Broken Spectre, developed by Games by Stitch and in collaboration with one of the makers of The Blair Witch Project, delivers a hand-tracked horror experience for the Meta Quest 2 and PCVR (this review was carried out on Quest 2). Does it provide bone-chilling scares and innovative gameplay, or is it a spectral disappointment?
A Haunting Setting and Intriguing Story
Broken Spectre throws you into the atmospheric wilderness of Coldwood Mountain. You search for your missing father, drawn by a mysterious signal and whispers of a dark entity. The narrative unfolds organically through environmental storytelling and cryptic messages scattered throughout the environment. While the story might not be groundbreaking, the setting is undeniably effective. The dense forest, shrouded in mist with creaking trees and haunting soundscapes, creates a pervasive sense of unease.
Hand-Tracking: A Double-Edged Sword
One of Broken Spectre’s unique features is its reliance on hand-tracking technology. You interact with the world using your bare hands, picking up objects, manipulating controls, and even fending off spectral threats. This approach fosters a greater sense of immersion as your virtual hands become extensions of your own. However, hand-tracking technology on the Quest 2 is still in its early stages. While it works reasonably well for basic interactions, finer movements can be imprecise and sometimes frustrating.
Horror More Atmospheric Than Jump-Scares
Broken Spectre leans towards a more atmospheric brand of horror than a jump-scare fest. The game builds tension through unsettling visuals, eerie sound design, and the constant feeling of being watched. You’ll encounter shadowy figures and distorted whispers, keeping you on edge throughout your exploration. However, those who crave jump-scares might find the experience underwhelming. While there are a few well-placed scares, they are not the main focus.
Broken Spectre Is A Short Experience
Broken Spectre can be completed in roughly 2-3 hours, depending on your exploration pace. While some might find this length short, it feels appropriate for a VR experience. The concise playtime allows the atmosphere to maintain its potency without dragging.
Visuals and Performance: A Mixed Bag
The visuals in Broken Spectre are a bit of a paradox. While the art style itself is effective, with a dark and foreboding atmosphere, the technical execution leaves some room for improvement. Environments tend to be simple, with low-resolution textures and some noticeable pop-in. Additionally, frame rate drops can occur in more demanding scenes, impacting immersion.
Final Thoughts on Broken Spectre
Overall, Broken Spectre is a decent VR horror experience for Quest 2. It provides a solid foundation for hand-tracked horror, and the atmospheric setting is unsettling. However, technical limitations and a short playtime might hold it back for some. Broken Spectre is worth checking out if you’re a VR enthusiast looking for a spooky escape that emphasises atmosphere over jump-scares. Just be prepared for a few rough edges around the spectral corners.
Switchback VR, a PSVR2 exclusive developed by Supermassive Games, takes players on a white-knuckle ride through a haunted amusement park. Players can expect a spooky atmosphere, pulse-pounding scares, and thrilling on-rails shooter action as the game leverages the Dark Pictures Anthology franchise. But does Switchback VR deliver a well-rounded VR horror experience, or is it all thrills and no chills?
A Haunting Carnival of Nightmares
Switchback VR’s gameplay revolves around navigating a series of haunted roller coaster tracks. The PSVR2’s impressive field of view and smooth tracking perfectly translate the feeling of speeding through twists, drops, and inversions. The developers have meticulously crafted diverse themed environments, each oozing with atmosphere and creepy details. While the pre-rendered visuals might not push the boundaries of the PSVR2’s hardware, the effective lighting and shadow create a genuinely unsettling ambience.
Shooting from the Hip: Fast-Paced On-Rails Action in Switchback VR
In Switchback VR, you are tasked with fending off various grotesque creatures that emerge from the shadows. Utilising intuitive motion controls with the PSVR2’s Sense Controllers, players blast away at these hostiles with a satisfying arsenal of weaponry. Shotguns provide a close-range punch for swarms of enemies, while pistols offer precision for taking down distant targets. The game cleverly uses the rollercoaster’s on-rails nature to its advantage, throwing enemies at you from unexpected angles and keeping the action dynamic. While the shooting mechanics are simple and accessible, the constant barrage of scares and the need for quick reflexes keep the gameplay engaging.
A Story Light on Scares, Heavy on Atmosphere
The narrative in Switchback VR takes a backseat to the rollercoaster thrills. Players piece together the story through environmental clues and disembodied voices, unravelling the mystery behind the haunted amusement park. While the overarching plot might not be particularly deep, the voice acting and unsettling atmosphere create a sense of unease that complements the rollercoaster ride. However, some horror fans might find the scares predictable and the story lacking emotional impact.
Final Thoughts on Switchback VR
A complete playthrough of Switchback VR takes just over four hours. While the concise length ensures the experience doesn’t overstay its welcome, it might leave players wanting more content. Especially considering the single-player focus. The game offers some replayability with hidden collectables and branching paths that alter certain rollercoaster sections, but it’s unlikely to hold players’ attention. It’s an enjoyable, atmospheric experience with fast-paced VR shooting action.
The MonsGeek M1W V3 HE-SP keyboard combines style and usability. This sturdy reduced form factor device is perfect for gamers and office workers. Additionally, this is the product for you if you want something that offers flexibility and a wireless connection.
This special keyboard can be used on a PC, Mac, consoles, or via Bluetooth for your mobile devices. This flexibility was impressive. Moreover, it’s unbelievably easy to set up and adjusting the settings was straightforward. If you download the MonsGeek drivers, you may alter the RGB, trigger sensitivity, and actuation distance with ease. Alongside this, there are preset options that make this task easier still.
What’s in the box of the MonsGeek M1W V3 HE-SP keyboard?
The packaging is sturdy and attractive. What’s more, it has a professional and alluring edge that highlights the quality.
The MonsGeek M1W V3 HE-SP keyboard is surprisingly heavy. The aluminium case is reassuringly chunky and I love the streamlined finish.
Miscellaneous replacement components are provided.
Charge the keyboard with the coiled USB-C to USB-A cable.
A wireless dongle increases your connectivity options.
A keycap puller and switch tool can be used to customise your device.
Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
Gaming is at the core of MonsGeek’s mission. Accordingly, fully adjustable settings make this device stand out from the crowd. Furthermore, a media control knob ensures that the user has full control over their audio. This was spectacular, especially if you love to play fast-paced and competitive games. Alternatively, if you enjoy casual gaming, you’ll adore the rapid inputs and the glorious RGB display.
Adjustable actuation, rapid trigger, dynamic keystrokes and mod-tap are features that improve your gaming experience. Each of these elements allows the user to adjust the keyboard to their needs. Consequently, fans of FPS titles can design a four-point keystroke or design a dual-behaviour keytap. Either way, you can enjoy a match-winning edge by customising your keyboard through the MonsGeek software.
Connectivity.
The impressive customisation features were great. However, I adored the connectivity options. If you are a Mac user, this keyboard can be connected with the flick of a switch. Alternatively, you may use the Bluetooth 5.0 function to connect to 3 unique devices. This stable option delivered low latency performance that was perfect for my typing and gaming needs.
Finally, you may use the USB cable to utilise an old-school approach. This method may not be as clean as the other methods, but it is reliable, and the coiled cable is as robust as the keyboard. Moreover, this option lets you charge the device, so if you run out of juice, you can continue playing whilst the keyboard charges. The 6,000 mAh battery withstands lengthy gaming sessions. However, if it runs low, it can be charged quickly for your convenience.
Usability.
No one wants a slow or challenging-to-use keyboard. Luckily, the MonsGeek M1W V3 HE-SP keyboard is a cinch to set up and alter. The exceptional free-to-download software allows you to alter every element. Accordingly, you can program dynamic keystrokes for four different key operations. Though this wasn’t something I used heavily, I was impressed with its responsive nature.
Alongside this, you may create your own RGB patterns or use the FN and shortcut buttons to cycle through 20 options. Additionally, you can alter the brightness and the cycle speed. If you love to change your audio on the fly, the handy media knob is a game changer. When you combine this with the FN shortcuts, you can adjust your volume and your audio settings with ease.
Finally, it is simple to select your connectivity options. A switch is hidden under the tab button. When activated, you can move between Mac, Windows, wired, and wireless. Moreover, Bluetooth can be activated using the FN and shortcut buttons.
Build quality.
This keyboard is jam-packed with features. Yet, it was the build quality that blew me away. The spectacular linear magnetic switches are accurate and smooth. Additionally, they deliver that wonderful mechanical sound. Furthermore, they utilise Hall Effect sensing for an ultra-accurate experience.
On top of this, the aluminium frame and the plate-mounted stabilisers deliver a comfortable typing and gaming performance. Moreover, the metallic finish is pleasant to look at and I loved the streamlined appearance. This is continued with the side-printed backlit keycaps. This stylish look takes some getting used to. However, once you get to grips with it, it is a real conversation starter. Lastly, the OEM profile feels comfortable and familiar and the PBT double-shot keycaps ensure that the colour remains true for longer.
Is the MonsGeek M1W V3 HE-SP keyboard worth it?
This device stands out from the crowd. The unusual side-printed font and the incredible build quality are a head-turner. What’s more, the connectivity options and the free software make this impressively versatile and user-friendly. If you then consider the 8K polling rate and the stable wireless options, this is ideal for competitive gamers. Subsequently, I love this device and I recommend buying it here!
Moss Book 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved PSVR title, whisks players back into a world of miniature wonder. Reprising your role as the “reader,” you guide the courageous mouse heroine Quill on a thrilling adventure through a captivating storybook landscape. Building upon the first game’s strengths, the sequel boasts improved visuals, refined gameplay mechanics, and a spellbinding narrative that expands upon Quill’s world.
A Breathtaking World Reborn
The most striking improvement lies in its visual presentation. The PlayStation VR2’s enhanced resolution and graphical fidelity bring the world of Moss to life with stunning detail. From the lush greenery of overgrown forests to the glistening metallic sheen of ancient ruins, every environment is brimming with charm and personality. Quill herself benefits from the graphical upgrade, with her expressive animations and detailed fur adding to the overall immersion.
In Moss Book 2, You’re More Than Just a Guide
Moss Book 2 refines the core gameplay established in the first game. Players guide Quill through intricate environments, solving puzzles by manipulating objects in the world and utilising her newfound arsenal of gadgets. New mechanics like picking up blocks as the Reader and environmental puzzles add a layer of complexity that keeps the gameplay fresh without ever feeling overwhelming. The true highlight, however, remains the interaction between you and Quill.
An Unfolding Epic
The story picks up where the first game left off. This time, Quill ventures deeper into the world to confront a new threat. The narrative is surprisingly engaging, delivered through a charming mix of environmental storytelling and narrated cutscenes. While the core themes of heroism and friendship remain familiar, Moss Book 2 delves deeper into Quill’s backstory.
Final Thoughts on Moss Book 2
Moss Book 2 builds upon the success of the original VR adventure, offering a delightful return to Quill’s charming world. New weapons, abilities, and environments keep the gameplay fresh, while the core strengths of storytelling and VR immersion remain intact. The balance between combat and puzzles provides a satisfying experience, enhanced by the PSVR2 hardware. However, a potentially repetitive mission structure might hold it back for extended play sessions. Overall, Moss Book 2 is a charming and engaging VR adventure. It delivers more of what fans loved about the first game, and that’s never bad!
Jurassic World Aftermath brings players face-to-face with the terrifying aftermath of Isla Nublar’s destruction in a VR experience I reviewed on PlayStation VR2. Developed by Coatsink, the game focuses on stealth and puzzle-solving as you navigate a perilous abandoned research facility overrun by escaped dinosaurs. Does Jurassic World Aftermath capture the thrill of the Jurassic Park franchise, or does it get lost in the jungle of repetitive gameplay?
A World Reclaimed by Nature
Jurassic World Aftermath’s greatest strength lies in its immersive atmosphere. The PSVR2’s impressive visuals bring the overgrown ruins of the research facility to life in stunning detail. Sunlight filtering through shattered glass illuminates dusty corridors while the ever-present threat of lurking dinosaurs hangs heavy in the air. The haunting sound design, featuring dripping water, creaking metal, and the distant roars of predators, further amplifies the tension and vulnerability. While the cel-shaded art style might not be for everyone, it provides a unique aesthetic and helps the game run smoothly on the PSVR2 hardware.
Outsmart, Not Outrun: A Focus on Stealth
Jurassic World Aftermath emphasises stealth mechanics over open combat. Players take on the role of a stranded operative, Sam, who must use their wits and scavenged tools to navigate the facility. The gameplay revolves around avoiding detection by the park’s most dangerous inhabitants – the raptors. Using your glove you can activate loudspeakers and other devices to lure raptors away. This unblocks key areas or creates temporary safe havens. The game excels at building suspense as you inch through narrow corridors, holding your breath and listening for the telltale signs of approaching predators. One wrong move can result in a swift and brutal demise, making each encounter with a raptor a heart-pounding experience and potentially a frustrating restart.
Light Puzzle Solving and Environmental Storytelling
While the core gameplay revolves around stealth, Jurassic World Aftermath throws in some light puzzle-solving elements to keep things interesting. These puzzles usually involve hacking into terminals or manipulating objects in the environment to progress. The puzzles themselves are not overly complex, but they serve to break up the tension and provide a sense of accomplishment. The narrative unfolds organically through environmental storytelling. Scattered audio logs, data pads, and visual clues paint a picture of the desperate final days and the fate of its inhabitants.
A Frightening Frenzy or a Frustrating Fumble? The Shortcomings of Jurassic World Aftermath
While Jurassic World Aftermath excels at building tension, the experience is hampered by a few shortcomings. The repetitive nature of the core gameplay – avoid raptors, solve puzzles, move on – can become monotonous after extended play sessions. Aside from a last-ditch defence tool, the lack of combat options might leave players craving more. Additionally, the game’s relatively short campaign length, clocking in at around 5-6 hours, feels like a missed opportunity in such a rich franchise.
Final Thoughts on Jurassic World Aftermath
Jurassic World Aftermath delivers a tense VR experience set amidst the abandoned research facility of Isla Nublar. The game shines with immersive visuals and a haunting soundscape that perfectly captures the atmosphere of dread. Stealth gameplay takes centre stage as you outsmart cunning raptors using tools and distractions. While light puzzles break up the tension, they are relatively easy. The lack of combat options and a relatively short campaign will leave players wanting more depth. Overall, Jurassic World Aftermath is a thrilling but brief VR adventure. It’s ideal for die-hard Jurassic Park fans and those seeking a short but intense scare. However, its repetitive gameplay and limited scope might not hold the attention of players seeking a more expansive VR experience.
Unplugged straps you into the electrifying world of virtual reality rock stardom. Developed by Anotherway, this rhythm game ditches the plastic peripherals and lets you shred on air guitar using your VR controllers.
The Thrill of the Performance
Unplugged’s core gameplay is undeniably fun and intuitive. The feeling of gripping a guitar neck and strumming is convincingly mimicked when you hold the Sense Controllers. The game’s tracking is not just good. It’s impressive, accurately translating your movements into in-game actions. Hitting notes is not just a task; it’s a satisfying experience, with successful strums producing feedback from the Sense Controllers’ haptics that add to the immersion. As you progress through songs, the difficulty ramps up, requiring faster movement and more precise fretting (simulated by pressing buttons on the controllers). The game cleverly incorporates body movements like tilting the virtual guitar for whammy bar effects, adding another layer of immersion to the experience. However, the lack of hand-tracking technology limits the complexity of guitar-playing techniques.
A Diverse Playlist for Every Rocker
Unplugged boasts a diverse and extensive selection of licensed tracks that span various rock genres. There’s something for every musical taste. While the initial song list might feel a bit limited, downloadable content packs offer additional tracks to expand your virtual repertoire. The game also features a practice mode that allows you to isolate specific sections of songs to perfect your technique, a valuable tool for aspiring virtual guitar heroes.
Beyond the Stage: Building Your Rock Star Persona in Unplugged
Unplugged goes beyond simply replicating guitar playing. The game features a robust character customisation system, allowing you to personalise your virtual rockstar. From selecting different guitars and outfits to customising your stage presence with various poses and effects, Unplugged lets you create a unique persona to embody on stage. The energetic virtual crowds that cheer you on during successful performances further enhance the immersive rock concert experience.
The Limitations of Going Unplugged
While Unplugged excels at capturing the basic mechanics of guitar playing, it does have limitations. The PSVR2 version’s lack of hand-tracking technology means the game can’t replicate the nuance of accurate finger placement on the fretboard. Complex chords and advanced techniques are impossible, which might be a drawback for experienced musicians hoping for a truly authentic experience.
Final Thoughts on Unplugged
Unplugged straps you into the electrifying world of VR rock stardom. The core gameplay is fun and intuitive, with impressive tracking that translates your movements into in-game actions. However, the lack of hand-tracking technology limits the complexity of guitar-playing techniques. While the diverse licensed soundtrack offers something for most musical tastes, the downloadable content might be necessary for dedicated rockers. The ability to personalise your virtual rockstar persona adds another layer of immersion. Overall, Unplugged is a solid VR rhythm game that delivers a fun and accessible way to unleash your inner rockstar. Still, it might not satisfy experienced musicians craving a more authentic experience.
After the Fall, a fast-paced VR shooter from Vertigo Games arrived on the PSVR2 with a bang. Stepping into the icy wasteland of a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles overrun by grotesque, mutated creatures known as the “Snowbreed,” players band together to survive, scavenge, and fight back to civilisation. While the core concept might feel familiar, After the Fall injects a shot of frenetic VR action and innovative mechanics to create a thrilling, albeit repetitive, experience.
Shooting Your Way Through a Frozen Apocalypse
After the Fall throws you headfirst into the frozen chaos. The PSVR2’s impressive field of view and smooth tracking create a truly immersive experience. Dodging swipes from grotesque creatures, wielding an arsenal of powerful (and satisfyingly weighty) VR weapons, and sprinting through crumbling buildings all feel incredibly natural. The Sense controllers’ adaptive triggers add a layer of immersion, with each weapon feeling distinct and impactful. Dismembering a Snowbreed with a well-placed shotgun blast feels gratifyingly brutal but it’s missing a dedicated melee attack for last resorts. Still, it’s the constant movement and frenetic action that keeps the adrenaline pumping.
Cooperative Camaraderie is Key
After the Fall is best experienced in co-op although it doesn’t have to be played with others. Up to four players can squad up (other players or AI), sharing the burden of survival and the spoils of victory. Communication and teamwork are crucial. Reviving downed teammates, coordinating strategies, and covering each other’s backs during intense firefights create a strong sense of camaraderie, which is lacking in an AI team. The game offers various difficulty levels, making it accessible for seasoned VR veterans and newcomers looking for a thrilling challenge.
Beyond the Bullets: Progression and Customisation
While the core gameplay revolves around intense shootouts, After the Fall offers surprising depth. Completing missions unlocks new weapons, gadgets, and character abilities, allowing players to customise their playstyle. The hub world acts as a social space where players can interact, purchase upgrades with the Harvest they’ve collected, and prepare for upcoming expeditions. While the repetitive nature of the missions can wear thin after extended sessions, the steady stream of new gear and challenges keeps gameplay slightly more engaging.
Technical Considerations and Accessibility in After the Fall
After the Fall takes full advantage of the PSVR2’s capabilities, the visuals, while not groundbreaking, are detailed and atmospheric. The crisp resolution ensures clear sightlines during combat, which is crucial for survival. Thankfully, the game offers a robust suite of comfort options, including smooth locomotion and teleport movement, mitigating the risk of motion sickness for players with varying sensitivities.
Final Thoughts on After the Fall
After the Fall offers a fun, albeit limited, VR co-op zombie shooter experience. The game excels in its core mechanics, delivering satisfying VR gunplay with a good sense of immersion. The diverse enemy types and the unique frozen Los Angeles apocalypse setting create a compelling atmosphere. However, the repetitive mission structure and the grind for weapon upgrades can make the gameplay feel shallow.
Here we take a closer look at So Slime Sugary Crush Milkshake from Canal Toys.
With the Sugary Crush Milkshake, discover a sensational collection of different compounds and decorations to mix and make a delicious looking creation.
Mix all the ingredients together in the cute milkshake cup and deorate with frosting and sprinkles.
Includes everything you need with Easy-to-Follow recipe. Enjoy all the different sensations while creating your treats.
Don’t forget to take a picture and share before you crush it!
CREATE: Make a amazing looking Milkshake with the different compounds!
DECORATE: With all the accessories, take a photo and share!
CRUSH IT: Enjoy the sensation of all compounds and decorations mixing.
Everything you need is included in the box, so all you need to do is get creating!
So Slime Sugary Crush Milkshake from Canal Toys is available now priced around £9.99.
If you are a fan of Wallace and Gromit, there are some great Build Your Own sets available, here we take a closer look at Gromit!
Simply slot together the cardboard parts to build your very own Gromit. The clever mechanics are cracking fun! Wag his tail for a realistic walking legs action; press Gromit’s head to raise his expressive ears and eyebrows. Atta boy, Gromit Lad!
Everything you need is provided in the kit – simply follow the instructions: press out the pre-cut parts, build, play, and display. There’s no glue, no mess, no fuss!
Includes Gromit’s personalised dog bowl, tasty bone, cosy slippers, and a framed photo of Wallace and Gromit.
Mess-free, slot together cardboard construction
Perfect family time activity
60-minute build
Skill level rating: 3 stars out of 5
85 press-out parts
High-quality sustainable cardboard
Full instructions included
Designed in the UK
Fun, educational and supports STEM
Made using sustainable cardboard. 100% plastic-free; both kit and packaging are fully recyclable.
Suitable for age 10 years – 100! Best enjoyed as a family experience.
Build Your Own Gromit is available now priced around £14.99.
Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III is nostalgia personified. This wonderfully retro experience will impress fans of the genre. Furthermore, newbies will love the simple action and the garish colours. If you adore mindless gameplay that is easy to pick up, then this is the game for you.
This old-school platform title was developed by TAITO and published by United Games Entertainment. Moreover, it can be enjoyed alone or locally with a friend. Alongside this, there is a leaderboard to top and plenty of hectic enemies to thwart. Accordingly, there is plenty to do even though the action is rudimentary.
Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III focuses on madness.
Like its peers, Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III concentrates on maddening gameplay. Consequently, the story, or what little there is of it, plays second fiddle. Now, I don’t mind this, as I love the basic ideas and the straightforward mindset. Yet, if you want a complex affair, you may want to look elsewhere.
The story follows Bubby and Bobby as they take on a mission to save their solar system. Each of the planets is overrun by crazy creatures and the colourful heroes must do their best to use their special powers and their umbrellas to save the day.
Cruel creatures.
This short but enjoyable experience revolves around 8 worlds and 56 core stages. Alongside this, there are some secrets to discover and plenty of bosses to overcome. As you explore each world, you’ll notice unique themes and an array of different monsters. Additionally, you must master each drip-fed mechanic and learn about an array of special powers.
The levels use either a fixed-screen perspective or some basic side-scrolling movement. Either way, the goal remains the same. The hero or heroes must use their umbrellas to catch water and other orbs to tackle each creature. Alternatively, you may use your umbrella to float from grand heights or to act as a shield. Moreover, you can grab your enemies and chuck them at their friends. This simple idea is made a little tougher as your foes roll, jump, sprint, and move around in unpredictable ways. Subsequently, you need luck on your side to win.
Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III is a pixelated dream.
Retro gaming is all about garish colours and blocky pixelation. Luckily, Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III captures this from every angle. Each level has a unique background and the varied enemies keep you entertained. What’s more, the animation is smooth and I love the fast-paced action. As each stage evolves, the arena expands. This adds a challenging layer that ups the ante. This was a great move as it keeps you focused from beginning to end.
The audio is upbeat and entertaining. I loved the repetitive soundtrack and the uncomfortably shrill electro tones. Moreover, the rudimentary sound effects capture that dated arcade feel. This was a great move by the developers as it enhanced the retro edge.
Easy to play.
If you want a game that you can play with your kids, then look no further. Thanks to the basic control layout and easy-to-understand inputs, this can be mastered immediately. Alongside this, the gameplay is simple to understand and though you may die a lot, you can easily continue from where you left off.
This generous approach enhances replay value and longevity. Furthermore, there is an arcade and a challenge mode to test your skills. If you are competitive, you’ll love the leaderboards and the challenges they pose. Finally, there is no auto-save facility. As such, if you wish to avoid disappointment, make sure you save this regularly.
Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III is a step-down memory lane.
I remember playing Bubble Bobble as a child. Subsequently, this franchise brings back many wonderful memories. Though this latest endeavour won’t push modern consoles, it is a brilliant retro experience. I loved the gaudy colours and the upbeat music. Moreover, the simple controls are effective and each level is fun to explore. Consequently, it is a joyful game and I recommend buying it here! Can you save the solar system? Master your umbrella, use your special powers, and wipe out every monster.
I thought about starting this review with the classic Pokemon joke. Bright, cutesy creatures being thrown at each other in horrific, gladiatorial fights. That’s essentially what Dicefolk is. Cute critter carnage. I feel like Dicefolk takes it further though. The ‘bleed’ mechanic, for instance. Difficult to maintain the idea that this is just a cute round of fisticuffs when the smell of metal is rapidly filling the air. No, I think the Pokemon comparison is a little too loose.
While Dicefolk is about collecting critters, it’s more about synergy. It’s not a core group of competent lads, who get swapped out based on element. Instead, to get ahead, Dicefolk requires all your boys to work together. It’s a decent system, paired with a bright and colourful world. I’m quite smitten with Dicefolk, though it does fall prey to some of the pitfalls of the genre. Namely, loose plots and wonky difficulty curves.
Dice With Death
Dicefolk opens with a familiar scene: humanity getting the snot kicked out of it. The snot-kicker in this case is Salem, a big monstrous witch-like beast. They rule the land by controlling the world’s creatures – or chimera, as they’re known. Fortunately, humanity is thrown a curveball in the shape of Alea, a Dicefolk who can befriend chimera and, via dice, fight back against the darkness. Well, the chimera fight back. Presumably, Alea sits around eating popcorn for most of it.
The chimera system itself is really rather good. It kicks off by choosing a talisman. These dictate the overall flavour of chimera. Wrath is more focused on direct damage, for instance, whereas pain lets you re-roll dice, with the risk of hurting yourself. Once picked, you can scoop up chimeras at shrines. You can have three at a time, arranged in a ring formation. Each chimera has its own unique skill, which you can pair with others. There are lots of great combos and finding a winning formula feels great.
To set them against each other, you’ve gotta use your dice. You and your opponent roll together but, in an act of blatant cheating, you get to choose when every die is used. Dicefolk turns every fight into a gentle game of strategy. Only the lead chimera can attack but there are skills that only come into play when you rotate, for instance. One winning strat of mine was to bleed opponents, which damages them when they rotate, then spin them like a fruit machine. The chimera, and their abilities, add enough to the dice mechanic to keep it fresh. There are more than enough chimera to keep you stumbling on new strategies for many hours.
Battlin’ Across The Land
I’m dwelling a lot on Dicefolk‘s combat because there isn’t too much going on around it. That’s fairly par for the course in the genre. Before I start picking small holes, I will say that I like Dicefolk’s map. A lot of roguelikes subscribe to the Slay The Spire method of map design, where it’s essentially just a straight shot through to the boss. Dicefolk gives you a little map screen to explore. It’s not huge, but allows you to decide whether you want to hit the boss or explore the corners. I appreciated that.
I do wish it would bring a bit more life into its world, though. It sets things up well enough through a wonderful looking intro cutscene. There are multiple biomes, many creatures and a protagonist with a nice design. All we get of actual worldbuilding, though, is a handful of brief scrolls, tucked away in a sub-menu. I maintain that roguelikes are pretty poor at building their worlds and I’m not sure why. The odd text-based choice or exploration of our character’s thoughts would do wonders. As it is, I rapidly forgot who I was fighting and why.
The other issue is a rather strange one: I feel like Dicefolk‘s difficulty is a little wonky. You need to complete a run with all four talismans before the final boss unlocks, but I reached Salem in under nine hours. In most roguelikes, that’d just be a small sample. I think it comes down to us having the same critters as the AI, but more control over the battlefield. So if you’ve got decent synergy by the second zone, you’re all but guaranteed to fold the rest of the bosses into pretzels.
Dicefolk – Smart, Pretty And Fun
Sliding back over to the positives, I want to say that Dicefolk looks gorgeous. I knew I was in for a good time when a fully animated and voiced intro cutscene played. That signals that some real effort went in. It’s also a bright, pleasant artstyle and there’s a whole host of chimeras to play with. They’re all designed with care, to the point that I was memorising abilities just by looking at them. Gotta love when art is complementing design. It also has a bestiary, which is a plus for me.
I must confess, when I heard the name Dicefolk and read about the dice system, I was a little wary. I’ve seen very good examples of this before – and it’s fresher than using cards – but I’ve played a lot of these games. Usually, they grate on me after the first few runs. Dicefolk has yet to grate. Hell, I ended up taking my Switch to bed to finish off a run. That’s quite the endorsement. Dicefolk is a game that’s worth the risk of a sleep deprivation headache.
The Legend of Heroes is an RPG series created by Nihon Falcom and published in Japan by Nihon Falcom and published by other publishers in other countries.
The first version of this game was released in 1989 and was a part of the dragon slayer series and the sixth game of this series. with the release of the third game of the legend of heroes series in 1994, the name of dragon slayer was removed and it was named The Legend of Heroes II: Prophecy of the Moonlight Witch.
The Legend of Heroes is one of the popular game series in Japan, which is not strange considering the interest of Japanese players in the RPG genre, the popularity of this game has also increased in the West, and publishers are very interested in translating and publishing it.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak was released on September 30, 2021 in Japan for PS4, on July 28, 2022 in Japan for PS5, and later on PC and Nintendo Switch in Japan, but the global release date is July 5, 2024. it will be available worldwide on all four platforms above on this date in English (this review may be published after July 5th and the game might be already out).
The series of games that have many games always have a problem, and that is that new players fear that the story of that game will be related to the previous games and confuse them.
but is that problem present in The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak or is it a good entry point?
STORY
Van Arkride is the protagonist of this game and is the newest protagonist of The Legend of Heroes series. Van is a spriggan, a spriggan is someone who actually does multiple jobs: detective, bounty hunter, and whatever mission he can get his hands on and earn money from.
Agnès, a 16-year-old student at Aramis High-School, is looking for a watch that belonged to her great grandfather. After searching and asking around she will find about van a 24 years old spriggan who is famous for solving complicated cases so Agnes goes to Van, and this is the beginning of the acquaintance of the two main characters of the story, Van shows some of his personality from the very beginning, for example, that he loves sweets or that He does not show mercy and takes the specified amount of money from his client under any circumstances, but he does not accept more or less than that.
Van agrees to help Agnes find her great grandfather’s watch after a bit of arguing, so they go to one of Van’s info dealers and while searching for information, they get involved in events that complicate finding this watch. and this makes the case more important than finding a simple watch, they continue to look for the watch and find it, when they find the watch they realize that it is not a ordinary watch and it has powers. agnes gives more info about this watch to Van and says that there are eight of these watches and asks for his help to find the rest of them.
Agnes offers Van to work for him part time and Van accepts. A few days later, a client goes to Van’s office and asks for his help, so Van and Agnes agree and go to help her, but the quest of this client is not going very easily and the story of Agnes’s grandfather’s watch is also related to this story, which makes The story become more complicated and actually the main story starts here, after 8 hours you will get to know the antagonist of this game and the story just begins, the story of this game is wonderful and has good plot twists, the story is so detailed thanks to the long texts and conversations, but these long texts are sometimes troublesome, sometimes these long conversations may have many unnecessary details that are annoying and boring, but overall the story is full of details and its great.
the story gives you 50+ hours of joy.
The design of the characters is the best part of the story and the attention to detail and personality of the characters is wonderful and the characters are very memorable.
The story has some related parts to the previous games of the series, but the story of the game is completely new and is a good entry point for those who have not experienced this series.
GAMEPLAY
The gameplay of The Legend of Heroes series has always been turn-based and has always managed to do it well, but The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak has made a fundamental change in the gameplay and added real-time combat to it.
Of course, fans of the series should not worry about the gameplay, because this game is not fully real-time combat, but a wonderful combination of real-time combat and turn-based combat.
attack with X and dodge with the circle and by hitting a number of attacks your charge attack will be ready to be used and by pressing R2 you can use it to damage your enemies harder, by hitting the square whenever the enemy is close to you you can go to turn-based mode and make your fight turn based If you are doing the fight in real-time mode and stun the enemies and then press the square, you will hit a special move to the enemies and then enter the turn-based mode, Keep in mind that going to turn-based mode is mandatory in many fights because you can’t defeat all enemies in real-time combat, especially in large numbers, the real-time combat in the game is just these descriptions and nothing more.
The focus on turn-based combat has made the real-time combat not very attractive in this game, and this is a negative point, and if it wasn’t supposed to be given enough attention, it would be better if it wasn’t in the game in the first place, although this combination of two types of combat Is interesting and has a lot of potential.
But turn-based combat is extremely fun and makes you not feel the passage of time, in these fights you must have a good strategy to deal with the enemies according to their number and strength.
And to use EP, CP, S-Boost you should Have a strategy too, EP is for using Arts, which are powerful moves that are done with water, fire, wind, etc. which you can use according to enemy’s weakness, the number of EP is very important and you can refill it by resting in certain places and eating food or potion.
CP is required to use crafts and S-Break, crafts are special attacks that are performed with the help of the character’s own weapons and do not use water, fire, etc. and these skills are unique for each character, S-Break is a move which performs several different attacks with a long animation and has a lot of power.
S-Boost is activated by pressing L1 and makes the power of normal attacks and other skills stronger and increases the chance of S-Skills being activated and Even by using it several times, the chance of S-Skills becomes 100%. S-Skills are selected in the quartz section and added to your weapon, and the chance of their activation is different.
For example, this shard skill named chaos impact has a 25% chance of activation, but if you use S-Boost it will increase to 50% and if you use it for the the second time it will increase to 100%, This S-Skill has a chance to add mirage damage to attacks, CPs can be refilled like EP.
This turn-based gameplay can be done very fast and is not slow at all.
You can buy your chosen weapons, armors and accessories from different shops and increase your power, or you can buy your chosen quartz from some shops and use your preferred S-Skills, arts Drivers can be bought from shops in the same way and you can personalize your art, all these various powers have their very smooth and unique animations that are very attractive.
VISUALS
Visually, the art design of the game is good and beautiful and has diverse and beautiful and unique areas, the art design is relaxing and gives you a sense of relaxation.
I think we all agree that the graphics of a game is not the most important thing, But it cannot be denied that it is one of the important things and the textures of this game are low in details and this is annoying.
The resolution and performance are stable and the game is smooth.
SOUNDTRACKS
The soundtracks are excellent and exciting and bring great excitement to the fights and convey great peace to your ears in moments outside of the fight.
CONCLUSION
The newest game in The Legend of Heroes series is a great entry point for those who haven’t experienced the series yet.
A detailed and wonderful story that sometimes may have long and unnecessary conversations. The gameplay is fun and it’s an interesting combination of real-time combat and turn-based combat, but the real-time part is not so entertaining and the long cutscenes makes the gameplay little.
Lovely art design but the textures are very low in detail.
The soundtracks are great.
Overall, this game is great and its problems can be ignored.
Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition has one of the most exciting blurbs I’ve read in a while. It sells the idea of a survival experience crossed with the enthralling life of a trucker. However, in reality, you spend more time scratching your arse and yawning than you do fighting the elements. This was extremely disappointing as I had high hopes for this simulation game.
This survival simulation title was developed by Road Studio and published by Green Man Gaming Publishing and Movie Games. Furthermore, it is a solo experience that can be played from a first or third-person perspective. Sadly, I am unable to confirm whether it supports a steering wheel. If it does, the action would be vastly improved as the controls are somewhat twitchy with a controller.
Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition tells a familiar tale.
Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition doesn’t break with tradition. Instead, it utilises a standard genre plot and many well-trodden mechanics. This familiarity will impress genre fans. However, everyone else will frown at the droll story and the lack of energy.
Players take on the role of a rookie trucker. The protagonist leaves his job in the hopes of starting a successful business. Yet, before this can happen, he must complete one last job familiarising himself with the cab and basic mechanics. Once this element is complete, you can do as you wish. This freedom should have been enthralling, but the developers keep you on a tight leash. Accordingly, you cannot stray too far from the path and this was ridiculous and frustrating.
Promises, promises.
The game promises a vast world filled with excitement and danger. Sadly, this rarely happens as you explore mainly lifeless environments. When you happen to cross paths with a moose or deer, you cannot get close to them. Instead, the game automatically redirects you to the road, and you continue on your way. This was infuriating as I was desperate to investigate my surroundings.
Alongside the auto-recovery mechanics, you will experience some minor survival statistics. Fatigue, hunger, health, and temperature must all be maintained. If you let any of these elements drop, the hero becomes lethargic and this harms your driving ability. This was one mechanic that worked particularly well. However, as you can’t explore the vast Alaskan wilderness, the risk of freezing or starving is vastly reduced.
Upgrades.
At the start, your rookie status restricts every aspect of your career. Yet, with a little experience, you can improve your licence and your ride. As your licence improves, you may tow more expensive and dangerous cargo. This means you have to sit in the driver’s cab for longer, but the rewards outweigh the negatives.
New trucks and fancy liveries are where this excels. As you earn money, you may invest it in an elaborate new paint job, expensive wheels, or a whole new ride. Either way, you’ll look fantastic as you head from point A to B. Finally, no business would be complete without a fabulous HQ. As the bucks start rolling in, you are expected to upgrade your base. You’ll need to buy parking bays for each truck and a place to work on each vehicle. Though this wasn’t complicated, it ensures that you reduce your running costs whilst expanding your business.
I’m used to sim games looking rough. Yet, Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition takes the rough crown. Disappointingly, the textures are all over the place. Additionally, there is an odd ghosting effect that haunts your truck. Finally, you can drive through minor objects without damaging your vehicle. Talking of vehicular damage, there is little to no visual indication. Consequently, you may smash your front grill and you wouldn’t know. This lack of realism was a real let-down.
Thankfully, though, the landscape looks great. I loved the vast rolling hills and the beautiful icy lakes. Moreover, the changing weather fronts were challenging and authentic. Subsequently, I wished the rest of the visual elements were this good.
The audio was well-considered. I loved the realistic sound effects and the roar of each engine. Furthermore, the radio was fantastic as it helped reduce boredom. The blend of songs keeps you distracted, and I adored the background tunes if you decided to switch the radio off.
Twitchy controls.
The steering wheel and the subsequent controls were somewhat twitchy. Sadly, I found the gamepad was too sensitive and this made controlling your giant rig an arduous task. Unless you were focused throughout, you risk running off the road or swerving between lanes like you’ve necked 15 pints of special brew. Other than this issue, the UI is exceptional, and the shortcut buttons help to keep you on track.
Though I found Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition to be frustrating, I can see why people would love it. There is a vast array of jobs to complete and a massive map to explore. Additionally, you have loads of trucks to buy and plenty of skills to upgrade. Finally, you must keep on top of your fatigue, and you can maintain every element of your truck if you so wish. Therefore, there is longevity and replay value.
Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition should have been better.
Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition disappointed me. I expected to be free to explore a vast and beautiful world. Instead, the developers demand a linear approach that reduces realism. Alongside this, the finish was poor, and I found it to be repetitive and dull. Yes, I can see why truckers would enjoy it, but it will only appeal to a limited audience. Accordingly, I don’t recommend it. However, more information can be found here! Can you run a successful trucking business? Learn the ropes, buy a truck, and take to the road.
Bread and Fred is a wonderful little adventure that does so many adorable things right but shows just how hard it is to build a game centered around multiplayer while keeping single players invested
Players will see that the game has a major focus on multiplayer before the game even begins. Upon starting the game, you are presented with the option to play in either single player or multiplayer. The multiplayer option is the one that is front and center while single player requires you to tab down a bit to access it. For those who have a friend to play through this game with, you are in for a wonderful experience that is filled with laughter and frustration. For those embarking on the journey up the mountain on your own, just know that it can be extremely frustrating to start off with.
Bread and Fred are both penguins who have been tasked with climbing to the top of the mountain. Since I played this game on my own, I was not partnered with another penguin but instead a rock. The game acknowledges this choice and even tells the penguin that advancing up the mountain with just a rock as a companion is a strange option but is doable with an extreme amount of perseverance. I thought it was funny to hear the game reference the fact that I was playing the co-op game by myself but not long into my journey, I had wished for something a little more supportive than the rock.
You see, the titular characters are relying on each other to navigate the mountain, so they are tied together by a rope. This also happens when you are playing on your own as well, with the rock tied to the singular penguin. While co-op would allow you to plan out strategies with your friend to progress through the mountain, the single player mode will have you flinging the rock and hoping that the momentum can carry you on to the next platform. I would have loved to see a CPU controlled character that could support you, like the one found in Little Nightmares 2. This would help ease some of the frustrations found when I was constantly repeating the same jump over and over, only to fail and must try again.
Thankfully, there are a couple of accessibility options that will help make the journey a tad bit more tolerable for those who are struggling with platforming. One option is the ability to add infinite jumps so that you can continuously jump upwards to the next segment in case you are unable to progress by the usual means. You are also given the ability to create checkpoints and return to them that was you are not forced to try and redo a part that gave you and your co-op partner some trouble.
Visually, Bred and Fred have a very colorful palette and the graphics seen here are pleasing to the eyes. The backgrounds provide some beautiful scenery to accompany us up the mountain while managing to make each jump and segment stand out against the backdrop. As you move up the mountain, you will see the backdrops changing while still being fun to move through. The first area is a snowy mountain where our protagonists live, and we soon find ourselves deep in a fish mine on the way through the mountain. At first, I was curious why there was a mine dedicated to moving fish around but then thought about just how cute the idea of these penguins making a mine for their fish but struggling to figure out how to climb up the mountain and let it slide. There are a lot of moments here that will have you and your friend chuckling as you progress through the mountain.
I really enjoyed my time with Bred and Fred, but the single player mode really makes it a more frustrating experience than it needs to be. This is a title that I can highly recommend if you have someone who wouldn’t mind sitting down and putting a couple of hours into it with you. Otherwise, I highly recommend that you prepare yourself for a frustrating time as you throw a rock around in efforts to achieve the same results as someone else who has a competent partner with them.
