. The folksy tunes had a classic RPG feel to them, and the beat and tone matched the situation you found yourself in. This was the best element of the game. Sadly, it had little competition to gain this accolade.
It then comes crashing down to its usual standard when you listen to the sound bites. Tom says some of the most ridiculous things I’ve heard in a game. Each time he spoke it added nothing to the gameplay and made me shake my head with disbelief.
These skeletons could do with a hearty meal.
It handles worse than a shopping trolley.
There is nothing worse than a game that has potential, only to be let down by terrible controls. Unfortunately, Beast Quest is one of those games. Slow response times, terrible dodge mechanics, a weird movement system and a jump that allows you to unintentionally levitate. It’s a mess from start to finish. I found it ironic that its tutorial was one of the easiest I’ve ever come across, but it confuses itself with poorly executed commands and awful optimisation.
The developers have sold this as an adventure game with a sprawling world that will suck you in with exciting action and its many quests. In reality, it couldn’t be further from the truth. The linear gameplay restricts you to where you have no freedom to explore. Repetitive elements, treasure chests that have predictable loot, and battles that will send you to sleep. If you can stomach it, you’ll endure around 5 hours of gameplay to save the world and get to the end credits.
A disappointment from the off.
It always pains me to be so brutal about a game, but when one has no redeeming qualities, and misses the mark on all points, then it wouldn’t be fair to recommend it. Beast Quest had so many opportunities to get the game to a reasonable standard, but it tried and failed repeatedly. If you want an RPG adventure title then look elsewhere, the market has plenty that are leaps and bounds ahead of this. If you want to buy it, you can here! Tom must learn to be a Knight and save humanity and the land of Avantia from the evil Wizard.
If I had to describe this game in a single word, it would be “Masterpiece”. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is genuinely one of the better platformers out there and probably one of the best games I’ve ever played. The sequel to 2015’s Ori and the Blind Forest, the game takes place within an enchanting fairytale-like world that’s bound to dazzle your eyes. Coupled with fantastic artwork, a superb storyline and probably one of the best game soundtracks ever to date, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is nothing short of magnificent.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is set after the events of Ori and the Blind forest. You control a lovable spirit guardian named Ori and set out into a luscious world where you face challenging foes and dangerous territories while meeting new friends along the way. You begin the game with no abilities and no means of battling the many monsters that lie in wait within the dense Nibel Forest.
Meet allies along the way that help you along your journey
As you proceed through the game, you must explore every nook and cranny throughout the map to discover new abilities and weapons which allow you to proceed along with the story. Nowadays, most RPGs give you the exact instructions to a mission or even give detailed routes to reach your destination. In my opinion, it muddies the gameplay and makes things too easy for the player. Ori does this differently, though, as you’re expected to wander and find clues as to where you’re supposed to go next. The maps are detailed but don’t tell you exactly where to go, making the game pretty challenging to play. Some might find this annoying, but I think this gives the game its identity as the feeling of euphoria you get when you finally solve each map is extremely rewarding. You could say it feels as great as finally solving an extremely challenging math question, but that’s just my take on it.
The game isn’t just that simple in terms of mechanics. You obtain many skills, which tend to build upon one another, allowing you to perform more intricate types of movements. Some puzzles require real big brain maneuvers that you have to discover for yourself. It does add to the depth of the game, making it super fun and super rewarding. Combat is quite repetitive, though, and gets a little stale. I usually find myself trying to avoid enemies instead of battling them as it’s just really too much of a hassle. On the other hand, Boss battles are super challenging as you memorize their attack patterns to bring them down. It usually takes a few or more tries, but the game is forgiving in that you can start right back where you died and try again.
Boss battles are challenging, but a whole lot of fun!
The aesthetics of the game are also really detailed. The fantastic artwork, intricately designed terrains, enemies, and characters make the overall experience easy on the eyes. The real MVP of this game, though, is its soundtrack. Gareth Coker, composer of the Ori and the Will of the Wisps soundtrack, did a tremendous job. The BGM does set the tone of the game well and is an integral part of what makes Ori so mesmerizing and enchanting to play.
Amazing artwork!
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is an entire cohesive package where you get great gameplay, a fantastic storyline, superb graphics, and fitting soundtracks to go along. Having played the game on the switch, I feel it would be a great addition to your collection of switch games. The controls are simple and feel intuitive to play. The graphics also aren’t too bad and provides a fully immersive experience on the go. All in all, moon studios did yet another fantastic job with this game, and I have no qualms with calling it a masterpiece.
I’ve played many different games that take place in many different genres but the one genre i’m not particularly experienced with is the hunting genre. I think the closest i’ve come to hunting are the various side missions you come across in a game like Final Fantasy XV, but it’s less about hunting and more about fighting in those games. It’ll be interesting to see how much hunting you can do in Hunting Simulator 2.
Hunting Simulator 2 starts off in a surprising manner as you find yourself in a log cabin which is home to many of the things you would expect a hunter would have. The walls are adorned with animal trophies, whilst there are weapons dotted around. You begin your adventure of sorts by leaving your cabin and start using your hunting instincts to find you next trophy. The log cabin you soon find is where each hunt begins and ends. You begin your hunting adventures off with a small sum of cash which you use to buy weaponry and licenses, just like you’d have to buy guns, bullets and licenses if you were going on a real-life hunting trip. The better you hunt the better the trophies you acquire which in turn means you end up with more money to buy a better arsenal.
There are 6 locations to do your hunting within and those locations are broken up into smaller areas. Those areas include Czechia Marshlands and Harghita County which are in Europe, Roosevelt Forest and Pawnee Meadows in Colorado and the Chihuahuan Desert and Bandera Region in Texas. There are around 33 animal species to hunt but you must make sure you have the necessary licenses to hunt those animals. Luckily Hunting Simulator 2 will warn you about a lack of licenses when you get an animals in your crosshairs, but if you still choose to proceed then you might end up getting fined. The firearms are also important, only certain weapons can be used on certain animals. There are a variety of licensed firearms whose brands you will recognise like Winchester. You can also acquire a pet in Hunting Simulator 2 which will help you track and retrieve various prey.
Hunting Simulator 2 is a very slow game to move around in and that’s part of the whole process. Running around will make the animals aware of you and they will runaway, so you need to sneak around the gorgeous landscapes. One issue is there doesn’t seem to be a gradual scale to your speed, you either walk very slowly or run very quickly, there is no fast walk or casual jog to get around. The slow pace allows you to appreciate the various environmental and animal sounds dotted throughout the ambient scenes. You will at times spend up to an hour tracking some animals down, in some cases you’ll need to wound the animal several times before you can capture your “trophy”. Luckily Hunting Simulator 2 doesn’t expect you to cut, skin or drag your catch back to your cabin, that would have been a much more grisly experience.
With the lack of any direction or story, sometimes Hunting Simulator 2 doesn’t quite involve you as much as it could. For example, entering competitions with fellow hunters or having something to work up to would have made Hunting Simulator 2 a better experience. There are a few fast travel points located in Hunting Simulator 2, unfortunately you need to find them to use them. Considering the amount of travelling you are doing in Hunting Simulator 2, having these fast travel points more visible would have definitely spend up the process.
Hunting Simulator 2 is exactly what it says it is, it’s a simulator about hunting. The relaxing set up and ambient nature makes the Hunting Simulator 2 experience an enjoyable one. Thankfully you don’t get drawn into the more bloody elements of actual hunting but Hunting Simulator 2 does give you the opportunity to hone your hunting skills. If you are looking for something a bit different, which takes things slowly but still makes it enjoyable then Hunting Simulator 2 will give you some entertainment.
Thomas Was Alone is a delightful platform puzzle game which follows the story of a handful of shapes. At first, you will probably question how a game full of colourful squares and rectangles could be so enjoyable, which I’ll admit to doing also. But upon being introduced to each character and personality, you find yourself falling in love with each of them.
More than meets the eye
This game takes the roots of a platformer and presents it in it’s finest form. Although you expect to have seen it all before, it revisits the simplicity of what makes a platform game good. It is built upon the purest elements, and with no intense challenge it is easy to cruise through and embed yourself in the story. Each new shape you encounter has a story. You learn quickly what everyone is capable of, and also how to utilise working as a team to progress. There are ten stages to the story and each level involves different obstacles in order to challenge your puzzle solving skills.
Notable narrative
A charming narrative accompanies all 100 levels, emphasising the emotional story behind each square. This narrative is what will keep you engaged for the whole game, otherwise it would feel extremely bland. Without it, Thomas Was Alone would definitely struggle to stand out. I’d definitely argue that the narrative is the most important part of this game. Despite a lot of thought going into level design, and how engaged you are kept when you need to use each shape to get from one point to the next, the concept is still simple. I’d recommend this game for just the narrative. I didn’t know what to expect upon playing for the first time, but I didn’t expect to feel so attached to everyone by the end. You learn to love every shape and their quirks and Danny Wallace’s narration really helps bring these little guys to life.
Beautiful soundtrack
The sound design of the game is also particularly notable. Alongside an emotive story, several pieces of music played throughout the levels help tug on your heartstrings. Tiny elements of each piece of music make it seem as though the blocks are communicating with one another. It’s honestly just so wholesome. The soundtrack is memorable and it really helps you focus and crave progression when stuck on a hard level. Once again it attaches you as a player to the different blocks and it all comes together to produce such a wonderful feeling. When you get your characters to safety, and feel them going through levels, you definitely feel an indescribable pride.
Final thoughts
As a whole, this game may look pretty basic upon first glance. But once picking it up, you will definitely spend hours trying to get all your new pals to safety. I fell in love with this game far harder than I expected to. I’ve played many platform games in my life, but this one stands out as one of the best for sure. Puzzles are fun and don’t repeat themselves, and everything seems oddly charming. Even down to the ominous black cloud which is never really explained. If you want to lose yourself amongst a handful of shapes for a few hours, I’d highly recommend this game.
Shooting games have come on leaps and bounds recently. First-person, third-person neither matter as the quality has improved vastly. Yet a massive leap in performance sees a surge in mediocre games. The market becomes awash with developers trying to get their piece of the pie. Thus, it’s challenging for a gamer to find decent titles from the mundane. Triple-A games are always a safe bet, but they rarely move away from their reliable and much-loved formula, so when I was offered Rogue Company I was intrigued.
Developed by First Watch Games and published by Hi Rez Studios, this free-to-play third-person shooter aims to offer a unique experience in a much loved, yet congested market place. You may scream at the thought of another free-to-play product sneaking its way into the game store, I normally do as microtransactions are the Devil’s work. However, this genre lends itself to the culture well and in this case, at least, the extra items are mainly cosmetic so offer no in-game advantage.
COD and Apex Legends.
When your closest rivals are; COD Warzone and Apex Legends, you’re going to have to do something special to stand out. I think they’ve done exactly that! This 4V4 shooter prides itself on its no nonsense, simple approach that allows gamers to crack on and play immediately. Having played a fair amount of shooters in the past, I instantly noted how accessible everything was. Player stats, character selection, game choice and the store were all available at the click of a button. It was refreshing that everything was so easy to find.
Unlike COD, Rogue Company doesn’t rely on a class system. You must select between 1 of 17 agents known as rogues. Each has a unique loadout and plays a specific role in each fight you compete in. There is no right or wrong when it comes to your selection, it’s just gameplay style and character preference. Each has its own progress tree known as “Mastery” the more you use them, the more XP they earn, and the quicker they progress. It’s brilliantly straightforward and matches the simplicity of the UI.
If they can’t see you, they can’t kill you.
It’s all about the game modes.
Ease of access, detailed stats and great character choices are all good, but they mean nothing without great game modes. Luckily, Rogue Company has a small, yet fantastic match-list waiting to be explored. At the time of playing there were 3 categories and 4 game modes; Limited time games, Verses and Ranked. Countdown, Demolition, Strikeout and Extraction.
Limited time and Verses.
This is where you’ll spend all your early gaming time. A wide range of player ability can be seen at this level, and all game modes are open to play. Each follows a classic shooter approach; Demolition is Search and Destroy, Strikeout is Team Death Match, Extraction is domination and Countdown is all about holding a bomb.
Ranked Mode.
This is where the big boys and girls play. With an entry restriction of level 30, this isn’t for noobs. A different mode is added to this at regular intervals, and this allows you to test yourself against the best global players.
Some new Mechanics, some old!
What I loved about this was the requirement to communicate clearly with your 3 teammates. Great comms make a difference, and teamwork was the winning element. With only 12 lives available per run, failure to speak ruins your chances greatly. Everyone loves being the all-action hero, but a slower approach is required. Lives can be saved by reviving downed teammates and this is as important as shooting the opposition.
Kill or be killed.
For older gamers, or fans of Esports, you’ll recognise a key mechanism from Counter Strike, and that’s your ability to alter your loadout between games. Money is earned per round for; assists, kills, objectives and the win. Money buys; perks, primary weapons, gadgets, grenades and upgrades. This was a superb way to make each character unique with a reward for succeeding in each match. There could be an argument that this benefits the better player, but everyone is awarded some form of cash, so new equipment isn’t unobtainable at the start of each round.
It wouldn’t be free-to-play if there wasn’t an in-game currency. “Rogue Bucks” allow you to boost ranks, gain cosmetics and kit out your character with garish skins. It’s mostly cosmetic so doesn’t impact the gameplay, and anything that can be purchased with “Rogue Bucks” can be brought with Reputation Points. These are earned through natural progression, but items take a little longer to unlock. There is also a battle pass to keep the hardcore fans interested.
It runs like a dream.
I’ve not played this on anything apart from the Series X, but boy does it run great. Its transition from menu to menu is slick, loading times are nominal, and it plays better than many triple-A titles. But it doesn’t stop there! The graphics are great, character models are brilliantly designed and move fantastically, and each map looks interesting and contains many details. Talking of details, no area was missed by the keen eye of the developers. The weapons look great and the walk-in cinematic look amazing. In short, it’s a free game with a premium presentation.
This quality flows through the audio with an amazing soundtrack that creates a high-tempo and aggressive atmosphere. The music is great, but what I want is ear-piercing shots and thumping bangs, and this is exactly what I got. The sound effects range from; the delicate pattering of feet to skull shaking explosions. It’s awesome and sucks you right into the action.
Meet the rogues.
Tutorials and addictions.
If you’ve played any shooting game in the last 5 years, you’ll feel at ease with this. However, if you need to brush up on your skills, a full tutorial that lasts around 10 minutes walks you through all the fundamentals. This is also available for each game mode alongside a gun range and a private lobby. All bases have been covered, and this easy to control shooter is easy to pick up and a joy to play.
Rogue Company is like Pringles! “Once you pop, you can’t stop!” It’s addictive as hell, and the phrase “just one more go” will be muttered repeatedly. Like every shooter ever released, the replay valve is based on your friendship group and your love of the game. If you have a good team, you’ll play this for hours. Chuck in the battle pass, character progression, cosmetics and the ranked matches, and you’ll find plenty to keep you busy.
A pleasant surprise.
I genuinely didn’t know what to expect when I loaded into another free-to-play game. I had my concerns it would be clunky, look ugly and would force me to spend real money. Gladly, none of these things happened, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had with this genre for a long time. I recommend you download a copy here as you have nothing to lose! Rogue Company is a slick, well designed third-person shooter. It’s brilliance puts a lot of its peers to shame! You should grab your rogue and join the fight……. Now!
