QUADROIDS is a game that blew my mind! This isn’t because it was visually impressive, or the action was unique. No, it was just a brutally testing affair. Every stage demands that you adjust your perspective while testing your grey matter. Accordingly, this isn’t a game for the faint of heart.
This multiscreen puzzler was developed by Blue Loop and published by Just For Games. Moreover, it can be enjoyed alone or with another if you are struggling. As such, you can show off your mental prowess if you love to be tested or beg a friend to help you as you try to complete every level.
QUADROIDS tells no story.
Though QUADROIDS’ gameplay is fascinating, no story captured my attention. This shortcoming doesn’t impact the core gameplay, but it would have been nice to have something to distract from the brutal puzzles.
This sadomasochistic approach will attract a niche audience. Gamers who adore Souls-like titles or Super Meat Boy will cherish every soul-destroying moment. As such, if you are a newbie to this genre, you may wish to start elsewhere.
In theory, it shouldn’t be this hard.
When you break down the core gameplay of QUADROIDS, you realise that the concept is undeniably simple. Effectively, you must complete 4 minor puzzles from a split-screen viewpoint. Therefore, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. However, it takes a fair bit of getting used to as you divide your attention and the inputs keep changing.
Each screen is controlled by one button as you explore that area. This input helps you avoid puzzles, leap chasms, and reach new platforms. Sounds easy so far, right? Well, this is where things start to heat up. There is no methodical movement between the screens. Therefore, one level can run left to right, another top to bottom, or finally, it can be random as hell. This odd idea ensures that you never know what to expect, and it keeps you on your toes.
Matters are made worse as traps, obstacles, and other elements are drip-fed into the action. Consequently, your attention is divided further as you try to control multiple characters while avoiding the inevitable failure.
QUADROIDS is refined.
QUADROIDS will not blow you away with its presentation. Its refined and basic approach is understated and does not test the power of modern machines. However, I enjoyed its stripped-back look. Furthermore, the level design was interesting and varied. On top of this, each obstacle was unique and this helped you to navigate each tough level.
The audio was eerie but wonderfully captivating. The mix of synth music and haunting sound effects enhances the sci-fi theme. Additionally, it increases the sense of despair and loneliness. Consequently, it is weirdly alluring and this creates a sense of depth.
Responsive controls.
Though the control setup is refined, the action is tough to master. Therefore, the responsive controls were pleasant to experience. This considered approach alleviates some of the challenging aspects and this makes QUADROIDS more bearable.
There are over 100 hellish levels to test your resolve. Each one of these tough endeavours will make you want to pull your hair out. On top of this, there is a leaderboard that highlights your incredible pace, and you can play this with a friend if you so wish. Subsequently, if you can stomach the brutality, there is both replay value and longevity.
QUADROIDS is tough but rewarding.
No matter what way you look at it, QUADROIDS is a tough game. However, it is this testing nature that creates a rewarding experience. Though this will kick your ass repeatedly, you will return for more. As such, it is a tough but fair game, and I recommend buying it here! Can you complete every level? Grab a friend, keep your cool, and tackle every puzzle.
If there is one thing that I have come to enjoy about rogue lites, its that they can offer countless hours of fun while still keeping the gameplay both engaging and exciting without running stale. It gets even better when the game is able to incorporate the rogue-lite elements into its story. Endless dungeon did a wonderful job of bridging the gap between gameplay mechanics and its story and while there were some minor frustrations to be found, I was pleased with my time here.
Endless Dungeon will have players exploring an abandoned space station after watching a crew of explorers meet their untimely end after crashing into it. The only person to survive was a janitor who claims that he is not quite up to the task but fortunately for him, he doesn’t have to go through the journey alone. With a multitude of characters to pick from with various loadouts and abilities, we will have to explore the space station and uncover the mysteries found here while trying to find a way to escape.
The space station is filled with monstrosities that are out to provide our heroes with all kinds of roadblocks on their journey and will succeed in this more often than not but thankfully the space station is equipped with the ability to have our heroes “reload” back at the home base every time they die. I love seeing this mechanic catching the new member of the crew off-guard because it is a foreign concept and not something you would expect to run into in a real situation and it also gives an explanation as to why we are able to have so many runs through the station.
Before each run, we will select a character and two more supporting characters to help aid us on our journey. The game does offer 3 player co-op but I played through this with the support of the CPU controlled characters and found them to be helpful in their own way. They manage enemies well and would focus their fire on whatever was being destroyed in the general area so the extra firepower was nice.
Each character has their own specific loadout and abilities to help move through the game so there is something for everyone out there. I found myself playing as Bunker since I enjoyed the shield bash area of effect attack as well as their voice lines when adventuring through the hallways of the station. You are able to upgrade the characters and their weapons with the resources you find during your runs so not every player will have the same experience.
After selecting your load out and heroes, it’s off to pick a mission and the location that you will be exploring. There are difficulty options that can be picked before each run so if you are wanting a more laid back experience or want to get some friends together for a tough run then you can do so. There are a multitude of locations to choose from as you unlock more areas during your journey so it is important to fully explore each room in order to find the key that unlocks the next area. I enjoyed having the option to change scenery and tasks after each run so I did not grow tired of the same hallways.
Your goal during the runs will be to establish a route for your crystal bot to reach a specific area and this is done by unlocking rooms that connect to one another. The room layouts change with each run so there is no need to worry about things getting stale and repetitive. I always felt a sense of unease and excitement since I didn’t know what the next room had in store for me. Was it a generator to get extra resources so that I could boost my defenses or was it a nasty nest of creatures waiting to get ahold of me? There was no way of knowing without heading in and I loved this.
As you explore the rooms and prep yourself for the wave of monsters, you will find stations for you to set up turrets in anticipation for a tower defense style of action. Each turret will function differently with some focused heavily on taking out enemies while others focus on hindering their movement. It is important to set these up accordingly because you and your companions will not be able to handle the amount of enemies thrown your way on the normal mode since they come from all directions and have one goal in mind, to destroy your crystal bot. If they succeed then the run is over but if you manage to hold them off and protect the little robot then you are able to continue exploring. As you wander through the hallways you will pick up keys and other items that will provide more context in regards to the nature of the ship. Taking these items back to base will also reward you with options to build up your characters and prep yourself for the next run.
I found myself constantly going back for more and had a hard time putting this down. As someone who focused on the solo aspect of the game, I had a ton of fun and can only imagine how much more fun it would be with friends. This is definitely a title worth checking out for those who love rogue-lites and want something new to playthrough.
The PC75B Plus Air keyboard from Akko is a fantastic addition to your workstation. This 75% form factor beast is easy to use and looks fantastic. The clean white finish is complemented by the adjustable RGB backlighting. Moreover, a custom knob allows you to change your settings with ease. Alongside this, it is wonderfully versatile as it can be used wirelessly, via Bluetooth, or wired using a USB-C cable. Accordingly, it is ideal if you work from home, game, or commute.
On top of this, it is amazingly accurate thanks to the N-Key rollover technology and the responsive switches. Akko has incorporated its V3 Cream Blue Pro switches. Consequently, you’ll enjoy a responsive typing and gaming experience. Finally, if you are a Mac user, you’ll enjoy the Mac-OS-friendly design. In short, this keyboard packs an awful lot into its tiny form factor.
What’s in the box of the PC75B Plus Air keyboard?
The monochromatic packaging looks fantastic. What’s more, it can be recycled and that’s a big plus.
The PC75B Plus Air keyboard feels substantial. The metal case is sturdy, and the white finish is clean and eye-catching.
The USB-C cable is used to charge or connect the device.
A USB dongle to connect wirelessly.
Lift the keycaps with the keycap pullers.
Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
There are plenty of excellent keyboards. Consequently, the PC75B Plus Air keyboard from Akko must deliver if it wishes to stand out. Thankfully, it does just that, and I was impressed with its tech-packed approach and its versatility. First, the linear switches can be exchanged with any 5-pin aftermarket alternative. However, I enjoyed the responsive nature and the feel of the V3 Cream Blue Pro Switches.
The 3.3mm travel distance is substantial enough for typing but responsive enough for gaming. Additionally, I never worried whenever I used this for competitive gaming. You enjoy rapid inputs during every encounter thanks to the impressive actuation force. Second, I experienced no latency issues no matter the connection method. As such, this is perfect if you wish for a clean and simple workstation.
The battery life varied, but I had no issues when I reduced the intensity of the RGB lighting. However, if you love to go loud and proud, you will need to keep the device topped up between gaming sessions. This wasn’t an issue as the chunky USB-C cable can be used while the device is in use. Accordingly, even if you run out of juice, you can carry on gaming.
Usability.
The PC75B Plus Air keyboard can be used on a variety of devices. Additionally, the OSA keycaps are comfortable when typing or gaming. Then you must consider the custom knob that allows you to adjust the RGB light setting. This superb tool is straightforward to use. Though this may seem a minor element, I loved its rudimentary approach.
On top of this, the ability to hot-swap the switches was a game-changer. Akko offers 3 different linear options. This is perfect as you can create your ideal device with minimal effort or knowledge. Finally, the smaller form factor is ideal if you have a compact workstation.
Build quality.
Akko is renowned for its exceptional build quality. Subsequently, I wasn’t surprised that the PC75B Plus Air keyboard looked and felt great. The metal case has a brushed colour finish and white keycaps complement the white livery. Each of the keycaps is made of PBT and the sub-dye process ensures durability and no discolouration.
The detachable USB cable and the USB dongle are well-built. Furthermore, the ability to switch between each mode was straightforward. Finally, the north-facing RGB emits a pleasant effect and the stable keyboard footing prevents the device from slipping or moving. As such, you are assured of the best experience whether you are gaming or typing.
The adjustable feet allow you to set the height of this keyboard with ease. With three positions to choose from, you will find a comfortable and supportive angle. As such, this is ideal for marathon gaming sessions.
Is the PC75B Plus Air keyboard worth it?
There are plenty of amazing gaming keyboards. Consequently, it is tough to plough through a competitive marketplace. However, Akko has done an amazing job with this device. Not only does it look amazing and feel great, but it is easy to set up and use. Additionally, the ability to swap the switches and the pleasant keycaps make this a fantastic peripheral. Accordingly, I recommend buying it here!
”My mom has this saying that at the start of a relationship you say, ‘Oh we’re so in love we finish each other’s sentences.’ And then, as time goes by, it becomes, ‘You’re always interrupting me.’ That can happen in a relationship with film, too, especially a film like this, that’s asking more questions than giving answers”.
You can learn more about Emma Stone’s opinions and how she responded to all the criticism, by visiting the original source.
And I’m really sorry, but her answers aren’t enough for me.
”But why are you so emotional?, this is just a movie” you might think.
Well, movies and art in general are there to communicate important messages to people.
And with different and unique kinds of styles and creative dynamics you already know.
Of course! This is still fiction!
But for me, is exactly like using a person’s true life events, to your advantage and make necessary changes to create a script and earn money from them.
In, obviously, a not-so-honest way.
Is simply unethical and absolutely disturbed.
Poor Things is not even entertaining as a film.
Being in the situation where you have to justify a story by ”having more questions than answers”, is not convincing for me in this particular opportunity.
Is it due to societal norms the reason why we don’t have enough answers?
Personally, I don’t think so.
Cinematic & Movie Visuals’ Review – Poor Things
Photo Property – thecinegogue
I already mentioned slightly that Poor Things won visually.
There’s no doubt a filmmaking student or cinephile delectated themselves with the wise cinematography.
Of course, this is all entirely my opinion.
And it was fun to see on Instagram that people are already making brilliant comparisons to classics such as Metropoli.
Absolutely inspired by this film and everyone who knows this German movie by Fritz Lang.
Could have felt the excitement that happens when this is accomplished the right way.
Poor Things’ 2 most FAQs
Photo Property – Isabella Cerullo & imdb.com
I was passionate and emotional about Poor Things.
But we still need to answer some of the ”natural” and more ”normal” questions people may have around the movie.
And I’m very happy to solve those questions right now!
If you already know the answers. Please, feel free to skip this part of the blog I won’t be angry.
I promise.
What is Poor Things’ Movie About?
To provide a simple answer (it could contain a certain level of spoilers, be aware):
Poor Things is a movie about a woman who was married to a misogynists’ and abusive man who induced her to commit suicide.
And an unethical scientist recovered the protagonist’s body. In this case, Bella’s, to make a brain transplant.
After she awakens. A journey of sexual discovery around the world begins for her.
Poor Things a Movie for Kids?
No.
Oh! Absolutely not.
I would have suggested a ‘yes’ if I didn’t think it isn’t helpful nor educative for young kids.
The reality, is that I don’t think Poor Things is the best movie to support young people around those topics.
There are better alternatives, that are for teens. And because of the amount of abuse, that sadly occurs, to young kids.
Maybe talking or introducing these topics to kids is actually a good idea to create awareness and prevention.
Well, we already know I despised Poor Things unfortunately.
Without any filters!
But I think I have a positive end of the story’s review.
It started a precedent to keep talking about sensitive topics, and unravel really important matters to try to solve and communicate realities that involves: suicide, abuse, misogynism, and more!
We just need to keep improving the way we do it.
But that’s just my opinion!
Do you agree? Or did you really like the narrative made in Poor Things?
Would love to hear your opinion!
Thank you for reading. It means a lot!
Don’t forget you can check excellent reviews, such asthis one!
Preen those whiskers and put on your shades, because it’s time for some butt-sumo, Nyanvy style. Grab power-ups, dodge bombs, and watch out for flying projectiles as you fight for dominance in a series of wild and whacky environments. Jump, dash, and flail that wiggly body to knock your enemies off the stage, and become the Cat of Cats!
Nyaaaanvy is a charming indie title, created by the three-person team at DigitalMind. It embraces a simple concept: be the last cat standing, but does so in a way that anyone can understand. The tutorial is lightning-fast and offers the basics so you can get stuck into the action. The controls are straightforward, thus being able to be played by seasoned veterans and newcomers alike. Battles are fun and quick, you can hop into a game and have a blast without having to overthink, and there are difficulty modes that allow you to tune the game to whichever challenge suits you best.
One of the most entertaining things about Nyaaaanvy is creating your avatar. The developers added a lot of customization options so you can create whatever strange thought that pops into your head. For me, that would be creating a Wooper-themed Nyanvy, who has just the perfect amount of goofiness. And this is truly where the game shines. The cats, whether serious or ridiculous, simply radiate personality. Equip your cat with wheels, or proclaim them as royalty with a golden crown, save your ideas as presets and create your own army of whacky warriors. Nyaaaanvy doesn’t take itself seriously, and so every minute I spent with a smile on my face.
Though it is very short, the story mode came as a pleasant surprise. This is a great place to start before getting into the arcade mode and online challenges, as it eases you into the basics without holding your hand too much. This particular tale is a bizarre one, featuring a Nyanvy tournament, strange alien bunnies and evil penguins, and yet it works surprisingly well as long as you don’t think about it too much. With a weirdly catchy cat-based soundtrack, some amusing dialogue and some simple but effective cutscenes, the story moves at a breakneck pace and never fails to amuse. There’s a message in there somewhere too, about embracing individuality in a society that enforces conformity, which was oddly profound in a game about long floppy cats. Perhaps that’s why it worked so well, it certainly got me thinking. One thing to note that makes the story even better is making sure to customize your cat before engaging in the story. Seeing Wooper-Nyanvy battling on an escaping bus while being chased down by a giant maniacal penguin was a sight to behold!
This isn’t to say that Nyaaaanvy is perfect, however. I had some issues with the calibration of the mouse while the game was in window mode, yet this could be rectified simply by using the keyboard to navigate or by fiddling around in the settings. In addition, sometimes if you skip a cutscene in the story mode, the enemies don’t spawn, causing you to have to restart the mission. The arcade and sub-games offer a nice extra challenge, but Nyaaaanvy could certainly do with having some more stage variety, and perhaps some new power-ups to spice up the gameplay a little. On a final note, I tried to play the online multiplayer, yet couldn’t find any competitors. Perhaps it was because I was on a North American server, but I can’t be sure.
There was one idea during the story that I found myself enjoying quite a lot but could do with a little more development. Most of the story focuses on the sumo-battles between the player and other fighters, yet halfway, there’s a section set in a secret base with lots of puzzles and tricky jumps to make. There’s a slight resemblance to the levels in the Mystery Dungeon format there, with the grid-based map format and enemy encounters, which could definitely do with a little more focus and screen time. More adventure-style gameplay, exploring different parts of the world and unlocking new abilities with your Nyanvy, could really flesh out the story a bit more and add a welcome new dimension to the formula.
Not to say that any of these points mentioned detract from the game, there’s still a lot of fun to be had. While the story may be a little short, and the menus somewhat basic, the style is simple but very effective. Though it may not be a game that you play forever, it’s a great way to spend half an hour if you need a little competitive action. If you’re looking for a cheap party game to play with a couple of friends then look no further, Nyaaaanvy is the perfect pick.
Virche Evermore. There’s a title for you. I put Virche into Google but the best it gives is a surname with the definition of ‘High Intelligence’. Not normally something I’d consider title material, but there you go. Don’t get me started on the random capital R in Error. But anyway, it actually fits in a peculiar way. Virche Evermore is a chaotic and frankly unsettling game. Makes sense that the title wouldn’t follow any normal rules. Much like its title, I’m not entirely sure how I feel about Virche Evermore.
Like most I’ve played in this genre, I found the story and character reveals to be very interesting but the actual gameplay leaves me feeling rather cold. It’s much the same story with the last Otome game I played. In both cases, I went in expecting a light romp full of handsome anime men and was met with something quite different. In this case, an unexpected helping of horror and despair. I rather liked it, even if Virche Evermore wasn’t too fussed about having me around.
Love And Death
Virche Evermore comes out swinging right from the word go. Our heroine, Ceres, is the physical embodiment of death. Though rather than a skull face and a scythe, she has bobbed blonde hair and a teeny-wee smile. She’s more of a death-by-excessive-kindness kind of a reaper. She makes a deal with a shady bloke called the ‘Watchman of Death’, who tasks her with uncovering the strange happenings going on around the country. Happenings like a burly bloke with a halberd slicing people into unrecognisable meat chunks. I said ‘horror’, after all.
I rather like it. It feels like every small facet of Virche Evermore is fleshed out, almost to the point of mania. The world is under a curse that kills people by the time they turn 23, tech exists to clone their bodies and download their memories and there are black flowers everywhere that kill people when they’re picked. It’s relentless, impressive worldbuilding. Characters get the same amount of love too. Take Lucas, a kind teacher with impossible strength, or Mathis – awkward, shy but obssessed with revenge. Pretty much everywhere you look, there’s something interesting. It’s ultimately what kept me plowing through.
I’m going to nitpick the line-by-line writing in the usual fashion, but everything in Virche Evermore reeks of unrestrained creativity. I imagine this is part of the beauty of a visual novel, as a standard novel would have to go through a publishing house. With visual novels, you can write what you want without a squad of editors snipping it down. Hence all the blood, gore and… rather uncomfortable endings. I rather like the whole unsettling aspect. Added on to that is some lovely art, with character designs matching their personalities and some stunning background work. Voice acting is pretty top notch too, even if it is in a language I don’t speak.
Neglected For Choice
On the despair front, Virche Evermore forces you to play through all of the bad endings for its characters before you can get the good ones. This is where the horrific stuff comes in. Take, for example, an ending where the worst dregs of humanity are repeatedly downloaded into a character’s brain, night after night. Fun times for all. Being a fan of horror, I rather like this – and the need to play the bad endings ensures that the only way to go is up. Not to mention that seeing these characters at their worst is good motivation to see them in a better light.
In truth, my only issues with Virche Evermore are ones that are largely endemic to the genre. The writing, for example, has that particular visual novel quality of being horribly overwritten. It delights in saying something obvious in dialogue and then saying the same thing right after in narration. Like when the Watchman magically heals a hand wound and disappears into the night, only for Ceres to think she ‘wouldn’t be suprised if he’s not human’. Yes. Welcome to obvious land, Ceres. It did start to grate after a while. This isn’t telling over showing. It’s showing then telling. Still, my biggest gripe comes from the actual gameplay.
I appreciate that if you’re a fan of the genre, this may not bother you, so feel free to skip down to the score. It’s the lack of any real input on our part that does it. For the vast majority of the game, Ceres makes the decisions, not us. She decides where to go, what to do and who to talk to. It’s like looking through a picture book. At set points, a binary choice will pop up to divert things but then it indicates visually if you picked the right answer. If you didn’t, it comes with a flowchart that lets you reset your choice and go down the other route. Our input is then down to the level of clicking through PowerPoint slides.
Virche Evermore – An Interesting Read
To me, it’s just not what I call a ‘game’, exactly. It’s a story that’s content to unfold largely without me. But that’s personal preference and putting that aside, my feelings towards Virche Evermore are largely positive. It’s thoroughly unsettling from start to finish and I’m down with that. The world and its characters are relentlessly creative. The actual writing does labour the point quite a lot though, so I did find it a game that I needed to play in small bursts because my brain kept getting saturated by excessive narration.
In the time I had, I only managed to get through two of the (bad) endings, but was left broadly entertained. I’ve not played many in this genre – to be frank, I’m not that keen on playing more – but I’d imagine Virche Evermore is part of the upper crust. It’s a story that’s worth experiencing as I doubt you’ll find much like it. The lack of player agency may be offputting, but if this your cup of tea and you’re in the mood for something full of blood, gore and handsome anime men, then give it a whirl.
Akko knows that PC gaming is an expensive hobby. However, if you want the best gear, you know you have to shell out a reasonable amount of cash. Thankfully, this incredible company has discounted some of its amazing tech for this Amazon Spring Deal Days event. I know what you are thinking, a money-off sale isn’t that special. Well, when you see what is on offer, you may change your mind.
This sales event runs from March 20th until March 25th. Moreover, Akko has discounted 6 unique products to improve your gaming experience. Accordingly, if you wish to upgrade your switches, keyboard, or keycaps, then you’ve come to the right article. There is up to a whopping 31% off these stunning items. Furthermore, you know you’ll receive exceptional customer service from both companies. As such, you have nothing to lose.
What tech has Akko discounted during the Amazon Spring Deal Days?
Akko 5075B Plus Gaming Keyboard.
The Akko 5075B plus keyboard is equipped with a professional Beken multimode controller chip and supports Bluetooth modes, 2.4 GHz wireless and USB-C wired. Additionally, the hot-swap PCB gives you the freedom to change the 3-pin/5-pin switches without soldering. Finally, All keys of the keyboard can be re-mapped to enable action sequences except the ones used for controlling the Macro mode.
The black and silver scheme combines the classic elegance of black with the sleek sophistication of silver. Akko 5075B Plus comes with a function row and a multimedia rotary encoder for productivity. All keys of the keyboard can be equipped with RGB effects via the online updatable battery cloud driver. Moreover, an upgraded version of the Akko CS switch, the switch with a dustproof shaft, features higher stability.
5075S ISO-UK keyboard is equipped with hot-swappable terminals, with which you can install keyboard switches directly without soldering. Gasket mounting is a type of keyboard mounting where no screw holes are drilled into the switch plate which usually has a cleaner sound profile because the gaskets cushion the shock of each keypress. Double-shot keycaps are extremely durable and wear-resistant even for decades, and the printed legends are particularly vivid and sharp with high contrast, which is proven to be sturdy and oil-proof even after a long time of use.
Akko V3 Pro Cream Yellow Mechanical Keyboard Switch.
The cream switches now feature alloy copper and palladium gold contact, which provide better conductivity, stability, and durability. With the 20mm spring extension, the POM/PC/PA materials will make the switches more smooth and creamy, providing a unique typing experience. Akko CS switches are equipped with LED slots ready for LED Mod/Assembly, and are SMD compatible (LED underneath the switch), giving you the flexibility to create a custom keyboard that stands out from the crowd.
Akko V3 Fairy Linear Silent Keyboard Switch for Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.
Akko 50gf linear silent fairy switches are designed to minimise noise during keypresses. The linear silent switches provide a consistent and smooth keystroke without a tactile bump or audible click, making them ideal for users who want to type with minimal disturbance. Akko fairy switches have an approximate lifespan of 50 million keystrokes based on laboratory durability tests. One pack comes with 45 switches and a plastic tray, ensuring your switches stay in top condition.
The Red Fuji keycap set is inspired by the Japanese woodblock artwork depicting the reddish Mt. Fuji at dawn in early autumn. This custom keycap set comes with a base set including command and option keycaps specifically for Mac OSX users. Dye-Sub PBT keycaps are extremely durable and resistant to wear even for decades, and the legends won’t fade away easily compared to conventional ABS keycaps.
5 days is not a long time. Consequently, if you are looking to improve your gaming set-up, you will not want to miss out. Akko produces some of the best products available. Therefore, if you can buy one at a bargain price, it is a hell of a good deal. Remember, the Amazon Spring Deal Days only runs until March 25th. Subsequently, you will have to act fast if you wish to grab a great deal.
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank highlights every vegetable’s lack of morals! This amusing but repetitive title will test your patience and accuracy as you try to get rich through elicit means. Moreover, it is free to play if you subscribe to Game Pass, so you have nothing to lose.
This action-adventure title was developed by Snoozy Kazoo and published by Graffiti Games. Additionally, it utilises rogue-lite elements and is laced with amusing moments. This is the first Turnip Boy game I’ve tackled, and I was pleasantly surprised by the witty dialogue and interesting gameplay mechanics.
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank takes a dark turn.
Turnip Boy is a career criminal. However, he has a line that rarely gets crossed. Unfortunately, he gets into some deep water and crosses paths with the fearsome Pickled Gang. This crew of misfits demands his help, and he unwittingly agrees. What unfolds is a story of danger, theft, and weird vegetable shenanigans. In short, it is odd, captivating, but most importantly, fun.
The gameplay follows a repetitive loop. The protagonist has a limited time to enter the bank, explore each room, and steal as much money as possible. En route, you must shake down vegetables for cash and shoot anything that moves. Moreover, there are bosses to defeat and some minor puzzles to complete. As such, there are plenty of little elements to keep you entertained throughout.
Quests and weapons.
Though the core loop is simple and repetitive, the action is punctuated by interesting quests and an array of crazy weapons. Alongside this, the list of big bosses will test your skills and resolve. Accordingly, you must keep on your toes if you wish to keep every ounce of your ill-gotten gains.
None of the quests will push you to your limits. Instead, they require a drip-fed layer of succession. Consequently, don’t expect to complete the main mission or each side quest in one run. It was this simple approach that keeps you coming back for more.
On top of this, the varied arsenal of weapons was interesting to handle. Moreover, there are upgradable skills and a host of perks to purchase. Each element allows you to dive deeper and last longer on each run. They also help tackle the tougher vegetable criminals in the latter stages. As such, it is a bit of a juggling act as you contemplate what to upgrade first.
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank takes a simple approach.
Though the basic imagery won’t appease everyone, I loved how Turnip Boy Robs a Bank took a retro approach. The pixelated imagery and garish colour palette were pleasant to the eye. Moreover, the stage layout was refined but clever, and the character models were interesting. Finally, the developer steered clear of unnecessary blood and gore. As such, this is ideal for younger gamers.
The dramatic and high-energy audio complements the crazy action. Each weapon has a unique sound that brings a wry smile to your face. Furthermore, the crash and bang of every explosion will make your ears ring. Subsequently, this is a loud game that rarely rests on its laurels.
Brilliant controls.
Though each weapon has unique properties, I never struggled. Thanks to the excellent tutorial and superb controller layout, I mastered this in no time. Moreover, the responsive inputs allowed me to slay every carrot, snail, and rabbit that crossed my path.
Rogue-lite games are renowned for their longevity and replay value. Luckily, Turnip Boy Robs a Bank is no different. Though the inevitable loss of property is annoying, I couldn’t help but fall for its charms. Alongside this, the bite-sized action is easy to swallow, and the quests are fun and captivating.
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank is a great indie game.
The indie market is getting better and better! Consequently, I enjoy the shorter and often easy-to-follow gameplay. Turnip Boy Robs a Bank offers some exceptional pick-up and play gameplay. Moreover, the plot is amusing, and who doesn’t love the idea of killing a carrot? Accordingly, I love this title and I recommend buying it here! Can you complete your heist and help the Pickled Gang? Pick your weapon, complete each quest, and get rich in the process.
Backbone, the leading platform for mobile gaming, is announcing the completion of their 2nd-generation product lineup with the introduction of two new products: the Backbone One – Lightning (2nd Gen) and Backbone One – PlayStation™ Edition – Lightning (2nd Gen) controllers. With the latest hardware and performance updates, Backbone players can now ‘expand their play’ with games like the newly announced Call of Duty®: Warzone™ Mobile, increased Remote Play connectivity, and improved game streaming with services like Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now.
Backbone’s 2nd Gen products feature a range of improvements for better, faster, and longer gaming. Improvements include new magnetic adapters to support many popular phone cases, an improved ergonomic design, enhanced phone stability, a reshaped D-Pad, and more. Plus, Backbone+ members receive a 30% discount when upgrading to a 2nd-gen controller, no trade-in required.
This visual novel experience harkens back to a lighthearted TV show with a memorable cast and an enthralling circus setting. These aspects coupled with strong writing and light action mechanics propel Death Trick Double Blind to set a proficient bar that left me having had an enjoyable adventure, even if a more seasoned player might anticipate the twist coming from a mile away.
The Premise
In this story you’ll play through the perspective of two different viewpoints. First is the magician, Jackie. She’s traveled from Europe to take the place of her friend, The Amazing Hattie, after coming to find she has been unexpectedly murdered. Upon her arrival to the circus, Jackie convinces Moses, the showrunner, to disguise herself as the “missing” Hattie for the rest of the shows scheduled in San Francisco, CA. Moses doesn’t want the news of Hattie’s death released since he knows this will affect ticket sales, and he does hint to the business being in financial decline. Aside from having the gig as the main act, Jackie’s goal is to meet all the performers of the circus, and inquire what they know of Hattie’s death.
The Amazing Hattie, the star of this circus has disappeared!
In the other perspective, you’ll wake from being unconscious, outside the circus and without clothing. Having a pounding headache, Detective Jones can’t remember what happened to get him into this precarious situation. Jones calls his secretary of his investigative business to see if she can catch him up to speed. Funnily, she says that this is a common occurrence for the detective, and explains that he has been hired by Moses to investigate the murder of Hattie. Afterwards, Detective Jones meets with Moses at 10AM (after putting on clothes) and is given the deadline to solve the case by the final performance, which is tonight at 7PM. Given such a tight deadline, Jones has no time to lose and immediately leaps to investigate all possible suspects of the crime. The two characters are on a similar path to find out about Hattie with constricting limitations and a killer in their midst.
Of the two player personalities, Jones is the one with more engaging conversations and agency. Jackie, on the other hand, feels a bit bland in her dialogue and limited in choices, but I believe that’s intentional due to what happens later in the story. Nonetheless, the supporting characters are all diverse and fun to interact with. They are brimming with their personalities to the point where you will start to care for them by the time of the resolution. To get there, It is very important to use distinct knowledge from both Detective Jones and Jackie to leverage the knowledge and put the pieces of the murder mystery together. Confirming alibis, recalling significant events and ruling out suspects are all a part of the alternating perspectives.
The Gameplay
Starting a conversation with a suspect of your choosing will begin with your player approaching at a time where they are busy with performing, eating, or practicing. These scenes are charming bits to learn about the characters, and it’s realistic. Following these sequences opens a conversation that allows the player to question any of the pieces of information or items regarding the mystery at hand. Each inquiry costs 1 Action Point (AP), and the player is given 5 to start off with. Additionally, the players can search the surrounding areas to find critical items to use in their investigation. If given the opportunity, the player can put two conflicting pieces of information involving a character to “contradict” them. There’s a hint system in place to let you know when there are conflicting pieces, but it’s up to you to put the pieces together to catch the suspects in a lie. These options give the player more variety to interact with the characters and more ways to solve the mystery, and they also cost 1AP.
A view of what a conversation will look like, you would select a piece of info and the character will respond to it.
A Light Action System
Once both characters deplete their respective AP, the time moves forward by one hour, inching closer to 7pm. It never felt like I needed more than 5AP because the game will not allow you to pick an action that will be a waste of an AP. There was not much consequence to inputting answers that didn’t match the conversation. I’m glad it didn’t though cause I can see that getting frustrating. The AP system is not perfect, and not all conversations flow cohesively, but these moments don’t take away from the overall satisfaction of the playthrough.
Visuals & Performance
Running on my PC, I experienced no hiccups or problems whatsoever when it comes to performance. I wouldn’t think that a visual novel would have any problems of that sort, but you never know. As for the visuals, they are substantial and give a painted like style. The vibrant colors and painted like composition compliment the odd characters and circus setting perfectly.
The Verdict
Death Trick Double Blind may not blindside a veteran visual novelist, but it remains a very charming experience that will keep you intrigued by its likable characters, a solid action system and an intriguingly high stakes ruse. The use of the AP system coupled with giving you the agency to inquire with any information you choose truly evokes the feeling of Sherlock Holmes when the puzzle pieces you chose match. The system isn’t perfect, but when you unravel the mystery of the plot you will feel satisfied that you were able to connect the dots. Even deeper satisfaction when you get to see certain characters’ lore after the fact. I highly recommend giving Death Trick Double Blind a play through if you have a craving to solve a murder mystery. This game is available in March of 2024 on Steam and Nintendo Switch.
The first game of the Granblue Fantasy franchise was released for smartphones in 2014 and became a very successful game on smartphones and attracted many fans, five years later in December 2019 the first game of this franchise on consoles and PC was released under the name Granblue Fantasy versus, which was not in the RPG genre like the first game, but in the fighting genre, and four years later, in December 2023, the second game in the fighting genre was released for PS5, PS4 and PC under the name Granblue Fantasy versus: rising And with an interval of almost two months, on February 1, 2024, the first Granblue Fantasy with RPG genre was released for consoles and PC, returning to the genre of the first game in the franchise.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink in Action RPG genre was released in February after more than seven years in development.
The RPG genre is one of the most popular genres in the video game industry and has many fans, but many games are released in this genre every year, which has created a lot of competition for these games, so Granblue Fantasy: Relink must have high quality to be successful in this competition. Has it been able to achieve the required quality? In the following, you will get the answer to this question.
STORY
The story is good and not bad by any means but not a great story, the story starts and the prologue is on the grandcypher flying ship where you meet your crew who are supposed to be with you throughout the game, at the beginning you are in a storm And after some time passes and the storm ends, you reach Zegagrande Skydom, the members of this crew are Lyria, Vyrn, Katalina, Io, Rackam, Eugen, and Rosetta, and you are the captain of this crew, and your goal is to go to Estalucia, which is a mythical astral realm, after some time has passed since reaching Zegagrande Skydom, monsters will attack your ship and give you the basic combat training of the game, and then strange things will happen to Lyria, who has a life link with the captain (if something happens to one of them Both of them feel that and their life and death are tied together) and causes the crew members to worry, but they get over it soon.
Lyria can command primal beasts and summon them, and katalina is her guardian.
After reaching the city of folca, you meet rolan and the news comes that the village of tempeal is in danger and you go there to help and notice the presence of a primal beast and you have to catch it with the help of lyria so that it does not harm people. In the third chapter, you meet the main villain of the game, Lilith and understand that she needs Lyria for her powers and wants to kidnap her, your story and main goal begins here.
The general story is very ordinary, but it works well in details and plot twists, especially at the ending parts of the story. The length of the main story is almost ten hours and it is short, and it would be better if it was least fifteen hours, but fortunately, other contents of the game is very large and vast.
The game has twelve chapters, one of which is the prologue and one is chapter 0 which is the epilogue and starts after the completion of the main story.
By going to the quest counter section in the cities, you can access the fate episodes, which are actually the backstories of the characters in your crew. and for each episode you need to complete the unlock requirements of that episode.
CHARACTER DESIGN
The design of the characters is wonderful, each of them has their own unique morals that you will get to know during the story, the design of the characters is so good that you become attached to them in the first few minutes.
GAMEPLAY
The gameplay is very diverse, deep, smooth and enjoyable, at the beginning of the game you have two skills and the square button is for attack and the triangle button is for unique attack, by pressing R2 you can dodge and with L1 you can guard, each character has a combo list. and using it you can perform different combos and hit the enemies, for example three times a square and once a triangle, two squares and two triangles, etc, the skills are different for each character and the arrangement of different skills It is completely in the hands of the player. For example, I will explain some skills: reginleiv: fires a projectile attack, decimate: a multi-hit slash attack with a wide attack radius, casts a circle that restores allies’ HP, enchanted lands: a fast, piercing lunge attack and many other skills that by unlocking them in the masteries section or the skill tree, you can get different and diverse skills for each character, four skills can be equipped at the same time, and by holding R1 and pressing one of the buttons (X, square, triangle, or circle) to use your skills that you have already arranged, there are several types of skills in the game: wind, plain, water, fire, dark, and earth. by hitting the enemies more often your art level will increase and your skills will cause more damage to the enemy.
Normal attacks are not limited to melee either and you can choose characters with ranged attack.
You have to choose four crewmates as your party members for the battles, at the beginning of the game you can select your party members only from the main characters of the game story that I mentioned earlier and then you can get the crewmate cards from knickknack shack and add new members to the party, the crewmates you buy have no role in the story and cutscenes, and only the main characters are present in the cutscenes.
During the battles, there is a blue line next to your enemies, when that line is filled, you can press the circle button in a limited time to execute the link attack, and all of the party members that are in the selected range of that enemy will perform a powerful attach against that enemy, and this link attack is one of the best gameplay features of this game, when the orange line is filled or almost filled under the health bar of you and the rest of the party members, you can press L3 and R3 to execute skybound art and deliver a very powerful blow to the enemies, if one or two or three or all four of the members of the party are almost full of orange line and are present in the designated area, a final hit will be done, and all the people present in that link will attck together with a powerful attack.
There is a potion wheel in the game, one of which restores a part of your health, one restores your entire health, one restores a part of your health and all party members, and the other restores you quickly and efficiently when you are in critical condition and waiting to be revived. If your health reaches zero during the fight, you will enter a critical condition and you will not be able to fight until the circle that shows on the screen is full, if the party members come to your aid, the circle will be full faster and if more party members help reviving you, it will get faster.
The boss fights of the game are very diverse and are not repetitive, each of them has their own moves and after being damaged a lot, they go into overdrive mode and deliver faster and stronger attacks to you and your party members, boss fights are very enjoyable and epic. and they are all well designed.
The way of moving the camera and locking on the enemies can sometimes be annoying and a bit difficult, but it is not a significant problem.
Loadings are annoying during the transition from gameplay to cutscene and from cutscene to gameplay, and this problem could easily be solved with the power of PS5’s SSD and would not be annoying.
Animations and various effects are excellent and smooth and have helped to make the gameplay more enjoyable.
Weapons can be upgraded by collecting materials from the main and side quests of the game, after the weapons level is maxed, you need a special material to uncap level and upgrade your weapons more and you can collect those special materials by doing side quests.
At the beginning of the game, the gameplay may be a little confusing, but after the first few hours and learning it, you will experience a wonderful gameplay.
The variety of enemies is large and you will encounter different types of enemies in each region.
LEVEL DESIGN
The amazing level design is one of the things that you quickly notice, the quests are never repetitive and monotonous and you don’t just go to a point to fight, the way of fighting and the events that happen during the quests are very diverse and even once you wont feel that the quests are repetitive and monotonous.
VISUALS
Visually, this game looks like a very beautiful painting, the world is very colorful and eye-catching, and each environment is visually very different from the other, and each one is like a very beautiful painting. But visually it is not heavy for PS5 and it can run 4k60fps but unfortunately you have to choose between 4k and 60fps.
SOUND DESIGN
The sound design is also well done, the soundtracks are fantastic and match the gameplay very well, each soundtrack is better than the previous one and always amazes you and is very pleasant to the ears.
CONCLUSION
The story is ordinary and acceptable and strong in some final parts. The gameplay is extremely smooth, varied and fun, the camera movement is a bit difficult and the loadings are annoying. Great level design makes the game never repetitive. The visuals are beautiful and the art is charming, but it doesn’t run at 4k60fps. The soundtracks are very catchy.
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley embodies every fine element of this incredibly touching franchise. Furthermore, every aspect respects the fine work of Tove Jansson. Accordingly, if you adore this heart-warming and family-friendly series, you will cherish every moment you spend playing this title.
This musical adventure game was developed by Hyper Games and published by Raw Fury. Thanks to its spectacular audio and touching story, you will fall for every ounce of Moomin charm. Moreover, the faithful adaptation of each main protagonist will fill you with nostalgia. As such, though this is a new adventure, it has so many wonderful, familiar moments that it will make you smile.
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley tells a sad tale.
The joy of Moominvalley is the love and nature that surrounds it. Yet, when this is removed, the residents have no idea of how to deal with the situation. Luckily, this is where Snufkin steps in. This nature-loving hero hates modern life. Additionally, he can’t stand it when inconsiderate people ruin every beautiful and untouched area. Accordingly, he will do anything to prevent his home and favourite places from being decimated.
During your time in Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley, you must follow a linear storyline and a fairly rigid gameplay loop. The hero, Snufkin, must undertake a variety of tasks and sub-quests to help the residents and save the valley. However, this is easier said than done as puzzles and some minor stealth mechanics stand between you and success. Furthermore, the more you progress, the more damage and destruction you witness. Subsequently, you must work hard and fast if you wish to bring life back to your favourite places.
A simple concept.
Though the plot and characters are complex and touching, the core gameplay concept is undeniably simple. Snufkin is sent on an array of missions that unfold at a gentle pace. En route, he will encounter plenty of creatures and weird and wonderful beings. Each of these animals must be lured into helping you with the aid of a harmonica song. First, the music is basic and will not appease everyone. However, as the game evolves, you discover new layers to your music and this helps to entice the toughest of creatures.
Alongside this, there are some basic puzzles and some stealth moments. Neither of these will test your resolve or your skills, but they are fun to experience and add an element of variety to an otherwise structured performance. Additionally, you must use your song to manipulate some of the creatures you see. This was a great tool that amused me every time. I loved tricking the park keepers whilst sneaking past them and destroying their signs and statues.
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley looks phenomenal.
Aesthetically, Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is an absolute winner! If you have watched the TV series, or you have read the books, you will cherish every single second. However, if you have somehow missed this wonderful franchise, you may wonder what the heck you are looking at. The faithful imagery and vibrant colours transport you to the nostalgia-infused 90s cartoon. Moreover, the lush world design and the slight layer variation capture your attention. Another fine element is the cinematic. The phenomenal storytelling was a joy to watch, and I could happily watch it over and over again.
The jaw-dropping audio complements the visuals. The touching soundtrack captures every fine aspect of the original series. On top of this, there is an underlying modern tone that will resonate with younger gamers. If you then consider the fine sound effects and the delightful ambient sounds, you will adore everything you see and hear.
Excellent controls.
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is a relaxing game. However, the minor puzzle and stealth moments somewhat up the ante. Subsequently, when the gameplay ups the tempo, you rely on the responsive and well-considered keyboard layout. This is supported further as every action is highlighted on the screen. Therefore, you can’t go wrong as you explore and solve the issues in Moominvalley.
Where this is sadly lacking is replay value and longevity. If you undertake every side quest, you may get around 5 hours of gameplay. However, if you push through and focus on the core storyline, you will be lucky to enjoy 4 hours of action. This short play time was not enough for me. I wanted the game to go on and on. Yet, when the end credits rolled I was left wanting. Consequently, I desperately hope that the developers work on a sequel or some additional content.
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is a must-play game if you are a fan.
If you adore the Moomins, you must play Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley! This incredibly touching experience will make you smile throughout. Moreover, its ability to stay faithful to the original protagonists and their characteristics was impressive. If you then consider the amazing aesthetics, you will be transported to this weird but nostalgia-infused cartoon world. Accordingly, I adore this game and I recommend buying it here! Can you save Moominvalley? Explore the world, solve each problem, and cherish every musical moment.
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a taxi driver? Nah, me neither. Yet, here I am looking at Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator! This simple but interesting title scratches that sim itch as well as allowing you to take in some lovely sights. On top of this, there is a small progression system as well as the chance to manage a small business. Consequently, it attempts to fit plenty of depth into a rather niche endeavour.
This simulation title was developed by Simteract and published by Nacon. This solo experience asks you to drive across a vast sprawling city whilst making plenty of money in the process. Additionally, you must explore each nook and cranny and discover landmarks and plenty of street art. Though much of the action follows tried and tested mechanics, I enjoyed the relaxing and realistic approach.
Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator allows you to write your own tale.
I often have people question my desire for a story when playing a sim game. Now, I know hobbyists adore the realism and the lack of adventure. However, I like a bit more depth to my games and often enjoy the smallest of plots. Thankfully, there is a minor backstory to the action and this was enough to keep me happy. Yet, I would have enjoyed a bit of rivalry or a love interest. Sadly, these things never materialised.
Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator focuses on your ability to navigate the streets of Barcelona. Additionally, you must expand your business and complete an array of special jobs. However, the main gameplay loop revolves around everyday people and their desire to move from point A to point B. This rudimentary mechanic should have been mundane. Instead, it was fascinating to follow the laws of the road and explore the vast city streets.
A lowly taxi driver.
At the start, you have one small car and little experience. Yet, with time and effort, you expand your business, improve your skills, and have the ability to own a fleet of luxury cars. Moreover, you can pick from an array of jobs and test your skills with special events. However, no matter what you do, you must abide by the rules of the road and maintain each vehicle you drive.
It is the maintenance element of the gameplay that adds depth to the realism. If you misuse your brakes or your speed, your car will slowly crumble. Moreover, crashing into other vehicles or buildings is detrimental to your life, car, and your earning potential. As such, you must keep on top of your fleet of cars if you wish to run the best business around.
If you tire of taking punters to their desired destinations, you can drive to your heart’s content. As you explore the bustling streets, you can observe graffiti or an array of museums, sculptures, and landmarks. This minor addition to the gameplay breaks up the repetitive nature of each job whilst adding XP to your character.
XP.
The XP and progression system are essential if you wish to streamline your business. You can choose to improve your earning potential or your driving abilities. Alternatively, maybe you’ll focus your time and money on your workforce and their cars. Either way, your main goal is to explore as much of Barcelona as you can whilst making a healthy profit at the same time.
If you wish to see everything on offer, you must complete an array of tasks to improve your standing. Whether you take on normal driving tasks or undertake unique events, it is up to you. I loved the latter option as it was more challenging to speed to a set location or remain calm and abide by every law of the road. Whichever you choose, make sure to do it to the best of your ability. The better you do, the more money you earn, and the quicker your business expands.
Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator is pleasant to look at.
The developers have done a great job with Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator. Visually, the city is impressive to witness. On top of this, the cars are realistic and I liked the basic damage elements. Whether you choose to drive from the seat of your car or enjoy an external viewpoint, the gameplay is just as good. What’s more, the attention to detail and the rendering distance ensure that you won’t tire of what you see, and the action is wonderfully immersive.
As you’d expect, there is an array of radio stations to pick from. However, I was unable to make any work. Now, this may be a glitch or user error, but no matter how hard I tried, I never heard a peep. Subsequently, I focused my attention on the vast array of sound effects. The excellent ambient sounds were impressive. Moreover, I liked the engine noises and the horrific sound of every crash. Accordingly, the developers have created a realistic title.
Excellent controls.
Thanks to the thorough tutorial, you will learn the fundamentals in no time. Additionally, the excellent UI and wonderful button layout help you to navigate the tight streets of Barcelona. Though I wasn’t a fan of the first-person viewpoint, I liked the realistic nature of the controls and how responsive every element felt.
The world map is huge! Consequently, there is plenty to see and loads of streets to explore. Moreover, you will discover landmarks and graffiti for hours on end. Alongside this, the character progression system and the business management layers keep you coming back for more. Therefore, this has both replay value and longevity.
Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator is a fun sim title.
Becoming a virtual taxi driver wasn’t on the cards. Yet, I enjoyed my time with Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator. This realistic endeavour will grab your attention from the off. Additionally, the simple-to-learn mechanics enable you to lose hours of your life without thinking about it. If I was critical, the action can be considered repetitive, and I’d like the developers to add a greater variety of quests and special events. These shortcomings to one side, I loved this game and I recommend buying it here! Can you learn the knowledge? Jump in your car, pick up each punter, and make a fortune in the process.
This is the Header image for Growth on Steam, courtesy of the Steam page for this game.
DISCLAIMER: This review was possible by VoodooDuck and/or Assemble Entertainment. They were generous enough to send a code over to Movies, Games, and Tech for review purposes. Thanks, everyone!
Growth. It means a measurement of one’s ability to grow as an individual or being. In this particular case, it’s also the title of a video game, surprisingly enough.
Growth, for those unaware, is a game where you acquire animals to then send out in order to acquire terrain in an attempt to reach a hidden volcano and render it dormant for the sake of the animals. At least, that’s the gist of the plot that I got from the game’s text info boxes, but I can go over it more detail during the story summary.
Regarding the release date, It was made for the PC on October 16th, 2023. It was courtesy of Developer VooDooDuck and Publisher Assemble Entertainment. It was built for PC launchers like Steam and GOG. it made its way onto the Switch eShop – at least in Europe – on December 21st, 2023.
So, does this game manage to impress with its premise and gimmicks? Let’s find out. This is my review of the Switch version of Growth.
Story – There’s room for Growth
The Loading took nearly 30 seconds! After that, I was able to play on a random, procedurally-generated map.
To recap for those who skip the intro, the plot for Growth is rather basic. You are guiding an initially limited number of animals to a dormant volcano in an attempt to save the developing lands and acquire more animal types along the way. That’s kind of it without getting too deep into spoiler territory. At least the tutorial and controls work well enough.
Gameplay – Good, but room for Growth
As for the gameplay, it… works, but also has issues. You are given 1 hippo and 2 deer. The music is relaxing, but it’s more to help calm you down after you inevitably fail to make any progress towards the volcano. The more animals or “resources” you get, the more you can progress. Do expect a different map each time you play, though.
Also, there’s a high score mechanic. The highest I did get was over 2,000 points… ugh! Even when I did know what to do and how to best optimize my range, I only got into the 900 points range or so each subsequent time. This game encourages strategizing your movements due to a lack of a Bonafede time limit. You are punished for random guessing. I could understand needing to strategize at your own pace in other games like Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky. Here… not so much.
Final Thoughts
Growth is a mostly relaxing time, despite the focus on Strategy and procedural-generated maps.
It was a good time for strategy games on PC and Switch. Despite the flaws I mentioned above, getting a high score can be addicting, and the success you feel when you make some progress – however minute it is – is immensely satisfying. It is a very relaxing game with a lot of depth to it.
