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Exploring the Jurassic Park Movies in Release Date Order

News

Andrew Edney

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Feb 7, 2024

Exploring the Jurassic Park Movies in Release Date Order

The Jurassic Park movie franchise is arguably one of the most iconic around the world. Whether it has been watched or not, almost everyone will know about it or will have at least heard about it.

The dinosaur-themed creation by Steven Spielberg has become a multi-billion-dollar franchise, with it estimated that more than $6 billion has been generated. The first release of the franchise managed to generate more than $1 billion on its own.

When was each Jurassic Film released?

With a number of different film titles to have been released since its first inception in 1993, it can be difficult to know which movie was released when. None of the films (bar Jurassic Park III) follow a numbered pattern, which can make it harder for those unfamiliar with the series to know which to watch if they are looking to do it in chronological order (which is highly recommended).

The first three films are part of the ‘Jurassic Park’ trilogy, with these having been released between the 1990s and early 2000s. The first two of these were directed by Spielberg and based on a novel written by Michael Crichton, however the remainder were directed by others and released following the films and stories that were made previously. The ‘Jurassic World’ franchise was not released until the mid-2010s and has continued to feature new releases, with more planned for the future.

Release Dates:

Jurassic Park – June 11, 1993
The Lost World: Jurassic Park – May 23, 1997
Jurassic Park III – July 18, 2001
Jurassic World – June 12, 2015
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom – June 22, 2018
Battle at Big Rock (Short Film) – September 15, 2019
Jurassic World Dominion — June 10, 2022

How big is the Jurassic franchise?

As mentioned, the Jurassic franchise has already managed to generate more than $6 billion in revenue at the box office across the film series. Still, it would not be a surprise if that were not all of the money that had been accumulated.

The franchise has been licensed out in a variety of ways by the holders, due to its global reputation and brand. There have been TV spin-offs, comics and books, as well as games. The video game market has enjoyed a number of releases, as has the iGaming industry.

Players who enjoy the dinosaur themes and like to play gambling games have been able to find online slot games that are based on the box office hits released, with Jurassic Park Gold, Jurassic World, and Jurassic World: Raptor Riches all available to play.

The franchise is only likely to get bigger in the future, though, as it has been announced that there will be a Jurassic World 4 film. This has been scheduled for release in 2025. It will be directed by David Leitch and will not feature any of the original characters, though, so it will be interesting to see how well-received it will be when it is at the box office.

Which Jurassic film is considered the best?

While it is always worth watching all of them to get the complete experience, it is only natural to want to know which one is the best (and worst). Of course, this is something that can be very opinionated and subjective, but there is a general consensus among many critics about what they believe is the best.

Unsurprisingly, many believe the very first film – Jurassic Park – is the best. The scene of the T-Rex eating the lawyer hiding in the toilet is one of the most memorable in cinema for a generation, while the use of animatronics and special effects arguably revolutionized Hollywood and the cinematic experience that viewers have been able to obtain.Questions are posed about the future 2025 release due to the fact that many had left critical reviews about the latest release – Jurassic World Dominion (2022). Nonetheless, it still managed to generate more than $1 billion at the box office, which is perhaps why the new director will go down a new route and look to instill a level of freshness and new life into the iconic franchise. Otherwise, the prospect of extinction might be realized, thus replicating the same outcome that these prehistoric creatures suffered about

Review: Project Downfall

Daniel Waite

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Feb 6, 2024

0

https://youtu.be/Fs680xrq8Bo?si=OF0QtvR4Hkv8SF8T

Project Downfall is a game that gets better as you play. Not only does it take a while for things to “click”, but you need to find your rhythm as well. Yet, once you understand what is required from you, you will fall for this title’s dark and seedy charms. Additionally, there are plenty of endings to discover as well as some gruesome ass-kicking action to enjoy.

This action-adventure title was developed by MGP Studios and published by RedDeerGames. Moreover, it has a distinct Matrix/John Wick feel to the action. Consequently, you will feel indestructible as you annihilate everyone that stands in your path. On top of this, you are free to explore as you wish. Accordingly, you may ride your car and get on with each mission or use your feet to walk or kick your way to success.

Project Downfall delivers a confusing tale.

I enjoy a game that goes off on a tangent. However, Project Downfall rarely sticks to the reservation. This semi-linear title gives you the freedom to do as you wish. Furthermore, you can spare innocent bystanders their lives or smash them in the face with an iron bar. Either way, make sure to complete each task in style as it impacts your end score otherwise.

Crimson Tide is a city filled with crime and gangsters. Moreover, it is a grim neon-infused world where danger hides in every corner. Yet, this doesn’t fill you with dread, as you are a badass individual who can hold his own. Subsequently, whenever you begin a mission, you simply use your fists or some mind-altering drugs to get the party started.

Short, sharp levels.

Where Project Downfall excels is its short-sharp levels. Each mission is broken down into minute objectives that must be completed as you see fit. En route, you are free to explore every nook and cranny to find hidden collectables. Furthermore, depending on your course of action, you will impact your score and take deviating branches of each plot. As such, you must be careful what you say and do as you hunt down every bad guy.

On top of this, there is a fine arsenal of weapons to handle and the aforementioned mind-altering drugs to swallow. If you find yourself without a weapon, fear not! Just pop a pill and watch the world pass in super slow motion. Additionally, these pills have the wonderful side effect of making you stronger than the Incredible Hulk. Accordingly, you can one-kick your opponents into oblivion. Alternatively, if you have run out of drugs, simply aim for their balls or their faces and this will offer maximum damage.

Mindless action with a tactical edge.

My next statement is a massive contradiction. However, bear with me whilst I explain my madness. Project Downfall utilises mindless action that has an odd tactical edge. Now, what I mean is that you can kick down doors, throw pipes, punch and kick, or shoot anyone you wish. This aggressive approach is as straightforward as it could be. However, if you wish to improve your final stage score, you must be stylish and tactical with your thought process.

During each level, there are a set number of goons to kill. If you can eliminate your foes in the most attractive way possible, you’ll improve your multiplier and score the maximum points. Alternatively, you can throw caution to the wind and freestyle every level. Either way, there is carnage and destruction that lies in your wake.

Project Downfall is a grim experience.

The neon-infused action is juxtaposed by the grim and grisly city streets. Additionally, the pixelated art style and basic level design won’t be to everyone’s taste. Yet, if you love the oppressive nature of the claustrophobic world and the simple but effective character models, you will adore every layer of Project Downfall. The stylish death of every foe and the incredible slow-motion action will make you smile. Accordingly, though it doesn’t have a modern edge, I think it looks amazing.

The synth audio adds a sinister layer to the action. This is then complemented by the obnoxious sound of every weapon you wield. Moreover, the crunch of every door and the clunk of hand or foot on face and balls will bring a wry smile to your face. In short, no matter how many times you kill an opponent, you will not get bored by what you hear.

The hero stands face to face with a criminal.

Excellent controls.

Project Downfall was confusing at first. Yet, the controls are well explained, and the tutorial is simple to follow. Additionally, the excellent button layout and the responsive inputs make this a cinch to play. Once you get to grips with the scoring system, you’ll adore smashing your opponent’s face whilst sliding on your knees.

Though each chapter is relatively short, there are plenty of unique endings to experience. On top of this, there are loads of collectables to find and each playthrough differs ever so slightly. Consequently, you never know what to expect each time you step out onto the streets.

Project Downfall is a stylish indie title.

Though the idea of smashing goons is nothing new, I loved the art style and the interesting story. On top of this, the stylish combat and the ever-changing gameplay are interesting whilst keeping you on your toes. Accordingly, I recommend that you buy this brutal, tactical first-person action-adventure title here! Can you rid Crimson Tide of its unwanted criminals? Choose your weapon, plan your approach, and kick some ass.

Review: Speed Crew

Daniel Waite

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Feb 5, 2024

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Speed Crew allows you to call on your inner car mechanic. Moreover, it borrows elements from much-loved titles such as Overcooked, Tools Up, and Moving Out. As such, if you love these games, you’ll adore every manic moment.

This fast-paced simulation title was published and developed by Wild Fields. What’s more, it can be enjoyed solo or cooperatively with up to 3 other players. Consequently, it requires teamwork, planning, and a hefty dose of patience if you wish to succeed. Additionally, you are guaranteed to fall out with friends and family as the pressure ramps up.

Speed Crew tells a tale of rags to riches.

I love a story that focuses on a group of underdogs. Thankfully, Speed Crew does that in its rags-to-riches plot. Though the story adds little to the action, I enjoyed the fun cinematic and the silly one-liners. Moreover, the colourful characters and the evolving eras help to keep things fresh.

You are the lead mechanic of a professional pit crew. This underwhelming group of individuals is considered a lowly and pitiful operation. Yet, you are determined to prove them wrong. Dominion Torrento challenges you to a competition across the ages. Subsequently, if you can beat your rivals and outdo Torrento’s mechanics, you’ll be considered the best in the business. Yet, this is easier said than done as the high-octane action keeps you on your toes.

Deceptively straightforward.

Where Speed Crew excels is its deceptively straightforward action. Like its peers, this title drip-feeds new elements as you progress. Accordingly, the relatively easy-to-understand opening levels develop into madness-inducing action. Additionally, obstacles and tricky-to-navigate environments make matters worse.

The gameplay loop is simple to understand. You are tasked with highlighting any problems with your race cars. Once an issue is discovered, you must grab the correct tools and rectify the problem. However, this basic concept quickly gets out of hand. You are expected to recycle old tyres, avoid pools of lava, and weave between moving platforms. On top of this, you must avoid other race cars and work with your teammates to keep things going.

As you repair each car, you are awarded X number of laps. This score is multiplied depending on your speed and the number of cars you repair. The winner of each event is the pit team that has repaired the most cars in the quickest time possible. Consequently, if you are accurate and make no errors, your team will top the podium, and you will proceed to the next stage.

Better with friends.

This gameplay loop forms the backbone of Speed Crew. Yet, there are some exceptions thanks to the multiplayer mode. Moreover, there are sponsorship races that test your resolve. Though this element isn’t essential, it was nice to experience some unusual races that didn’t impact the progress of the game.

My biggest gripe with Speed Crew is the imbalance of the action. Unlike its peers, this is much easier when played with other people. Unfortunately, it is pretty stressful when you play by yourself, and this problem becomes worse during the latter stages. Though you can play this alone, I had a much more enjoyable time when I played it online or with friends on one TV.

If the developers had considered an accessibility option to balance the gameplay, then it would have been much better. Now, I’m not saying you can’t complete this as a solo gamer, but you will be pushing your skills and ability to the limits. Furthermore, there is a genuine risk that you may scream or rage quit as the action gets out of hand.

Speed Crew looks fantastic.

Unlike Moving Out or Overcooked, Speed Crew has a realistic edge. Moreover, the sultry colour palette gives off a retro vibe. Consequently, this has a sense of nostalgia that works perfectly with the 70s and 80s levels. On top of this, the isometric perspective was a great choice. Thanks to the clean UI, and fixed-screen perspective, you could plan every move you need to make. What’s more, though it was hectic to play, it never got messy, even when you teamed up with friends on one screen.

The audio captures the excitement of the pit lane. The high-energy soundtrack and the loud sound effects add a layer of danger to the proceedings. Furthermore, you’ll chuckle as your teammates get hit by a car or scream as they fall to their death. Though it shouldn’t make you laugh, the complementary sound effects will make you smile as all hell is breaking loose.

Exceptional controls.

Speed Crew should have been a nightmare to play. With so much going on, it had the potential to be a messy experience. Luckily, though, the developer got their control layout just right. The responsive and easy-to-learn inputs ensure that this can be played by adults and children alike. Moreover, it matters not if you are a veteran or a newbie, as this game is wonderfully easy to master.

Unsurprisingly, this oozes replay value and longevity. With 48 levels of action and planned DLC, this offers plenty of bang for your buck. On top of this, the multiplayer madness will keep you coming back for more. If you are a completionist, you will need to sink hours of your time into it as the achievement list is challenging to complete.

Speed Crew is a must-play, high-octane title.

I love this genre, but I didn’t expect too much from this game. Poor imitations of the leading titles are commonplace. Consequently, I expected Speed Crew to be a lame replica. Thankfully, though, every aspect of this game is fun, enjoyable, and challenging. Yes, I wish the solo gameplay was more balanced, but this can’t be helped. However, if you are playing this with friends, you will have a phenomenal time. Accordingly, it is a must-play, high-octane title and I recommend buying it here! Can you become a pit lane master? Choose your character, overcome every obstacle, and win every race.

Preview: Kebab Chefs Restaurant Simulator

Daniel Waite

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Feb 4, 2024

0

Preview: Kebab Chefs Restaurant Simulator

Kebab Chefs Restaurant Simulator is a fun-filled Early Access title. This interesting and hectic game can be enjoyed alone or with others online. As such, you can unleash your inner Gordan Ramsay as you cook a variety of interesting meals for impatient customers. Alternatively, maybe you wish to impress the world’s leading chefs. Either way, you will have a great time as you slice, fry, bake, and season your way to the top.

This simulation title was published and developed by Biotech Gameworks. Moreover, it has a business edge as you manage resources and your AI workforce. On top of this, there are pub games to enjoy and unlimited alcoholic drinks to consume. Accordingly, if you get bored with cooking, you can head to the pub and waste hours of your life playing darts or blackjack.

Kebab Chefs Restaurant Simulator tells a familiar tale.

Simulation games rarely break the storytelling mould. As such, though I like something original, I’m not too disappointed with a familiar and well-trodden plot. Unsurprisingly, Kebab Chefs Restaurant Simulator is no different! You are the offspring of a well-known chef. Unfortunately, the business failed and you have to follow in their footsteps. However, unlike your father, you are determined to get things right.

Like its peers, the opening hour of gameplay sets the scene whilst delivering an easy-to-follow tutorial. This tongue-in-cheek opening is informative, straightforward, and enjoyable to experience. Moreover, the gentle learning curve sets you up for some of the more challenging elements of the gameplay. Subsequently, I have to applaud the developers for their softly-softly approach.

Creative licence.

First, your menu and restaurant are both basic and uninspiring. However, as the game unfolds, you will buy new machines and workstations to use. Furthermore, you’ll unlock fresh ingredients and a large selection of dishes to create. Yet, you are not expected to serve every recipe you know. Instead, you may choose up to 5 recipes to cook each day. This was a phenomenal decision, allowing you to purchase the right ingredients. Additionally, you can prep everything you need to keep stress to a minimum.

Yet, no matter how prepared you are, you will still feel the heat of the kitchen. Your customers have minimal patience and if you cook a dish incorrectly, or you take too long, they get unbelievably pissed off. This impacts your profits for the day and wastes food unnecessarily. Consequently, you must keep a cool head as you navigate each cooker or kebab machine.

Prep for every meal in Kebab Chefs! Restaurant Simulator.

Gourmets and a team of chefs.

To be considered the best in the business, you must impress the leading stars. However, this is easier said than done. As such, you must complete a challenging array of criteria before the gourmet chefs will award you with some game-changing prizes. If you somehow do enough to impress these world-renowned foodies, you will prove that your restaurant and your abilities deserve to be globally recognised.

Where Kebab Chefs Restaurant Simulator excels is its multiplayer action. There is nothing better than shouting at your friends as they ruin another fine dining experience. Alternatively, maybe you wish to control the pass, and they allow the dirty plates to pile up. Either way, if you work together, you can run a successful and booming restaurant.

Kebab Chefs Restaurant Simulator looks surprisingly good.

This genre isn’t renowned for its beauty. However, Kebab Chefs Restaurant Simulator looks surprisingly good. The colour palette is vivid and pleasant to the eye. Moreover, the character models look great. On top of this, the animation is well-considered, and I only stumbled upon a few visual glitches. Consequently, I was impressed by the polished finish.

The audio was equally good. The upbeat music was complemented by the realistic sound effects. Additionally, the ambient sounds enhanced the realism. My only complaint is the noise each customer makes. The repetitive sound bites could do with some work. In its current build, they will make you chuckle and drive you insane in equal measure.

Responsive controls.

The controls were surprisingly responsive. Consequently, it is easy to play, no matter if you use a mouse and keyboard or gamepad. What’s more, the excellent tutorial ensures that this is a straightforward title to pick up and play. However, mastering each recipe is no mean feat and this takes patience and practice.

Though the premise is pretty repetitive, there is still plenty of replay value and longevity. The inclusion of multiplayer action and the silly shenanigans of the pub help to break up the cooking element. Additionally, there are plenty of recipes to unlock and a never-ending stream of customers to impress.

Kebab Chefs Restaurant Simulator is a great indie title.

I love it when an Early Access game impresses me. Kebab Chefs Restaurant Simulator is a fun and interesting game that will keep getting better. Moreover, the developers are community-focused and this keeps the ideas flowing. Accordingly, if you want a cooking title with a twist, I recommend buying this here! Can you better your father? Clean up the restaurant, impress the gourmet chefs, and run the best food outlet in town.

Review: X-central Foldable Dual Monitor Stand

Andrew Edney

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Feb 4, 2024

0

Review: X-central Foldable Dual Monitor Stand

Here is our review of the X-central Foldable Dual Monitor Stand.

X-Central computer monitor stand contains 1 big stand and 1 small stand. Each stand is equipped with functional phone/ tablet holder and storage drawer. USB 3.0 hub on the big stand concentrates up to 4 devices simultaneously. RGB light strips on both sides brings 6 adjustable lighting modes.

Specifications

What’s in the box?

The box contains the two stands, a data cable and a charging cable, along with a user manual.

A Closer Look

Final Thought

There are two stands included in the box – referred to as the big stand and the small stand. You can set them up and use them however you need to – whether it’s on top of one and other, or next to each other, the choice is yours. The legs are foldable and you can adjust the width to fit as needed.

The big stand has the ability to charge devices using USB 3.0 and USB-C ports, and comes with a charging cable as well a data cable to use. You can use your own cables too.

Each stand also has storage drawers and device holders for your phone and tablets. This is a nice addition.

The small stand also has a laptop stand which can be adjusted to multiple angles.

There are RGB light strips on both sides of the big stand. Choose from 6 adjustable lighting modes to create an atmosphere that celebrates your gaming nights and adds excitement to your workspace.

All in all this is a very useful addition to your desk set up and will make it easier for you to work!

The X-central Foldable Dual Monitor Stand is available now priced around $99.99.

You can learn more from the X Layout website.

Review: C7 Air Ergonomic Chair

Reviews
Tech

Daniel Waite

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Feb 3, 2024

0

The C7 Air Ergonomic Chair from FlexiSpot ticks many boxes! This stunning piece of office furniture looks fantastic and feels robust. Moreover, it is stylish, comfortable, and versatile. Alongside this, the breathable material is perfect if you work in a hot or stuffy office. From the moment you sit on it, your body feels relaxed. Furthermore, each supportive element allows you to work for extended periods without straining your neck, back, or shoulders.

On top of this, this chair wouldn’t look out of place in a high-end office or a streamer’s workspace. As such, this is the ideal option for anyone who works from home. Alternatively, maybe you would like to mix business with pleasure and sneak in the odd game of COD between Zoom calls. Either way, if you invest in this chair, your body will thank you.

What’s in the box of the C7 Air Ergonomic Chair?

The packaging is large and heavy. Consequently, it is advised to have 2 people lift the chair. Thankfully, FlexiSpot is environmentally conscious as the packaging can be recycled.
The C7 Air Ergonomic Chair comes in several parts. As such, you need a decent amount of room to construct the chair.
An Allen key and screws are provided to build the item.
The user manual highlights the fundamentals.

Building the chair.

I’ve constructed many FlexiSpot products. Subsequently, I knew that this wouldn’t be a complicated process. However, I didn’t expect the parts to be as heavy as they were. Accordingly, this build is much easier if you have a second person to help. If this isn’t an option, you can complete this project alone, but it could take much longer.

Piecing the C7 Air Ergonomic Chair together is a piece of cake. Thanks to the simple-to-read instructions and the well-labelled parts, you cannot go wrong. Additionally, many steps require no DIY skills and just a little common sense. As such, this shouldn’t be a problem, no matter your skill level.

Technical aspects.

Every aspect of this chair is designed with comfort and productivity in mind. Furthermore, the headrest, lumber support, seat base, gas strut, and armrests can be adjusted. Consequently, this is the perfect option for fussy office workers. Alongside this, you can recline the back if you wish to relax or take a snooze between emails or live streams. The 4D adjustable armrests and the up to 128-degree reclining backrest ensure that you experience the ultimate levels of comfort.

However, the piece de resistance has to be the lumber support and the headrest. With the flick of a switch, the lumber support can be moved to prevent poor posture. Furthermore, the headrest prevented unnecessary neck strain. Subsequently, you reduce pressure on your neck whilst decreasing headaches and other fatigue-related symptoms.

Build quality.

The C7 Air Ergonomic Chair is a high-end and professional piece of furniture. The sturdy 360-degree caster wheels are strong and smooth. Moreover, the gas-powered strut supports up to 130 kg of weight. Considering the adjustable height and deep seating position, this chair is designed for people of all shapes and sizes.

The strong mesh material feels great against your body. Moreover, the breathable fabric allows your skin and clothing to breathe even when the room is clammy and hot. I was also impressed by the sturdy switches and the easy-to-clean armrests and base. Every moving element glides into place and I never experienced any uncomfortable noises or resistance. Alongside this, the hinged elements are strong, and they remain where positioned even if you fidget or move the chair.

Unlike its peers, I wouldn’t be concerned if I had to take this apart and rebuild it. Thanks to the strong screws and the easy-to-construct design, I wasn’t worried about damaged parts or unsightly scratches or marks.

Is the C7 Air Ergonomic Chair worth it?

Buying the right office chair isn’t an easy task. You must consider its build quality, price, design, and usability. Thankfully, the C7 Air Ergonomic Chair ticks each of these boxes. This spectacular chair looks amazing while delivering exceptional levels of comfort. Alongside this, it looks fantastic and can be adjusted to support different body shapes and sizes. Moreover, its ergonomic design helps to improve your posture and productivity. Accordingly, I love it and I recommend that you buy it here! Alternatively, you can make massive savings thanks to the Valentine’s Day Sale from Flexispot.

_{(More information on FlexiSpot can be found here!)}

The C7 Air Ergonomic Chair has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

_{(Full disclosure! FlexiSpot provided a sample for this review)}

Review: Immortal Life

Josh Blackburn

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Feb 3, 2024

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Immortal Life has helped me define something when it comes to life simulators. It’s a moment during playing that I’ve taken to calling the ‘Palms-Up Point’. It’s that moment when all your crops are growing, your quests are just ticking over and you’ve given all the gifts you can. So you just throw your palms up and say, “what am I supposed to do now?” Some games get to this point faster than others. Worryingly, Immortal Life got there after just a few hours.

It speaks, I think, to how disjointed everything feels. I’m not a man motivated by profit (when it comes to growing virtual crops at least), I need an overarching goal. I was struggling to see that here. The result is a game that feels like a pile of bits. They aren’t bad bits, mind. There are even some strokes of genius in Immortal Life – things I wouldn’t mind seeing in others in the genre. It just didn’t feel like a cohesive whole to me – but let’s examine these bits and see what we’ve got. We’ll start with the farming.

Farming Forever

The usual way I farm crops in these sorts of games is to have one giant field with a mish-mash of crops all growing together. I’m happy to say Immortal Life made this tendency of mine stay exactly the same. I want to lead with farming, though, because this is where Immortal Life brings in its best idea: spells. As we all know, the worst part of farming is having to go over every crop with a watering can. In Immortal Life, we can spend a bit of mana to summon a raincloud and water a batch of crops. We can also plant crops this way and harvest them rapidly with dual scythes.

Why haven’t other games done this? The less time with the watering can the better. But anyway, let’s take a step back and examine why we’re here. Immortal Life opens with a plea to come to Misty Valley, which is a spiritual hotspot but needs a bit of sprucing up. We turn up and make contact with the Guiyun Sect and its prospective members, who are all talking about taking an entrance exam. Then the skies cloud over and meteors rain down, destroying the main hall and surrounding buildings. Where was that during school? Either way, we’re tasked with repairing things.

Problem is, from that point the plot takes a back seat. Instead, it unleashes an avalanche of quests. It wasn’t long until I was completely lost. There’s one thread about a Sect member who’s injured, but I’ve shoved about fifteen ginger roots down his throat at this point and he’s still in bed. The rest of the quests are simple fetch quests that just feel like roadblocks. Every time we start getting somewhere, it’s held up by a need to get ten bell peppers for a poorly justified reason. The question ‘What’s the bloody point’ kept popping up in my head. The slightly wonky translation didn’t help either.

Life Simulator - the protagonist standing in the town market.

Opening The Toybox

I guess the obvious answer to the question of what to do is to explore the other mechanics on offer. To Immortal Life‘s credit, I really like the cooking. You can learn recipes just by growing vegetables and handing them to Mu Xia at the Inn. Then you rent the kitchen, choose your ingredients and a timer begins. You’ve got to chop, mix and cook the right ingredients in the right order, then serve them at the end. It’s quite fun and reminiscient of games like Overcooked – though it makes me far less angry. For the cooking, Immortal Life gets a gold star.

Talking to the other townsfolk is more of a mixed experience, however. The slightly wonky translation does make it feel a little awkward, but the various characters are generally nice to talk to – continuous, annoying side-quests aside. It has the usual issue where making friends with characters boils down to just giving them gifts every day, but I warmed to some of the characters. I certainly warmed to that aspect more than the dungeon-delving, which is just slightly… weird. It essentially turns things into a twin-stick shooter (even though we’re armed with a sword), but with enemies that run straight at you but give up as soon as you walk two paces.

This strange twin-stick, dungeon-delving experience is a symptom of a larger issue. Immortal Life just feels rough around all of its edges. There’s no one big issue – just a cluster of quality of life issues. Controller support is rubbish, for one – any game that has B as an accept button is doing it wrong. Quests also track on the side, but not your progress. Then there’s the inventory – dear God, the inventory. Crops come in different rarities, which all take up a seperate stack. So harvesting your crops will rapidly swamp your inventory, resulting in either constant trips to the shop or playing the fox, chicken and grain puzzle with all your storage containers.

Immortal Life - Combat in the Rainflower Valley.

Immortal Life – Mortal Potential

I’m giving Immortal Life a solid kicking but I’m doing it with a sad face, because there’s oodles of potential here. I’ve already spoken about the genius farming ideas, but it’s more than that. The world – and general theme – has a lot of promise. There’s a lot of talk about cultivating spirituality and overcoming your difficulties by focusing on yourself while working together with your fellow people. That’s an interesting premise to centre a game like this around – it’s what kept me playing for the twenty-five hours I managed to sink into it.

Unfortunately, a lot of hours were tinged with frustration over the many quality of life issues. The biggest is the inventory – certainly not unique to Immortal Life, but exacerbated by the crop quality system. Ultimately, what killed it for me was the general lack of knowing what I was working towards. The goal of rebuilding the sect seemed to be lost under a tidal wave of basic fetch quests. So it ends up with a mediocre showing, but I wasn’t joking about those farming spells. Listen up developers, if you’re making a farming game, then I beg of you – let me conjure a darned rainstorm!

(Immortal Life’s Steam Page)

Review: UGREEN Nexode Pro Fast Charger Range

Andrew Edney

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Feb 3, 2024

0

Review: UGREEN Nexode Pro Fast Charger Range

Here we review the 3 new UGREEN Nexode Pro Fast Chargers.

Nexode Pro 65W 3-Port GaN Fast Charger

3-in-1 65W Smart Charging: Supports fast charging for 3 devices simultaneously with intelligent current distribution.
65W Max Power: Charges MacBook Air M2 from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes using USB C1 port alone.
Intelligent GaNInfinity Chip: Faster and more powerful charging experience with efficient GaN technology.
Superior Compatibility: Compatible with MacBook, Dell XPS, iPhone, Galaxy, iPad Pro, Pixel, and supports Samsung 45W super fast charge 2.0.
Comprehensive Protection: Intelligent chips protect against short circuits, over-voltage, over-temperature, and over-current.

The Nexode Pro 65W 3-Port GaN Fast Charger is available now priced around £49.99.

You can learn more from the UGREEN website.

Nexode Pro 100W 3-Port GaN Fast Charger

3-Port USB C Laptop Charger: Fast charge 3 devices simultaneously with intelligent power distribution (up to 100W).
100W MacBook Pro Charger: USB C1 port delivers full 100W, charging MacBook Pro 14” 0-50% in just 27 minutes.
Intelligent GaNInfinity Chip: Faster, more efficient charging with less heat in a compact design.
Superior Compatibility: Works with MacBook, Dell, HP, iPad, iPhone, Galaxy, and more.
Comprehensive Protection: Intelligent chips safeguard against short circuits, over-voltage, over-temperature, and over current.

The Nexode Pro 100W 3-Port GaN Fast Charger is available now priced around £64.99.

You can learn more from the UGREEN website.

Nexode Pro 160W 4-Port GaN Fast Charger

4-in-1 160W Smart Charging: Fast charge 4 devices simultaneously with intelligent power distribution.
140W PD 3.1 Super Fast Charging: USB C1 port delivers 140W, charging MacBook Pro 16” 0-50% in 27 mins.
Intelligent GaNInfinity Chip: Faster, more efficient charging with less heat in a compact design.
Superior Compatibility: Supports various devices, including MacBook, Dell, HP, iPad, iPhone, Galaxy, and more.
Comprehensive Protection: Intelligent chips safeguard against short circuits, over-voltage, over-temperature, and over current.

The Nexode Pro 160W 4-Port GaN Fast Charger is available now priced around £119.99.

You can learn more from the UGREEN website.

Final Thoughts

All three of the new Nexode Pro Fast Chargers are great! They are all small, lightweight, and are easy to use.

Just plug them into a power socket then connect up your devices into the relevant port on the charger.

There is a Thermal Guard built into each of the devices to ensure improved heat dissipation efficient, effectively extending the overall life of the charger.

If you are charging mulitiple devices at the same time, the charger used UGREEN SmartCharge, which provides intelligent power distributions to multiple devices for safer charging.

You can ever use these chargers on tablets, phones and laptops. They are capable of charging a 13″ MacBook Air to 70% within 60 minutes (the 65W and the 100W version) and a 16″ MacBook Pro to 70% within 60 minutes. This means you can take one of these with you instead of taking along your other chargers!

All in all these are must have devices – just check the specification of what you need and you won’t regret it!

You can learn more from the Ugreen website.

Review: Persona 5 Tactica

Daniel Waite

-

Feb 2, 2024

0

Persona 5 Tactica is a wonderful spin-off that captures the essence of the main franchise. Though the artistry may take a sideways step, the characters, world and lore are familiar. On top of this, there is plenty of depth even if the action is broken down into bite-sized chunks. Accordingly, this is a fresh take on a much-loved JRPG series.

This turn-based strategy title was developed by ATLUS and published by Sega. Moreover, it reignites your love of the Persona 5 Royal characters. As such, if you adore the franchise, you’ll cherish another opportunity to explore the colourful and strange world.

Persona 5 Tactica twists the narrative.

The Phantom Thieves are sucked into an odd and oppressive realm. Doing what they do best, the team of heroes attempts to save the day. However, they are horribly outnumbered. Just as all hope is lost, a revolutionary named Erina helps them. Yet, this intervention comes at a cost. Subsequently, the band of heroes must undertake an action-packed adventure in a strange new world.

Though the story is new, it sits nicely between the 2^nd and 3^rdchapters of Persona 5 Royal. Accordingly, if you are new to the franchise, you are going to be super confused from the off. Unfortunately, this new endeavour assumes that you are a fan, and delivers little to no background of each character or the surrounding world. Consequently, newbies will be lost in a story-dense and character-driven environment.

Strategy and combat.

Persona 5 Tactica is an atypical example of the genre. Subsequently, its story is punctuated by short, sharp grid-based battles. Furthermore, there are unique kingdoms to explore and monstrous bosses to overcome. Additionally, there is a nice layer of character and gun progression. Alongside this, teamwork and fusible personas are key to your success.

The action demands that you utilise cover whilst drawing out your opponents. From here, you are expected to shoot, hit, and shove your foes across the board. The ultimate goal is to manipulate the situation to combine each hero’s strengths. This intriguing prospect creates a mouthwatering version of chess.

Though the gameplay loop is repetitive, there are objectives to mix things up. Whether you take no damage or bum-rush a level, it forces you to think differently.

Boss battles.

Though I enjoyed each boss fight, something was lacking. The Persona franchise usually tests your patience, skills, and nerves. However, Persona 5 Tactica rarely stretched me. This was disappointing, as I wanted my tactical abilities to be pushed to the limit. Instead, it felt like I was sleepwalking through these crescendo moments.

Persona 5 Tactica takes a unique approach.

The Chibi-esque visuals take some getting used to. Moreover, the bright and breezy colour palette felt at odds with the rest of the franchise. Yet, once you get used to it, your concerns will melt away. What was left was a wonderful combination of vibrant grid-based levels and clean and crisp cutscenes.

The jazzy and often upbeat audio juxtaposed the sense of doom and despair. However, it was wonderfully complemented by loud and often obnoxious sound bites. Moreover, the OTT sound effects capture the JRPG roots and tie this title in with the rest of the franchise.

Excellent controls.

The tactics genre is often tough to crack. If you then consider a gamepad for every input, it only makes matters worse. Thankfully, though, Persona 5 Tactica was undeniably easy to play. The clean UI and spectacular tutorial help to keep you on track and set you up. Alongside this, it was easy to understand each hero’s strengths and how they impacted every battle.

If you love this genre, you’ll enjoy this tactics game. Thanks to the interesting lore and blend of heroes, there is plenty to get your teeth into. On top of this, if you love Persona, there is so much depth, that you’ll adore every moment. Consequently, this has plenty of replay value and longevity.

Persona 5 Tactica was a pleasant experience.

Though this won’t be for everyone, I enjoyed it. The fantastic audio and vivid graphics complement the Persona experience. Moreover, the layers of tactical nuance and the interesting story kept me focused throughout. My only complaint is the boss battles. I wish the developer had upped the ante to test veterans of the genre. Despite this complaint, I loved it and I recommend that you buy it here! Will the Phantom Thieves complete their mission? Choose your team, work together, and destroy everything in your path.

Review: Double Dragon Gaiden

Daniel Waite

-

Feb 1, 2024

0

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a delightful hybrid title that is distinctively old-school. Furthermore, its variety of characters and interesting boss battles will keep you coming back for more. However, it is pretty shallow and the action is somewhat repetitive. Yet, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this nostalgia-fueled beat ’em up.

This side-scrolling beat ’em up title was developed by Secret Base and published by Maximum Entertainment. Moreover, it has some fine rogue-lite elements and a glorious sense of early 90s bravado. As such, if you want a trip down memory lane or a simple but fun fighting game, then you need look no further. Yet, if you want a deep and fulfilling plot, you will be left wanting.

Double Dragon Gaiden is mindless and violent.

Though I’m not one for inane, mindless violence, I couldn’t help but enjoy the non-stop arcade approach. Accordingly, Double Dragon Gaiden demands that you fight alone or with a friend as you try to rid the streets of scummy criminals. What’s more, if you play this alone, you must master a range of combos and simple combat. On top of this, you are expected to tag team every enemy with your partner in crime.

This interesting approach adds a slender layer of tactics to an otherwise straightforward affair. Additionally, there are plenty of characters to unlock. Each of these heroes has unique strengths and weaknesses that must be exposed and manipulated to overcome every obstacle. Yet, you can simply choose your favourite protagonist and beat the snot out of every goon or boss you face.

The plot focuses on the young Double Dragon brothers. These determined lads will stop at nothing as they try to overcome every criminal they face. Yet, occasionally, they must step aside and allow other fighters or heroes to complete the missions that they may fail.

An excellent difficulty curve.

Unlike some of its peers, Double Dragon Gaiden has a fantastic difficulty curve. At the start of every playthrough, you must select your fighters and the mission you wish to take. Each quest has set objectives and the missions gradually become harder and longer as the game progresses. Moreover, the bonuses for success improve, but so does the difficulty of every enemy you face.

What you must consider as well is the special skills of each hero. You can lift barrels or your foes with certain individuals. Alternatively, you may prefer a huge fighter that can annihilate every enemy they face. Either way, you’ll cruise through each level collecting money and finding food to eat. As you near the end of each stage, you will face a sarcastic and overbearing boss. If you somehow identify their weaknesses, you may be able to defeat them and earn a considerable cash reward.

This money is important as it allows you to improve the skills of each hero. Additionally, it can be used to purchase tokens to unlock new characters. This was a fine move as you must return to unlock every unique hero.

Double Dragon Gaiden is wonderfully old-school.

I’m old enough to remember the original title. Consequently, I was impressed that Double Dragon Gaiden captures the retro essence of its predecessor. Moreover, though it has a pixelated and garish finish, it has a modern edge as well. As such, this will appeal to a varied audience. On top of this, the interesting level design and varied character models prevent it from becoming mundane.

The audio is loud, crass, and uncomfortable. However, it suits the genre perfectly and it has that thrilling arcade edge we all love. The distinct synth approach complements the ear-splitting noise of every kick and punch. Additionally, the crashing of every piece of furniture and the thump of your special attack will bring a wry smile to your face.

Excellent controls.

The developer has done a great job with the control layout. Thanks to the rudimentary approach, it takes no time at all to master the controls. Moreover, the responsive inputs help unleash hell on each of your foes.

Mindless beat ’em up games can become tedious very quickly. Thankfully, Double Dragon Gaiden doesn’t suffer from this issue. The combination of rogue-lite elements and the ability to select from a large roster of characters helps to keep things fresh. What’s more, each of the protagonists has an array of special moves and abilities to be mastered. Consequently, you must adjust your playstyle to get the best out of each hero.

Double Dragon Gaiden is a blast from the past.

Though I love to experience original ideas, I adore a heart-warming blast from the past. Double Dragon Gaiden brilliantly blends nostalgia with a modern edge. Additionally, it can be played alone or with a friend cooperatively. Therefore, this is the perfect opportunity to scratch that retro itch. If you love mindless violence, and you want to kick the crap out of everything you see, this is the ideal game for you. Accordingly, I enjoyed it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you take out every scumbag? Choose your heroes and unleash hell on everyone you see.

News: APEX Pro Mini Limited Edition Keyboard

Gaming
News

Daniel Waite

-

Jan 31, 2024

0

News: APEX Pro Mini Limited Edition Keyboard

SteelSeries loves limited edition products. Furthermore, their gaming peripherals are some of the best you can get your hands on. As such, whenever they announce a new limited-run product, their fan base goes crazy. Consequently, I’m happy to announce the creation of the APEX Pro Mini Limited Edition Keyboard.

This spectacular keyboard has a 60% form factor. Additionally, it has the world’s fastest and most adjustable switches. As such, this is the perfect device for competitive gamers. On top of this, there are only 250 units available. Subsequently, when they are sold, they are sold! This extremely limited run will make gamers salivate. Therefore, you must be quick if you wish to get your hands on this keyboard.

Features of the Apex Pro Mini Limited Edition.

A compact 60% design frees up desk space and allows for larger mouse movements, along with improved aesthetics, and more ergonomic positioning. Furthermore, double-shot PBT keycaps are engineered with a unique textured finish. Consequently, you feel every keystroke for better accuracy, while a premium, double-sleeved braided Coiled Cable is made for stability and minimalistic aesthetics.

When you have a switch guaranteed to 100M keystrokes, gamers need keycaps to match. SteelSeries’ PBT keycaps offer unparalleled durability to ensure they last from keystroke 1, to keystroke 100,000,000. Secondary functions are printed on the side of the keycaps, providing the functionality of a full-size keyboard, in a smaller form factor. With SteelSeries’ innovative modifier key, full keyboard functionality is maintained in a smaller mini form factor – making the Apex Pro Mini keyboard the perfect size to fit within a backpack for on-the-go, Esports tournaments, LAN parties, and those headed to their first dorm room or already enrolled in college.

More SteelSeries news.

SteelSeries wishes to add some colour to your gaming setup. Accordingly, they have created colour-matched coiled cables, PBT keycaps, QcK mousepads, and Arctis Nova booster packs. Each of these incredible items will colour-code your workstation. Subsequently, your friends and your audience will adore your eye-catching setup. Moreover, you are guaranteed exceptional build quality.

Whether you wish to invest in the APEX Pro Mini Limited Edition Keyboard or some delightful colour-coded accessories, you will need to be quick. With only 250 units available, you may be left disappointed. However, you can fill your boots with the new colour-coded accessories. Therefore, I suggest clicking this link to jump to the SteelSeries website.

Review: Arctis Nova 7X Wireless headphones

Daniel Waite

-

Jan 31, 2024

0

Review: Arctis Nova 7X Wireless headphones

The Arctis Nova 7X Wireless headphones from SteelSeries are designed to impress. Sitting somewhere between a budget-friendly option and a behemoth premium device, these headphones are spectacular. Not only are they affordable, but they come with some amazing leading tech.

Alongside this, they have a spectacular 38-hour battery life and a quick charge facility. Furthermore, they can be used wirelessly on Xbox, PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation. Additionally, you can simultaneously connect to a mobile phone using Bluetooth. Accordingly, this device is versatility personified. What’s more, you can not ignore the pleasant audio, amazing microphone quality, and exceptionally comfortable earcups and headband. As such, this is a headset that delivers on many fronts.

What’s in the box of the Arctis Nova 7X Wireless headphones?

The slender packaging is lightweight but robust. Furthermore, the imagery is attractive and informative.
The Arctis Nova 7X Wireless headphones are available in white and black. Moreover, they have earcup controls, a retractable microphone, and a comfortable headband.
The wireless dongle is small and compatible with many devices.
3 cables are provided to charge the device, power the dongle, and play wired with the 3.5mm cable.
Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

I love it when a headset is jam-packed with features. However, it is frustrating when it is arduous and confusing to use. Thankfully, the Arctis Nova 7X Wireless headphones are a cinch to master. This plug-and-play device can be set up in moments. Yet, if you wish to customise your audio, you can with the free-to-download software.

Alongside this, the 2.4 GHz connection ensures that you enjoy low-latency audio. Consequently, you’ll be one step ahead of your opponent. Thanks to the fast charging facility, you can boost your battery life by 6 hours in around 15 minutes. Subsequently, these headphones are perfect for marathon gaming sessions. Additionally, the ability to connect to your phone whilst playing games was an impressive feature.

Audio quality.

The audio quality is phenomenal. The hearty range of tones and rich bass create an immersive soundscape. However, where it excels is its mid-range tones. Other headphones dilute this element of the audio profile. Yet, SteelSeries creates a fuller and more rounded audio performance.

If you are not happy, you may adjust the EQ to your liking. However, I adored the generous mid-tone qualities. Alongside this, 360° Spatial Audio sucks you into any gaming environment. Accordingly, this gives you a game-winning edge during FPS titles.

The microphone was equally impressive. Thanks to the ClearCast AI algorithm, you enjoy pinpoint accurate comms. Moreover, it blocks out up to 25 dB of unwanted background noise.

Build quality.

Gaming peripherals have to be bomb-proof! Luckily, the Arctis Nova 7X Wireless headphones will take a battering. Thanks to the metal frame and plush over-ear cups, they are robust and comfortable to wear. Moreover, the upper metallic headband flexes and the lower fabric band stretches to reduce rigidity.

Alongside this, the earcups do not pinch or squeeze your temples. Therefore, these are great if you wear prescription or GUNNAR gaming glasses. Additionally, I loved the retractable nature of the microphone and the placement of the buttons and dials. The intuitive button placement is easy to master. Consequently, you can focus on every game you play.

Are the Arctis Nova 7X Wireless headphones worth it?

Though the Arctis Nova 7X Wireless headphones sit in an uncomfortable price bracket, I believe they are worth every penny. These phenomenal headphones deliver on every key aspect. Additionally, the exceptional audio and microphone quality will put you ahead of your peers. Subsequently, I loved them and I recommend that you buy them here! Also, SteelSeries is celebrating the Year of the Dragon with the recently released special edition Nova 7. Accordingly, you can enjoy high-end tech with an eye-catching design.

_{(More information on SteelSeries can be found here!)}

_{(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for this review.)}

Review: Hammerwatch 2

Reviews

Xavier Berry

-

Jan 31, 2024

0

Top down adventures that offer both engaging combat and fun couch co-op are my bread and butter when it comes to gaming. I fully enjoy being able to sit down with some friends to spend hours trying to get through dungeons or to beat up enemies from one side of the screen to the next. Unfortunately, Hammerwatch 2 is not a title that I could see myself sitting down and enjoying with friends due to some issues with the combat as well as unfortunate flagging when it comes down to the quests.

From a presentation standpoint, we get to experience a colorful adventure in a classical art style reminiscent of old SNES titles. The starting dungeon really captured my attention due to the fact that it succeeded in giving off a creepy and eerie vibe within the first few hours of the game. When I finally stepped foot outside of the dreary castle, I was given a colorful and vibrant world to explore. While this art style is pleasing to look at, especially on the OLED screen of the steam deck, there were some issues that I couldn’t pass up. For example, I spent well over 30 minutes backtracking through the dungeon because I could not figure out how to progress any further. I finally stumbled upon some crates that needed to be destroyed. This would have been fine if not for the fact the crates were located under some trees and there was no real indication that they were even there. I stumbled upon them by just attacking at random as I walked around the area. This left a bad taste in my mouth and made me feel as if I was being set up for failure down the road.

The story revolves around your character, or characters if you have some friends that are willing to engage in the multiplayer, acting alongside the King’s resistant movement. You have been tasked with slaying the terrifying Blight dragon that has plagued the land. This is a very simple set up and doesn’t stand out too much from other fantasy titles but it is enough to get us started. When it comes to Action-adventure games, I don’t need an in depth reason to want to swing my swords. A lengthy intro also provides a lot of background information from both the first game and the set up for the sequel so there is no need to have played the first title before jumping into here. This is a feature I fully enjoy since it allows for all players to be on an even playing field when it comes to understanding the story.

Once you start up a new save, you will be presented with the character creation screen. You are able to select the class of your character and these include the Paladin, Ranger, Warlock, Wizard, and Rogue. These are yet again very simple fantasy classes but it makes the customization relatively easy since I had a general idea of what it was I was getting myself into. For this play through, I picked the rogue due to the dual blades and cool cloak but thankfully it feels as if all of the classes are suitable for single player enjoyment. Along with deciding your characters class, you are able to custimize both the look of the sprite as well as the portrait of your character. While these customizations are minor and you won’t be looking at a high-res image of your character, it was nice to have the option to make the character fit my personal tastes.

After the initial customization and story intro, you are thrown into the world and are left to figure things out on your own from there and this is where my enjoyment started to stop. You see, there is a quest log that does a goods job of updating itself you keep you aware of your journey but there are no way points or arrows to help guide you to where you need to be. Within the first few moments of the game, I had upwards to four different quests but no way to set them one as the quest I was actively tracking. This meant that it was up to me to not only find out what the quest needed but to also navigate the map with no guidance on where I needed to go. While this might be fine for some, for others this is a headache in the making. Throwing in the fact that you can play this with others means that it will be up to more than one person to figure out where the next step could potentially be for a simple side quest. I personally enjoy having some kind of arrow or indicator to tell me where I should be heading but this is just a personal preference.

Combat is relatively simple with you controlling your characters movement and aiming indipendently. I played using a gamepad so the left stick moved my rogue around while the right stick aimed the attacks and while this was a little off putting at first, I slowly adjusted to the control scheme and found myself hacking away at wolves and bandits with ease. I wish there was a lock on feature to keep your character facing the enemy until they are defeated so that there is less chances of you missing your attacks but once again, this is a minor complaint that not all will have.

Hammerwatch 2 is a fun little adventure that has a ton of potential but has a lot of minor issues that may be off putting for some. For those looking for a simple way to pass the time with some friends, this is definetly worth checking out but I hope you have someone ready to keep track of where you need to be going or else you will be pulling up the quest menu every other second. Combat is fun but the scenery can make it hectic to keep track of everything. Overall, Hammerwatch 2 does a wonderful job of being a mediocre adventure with promise.

Review: Jusant

Daniel Waite

-

Jan 30, 2024

0

Jusant is a small indie title that can be enjoyed as part of the Game Pass subscription service. Alternatively, this fantastic game can be purchased for a reasonable fee. Accordingly, if you wish to try something slightly unusual, then this should be on your radar.

This platform adventure title was developed and published by DON’T NOD. Furthermore, it tells an exceptional story without uttering a single word. Consequently, you must piece together pieces of this abstract tale whilst absorbing a stunning environment. Word of warning, however, if you have a fear of heights, this may make your head spin.

Jusant is breathtakingly relaxing.

Slow-paced games divide opinions. Yet, I adore an unusual experience. This linear climbing game demands an eye for detail and a stomach for heights. Moreover, the drip-fed story and interesting snippets of lore are captivating. If you then consider the stunning environment and your cute sidekick, it is easy to fall for its charms.

You control an adventurer who wishes to explore a challenging yet beautiful world. As the hero climbs difficult walls, they discover unique biomes of an otherwise forgotten civilisation. En route, you’ll befriend a strange creature that’ll assist you on your journey. With their help, you’ll carve new paths and reach otherwise impossible heights.

The action crawls along at a snail’s pace. However, it is this relaxed approach that makes it so wonderful. As you climb each rock face, you discover hidden rooms and plenty of secrets. Additionally, the further you explore, the clearer things become. As such, you won’t want to stop until you discover every secret.

A wonderful cave drawing catches your eye.

Stunning mechanics.

Though Jusant is undeniably simple, the core mechanics are stunning. The game demands you move from location to location via rope and your hands. Moreover, you must swing like a chimp between the trees. This was exceptionally basic but extremely fun and rewarding. On top of this, the linear approach ensures that you rarely go wrong. Accordingly, this allows you to focus on the story.

The hero is armed with 3 pitons, a rope, and an adorable sidekick. Each of these elements helps you to navigate tight spaces and stomach-churning heights. Alongside this, the natural hand and foot holes must be manipulated to reach each new location. Though a new path wasn’t always clear, a little trial and error went a long way. Additionally, it was gratifying when you solved each basic puzzle.

On top of this, your sidekick helps to create new paths. With their assistance, you can reach otherwise impossible-to-find locations. This was a fantastic decision by the developers as the game unfolds at a comfortable pace.

Jusant looks beautiful.

Though Jusant is deceptively linear, the world feels enormous. The sprawling landscapes are awash with cool colours and vibrant accents. Additionally, the feeling of depth adds a layer of trepidation as you explore each vertical climb. The views are breathtaking, and the hidden rooms are unique and interesting to explore.

This is complemented by a gloriously atmospheric soundtrack. The wonderful ambient sounds and calming music are relaxing. Furthermore, the lack of spoken dialogue adds to the sense of mystery. As such, it is easy to lose yourself in this stunning experience.

Intuitive controls.

Jusant is wonderfully straightforward. Subsequently, mastering the controls is a joyful experience. Alongside this, the excellent tutorial and intuitive controls make this a great title to play. Whether you are swinging between gaps, leaping obstacles, or climbing rock faces, it rarely gets old.

Where Jusant is lacking is its longevity. Unfortunately, you’ll need no more than 5 to 6 hours to complete it. As such, you will be disappointed when things come to an end. Thankfully, though, it is free to play on Game Pass. Therefore, though it is short, you’ll love every stunning moment.

Jusant is a fine indie experience.

Indie games continue to surprise me. Consequently, Jusant is a touching and interesting climbing title that looks and sounds fantastic. Moreover, the blend of puzzles, platforming, and drip-fed lore is captivating. As such, this is a fine indie experience. I love this game and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you discover the secrets of a forgotten civilisation? Grab your ropes, climb each rock face, and discover a stunning story.