Review: Tanuki Sunset

Daniel Waite
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Review: Tanuki Sunset

I love a chilled, feel-good game! They make a nice break from the norm, and the lack of violence and death is cleansing for the soul. As such, when I was offered Tanuki Sunset, I couldn’t pass. This bizarre title is colourful, charming, and wonderfully laid back. However, its limited gameplay holds it back.

Developed by Rewind games/Bromio and published by Digerati, this is a relaxed skateboarding title. Yet, unlike others in this category, there isn’t an extensive list of tricks to perform, and the gnarly factor is almost nil. Instead, you enjoy a simple adventure title filled with rubbish, food, and the occasional jump.

The raccoon hero drifting his board sideways along the road.
Drift your way to victory.

Tanuki Sunset is brilliantly abstract. 

Whenever a developer incorporates anthropomorphic animals as their protagonists, I smile. There is something undeniably creepy about creatures displaying human characteristics, but I love it nonetheless. Accordingly, Tanuki Sunset is a strange game that is brilliantly abstract at the same time. 

You control a raccoon called Tanuki. This chilled-out and cool rubbish eater has a dream. That dream is to appear on the front cover of FISH magazine. However, only the greatest on a longboard is given that honour. Subsequently, Tanuki sets out to prove he is worthy of this accolade. To do this, he must ride across mountain ranges, through bustling city streets, and along sandy beaches. If you successfully avoid every obstacle, you’ll arrive at the big ramp where you can prove your legendary status.

The hero rides between two cars. Thankfully, he narrowly misses them.
What a close call.

A simple story with a basic approach. 

Tanuki Sunset won’t win the award for the best story. Yet, this matters not. The simple story is complemented by its basic approach. Effectively, you must ride along an ever-changing path filled with obstacles. As you speed along, you’ll destroy rubbish, collect Tanuki bits, and produce the odd trick. Alongside this, you’ll leap off ramps, drift around sharp corners, and pray you don’t fall to your death. If you fall, and you will, you’ll restart at the last checkpoint and try again. 

This is the main body of the game. But there is plenty more on offer as well. Alongside the main story is a skate shop filled with custom items and an arcade machine. This works as the central hub for the action. Consequently, whenever a run is completed, you’ll return to the shop to buy new gear, play the arcade machine, or revisit each stage. I liked this basic approach, and though the customisation was stripped-back, it was enjoyable nevertheless.

Tanuki Sunset looks stunning. 

I’m a big fan of unusual-looking games. As such, Tanuki Sunset immediately grabbed my attention. Its blend of low-poly backdrops, abstract imagery, and vivid colours was incredible to observe. On top of this, the simple animation and tight-level design ensure you must always stay alert. Furthermore, I enjoyed the arcade scoring system and the easy-to-understand UI. 

If you enjoy skateboarding, skiing, or surfing, you’ll love the amazing audio. The eclectic blend of genres ensures that the music is as chilled out as the visuals. What’s more, the occasional upbeat song added energy to the proceedings. The music works perfectly with the simple sound effects. You’ll adore the sound of wheels on tarmac, the rushing wind, and the grinding of metal on metal. 

Tanuki Sunset asks you to leap over cars while performing tricks.
Gnarly jump.

Perfect controls. 

With many tight spaces to weave through, and dangers just around the corner, the controls had to be good. Thankfully, Tanuki Sunset got this aspect spot on. With responsive inputs and a straightforward controller layout, the setup was perfect. Consequently, it was an easy game to pick up and play.

Unfortunately, where Tanuki Sunset falls short, is its replay value. Because it lacks depth, it impacts longevity and appeal. Thankfully, however, the arcade machine will challenge you. With an array of stages on offer and a leaderboard to top, it gets your competitive juices flowing. 

Tanuki Sunset is a wonderful, casual experience. 

If you want an all-out action-packed sports title, then Tanuki Sunset isn’t for you. However, if you want a fun, relaxed, and casual experience, then this will tick those boxes. I adored the stunning aesthetics, the challenging stages and the strange characters. Yes, the lack of depth was a little disappointing, but that shouldn’t put you off. Accordingly, it’s an excellent title and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you prove your worth and make it to the cover of FISH magazine? Ride, grind, and drift your way to legendary status.

If you’ve fallen deeply in love with this cool raccoon character and want to carry that affection with you, then Custom Lapel Pins are the perfect choice.

The custom lapel pin design incorporates the vibrant low-polygon colors and abstract aesthetics from the game. Whether pinned to your backpack, jacket, or hat, it instantly showcases your love for this heartwarming skateboarding game. Pins are flexible and quick to design, with a short turnaround time and delivery cycle.

Each Custom Lapel Pin is like a small game memento, capturing the raccoon’s passionate pursuit of dreams and the relaxed atmosphere of the game. See more at GSJJ.com.au. 

Review: Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

The thought of starting from scratch and building a dynasty intrigues me. There is nothing better than seeing your hard work and sweat and tears come to fruition. Consequently, when a game captures this in its core concept, it makes for a moreish and undeniably phenomenal experience. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord tries to capture this idea in its awe-inspiringly large and complex world. Moreover, its time-sink mechanics and devilishly in-depth ideas will prevent you from putting it down. Accordingly, if you only want a casual game to pass the time, this may not be your cup of tea.

Developed and published by TaleWorlds Entertainment, this is an open-world adventure game with RPG elements. What’s more, it is filled with lore, has mountains of tactical options, and will fascinate you from the off. On top of this, I loved the character customisation, the never-ending quests, and the atmospheric environment. However, it relies on some classic genre tropes and requires an awful lot of time and energy to get the best out of it. As such, its learning curve may be too much for some, and that is a shame.

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord immediately captures your attention.

I love it when a game grabs you by the balls and refuses to let you go. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord does that with its opening cinematic and captivating tutorial. Thrown right in the deep end, you are expected to learn the fundamentals before you explore the surrounding world. Furthermore, you’ll design your hero with little understanding of what is to come. Now, you may think this is odd, but I liked how it set the scene. Moreover, the customisation options are great as your personality is formed by answering a range of strange questions. Not only does this make you think, but it creates character traits that you may otherwise ignore.

When this is done, you experience an interesting tutorial that talks you through each fundamental. Here, you’ll experience horse riding, combat, trading, recruitment, and so forth. This not-so-gentle introduction to the game is a bit of a baptism of fire. However, that matters not. Instead, this brutal approach works wonders as you study every intricate detail to prepare you for your arduous and tough existence. Once you’ve completed the prolonged prologue, you are free to do as you will. Luckily, this isn’t as daunting as it sounds, as the foundations have already been laid.

Men and women relaxing in a bar in Mount & Blade II Bannerlord
It is time to unwind and relax.

A wonderfully deep experience.

Where Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord excels is its deep fantasy setting. You’ll create a kingdom that will last the ages. Here, you will create a family, and rule the roost forevermore. However, things are rarely that simple as you must complete never-ending quests, manage a vast army, and expand your kingdom. This isn’t anything new for veterans of this genre. Yet, the excellent combat mechanics are where this shines.

Each encounter feels fresh and exciting to play. Accordingly, you’ll enjoy minor skirmishes or epic battles that last a lifetime. During each one, you must control every aspect of your vast army. What’s more, you get to decide whether you lead your men into battle, or sit back and watch everything unfold. Alongside this, you must consider each move as you try to negate your opponent’s strengths. Consequently, there are many tactical elements that must be understood if you wish to be victorious.

Being constrained by a story isn’t everyone’s idea of fun. Fortunately, the developers have countered this with an excellent Sandbox mode. This option allows you the freedom to do as you wish as you ignore the story and build a large and successful kingdom. Alongside this, you can take on friends or strangers in a multiplayer skirmish option. I wasn’t keen on this mode, as it lacked the depth and lore of the main game. As such, I never felt invested in the action and it feels like an afterthought.

Mount & Blade II Bannerlord has massive battles involving cavalry and infantry.
Another epic battle.

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord pushes the boundaries.

I wouldn’t say Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a visual masterpiece, but it certainly pushes the boundaries. With multiple perspectives in play, you enjoy plenty of different styles. The overworld map is presented using an isometric viewpoint. This is a great choice as it allows you to plan your journey while seeing any possible threats or POI. When the action changes to a village or the battlefield, you’ll enjoy a third-person viewpoint. This was great, as it highlighted the sprawling environment and the large selection of character models on display. However, disappointingly, it was rough around the edges and the performance occasionally stuttered. Yet, this wasn’t a vast surprise as the developers pushed the gameplay to its limits in this massive open-world experience.

Though the visuals tried something unique, the audio was more familiar. With an understated soundtrack and simple sound effects, it doesn’t stand out from its peers. However, I enjoyed the blend of aggressive music and the calmer atmospheric tunes that are jovial and folksy. Furthermore, each battle is filled with angered cries and the noise of swords clashing. I loved the drama this created and how it juxtaposed the quieter moments in the action.

Two peasants passing in a rundown town.
Can you appease the locals?

Excellent controls, mostly.

I had concerns that this would be horrible to play. There are so many elements working together, it had the potential to be complicated. Thankfully, though, the combination of radial menus and a clever UI make it easy to understand. Alongside this, the fantastic tutorial ensures that you know exactly what you are doing. Yet, there was one issue regarding the horses. Riding these magnificent beasts was fine until you needed to turn in tight spaces. Here, the wheels come off and the horses get stuck. This was frustrating, especially during each combat encounter. Furthermore, this had a detrimental effect on the combat mechanics and that was a shame.

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord demands an awful lot of your time. Consequently, you will lose hours of your life without even realising it. Yet, you won’t care as you carefully manage each element of your kingdom while enjoying each battle you win. As you are free to live your life as you please, no playthrough is ever the same. What’s more, there are the Sandbox and multiplayer skirmish options to consider as well. As such, this game oozes both replay value and longevity.

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a great title.

Though Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord has minor issues, it is a fantastic title that is captivating and enthralling. I adored its phenomenal lore, its sprawling open world, and its incredible battles. Moreover, its time-sink campaign will eat away at your life without you knowing it. Yes, it was rough around the edges, and the multiplayer skirmish won’t be for everyone, but it ticks many boxes along the way. Therefore, I enjoyed it and I recommend that you buy it here! Will you be a kind and caring ruler, or will you rule with an iron fist?

Review: Nacon Xbox Pro Compact Controller

Andrew Edney
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0
Review: Nacon Xbox Pro Compact Controller

Here is our review of the Nacon Xbox Pro Compact Controller.

Designed for Xbox, it is a versatile wired controller offering great ergonomics for all types of players, as well as a comprehensive range of settings usually found on professional peripherals.

Free Dolby Atmos for Headphones automatic activation in Dolby app included.

The Pro Compact controller boasts a range of customizable features, such as: button mapping, adjustable sticks and trigger sensitivity and vibration motors.

Compact size, ergonomic shape and textured back surface provide superior comfort and optimal grip for all types of games, even after long gaming sessions.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the controller and instructions, plus a month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The Nacon Xbox Pro Compact Controller looks great in Red (and other colours) and feels really good in your hands – even for extended gameplay sessions.

The controller is wired so you will need to physically plug it into your Xbox, but there is a fair amount of cable included so you should be able to sit far enough away from your Xbox to be comfortable.

The controller had a number of configurable options, including sensitivity and button mapping – pretty much whatever you need to adjust, you can!

Included with the controller is a month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and also a licence for Dolby Atmos for Headphones.

If you are looking for a wired controller that has a lot of configurable options then take a look at this one!

The Nacon Xbox Pro Compact Controller is available now priced around £49.90 and is available in a variety of different colours.

You can learn more from the Nacon website.

Review: Roccat Kone Air Wireless Mouse

Andrew Edney
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0
Review: Roccat Kone Air Wireless Mouse

Here is our review of the Roccat Kone Air Wireless Mouse.

Features

  • Gaming Grade 2.4GHz Stellar Wireless or Bluetooth connectivity
  • Up to 800-hour battery life
  • Compatible with 1 or 2 AA Batteries
  • Ergonomic shape with double-injected rubber side grips
  • 17 programmable inputs
  • ROCCAT Titan Optical Switches tested for 100 million clicks
  • 19K DPI Owl-Eye Optical Sensor
  • Heat-treated 100% pure PTFE glides

What’s in the box?

The box contains the Kone Air mouse, quick start guide and a AA battery.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The Roccat Kone Air Wireless Mouse is very lightweight and easy to use. It is powered by either one or two AA batteries (when I first opened the box I found the battery that came with it and then opened up the mouse to see two battery slots and thought something was missing – it wasn’t).

Battery life on the mouse is really good – Roccat claim 800 hours of use from a set of batteries – I will take their word for it as I didn’t get chance to test it for that period of time, but so far I havent had any issues.

Pairing the mouse with a computer was simple – you can easier use wireless or Bluetooth depending on what you want to connect to. The process was really simple and quick.

Using the mouse was very comfortable – even for extended periods of time, and even for some pretty fast gaming requirements.

There are also 17 different programmable inputs on the mouse so you can set it up to work however you need it to.

Overall this is a great mouse thats easy to use and pair and works great off a single battery!

The Roccat Kone Air Wireless Mouse is available now priced around £59.99 in either Black or Arctic White.

You can learn more from the Roccat website.

Walk in a Wireless Wonderland with the Gioteck SC3 Pro Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch

Andrew Edney
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0
Walk in a Wireless Wonderland with the Gioteck SC3 Pro Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch

Gioteck, a leading videogame accessory brand and part of Embracer Freemode, invites gamers to join them in a wireless wonderland with the release of the SC3 Pro Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, Switch OLED and PC.

Offering a raft of features expected on more expensive pro controllers, the Gioteck™ SC3 Pro range combines superb engineering and jaw-dropping looks at an incredible price point.

Customisable RGB lighting, bathes your SC3 Pro Controller in an endless combination of colours that would put any Christmas tree to shame! Complementing the eye-catching lighting, the SC3 Pro Controller offers full motion control support for Nintendo® Switch™, and for gamers who take their play seriously, the SC3 Pro range features removable magnetic Thumb Sticks which can be swapped with a second set (included in pack), allowing the gamer to adjust the length of the sticks to suit their individual playing style.

Those wanting to go pro will have all their Christmas wishes come true thanks to the programmable Back Buttons. Ideal for FPS games, players never need to take their thumbs off their sticks and ergonomic textured grips on the side of the SC3 Pro range mean that gamers are always in control of their game, even during the most heated of battles.

Every night can be a silent night with the 3.5mm headphone port and additional volume buttons, allowing for instant headset connection, and with the internal battery charged via USB-C (cable included), there’ll be no need to scramble for batteries during the great Holiday play session!

Marek Soroka, Head of Sales for Gioteck™ commented, “There’s an incredible range of new games to play this Holiday season that deserve to be experienced with a pro level controller. We know times are tough at present, which is why we wanted to deliver a big array of features for a very reasonable price. With the SC3 Pro Controller, gamers won’t believe their mince pies when they see what this incredible pad can offer!”

The Gioteck™ SC3 Pro Wireless Controller for Nintendo® Switch™ and PC retails for an SRP of £39.99. The SC3 Pro Wireless Controller for PS4™ and PC retails for an SRP of £49.99. The range of controllers are available now from www.gioteck.com, GAME, Smyths Toys, Argos and all leading gaming retailers.

SC3 Pro Wireless Controller for Nintendo® Switch™ and PC:

  • Familiar ergonomic style with traditional button layout.
  • Supports Motion Controls.
  • Programmable Back Buttons.  
  • Changeable magnetic Thumb Sticks.  
  • Programmable LED light bar.
  • 3.5mm audio headset jack, mute and volume control buttons.
  • Textured grips.

SC3 Pro Wireless Controller for PS4™ and PC:

  • Familiar ergonomic style with traditional button layout.
  • Customisable Fascia.
  • Programmable Back Buttons.  
  • Changeable magnetic Thumb Sticks.  
  • Programmable LED light bar.
  • 3.5mm audio headset jack, mute and volume control buttons.
  • Textured grips.

For more information on the Gioteck™ SC3 Pro Wireless Controller Range, visit: https://gioteck.com/product-type/controllers/

News: Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom

James Refelian
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News: Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom

Developed and published by Maze Theory, Peaky Blinders is coming to VR with Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom on 9 March 2023. Daniel got his hands on the game at EGX 2022, and I won’t lie, I was pretty jealous as I ran out of time before getting a chance. But, with the demo releasing on the incredible PICO 4, my chance has come!

What to Expect

Set in 1920s Birmingham, the world will feel familiar to fans of the hit show. This, however, is where I admit I have yet to watch it. It’s been on a list to catch up on for a long time. I know – shameful for someone who writes gaming, tech, and entertainment reviews, but what can you do? However, I know enough about to know what I wanted to see from the demo. Thankfully, it delivered.

The game promises an immersive world with iconic locations straight from the television show, such as Shelby’s Betting Shop, The Garrison pub and Charlie’s Yard. As if that wasn’t enough, the game features believable characters voiced by the cast, like Tommy and Arthur Shelby, and new characters made specifically for the game.  The voice acting is excellent, as you would expect.

Intense action scenes are shown through a compelling crime drama. As part of my research, I watched some clips for comparison, and I can safely say that the story and action live up to the show’s high standard.

The Demo

The demo is short, but it’s enough to whet the appetite as to what’s coming. Available now on PICO 4, the demo sees you meet Tommy Shelby (voiced by Cillian Murphy) and learn a little about the story that will unfold.

Graphically, the game looks incredible, taking full advantage of the PICO 4’s power to really deliver. The characters also look and feel accurate to the show, which helps you feel like you’ve stepped into the show.

Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom has intuitive controls to pick up items in the game world, like an endless supply of cigarettes, glasses, documents, guns and more. In the pub, you can sit down with Tommy himself to learn about your role as a goon for the Peaky Blinders. At the end of this scene, you can kill the man being held hostage, implying that the game will introduce decision-based mechanics, although it is unclear how that will play out in the overall game.

Final Thoughts on Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom

Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom is set up to be a fantastic game and experience for fans of the show and those who just like the idea of being a 1920’s gangster.  Graphically it looks fantastic, and even in the short time I was in the game, I couldn’t help but stop just to look around. Even things like holding a cigarette or drink felt realistic. Don’t mess with the Shelby brothers, but make sure to check out the demo and the full game by order of the Peaky Blinders!

For information about the PICO 4, head to their website or follow them on Twitter.

To learn more about Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom, head to the game’s website.

Review: Medieval Dynasty

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Medieval Dynasty

It’s fair to say that modern living is tough. Consequently, everyone is fighting to feed their family, earn enough money, and ward off any debilitating diseases. As such, I’m surprised that hardcore simulation titles are still as popular as ever. Taking a break from the monotony of life to create another harsh existence seems counterintuitive. However, this is exactly what happens in Medieval Dynasty.

Developed by Render Cube and published by Toplitz Productions, this is a survival simulation title. What’s more, there are distinct RPG elements and the usual health stats to contend with. Furthermore, this monstrously large game will take over your life. Therefore, if you have addictive tenancies, you won’t see your loved ones for the next year or so.

Hunt for your food in Medieval Dynasty.
Probably not the stealthiest approach.

Medieval Dynasty shines a light on the darkness. 

As it is set in a bygone era, I fully expected there to be some gory, unnerving, and upsetting moments. However, opening with a tale of loss and death caught me by surprise. The protagonist has had a cruel turn of luck as his family has been decimated. Subsequently, he has travelled a great distance to find his nearest relatives. Sadly, the Grim Reaper has taken them too, so he is alone, and the last of his bloodline. However, he doesn’t mope about it. Instead, he plans to lay new roots and make a fresh start in this far-off land.

Sounds dramatic, right? Well, it isn’t as Hollywood as it seems, but it’s good, nonetheless. The opening moments focus on a protracted prologue that explains the fundamentals, and the long list of things that can be done. You’ll craft buildings, create settlements, collect resources, hunt animals, make equipment, hire people, and find love. What’s more, you’ll defend your home, break the law, trade with locals, and battle the elements. Effectively, it covers the standard survival game tropes while incorporating a deep sense of belonging.

The skill tree within Medieval Dynasty is large and complex.
Can you master every skill?

It’s a slow burner. 

As expected, with any title in this genre, you get out what you put in. As such, Medieval Dynasty is a slow-burner that gets better with time. As you start, you must focus on simply surviving. Accordingly, building a shelter and harvesting food are your opening concerns. Therefore, you’ll gather resources, build rudimentary tools and traps, and get to work. Like Blue Peter, it’s amazing what you can do with some sticks, twine, and PVA glue. 

Once you pass this opening grind, the game opens up to a rich and fulfilling experience. You must concentrate on a character skill tree whilst also focusing on your reputation, trading, and expanding your settlement. Consequently, this leads to you hiring people to hunt for you, while you look for a wife to start a family. Once this happens, you can set them to work and you become Lord of your Manor. Now, it isn’t quite that straightforward, as you have the weather to contend with, taxes to pay, a thirst to quench, and hunger pangs to keep at bay. On top of this, you must manage your health and keep your people happy. As such, it’s an eclectic blend of elements that are hard work but enjoyable to manage.

Medieval Dynasty looks dated, but that’s okay. 

If you are a fan of the Elder Scrolls series, you’ll love Medieval Dynasty. Playing out from both first or third-person perspectives, you get the best of both worlds. Alongside this, a variety of environments, character models, and settlements keep things fresh. However, what wasn’t so great was the fiddly UI. With mountains of submenus and some hard-to-read text, it wasn’t as intuitive as I’d have liked. Yet, this is a minor thing, especially once you’ve invested hours of your time.

The visuals may not be perfect, but the audio was, mostly. I enjoyed the folksy soundtrack, the excellent environmental sounds, and the grunts and groans of every animal. But the crafting sound was just ridiculous. Why the developers insisted on replicating the noise of a socket wrench was beyond me. It was a minor thing, but it was so odd that it stood out like a sore thumb.

Medieval Dynasty allows you to forge your own path.
Can you tempt this lady to join you?

Ported from PC, and it shows. 

Medieval Dynasty is very much a PC port. Consequently, it has so much depth that it is overwhelming for console players. The aforementioned UI is uncomfortable and the menus are oddly stacked. As such, it takes forever to get used to. Alongside this, equipping items isn’t intuitive, and this is counterproductive in time-critical tasks. Now, these problems do dissipate over time, but it makes the learning curve unnecessarily tough.

Unsurprisingly, Medieval Dynasty is dripping with replay value and longevity. I lost track of life while playing this title. Accordingly, if you fall for its charms, the same will happen to you. With a sprawling world to discover and the freedom to do as you please, you can replay this over and over and always have a unique experience. 

Medieval Dynasty is a wonderful time sink.

I understand that the survival genre isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Moreover, the thought of living in a crueller world than our modern one is maddening. However, Medieval Dynasty is a wonderful time sink that is worthy of your time, effort, and investment. Therefore, I can easily recommend that you buy it here! Will you make a new life for yourself? Hunt, build and survive in a grim and unforgiving land. 

The Game Awards 2022 Recap

Lee Fairweather
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0
The Game Awards 2022 Recap

Last Thursday saw us celebrate another year of gaming with the annual Game Awards show. As always, Geoff Keighley and his team put on a fantastic product, allowing us as a community to get together to celebrate our little hobby.

In case you missed it, we’re going to be highlighting all of the award winners, as well as some of our favourite game announcements. If you have the time though, I’d highly recommend watching the show in its entirety. You can view it below.

Award Winners

E-Sports

The Valorant community nearly swept every award within the e-sports categories. This isn’t too surprising as Valo’s competitive scene has continued to rise in popularity over the past year. The only title they didn’t manage to claim was instead given to Riots other major title, League of Legends. Deservingly so, as the Cinderella storyline that persisted throughout that tournament was mythical.

  • Best E-Sports Game – Valorant
  • Best E-Sports Athlete – Jaccob “yay” Whiteaker
  • Best E-Sports Coach – Matheus “bzkA” Tarasconi
  • Best E-Sports Team – LOUD
  • Best E-Sports Event – The 2022 League of Legends World Championship

Genres

Retrospectively, this year was fairly diverse in terms of game stylisation. We had intense titles like Elden Ring and God of War Ragnarök, as well as light hearted jaunts like Kirby and Stray. The award winners below expertly showcase the expansiveness of this industry.

  • Best Action / Adventure Game – God of War Ragnarök
  • Best Action Game – Bayonetta 3
  • Best Family Game – Kirby and the Forgotten Land
  • Best Fighting Game – Multiverses
  • Best Indie Game – Stray 
  • Best Mobile Game – Marvel Snap
  • Best Multiplayer Game – Splatoon 3
  • Best RPG – Elden Ring
  • Best Sim / Strategy Game – Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
  • Best Sports / Racing Game – Gran Turismo 7
  • Best VR / AR Game – Moss: Book II

Miscellaneous

In today’s landscape, gaming expands across a wide array of audiences. From providing accessibility options for disabled gamers, to adapting titles for TV audiences, people from all types of backgrounds can sit back and engage with the medium they love.

  • Best Adaptation – Arcane: League of Legends
  • Best Community Support – Final Fantasy XIV
  • Best Debut Indie – Stray
  • Best Ongoing – Final Fantasy XIV
  • Content Creator of the Year – Ludwig
  • Games for Impact – As Dusk Falls
  • Innovation in Accessibility – God of War Ragnarök
  • Most Anticipated Game – The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Development

Though gamers often give developers a lot of flak, we still appreciate what they do. It’s categories like these that allow us to give our fellow dev’s some well-deserved recognition and appraisal. Plus, if this section is telling of anything, it’s that Santa Monica Studio is packed with exceptionally talented individuals.

  • Best Art Direction – Elden Ring
  • Best Audio Design – God of War Ragnarök
  • Best Game Direction – Elden Ring
  • Best Narrative – God of War Ragnarök
  • Best Performance – Christopher Judge / Kratos (God of War Ragnarök)
  • Best Score and Music – God of War Ragnarök

Game of the Year

Truth be told, any one of these nominations had an argument as to why they should’ve won the award. They are all outstanding titles which perfectly capture the different aspects of the gaming medium. Unfortunately, only one of them is able to take home the grand prize. However, in my opinion, the right game won.

  • A Plague Tale: Requiem
  • Elden Ring – Winner!
  • God of War Ragnarök
  • Horizon Forbidden West
  • Stray
  • Xenoblade Chronicles 3

As a bonus for Elden Ring fans, Hidetaka Miyazaki, the man behind the Soulsborne games, confirmed that additional content is on the way for Elden Ring!

Game Reveals

As per usual, a treasure trove of game announcements/updates was made throughout the course of the show. Whilst they are all cool in their own right, I’m only going to discuss 7 of my personal favourites here.

Armored Core: Fires of Rubicon

10 years after the last entry in the series, Armored Core is back! Admittedly, I’m not a massive fan of the mech thematic. However, even I cannot deny that this trailer looks unbelievably badass. Plus, it’s directed by one of my favourite developers of all time, so I’m guessing it’ll be great.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 is practically a match made in heaven for me. I absolutely adored the Divinity: Original Sin releases, and I’m also a huge fan of Dungeons & Dragons. I’ve been putting off playing so I can experience the complete version of the game. Thankfully, I won’t have to wait long as we now know is scheduled to come out in August 2023!

Diablo 4

At first glance, Diablo 4 seems to have fixed most of those issues that plagued Diablo 3. However, whether it’ll dethrone Path of Exile as the king of ARPG’s remains to be seen. At the very least, the CGI trailer is dope, though we’d expect nothing less from Blizzard.

Earthblade

Earthblade is an upcoming 2D Metroidvania made by the team behind Celeste, Maddy Makes Games. Although the trailer doesn’t really show off a whole lot, knowing that it’s made by the Celeste dev’s has me more than excited about this release.

Hades II

If you haven’t played Hades 1, I highly recommend you go out and buy it now. It is one of the most memorable games of the past 5 years, and deservingly won countless awards. Hades II appears to be giving us more of the same, albeit on a larger scale.

Judas

Judas is, for all intense and purposes, a spiritual successor to the Bioshock trilogy. In fact, it’s being spearheaded by Bioshock Infinite’s Creative Director, Ken Levine. Without a doubt, this is the title that piqued my interest the most.

The Lords of the Fallen

The Lords of the Fallen has had a bizarre development cycle. It was initially titled Lords of the Fallen 2, and was scheduled to be released back in 2017. However, due to multiple delays, they decided to remove the 2 prefix from the title and brand it as an entirely new game. Confused? Yeah, you’re not alone. Having said that, our first glimpse into this overhaul did not disappoint, and it looks as though it’ll be a stellar souls-like RPG.

Others

Some additional reveals included:

  • Crash Team Rumble
  • Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom of Liberty
  • Death Stranding 2 (Working Title)
  • Dune: Awakening
  • Final Fantasy XVI
  • Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores
  • STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor™
  • TEKKEN 8
  • …as well as many more.

Conclusion

And with that, we draw the curtain on the 2022 Game Awards! Once again, I highly recommend checking out the full show as it was chock full of surprises and excellent live performances. Interested in seeing what other trailers were revealed during this show? Want to check out some of the award winning speeches? You can find those by visiting The Game Awards YouTube channel here.

Review: Paper Ghost Stories: 7PM

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Paper Ghost Stories: 7PM

I have played some weird and wonderful games in my time, but Paper Ghost Stories: 7PM is up there as one of the strangest. After my first playthrough was cut inexplicably short, I was left confused. Furthermore, I genuinely thought I had completed the prologue, and expected the action to continue. However, a little research indicated that this is part of an anthology of horror tales from Cellar Vault Games. As such, these bitesize instalments are bitty and confusing, but undeniably captivating.

The episodic nature of the game reminded me of Tales from the Darkside. Consequently, you never quite know what will happen and you are always on the edge of your seat. What’s more, I expect there to be a blend of eclectic and unique characters for each iteration of this weird but haunting franchise.

Developed by Cellar Vault Games and published by Chorus Worldwide, this is an action-adventure horror title. Moreover, it comprises some visual novel mechanics and has an eerie and uncomfortable horror edge. On top of this, you’ll enjoy some meaningful dialogue where your choices matter. Yet, this short game will leave you wanting more. Subsequently, I hope the developers produce the next instalment ASAP.

They do not look happy!

Paper Ghost Stories: 7PM will make you scratch your head.

I usually don’t mind a strange and bizarre plot. But Paper Ghost Stories: 7PM takes the biscuit. Throughout each playthrough, I was left scratching my head. Not only is the story weird, but the dialogue flits between two languages, English and Malay, and this makes it tough to follow. Fortunately, though, it is translated, but it still impacts the gameplay. On top of this, the action is broken up as you switch between the 3 protagonists. This makes it tough to keep on top of things and adds another layer of confusion.

Now, it may seem like I’m complaining, but I’m not. Instead, this mysterious approach enhances the creepy and unnerving elements you’ll experience. You control Wen, Ming, and Lun as they “enjoy” the final days of the ghost festival. A new neighbour has moved into their block of flats, and the trio try to get to know them. However, little do they know that this interaction is the catalyst for the horrific encounters they are about to have. Yet, things aren’t as sinister as they seem, and the daunting and scary visions shared by the children may be more positive than they first appear.

What will happen here?

Mini-games, exploration, and dialogue.

When a game is as short as this one, I didn’t expect it to pack in so much stuff. Yet, with mini-games, exploration, and meaningful dialogue, you have plenty of game-changing moments to experience. First, the mini-games focus on the residents of the block of flats. You are expected to pick locks, dish up food, and more. The tasks lack difficulty, but they are a welcome break from the eerie story. Alongside this, there is the opportunity to explore the small residential area. By doing this, you’ll complete quests, encounter those aforementioned mini-games, and see some grisly sights. For the most part, the exploration is a means to an end as it funnels the story to its odd conclusion.

Both the mini-games and exploration elements support the excellent dialogue mechanics. What’s more, this is where the visual novel moments come into effect. With some text-heavy scenes, the action occasionally feels voyeuristic. Yet, luckily, these feelings are few and far between, as you must select your answers and manipulate each conversation to your liking. This excellent approach ensures that each playthrough is unique while demanding you return to play again.

Paper Ghost Stories: 7PM looks incredible.

Aesthetically, Paper Ghost Stories: 7PM is unbelievably incredible. The combination of 2D character models and an isometric viewpoint was fascinating to look at. Furthermore, the use of sepia colours and claustrophobic spaces enhanced the eerie nature of the game. What’s more, the creepy images are sinister and petrifying. As such, you are on edge from start to finish. Then there is the easy-to-read text. With so much dialogue dominating proceedings, it would have been awful if it was hard to read. Consequently, the developers got this element just right.

What was also fantastic was the haunting audio. The authentic Asian music and the hard-hitting tunes combined create a scary and uncomfortable atmosphere. However, with a lack of acting, and limited sound effects, Paper Ghost Stories: 7PM was reliant on its creepy text and daunting setting.

Paper Ghost Stories: 7PM asks you to investigate every room.
Investigate each room and solve the mystery.

An easy game to play.

Unlike many of its peers, this action-adventure game has undeniably simple controls. Effectively, you are required to move and complete some basic mini-games. As such, it was easy to play and simple to understand. Fortunately, the controls were responsive when needed and the button layout lacked complexity.

The short game time has to be my biggest complaint. Even with several playthroughs, you’ll experience a little over 3-4-hours of action. Now, I know this forms an anthology of stories, but I wanted much more. Thankfully, its meaningful dialogue choices had depth, as did the mini-games. Yet, I can’t help but think that it could have been longer.

Paper Ghost Stories: 7PM is a strange and short title.

Though I was disappointed by the short play time, I loved the weird and creepy nature of the plot. Its Malaysian roots and the cheeky protagonists add depth to this odd game. Moreover, the exceptional visuals and haunting audio make this little game a worthy investment. As such, I recommend that you buy it here! Will you uncover the mystery of the ghost festival? Talk to the locals, complete the mini-games, and escape each vision.

Review: Outshine

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Outshine

Normally, gamers clamber over themselves to get their hands on the latest must-play title. However, niche games, sadly, often get overlooked. Yet, these unusual and fun experiences are usually so unique that they can be hit or miss. When it is the latter, it can put you off the genre altogether. But when you find a winner, it’ll stick in your memory forevermore. Outshine does just that with its simple but challenging core mechanics.

Developed by Fishing Cactus and published by Fishing Cactus and PID Games, this is a typing adventure title. What’s more, it is wonderfully futuristic and will test your typing prowess throughout. Now, I can guess what you’re thinking. You are thinking that a game that concentrates on typing can’t be fun. However, it is moreish, challenging, and undeniably addictive. 

The moving mines are tough.
Avoid the rolling mines.

Outshine is easy to understand. 

Outshine lacks a story, and there are no characters to relate to. Yet, this matters not, as the faceless protagonist is cold, focused, and determined to succeed. The hero must traverse a range of levels on a flowing pathway. En route, they’ll encounter obstacles, enemies, and mines. Each of these problems must be avoided while focusing on the task at hand. Your job is to identify the words that appear and type them as quickly as possible.

The words vary in length and the robots become more aggressive if you alter the difficulty. Moreover, different settings adjust the challenge further still. You can make the words appear soon or later, or you can make the AI deadly and super fast. Alongside this, you can alter the number of visible letters and the speed at which you must type. Accordingly, you can make the action as easy or as hard as you like. 

The bosses in Outshine are challenging.
Can you beat the boss?

Different worlds, same obstacles. 

The action takes place in 4 different worlds that comprise unique stages. This was a great idea as the repetitive gameplay could have become tedious. Instead, the varied backdrops keep things fresh while reducing the monotony. During each run, you must move the hero left and right. By doing this, you’ll avoid obstacles and you won’t fall into any chasms. Furthermore, you’ll hopefully dodge every mine you encounter.

If you successfully type out every word and manage to survive to the end of the level, you’ll tackle an aggressive and unforgiving boss. Like the rest of the action, you can only defeat this monster if you correctly type each of the ridiculously tough words. What’s more, you’ll try to complete each task while bombs, lasers, and more are thrown your way. As such, you must be agile and divide your attention. Therefore, this is no mean feat, and you’ll fail repeatedly.

Outshine looks and performs great. 

If you enjoy neon colours and a futuristic style, then Outshine will appeal to you. Moreover, its varied but basic stage design works wonderfully with the sci-fi theme. On top of this, the stripped-back approach makes it easier to identify each word, and this balances the gameplay nicely. 

The audio was also impressive. The electronic soundtrack complements the futuristic ideas. What’s more, the shrill and loud sound effects add drama to the occasion. My only complaint is that it was tough to enjoy the audio as there was so much going on. 

Outshine demands quick typing and accuracy.
Type quickly and destroy them all.

Excellent controls. 

Though I’m normally a console gamer, I was impressed with how easy this was to play. Thanks to the basic movement arrangement, and a few special abilities, it was simple to play. The protagonist is armed with missiles and a shield and subsequently; they offer some respite from the non-stop typing. Talking of typing, the keystrokes and response rate were top-notch. Therefore, when things got hectic, it was only your lack of ability that let you down. 

With many gameplay options at your fingertips, Outshine has plenty of longevity and replay value. Moreover, there is a leaderboard to compare your typing prowess. Consequently, this basic idea works brilliantly, as it makes the action even more addictive. 

Outshine is unique, niche, and worthy of your time. 

Though Outshine is repetitive, it offers enough to keep you going. Therefore, this unique and niche game is worthy of your time. I loved its challenging ways, its demand for fast typing and perfection, and its futuristic setting. What’s more, the array of gameplay options balances the difficulty. However, its hectic and fast-paced mindset won’t be for everyone, but I adored the madness, nevertheless. Accordingly, I recommend that you buy it here! Don’t let the robots stop you. Instead, avoid the obstacles, type as fast as you can, and defeat every boss. 

Review: Gioteck HC2

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Gioteck HC2

You may not have noticed, but there is a massive football tournament going on right now. I won’t get into the political ramblings that have undermined its position, but I’m loving the spectacle and the drama on the pitch. However, I’m not here to discuss the World Cup. No, instead, I want to talk about the Gioteck HC2 (Football Edition Gaming Headset). This entry-level device is affordable and can be used on multiple platforms.

On top of this, it has decent audio and a crisp mic, and it can be customised with a small array of stickers. Furthermore, its basic design and low price point make it the perfect gift for younger gamers. If you also consider its robust nature, and its wired approach, it’s a no-thrills accessory that does exactly what it promises.

The Gioteck HC2 headset.

What’s in the box of the Gioteck HC2?

  • The compact box is adorned with vivid imagery and some key information. What’s more, it protects the contents in transit and is fully recyclable.
  • The Gioteck HC2 has a comfortable headband that can be adjusted with ease. Furthermore, the earcups have a leatherette finish and are comfortable against your head. The wire is slim and has an inline controller for both volume and microphone mute.
  • Detachable microphone. If you are a lone wolf, a microphone isn’t necessary. Consequently, it is always handy to be able to remove it when it’s not needed.
  • User guide. This straightforward headset has a simple user guide.
  • Warranty card. Gioteck has a no-quibble guarantee.
  • Stickers. 5 stickers are provided to customise your headset.

Technical aspects.

Compatibility:PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch & PC
Colour:Black
Cable length:1 metre
Driver size:40mm
Microphone type:Removable boom microphone
Noise-cancelling microphone:No
Ear cup type:Over-Ear
Ear cup material:Leatherette
Foldable:No
Adjustable headband:Yes
Interface:3.5 mm audio jack
Wireless:No
Volume control:Wheel control
Mute:Yes
Dimensions:220 x 190 x 90mm (H x W x D)
Weight:381g
Manufacturer’s guarantee:1 year

Whenever you purchase a headset, you want great build quality, excellent audio, and a crystal-clear microphone. Thankfully, the Gioteck HC2 delivers on most of these aspects. As such, I’m going to open up with the positives. The 40mm drivers deliver comfortable and distinct audio. Moreover, the range of tones was identifiable, and there was no distortion. Furthermore, there is a comfortable bass to add depth and drama.

Alongside this, the microphone was surprisingly good. When talking in both game and party chat, I experienced no crackling or echoed chat. What’s more, my team could easily hear me and there were no issues with latency. On top of this, the ability to remove the microphone was an excellent design choice. Thanks to the simple jack connection, mounting and removing the mic was a straightforward task.

Sadly, though, my first impressions of the Gioteck HC2 weren’t great. The headset is lightweight, and the finished product feels plasticky. This is then emphasised by the lacquered black finish. Accordingly, I wasn’t impressed when I unboxed it. However, opinions can change, and a headset’s job isn’t to look pretty. Therefore, my opinion on its looks is my issue, and you may love it.

Comfort and build quality.

If you enjoy extended gaming sessions, then you want something that is comfortable and built to last. The Gioteck HC2 has small earcups that sit close to your ears. Unlike its peers, this was an odd choice. Disappointingly, I found them to be too small. Yet, my children thought they were perfect. Subsequently, these are a great size for teenagers and younger children.

Because of the compact design, the headphones made my ears quite warm. Now, I didn’t mind this too much, but some gamers hate this feeling. Consequently, this is something to think about if you are considering this accessory.

Where the Gioteck HC2 excels is its robust nature. The excellent headband can be adjusted with ease and has a nice layer of padding. Furthermore, the hardened plastic can withstand some roughhousing, and this makes it great for clumsy gamers.

Are the Gioteck HC2 headphones worth it?

If you are in the market for a top-of-the-range headset, then you should look elsewhere. However, if you want an entry-level accessory with a price point to match, then you’ve come to the right place. With comfortable 40mm drivers, an excellent microphone, and a versatile approach, this is a nice accessory to use. For its price point, it deserves the MG&T Gold award, but compared with its peers, I believe a silver award is a fair review score. With this in mind, I was still impressed and I recommend that you buy it here!

(More information on Gioteck can be found here!)

Review: Ghostbuster: Spirits Unleashed

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Ghostbuster: Spirits Unleashed

As a youngster, Ghostbusters was a staple form of entertainment. Whether it was the cartoon or the video game, I couldn’t get enough. Consequently, when Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed was announced, I was understandably very excited. The thought of wearing the uniform and zapping some ghosts got my juices flowing.

Developed and published by IllFonic, Inc., this is a first-person strategy shooter. Furthermore, it can be enjoyed solo or with up to 4 friends. On top of this, you can play as a team of ghost-hunting enthusiasts, or wreak havoc as the spectral being. As such, it is a fun-filled title that is fast-paced, hectic, and more straightforward than its straight-laced peers.

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed has a throwaway story. 

Ghostbusters has never been renowned for its mind-blowing writing. However, even I expected it to deliver a rich and fulfilling story. Instead, you enjoy some classic characters, a familiar setting, and some punctuated and nonsensical moments. Subsequently, the story can be disregarded mostly as you focus on each quick round of action.

The core concept revolves around the same key principles. As the Ghostbusters, you must hunt rifts, destroy them, and capture the ghost. All the while, you’ll need to keep yourself safe, calm down the public, and be careful not to damage your surroundings. On the other hand, the ghost must petrify every civilian while avoiding detection. If they are caught, they’ll respawn at a rift and the action starts again. If you manage to scare every person, the building becomes haunted and you win. 

This is the crux of Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed. Now, it may seem like a game that is lacking depth, and you wouldn’t be wrong. However, this doesn’t mean that it is boring. No, I thoroughly enjoyed the madness that ensues. Even when playing with AI, the gameplay is fun, interesting, and original.

Catching each ghost is a fun task.
Set the trap and capture the ghosts.

Levelling up and online play. 

Everyone knows that FPS are better when played with friends. Thankfully, Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed is no different. I cherished every online experience I had, even when I lost. There is a real sense of danger and competition when playing against other humans. Moreover, there is also a tactical edge as you try to outsmart your opponents. This is easier said than done, and only by levelling up will you be able to compete.

As you play online or offline, your character will progress. Accordingly, the more you play, the better your gear becomes. Alongside this, you can complete side hustles, unlock secondary equipment, and customise your gear. This may seem like a minor thing, but it adds an awful lot to the action. You can improve your traps, PKE meters, or your proton pack. This is essential if you wish to gain a winning advantage and turn the tide of each match in your favour.

As the ghost, your options are more restricted. Instead of new gear, you simply unlock more powerful beings. Now, I loved this in theory, but it was too slow to get a new character, and I wanted more variety sooner. Consequently, this is an area that needs to be addressed ASAP. If it isn’t, there is every chance the game will stagnate and become tiresome.

Can an amateur bunch of ghostbusters save the world?
A fine team of ghostbusters.

Not enough levels. 

Another complaint is the lack of levels and tasks at hand. Yes, I enjoyed the side hustles, but unlike other shooter games, this one has no battle pass to work towards. This was understandably disappointing, as progress can plateau. On top of this, once you’ve invested considerable time into your character, there is little reason to keep playing. Again, this was a shame, as it will detract plenty of wannabe Ghostbusters. 

However, my biggest gripe is the lack of levels. With only a small smattering of stages on offer, things become stale very quickly. Furthermore, if you play against an experienced team, the action lacks balance, and this was frustrating. I’d have liked to see a larger choice of maps that rotate on a weekly basis. If this was to happen, the gameplay would stay fresh and the overall experience would be vastly improved.

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed looks great. 

For all my complaints, I loved how great it looked. The character models were detailed, and the animation was great. What’s more, the level design is interesting even if the choices are limited. Then, you must consider the detailed equipment, the amazing and grim ghostly slime, and the explosions. As such, it is a treat to look at, and I rarely tired of what I saw.

This is then complemented by the fun audio. Though the acting was occasionally wooden, it was still amusing and worked well. Alongside this, the loud and exciting sound effects add energy to every round you tackle. Moreover, I enjoyed the cinematic even if it added little to the end product.

Use your tools to find each ghost.
Can you find each ghost?

Excellent controls. 

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed has a fantastic tutorial that makes it easy to play. The developers have focused on veterans and newcomers and this balances the playing field. Thanks to the responsive inputs and well-laid-out setup, it is easy to master. 

Though I loved my time with it, it lacks longevity. Subsequently, unlike COD or Battlefield, this won’t keep you playing night after night. What’s more, its lack of a battle pass impacts its desirability and replay value. 

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed is a great casual FPS. 

If you dislike Ghostbusters, you may disregard this title altogether. However, that would be a shame as it’s a great casual experience. Furthermore, it is enjoyable with friends and easy to play. Disappointingly, though, its lack of longevity and depth undermines its potential, and that is unfortunate. Still, I enjoyed it, and I recommend you buy it here! Save the world or scare its inhabitants in this fun and casual FPS. 

Review: Castle Renovator

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Castle Renovator

Simulation titles are two a penny these days. As such, the quality can be a bit hit-and-miss. However, as I found with Ship Graveyard Simulator, there are often pleasant surprises to be had. Consequently, when I was given Castle Renovator to look at, I went into it with an open mind. Sadly, though, I was met with an unpleasant issue. In its current build, there is a visual fault that taints the screen with a red hue. Accordingly, there is a workaround where the HDR option must be switched off. Now, you may think it’s weird that I open with this information. Yet, I wanted to get it out of the way before I dissected the action.

Developed by Pyramid Games and published by Ultimate Games SA, this is a medieval building simulation title. What’s more, it has some entrepreneurial elements and some minor resource management layers. As such, it has some depth to its repetitive and basic gameplay. Therefore, if you enjoy a casual and rudimentary simulation experience, and you love the idea of owning a castle, this is probably the game for you.

Castle Renovator has some exquisite furniture to choose.
My, what a fine lion you have there.

Castle Renovator has a gentle learning curve and a simple story.

Like all great sim games, you have somehow inherited a massive patch of land from a dead relative. However, you have no idea what to do with it, and you don’t know how to use your tools. Accordingly, you must undertake an array of missions that’ll teach you the basics and reward you with cash and resources. As you work through each mission, you’ll unlock building blueprints and new furniture. Alongside this, you’ll become a landlord, earn buckets of cash, and become the Lord of the Manor.

What was great about Castle Renovator was its gentle learning curve. Thanks to the volume of missions on offer, none of the fundamentals were overwhelming. Instead, the slower approach breaks you in and lets your creative juices flow. While you undertake each quest, you must focus on a range of objectives. Normally, you are expected to clean rubbish, scrub stains, remove trees, rebuild structures, and repair furniture. On top of this, you can search for chests and find notes for extra rewards.

The missions vary in style and length, and occasionally, you’ll be asked to smash furniture and damage walls. Alternatively, you may have to build a rental property, fix a castle, or replace every item of furniture. However, if this isn’t enough, you will be asked to redecorate and replant the garden. Consequently, there is plenty to do, even if the approach is understated.

Some of the levels are filthy!
What a mess!

King of the Castle.

Completing the missions was all well and good. However, I wanted to build a castle to call my own. Fortunately, Castle Renovator allows you to build freely. The aforementioned inherited land is yours to do with as you please. What’s more, you can spend your hard-earned cash on expanding your grounds to make your property as grand as you wish. Alongside this, you may unlock new pieces of furniture by purchasing blueprints and completing a simple puzzle mini-game. This wasn’t entirely in keeping with the action, but it was a fun break from the norm, nonetheless.

Building your castle is the best part of this game. I adored the building mechanics and the simplicity of laying foundations, walls, windows, doors, and roofs. Furthermore, changing the appearance and placing furniture was equally good. Moreover, creating a decorative garden allowed you all the creative freedom you could ever desire. It was just a shame that the missions weren’t as expansive or creative as the free-play area.

Castle Renovator doesn’t look great, but it matters not.

The visual issues will put many gamers off. However, the workaround works perfectly, and the team is working on a fix. Yet, you can’t avoid the dated and rough finished product. Sadly, the screenshots make the game look much more polished than it is. Furthermore, the animation and climbing mechanics are pretty awful. On top of this, the day/night cycle was unnecessary. Because of the lighting issues, the night elements were too dark, and this made playing the game much harder. If you can put these problems to one side, you get a varied game with some nice medieval backdrops. What’s more, building a grand house was an amazing and rewarding experience.

Though the graphics weren’t great, I adored the folksy and dramatic soundtrack. The upbeat music distracted you from the repetitive tasks while transporting you to each medieval setting. Alongside this, the sound effects were great. I liked the noise of each tool and the crashing and banging of every constructed and deconstructed wall, foundation, and ceiling.

The simple designs are the easiest to work with.
Simple and easy to work with.

The controls were serviceable.

Whenever I tackle a sim game, I want to be able to adjust the control sensitivity. I despise it when cursor speeds are too fast, and Castle Renovator doesn’t have this option. Subsequently, it is tough to get used to as both the player and the cursor move at lightning speeds. Luckily, though, the inputs are responsive and the layout and UI are user-friendly.

The freedom to create the castle of your dreams will keep you playing. However, the missions are repetitive and this was disappointing. Had the developer’s incorporated creative freedom into the main body of the game, it would be vastly improved. Moreover, if a sandbox option had been included, it would have made for a much more enjoyable experience.

Castle Renovator was good, but it could be better.

I enjoy this genre of games, but even with rose-tinted spectacles, I couldn’t overlook the flaws. I appreciated the easy workaround to the visual issues, but the rest of the game was repetitive and understated compared to its peers. With such potential, this could have been an amazing game. Instead, Castle Renovator is good, but it won’t blow you away. Accordingly, I’m on the fence, but I still recommend that you buy it here! Can you make the castle of your dreams? Complete the missions, gather your resources, and be as creative as you like.

Review: Ship Graveyard Simulator

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Ship Graveyard Simulator

Occasionally, a game is announced and you immediately think, “why?”. However, when you get a chance to play it, your opinion instantly changes. Accordingly, this is exactly what happened when I was given a copy of Ship Graveyard Simulator. Who in their right mind wants to spend hours salvaging scrap from a ship? The answer, well, me!

Developed by Incubator Games and published by Ultimate Games SA, this is a simulation title. Yet, unlike its peers, it lacks that ultra-realistic touch and has an arcade edge to its approach. However, this doesn’t undermine its potential. Instead, it ensures the gameplay is straightforward, fun, and weirdly addictive. Subsequently, this is one title that’ll get under your skin, even though it shouldn’t.

Ship Graveyard Simulator has plenty of things to destroy.
Get out your hammer and get to work.

Ship Graveyard Simulator relies on its gameplay. 

Unlike other games, Ship Graveyard Simulator has next to no storyline. As such, its success is measured by its enjoyable gameplay and simple mechanics. Fortunately, its rudimentary style and easy-to-understand elements ensure that you are hooked from the off. Furthermore, like other niche sim games, it has a basic look and a simple soundtrack. However, its addictive action more than makes up for this.

You control a worker who is determined to make their fortune. Living in a desolate beach town, you’ll make money any way you can. Luckily, your home has access to hundreds of scrapped ships that need stripping down. On top of this, you can take delivery of broken vessels in order to remove valuable assets and make a killing. This is the repetitive gameplay cycle that should be boring. Yet, oddly, it isn’t. Instead, you become obsessed with taking every resource and becoming rich. Consequently, the hours melt away.

Pick each lock and find the valuable goods.
Pick the lock and find the valuable goods.

Destruction, building, and recruitment.

So, we know the action revolves around salvage and trading. However, that’s not the full picture. You must also consider a range of tools, recruitment of workers, and building key structures. Each of these elements costs money and requires resources. Accordingly, every ship that you raid gives you the ability to get rich or improve your base and equipment. On top of this, there is a thorough levelling system that makes each tool and your character more efficient. Subsequently, this simple game has a lot more depth than first anticipated. 

Your tools are used to destroy structures, cut pipes, melt joints, mop up spills, and much more. Alongside this, you will need to work safely by isolating gas supplies. Furthermore, you have limited room for resources, so choose wisely to maximise each excursion.

Improving your base is a must if you are to get the best out of this game. Accordingly, Ship Graveyard Simulator demands a balance between selling goods and upgrading your structures. To do this, you must use your furnace to combine different resources. Therefore, you’ll need to find different ingredients to create alloys, hardened steel, and so forth. This element of the game will be intriguing as it added a challenging layer to the action. Without it, the gameplay would have plateaued early on.

Ship Graveyard Simulator isn’t the prettiest of games. 

Visually, Ship Graveyard Simulator is pretty rough. There are numerous bugs, the climbing animation is poor, and there are screen tears galore. What’s more, the lighting isn’t fantastic, and the ocean is effectively a blue blanket. However, none of these issues mattered. Why? Because the developers got the important elements right. I loved the look of the tools, the sheer size and scope of each vessel, and the sprawling beach. Moreover, fans of this genre care not for looks. Instead, it’s all about the gameplay, and for me, that is spot on.

Though the audio is basic, I enjoyed it nonetheless. A blend of folksy and upbeat songs plays on a continuous loop. This jovial style is effective in preventing boredom. On top of this, I adored the sound of the tools. The realistic clunk of metal on metal and the piercing sound of your buzz saw were amazing. Furthermore, the environmental sounds were nice, especially the crashing of waves and the gentle breeze.

Driving around is the best way to travel.
Drive around and find the resources.

Excellent controls. 

I fully expected this to be horrible to play. Most simulation titles are ported from PC, and consequently, the controls normally suffer. However, thankfully, Ship Graveyard Simulator is different. Its excellent UI, responsive inputs, and superb tutorial make it fun and easy to play.

This genre is renowned for replay value and longevity. Yet, in theory, the repetitive gameplay loop should be dull and insipid. In reality, it is addictive, fun, and hard to put down. Thanks to its levelling system, building mechanics, and a fleet of ships, you’ll play this for hours.

Ship Graveyard Simulator caught me off guard. 

Never judging a book by its cover is apt. Had I gone with my gut reaction, I’d have never played Ship Graveyard Simulator. On paper, it looks to be dull, boring, and a niche experience. However, except for its graphics, it is an excellent game. As such, I recommend that you buy it here! One man’s trash is another man’s gold. Salvage scrap, build your empire, and make your fortune. 

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