Beyond Entertainment: The Unexpected Educational Benefits of Netflix Originals

Christopher John
-
0
Beyond Entertainment: The Unexpected Educational Benefits of Netflix Originals

Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/9vepQyu7288

Netflix has become a staple in many households worldwide. Yet, many may not realize that Netflix Originals offers more than entertainment. These shows and movies have unexpected educational benefits that can go beyond what meets the eye.

There are historical dramas to thought-provoking documentaries. Netflix Originals have the power to educate, inform, and inspire. Hence, this article will explore the unexpected educational benefits of Netflix Originals. You can learn how to use them to supplement traditional learning and enhance your understanding of the world.

Writing the Best Essays Based On Netflix Originals

Writing essays can be daunting, especially when finding the right topic. Yet, with the rise of streaming platforms, you can use a new world of issues to draw inspiration. Watching TV through Netflix Originals can be fun and engaging to hone your critical thinking. You can explore a collection of watching TV essay for free, so there is no shortage of material. Whether interested in history, science, or culture, you can find these free examples helpful. Other professionals allow you to highlight critical social issues to scientific topics.

It would help if you chose a topic that resonates with you. For example, if you enjoy history and politics, consider watching “The Crown.” You can write essays about the British royal family’s relationship with American leaders. If you are passionate about environmental issues, watch “Chasing Coral.” You can explore this side of Netflix for students to write about the impact of climate change on coral reefs and what ways exist to protect them.

The Science of Addiction: Examining the Neuroscience in “Narcos” and “Stranger Things”

Addiction is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects millions worldwide. From drugs and alcohol to technology and gambling, addiction can take many forms. While we witness it in popular culture, few shows delve into the science behind it. Two Netflix Originals, “Narcos” and “Stranger Things,” provide a unique opportunity. They allow us to explore neuroscience. Find out through the examples below about the characters and storylines.

The neurochemistry of addiction

The first step in understanding addiction is to examine the neurochemistry. Both “Narcos” and “Stranger Things” depict characters who struggle with addiction. Exploring the science behind it can help us understand why dependence is difficult to overcome. Even the show “Narcos” became some sort of an addiction. This topic in itself can be the topic of someone’s research paper.

The impact of trauma

Trauma is a common trigger for addiction. In “Narcos,” the characters’ experiences with violence and trauma contribute to their drug use. In “Stranger Things,” Eleven’s traumatic past leads to her addiction to using her psychic powers. This Netflix for teachers allows instructors to use the sources to educate their pupils. 

The Politics of Power: Analyzing the Societal Structures in “House of Cards” and “The Crown”

Power is central in many political dramas, especially in “House of Cards” and “The Crown.” Both explore the inner workings of politics and the consequences of decisions. One should examine the sociological structures presented. This way, a student can better understand how power works and how it impacts society. Netflix plans for students could include these two series. “The Crown” explores the role of the British monarchy in maintaining a class system. “House of Cards” depicts a politician’s ruthless climb to power from humble origins.

The History Lesson in Historical Dramas Like “Bridgerton” and “The Queen’s Gambit”

Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/ggfKh9JYvCI

The benefit of watching historical dramas extends beyond exciting dialogues. “Bridgerton” and “The Queen’s Gambit” captivate audiences worldwide. By examining the historical context, we can better understand the past and its influence on the present. Explore deeper aspects below.

The importance of historical context

The benefits of Netflix over cable include access to such historical dramas. Both shows are set in different periods and explore societal norms and values. 

Representation of culture and society

By watching TV and focusing on these shows, you can gain insight into the cultural attitudes and beliefs of the time. For instance, “Bridgerton” explores the norms of high society in Regency England. “The Queen’s Gambit” depicts the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated world of chess.

The importance of representation. 

These historical dramas offer a chance to examine the representation of marginalized groups. By featuring diverse characters, these shows shed light on the experiences of those people.

The Diversity Dialogue: Exploring Themes of Race, Gender, and Identity in Shows Like “Master of None” and “Orange is the New Black”

Netflix Originals like “Master of None” and “Orange is the New Black” explore themes of race, gender, and identity. These promote understanding and empathy for marginalized groups. The shows feature diverse casts and explore the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ and people of color. These shows allow you to find unique intersections. You can find out more about identity and the impact of discrimination. These ensure an accurate portrayal of diverse perspectives. These shows are essential in promoting a more inclusive and accepting society. 

Conclusion

Netflix offers many educational resources and entertainment for students and teachers alike. There is something for everyone, from documentaries and science. The convenience of streaming makes it easy to access this content from anywhere. Moreover, the platform provides an excellent way for students to unwind. They can learn with student-teacher movies on Netflix. As we continue to navigate the changing landscape of education, Netflix is a valuable tool that can help us stay informed and entertained.

How Chatbot could help your business?

Christopher John
-
0
How Chatbot could help your business?

At some point, every e-commerce service has to ask itself the question: how can you use your own chatbot, on which platform is it better to use it, and do you need it at all? Apart from chatbots, another useful tool for your business could be expert services that guide you through complexities like business formation. Just as chatbots simplify customer support, services like Incfile streamline the incorporation process. You can check out an honest incfile review to understand how such services could benefit your business.

Bots can do a lot more than just spam with popular hashtags and follow users tirelessly. Bots provide a great way to automate repetitive tasks to save your time, so you can focus on the other things you have to do. Like to grow your business or allow you to spend more time on you, like going to rent ferrari dubai and having a dream vacation. Or rent a van at local rental service and finally take time to travel with your family. There are a plenty options that’s not include renting a supercar 😉

Let the bot talk for you

One of the key issues in e-commerce is communication with the customer and the establishment of the right line of communication. Chatbots can greatly simplify the process of communicating with the customer. They can even perform a basic analysis of the customer experience. A chatbot powered by artificial intelligence can provide an exceptional customer experience while meeting the growing demand for e-commerce. Customers prefer a more responsive and participatory way to communicate with businesses in an age where phone calls and emails are a thing of the past. Customers simply want an immediate response without having to wait for an operator to be available, regardless of the complexity of their question.

Why do customers choose to interact with Chatbots?

The first thing is that, as we’ve already mentioned, people like the fact that they can avoid having to call and can get answers to their questions straight away. Furthermore, people are not limited to what else they can do while contacting your company. We all live in a multi-tasking age, so according to users, this is the most effective way to communicate with companies and a good way to build customer trust and increase brand loyalty.

Chat bots and sales

Bots have a direct impact on the conversion rate of an e-commerce business. It enables businesses to convert growing online traffic into loyal customers through added value.

By incorporating a chatbot into a company’s business processes, lead generation can be automated. As customers begin to interact with the bot, it will ask and collects all the information  you needs: their name, their phone number, and their email address. This data can later be used for a sales manager’s job, or even for setting up automated sales through the same bot. The flexibility of the chat bot allows you to configure it to ask questions that help with product selection. It can also guide the customer through the payment process.

The bot can also send the customer a link to pay, which he or she can pay for the order without even leaving the messenger.

Chat bots help you win back lost customers

Chatbots can be synchronised with other internet marketing tools thanks to the power of artificial intelligence. The bot can offer customers the most recommended product based on their interest and previous purchases. It can remind them of an imperfect purchase or a discount offered by your store. 

Experts see chatbots as a great tool for tackling the biggest problem facing ecommerce – losing customers at the checkout stage. A chatbot can send reminders, offer incentives to act or make good offers.

How to make a Chatbot?

Before you start developing a chatbot, you need to decide what tasks you want it to perform and discuss its future functions in detail with the people in the relevant departments. Find out which platforms are most likely to be involved in the communication with the customer. Analyse where your users are most present and how you can make their lives easier on their favourite platforms.

Don’t forget that the real value of chatbots lies in their integration with the company’s internal systems (CRM, product catalogue) and external services (mailing list, analytics). Think about the integration plan in advance. Integration into something like NetSuite is as lot easier when you have it implemented correctly – your whole business will run smoother.

Next, you will need to choose a developer. Our advice is to interview a number of developers, do a price comparison and compare the solutions they can offer

Review: Pronty Fishy Adventure

Natosha M
-
0
Review: Pronty Fishy Adventure

No one knows what lies at the deepest depths of the sea. There could be some giant and beastly, Jurassic-style creatures lurking around. If sharks weren’t the only scariest fish in the deep blue, there could be something even larger. Especially, if we can’t travel that far down to find out. Just knowing this may be a good reason to stay clear of the water.

Pronty: Fishy Adventure is a game that feels like a spooky and humorous view of what you’ll discover if you enter the deep depths of the sea. It might not be an accurate idea of what is down there, but who knows how many of these creatures are created to look and be based on some truth. So if you are ready to take a chance and dive right in, then you might be surprised by what creatures you’ll find in this game.

Let The Deep Sea Combat Begin!

To start, this game has got plenty of locations to visit, gigantic enemies to defeat, and much to collect. I think the best part is that there are so many features, giving the player a better chance to play the game with a bit more personal preference and of course, with ease when it comes to selecting the right items to aid the battle victory. Plus, with so many locations to visit and enemies to defeat, it won’t be a quick and easy game to complete.

The main scenario is that it’s an undersea world that was filled with some toxic chemicals, causing these mutated fish to be born. Each one has some humorous or just spooky appearance, which makes the game a bit more interesting. Especially, when you are able to store all this data and information about each new creature you spot in an encyclopedia to read about later. The artwork and designs are just marvelous on each character, very unique and creative.

The two main heroes of the game, which you’ll have full control of go by the names of Pronty and Bront. The problem with the duo controlling is that it can be tricky to work both at the same time. Especially, when Bront is the weapon you’ll be using throughout the game. He is basically a robotic metal fish, like a swordfish. The nose is like a sharp javelin used to attack enemies in a quick swift-like motion.

I should also mention that Bront seems to be the only weapon used in the game. There are a few new techniques that Bront will learn, making his attacks even more powerful than any other weapon needed. I don’t really miss having something else to use or deciding on a weapon to choose from. Teamwork is fine with me and so much easier to control just the two and not something more.

When it comes to the controls of moving Pronty, it’s pretty easy, but when trying to direct Bront and release him to attack, it can be difficult. I am grateful for the difficult adjustment because I’ve found myself defeated so many times. Before adjusting, I ended up restarting at the last saved point, all because of the difficulty to control the two players at the same time. Maybe having another player help be one hero and you another could make it work out better?

Additionally, this entire game is like a huge maze with a map that develops as you continue to move around. It can be a bit confusing, easy to get lost, and challenging. As the game is filled with many new things to learn and figure out along the way. Fortunately, there are many new memories that act as new skills you can collect and aid in how the players respond during the game. Allowing the two to learn useful techniques, which can aid in battles or improve on skills you already have been granted from the start or act as new ones. However, there is a limit to a certain amount of these collected memories that can be used. So it’s necessary to make a wise decision that will help you, but if you feel it’s the wrong pick well it can still be changed as much as necessary, till you’re satisfied.

Now when it comes to the game design, music, and story, they are really great, but what really can be annoying to someone like myself, was the conversation that starts up at every location. I understand that many are something new to learn, but after the beginning and so many text conversations to read through, it just gets unbearable to stop so often throughout the game to read such long discussions between the two. Plus, there is no way to skip it, and it just gets tiring to press the button to move through them so quickly. I would have preferred if it was made with less conversation and more time just to play the game or at least explained in spoken words.

However, not everyone will feel this way, but when it comes to an adventure, I rather skip the chatter and get right to playing! Yet, after thinking past these issues, the game is really amazing! It’s filled with action and exploration, which I love. Plus, the large creatures and the maze to work your way through can be quite puzzling, but interesting to discover some new routes, sea creatures, and collectible items along the way.

The last issue I want to mention is a glitch I faced during a boss battle inside a whale’s stomach. I had to restart the game a few times. Thankfully, there is a save nearby or I’d lose out on my completed gameplay. The enemy would almost be fully taken down, but once the creature is out of sight, the game ends up with Pronty and Bront just stuck waiting for a no-show of an enemy. Not something I would like to have to happen when almost completing a hard battle, but it had numerous times!

Final Thoughts

For the most part, not to include the downfalls, this game could be a quite fun and unique adventure into the deep blue sea. It’s full of creative creatures you can learn about and some that might make you laugh or scare you. The combat using your friend is something original, especially when that friend is a swordfish robot, or whatever you’d like to think of this fish as. It really uses the main thing of teamwork when enjoying this game. I honestly found it quite entertaining, challenging, and remarkable with the display of art at every level as you swim through each section of this maze-like game.

Getting Your Cable Management In Order

Christopher John
-
0
Getting Your Cable Management In Order

Cables are a part of most people’s lives. They power all of the appliances in the home as well as workplace items. They are an integral part of modern life but they do bring about some issues if your cable management isn’t up to scratch. 

According to the latest government health and safety statistics slips, trips and falls were one of the main causes of workplace injuries. Cables are often responsible for this as they can easily stretch across walkways. This is just one of the reasons why getting your cable management in order is vital.

To find out more reasons why cable management is so important and the many ways you can do it, this comprehensive guide will be able to help. Read on to find out more.

The importance of proper cable management 

Whether you’re improving your cable management for your workplace or your home, the reasons why you’re doing it are the same. These include:

  • Aesthetically pleasing appearance – Trailing wires can be a real eyesore, so trying to keep them out of sight is a must.
  • Fire hazard – Should a fire break out, wires could trip up people heading for the exit which could put their lives at risk. 
  • Identification – If your office has an IT team who regularly needs to monitor the technology in there, then being able to identify which wires go to which device is vital.
  • Cable life –  Electrical cables typically last 30 to 40 years but you may have to replace them much faster than this without proper management.

How can you improve your cable management?

We hope you can now appreciate just how important this is for your home or office space. You can improve your cable management by doing the following:

Adapt furniture

If you choose reliable power cables like those from RS, you can easily wrap them around your furniture to hide them but still provide power to your appliances. We recommend adding hooks or wire holders underneath furniture like a desk to keep the wires tightly in place.

Think of your wires first

When setting up new devices like a PC or television, plan ahead by considering where the wires will go. This will make installation easier and will confirm whether or not the device will fit in a certain place without loose cables.

Group them together

Managing multiple stray cables can take up space, become difficult to manage and can create its own tripping hazards too. That’s why clumping all the wires from one device together using zip ties is a good idea. This will keep them all in one place and take up less space around the device.

Online Safety on Dating Platforms

Christopher John
-
0
Online Safety on Dating Platforms

Online dating has not only diversified life of single people, but it has also changed the very concept of finding love. In today’s world, you no longer need to spend your days in bars and clubs looking for someone suitable. There is no need to go on dates only to be disappointed in the other person and regret wasting your time. When you always have a platform at your fingertips with all the potential partners you can chat and arrange dates with, there is no more need to worry about every wasted minute.

But despite dating sites being considered one of the safest ways to find love, many users remain concerned about the safety of their personal data and the details of their personal lives. It’s not that dating sites neglect the safety of their users, but the fact that being online carries its own risks one way or another if you’re not careful enough. So today, we will look at ways you can continue to enjoy looking for love online and remain safe.

The Popularity of Dating Sites and Importance of Online Safety

So, what is it about the high popularity of dating sites that, despite the general risks, people continue to use them daily? It’s all about the fact that dating sites are not only a convenient alternative to traditional methods, but they also allow you to keep your personal life a secret.

Each of us has our own unique preferences when it comes to romance. If you, like many online dating users, would prefer a discreet hookup to a lasting relationship, dating sites can help you in arranging that. No one will ask you why you want to keep your affairs private. Discreet sites will simply keep the details of your flings inside the platform, which no one can access but you.

Nevertheless, there are risks on any dating site that cannot be prevented. Avoiding getting into unpleasant situations is only possible by being as careful as possible and learning to protect yourself with your own strength. So what can a user do to protect themselves when looking for romance on the Internet?

Understanding and Avoiding Potential Risks

Reliable dating sites guarantee full protection of your personal data and details of your conversations with other users, but do the potential risks end there? The answer is no. Scammers use hundreds of schemes on the Internet to steal personal information and make money from it. The most common ones are phishing and catfishing.

– Phishing

Phishing is the most widespread form of cybercrime, which requires tech skills. Thousands of scammers around the world use this scheme and attack not only individual users but whole companies as well. According to statistics, people receive about 3.4 billion spam emails daily. 20% of users eventually get scammed.

Usually, such emails are disguised as messages from representatives of a known company, social network, or business. However, in the case of dating sites, they can be invitations to chat rooms and other dating sites or registration to some local dating events. In such an email, you will always find a link to a page asking you to enter your information (email, password, phone number, name, etc.). As soon as the data is entered, you lose your account, and the scammer gets access to your data.

In most cases, it’s easy to distinguish a phishing email from a real one. First, check the dating profile from which the message was sent. When was the account created? Is the user’s photo real? (You can check this with a Google image search). Are there any errors in the message? Hover your mouse over the link. Does the link address seem strange to you? The more questions you ask, the better your chance of saving yourself from falling into the fraud trap.

 – Catfishing

Unlike phishing, catfishing doesn’t require tech skills because this scheme aims not to steal your personal information or money but to make you give it to them yourself. And the danger of this scheme is that it is most widespread on dating sites. Statistically, about 40% of the cases of catfishing occur on dating sites and apps, and most often, it’s men who work under this scheme.

A scammer creates a fake profile (most often a girl’s profile) and adds a few photos and a flirty description to attract the attention of single men on the site. Then the scammer starts texting users with an invitation to get to know each other, and after a while, asks to transfer some money (the reason could be anything from “I need to pay my rent” to “My mom is sick and she needs surgery”). Depending on how experienced the scammer is, the scheme may last from a couple of hours to a week or more; it all depends on how big a score they intend to break.

Avoiding falling into such a trap is also possible. For example, if a girl you met a couple of hours or even days ago asks you to land her money or help financially, this is most likely a scammer. If the girl asks you for personal information, whether it’s a personal address, a phone number, or any other sensitive data, chances are it’s a scam, too. In this case, blocking the user and sending a complaint is the best way out.

Ways to Protect Personal Information

In addition to phishing and catfishing, there are other ways to steal your personal information without directly interacting with you. From hacking into accounts to collecting personal information in the public domain, scammers have devised hundreds of ways to defraud careless users. So, if you want to create an extra layer of protection, follow these few rules.

– Create a strong password

In 3 cases of account theft out of 5, the reason is a weak password. Not all dating sites require the user to use lower- and upper-case letters, numbers, or special symbols in the password, but using them protects your account from being compromised.

– Get familiar with your privacy settings

Many online dating sites ask for your location and email address to help match you with the right people. But you can set up your profile so that other members don’t see the information you don’t want them to see. Open profile settings, and under “Who can see my contact information,” choose “Only me.”

– Don’t share personal information with strangers

The more careful you are about what you do on a dating site, the better your chances are of avoiding being scammed. Don’t share your personal information, such as your phone number or residential address, with site users until you’re sure the person can be trusted. As a rule, such information can be shared after the date in person.

Safe Communication and Pleasant Dating Experience

So far, we’ve discussed all the details of a safe online dating experience. This knowledge should be enough to make your online romance search pleasant and safe. Don’t share personal information with strangers, don’t click on links from users you don’t know, and don’t post personal data on your profile for public view. Stick to the tips discussed today, and you’re guaranteed success.

Review: Nanoleaf Lines Squared Starter Kit

Andrew Edney
-
0
Review: Nanoleaf Lines Squared Starter Kit

Here is our review of the Naonleaf Lines Squared Starter Kit.

Experience stunning RGB illumination in a never-before-seen modular form factor. Smart backlit LED light bars come with everything you need to create intricate geometric designs on your wall. Choose from 16M+ colours and dynamic lighting animations that flow across your entire layout. Instal by your desk setup, living room, bedroom, or any space where you want to achieve an ultramodern neon look. Packed with smart features like Rhythm Music Visualizer, Screen Mirror, and more. Instal with included adhesive Mounting Tape.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the lines, connectors, remote and instructions.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

This range is the latest in Nanoleafs really cool sets for making you home or office really unique to you.

Once you have decided on your overall shape, you put the lines together which are held firmly in place. You then can stick the lines to the wall. There really isn’t that much else to that actual physical creation of your lines.

You then use the Nanoleaf app to add the creation and control everything from there, including the colours, how it reacts to music, and so much more. The possibilities are endless!

If you decide to change your line design after it’s been stuck to the wall, you are going to need to buy some more stickers – keep that in mind. They are really cheap though, so it might be worth getting some before you need them so as not to stifle your creativity.

The Nanoleaf Lines Squared really do make your home or office stand out and are a lot of fine to set up. And the great thing is you can have them change colours and react differently whenever you want, all from the app too.

If you want to create something unique and cool for your home or office, take a look at the Nanoleaf Lines Squared range – you wont be disappointed.

The Naonleaf Lines Squared Starter Kit is available now priced around £179.99 and you can buy expansion packs for it too.

You can learn more about the Naonleaf Lines Squared Starter Kit here.

Review: Fernbus Simulator

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: Fernbus Simulator

Fernbus Simulator allows you to fulfil your coach-driving dreams. However, if you’ve never had aspirations to drive a coach, this lets you take in some stunning scenery instead. What’s more, you can test your driving skills, set your own routes, and relax at the wheel of some iconic machines.

Developed by TML Studios and published by Aerosoft GmbH, this is a simulation title. Moreover, there is a blend of ultra-realistic action or a more laid-back arcade approach. Accordingly, whatever you choose, you’ll enjoy hours of tranquil driving across some iconic German landmarks.

The coach tour drives into some wintry conditions.
Drive carefully in the wintry conditions.

Fernbus Simulator fails to explain its purpose. 

Now, from the off, it is obvious that you are a coach driver. Yet, this is the only detail that you are told. Consequently, you spend much of your time wondering what the hell you are supposed to do. What’s more, the basic mechanics are poorly explained, and you are left to your own devices. Subsequently, you never know if you are progressing, and you second-guess your choices throughout. 

The action revolves around an unnamed driver and his iconic MAN Lion’s coach. This stunning replica of the real thing is perfectly formed and remarkably accurate. Furthermore, it can be customised to your liking. On top of this, you may select from either career or free mode. If you choose the latter, you can do as you wish. However, the career option has statistics, a hometown, passengers, and other elements to focus on.

So far, so good! But once you select your mode, you are left to your own devices. As such, you’ll scratch your head, follow the fleeting pointers, and drive each route that you’ve created. Along the way, you’ll have to avoid accidents, book in passengers, and obey traffic laws. If you fail to do any of these things, you’ll be marked down, and you won’t gain as much XP.

Driving is fun. 

Though there was little guidance, once you started driving, it was great fun. Not only do you have the challenge of maintaining your speed and obeying laws, but you must avoid accidents and traffic jams. Alongside this, the varied landscapes and the beautiful scenery were fantastic to see. Moreover, the viewpoint from the driver’s seat was excellent, and I loved the levels of detail. 

What was also great was the navigation system and the mountains of toys to play with. As the driver, you are in charge of the Wi-Fi, toilets, radio, announcements, doors, AC, and much more. Accordingly, you’ll be shouted at by your passengers as they desperately want a comfortable ride. Furthermore, you must keep on top of your fuel and navigate some tricky roads. This is easier said than done, as the AI is aggressive, and avoiding them isn’t always that easy. 

Inside the cockpit of a MAN coach.
Such detail.

No business model.

Fernbus Simulator has no business model! Now, this may be a plus point for some, but for me, it ensured there was a serious lack of depth. Additionally, your coach suffers no damage and other than losing XP, there is no punishment for traffic violations. For example, I drove the police off the road and nothing happened. It was insane that a realistic simulation title would allow this to slip through the net.

This to one side, I was disappointed at the lack of business mechanics. As a minimum, I wanted to buy a fleet of buses as well as try to balance profit and loss. However, these ideas are missing and this left me wanting. Yet, you are expected to check passengers’ tickets, and this was interesting. During this phase, you must examine documentation and decide who is allowed on the bus. Sadly, though, this is the extent of your powers, and no matter how many passengers your transport, the result is the same.

Fernbus Simulator looks nice, but it is flawed. 

The developers have done a great job in replicating the MAN vehicle. The cockpit is accurate and the internal decor is on point. Alongside this, the world looks attractive and the vehicles flow nicely. Yet, the character models are repetitive and one of my tours had 7 identical people. Alongside this, you can ghost through vehicles and the render distance is appalling. Furthermore, there are screen tears and lighting issues that make the game flicker. This was a shame as when Fernbus Simulator works, it is great. Disappointingly, though, the errors creep in far too often. 

Another complaint is the lack of music. Each tour can take you hours, but you have no songs to keep you entertained. This was a mistake and something that needs to be rectified. However, I loved the sound effects and the incorporation of weather effects. The drumming of rain or the whistle of the wind was fantastic. On top of this, I enjoyed the noises of each passenger and the realistic German announcements.

Plenty of coaches are parked at a depot.
Now, where did I leave my coach?

Fiddly controls. 

Due to its lack of hand-holding, the controls are understandably fiddly. Luckily, the arcade approach resolves many of these issues, but it removes much of the realism. Consequently, if you want to get the most from the game, you need to select realistic mode. With multiple submenus and unexplained icons, there is plenty of trial and error. But once you nail the fundamentals, you’ll enjoy the challenge of driving your coach. 

With no business model in sight, Fernbus Simulator shouldn’t have been addictive. Yet, I adored its relaxed gameplay and the large map on offer. Furthermore, there is DLC for additional vehicles and the more you drive, the larger the map becomes. Subsequently, you can explore every beautiful landmark and minor city that Germany has to offer. 

Fernbus Simulator needs some work.

I’m no expert, but I don’t think you can ghost through vehicles. Moreover, running cars off the road or hitting walls rarely goes unpunished. However, a lack of consequences and business elements taint this otherwise realistic title. Accordingly, if you want a chilled coach driving experience, then this is the game for you. Alternatively, if you are expecting a deep and business-focused title, then you’ll be disappointed. All things considered, I enjoyed it despite its shortcomings. Subsequently, I recommend that you buy it here! Pick a route, grab your passengers, and undertake a relaxing and enjoyable tour of Europe. 

Review: Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

Natosha M
-
0
Review: Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

What does it mean to play a game that includes the Rabbids? For me, it’s total mayhem! In the past, when those mischievous Rabbids appeared, it only meant there would be much more amusing and hilarious gameplay to look forward to and it would provide a different style of entertainment. Something that felt perfect for a group of friends to play together, rather than a single player.

To be honest, it’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to play a game that included the Rabbids, as it never appeared on my radar as something I would consider playing by myself. Fortunately, after years passed and getting to try this newest game, I was totally moved over by the amazing adventure, team-building capability, special attacks and weapons, storyline, and most of all those humorous Rabbids.

Diving Right In!

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope brings some exciting, action-packed gameplay with the amusement brought on by the Rabbids. Right in the beginning, during the first real mission which includes battling enemies on a massive mantra’s back, it becomes clear that this game’s battle sequence is focused on strategy. Giving the player a chance to move around from one point to another while taking turns between attacks. There are even a few additional actions that can be performed, like the dash attack and working with your teammates to reach a better location. Allowing the heroes to have a better chance to defeat a few enemies, before choosing a separate action from the menu option below.

I honestly found the dash attack to be a great addition to the game, as it felt a bit more entertaining and joyful to attack more enemies in one single turn. Also, with the Sparks that you’ll be collecting in the game, aid in the battle and provide another great attack effect or special skill to help your team win the battle. Of course, there are many enemies that can’t be passed, as a few are required to gain access to a certain location. Plus, when the enemies spot you, they will come for you and pull you into the battle. The one thing that is true, all these additional battles can aid in level-ups and get you stronger as you come closer to the final fight with Cursa, which is the main reason you are taking on these missions.

There was one issue that came up at the beginning of the game. I was not expecting so many new features and options to show up on the screen. Forcing my mind to take a little more time to learn how to use these new features. For one instance, during the first real turn-based battle, I actually forgot to play the other teammate, because I wasn’t aware of how to choose them. That one mistake won’t happen again, but this just means at the start there may be some time needed to learn what every new feature can make before it becomes comfortable. Luckily, during the battles, there is no time limit to cause the player to feel rushed or pressured, allowing for a better chance of choosing and understanding what would be the right action before playing it.

I also felt a bit annoyed with the turn-based battles. They are an excellent part of the game, possibly 75% of the game. However, I felt that I’m not very interested in watching the other team take their time to move into position and do whatever action they plan to take. I actually got tired of waiting, so I would do something else or watch something on the TV while it got back to me. At least, they do include a fast-forward button to move things along faster, but to be honest, it still felt slow to me. Especially, when the other team has so many moves to make. Sometimes I wish the skip button that can be used in the rest of the game could be used during the enemy turn on the battlefield.

Now besides the turn-based battles, each new world that the aircraft lands on is a large and open space to investigate. Allowing the player to freely roam around and check out each corner. There is plenty to discover and collect, as well as many fun mini-puzzles to enjoy. Including, coins to be collected throughout the world, which can aid in purchasing some new powerups and gear to boost the performance of a player during a battle. So it’s always a great idea to take the time to check every part of the world before moving on. You never know what you’ll find!

Moving forwards, the majority of the game will continue to involve the completion of different missions to save these star-like characters known as Sparks. Each of them provides the player with a new skill to aid in defeating the enemies during battle. Plus, you’ll end up acquiring a total of 9 new team members to play. The best part is that they can be chosen and changed at any time, without the restriction on who can be part of your team. So unlike many games, Mario doesn’t need to be the leader, if you don’t want him to be. In addition to the new members, each of them provides their own special attacks and skills with a little video clip, which may get tiring after seeing it played every time.

Thankfully the game provides a team-building option that suits the player’s needs. When you consider each team member’s different skills and abilities you can create a perfect team and take down the enemies quicker. However, each member you choose has their own low and high points when it comes to their abilities and skills, but what they lack, they make it up in another ability. Plus, there is a slight fairness when it comes to leveling up. If you decide to choose a few players in your team and earn a few level-ups during many battles, not only does that team of players level up but each player not played will too.

Now as the game progresses, it ends up becoming very similar to what one can expect going forward. Not to say that there will be no more surprises or challenging levels, but the routine and way of playing will feel clear as to what is expected. Yet, the best part will soon arrive, when you have to battle Cursa! That thrilling music starts to play and just to take on this enemy feels like a large accomplishment, making the entire adventure worth it!

Other than the awesome gameplay, there are a few additional settings that can help any player’s experience level to win the game. This one adjustment, worth mentioning allows the game to be as difficult or easy as needed and can be changed throughout the game, without changing the storyline.

Even better, you can play the game where you’ll be totally invincible during the battles and just play for fun. There are so many other great options to adjust the gameplay, giving everyone a fair chance to experience the game at their own level of challenge. This also goes for the recently released DLC, which is included or can be bought separately from the game.

The Tower of Doom

This is the first DLC that arrives in the game. It’s actually a nice addition that takes the player from beating the first game, or just taking a break and enjoying some additional battles with a familiar team. The gameplay is the same and it does advise if you haven’t played the main game to try that first before taking on the additional content. However, it is similar and provides chances to earn some awesome rewards with each completed battle you enter into.

Final Thoughts

From start to finish, this game really has taken me through some amazing missions, entertaining video content, and action-packed gameplay with levels of massive and destructive villains. For the beautiful art which makes up the graphics, well let’s just say there is plenty to gawk at! Everything that Mario represents is shown in this game, with the addition of those humorous Rabbids. Plus, the ability to build a team of unlikely characters really makes for some entertaining storylines and some marvelous defeats!

Lastly, even if there have been many Rabbid games in the past, I felt this game might have just topped them. It has exceeded my expectations and has me curious to see what the future beholds with the Rabbids. So I fully stand beside this game and recommend it for a worthwhile, new experience worth playing!

Review: Calturin

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: Calturin

Calturin is not a game I’d heard of, and I’d have missed it if it wasn’t for this review. However, now I’ve experienced it, I’m much more stressed and exasperated as a consequence! Its brutal gameplay, lack of hand-holding, and grim undertones aren’t for the faint of heart. Yet, once you get into it, you’ll enjoy a moreish, albeit easy-to-understand game.

Developed by Lasse Zacho Malver and published by Samustai LTD, this is a bullet hell endeavour. What’s more, it is creepy, sinister, and has a rogue-lite approach. As such, death is a worry, and failure is all but assured. Alongside this, the cruel nature of the gameplay is testing, and your patience will be pushed to the limits. On top of this, I cursed more than I’d liked to as I repeatedly died in this magical fantasy world.

The Necromancer tells Calturin the truth.
Damn you necromancer!

Calturin tells a cruel and morbid tale.

The action may be cruel, but the story is harsher, still. You are the titular hero who specialises as a mage. This once powerful man was struck down in his prime. However, a necromancer revived him and now holds him prisoner. Yet, there is light at the end of the tunnel, as your freedom is promised for a small price. Consequently, if you complete every trial you encounter, you will be set free. But unfortunately, this is easier said than done.

The plot sets a morbid and uncomfortable tone that forms the backbone of the gameplay. Furthermore, the necromancer holds an uncomfortable power over anyone he revives. As such, you must complete his quests no matter how difficult they are. With puzzles, combat, and bosses to defeat, the action is challenging. Thankfully, though, the degree of difficulty ensures that success is rewarding. Moreover, each arena-based ordeal is addictive, hellish, and mind-blowingly hectic. 

A demonic being shoots projectiles in a graveyard.
Dodge those projectiles.

A test of your memory.

Though each arena focuses on the bullet hell mechanics, your memory is tested as well. With familiar patterns to memorise and repetitive attacks utilised, you must study each room and enemy to overcome them. Whether you are sprinting past traps and ghouls, or you are avoiding fireballs, projectiles, or claws, it is unbelievably fast. However, once you understand the fundamentals of each encounter, the game becomes much easier.

Calturin helps to balance out the difficulty curve with a fair and simple upgrade system. Accordingly, you can increase your speed and health, or decrease the cooldown of your abilities. Whatever you choose, it’ll give you a tactical advantage as you advance. Yet, you may only upgrade upon completing an arena, so you must choose wisely.

The developers also enhance the difficulty setting with an array of additional arenas. Each area is accessed by using a portal. The standard levels are green, the advanced stages are red, and black is reserved for the hardiest of fighters. Thankfully, you don’t have to take on the harder levels, but if you do, you’ll tackle tougher versions of already defeated bosses. As such, you’ll have to restudy their new attacks and rely on your wits and skills to succeed. 

Calturin looks brilliantly dated.

A world full of monsters and sombre tones isn’t that attractive. Yet, Calturin looks brilliantly dated. Thanks to its pixelated graphics, earthy colour palette, and isometric viewpoint, it’s great to look at. However, I was disappointed with the déjà vu nature of each stage. For unknown reasons, the developers insisted on using a familiar setup for most combat encounters. The only exceptions were the puzzling moments. During these ordeals, the dungeons were more expansive, and this made for an interesting change of pace. Subsequently, I wish this approach had been taken throughout.

Though the visuals drew some complaints, the audio fared much better. With a folksy and airy soundtrack, the music delivered the fantasy theme. Alongside this, the sound effects worked perfectly, and the necromancer had a creepy, husky voice. Altogether, the audio delivered an atmospheric package that enhanced the experience.

Choose an upgrade and improve your chances.
Which upgrade will you pick?

Simple controls. 

Calturin is a simple mage with limited abilities. Accordingly, he is easy to control. Furthermore, the responsive nature of the inputs and the excellent tutorial ensure this is easy to pick up. With fireballs to shoot, a teleportation spell to use, a shield to protect you, and 3 healing scrolls, it is easy to play. Yet, its brutality, rogue-lite mechanics, and tough bosses make it hard to master.

When a game is this tough, it is full of longevity and replay value. Furthermore, the red and black portals up the ante while the standard green path tests you throughout. On top of this, a challenging achievement list will keep completionists busy as well.

Calturin will be missed by many.

Whenever I find a hidden gem, it makes me smile. Unfortunately, though, I also realise that it’s likely to be missed by many. Consequently, this is disappointing as this indie game is fantastic. Yes, it kicked my ass, but that’s what makes it so fantastic. Accordingly, I loved its evil ways and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you earn your freedom? I doubt it! Yet, don’t let that put you off. Instead, fight every monster, dodge every projectile, and solve every problem in this grim and cruel game. 

Review: Forspoken

James Refelian
-
0
<strong>Review: Forspoken</strong>

What type of game is Forspoken?

Forspoken is an open-world, action-adventure game developed by Luminous Productions and published by Square Enix. It comprises magic, monsters, and a vast fantasy world to explore with a unique and enjoyable parkour traversal system. It’s available on PC and PS5.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ph8D4MkGiI

What To Expect From Forspoken

I’d like to preface this review by saying I’m afraid I must disagree with many other reviews I’ve read about this game. Is it perfect? No. Does it deserve the absolute slaughter it received? No. Not even close. Forspoken isn’t by a long stretch as bad as people are crying that it is. Now look, yes, I know the studio has been folded into Square Enix, and that doesn’t bode well for how they think it went, but the fact remains. Forspoken is solid. Let me explain why it deserves a chance.

Forspoken is the urban-fantasy-come-high-fantasy tale of Frey Holland, a girl growing up on the streets of New York. She is transported to a new, confusing world of magic, dragons, and monsters when she’s at her lowest. Discovering her own power, and with the help of a sarcastic sentient cuff, she sets out to save the world. Reluctantly. With writing from Gary Whitta (Rogue One, The Book of Eli), Amy Henning (Uncharted), Todd Stashwick (Star Trek Picard, 12 Monkeys) and Alison Rymer (Shadowhunters), there are high expectations. Mostly, the story is very good, with some exciting concepts and one major choice.     

The world of Athia is beautifully crafted and fun to explore, and the story will draw you in. the biggest appeal is the magic parkour. The magic system is a treat with great-looking and varied abilities you can develop as the game progresses. The traversal system is fun, running at speed and jumping over and up all the things. It makes the world feel very explorable and is a lot of fun. Crafting is helpful for potions, upgrades and more. Similarly, your magic abilities can also be expanded and upgraded.

How Long Is Forspoken?

The game comprises 17 chapters, each with many quests that make up the main story and many side quests and dungeons to explore. The world itself is a sandbox; when you’re travelling to a quest point, you’ll be able to explore all sorts of areas that can lead to new discoveries, some impressive monsters and treasure. In the game, these dungeons are referred to as detours. Side quests have an interesting range; a particular highlight was taking photos for the kids using Frey’s mobile phone. On average, the game will take about 12-16 hours to beat the main story and over 20 hours to complete everything. Someone worked out that Athia is the size of Manhattan, so as you can imagine, it’s a big world to explore! The world is split into four main areas, and new exploration methods open up as you develop additional skills.

A Whole New World

People complained about how the game looks visually, but you can see from the screenshots that it doesn’t look bad at all. On both PC and PS5, I enjoyed what I saw. I didn’t notice stuttering, poor framerates, too much bloom or strange colours. While I’m not here to say that all the reviewers who did experience these things are wrong, and perhaps it’s been patched in the interim, this wasn’t my experience. The game looks great. The magic looks better, and I had no complaints about the animations.

You can enjoy the visuals in several modes, performance, quality, and ray tracing. For PC, the spec requirement is high, so you’ll want a pretty decent machine to run the ray tracing without issues. The recommendation for ray tracing mode is at least 16GB RAM and an RTX2060S.

The game uses AMDs FSR2 tech to use AI to upscale images. What really impressed me, though, was the magic. The spell effects were a visual delight, and when you combine this with the parkour traversal system, you get a true cinematic spectacle in combat. Monsters, NPCs, and bosses all looked good to me and had a variety to be interesting and fit into the unique world of Athia.  

When it comes to the world itself, it feels very much in line with high fantasy environments. Big sprawling worlds of mountains, hills, and deserts with a few medieval towns and cities for good measure. One of the complaints people had been that the world felt boring. Again, I’m afraid I must disagree with this. As a high fantasy lover, I enjoyed exploring this vast open world. While it felt familiar in places, it did offer some unique elements.

We Have To Talk About Sound

Regarding the sound, we need to talk about the voice acting and SFX alongside the soundtrack overall.

The soundtrack is a beautiful blend of traditional orchestral music that fits so well in a high fantasy world, with rising crescendos for those boss battles. The use of the harp throughout gave it a subtle uniqueness. In addition, you then get these more modern tracks with the vocals of India Carney. Overall, the blend works so well and perfectly highlights the dichotomy of the character’s journey from present-day New York to Athia.

Ella Balinska does a fantastic job at bringing Frey Holland to life. From her trouble with the law in the opening scenes through to her arrival in Athia and then her growth throughout the game, there is a clear lineage of development in the performance.

Meanwhile, the exasperated mentor ‘cuff’ is portrayed by Jonathan Cake. His performance reminded me of JARVIS from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and I will admit to referring to the character as ‘magical JARVIS’ when talking about the game. The relationship between the two characters develops nicely, and I will admit to enjoying their back-and-forth interactions.

This brings me to another elephant in the room and another of the game’s most common critiques. The writing. People objected to the cheesy dialogue, surface-level development, and tropes aplenty. Now, sure, there are plenty of tropes. But I challenge anyone to point out any work of modern storytelling that doesn’t utilise some tropes. Is this a problem? Not really. We accept it in so many other mediums as perfectly fine. While Forspoken uses plenty of fantasy tropes, I didn’t feel the story was predictable, nor the world. It was an immersive experience.

The Dialogue Isn’t That Bad

Regarding the dialogue and the pairing of Frey and ‘Cuff’, I was astonished when people were so critical, calling them ‘insufferable’. The dialogue felt suitable for the characters and felt very on par with mass-market movies like those in the MCU. There were some cheesy comedy and dramatic lines, yet I reckon it would have been lapped up if it were a Marvel hero and not a new IP. It also wasn’t half as bad as people have said. At least, not in my opinion.

I will also say the emotional development of the character Frey from a selfish, loner child to a hero of a whole world is quite the journey to go on. Sure, Frey isn’t likeable initially, but she grows on you. This emotion-led character is perfectly tempered by ‘Cuff’, who offers plenty of sarcasm and dry humour. Sure, it isn’t for everyone, but if you like what Marvel has done, you’ll probably like most of this.

While Fantastic, Forspoken Has One Flaw

So, as I said at the start of my review, this game isn’t perfect. At the same time, I can’t justify being as critical about it as others. I genuinely did enjoy playing it on both PC and PS5. The game does have one major flaw. The pacing. Forspoken suffers from a disjointed approach to the narrative that is hard to forgive. Excessive uses of fade to black and being frozen on the spot during long dialogue scenes. This forced wait resulted in frustration and unnecessary pauses in the story or action sequences. Overall, it felt disjointed when this happened, and I can’t understand why you can’t run and talk to cuff or why fade-to-black was required in many places. It makes it feel prolonged.

How Does Steam Deck Handle Forspoken?

So, as I had both the PC and PS5 versions to test, I had to check out the game on Steam Deck. Steam Deck is incredible as a piece of kit, and I genuinely love it. Having a large selection of my PC game library on the go is a dream come true. So, I was shocked when I discovered that Forspoken worked on Steam Deck. Sure, the game will start you on the lowest possible settings, but it can be tweaked to get a slightly improved visual without detriment to the performance. I experienced a few stutters occasionally; otherwise, it was very playable, even if loading times were longer than I had hoped. The fact that it works at all is basically magic.  

Is Forspoken better on PC or PS5?

If you have a high-end gaming PC, go with that version. The PC version gave me a much higher graphical quality, but that’s down to my PC, and replication will depend on your machine. It also allows for play on the Steam Deck. PS5, on the other hand, is pretty much play-and-go. Controls-wise, I would recommend a controller on both platforms as it makes the game so much more intuitive and responsive, especially in combat. If you only have a PS5 or prefer a console to PC, then you won’t be disappointed with this version either. It’s still very, very good.

PS5
PC
PS5
PC

Forspoken Doesn’t Deserve the Hate

I thoroughly enjoyed Forspoken. Genuinely. I know some people may find that difficult to believe because of the hate it received online, but I liked it so much that I played it on both PC and PS5 to completion. If you’re a fan of high fantasy and want to check out the magic parkour, I urge you to give Forspoken a chance and try it yourself. Yes, you might find the dialogue cheesy in places, and sure, the stopping to get info dumps or fade-to-black can disrupt gameplay,  but this is one of the most enjoyable games I’ve played in 2023.

Review: Toaplan Arcade Game Collection

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: Toaplan Arcade Game Collection

Shoot ‘Em Up games have evolved as gamers’ tastes have changed. Consequently, they are much more refined and rarely rely on a hardcore experience to stand out. Instead, developers push the envelope with incredible animation, interesting stage design, and amazing sprites. As such, does this mean that retro games should now be avoided? Absolutely not. These foundations of an incredible genre should be respected and loved. Accordingly, when the Toaplan Arcade Game Collection was released, I couldn’t wait to get started.

Developed by Toaplan and Bitwave Games and published by the latter, this is a retro arcade experience. What’s more, each title has been polished for a modern audience. Moreover, each of the games can be purchased individually or discounted in the collection. Either way, they run extremely well on PC and are compatible with Steam Deck. Therefore, you can pick your favourite and enjoy it whilst out and about or on your break from work.

What games come to the Toaplan Arcade Game Collection Vol.1?

The great thing about this Toaplan Arcade Game Collection is the varied titles you’ll enjoy. What’s more, they capture the genre on the cusp of bullet hell madness. Accordingly, the action feels stripped-back and manageable, but aggressive and challenging. Now, this may not be for everyone, but I enjoyed the vertical and horizontal scrolling methods and the varied gameplay mechanics. 

The Toaplan Arcade Game Collection comprises Twin Cobra, Out Zone, Truxton, and Zero Wing. Each of these games captures the late 80s and early 90s vibes while staying true to the genre’s standards. However, Out Zone was particularly special as it breaks many rules along the way. This vertical scroller allows you to pause, regroup, and examine your surroundings at will. Moreover, there are environmental obstacles to avoid, and multidirectional foes to slaughter. In short, it begins to evolve into the bullet hell madness that we are familiar with.

What’s new?

Though the team behind the Toaplan Arcade Game Collection has worked hard, I struggled to see the minute changes. However, each title performed perfectly, and the controls were great. Subsequently, I reckon hardcore gamers will appreciate the improved response times and better frame rates, but it’ll be lost on mere mortals. Instead, I liked the blend of games and the journey from the mid-80s to early 90s gaming. Furthermore, the different scrolling methods and varied mechanics exposed the tough but moreish elements of the genre.

The lack of modernisation may disappoint you, but I appreciated the trip down memory lane. The determination of the developers to stay true to their roots was admirable, and old-school gamers will adore this approach. However, the menu system and UI weren’t as user-friendly as I’d have liked and this was frustrating. 

The Toaplan Arcade Game Collection looks amazing.

Discussing the visuals of 30-year-old games seems pointless. However, I think each of these titles looks amazing. Furthermore, they performed impressively on Steam Deck. Alongside this, I loved that you could adjust the borders, and how smooth every explosion and projectile was. Yes, retro haters will say they look dated and awful, but they are wrong. The garish colours and pixel finish are wonderfully nostalgic and great to look at.

This is then complemented by the incredible audio. Each game has a unique soundtrack that is oddly familiar. Furthermore, the loud and obnoxious sound effects add to the drama as well. As such, if you are old enough to remember the original games, you’ll adore the trip down memory lane. 

It is better on Steam Deck. 

I’m not the greatest M&K gamer, but the Toaplan Arcade Game Collection handled better with a controller. Alternatively, if you have a Steam Deck, the experience is improved further still. Now, I know purists will hate me, but it is what it is. The developers have done a great job with their control setup, and the layout is perfect for a controller. However, my only gripe is that each menu is slow to navigate. This was frustrating and unnecessarily cumbersome. Yet, it is a minor shortcoming for an otherwise excellent collection. 

Unsurprisingly, this collection is moreish as hell. Yes, Zero Wing outstays its welcome a bit, but that’s a minor thing. With plenty of gameplay on offer and so much variety to experience, you can flit between each title without getting bored. Moreover, the developers have incorporated a reverse button to undo mistakes, and this makes it a little easier than necessary. However, this is the perfect tool for newcomers or casual players.

The Toaplan Arcade Game Collection is fantastic. 

With so many amazing Shoot ‘Em Ups, it can be tough to pick the right one. Yet, The Toaplan Arcade Game Collection has 4 of the best titles in one place. Furthermore, the varied mechanics, the excellent graphics, and the era-specific audio make this a fantastic library of games. Consequently, I loved it and I recommend that you buy it here! Relive the late 80s and early 90s with this amazing gaming collection. 

Top Three Toughest Zombies in Video Game History

Christopher John
-
0
Top Three Toughest Zombies in Video Game History

Source: Unsplash

Gaming has been filled with hosts of zombies since the first console was released. In the last few years, as the horror genre has found its feet, these creatures have become even scarier. Each game wants to outdo others with new and frightening enemies, leaving players scared witless. But just which ones have been the most fearsome? 

Rat King – The Last of Us

Just when we thought video game zombies had been done to death… In this franchise, zombies were not magically undead or due to scientific experimentation. They were the result of a fungus that altered the brain patterns and characteristics of a person, turning them into infected creatures that devoured flesh to survive.

The longer these creatures were infected, the more grotesque and harder they became to kill. At the top of this was the Rat King. According to ExpressVPN’s list of the zombies in The Last of Us, they describe the monster as multiple people that have been infected for several decades and have bonded together.

The Rat King has a ridiculous amount of limbs and extreme strength. When playing in the game, you need to stay at a distance and use all your heavy weaponry to take them down. Naughty Dog Studio’s game The Last of Us came along and turned the concept on its head.

Licker – Resident Evil

Source: Unsplash

Lickers are arguably one of the most iconic monsters in video game history. Belonging to the king of zombie franchises, Capcom’s Resident Evil, it is one of the odder villains in the game. Running around on all fours, it partly resembles a dog and a zombie, characterised by a huge lashing tongue. Their brains are outside their skull, making them extra gruesome.

As a result of a secondary metamorphosis of the T-Virus, the lickers live in large colonies. Lickers will attack and pin you down with their large talons, then use a barbed tongue to pierce your skin and flesh. In later franchise games, they were even used like hounds as biological weapons. The franchise was criticised for straying from its roots, the lickers have now returned to their primary job of hunting you down and scaring you witless whenever they can. 

Necromorphs – Dead Space

The Necromorphs are the antagonists in the Dead Space games, part alien, part zombie. Spreading their diseases through pathogens in the air, they take over a host and quickly have control of its body. They can also infect others extremely quickly and have the ability to create various strains of deadly creatures. 

Unlike shambling undead, these are extremely fast. With sharp claws and teeth, they destroy you at speed, and you will need to blow them to small pieces if you want to have any chance of survival. Once they begin to combine, they become even more powerful, so it is best to get in early and hope for the best. 

There are many others, from Husks in Mass Effect to The Witch in Left 4 Dead. Games will also continue to raise the bar, creating more grotesque creatures for us to fight. Which are your favourites? Let us know on social media or in the comments.

Review: Sonority

Samuel Beattie
-
0
Review: Sonority

Indie games are all about taking new, interesting and creative ideas and creating incredible games out of them. This trend is further shown by Sonority, developed by Hanging Gardens Interactive. Sonority is a relaxing, calm puzzle adventure game featuring a beautiful soundtrack, stunning visuals and engaging puzzles. While the game is pleasant, the short length was very disappointing and left me longing for more.

Sonority A Story of an Abandon Civilization

Sonority follows Esther, who is searching for a cure to her friends illness. The friend informs Esther of a melody that can cure any illness and is found in place where humans and animals lived in harmony. Upon finding this location, Esther finds out that is in ruins. While some remain, most have abandoned this land after its destruction. One of the few who remain is an old racoon and a singing rock friend who keeps him company. While hesitant at first, the racoon and the rock help Esther on her journey as she learns about what lead to the downfall of this place and who exactly they are.

The plot of Sonority is fantastic. The basic plot which follows the raccoon’s change in attitude, from distrust in humans to trusting and relying on Esther, it’s rewarding to see this change. Furthermore, you can use musical elements you find along your travels to learn more about this place. I found the story to be simple yet enjoyable, having a lot of depth if you are willing to find all the musical elements.

The Racoon and the singing Rock

Create a Melody to Progress

In Sonority you will use sequences of musical notes, from a variety of instruments, to make platforms rise, fall and rotate to allow you to adventure further into the ruins. These puzzles can be quite challenging, however nothing is ever too difficult to where you would need a walkthrough. These puzzles are very rewarding to complete and often have alternative solutions that may lead to a secret. There are two types of secrets. Chests, which upon finding gives the player a little challenge to complete. Upon completing this challenge, a song from this game’s phenomenal soundtrack will play. The other secret is a musical element, which can be used on tablets to learn more about the world. These secrets are both worth seeking out, as it allows you to further enjoy this game’s charm. All things considered, this is an engaging and satisfying game to play.

Unfortunately, the game felt a bit too short. While I had fun with the gameplay, it felt like there was still a lot more potential with the game. While the puzzles did get progressively harder, it didn’t feel like I used my full arsenal of abilities in the end. Even though it’s a short game it is still very enjoyable to play and I had a great time figuring out all the puzzles.

Use music to progress

A Charming World

The environments in Sonority are breathtaking, from the different shades of green in the grass, to the vivid blues of the water, this game looks incredible. Throughout my time with the game, I would admire the environments. However the character models are a different story, often looking quite stiff when moving. While this is not a huge issue, it is worth noting. Unfortunately, due to the underpowered nature of the Nintendo Switch, I would experience frame rate dips, which broke my immersion. Thankfully, while there are performance issues, it didn’t affect the enjoyment I had with the game too much.

As previously stated the soundtrack of this game is amazing, featuring soothing vocal tracks as well as calm instrumental tracks, which helps with the enjoyment of the game immensely. The sound design is also great, whether its the satisfying movement of platforms or the environment noises. This game also features full English and German voice acting. I played using the English voice acting, which is very well done featuring and helped further immerse me in the world.

A stunning temple

Sonority, a Charming Adventure

From the fantastic visuals to the brain-teasing gameplay that tests your musical knowledge, this game is a delightful experience from start to finish. Although the Switch version of the game has some performance issues, the game is still a delight to play there. Even if the game is a little short, the story will keep you hooked from start to finish.


News: reMarkable Type Folio keyboard

Daniel Waite
-
0
News: reMarkable Type Folio keyboard

I reviewed the reMarkable 2 writing tablet in April 2022. This amazing device surprised me with its phenomenal build quality and authentic feel. Furthermore, the battery life was incredible, and taking notes was a cinch. However, the device wasn’t suitable for every task and the subscription cost was off-putting. Thankfully, the team behind reMarkable solved both these issues by reducing the monthly fee and releasing the reMarkable Type Folio keyboard.

This stunning addition not only looks fantastic, but it is built to last and it’s user-friendly. What’s more, it features full-size letter keys and has 1.3mm of key travel. As such, it is comfortable to use and lightweight. Moreover, the addition of a keyboard completes this workstation while removing many of the niggling shortcomings.

Design features of the reMarkable Type Folio keyboard. 

You may worry that it’ll be fiddly to use. Well, worry not, as it is easy to connect to the reMarkable 2 using magnets. Accordingly, you do not need to connect to it or upgrade your device. What’s more, unlike other small format keyboards, this one requires no charging.

Once connected, you may use it like a traditional keyboard, or lay it flat on a surface. Either way, this makes the reMarkable 2 the perfect device for both handwritten and typed documents. Alongside this, the reMarkable Folio Type keyboard automatically detects when the keyboard is connected. Subsequently, it auto-rotates the screen and allows a seamless transition from written to typed notes.

Product details, pricing, and availability. 

  • The ReMarkable Type Folio keyboard is available to order now on remarkable.com for $199/€199. 
  • Customers who had an active Connect subscription on March 6, 2023, are eligible for a discount on the ReMarkable Type Folio keyboard. Log in to my.remarkable.com to redeem the offer.
  • It features keyboard layouts in six different languages: US English, UK English, German, Spanish, French, and Nordic (including Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, and Finnish).
  • It is available in artificial leather in two finishes: Ink Black and Sepia Brown.
  • Note-taking in the ReMarkable mobile and desktop apps requires a Connect subscription. By subscribing to Connect, users can also enjoy unlimited cloud storage and sync, exclusive subscriber offers in the remarkable.com web shop, and up to 3 years of extra device protection. A free 1-year Connect trial is included with a purchase of reMarkable 2 in the remarkable.com web shop, then costs $2.99/mo. Cancel anytime.

(More information on reMarkable can be found here!) 

1...217218219...1,615Page 218 of 1,615