Review: Swords and Souls Legacy Collection

Johnathan F
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Review: Swords and Souls Legacy Collection

Something about the art as I laid eyes on the game awoke dormant memories. When Steam was a baby, Newgrounds gathered young, passionate talent from around the world, and YouTube wasn’t invented yet. It was a wild untamed world. The little animation we had was watched over thousands of times, and games were made that make current mobile games stale and uninspiring. Folks did what Tony Stark did, made a suit in a cave while today’s makers with better technology only dream of. 

Well the past did not want to stay. In an act of preservation, the old development teams SoulGame Studios and Armor Games have done the task of porting Flash games to new gen systems. Through the use of Adobe AIR, this was possible. Players now have access to a select collection of games to commemorate this task.

Soul Driver

One of the first examples of endless runners to predate Temple Run. Players take control of a manic driver with the goal of staying on the road for as long as possible. The many difficulties include outside forces and even the car itself. The car has a health bar and will take damage on obstacles like construction work, ramming another car, or speed strips. The antagonist is local law enforcement. They will take to the road the minute the game starts and will play a constant back and forth to wreck the car. Players can guide the police into obstacles to break their car and move on. Other police units will spawn as the level gets longer and as more upgrades are purchased. Speed checkers force you to slow down in order to not get caught, and some will stand on the road to fine you for harm.

The upgrades are all useful things for the vehicle: acceleration, braking, wheels, health, all make the next voyage last longer for more coins and challenge.

The Gentleman

The early version of mission based puzzle rooms. The idea of going from left to right, modified to its many different possibilities. Players must move their character from beginning to end, which involves getting to a door. Sometimes that door is locked and needs a key. The Gentlemen can jump, use portals, hover with his umbrella, use switches, and other things to reach the goal. The puzzles are fairly straightforward, sometimes a hint will flash at the start to signify what you must do. The simplicity is overshadowed by the goal window which records your time, and displays the optimal time for beating the puzzle. At the start this is easy, but players soon realize that perfect execution is needed to gain that hat sticker for the level.

Speaking of levels there are fifty of them. A lofty achievement considering the time.

Rogue Soul 1 & 2

I might get crucified for lumping them together. But going off my experience, both of them are very close in gameplay. It’s an endless runner, but inside small set mission levels. Players take the Rogue through varying levels, requiring quick thinking, and working knowledge of the level. Enemies can be taken out by jumping on them, or throwing a knife obtained in-level. The first game has a simple goal of obtaining money so he can get food, and other things. It also plays in Zones, but will start from 1 when the Rogue fails. There are lots of stats to see from mileage, to enemies attacked, items used or collected, and more. There’s even skins to unlock based on completion percentage.

The sequel is a lot of the same. There have been some differences made with level layout. It’s still the same kind of gameplay, but you now complete singular levels instead of endlessly running. The levels have criteria for full completion and incentive for multiple playthroughs. The layout of the game is cleaner. You have a more organized base to see everything you want. The bestiary and loot is all in one place, the upgrades and unlockables in another, and the mission button. Rogue 2 has more to unlock, and has a friendly approach. The first game can be harder and more difficult to play than this one.

Swords and Souls

The last game brings us the auto battler. Players work through various gauntlets of increasingly stronger opponents until victory or defeat ensues. Afterwards the earnings can go towards stats, the money can go towards item upgrades or it could all go to the player’s little lovely house. The museum has a banker that will collect money while the game isn’t being played. There’s also a training ground that will give you extra points for leveling up the stats.

These old ported Flash games were a great reminder of the old time. Places like Newgrounds and Kongregate still stand and are doing great things, but it’s nice to revisit the old stick figure shows and Stickman Adventure games. New times aren’t completely bad, even SoulGames made a new game for Steam called Neverseen. It has a lot of what they specialized in, and has their signature art as well. But Swords and Souls Legacy Collection is definitely good to playthrough.

Review: Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

Daniel Waite
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Review: Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance reboots the Shinobi series. This much-loved franchise hits the ground running with this epic, albeit clichéd experience. You’ll enjoy some classic Asian vibes as you slice, dice, and parkour your way through numerous levels. En route, you’ll encounter obstacles, enemies, and a host of familiar Metroidvania mechanics. Accordingly, it’ll appeal to a large audience.

This action platformer was developed by Lizardcube and published by Sega. It is a single-player game that has a story mode, arcade mode, and plenty of secrets to discover. The core action is repetitive, but this matters not. Slashing foes, sliding past fire, and climbing walls will thrill every player.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance tells a classic tale. 

Revenge is a dish best served cold. Unfortunately, Joe Musashi didn’t get this memo, as he lost his shit. The ENE Corporation has decimated his village, and Lord Ruse plans for world domination. This angers the hard-as-nails warrior as he plans to seek revenge and thwart Ruse’s plans.

The story brilliantly punctuates every stage. Cartoon-style cutscenes highlight the plight of the villagers. Moreover, the gruff nature of Musashi cuts every foe short. The story is wonderfully told, and the pacing makes it easy to follow.

Fantastic mechanics. 

Hack and slash combat dominates every encounter. Consequently, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is somewhat mindless. This isn’t a complaint, as I loved the smooth and frantic nature of each fight. On top of this, there are some glorious parkour moments as you climb up walls, dodge obstacles, and leap chasms. 

As the game evolves, you learn new abilities and attacks. Ninpo magic allows Joe to enhance his already out-of-this-world strength. Alongside this, the hero can be equipped with amulets to heighten his powers further. 2 amulets can be equipped, and new items are found if you have an inquisitive mindset.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is great to look at. 

The level design utilises the Metroidvania mechanics. Tunnels, secrets, and a labyrinthine world keep you on your toes. Moreover, a scene of death and destruction supports the despair and downturn of the protagonist. The developer has done an amazing job of creating a buttery smooth game with limited issues. Gamers will adore the seamless transitions between areas and the high-energy combat. 

The audio supports the madness with its loud and hectic soundtrack. Aggressive sound effects dominate proceedings. Furthermore, I liked the voice-over work and the impressive acting. The Asian theme is nicely presented, and though it is clichéd, it is great to hear. 

Smooth controls. 

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance could have been extremely complicated. Thankfully, the simple layout and detailed tutorial ensure that inexperienced gamers will not struggle. However, there is a nice layer of complexity for veteran players.

This layer of complexity pushes you as you explore secret areas and overcome elite forces. Additionally, there are plenty of secrets, rifts, and collectables to find. This enhances replay value and longevity. Moreover, the drip-fed mechanics make you return for more as each level opens up. 

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a great addition to the franchise. 

The developer has done an amazing job with this game. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance incorporates many of the fantastic elements from a longstanding franchise. Fans will adore the maze-like world and fast-paced combat. Newcomers will enjoy the story, setting, and easy-to-understand controls. Accordingly, it is fantastic, and I recommend buying it here! Can you get your revenge? Explore the world, learn new skills, and defeat Lord Ruse!

Review: Echoes of the End

Dawid Wisniewski
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Review: Echoes of the End

When Echoes of the End released on PC, the conversation online quickly centred around one thing: technical issues. From shader compilation stutters to random frame drops, many early reviews and user impressions suggested that this game, like so many Unreal Engine 5 titles before it, was weighed down by performance hiccups. I went into it expecting frustration, armed with patience and a healthy dose of scepticism. And yet, to my genuine surprise, I experienced none of those problems.

Let’s start with the obvious: this game is visually stunning. Built on UE5, the sweeping landscapes of Aema, icy mountains, lush valleys, volcanic forges, are crafted with a painterly eye for detail. Even standing still, there’s always something to take in.

Visuals like a tech demo

What stood out most in my playthrough wasn’t just how good it looked, but how smoothly it ran. I’ve seen reviewers call this “one of the worst stuttering experiences in recent memory.” Maybe I got lucky, or maybe my hardware configuration happened to align perfectly, but for me, those breath taking visuals weren’t tarnished by performance flaws. They were exactly what they were meant to be: immersive windows into another world.

Echoes of the End give me massive God of War and Uncharted vibes in tone and pacing. As well as graphics, scenery, companion interactions to name a few. It’s a cinematic, linear adventure with a clear focus on character relationships. At the heart of the story is Ryn, a character whose arc slowly but surely drew me in. Early chapters establish the stakes and the world, but it’s in the latter half of the game that her journey truly shines.

From a slow start to an engaging climax

One thing that struck me is how Echoes of the End balances its mythic, high-fantasy setting with grounded human emotion. There are big boss fights and epic confrontations, but what lingers are the quieter moments: conversations at campfires, glimpses of vulnerability, choices that feel like they matter even in a fairly linear story. By the final chapters, I felt genuinely invested, not just in seeing the story wrap up, but in understanding who Ryn had become through the journey.

Here’s where I diverge a bit from my otherwise glowing praise: the early gameplay is underwhelming. Puzzles are straightforward, combat feels limited, and the game sometimes seems to hold your hand a little too tightly. I can understand why some players bounced off in the first few hours, especially if performance issues compounded their frustrations.

But I’m glad I stuck with it. By the midpoint, puzzles introduce more layers, and combat expands with new magical abilities. You start feeling less like you’re walking through a tutorial and more like you’re actively shaping strategies in fights and solving clever environmental challenges. The pacing ramps up, and by the time the story hits its stride, the gameplay has caught up enough to keep you fully engaged.

Not all perfect

That said, I did notice moments where the combat clearly aimed to emulate God of War’s weighty, cinematic feel. You can see the influence in the camera angles, the dodge-and-counter rhythm, and even the way certain boss encounters are staged. The problem is that the responsiveness just isn’t quite there. While combat certainly evolves and becomes more enjoyable as new abilities unlock, it never reaches that same fluid precision. The result is a system that’s fun in its own right but occasionally left me wishing it controlled as tightly as the game it’s trying so hard to echo.

Echoes of the End is not a perfect game. Its puzzles can be predictable, its combat never fully blossoms into something groundbreaking, and its linear structure may leave exploration-hungry players wanting more. But judged on its storytelling, atmosphere, and visual presentation, it delivers a compelling, memorable adventure.

My conclusion

And for me personally, the lack of technical issues elevated the experience from “worth checking out” to genuinely engrossing. While others may remember their time with Echoes of the End as marred by stutter and frustration, I’ll remember mine as a seamless journey through a beautifully crafted world, one that managed to capture both my eyes and my emotions without ever breaking immersion.

So here’s my verdict: if you’re fortunate enough to avoid the technical troubles that others report, you’re in for a rewarding adventure. Echoes of the End may not redefine the genre, but in the right conditions, it proves that sometimes a game doesn’t need to be perfect to leave a lasting impact.

Review: Backbone Pro

Andrew Edney
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Review: Backbone Pro

Here is our review of the Backbone Pro.

Backbone Pro is built for players who demand more — more precision, more comfort, more freedom. Designed with full-sized ALPS joysticks, rear buttons, and a larger ergonomic shape, it delivers pro-level control for every session. FlowState technology lets you move seamlessly between mobile, tablet, PC, and smart TV, unlocking an open world of play. With up to 40 hours of battery life and customisations in the Backbone App, Backbone Pro lets you play your favourite games — on any screen, anywhere.

The Backbone app transforms your phone into a universal hub for gaming, allowing you to access all your games in one place. The app supports multiple gaming categories including App Store games (including Apple Arcade, Netflix games), Remote Play services (Xbox Remote Play, Steam Link), cloud gaming platforms (Nvidia GeForce NOW), and—for the first time—retro games through a built-in emulator. With new features like Smart Search, you can discover and launch games across platforms seamlessly, all from a single place. The Backbone app is one of the most popular gaming apps on the App Store–it was #4 in its category on the App Store this past holiday season. It’s free and works with any Backbone device, even when you don’t have a device connected.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the Backbone Pro, instructions and extra adapters for phones without cases.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

For anyone who may have used or owns a previous Backbone product, the Backbone Pro has bigger joysticks, configurable back buttons and wireless mode making it a significant improvement on the previous version, along with a built in battery.

Pairing the Pro with your phone or tablet (or even SmartTV) is as simple as pressing a button the Pro and then following the steps.

As mentioned, one of the new features is Wireless mode – this means you don’t have to plug in your device to use the Pro as a controller – it works really well, especially if you want to use it with a larger screen like a tablet or Smart TV.

Fitting your phone into the Pro is easy, just pull the Pro apart, slide the phone in and start playing. The adaptors in the box help insure your phone has a nice snug fit whether it’s in a case or not.

Using the Pro is really comfortable – it actually feels like a proper controller rather than something not quite a controller, which means it really feels like something you are used to playing with!

The Pro is configurable as well – using the Backbone app you can adjust the sensitivity of both the joysticks and the triggers making sure it’s perfect for your gaming needs. You can also configure the new back buttons and map any control you want onto them very easily.

Several features in the app require you to have a Backbone+ subscription which was a little disappointing considering the Pro costs nearly £170, you don’t expect to then pay extra to use some of the features, although for some users these features may not be needed.

When fully charged you can get around 40 hours of play time from the Pro. You can also use the Pro whilst it is charging if you really want to, in fact when plugged in the Pro will also charge your phone too!

If you like gaming on the go then the Backbone Pro is for you – check it out, you won’t be disappointed.

The Backbone Pro is available now priced around £169.99.

You can learn more from the Backbone website here.

Review: Clix Gaming Goggles

Daniel Waite
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Review: Clix Gaming Goggles

The Clix Gaming Goggles from GUNNAR will make fans go crazy. This collaboration is the latest in a long line of incredible designs from this market leader. Whether it is Marvel, Fallout or Blizzard, this company delivers. Eye-catching designs and an array of benefits make these glasses a must-have product.

If you are a keen gamer or you work in front of a screen, you’ll know the pain of fatigue. Unwanted headaches and tired/dry eyes ruin your killer instinct and productivity. Thankfully, GUNNAR’s patented lens technology removed these unwanted side effects. 

Available in a variety of lenses, I was provided with the amber option. 65% blue light and 100% UV light protection create a refreshing and comfortable environment for working and gaming. Moreover, the build quality is exceptional, and the design is attractive and professional. 

What’s in the box of the Clix Gaming Goggles?

  • The simple packaging is pleasant and discreet. Furthermore, it can be recycled. 
  • The Clix Gaming Goggles are light with a square design. The hybrid stainless steel and PEP frame matches the sleek theme.
  • A soft case and microfiber cloth are provided. 

Technical aspects. 

Sitting in front of a screen is arduous at best. However, when you consider the fatigue and other negative elements, it is enough to make you want to cry. Thankfully, GUNNAR has considered this problem with every product they design. The Clix Gaming Goggles are no different. The amber lenses deliver a pleasant yellow hue to every task you undertake. This reduces the harsh nature of modern monitors, TV screens and mobile devices.

65% blue light and 100% UV light are blocked with the patented lenses. This helps to reduce headaches, fatigue, and dry, itchy eyes. The result is an unprecedented increase in productivity and comfortable gaming or work-related activities.

Build quality. 

Clix wouldn’t put his name to poor-quality products. Accordingly, you know that the Clix Gaming Goggles are well-built. Moreover, GUNNAR do not produce low-quality goods. As such, I had high expectations before these hit my desk. Thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed. 

The sturdy frames incorporate high fashion with usability. The slim metallic finish is eye-catching and professional. The result is the perfect combination for work or pleasure. Alongside this, the amber lenses are subtle but effective. 

A combined polymer and stainless steel frame creates market-leading durability. Furthermore, the multi-barrel hinges are ideal for heavy-handed individuals. If you are a rage-quitting monster, your glasses will not suffer.

Finally, the G-SHIELD protection reduces maintenance and unwanted smudges. Additionally, the anti-glare film is perfect if you love to stream or use any online-based meeting tool. 

Are the Clix Gaming Goggles worth it?

I’m not going to lie, I love GUNNAR glasses. I own many different pairs and I love every one. The designs, build quality, and lack of fatigue are a game-changer. Additionally, I love a great collab. As such, I recommend buying them here!

(More information on GUNNAR can be found here!)

The Clix Gaming Goggles have been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)

Review: Gatekeeper

John Stalvey
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Review: Gatekeeper

When I first picked up Gatekeeper, I didn’t really know what to expect. I haven’t played many Roguelikes, and while I have a lot of respect for the genre, I just personally have never gotten around to them. Opening this game for the first time and starting a run was a bit intimidating, but after hours and hours of playing, Gatekeeper kept me engaged the whole way through, despite some hiccups in gameplay and accessibility.

The Heart of Time is waiting for you

Gatekeeper is developed by Gravity Lagoon and published by HypeTrain Digital. The game has you facing hordes of enemies as you fight to hunt down Chaos, who stole the Heart of Time. Before you begin your run, you will have the option to choose a character, with their own unique abilities and stats. Something that I really appreciate about this game is that it won’t shy away from giving you all the information you would need. You know everything about how your character, abilities, and items work, which keeps the gameplay as clear as possible. The character designs and art style are also immediately noticeable and fit the world very well. There’s so many cool enemy designs, and they all look unique!

Time to look at our Database and land!

The gameplay loop will have you entering a mission where you defeat enemies, pick up upgrades, and clear mission objectives. When you clear all the objectives and defeat a boss, you’ll be sent to a hub area to plan out and further optimize your build before going into the next mission. While some could see this as repetitive, the objectives changed enough to keep things interesting. I found the combat in this game to be really fun and engaging. Just mowing down hordes of enemies using my abilities and getting stronger feels good! However, the upgrades do start to feel less and less impactful the more runs I played. While there are a lot of different build options, after awhile it got hard to differentiate between styles of play.

Jumping over the Gate

While Gatekeeper is a game I enjoyed greatly, it does have a good amount of issues that hold itself back. I found a lot of the bosses to be big damage sponges that would take many minutes to kill. I understand that bosses need to be difficult, but the difficulty always felt like it came from big HP bars. While unlocking new characters helps, I could see myself getting bored of the general gameplay loop over time. The upgrades losing impact and the bosses definitely don’t help in this regard! Another issue I found with the game is one accessibility feature that seems fairly important. There’s no way to save your game in the middle of a run! With this game, runs easily last over an hour, so having at least an autosave would help a ton.

Worth it to reach the Throne Room?

Overall, I found Gatekeeper to be a really fun game with a rewarding system and satisfying gameplay. Even if there’s problems in bosses and upgrades, the core of the game works very well! As the developers continue updating the game, I hope they listen to feedback to make a better, well rounded experience. I absolutely see myself playing this game on my own time. This game is a great introduction to the Roguelike genre. It’s a simple game to understand, and has enough content to keep you engaged for quite awhile. While there’s some issues I had with the game, Gatekeeper has proved itself to be a really good time.

The impact of online betting on the motorsports industry

Andrew Edney
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The impact of online betting on the motorsports industry

Over the last twenty years, online betting has reshaped the sports ecosystem, and motorsports are no exception. What began as a niche passion has evolved into a dynamic, data-driven market where fans don’t just watch but also participate. This article examines how betting influences finances, broadcasting, audiences, and regulations in motorsports.

New financial opportunities for motorsports

The rise of online betting platforms over the past two decades has brought significant transformation to various branches of the sports industry, including motorsports. What was once a niche spectator activity has grown into a data-driven and interactive market where fans are not only viewers but also participants. With the inclusion of motorsports into the catalogue of betting markets, the industry has experienced notable shifts in its sponsorships, audience engagement dynamics, and regulatory considerations.

As online betting gained popularity, motorsports organizations and teams discovered an additional revenue stream by partnering with online bookmakers. This trend mirrors developments in other professional sports. Several betting companies are now visible through trackside advertisements, team sponsorships, and digital campaigns across racing series such as Formula 1, MotoGP, and various rally championships. For more insights on how betting platforms are integrating with motorsports, visit https://pirelliralli.com/.

These partnerships have enabled teams to secure additional funding, which is especially valuable for independent or lower-tier teams with limited access to traditional sponsors. In exchange, online betting platforms gain exposure to an international, tech-savvy audience. According to market assessments, this mutual benefit is often negotiated with value beyond the mere monetary, including promotional access and exclusive content rights.

Betting has also generated interest in specialized racing series beyond high-profile events. As more bookmakers include diverse racing formats in their offerings, series such as endurance racing or electric vehicle championships have seen increased visibility and engagement.

Digital broadcast integration and live engagement

One of the most visible impacts of online betting on motorsports lies in how fans consume race events. The integration of live betting options during races has altered traditional viewing patterns. Viewers are now encouraged to track split-timing data, pit stop strategies, and weather conditions in real time to make informed wagering decisions.

This shift has led event organizers and broadcasters to enhance the quality and detail of live statistical feeds. Race data is now presented in greater granularity, not only to enrich the experience for fans but also to support accurate odds calculations for betting platforms.

Interactive broadcasting formats, particularly through streaming services, allow fans to customize their viewing experience, accessing multiple camera angles and real-time analytics. These features tend to amplify viewer retention and session duration, which is highly valued in the commercial model of motorsports broadcasting. With growing digital interactivity, the lines between entertainment, strategy, and gambling continue to blur.

Changes in audience behavior and demographics

The availability of online betting has led to a diversification of motorsports’ fan base. While historically associated with core fans who follow manufacturer developments and drivers’ careers, the sport is now attracting viewers motivated by betting opportunities. These participants may not follow motorsports year-round but engage through platforms that allow predictions on outcomes ranging from podium finishes to fastest laps.

This evolution in audience behavior has required motorsports brands to adapt their content strategies. Social media campaigns, for example, are increasingly fine-tuned to include statistical insights, odds previews, and predictions, catering to casual bettors as well as avid fans.

Regulatory considerations and market variability

With the expansion of betting markets into motorsports, regulators across different jurisdictions have placed increasing scrutiny on potential risks, including integrity issues such as information leakage or race manipulation. Racing bodies have updated their codes of conduct to require disclosure of any betting activity by team members, drivers, or race officials, to prevent conflicts of interest.

Furthermore, the regulatory climate varies greatly from region to region. While some European countries permit broad integration of online betting within motorsport events, others restrict or prohibit such associations. This variability complicates global sponsorship strategies and introduces operational uncertainty for international organizers.

The application of strict guidelines for advertising and promotional campaigns ensures that partnerships between motorsports entities and betting operators comply with national standards. Organizers are also under pressure to ensure that betting elements do not overshadow the sporting elements or alter race outcomes by influencing strategic decisions.

Conclusion

The growth of online betting has had a measurable effect on the motorsports industry. It has diversified financial inputs, enriched fan engagement, and changed the media landscape. Despite challenges related to regulation and potential reputational concerns, the digital betting interface has brought motorsports into alignment with modern audience expectations. As both industries continue to evolve, their intersection is likely to deepen, creating a shared space of competition, interaction, and commercial expansion.

Review: Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2

Matt Cooper
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Review: Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2

It’s been four years since the first Hinokami Chronicles released and now Demon Slayer is back with the release of Hinokami Chronicles 2. Is this fighting adventure game worth your time? Or should it have stayed on the small screen?

A Goofy Good Time

I’ll be honest, right off the bat, I knew the title Demon Slayer but that was about it. I knew it was a hugely popular franchise in Japan but I never found the right time or entry point to dive into the series, until now. If you are new to the franchise like myself, the Demon Slayer games closely follow the manga and the anime. The main narrative focus of the franchise follows Tanjiro and Nezuko, whose family are murdered by demons and this results in Nezuko actually becoming a demon as well. Hell bent (great demon pun!) on revenge and avenging, the two have two goals: kill as many demons as possible and make Nezuko human again.

That’s the basis of all Demon Slayer content, simple yet satisfying. Where we pick up in Hinokami Chronicles 2 is directly after the events of the first game. If you were new to the series like myself, developers CyberConnect2 and publishers SEGA have implemented a wonderful quick fire recap of the events of the first game through the ‘Path Of The Demon Slayer’. This recap is a series of six fights which help to inform new players and refresh returning players of the events of the first game. This is a brilliant innovative way of recapping events instead of the bog standard cutscene.

As this game serves as an adaptation of the popular series, fans of the anime and manga will know the main story beats and nuances. The story begins in the Red Light Entertainment section and goes all the way through to the Hashira Training. Tanjiro along with sidekicks Inosuke and Zenistu are in these locations to do what they do best – uncover the demons and eradicate them. As mentioned, this game is a pure adaptation and that shows in the story, as the plot moves at a rapid pace, trying to shoehorn in major plot points fans have read and watched previously.

The pacing is brisk and coupled with the fighting gameplay, is perfectly pitched but it does mean players miss out on the more intricate character building. I would have liked to see more dialogue in between fights with the characters to further understand their emotions and motives. Still, the story of Hinokami Chronicles 2 is a rip roaring adventure of characters willing to stop at nothing to achieve their goal. Coupled with superbly animated cutscenes and a brilliant English or Japanese dubbed audio, fans of the series will feel right at home with this tale.

Player In the Arena

Hinokami Chronicles 1 at its core was a fun, engaging arena fighter designed for fast paced combat and the sequel follows that style beat for beat. It’s clear developers CyberConnect2 knew they had a good formula and didn’t want to alter it too much. If you’re unfamiliar with these games, they are simple on the surface level but grow in complexity the more you dive in. You have two fighters on each side across a multitude of levels and set pieces. You have a basic attack you can morph into skill attacks, a standard dodge and a block. There are some solo battles but for the most part, this game is a tag game of two on two. This feels smooth and responsive, making combat extremely fast paced and fluid. It’s a blast! The complexity in gameplay emerges in the combos you can execute, along with the surge and skill meters which require the meter to be fully filled in order to complete powerful finishers or moves. Boss battles act as the culmination of this complexity and require you to access the full skill set of your arsenal in order to prevail.

In between all the fighting and the cutscenes, you can walk around and explore the world, converse with other characters and find clues or even demons themselves using Demon Slayers‘ version of a detective mode. Whether it’s Tanjiro’s smell or Zenitsu’s hearing, the same gameplay mechanic follows; you activate the ability, follow the path and claim your discovery. Simple, yet satisfying. You can also find collectibles and stat points to unlock rewards for characters. At launch, the game sports a roster of over 40 different characters; a massive upgrade from the 18 of the previous title. And yes, you can finally run in the exploration areas now as opposed to the painstaking walking sections fans had complained about in the first game. There are also some side quests and mini games which help slow down the frenetic pace of the story and allow some introspection into characters, albeit not enough. Overall, this is a superbly robust and in-depth story mode that can keep you invested for hours.

When the credits have rolled in the single player campaign, there is still much to discover. Hashira Training is a roguelite for players where you choose a team and guide them down a board, choosing battles with modifiers and conditions. Unfortunately, your health doesn’t regenerate so this is truly for the hardcore fans of the series. Like the previous game, local and online versus mode return, but be warned, this isn’t for the faint-hearted, I consistently got my ass handed to me by much better players. Ouch! My only real complaints about gameplay revolve around the gear system and a lack of tutorial. The gear system is a system allowing you to add up to three slots of gear to boost attacks or recover health but it’s so weak it really didn’t feel like it helped much at all. It just felt like a last minute addition to the game.

Straight Off The Page And Screen

To describe Demon Slayer The Hinokami Chronicles 2 visually isn’t a tough job because man, it’s incredible. If someone were to tell me this was ripped straight from the anime itself, I wouldn’t argue. This animation is some of the best I’ve ever seen in regards to bringing anime to life. Each character looks stunning as they all drip in detail and expression. Each location and fighting stage looks breath-taking and the transitions between gameplay and cutscenes is something to truly marvel at. Character fighting animations are top notch and boldly capture the feel of the show and bring it to life in the video game medium which is outstanding. The explosion of colour during fights is something to behold. CyberConnect2 clearly revere the franchise and have made sure this game is of the highest quality in visual and animation fidelity. Bravo!

Similarly, the sound design and musical score aim high and they do deliver – mostly. As previously mentioned, the voiceover work in both Japanese and English adds emotional weight to each character’s journey and helped me connect to their struggles more. It’s just a shame there are far too many reused voice lines in the exploration moments outside of combat. The sound design is solid across the board through every attack, counter dodge and block. You can really hear the characters’ exhaustion and exertion during fights. Finally, the musical score is just a real treat. The score captures the frenetic pace of the gameplay through powerful orchestral tracks that splice in booming percussion, all blended with an anime melody that sounds so good!

Verdict

Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is a tour de force in how to bring anime into the gaming space. A compelling faithful retelling of a story fans love, superb combat and stunning visual and audio design make this game a really special experience. Whilst the lack of additions may upset some returning players, along with the weak gear system, there’s still so much fun to be had in this game. You can really feel the love and care the developers have poured into this sequel! See you in the arena!

CSGO Gambling in 2025: The Evolution of Skin Betting

Christopher John
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CSGO Gambling in 2025: The Evolution of Skin Betting

Introduction  

The Counter-Strike franchise has always been more than just a competitive shooter—it’s a cultural phenomenon. One of the most intriguing aspects of this culture is csgo gambling, which has grown from simple skin trades to a multi-million-dollar industry.  

In 2025, the gambling ecosystem around CS:GO continues to thrive, adapting to new technologies and regulations while maintaining its core appeal: risk, thrill, and the potential for big wins. From skin-based casinos to case battles and jackpot systems, players are drawn to the excitement. This article explores how CSGO gambling has evolved and what players should expect going forward. 

1. The Origins of CSGO Gambling  

The roots of csgo gambling date back to 2013, when skins were introduced as cosmetic items. Players quickly realized these items had monetary value, sparking trading sites and informal betting. Soon after, specialized platforms began offering roulette, coinflip, and jackpot systems using skins as currency.  

By 2016, the gambling scene was massive, attracting millions of players worldwide. Although Valve cracked down on unregulated sites, demand never faded. Instead, platforms grew more sophisticated, offering transparency and security. This early foundation is crucial to understanding why skin betting remains popular today—it’s not just about winning money, but also about the unique connection between gameplay, item ownership, and chance. 


2. Popular CSGO Gambling Formats in 2025  

Modern csgo gambling platforms have diversified beyond simple betting. Today, players can enjoy a wide variety of formats: 

  • · Roulette & Crash: Fast-paced betting games where players can multiply their stakes instantly. 
  • · Case Battles: Competing against others in opening CS2 or CS:GO cases for higher-value drops. 
  • · Jackpot Systems: Contributing skins to a pool where one lucky winner takes all. 
  • · Esports Betting: Placing wagers on professional CS:GO and CS2 tournaments, now integrated with live match data. 

These formats combine entertainment with high risk, so casual players can play and seasoned gamblers can get a thrill. Many platforms now have crypto payments, faster withdrawals and provably fair systems to build trust with players. As the ecosystem grows, variety and fairness are key to attracting and retaining users. 

3. Why Players Engage in CSGO Gambling  

The attraction of csgo gambling lies in psychology as much as entertainment. Players are captivated by the thrill of chance—the possibility of turning a modest skin into something rare and valuable. Skins carry both financial and emotional weight, as they reflect personal style and in-game identity. For many, gambling adds another layer of excitement to Counter-Strike, extending the fun beyond gameplay itself. 

Streamer culture plays a big role too. Popular influencers stream high stakes case battles and jackpot wins, creating viral moments that make people want to try their luck. The social aspect – competing against others, watching live wins and celebrating rare drops – makes gambling feel like community entertainment. It’s not just about the profit but the risk, fun and being able to show off rare items. 

4. Risks and Challenges in CSGO Gambling  

While exciting, csgo gambling carries significant risks. The odds of landing high-value skins are extremely low, leading many players to overspend in hopes of winning big. Gambling addiction is a real danger, especially among younger audiences drawn in by flashy marketing and streamer influence. 

Another concern is security. Not all platforms are legit and history has seen scams, rigged systems and delayed withdrawals. Players also need to be careful about underage gambling as regulators are cracking down on this. 

The financial risks can get out of hand fast – skins worth thousands can disappear in a single lost bet. That’s why responsible gambling, transparency and verified platforms are more important than ever in 2025. Players need to balance entertainment with awareness of these risks. 

5. The Future of CSGO Gambling  

The future of csgo gambling is closely tied to technology and regulation. Blockchain integration is already making games more transparent, allowing players to verify fairness in real time. AI-driven tools are also being used to predict betting patterns and promote responsible play. 

The rise of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) has opened up new opportunities for case battles and esports betting, merging both old and new economies. Stricter regulations are ensuring compliance with age restrictions and increasing security on licensed sites. Platforms that can adapt while maintaining thrill will dominate the market. 

Conclusion  

csgo gambling  has grown from niche skin trades to a global industry that blends gaming, entertainment, and high-stakes excitement. Its popularity stems from the unique value of skins, the thrill of competition, and the social buzz created by streamers and communities.  

Yet, players must remain cautious—financial risks and unregulated sites can undermine the fun. As the industry matures, transparency, regulation, and responsible gambling will define its future. For those who play wisely, CSGO gambling remains an exhilarating extension of the Counter-Strike universe, combining chance, strategy, and digital ownership in a way few other games can match. 

Review: Equate 8: A Math Puzzle Game

Natosha M
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Review: Equate 8: A Math Puzzle Game

Equate 8: A Math Puzzle Game is a new title from the creator of The Devil’s Calculator that challenges you to build a masterpiece out of numbers. You’re presented with a 3×3 grid, a set of numbered tiles, and the challenge to make eight equations—three across, three down, and two diagonal—all work at the same time. While the themed graphic style is clean and lovely to look at, the actual gameplay is difficult and requires a lot of patience to figure out. It’s not one of those games that you can easily jump into, but if you love a good challenge, it can be a very rewarding experience.

The Simple, Smart Gameplay (and Why It’s Tricky at First)

The main goal is to rearrange numbers and a variety of math symbols to solve the eight equations in the 3×3 grid. This is not an easy game to master so quickly. It’s a real brain teaser that gets you to think about numbers in a new way. You have to be strategic with every move, because the game keeps a tally, encouraging you to go for a gold medal by solving it in the fewest moves possible.

For a new player, the game can feel slightly confusing and difficult to understand right away. The simple goal of “rearranging numbers” doesn’t quite capture the complex process involved. You can spend a lot of time just figuring out the best way to start, and one wrong move can throw off your entire grid. While you do get a bronze medal just for finishing, the pressure to get a better score adds to the difficulty. I found myself feeling stuck and slightly frustrated, but once I finally solved a puzzle, the feeling of accomplishment was huge. The game does try to help with this. You can try Easy Mode, which automatically locks a number when it’s in the correct place, but this mode is only available for a limited number of sequences.

A Haven of Relaxation

Even though the game can be tough, it’s not a stressful race against a timer. There is no countdown clock, which is a huge relief. This means you can take as long as you need to think through a puzzle, which is a big plus since the puzzles are so challenging. The game doesn’t rush you or make you feel bad for taking your time. I appreciated being able to sit and just focus on the puzzle without any external pressure. However, the difficulty itself can be a source of stress. Sometimes, I would get so stumped that I’d have to put the game down and come back to it later. It’s a good kind of stress, though—the kind that makes you feel smart when you finally figure it out.

Adorable Looks and Gentle Sounds

The game’s visual style is a pure delight. The graphics are clean and simple, with a nice themed style that is easy on the eyes. The numbered tiles and symbols have a friendly, almost bouncy feel to them, making the whole game have an endearing charm. It’s not just a puzzle game; it’s a world of cute numbers and shapes that are just waiting for you to play with them. The animations are also super smooth. When a puzzle is solved, the pieces lock into place with a satisfying little flourish that makes you feel good about your accomplishment.

On the other hand, the music is very minimal. There’s not a lot to it, which can be a little disappointing if you were hoping for a rich soundtrack to accompany the game. The sound effects are very pleasant, though, with a soft click when you place a tile and a cheerful chime when you solve a puzzle. These small audio details reinforce the game’s relaxing vibe and make the whole experience feel like a fun and rewarding adventure, even if the background music isn’t that memorable.

The Joy of Learning Math

This is where the game truly shines. It isn’t just a puzzle game; it’s a fantastic teaching tool disguised as pure fun. By playing, a person can build and strengthen their understanding of basic math skills. Instead of simply being given a math problem to solve, the player gets to see how numbers and symbols work together in different ways. They might learn that 2 + 6 = 8, but also that 4 × 2 = 8, or even that 16 ÷ 2 = 8. It’s a great way to see that math is full of possibilities, not just one single correct path. Equate 8 is a fun casual game for all ages, whether practicing math skills or engaging brainpower.

I personally found that the game helped me with my mental math. I was constantly thinking about different ways to get to a number, and after a while, my brain just started to see the connections faster. It’s a natural, easy way to get better at math, and I think that’s why it’s so perfect for young people. It makes a subject that can sometimes be difficult feel fun and easy to approach, after you get a hang of how to play.

Growing with the Game

The game does a great job of growing with the player. You can acquire “streaks” tokens by playing the daily puzzle. These tokens can then be exchanged for Challenges, which are packs of themed puzzles. The daily puzzle gives players a free way to play and unlock content. The difficulty gradually increases, which keeps the game interesting without ever being frustrating. It makes you feel smart and capable, and it makes you want to keep playing to see what other clever puzzles the game has in store. The game is short, but its replayability is high because you can always go back and try to find a different way to solve a puzzle.

A Final Thought on a Puzzling Gem

In the end, Equate 8: A Math Puzzle Game is more than just a game; it’s a cozy and clever math adventure. Its personal touch, from the charming graphics to the relaxing feel and the wonderful lack of timers, makes it a true gem in the world of mobile games. It’s a refreshing change from titles that are constantly trying to get you to spend money or rush through the gameplay. This game is all about the pure fun of solving a puzzle and the simple joy of learning. For anyone who loves a good brain teaser or wants a stress-free way to get better at math, this game is a perfect choice. It’s a lovely, simple, and truly wonderful experience. The creator has also included that every donation supports the mission of Cinq-Mars Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to develop educational games, which are always provided free to teachers and students.

Review: Ra Ra Boom

Saim Khurshid
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Review: Ra Ra Boom

It was a great run for Ra Ra Boom, but you can only go so far copying grandpa’s homework. I love Streets of Rage and many other games of the genre, but without a significant difference or a story worth investing in, I fear this one is just my cup of tea.

Developed and published by Gylee Games, Ra Ra Boom is a colourful, 4-player local co-op Brawler/beat ‘em up with hand-drawn art and voice acting.

There are many games in the genre of beat ‘em ups, but very few are available for purchase. That is what you call a paradox. Let me clear it up… Ra Ra Boom, in my time going through it, felt like nothing more than a beat ’em up. I fear that in a world filled with so many options, it is just another name, I won’t be going back to.

Police Mom Boom

The story of Ra Ra Boom follows a group of badly dressed young Female Robo Cops, who are training to take the streets and abuse their power… or try to be good cops. 

This happens in the form of some side-scrolling roughhousing, frequently interrupted by hand-drawn and beautifully voiced cutscenes that add charm, personality, and a fleeting sense of depth.

The game quite literally opens with the protagonists being drilled on how to combat both robots and lowlife criminals. A stern senior officer storms into class, yanks them from their desks, and throws them straight into the chaos of live training. 

After a brisk tutorial that doubles as a crash course in survival, you’re pushed headfirst into the streets and scrapyards of Ra Ra Boom, ready to dish out stylish, side-scrolling beat ’em up action.

The way of the Boom

The team punches with impact, chaining together quick jabs, heavy finishers, and the kind of screen-clearing specials that feel like setting off fireworks in a junkyard. There’s speed in the movement, a sense of weight in the blows, and plenty of colour bursting off every punch.

Each stage plays like a parade of punching bags dressed as robots and criminals, feeding into that familiar loop of clear-the-room, move forward, repeat.

Ra Ra Boom swings hard with that old-school, side-scrolling rhythm, straight-line mayhem, fists flying, enemies tumbling across the screen… 

The game looks like it wants to reinvent the fight. With modern effects, smooth animation, and a Saturday morning cartoon energy. Sadly, beneath the flash, it’s the same dance step we’ve all rehearsed since Streets of Rage.

Final Thoughts

Ra Ra Boom is a polished package, no question about it. The visuals are slick, the hand-drawn cutscenes show care, and the voice work adds a spark of personality you don’t always see in this corner of the genre. 

On presentation alone, the game wears its best uniform and marches confidently onto the field. But the trouble is that, once the talking stops and the fists start flying, it doesn’t manage to break formation.

There’s comfort in the old rhythm. Walk forward, clear the screen, repeat, but comfort alone doesn’t carry a game in 2025. 

We’ve had decades of beat ’em ups, revivals, and reinventions, and the bar is higher than ever. Ra Ra Boom doesn’t stumble so much as it stands still, happy to echo classics without carving its own identity.

That said, if this is your only option, it is a decent game with functioning systems. You can play with up to four friends, and it supports Steam Remote Play. As for me… Well, the Steam page says casual pick and play. Frankly, I’d rather pick and play something else.

A Closer Look at Brick Like This!

Andrew Edney
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A Closer Look at Brick Like This!

Here we take a closer look at Brick Like This! from Asmodee.

Brick Like This! is the fun and fast-talking LEGO party game for family and friends where teams race to build LEGO models. But there’s a twist, only one person in the team knows what the model should look like! Level up with the Challenge Cards and build with your eyes closed or with only one hand. Each round, get the model right and finish first to score the most points!

In Brick Like This, players form teams of two to eight. Each round, one player (the Instructor) receives a secret Shape card depicting a small structure made with LEGO bricks. That player must describe the shape (without showing the card) while the Builder attempts to recreate it using the kit’s 48 LEGO bricks and verbal instructions only.

The first team to complete the correct build shouts “Brick” to win the round. Other teams can continue building for points before the timer runs out. The game plays over six timed rounds. To keep things exciting, Challenge cards may be added to restrict speech, require one-handed building, or introduce other twists that raise the difficulty level. At the end of all six rounds, the team with the most points is declared the winner.

Brick Like This! from Asmodee is available now priced around £19.99 and is aimed at ages 7 and up. You can have between 2 and 8 players and each game lasts around 15 minutes and is a lot of fun!

Review: Artis Impact

Jordy Matias
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Review: Artis Impact

Set in a world where humans and artificial intelligences are part of the same world. However, many AIs are very hostile towards humans. In Atris Impact, you play as Akane with her AI companion, Bot, to deal with issues pertaining to lethal AIs. This turn-based RPG has you working with and fighting against other AIs to protect humankind. Explore a vibrant town with many events, shops, and NPCs to interact with. As well as experiencing a story that goes over the conflicts between man and machine. 

Cutting Through the Gameplay

Artis Impact is a simple turn-based RPG, but despite that, the animations and flow of battles keeps it interesting. There’s your standard HP and MP, with the added TP gauge. The TP is pretty simple in that it fills every time you attack or get attacked by an enemy. Afterwards you can spend the TP gauge to unleash devastating attacks. A unique aspect of the battle system though is that the more MP or TP you spend, the stronger your attacks are. For MP-based arts, they usually cost around half of your current MP. That usually means you can open up with a high-damaging art and replenish your MP as you progress through the battle.

The customization is also quite plentiful with what you can do. Equipment is pretty standard with what you can wear and the effects that they have, but when moving onto the things such as weapons and your companion, Bot, that’s when the game starts to open more to the player. Individual weapons that you acquire throughout the game’s story can be transfused with specific elemental affinities. These can range from status effects to more damage on your attacks. Bot by default has a standard healing skill that it’ll use every turn. After picking up certain augments for Bot, you can customize Bot’s skills for offensive and defensive purposes. You can build yourself and Bot in various ways to synergize with each other’s equipment and skills.

The World of Humans and AI

As previously mentioned, the world of Artis Impact features an imbalance between humans and AIs. Though this sentiment only applies towards the hostile ones you fight. In the main town, some humans and AIs live together peacefully. Interacting with either human or AI provides useful services to the player. The town is filled with various shops for healing items and equipment. Along with that, you can engage in other activities such as using the gym to build stats, go to a contractor to improve your home, etc.. There’s even side quests and unique events that occur depending on when and where you are in the game’s story. One instance of this happening to me during my play was that I was walking through the back alley area with a lot of money till I was stopped by some street thugs. They tried to steal my money, but in a comedic fashion, Akane gives them the money to the thugs’ confusion. It’s events such as these that give this game a unique world and personality.

Stellar Presentation

For those who love sprite and animations, this game’s visuals will catch the attention of those people. One of my favorite aspects of the game are the cutscenes. Not every cutscene uses the traditional textbox when characters are speaking. Often the game will cut to drawings of said characters talking. This can be presented as a fullscreen drawing or off to the side. It feels like the cutscenes are being presented to me in a manga format.

As for the animations, there’s plenty of them. No matter what action you take, there will always be a small window box showing animation of what you interacted with. It can be as simple as turning on a faucet or seeing Akane jam her sword into the weapon upgrade table. This is one of the game’s more charming aspects.

Final Thoughts

Artis Impact is an engaging RPG with a rich story and gorgeous visuals. My time with the game so far has been great and I am eager to reach the end to see how the story concludes. If you enjoy RPGs, I would highly recommend this game. From where I’m at, I believe I’m almost nearing the end of the game so it’s not super long if you prefer shorter RPGs.

Review: Knightica

Saim Khurshid
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Review: Knightica

Attaching strategic combat to a game about buying and selling makes Knightica for me. From the outset, it is not about how you will fight, but rather what is the most financially viable way to enter this fight and still be capable of fighting the next one.

Developed by Mad Mango Games and published by Goblinz Publishing and WR Games, Knightica is a real-time tactical Rogue-like strategy autobattler.

I really enjoy it when a game brings something unique to the table. Especially in a genre as overcrowded as roguelike or roguelite. The combination of a shop system that directly impacts gameplay with a grid-based combat style adds a refreshing twist. It might even succeed in distracting from the fact that there isn’t much of a story-driven reason to keep playing.

Grid Knights

As I have said a few times now, the gameplay of Knightica involves shopping. 

You start Knightica with some coins and are shown a shop filled with characters to buy. In front of you, there is a grid that you must place your characters on for the battle. You can also buy upgrades or increase the number of grids.

After you place your characters, choosing their location and rotations, the game starts. 

You do not control characters in battles in Knightica. Like Command and Conquer or Age of Empires, they fight by themselves. The victor is determined when one side remains alive. 

If you win, you are rewarded and continue to the next fight(health regenerated), and if you lose, then some of your heart points are deducted. If you run out of health points, Game Over. 

Before a round starts, you get another go at the shop from where you can buy new characters or upgrade old ones. The quality of characters gets better as you proceed, so do not get too attached to a character, as you might end up needing to sell them later.

Quarries of the day

While gameplay is good, a lack of internal story or reason makes play sessions feel overbearing after a while. Without story hooks or progression beyond the mechanics themselves, the appeal risks flattening.

I remember loving Shogun Showdown (another game published by Goblinz Publishing), and it was mostly because after every successful round, you were rewarded not just with tougher enemies or better abilities, but with more pieces of the plot. Each victory felt meaningful, carrying a sense of narrative progression that pushed me forward, eager to uncover what came next.

So with nothing except more gameplay to fight for, I fear that over time the desire to play would diminish. 

Saying that, I still am enjoying Knightica, and might do so for a long time in the future.

Fit for a Knight

Knightica feels like a clever experiment that manages to stand out in a genre crowded with copy-paste mechanics.

Its fusion of resource management and tactical grid combat is engaging enough to keep you tinkering with builds, rethinking strategies, and wondering how far your coins can stretch before the next big fight. 

It’s the kind of game that rewards players who enjoy optimisation and clever planning, rather than button-mashing or twitch reflexes.

That said, its biggest weakness remains the lack of a driving narrative. A roguelike can certainly survive on pure gameplay alone, but when you’re competing against titles that weave narrative into every run, the absence is noticeable.

Still, I find myself coming back. There’s a meditative quality in browsing the shop, weighing risks, and setting up the perfect formation that scratches an itch few games do. 

Maybe Knightica could carve out a larger niche for itself. For now, it’s a refreshing, strategic spin on the roguelite formula that’s worth keeping an eye on.

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