Having appeared in the Workshop in January 2016, AWP | Fever Dream has become one of the most recognizable pinky skins in CS:GO. Since 2017, it has been included in the Spectrum Collection and appeared in the inventories of the most skilled players. By closely studying the design you will notice that the weapon’s body is covered with flashy child-like drawings. Pink, blue, and white writing as well as the dead enemies’ count make the overall impression exciting. However, if you already have this skin in your inventory, have a look at these stickers, which can add to the overall uniqueness of this skin.
1) Kawaii Killer
This cute sticker has a lot in common with the design of the awp fever dream in general. It comes in two versions: a little killer girl with dark hair and a classic AK-47 in her hands, or a fair-haired Counter-Terrorist beauty in the associated uniform. The average cost of this sticker is $1.25.
2) Unicorn (Holo)
The overall color palette and style of this sticker are pretty similar to what the Fever Dream has. Unicorns are considered to bring luck, so if you feel a lack of confidence, you can attach it to your AWP. The average price for this item starts at $4.
3) Gold Web
Just like Kawaii Killer, this sticker comes in two different variations with a copper spider on the bright background, and a pale one on the dark purple web. Both of them will look great on your AWP and horrify your enemies. The starting price for this item is just $0.08.
4) Web Stuck
It would be hilarious if you could attach both this and the previous stickers to your AWP. The previous one may signify the predator (spider) weaving the web for the enemy, and the second one with its prey stuck in it. This sticker comes in two different designs: dark and bright. The starting price is just $0.14.
5) Mastermind (Holo)
Again we are back to the Holo spider-themed stickers, which come in two different variations: bright and dark. This slightly crazy sticker will perfectly match your AWP | Fever Dream, and bring death to your enemies. The price for the item starts at $0.42.
6) Spirit
Both blue and golden stickers look absolutely amazing, bringing the appropriate mood during the game. If you feel a lack of confidence, the symbols of your favorite team might help you overcome your troubles. The average price is just $0.03.
7) S1mple
If S1mple belongs to your favorite CS:GO players, you can attach their branded stickers to your AWP, so you can keep in mind the tricks used during competitions. The average price for the 2021 and 2022 stickers is just $0.04.
SteelSeries are renowned for its market-leading products. As such, you know you’ll purchase top-end innovative goods that’ll help you compete with the best. Consequently, when the new Apex 9 keyboards were released today, many gamers were champing at the bit. However, for those of you who are out of the loop, allow me to enlighten you further.
The Apex 9 series now adds 2 keyboards to the Apex range. You’ll find the Apex 9 TKL and the Apex 9 Mini have been released today. These phenomenal devices are designed to be tournament ready and are also compact for tighter spaces. What’s more, they are jam-packed with elite features and look fantastic as well. Therefore, there is a lot to love from the new kids on the block.
The Apex 9 TKL is stylish and vivid.
What makes the Apex 9 keyboards stand out?
Apex 9 TKL.
If you want an Esports-ready keyboard that is familiar and comfortable to use, then look no further. Its ergonomic design allows players to play without discomfort while allowing for larger mouse movements. Thanks to SteelSeriesOptiPoint optical switches and 1mm actuation points, players can enjoy lightning-fast speeds and pinpoint accuracy. Then, there is the excellent build quality because of the aluminium top plate and the Double Shot PBT keycaps.
Apex 9 Mini.
If space is at a premium, you may wish to consider the Apex 9 Mini. This mighty but small accessory has a 60% form factor! This allows for sweeping mouse movements and the full functionality of a standard keyboard. Like the Apex 9 TKL, you’ll enjoy the OptiPoint optical switches and the 0.2ms response time. Furthermore, the Double Shot PBT keycaps are durable, high-quality, and create a delightful and familiar sound.
The Apex 9 Mini is fully functional but compact.
Why buy SteelSeries?
Other than its excellent reputation, amazing build quality, and phenomenal products, you also get a customisable peripheral. By installing the SteelSeries GG software ecosystem, you can adjust an array of settings. Alter your RGB to your liking or change the actuation points from 1mm to 1.5mm. Accordingly, your device can be set up however you wish. On top of this, you can swap your switches and choose between Linear, Tactile, and Clicky options. By doing this, your keyboard will be like no other and will match your gaming needs.
If you are in the market for a new top-end gaming keyboard, then click on the following links for more information.
The Apex 9 TKLis available for NA $139.99 | EU €149.99 | AP $169.99.
The Apex 9 Mini is available for NA $129.99 | EU €139.99 | AP $149.99.
(More information on SteelSeries can be found here!)
The increased rollout of 5G and unbelievably fast Wi-Fi connections have changed the way we game. No longer do we need to be restricted to home gaming. Instead, we are free to take our favourite titles with us wherever we roam. Consequently, the rise of mobile gaming devices is mind-blowing. Today, I’m looking at one of Gamesir’s latest devices, the Gamesir X3.
This small and robust controller looks fantastic, feels great, and has a built-in flexible USB-C port. This was phenomenal as the Gamesir X3 doesn’t require charging, nor will you experience any form of input lag. Accordingly, you’ll enjoy buttery smooth gaming, as long as your Internet connection is good enough.
Amazingly comfortable to use.
What’s in the box of the Gamesir X3?
The Gamesir X3 is delivered in a handy textile carry case. This black meshed packaging looks to be water-resistant and hard-wearing. On the outside is a cardboard sleeve emblazoned with information and the company logo.
The Gamesir X3 is a spectacularly attractive device. With a white livery and Gamesir’s blue and red accents, it is nice to look at. There are two USB-C ports located at the bottom of the controller. These will charge the cooling fan and the pass-through charging facility.
Spare parts. Like every pro controller, the Gamesir X3 has an array of swappable buttons. You can exchange the D-pad for a faceted one. There are also high-rise and low-rise analogue sticks, and concave and convex thumbstick caps.
User guide and stickers. Learn the basics and show your support for this well-established company.
USB-C charging cable. A moderately sized USB-C charging cable.
A compact package that is ready to be opened.The Gamesir X3 is safe in this handy case.A rubberised USB-C charging cable.Customise you Gamesir X3Stickers and a user manual.The complete package.Xbox Game Pass time.
Technical aspects.
Connection
USB type C
Battery
No
Compatibility
Android 9+
Phone size
110-179mm
Weight
270g
Cooling area
4000 mm2 cooling area
Cooling system
A 7-blade fan at 7500 RPM
I’ve looked at many mobile gaming peripherals. The Nacon MG-X and the Gamesir X2 Lightning are to name but a few. However, the Gamesir X3 impressed me from the off. Its incredible build quality was instantly noticeable. With a sturdy central phone holder, you feel reassured when using it. Furthermore, the wonderful cooling fan works extremely well, especially when playing high-demand games.
What I also loved was the responsive nature of the buttons and how comfortable they were to use. Thanks to the Kailh switches, this controller can be used up to 3 million clicks. What’s more, the actuation distance of only 0.6mm is 40% less than a standard membrane controller. So, what does this mean in real terms? Well, it means your inputs are quicker, and this improves your gaming experience.
The same is said for the inclusion of a USB-C to controller connector. This excellent design feature ensures that you’ll have the best gaming experience. If you have a strong enough connection, you can challenge friends and family with no input lag or latency problems. Subsequently, the Gamesir X3 excels when it comes to FPS and racing titles.
The colourful RGB cooling system.
Swappable buttons and a phenomenal app.
One of the key elements I adore about this controller is its swappable buttons. Now, this may seem gimmicky but bear with me. As this device can be used for multiple platforms, it is necessary to adjust the A, B, X, and Y buttons. Why? Otherwise, it’s confusing and annoying as hell. Luckily, a small indent in each of the buttons makes it easy to lift them and place them how you wish. Consequently, there is minimal risk of damage, so swapping them around isn’t an issue.
Now, changing the look is one thing, but surely the controller won’t know things have changed? Well, that would be the case if Gamesir hadn’t created their excellent app. This free-to-download software allows you to map your device to any particular style you like. It has preset options for Xbox and Nintendo Switch, and these should be enough.
Alongside this, there is a wonderful library of compatible games. If, like me, you play on Xbox, you can auto-load those apps to get straight into the action. There are also options for PlayStation, Android, Google Stadia, Amazon Luna, and more. As such, it is extremely user-friendly and an excellent companion for this device.
So many options to choose from.
Cool your device and look cool at the same time.
No one wants their device to overheat. If it does, it’ll potentially cause damage and impact your performance. Luckily, the Gamesir X3 has this covered. With a well-placed 4000mm2 cooling area and a 7-blade fan that spins at 7500 RPM, your phone will run up to 24°C cooler. This makes for an unrivalled cooling performance that will improve your gaming experience.
Alongside this, the fan system has a badass RGB lighting setup. From the moment you plug it in, the fan switches on and the dynamic lighting starts. Now, this doesn’t add anything to the device other than making it look cool as hell!
Is the Gamesir X3 worth it?
With so many great controllers on the market, is the Gamesir X3 worth it? In short, absolutely! It has to be one of the best controllers I’ve used for mobile gaming. With low-latency input, pass-through charging, mappable buttons, and a cooling pad, it stands out amongst its peers.
Alongside this, you must consider the flexible USB-C port. This minor design trick improves usability while reducing damage to your phone and the device. The final thing to mention is the excellent capture button. Located by the D-pad, you can take screenshots of every cool move you pull off. Unlike the rest of the features, this is a bit gimmicky, but I loved it nonetheless.
When you weigh up all the positives, you realise that the Gamesir X3 is a phenomenal accessory. I adored its design, functionality, and build quality. Consequently, if you want a new mobile gaming controller, then look no further. As such, I recommend you buy it here!
The term hidden gem in gaming is massively worn out, with any meaning behind the phrase lost due to overexposure. Consequently, I am in a position where I’d like to call Video Game Fables a hidden gem. Instead, to avoid using that terminology, I’ll merely state that ‘Video Game Fables is an undiscovered classic waiting to be found.’
Developed and published by one person under the name Momiji Studios, Video Game Fables is a satirical take on turn-based JRPGs. While its near impossible to summarise this whacky title, essentially, it’s trying to do to games what Shrek did to fairy tales. Staggeringly, it actually managed to succeed to some degree.
A tale as old as time, except with a twist.
After being captured by the evil villain Gator, Princess Aru, an interpretation on Princess Peach, decides to go off script and save herself. Unfortunately, going against the games intended narrative has disastrous effects on the world. This all comes to a head when the hero, now unsure of his objectives, accidently rescues a warped version of the princess.
The self-titled Corrupted Princess kidnaps the King, Gator, and Aru’s castle, intending to create a new script in her image. Hoping to prevent this meta breaking scheme, Aru teams up with Nate, an inspiring hero, and Tator, Gators son, to recover what they’ve lost.
The way in which Video Game Fables targets this concept is nothing short of brilliant. It underlines tropes specifically from a video game point of view, joking about everything from characters, to world building, and even entire narrative arcs. The dialogue, while tongue in cheek, is exceptionally witty and well written. Best of all though, the script doesn’t solely rely on parody, meaning anyone can enjoy this.
Comedy meets introspection.
There are also plenty of introspective moments about deeper subject matter. My favourite example of this is the character Tator, who is effectively this games version of Bowser Jr. It’s revealed early on that he suffers from anxiety due to the prospect of having to fill his father’s shoes. While Aru and Nate initially pay little attention to this, over the course of their journey, they open up to him and allow him to discuss his woes.
The game will typically deals with these topics comedically. Yet, to highlight the severity of these issues, as well as the importance of discussing them, they are given the respect they deserve. On the whole, Video Game Fables is incredibly adroit and civil when it comes to this department.
Everything you’d expect, and more!
When it comes to the gameplay, Video Game Fables can be separated into exploration and battle sequences. The former is what you’d expect in a traditional RPG. Walking around various locations, discovering hidden loot, and interacting with NPCs along the way.
There are other opportunities to partake in side activities such as mining, fishing, races and puzzle solving. Collectively, they are fun, but ultimately rudimentary minigames, which often function as an alternate avenue of gaining upgrade currency.
The real bread and butter of the gameplay can be found within the battle mechanics. At first glance, it may seem rather basic, but in actuality, it’s quite intricate. It operates under the turn-based timeline style, recently seen in the likes of Ruined King. Video Game Fables does amend this slightly by allowing multiple actions to execute on the same branch of the timeline.
This adds an additional layer of complexity to each turn, as you have to worry about the initiative order, as well as the compounded actions. Subsequently, I found these mechanics made the game more of a challenging experience. It’s wasn’t overly difficult mind you, simply tough enough to prevent you from steamrolling through everything.
You’ll also find unique iterations of the timeline that manipulates the way it behaves. Momiji Studios smartly decided to limit these instances to boss battle scenarios. This allows each boss to have its own identity, as well as make each encounter feel increasingly special.
Customise to your hearts content.
No RPG is truly complete without options to upgrade your character. Thankfully, Video Game Fables has us covered here in spades. To start with, XP in this game acts as both an upgrade currency, and as a way to level up. Similarly to Runes in Elden Ring, you’ll have to make a decision to either empower your characters base stats via levelling, or open up more customisation options for your party.
The options in question can include anything from additional spell slots, to better quality gear or spells. The weapons and abilities themselves are obtainable via crafting. The required materials to partake in this can be found on monsters, through farming, or in the aforementioned mining and fishing. You’ll only be able to craft gear at your current checkpoint state, which is updated at key intervals throughout the game.
Although relatively primitive, skills can also be modified to suit your playstyle. Disappointingly, you don’t get to allocate the abilities or spells to the party members yourself. Admittedly, this doesn’t impact the game much at all, but I would’ve liked to have the option regardless.
Art design on a budget.
Video Game Fables has a rather peculiar art style. The environments are outlandishly cartoony, and are, I assume, deliberately designed to resemble a child’s drawing. Alongside this are the character models, which, for all intense and purposes, are flat 3D objects with NES sprite texturing. It all comes across as some wild and weird fever dream, and while it’s certainly bizarre, I absolutely love it.
If you’ve ever played Paper Mario, then the direction will feel somewhat reminiscent to you. For those that haven’t, it can feel like a weird juxtaposition at first, and it may take a bit of time to adjust to this graphical approach. The animation on the characters and NPCs are also worth pointing out, as their subtle eye and mouth movements are perfect at capitalising on comedic moments.
Sadly, the low-resolution art style may gate some folks off altogether. I say sadly because the game that lies underneath it is definitely worth playing through. If you are in that camp, just remember that you might have had the same opinion of games like Minecraft or F-Zero X. And you probably don’t need me to tell you how enjoyable those games were.
Audible throwbacks.
Video Game Fables features an entirely original soundtrack by composer Levc EGM. It emulates ideas from all sorts of retro games, primarily RPGs from the 8 and 16-bit era. Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest are evidently the biggest influences, though I wouldn’t place the music here on the level of those classic OSTs.
That isn’t to say the arrangements aren’t good. The chiptune style beats do have a few notable highs, especially when it comes to the melodic exploration tracks. In contrast, the higher paced themes were a bit hit and miss, with the main battle theme being particularly dismissive. Having said that, Levc EGM definitely shows promise, and I’d say is someone worth keeping an eye on.
The SFX in Video Game Fables are fairly standard affair. Once again, they borrow elements from the SNES and Mega Drive time period, helping to give a level of authenticity to the old school aesthetic. I do believe voice acting for some of the cutscenes would’ve massively improved the narrative experience, but considering this is a budget indie project, I understand why it was omitted.
Conclusion
I’m not going to lie and say that Video Game Fables is ground-breaking, or worthy of game of the year. But what I will say that it is an entertaining, light-hearted, and satirical take on JRPGs. It’s turn based gameplay is complex, and offers a numerous amount of customisation options. The art style, while certainly an acquired taste, fits the surrounding narrative exquisitely. Musically, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, but composer Levc EGM certainly shows some promise as an up-and-coming artist. If you’re a fan of RPGs, and can mange to pick this up on sale, then I’d recommend giving it a shot.
I’m a sucker for a retro game. However, I love the remake versions just a little more. Now, I know that purists will hate me, but I can’t help it. The combination of old-school action and modern polish is almost irresistible. As such, I have played and adored every game in the Recharged series. Every one of them has struck a chord and I can’t get enough. Accordingly, when Yars: Recharged hit my desk, I couldn’t resist it.
Developed by Adamvision Studios and SneakyBox and published by Atari, this is a retro arcade title. As already mentioned, it is part of the Recharged series which features an array of 80s classic games. Like the rest of the franchise, it has a healthy dose of solo and multiplayer action that is easy to understand and unbelievably moreish.
Dodge the laser and eat the hive.
Yars: Recharged is incredibly simple.
One of Yars: Recharged’s qualities is its simplicity. Its lack of complexity and quick-fire rounds make it the perfect casual experience. Alongside this, it is undeniably competitive when you play with someone else. After all, arcade gaming is all about the top score even when you are playing competitively.
The concept is simple! You control a golden hornet. This creature lives in space and wishes to rule the universe. Consequently, it invades enemy territory with one aim in mind: annihilation. Each level comprises a wave of creatures that are controlled by one or more central aliens. The aim is to destroy the hive-like shields, gather the golden energy, and wipe out the main aliens with the Zarlon cannon.
Dodge the enemy lasers and stay alive.
Death and destruction at its cause.
With death and destruction at its core, you know the gameplay will be hectic. No matter the stage, there are projectiles to avoid while you shoot or munch your way through the enemy defences. Each stage is made up of more convoluted bases than the last. Therefore, planning and skill are a must if you wish to succeed.
The gameplay is broken into 2 key components. There is the Arcade mode and Missions. The first is an endless run of bullet hell madness. Your hornet has 3 lives that refill at the beginning of each stage. If you survive, you’ll amass a top score to brag to your friends or the online community.
The Mission option, on the other hand, is much slower and more precise. You’ll be tasked with completing certain goals and, if you succeed, you unlock further stages. Your score is cumulative and, accordingly, can be improved by repeating any levels you’ve already finished.
Yars: Recharged is modern and slick.
A common theme amongst the Recharged series is its modern and slick finish. Thankfully, Yars: Recharged follows suit with its neon tones, contrasting imagery, and smooth gameplay. Its use of striking imagery and fixed-screen perspective makes each level stand out. What’s more, the interesting and often complex stages help to keep the action fresh.
Like many 80s games, the soundtrack is distinctly electronic. The synthwave approach not only captures the retro vibes, but it suits the sci-fi theme as well. Alongside this, the wonderfully loud and bizarre sound effects add to the madness. Consequently, the high-energy gameplay is brilliantly complemented by the audio.
Shoot your way through the hive shield.
The controls are my only complaint.
For some unknown reason, the hornet moves and feels faster in Arcade mode. This was often disconcerting, as it was particularly tough to manage. Annoyingly, this was noticeable whenever you swapped modes. Subsequently, it made the controls too sensitive and unfamiliar. What I also disliked was the lack of button mapping. Having to use dual analogue sticks worked, but it was inaccurate and often led to frustration.
Controls issues to one side. Yars: Recharged is ridiculously addictive. Because of its simplicity and quick-fire rounds, you can enjoy this casually alone or with a friend. Alongside this, there are plenty of missions to undertake and a high score to aim for.
Yars: Recharged is great retro fun.
In an age of ultra-modern gaming, returning to a simple approach is amazing. Yars: Recharged looks awesome, sounds amazing and is great retro fun. Furthermore, its lack of complexity makes it the perfect casual experience. However, it will still challenge you and push you all the way. I disliked the controls, but this shouldn’t detract from its brilliance. I loved it and I recommend you to buy it here! Can you take down the enemy hive? Shoot, chew, and blast them out of space.
Dusk Diver 2 is a good game until it’s not. This anime open-world hack-and-slack is an oxymoron – a great, inane, shallow and yet efficient, average, and still addictive action RPG. It’s both an over and underachiever but doesn’t level out as merely average.
Objectively, Dusk Diver 2 would fare poorly in a scoreboard compare-fest, as this low-budget open-world isn’t feature-rich and can’t keep up with the gameplay variety of a Yakuza or Persona 5, and yet it manages to emulate the high-quality anime presentation of the latter.
The game also benefits from having a short runtime with personable characters, but the main story drags on, and the action – while addictive – can’t reach the production values of similar AAA hack-and-slashers in the genre.
Going off this overly critical perspective might be what you’d expect of Metacritic and its zero-sum algorithm, and while it isn’t necessarily wrong, it fails to see all the finer details. Sure, Dusk Diver 2 won’t be making any headlines on IGN, but the experience comes together well enough for this to remain a staple on my tiny 500gb hard drive for short playthroughs of relaxing, mindless action.
Simply put – it’s an enjoyable experience, and isn’t that what we are all looking for?
Played on a PS4 there is an inconsistent frame rate that plagues the game at certain points, whereas the PS5 version runs at a stable 60fps.
The story of Dusk Diver 2 picks up a year later after the events of the first game and the Chaos Beasts – the enemies populating the interdimensional ‘underworld’ dungeons – are back with a vengeance, attracted to the large amount of Dragon Vein energy passing through Taipei due to the actions of some shadowy organizations.
Adding to the existing concept is a slightly ridiculous and carefree anime story that stretches and dances around relaxed slice-of-life tones, a team of individuals who moonlight as convenient store clerks and models, all while interdimensional subterfuge and war rumbles in the background.
Needing to constantly link the two quite separate elements of the game – the open-world and interdimensional action – the main narrative soon runs out of reasons for another dimensional leap/dungeon run, and while the bizarre justifications are waved away in a tongue-in-cheek manner, it sometimes frustrates more than it helps its pacing.
The game has full Japanese and Chinese voice acting in the main story with English subtitles. Even if it is in your own language though, there’s no guarantee the story will make sense.
The daily lives of the main characters are really where the heart of the game lies though, making you feel part of a warm group of friends, even if you wish there was a bit more character development to sink your teeth into. Side content mostly consists of fetch quests, battle goals, and collectibles – the barebones every open-world offers – but it adds yet a further vibrance and warmth through its real-life location Ximen, Taipei, which is infused with colour and upbeat music.
While an open-world/dungeon hack-and-slasher is a combination quite unique, there are clear influences from well-known titles such as Persona 5‘s presentation, (for the lack of a better open-world example) a Yakuza-esque influence in an open city map, and a JRPG approach to battle encounters with static NPCs that spawn battles in the ‘otherworld’.
Although the ‘open-world’ doesn’t have a huge amount of interaction (apart from restaurants and food stalls which offer status boost food) it still has its own character and you are even given mini history lessons on some of the specific real-life areas.
There are also improvements and quite significant changes from the original, including the overall visuals, an expanded city, and a battle system that went from a Dynasty Warriors-esque system – where you attack large crowds of enemies – to more of a singular enemy battle gameplay comparable to Devil May Cry.
Even with these upgrades, however, there’s still no guarantee that everyone will share my appreciation for what is objectively a convenience store-quality version of a hack-and-slash/action RPG – it might not be the best quality, but you know that you secretly love that convenience store coffee.
The base where all the characters congregate. One cool detail is being able to remove expired items from the shelves. An unnecessary, but great inclusion that adds immersion.
While the satisfying battle system is fun to play around in, the format is nothing that you haven’t seen before, taking place within dungeons, with your switchable team of an initial four characters facing off against waves of various enemies and bosses.
Approachable with simple attacks and abilities that can be strung together to reel-in multiple enemies, the battle gameplay looks and feels great with nice visual and sound effects, effective controller vibration, and enjoyable visual feedback from the enemies, ramping up the badassery as you plow through the field.
Having said that, due to the simplistic input system and relatively immobile damage-sponge enemies, it is possible to progress by spamming the easy-to-pull-off attacks, with one long-range gun-wielding character, in particular, who is almost invincible when standing on the other end of the map.
Player skill and special moves have some effect (with a powered-up state and the awesome special staggered attacks), but your ability to succeed has more to do with leveling up and bluntly powering through with the occasional dodge, rather than with any particular strategy.
Some might argue that the longer dungeons become a bit monotonous because of this, but it can be mitigated if you utilize an in-battle feature to remove the three other team members from the battlefield, which increases the difficulty and forces you to use your whole arsenal of moves. It’s a band-aid solution, no doubt, but it does help.
Outside of the action, the leveling up and customization process provides a plethora of ways to upgrade your characters which constantly changes how they feel in battle, and when combined with their different attacking styles, can make every battle feel different. Ultimately though, while you are given a mix of tools, the burden of variety is placed at your feet, as the battlefields and the standard enemies offer little diversity.
Although short, the game offers replay value with a cast of characters that expands to 8 by new game+ and also has enemy levels that increase with you as you carry your progress over.
Additional creativity within your team with team combos or the ability to interrupt and continue strings of attacks with another character would have been a great addition to bring the action up a notch, but the latter of which is impossible due to a mandatory cooldown after switching characters.
Furthermore, the dungeon design which starts off so promisingly, tails off quickly, leaving a collection of banal streets and underground shopping mall corridors to do battle. They might be joined by a groovy high tempo and excellent metal soundtrack, but there’s no doubt that just a bit more would have done wonders for a game where you are hacking and slashing for the vast majority of it.
While Dusk Diver 2 might fall short of greatness due to the battle system and dungeon design missing a few features, there is still magic here – with its relaxing atmosphere, personality in spades, and still addictive action – making this a good choice for those who wish to indulge in a harmless and enjoyable action RPG without the need to schedule an entire month to complete it.
Cycling is about speed, enjoyment, and, above all else, safety. Without the correct gear, you are riding irresponsibly and placing yourself in unnecessary danger. Recently, I covered the Olight BFL 1800 light, and I loved it. Today, I’m looking at the Olight RN 120 light. This intelligent rear light is a must-have device for commuters and safety-conscious riders.
With its simple mount system, easy-to-access charging port, and eye-opening brightness, this is an irresistible accessory. Consequently, if you are a keen cyclist, this is one light that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Don’t get caught out by approaching traffic.
What’s in the box of the Olight RN 120 light?
The compact box is sturdy, bright, and clearly labelled. Its contents are securely packaged and the key points are easy to read. What’s more, it can be recycled, which is great for the environment.
The Olight RN 120 light. This small but powerful rear light is an advanced piece of technology. It has an ambient light sensor and doubles up as a reflector. Furthermore, it is robust, waterproof, and well-built.
Seat and pole mount. Depending on your preference, you can mount this light on your pole or your seat. Whatever you choose, it is relatively pain-free to install, and it locks the light securely in place.
Micro USB charging cable. This small standard cable is used to power the rechargeable battery.
User manual. With an array of modes on offer, this straightforward guide will talk you through the basics.
Simple but effective packaging.Wow, that is bright!Small but well-built.A basic user guide.Micro USB charging cable.The two mounting options.The complete package.
Technical aspects.
Max. Performance (Lumens)
120 lumens
Mode operation
Single button
Compatible batteries
480mAh Polymer Battery
Charge type
USB charging
FLASH
Yes
SMART
Yes
Waterproof
IPX6
Two sensors = better safety.
The most important elements of a rear bike light are visibility, build quality and ease of use. Luckily, the RN 120 ticks every box. However, I was most impressed with its range of modes and its dual sensors.
With a whopping 120 lumens of power, the Olight RN 120 light can be seen from 1500 metres away. Furthermore, it also has a maximum of 260 degrees of visibility. This is absolutely incredible as it gives other road users ample time to react to your presence.
Alongside this, there are two sensors that increase your safety further still. There is the Smart Motion Sensor and the Ambient Light Sensor. By adjusting the working mode of your light, you can increase the battery life without reducing the usability.
The Smart Motion Sensor reacts to sudden movements of the user and automatically illuminates under the braking force. This was phenomenal, as it advises other road users of your action and any sudden reductions in speed.
On top of this, the Ambient Light sensor balances battery power with better lighting. Consequently, the Olight RN120 light always delivers the optimum output according to your environmental setting. This was awesome, as you get the best battery performance as well as ample lighting on every ride.
Build quality and ease of use.
This rear light is robust and sturdy without weighing too much. Moreover, its small rubberised mount makes it easy to secure it to your bike. With only one button to worry about, it was simple to power on the device and adjust the settings. Moreover, a handy rubberised tab protects the charging port when not in use. This was a great design element that ensured the light was waterproof at all times. After all, no one wants their light to fail when cycling in torrential rain.
Let the person behind know you are braking.
Is the Olight RN 120 light worth it?
Your safety while cycling is of paramount importance. Subsequently, getting the correct setup is key to a long and trouble-free time. Because of the excellent battery life, the intelligent sensors, and the range of settings, this stands out from the crowd.
Furthermore, it is unbelievably bright, simple to use, cost-effective to buy, and incredibly reassuring to ride with. Undoubtedly, I feel safer having this light attached to my bike and I wholeheartedly recommend you buy it here!
I’m a firm believer that gaming and fitness go hand-in-hand. As such, I love a new piece of fitness tech to brighten up my day. I’ve recently looked at the ZR 01 Zen Running Shoes and the Woowind BP188 Mini Bike Pump. However, today I’m going to investigate bike lights from Olight. Specifically, the Olight BFL 1800 light. This daily commuting headlight is obnoxiously bright, incredibly robust, and a guaranteed way to be spotted.
I know from personal experience how dangerous cycling can be. As such, visibility at all times is key to survival. Not only must you be seen, but a massive field of view is essential to miss obstacles, potholes, and an array of dirt and grime that thwarts every cyclist on a daily basis. Thankfully, this excellent headlight ensures you get a brilliant field of view no matter the weather or time of day.
No matter your handlebar size, this light will fit.
What’s in the box of the Olight BFL 1800 light?
The compact packaging securely houses the Olight BFL 1800 light. Alongside this, its accessories are tightly packed and easily accessible. The clean-cut design and well-constructed box are easy on the eye and feel upmarket and expensive. Furthermore, it is mostly recyclable, and that is great.
The Olight BFL 1800 light is a compact but heavy LED light. Its quick fit design and metal casing look stylish and are nice to handle. What’s more, the well-placed button is easy to access and simple to use on the go.
USB charging cable. This lengthy cable has a magnetic clasp that connects to the rear of the accessory. This simple design ensures the light has no open areas and is easy to charge. Painted with a blue accent, it continues to highlight the professional and high-end look.
User manual. Get up to speed with the basic guide.
Bike mount and spare straps. No matter the size of your bars, you’ll get a perfect fit. Moreover, the mount has a quick-release system that makes it easy to remove the light.
A small Allen key. Tighten the mount with ease thanks to the small and handy Allen key. The only downside is that the Allen key must be carried at all times to adjust the mount.
The complete packageA simple user manual.Additional straps and the quick release mount.Well-packaged contents.Small but powerful!The well positioned on and off switch.Simple but effective packaging.USB to magnetic clamp charging cable.Who’d have thought it would pack such a punch?
Whenever you buy a bike light, 3 elements stand out. Battery life, build quality, and how bright it is. Well, let’s start in reverse order and discuss its eye-burning power.
Increase your safety with the side light windows.
Brightness.
With a whopping 1800 lumens of power, this is eye-wateringly bright. On top of this, there is an incredible 210-metre beam distance. This creates a phenomenal field of view that generates confidence and a safe environment. Not only can you see clearly, but more importantly, oncoming traffic can easily see you.
Alongside this, there are two half-moon side windows that increase peripheral visibility. This is essential when traffic is entering from slip roads or junctions. With this additional beam of light, they will be able to spot you immediately. Consequently, your safety is improved, and this is undeniably reassuring.
Build quality.
Visibility is key, but I don’t want my light to break because it rains or the build quality is lacking. Accordingly, how well built is the Olight BFL 1800 light? In short, it is fantastically well built and feels hefty and solid in your hands. Furthermore, the incredible LED colour light system by the switch highlights your battery levels. On top of this, the handy magnetic charger is simple to fit and easy to maintain.
What is also great is the quick-release bike mount. With a firm push on the lever, your light pops away from the mount with ease. However, while the light is mounted, it feels secure with no risk of it accidentally detaching from the frame. Moreover, the mount is easy to fit thanks to the excellent Allen key setup. By simply adjusting the screw, you can secure the mount in place or adjust its position.
Battery life.
With a massive 5000mAh rechargeable battery, it achieves up to 8.5 hours of running time. This is incredible when you consider the power and levels of visibility you receive. Accordingly, if you wish to maximise your usage, you must use the lowest of the three available settings.
If you stick with the 1800 lumens option, your run-time will be diminished to around 1.5 hours. Subsequently, this may not be convenient when commuting during the winter months. However, I found the lowest setting to still be extremely bright while maintaining the benefits of the brightest option.
The aforementioned LED switch was an excellent design trait as it highlights your battery levels. The reason this was essential was that it indicates low battery levels whenever you are cycling. Furthermore, it also doubles up as a handy tool to show when the battery is fully charged, so you shouldn’t waste energy or damage its lifespan.
A handy LED indicator that is easy to understand.
Is the Olight BFL 1800 light worth it?
The Olight BFL 1800 light isn’t the cheapest option available, but that matters not. When it comes to safety, you don’t want a cheap and flawed light. Instead, you want the best you can afford. If your budget can stretch to £79.99, then this is a no-brainer. Because of its amazing build quality, bright settings, and great battery life, you have a reassuringly robust accessory. On top of this, its excellent magnetic charging and quick-release mount make it a user-friendly experience.
I have tried and tested plenty of lights while commuting, but the Olight BFL 1800 light is miles ahead of its competitors. Without hesitation, I recommend that you buy this incredible commuting bike headlight here!
Side-scrolling shoot-‘em ups don’t get the respect they deserve these days. Back in the 80s, they were all the rage because of their addictive gameplay and simple mechanics. There have been some market-leading titles across the years and I have loved every one of them. Consequently, whenever I get the chance, I will always review a new game in this genre. Therefore, when I was offered Rick Henderson, I stopped playing my triple-A titles and got straight to work.
Developed by Fat Pug Studio and Eastasiasoft Limited and published by the latter, this is a perpetual side-scrolling shoot-‘em up. What’s more, it captures the fantastic aesthetics of these once-great arcade adventures. However, its simple approach and limited gameplay options may be too basic for some gamers to comprehend. I, on the other hand, loved its straightforward ways and addictive action.
Rick Henderson is nostalgia personified.
Though Rick Henderson has no plot to speak of, its gameplay is still captivating. This endless side-scrolling shooter demands that you destroy wave after wave of alien spaceships. This then concludes with a monstrous battle with a gargantuan boss. If you happen to survive that stage, you move swiftly on, and the action begins again.
Now, you may worry that this would become tiresome. Luckily, though, it does not! Thanks to its array of enemies, upgrades, and weapons, each playthrough is unique. This is helped further still by the procedurally generated mechanics. Consequently, every attempt is different and will push you to your limit. On top of this, there are 3 vessels to pick from, each with strengths and weaknesses.
Do you choose the all-rounder, the fast but weak vessel, or the slow and heavily armoured beast? Whatever you decide, you must adjust your approach accordingly. There is no right or wrong because you can never truly plan for what’s ahead. Subsequently, you are kept on your toes and this was fantastic.
Best keep out of their way.
Plenty of weapons, upgrades, and special powers.
Alongside the ridiculous amount of enemies, you will find power-ups that alter your weapons. With three categories to pick from, you are spoilt for choice. There are energy, bullets, and missile options available. Each of these choices affects your foes in different ways. Bullet ammunition is your go-to choice, but missiles are better against armoured ships and each of the bosses. The energy weapons, on the other hand, are excellent against unarmoured units.
These minor differences create a wonderful tactical experience. Accordingly, you must remember what each one does to improve your chances of survival. Alongside this, you can collect new weapons with varying effects and rank cards to improve your ship. If you do the latter, your score will rapidly increase to enhance your bragging rights.
On top of these game-changing choices, there are special powers to use. Each of your vessels has a unique gift. The all-rounder creates a ghost image, the fast ship can teleport, and the slow one has a barrage of missiles. I found the speedy ship to be bloody useless, as it was weak and unpredictable. The sluggish brute, on the other hand, was destructive and great fun to use.
The final element of note is the “graze” bar. This additional ability rewards players who narrowly avoided being shot. If you manage to fill this bar up, you will be assisted by NPC ships. This limited time boost can be the difference between victory and success, but it is tough to achieve.
The bigger they are, the harder they fall.
Rick Henderson is wonderfully old-school.
Thanks to its garish colour palette and pixelated imagery, Rick Henderson is wonderfully old-school. Its 16-Bit graphics and basic animations will take you back to early console experiences. What’s more, the simple but brilliantly varied backdrop ensures it doesn’t become repetitive. Alongside this, there is an amazing array of sprites to look at, and some excellent detail on the projectiles and explosions. In short, it is a beautifully dated piece that will fill you with nostalgia.
This retro style is continued in the synthwave soundtrack. This delightfully loud and electronic music is exactly what you want to hear from a dated retro title. Moreover, it is fantastically representative of the genre and will trigger many happy memories. Furthermore, the irritating and shrill sound effects will also impress.
Don’t be fooled by their size.
Simple controls that will, unfortunately, frustrate you.
Because of a long-winded and thoroughly detailed tutorial, you will know the fundamentals with ease. However, unlike many of its peers, Rick Henderson doesn’t allow you to shoot from your rear. Now, this may seem a minor oversight, but it’s bloody frustrating. Whenever enemy ships approach from the left, you can do nothing but avoid their attention. This is annoying, stupid, and quite frankly absurd. I believe the developers have made a mistake as this will irk many hardcore fans.
Control issues to one side, there is plenty of replay value and longevity. With 3 game modes to pick from, you are spoilt for choice. There is an easy mode, a hard mode, and a boss run. The latter demands that you destroy a plethora of bosses as quickly as possible. The first two are endless and will keep going as long as you survive. Consequently, this combined with the procedurally generated stages helps to keep things fresh.
Rick Henderson will delight older gamers.
With all the fantastic and realistic games available, it is nice to return to basics. Subsequently, titles like Rick Henderson will always appeal to older gamers. Its nostalgia-fuelled ways and simple approach make it easy to digest and wonderfully casual. If you lived through the Mega Drive and SNES era, you’ll love everything about this game. It is for this reason that I recommend you buy it here! Can you improve your ship and destroy every alien you encounter? Select your weapon, use your abilities, and survive this endless madness.
“A word from the developer.”
My frustration regarding the lack of rear weaponry will soon be a thing of the past. The developers assure me that a Rick Henderson Special Edition is in the works. This updated and more in-depth experience aims to expand the arsenal of guns while adding to the roster of enemies. On top of this, there will be extra perks, bosses, waves, and much, much more. Consequently, if you love this base game, you’ll adore the enhanced Special Edition.
I can’t wait to see how much this will add to an already enjoyable title. With more guns and foes, this is sure to be a hectic addition that will make for a crazier arcade title. Sadly, though, there isn’t a release date, so watch this space and follow Fat Pug Studiohere!
Imagine being the size of an ant in your own home. Everything around you is still the same size and it would probably take you hours or days to get from one part of the house or room to the next. That is exactly how it feels to be Milo in the game Tinykin.
Milo is a young and clever boy who loves to explore. So the game starts out with Milo’s aircraft crash-landed in a house on Earth, a long-lost world that hasn’t been explored for some time. The design and style of the house appear to be stuck in the year 1991, with no other human being around. Everything appears to be normal, except that Milo is the size of an ant and everything in this house is so much bigger than he is. Thankfully Milo will meet up with plenty of these new friends known as the Tinykins, each possessing their own special abilities that will help Milo and you as the player to get from one part of the world to the next while discovering and finding objects to repair the aircraft and lead Milo home safely.
How Was The Game
My first impression of the game was drawn to the character, Milo as his movements were normal, but one thing stood out as awkward. He doesn’t ever seem to face any other way but forward. No matter how much you rotate the cameras, all you see is his face and never his back. I started to get a little bit of a headache rotating the camera trying to see if he’ll ever face a different way, but I could never get him to look away.
Additionally, Milo does have his own unique power to float, in the form of a bubble. He can easily travel from one location to the next after a leap and holding down the same button again. Instead of a double jump, it’s a floating bubble you’re given to travel. I felt it to be a little frustrating when you are on some high location and accidentally missing the right time to hold the button down so that you’ll reach the other side of the edge. I had to go back a few times and restart the entire leap and bubble traveling to hopefully make it to the other side.
There is also no end or restart to the game if you end up falling from a high distance to the ground or getting hurt in any other way. It turns out that you’ll just blow up like a pink bubble and starts off where you left off before the incident. Therefore, there is plenty of chances to try and try again to make it down or even across other dangerous obstacles to get to the designated area you want to arrive too. I always find that a game that allows you to continue after failing so many times is one I prefer most of the time to play, giving you the player a better chance to succeed.
Now let me tell you about these cute Tinykins. When I first saw them, I must admit they are so adorable. They’re like these tiny cartoon-style round characters, each with their own abilities that are useful in this game. The first time meeting a new variety of Tinykin, there is an adorable short video of Milo and the new Tinykin uniting for the first time. It’s a bit hilarious when he meets the ones that explode and also cute with the others as well. I really enjoyed the little videos that played in the game and how it connects and corresponds perfectly with each new task coming up and requiring the new Tinykins to help you.
Furthermore, Milo is the only character you need to really worry about in the game. Unlike a game where the friends that you find and collect may get lost, not follow you if you go too fast or move a corner and they aren’t right behind you, or unluckily be destroyed by enemies or obstacles, well it isn’t the same for this game. Instead, you are able to move as fast as you’d like, sliding on a bar of soap or possibly just floating and climbing to a different location. No matter where you go, the little Tinykins will find their way to you instantly. At least that removes some unnecessary difficulty to the game and is another feature I really love.
One last thing, if they ever came out with or made a cute Funko or collectible stuffed Tinykin toys, I’d really love to own some! They are silly, cute, and adorable. I honestly can see it on shelves now, even Milo himself.
During the actual gameplay, it actually becomes obvious that you must collect a certain amount of Tinykins to perform different tasks. Many of the tasks required in the game need a total of one type of Tinykin to blow up, lift, move or do anything else in this game. Since they are strong and together work as a team to help you move forward in the game, It is really required for Milo to be moved throughout each location and explore every place to collect as much of the Tinykins as possible.
I feel as if the game was perfectly created to be played as if you must collect and check out everything in the level without missing a single thing. Cause without getting a certain amount of Tinykin or completing a certain area that has been created in the game, you’ll never be able to move forward. So each level of the game seems to be created just right so that you must check every location out and even grab some hidden items from one portion to the next.
The main goal will be explained clearly after the first item is grabbed in the beginning. You’ll be repairing your aircraft, not a normal-looking aircraft, but one created with objects of all types to help Milo travel back home. So as we explore each room in this large house filled with 90s memorabilia, you’ll notice certain objects that the Tinykins will help bring with you as you complete that level. Each and every location will have a new item needed to help repair the ship to take you safely home. Plus, the many new friends you’ll meet, like some colorful and cartoon-styled bugs.
I think, for the most part, the game plays quite well, but there were a few issues I’ve encountered that might be great if they could be changed or fixed. The loading was never an issue, the graphics were perfectly fine and so was the background music. Even if you don’t read the text, it’s clear enough you’ll still know what to do as each location is very explanatory about what needs to be done and what you can do with certain controller buttons.
The only issues that really felt frustrating started off with the bubble floating ability. Once you leap, you must hit the button again and hold. if you don’t do it fast enough, you’ll float too low and not make it to the opposite side easily. The second issue is that there are a few parts in the game that felt a bit hard to tell if the object is something you should be aiming at or checking out.
Another is that most of the items needed to be used with the Tinykins are glowing in some way. There are, however, a few reflective objects that look like something might be required to access or use, but that isn’t always the case. I would have them a bit dull or matte verse too shiny to not give off that effect. The last thing that stood out to me is that there is no real way to select between the different Tinykins. They tend to just have to go through shooting each until you get the ones you need and it realizes it’s what is needed to move or do something to the object you’ll be tossing them at.
Otherwise, everything else is great about this game. It’s a true platformer that provides plenty of action and fun without being too difficult or lacking a clear or easily seen screen from all angles. The levels are spacious with plenty to explore and collect and the characters are not devious or scary, but cute and friendly as well. It’s a bit of a puzzle planning an adventure platformer in one!
Final Verdict
The game Tinykin brings players a joyful and fun adventure, where one must solve and discover ways to find your way through each spacious location. There are so many things to see and solve for friends that are just as small as Milo the character you’ll be playing as. It’s a bright and joyful game, without monsters attacking, but with plenty of puzzle-solving planning to get you from one location to the next. It’s a very fun game that will keep you entertained for hours and provides plenty to do in each new location you visit.
The idea of hell fills many people with dread! Eternal torture and misery as a punishment for all the bad things you’ve done in life, oh the joys. However, for the demons that reside in this fiery hovel, it must be bliss. Yet, what would happen if there was one demon who had an irrelevant role? Well, this is exactly what happens in the amusing yet immature Hell Pie.
Developed by Sluggerfly GmbH and published by Headup GmbH, this is a 3D platform adventure title. What’s more, it is loaded with filthy language, obscene one-liners, and colourful characters. As such, it is aimed at a mature audience. Although, younger gamers may enjoy it on a shallow level. It is a solo experience that captures some of the best mechanics and well-trodden tropes from the genre. Consequently, platforming fans will adore the familiar gameplay and interesting levels.
What are you doing Nate?
Hell Pie tells an amusing story.
One of the greatest elements of Hell Pie is its ridiculous story. Never before have I felt sorry for a demon. However, there is always a first, and our protagonist deserves some sympathy for the way he is treated.
You control Nate, the “Demon of Bad Taste”. His role is belittled as bad taste and crude jokes are expected in the sinning capital of all existence. As such, his responsibilities are non-existent and the Devil decides to give him an important task. Nate must scour the overworld to find disgusting ingredients for Satan’s birthday cake.
This adventure spans many levels and is thwarted by danger. Yet, with the help of a sidekick and an array of special skills, he will overcome many obstacles and complete his task en route. You’ll encounter mini-games, massive chasms, collectables, and much, much more. You must use your skills and reactions to avoid every trap and complete every stage.
Take a moment to admire your surroundings.
Hubs, collectables, and special abilities.
Platforming games tend to be vast and full of collectables. Accordingly, the number of things to do can become overwhelming. Fortunately, though, this issue is overcome by the introduction of central hubs. Subsequently, each level is accessed using the lifts located in the bowels of hell. You’ll use these to explore a range of vivid and interesting stages while hunting for those precious ingredients. Alongside this is a helpful list of collectables that keep track of your progress. This is awesome for completionists as the action never gets out of hand.
What I particularly enjoyed was the drip-fed mechanics that expanded Nate’s repertoire of skills. Alongside his ungodly powers, he is armed with a cherub sidekick called Nugget. This chunky and hideous fallen cherub expands our hero’s ability to jump, attack, and explore.
However, to make the most of the situation, you must gather an array of collectables. Each stage has unique items that will grant new horns with enhanced abilities. Alongside this, there are tins of meat that are used to improve Nate’s and Nuggets’ skill tree. By enhancing their powers, you’ll be able to soar around each level without a care in the world. This was beyond ridiculous, but I couldn’t help but love it. After all, what’s not to love about a truly stupid mechanic and a flying demon?
Hell Pie is laced with gruesome imagery.
The aforementioned horn upgrade is a prime example of the gruesome nature of Hell Pie. By ripping the horns off of a hapless sheep, you’ll gain new strengths. This cinematic was as gross and horrific as you can imagine. In fact, its gory nature will make you wince and giggle in equal measure. This shocking approach is seen across many levels as violence and gory undertones set the scene. Worry not, though, as it isn’t GTA levels of violence. No, instead, it is the hellish high jinx that helps to set the tone.
Talking of tone, the audio is blunt but energetic. With crude cinematic and often cutting dialogue, it may touch a nerve. However, I loved its guttural style and immature ways. This is further captured by the strange noise that emits from the hero and his sidekick. All in all, it’s a loud and amusing experience that matches the bright and gruesome theme.
Why jump when you can fly?
Excellent controls.
With a high degree of precision and some tight spaces to traverse, Hell Pie needed accurate controls. Luckily, this is exactly what you get thanks to the responsive inputs and excellent layout. Furthermore, new mechanics are brilliantly explained. The incorporation of fun yet challenging mini-games explains how new skills work without being overbearing.
With so many collectables on offer, ingredients to gather, and skills to learn, there is plenty of longevity and replay value. Of course, the enjoyment factor is dependent on your love of shiny things and, if you are determined to find them all. Yet, I don’t know a platforming fan who dislikes this element. Subsequently, Hell Pie will tick many boxes for hardcore fans.
Hell Pie is rude, immature, but oh so glorious.
If you are a little childish but enjoy a challenge, Hell Pie will be right up your street. Its crude plot and silly gameplay will tickle that immature part of your brain. What’s more, its array of skills and collectables keeps the action fresh throughout. It’s for these reasons that I recommend you to buy it here! Can you become useful and do the Devil’s bidding? Collect the ingredients, learn new skills, and reign supreme in the overworld.
Kickstarter is a bit of a mixed bag as there are some incredible ideas that never take off. As such, you never know what will happen whenever you invest. Luckily, the projects that I have backed have always come through and I’ve never been disappointed. Therefore, when I saw information on the Powchell Charger, I was intrigued.
Enjoy your hobbies and keep your tech charged.
What is great about the Powchell Charger?
I love the great outdoors, technology, and camping. However, these things don’t always work in harmony. The main issue is that modern life drains your batteries like never before. So, what is the solution? Yes, there are ample power banks and other options available, but they don’t tick every box. Normally, they lack power and storage or are just inconvenient. This is where the Powchell Charger is a game changer. Thanks to its incredibly intuitive design, you get a truly robust option that’ll charge plenty of devices no matter the situation.
Thanks to its intelligent cable management system, strong external case, and massive battery life, this will keep you going no matter how harsh the conditions are. Furthermore, there are both internal and external charging points. Moreover, it’s rated as waterproof IP67, and it floats. As such, it is going to be an amazing device for sports enthusiasts, campers, and festival-goers.
Take it on your flight as it is TSA-approved.
It is loaded with tech and interesting ideas.
Alongside all of this, the massive 20000mAh (74Wh) Panasonic battery is capable of fast charging. Both the internal and external ports will rapidly charge your devices to ensure you are up and running in no time. However, what I’m most excited about is its secure design. With ample internal storage, you can safely and securely keep your devices “juiced up”. This was particularly reassuring, as I hate to leave my valuables on display.
Finally, for those who travel a lot, this is TSA-approved for flights. What’s more, the over-engineered design makes it practically unbreakable. Consequently, it’ll be allowed with you on your flight and will survive the usual knocks and scrapes without issue.
The Powchell Charger will be starting its Kickstarter campaign very soon. If you are interested in the device and would like more information on it, then click the link here!
Keep flying with the Powchell Charger.
No more flat batteries for your gear.
Internal and external charging ports.
Recharge at high speeds on the move.
Keep your gear protected from harsh elements.
Transport your gear with ease.
Stay organised and ahead of the game.
Waterproof IP67 and it floats.
Approved for air travel (TSA-approved).
Disclaimer for the Powchell Charger.
(This Kickstarter campaign is not affiliated with Movies Games and Tech. Any investment comes with the usual risks and all terms and conditions should be read before investing.)
Did you ever want to fly a spaceship that shoots lasers but can also do melee attacks somehow? Well, you kind of get to do that in ANIQUILATION. Developed by R-Next and published by Gamera Games, ANIQUILATION is a game with a lot of cool ideas but none of the execution. It is a twin stick shooter, that can be played as singleplayer or multiplayer. Let us start without further ado.
GAMEPLAY
As I mentioned at the start, there are cool ideas ANIQUILATION has regarding gameplay. But one of the problems the game has is, there are too many ideas, and none of them are polished enough feel good. None of these mechanics are brand new. You will have seen them before in that game or other. If the dev team could’ve fleshed out their core gameplay this game would have been better.
You have a spaceship, and you will shoot enemy ships, big mecha enemies, and buildings throughout your missions. Also, there’s a small minigame of sorts between missions. The missions are quite basic and unimaginative. The enemies are pretty much the same. What I did like was the fact that some enemies only take damage from weapons or melee attacks. Although I only played singleplayer, I felt that something was off with the balance. I suppose you except to be overwhelmed in a twin stick shooter, but that overwhelming is only fun, if there is breathing room afterwards. From start to finish of a mission ANIQUILATION doesn’t give you any breathing rooms. And at the end you’re just glad the mission is over.
Most of my frustration with this game comes from how it “feels” to play it. The controls are clunky, the terraformed planets are buggy. Moving doesn’t feel good, shooting doesn’t feel good. Honestly there wasn’t a single mechanic in the shooting gameplay, where I felt that mechanic was executed well. I did not enjoy my time with ANIQUILATION generally because of this reason.
TECHNICAL SIDE AND STORY
My general thoughts on the story are quite brief. This game doesn’t want to be a storyteller. And that’s okay. Not all games need to be great storytellers. It’s a cliché story, with cliché characters, where nothing interesting happens. But once again, the story isn’t the selling point of this game, so all of this is forgivable.
Now onto the technical side. Things are even worse here I feel. The graphics are bad. Not like “they have their own unique style, but it just didn’t appeal to me” bad, more like “these graphics are so bad this game should not have come out in 2022” bad. I’m honestly one of those people who don’t really care about graphics if the mechanics are solid. But they aren’t. So yes, this game fails on gameplay, story, and graphics.
There is one positive thing in between all these failed attempts. And it is the music. I really enjoyed the soundtrack of this game. Big kudos to whoever made it. It fits the game perfectly. Communicates the atmosphere of the game well too.
CONCLUSION
This game really was not my cup of tea. I felt that it failed on almost everything it set out to accomplish. While some parts are objectively bad, the game does have some good ideas. I hope next time, this team can try to execute their ideas better and give us a more satisfying to play twin stick shooter.
In AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative, you must solve the mystery of the Half Body serial killings by diving into people’s dreams to uncover the truth.
Any spoiler can ruin the fun of this game since it relies heavily on uncovering many secrets. So I’ll try to keep this review as short as possible without revealing any elements about the plot.
Gameplay:
AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative is the second game in the series, but it isn’t necessary to have played the first game to enjoy this one. Most of the game plays like a traditional point-and-click visual novel, but when exploring the dreams, players take control of the character and must explore the world. But you must act fast since you only have six minutes to solve challenging puzzles in each unique and bizarre dream world.
There are three difficulty levels which you can toggle at any point of the game. While I played the whole game in Normal mode, the puzzles were sometimes extremely difficult. So if you’re not into puzzles, then I recommend switching to an easier mode since it won’t impact the story.
Story:
You start off playing as Ryuki, and his crude yet sexy AI-ball companion, Tama. With Tama’s help, you start to uncover the truth about the Half Body serial killings by diving into witnesses’ and suspects’ dreams by “psyncing” into their minds.
Later, you play as Mizuki and her AI-ball companion, Aiba. Playing between these two characters, you start to unravel a huge story with diverging plots and eventually learn that the truth is not that so simple.
AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative’s story never felt dull, and you can easily get lost in the story without realizing it. With that said, while this game is a murder mystery, I didn’t feel like I was the detective but rather just a spectator watching the story unfold.
While I loved the story, I felt like there wasn’t a nice balance between the wackiness and seriousness of the game. The teenage-level sexual jokes and cringey humor were excessive, and I found that it started to take away from the story.
All in all, the writing was really good, not to mention the English translation was nothing short of a chef’s kiss. Both the Japanese and English voice acting were spectacular, and I love that there was an option to choose between the two languages. Although the graphics in this game were pretty, since the characters were 3D, sometimes their facial expressions and movements felt stiff especially compared to the expressive VO.
Pros:
Amazing JP and Eng VO
Creative & challenging puzzles
Thought-provoking and interesting story
Cons:
Too repetitive
Excessive inappropriate jokes
Unsatisfying ending
I was extremely invested in the first half of the game, but in the latter half, I started feeling the strain of the repetitive gameplay and felt the story waning. With the amount of time and energy I invested, the ending felt rushed and left me feeling unsatisfied. But don’t get me wrong, the ending wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t spectacular and left me with so many unanswered questions.
Conclusion:
AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative was a wild ride and honestly, one of the most thought-provoking games I’ve played for a long time. While I wanted to love this series, it fell short of my expectations. I don’t think it’s something that everyone would enjoy, but even so, I still recommend it. AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative is not something you can easily put down, and it makes you want to uncover the truth until the very end. But be warned, “Truth is only an Illusion.”
