Best Cheap CS:GO and CS2 Gloves

Andrew Edney
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Best Cheap CS:GO and CS2 Gloves

Gloves are a highly sought-after cosmetic item in CS:GO and CS2, but their hefty price tags can make them seem out of reach for many players. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that still look great and can elevate your loadout without emptying your wallet. Here’s a guide to some of the cheapest of all CS:GO gloves skins, perfect for players who want style on a budget.

Why Buy Budget Gloves?

While premium gloves like Sport Gloves | Vice or Driver Gloves | King Snake are undoubtedly attractive, budget gloves offer excellent value for players looking to enhance their style without overspending. They’re especially appealing for newer players or those who prefer to allocate their funds toward other in-game items. 

1. Hand Wraps | Duct Tape

A rugged, survivalist-inspired design, the Hand Wraps | Duct Tape stand out for their raw, utilitarian appearance. Crafted from worn fabric and held together by makeshift strips of duct tape, these gloves are perfect for players who embrace a scrappy, post-apocalyptic aesthetic.

  • Best For: Players who enjoy a rough and ready vibe. They pair well with similarly minimalistic or weathered weapon skins like the AK-47 | Safari Mesh or the AWP | Snakebite.
  • Price Range: From $80, making them perfect for budget-conscious players.
  • Why They’re Great: The raw, patched-together design makes these gloves unique in their category and an excellent fit for earthy, grounded loadouts.

2. Driver Gloves | Lunar Weave

The Driver Gloves | Lunar Weave exude understated sophistication with their combination of black fabric and dark stitched leather. The weave pattern provides a textured finish, making them both practical and stylish without being over-the-top.

  • Best For: Players who favor a clean, professional aesthetic. These gloves pair beautifully with sleek weapon skins like the M4A1-S | Decimator or the USP-S | Cyrex.
  • Price Range: From $100. Affordable and versatile, they offer a stylish look for a reasonable price.
  • Why They’re Great: Their neutral tones allow them to fit seamlessly into almost any inventory, making them an excellent entry-level glove for new collectors.

3. Specialist Gloves | Forest DDPAT

Built for the tactician, the Specialist Gloves | Forest DDPAT feature a classic military camo pattern in green and brown tones. Their durable design complements battle-hardened loadouts, and the camouflage makes them ideal for players who like to blend into the environment.

  • Best For: Fans of tactical and combat-ready aesthetics. These gloves look particularly impressive when paired with skins like the AWP | Safari Mesh or the Desert Eagle | Mudder.
  • Price Range: From $95. Slightly higher than some other budget gloves, but still a cost-effective option for tactical enthusiasts.
  • Why They’re Great: Their iconic camo design is timeless and perfect for players seeking a cohesive, military-inspired look.

Where to Buy Affordable Gloves

If you’re looking to add these gloves to your collection, platforms like Skin.Land are the perfect place to shop. This site offer a secure and fast way to buy or sell cheap gloves and skins. Whether you’re upgrading your collection or cashing out, Skin.Land provides:

  • Competitive Prices: Fair market rates for all gloves and skins.
  • Fast Payments: Instant transactions with multiple payment methods, including crypto.
  • Wide Selection: Access to rare and popular items, all at your fingertips.

4. Moto Gloves | Eclipse

The Moto Gloves | Eclipse combine sleek black leather with subtle stitching, offering a premium look without the premium price. Inspired by racing gloves, they bring a polished and refined style to any loadout.

  • Best For: Players who enjoy a modern, minimalist vibe. These gloves work well with high-contrast skins like the AK-47 | Redline or the AWP | Graphite.
  • Price Range: From $100. Affordable within the Moto Gloves category, making them a great value for their design.
  • Why They’re Great: Their versatile black design ensures they pair well with a variety of knives and weapon skins, making them a go-to choice for style-conscious players.

5. Sport Gloves | Arid

The Sport Gloves | Arid feature a tan and brown color scheme, ideal for desert-themed or neutral-toned loadouts. The sporty design balances functionality with a rugged outdoor look, making them appealing to players who prefer subtle but stylish gloves.

  • Best For: Players with a love for natural tones and desert aesthetics. They pair excellently with skins like the Galil AR | Sandstorm or the P90 | Desert Warfare.
  • Price Range: From $200. Among the lower-priced Sport Gloves, offering excellent value for their distinctive design.
  • Why They’re Great: These gloves blend a sporty theme with earthy tones, making them a versatile and affordable choice for many loadouts.

You don’t need a massive budget to rock a stylish pair of gloves in CS:GO or CS2. Options like the Driver Gloves | Lunar Weave and Hand Wraps | Duct Tape prove that affordable gloves can still make a statement. Pair them with your favorite weapon skins for a complete, personalized loadout.

For the best deals on gloves, visit Skin.Land and find the perfect pair to elevate your game without draining your wallet!

Review: Mindcop

Dawid Wisniewski
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Review: Mindcop

Mindcop is a gripping detective game that places players in the shoes of a sleuth investigating a murder at Merrilyn Crater Camp. Developed by Andre Gareis and published by Dear Villagers. The game offers a unique combination of investigative gameplay and time management within a heavy narrative framework.

Necessary contribution to the genre

Set over five in-game days, players must balance their actions as every decision consumes precious time. Whether questioning suspects, exploring locations, or using the game’s standout “Mindsurfing” mechanic to delve into the thoughts of others, every choice is critical. Mindsurfing, a match-3 puzzle minigame, unlocks fragments of truth, lies, or uncertainties about suspects. Not only conceptually intriguing, this mechanic is used often enough to let the player get comfortable with it. Combine that with certain people having higher difficulty mindsurfing and you have a game changing minigame.

The game’s noir-inspired setting is immersive, painting a vivid picture of the camp and its struggling residents. The narrative does not shy away from heavy themes, adding depth to its characters and making the investigation feel personal and engaging. However, Mindcop’s rigid time mechanics can be a double-edged sword. Repeating actions, such as re-entering locations or revisiting conversations, costs as much time as the initial attempt. Which can feel unnecessarily punishing when pursuing overlooked clues.

Time is not on your side

Despite these challenges, the game excels in creating an authentic detective experience. Investigations are detailed, requiring players to gather evidence, use forensic tools, and secure search warrants to uncover the truth. The time pressure and narrative depth make solving the case a rewarding accomplishment. Even if the journey is fraught with missteps and the occasional frustration.

The game’s presentation blends a retro-inspired art style with a heavy atmosphere that aligns well with its serious tone. While some might find the gameplay elements like the Mindsurfing puzzles repetitive or overly simple, the mechanics fit seamlessly into the game’s world and narrative.

Fantastic addition to any crime-solving fans library

Ultimately, Mindcop is a game for players who enjoy cerebral challenges and a compelling story. Its mix of strategic decision-making, narrative depth, and investigative freedom sets it apart from traditional point-and-click adventures. While not without its flaws, the experience of piecing together the mystery is satisfying for those willing to embrace its complexity.

For fans of detective games looking for a fresh twist, Mindcop is a must-try. It does however require patience to fully appreciate. Its compelling storytelling and innovative gameplay make it a standout addition to the genre

Review: Planet Coaster 2

Matt Cooper
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Review: Planet Coaster 2

It’s been 8 years since Planet Coaster launched and now it’s back for a second helping with Planet Coaster 2! Is there enough to fill your interest and excitement meters? Or are you left wanting to get off the ride?

Imagination Amplified

Theme parks have been intrinsically tied to me since the very first time I visited Walt Disney World. When I think of my childhood and the games I played for countless hours on end, I think of Theme Park World. I spent days constructing my ultimate theme park and adored every single minute. Whilst my passion for theme parks has never dimmed, the choice of quality games in this space has been far too few. However, that has changed in recent memory with the releases of both the original Planet Coaster and the superb Park Beyond. These two games managed to capture the pure joy of building coasters and parks whilst balancing it with the perils of managing a business. Now, Frontier Developments are back with a sequel and boy, have they delivered! Planet Coaster 2 is both a celebration and an evolution of the original title. Like the previous game, the content is split into three main modes: career, sandbox and franchise.

Career mode is once again an absolute blast. Structured across five chapters, including the prologue, the career mode takes you on a journey to becoming the ultimate theme park mastermind. The prologue is once again a superb introduction for both newcomers and veterans of simulation games. Like Planet Zoo and the original Planet Coaster, Frontier have become for me the industry standard for how to create tutorials that are both engaging and informative. From here, the game takes you across different biomes and different theme parks, whilst tasking you with some truly unique conundrums to solve. Each sub mission in the chapter feels varied and kept me engaged through the whole journey, with the final chapter a true test of everything I had learnt along the way. Also, with the introduction of water parks in this game, there is so much more to achieve. It’s not for the faint hearted though; you can earn bronze, silver, gold and platinum medals for completing specific tasks on each level and some of these can be incredibly difficult to achieve.

Like theme park construction in real life, these medals require patience and dedication to earn and I truly felt rewarded upon earning them. Coupled with these wonderful missions, is a superb and diverse cast of characters. They lead you on your way to theme park supremacy and like previous Frontier games, these characters made me laugh, yet always made sure I was fully informed on the current issue. A wonderful and deep career mode that I cannot wait to go back and earn every medal in!

Sandbox is once again a superb way of allowing your creative juices to flow. Pick a biome, tinker with parameters and sliders to create ultimate freedom or ultimate challenge; the choice is completely yours. I can already tell you I will be spending countless more hours tinkering and creating my ultimate theme park.

The final mode on offer is the franchise mode. Acting as the games online mode, franchise allows you to create parks and publish them to friends and leader boards which adds incentives to become the best at making these wonderful parks. The added ability to view friends’ and others’ parks in a first person FOV, is superb and really made me feel as if I was walking through these parks myself. But the biggest addition is the ability to build and manage a park with a friend, as now you can share your save for another to work on whilst you are away. This is a great addition although it does make me want to be able to play with a friend and build cooperatively at the same time. Fingers crossed for the third title. This is the pinnacle of theme park simulation and that is even more evident in gameplay.

The Tools To Create And Innovate

Creating and designing has never been as easy as it is in Planet Coaster 2. If you have played the first title or Planet Zoo, gameplay follows that same structure with its brilliant UI. Each section of the tool bar is clearly labelled and easy for you to access, whether it’s looking for a flat ride, coaster or shops and amenities – building a theme park has never been easier. Controls are responsive and inputs are slick, making finding what you desire so simple and easy. Creating rollercoasters is detailed and so finitely accurate, allowing you to create the ultimate thrill ride. The addition of water rides and pools to this game only expands your creativity, as you can morph terrain to your will and create out of this world slides and pools for hours on end. The level of detail in the creative tools is something to behold, as you can change virtually anything you want in terms of presentation of the ride with a vast amount of colour tools, scenery tools and even music options for each ride. The return of the excellent Frontier workshop allows you to upload and download other users’ creations which is such a great tool to gain ideas and inspiration. This truly is a dream for theme park enthusiasts like myself as the sheer amount of rides and coasters is superb.

New additions to the formula help create new replay ability and allow the player to tinker to a whole new level. Updated systems such as guest preferences are now so detailed it’s impossible for you to not know your guests’ desires, with even how much sunburn they are accumulating now a metric. Like Disney and Universal Studios, you can now sell priority tickets to customers and add lanes to rides to gain extra money, along with pool passes and flume ride tickets. Charge too much and you’ll hear the dissatisfaction of the guests as the response system for the guests is fantastic and realistic. Staff management has also been streamlined from the first game, allowing you to choose three pre set pay levels for wages instead of having to adjust each colleague like the first game. This is a welcome change.

This is the most in-depth, immersive theme park sim yet with how fluid and easy gameplay feels, but it’s not without some minor flaws. For example, the ride break down system appears to be flawed at this moment, with rides constantly breaking down for no apparent reason. This is frustrating trying to run a massive park and takes away from the overall enjoyment. Also inexplicably excluded from this game is the archetype theme system from the first game, such as pirate, alien or western themes that allowed you to morph a park to a specific setting. There are still options like Viking, aquatic and tropical but these feel watered down compared to the original. These are minor issues though as gameplay is still a wonderfully immersive and innovative experience.

The Wonders Of Architecture

Like the original title, this game looks superb as you hover over your theme park. Rides look daunting and vibrant with the colours of the track striking the eye from any distance. Water effects look superb and rightly so; so much emphasis is on the addition of water parks it’s important they don’t look out of place. Lighting is once again near flawless as the sun beams down on rides or sets after a hectic day. I could sit and watch that all day long. Everything you can create and select looks and feels authentic and this is only heightened in franchise mode visiting other parks. Wandering through the entrance in first person truly captured that feeling of wonder and excitement I get when I arrive at a theme park. Performance is also vastly improved from the original and stayed mostly at a brilliant 60fps during my time playing, even during times I was creating ridiculously long coasters and flumes. A wonderful effort in visual presentation; you truly feel like the king looking down at their creations.

Similarly, sound design and soundtrack are stellar. Placing each individual item has a distinct sound attached to it, such as when each type of path is being laid. Hearing the guests scream on the rides whilst the coaster roars along the steel or wooden track is truly something to behold. As mentioned before, the voice cast is excellent and really helps to inform and encourage you to tap into your creative side. The music of Planet Coaster 2 is one of my favourite aspects of the whole game. It sounds and feels so serene and calming. I could sit and listen to this soundtrack all day long and it really compliments the simulation gameplay as it softly plays in the background. It’s soothing and comforting and just makes me smile when I think of it. It never outstays its welcome but is never too far from the mind and that is how a soundtrack should play in a game like this. Wonderful.

Verdict

Planet Coaster 2 is the pinnacle of theme park simulation. The sheer amount of control on offer is astounding with a brilliant UI and responsive controls, making you feel like the true architect of the park. Creating rollercoasters has never been as detailed and the addition of water parks only adds to the vast content available. The three core modes create lasting replay ability and strong visual and audio presentation help propel this game to new heights. It takes everything wonderful about the original title and expands on it, to superb results. I adore every aspect of theme parks and I truly feel like this game was designed for me. Now I’m to ride the rollercoasters!

Review: Instant Pocket Printer

Daniel Waite
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Review: Instant Pocket Printer

The Instant Pocket Printer is a fantastic device that offers a clean and modern solution for your printing needs. Furthermore, it is the ideal tool if your children love to be creative. Its plug-and-play nature helps adults and children print photos with the touch of a button. The free-to-download app is intuitive and user-friendly. As such, little guidance or technical know-how is needed to master this compact printer.

I recently looked at another Canal Toys product, the Instant Retro Camera. This item was great because it was free from mobile phones and could be used as a standalone device. However, the Instant Pocket Printer allows mobile phone users to print their greatest photos. Additionally, you can use the app for AI-generated imagery and other special effects. Consequently, this tiny device packs an almighty punch. 

What’s in the box of the Instant Pocket Printer?

  • The packaging is vibrant and tough. Accordingly, it is interesting to look at and the contents are well protected. 
  • The Instant Pocket Printer has a pleasant teal colour. Moreover, it has one tactile power button and a charging port. 
  • 3 thermal rolls and 1 thermal adhesive roll are provided for your photographic needs.
  • 2 pens and a sheet of stickers allow you to get creative.
  • Charge the device with the USB cable. 
  • Learn the basics with the user guide. 

Technical aspects. 

The Instant Pocket Printer makes messy ink a thing of the past! This thermal printer is a refreshing change from ink cartridges and expensive bills. The 200 Dpi delivers phenomenal results that are great to look at. The depth of tone and sharp imagery will not disappoint. Furthermore, the fun customisation and excellent AI tools will get your creative juices flowing.

Each inexpensive thermal roll delivers 70 fun-filled photos. Consequently, you can snap and print to your heart’s content. The adhesive paper lets your kids create their own stickers to highlight their flair and personality. I was impressed by the seamless Bluetooth connectivity. No matter what phone or tablet I used, I never had an issue. Additionally, the app was superb, and I rarely struggled. 

Build quality. 

We used the Instant Pocket Printer on days out and at home. The robust and compact nature ensures that it is easy to transport. Furthermore, the hardened shell took some accidental drops. Though I wouldn’t like to put it through its paces, it seemed to bounce and resist a fair bit of rough and tumble. This was great as my kids are somewhat clumsy and I’d hate for their new toy to smash.

The simple design has one power button and a port for the charging cable. On top of this, there is a hatch that can be released for the thermal paper. This strong compartment is easy to access and the paper can be inserted with ease. Once the door is shut, it will not open in error. This was perfect as it prevented the paper from becoming dislodged.

Usability. 

The straightforward nature of the Instant Pocket Printer impressed me. Connecting it was a cinch and keeping it charged was a simple task. Furthermore, the handy LED highlights when it is switched on and this prevents you from wasting your battery. Once you have the printer set up, you simply use the intuitive app to print off photos or AI designs. The speed at which the data transfers was impressive and I loved the tangible nature of each image. 

Is the Instant Pocket Printer worth it?

The Instant Pocket Printer is the ideal gift this Christmas. Canal Toys are renowned for their exceptional products and this one doesn’t break the mould. Moreover, their customer service is second to none. Consequently, you are guaranteed a high-quality product and amazing support. Alongside this, the amazing app makes this device shine. Accordingly, this printer was a hit and I recommend buying it here!

The Instant Pocket Printer has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: Pets Hotel

Daniel Waite
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Review: Pets Hotel

Pets Hotel is a marmite game. Consequently, you’ll either love it or hate it. If you enjoy relaxed gameplay and animals, this will appeal to you. However, this will be a turn-off if you want structure and challenging action. Furthermore, if clunky controls and a sluggish UI enrage you, you’ll probably want to give this a wide berth.

Ultimate Games developed and published this simulation title. Furthermore, it is a single-player first-person experience. The gameplay revolves around a smattering of small chapters and a sandbox mode. As such, you get some replay value and creative freedom. Yet, most of the action follows a set path, which was reassuring and frustrating in equal measures.

Pets Hotel tells a limited story. 

Simulation games don’t require a story. However, I like something to get my teeth into. Pets Hotel has a light plot that has limited depth and a basic storyline. Effectively, you are the nephew or niece of a Pet hotel business owner. They are handing you the keys and you must learn the ropes before expanding the business. 

The story isn’t original, but it is suitable for the genre. Sadly, other than the family connection, there are no other key protagonists. This was understandable, but I was left wanting. As the game evolves, you interact with countless customers. However, there is no backstory and the relationship goes no further than the pet they leave in your care. 

Simple gameplay. 

The reconstructed hotels demand that you complete set goals as the chapter unfolds. Furthermore, you must care for every animal you register. Whether they are a cat, fish, dog, or small pet, your hotel must look after them all. This was relatively easy as the clear stats help you understand each animal’s needs. Whether it is food or water, entertainment, or a toilet break, you must keep each guest happy. Alongside this, pet grooming and other complementary treatments are available to wow your customers. 

On top of this, you can develop your hotel by adding rooms and changing the decor. This was great as you felt in charge of every aspect of your business. Though this rarely made a difference to the gameplay, I liked letting my creative juices flow. Additionally, it added a business management layer to enhance the core concept. Though it wasn’t as complicated or in-depth as other sim games, I appreciated the extra elements.

Pets Hotel is pleasant to look at. 

Pets Hotel will not win an award for beauty. The finish has some texture issues and a few of the character models were amusing rather than cute. However, the animation is pretty good and taking each guest for a walk or grooming them was pleasant to watch. Though this can’t be considered a next-gen game, it is attractive and polished enough for a modern audience.

The audio can only be described as a “hotel lobby soundtrack”. The music is calm and fun, but easily forgettable. Moreover, the sound effects are suitable but lack any great energy or wow factor. Subsequently, though it works, it doesn’t stand out from its peers. 

Sluggish controls. 

Disappointingly, there are some bugs and issues to contend with. Moreover, the sluggish controls make this a challenging game to play. Had I tackled this with a mouse and keyboard, I think I’d have had a better experience. Yet, the controller layout didn’t feel intuitive and navigating menus and using items was a frustrating endeavour. 

The sandbox mode enhances the replay value. If you fall for its charms, you can create the hotel of your dreams. However, the core story is limited and this may disappoint hardcore sim fans.

Pets Hotel is simple and cute, but sadly lacking. 

I enjoyed my time with Pets Hotel. I took the gameplay with a pinch of salt and I enjoyed the random animals I cared for. Additionally, I liked the basic management elements and the building mechanics. Yet, it doesn’t have enough depth for my liking and that was unfortunate. Despite the shortcomings, I think it’s a good game and I recommend buying it here! Can you run the family pet business? Learn the basics, care for the guests, and become the best hotel around.

Review: Rogue Flight

Daniel Waite
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Review: Rogue Flight

Rogue Flight is a gloriously old-school title that reinvents the space shooter genre! This incredible game caught my eye at EGX 2024. Its fast-paced nature and wonderful retro aesthetic were pleasing and instantly captivating. However, it was the slick gameplay and brilliant anime edge that won me over. I’ve always enjoyed linear space shooters and this didn’t disappoint. There are various upgrades to unlock and plenty of game modes to complete. Accordingly, this has plenty of replay value and mountains of depth.

This hectic space shooter was developed by Truant Pixel and published by PERP GAMES. Furthermore, it is a single-player experience that will get under your skin. Though I class myself as a genre veteran, I found the action to be tough and occasionally unforgiving. Yet, once I got to grips with the unique mechanics and put the effort in, I could tackle every wave of enemies and boss with professional ease. This almost eureka moment was rewarding and I believe many gamers will enjoy the balance of difficulty vs reward.

Rogue Flight’s story plays second fiddle.

Rogue Flight has a captivating story that is told through amazing cinematic and simple cutscenes. However, the story plays second fiddle to the unbelievably fast-paced gameplay. This isn’t a complaint as I adored every hellish stage. Moreover, the risk of losing it all and having to start again kept me frosty throughout. I’m sure many people will find this almost rogue-lite element annoying, but I enjoyed the sense of failure and the euphoria once I completed the game.

The story focuses on an underground Earth-based rebellion that wishes to take down ARGUS. This Solar Defense Force annihilated Earth and anything in its path. It was cruel, cold, and calculated in its approach. Yet, it didn’t account for humanity’s desire to stay alive and this was its downfall. The resistance fighters must tackle hordes of enemies as they try and destroy ARGUS and restore peace to the Sol System.

Incredible action.

Space shooters tend to get tied up in knots. The lore and gameplay become horribly convoluted and it gets messy as a consequence. Fortunately, Rogue Flight doesn’t fall into this trap. The wonderful cutscenes set you up for the drama ahead. Additionally, once the chapter begins, you rarely hear from any of your teammates until the job is done. This was great as it allowed you to focus on the job at hand and little else.

Each stage comprises a monstrous number of enemies to destroy. Whether you are facing spaceships, giant robots, helicopters, or huge bosses, it will test your reactions, patience, and skills. As you take down each foe, you may use your machine gun or any other primary weapon you have unlocked. Alongside this, there are missiles to fire and a special tail whip attack to decimate everything in sight. The animation of the special attack was superb! The world slows to a crawl as your ship spins and slides its way through every robotic enemy.

Alongside the waves of ships, you will have to avoid obstacles and deal with other environmental problems. Fire and fog are a real pain and navigating these levels is challenging at the best of times. However, it was this blend of straightforward space shooting and exceptional level design that kept this fresh.

Rogue Flight looks amazing.

This is an aesthetically pleasing game that rarely falters. The hellish action punishes you throughout and the bullet-hell projectiles demand quick reactions and the ability to think ahead. Rogue Flight has taken inspiration from the best games of the 80s and 90s. The beautifully polished graphics are juxtaposed with the simple reticle and basic projectiles. Furthermore, each enemy has a boxy appearance that enhances the dated appeal. These elements combine to deliver a nostalgic game with modern appeal.

The audio is crass, loud, and practically perfect. The combination of upbeat music and never-ending noise was superb. Though the sound of your gun should get annoying, it rarely does. I adored the constant drone of my lasers firing or the explosion of each mighty missile. What’s more, the brilliant acting sets the scene as each mission or fork in the road is brilliantly explained.

Incredible controls.

With so much going on, this could have been horrible. Luckily, the incredible controls and well-considered layout ensure that this is a pleasure to play. Once you get to grips with the core mechanics and the rogue-lite gameplay, you adjust your playstyle accordingly. Furthermore, the detailed tutorial ensures that you are up and running in no time at all.

There are 9 unique worlds to explore and plenty of game modes to test out. Furthermore, there are branching pathways to enjoy and different endings to witness. Subsequently, there is plenty to keep you busy. Alongside this, the risk of failure is high and this keeps you on the edge of your seat. Though this was somewhat cruel, it enhances the replay value and demands that you come back for more.

Rogue Flight is a spectacular indie game.

My short experience at EGX got me excited. However, I didn’t know how great this would be until I unlocked the full game. Every aspect of this excellent space shooter made me smile. The graphics and audio are wonderful and the controls are responsive and well laid out. The cinematic is also striking, and I love the story and fast-paced action flow. 

If I were to be critical, I’d say the difficulty setting is slightly skewed and this can cause initial frustrations. However, as long as you are willing to work hard, you will enjoy a rewarding experience. Consequently, I adore this game and I recommend buying it here! Can you fight back and destroy ARGUS? Master your ship, tackle each foe, and keep humanity alive.

A Closer Look at the Piranha Gel Blaster

Andrew Edney
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A Closer Look at the Piranha Gel Blaster

With Christmas just around the corner, we take a look at the Piranha from Gel Blaster.

Looking for a gel blaster built for thrilling summer skirmishes? The Gel Blaster Piranha is your ultimate companion. With a sleek, high-performance design, this blaster delivers intense speed at 175 FPS, reaching up to 100 feet per shot to keep you ahead in every battle. Its durably sealed and water-resistant build makes it perfect for splash-friendly action, allowing you to dominate outdoor games without concern, even in rain or light water without disrupting play. Crafted to elevate gameplay, the Piranha Gel Blaster is ideal for both beginners and seasoned players alike.

This blaster isn’t just about speed; it’s built for lasting power and adaptability. With automatic firing at over 8 Gellets per second and a single-shot option for precise targeting, the Piranha suits any strategy. Weighing just 0.45 lbs, it’s easy to handle and keeps you agile in intense matches.

The Piranha kit comes fully stocked with 10,000 Gellets and an additional container of 800 pre-hydrated Gellets for instant action. Powered by six AA batteries, it offers up to 4 hours of continuous play without needing a recharge. Made from durable materials like Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Polyoxymethylene, and Polyethylene Terephthalate, the Piranha handles rugged conditions with ease, even near water.

In the box, you’ll find everything you need for immediate fun with the Gel Blaster Piranha. The package includes one Gel Blaster Piranha, one pair of protective eye goggles, a 10,000-gellet pack, and a USB-C charger. Additionally, you’ll receive a low-velocity barrel as an add-on, ensuring you have all the essentials to get started and enjoy your gel blasting experience right away.

With a spacious 800-Gellet magazine, easy battery installation, and a design that requires no safety switch, the Piranha is both user-friendly and powerful, welcoming players of all levels. Suitable for ages 14 and up, it boasts an ergonomic build, compact dimensions (9.5 inches long, 1.75 inches wide, 7.5 inches high), and impressive accuracy (150 mm at 5 metres, 500 mm at 15 metres), ensuring every shot is precise and comfortable.

Covered by a 2-year warranty, the Gel Blaster Piranha promises an action-packed, mess-free experience. Prepare to take on every battle with the reliability, durability, and power of the Gel Blaster Piranha in your hands.

The Gel Blaster Piranha is available now for £39.99 and is aimed at children aged 14+. You can learn more and buy one from Gelblaster.co.uk.

Review: CyberCorp

Saim Khurshid
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Review: CyberCorp

Developed and published by Megame LLC, CyberCorp is a co-op top-down twin-stick Shooter with a cyberpunk setting.

Beauty is subjective yet an attractive sight can influence the approach. However, most things look beautiful from afar but up close, they are hugely disappointing. CyberCorp joins these ranks with flying colours.

A disappointing start

From the get-go, I knew the fun was not on the agenda. With a menu screen that might as well have been a triple gacha wallet extractor, It takes one too many steps to get the game started. Here you are thrown into the gameplay.

Heck, I did not know that this game had co-op till I read the Steam description.

Picture a top-down shooter that feels like it’s straight out of a beginner’s kit for game developers. The kind of game that’s basic, almost too simple, to the point that it’s reminiscent of something you would give to someone who has never played games before. 

As for the controls, they are as basic as they come. You use your mouse to aim and the keyboard to move around, which is fine, I guess. If you’re using a gamepad, you’ll probably know what to expect in terms of controls, but even then, there’s nothing about the gameplay that feels new or exciting. It’s all very familiar and, frankly, a little boring.

This cyberpunk twin stick shooter does offer you some abilities to upgrade or change over time, but these don’t do much to spice up the experience. We’re talking about simple things like a dash move, a special attack, and other basic, beginner-level upgrades that you’ve seen in countless other games. None of them bring anything innovative to the table, and they don’t do enough to make the gameplay feel fresh or engaging. It’s all very much by the numbers and doesn’t push any boundaries.

There is a plot, I think.

The story that connects this game was seemingly so low down on the priority list that I barely remember a thing. Allow me to put an eye on the Steam page and maybe turn the game back on to dig up what I can find.

“You are a CyberCorp fighter. In your hands lies a unique and dangerous technology – the Synth, a remotely controlled combat shell.”

Yeah, so that does not cover it but you get the point. It sits in the back and fails to garner any true meaning to the slug which is the gameplay. Rather stale and not worth the bother, is what I am trying to say.

Still works though

What I will say though, is that for the things it tries to do, even if it is nothing new or innovative, it does them well. The gameplay functions, the map is easy to navigate and explore and the quality of audio is often nice to listen to.

This cyberpunk game even avoids making the text too small to read which is a recurring sin in recent indie games.

Another thing I will say is that if you have nothing else to play, this is not the worst thing to pass your time with.

Another week, another game

CyberCorp is a mixed bag. While it doesn’t bring anything new to the table, it still manages to provide a functional experience with decent gameplay and an accessible interface. However, the lack of depth and weak story hold it back from being truly memorable.

If you’re desperate for something to play or just looking to kill some time, it’s not the worst option out there. But for those who crave more innovation or a deeper connection to the world they’re playing in, this cyberpunk game might not be the right fit.

News: Christmas Gaming Guide

Daniel Waite
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News: Christmas Gaming Guide

Christmas is a time for family and friends. However, it is also a time for gaming! There are some amazing titles available this Christmas and I know this guide will highlight some things that may have slipped your radar.

Currently, I will focus on Nintendo Switch and Sega games. Yet, I plan to add a wide variety of other titles as the days go by. So I suggest you sit back and enjoy this Christmas gaming guide.

What’s in the Christmas gaming guide?

Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – Save the kingdom of Hyrule – this time with the wisdom of Princess Zelda – in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom for Nintendo Switch. The people of Hyrule are being stolen away by strange rifts that have appeared, and with a certain swordsman among those missing, it’s up to Princess Zelda to save her kingdom.

Christmas Gaming Guide RRP £49.99.

Nintendo Switch Lite Hyrule Edition – This special The Legend of Zelda-themed Nintendo Switch Lite console arrived September 26th. Enjoy access to a range of classic The Legend of Zelda titles with the included 12-month Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Individual membership!

Christmas Gaming Guide RRP £209.99.

Mario time!

Mario & Luigi Brothership – The brothers return for a brand new adventure on the high seas! Set sail with Mario and Luigi on Shipshape Island (part ship, part island) and journey through the vast world of Concordia. Launch out of Shipshape’s cannon to visit, explore, and quest your way through islands that range from tropical rainforests to bustling cities. Meet new friends along the way, like Connie and Snoutlet (who’s definitely not a pig), and encounter familiar faces from the Mushroom Kingdom like Peach and Bowser, who may help you on your journey!

You’ll have to rely on Mario and Luigi’s brotherly bond to succeed. Use Bros. Moves to get past obstacles while you explore, and powerful Bros. Attacks in a dynamic twist on turn-based combat. You’ll need every edge this ‘brothership’ will give you to save the day!

Christmas Gaming Guide RRP £44.99.

Super Mario Party Jamboree – Get ready for the biggest party yet in Super Mario Party Jamboree. From running through merry-go-rounds to motion-control minigolf, this jamboree is jam-packed with over 110 minigames – the most of any Mario Party game to date!

Christmas Gaming Guide RRP £44.99.

More gaming to come.

Princess Peach: Showtime! – Princess Peach and friends arrive at the Sparkle Theater to see a show when the wicked Grape and the Sour Bunch suddenly make their grand entrance and take centre stage. The perfect performance has become a terrible tragedy and it’s up to Peach to save the play – and the day!

Christmas Gaming Guide RRP £49.99.

Nintendo Switch – OLED Model Consoles – Nintendo Switch – OLED Model is the newest addition to the Nintendo Switch family of consoles. It includes a 7-inch vibrant OLED screen, a wide adjustable stand for tabletop mode, a new dock with a wired LAN port for use in TV mode, 64 GB of internal storage, and enhanced audio for handheld and tabletop play. Just like Nintendo Switch, play on a TV, share the detachable Joy-Con controllers for multiplayer fun, or take the console on the go to enjoy its play-anywhere versatility.

Christmas Gaming Guide RRP £399.99.

SEGA.

Metaphor: ReFantazio – Metaphor: ReFantazio tells a mysterious and exciting story. It is set in a unique world where the king has been assassinated and the next monarch is due to be elected. Accordingly, this kicks off a fight for the throne that will take gamers on a captivating 100-hour adventure.

There’s no better way to escape the cold, dark winter nights than by jumping into ATLUS’ latest masterpiece. Explore its expansive, immersive world and discover its faraway lands, exhilarating quests and challenging dungeons. Moreover, there is a gripping turn-based combat system to master.

Christmas Gaming Guide RRP £49.95.

SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS – SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS introduces a brand-new Shadow story campaign. His old nemesis, Black Doom, returns and threatens to take over the world. Fans can play as Shadow and dive into his dark past to unlock his inner powers. Moreover, explore his backstory, and confront familiar foes to save the world!

That’s not all though: it also includes a full remaster of the original Sonic Generations. This combines nostalgia from the iconic 2D era of Sonic with the blistering excitement of modern 3D Sonic gameplay. The story centres around Sonic and Friends as their universe is thrown into chaos. Players can experience this adventure again with upgraded visuals, new challenges, and more bonus content.

Christmas Gaming Guide RRP £44.99.

Review: Movie Scene It

Daniel Waite
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Review: Movie Scene It

Movie Scene It is a great family-friendly experience that will appeal to film lovers. Moreover, there are some snippets of general knowledge as random questions are thrown into the mix. Though this game has been out for a while and there have been several unique variations, this modern version blends a tactile layer with an intuitive app. Accordingly, this creates a seamless game and hours of fun.

I admit I’m not the biggest film buff. I know that this is ironic as I write for a movies-based website. However, this mattered not as I could hide amongst my teammates and enjoy the madness nonetheless. As each round unfolds, you are asked questions on a wide range of modern and older films. As the game progresses, players move around the board and work towards an end goal. One final challenge must be overcome if you are to be crowned the victor. This is easier said than done and it is rewarding when you finally win.

Movies Scene It rarely falters. 

Modern technology has a habit of going wrong. This is particularly poor timing when you have a gathering of friends wanting to play games. Fortunately, Movie Scene It rarely falters. The incredible free-to-download app is great to use and easy to master. Moreover, it acts as your gameshow host. Every clip, challenge, or trivia element is loaded on this app. What’s more, it is compatible with many devices. My advice is to chuck the game onto a large TV. After all, who wants to watch each clip off a tiny mobile device?

Once you have the game set up and your friends ready, you will have a whale of a time. The action is fast-paced and each game moves at a hectic rate. This level of energy is transferred to the players as excitement builds. I found it highly amusing that the volume got louder as the game progressed. Each team would shout, scream, and laugh repeatedly as clips were played and challenges were put down. This sense of fun and freedom makes it the perfect game for large family or friend gatherings. 

A simple-to-understand experience. 

Where Movie Scene It excels is its straightforward nature. You are provided with a handy user guide to get you going. However, this isn’t entirely necessary. I found the action to be easy to follow and the app keeps you on track. Consequently, you can get this up and running in no time. 

The instructions came in handy when you wished to alter the gameplay mechanics. Extending the game and maximising the final round were essential tools to make the most of each playthrough. Additionally, no one wants to fall out and the rules help to eliminate arguments or misunderstandings.

Build quality. 

Unlike Social Ladder or Too Far, Movie Scene It isn’t a drinking-focused game. Subsequently, it doesn’t need to withstand heavy-handed drunks. However, the board and cards are chunky and extremely robust. What’s more, the die has a strong outer shell that will resist scratching and wear and tear. The game board has 2 hinged sections that are strong and well-designed. Yet, I can see this being its Achilles heel. Though I didn’t experience any side effects, this will become weakened over time.

The app reduces the physical elements of the game. Moreover, it makes it easier for the manufacturer to update the questions and other elements with ease. This was great as there is the opportunity to keep things fresh without having to refresh your base game. 

Is Movie Scene It worth it?

If you are looking for a great family-friendly game that is superb for large gatherings, then look no further. This phenomenal board game is fun and easy to understand. Additionally, it is addictive and high energy. If you adore cinema and a wide range of films, then this will be right up your street. Alternatively, if you are like me, you’ll still enjoy the sense of reward and the fast-paced action. Accordingly, Movie Scene It is a great game and I recommend buying it here!

Movie Scene It has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: VED

Josh Blackburn
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Review: VED

Oh man, VED makes teleporting look kind of terrifying. It already creeped me out, to be honest. Something about being deconstructed and reconstructed at a molecular level doesn’t sit right with me. I mean, you’re effectively dead at that point, right? Just a clone popping out of a booth? VED takes it a step further – you don’t even know where you’re gonna end up. So now I’m not just being broken down to my component parts, but my clone might end up in a broom cupboard somewhere. I’ll stick with walking.

Still, teleporting nervousness aside, VED gives us an interesting look at magic overall. I rather like worlds where magic is present in everyone, not just people in a tower wearing silly hats, and that’s what we have here. VED explores this well, through a handful of interesting characters, and it works hard to make our choices matter. It’s a little clunky at times, particularly when we get away from the story, but it’s a beautiful and engaging experience nonetheless.

VED

VED Up

Now, when you pull up VED‘s steam page, you’ll see it call itself an ‘RPG’. This isn’t untrue, but this is the Dungeons & Dragons style of RPG. Right down to the dice rolls, come to think of it. For the most part, it’s not dissimilar to a visual novel. We progress through a branching storyline, picking choices and dialogue options, and dealing with the consequences. It’s broken up by some skill checks, à la D&D, and jaunts to the magic world, which plays a bit like a strategy roguelike. I’m going to take each half of VED seperately, as I have different feelings towards each of them.

Let’s tackle the real world first, where the writing comes into play. VED’s overall story is quite interesting. It stars Cyrus, a young bloke who comes to the town of Micropolis to make something of himself. That’s put on hold when his neighbour, Mick, sets fire to his apartment, and Cyrus rushes in to save him. Overwhelmed by the flames, a magical instinct kicks in, and he teleports away. From there, the story follows him coming to terms with the fact that magic is real, and how it should be handled. Different factions have different ideas about it. Impulse, a tech giant, want to commercialise it. The Sorcerers want to give it to the people. The titular Veds want it to bugger off and stay in the other world.

These three factions – and the general townsfolk – are headed up by diverse characters. The sorcerers are led by Freddie Fire Hands, for example, a charismatic if… eccentric magician. Depending on your perspective, he’s either a nutcase or the only one talking sense. The character designs and their motivations are great. Cracks do begin to appear when you get into the line-by-line writing, though. Some lines read very awkwardly. Cyrus’ attempts at flirting make me want to call the police. It’s also unclear, at times, what Cyrus is going to say when picking an option. One option labelled basically ‘Okay’ had me laying into my neighbour’s life choices out of nowhere, when I actually wanted to encourage him.

VED

Split Personality

Getting back to the bigger picture, it’s safe to say that VED is a game where choices matter. Not just in how characters respond to you, but entire story arcs can alter. On my first run, I mucked up during the prologue. This changed large sections of the ending. I did two full runs and found unique dialogue sections in each. It makes me curious just how many branches there are, which I think is a good sign. That said, there is some clunkiness in how the scenes are put together. It has to funnel back to the key plot points, so factions would be inexplicably friendly at times, despite me clearly fratenising with their mortal enemies and telling them sod off at every opportunity.

Still, one interesting note is that teleporting isn’t just an A to B situation. You have to pass though the magic world, and the route you take through it dictates where you teleport back. This means entire story beats depend on where you re-appear, which is nice. As for the magic world itself, this plays like a roguelite. You start at a village full of friendly troglodytes and then pick a path through events and monsters to find an exit. Combat within this world is turn-based, expending action points per move. The unique twist being that you need to be in the right ‘lane’ to do the most damage, and enemy attacks will hit certain lanes too.

It has promise but feels a bit threadbare. There are usually only two routes to pick, and only a handful of encounters per run. The dice rolls are welcome for the encounters, as it adds in some unpredictability, but it’s a bit too easy to breeze through. Combat makes itself look complicated, but really we’re just crab-dancing out of the way of attacks. Death is negligible too, as we spawn back at the village and can just go right back to it. Using a grid, rather than just four lanes, might have added in a bit more complexity. That and making the magic world a bit more like a D&D dungeon crawl or an old school adventure game; keep the dice roll decisions running throughout.

VED – An Evolved Visual Novel

This lightness of gameplay is what made me start thinking of VED as more of a visual novel than a classic RPG. I don’t mean that as a knock – VED feels like the kind of evolution I’ve been wanting from visual novels. It brings in key choices at all stages and, crucially, has factors out of our control. That’s why I’ve been bigging up the dice rolls. Failure can be just as interesting as success. The clunkiness is a little unfortunate, but that’s perhaps to be expected when you’re sprawling out so much. Imagine it being like a DM who’s desperately trying to read their drunken notes from the last session.

As a final note before I close, I want to point out that Ved‘s art is spectacular. From character design to the backgrounds of the magical world, it’s gorgeous. Music’s a hit too, though the voice acting is pretty dire. Some side characters would probably have benefitted from letting us do the voices in our heads. Still, the devs have been polishing VED for quite some time and it shows. The developers are Lithuanian, so perhaps some of the line-by-line awkwardness is down to the translation, but it didn’t detract too much. While I wish some elements of VED were pushed further, it’s an intriguing story that never forgets the player.

(VED’s Store Page)

News: Black Friday – SteelSeries

Daniel Waite
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News: Black Friday – SteelSeries

Black Friday – SteelSeries offers some of the most desirable tech at a fraction of the cost. This behemoth tech company delivers time after time. Consequently, it has a massive following and its fanbase is rarely disappointed. Whether it is microphones, keyboards, gaming mice, or keycaps, they are the pinnacle for every gaming setup.

Black Friday is a big deal for many consumers. The ability to buy the best brands at a fraction of the price is irresistible. Moreover, it is the ideal opportunity to get some gifts ready for Christmas. So, let’s wait no longer and dive into this Black Friday – SteelSeries gift guide.

What’s included in Black Friday – SteelSeries?

Arctis Nova Pro Wireless – The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headphones are a top-tier choice for gamers and audiophiles alike. The key features include High-Fidelity Audio, ANC, 360-degree Spatial Audio, Dual Wireless Connectivity, and Hot-Swap Batteries. Consequently, these features make this headset a versatile and powerful choice.

Black Friday – SteelSeries sale price $279.99.

Arctis Nova Wireless – The SteelSeries Arcits Nova Wireless White headphones are designed to deliver an exceptional audio experience for gamers and music enthusiasts. Here are the key features: AI-Powered Noice Cancelling Microphone, 38-hour battery, and the ComfortMAX system.

Black Friday – SteelSeries sale price $134.99.

Arctis Nova 5 Wireless – The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless headphones are a great mid-range headset! They are designed with gamers in mind and their convenient features make them stand out from their peers. Here are some key features: 60-hour battery life, Earcup controls, Cross-Platform gaming, and Quick Switch Wireless.

Black Friday – SteelSeries sale price $99.99.

Arctis Nova 1 – The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 headphones are perfect for newbie gamers. Alternatively, maybe you want a pair of gaming headphones when you are out and about. Either way, they are affordable and great for your gaming needs. Here are some key features: Nova Acoustic system, ComfortMAX System, and Ultra lightweight design.

Black Friday – SteelSeries sale price $39.99.

More deals are coming.

Apex Pro Mini – Wireless – The Apex Pro Mini – Wireless keyboard is the ideal choice for gamers with limited worktop space. Moreover, it is the world’s fastest and most advanced keyboard. Accordingly, it is a great option for competitive PC and console gamers. Here are some key features: 20x faster actuation, Adjustable hypermagnetic switches, and 60% compact design.

Black Friday – SteelSeries sale price $149.99.

Alias – The Alias microphone is the perfect option for gamers, streamers, and YouTubers! The plug-and-play approach enables technophobes to get the best out of their work. Furthermore, the free-to-download software keeps you on top of the action. Here are some key features: 3X bigger capsule, LED lighting to check your voice levels and free-to-download software.

Black Friday – SteelSeries sale price $139.99.

Time for some retailer-specific deals.

Best Buy Exclusives.

Arctis Nova Pro Wireless – exclusive offer on the original Arctis Pro complete with Base Station at an unbelievable deal for $139.99.

Apex Pro TKL – $139.99.

Amazon Exclusives.

Arctis 7P+ White and Arctis 7X+ with simultaneous audio are available for $99.99.

Target Exclusives.

Nova 7 with bonus booster pack to customize your headset look- swap out ear plates and headband from white to snow camo or cherry red. Deal price $149.99.

(More information on SteelSeries can be found here!)

Review: Countdown to Chaos

Daniel Waite
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Review: Countdown to Chaos

Countdown to Chaos is a wonderfully mysterious game that blends modern ideas with old-school reality. The Detective Society create phenomenal experiences, and this standalone detective endeavour is no different! Its nod to the real world and hidden details are a treat to work through. Moreover, I never felt out of my depth though it has some challenging elements.

My favourite part of this game was the lack of guidance and rules. Instead, you rip open the packaging, read the core information, and get to work. Accordingly, there is no right or wrong way to tackle this detective experience. You are left to your own devices as you explore a world that is filled with betrayal and deceit. 

A digital heaven. 

I’m not usually a fan of “Internet-required games”. However, Countdown to Chaos blends its tactile and digital elements perfectly. The use of a paper decoder and your mobile phone were amazing. What’s more, I loved the websites and their fun and interesting designs. My favourite aspect of the online mechanics was the challenge of deciphering key information. Each page has plenty of nonsense that can be skimmed over. Yet, you have to be careful not to miss any essential clues. 

As you progress through the game, you utilise plenty of dated tools to get you on your way. Additionally, I found it handy to grab a pen and paper or my Remarkable tablet to jot down any prevalent information. Once you think you have solved a puzzle, you must use the handy app to see what must be done next.

Though this aspect of the game was linear, you were free to spend as much or as little time on each layer as you liked. This was great as I rarely felt pressured. Furthermore, like other Detective Society products, this is a one-run-only game. Consequently, if you miss anything the first time around, you will not return to see what you’ve overlooked.

Great when in a team. 

Countdown to Chaos is a 1-4-player detective experience. We played it as a pair and this helped when solving some of the more difficult aspects. If you love this genre, you can probably work through every puzzle without concern. Yet, if you are relatively inexperienced, having a partner can prevent frustration or the need to seek advice. 

My only concern with Countdown to Chaos is its single-run approach. Whenever I play a board game I expect plenty of replay value. As such, it was a little unusual to endure a one-hit-only game. Luckily, I found the short but fascinating gameplay to be worth every penny. This is available for £11.99 and that is great value for money. Our game lasted around 1 and a half hours and this was just right. However, experts may get through this in under an hour!

Is Countdown to Chaos worth it?

I’ve enjoyed plenty of great detective games. Yet, I’ve not played anything like Countdown to Chaos. The freedom to tackle every puzzle and get hands-on with the clues was fantastic. Moreover, I loved the quality of each core element. The maps were easy to read and the paper clues were simple to handle. On top of this, the digital tools were quick, intuitive, and full of detail. 

Though 1 to 2 hours may not seem a lot, I adored the fascinating world and the excellent level of depth. The Detective Society has designed a wonderful crime prequel that will appeal to gamers of all ages. Accordingly, if you want an unusual but captivating detective game, I recommend buying it here!

(More information on the Detective Society can be found here!)

Countdown to Chaos has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: Heretic’s Fork

Dawid Wisniewski
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Review: Heretic’s Fork

Keeping the sinners at bay

Heretic’s Fork offers a devilishly entertaining mix of roguelite deckbuilding and tower defence gameplay. Developed by 9FingerGames and set against the backdrop of a bureaucratic corporate Hell, the game combines strategic card-based mechanics with automated combat, wrapped in a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from similar titles like Slay the Spire or Loop Hero.

The gameplay revolves around managing a tower in Hell tasked with keeping sinners from escaping. Players deploy cards to build and upgrade towers, summon garrisons, and bolster defences. The strategic challenge comes from crafting a deck that balances offense and defence while adapting to the increasing difficulty of Hell’s nine circles. The card system includes a variety of categories—tower cards, active powers, and instant-use bonuses—allowing for diverse strategies. However, the gameplay can feel passive, as much of the action unfolds automatically after cards are played​.

Highlight of the game, soundtrack and visuals

What truly elevates Heretic’s Fork is its presentation. The pixel art visuals are stunning, vividly bringing the chaos of Hell to life while delivering critical gameplay information with clarity. The theme is further reinforced by the game’s darkly humorous corporate aesthetic, complete with a Windows 95-inspired interface and “Klippy,” an evil parody of Microsoft’s Clippy, guiding players with sardonic wit​.

The soundtrack deserves special mention as one of the game’s standout features. With contributions from heavy hitters like Disturbed, alongside electronic and metal tracks from artists like Occams Laser and Metalhonic, the music amplifies the chaotic energy of the gameplay. The ability to curate your playlist from the in-game music adds a personal touch, making each run feel unique​.

A grind that pays off

While Heretic’s Fork excels in its visuals and sound, its progression system requires patience. Unlocking new characters and cards often demands significant grinding, especially early on, which might deter some players. However, the rewards—additional abilities, stronger decks, and varied strategies—make perseverance worthwhile. Replay-ability is another highlight, with each run offering different card synergies and challenges​.

In summary, Heretic’s Fork is a hellishly fun, visually striking game with a killer soundtrack that will appeal to fans of roguelites and deckbuilders. Despite its grind-heavy progression and somewhat passive gameplay, it delivers a memorable experience. If you’re ready to embrace the chaos of Hell and enjoy an epic soundtrack while at it, this game is worth the plunge.

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