Pyramid Platformer – The Gem Heist is an old-school title that has rudimentary gameplay. Accordingly, it delivers well-trodden mechanics that work, mostly. However, when things go wrong, it can be extremely frustrating. Thankfully, this happens rarely and you enjoy a smooth and interesting trip to Ancient Egypt.
This 2D side-scrolling platformer was developed by Fabrizio Abreu and published by Fa Games. Moreover, it is a single-player title that spans 40 compact levels. Though the core mechanics are straightforward, the action is well executed and I enjoyed the precise movement. As previously mentioned, there are some shortcomings that taint the end product, but the action rolls on regardless of these minor issues.
Pyramid Platformer – The Gem Heist tells no story.
Unfortunately, Pyramid Platformer – The Gem Heist lacks a central story. Though this isn’t essential, I’d have liked some depth. When you consider the mystery and magic of Ancient Egypt, the developer could have incorporated a creepy, fun, or chilling element into their game. Instead, it allows the retro platforming elements to take centre stage.
Each of the 40 levels explores the winding and often dangerous elements of a vast pyramid. Furthermore, every stage has 3 jewels to collect to unlock the exit. If you miss any treasure, the door will not open and you’ll have to restart the level. Though this could be annoying, I adored the clear line between success and failure.
Traps and classic mechanics.
Pyramid Platformer – The Gem Heist concentrates on classic mechanics. A platforming game would be nothing without double jumping, dashing, and an array of basic but deadly traps to overcome. Moreover, there are branching pathways to trick you and disappearing platforms to add a layer of pressure.
If this wasn’t enough, there are spikes, circular blades, and chasms to traverse if you wish to get to the exit. Each of these elements was okay on its own, but when combined, they demand a fine level of precision and accurate timing.
Pyramid Platformer – The Gem Heist is delightfully pixelated.
Pyramid Platformer – The Gem Heist has a modern pixelated look that is colourful and nicely detailed. Additionally, the stage design was clever even though it was pretty refined. Some of the levels were tiny, but these often led to bigger and more challenging experiences. Accordingly, the developer has done a nice job of keeping things interesting.
The audio is clichéd but fantastic. The atypical Egyptian music won’t win any awards for originality. However, I enjoyed it nonetheless. Alongside this, the sound effects were simple but effective. Consequently, it is pretty basic but it is pleasant for an indie game.
Occasionally flawed controls.
The controls were responsive and easy to master. However, the double jump mechanic has a dead spot. This is problematic as it is hit-and-miss and causes you to fall into spikes or mistime your jump. I’d love to say it was a skill issue, but the problem happened in the same areas and I didn’t struggle elsewhere.
Sadly, Pyramid Platformer – The Gem Heist lacks replay value. Once you complete the 40 levels, there is little reason to return. Had the developer included a speedrun option or a leaderboard, there would be replay value and longevity. Thankfully, I enjoyed the first playthrough and my 3 to 4 hours was great value for money.
Pyramid Platformer – The Gem Heist is a pleasant indie game.
This won’t blow you away. The gameplay is familiar and it rarely breaks new ground. Yet, I liked the classic approach and the interesting stage design. Furthermore, it is aesthetically pleasing. However, there are a few shortcomings and that was unfortunate. Despite these issues, I enjoyed it and I recommend buying it here! Can you survive the mysterious pyramid? Learn new skills, grab the jewels, and get to the exit.
If you love SnowRunner and MudRunner, you have probably been waiting for Expeditions: A MudRunner Game. This latest title in the franchise takes a sideways step from the normal action. Instead of hauling huge loads across vast landscapes, you must drive across barren environments delivering research equipment. Alternatively, you’ll have to take photos of key areas or explore unusual locations. Either way, it was a pleasant break from the norm and I enjoyed the freedom.
This open-world experience was developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment. Furthermore, it is a single-player or online co-operative title and you can enjoy Cross-Play on every platform. This was great as there were no boundaries to prevent you from getting muddy and adventurous with your friends.
Expeditions: A MudRunner Game focuses on research missions.
I’m a fan of story-focused gaming. However, occasionally I like the freedom to do as I wish. Expeditions: A MudRunner Game blends both of these ideas perfectly. If you want, you can jump in your vehicle and explore an array of glorious biomes. However, there are also missions to undertake to give you something to work towards. These scientific quests prevent you from aimlessly wandering the world and I loved how they were structured.
If you want a fast-paced and straightforward time, then this isn’t the game for you. Expeditions: A MudRunner Game demands that you work out the best path and what equipment to take. This planning isn’t always easy and making mistakes is par for the course. Whether it is mud that is too deep, a cliff face that is tough to traverse, or water that cannot be driven through, you must be prepared for the challenge. Thankfully, there is plenty of equipment to help you out of each situation and working out what item to use at any time was part of the fun.
Hire some crew.
Unlike the other games in the franchise, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game has included a crew-based system and some minor base-building elements. Each of these mechanics helps to improve your chances when you are driving across the rugged terrain. Though the crew will cost you money and impact your profit margins, they make exploration so much easier. The perks they offer change your approach and this is a new mechanic that improves the series considerably. Another game-changing layer is vehicle modification. Though this is self-explanatory, I loved how beefed up you could make your ride.
Modifying your vehicle was essential. Yet, understanding how the gearing system works and the effect of tyre pressure is essential. The game allows you to play with each of these elements and mistakes are bound to happen. I’m not ashamed to say that I ended up on my roof more often than not. However, the handy jack screws are a cheat code for getting back underway. Alternatively, ground anchors were an impressive tool when you wanted to overcome some of the toughest terrain.
Janky missions.
The missions were a success, mostly. When things were going well, I loved the atmosphere, the environment, and the challenges that I faced. But when it didn’t work, it was a tedious time that made you want to scream. Furthermore, the mission objectives are somewhat vague and this causes endless problems.
The idea of dragging equipment from A to B was great fun. Traversing difficult mud pits and avoiding trees never got old. Yet, when I was asked to take random photos or explore large areas, I sighed repeatedly. Unfortunately, there is no way to check what areas you’ve searched and you are left guessing what minor blade of grass you haven’t spotted. Had the developers used a glowing hue like in PowerWash Simulator, this problem would have been avoided.
Expeditions: A MudRunner Game looks phenomenal.
Visually, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game will blow you away. The varied biomes are a treat to explore. What’s more, the impressive physics-based gameplay brings each arena to life. I love the realistic tyre ruts and the animation of each moving part. Additionally, the lighting was great and the world felt vibrant and alive. Disappointingly, the map is somewhat vague and this makes your missions unnecessarily troublesome.
If you love loud engines, then this will get your juices flowing. The heavy vehicles have a gloriously realistic tone that will impress the harshest of critics. Moreover, the sound effects are ultra-realistic. The squelch of the mud and the ambient noises were incredible. As such, you are drawn into each realistic situation.
Excellent controls.
I wasn’t a fan of the UI. It feels complicated and fiddly when using a gamepad. Yet, once you get to grips with the submenus and what is required of you, it is a simple game to play. Changing your tyre pressure or selecting the correct gearing is easy to do with some practice. Furthermore, the opening tutorial was simple to follow and you grasp the fundamentals in around 20 minutes.
The developer has created a massive game with sprawling environments to explore. What’s more, the crew system adds a layer of depth that changes the way the game evolves. Though the slow pace may put some people off, I enjoyed the snail-like speed and the incredible landscapes. As such, there are plenty of reasons to return.
Expeditions: A MudRunner Game is a good addition to the franchise.
The sideways step from the SnowRunner and MudRunner ideas may annoy hardcore fans. However, I liked the slight changes and the freedom to explore. Moreover, the inclusion of the crew system and the varied biomes ensure that this is a good addition to the franchise. Accordingly, though there are some shortcomings, I enjoyed it and I recommend buying it here! Are you able to help the scientific community? Pick your vehicle, plan your route, and complete every goal.
The Tokidoki California Dreamin’ glasses are stylish, unusual, and filled with Easter eggs. Accordingly, it is perfect for gamer girls and fans of Tokidoki. The sultry blend of colours and unusually marked accessories make this product stand out. However, it is this juxtaposed approach that may divide opinion. I love the half-rim frame and the rounded lens construction. Yet, I can see why people will shy away from such a striking design.
Alongside the attention-drawing design, you get GUNNAR’s incredible patented lens technology. The lenses block UV and blue light and can be upgraded to -5 to +5 prescription requirements. I loved this inclusive and straightforward to-purchase arrangement. Consequently, GUNNAR proves to be a customer-friendly company that focuses on its consumers’ needs.
Gaming glasses may look unusual, but they offer amazing health benefits as well. Subsequently, if you work from home or you stare at your phone all day, you’ll want a pair of these glasses. Your eye health should be a priority, and the Tokidoki California Dreamin’ glasses reduce the risk of headaches, eye strain, and dry lenses. The result is improved productivity and a more comfortable gaming experience.
What’s in the box of the Tokidoki California Dreamin’ glasses?
The outer packaging is plain to look at. However, it is robust and easy to recycle.
The Tokidoki California Dreamin’ glasses have a delightful pastel finish. Moreover, the precision-engineered polymer and metal frame is light and comfortable to wear.
A hard and soft case is provided to keep the product safe.
The microfibre cloth is loud, attractive, and unusual to look at.
Technical aspects.
The Tokidoki California Dreamin’ glasses offer some game-changing features to improve your life. The amber or clear lenses deliver 65% or 20% blue light protection respectively. This is great as every monitor, TV, or mobile device impacts your eyesight. Whether it is dry lenses, itchy eyes, or eye strain, these glasses help to reduce the effects. On top of this, there is a distinct reduction in fatigue and uncomfortable headaches.
On top of this, 100% UV light protection keeps your eyes safe whenever you take a break from your work. This was perfect as you don’t have to change to sunglasses to keep your eyes safe. Furthermore, the G-Shield layer reduces smudging and there is an anti-glare filter. This is ideal if you stream or you spend your days on Zoom calls. Your audience won’t be distracted by your lighting and your boss won’t complain about what’s going on in the background. Consequently, it’s a win-win, and a bit of a no-brainer.
Build quality.
I’ve reviewed plenty of GUNNAR products. As such, I’m familiar with the exceptional lens technology. I’m a bit spoilt now, so I’m rarely blown away. The Tahoe glasses were the exception to this rule, however, as the mineral glass lenses were phenomenal. Accordingly, whenever I get to look at their latest range, I always focus on the build quality. The Tokidoki California Dreamin’ glasses didn’t disappoint! They are wonderfully surreal and dreamy to look at.
The rounded lenses look great and I adored the half-rim finish. Moreover, the laser-engraved Tokidoki logo and other Easter eggs looked amazing. When you combine these elements with the light and slim arms, you get an unusual but stylish set of eyewear.
These glasses look great, but their hardwearing nature and flexible spring hinges offer a reassuring touch. Moreover, the lack of pressure on your temples enhances comfort further. I loved the colourful accessories and the amazing triangular hard case. The soft case and the microfibre cloth prevent dust and scratches from tainting the frame and lenses. Moreover, they are colourful and have a distinctive Tokidoki edge.
Are the Tokidoki California Dreamin’ glasses worth it?
These GUNNAR glasses will improve your life if you suffer from headaches and eye strain. The blue light protection reduces eye strain and increases productivity. The exceptional build quality and striking accessories make these a real talking point. Therefore, if you love the rounded style and the pastel finish, I recommend buying them here!
You know, I’m really not sure whether I like chess or not. Bear with me, this is going to be related to Metal Slug Tactics. See, I really like chess in theory. It’s a wonderfully tactical game, that’s simple enough for everyone to play but complex enough for deep strategy. Problem is, I find it immensely stressful. Every time I reach out to touch a piece, my brain immediately tries to predict the outcome of every move, which causes it to overload and shut down. The end result is hesitation before every move because I’m never sure that I’ve thought of all the possible counter-moves.
I bring it up, because a lot of turn-based strategy games conjure up the same feeling. So, I braced myself for stress when I loaded up Metal Slug Tactics. Strangely, though, it’s not stressful at all. Perhaps I hadn’t considered that this is part of the Metal Slug franchise. It’s not a series known for pensive strategy. It’s known for running’n’gunning, and Metal Slug Tactics works hard to transfer that from one genre to the other. The end result is very enjoyable, though the genre switch does bring in one major issue.
Charge And Barrage
I’m going to leave that issue dangling there for a moment, because I want to dig into the gameplay. Metal Slug Tactics is a turn-based strategy game, with roguelike elements sprinkled on top. We begin each run by picking three characters, with different weapons and skills, and then pick which territory we want to assault. Each territory has a set of missions and a boss that appears after three victories. Generally, the aim is to beef our soldiers up so they can assault Sirocco City, the final territory. Fail a run and it’s back to the beginning, with our failure translated into cash to spend on new skills and weapon mods. Fairly standard stuff on the surface.
The interesting stuff happens on the ground, though. The turn-based combat is grid based. You line your lads up by the enemies with your movement points and let the bullets fly with your action points. There are two exciting modifiers to this. First is the ‘dodge’ mechanic. Essentially, the more squares you move, the higher your dodge and the less damage you take. This changes things immensely. There’s no more hunkering down behind cover; you have to lace up your sneakers. It’s paired with a ‘sync’ mechanic, where if you have two soldiers lined up with an enemy, they’ll both fire. To sum up: you have to run’n’gun. It’s an interesting approach to strategy.
It works rather well. My first run ended in dismal failure, but once I’d picked up on what Metal Slug Tactics was trying to tell me, everything went a lot better. My favourite run involved Eri, a grenadier, Ralf, a close-combat specialist, and Marco, the all-rounder. I’d get Ralf in close, Eri behind cover and Marco at a mid-range. If I did it right, Eri’s grenade could set off a chain reaction of slashes and gunshots. It’s a rather accessible approach to strategy, if that’s the right word. Making a perfect decision is less important than just getting your guys moving, which I found alleviated the stress a lot.
A Touch Wobbly
There’s some nice touches going on around the gameplay too. I find the art to be quite charming. There’s lots of little funny scenes going on in the background. At one point I saw two enemies posing and taking pictures of each other. Would probably have been more pleasant if their friends weren’t being grenaded around them. Each region feels distinct too, with unique enemy types. There’s also a fair bit of writing on display. I wouldn’t say it’s amazing writing; more like saturday morning cartoon writing. I do appreciate that it gives the heroes some banter though, even if it slid right out of my head a second after reading it.
But I’ve left that ‘major issue’ dangling for a while now, so let’s get to it: the balance is awful. It’s a tricky thing to get right. Unbalanced towards the AI and a game is frustrating. Unbalanced towards the player, it’s too easy. Metal Slug Tactics is unbalanced massively towards the player. The fact that moving gives you defence means you can just zip around the battlefield, shooting without care. Even if you do mess up, you can undo moves, get two turn resets per battle and a generous amount of 1-ups for your heroes. I ended up beating the game on my third run, then beat it again on my fourth. Higher difficulty does help, of course, but the same core issue remains: it feels more like a puzzle game than a strategy game.
It’s annoying because the boss fights, for example, are interesting on the surface. The first one forces you to move from one floating platform to another in a tight time limit, for instance. But because moving is defence, this works in our favour. Some skills are a bit much too. Eri’s starting skill can throw two grenades in one go, which can easily carve up a tenth of a boss’ health. This balance really hammers home how short Metal Slug Tactics is. Four regions – which don’t all need to be conquered – and four battles in each. You can knock out a successful run in an afternoon, if the boss fights behave.
Metal Slug Tactics – Unbalanced Entertainment
Still, there is a reasonable amount to do within that short timeframe. If you just carve through the regions, you won’t get the true ending, for one. There are also quite a few different mission types – and more than a few different map types – so each run feels reasonably fresh. That said, the between run upgrades aren’t particularly exciting. Most just slot different skills or gun mods into a deck, so you only have a random chance of trying out your new upgrade. The different characters and loadouts are more exciting, as they can actually change up your playstyle between runs, though a lot of the loadouts seem like similar weapons shuffled between characters.
Metal Slug Tactics feels like a light snack of a game. The short length of runs – and the individual battles – means you can knock out a fair few in an evening. The gameplay is also quite straightforward on the surface, but has some tactical depth, so it’s good at getting its hooks into you. The balance issues do make things a little unsatisfying, but these things can be patched and, hey, there’s always the higher difficulty settings. In the end, it makes me wonder if I’d enjoy chess more if there was a rule where you can just pick up a pawn and fling it at the King.
Imagine scrolling through your favorite social media feed. And, you stumble upon a video of a breathtaking sunset. The visuals are stunning! But, what truly captivates you are the sounds that accompany it.
Think of the gentle rustle of leaves, the distant sound of waves crashing, and the faint chirping of birds. They transport you to the scene, immersing you in the experience, don’t they? For content creators, sound effects are essential tools that enhance storytelling and evoke emotions.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, a social media influencer, or a podcaster, using the right types of sound effects can elevate your content. It can make the content memorable for your audience, increasing the overall engagement.
Let’s explore the various types of sound effects that can take your projects to the next level.
Ambient Sounds
Ambient sounds are the backdrop to any scene, setting the mood and context for your content. These sounds can range from the gentle rustling of leaves in a forest to the bustling noise of a city street.
With ambient sound effects, you create a sense of place that immerses your audience in the environment. Whether you want to evoke tranquility with soft nature sounds or energy with urban sounds, ambient effects are crucial for creating an authentic atmosphere.
They help fill the sonic space, making visuals feel alive and engaging, and enhancing the overall storytelling experience.
Music Sounds
Music is a powerful tool in content creation, capable of evoking emotions and enhancing the narrative. The right musical score can uplift a scene, create tension, or evoke nostalgia, guiding the audience’s emotional response.
When selecting music sound effects, consider the mood and tempo that align with your message. Depending on the situation, you might choose from orchestral pieces to set a dramatic tone, upbeat tracks for lively scenes, or soothing melodies for reflective moments.
Furthermore, incorporating sound effects that mimic musical elements—like rhythmic clapping or gentle strumming—can add depth and texture to your audio landscape.
Action Sounds
Action sound effects are essential for creating an immersive experience in films, games, and other media that portray combat or high-stakes scenarios. This category encompasses a variety of effects, including gunfire, explosions, footsteps, and vehicle sounds like tanks or helicopters.
Action sounds help add realism and intensity, drawing the audience deeper into the narrative. For instance, soldier sound effects such as battle cries, radio communications, and the sound of heavy equipment can convey the chaos and urgency of combat situations
Moreover, the careful layering of these sounds—such as the distant rumble of explosions combined with close-up gunfire—can create a rich auditory landscape that not only enhances the visual elements but also evokes emotional responses from the audience.
Transition Sound Effects
Transition effects serve as auditory bridges between scenes. They guide your audience smoothly from one moment to the next. These sound effects can include swooshes, fades, or even short musical stings that signal a change in the narrative.
Effective use of transition sounds enhances the flow of your content, preventing jarring cuts that might disrupt the viewer’s experience. For example, a gentle fade-out followed by a soft chime can signal a transition from a tense moment to a calmer scene, helping to establish the emotional tone.
Transition sound effects not only aid in pacing but also add a layer of professionalism to the final product. They ensure that the audience remains immersed in the narrative without distraction.
Electronic Sounds
Electronic sounds are essential for modern content creation. They are used particularly in genres like sci-fi, gaming, and technology. These sound effects can range from futuristic beeps and glitches to atmospheric drones and synthesizer melodies.
They create a distinctive vibe that enhances the visual elements, drawing the audience into the digital realm you wish to portray. Incorporating electronic sounds allows creators to explore innovative storytelling techniques, setting the tone for high-energy action or suspenseful moments.
With a vast array of options available, electronic sounds can add a layer of excitement and intrigue to your projects, capturing the audience’s attention.
Silence
Silence is often overlooked, but it can be one of the most powerful sound effects in content creation. The absence of sound allows for moments of reflection, creating tension or emphasizing a pivotal moment in your story.
Strategic use of silence can heighten the emotional impact, making subsequent sounds or music more effective. By giving your audience a moment to process what they’ve just seen or heard, you enhance their engagement with the narrative.
Silence can also serve as a contrast to the chaos of a scene, allowing for a more profound connection to the content and its themes.
Wrapping Up
Incorporating diverse sound effects is vital for enriching your content and captivating your audience. From ambient sounds that set the scene to powerful action effects that heighten drama, each type plays a crucial role in storytelling.
With thoughtful selection and integration of these sounds, you can elevate your projects, evoke emotions, and create memorable experiences that resonate with viewers long after they’ve finished watching.
Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil is a fantastic card game that is inspired by the Netflix animated series. This bolt-on edition can be played as a standalone experience or combined with the base game. Either option is phenomenal and you’ll laugh, curse, and smile the night away. Furthermore, you’ll admire the artwork by The Oatmeal. The often creepy but interesting images add an unnatural edge and a sinister layer to proceedings.
If you are unaware of this much-loved franchise, this shouldn’t put you off. No prior knowledge is required, and you’ll get to grips with the madness in less than 5 minutes. I was recommended the game by a friend, and I can see why they referred to it as cruel and hilarious. Every playthrough is a blend of tactics and underhanded behaviour. Additionally, there is a heavy slice of luck as you try to avoid the deadly exploding kittens.
What’s in the box of Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil?
The packaging is as mischievous and naughty as the game itself. The amusing imagery and rich colour palette are eye-catching. Moreover, it is robust.
Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil comprises over 50 playing cards. Furthermore, there are diffuse, armageddon, and exploding kitten cards to enhance the tactical elements.
A God Cat and Devil Cat card are the ultimate risk.
A play mat for the God and Devil cats.
Learn the rules with the starter guide.
How do you play this game?
At first, Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil looks complicated. However, it is remarkably easy to master. There is a video guide or a written starter guide to assist you. Players are dealt 7 mystery cards and 1 diffuse card. Moreover, there are exploding kitten cards added to the deck. Once the game is set up, the action can begin.
Each player takes it in turn to use the cards in their hands. You may attack a specific player, see the future, place cat cards, or pass. As the game evolves, you’ll risk picking up an exploding kitten card. If this happens, you must use your diffuse card or be eliminated from the game. Furthermore, if an armageddon card is played, the God and Devil cat come into play. The action continues until 1 player survives.
Gloriously wicked gameplay.
Card games should have a prickly edge and a layer of luck. Thankfully, Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil has both. The mixture of action cards and amusing cat cards allows players to test their tactical nuance throughout. Additionally, you can team up against one player if you so wish. Though this was naughty, it added a cruel element to an already mean game.
The silly cat cards made me chuckle while delivering a game-changing mechanic. They allow you to steal cards or force your opponent into taking more turns. This can be an essential tool as the game evolves. On top of this, the armageddon card is the nuclear option. As this is played, you must place either the Devil Cat or God Cat in front of one player. That person must choose to keep the card in front of them or swap it. Once the decision is made, they must reveal what card they have. If the Devil is in their hand, they explode and it could be game over. Alternatively, if they hold the God Cat, they have the most powerful card ever created and the other player must use a diffuse card or explode.
This blend of naughty action and unpredictable action was fantastic. Though the mechanics are brilliantly simple, each game is unbelievably complex. You must decide whether to keep your powder dry and wait, or you can go all-out and hope that this is enough to keep you alive.
Build quality.
Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil is a drinking game and it can be played with friends and family. Accordingly, it has to be robust as drunk people and cardboard do not go hand-in-hand. Luckily, the chunky cards are strong and this prevents them from becoming damaged easily. Moreover, the play mat is well-built and it can take a little rough and tumble.
The build quality impressed me, but it was the exceptional illustration that made this stand out. The vibrant colours and interesting imagery will catch your eye. I loved the strange ideas and silly nature of the action cards. The designers have let that imagination go wild and the game excels as a consequence.
Is Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil worth it?
Though this is a game about exploding cats, no cats were hurt in the process. Subsequently, if you adore felines and you have a naughty sense of humour, this game will be right up your street. Furthermore, this 2-5 player game is fantastic no matter how many people play. Therefore, if you want something a little unusual that will make you smile, I recommend buying it here!
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
Developed and Published by Anima Flux, Anima Flux is a 2d coop Metroidvania with a 80s-90s retro sci-fi aesthetics and a dark cosmic atmosphere.
Another day, another Metroidvania on Steam these days. However, now and then, there is something worth your time. This game, as great as it looks or moves, is not one of them.
It’s got COOP
Anima Flux is a game that delivers exactly what the Metroidvania genre needed, even if it wasn’t what it originally intended to do. While Metroidvania games have always been known for their solitary exploration and a focus on uncovering new abilities, Anima Flux takes this concept and adds something fresh: cooperative gameplay.
Whether you’re playing with a friend on the couch or teaming up online with someone from across the world, Anima Flux offers a co-op experience that’s both fun and engaging. And if you prefer to go solo, the game still has you covered with an AI-controlled companion to back you up.
A similar taste
Like most Metroidvania games, Anima Flux drops you straight into its world with little direction. The game expects you to figure things out on your own, which can feel overwhelming at first but ultimately proves rewarding. The world is large and complex, and your first task is to explore and understand the lay of the land.
As you explore, you’ll encounter NPCs (non-playable characters) who provide bits of information and some guidance about what you should be doing next. But, like in other Metroidvania games, the world remains open-ended, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Along the way, you’ll face a variety of obstacles, from locked doors to powerful enemies. The game’s progression system involves defeating tough insect-like bosses, which drop valuable skill upgrades. These upgrades are essential to progressing through the game, as they grant you new abilities that allow you to break through barriers and reach new areas. For example, defeating certain bosses might give you a new weapon or a skill that lets you double-jump, which in turn opens up previously inaccessible areas.
As you delve deeper into the coop game’s world, you’ll also find merchants who offer useful upgrades. These can range from better armour and stronger weapons to elemental abilities and improved attack damage. The game encourages exploration, as the more you explore, the more powerful you become, and the more you can unlock.
This progression system is a key element of what makes Metroidvania games so addictive. Every time you unlock a new ability or find a new item, it feels like a small victory, motivating you to keep playing. The sense of accomplishment is especially strong in Anima Flux, as the game gradually opens up new paths and challenges, making you feel like you’re truly mastering the world.
Loners also welcome
If you’re the type of player who prefers to avoid human interaction, Anima Flux also has you covered. You can play with an AI-controlled companion, which takes some of the pressure off if you prefer a solo experience. However, as with any game featuring AI teammates, there are moments of frustration when the computer-controlled ally doesn’t quite perform as expected.
The co-op experience adds a layer of excitement to the game that players lose in single-player. You’ll need to communicate with your partner to strategize, whether it’s deciding who will take on the tougher enemies or figuring out how to overcome tricky obstacles.
An old friend, a new face.
So, if you’re really craving a co-op experience, Anima Flux has the right tools to spice things up with local or online multiplayer, offering that “teamwork makes the dream work” vibe, assuming your teammate isn’t brain-dead and gets killed by an enemy for the fifth time in a row. But hey, at least the game still lets you play solo if you’re one of those rare creatures who actually enjoy the “I’m lost, but it’s fine” vibe of Metroidvania games.
This coop game certainly looks great, and if you’re a fan of wandering around aimlessly through sprawling maps with minimal direction, then congratulations, you’re in for a treat. It does that Metroidvania thing with a vengeance.
Is Anima Flux a game you absolutely must play? Probably not. But if you’ve got a spare couple of hours and an unhealthy desire to collect power-ups from giant insect guts, well, this could be your next distraction. Just don’t expect it to redefine the genre or leave you thinking.
The Sonic Prime Action Figures are the perfect Christmas gift for franchise fans. These colourful and detailed figurines are based on the Netflix series. Moreover, they come in packs of 4 and there are 8 unique characters to collect. Accordingly, these collectables would look great on your shelf if you love the game or the Netflix series. Alternatively, maybe you love to recreate your favourite scene. Either way, these figurines will impress you.
The striking poses and vibrant colours are wonderfully eye-catching. As such, they’d look incredible if you have a man/woman cave. Though I weep a bit when collectables are played with, I couldn’t resist. Each figure was great to handle and the secure base was perfectly balanced. Therefore, you can combine this product with other Sonic items for hours of imaginative fun.
Which characters did I get in the Sonic Prime Action Figures pack of 4?
This collectable pack comprises 4 of the lead protagonists for the Netflix series. Sonic the Hedgehog looks serious and prepared to undertake any task. Tails raises a fist in defiance of the evil powers that he must overcome. Rogue looks relaxed and nonchalant as she observes her surroundings. Finally, Dr Eggman has a classic antagonist pose as he flaunts his power.
Each of the characters is full of personality and I could feel the TV series and video game vibes from each item. What’s more, the colours are accurate and each layer of detail will impress hardcore fans. Consequently, unlike cheap action figures, the Sonic Prime Action Figures will not disappoint.
Build quality.
I cannot judge these items as toys. I view them as collectables and the build quality, depth of colour and detail, and other elements reflect this status. Now, I’m not saying that you can’t play with them, but I believe they’ve been created for collectors and enthusiasts of the Sonic franchise. Subsequently, though the quality is good, they will become discoloured and damaged if they are mishandled.
The 7.5 cm figures are made from plastic and stand upon solid round bases. Their lightweight nature makes them pleasant to hold and they are ideal for desktops or shelving in a gaming environment. Alternatively, you may wish to place them within your PC for a unique edge. The solid figures have an animated appearance that is both dramatic and characterful.
I was impressed with the build quality and the rich colour palette. Furthermore, the blend of characters was interesting and children and adults will love these collectables equally.
Are the Sonic Prime Action Figures worth it?
Buying collectables is a niche market. Yet, Sonic the Hedgehog is huge and a series with Netflix is only going to make it bigger. Though I wouldn’t exclusively use them as toys, they are robust enough to take some roughhousing. However, they are best served as a display piece and this is where they truly excel. Accordingly, I love them and I recommend buying them here!
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
It’s been almost ten years since the first game in the franchise was released and now Life is Strange is back with the launch of Double Exposure. Does it live up to the classic tale? Or are you left wishing you could rewind time once again?
Time-Bending Triumph
I fell in love a long time ago with the unique charm of Life is Strange. Each game has had a profound effect on me with their characters, setting and coming of age tales. Now Double Exposure continues its brilliance. Returning from the original is protagonist Max Caufield, a fan favourite character whom I have longed to be back in the series. She is such a fantastic lead character with her inner monologues, opinions on life and her deliberate resistance to conforming to societal norms. Coming ten years after the events of the first game, Max has left Arcadia Bay and moved to Lakeport Vermont where she is working as a photography teacher in residence at Caledon University. From the very start of the story it’s clear Max is still dealing with the effects of the first game through grief, guilt and PTSD symptoms from her encounters with Mr Jefferson. She swore never to use her time-bending abilities again and ten years on, she has kept that promise. That is until the events of the first night of the game where Max’s close friend Safi is murdered. This prompts Max to discover a new ability- the power to shift into multiple timelines and pulse in one timeline to see what is happening in the parallel universe. I think it’s important to mention that playing through the original game will give some vital context for players and enrich the story deeper as there are many throw-backs to the original. The emphasis on Max’s relationship with Chloe from the first game is important, as early on you are given a choice to shape what happened with Chloe and this will have ripple effects for the rest of the story.
As per a usual rule of mine, I don’t want to get into spoiler territory but, as I’ve previously said, it’s advisable to go into the game knowing the first story’s plot. But man what a story this is! It’s a murder mystery and a supernatural drama that is just so engrossing from minute one that I cannot recommend it enough. The cast of characters is absolutely superb, from Max’s friends Moses and Safi, to love interests Vinh and Amanda, to minor villains like Lucas or Yasmin. Each character is so interesting and I just adored being able to peel back a layer for each of them and find out more about them. It’s a mature tale dealing with many topics that young adults encounter in today’s world and like the other games in the franchise, it has this loveable coming of age story that never comes across as pretentious or tacky. Each game portrays a character dealing with the emergence of powers and Double Exposure has done wonderfully well in making Max feel like a novice in her abilities.
Over the roughly ten hour story, I laughed and cried in this powerful tale of friendship and what lengths you would go to for a friend. Max, for me, is an all time great protagonist, in the way she conveys her thoughts and emotions. The choices you make truly feel important, no matter what you choose. Adding the romantic subplots and the other contextual conversations made me feel that this is a new benchmark for the series. Whilst I wish it was just a little bit longer, the ending certainly sets up a sequel for Max and her friends and I just cannot wait! The story feels raw and real with the dealing of vast topics but the emphasis on grief and guilt really struck a cord with me. With the story being so impactful, its important gameplay holds its own and the new additions to the series help propel it to new heights.
Evolution and Innovation
Expectations are important in a game like Life is Strange. This is a narrative adventure game so gameplay will never truly be the emphasis as the story is always in the driving seat. Nevertheless, developers Deck Nine have attempted to give more life to the gameplay, with superb results. Like every LiS game, it’s controlled from a third-person perspective with a focus on exploration, but this time they have really interwoven the main ability into gameplay itself. Max has the ability to cross timelines into either Safi being alive or the timeline where she died. This creates puzzles, as in one timeline, areas may be blocked, but by switching, you can manipulate the environment. This mechanic is fantastic and really makes you feel like you are actually using the power this time, which in previous games felt mainly confined to cutscenes. I loved going back and forth between worlds to see what had changed but it’s the pulse ability that truly blew me away.
The pulse ability works as an area of effect scan but for the opposing world. By pulsing, you can stay in one timeline but see the events of the other, which is just fantastic. Seeing and hearing what is going on in the other timeline adds so much context to the characters and plot; I often used the ability whilst wandering around to see what I could discover. Along with this ability, returning mechanics from the previous games take the forefront in gameplay. The ability to interact with items in the environment is as important as ever as it allows Max to comment on them and this adds great moments you otherwise would miss. Text messages and the social media platforms return, which again add to the plot, as I sat scrolling through the feed, reading the characters’ thoughts and feelings at each major plot point, hoping to see their reactions to my choices. As mentioned, choices are still prominent and create replay ability for players, as I now want to go back into this fantastic world and do the opposite to what I did to see the ripple effects. Another returning element is the ability to sit in areas and reflect, which allows Max to monologue the events that have recently occurred. This really made me think that every choice I made could have a profound effect on Max. Taking photos feels as great as ever with the added ability to create double exposures on photos which is a beautiful addition. Great returning elements and wonderful new innovations in the gameplay loop make this game the most interactive and engaging Life is Strange yet.
Presentational Tour-De-Force
Graphically speaking, this game is absolutely breath-taking. This is a small scale story focusing on one area, Caledon University, but every inch of the campus is dripping in detail. Each area looks beautiful, from the campus to the art building to the local bar that Max frequents. Every room is detailed, vibrant and colourful, making each location stand out from the next which is important as this is a relatively small scale story in terms of location. I loved wandering into every room I could enter to see what I could find next. The journal showing Max’s doodles and thoughts throughout the game is also superb. Deck Nine have without a doubt crafted the best looking game in the franchise. Moreover, it’s the animations that truly blew me away. Simply put, facial animations in this game are some of the best in video games. Period. Watching Max or the cast convey their emotions so expressively is so realistic you have to do a double take sometimes. This truly makes the emotional and climatic parts of the story feel so real when the characters are conveying their feelings in such a lifelike manner; it’s truly magnificent. It will take something special for a game to beat these animations and I cannot wait for Deck Nine to craft more games using this superb animation system.
Along with some of the best graphics of the year, I can safely say Double Exposure has the best soundtrack of the year- and nothing compares! Each song on the official soundtrack for the game is so emotionally connected to a specific scene that it truly resonated with me and made me want to listen to them over and over. It’s a track listing full of original songs from artists such as Dodie and Matilda Mann that make the game so special. During moments of reflection where Max verbalises her thoughts, a song will play which makes those moments so special. During the climatic moments of the game the song selection is just pure perfection and heightened my emotions in every single scene. This is a stunning achievement and a soundtrack I will be listening to for years to come.
Along with the soundtrack is a near perfect performance from the voice cast, in particular Hannah Telle as Max and Olivia AbiAssi. This cast is superb in displaying the emotions and raising stakes of the characters as the story unfolds and had me in tears at times. Each character is voiced so wonderfully and memorably; it’s such a masterclass in voice acting. However, sound design is the one problem I have with the entire game. It’s not that the design is poor as everything sounds great, but it’s the actual mixing of the sound itself. At times, the sound would randomly distort which would make one sound or piece of dialogue boom loudly, drowning out the voice. This did remove some of the enjoyment or emotion from dramatic moments. But truly, only the one down side to the game.
Verdict
Life is Strange: Double Exposure truly is a new benchmark for a franchise that is close to my heart. A superb thought-provoking tale spearheaded by the exquisitely voiced Max, make this game stay in the mind and heart for years to come. A diverse and well rounded cast help propel the story to new heights whilst new gameplay mechanics make this the most interactive and immersive game in the series. Industry leading graphics and the best soundtrack of the year make this a strong contender for end of year awards. Only minor sound issues and overall story length hinder this spell binding tale. I laughed, I cried and now I long for more.
When Studio Zero finished up with Persona 5, the next project they announced would be their take on the fantasy genre. That project turned out to be Metaphor: ReFantazio. While the setting of Metaphor differs from the Persona games, the DNA of Persona is still found within Metaphor. From its in-depth character stories, in-your-face themes of inequality and injustices, and its excellent turn-based combat. Everything you could want from a Persona game is here, and it is an amazing RPG worth playing.
Fantasy Hellscape
Metaphor’s story starts with the murder of the king of Euchronia, at the hands of Count Louis, a well-liked general responsible for placing a curse on the prince of Euchronia. The main character is responsible for finding out how to lift the curse from the prince. At the same time, with the king dead, the king’s final wish is to hold a popularity contest amongst the people to find out who the new king should be. You enter the contest to get close to Count Louis and find out how to save the prince.
Along the way, you meet companions who will join your cause. Each companion has their own story to explore through follower bonds. The deeper you grow your follower bonds, the more benefits you unlock. Your party members can gain new forms of their archetypes, the summons of this game, and can block attacks for you. Non-combat followers can unlock discounts in stores or benefits outside of combat that are beneficial throughout the game.
Turn-Based Excellence
Metaphor’s combat, while similar to previous Persona games, has a different approach to how you’re fighting enemies in this game. In Persona games, you use different types of spells and attacks to figure out the enemies’ weaknesses, knock them down, and perform an all-out attack to perform massive damage. In Metaphor, you have a certain amount of actions equal to the number of party members you have. Each action you perform takes up an action unless you hit a weakness, then it counts for half an action. So instead of knocking enemies down, you’re trying to extend your turn to wipe out the enemies.
Another interesting factor to combat is positioning. You can position your party members at the front or the rear. Positioning party members at the rear would have them take less damage while dealing less damage. One strategy I liked early on was having my knight archetype in the back while taunting everyone to attack the knight while my other party members fought freely. The positioning mechanic adds a new wrinkle to combat, but I wish they played around with this idea more.
The other big change to Metaphor is how summons work. In metaphor, your characters get powerful summons called archetypes. Archetypes take on the form of RPG classes. For example, you can have a warrior, mage, cleric, etc. Every character can use any archetype, as long as you have unlocked them. You can level archetypes up to level 20, and unlock skills. These skills can be transferred and used in other archetypes. I love the flexibility that this creates throughout the game. Being able to use skills for whatever situation you need is awesome, and I love the strategies you can create with all the different skills your archetypes give you.
Running the Gauntlet
Fans of Persona will feel right at home in Metaphor: ReFantazio. It is a long journey with many twists and turns tied to a calendar year. Its themes of inequality and a desire for a better world are in your face, and a little on the nose sometimes. The characters you meet along the journey and the stories they have are also memorable. One thing that is particularly interesting to me is the idea of fantasy in this world. Throughout the story, the main character has a book that tells the story of a utopia. That utopia is our real world where everyone is equal and united. Which is the opposite of Euchronia where racism and classism divide the country.
Of course, dungeon crawling is fun and streamlined this time around. Weaker enemies can be taken out without engaging in battle. Each quest feels different based on what archetypes you bring and the party members you have. Dungeons feel massive in scale, even compared to the palaces of Persona 5. Of course, the battle themes are amazing and I will have them stuck in my head for hours after putting the game down.
Fit To Wear The Crown
While Metaphor does not soar to the highs that Persona 5 did, this game is a truly exceptional RPG. Its turn-based combat is a lot of fun to engage with, the dungeons are massive and a ton of fun to explore. The characters have the same emotional depth that Studio Zero is known for, and its grandiose story will leave you on the edge of your seat. Metaphor: ReFantazio is a special game and it is worth your time.
If you follow my reviews, you know that I love keyboards. The weirder, the better as I adore a good conversation starter. Though I look at various brands and styles of keyboards, I haven’t reviewed any keycaps. Well, today I break that duck as I look at the attractive and alluring Temple Keycaps from Epomaker.
These earthy-looking keycaps utilise the much-loved cherry profile. Accordingly, if you invest, you’ll enjoy a comfortable and familiar typing experience. On top of this, I loved the ancient desert civilisation theme. The rich browny/orange tone works perfectly with a dark-cased keyboard. Moreover, if there is a gentle RGB hue, these keycaps pop. As such, you can make an eye-catching display with very little work.
What’s in the box of the Temple Keycaps?
The packaging is plain and ordinary. Accordingly, it does a great job of juxtaposing the interesting and colourful contents.
The Temple Keycaps are incredibly well-built. Furthermore, they are suitable for ISO and ANSI templates and 60% through to full-size keyboards.
Remove your existing keycaps with the pulling tool.
Technical aspects.
Keycaps are simple by design. Yet, despite their straightforward nature, they are surprisingly complex as well. They must match an array of switches and be suitable for numerous form factor units. Thankfully, the Temple Keycaps fit the Cherry MX switches and many of the copycat brands available. Accordingly, you are guaranteed a great fit. On top of this, you can fit this product to a US ANSI or UK Iso template. This is a fantastic versatile approach that guarantees satisfaction.
If you lack confidence or you have never pulled a keycap before, you may be worried about the task ahead. Thankfully, the handy keycap-pulling tool makes it a cinch to remove your existing keys. Additionally, replacing them is as simple as lining up the cap and pushing it in place. Little force is required and they clip into place with ease. Consequently, you’ll have your new design up and running in no time.
Build quality.
Keyboards take an absolute beating. Typing and gaming ruin the pristine finish of your pride and joy. Luckily, the Temple Keycaps have a robust coating that is built to last. The high-quality PBT material is durable while resisting oily staining. Moreover, the one-dip dye sublimation prevents the icons and graphics will not fade.
The strong keycaps have a striking ancient desert finish that is unusual to look at. I adore the combination of Egyptian hieroglyphics and distinct lettering. Alongside this, the main functionality keys are easily identifiable thanks to their large imagery and unique backdrops. The blend of colours and graphics makes this set wonderfully unique. Unlike other keycaps, these are simple to work with and I was typing and playing normally in record time.
Are the Temple Keycaps worth it?
Creating a fun and vibrant style that reflects your personality isn’t that easy. Moreover, you may not like investing more money into your PC rig. Luckily, the Temple Keycaps are affordable and built to last. Consequently, you won’t have to replace them once they are installed. The cherry profile is comfortable for typing and gaming, and you will have your keyboard stripped and set up in less than 10 minutes. If you are looking for a change, I recommend buying them here! If Epomaker takes your fancy, they are offering massive savings for Black Friday 2024! Information can be found at the link below.
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Wagering Requirement
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45x
Loyalty Program Bonuses
Typically lower
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Spirittea is a classic farm/life sim that is packed full of lively characters and a wonderful town to explore. However, it feels pretty hectic and I struggled to keep on top of every task. Now, this may not annoy some people, but I play this genre for a chilled time. This is why I adore games like Harvest Moon and Stardew Valley. Though they offer plenty of depth, you are in charge of your destiny. Sadly, this wasn’t always the case here, and it was occasionally overwhelming.
This otherworldly sim experience was developed by Cheesemaster Games and No More Robots. Furthermore, it is a single-player game that has a lush pixelated aesthetic. The game plays out from a bird’s eye view and the relaxing music juxtaposes the never-ending hectic list of tasks. As such, it’s a little bizarre, but strangely addictive at the same time.
Spirittea tells a familiar tale.
In typical genre fashion, you are new to a village and the locals are excited to meet you. Moreover, they can’t do enough to help you settle in. Yet, there is always a hidden reason and things quickly unfold as favours are called in. Spirittea has no nasty secrets, but there is a brilliant ghostly edge that is pleasant to see. The hero moves into his new town. It is quaint and pretty, but also haunted. These pesky spirits want your help, and you are more than happy to give it to them.
As you relax in your new home, you make yourself a delicious cup of tea. The magical tea leaves help you to connect with the troublesome spirits. Wonyan a divisive cat spirit introduces you to the local bathhouse. This abandoned building needs to be restored so you can help every spirit relax and communicate.
Though the concept isn’t new, I liked the twist on old ideas. The bathhouse requires a lot of attention and this will consume your time. Accordingly, you must juggle your responsibilities and your friendships to make things work.
Time to make friends.
Ahhhh, the classic mechanic of friendship and love. Spirittea utilises this idea to build a sense of community and worth. Additionally, once you maximise your friendship meter, you can get them to help you during day-to-day tasks. This was a brilliant idea, but things felt a little skewed. Consequently, it wasn’t until the latter part of the game that things moved at a decent pace.
The NPC friendship is essential for your bathhouse to succeed. Each NPC helps to drive ghosts to your business and this builds a rounder picture of the surrounding world. This was phenomenal as each character and ghost has a wild personality that is fascinating to see. Moreover, the town and the residents feel alive and energetic. Subsequently, every ounce of exploration and every quest was a joy to experience.
Though I found much of the gameplay fun, the mini-games were repetitive. High energy tasks became tiresome and I would look for activities that consumed less of my time. This was a shame as there was a pleasant charm to everything on offer. Yet, when you’ve sung karaoke for the millionth time, it does get somewhat tedious.
Spirittea has a great dated feel.
Pixelated aesthetics have a wholesome nature that reminds me of growing up. As such, Spirittea filled me with a joyful nostalgia that was warm and enjoyable. Furthermore, each character has a unique look and the ghosts were as bizarre as you’d expect. Though the mini-games were basic by design, I liked the simplicity and how easy things were to work out.
The audio didn’t quite match the hectic workload. However, it was pleasant and nice to listen to. On top of this, the sound effects were suitable and made me smile more often than not. This doesn’t do anything unique, but I liked the pleasant soundscape and its relaxing ways.
Simple controls.
Running the bathhouse was time-consuming. Yet, I enjoyed the fun games and the excellent control layout. The tutorial was straightforward and understanding each goal was a cinch. The hardest part of this title was managing your time correctly and making every person happy.
There is plenty of replay value and longevity if you get on with your ghostly friends. Moreover, each NPC has a wonderful personality and getting to know them was great fun. As such, if this gets its claws into your skin, you won’t be able to put it down.
Spirittea was a familiar but nice indie title.
Though Spirittea doesn’t get its work-life balance right, I loved the story and the heartwarming personalities. Additionally, the mini-games were fun even though some were repetitive. Accordingly, if you love this genre, I recommend buying it here! Can you appease every spirit? Make some friends, run your business, and keep those ghosts happy.
Social Ladder by Sidemen is funny, silly, and competitive. What’s more, it ticks many boxes if you love to drink and spend time with your friends. Though this game doesn’t work well with extended friendship groups, it is ideal if you have a close-knit friendship circle. I’ve recently reviewed Too Far, and I loved every second. This game isn’t as dark, and many questions are lighthearted and tongue-in-cheek. Accordingly, the arguments were few and far between.
This simple card game is easy to play and quick to master. Alongside this, you can play it while you warm up for a night out or if you are drinking with your mates. Either way, you are guaranteed plenty of laughter and lots of silly behaviour. Furthermore, you could discover some things about your friends that you never knew. Therefore, you need to keep your ears and eyes peeled as the madness unfolds.
What’s in the box of Social Ladder?
The packaging is robust, colourful, and compact. Consequently, it is ideal if you wish to take it to the pub.
Over 100 question cards are provided.
Power cards are double-sided (bet on yourself or double down).
Identity cards help to put you in your place.
Keep on top of the score with the scorecard.
Learn the basics with the guide.
How do you play Social Ladder?
Now, I’ve boldly stated that Social Ladder is easy to play. Yet, this explanation may not be that clear. However, when you play it, it is easy to master. First, you must pick a master rater. The game suggests the baldest person. This could be a problem if you are all follically challenged. Once the first round is complete, the person to the right becomes the master rater. A question is selected and the MR must select the order from most to least likely on the social ladder. For example, most funny.
Once the question is asked, the group must argue, discuss, and sell their reasoning to whoever will listen. As the dust settles, you must place your card to show the group where you sit in the pecking order. If you disagree with the group, the majority decision is final. Yet, you can use a power card to move yourself or double down on your position. If everyone is happy, the MR reveals the order they’ve picked, and scores are dished out accordingly. The winner is the person who scores the most points by the end of the game.
Phenomenal with friends.
Too Far made my sides hurt with laughter. Yet, Social Ladder was a little calmer to play. This was amazing as flitting between the 2 games created a calm before the next storm. Where this excels is the ability to judge your friends without going too far. As the questions are asked, the energy goes through the roof.
I loved the little arguments and the minor tactical layers. Vying for position was fun and waiting to see how your friends rated you was particularly eye-opening. Luckily, this has plenty of questions and that will prevent the action from becoming repetitive. Yet, like Too Far, I hope that additional card packs are added to keep things fresh.
Build quality.
This game has joined us down the pub and on an Air BnB holiday. As such, it has taken a bit of a battering once the alcohol has taken over. Luckily, the hardwearing cards have resisted the brutality. Though there are some creases and the scorecard has seen better days, everything is perfectly serviceable.
On top of this, the cards have a nice finish and I liked the clean font and the contrasting colours. The double-sided cards help to reduce waste and each one was easy to identify. The question cards are a little light, but they have survived some heavy-handed moments and I’m confident they will last the test of time.
Is Social Ladder worth it?
If you have a great circle of friends who enjoy silly card games and each other’s company, then Social Ladder will be a hit. The amusing questions will make you laugh and the quick gameplay is ideal. Moreover, it is simple to play even though there are some tactical elements. This will be a hit for fans of Sidemen. However, if you are unaware of who they are, you’ll still enjoy the core action and the amusing moments. Accordingly, I like it and I recommend buying it here!
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
