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Review: Medieval Dynasty

Daniel Waite

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Dec 12, 2022

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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Dec 11, 2022

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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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Dec 11, 2022

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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.

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.

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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Dec 10, 2022

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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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Dec 9, 2022

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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.

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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Dec 9, 2022

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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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Dec 8, 2022

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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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Dec 8, 2022

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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.

Review: Until the Last Plane

Daniel Waite

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Dec 7, 2022

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World War II fascinates many people. Whether it is the brutality of each battle, the bravery of the soldiers on both sides, or the political turmoil, it is oddly intriguing. Therefore, when I was offered Until the Last Plane to review, I accepted without hesitation. Now, I’m not a massive history buff, nor am I an expert in aviation, but this game fascinated me nonetheless.

Developed by CarloC and Eastasiasoft Limited and published by the latter, this is a war simulation title. Furthermore, there are fighting elements and a sprinkling of business management. Consequently, it has many strings to its bow, and this helps to keep things interesting.

Until the Last Plane is a little confusing.

Until the Last Plane has a simple approach and multiple stories. The action is broken down across 3 campaigns; USA, Russia, and Germany. Each of these has 3 missions and different measures of success. In each campaign, you must manage your airfield, purchase supplies, and complete each mission. If successful, you’ll earn money, be promoted, and you’ll gain skill points.

Once each campaign runs its course, you are judged on your levels of success. If you are victorious, the next campaign opens, and the game continues. This is Until the Last Plane in a nutshell. Accordingly, its gameplay appears understated and straightforward. However, at first, it is confusing. Though the developers have incorporated a thorough tutorial, the finer points of squad management are poorly explained. Consequently, there is a fair bit of trial-and-error en route.

Can you shoot down every enemy in Until the Last Plane? — Shoot them down.

Missions.

Thanks to the blend of campaigns on offer, you’ll enjoy a variety of missions. These basic endeavours comprise mini-games that’ll test your reactions and dexterity. Effectively, you are asked to either shoot down an enemy plane, evade an enemy fighter, or bomb a key location or vehicle.

If you undertake the dogfighting tasks, you and your foe have set moves. Subsequently, you can only travel at a set distance as you try to outwit your opponent. Moreover, if either plane finishes in the line of sight of the other, they are shot down and must return to their airfield. The bombing, on the other hand, is easier to understand. You must choose the height to soar as you unload your bomb. Once chosen, you’ll have to stop the moving sights on your target. If you miss, the building/vehicle survives and you return to base. Alongside this, the lower you fly, the greater risk there is of being intercepted by enemy fighters.

Neither of the mission types will test you. However, the victory criteria can be challenging, and you must be mindful of this. What’s more, poor pilot management or a lack of resources will undermine your command.

3 campaigns and plenty of missions. — Which campaign will you tackle?

Pilots and resource management.

The pilots are a delicate bunch. They get stressed, lose morale, and become fatigued. Accordingly, you must rotate your team if you wish to succeed. Moreover, you assign fewer planes to each mission to manage the workload. However, if you do this, you may not have enough planes to complete each task. Subsequently, you must balance your team’s needs with that of each task.

On top of this, resource management is a key mechanic. Every vehicle must be fuelled, reloaded, and repaired. As such, you’ll need to buy each item and wait for them to be delivered. Alongside this, you must have mechanics to complete each job. Therefore, it can be tough to get things right. What’s more, if you fail to repair a plane in time, the vehicle and its pilot will be blown to pieces. Consequently, you’ll want to prioritise repairs over anything else.

Thankfully, things get better because of a generous skill tree. As each mission is completed, skill points are awarded. These are then spent on making your planes faster, more agile, and stronger. This was an excellent approach from the developers as it mixed up the action while balancing the field.

Until the Last Plane is dated.

Thanks to its fixed-screen perspective and pixelated aesthetics, Until the Last Plane is dated. Now, this isn’t a bad thing as it works perfectly with the genre and theme. Furthermore, the sepia colour palette and blocky text age the cinematic further still. Moreover, the basic sprites and simple menus won’t wow you, but they are serviceable and pleasant to look at. On top of this, the varied backgrounds and interesting vehicle designs are pleasant.

The audio is equally suitable. With hard-hitting sound effects and a lairy soundtrack, it is dynamic and aggressive. What’s more, its 8-Bit sounds match the retro style. However, I was disappointed by the lack of acting. With so many cutscenes, it would have been better to have them acted. Instead, you endure a fair bit of text during each mission.

You'll need to build parts to repair your planes. — Make sure you have enough parts to repair your planes.

Simple controls.

A basic concept needs simple controls. Thankfully, Until the Last Plane is as straightforward as it comes. Thanks to the excellent UI and responsive inputs, you’ll be flying like an Ace pilot in no time. Moreover, the management of resources and the rotation of pilots was a cinch.

With 9 missions of varying degrees of difficulty, this has plenty to keep you going. However, it lacks a free-play mode, and that was disappointing. On top of this, I’d have liked to see a greater variety of missions to keep things fresh.

Until the Last Plane is a fun and challenging experience.

I bemoaned the confusing opening, but once this is passed, the action is fun and challenging. With a relatively deep management system and a thorough skill tree, there are many plates to spin. Accordingly, it’ll keep you busy as you fight for each nation. I enjoyed the fighting, the aesthetics, and the simple approach. Therefore, I recommend you buy it here! Can you be victorious and keep everyone happy? Shoot your foes, bomb your targets, and party like no one is watching.

News: Revolution X Pro

Daniel Waite

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Dec 7, 2022

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At times, an accessory is released that wows its audience. When this happens, it is hard to see where it can be improved. Consequently, the adage if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it comes into play. Back in May, I reviewed the incredible Revolution X Pro controller, and I adored it. Now, Nacon has improved its range by including two spectacular liveries to its range.

Originally, the Nacon Revolution X Pro was available in white and black. However, UK stockists and the Nacon website are proud to offer Urban and Forest themes. Subsequently, not only do you get an amazing controller that is jam-packed with features, your setup will look awesome at the same time.

So, why is this controller so amazing? Well, you can adjust the weight to get the right balance. It has Dolby Atmos for headphones included, there are mappable buttons, it feels wonderfully comfortable, and it is also robust. On top of this, it can be used for both Xbox and PC, the analogue sticks are interchangeable, and it is delivered in a handy and professional carry case.

Technical aspects of the Revolution X Pro.

Compatible	Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Connection	Detachable USB-C
Wireless	No
Cable included	Yes
Cable length	300 cm
Software	Yes
Headset jack	Yes, 3.5mm
Surround sound	Dolby Atmos for headphones
Joystick position	Asymmetric
Profiles	Yes
Programmable buttons	Yes
Backlighting	RGB

Extreme customisation: Gamers can choose the stick style and controller’s weight, and also tune it with the Revolution X app (trigger responsiveness, stick curves, button mapping).
Total immersion: Dolby Atmos for Headphones for precision audio.
Designed for competition: Playing competitively or just for fun, the Revolution X guarantees latency-free gaming.

A great gift this Christmas.

If you are stuck for Christmas ideas, then the Revolution X Pro controller is a fine choice. No matter what colour you pick, the recipient will be pleased as punch. Accordingly, I can’t help but love the new colour scheme. Therefore, why not spoil someone this year, and make their gaming dreams come true?

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

Review: Bot Gaiden

Daniel Waite

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Dec 7, 2022

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Stupidly tough games aren’t for the faint of heart. Consequently, those who take on these mammoth games deserve a medal. Normally, whenever I hear about a cruel endeavour, I give it a wide birth. However, as a reviewer, I sometimes get caught out. As such, when that happens, I have to put on my big boy pants and get on with it. Unsurprisingly, when I was given Bot Gaiden to review, I winced. This fun, colourful, but tough title had me screaming from the first level.

Developed by Swordswipe Studios and Eastasiasoft Limited and published by the latter, this is a hardcore platform experience. What’s more, it is designed with cooperative action in mind. Subsequently, the action is easier and more enjoyable when played with another. However, sadly, rarely did this happen, and so I had to grit my teeth and bear it.

Bot Gaiden is all about fast movement and destructive power. — Leave destruction in your wake.

Bot Gaiden demands razor-sharp reactions.

Robyu and Bytron are ninja robots with a problem. Their power skulls have been stolen, and they must battle Giorqio’s 6 Hench-bots to recover them. Yet, this is easier said than done, as traps, enemies, and obstacles stand in your way. Furthermore, you have limited lives, an array of power-ups, and many other issues to contend with. Accordingly, completing Bot Gaiden is tough and will punish veteran gamers.

You’ll explore a range of worlds that are colourful and tough to traverse. Moreover, every enemy you face wants to kill you in any way they can. Therefore, you must use your razor-sharp reactions and nimble dexterity to complete each stage. But this isn’t all. No, each hero has a range of weapons to use that’ll tip the odds in their favour. With missiles, boomerangs, shurikens, and more, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with. Alongside this, you can use your ninja moves to leap gaps and annihilate your foes.

It's not every day that you get to see a horse with guns. — Just a horse with guns.

Limited lives, new abilities, and tough bosses.

What makes Bot Gaiden particularly hard is its limited lives approach. Consequently, you are one step closer to failure every time you die. If you do perish, and you will, you restart at the last checkpoint. Yet, if you lose all your lives, the run is over, and you lose your progress. Now, this may seem pretty standard. However, when the gameplay is so harsh, it is a kick in the balls.

If somehow you manage to complete a level, you are judged on your performance. If you excel, you’ll be awarded a powerful new ability. Alternatively, if you do OK, or you just scrape through, you’ll get a more appropriate prize. Thankfully, though, each ability helps you no matter how good they are. As such, each playthrough gets easier the better your hero becomes.

Completing each stage isn’t an easy task. Once you’ve navigated the mountain of obstacles and enemies, you must face a gargantuan Hench-bot. These all-powerful machines are unfairly harsh and take something special to defeat them. Moreover, you’ll need to be on top of your game and master every skill if you want to stand a chance.

Bot Gaiden looks incredible.

Though I found Bot Gaiden to be cruel and unfair, I loved its presentation. Both the visuals and audio were incredible. With vivid and clean imagery, striking backdrops, and interesting sprites, it was spectacular. Furthermore, the combat animation and enormous bosses looked phenomenal. Consequently, the developers have delivered a wonderfully stunning game.

The audio adds depth to the excellent graphics. With aggressive music, loud sound effects, and futuristic noises, I fell for its charms. Moreover, its upbeat nature makes you forget about the cruel and repetitive drama that you must overcome.

Bot Gaiden is full of dark and ominous bosses. — This looks ominous.

Responsive controls.

Had the controls been woeful, I’d have hated Bot Gaiden. However, the responsive and well-considered approach makes this tough game bearable. Furthermore, an easy-to-follow tutorial highlights the fundamentals during the first chapter. Subsequently, you’ll understand what must be done immediately.

Because of its sheer brutality, Bot Gaiden is overflowing with replay value. Moreover, the scoring system and the range of abilities will keep you going. On top of this, the harsh achievement list will taunt completionists from the off.

Bot Gaiden is an excellent indie title.

I adored this game. What’s more, the cooperative mechanics and excellent stage design make it moreish and fun. Alongside this, the striking graphics and loud audio are captivating. Yet, it is extremely tough to play solo, and this will put some gamers off. Accordingly, you’ll need a thick skin if you try to tackle this alone. However, I cherished the savagery and recommend that you buy it here! Can you find your power skulls? Jump, dive and fight your way to victory.

Riot Games MMO Predictions

Gaming

Lee Fairweather

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Dec 6, 2022

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Over the past few years, the MMO genre has gone through a semi-resurgence. World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy 14, the two titans of the industry, retain an estimated daily player count of 2 million users. Lost Ark, after years of hype and anticipation, finally launched for the western market in early 2022. While not as popular as WoW or FF14, it still manages to retain over 300,000 active players per day. Heck, even New World, for all of its faults, managed to persuade over 1 million gamers to purchase a copy on the day of its release. If nothing else, this showcases that gamers are willing, and eager, for the next big hit.

It should come as no surprise then that Riot Games, who have actively been expanding into every known genre, expressed interest in developing a game within the MMO space. Conformation of this rumour was lackadaisically announced on Twitter, via Greg “Ghostcrawler” Street, thus fulfilling a long-time request of the LoL fanbase.

Unfortunately, Riot hasn’t revealed much about what this game will entail. However, this does allow us to have some fun. In this article, I’m going to be discussing, and predicting, 4 different topics. Why 4? Because, as all Jhin mains know, 4 is the perfect number. So, without any further ado, let’s get into it.

Gameplay Systems

There are a number of different gameplay systems that Riot could take advantage of. Each one comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, and there isn’t really a right or wrong decision. Let’s analyse a few of the options.

Tab Targeting

Popularised in 1999 by Everquest, Tab Targeting continues to be one of the most prolific systems used in the MMO landscape. The name, unsurprisingly, originates from pressing tab to lock your camera onto an enemy in the game. While this helps to keep things fairly straight forward, some people in the community disregard this mechanic as being old and outdated.

Unfortunately for the players in this camp, Ghostcrawler, who is one of the leads on this project, and who previously worked on World of Warcraft, has recently given his approval of the Tab Targeting system. Regardless, I personally wouldn’t slate this as the primary choice.

Real Time System

Players who dislike Tab Targeting usually prefer a more transformative gameplay approach. While games such as Black Desert Online focus on PvP for their late game content, there is no reason as to why a real time system couldn’t be incorporated into a PvE setting.

Having said that, I think this design choice has the least likelihood of appearing in Riots MMO. It hasn’t been proven on a particularly large scale, and that may scare Riot from going down this route.

Isometric ARPG

Although some players may want a traditional style MMO, it would make a lot of sense for Riot to settle on the currently popular MMOARPG genre.

Inherently, MOBAs and Action RPGs share a lot of similarities. This means that translating the gameplay of LoL would, in practice, be thematically straight forward. It would also allow longstanding players of League to comfortably transition over to their MMO as well. If I was betting on it, this would be the style I’d expect them to go with.

Playable Races

The world of Runeterra, and beyond, is inhabited by a plethora of unique creatures. Narrowing it down to what will be playable is no easy feat. Though, at the very least, we can take an educated stab at it.

Races

Humans

Humans are the most prevalent race in all of Runeterra, inhabiting practically every region. Almost every MMO has them, and this one will be no different. Examples of humans include Yasuo, Akali, and Jinx.

Yordles

These tiny adorable creatures were, until recently, considered to be a species with a limited population. LoR showcased a variety of brand new Yordles, which seemingly indicates they will indeed be playable in the MMO. Some examples of Yordles include Tristana, Teemo, and Heimerdinger.

Vastaya

These are the species that share both human and animalistic traits. They are incredible prevalent throughout history of Runeterra, and many of them play a vital role within the lore. Some examples of Vastaya include Ahri, Xayah, Rakan, and Neeko.

Golem

These are sentient beings which have been created artificially. Though deemed immoral by some, the motives of these creatures are usually indicative of their creator. Examples include Blitzcrank, Orianna, and Galio.

Subraces

Undead

These are creatures that have been kept within the physical realm after dying, usually through a physical object or magical entity. Some examples of undead include Kalista, Pyke, and Sion.

Cyborg

Although similar from the outset, Cyborgs are different than golems. They are classified as a race which was naturally birthed, then partially augmented/upgraded. Some examples include Camillie, Viktor, and Urgot.

Future World Events

World events are a big part of every MMOs content lifecycle. Thankfully for us, Riot has numerous possibilities at their disposal in this department.

The Void Invasion

Created during the birth of the universe, The Void is an endless space of nothingness. No sight, sound, taste, touch, or smell existed inside this plane, until, one fateful day, when a gateway to the Physical Realm appeared. The inhabitants of the Void, known as the Watchers, attempted to pass through this rift, but ultimately failed due to Lissandra’s intervention.

The Watchers then created the Voidborn to act on their behalf inside the Physical Realm. Their ultimate goal is to return The Void back to the way it was before the rift opened. They are incredibly powerful creatures, and it will take the combined efforts of each region to stand a chance of defeating them.

Aurelion Sol Unleashed

In the early years of Runeterra, the Aspects of Targon imprisoned the celestial being known as Aurelion Sol. Through the use of a magical Golden Crown, they were able to command him to do their bidding. However, it appears as though the magic that is restricting his powers are starting to diminish. If he regains his free will, then he will undoubtably enact his revenge upon all of Runeterra.

An Empire Reborn

The civilization of Shurima was catastrophically wiped out during the botched Ascension of its last Emperor. Rumours have begun circulating around the deserts that Emperor Azir has arisen from his slumber, and along with him, the resurrection of the Shurima capital city.

The world of Runeterra has changed dramatically since he was last in power though. Noxus, for example, is currently invading the shorelines of Shurima. Azir may intend to lead a counter attack to drive them back, effectively starting a war. He may also plan to Ascend some of his loyal subjects into unstoppable killing machines. Whatever he ends up doing, only time will tell if it has any repercussions.

Villains and Antagonists

Lastly, no MMO is truly complete without a villainous fiend for the players to overcome. World of Warcraft had The Lich King, RuneScape had Sliske, and Runeterra has… well, a lot. Let’s take a look at some of the evil doers.

Mordekaiser

Twice slain, and thrice born. Existing for over 1000 years, Mordekaiser has one goal, to control both the living and death realms. He is basically indestructible, so, naturally, we will probably defeat him in a final expansion raid at some point.

Viego

The Ruined King might have been thwarted by the Sentinels, but it’s safe to assume that Riot have imprisoned him temporarily to be released at a later date. A story full of tragedy and edgy goodness, Viego is already solidified himself as a fan favourite. As such, I believe he will be the initial villain we face in the game.

Thresh

Thresh is a character that is always multiple steps ahead. A relentless and sadistic force, his true motives are rather ambiguous. Regardless of what he has planned, the Chain Warden will continue to obtain and torture souls until he is stopped. I anticipate that he will be used during Viego’s plotline since they are both interconnected.

Aatrox

Bound to his weapon and forever seeking death, Aatrox brings destruction to wherever he roams. Branded as a Darkin, he is desperately trying to enact revenge on the Aspects who imprisoned him in the first place. Although I hope I’m wrong about this, I don’t think Aatrox will be a key enemy in the game. However, I could see him being sorted into a Shurima related dungeon.

Veigar

The tiny master of evil was once a happy go lucky Yordle. However, after being imprisoned and tortured by Mordekaiser, he now seeks to use the power of the stars to inflict his sinister will… though, these plans usually end up backfiring for Veigar. I expect to see our very good, very evil villain in a Yordle-based questline.

Release Date?

MMOs take an incredible amount of time create, and while no specific date has been provided by Riot, we can safely assume that it is still 2-5 years away from completion. You can rest assured though that when new information is revealed by Riot, we will be the first to provide coverage on it.

Need more League of Legends related content? Check out my Ruined King review here.

Review: Gamesir G7

Daniel Waite

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Dec 6, 2022

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For some gamers, the traditional and official controllers are enough to appease them. However, for many players, these excellent but standard accessories simply won’t do. Sadly, they lack a competitive edge, and there are no programmable buttons. Accordingly, this is where the elite peripheral market shines. With some whacky designs, mountains of custom options, and excellent build quality, you’ll struggle to pick from the vast number of controllers on offer. Yet, this review of the Gamesir G7 should help clear things up.

This amazing wired controller gives you the build quality and competitive edge of its peers but at a fraction of the cost. What’s more, the wired approach ensures that latency is reduced and that battery power is no longer a concern. On top of this, it has interchangeable faceplates, an app to adjust the settings, and there are mappable buttons to the rear for that elite edge. Moreover, the build quality is fantastic and the tactile grips and ergonomic design ensure it is comfortable for extended gaming sessions.

The Gamesir G7 is a rapid and responsive gaming controller. — A rapid controller that is ideal for FPS.

What’s in the box of the Gamesir G7?

The simple but striking box highlights every key selling point. Furthermore, the contents are well-packaged and nicely presented. On top of this, every element can be recycled, and this was fantastic.
The Gamesir G7 controller looks similar to many controllers. To the rear, you’ll find two customisable buttons, and on the front, there is the addition of an M button for additional functionality. The pad has a comfortable weight and rubberised grips for comfort. Moreover, the triggers and bumpers have a textured finish, like the Microsoft official controller.
Spare faceplate. With the option of a magnetised black or white faceplate, you can customise the controller to your liking.
USB-C cable. A 10-foot braided cable enables you to play comfortably on both your Xbox and PC.
User guide. With customisable buttons and an app to download, you’ll need to read the guide to get the best from this controller.
1-month Game Pass. A free 1-month subscription for new users.

Technical aspects.

Whenever I look at a new controller, it must be an improvement on the one I’m already using. Thankfully, the Gamesir G7 does that across every single aspect. Not only is it comfortable to use, but the mechanical triggers have a low and responsive actuation. Subsequently, a 0.6mm actuation distance gives you a competitive edge. On top of this, you can activate a hair trigger mode whenever you are playing FPS titles. This minor adjustment ensures that you are split seconds ahead of your opponents, and this gives you a winning edge.

On top of this, the Gamesir G7 comes with a polling rate of 265Hz and a low latency response time of <0.044s. Now, this may sound complicated, but it isn’t. Effectively, this controller will help you to dominate every game while delivering a buttery smooth experience. This is helped further by the market-leading precision-tuned tech. The Hall Effect reacts to the slightest movement compared to standard controllers. Consequently, you’ll get precise liner control during every gaming session.

The Gamesir Nexus App.

We know that the Gamesir G7 is responsive and feels great. However, what about its usability? Well, thanks to the free-to-download Gamesir Nexus App, you are in complete control. This excellent piece of software allows you to adjust every element of the controller on the fly. You can alter the mapping, the deadzone for the analogue sticks, the vibration and the trigger actuation points.

Now, you may worry that this is complicated, but it really isn’t. The simple-to-use app talks you through every step and your saved profile is transferred seamlessly to your controller. Furthermore, adjustments can be made when gaming with or without the use of the software. As such, you are in complete control of your settings.

The Gamesir Nexus app is easy to use. — An easy to use app.

Is the Gamesir G7 worth it?

With a vast selection of controllers on the market, you may wonder if this is worth your time and money. Well, for the price, you can’t get any better. Its nearest rival has to be PowerA, and though their controllers have a unique appearance, the Gamesir G7 has a better build quality and more features. Furthermore, I couldn’t fault the excellent app and the responsive buttons. Moreover, the comfortable textured grips and triggers give it a professional edge.

If I was to find fault, it would be that there isn’t a wireless option. However, third-party pads are rarely wireless, so I wasn’t too bothered. What’s more, the wired approach makes it versatile for both PC and console gaming. When I look at the pros and cons, the Gamesir G7 has many more positives than negatives. As such, if you are in the market for an inexpensive but feature-packed controller, I recommend that you buy it here!

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

The Gamesir G7 has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold award.

Review: Firefighter Simulator – The Squad

Daniel Waite

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Dec 6, 2022

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Review: Firefighter Simulator – The Squad

Many of my family and friends serve in the emergency services. As such, I hear the banter and how harsh they are to each other. Firefighters are normally the butt of all jokes and apparently, they spend most of their time sleeping. However, I’m not so sure about that and I certainly wouldn’t want to run into a burning building. Now, saving a cat from a tree is definitely more of my thing. Yet, I’m not sure they’ll hire me just for that role. Consequently, when Firefighter Simulator – The Squad came to my attention, I thought, now is my time to shine.

Developed by Chronos Unterhaltungssoftware UG and published by Astragon Entertainment, this is a hard-hitting simulation title. What’s more, it can be enjoyed solo or with up to three friends. Therefore, you can tackle fires, rescue people, and save buildings from the safety of your own chair.

Each fire will test your resolve. — Can you quench that fire?

Firefighter Simulator – The Squad is dramatic and challenging.

Unlike some simulation titles, Firefighter Simulator – The Squad has no story. Instead, each mission has multiple objectives, and the only form of progression is a basic levelling system. Now, this may seem dull and stripped back. However, the action is anything but. Instead, what I experienced was a dramatic and challenging game that keeps you entertained throughout.

The action begins with an in-depth and fun tutorial. Here, you’ll learn the fundamentals and the best way to tackle each blaze. You’ll be instructed on ways to smash windows and doors, how to set up the truck, and the best way to use the extendable ladder. Furthermore, you’ll understand how to rescue people, the risk of smoke and blowback, and other dangers. But this isn’t entirely necessary, as the developers have dumbed down the action. Subsequently, every task is relatively easy to complete and your only stress is the time it takes to finish each job. Normally, you’ll be asked to switch off the electricity, save injured or trapped individuals, and quench each fire. This is the crux of the gameplay loop and it’s oddly addictive, even if it is straightforward.

Firefighter Simulator - The Squad has 6 trucks to unlock. — Which truck will you use?

Choose your firetruck and mission, and get to work.

The levelling system allows you to unlock bigger and better vehicles. With 6 on offer, you’ll upgrade from a rudimentary truck to a massive vehicle with loads of tools and an extendable ladder. However, no matter which one you choose, they are all suitable for each job. As the mission begins, you can choose to play solo or online. After that, you pick whether to drive to the scene or start at the source of the blaze. If you choose to drive, you’ll be scored on how long it takes to arrive. Sadly, the driving wasn’t as fun as it should have been, as the AI simply moves out of your way. Furthermore, there are no penalties for crashing, so you keep going no matter the danger.

Once you arrive on the scene, you must assess the situation and plan a quick course of action. If you are a solo gamer, you’ll command your squad mates. On the other hand, if you are playing online, you must connect supply hoses and work together to complete each mission. The online mode is where this excels as the AI is bloody awful. What’s more, they rarely listen to commands and they’ll stand in the fire for no reason at all.

This is a problem that needs to be addressed by the developers. When the solo gameplay worked, it was fascinating, enjoyable, and dramatic. Moreover, issuing commands and getting your tactics right was rewarding. However, when your teammates simply stand around while engulfed in fire, it isn’t realistic, and it’s bloody annoying.

Firefighter Simulator – The Squad looks great.

The simulation genre isn’t the prettiest one around. Normally, the developers focus on gameplay rather than graphics. As such, the finished product is normally rough and full of bugs. Luckily, Firefighter Simulator – The Squad looks great, mostly. There is the occasional issue with clipping the scenery or vehicles disappearing, but it matters not. Instead, I was impressed by the character animation, the movement of the water, and the oppressive nature of each fire. Moreover, the smoke mechanic was amazing as each room darkened and your visibility was reduced. On top of this, the excellent targeting system was easy to look at and simple to understand.

Another amazing element of this game is the audio. The high-energy music sets the scene, whereas the crackling of the fire, the rush of water, and the crashing of buildings are enthralling and captivating. However, the soundbites were annoying, especially when the AI couldn’t complete a task. Like a toddler, your squad repeats the same phrase until you instruct them otherwise. Alongside this, the bizarre screaming whenever you walk into a fire was unrealistic and repetitive.

Firefighter Simulator - The Squad demands that you use the right tool for the job. — Grab the right tool and break in.

The radial controls weren’t great.

The usual PC-to-console porting issues are experienced within this title. Disappointingly, the radial menus are clumsy and this impacts the ability to control your AI squad. Instead of simply completing tasks as requested, your teammates run towards you, then complain about a lack of equipment, and finally decided to help out. Maybe I missed the point, or the tutorial wasn’t clear, but I failed to get to grips with issuing orders, and that was frustrating.

With mountains of missions to complete, an array of obstacles to overcome, firetrucks to unlock, and a grading system for each job, there is plenty to do. On top of this, there is the fun multiplayer action that keeps you playing for hours. Accordingly, it has both longevity and replay value.

Firefighter Simulator – The Squad is good, but issues hold it back.

I knew I’d like Firefighter Simulator – The Squad as I adore the genre. Yet, its minor issues annoyed me. I couldn’t get past the poor AI and the frustrating command system. If these problems were solved, the solo gameplay would be vastly improved. However, as a multiplayer game, it is phenomenal. If you have a great bunch of friends, you’ll love arguing and quenching every blaze you see. Consequently, I can happily recommend that you buy it here! Being a real-life firefighter is tough, dangerous, and not for me. Instead, sit back, turn on your console, and become a virtual firefighting hero.