Review: You Suck at Parking

Daniel Waite
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Review: You Suck at Parking

Racing games come in many guises. From arcade classics to ultra-realistic beauties, they offer plenty of variety and great settings. However, few are as frustrating or as rage-inducing as You Suck at Parking. It’s addictive and “just one more go” gameplay will suck you in for hours and leave you screaming relentlessly.

Developed and published by Happy Volcano, this is an arcade racing title. What’s more, it is brutally challenging and will test the best virtual drivers. Consequently, you’ll break your controller and lose your temper, but you won’t be able to put it down. Thanks to its simple approach and teasing action, you’ll always believe you have a chance. In reality, however, it’ll kick you about the park and laugh in your face as you weep.

It's flying time.
Power up and fly as far as you can.

You Suck at Parking is a brilliant casual title.

You’ve probably already guessed, but You Suck at Parking made me rage quit many times. Yet, my break from its moreish action was minimal, as I was desperate to be victorious. However, if you so wish, you can enjoy its array of stages casually. Thanks to its straightforward approach, getting back into the action was no hardship. But overcoming the array of obstacles and problems was another thing altogether.

You drive a basic vehicle that can be customised with whacky designs (more on this later). This car can not reverse and if you stop, it is classed as parking. Therefore, you must keep moving until you reach your designated parking bay. Moreover, each level has a set goal and an equal number of cars to drive. If you navigate each course and use the right number of vehicles, you’ll get a perfect score. Alternatively, you can simply complete each stage and move on to the next if you are struggling.

This is You Suck at Parking in a nutshell. You must avoid the crazy obstacles, drift, slide, jump into each parking bay, and explore some insane locations. The further you progress, the harder the game becomes. Consequently, it quickly tests your resolve, patience, reactions, and skills as you move from island to island.

Some of the roads are tight and dangerous.
Drift and slide your way to victory.

Traps, police, and a season pass. 

What makes You Suck at Parking so great is its eclectic blend of death-inducing traps. With giant fans, boxing gloves, electric fences, swinging hammers, and the police to avoid, it gets messy very quickly. Alongside this, there are plenty of other problems you must acknowledge if you wish to be successful. One of the greatest issues, however, is managing your fuel consumption. If your car runs out of juice, you’ll stop and your vehicle is parked. This was particularly infuriating when you are in sniffing distance from your goal. Yet, this cruel mechanic is also rewarding. There was nothing better than sliding into a parking bay as your car ran out of gas.

So, you complete each stage, but what do you get for it? Well, you are awarded XP that unlocks cosmetic items. This sounds great, but only a few are free as the rest are hidden behind a season pass! Yes, the great cash-making scheme of microtransactions raises its ugly head again. This bane of the gaming industry is strong within this title, and that was disappointing. I despise this approach at the best of times, but it was made worse as it is unnecessary. What’s more, other than some customisation, it adds little value to the experience.

You Suck at Parking is bright and nice to look at. 

You Suck at Parking reminded me of Art of Rally. Its voxel-inspired graphics and colourful landscape were fantastic to look at. Moreover, I enjoyed exploring the main world and discovering each hidden level. The isometric viewpoint worked particularly well with the fast-paced action and the tight and windy tracks. This was an excellent choice from the developers, as it made the game much easier to play. What was also good was the smooth animation and trouble-free gaming. On top of this, the level designs were interesting and the variety of settings was also good.

I was also impressed by the high-energy and jovial soundtrack. This was brilliantly accompanied by some loud sound effects and the obnoxious sound of horns and sirens. In short, it was ear-splitting and uncomfortable, but it enhanced the fast-paced nature of the game.

You suck at Parking is rewarding and frustrating.
Well done, now get on and park the rest.

Simple controls. 

When reverse gear is removed, all you must focus on is acceleration, steering, and staying alive. Accordingly, You Suck at Parking has extremely simple controls to master. Fortunately, the responsive inputs make it easy to navigate the windy and often claustrophobic tracks. What wasn’t so easy, however, was tackling every obstacle you faced. As such, plenty of practice was necessary to perfect each level. 

Undoubtedly, this has oodles of replay value. Not only is it a phenomenal single-player endeavour, but it is also a competitive and fun multiplayer game. With online leaderboards and arena-based fun, you will lose hours battling your friends. Alongside this, trying to perfect each level is no mean feat. Moreover, you must tackle some horrendously hard “master” levels as you progress. Consequently, this will test you throughout and will demand you keep playing. 

You Suck at Parking is brilliantly brutal. 

As much as I hated losing, I couldn’t put it down. You Suck at Parking is so painfully addictive that it should come with a warning. You’ll scream, cry, and quit as you try, yet fail to park every vehicle. Yes, I hated the microtransactions, but these can thankfully be ignored. Subsequently, I can easily recommend that you buy it here! Will you avoid every obstacle and become a parking legend? Jump, drift, and slide your way to victory. 

Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection

Natosha M
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Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection

Are you ready to start singing the tune, naming each turtle, and taking down Shredder? Well if you were a huge fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles(TMNT) back in the day or as of now, cause they’re still playing on the TV constantly in so many new styles or even in movies. Then, you need to give this game a try and add TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection to your gaming collection!

There are so many classic games to choose from, and plenty that many have never seen before. It brings back those classic arcade action fun and the love for a team of familiar cartoon characters in either black and white or color. However, what is marvelous about this one game is that you have a total of 13 with 11 new ones that have never been seen or played in North America cause they were only released in Japan. Therefore, you’ll be granted not just a handful of games, but s many to fight your way through.

This leads me to ask one question. Do you have what it takes to bring down Shredder and his large following of foes? Well if you are ready to go ninja and choose a turtle, then nothing will be holding you back!

🐢 How Was The Game 🐢

I must first start by saying that there are so many games in one download for the Xbox One and can also be played on Nintendo Switch. Each of these games comes from different consoles, all past and classic consoles. Some are arcade-style games, a few were presented first on the classic Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Sega, and even Gameboy consoles. Everyone is packed with plenty of ninja-style fighting moves that if you know the turtles, you know all TMNT games will be about fighting. So there is no doubt, that this collection is fully entertaining, and what really spikes my interest is the many to choose from!

I’ve been a big fan of the classic 80s TMNT and still love them throughout the years. They were always wonderful to watch and hilarious as well to watch on TV. Especially my favorite, Michelangelo who just made the entire show humorous with his foolish behavior and his large craving for pizza. Plus, each of them was named after artists another reason I loved the turtles, is cause I love art!

So what do you get with this game? I can tell you that there are plenty of excellent graphics when it comes to playing these old games on a newer console. You get beautiful clear graphics, and a choice to save when you like or even rewind if you need to, and play against others online or local. Plus, the artwork is another thing to admire. Especially when you just start the game, you have this cool comic book-style design and an entertaining, action-packed song that plays in the background.

When you do choose a game you’ll notice this nice framing of art that borders the game. No matter the game you play, it’s going to appear as if you are seeing each game on a smaller monitor with a border design that covers each side. I don’t find it unpleasing, it just reminds me of an arcade game or an actual size screen I’d play if it was a classic console. I’m sure not everyone will enjoy seeing a smaller screen to play the game on, but for me, it’s perfectly fine.

Below is a list of games included in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection and a few of my own opinions of each game:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Arcade)

The first thing when playing this game is the song which feels quite refreshing. Especially, those who loved that tune from the classic TV show. This is one of the games that come in color and have an option of 4 players. It feels like an arcade game with such bright and nice graphics as you move and fight through each location. The game is harder when you are a single player since there are so many enemies attacking you at the same time. Not fair if there are 4 or so enemies coming after you and they do move fast!

I also felt it got a little tiring hearing the same phrase repeated over and over, cowabunga. Yet, the movements are smoother, and so is the design of the turtles. I think this is one of the flashiest and action-packed versions in this collection, as there are even alerts to tell you to move forward and so much going on. It’s way faster and maybe a bit more challenging to get far in this game, thankful for the save feature.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Nintendo Entertainment System)

This game really explains through a little video clip of every character hero you can play as. From their name and the weapons they use, which is very nice for first-time players and those who have no idea who makes up the team of the TMNT. Now for the game, it’s a very fun one-player game where you can choose who you want to be. It doesn’t tell you how to play, but it’s quite simple to pick up, and as simple as the game is to play and use the controls, so are the colors of the enemies and the scenery.

There are 4 turtles to play through in this game and each has its own weapons to use. You can either just die and you can choose one of the other turtles to play or you can also change the player by pausing the game and choosing who you want to be. Even at the pause menu, Master Splinter tells you to fuel up with pizza to keep your energy up.

So as mentioned above, It’s a simple game to play and understand. Very easy to control, with not many buttons needing to be recalled, which is normal for an arcade and classic game. Also, if you ever played this before, it will bring back memories and remind you how simple it was back then and challenging to defeat enemies with just a horizontal or vertical use of a weapon. Plus, the many other things you can do in the game to stop the enemies from destroying the different locations you visit.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time (Arcade)

I like that it starts with you choosing a character right at the beginning, and it gives you this little warning to not do drugs before playing. I found that to be a bit cute and a nice addition for players, especially young players to follow through with. Also, the game is similar to the TMNT game before this one on the list of games. It seems as if the movements are faster and so are the enemies. However, the repetitive saying can be a little much. However, the color and gameplay are better and a bit more exciting with all the different moves and ways you can attack each enemy. It’s not such a bad arcade-style game!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game (Nintendo Entertainment System)

This game allows you to choose the turtle you’d like to play to begin. It can be played with two players which makes it easier to have another fighter to fight with, but if you want to play alone, that is fine too! Then there is a clip and you are ready to go fight! Each location is mainly played in the manner of fighting then you move on to the next portion of the game. It’s very simple and like many arcade games, not many buttons to learn to use the weapons or jumping movements.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project (Nintendo Entertainment System)

This is another game that allows a single or 2 player option. I wasn’t able to play this option, but there seem to be two different options, like player 2 A and player 2 B. Either way, when you do get to start playing, each player chooses a character, one of the turtles they’d like to use as their fighting ninja and the then the game begins.

I actually feel that the movements are a little updated by one unique move than in the second game. There is this ability to do this flying twirling action to knock out each enemy as they come along. You still need to move after defeating each bad guy before going forward, but the scenes are a bit brighter and set in a newer location. Still does feel like playing an arcade game at this time as well.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (Nintendo Entertainment System)

This version of the TMNT is actually a fighting game. You can fight your own turtles against each other. Playing through the story mode, verse player or CPU mode, and even tournament mode. This is what I find interesting that you can battle each turtle together when they are a team. I guess even friends and team ninjas can get angry at each other.

Either way, this is a fun game; a fun fighting game. It’s simple to play and allows you the ability to take out each player who comes up next. What I love is in the tournament option you are on a board that you move forward after defeating one turtle and see who ends up the champion at the end of it all. The movements feel a little slow to me, but there are a bunch of moves and even objects that come available in the game to use while fighting. It’s not too bad of a fighting game just feels slow when trying to perform an action as it takes longer to kick or punch.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)

A game that allows for one or two players and just like an arcade game, you move on while fighting each enemy that comes your way. It’s very neat with the close to a 3D effect of the enemy being thrown towards the screen, almost as if they are coming at you. The game is very nicely done and love that the movements are smoother and easier to perform. There are even a few options, not just the story style mode with a choice of one or two players, but you can even play against each other in a versus mode or trial mode option.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)

Here is a game that allows one or two players and you can either play the game or just watch it. There are a few other options in this fighting game, in which you really just fight one on one. It’s actually cool that you can go and attack Shredder or other monstrous creatures in the game, not just a turtle on another brother turtle.

The options to play through are either the tournament mode, a versus mode, or story mode. However, if you rather sit out and watch, that is also an option. So is choosing some unique monsters as fighters to play against one another, which is quite unique and fun too and even the graphics and movements are awesome!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Hyperstone Heist (Sega Genesis)

Either as a single-player or as a two-player game, this is mainly like an arcade-style fighting game. You fight and move on with either character; turtle of your choosing. The game includes many unique moves and can slightly, just slightly feel slow in moving, but otherwise, it plays really well and so is the graphics. I love the expressions on the faces of the turtles, easier for a single gamer to beat the crew of enemies without difficulty or losing so fast, and how much more flexible they perform each action in this game.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (Sega Genesis)

This is the first of the collection to include a practice mode. There are so many characters to choose from to fight in this game. Like April, Casey, Ray Sisyphus, and the 4 turtles. Each is able to be adjusted with the speed and power of the game. So it sort of allows you an additional bonus before fighting. Regardless, this is just like a traditional fighting game, where you can also verse one another or the CPU.

Oh and the characters, either one you choose still won’t be better than another. I feel the game is fair in that way. Since the CPU is very difficult, probably why you can adjust the speed and power. It isn’t so easy to even beat the CPU in practice, at least it is just practice and they move and fight back. They aren’t just dummies waiting for you to try out any attack. Either way, it’s pretty action-packed as all fighting games are and the graphics and movements are nicer in this game than many in the collection.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fall of The Foot Clan (Game Boy)

A single-player game in black and white, perfectly known for the classic Game Boy. It’s very large in the images of each character and villain you fight against. The choice of character is up to you and so is the stage. The only thing is that it will be a little difficult to tell the difference between whom you’ve chosen to play as. However, the weapons they hold will make it a bit more obvious.

Additionally, the movements are a little slow, but the gameplay is very straightforward. Since you just move ahead and fight or fight those from behind and just keep going. It’s a very easy game to get a hang of and I do like that close-up view of the characters in the game as it’s very clear to anyone to know what’s going on. Plus, it really does look like you are playing on the Game Boy console.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Back From The Sewers (Game Boy)

Here is another 1 player Game Boy game that is in the black and white color with a slightly faster move in action and still hard to tell the difference between a turtle, and a weapon is a way to answer that question. The close-up view is still there as in the first game and honestly, the jump and kick style moves look a little humorous as the body seems to stay straight while the legs just move horizontally. Nevertheless, it’s another fighting game you continue to fight each bad guy as they arrive as there really isn’t any way around them until you defeat them.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Radical Rescue (Game Boy)

I must say that this game is very interesting in that you go rescue your brothers, but also that you have more moves and can do so much more in the level. It’s not just a simple move forward when you can go above and break objects while fighting villains. I like the action and the many new moves you can perform. It’s also a game that allows you to collect passwords, but it doesn’t mean you have to use them, thanks to the save feature of the game. However, as a Game Boy game, this one really made the movements and what can be done a little more interesting.

🐢 Final Verdict 🐢

Honestly, it’s hard to say that this one game is horrible because in total it was just so much classic FUN! Games back then use to be slower and the colors or way they move are very obvious in each game. Sometimes the sayings, as phrases are a little much and at that time the game was pretty much exciting. So modern games to classic will be hard to find it that entertaining and enjoyable as many would like them to be. However, they are collections of the past, not much changed, and really a blast from the past when playing.

Plus, you get so many new games to try, 13 total and so many games to be entertained by. Each with its own, original, and unique game style to play through. I think for the older players, it will be memories that might spark how much fun and bring the familiar cartoon heroes back into their lives, TMNT. That is why I find this TMNT game to be nothing but an excellent game and worthy to be added to any TMNT collector’s collection!

Review: The Dark Prophecy

Daniel Waite
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Review: The Dark Prophecy

If you are a child of the 70s or 80s, you’ll fondly remember every RPG and point-and-click title you’ve experienced. These convoluted and often brutal games were clichéd, full of colourful characters, and had amazing worlds to explore. The Dark Prophecy aims to replicate this with its unusual story, weird characters, and simple mechanics.

Developed by Meridian4 and published by Ratalaika Games, this is a fantasy point-and-click adventure title. Furthermore, it uses well-trodden tropes, has a cutting and humorous plot, and is reminiscent of Monkey Island, Disc World, and Broken Sword. What’s more, you’ll have to piece together some cryptic clues to solve an eclectic blend of crazy puzzles.

Will you convince the king and save the kingdom?
I’m probably not dressed for the occasion.

The Dark Prophecy is slow but interesting.

What makes this genre so great is its slow and methodical approach. Thankfully, The Dark Prophecy has some fascinating stage designs, excellent one-liners, and a whole roster of interesting people and monsters to interact with. On top of this, it tests your brain as you must solve problems to progress the story.

You control Jacob, who is an ordinary boy living in an extraordinary world. Unbeknownst to him, his kingdom and his life are in grave danger. Someone has been messing with magic and he is tasked with saving the day. By undertaking a dangerous adventure, he will meet Merlin, pass on his message, and possibly become a hero.

I loved the magical fantasy settings.
This looks magical and dangerous.

Standard gameplay mechanics.

If you are familiar with this genre, then nothing will surprise you. Why? Well, the developers have played it safe throughout. Consequently, there are few surprises and most of the action lacks originality. This may seem like a complaint, but it isn’t. The phrase “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it”, is apt. As such, much of the retro gameplay and dated plot work perfectly with the silly fantasy tale.

The gameplay revolves around point-and-click mechanics. Subsequently, you must thoroughly explore every scene and location. Once you’ve found each item, they must be combined, used, or given to certain pivotal characters. By doing this, you’ll expand your interactions and will receive new tasks to complete. However, this can be frustrating if you get stuck and can’t find key items.

Unfortunately, there were many times when I simply guessed my way out of a problem, and this was annoying. Occasionally, the cryptic clues were too obscure, and this led to confusion and wasted time. Accordingly, some players will quit as progress often stall as there are no obvious solutions to hand.

The Dark Prophecy is pixelated and dated, but it looks great.

Maybe it’s the nostalgia speaking, but I adored The Dark Prophecy’s dated aesthetics. With a moody colour palette, pixelated imagery, and its brilliant fantasy setting, it looked great. Alongside this, I appreciated how easy the text was to read, and the simplicity of the UI. However, the developers could have alleviated the aforementioned game stalling issues with some simple visual changes. If they had implemented a light hue or sparkle to key items, it would have reduced the confusion and removed the issues altogether.

Alongside the delightful visuals was a folksy and magical soundtrack. The simple but fun music complemented the zany action without being overbearing. The sound effects were notably good with their comical timing and larger-than-life delivery. However, I was disappointed by the lack of acting. Unlike its peers, The Dark Prophecy missed a trick by relying solely on text narration. Had some of the dialogue been performed, it would have enhanced the story and the comedy moments.

So many decisions to make while playing The Dark Prophecy.
Should I help the prisoner?

A simple and well-considered control system.

I was impressed by the excellent controls. I expected it to be clumsy, awkward, and unbearable. Instead, it was a simple and well-considered system that is easy to understand and smooth to operate. By pressing one button, you flit between 4 working methods. You may talk to someone, use an item, move Jacob, or inspect your surroundings. This is the extent of the control setup and it is mastered in no time at all.

Where The Dark Prophecy is lacking is its longevity. If you are a veteran of the genre, you’ll fly through the game with little challenge. Yet, mere mortals, on the other hand, will struggle. Fortunately, though, the achievement list demands you return to experience different outcomes and some secret moments.

The Dark Prophecy is a great retro title.

This won’t appeal to everyone, but I think The Dark Prophecy is a great retro title. Its old-school aesthetics, simple mechanics, and the witty plot will impress older gamers. What’s more, it fills you with nostalgia while testing your resolve. Yes, it has its shortcomings, but I loved it nonetheless. As such, I recommend you buy it here! The world is in trouble and you must save it. Search for clues, help the locals, and pass your message on to Merlin.

Review: Nine Noir Lives

Lee Fairweather
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Review: Nine Noir Lives

During the 90s, Point and Click adventure games were one of the most dominant genre on the PC market. Titles like The Secret of Monkey Island, Full Throttle, and Myst, which all derived from that era, are rightly considered timeless classics. Nowadays, interest in the genre is arguably at an all-time low. Yet, there remains a small, dedicated fanbase that is eager to keep the flame alive. And it’s love letters like Nine Noir Lives that purr-fectly match this cat-egory.

Developed and published by South African based company Silvernode Games, Nine Noir Lives blends noir aesthetics with cat-tastic comedy writing. It is easily one of the most charming, entertaining, and hiss-terical graphic adventures I have played in recent memory.

Curiosity killed the cat.

Set within the bustling feline metropolis of Meow Meow Furrington, Nine Noir Lives sees us taking on the lead role of Private Investigator, Cuddles Nutterbutter. He, along with his trusty assistant Tabby, have been assigned onto a murder case as a last-minute replacement. The unfortunate victim, Edgar Montameeuw of the Montameeuws gang, has been found dead in his father’s establishment.

It is initially suspected that a rival criminal organisation called the Catulets are behind this attack. This leads the Chief of Police, nervous about an inner-city gang war, to ban all law enforcement officers from getting involved. However, as the case unravels, more questions arise. With nobody else to turn too, it’s up to the collective minds of Cuddles and Tabby to figure out what truly happened on that fateful night.

Mixing Noir with comedy.

From the outside looking in, the narrative may appear to be rather cliched and worn out, as similar stories have been done a dozen times over. But the further you delve into Nine Noir Lives, the more it’ll reward you with genuinely shocking moments, and an abundance of laughs. The cat centric references are also used as a device to drive the plot forward, and it does so rather ingeniously.

A prime example of this can be found in the NPC who has a catnip addiction. Rather than brushing this off as a throwaway joke, the game treats this like a serious problem. This is because catnip is equated at the same level in their world, as heroin is in ours.

While it might seem preposterous to claim, using terminologies like catnip was a major factor in immersing me into their universe. Furthermore, it showcased the developers had the cognisance of knowing when to be comedic, and when to be respectable. For this, I feel it necessary to commend Silvernode Games on their wherewithal.

Strut around like you own the place.

As a PI, you have to find leads via interrogating NPCs, exploring crime scenes, and solving miniature puzzles. From there, you’ll start to formulate a manifesto on who might have committed the murder. Needless to say, this is easier said than done.

To help you achieve this, you have 4 actions which you can perform freely. These are navigating, looking, talking/interacting, and finally, licking. That’s right, licking. Our fuzzy protagonist is addicted to licking any and all objects he can find. For the most part, the action itself serves no purpose, but it is humorous to see the other cats’ reactions.

Naturally, you’re all but guaranteed to run into a few roadblocks. If you ever find yourself particularly stumped, then you have the option to toggle on the ‘Story Mode’ setting. This provides you with hints about what to do next, so you can always keep the ball moving. You’ll still have to clear the puzzles in this mode, although, I never found those to be difficult or unbalanced. On the whole, if you view Nine Noir Lives like an interactive movie, then you’ll get a lot out of it.

Cat class and cat style.

As die hard fans will know, Point and Click adventure games often live and die by their story and art direction. When it comes to the latter, finding something that catches the eye of the audience is ridiculously tricky to accomplish. In the case of Nine Noir Lives, it successfully manages to pull this off, all while capturing the atmosphere of the narrative.

Each of the locales in the game, including everything from the environments to the interactable props, are expertly hand drawn. It’s curated in such a way that it replicates 30s style film noir posters, albeit with a retro neon flair. The use of vibrant colours only serves to highlight the set pieces intricate detailing. In truth, the various regions are high enough quality that anyone of them would work as a desktop background.

Outside of the scenery, the user interface has also been skilfully crafted. The different elements that comprise the UI, such as the text boxes, inventory, cursor, and even the menus, all react fluidly. Moreover, they also match the games visual and thematical presentation greatly.

I can’t say I’m a massive fan of the character designs. They aren’t necessarily bad, and nor are the unmemorable, but they are a noticeable downgrade in comparison to the backdrops. One thing they do have going for them is their ability to pop out on screen. While this might sound irrelevant, it effectively ensures you won’t accidently overlook any characters to engage with.

Meowrvalous voice acting.

If Nine Noir Lives had excluded voice acting for budgetary reasons, I don’t think anyone would have blamed them. This is why it was all the more surprising to discover that Silvernode Games had not only hired VAs, but that they’d recorded voiceovers for every single line of dialogue. All 125,000 words of it. What’s more, the actors themselves brought their absolute A game.

Clearly, Hermit Collective, which, admittedly, I hadn’t never heard of before, more than filled their quota in hiring exceptionally talented individuals. There are a handful of recognisable voices to be found, such as popular YouTuber ProZD, and anime aficionados Brett Bauer and Nancy Situ. We also have some fresh up-and-comers who more than hold their own alongside the veterans.

It really appears as though nobody wanted to up anyone else, but instead work together for the betterment of the narrative. The performances are bubbly, dynamic, and full of life, yet carefully approached to match their visual counterparts. It’s for that reason that props also most go to the voice directors, Lucas Gilbertson and Carol-Anne Day.

Coincidentally, they also played the parts of Cuddles and Tabby. Their on-screen relationship was scarily lifelike, and they riffed off of each other near immaculately. I suppose that’s to be expected though when the actors in question are married.

The OST avoids cat-astrophe.

Composer Travis Ford DeCastro completes the noir ambiance through his work on the soundtrack. Each of the tracks employ the use of orchestral based instrumentation, with the brass and double bass placed front and centre to appropriately set the mood. This choice allows the OST to cover a wide range of genres, from jazz and blues, to big band and swing. I found myself stopping from time to time simply so I could listen into the background music.

Of course, the music found in Nine Noir Lives will be compared to titles like Grim Fandango and Discworld Noir. I cannot in good conscious say that this OST reached those levels for me personally. But, to give credit where its due, Travis has produced an excellent batch of tracks that complement the games ideologies to a T.

Conclusion

Nine Noir Lives is a fantastic contemporary take on the Point and Click genre. It masterfully blends comedy with intrigue, which culminate together in a captivating and suspenseful story. The characters are equally as entertaining, and are expertly performed by a talented array of voice actors. Artistically, the hand painted backdrops are absolutely stunning, and composer Travis Ford DeCastro does an immaculate job of complementing them through his music. For fans old and new to the genre, you owe it to yourself to play this game.

Review: Color Breakers

Xavier Berry
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Review: Color Breakers

Color Breaker is a game that requires players to paint a blank canvas to match a photo that they are given in a set amount of time. There is a co-op element to it but unfortunately, the game is very lack luster and will wear out its welcome a few hours in.

It would be easier to start with the gameplay since nothing else will make sense otherwise but since there isn’t much going on, this segment is going to be extremely short. Players are put on a timer and are given a blank canvas to match a pattern located in the corner of the screen. Players will guide little characters around the area as they pick up coloring pencils to mark the canvas. They are also able to erase any marks made but the focus of each island is to finish the series of paintings within the time limit. For example, the first island tasks players with solving three of these paintings but since this is a starting point, it might come off as confusing since players would still be learning the ropes. Once they finish the first painting, they are moved onto the next one with any left-over time if there is any. This seems like something that is working against the player and might make for an unpleasant experience.

Color breakers has a few modes available from the start, including a “campaign” mode as well as a creative mode. Starting with creative mode, there is a gallery of paintings offered that players can edit while also allowing players to create their own paintings using the games base mechanics.

Over in the campaign mode, players are offered a multitude of challenges that they can take on either solo or with up to 3 other players. There isn’t much to this mode since it involves players trying to make photos match what is in the corner. Honestly, the mechanics are rough, and I found myself struggling to make the photos line up since there was a lot of accidental marks along the way and swapping colors is a task. I could not imagine what this game would be like with 3 other players, but something gives me a strong feeling it would be nothing short of a chaotic mess with little progress being made.

Often, players will accidentally mark a spot on the canvas and will have to track down the right color to fix the mistake but since the pencils don’t have a static place on the screen, they can be pushed around as players walk around. This means that the colors a person might need may end up across the room which causes players to lose time just to make progress.

The game doesn’t have any memorable music and the graphic are what one would expect from a game aimed at party play. This is one of those titles that would be fun with a younger audience or even something to pick up for a bit while waiting on something else to install. I wish I was able to have more fun with Color breakers, but the game just did not settle well with me. If simple party games are something that catches your eye, then this might be worth adding to a Wishlist to pick up down the road.

Review: MG-X Pro

Daniel Waite
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Review: MG-X Pro

I love how modern gaming is evolving. The ability to take a mobile phone out and about and connect to your PC or console is mind-blowing. Furthermore, what is also great is the evolution of controllers to support this new market. Gamesir, Nacon, Backbone, Razer, and more are heavily invested. Accordingly, I’ve been lucky enough to try many of the leading peripherals. Today, though, I’ve struck it lucky again as I’m playing with the MG-X Pro, designed by Nacon.

Recently, I enjoyed reviewing the MG-X, and this well-received controller ticked many boxes. As such, I couldn’t wait to see how much better the pro version was. Alternatively, would it be much of the same, and I’d be left disappointed? Spoiler alert, the MG-X Pro is incredible and leaps and bounds ahead of the MG-X. Thanks to its ergonomic design and tactile grips, this feels comfortable to hold. What’s more, it has a fantastic battery life, excellent Bluetooth range, and is compact enough to fit your bag when travelling. Consequently, it does exactly what you want with a build quality to match.

The MG-X Pro is well-built and has an ergonomic design.
A well-built mobile gaming controller.

What’s in the box of the MG-X Pro? 

  • The striking packaging is well-labelled and is easy to look at. With each key feature advertised, you know what you are getting. Moreover, its contents are nicely protected and they can easily be recycled.
  • The MG-X Pro is a tidy and robust device. This compact accessory has a spring-loaded slider to extend the mobile phone holder. Furthermore, the buttons are similar in size to a standard controller. Subsequently, it makes for a familiar and comfortable experience. The ergonomic handles have a tactile grip that feels nice to touch. 
  • A USB-C charging cable. This moderately sized cable is used to charge the rechargeable battery. However, any standard USB-C cable can be used. 
  • User guide. If you need help, this straightforward manual is simple to follow. 
Simple but robust packaging.
The MG-X Pro in action.
The complete package.
Ergonomic and comfortable design.
A USB-C charging cable
The easy to understand user guide.

Technical aspects.

ConnectionBluetooth 4.2 low energy
WirelessYes
Headset jackNo
Joystick positionAsymmetric
Maximum phone length6.7″
CompatibilityAndroid 6+
Battery life20 hours+
Programmable buttonsNo

Controllers are all about comfort and build quality. As such, the MG-X Pro shines because it excels in both departments. The smooth mobile phone clip extends to approximately 153mm. Consequently, this device can house many modern phones. Furthermore, devices running Android 6 and higher will be able to connect to this accessory. With Bluetooth 4.2, the controller has a low battery draw and connects in no time at all. 

Alongside this, the textured grips and ergonomic handles are pleasant to hold. No matter the size of your hands, this device is neither too big nor too small. What’s more, the excellent buttons are a perfect size and are reminiscent of Microsoft’s official accessories. What was also impressive was the analogue travel and the responsive nature of the inputs. At no point did I experience any issues, nor was it frustrating to use. 

Without a USB-C connector, I could have experienced latency issues. However, this wasn’t the case, and this was a fantastic device for FPS and racing games. Unlike its predecessor, the MG-X, this uses high-rise sticks and larger buttons that are easier to use.

Game in peace without your TV.
Break free from your TV.

The perfect companion for Xbox Game Pass. 

Xbox Game Pass has taken the world by storm! Luckily, this Xbox-approved accessory works perfectly with the Game Pass app. Consequently, all you have to do is switch it on, load your favourite game, and enjoy your session. Fortunately, the MG-X Pro can also be used for any other mobile phone game. As such, this makes it a wonderfully versatile device. 

However, you may be worried about battery life if you play for a long time. Thankfully, a handy LED highlights the battery status. On top of this, a clear indicator is shown on your phone to keep you up to date. With 20+ hours of juice, you needn’t worry too much. Yet, I was a bit disappointed there was no through-charging facility. 

Now, without a built-in USB-C point, this was always going to be an issue. Accordingly, your mobile phone may run out of battery long before your controller ever does. Also, you must consider the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack point. Subsequently, audio can only be enjoyed through Bluetooth headphones or your phone’s speaker system. This could be problematic in crowded spaces or if you are low on battery. Neither of these issues is a deal breaker, but they are still annoying, nevertheless. 

Is the MG-X Pro worth it? 

Even though I found some minor niggles, I still adore this accessory. Why? Because the MG-X Pro is incredibly well-built, it looks great, and it’s super responsive. What’s more, its low-draw Bluetooth connection is excellent, and I liked the ergonomic design. It is also compatible with most mobiles. It won’t break the bank, and it’s perfect for Xbox Game Pass and mobile gaming. Therefore, it is easy for me to recommend that you buy it here! 

(More information on Nacon can be found here!)

Review: Zookeeper

Jonah Ehlers
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Review: Zookeeper

When I Grow Up…

When we’re little, we often have big dreams for our futures. Sometimes these dreams are inspired by the people around us. Like pursuing a career as a chef, following in the footsteps of your parent. We’re often inspired by people we see in the news, or on TV, like astronauts or celebrities. Other times we’re inspired by our passions, perhaps going down the path of the artist.

Long ago my dream was to be a game ranger. I loved nature, and I loved animals. It was all I was interested in. I’d watch every nature show I could find. I’d buy every issue of Nat Geo Kids as soon as the latest one dropped. I hardly ever missed an issue, and would pore over every page as if it were the gospel. My room was filled with posters of lions, bears, eagles, elephants and on and on. I wanted a career that allowed me to interact with animals and be a part of their conservation and protection. As time went on though, I started pursuing other interests. I never did end up as the game ranger that 10-year-old me envisioned, in a spiffy safari hat, dusty hiking boots and a crisp pair of khaki shorts.

We Bought a Zoo

However, that love for animals and nature is still there. And so, upon taking a quick glance at Zookeeper, it sure did pique my interest. A game where I could play caretaker to a whole host of animals and ensure their happiness, while getting the (virtual) public interested in the creatures that dominated my childhood. How could I pass this one up? Unfortunately though, this title fell a bit short of the excitement I was feeling.

Zookeeper is a simulator in which you take the helm of a zoo and build it up to the point of legend. Almost every facet aside from paying taxes will be in your hands. And while that may sound like a lot of pressure, it’s actually quite the laidback and casual experience. Up to a point at least. On one hand, there’s not much of the resource management usually found in this genre. Just look after your cash, popularity, and the wellbeing of your animals. Animals require attention, stimulation, food, grooming, companions, and a suitable environment. However, the game never goes overboard when it comes to being able to juggle it all. You hire staff members to take care of your furry friends, with each member of staff having a somewhat distinct personality and preference in the animals they work with.

Hands-On Manager

My one major complaint in this department however, is this game’s need to have you micromanage every little thing your resident critters need. Instead of allocating a staff member to an enclosure and have them automatically act if for example, an animal is hungry. You constantly need to direct your staff to perform specific actions, and not doing so results in negative consequences for the creatures that rely on you. There is, however, a saving grace. You can bulk order actions. So if the entire enclosure is in need or some playtime you can direct the staff to go ahead and make sure everybody has some fun.

The micromanaging in general did become a little tiresome as things went on. Especially when you start to engage with your other responsibilities. One of these very important responsibilities is building up the grounds, by adding enclosures, decorations, and amenities for guests. This is essential to increasing the popularity of your zoo. Adding attractions for guests and the increasing the number of animals available for them to view is paramount. At first, you only have access to a couple of decorations, amenities and animals. In order to unlock more you need XP. And the best way to get this XP is to complete tasks, such as building specific amenities, or planting specific flowers/trees, etc.

I Should Want More

Completing tasks for XP is a tried and tested way of allowing sustainable and enjoyable progression across a campaign. However, the “enjoyable” part of progression wasn’t really a part of the equation for me when it came to Zookeeper. The thing that was sorely missing was the excitement and anticipation one normally feels when it comes to a management simulator. You’re always chasing that next unlock, or resource or building plan to take your land to the next level.

While unlocks and the things you build would more often than not have a positive impact on your career, such as increasing popularity, the happiness of animals, or income. I was never as excited about my progress in unlocking new staff, animals and decorations as I should have been, or even wanted to be. The spark was just missing in many aspects.

The Good

I will say though, there is a fair bit of content to be found here. Between 7 different parks with their own visual idnetity and its array of animals from deer to dinosaurs, you can hardly say there’s nothing to do.

Somewhere else it really delivers is in vibes. A bit vague I know, but the combination of the colourful and vibrant polygonal environments and animals, along with the quirky and fun background music created a cutesy and laidback atmosphere that worked really well for me while playing.

At the end of the day, Zookeeper is not a bad game. It just falls a bit short on keeping the player’s interest for extended periods of time. Zookeeper has potential for sure. It’s cute, relaxing and there is some fun to be found. However, as it stands, things feel a bit too middle of the road to justify any hype.

Review: A Tale of Paper: Refolded

Daniel Waite
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Review: A Tale of Paper: Refolded

Dreams take you on a journey where your mind and imagination are the only limiting factor. Consequently, they can be wild experiences that are beautiful or terrifying. As such, you never know what you’ll see, and this is part of the magic. A Tale of Paper: Refolded aims to replicate this feeling in its surreal and unusual gameplay.

Developed by Open House Games/No Moss and published by Digerati, this is an adventure platform title. Moreover, the gameplay is very similar to Little Nightmares and Limbo and will be a hit with those fans. However, word of warning, it is a concise title that is so good that you won’t want it to end.

A Tale of Paper: Refolded combines surrealism with everyday normality.

Now, placing unusual moments into everyday situations is harder said than done. These normally juxtaposed moments are tough to comprehend and are often jarring. Yet, A Tale of Paper: Refolded executes this perfectly in its dreamy and often bizarre story. You’ll experience some touching scenes, while also being terrified by vast monsters and claustrophobic spaces.

You control a paper man called Line. This once-ordinary origami creation must undertake an adventure to transcend his owner’s dreams. By learning new abilities and exploring his surroundings, Line will enjoy a beautiful and occasionally horrific journey. With dangers at every turn and puzzles to solve, you must think logically and methodically if you wish to proceed.

Don't touch the water!
Paper and water do not mix!

New abilities and everyday enemies. 

What I loved most about A Tale of Paper: Refolded was the familiarity of every trial and tribulation. The things that we all take for granted are obstacles and issues for our paper hero. A robotic hoover sees you as a danger, and household pests become gargantuan monsters. On top of this, water is a major issue that must be avoided at all costs. Of course, there are also tight spaces to be navigated and interesting puzzles to overcome. You’ll contend with the usual chasms to leap and some observational puzzles must be solved. In short, it offers some degree of difficulty across its short game time.

Alongside these standard mechanics were some excellent drip-fed game-changing elements. Line’s inability to traverse tight spaces or jump gaps soon becomes a thing of the past. As you progress, new abilities are absorbed from your surroundings. In the beginning, he uses electrical power to telekinetically remove screws and other obstacles. Soon, though, your roster of skills expands. You’ll leap like a frog, roll like a ball of paper, and soar through the air like a rocket. This was phenomenal, as not only was it fun, but it formed the key component of many of the puzzles.

As such, the new mechanics were not overbearing. Instead, they were enjoyable to play with and opened up the gameplay nicely. Whether it was leaping across broken stairs, rolling down pipes, unlocking grates, or flying through the air, it was interesting to experience. 

A Tale of Paper: Refolded has some incredible levels and stage design.
The level design and ideas are amazing.

A Tale of Paper: Refolded looks amazing.

It was easy to admire the mechanics of A Tale of Paper: Refolded. However, I was struck by how fantastic it looked. From the off, you’ll love how the magic is intertwined with the ordinary imagery. Because of the standard setting, the surreal moments stick out like a sore thumb. Whether it was the glow of your powers, the transformation between forms, or the larger-than-life objects, it all looks amazing. Then, there are the tight spaces that add tension and drama. Being chased through tunnels and past chasms is uncomfortable but brilliant. On top of this, you must risk it all by balancing high in the air or jumping across flooded rooms.

Yet, for all of its greatness, its camera angles were frustrating! With so many confined areas to explore, it can be hard to navigate. This was compounded when you were crossing narrow pathways. With no ability to adjust the camera, you’d fall to your death repeatedly. This was disappointing and frustrating as it undermines the rest of the action.

My disappointment was short-lived, as the audio was incredible. The stunning soundscape is atmospheric and emotive. What’s more, it adds to the surreal theme with little effort. Alongside this, there are some fantastic sound effects that emphasise the real-to-life setting. What I also enjoyed was the change of pace between dramatic and calm moments. The developers have created the perfect experience, and I loved the variety of music in every chapter. 

See a spider and run away.
RUUUUUUNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!

Fluid controls.

Though the camera angle was frustrating, the fluid controls mitigated this issue. Changing form and moving around was reactive, smooth, and great fun. I loved how easy it was to learn the fundamentals and how intuitive the setup was. Furthermore, thanks to the well-labelled UI, you’ll remember what you need to do with little effort.

A Tale of Paper: Refolded has one major problem, it isn’t long enough! If the puzzles don’t test you, you can fly through it in around 2 hours. Unfortunately, this is not long enough even for a small indie title. Disappointingly, you are just getting into the swing of things and the game ends. Consequently, you’ll be left wanting, as there are many paths that should be taken.

Because of its length, the developers have left themselves open to unwanted criticism. When your game is so good, like this one, you want people to adore it. However, many complaints focus on the lack of game time without highlighting its many positives. 

A Tale of Paper: Refolded short but well worth it. 

I can’t overlook its minuscule game time. Yet, I can admire everything else it offers. Yes, the camera angle was annoying, but it wasn’t enough to put me off. If more content was added and further chapters created, this would be a top indie title for 2022. But, at the moment, my only complaint is it’s not long enough. However, I enjoyed it, nonetheless, and I recommend you to buy it here! Can you complete your journey and transcend your owner’s dreams? Change form, avoid your foes, solve the puzzles, and finish your surreal journey. 

Review: Railbound

Daniel Waite
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Review: Railbound

The railway fascinates an awful lot of people. Accordingly, it never surprises me when computer games use it as their theme. From ultra-realistic simulators to resource management titles, trains are ever popular and get everywhere. Therefore, when I saw Railbound advertised, I wasn’t shocked. It wears its influences on its sleeve and will be loved by rail enthusiasts and puzzle fans.

Developed and published by Afterburn, this is a top-down puzzle title. Its aesthetics and core mechanics embody classic railway systems and some old-school working methods. What’s more, the puzzles on offer are fun and will test your grey matter.

Railbound will blow your mind and test your patience.
Pick up the passengers and complete the puzzle.

Railbound is wonderfully cruel. 

I don’t always enjoy a brutal puzzle game. I normally find them frustrating and annoying. After all, there is nothing worse than being stuck on the same problem for hours on end. However, Railbound is so charming, that you’ll enjoy the aesthetics and its wonderfully cruel ways.

With 8 worlds to explore and numerous stages to overcome, there are plenty of puzzles to solve. You are in charge of coupling each carriage to its locomotive engine. You must lay tracks, activate switches, pick up passengers, and utilise tunnels. Sounds simple so far, right? Well, it would be if there weren’t so many obstacles blocking your path to success.

First, you only have limited pieces of track to place down. This means that there is only 1 solution per puzzle. Consequently, there is no guesswork, and it becomes increasingly harder the further you progress. Second, each truck is numbered and must be coupled in the right order. Finally, drip-fed mechanics make the game progressively harder and more convoluted. As such, planning a solution isn’t always as straightforward as you’d think.

Railbound has some interesting stage designs.
Click clack along the windy track.

Switches, barriers, point work, and more. 

Though the puzzles are almost unbearably tough, Railbound tightens the screws very slowly. Subsequently, you are lulled into a false sense of security. Thanks to the theme-based elements, you’ll yourself in this tough but enjoyable puzzle experience.

As you lay the tracks, you must consider which was to set the points and the movement of each vehicle. On top of this, your trains are blocked by barriers that are controlled by switches. Alongside this, there are pressure plates that alter the flow of traffic, tunnels for shortcuts, and shunting trains that must be avoided. In short, there are many ingredients for this fun but complex puzzle game.

Railbound is nicely varied. 

Though the graphics and presentation aren’t award-winning. I liked them nonetheless. Where Railbound excels is its wonderfully varied stage design. Thanks to the array of themes, you’ll never tire of what you see. Moreover, the simple graphics are pleasant to look at and the colour palette is bright and interesting. 

As to be expected, the audio has distinct railway vibes. However, it is not a one-trick pony, as its jovial soundtrack adds energy to the occasion. Overall, the audio lacks complexity, but I enjoyed the offerings all the same.

Using the tunnels was fun and easy.
Use the tunnel and cut some corners.

Remarkably easy controls. 

I was particularly surprised by the easy-to-follow controls. Yet, I shouldn’t have been as Railbound is also a mobile phone game. By using the left and right mouse buttons, you control the point work, lay new tracks, or remove existing rails. That is how difficult it is to play, and this allows you to focus on the brain-teasing puzzles. 

Luckily, there is a hint system to alleviate some of the pain. However, if you wish to ignore this, the ridiculously hard puzzles will test you and keep you playing. Yet, once you solve every problem and their subsequent designs, you have little else to do. Accordingly, this impacts replay value and longevity.

Railbound is fun but difficult.

The puzzle genre is saturated and there are plenty of “tired” games to play. Luckily, though, Railbound stands out because of its charming theme and challenging puzzles. Furthermore, its concept is straightforward and its execution is well-balanced and rewarding. It is for these reasons that I recommend you buy it here! Shunting carriages isn’t supposed to be easy. However, this is just brilliantly cruel in every way. 

Review: Seagate FireCuda Miles Morales External Hard Drive

Andrew Edney
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Review: Seagate FireCuda Miles Morales External Hard Drive

Here is our review of the new Seagate FireCuda Mile Morales External Hard Drive.

Channel your spider-sense with the officially licensed Miles Morales Drive. The design of this Special Edition FireCuda External Hard Drive blends into your collection as seamlessly as Miles’ camouflage. Red LED lighting casts a web of atmosphere over your whole setup, while the massive capacity can carry all your games, files, and media while on the move.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the Miles Morales FireCuda hard drive, USB cable, quick start guide and some cool stickers.

A Closer Look

Setting Up the Drive

When you first connect the drive to your computer you can click on either a Windows app or a Mac app. In my case I clicked on the Mac app and it brought up the registration box and also a link to download Toolkit (which you will need if you want to change the colours on the drive or set up file protection).

Once Toolkit was installed I could see the drive, and also a notification that I needed to perform some updates in order to use the RGB features – so all I had to do was click a button and then reboot my Mac.

Once the reboot was completed it was just a case of clicking the plus sign in the RGB option to go into that feature. From there you can change the intensity of the illumination, or turn it off all together. You can also set up your own colour options, including rainbow options if you so wish. It’s all really quick and easy to do. Personally I loved the default Red so after playing around with the different options I put it back.

The other option in Toolkit is called Mirror. Basically this enables you to set up a 2-way sync folder between the user folder (or any other folder you select) and the drive. Anything added or removed from those folders will automatically be mirrored to the other. This saves you having to do it all manually – which saves a bit of time and hassle and ensures whatever folder you select to mirror will always be backed up.

Speed Test

The following is the results of the Blackmagicdesign Speed Test run on the Mac.

Final Thoughts

External hard drives are always useful, whether for backing up your files, storing games and saves, or anything else really. Why not have a drive that looks good and not just performs well.

In case you are not sure who Miles Morales is, he is a Spider-Man, from the awesome movie Into The Spiderverse (which also includes Ghost-Spider and Spider-Man, amongst others).

That’s where the Seagate FireCuda Miles Morales Hard Drive comes into play. The drive itself is black and has an embossed image of Miles himself on it, along with an LED strip that lights up when in use.

The drive itself is very lightweight and can easily be carried in a pocket or a bag if you need to take it places with you.

The drive also comes with a two year warranty and three years of Seagate Rescue Data Recovery which enables you to have Seagate attempt a data recovery on your behalf if something happens to the drive. This is a really great addition to the drive and one of those things you hope you never have to use, but you’ll be glad you had the option if the worst happens.

I found the drive to be easy to use, looks great and have great features, including the mirror option for my really important files. The 2TB’s quickly got filed up – but that’s a good excuse to get the Ghost-Spider and Spider-Man drives too!

Add the Miles Morales drive to your setup today – you won’t be disappointed.

The Seagate FireCuda Miles Morales Hard Drive is available now priced around £114.99. There are also Ghost-Spider and Spider-Man versions too! All three drives are 2TB and are compatible with both Windows and Mac.

You can learn more from the Seagate website here.

Review: LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Collectors Edition

Andrew Edney
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Review: LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Collectors Edition

Here we review the recently released LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Collectors Edition.

Capture the magic of the Harry Potter stories with a buildable, 1:32 scale replica of the most iconic vehicle in the Wizarding World. 

The engine features a detailed underside and a lever on the top that causes the train to rock with the motion of a steam train. A tender carries the engine’s supply of coal. The passenger carriage comprises 3 compartments, each depicting a classic scene: when Harry, Ron and Hermione meet in the series’ first film; when Professor Lupin saves Harry from the Dementor in the third film; and when Luna saves Harry from Draco’s spell in the sixth film. The model also depicts Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station, where the adult Harry and Ginny wait with their children, Lily, James and Albus, ready for Albus’s first trip aboard the amazing Hogwarts Express.

What’s in the box?

The box contains 5129 pieces (contained in over 40 bags), which includes 20 Minifigures, stickers and there are 4 very thick build instruction booklets too!

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The first thing you notice about this set is that it is big, and heavy! Well that’s because there are over 5000 pieces including 20 Minifigures to build!

The Hogwarts Express is a 1:32 scale replica of the iconic steam train from the movies (and the books).

Everything about this set looks amazing, and the attention to detail is second to none. Everything from the engine itself to the carriage has loads of film references in them which is great for any fan of the movies.

There are four classic scenes within the build including a piece of dialogue representing something from the chosen scene. It really brings it all to life!

There is a lever on top of the engine that makes the train rock bringing it to life. The batteries are even included in the box so you have everything you need.

Once fully built, the set is very large – it measures over 10.5 inches high, 46.5 inches long and 8 inches wide – so when you start building make sure you have enough room. And you will want to find somewhere that you can display it properly when it’s fully built too! It really does look amazing on display.

Building the Hogwarts Express is a lot of fun and takes a lot of time – but it’s totally worth it. There are 4 sets of instruction booklets included in the box so that you can build it with a friend or 2 or 3, or you can just keep it all to yourself – but where’s the fun in that?

The LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Collectors Edition (set number 76405) is available now priced around £429.99 and is aimed at LEGO builders aged 18 and over. If you are a fan of Harry Potter then this set is a must for your collection, you won’t be disappointed.

You can learn more from the LEGO website.

Review: Escape Academy

Devrim Kurt
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Review: Escape Academy

Introduction

Introduction

Welcome to Escape Academy, you have been deemed worthy to join the world’s most exclusive escapists school. In here you will solve puzzles, compete with other students, and meet your teachers.

Escape Academy is developed by Coin Crew Games and published by Skybound Games. The game doesn’t overstay its welcome at any point. It is short and fun from start to finish. Let us take a deeper look into how Escape Academy trains you to become the best escapist.

The Puzzles

I should start off by saying that I’ve played this game co-op the whole 5 hours. All my experience will be regarding co-op gameplay and difficulty, rather than singleplayer.

As you might have guessed, Escape Academy follows a general increase in difficult as the game goes on. Before you start each puzzle, you will be given an estimated difficulty and a time limit. As always, time limits make situations more intense. Even though I never really ran out of time (except for the final puzzle), the time limit still added to my overall stress. There are also environmental effects and queues to make the player feel like time is running out. Once again, I really liked this addition. Even thought the stakes were stated at the beginning, these extra enhancements made gameplay more exciting.

I wouldn’t classify Escape Academy’s puzzles’ difficulty as “unsolvable” at any degree. If you ever feel like you are stuck, there are hints you can take gradually for help. I’ve only had to use hints a total of 2 or 3 times throughout the game. In my opinion, Escape Academy’s puzzles are quite perfect. You start of trying to collect information and figure out your path. As the time goes on everything fits perfectly together and the chaos slowly fades.  There were a couple quite easy and hard puzzle parts here and there, but overall, the difficulty was completely balanced. The game urges you to keep a pen and pencil at hand. I’ve found listening to this advice very useful the whole time.

The Co-op Aspect

Now onto the co-op aspect of puzzles. When inspected closely, most of the puzzles work admirably well for 2 people co-op. However, I couldn’t help but notice some puzzles, where they weren’t made to be solved with 2 people. One of us always had to watch or wait, until the other one solved it. Luckily this wasn’t a common occurrence. Majority of the puzzles accommodated co-op gameplay. I would even extend this comment to say, they were made for co-op. There were times where I felt some puzzles would be very difficult without another person helping.

Story and Characters

There aren’t a lot of characters in Escape Academy. In total, there are four teachers, one custodial staff, and one other student. I felt this was a good choice. Since there aren’t a lot of characters, the overall story manages to include everyone equally.

The characters themselves are quite likeable. They all possess different personalities and have their own “vibe”. I didn’t expect to find characters this well executed in an escape room game. I was pleasantly surprised with it overall.

My co-op partner’s and my favorite part was the humor surrounding the game. From the little jokes scattered around the puzzle rooms, to the little snippets during dialogue; almost all jokes landed perfectly. There were puns, quick wits, and jokes with long set-ups. The best thing is the game doesn’t shove the comedic aspect into your face. Which makes it even funnier.

Overall, the general storyline is also pretty good. Although there are parts where you see it coming, it still has a few twists up its sleeve. The dialogue parts are never too long. And if it’s not really your thing you can always skip them without missing much gameplay wise.

Art Style and Music

Personally, I was a fan of the art style. It has its own unique feel to it. Fits really nice with the atmosphere of the game. The environments are quite detailed, and pretty. The color palette is used as a part of the puzzles and storytelling. I could tell a lot of love and attention went into creating the rooms and areas the escapes take place in.

Other than the main menu soundtrack, none of the music surrounding the game really made its place in my mind. It wasn’t bad or unfitting. It just wasn’t special.

Technical Problems

I can’t really wrap up this review without mentioning some very annoying issues we’ve run into with my co-op partner. In two separate occasions we had game-breaking bugs. Luckily on one of them it was towards the end of the level, and we didn’t have to restart. However, we weren’t as lucky with the second one we ran into. Towards the middle of the level, one of us fell through the level basically and we had to restart.

Other than those game breaking bugs, we’ve also had different issues multiple times. A prominent one of those was, where one of us was seeing something different than the other. For example, when I was seeing page 5 in a book, my partner was seeing page 6. It was quite annoying regarding our communication.

Conclusion

Escape Academy is a great game with awesome characters and amazing humor. The puzzles are interesting, engaging, and intelligent. Art style fits nicely and the atmosphere is felt throughout the game. The only reason this game isn’t “perfect” are the technical issues. And the score will be reflecting that. Nevertheless, I would recommend this game to anyone who likes puzzles or escape rooms. It will be worth your time.

Review: Cursed to Golf

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Cursed to Golf
https://youtu.be/BI5ThlPUlmE

Golf is one of those pastimes that divides opinions. If you love it, and many do, you won’t consider it an elitist sport. However, if you loathe it, you’ll believe it to be expensive, high-class, and a waste of time. Yet, no matter your opinion, you are bound to love crazy golf. This odd combination of fun and competition is enjoyed by friends and family and breaks the normal sporting rules. Accordingly, gamers can enjoy a similar trend when they experience Cursed to Golf.

Developed by Chuhai and published by Thunderful Games, this is a tongue-in-cheek sports title. What’s more, it comprises some adventure elements, a fun but crazy narrator, and plenty of unusual gameplay. Alongside this, it is a solo endeavour, so your focus will be on the story and its subsequent elements.

The shot counter in Cursed to Golf is cruel.
Hit that idol or it’s game over.

Cursed to Golf is a slow-burner.

My opening 30 minutes were of impatient huffing. Such is the length of the explanation and multiple minor tutorials. Now, my petulance was unnecessary as the developers have done a great job with their tutorial. Combining the lighthearted story with a jovial but intimidating test was a stroke of genius. Yes, you’ll want to get on and play, but I implore you to enjoy the opening gambit.

Effectively, the opening section lays out the uncomplicated hook of Cursed to Golf. You control a champion golfer who is struck by lightning on the match-winning shot of the tournament. Eternal fame and glory were in sight and then bam, you die! However, this isn’t the end and you have unfinished business to attend to. Instead of passing over, you are cursed to live in golf purgatory. Accompanied by the Scotsman and a handful of whimsical and cheeky bosses, you must survive 18 holes of the god-forsaken course. If you can, you’ll ascend and return to Earth.

This is Cursed to Golf in a nutshell. It has a silly story with zany characters and a straightforward approach. However, things are rarely as simple as they seem. Consequently, completing your task is no walk in the park. Moreover, it’ll take guile, skill, and luck to ascend from this golfing mire.

Simple to pick up, but tough to master.

On the surface, Cursed to Golf is simple to understand. Yet, its multiple layers insure it is tough to master. There are 70 courses to explore, an array of approaches to take, and Ace cards to buy and utilise. These things all work together while your life hangs in the balance. See, each round of action lasts as long as you have shots on your par counter. If you don’t, then it’s game over and the rogue-lite elements kick in.

This was brutal, as the learning curve tends to favour failure. As such, you’ll need some mental resolve to keep plugging away. But, if you go the distance, you’ll enjoy a rewarding experience and some character progression. Consequently, things do get better, even if it appears unfair to begin with.

Enter the shop and load up on Ace cards.
Buy some Ace cards and beat each level.

Ace cards, idols, and multiple routes.

The odds may be stacked against you, but there are some tricks to level out the field. The first of these is the silver and golden idols. These statues increase your shot count and improve your chances of survival. Now hitting one isn’t always easy, as you may have to divert away from the hole to find them. Therefore, you must weigh up the risk versus the reward.

This philosophy haunts Cursed to Golf at every turn. This is no more apparent than when you are traversing each hole. You may play it safe, but this will take more shots. Alternatively, you can blow up TNT, hop into a teleporter, or use turbines to take shortcuts. These elements are risky, but the rewards are massive.

If you are risk averse, you can use the final trick up your sleeve to increase your luck. The 20 Ace cards on offer help you to cheat your way around the course. Whether you increase your shot count, destroy TNT, slow time, turn your ball into a rocket, and more, it’s a game changer. Consequently, this is where the fun occurs! Can you take multiple risks and break the rules to beat the course?

Cursed to Golf is nicely pixelated.

Though I enjoyed many of the crazy mechanics, I found the stage design to be fascinating. With so many courses and multiple routes, you never tire of the action. What’s more, the vivid colours and pixelated style were pleasant to the eye. There is also an option to customise your golfer, and this adds fun and flair to the mix. Alongside this, I was impressed by the stripped-back UI. Subsequently, everything was easy to follow and navigating the course was a cinch.

Golf games and music rarely go hand-in-hand. However, Cursed to Golf has a nice folksy soundtrack that captures the whimsical undertones. On top of this, the characters have unique sound effects that add to the personality of the game.

The route you pick will influence your chance of winning.
Pick your route and hope for the best.

The excellent controls enhance the gameplay.

It would have been easy to overcomplicate the matter. But, fortunately, Cursed to Golf keeps things simple. With 3 clubs to pick from and a basic swing mechanic, hitting the ball has never been easier. Yet, things get interesting when the “spin” mechanic is added. Take full control of the action as you manipulate the ball to miss bunkers, water, and cursed graves.

What was also amazing was how the adventure progressed. By choosing your path, you selected how each round unfolded. Each node relates to an event and these comprise an array of outcomes. You could enter the shop, find Ace cards or money, take on a hole, tackle a cursed course, or face a boss. The last two options add spice and drama to the game while also increasing the replay value and longevity.

The cursed rounds were much harder than normal but rewarded you with a pack of Ace cards. These become essential in the latter stages, so a risky gamble is well worth the effort. The boss encounters are enjoyable but will test your mettle and patience. Whatever route you take, you will enjoy a unique playthrough every time.

Cursed to Golf: the perfect blend of genres.

Though Cursed to Golf starts off slowly and it is weird as hell, it is the perfect blend of genres. Its mixture of risk, rewards and amazing commentary is enjoyable, infuriating, and challenging. It is for these reasons that I recommend you to buy it here! Can you escape purgatory? Use your skills and perks and beat the cursed system. 

Review: Dyna Bomb 2

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Dyna Bomb 2

You’ve worked hard all year, so, surely you deserve a relaxing holiday? Well, yes, you’d think so. However, when you have an evil villain as a nemesis, things rarely go to plan. This is what you can expect in Dyna Bomb 2. It’s a colourful affair with plenty of collectables, lots of secrets, and oodles of monsters.

Developed by 7 Raven Studios and published by Totalconsole, this is an arcade platformer with some strategic elements. What’s more, it can be played solo or locally with a friend. This is great as it enhances its appeal whilst making it a family-friendly title.

Dyna Bomb 2: a simple tale of revenge. 

After their success against Dr. Brutus, Jack and Ela thought they had saved the day. With their confidence brimming and some well-deserved slaps on the back, they decided to take a break. However, as they order some coconut coolers, the nightmare begins again! Dr. Brutus is hellbent on revenge and begins to bomb the holiday resort. Consequently, the two heroes must act to save the day. They grab their armour, bombs, and jet packs and set about thwarting his evil plans.

As you can tell, the story isn’t a masterpiece, nor will it win awards for originality. Yet, it is still fun, witty, and works with the genre and theme. You control either of the heroes as you traverse an array of levels and worlds. There are 8 worlds to explore that comprise 9 stages. Alongside this, there is a gargantuan boss to battle in each zone and secret areas to unlock. Furthermore, you have plenty of tasks to do if you are a completionist. Subsequently, it is one title that’ll keep you playing for hours.

Dyna Bomb 2 has some fantastic cooperative action.
Cooperative action at its best.

Bombs, gems, and patience. 

What makes Dyna Bomb 2 so good is its blend of fast-paced action, resource management, and collectables. Every stage has a set number of monsters, gems, ammo, and secrets. Moreover, each level is timed to add an element of pressure and risk. Now, if you are too slow or you fail to gather/kill everything, it matters not. After all, these goals are aimed at perfectionists and are only essential if you wish to find every secret.

I mentioned a tactical layer to the gameplay that comes from the limited ammo mechanic. Consequently, you can’t be trigger-happy as you’ll quickly exhaust your supplies. Instead, you must be mindful and patient while learning your enemy’s moves and capitalising on their weaknesses.

Your foes and the bosses comprise a hearty selection of weird and wonderful creations. You’ll encounter armoured beasts, flying foes, and gun-wielding maniacs. Furthermore, the bosses will test your resolve and skills as they repeatedly kick your ass. As such, you must identify their weaknesses and use your powers to destroy them.

Avoid the monsters and collect the gems.
Collect the gems and avoid the monsters.

Upgrades and the “grind”. 

Concerning special powers, Dyna Bomb 2 has an array of permanent and temporary upgrades to improve the protagonists. You can increase your fuel, add rockets, become a gem magnet, and more. These improvements make the gameplay exponentially easier and are essential to progress. However, they come at a mighty high cost! Subsequently, this element of the game may not appeal to everyone.

Sadly, there is a distinct reliance on “grinding” for gems and golden balls. Both of these collectables are used while upgrading your heroes and are therefore essential. Yet, the balance between cost and reward is unfairly skewed. Accordingly, if you wish to perfect or complete a stage, you’ll waste hours saving gems only to lose it all by dying. Luckily, though, this is made much easier in co-op mode. With two of you working towards a common goal, it isn’t so difficult, nor does it feel overwhelming. 

Dyna Bomb 2 is ridiculously colourful. 

Dyna Bomb 2 embodies arcade gaming. Thanks to its bright colour palette and in-your-face scenery, it looks amazing. Furthermore, there is a Manga/Anime edge to its aesthetics that aligns wonderfully with the unusual sprites. What was also incredible was the fantastic stage design. With many levels to explore and plenty of convoluted and complex areas to discover, I rarely got bored. 

The energy and OTT approach continues in the jovial audio. A whacky soundtrack combines loud but fun music with zany sound effects. The result? An often unbearable cacophony of sound that works perfectly.

Dyna Bomb 2 has some interesting and colourful stage design.
Best think this through.

Good controls that need some minor tweaks. 

Mostly, Dyna Bomb 2 does a great job with its controls. Essentially, they are responsive, well-considered, and easy to understand. However, the combat element is flawed, as there is no aiming mechanic. Instead, your missiles or bombs follow a set path. Subsequently, this can be frustrating, especially when ammo is scarce to find. Other than this, I liked the limited fuel for the jet pack, and how easy it was to pick up and play. 

With so many collectables, Dyna Bomb 2 is a busy game. Furthermore, the “perfection” accolade on each level is tough to accomplish. On top of this, there are many secrets to uncover and new suits to unlock. Consequently, it oozes both replay value and longevity.

Dyna Bomb 2 doesn’t break the mould. 

I thoroughly enjoyed everything about Dyna Bomb 2. Yes, it was occasionally irritating, and the “grind” was unreal, but it was still fantastic. However, its concept doesn’t break the mould, nor does it stand out from its peers. Instead, it’s one of those games that is fun without blowing your mind. All in all, it is challenging and enjoyable and I recommend you to buy it here! Can you defeat Dr. Brutus by playing him at his own game? Grab your bombs, upgrade your suit, and be victorious. 

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