Review: Jusant

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.

The hero and their strange companion.

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.

The hero reaches for a pile of stones.

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.

2024’s Blockbuster Slots: Experience Hollywood Glamour with these Top Movie-Themed Slots

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Image Credit – https://www.pexels.com/photo/men-sitting-in-front-of-a-slot-machine-7594264/

The year 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark one for the casino industry, with a particular emphasis on the glamorous world of slot machines with movie themes. This isn’t just a fad that comes and goes; it’s a global innovation wave that puts a little piece of Hollywood glamour at your fingertips or in the thrilling atmosphere of a casino. Imagine yourself thrust into the centre of your favourite movie, with jaw-dropping graphics, exhilarating gameplay, and the thrilling prospect of striking a jackpot fit for a blockbuster. These casino games are made to satisfy your every need, whether your preference is for the excitement of spinning the wheels in the middle of a busy casino or the comfort of playing from home. So get ready, fellow players, to release the inner movie star in you and take your gaming experience to new heights!

1. Ted

The Blueprint Gaming Ted slot machine offers a thrilling experience for fans of the 2012 comedy Ted. With up to 40 paylines, 95.81% RTP, and medium volatility, players can enjoy the movie’s highlights. The wild symbol and highest paying symbol is Ted, while the lower-paying symbols are standard card representations.

Bettors can choose from 0.20 to 200.00 and bet on the 20 paylines on the 5×3 grid. Ted offers wild symbols, Psychedelic Super Spin, Beer Shuffle, Psychedelic Colossal Spin, TV Streak, and Psychedelic Bonus Boost. The Thunder Buddies Bonus wheel activates five bonus rounds: Wheel of Fortune, Bar Crawl, S Mart Free Spins, Ted Free Spins, and Ted Big Money Bonus.

The gamble function is activated if a bonus feature win is made, allowing players to try to win the remaining bonus rounds or collect the original Thunder Buddies Bonus wheel. The game is available on PC, tablet, and smartphone, providing players with a chance to win big with its medium volatility and 95.81% RTP.

Ted is a popular choice for those who enjoy brutal violence and harsh language. The game features a variety of bonus features, including wild symbols, wild symbols, and the gamble function.

2. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

This Wild West slot is based on the 1960s classic, ‘The Good the Bad and the Ugly’. It features two break-out features with animated introductions and three progressive prizes. The game has a blocky, retro appearance with a cowboy on the left and three progressive pots on the right. Symbols include a confederate and US flag, cannon, grave, horse silhouette, wanted poster, and drinking canteen. The game has a fuller tune and shooting effects during the bonus feature.

Players can choose up to 20 lines with a spin amount from 1p to £25 per line, with a maximum of £500 per spin. Regular symbol prizes include gold coins, flags, wanted posters, guns, and graves. Special symbols include wild horses, crossed guns with ‘Tuco’s Target Range’, and good, bad, and ugly symbols. The Graveyard Shootout bonus has a more intensive animated introduction, with players choosing two colored segments of the graveyard to hit the good, bad, or ugly symbols, earning a progressive bonus pot associated with that character.

Fremantle has successfully brought the classic Wild West theme to life, offering a chance of a big win from regular play, different bonus games, and tie-ins with an iconic movie.

3. Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure

Bill S. Preston Esq. and Ted Theodore Logan have made the transition from movies to online and mobile casinos with Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure slot machine. The game follows the time-traveling adventures of the metalheads, using real images of the cast, including Joan of Arc, Napoleon, and Socrates. The reels sit against the Circle K store where Bill and Ted first meet Rufus in his time-traveling phone booth. The game features a rock riff and a Wyld Stallyns feature, which transforms all Bill and Ted symbols into wilds. The main feature is the Lock and Respins round, where players need to land three or more phone booths at once to trigger it. The game also features a bonus round where each symbol position spins three times independently, revealing prize values or one of the eight historical characters from the movie. The top prize is 2000 coins if all 15 spots on the reels fill with historical figures. The game is a must-play for fans of the films and features clever links to the origin story.

4. Jumanji

Jumanji, a classic adventure movie from 1995, is now available as a slot game from NetEnt. The game features bonus features familiar from the film and a mini-game on an almost identical board to the one from the movie. The game offers stunning visual effects, animated creatures crawling all over the reels, and realistic animations as tokens move around the board in the main bonus round. NetEnt is known for its top online and mobile-optimized slots developers, including Dead or Alive, Guns N’ Roses, and Mega Fortune.

The game has an unusual layout with 36 paylines and features that can be randomly triggered. Lower-value payouts come from playing card icons J, Q, K, and A, while higher-paying symbols like Pelican, Crocodile, and Rhino return higher prizes. Golden wild symbols can also create extra wins.

In-game features include Sticky Vines, Monsoon Wild, Monkey Mayhem, Wild Stampede, and Jumanji box scatter symbols. The main bonus feature begins when an animal token appears at the beginning of the board game, rolling two virtual dice. Free spins are awarded when an animal token appears in three or more places in a single spin.

All paylines are active by default, but wagering is required to win. The game has a calculated return-to-player percentage of 96.33% and is available on desktop computers or on iPhones, iPads, Android, and Windows mobile devices at NetEnt-powered casinos.

5. The Goonies

The Goonies is a new slot game from Blueprint Gaming, inspired by Steven Spielberg’s movie. The game follows a group of friends who discover a treasure map belonging to pirate One-Eyed Willy in an attic and embark on a treasure hunt to find lost fortunes. The game features nine pay symbols, one wild symbol, and one scatter symbol, with the low-paying end consisting of J, Q, K, and A playing card icons. The premium symbols include the gold scale, a skull, a shipwreck, a treasure chest with gold coins, and a pirate flag.

The Goonies is available in modern HTML5 format, making it accessible on tablet, mobile, and desktop across all OS platforms. Players can join the treasure hunt for as little as 0.10 credits, while high rollers can bet up to 200 coins. Pays for a five-of-a-kind range from 2.5x to 25x the bet, while the maximum win in a single spin is 1,000x the bet.

The slot has six random reel modifiers named after the movie characters, triggerable at the start of any spin. Two modifiers can be activated after a losing spin, such as Truffle Shuffle Wilds, Mikey’s Hidden Riches, Data’s Colossal Symbols, Mouth’s Lucky Coins, Sloth’s Win Spin, and One-Eyed Willy’s Bonus Boost.

The bonus game is triggered by a minimum of three scatters on a spin or via the One-Eyed Willy’s Bonus Boost. The wheel displays six different bonus games, including Fratelli Hideout, Skeleton Organ, Super Sloth Free Spins, Goonies Go Wild Free Spins, Inferno Free Spins, and One-Eyed Willy’s Treasure Bonus. Players can gamble the feature won repeatedly until they win the One-Eyed Willy’s Treasure Bonus or the wheel stops on a mystery wedge.

6. Wizard of OZ

Wizard of Oz is a slot game based on the classic movie The Wizard of Oz, featuring 5 reels and 30 bet lines. The game offers free spins, a bonus round, wild symbols, scatters, and great jackpots. The graphics are cartoon versions of the characters from the movie, with symbols like Dorothy, the game logo, and the game logo. The wild symbol has payouts, but they are not as large. Glenda the Good Witch triggers expanding wilds, which take the place of all symbols except for the Feature and Jackpot symbols. The Oz Pick Feature allows players to choose from monetary prizes, the Winged Monkey feature, or the Road to Emerald City feature. The Road to Emerald City feature grants access to the bonus round, while the Winged Monkey feature grants free spins. The Jackpot symbol is one of the highest paying symbols, requiring five symbols with the symbol on an active payline to win. The bonus round is interactive and fun, with players choosing from character lands and Gold Charms. The game has a maximum bet of 150.00 and a maximum payout of 10,000 coins or $50,000. Despite its nostalgic value, Wizard of Oz is a great hit for fans of the classic movie.

7. Jack and the Beanstalk

Jack and the Beanstalk is a visually stunning 5-reel, 20-bet lines slot game by Net Entertainment, featuring a beautiful animation and symphonious sound effects. The game is available on Mac, Linux, and Windows operating systems and features a Scatter symbol with purple jewels. The Scatter symbol activates 10 Free Spins when three or more are accumulated across the reels. The Free Spins feature is linked to the Scatter symbol, which unlocks winning symbols from the original Jack and the Beanstalk story. The Walking Wild bonus feature extends game play and increases bonuses. The game offers coins in six denominations and ten bet levels, with the lowest possible bet per spin being.01 and the maximum being 100.00. The game has a fast-paced and exciting control panel with windows for bet, bet level, coin value, earnings, and remaining coins. Net Entertainment’s Advanced Autoplay option allows players to choose from 10 to 1000 rounds and stop it whenever free spins are won. The game is available on Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems.

8. Sausage Party

Sausage Party is a fun R-rated slot game developed by Blueprint Gaming, featuring the iconic movie and its main characters. The game offers on-the-me bonuses such as wild overlays, stacked wilds, and win spins, making it a perfect fit for fans of the movie. The game’s visuals are stylized to fit into the supermarket world, with Frank, Brenda, Lavash, and other high-paying symbols on the reels.

Sausage Party is fast-paced and features medium-high volatility, offering 20 paylines and a maximum payout of 50,000x your stake. The game also offers a variety of bonus symbols, including Immortals, Skin on Wilds, Mighty Douche Colossal Reels, Frank’s Hot Dog Wilds, Touching Tips, Bath Salts Boost, and Keen as F-in’ Mustard.

The game also offers multiple winning opportunities, with two modifiers triggering even when players lose. These include a knife jumbling up symbols for a chance to win or a brush jumbling up symbols for a chance to win. Bonus symbols provide the opportunity to collect a randomly generated feature from six or gamble for the chance to boost that payout.

Sausage Party is a great choice for those seeking a laugh, movie-related easter eggs, and R-rated gags. With so many features packed in, it does well regardless of its size. Players can play the Sausage Party slot for free to get into the movie magic mood or explore Blueprint Gaming’s extensive collection of slots.

9. Conan

NetEnt’s Conan online slot is based on pulp fiction comics and books from the 1920s. The game features high payout symbols like Conan, Thoth-Amon, and Valeria, as well as four different wilds and a shield and swords scatter symbol. The game has a 6-reel, 4-row layout with 24 pay lines and medium to high volatility gameplay. Players can wager between 0.20 and 100 coins with coin values ranging from 0.01 to 5.00. In-game power-ups include tower wilds, mystery wilds, and battle wilds. Mystery multipliers and the Thoth-Amon feature increase winning combos. Free spins features are triggered when 3, 4, 5, or 6 scatters land on the reels, with three modes: City of Thieves, Temple of the Serpent, and Walls of Tarantia.

10. Thor

Playtech’s Marvel Comic Book Superhero slots, Thor: The Mighty Avenger, is a thrilling adventure based on the popular Thor films, Thor: The Dark World. The game features various characters from the films, including The Warrior 3, Sif, Heimdall, Loki, Odin, and Thor himself. The Rainbow Bridge Feature, triggered when Heimdall covers reel 3, takes players to Earth or Jotunheim for Free Game Bonuses. Wild Thor can appear on all reels and stack on reel 3, and the Scorching Multiplier Feature allows for multipliers of 2x, 4x, 8x, and 16x. The game also offers Wild Thor stacked on reels 2 and 4, Thunderstorm Re-spin, and Lightning Free Spin. Additionally, there are four Marvel Progressive Jackpots, including Ultimate Power, Super Power, Extra Power, and Power Jackpots, which can be won randomly and linked to other Marvel Comic Slots. Players must select squares from a grid of 20 until they find three matching symbols to win the jackpot.

Review: Virgo Verses the Zodiac

Virgo Verses the Zodiac is a crowd-funded JRPG that is equally fun and confusing. Its complex colour-based defence and attack system were strange. Moreover, the layers of stats and other character-altering elements will make you frown. However, once you get to grips with each strange idea, you’ll lose yourself in a thrilling world.

This old-school JRPG was developed by Moonana Inc. and published by Serenity Forge. Moreover, it uses a bizarre reaction-based combat system that takes some getting used to. Yet, once you master the finer points, you’ll love the varied subplots and the ability to alter the surrounding world.

The hero is talking to the Goddess of the Forest.

Virgo Verses the Zodiac tells a harrowing tale. 

RPGs deliver some of the best fantasy storylines you’ll ever experience. The blend of random characters and the odd plot twists keep you entertained throughout. On top of this, the developer has the freedom to deliver powerful weaponry and ridiculous foes. 

Fortunately, Virgo Verses the Zodiac delivers each of these elements. Its OTT plot is laced with incredible protagonists. Moreover, the use of war and loss will resonate with many gamers. If you then consider the excellent writing and the layers of lore, this will thrill many fans of the genre. 

You control Virgo, the Holy Queen. From her perspective, she is righting the wrongs of the kingdom. However, the heretics view her as a dreadful and destructive entity. Consequently, her actions wreak havoc and the Zodiac Realms do their best to resist her advances.

Tough to swallow gameplay. 

The plot was incredible and the excellent writing and deep lore were fascinating. However, the gameplay is tough to swallow if you are new to the genre. The reaction-based combat is tough to master, and the dividing subplots can be confusing and often misleading. As such, one action doesn’t always lead to a fruitful conclusion. 

This definitive layer of grey and the relatively tough learning curve makes this a hard game to swallow. Yet, if you can overcome the challenging opening hours, you’ll enjoy a fascinating title that embodies the finest elements of the genre. 

A perfect strike from the protagonist.

Combat and exploration. 

The combat and exploration make up the main body of the action. During the fighting elements, you must learn to maximise your chances against an array of tough opponents. Furthermore, you must learn about a weirdly labelled statistic and a colour-coded system. If you can master these often confusing elements, you’ll be fascinated by the combat moments.

Alongside this, you are free to explore each strange realm to your heart’s content. Along the way, you’ll find collectables and snippets of lore that add to the plot. Additionally, you’ll encounter new party members that improve your chances of taking down each foe you face. This classic RPG mechanic kept the gameplay balanced, and I liked how it complemented the tough but fun combat system. 

Virgo Verses the Zodiac looks great. 

Pixelated artwork isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Yet, if you adore this genre, you’ll cherish every garish colour and strange character model. On top of this, the stage design is interesting and the blend of top-down map exploration and fixed-screen fights works well. Each of these elements is supported by smooth animation and an intuitive UI. Accordingly, once you master it, it is straightforward to play. 

The combination of upbeat and dramatic tunes works perfectly. Additionally, the crass and often loud sound effects work exceptionally well. As tradition dictates, the dialogue is not spoken and this leaves plenty to the imagination. 

A bad bear fires a laser.

Responsive controls. 

Though I have complained about the challenging learning curve, you can change the difficulty settings. By reducing the reaction times and the number of inputs, the action becomes much easier. However, this reduces the layer of challenge versus reward. Subsequently, it is better to play this on a moderate difficulty setting. 

There are 3 unique endings to enjoy. As such, once you get into the groove, you will want to return for more. Yet, Virgo Verses the Zodiac isn’t a title aimed at newbie gamers. Instead, experienced players will get the most from this game. 

Virgo Verses the Zodiac is a great indie title. 

This isn’t a game for the faint of heart. Furthermore, if you lack patience and a desire to learn, there are better games out there. However, if you want an interesting and challenging indie title, then this will tick each of those boxes. Accordingly, I enjoyed it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you destroy the heretics and bring back the Golden Age? Master your skills, pick a team, and smash everything in your way.

Review: Earthbound XL audio sunglasses

The Earthbound XL audio sunglasses are a niche product. However, if you sit in this minority group, you will adore every element they offer. Not only do they offer incredible UV protection, but the polarised lenses reduce uncomfortable glare. On top of this, the XL frame is on-point and will appeal to fashion-conscious tech lovers.

Talking about tech, these sunglasses are jam-packed with impressive audio technology. First, they use the Lucyd app to allow you to work with ChatGPT. Accordingly, if you have a question, or you simply want to tidy up your socials, these glasses have you covered. Alongside this, the incredible 12-hour battery life allows you to listen to music without charging the batteries. Finally, the quadrasonic speakers deliver impressive audio quality. As such, if you invest in these glasses, you won’t be disappointed.

What’s in the box of the Earthbound XL audio sunglasses?

  • The packaging is sleek, eye-catching, and robust. Moreover, it is environmentally friendly as it can be easily recycled.
  • The Earthbound XL audio sunglasses look fantastic. The slim dark frame is complemented by the XL lenses. Furthermore, the speakers are hidden within the arms of the specs to prevent them from looking bulky or cumbersome.
  • Protect your eyewear with the soft case and the microfibre cleaning cloth.
  • Charge the batteries with the specially designed charging unit.
  • Learn the fundamentals with the user guide.

Technical aspects.

I was blown away by the Earthbound XL audio sunglasses. Not only are they easy to use, but the audio quality is impressive. The 4 built-in speakers deliver pitch-perfect sound without compromising your spatial awareness. Accordingly, your safety is maintained no matter how busy your surroundings are. Additionally, the excellent noise-cancelling microphones help to reduce unwanted external sounds. As such, you enjoy crystal-clear communication when you speak to your friends or ChatGPT.

On top of this, the Bluetooth 5.2 feature has an incredible 100-foot range. What’s more, the connection is reliable, quick, and stable. As such, you can rely on these sunglasses if you have to take important work calls. On top of this, they can connect to any compatible Bluetooth device. Subsequently, you needn’t worry if you are using an Android device or an iPhone.  Finally, the impressive up to 12-hour battery life will keep you in the game for longer. However, the longevity of your battery power will depend on various factors such as prolonged high volume levels.

Audio quality.

Sunglasses and audio quality don’t normally go hand-in-hand. However, the Earthbound XL audio sunglasses deliver impressive sound and microphone quality. The open-ear arrangement may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Yet, I loved the ability to hear my surroundings. Furthermore, if needed, you can cup your hand near your ear to reduce external sounds and improve your listening experience.

Though the bass isn’t as powerful as I’d have liked, the tonal range was impressive. Even with the volume turned down, I could identify each key component in a range of tracks from various genres. This was particularly impressive when you consider the size of the speakers and the minimal power consumption. My only complaint would be when trying to listen to songs in extremely loud environments. When this happened, the audio was tough to listen to and that was frustrating.

The microphones utilise noise-cancelling technology to block out unwanted sounds. This was well-delivered as every phone call or Zoom call was crystal clear. Additionally, there were no latency issues or unwanted popping or echoed conversations. As such, these work perfectly if you want a hands-free solution.

Build quality.

The audio was phenomenal. Yet, the build quality blew me away! The spring hinges help to create a tailored fit that keeps the glasses in place. Moreover, the XL style and slim frames are on trend and look fantastic. The sleek black finish delivers a classic and professional finish that is complemented by the dark polarised lenses. What’s more, the slim nose clips are comfortable even when worn for hours.

Alongside this, I was impressed by the placement of the speakers and the in-built switches. Once you understand each command, you can pause, rewind, fast-forward, or play tracks to your heart’s content. On top of this, you can ask Google, Siri, or ChatGPT any questions you like at the touch of a button. Consequently, they look great whilst improving your productivity.

Are the Earthbound XL audio sunglasses worth it?

Getting an amazing pair of sunglasses isn’t that easy. You have to balance cost, usability, and style. As such, normally, something has to give. Well, thankfully, the Earthbound XL audio sunglasses ticks each of these boxes. Not only do they deliver exceptional audio and microphone quality, but they are built to last and they look great as well. If you then consider the user-friendly approach and the spectacular UV-protecting polarising lenses, you get a phenomenal pair of sunglasses. Accordingly, I love them and I recommend that you buy them here!

(More information on Lucyd can be found here!)

The Earthbound XL audio sunglasses from Lucyd have been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

YouTube & Gambling: How to Create a Vlog

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If you are a bettor on gambling sites and frequently make 7Slots giriş, why not make the most out of your experience by becoming a vlogger on YouTube? You can do this by creating a vlog online, recording your gaming sessions, and then, uploading them. In this article, we will show you how to get started as a YouTuber. You will learn the things you need to start the channel and also how you can earn money from it.

Why Put Up a YouTube Channel?

YouTube can be a lucrative way to earn money from the side. Since you are already playing gambling games online, why not record your sessions and upload them, right?

You do not even have to show your face if you do not want to. There are ways to create a video without showing your face. However, it is much better if you show your face and create content where people can learn something from you.

YouTube is now the default platform for people looking for informational videos. The same thing goes for entertainment. With billions of users monthly, your channel will surely have an audience you can eventually monetize.

Gambling Channels on YouTube?

Are gambling channels even allowed on the platform? Yes, but only if the gambling sites you promote are authorized or approved. However, YouTube doesn’t allow a link to a gaming site that is not approved.

The one thing that makes things blurry is that the platform doesn’t allow content that promotes self-harm. If you think about it, gambling can cause self-harm because it is addictive, which means that gambling is a gray area.

How Much Money Can You Make on YouTube?

The average revenue per ad view on YouTube is $0.018. If you get a million views in one video, assuming that each video view also has one ad view, you will earn $0.018 x 1,000,000 = $18,000. This money doesn’t yet include what you can potentially earn from video sponsors. So, if you have 10 million ad views in a year, you might earn up to $180,000!

Things You Need to Start a YouTube Channel

The things you need to start are:

  • A computer with internet.
  • A gambling site membership.
  • A video editor software program and microphone.
  • A YouTube Channel.

First off, you must think of a niche or a type of channel. Sure, it is a gambling vlog, but you need to target a specific market. If you are good at blackjack, then create a channel that is all about blackjack only.

A Computer With Internet

Do not create videos from your phone. Phones are small, and it is a tough thing to record both your phone’s screen and audio. Instead, you must use a computer, like a laptop or desktop, to play your games.

The computer is a good investment because it is where you will edit the videos you do. In addition, you may also need a phone or an extra camera if you want to show your face on the newly created channel.

A Gambling Site Membership

The next thing you need is a gambling site membership. There are many iGaming platforms out there, but it is best that you register in a casino that also offers an affiliate marketing program.

Once you become an affiliate, you can promote that online casino and earn money from referrals. In addition, we suggest you choose a casino where you can play many games and their respective variants. Overall, the best option is playing in an online casino with a live dealer game.

A Video Editor Software Program & Microphone

You need a video editor to edit the videos you record. Fortunately, most video editor software programs today also include a screen recording device. If you plan to speak in your videos, you must use a microphone, so you can capture the sound properly. 

One video editor you can look into is Camtasia. It is not free but has everything you need to edit your raw files. As far as audio editing is concerned, you can always use Audacity, a free audio editing tool that even professionals use.

It is easy to learn how to edit videos. Many YouTube videos will guide you through a tutorial on how you can edit videos!

A YouTube Channel

Finally, you can now build your YouTube channel. Once you decide on a name and a niche, you should create a banner image and a logo.

What you can do is use an online tool like Canva. It is an image editing tool, where you can use templates to create banners logos, and even videos. It has both free and paid versions.

Once you have these images, go to YouTube and create a channel. In the settings page of your channel, you should be able to upload the banner and the logo. Once done, make sure you add the description, so people know what your content is about.

That’s it—the only thing left to do now is to consistently upload meaningful videos, so you can build an audience. Once you hit the monetization requirement, you can apply for a partnership and earn money. 

Gambling is a popular activity worldwide. There are many people out there who need advice as to how to gamble, and this is where you come in. The best time to start a YouTube channel is today. Start thinking of a name, then prepare a list of the videos you want to make. The journey to success is long, but only those who stay the course will see success!

Review: Cats and the Other Lives

Cats and the Other Lives is a delightful fly-on-the-wall point-and-click adventure. Furthermore, the protagonist is almost invisible (not literally). Consequently, the feline hero can waltz, jump, crawl, and sneak her way around the family mansion. However, be warned that there are grim conversations and heart-stopping moments that prevent you from putting this down.

This pixelated point-and-click adventure was developed by Cultic Games and published by OverGamez. Moreover, it has a smattering of puzzles that must be solved and a delightful story to get your claws into. On top of this, the writing is impressive, and the sombre artistry matches the oppressive and daunting mood. Accordingly, though it isn’t the longest game I’ve played, I adored every uncomfortable and calculating moment.

The family are enjoying a chicken roast.

Cats and the Other Lives tells a grim tale.

Death is never an easy part of life. Yet, we must all be accepting of our fate. Furthermore, when someone passes, it inevitably brings back painful and enjoyable memories. However, when money is thrown into the equation, things get very messy, very quickly. Unfortunately, this is exactly what happens in Cats and the Other Lives. Consequently, some dark and harrowing moments will make you grimace. Additionally, some brilliantly heart-warming cutscenes piece everything together.

The Mason family must return to their family home for one last visit. Bernard Mason has passed away and his estate and affairs must be dealt with. However, this is no easy feat as raw emotions and money must be considered. On top of this, there is an element of the supernatural, as things are not quite as they seem. Aspen the cat takes the lead role as she explores her surroundings whilst listening to every conversation and solving the problems she encounters.

Life as a cat is a blast.

Though much of the action is uncomfortable, you have a blast controlling Aspen. This old ginger cat is still agile and nimble. Furthermore, she’ll happily chase a mouse, play with a laser, or sneak behind chairs. When needed, she’ll use her heightened senses to see in the dark or to track strange smells. It is these special skills that help her find the solution to each problem.

As you wander around the mansion and other locations, you must show love to the humans whilst jumping on surfaces and finding sentimental items. Alternatively, you are required to squeeze through tight spaces whilst chasing mice or spiders. It was these basic puzzles that broke up an otherwise depressing but impressively written plot. Moreover, the mix of jovial and sad moments and some interesting flashbacks to the ’60s/’70s added layers of depth and intrigue.

Aspen is getting a hug in the hallway.

A linear approach.

Though Aspen is free to explore the mansion, the gameplay is linear in its approach. As such, as you enter a room, you may not leave until you have completed every task. What’s more, you may not freely roam from room to room. This was a clever mechanic from the developer as it ensured you remained on track while limiting the inevitable back and forth.

Cats and the Other Lives is wonderfully old-school.

I have been inundated with old-school, pixelated titles. Yet, I never get bored with what I see. The earthy colour palette matches the sombre and daunting theme. Moreover, this is juxtaposed by the colourful flashbacks to the ’60s and ’70s. This was a fabulous idea that helped to define each important moment. Alongside this, the fixed-screen perspective ensures that you never feel out of your depth. 

What I particularly liked was the simple animation and the weird faceless characters. The latter option could create confusion regarding emotion and connectivity with the audience. Yet, the incredible dialogue and the use of basic sound effects helped to convey every emotion. On top of this, the audio was wonderfully atmospheric. I loved the dank music and the ambient sounds. Subsequently, this was a captivating experience that gets under your skin.

A flashback to the 60s.

The controls were clumsy.

Though the controls were easy to understand, they were unfortunately clumsy. You were free to walk and run as much or as little as you liked. However, executing each action requires you to flit between each surface. Moreover, you must select what you’d like to do with each item. As such, it wasn’t that intuitive and this caused problems when you needed to react quickly.

As you explore each location, you will find items that must be examined. These poignant objects form part of Aspen’s memory collection. Though this isn’t essential to completing the game, you must find them all if you wish to complete the game. Consequently, Cats and the Other Lives has limited replay value and longevity.

Cats and the Other Lives is a great indie title.

Playing the part of a family cat was a little strange. However, this inconspicuous protagonist hears everything while exploring every nook and cranny. As such, you will witness some uncomfortable scenes as you piece together a dark and sinister family history. Accordingly, I love it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you uncover the family secret? Hide in the shadows, use your heightened senses, and solve every problem.

Review: Dust and Neon

Dust and Neon is a stylised twin-stick shooter that tries to stand out from its peers. However, this genre is saturated beyond compare and there are plenty of great indie titles to choose from. Consequently, you have to deliver something incredibly satisfying if you wish to outdo your peers. Unfortunately, I don’t think it does enough to warrant a place at the head of the table. Yet, I enjoyed it and I think you will as well.

This robotic twin-stick shooter was developed by David Marquardt Studios and published by Rogue Games, Inc. Furthermore, it has a delightful upgrade system and an array of missions to keep you entertained. Additionally, the gameplay is nicely balanced and this keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. However, it doesn’t break the mould and this will disappoint veterans of the genre.

The hero is surrounded by robots.

Dust and Neon tells a familiar tale.

A post-apocalyptic setting is nothing new! Additionally, man vs robot isn’t exactly original. Yet, I loved the smart-ass one-liners and the fast-paced action. Moreover, the blend of missions and the character upgrade system was simple but interesting. On top of this, there is an array of weapons to unlock and buy and a smattering of skills and buffs to try out. Accordingly, there are plenty of character builds to complement any play style.

The plot revolves around a mysterious gunslinger. This gruff hero will stop at nothing to rid the post-apocalyptic world of every villainous robot. Yet, this isn’t an easy task as waves of enemies and many overpowered bosses stand in your way. What’s more, death is all but assured and failure is a bitter pill to swallow. However, if you can improve your skills and arm yourself with the best guns available, you may have a chance of defeating every robot that stands in your way.

Short, sharp action.

What makes Dust and Neon so good is its casual approach. Every mission is a short, sharp affair that can be dealt with in around 5 to 10 minutes. Consequently, even if you die, it is more inconvenient than annoying. As you progress through the game, you will enjoy an array of increasingly difficult quests. Whether you have to defuse a bomb or kill specific targets, it never gets old. However, my favourite was the train-related missions. I adored moving from carriage to carriage whilst unleashing hell.

It was fantastic to flit between your pistol, shotgun, or sniper rifle. Disappointingly, though, this was the only arsenal of weapons on offer. Yes, there was a vast selection to choose from, but I’d have loved some heavy artillery to blast the crap out of my opponents. Though I stated that Dust and Neon doesn’t stand out from its peers, it does have an unusual reloading mechanic. Each time you wish to reload, you must do so one bullet at a time. Now, this may not seem a problem, but when you are chased by 10 psychotic robots, you may think differently.

This simple, but effective mechanic makes you consider every element of each weapon you carry. Accordingly, you must decide whether you wish to equip a low-capacity but high-damage pistol. Alternatively, you’ll spend longer reloading your gun, but you have more bullets to play with. Either way, you must adjust your play style to complement each weapon.

The hero is pinned down while trying to reload his weapon.

Cruel bosses.

The standard missions grant you XP that can be spent on some incredible offensive or defensive skills. Furthermore, you may unlock new weapons or items to improve your chances on the battlefield. Alongside this, there are elixirs that can be consumed for temporary buffs to your character. Each of these elements is key if you wish to overcome the selection of cruel bosses that you’ll encounter.

These massive asshat robots will kick your ass repeatedly. Whether they use their replenishing shields, an army of soldiers, or their pinpoint accuracy, you will be tested. On top of this, you will need to be on top of your game as you dodge, dive, and hide from every projectile. However, if you defeat each boss, you are rewarded handsomely. Accordingly, though it is tough, the battle is well worth the effort.

Dust and Neon looks great.

Set in a dusty and ominous world, Dust and Neon looks great! The interesting level design combines vast open spaces with closed-quarter arenas. Moreover, there are buildings to explore and locked areas to access. If you then consider the range of robots you encounter and the fine selection of missions, it keeps you focused throughout.

On top of this, the audio is aggressive and interesting to listen to. What’s more, the sound effects are aggressive and uncomfortable. Consequently, every ear-splitting explosion and bullet that’s fired will resonate around your eardrum. This obnoxious approach was dramatic and wonderfully OTT. 

Time to destroy the power station.

Excellent controls.

Dust and Neon may not be original, but the controls were well-considered. The accurate twin-stick approach works incredibly. Moreover, the responsive inputs and intuitive UI were easy to understand and simple to master. Additionally, I loved the unique reload mechanic and the impact it had on your weapon choice and play style.

This genre is renowned for its replay value. Thankfully, Dust and Neon doesn’t let the side down. Each boss must be tackled multiple times to get the best rewards. However, each new battle is tougher and this prevents you from steam-rolling each level. On top of this, there are many play styles and character builds that can be utilised. Accordingly, you can play this repeatedly and never get the same experience.

Dust and Neon is good, but not great!

There is no shame in coming runner-up in this genre. Unfortunately, Dust and Neon doesn’t do enough to make it stand out from its peers. However, it is still a great indie title that is enjoyable to play. Moreover, there is enough depth and custom options to keep you returning for more. As such, I like it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you destroy every robot? Grab your guns, choose your mission, and destroy every robot in your path.

10 Smartphone Apps That Pay Real Money for Using Them

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Smartphones and tablets are arguably the most prominent inventions in the last two decades. Besides making communication seamless, modern smartphones also allow you to play your favourite games, stream videos, take photos, and more. You can also find hundreds of apps on Google’s Play Store or Apple’s App Store to win real money and make passive income. In this post, we want to focus on ten money-making apps to install in 2024. 

Money App – Cash Rewards App

Let’s start this list with this money-making Android app whose name says it all. Money App is a top-rated app from Free International Calls App Limited with more than 10 million downloads on the Play Store. You can mint real money from this app by completing simple tasks like surveys, trying free services, watching videos, giving opinions, and more. Interestingly, Money App will credit your rewards as cash into your account because there are no gift cards or discounts here. It’s a fun way to make extra cash without completing complicated missions. 

Online Jobs – Make Money

If you’re using Android 5.0 or newer, here is another reliable money-making app to install. This platform allows smartphone owners to register and earn money for free after completing straightforward tasks. You’ll earn virtual tokens that can be exchanged for real cash to withdraw via PayPal or Coinbase. Besides taking paid surveys, you can earn on this platform by referring your friends and family to online Jobs. And yes, you can join this money-minting app from anywhere worldwide. 

Upside

Upside is a free app that you should have if you want to win those gas station rewards. With this Android/iOS app, you can receive daily cashback whenever you purchase essentials like groceries, dining, and food. This app has 50,000+ participating gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores, giving unlimited cashback opportunities. And guess what? You’ll receive the rewards in real cash and transfer the money straight to PayPal or bank cards. No confusing credits or points!

MyPoints Mobile

MyPoints Mobile is an Android app that invites you to join other millions of subscribers who have already earned $300+ million in gift cards. In this simple-to-install app, you can earn points after completing straightforward tasks, then proceed to redeem the points as $5 to $25 gift cards for PayPal, Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, and more. 

You can earn the gift cards after completing the following tasks:

  • Shopping online on leading retailers
  • Taking and answering surveys
  • Shopping for local deals
  • Making purchases via affiliated vendors
  • Installing and playing games

Swagbucks 

If you don’t know about Swagbucks, then you’re missing out big time. This app will pay you for simply providing your opinion or taking a survey. Swagbucks has thousands of surveys to give you unlimited money-making opportunities and lets you choose a survey based on your preferred length or reward amount. Amazingly, you can join for free and receive a $10 welcome bonus. 

Here are some ways to earn money from this app:

  • Shop online from 10,000+ stores
  • Play games
  • Answer surveys
  • Purchase discounted gift cards
  • Use the Swagbucks search engine
  • Try samples and free trials
  • Redeem codes
  • Invite friends

Upwork

Upwork isn’t necessarily a place to earn free money, but it’s still a worthwhile addition to this list. It’s a freelance platform where you can meet thousands of individuals and agencies seeking to hire your skills and services. Once you set up a professional portfolio, search for gigs based on your skills and experience. For example, if you’re good at betting, you can be hired to write reviews about mobile betting apps and share your first-hand experiences and strategies. Let’s just say you can write about almost anything on this freelancing app. 


Swagbucks.

Swagbucks is a platform that allows users to earn money by completing various tasks such as taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online. Users can accumulate points (known as “SB”) for each completed task, which can then be redeemed for gift cards or cash via PayPal. For instance, you could participate in surveys about mobile betting apps, share your opinions, and earn rewards. Swagbucks offers a flexible way to make extra income from your mobile device.

Survey Junkie

Taking surveys is one of the easiest and most common ways to earn free money online. Therefore, expect survey apps to dominate this list. Survey Junkie is a trusted and fun rewards platform that invites you to share your thoughts and opinions to earn free money. For example, you can take a simple survey or share your online browsing activities to earn money and gift cards. You can share your activities via the Pulse feature to increase your earnings with monthly points and unlock higher-point surveys. Members can earn up to $40 monthly for taking three surveys. 

Octappush

Are you tired of playing those video game apps for free? Octappush is the solution! Believe it or not, this Android app will pay you to try out new mobile game apps before they reach the market. You only need to play a game and provide honest feedback on the general design and gameplay to earn rewards between $10 and $20 per test. However, this app warns you that rewards are not guaranteed. You’ll receive rewards based on factors like your demographic or playing style. 

BrandBee

An Android app with over a million downloads and a 4.1-star rating is worth noticing. BrandBee is a rewards app that lets you have total control over your savings and reward points. It lets you earn gift cards, cashback, and exclusive coupons from reputable brands. All you have to do is to share your opinions and thoughts via multiple surveys. After stacking up enough points, this online survey lets you redeem them for gift cards on Walmart, Apple, Amazon, Xbox, and more. 

Conclusion 

See, there is no shortage of apps to earn real money online. But as you go about it, remember that these money-making apps won’t pay enough to fund your lifestyle. In other words, taking paid surveys and playtests isn’t a guaranteed source of income. Just do it for fun!

Review: Bahnsen Knights

Bahnsen Knights is a deep and intelligent game that takes you on a seedy, sinister, and uncomfortable journey. Moreover, it wonderfully intertwines minor moments and characters from previous titles in the series. The Pixel Pulps franchise tells grim horror stories that have a dated vibe. Yet, each glorious story gets under your skin thanks to its incredible writing, strange settings, and memorable characters.

This visual novel was developed by LCB Game Studio and published by Chorus Worldwide Games. Moreover, there are distinct CGA gaming elements at play. As such, this is gloriously old-school and unbelievably captivating. The excellent story writing and weird plot get under your skin. Accordingly, though each playthrough can be over in a heartbeat, you won’t want to put it down.

A sense of déjà vu.

Bahnsen Knights brilliantly completes the first volume of the Pixel Pulps adventure games. Additionally, there is a strange sense of déjà vu as characters cross between each story. Moreover, there is a familiar twist in the hidden game of solitaire. Alongside this, though each story is a stand-alone affair, there is a connection between each experience that is tough to put your finger on.

Consequently, if you haven’t played either Mothman 1966 or Varney Lake, it matters not. However, if you have enjoyed both of these horror tales, you’ll cherish every sinister and creepy moment you encounter.

A car races along the road. A red hue adds drama.

Bahnsen Knights tells a tale of deception.

I love a great horror story. Yet, if you add some deception and gruesome crime to the mix, I find it tough to put it down. Fortunately, Bahnsen Knights ticks each of these boxes in its ever-twisting and wonderfully deep plot. Moreover, its cast of characters and the gruff protagonist add a sense of drama, danger, and despair to the action. As such, you never know which way the story will turn.

You control Boulder, an undercover agent who hopes to infiltrate the Bahnsen Knights. An old friend has disappeared and Boulder suspects that the BK gang are responsible. However, suspecting and proving a crime are 2 different things. Accordingly, he must keep his wits about him as he unravels a web of deceit and crime.

A story that is beautifully told.

Though much of the action is uncomfortable and slow, the plot is beautifully told. The blend of badass characters, puzzles, and captivating dialogue holds your attention. What’s more, your decisions create new branching storylines. Consequently, you’ll experience some incredible highs and some dreadful lows as you try and solve this mysterious crime.

The barn has a blood-red cross on the side.

Evidence and mini-games.

Bringing the Bahnsen Knights down is no mean feat. However, with the help of prayer cards, you can assign the information to your team. Yet, this wasn’t a compulsory part of the gameplay. This was a strange choice as it added a sense of depth to the investigatory part of the plot.

Alongside this, the dramatic and often oppressive elements of the game are broken up with a smattering of mini-games. These short but fun endeavours break up the intense nature of the story. Furthermore, they test your skills, reactions, and patience. Thankfully, if you don’t get on with any of the mini-games, they can simply be skipped.

Bahnsen Knights is grim but stylish.

The rich colour palette and pixelated art style won’t appeal to everyone. Yet, if you adore CGA games, and you want a retro experience, then you won’t want to miss out. Additionally, the striking and cruel nature of each character’s image is wonderfully grim and uncomfortable to look at. As such, though it is understated by modern standards, I loved every moment, regardless.

The audio is just as good. The hard-hitting soundtrack is complemented by some amazing atmospheric sounds. What’s more, the sound effects are rarely OTT and seem perfectly balanced.

Toni is asking tough questions.

Easy controls.

Though the mini-games will test you, the rest of Bahnsen Knights is easy to play. The simple-to-understand control setup can be mastered by a toddler. Moreover, you can change the speed of the dialogue if you want to progress faster. This was a great move if you were on your second or third playthrough.

Discovering every unique moment is no mean feat. Subsequently, you will have to play this multiple times if you wish to uncover every secret. As such, if you fall for its charms, you’ll enjoy both replay value and longevity.

Bahnsen Knights is fantastic.

Finding a delightfully cruel horror story that is captivating is no mean feat. Yet, the Pixel Pulps franchise will get under your skin. However, I enjoyed this story more than the other 2. The blend of characters and the fascinating setting makes it stand out from its predecessors. Consequently, I adore it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you infiltrate the gang and save your friend? Find the clues, complete each mini-game, and save the day.

Review: Atlas Wept

Atlas Wept isn’t what it appears to be. It looks like a happy, smiling romp with a few friends. Then something happened about three-quarters in that completely pulled the rug out from underneath me. Then it pulled more and more rugs until it had assembled a complete carpet shop. It’s one of Atlas Wept‘s greatest strengths. I never quite figured out where it was going and that kept me fully absorbed. Well, that and the completely bizarre imagery.

Atlas Wept wears its influences on its sleeve. It’s taking notes from Earthbound on one side and Undertale on the other, but works hard to stand on its own two feet. It doesn’t lean into the meta aspects of the latter or the… whatever it was about… of the former. Instead, Atlas Wept is a unique take on pain and identity, pushed through the filter of old-school RPGs. It has quite a few rough edges but I found the core experience to be enchanting.

Weight of the World

Atlas Wept‘s story is split into two halves. On the one, we have two kids, Hal and Lucy. They live in a country that’s constantly under attack from outside and being oppressed from within. There are themes of dictatorship and discrimination. Then they stumble on a strange, robotic dog-thing that whisks them away on an adventure. Sounds fun, but it quickly gets dark. On the other we have two more kids, Dezi and Charlie, who are living in a world where everyone is at the mercy of the ‘Grins’. These are strange, living smiles that forcibly make people happy, but ultimately brainless.

It’s a story that turns into a huge melting pot of different ideas. Themes that come up include trauma, depression, identity, transgenderism, racism, sin and death – to name but a few. I’d say ‘identity’ bubbles to the surface most strongly, as a large subset of the plot is the judgement of humanity, and the decision whether to reset it. It’s an interesting story, well told. I’d say Dezi and Charlie’s half has the edge, as their struggle feels the most real. The central point seems to be that negative experiences, like pain, confusion and loss, are integral to our identity as humans. To remove them is to remove part of what makes us, us.

It may be a little lacking in nuance, but I found Atlas Wept to be oddly profound. Some parts of it are incredibly on the nose, such as the aforementioned ‘grins’, but it allows Atlas Wept to make the points it wants to. The story is not afraid to get dark and to put its characters through hell – but they each show growth and are generally well-written, enough that it successfully lands the emotional gut punches. There are even some great little quotes. I think about one that came after Lucy mocked a pair of brothers for revering an old shovel as a sacred object. Their response was something along the lines of ‘objects don’t give us value, we give them value’. I’m butchering it, but I rather liked it.

Why Don’t You Smile More?

I liked this quote despite – or perhaps because of – the fact that it came from a giant talking drill. That’s Atlas Wept‘s second biggest strength. Its visuals are absolutely nutty and I love them. Character designs quickly go from regular people to giant dog-bees or strange, friendly slime beings. The visuals help back up the overall themes of identity. Everything looks nutty but they have their own identity. Then there’s the grins, who succeed in being thoroughly creepy. They are there to make people happy, but their betentacled bodies and overly large smiles show that it’s not going to be a fun ride.

But I’ve rambled about the plot and themes enough: how does Atlas Wept actually play? Well, it’s a little bit of a mixed bag. Let’s take the combat first. This is probably the biggest Undertale influence. Combat is an active time battle system, where you wait for a little bar to fill before striking. The twist is that every spell – and every enemy attack – has a little mini-game attached. Do well and you max out (or dodge) damage. Enemy attacks are usually bullet hell based. They work very well in boss fights – and I’ll applaud any RPG system that allows me to influence damage taken – but it drags on a lot in standard fights. Continually dodging lasers every turn gets a bit repetitive, but I do like it overall.

It made for a tremendously exciting final boss fight, for one. It might get old for some, though. As can some of the rougher edges. The screen movement, for example, was a little laggy for me, which threatened to trigger my motion sickness. There were also a few graphical issues, such as text not fitting into the boxes properly. Other gripes include a pretty useless map screen and a very inconsistent soundtrack. Some combat songs were okay but a lot of the overworld tracks felt like second-long loops. They become whatever the opposite of an ear worm is. Ear parasite?

Atlas Wept – A World of Feelings

Atlas Wept also has a strange obssesion with mini-games, like playing a one-hit-kill bullet hell game on a minecart or blasting between cannons. They’re diversions but are not overly welcome, especially when the combat has us doing much the same stuff. Still, it didn’t detract from it that much. By the time they came along, I was already hooked. Atlas Wept only gets stronger as you go on, with the final quarter of the game being as interesting as it is bizarre.

It’s also worth mentioning that there isn’t much replay value here. I don’t mind though. Some of the key moments will stick with me, I think. Atlas Wept has a lot of rough edges – even the graphics might be difficult to recommend to someone who isn’t a fan of its influences. Still, it makes up for its deficiencies with the central plot and deep themes, and the unique design of its various characters. True, big scary grins may not seem like a very interesting villain on first glance, but hey, it works for clowns.

(Atlas Wept’s Steam Page)

How To Incorporate A Mobile App Into Your Small Business

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Mobile apps are becoming increasingly popular in the business world, with research revealing that roughly 62% of businesses already have an app or are in the process of developing one. And why not? Mobile apps have immense benefits for businesses, including boosting customer loyalty, building a stronger brand, creating better connections with clients, staying ahead of the competition, improving administrative processes, and increasing brand awareness, among other benefits. Incorporating one into your company can revolutionize the way you do business. Whether you’re considering investing in a third-party app or building one from scratch, these tips will help you to seamlessly incorporate it into your business

  1. Create goals for the app

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The last thing you want is to invest in a company app just because you’ve noticed competing businesses doing so. Your app should be relevant to your company, helping you push various business goals, whether marketing, sales, or efficient administration. In other words, your app must be useful to your business, so create important goals for it. Start by determining problems you want your ideal app to solve or expectations to meet. For example, do you need the app to improve sales, or do you want to smoothen customer experience? After identifying what goals you want to achieve, decide on how best to use your app to achieve those objectives. 

  1. Decide between in-housing or outsourcing the development process 

So, you’ve settled on some key issues you want your business app to address or goals you want to meet. Now, it’s time to consider how to acquire the app in the first place. Two considerations are important here. One, do you want to or can you want to hire developers to build the app from scratch in-house, or two, would you rather outsource to an experienced development company? Both options have advantages and downsides, so you have to take time to weigh each. 

For example, developing your app in-house can be expensive. Plus, you can expect to experience more security vulnerabilities, a lack of quality control, and long-term cost overburden. On the other hand, outsourcing the development process can ensure that you have a better app at a competitive rate while avoiding cost overburden issues.

  1. Sometimes, a third-party app may be the right option

There’s also a third way – investing in an already-created third-party app. Of course, this option may have limited benefits, as you might not have the chance to customize or tweak it to suit your business. But if you need an app to solve specific administrative problems, increase work productivity, or make your workers more efficient in their line of duties, a third-party app may be the right option. 

As the name suggests, you do not have any role in creating or supporting a third-party app, but you can use it to solve specific issues or achieve specific goals within your business. There are many types of third-party apps to choose from, depending on what your business needs. For example, you can use a field service app to make your field service technicians or workers more productive. You can also find a dispatch app designed for companies with dispatch services or fleet drivers. What third-party app you use, depends on your business. But they offer many benefits. In most cases, they’re easy to use, comparatively cheaper, come with no reduced development time, and there may be several options already available to choose from. 

  1. Decide if you want to earn directly through the app and how

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If you’re considering creating and incorporating an app into your business, you’re probably expecting it to rake in revenue directly or indirectly. For example, you might not directly earn from an app that boosts administrative processes like in the previous point. Still, its ability to improve work productivity can indirectly translate to more sales and revenue. On the other hand, some apps are designed to help generate direct sales and bring in more profit. So you have to decide between the two options. 

If you want to earn directly through your app, it’s best to decide how. There are several ways to monetize a business app, with the most popular options being subscription, freemium, and premium models. Which option to choose depends on your niche, target audience, and the monetization approach your competitors already use. 

  1. Offer value with enhanced user experience

Incorporating an app into your business is an investment move, and you want it to pay off. It’s not just about showing that your company also has an app, no. It’s about providing value and improving the way your customers do business with your company. So, ensure that your app offers value and enhances user experience. In other words, it should make things easier, more convenient, and better for anyone who uses it, whether they’re buying a product or enjoying a service through the app. 

User experience (UX), in particular, is paramount for the success of any business app. Your target audience will hardly spend time on your app if it doesn’t appeal to them in any way. It’s even worse if the app is cumbersome or too complicated to use. Regarding added value, your app should solve a problem your customer base has. It should also have something enticing enough to attract your target audience to download and use it. For example, you can offer exclusive discounts, special rewards, or access to premium services and content on the app. That will encourage people to use it. 

  1. Identify your ideal platform 

A solid platform is necessary not just for app integration but the ability to reach a wider market, and the right platform is key to ensuring that. Two main options are available – iOS and Android, and the right one will depend on your location and target audience. In the US, for example, you may want to focus more on iOS than Android, as the latter dominates the smartphone community, with Apple having more than half (57.93%) of the market share. The story is different for the rest of the world, as Android has 70.29% of the global market share. That means an Android platform should be ideal if you’re targeting a global audience. 

Also, consider your target audience demographics to help you decide. Generation Z and Millenials, for example, are more likely to use Apple’s iOS than Android. But if you can afford to make your app available on both platforms, that’s even better, as you’ll offer access to a wider audience. It’s worth noting that experts have predicted Huewei’s HarmonyOS to start dominating, so that’s something to keep in mind when deciding on your preferred platform. 

  1. Think about daily expenses when running your app

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Paying the initial cost of developing your business app is one thing, and investing to keep it running is quite another. Managing a business app comes with many expenses, mostly with maintenance and upgrades. Some studies show that you can spend anywhere between $2,000 and $7,000 yearly on basic maintenance expenses like fixing bugs. Can your small business budget handle this? And what about tax? As a business owner, you’re expected to pay taxes on the money you earn on your app, including income and social taxes and, in some cases, value-added tax. Also, did you know that Apple, the owner of the iOS platform, charges a 30% fee for apps and in-app purchases? However, this fee does not apply to free apps, but it’s worth keeping in mind. 

The point is that the hard work does not end after you launch your business app. You have to spend time and money to maintain it and keep it running. You may even have to spend a little more to push the app’s visibility to get the right download numbers. 

Review: Dead Tomb

Dead Tomb highlights the popularity of retro gaming. Moreover, this point-and-click title captures the essence of every great title in the genre. Yet, it isn’t a cheap rip-off or a poor imitation. Instead, this excellent title is filled with tricky and amusing moments.

This dated point-and-click experience was developed by CollectorVison Games/Acclaim and published by 8 Bit Legit. Moreover, it has some testing puzzles and death and failure are just around the corner. Accordingly, this wonderful nostalgia-infused game will test you throughout.

The hero looks into the darkness in Dead Tomb.

Dead Tomb tells a silly tale.

I love a great sci-fi plot. However, Dead Tomb takes it to the next level! Its absurd story and unbelievable plot twists are borderline insane. Yet, it is this silly approach that is reminiscent of every great retro title. Moreover, as the gameplay unfolds, you rarely know what to expect. As such, though this isn’t the longest game I’ve played, it is captivating throughout.

You are sent on an important mission to study civilisations of the past. Yet, a malfunction in your ship forces you to land in Egypt in 1300 BC. This issue is no cause for concern until the Pharaoh’s elite guard takes matters into their own hands. Accordingly, they beat the hero and chuck him into the depths of a great pyramid. From here, he must solve puzzles and find a way to escape and repair his ship.

Familiar gameplay mechanics.

Though the story is strange and out of this world, the gameplay mechanics are familiar and comfortable. The action focuses on an array of rooms filled with mind-testing puzzles. You must use one of 12 actions to solve each predicament. Whether you select to use, throw, taste, take, open, and so forth, will ensure that you can solve each problem.

Yet, some solutions are not easy to discover and this causes head-scratching moments. Furthermore, it enforces plenty of back and forth between unlocked rooms. Additionally, if you complete a task out of order, the likely outcome is death and destruction. Consequently, you must learn the correct order of each task and solve them correctly before moving on.

The hero is trapped in a room with no exit.

Brilliantly nostalgic.

Though this doesn’t break the mould, Dead Tomb is brilliantly nostalgic. The challenging puzzles and the lack of hand-holding are reminiscent of 80s gaming experiences. Additionally, the witty writing and the silly one-liners will force a wry smile.

Alongside this, the bizarre nature of each problem helps to prevent the action from becoming tedious. Therefore, though this offers nothing new to the genre, it was still fascinating and enjoyable to play.

Dead Tomb is gloriously pixelated.

I adored the bordered screen and the fixed-screen perspective. This wonderfully dated approach tugged at my heartstrings whilst filling me with nostalgic vibes. Additionally, the gloriously pixelated art style and the garish colour palette were spectacular. If you then combine this with the simple stage design and easy-to-access UI, you get a brilliantly retro experience that doesn’t disappoint.

The audio was equally good. The atmospheric soundtrack captures the oppressive nature of the story. Moreover, the sinister tones enhance the drama whilst adding energy to an otherwise slow-paced affair. Though the sound effects were basic, they worked well, without being too shrill or annoying.

Use your tools to decode the message.

Simple controls.

Dead Tomb doesn’t give you much guidance. However, the simple-to-navigate UI and the on-screen prompts help to get you on your way. Additionally, the basic but responsive controls are easy to master. Consequently, though there is some trial and error, this is a simple title to master.

I was disappointed by the lack of replay value. Unfortunately, Dead Tomb isn’t the biggest game I’ve played and there is no reason to return once you’ve completed it. Moreover, if you are a completionist, you can unlock every achievement in under an hour.

Dead Tomb is short but sweet.

I’d have loved this to be a longer and more challenging experience. However, Dead Tomb is short but sweet. The excellent puzzles and fun theme will test you and make you smile. Moreover, the retro gameplay and pixelated art style will fill you with nostalgic vibes. Accordingly, I love this game and recommend buying it here! Can you get to your ship and escape? Explore your surroundings, solve every problem, and get to the top of the pyramid.

Review: Food Truck Simulator

Food Truck Simulator utilises familiar gameplay mechanics. However, unlike some of its peers, it has an interesting story. Furthermore, you can play Sandbox mode for an unlimited experience. Sadly, though, it is laced with bugs and issues. As such, though it was great when it worked, it was unbelievably flawed and frustrating to play.

This simulation title was developed by Drago Entertainment and published by Ultimate Games. Furthermore, it is a solo experience on Xbox, so the developers missed an opportunity to stand out from the crowd. This was disappointing as it would have been phenomenal to play this with friends. 

Upgrade your van and its equipment.

Food Truck Simulator tells a competitive tale. 

“Patch wars” within food retail can get messy. However, Food Truck Simulator takes this rivalry to the next level. Consequently, as the story unfolds, you must make some moralistic decisions. This interesting approach adds depth to an otherwise familiar simulation game. 

The story focuses on a lad who takes over his dad’s food truck. With little experience, he turns to a family friend for help. With her guidance, he learns to run his business. Yet, just as things are settling down, a jealous rival strikes. This incident could cause mayhem. However, the hero turns things around and works hard to expand his business. 

The truck is being driven around a busy street.

Repetitive gameplay. 

The gameplay loop is repetitive, but there is some depth to enjoy. You must move from location to location selling a selection of fast food. Furthermore, you need to replenish stock, clean your van, and upgrade your equipment. As you impress your punters, your reputation increases and the world map unlocks.

Once you have a variety of pitches to visit, you must set your menu and cook everything to perfection. If you appease each customer, they’ll pay you handsomely. However, if you get the order wrong, it’ll damage your reputation and your bank balance. 

Driving, cooking, and planning.

You’ll spend your time driving between locations. During this time, you are free to explore the city. As you delve into back alleys and strange locations, you’ll find collectables to improve your garage or your vehicle. This was an interesting idea that forces you to search every nook and cranny. 

The customisation was simple but impressive. You can paint and customise your van. Moreover, you can buy new equipment to increase your productivity. This was essential in the latter stages, as the cooking became hectic. 

The cooking element is the core component of the gameplay loop. Here, you’ll take orders and cook them to perfection. This portion of the game requires patience and a methodical mindset. Additionally, the blend of ingredients and the large menu ensures that success is no mean feat. 

A book that contains every recipe.

Bugs!!!!!

The occasional bug is to be expected. However, Food Truck Simulator has a serious problem. Nearly every aspect of the game is laced with problems. Subsequently, the game crashes, hangs, and is unplayable for the most part. 

This is particularly annoying when you consider how much fun the action is. Yet, I spent more time reloading the game than I did cooking any food. 

Food Truck Simulator looks rough. 

This genre isn’t renowned for its beauty. Yes, there are exceptions to the rule, but Food Truck Simulator doesn’t buck the trend. Disappointingly, the textures are woeful, and the render distance is appallingly low. Accordingly, cars drop from the sky and buildings materialise before your eyes. What’s more, the character models look awful, and the animation is clunky and dated. 

Thankfully, the audio was much better. The upbeat soundtrack juxtaposed the repetitive gameplay. Moreover, the sound effects were realistic and suitable. However, it was a little jarring to hear invisible cars that hadn’t been rendered properly. 

Upgrading your equipment unlocks new recipes.

Terrible controls. 

Food Truck Simulator has been ported from PC. Consequently, the controls are bloody awful! The sensitivity is way off, and highlighting small items was a pain. Furthermore, working through each menu was mind-numbingly dreadful. Subsequently, you will scream with frustration.

Theoretically, Food Truck Simulator oozes replay value and longevity. Yet, in reality, you’ll spend more time loading it up than playing it. As such, you may wish to lose yourself in the action, but bugs and glitches prevent this from happening. 

Food Truck Simulator is a disappointment. 

I wanted to love Food Truck Simulator. Additionally, I was desperate to cover a video review for YouTube. Yet, due to the game-breaking bugs, I was unable to do either. Though this title has potential, it is far too flawed in its current state. Accordingly, I do not recommend you buy it. However, more information can be found here! Unfortunately, this is one simulation title that must be avoided.

How to Spot the Best Crypto Gambling Sites?

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The surge in popularity of cryptocurrency has catalyzed the rise of crypto gambling sites, offering a decentralized and secure alternative to traditional online casinos. As the industry continues to expand, the challenge for players is distinguishing the best platforms from the multitude available. 

If you wish to explore key factors to consider when identifying the best crypto-gambling sites and how statistical insights can aid in making informed choices – you’ve come to the perfect place. Keep reading.

License and Regulation

The legitimacy of a crypto gambling site starts with its licensing and regulatory status. You can explore the best crypto gambling sites listed here to get a better insight. According to a study by Statista, 24% of online gambling participants worldwide cited “trust in the operator” as a key factor influencing their choice of online casino. The best crypto gambling sites are transparent about their licenses, often displaying them prominently on their websites. Regulatory authorities like the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) add a layer of credibility, ensuring that the platform adheres to industry standards and legal requirements.

Security Measures

Security is paramount when dealing with cryptocurrencies. According to a report by Juniper Research, global spending on cybersecurity in the gaming industry is projected to reach $6 billion by 2024. The best crypto gambling sites employ robust security measures, including end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication. Additionally, they often provide transparent information about their security protocols, reassuring users about the safety of their funds and personal data.

Game Variety and Quality

A diverse and engaging game selection is a hallmark of the best crypto gambling sites. Statistics reveal that players value variety, with 37% of surveyed online gamblers expressing that a wide range of games is crucial in their choice of an online casino (Statista). Platforms offering a mix of classic casino games, live dealer options and innovative crypto-centric games tend to attract a broader audience. The quality of the games, including fair algorithms and smooth gameplay, is equally important in ensuring an enjoyable gaming experience.

User Experience and Interface

User experience plays a pivotal role in the success of any online platform. According to a report by PwC, 42% of online gamblers prioritize a seamless user interface when choosing an online casino. The best crypto gambling sites invest in intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, facilitating easy navigation and a positive overall experience. Responsive design, quick load times and a well-organized layout contribute to an environment where users can focus on the games without unnecessary distractions.

Bonuses and Promotions

Crypto gambling sites often compete by offering enticing bonuses and promotions. A survey by the UK Gambling Commission found that 50% of online gamblers considered promotional offers when selecting an online casino. The best crypto gambling sites provide transparent information about their bonuses, including welcome packages, loyalty programs and ongoing promotions. However, players should be cautious and analyze the terms and conditions to ensure the bonuses are fair and come with reasonable wagering requirements.

Customer Support

Responsive and reliable customer support is a key factor in determining the credibility of a crypto gambling site. According to a study by Zendesk, 69% of online consumers prefer chat support for quick communication. The best crypto gambling sites offer multiple channels for customer support, including live chat, email and sometimes phone support. Additionally, they provide timely and helpful responses, addressing user queries and concerns effectively.

Payment Options and Withdrawal Speeds

Efficient and diverse payment options are essential for a seamless gambling experience. Crypto gambling sites should support a variety of cryptocurrencies and traditional payment methods. Naturally, you should keep track of the Bitcoin value and other cryptocurrency values. A report by Transparency Market Research projects that the global cryptocurrency market will reach a valuation of $6.7 billion by 2030, emphasizing the increasing importance of crypto payments. The best platforms also ensure swift withdrawal processes, allowing users to access their winnings promptly.

Community and Reputation

The reputation of a crypto gambling site within the online community is a valuable indicator of its reliability. Analyzing user reviews, forum discussions and social media sentiments provides insights into the platform’s credibility and user satisfaction. According to a survey by BrightLocal, 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. The best crypto gambling sites actively engage with their community, address concerns transparently and build a positive reputation over time.

Conclusion

In the rapidly evolving landscape of crypto gambling, identifying the best platforms requires a comprehensive evaluation of various factors. Licensing, security, game variety, user experience, bonuses, customer support, payment options and community reputation all contribute to the overall quality of a crypto gambling site. Statistical insights from user surveys and market research provide valuable benchmarks for users seeking trustworthy and enjoyable platforms. As the industry continues to mature, players are encouraged to stay informed, leverage available data and prioritize platforms that prioritize their safety, enjoyment and overall satisfaction.