Review: Aquarist

Daniel Waite
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Review: Aquarist

We know more about outer space than our oceans. Consequently, I, like many others, find sea life to be relaxing and fascinating. Therefore, when I was given the chance to look at Aquarist, I couldn’t resist. After all, who doesn’t want to run a virtual fish shop? So sit back while I dive into our o-fish-cial review. 

This is a simulation title developed by FreeMind Games and published by Ultimate Games. Moreover, there are creative elements, some business management, and plenty of soothing fish to admire. As such, this will attract a vast audience of sim fans and people that want a casual experience. 

Clean the tanks with a green sponge.
It is time to clean those tanks.

Aquarist tells a familiar tale. 

The sim genre rarely steps away from its familiar tropes. Unsurprisingly, Aquarist falls right into this trap as well. Now this isn’t an issue, as the gameplay is reassuringly recognisable. Furthermore, much of the action plays out like House Flipper or Castle Renovator. However, the key moments are more cumbersome to execute and this may cause frustration. 

You play the part of a young fish enthusiast. His family is equally obsessed but his dad lacks the skill or know-how to keep the fish alive. Accordingly, you will help your friends and family before turning your attention to your shop. At this point, you are focused on making money and creating stunning exhibitions. Therefore, it is a game that tests your business mindset and your creative side. 

Relaxing but repetitive. 

Once you get into the swing of things, the sim genre is pretty repetitive. Sadly, as much as I enjoyed the causal gameplay, there wasn’t enough depth. Aquarist effectively asks you to shock shelves and complete basic contracts. Alongside this, you must clean aquariums, stock them with fish, and sell them to eagerly awaiting punters.

Alongside this, you can breed the fish to make extra cash. Furthermore, you must keep them happy by tweaking their environment. Subsequently, you’ll feed them, adjust the water temperature, alter the plants and decorations, and stock the correct number of creatures. If you do this, the fish will be content and breed. As a result, you’ll get rich in the process. 

Salt or Freshwater, which fish will you buy?
Which fish will you buy?

Exhibitions. 

I was impressed by Aquarist’s exhibition gameplay. The interesting locations allowed you to set up some incredibly beautiful tanks. Furthermore, it removed the time-related stress that underpins the business elements. 

Each of the exhibitions can be arranged however you wish. Whether you opt for fresh or saltwater fish is entirely up to you. Moreover, you can focus on a minimalist tank or you can load it with plants, rocks, or other random items. Whatever you decide, it’s bound to impress the crowd. 

Aquarist looks like its peers. 

This genre isn’t the prettiest or the most polished. There are, of course, exceptions, but normally, the developers focus on the action rather than the finish. As such, Aquarist looks like its peers. With rough textures, sluggish animations, and a rudimentary UI, I never liked it or hake’d it (see what I did there?).

The audio was mostly forgettable. A strange reliance on “hotel lobby” and “lift music” creates a slow but wholesome atmosphere. However, it is also tedious and underwhelming. Luckily, the sound effects are better as they add a layer of realism. 

Such a beautiful exhibition.

The contents made me feel crabby. 

Oh, how I despise the controls! Aquarist handles terribly, and this holds it back. Moreover, the hero has the turning circle of a tanker and cannot walk backwards. Furthermore, trying to inspect your livestock is arduous at best. On top of this, it’s practically impossible to place items as you wish as the cursor isn’t accurate enough. Subsequently, Aquarist will make you feel crabby and disappointed.

The poor controls and repetitive nature impact longevity and replay value. What’s more, the limited time to prepare your shop reduces the enjoyment factor. Yet, if you focus on the exhibitions, it can be relaxing and rewarding. 

Aquarist could be great. 

I adore simulation games and was upset that this missed the mark. However, with some minor tweaks, it could be great. If the controls are sorted out and the business element enhanced, the gameplay will be much better. Accordingly, I recommend this to a niche audience or sim fans and fish lovers. Can you run a fish shop and let your creative juices flow? Breed fish, clean their tanks, and get rich in the process. 

The Best Glasses-Wearing Characters in Video Games – and Customizing Your Own Avatar

Christopher John
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The Best Glasses-Wearing Characters in Video Games – and Customizing Your Own Avatar

A whirlwind tour of video games past and present demonstrates that some of the best characters over the years have sported distinctive eyewear, whether this is laser firing glasses or the classic ‘nerd’ specs. Below, we run down some of our favorite glasses-wearing characters and why they’re so memorable – and cover customizing your avatar in Animal Jam, Roblox, or Minecraft with some nifty eyewear to take your character’s style to the next level!

Gordon Freeman – Half-Life (1998)

Getting into the realm of vintage gaming, 1998 saw the release of the iconic video game, Half-Life. This first-person shooter was originally developed for Windows; players take the role of scientist Gordon Freeman, who needs to escape the Black Mesa Research Facility after a botched experiment leads to the compound becoming overrun with aliens.

This character may be your quintessential nerd, complete with oversized, thick-rimmed black eyeglasses, but he’s also badass, gunning down aliens and setting off huge explosions as players guide him in an attempt to get clear of the facility.

Otacon – Metal Gear Solid (1998)

Clearly a great year for gaming, 1998’s Metal Gear Solid is an action-adventure game developed for PlayStation by Konami. The game features a motley crew of characters, many of whom have been genetically engineered or who boast an array of intriguing – and deadly – body mods. Hal Emmerich, also known as Otacon, is one of the few ‘regular’ and unaugmented humans. He’s an engineering and hacking genius, a lover of anime, and is prone to developing a crush!

Otacon’s standard uniform is a tan shirt and a pair of round full-rim glasses with thin metal frames. He’s also partial to the odd oversized duffle coat.

Crimson Viper – Street Fighter IV (2008)

Crimson Viper, also known as C.Viper or Maya, her alias, first appeared in the fourth installment of the popular Street Fighter franchise. An undercover CIA agent, Viper fights using an array of weapons built into her suit, as well as deploying an optic laser built into her goggle-like, clear-framed glasses.

As part of character development, researchers at Capcom focused on creating the sort of character that American audiences would most enjoy playing. Then-executive producer Yoshinori Ono later went on to say that Viper was one of his characters in the game.

Auron – Final Fantasy X (2021)

Auron is one of the most popular characters in the wildly successful Final Fantasy franchise. He’s a sword-wielding, slick shades-wearing warrior monk who keeps watch over Tidus while keeping his past a mystery. For the Final Fantasy X HD Remaster version of the game, Auron’s character was remodeled for enhanced realism. This included making changes to his skin tone and hair, adding sharper details to his clothing and accessories, and increasing the transparency of his signature sunglasses.

What About Characters with Glasses in Roblox?

The beauty of Roblox is that there are near-infinite ways that players can customize their avatars. One way to do this is with glasses. There are literally thousands of digital eyewear styles to choose from for your Roblox character. Some of the most popular choices include ‘Nerd Glasses,’ which can be purchased for 30 robux, and the ‘Vintage Glasses,’ which have already been purchased over two million times. There’s also the Harry Potter-inspired ‘Secret Kid Wizard Glasses,’ which first appeared for sale in 2010, and the fanciful ‘Heart Shaped Glasses’ that are a bargain at just 16 Robux.

Can I Buy Glasses in Animal Jam?

As with Roblox, Animal Jam offers plenty of fun ways to customize characters with clothing, hairstyles, accessories, and eyewear. And if you’re looking for something a little more unusual to make your Animal Jam avatar really stand out? Look out for rare spectacles in the game – these may cost a premium but will boost your character’s unique style credentials!

Examples of rare glasses to be discovered in Animal Jam include ‘Rare Nerd Glasses,’ which were released in 2013, and ‘Rare Eclipse Glasses,’ which appeared in 2017.

Customized Glasses-Wearing Character Skins in Minecraft

If you’re looking for a custom-made Minecraft skin of a character rocking glasses, then you’ve got a tonne of choice! Some of the most popular glasses-wearing skins are Sweater Girl, who wears a long striped sweater, ripped jeans, and stylish specs, and Street Fashion Girl, who looks great in a pair of oversized tinted sunglasses, a long-sleeved black tee and a pair of yellow cargo pants.

Looking for something a little more unusual? How about the Cool Melon skin? This avatar is, literally, a watermelon wearing a pair of old-school 3D glasses. What’s not to love?

The Takeaway: Glasses in the World of Video Games

Many iconic video game characters have worn glasses over the decades, and now, with the advent of platforms such as Minecraft and Roblox, the ability to customize avatars with a dizzyingly wide range of accessories such as clothing and spectacles has added a new dimension to gameplay. With the spotlight moving firmly towards immersive experiences, it surely won’t be long before our avatars are perfectly rendered digital reflections of our true selves: including the specs we wear.

Technology in Dating: Innovations that Changed Everything

Christopher John
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Technology in Dating: Innovations that Changed Everything

In the world of romance, dating has undergone a digital transformation that’s as profound as it is pervasive. Tech innovations are revolutionizing our search for love, companionship, and everything in between. We’re drawn into an era of technical progress. Social platforms let us make friends online, hook up, chat and share experiences. Informational blogs teach us how to cook, work out, and travel. And, of course, dating apps that are giving us a chance to find that one person without strenuous effort.

The Era of Mobile Dating Apps

Since the dawn of the smartphone, mobile dating apps have become the go-to solution for singles worldwide. Swiping left or right, it’s the 21st century’s answer to the age-old question: Will you date me? There are a wide variety of dating apps, as a fact, and their amount is rising every day due to the high level of competition between small and big corporations and dating sites. Most famous apps like Tinder have reshaped the dating landscape, integrating intuitive features that cater to our convenience and connectivity needs. The same relates to the dating platform owners who are not in the run for progress but genuinely reshaped their products in mobile versions of the websites for people who want hookups near me but don’t want to download any apps to spend phone memory on it. They’ve taken dating out of the coffee shops and into the palm of our hands, granting us a world of potential hookups and matches near you at our fingertips.

The Influence of AI and Matching Algorithms

Perhaps the most critical component behind these apps’ success is the AI and matching algorithms powering them. These tech masterpieces comb through millions of profiles, learning our preferences and helping us connect with individuals who tick all our boxes.

When users create profiles on dating apps, they provide a wealth of personal information – everything from their age and location to interests, hobbies, and preferences in a partner. Some apps even delve deeper, asking about users’ political leanings, religious beliefs, or lifestyle choices.

This trove of data doesn’t just sit idle, instead, it becomes the raw material for AI algorithms that analyze and utilize it to make accurate predictions.

A key concept in AI is machine learning, artificial intelligence that enables computer systems to learn and improve from experience without explicit programming. In the context of dating apps, machine learning algorithms study user behavior, learning from every swipe, match, message, and profile update.

By recognizing patterns in this data, these algorithms develop an understanding of user preferences and behaviors. Over time, they refine their models and make increasingly accurate predictions about which users might hit it off. Another use of AI technology is providing users with dating safety. After comprehending the text data, AI can flag and categorize various types of inappropriate content. This includes sexually explicit messages, hate speech, bullying, harassment, and other forms of harmful behavior.

These AI models are trained on extensive datasets of text data, learning to recognize patterns and characteristics associated with inappropriate content. They can even pick up on subtleties like innuendos or euphemisms often used to mask abusive language. This ensures that harmful content is detected and addressed, even if it is cleverly disguised.

The Rise of Video Communication Features

Remember when COVID-19 struck, and suddenly, meeting for coffee or a drink was off the table? Video communication features took center stage, enabling us to continue our quest for love from the safety of our homes. Virtual dates became the norm, with platforms incorporating live video chats to keep the flame of romance burning. Zoom dates and FaceTime dinners showed us that love could indeed blossom, even in the face of a pandemic.

Augmented and Virtual Reality: The New Frontier

But tech in dating is not stopping at video calls. The burgeoning fields of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are already starting to make their mark. Imagine a date night in a VR world, sharing experiences in places you’ve only ever dreamt of without ever leaving your living room. It’s not just the future—it’s the present, changing how we connect on a fundamental level.

The Impact on Data and Privacy

With all these tech perks comes the challenge of data privacy. Sharing personal details online raises legitimate concerns about how this data is used and protected. In the era of data breaches and cyber threats, the question isn’t just who you’re dating but who else knows about it. The shift towards transparency and user consent is crucial, setting the stage for a future where love and privacy coexist in the digital realm.

Conclusion

There’s no denying that technology has irrevocably changed dating. From mobile apps and intelligent algorithms to video communication and immersive AR/VR experiences, these innovations have eased and complicated our pursuit of love. As we navigate the dating waters, let’s not forget the importance of data privacy. After all, a little mystery can go a long way in the search for the perfect match.

Review: DOKAPON KiNGDOM CONNECT

Damien Gorman
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Review: DOKAPON KiNGDOM CONNECT

Often in the entertainment industry, a creative mind will attempt to blend two or more existing genres in an attempt to either create something new or subvert the genre as a whole. Such attempts either catch fire or go up in flames, two phrases meaning the same thing but also different things, English, eh?

Dokapon Kingdom Connect is very much the latter for me, but then I can question whether it was ever meant for me.

The original Dokapon Kingdom game was released in 2007/08 depending on which side of the Pacific you lived on. Developed by Sting, who interestingly attempted a The Jetsons platformer in the mid-90s, and published by Atlus for Western audiences. Personally, I think they should know better having developed one of my favourite games of all time in Persona 5.

I’m as shocked as you are, The King

Dokapon Kingdom attempts to bridge the gap between board games and RPGs in a way that I never considered, so I guess kudos to them for their ingenuity. Players can choose from a variety of rainbow-inspired heroes, assigning them jobs (classes), equipping them with gear, and using skill points to increase their attributes, all the while moving around a board that has you fighting enemies, spinning spinners for moves, items, gold etc. All in all, imagine an RPG on tracks.

The problem isn’t with the idea, it’s with the execution for me. Any blend of two genres should look to highlight the strengths of each whilst masking any weaknesses. In short, the product should be greater than the components, otherwise, what was the point? For me, Dokapon Kingdom fails in this regard.

The most famous example of a party board game style video game is likely Mario Party, whichever version you have an affinity for. The strength of that series is in the memorable characters, strong aesthetics and audio and entertaining mini-games. Dokapon Kingdom does not compare well, the audio is honestly just annoying, and the mini-games have been replaced by stilted turn-based combat from the RPG side of the equation. As for your characters, they’re just palette-swapped versions of each other regardless of which hat they wear.

You can be a green wizard, or a blue wizard, or a red wiz…

As for RPGs, there are thousands of examples to choose from and varying styles within the genre. None of them are well represented here. Having equipable items, a levelling up system and turn-based combat does not an RPG make. But that seems to be all that is on offer here. Maybe I’m expecting too much of what on the surface seems like a game for children, but then I question whether a remake of a game that might have only sold 200k copies is a good idea in the first place, whether it strikes a new audience or not.

I should mention other elements of the game as I’m in danger of being too negative so far. The game comes with the option to play multiplayer as well as single-player games against AIs with variable skill levels. There is a story mode in addition to the classic jump-in-and-play mode, although once again the depth of which had me questioning why they bothered at all. Basically, save a kingdom from monsters, marry the Princess (it’s a knockoff Peach) and live happily ever after.

That was too negative again, wasn’t it?

Capitalism is rampant in Dokapon Kingdom it seems…

In summary, the game prides itself on ditching shallow party game gameplay but never considers that the reason those games are well-loved is due to the “shallow” nature of the gameplay. No one wants to spend an hour explaining all the nuances of a game in the middle of a party. I believe the term for that would be “party pooper”.

In short, its attempt to be a party game is poorly executed as it sneers at the things that make party games fun: quick games, easy to understand, no cumbersome mechanics, a well-known cast, and creative worlds. Instead, Dokapon Kingdom Connect misses the mark in my opinion on pretty much all of these, too caught up in its attempt to be an RPG.

Review: Nuclear Blaze

Daniel Waite
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Review: Nuclear Blaze

Firefighters are often teased for their ability to sleep on the job. Moreover, there are familiar cat jokes to deal with as well. However, Nuclear Blaze makes no mention of beds, but it does have a healthy dose of cats to keep things real. This obscene story of heroic deeds and scientific madness is oddly captivating but far too short. Thankfully, though, the developers have incorporated several game modes to try to alleviate this issue.

Developed by Deepnight Games and published by RED ART GAMES, this is a dynamic 2D action title. What’s more, there are some platforming elements and a smattering of tactical nuance as well. Consequently, this fast-paced experience is exciting, unpredictable, and occasionally a little unfair. However, it is these cruel moments that make it addictive and enjoyable.

The hero starts their adventure by jumping from a helicopter.
Where it all begins.

Nuclear Blaze tells a tale of danger.

The mysterious undertones and unrelenting danger keep you on your toes. Furthermore, the drip-fed lore enhances the secrecy and keeps you guessing throughout. On top of this, you are kept in the dark until the very end, and that created a suspenseful atmosphere.

You control a heroic firefighter that is split from his team. As he enters a strange underground base, his radio stops working. Subsequently, he is left on his own to battle never-ending fires. Alongside this, he must try to find the 16 hidden cats and take them to safety. This task isn’t easy, as the paths are often concealed or hidden behind locked doors. If the protagonist completes each stage, he’ll discover the cause of the devastation before saving the day, once and for all.

So many fires!

Nuclear Blaze isn’t shy when it comes to fires! Every level is saturated by burning walls and floors. However, that is not all. No, there is also the risk of electrocution, automated turrets to avoid, and nuclear waste to jump over. On top of this, you must dodge falling debris whilst managing your limited water supply. Accordingly, this isn’t simply a game of putting out fires. Instead, you must be tactically savvy and save water where ever possible.

The premise of the game is straightforward. The hero must explore each level whilst quenching fires. Along the way, he’ll locate water stations to fill up his tank. However, extinguishing every blaze isn’t easy. You’ll have to locate valves to shut off each gas supply, activate switches to start sprinklers and avoid never-ending dangers. Additionally, there are time-specific tasks that add untold pressure to an already tough endeavour.

Use your axe and bust down that door.
Bust down the door with an axe.

Power-ups and platforming mayhem. 

The stage design is rudimentary but well laid out. Consequently, the platforming elements were fun, challenging, and interesting to navigate. Alongside this, the hidden pathways were tough to locate and saving each cat isn’t an easy task. Furthermore, unless you unlock the “Hold my Beer” mode, you won’t be able to explore every area. As such, Nuclear Blaze demands that you keep playing if you wish to complete it.

What was also great was the small list of power-ups. Whether it was a super hose to change the direction of the water, an umbrella to protect your hero, or the ability to dodge fire, it all adds to the gameplay. Additionally, you’ll learn to use your hose whilst on a ladder and you’ll gain additional water storage to fight fires for longer. However, these power-ups are nicely balanced as the action gets progressively harder. 

Nuclear Blaze isn’t the prettiest of games. 

Graphics don’t bother me. Therefore, I don’t mind the pixelated revolution that is taking over the gaming industry. Nuclear Blaze is one such title that focuses its energy on its gameplay rather than its looks. Accordingly, the basic finish won’t be to everyone’s liking. I, however, enjoyed the contrasting imagery, the brash colours, and the excellent stage design. 

A dramatic game needs an aggressive soundtrack. Thankfully, Nuclear Blaze delivers this with its booming audio. The upbeat music and domineering sound effects create an oppressive atmosphere. Subsequently, it is a high-energy affair that doesn’t disappoint. 

Fire falls from the ceiling as the hero jumps out of the way.
It’s getting hot in here.

Brilliant controls.

This dynamic action game could have been a pig to play. With so much going on and plenty of pressure to deal with, it can be hectic. However, the incredible control layout and responsive inputs help to keep you on track. Furthermore, other than the action button, there is nothing else to focus on. Consequently, you can quench each fire without becoming distracted. 

Nuclear Blaze impressed me with its mountain of settings. You can adjust the difficulty, the amount of water, the spread of each fire and much more. Alongside this, there is a kids mode and once you complete the game, there is the “Hold my Beer” option. This opens up a wide variety of additional rooms to explore and extra challenges to overcome. As such, it has plenty of replay value and longevity.

Nuclear Blaze is short but incredibly sweet. 

I didn’t know what to expect when I installed this title. However, my short time with it was thoroughly enjoyable. The balanced gameplay and interesting mechanics keep you on your toes. Moreover, the extra game modes ensure that you want to return for more. Accordingly, I adored it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you quench every fire, rescue every cat, and save the day? Jump, roll, and explore this fire-filled underground base of doom. 

News: Amazon Prime Gaming

Daniel Waite
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News: Amazon Prime Gaming

Amazon Prime Gaming has to be the industry’s worst-kept secret. If you subscribe to Amazon Prime, you are entitled to an array of free games and other perks. The options vary every month and you must check your account to see what is available. However, though May is almost over, Amazon hasn’t stopped giving. As such, they are adding 8 additional free titles to their list. Alongside this, I want to tell you about June’s upcoming titles.

What are the additional 8 titles?

  • Beasts of Maravilla Island [Amazon Games App]. Traverse Maravilla Island’s magical ecosystems to discover extraordinary creatures, learn their behaviours, and photograph their majesty in this 3D adventure game.
  • Calico [Amazon Games App]. Rebuild the town’s cat café and fill it with cute and cuddly creatures in this day-in-the-life community sim game.
  • DKO: Divine Knockout [Epic Games Store]. Knock out the gods to become a god of myth yourself as players brawl and knock friends off the map to reign supreme in the world’s only 3rd-person platform fighter! 
  • Double Kick Heroes [Amazon Games App]. Survive on the highway to hell, fighting epic hordes of zombies in 24 levels of pure post-apocalyptic madness.
  • Shattered: Tale of the Forgotten King [Amazon Games App]. Reforge reality through skill-based combat, innovative open-world platforming and the testimonies of survivors in this dark action RPG.
  • Tiny Robots Recharged [Amazon Games App]. Solve the mystery of the horrific experiments being done on your buddies and free them from the bad guy conducting them in his super-secret laboratory.
  • Tandem: A Tale of Shadows [Amazon Games App]. Help Emma and Fenton solve the mystery surrounding the disappearance of famous magician Thomas Kane in this unique puzzle platformer.
  • Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion [Amazon Games App]. Play as an adorable yet trouble-making turnip who avoids paying taxes by solving plantastic puzzles, harvesting crops and battling massive beasts all in a journey to tear down a corrupt vegetable government.

Don’t forget your additional games.

As a reminder, Prime members can claim additional free games with Prime titles. Starting on May 25th, including Lila’s Sky Ark, Agatha Knife, King of the Monsters 2 and Kizuna Encounter. Customers can also download more free games with Prime titles. These include 3 Count Bout, The Almost Gone, Last Resort, Robo Army, Lake, and many more. 

As always, be sure to claim the great in-game content with Amazon Prime Gaming. Including Destiny 2, FIFA 23, League of Legends, Lost Ark, New World, and much more.

Amazon Prime Gaming June 2023.

Amazon Prime Gaming is offering 13 free titles throughout June! In this month’s lineup, players can find themselves performing for audiences far and wide in Once Upon a Jester and racing through breathtaking places in Over Top. Come back every Thursday to claim your free games with Prime.

  • June 1 Sengoku 2 [Amazon Games App]. Take on the role of a warrior summoned by a shrine princess and fight throughout various historical periods to defeat the Dark Monarch.
  • June 1 Mutation Nation [Amazon Games App]. Help two youths save their hometown by battling it out against a genius biologist who’s been turning humans into mutants.
  • June 8 Soccer Brawl [Amazon Games App]. Kick, punch and battle it out against robot players representing different countries in this fun soccer game.
  • June 8 Over Top [Amazon Games App]. Race through breathtaking places, from urban areas to mountainous regions and snowy roads in this over-the-top racing game.
  • June 15 The Super Spy [Amazon Games App]. Punch, kick and use weapons to defeat enemies as players make their way through a large building to rescue captives. 
  • June 15 Top Hunter [Amazon Games App]. Jump, shoot, throw and perform special attacks to defeat the space pirates who aim for total domination in this side-scrolling action game.
  • June 15 SteamWorld Dig 2 [Amazon Games App]. Dig deep, gain riches and unearth the terrors of the underworld in this platform-mining adventure influenced by classic Metroidvania-style games.

The games keep coming.

  • June 22 Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition [Amazon Games App]. Return to the Forgotten Realms in this bestselling Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game with 100+ hours of award-winning adventures and the tools to create your own!
  • June 22 Autonauts [Amazon Games App]. Build, create and automate with your colony to create an ever-evolving autonomous paradise of agriculture, industry and enlightenment.
  • June 22 Revita [Amazon Games App]. Harvest and sacrifice souls to grow your power in order to challenge procedural encounter rooms and intimidating bosses in this fast-paced twin-stick rogue-lite platformer. 
  • June 29 Roguebook [Amazon Games App]. Embrace the challenge of a rogue-like deck builder by building a team of two heroes to unleash powerful combos and defeat the legends of the Roguebook!
  • June 29 Once Upon a Jester [Amazon Games App]. Become stars of the famous royal theatrical spectacle as players take on the role as Jester and his best friend Sok to travel the kingdom, improvise theatre shows and perform on stages far and wide for audiences everywhere to enjoy. 
  • June 29 Gems of Destiny: Homeless Dwarf [Legacy Games Code]. Delve into an intriguing story about Axel, the dwarf, and his journey to create a new city for him and his friends. 

Access a rotating selection of games on Amazon Luna this month.

Finally, Amazon users can look to enhance their experience further by jumping on the Luna Gaming bandwagon. With a 7-day free trial, there is no risk and plenty of rewards. Furthermore, you can opt for 1 of 3 different subscription services depending on your requirements. Take a look at my thoughts on Amazon Luna and the Amazon Luna controller here!

Amazon Luna is available to gamers in the US, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom, making it easy to start gaming on the devices you already own, including Fire TV. This gives more customers access to play high-quality, immersive games through the cloud on their supported devices. With Luna’s Prime Gaming offer on Amazon Luna, Amazon Prime members have the ability to play a rotating selection of games for free on Luna through a dedicated channel. To learn more about Amazon Luna, click here.

Starting on June 1st, Prime members will have full access to a new slate of popular games on the Prime Gaming Channel. This includes Batman: Arkham Knight, Citizen Sleeper, Monster Harvest and SteamWorld Heist: Ultimate Edition. Stay tuned in the coming months for additional Prime Gaming Channel offerings via Amazon Luna! 

(More information on Amazon can be found here!)

How to Choose the Right Remote Control Car for Your Little Ones?

Christopher John
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How to Choose the Right Remote Control Car for Your Little Ones?

Remote control toys have always been a beloved toy for kids, providing hours of fun and excitement. However, choosing the right remote control car for your little ones can be challenging with so many available options. This guide will explore the factors to consider when selecting an age-appropriate, durable remote-controlled car that guarantees a thrilling playtime experience.

Tips for Choosing a Remote Control Car for Kids 

Age Appropriateness

When choosing a toy, it’s crucial to consider your child’s age. Manufacturers often indicate the recommended age range for their products to ensure safety and enjoyment. Younger children may benefit from simple, easy-to-use toys with basic controls and slower speeds, while older children may be ready for more advanced models with complex features and faster speeds. 

Durability and Build Quality

Kids are naturally enthusiastic and can be rough with toys, so durability is crucial. Look for vehicles made from sturdy materials, such as high-quality plastics or reinforced metals, that can withstand the inevitable bumps, crashes, and rough handling. Pay attention to the build quality, including the strength of the chassis, suspension system, and wheels, as these components significantly impact the car’s ability to handle different terrains and withstand playtime adventures.

Ease of Use

Toys should be easy for children to operate and maneuver. Consider the size and design of the remote control, ensuring that it is comfortable for your child’s hands, and features simple controls that are easy to understand. Look for intuitive features like straightforward buttons or joysticks allowing smooth and precise movements. An RC car that is easy to use fosters confidence and ensures an enjoyable playtime experience for your little ones.

Battery Life and Charging Options

Remote control toys typically run on batteries, so it’s important to consider battery life and charging options. Look for vehicles with long-lasting battery life to maximize playtime without frequent interruptions. Additionally, consider whether the car uses replaceable batteries or rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable battery options are often more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, as they can be reused and charged conveniently. Some remote control toys even come with USB charging options, making charging convenient using various devices.

Terrain Compatibility

Consider where your child is likely to play with their toy. Different models are designed for specific terrains, such as smooth surfaces, rough outdoor terrains, or water. If your child primarily uses the car indoors, opt for a model with good maneuverability on smooth surfaces. Choose an RC car with robust tires, suspension, and traction to handle various terrains for outdoor or off-road adventures. Selecting a vehicle that matches the intended play environment ensures optimal performance and enjoyment.

Advantages of Purchasing from a Reputable Online Retailer

When purchasing for your little ones, choosing a reputable and trustworthy online retailer offers numerous advantages. These retailers provide a wide selection of cars, allowing you to explore different brands, models, and features to find the perfect match for your child. Detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and ratings offer valuable insights and aid in decision-making.

Online retailers often collaborate with reputable manufacturers, ensuring their cars are high quality and meet safety standards. Purchasing from a reputable retailer guarantees authenticity and durability, providing you with peace of mind that the car will withstand playtime adventures.

Furthermore, online retailers frequently offer competitive pricing, special discounts, and bundle deals, making cars more affordable. 

To Conclude 

Choosing the right remote control car for your little ones involves considering age-appropriateness, durability, ease of use, battery life, terrain compatibility, and additional features. Opting to purchase from a reputable online retailer offers a wide selection, detailed product information, and customer reviews to aid your decision-making process. Reputable retailers also provide access to replacement parts and accessories, ensuring the longevity of your toy.

Exploring the Thriving Canadian Gambling Market

Christopher John
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Exploring the Thriving Canadian Gambling Market

For decades, the gambling business in Canada has continued to grow as more Canadians view gambling as a form of pleasure and a chance to make seven figures. The sector is, however, rapidly changing due to technological improvements and legislative reforms. It has a long history that you should be aware of before venturing into the sector. 

Using a reputable and established casino is the most crucial step in playing an online game. One of the top Canadian gaming platforms you should visit is casino Spin City. This article will provide a thorough insight into the outstanding fads and visions of Canada’s thriving gaming world in 2023.

The Development Of the Canadian Gambling Sector

Before the era of casinos and online gaming, there have been games of chance for millennia. Although earlier games were somewhat simple compared to today’s, the core idea behind them has stayed the same: people played them for fun and the potential to win money. That gaming has only been permitted in Canada for more than two decades is surprising because it has been a part of Canadian society for a long time. 

History indicates that gambling was not allowed when the British governed Canada. In the years after colonization, the restriction laws became minimal. Because at the period, lawmakers’ concerns about religion and moral rectitude were very strong. But after the report of people running unauthorized betting shops, the laws were modified.

In 1900, bingo and raffles became legal, but only for charitable purposes. Then in 1910, horse racing wagering was subsequently legalized. Later, the government relaxed its stance on regulating the sector. This occurred due to its openness to investigating additional sources of income and the more liberal social concepts. Although horse betting, lottery games, and chance-based competitions at local fairs were legal in Canada until 1969. 

You can see how Canada transitioned from a nation with stringent regulations to one that gives the business free legal cause. This is attributed to the government’s organizational structure and the dynamic between federal and provincial regulators.

Changes in the Canadian Gambling Laws

When you enter a Canadian casino now, you will experience an example of first-class entertainment, and this is because of the change in laws in 1970, which gives a clear difference from the gaming experiences of the past. The 1970 legislation modifications practically granted provinces the authority to enact their own gaming regulations. Soon after, the Internet era kicked in, giving rise to online casinos.

Around 2000, online casino slots became very popular in Canada, and a new dawn began. The expansion of the gaming sector has, nevertheless, impacted Canada’s economic and social structure in both positive and negative ways. Still, it has generated jobs and served as a source of revenue for the people and the government. In other words, the gaming business has become a common pastime for many Canadians and is still going to do so in the years to come. 

The Wonders of the Canadian New Gaming Industry

As we know, the Internet is one of the 21st century’s most significant innovations. It is due to the continuous development of new technology, such as video games and gaming platforms. In 2020, the Covid 19 epidemic caused a substantial rise in iGaming which came about as a result of the lockdown. During this time, all top online casinos reported a phenomenal increase in players.

The rapid improvement of technology has made it possible for casinos to keep coming out with new game types that cater to the needs of online players. Many new features like live dealers, cutting-edge graphics, and in-game chat with other players are available. Also, all gambling platforms accept all kinds of payment, including cryptocurrencies. Access to the Internet is now quick, affordable, and universal. Mobile devices are widely accessible; anyone can now play in online casinos.

Although legalizing gambling has been a battle for Canada throughout its history, it has increased considerably. It was noted that in 2021 the government passed a new law regulating online game sites for the better. So in this year and years to come, the gambling sector will thrive enormously.

Discover the Benefits of Gaming

Canadian casinos have what you’re searching for, whether you want to play some of the most cutting-edge games or a few more traditional games. You can find everything from the newest games to the greatest classics. Explore the full range of options by registering right away with your favourite one.

The Best Phones for Entertainment 

Christopher John
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The Best Phones for Entertainment 

Smartphones have become the most important gadget in our day-to-day life. It’s actually estimated that, on average, every mobile user spends around 155 minutes every day. So, you might want your laptop non-stop, but smartphones are a totally different story.  

If you are looking to play video games mobile games on your smartphone or catch your favorite TV shows, you want to invest in a better-quality mobile device. When you’re looking to use your smartphone for any type form of entertainment, it’s important to prioritize specific areas such as the performance, quality of the graphics, screen refresh rate, and battery life.  

In other words, you have to focus more of your attention on these features instead of on the camera, for example, since you mainly want to watch TV shows, play mobile games, read books, or listen to music. 

Within this comprehensive guide, you will find detailed information about some of the best smartphones on the market for entertainment on the go. We’ve made sure to include both phones labeled for gaming, premium devices, and budget-friendly smartphones. 

Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate 

Although this model is on the pricier site is a perfect smartphone for any gamer. It comes with a powerful Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen processor. Whatever your preferences might be, the Asus ROG Phone 7 is designed to support even the most demanding titles on the move. Moreover, it has a high-quality AMOLED display with a high screen refresh rate. So, you will find the gaming experience quite immersive.  

Here we need to mention the popularity of mobile games since most mobile gamers will find games from every possible category, from hyper-casual games and puzzles to action-packed games, even mobile versions of video games. The choices are endless, with many new games that are emerging on both Apple and Android devices. 

But you also find this smartphone quite popular for mobile casino games. In this case, we need to emphasize the necessity for a stable Internet connection and a high-performing device. Since there is a range of online casino games that vary from slots to live casino games, they not only require certain technical specifications from your device, but you also have to have a stable Internet connection. 

For example, if you want to play at a reliable online casino in Latvia, this is really the perfect device to do that because you can play any casino game of your choice and have a smooth gaming experience.  

Furthermore, it also provides excellent high-quality front speakers and advanced haptic feedback, which can make your experience more realistic whether you’re playing games of chance, or you want to play regular mobile games. 

In short, it has every option necessary for a personalized gaming experience. It also comes with specific customization options that you can attach to the device, and I will help you set up a portable gaming device based on your preferences. 

That being said, mobile devices also support any TV show or film that you want to watch on the move. It has beautiful graphics, a great AMOLED screen, and decent battery life. 

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is actually one of the best devices that you can use to watch any video or catch your favorite TV series. It has a cutting-edge 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. This means videos with vibrant colors and high-quality content are available on the move. 

But, obviously, there is another reason why this is a great smartphone, and that is its high-quality processor. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor. In other words, you can watch any film without lag and have a smooth gaming experience even if you choose to play your favorite mobile games. Lastly, the battery is massive – it’s a 5,000mAh battery, offering an extended battery life on the move.  

Pixel 7 Pro from Google 

The Google Pixel 7 Pro boasts the latest and one of the most powerful processors on the market, built with Google AI. The Tensor G2 chip is based on machine learning technology, making it a perfect processor for anyone that is looking to play mobile games or watch TV Shows from Netflix and other streaming services.  

It really represents a high-quality device, but it’s quite faster compared to competitors. Moreover, it comes with a 6.7-inch QHD+display, which provides rich colors and beautiful visuals. It’s actually perfect for watching films on Netflix and other streaming services because it is based on artificial intelligence technology, which will further personalize not only your gaming experience but also your recommendation on streaming sites. The battery life is also decent, and you can play mobile games for hours on end without worrying that you will run out of battery on the move. 

MOTO G 60 

MOTO G 60 is an affordable option and wonderful device as it is based on a decent Octa-core processor and has a smooth and high-quality display. It can offer memory storage of 128GB with 4GB RAM. It’s also a budget-friendly option that offers good support for even heftier titles, and it can also be used for watching videos and films because it has a high refresh rate. Furthermore, it supports a 5G network, so gaming on the move is a good option with higher internet rates. Also, the 6,000mAh battery provides a good battery life and performance.  

Summary  

In conclusion, modern mobile devices provide a better gaming experience than their older counterparts. Of course, you can also find most models are pretty good for watching any TV shows and movies, or videos or listening to your favourite audiobooks and songs. The quality and design of smartphones have increased over the years, and so it is the price of high-end models.

But, there are some budget-friendly options that cannot provide with a decent performance at their price range. So, make sure to do now is to do your research and compare features of mobile devices that are important to your personal goals and financial budget.   

7 Tips for Tech Firms to Thrive in this Competitive Environment

Christopher John
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7 Tips for Tech Firms to Thrive in this Competitive Environment

You don’t have to be Einstein to see the radical shift taking place in today’s financial markets. There are several obstacles that new and small tech companies must overcome. Everyday falling valuations make it harder for startups to attract investment. Furthermore, many companies have adjusted their operations and strategy in response to the ever-rising inflation.

In such a situation, your company must be quick to adapt or be phased out. They have to constantly innovate to stay relevant and focus more on their customers’ needs and learn more about the trends in their field. Lastly, tech firms need to have a unique identity setting them apart from industry rivals – just as RedStag casino login has set themselves apart in the field of fun online gaming.

Here are seven ways to help your tech company stay afloat in today’s fiercely competitive market.

1. Know your clientele

Your clientele should be considered a treasure since they are the reason your business is still around. To give them what they want, you must first identify what it is they need. These days, thousands of other companies offer the same service or product as you, thanks to tech advancements.

As a result, providing excellent customer care is essential if you want to stand out. You can learn about your demographic through focus groups, interviews, surveys, and by using data analytic tools.

Another key approach to knowing who you’re catering to is monitoring how their tastes and spending habits are developing over time. This will allow you to meet their expectations and provide products or services they are inclined to purchase.

2. Pay attention to what you’re good at best.

To thrive in today’s cutthroat business climate, small companies should concentrate on what they do best and capitalize on that. Your startup will suffer if you try to do too much at once. Trying to invest your time and effort equally is tedious and wasteful.

Instead, startups should zero in on a few core competencies that will set them apart from their competitors and help them solidify their presence in the market. Customer service, cost-effectiveness, and offering novel products or services are all areas to focus on developing.

Before honing in on what you’re best at, you’ll need to carry out an analysis. This will help you identify your strengths.

3. Build a solid online identity

In today’s competitive market, your small tech startup must have a robust presence on the Internet. Your rivals are using the Internet, and you should, too. Doing so will allow your firm to reach a wider audience, and potential customers will see you in a more favorable light.

Increasing your visibility online can be done in many different ways. Curating a polished, search engine-friendly website is an excellent place to start. You can also reach your demographic through other social media sites. TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook are just a few examples of social media platforms that help businesses connect with customers and expand their brands.

4. Seek guidance

You need as much data as you can get your hands on to help get your startup off the ground. Make an effort to get guidance from established businesspeople, mentors, and specialists in your field. With this type of insight, you can assess the current business climate more precisely.

You could participate in industry-specific training, webinars, or conferences. You can also learn from books and blogs created by thriving business owners.

5. Set money aside for a rainy day

Startups should always have emergency funds. They should save aside some money in case they run into financial trouble, as a fund will help them weather storms and keep the firm solvent. It’s easy to dismiss the idea of putting money aside for a “rainy day.” Yet, doing so could be the difference between keeping your tech firm open and closing your doors.

If things are going well for you, you should be able to put away some money and reinvest in the company to help it grow.

6. Create a marketing strategy

Your company can’t thrive without an effective marketing plan. You need a strategy that will help you connect with your target customers and spread the word about your services. In addition, it should make it easier to monitor your results and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Content marketing, social media marketing, and email marketing are just a few marketing avenues you could look into. Investing in proper channels means finding the ones that work best for your business.

7. Adapt to change

Small firms today need to be adaptable to survive. They must be flexible enough to meet the ever-evolving demands of the market and their clientele. Lastly, startups must be prepared to take risks and test new approaches to market their services and products.

Your small business will only succeed in today’s cutthroat marketplace if you’re willing to be adaptable.

Conclusion

If you run your small business following these guidelines, you’ll have a better chance of succeeding in today’s cutthroat marketplace. Keep in mind, though, that nothing will guarantee the success of your business more than your own effort and commitment to it.

Get out there and launch the company of your dreams! Joining a local business group is a great way to meet like-minded people, learn about the business climate, and boost your confidence.

The PlayStation Showcase was… okay?

Cody May
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The PlayStation Showcase was… okay?

Today, for the first time in nearly two years, PlayStation gifted us with a brand new games showcase. The last time they had a showcase, major games such as Final Fantasy 16 and Hogwarts Legacy were announced. Naturally, fans expectations were high as many expected Sony to reveal their next slate of big games coming for the next few years.

After such a long wait, this show needed to be huge, but sadly it was anything but. Most of the content shown today can be played on your Xbox. The Xbox twitter account even took a jab at this shortly after the briefing.

PlayStation Showcase Announcements.


The PlayStation Showcase wasn’t horrible by any means, in-fact, I think there was some really cool stuff shown.

The Metal Gear Solid 3 remake is exciting, we sadly only got a short CGI tease though. Bungie is bringing back Marathon, which for those who don’t know was the game they worked on before Halo. It seems this new iteration is an extraction shooter, similar to Escape from Tarkov, and surprisingly it’s going to be available on Xbox as well! Spider-Man 2 looks stellar, and so does Alan Wake 2.

It wasn’t all bad, but this was not the PlayStation showcase Sony fans were anticipating. No updates from the majority of their bigger studios, no update on Naughty Dog’s multiplayer for last of us 2 “Factions” which has been in development for quite some time now.

Setting Expectations.

In summary, Sony should have done a better job at setting fan’s expectations. This should have been labeled as a state of play. They also should have came out ahead of time and stressed that this would mainly include updates from third party developers.

After all, expectations are everything with shows like this, and this showcase has left quite a bitter taste.

The Spotlight now turns to Xbox, who are having their games showcase on June 11th followed by the Starfield direct. What are you hoping to see Xbox announce? What did you think of the Sony showcase?

The Showcase that Vindicated Playstation.

Daniel Kelly
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The Showcase that Vindicated Playstation.

Game showcases (especially Playstation’s) are almost always disappointing, yet I always get my hopes up, and then I get annoyed.

There’s always some speculation, but this time there were some pretty credible leaks, and I got excited again. Thankfully, it was all justified. This was wonderful.

Before we get into the games that people care about, here’s the bulk of the stuff that was announced:

1. Helldivers 2
2. Immortals of Aveum
3. Ghostrunner 2
4. Phantom Blade 0
5. Sword of the Sea
6. Talos Principle 2
7. Neva
8. Cat Quest 3
9. Foamstars
10. The Plucky Squire

11. Teardown
12. Towers of Aghasba
13. Final Fantasy XVI
14. Alan Wake II
15. Assassin’s Creed Mirage
16. Revenant Hill
17. Granblue Fantasy Relink
18. Street Fighter VI
19. Ultros
20. Tower of Fantasy

21. FNAF Help Wanted 2
22. RE 4 Remake VR mode
23. Arizona Sunshine 2
24. Crossfire Sierra Squad
25. Synapse
26. Beat Saber PSVR2
27. Marathon
28. Destiny 2 DLC
29. Concord
30. Fairgames

This static listing is not to indicate that none of these are going to be good, but I cannot now think of a single thing to say about any of them. Now, let’s talk about the real games.

Oh My God, They Actually Did It.

Snake Eater is actually getting a remake. My prayers were actually answered. Snake Eater is unequivocally one of the greatest games ever made, and while I’m nervous about a non-Kojima driven remake, my critical thinking is currently being choked my a miasma of hype, so we’ll have to see how this one shakes out.

That’s not all we got though. In a Babe Ruth pointing to the stands-esque call, I figured they’d probably port the older games to newer systems as well if Konami had actually realised that I’ll happily pay full price for 15 year old games if I can play them on newer systems. So, guess what?

Hallelujah. They actually listened.

At Last.

Okay, what else did we get? Oh yeah. A trailer for the sequel to THE best fantasy action game ever made; one with actual gameplay, if you can imagine such a thing.

Dragon’s Dogma is a marvelous game. It’s the only large scale fantasy game I can think of with great (not just good) combat. Everything in it is wonderful and, if you haven’t played the original, it’s almost always $10 or less by now. Go get it, then get this.

The Sequel Few Wanted More Than Me.

Spider-man is my favourite superhero. The first game was the reason I bought a PS4, Miles Morales was the reason I bought a PS5, and this game will be the reason I… I don’t know, I guess I’ll just buy it.

Not only do we have black suit confirmation, but we also had playable Queens, Lizard, and full on Kraven hunt confirmation. Now if we can only get confirmation of the Alex Ross suit, then I can lock in my pre-order.

This is gonna be one wonderful year.

Review: Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition 

Daniel Waite
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Review: Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition 

Does the simulation genre have to be realistic? Ideally, yes, but occasionally there is room for a bit of light-hearted relief. Luckily, this is where Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition comes to the fore. Originally released in 2018, you may be wondering why I’m reviewing such an old game. Well, the Last Journey Edition has recently been released on console and it comprises every DLC to date. Consequently, I wanted to write about this excellent game as I believe it shouldn’t be missed.

Developed by Lazy Bear Games and published by tinyBuild, this is an amusing RPG simulation title. What’s more, it has some colourful characters, some questionable moments, and a morbid Harvest Moon edge to the equation. Moreover, there is fishing, resource gathering, festivals, recipes, and a talking skull. Therefore, it’ll tick many boxes. However, if one of your boxes is a talking skull, I suggest checking in with the doctor to see if you are okay.

Use the bodies to help the Bishop.
Can you help the Bishop?

Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition tells a macabre tale.

The saying, “You never know when your time is up” is painfully correct. Subsequently, one moment you can be enjoying your best life and planning to meet your loved one, and then suddenly, you are struck down in your prime. Disappointingly for the protagonist, this is exactly what happens. However, instead of entering Heaven or Hell, he becomes the latest resident of a strange land. Furthermore, he is charged with becoming the new graveyard keeper, whether he likes it or not.

Determined to get back to his loved one, the hero will do whatever he can to appease those in charge and open a passage to his land. However, this is easier said than done, as everyone wants a piece of him. The Bishop demands that he maintain and appease the locals. The Inquisitor wants to burn every witch in sight, and finally, the talking skull doesn’t know what it wants. Accordingly, you are left to your own devices as you carve a path in this strange graveyard-keeping simulation title.

So much content.

The day-to-day running of the graveyard is pretty straightforward. Like its peers, you must manage your stamina, gather goods, and complete an array of side quests. Additionally, you are tasked with building new structures, opening secret tunnels, and managing every body that comes your way. Yet, where Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition is different, is its grotesque but amusing elements.

You must decide what to do with each body you are given! Do you cut out every vital organ and drain the blood? Alternatively, do you bury them respectfully while increasing the appeal of your church? Whatever you decide has a vast impact on how the game progresses. However, ultimately, each path leads to the same result, so your choices are effectively mute.

If cutting up bodies isn’t your thing, you can slay monsters, explore dungeons, or fish for food and goods. As long as you are gathering items and repairing your graveyard, you are bound to be helping someone out. Moreover, the further your progress, the closer you are to getting home.

Can you help the outcasts to start a new life?
Help the outcasts.

Quests and skill trees.

With plenty to see and do, I wasn’t surprised the skill tree was unbelievably massive! The hero earns XP in the form of green, red, and blue gems. Each one is allocated depending on the tasks you have completed. If you study, garden, or do manual labour, you’ll earn a smattering of XP. This is then used to unlock new items or skills, and you can then improve the quality of your graveyard, tools, and the food you eat.

Alongside this, Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition demands that you undertake a mind-blowing number of quests. There is a central quest line with steep requirements that takes up most of your time. While you try to follow this path, you’ll have to unlock blocked routes, repair buildings, and undertake questionable jobs. On top of this, you can complete plenty of side quests to improve your XP and earn some gold. These tasks also help to improve your relationship with the locals, so it doesn’t hurt to focus on them now and then.

The DLC is impressive.

Normally, I turn my nose up at any DLC on offer. As a general rule, it isn’t worth the money, and it rarely adds enough to make it worthwhile. However, Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition breaks the mould with its 4 unique additions. The excellent DLC bulks out the story perfectly while enhancing the amusing and morbid nature of the core game.

Each additional chapter adds hours of gameplay as well as some amusing events. Moreover, they expand each key player’s role in the game. Whether you help people to challenge the Inquisitor, or you build your own bar, it adds plenty of tasks and interesting ways to find out about your neighbours. On top of this, you’ll master automation to make things easier and cleanse a friend of their sins. Whichever path you tackle first matters not, as you’ll enjoy the madness alongside the core gameplay.

Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition is polished but old-school.

I love the sombre and melancholy aesthetics. Furthermore, the pixelated graphics and large world are phenomenal to look at. Additionally, the varied backdrops and locations are equally great. Whether it is the farm, swamp, or dungeon that you are exploring, they never get old. On top of this, the UI helps to alleviate any problems. With so much content and the deep skill tree, it could have been horrible to play. However, the developers have done a great job of keeping things simple.

The visuals are perfectly old-school. What’s more, the audio follows suit with its whimsy and folksy tones. The day-to-day action is accompanied by a blend of upbeat and medieval songs. This was fantastic, as it matched the tongue-in-cheek nature of much of the action. Alongside this, the basic sound effects are often OTT but brilliant at the same time.

Use the bodies to make some tasty beverages.
Time to brew some drinks.

Excellent controls.

Though there are plenty of tasks to complete and an array of unusual jobs to undertake, Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition is surprisingly easy to play. The developers haven’t overcomplicated the matter, and this was fantastic. Many of the actions require a single button press and managing your inventory or the skill tree was a cinch. Thanks to the aforementioned UI, all the fiddly elements are simplified, and this ensures that you can focus on the job at hand.

This is an incredibly large game to undertake. Thanks to the time-consuming quests, the never-ending demand for resources, and the amusing characters you interact with, you’ll play this for hours. On top of this, the amazing DLC enhances the experience further.

Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition is a brilliantly whimsy title.

Running a graveyard shouldn’t be this fun. However, Graveyard Keeper: Last Journey Edition proves that you shouldn’t have preconceived ideas. Whether you are growing vegetables for a merchant, draining blood from corpses, or helping the local blacksmith, there is plenty to do. As such, this is one indie game that will impress you from the off. I adored this brilliantly whimsy title and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you complete every task and find a way home? Help the locals, improve the church, and become the best graveyard keeper ever.

Review: Advance Wars 1+2 Re-boot Camp

Daniel Kelly
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Review: Advance Wars 1+2 Re-boot Camp

I enjoy strategy games, but had never played the Advance Wars games before. I suppose it was just something I missed out on initially, and, in looking back on it later, figured that as a GBA exclusive, I likely wasn’t missing much.

After about 50 hours, I’m pretty content to admit that I was wrong.

The GBA’s Limit

Advance Wars is a typical turn-based strategy game in which you take control of Orange Star’s forces in an attempt to push back the relentless assault of the Blue Moon’s army. These are the first two warring countries in the game.

The Advance Wars world is seemingly dependent on perpetual combat; unfortunate for its citizens, but great for us, because that’s where the fun starts. In every mission, you are plopped on one end of a map and the enemy is on the other end, with nothing more than a few unclaimed cities, some mountains, or a small river to separate you.

Initially you only have standard infantry units (with one or two anti-tank units) as well as a tank or two, and maybe an APC for re-fueling your vehicles and re-stocking ammo. This was about as far as I expected the game to go, as I again figured how much could really be pressed onto a GBA cart. This expectation was defied in every one of the next few missions.

After the first few skirmishes, the game then introduces you to the concept of capturing cities. Unclaimed cities can be captured by infantry so long as they are placed within the cities. Cities require 20 points of ‘damage’ before they are captured, and occupying infantry can only deal ‘damage’ equal to their max health (which is 10). This means that, for the next few missions, I was running around occupying anything and everything I could before my men could become too damaged.

After this, I was then introduced to the COs. These are your commanding officers, and each of them has a special ability which will give you a considerable boost for one turn. This ability is filled gradually over the course of the match, and which CO you pick when going into battle could pretty significantly influence your strategy.

THEN, I was introduced to the concept of the factory, which allows you to use money that you gain each turn from occupied cities in order to build new units. From helicopters, submarines, light tanks, mid tanks, missile launchers, and faster transport units, there are any number of options to keep the war machine rolling along.

Also, should you be crafty enough to be able to occupy your opponents HQ, then you win the round automatically. All of this isn’t even touching on the map variety. Some maps are even shrouded in a fog of war, which means enemies could be lurking anywhere just outside of view. A pretty common, but always effective, strategy game trick.

Fire When Ready

The combat in the game is simple: a unit has to be within range in order to fire on an enemy. This varies from unit to unit, typically inversely proportional with their power, but also in proportion with how ubiquitous they are. Standard combat units are fairly week, but extremely common, so they have to be right next to a unit in order to fire, whereas a tank can be a few squares away, and hit pretty hard, but it’ll cost a pretty penny to replace should it get overwhelmed.

One thing that always makes me nervous in strategy games is the implementation of luck as a mechanic. Some games like Steamworld Heist are incredibly stripped back in this area, and if you feel you can make a shot, then you will. However, there are those games like XCOM which seem to relish in the lies they will tell you with regards to your hit and crit chances.

Thankfully, Advance Wars is much closer to the Steamworld Heist side of things. The only thing luck can do is to cause you to deal slightly more damage. This is great, because it’s often a fairly negligible amount so it never feels too bad when you get hit by some, but it’s also bonus damage, so it feel great to deal out.

The campaign itself also never becomes too stale, as aside from the great map and unit variety, there are a few branching paths within the story. None are too drastic, and they do always feed back into the main story eventually, but it was a nice surprise that there are any choices to be made here at all.

Sights & Sounds of the Battlefield

If you’re wondering why the art style so far has looked somewhat familiar, it’s because this remake was made by Wayforward who also made River City Girls and the Shantae series.

Wayforward has always put forth some pretty beautiful art in their releases, art which is especially welcome any time they decide to remake an old game. In this package you get an opening cinematic, as well as partially animated, and partially voiced, models anytime a character speaks. You also get unique CO ability animations any time you break those out.

The only point of contention I’ve seen about this game is the change in gameplay art style. As opposed to the concomitant pixel-art of the GBA game, all in-game models are now in a sort of chibi 3-D toy style. For a few fans this was fairly off-putting, and I can understand. If they were to remake any of the GBA Castlevania games with 3-D models it would come off as cheap, whether it was or not.

We’ve all seen similar complaints with the Link’s Awakening remake, and the recent R-Type games. Admittedly, it can make the game look a little cheap, and it would have been wonderful if (like the Diablo II remake) there was an option to switch between both styles, but at a certain point, I hardly noticed it anymore. Not to say that you will be able to look past it if you absolutely loved the look of the originals, but it never hindered my enjoyment of the actual game.

Have At You!

The main thing which I imagine most fans will be excited for is the ability to not only make, but to share your own custom maps, as well as download the diabolical creations of other mad-men.

After the first few missions, you are given some campaign coins and are shown that there is now a shop available on the main menu. This shop allows you to buy new COs, collectibles, or new maps and map parts.

There is also multiplayer. Though this may be somewhat disappointing as you can only play with people on your friends list. I have no idea why this is so limiting, as I imagine most people who are going to jump into the online are not too likely to have a friend who also spent $60 on a GBA remake. Maybe it was just a limitation of development, and maybe it would have detracted in some way from the great single player experience, but this is still a weird omission.

Oh Yeah, There’s Two.

One thing I’ve neglected to mention throughout this whole review is that there’s two games in this package. While the second game is mostly iterative and doesn’t had a ton of new things, it’s also an entire separate game, filled with all the fun and variety of the original.

This is a full priced remake. For many older fans who have played the originals to death, aside from the visual touch ups (as well as the arguable downgrading of the in-game art), there’s not too much here to get you excited if you weren’t excited already. The custom maps feature and ability to share them online is great, but the lack of any meaningful online will be a disappointment for many. Though, if you have a die-hard friend group who don’t mind shelling out for the online service as well as the remake, then I’m sure you’ll have some fun.

The real value here comes from the possibility that you may be someone like me, someone who had never played these games before. For us, this is a great deal. If you are into strategy games and only know Advance Wars because maybe you’d seen the box in a Gamestop in 2002, then this is a pretty easy recommend.

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