Review: Ampligame A8 microphone

Daniel Waite
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Review: Ampligame A8 microphone

If you are a streamer, your microphone setup is the key to your success. Accordingly, if you purchase a poor quality or difficult-to-use accessory, this can be the difference between success and failure. What’s more, looking great while having perfect sound is also a must. Therefore, a small and sleek design that incorporates RGB lighting must be of interest. However, a microphone like this will definitely break the bank. Consequently, newcomers and small-time streamers will want a cost-effective alternative. This is where the Ampligame A8 microphone from Fifine comes into play. It is an excellent alternative to top-end products and will surprise you with its amazing recording qualities.

Thanks to the combination of low-cut frequency response and decent mids and highs, it delivers respectable clarity for the price. What’s more, it is jam-packed with features that make it user-friendly, vivid, and fantastic for an array of gaming options. With a simple plug-and-play set-up, you can use this microphone in seconds. It is compatible with PS4/5, PC, and macOS, has adjustable RGB, a touch mute button, and the ability to alter the gain level. In short, it’s a small microphone that packs a lot of punch.

A vivid range of RGB lighting.
The Ampligame A8 microphone in all its glory.

What’s in the box of the Ampligame A8 microphone?

  • The packaging is lightweight but pleasant on the eye. Sadly, my box arrived a little worse for wear, but fortunately, the contents weren’t damaged. Furthermore, most of the packaging is recyclable, and this was great.
  • The Ampligame A8 microphone. This compact accessory is available in three colours. It also has a shock mount, adjustable stand, and a pop filter as standard. On the underside is the USB-C connection point as well as a 3.5mm audio socket. The buttons are easily identifiable and the brushed metallic finish is classy and hard-wearing.
  • USB-C charging cable. This is now the industry standard and can easily be replaced if necessary. At approximately 2 metres long, it is suitable for most setups.
  • Boom arm connector. If you work using a boom arm, this microphone can be adjusted to accommodate it. It is easy to install and sturdy.
  • User manual. A short but helpful guide that explains the fundamentals.
Plenty of RGB colours to choose from.
The Ampligame A8 microphone.
Sadly, the packaging was a little battered.
Fancy attaching it to your boom arm.
The USB-C charging cable.
A simple to understand user manual.
The complete package.

Technical aspects.

TypeCondenser
Polar PatternCardioid
Output ConnectionUSB Type-C (mic end) to type-A 2.0 (computer end)
Power ConsumptionUSB 5V Power
Frequency Response50Hz-20kHz
Sensitivity-40±3dB
Shipping Weight1.0 kg

As stated, a microphone is only as good as the sound it records. Thanks to the excellent pop filter, you record all your content without interference. Unlike some of its peers that have the filter built into the device, the Ampligame A8 microphone has it externally mounted. Now, I liked the design as it enables you to know where to direct your voice. Furthermore, it is removable if you wish to streamline the device further.

A filter is one thing, but unwanted vibrations affect your recordings as well. Luckily, the rubberised shock mount works wonders to reduce this. The silicone ring perfectly balances the microphone and keeps movement to a minimum. I found this to be key when manually adjusting the RGB settings or the gain at the rear of the device. If the shock mount wasn’t present, it would be much harder to handle and the quality of recording would be vastly reduced.

Light up your desk with the vivid RGB display. Now, I know fancy lights won’t be for everyone, but I couldn’t resist. With an array of solid lights, no lights at all, or a pulsed gradient, you can set it as you wish. Thanks to the touch button on the rear of the device, you can easily select the perfect option for you. Alongside this, there is a helpful mute button that changes from red to green. This touch-sensitive switch is accurate, obvious, and user-friendly. I particularly loved this feature, as I didn’t record unnecessary content in error.

Another handy feature is the gain control and 3.5mm audio jack. Combining these two features allows you to adjust and control the levels of your recording. This was an excellent inclusion as you set the audio levels as you make content. Subsequently, this reduces the need to edit, and this saves you time.

The Ampligame A8 microphone has some excellent user-friendly features. Two of these are the 3.5mm audio jack and audio gain controller.
Excellent features that make it user-friendly.

Is the Ampligame A8 microphone worth it?

The elephant in the room has to be addressed. What is that you may think? The answer? How does it compare to its high-end peers? Well, it is an excellent audio device and packs a lot of oomph for the price. However, it doesn’t quite compare to the ROCCAT Torch USB microphone. This more expensive and higher-end product has more features, a built-in mixer deck, and an exceptional pop filter. But, the Ampligame A8 microphone can be purchased for around half the price! Therefore, it shouldn’t be overlooked by the streaming community.

I think, for the money, you won’t find better. Thanks to its plug-and-play approach, and easily accessible controls, it can be used by the greatest of technophobes. More importantly, each recording is clear, free of popping and background noises, and is suitable for most streamers. Alongside this, you must admire the RGB lighting, the touch mute switch, and the shock mount. Fifine has considered every streaming issue and has overcome it with its sturdy and well-thought-out design. Accordingly, I loved using this microphone and I recommend you to buy it here!

Summary.

The Ampligame A8 microphone won’t compete with its high-end peers. However, it is inexpensive for such a sturdy and stylish accessory. I loved its vivid RGB colour palette, its compact looks, and how easy it was to use. On top of this, the inclusion of a boom arm mount was perfect. It proves to be great value for money, but why not save some more? Use discount code 15AMPLIGAMEA8 and reduce the price further still.

(More information on Fifine can be found here!)

The Ampligame A8 microphone is awarded the Movies Games and Tech gold award.

Review: HeroQuest

Lee Fairweather
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Review: HeroQuest

In 1989, designer Steven Baker, in collaboration with Milton Bradley and Games Workshop, created the fantasy board game HeroQuest. The concept for HeroQuest was to make a more accessible version of D&D by bringing it into the tabletop space. This resulted in the creation of the dungeon crawler genre, and inspired new contemporary titles such as Gloomhaven.

HeroQuest came pre-packaged with everything you would need to run it. The standard rulebook, a board to play on, a wide selection of monster and player figures to use, and finally, environmental models to place on top of your board. This made HeroQuest quickly stand out from its competitors, as no other game came packed with this much content.

Upon its release, it received both commercial and critical praise. A number of expansions followed shortly after the release, and built upon the foundations made in the base game. The popularity of HeroQuest subsided in 1993, and all development of the product ceased in the following year.

However, seemingly out of nowhere, Hasbro setup a crowdfunding campaign in 2020 for a new edition of the game. Unsure if there was still a market for this, they started with a goal of $1 million. Shockingly, the campaign reached its target within the first 24 hours, and ended with a whopping $3.7 million in funding.

HeroQuest 2021 plays the same as the original, with only minor tweaks made to meet modern standards. These include things like updated artwork, male and female characters models, a world map to explore, and brand-new monster types. After playing this recently, I was very happy to discover that the game holds up phenomenally well.

Gameplay

One player takes on the role of the gamemaster, simply referred to as Zargon in the manual. Zargon manages the games rules and reveal the maps layout as the Heroes progress further into the dungeon. The quest book provides Zargon with an overview of the dungeon ahead of time. This keeps the Heroes on their toes as they never know what is around the corner.

Each quest also comes with a small introductory blurb. This informs the Heroes of what they are trying to accomplish in their missions. The objectives range from killing a deadly gargoyle, to rescuing an injured ally. Completing quests reward Heroes with gold, which they can use to buy better equipment. It is also possible for them to receive powerful artifacts, which will bolster their power in some way.

The great thing about this system is the flexibility it provides to create homebrew scenarios. I was able to develop an entirely new campaign for my party after we had finished with the main game. The simplicity made it a lot easier to setup and manage in comparison to something like a D&D campaign.

Heroes

The other players control 1 of 4 available Heroes. These consist of the Barbarian, Elf, Dwarf, and Wizard. They each have their own unique playstyles, and come with different benefits and drawbacks. Hasbro have also released additional Heroes including the Bard, Druid, Warlock and Knight, but unfortunately, these do not come with the base game.

A Heroes turn consists of movement and an action. To move, the Hero must roll two standard 6-sided dice. They can then move the number of spaces up to the total amount rolled. Non-combat actions include searching for treasure, traps or secret doors, and, if you have the tool to do so, attempting to disarm a trap. It is up to the Heroes choice whether they want to move or use an action first.

Attacking

Both the Heroes and Monsters attack and defend in the same way. This involves rolling a special 6-sided dice called the ‘combat dice.’ In place of numbers are various symbols, all of which indicate something different. 3 of the sides are skulls, 2 are white shields, and the final side is a black shield. The skulls measure a successful hit while attacking. The white and black shields measure defence, with white being for the Heroes and black being for Zargon.

The Hero cards indicate their starting attack and defence power. For example, the Barbarian has a standard attack roll of 3 and a defence roll of 2. This means they roll 3 combat dice when attacking, and 2 when defending.

Quick scenario: Let’s say the Barbarian is aiming to attack a Skeleton. The Barbarian manages to roll 2 skulls with their combat dice, and the unfortunate monster only manages to roll 1 black shield with theirs. This means that the monster takes 1 total point of damage, as basic math indicates 2 – 1 = 1. The simplistic nature of this keeps combat moving incredibly quickly, and ensures there is little downtime for each Hero between their turns.

Spell Casting

The Elf and Wizard are the only two which can cast spells, at least in the base game. In line with regular attacking, casting a spell is pretty straight forward. The Hero states to Zargon which spell they want to cast. At this point, if the target is within the Heroes line of sight, the spells ability will transpire.

As each spell can only be cast once per quest, it creates an additional level of strategy for Heroes. I often found my party discussing when to use this limited resource, and in turn, led us to becoming more immersed in the game. As a note, spells can cover both damage and utility purposes.

HeroQuest Thoughts

HeroQuest may seem costly with a retail price of £100, but the value for money you get in the box is unbelievable. It comes packed with 65 highly detailed and sturdy models, reference cards which track everything the players need, and a quest book which perfectly captures the fantasy aesthetic. On top of this, they all feature absolutely gorgeous artwork which is worth the cost of admission alone.

HeroQuest lends itself to all age groups. Regardless if you are new to this genre, you’ll be able to pick up the rules rapidly and start playing in no time. The game system also provides room for creation and innovation. The community over on YeOldeInn.com does just that, so be sure to check that them out if you are looking for some Homebrew content.

Linked below is the best sales pitch that you may ever receive. It is a video by longtime board game legend BardicBroadcasts who emphatically tells us “Why HeroQuest is so great.” Although he is using the original version of HeroQuest to illustrate his points, all of the same principles still apply to HeroQuest 2021.

Conclusion

In my opinion, HeroQuest is the quintessential game for those that are new to the dungeon crawler experience. Veteran gamemasters can also use HeroQuest as a gateway to get their friends into other tabletop roleplaying games. Fans of titles like Decent: Journey in the Dark and Gloomhaven should check this out and pay homage to the grandfather of the genre. Although it is currently unavailable to purchase on the Hasbro website, you can still find copies within your local game store.

Review: The Last Friend

Natosha M
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Review: The Last Friend

Do you have what it takes to bring down a group of mutant rivals causing havoc and rescue man’s best friend, the dogs? If so, then The Last Friend will be an excellent game to try! It’s packed with a variety of adorable dogs and large demonic-style bosses with plots to cause destruction to the world.

So if you want to help these pups and save the planet then this is your time to shine! As you play as the hero named Alpha, you will be able to team up with all types of rescued doggies in their armored gear, and push forward in your RV to rescue so many more while defeating a variety of enemies blocking your way. Just plan your attacks, be prepared for anything, and let loose!

🐶 How Was The Game 🐶

The stunning Alpha with his flaming red hair and huge muscles, make us stand out very much from many of the characters in the game. We may look tough but we do break easily. Especially cause there is always some huge villain ready to take us down or just so many foes that want to bombard us from getting by. So a good strategic plan before battle needs to be perfected enough to succeed. Thankfully this game isn’t too difficult to get a hang of and yet still requires a few play-throughs to get it right. Of course, what is a game if it isn’t challenging?

Another thing that is interesting, it may just be me, but I feel our one little doggy friend, T. Juan the chihuahua seems to be the chattiest character than we are. For a dog partner, he feels more like the brains of the game and we just follow his orders, even though our name stands for a leader of the pack, we are more the muscles. No matter, it’s absolutely cute, and even the fact that it’s full of different dogs to play with in the game all done in this cartoony-style design makes them even more adorable. Especially when they play as members of our team battling the bad guys. Putting dogs in armor and using weapons makes the game even cuter and more fun to play. Action and cuteness are so much of a positive for me. Also, it is not gruesome and dark, but cheerful and pleasant, which I love!

For the most part, the game doesn’t have many flaws. It loads each part quickly, every scene plays perfectly without glitches, and the graphics and sounds that were heard and seen throughout the game were spot-on. The only issue, my personal opinion about the game, is that during the times you are going through each wave of enemy. I wish there was a limit to how far you can place dogs from the selection on the road. Building a team on the road is great and having so many is helpful, but without that limited to the right side of the screen, you may be blocking or making it hard to see the enemy coming into the picture that you can reach or attack. There should be a small limit line to where the dogs can be placed, leaving you enough viewing room and space for fighting.

Other than that, I really had no horrible feelings with this game. It really packs plenty of action and gets challenging as new waves of enemies head down the street, allows for new dog team members rescued to be set up to use in the next battle, and allows you to earn stars for each stage that is completed fully and objects during battle, able to level up and get stronger, and requires speed and planning when using the acquired gears to purchase different dogs to help protect the RV move you along in the game. Also, there are a few additional ways to play, not just as waves, but through sandstorms and other styles of playing, changing it up from each stage and making it even more entertaining than redundant as you play. Always a new surprise to come around the corner.

Lastly, as the hero Alpha, not only the name but the leader of this dog pack, I feel like the game really made the humorous use of dog terminology and gameplay in one. It really made the game feel joyful and entertaining. Plus, for those who don’t really want to play for the cuteness but for the action. Well then, there are tons of that, and it does get difficult as more come down the street and you need to work quicker. So it basically covers everything for a perfect strategy-wave style game.

🐶 Final Thoughts 🐶

Honestly, The Last Friend is more like EVERY Last Friend. There are so many doggies to rescue and each one is just as adorable as the last. Every friend is a new team member and can be used to take down difficult enemies at a time. It’s just so much fun with the number of members you can place on the street to help you battle and how happy the dogs are when they get rescued. It’s just a fun game and very much one for dog lovers and those who are looking for a new reason to fight through challenging waves of enemies and save the planet!

Review: Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands

Daniel Waite
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Review: Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
https://youtu.be/3gJgj2ngCyA

The looter shooter genre is probably the most enjoyable party-based game around. A big claim I know, but I find MMO-type titles too much of a time sink. Consequently, I want something that I can play casually while still enjoying depth, destruction, and a fascinating story. Luckily, the Borderlands franchise ticks all these boxes and more. Therefore, when I was offered Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, I jumped at the chance.

Developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games, this is a looter shooter adventure title. It is a spinoff of the main Borderlands theme and reignites the DLC from Borderlands 2. Subsequently, you’ll experience a familiar game with lashings of weapons, armies of enemies, massive bosses, and an amusing story. What’s more, the characters are endearing and hilarious and work brilliantly to keep the plot flowing.

Tiny Tina is nuts.
Will luck be on your side?

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands mirrors Borderlands 3.

Now, fans of the series may or may not be disappointed with my next statement. For the most part, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is a reimagining of Borderlands 3. It utilises the best from that title but adds a massive fantasy twist. Accordingly, you’ll loot to your heart’s content, kill masses of monsters, level up your character, complete quests, and genuinely cause mayhem. On top of this, you can play it solo or with friends using the Cross-Play feature.

However you tackle the main story, you will instantly fall for its fantasy charms. Set in a Dungeon and Dragons type world known as Bunkers and Badasses, you’ll enjoy a tabletop experience. You control a newbie who must help Butt Stallion prevent The Dragon Lord from rising and taking over the world. FYI, Butt Stallion is a beautiful diamond-encrusted rainbow-loving unicorn who is the Queen of this fantasy land. Tina, the crazy explosive-loving girl, plays the part of the dungeon master. She, alongside Valentine and Frette, set the rules of engagement and helps to create a deeply amusing and dangerous adventure.

As you can tell, the scene is set for a bizarre, absurd, and downright stupid affair. However, I cared not! I quickly became swept up in the madness as I gathered up every weapon insight and shot flaming bolts from my crossbow. Like the rest of the franchise, the action grabs your attention immediately, and it’s tough to put down.

The Dragon Lord in Tiny Tina's Wonderlands is evil and hilarious.
Don’t mess with the Dragon Lord.

A few changes keep things fresh.

Now, sticking so closely to a brilliant franchise isn’t a bad thing. Borderlands 3 was fantastic and consequently, I didn’t mind revisiting its wonderful mechanics. Fortunately, though, there have been some distinct gameplay changes that make this stand out. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands splits the core action between FPS madness and an isometric overworld. What’s more, there are combat encounters, a new way to level your character, and a fun but grindy endgame element.

Overworld or FPS madness.

I absolutely adored this change of pace as it breaks up the gameplay nicely. Whenever you are traversing this large world, the viewpoint reflects the tabletop experience. Here you may explore, search for goods, or take on multiple side quests. Alongside this, there are camps to clear and shortcuts to open. However, this led to the combat encounters and these claustrophobic moments weren’t great.

For unknown reasons, the developers stifled their open-world and fast-paced ideas with an arena-based deathmatch. If you are unlucky enough to stumble into this element, you’ll have to annihilate a set amount of monsters before you can carry on. This wouldn’t be so bad if each encounter was more interesting. Sadly, though, it screams “rinse and repeat”, is of little interest, and stagnates the momentum. Now, I understand why it was introduced, but more objectives, new and unique enemies, and a quicker pace would improve it vastly. Annoyingly, this never materialised, and it’s something you simply have to accept.

One hero, multiple classes.

Unlike its predecessors, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands has addressed the limited notion of a set hero class. Instead, levelling up feels more fluid and unique to the player. Yes, there are some skills that overlay one another, but this can’t be helped. You may select from 6 classes that each have a primary skill set. As you progress, a second skill tree unlocks, and this expands your options. This was great, as your character development matches your game style. What’s more, when playing with a familiar group, you can develop a more rounded approach.

Alongside this, there is the introduction of melee weapons, and grenades have been thrown out. Instead, you are now armed with a magic wand and an array of spells. Furthermore, you have a magic shield to keep you protected and an amulet to increase your stats. I adored the madness of the magic, and using it, never got old. Whether you were freezing your foes, stealing their health, or turning them into sheep, it was always enjoyable.

Butt Stallion is a beautiful unicorn.
Ahhh Butt Stallion, you are a thing of beauty.

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands looks fantastic.

If you love the franchise, you’ll know exactly what to expect. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands nails the striking and clean-cut comic book imagery. Its vast open-world is incredible to explore and the developers have a wicked imagination. Furthermore, the fantasy theme explodes with an array of colours, horrific monsters, and interesting landscapes. Even though the action is fast-paced and hectic, I never experienced a problem. The frame rate never drops and there were minimal glitches and bugs. Sadly, though, the aforementioned isometric viewpoint is a little understated in comparison. Though it matches the theme and is vivid and interesting, it isn’t as polished and it somewhat lacks finesse. This isn’t a problem, however, it is noticeable compared to the familiar franchise style.

Where this title excels is its phenomenal audio. With incredible music, loud and crazy sound effects, and excellent acting, you won’t be disappointed. The hilarious plot is brilliantly narrated by each of the characters. The well-paced delivery, D&D tropes, and witty one-liners will have you chuckling for hours. Furthermore, you’ll cherish how the relationships develop, the overarching good vs evil ideas, and the stupidity of it all.

With a few imaginative words you'll unlock new paths.
Use your imagination and get inside the castle.

Excellent controls and a brilliant UI.

With so much going on, the controls needed to be tight and responsive. Fortunately, this is exactly what I experienced. An excellent tutorial talks you through the fundamentals and soon you’ll have things mastered. This is helped in part by the brilliant and user-friendly UI. No matter how hectic things get, you always feel in control. Whether you are flitting between weapons, casting spells, sliding or crouching, it’s never a problem. Then there is the well-designed menu system, easy-to-handle inventory, and everything that goes with it. Tiny Tina’s Wonderland is extremely user-friendly and is great for newcomers and veterans.

Now, I touched upon endgame content, but I failed to elaborate. So, let’s look at it now. Once you’ve ploughed through around 25 hours of gameplay, you’ll unlock the Chaos Chamber. This option is effectively a more advanced combat encounter that will push you to your limits. Furthermore, it is great for grinding XP and loot and has some rogue-like elements to make it tougher. Now, you may think, what’s the point of returning? Well, Gearbox Software has announced 4 upcoming DLCs that will ensure you want to keep playing.

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands has rekindled my love of the franchise.

I’m not sure if it was the crazy theme, the colourful and loud aesthetics, or the insane dialogue. No matter the reason, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands has rekindled my love of the franchise. Yes, the combat encounters could and should have been better, but perfection is hard to come by. I adored nearly every element and I can’t wait to see how the DLC develops the action further. Consequently, I recommend you to buy it here! Can you help Butt Stallion defeat the Dragon Lord? Shoot, loot, and become a badass hero.

Review: Hardspace: Shipbreaker

Davide Roriz
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Review: Hardspace: Shipbreaker

When playing a game, I often wonder what it would be like to play as an ordinary character in that game’s universe. I find myself wondering about this extensively and quite often, but I’m not sure why this idea is so appealing to me, I guess it’s just that I’d like to experience the game’s world through another perspective. 

In that sense, Hardspace: Shipbreaker definitely falls within that category, so if you ever wondered about what happens to those spaceships that end up getting decommissioned, or if the mere idea of dismantling spaceships sounds interesting, then you’ll probably have a good time with this game.

In case it wasn’t obvious, Hardspace: Shipbreaker is a space game about breaking spaceships apart. You play as a newly appointed shipbreaker, whose job is to take apart spaceships of all sizes and salvage as much of them as you can. When I first heard about Hardspace: Shipbreaker, this sounded like a great idea, but, now that I’ve played it, I can safely say that it ended up being more fun and engaging than I could’ve possibly imagined.

Moving around in space is exactly as you’d expect, if you fire up your thrusters just for a bit, you’ll gain some momentum, but you can move even faster if you use your grapple gun to pull yourself to something that’s far away from you. Likewise, you can also pull light objects towards you, which makes the task of moving ship parts around a lot easier. 

In that aspect, the game plays phenomenally well. The way that things move around in space in zero gravity and how you can move any way that you want, roll, or whatever, adds a ton of freedom to the whole experience. This is only exacerbated by how your tools help you do your job, the cutter, the grapple, the demo charges, and your helmet’s scanner that lets you find weak spots in each ship. You don’t have that big of an arsenal, but the developers have definitely made sure that what you have has a very specific purpose and feels great to use.

While the gameplay is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Hardspace: Shipbreaker, another key part of the game is not only its story and characters, but also its worldbuilding. In some aspects, I think that the worldbuilding here is superb and pulled me in right from the very start.

As a new worker for LYNX Corporation, you’ve pretty much signed your own eternal death sentence when you signed up to be a shipbreaker. Hardspace: Shipbreaker spares no expenses in portraying a grim and depressing future where the working class finds itself at the mercy of its corporate overlords. With Humanity having finally expanded towards the rest of the solar system, it’s corporations like LYNX that keep the constant flow of traffic and goods circulating throughout the solar system.

These entities promise a new beginning and a promising future if you join their ranks, but as soon as you’re in and the papers are signed, you quickly see yourself drowning in a ludicrous amount of debt. It’s all from processing fees and other shenanigans associated with your hiring process, and you’re supposed to quickly chip away at it, but that clearly is far from being easy. The daily work life of a shipbreaker is no easy task, not only because it’s tough manual labour, but also because death is always lurking around the corner waiting for you if you end up being careless with your work.

The gameplay loop of Hardspace: Shipbreaker is a pretty tight one, and you’ll find yourself doing a lot of the same over and over. Each shift starts when you select which ship you want to salvage ext. Then, once you’re out in space, you have to use your suit’s thrusters to manoeuvre around and use your tools to slowly cut through each ship. At the same time, and depending on the difficulty you’re playing at, you also need to manage your oxygen levels and your thrusters’ fuel.

Whether you’re using the laser cutter to cut through each part of the ship, or whether you’re using a grapple gun capable of tethering ship parts together, it’s important to take your time and avoid thrashing any salvageable part of the ship as much as possible. If you mess up and ruin a lot of things, you might find that you’re not making that much progress and you’ll eventually be out of money once it comes the time for your next debt payment. You also have to send different types of materials and parts to specific processing areas, and failure to do so will result in a payment penalty at the end of the day.

Up until this point, everything should sound pretty simple, but the game keeps getting more complicated as you level up and unlock access to more complex spaceships. These spaceships not only get increasingly bigger, but they also come with new and challenging hazards, such as fuel tanks and electrical components which can quickly ruin a good portion of a ship if you don’t remove them carefully.

Salvaging each ship is almost like solving its own puzzle, because one small bad cut can cause a series of explosions or push some debris your way and you can quickly find yourself on your way to an early grave. Slow and steady wins the race here. You’ll gain experience as you complete your work on each ship, which will let you increase your rank as a shipbreaker and gain access to new tools’ upgrades and new ships. The bigger and more complex the ship, the more money you’ll get out of its salvage, at least that will remain true as long as you don’t damage it too much.

Visually, Hardspace: Shipbreaker is stunning. It doesn’t have groundbreaking graphics or what some might call “next-gen”, but its aesthetic is deliberate and striking. The Homeworld influence here is obvious, and it’s expected due to the developers, Blackbird Interactive, having made Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak and they’re currently working on Homeworld 3. However, the game still has its own distinct look that gives it a space frontier kind of vibe.

At the end of the day, Hardspace: Shipbreaker can be as much of a repetitive slog as it can be an extremely relaxing and soothing experience. It sure won’t please everyone, but for those that it does, it will most likely be carved in their memory. It’s a remarkable and unique experience unlike anything else out there, and if not for anything else, then I think that it deserves to be played at least for being so unique. 

The campaign is worth playing through at least once, but if you just want to play the game for the music, the visuals, and the gameplay, then you can also just chill in the Freeplay mode for eternity. Whatever might be your case, if you’ve read this far, I’m sure that you’ll deeply enjoy it. If you’re not really sure if it’s your thing, you can always try the game out through the PC Game Pass and buy it later if you want to support the developers, and I believe that they definitely deserve that support. Safe shipbreaking cutters!

Review: Freshly Frosted

Daniel Waite
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Review: Freshly Frosted

Puzzle games come in all shapes and sizes. No matter what the style or theme, they usually start off easy and then break you. Freshly Frosted does just this thanks to its cute theme, colourful levels, and gentle learning curve. 

Developed and published by The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild, this is a testing puzzle title. It has doughnuts at its core, but it’s anything but sweet. Thanks to the conveyor belt mechanics, you must be patient and methodical in your approach.

Freshly Frosted is a game I previewed in June 2021 as part of the Steam Fest. Needless to say, I was impressed and was desperate to try the full game. Now this time has come. Am I still in for a treat, or will it make me sick?

Every box of doughnuts must be completely frosted.
Pick a doughnut and complete the puzzle.

Freshly Frosted: an interesting conveyor belt sim.

There are plenty of strategy conveyor belt games, but the puzzle genre is seriously lacking. Thankfully, Freshly Frosted blasts onto the scene with some interesting and unique ideas. Consequently, you experience a challenging and moreish title from the off.

The idea is simple! You must deliver doughnuts from points A, B, C, or D to an end goal. The amount of starting points vary, as does the aim of each stage. You must place conveyor belts to pass frosting machines to top each treat. However, you must add toppings in a specific order to be victorious. Therefore, you must plan your paths, produce the correct doughnuts, and move to the next level.

Connect the conveyor belts in Freshly Frosted.
Join the belts and get the doughnuts to their delivery point.

Hints and mind-boggling levels. 

Now, as a concept, it doesn’t sound that challenging, right? Wrong! As you progress through each of the 144 levels, it becomes mind-bogglingly challenging. With an array of toppings to use, delivery hatches that take specific orders, and belts that must be combined, it’s pretty tough.

Luckily, though, the developers aren’t monsters, as you can skip puzzles or use hints. The latter option is perfectly balanced, as it doesn’t undermine the difficulty. Instead, it gives you small clues to get you started. I loved this approach, as too many puzzle games get it wrong. They either give you unlimited tips and it’s too easy, or no help and it’s impossible to play.

Freshly Frosted looks delicious. 

Playing out from a top-down perspective, the puzzles are easy to look at. What’s more, each of the 12 chapters has a unique appearance. With different doughnuts to deliver and a specific colour palette, it never gets old. Alongside this, I adored the soft pastel shades that create a serene atmosphere. You’ll love the surreal trip through seasons as the action cycles from winter to autumn. You’ll also experience a day-night cycle and plenty of treats to look at.

The calm experience is enhanced because of the mellow audio. With chilled out music and a softly spoken narrator, you never feel rushed. However, the factory noises and clunky machinery add some grit to the gameplay. The polar opposites wonderfully combine to create a powerful audio experience.

So many doughnuts to ice.
This one takes some thinking.

A brilliant PC to console port.

There is a long list of failed games that don’t work on consoles. For one reason or another, they feel clunky and slow. Fortunately, Freshly Frosted is an excellent port. With responsive controls and a simple but effective UI, it’s a joy to play. You can easily place your belts, adjust their direction, or remove them altogether. It’s brilliantly straightforward and is exactly what is required.

144 stages of increasing difficulty are no mean feat. Consequently, completing this game is not for the faint of heart. Luckily, though, you can tackle it casually and this makes it rewarding. However, if you simply love to unlock achievements, you won’t find it so difficult. I have spent around 6 hours so far and the end isn’t in sight. The sheer amount of puzzles ensures great value for money and that it has longevity.

Alongside this, an array of new mechanics increases the difficulty. Thankfully, this prevents the action from plateauing and this is fantastic. You’ll merge belts, clone doughnuts, play with splitters and more. Though each new element was simple to understand, it made the puzzles much harder, and this keeps you on your toes.

Freshly Frosted is as addictive as sugar. 

Everyone loves a sweet treat and to be tested. Subsequently, Freshly Frosted ticks many boxes. Its levels are deceptively difficult and its mechanics are devilishly moreish. I adored it and I recommend you to buy it here! Use a methodical approach and decorate every doughnut. 

Review: Spacelines from the Far Out

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Spacelines from the Far Out

Couch and online cooperative titles are big business. With the likes of Overcooked, Tools Up!, Moving Out, and more making a big splash, I’m never surprised to see new titles. Therefore, when Spacelines from the Far Out hit the market, I couldn’t wait to give it a go. This genre is always maddening, addictive, and wonderful to play with friends. Consequently, it’ll make you laugh, scream, and drive you stir crazy as you try to complete every objective.

Developed by Coffenauts and published by Skystone Games Inc., this is a rogue-lite space simulation title. The gameplay is hectic, challenging, and moreish, and it can be enjoyed solo or with up to 3 friends. What’s more, it is free to play on Game Pass for Xbox and PC, so what’s not to like? On top of this, it’s a fantastic casual title that is easy to pick up, but tough to master.

Spacelines from the Far Out has 60s vibes.

Though much of the action is set around fantasy and futuristic themes, there are distinct 60s vibes! Your spaceship feels and looks like an American diner and this was intriguing and bizarre. With Bakelite-inspired appliances and some whacky flight attendant costumes to wear, this will teleport you back in time. However, the dated appearance is juxtaposed with futuristic madness. You will soar through space while avoiding comets, asteroids, and other debris. Alongside this, you must repair your ship, maintain its fuel levels, and pick up tourists. If you survive, and that is a big if, you will be paid handsomely, and you’ll continue your quest.

Now, you may wonder, what is this quest you are talking about? The aim of the game is to run a factious space airline that transports tourists across a deadly area of space. You must travel many miles to arrive at planet Gambulon V in the vacation sector. In theory, this should be an easy task. However, in reality, you’ll fail repeatedly, lose your ship, and run out of both money and fuel. Like its peers, it is a balancing act where your priorities are forever changing. Subsequently, you must stay on your toes and attempt to keep everyone happy. If you can’t, the rogue-lite elements will bite you in the ass and you’ll lose everything.

Spacelines from the Far Out demands an eye for detail and a methodical mind.
Keep them happy and impress the inspector.

Upgrades and spaceships.

This genre would be nothing if it didn’t drive you insane. Luckily, Spacelines from the Far Out makes you spin many plates at once. You must manage your ship’s systems, please your passengers, upgrade your vessel, and search for new vehicles. This may sound like an easy task, but it isn’t. As a solo player, you will struggle to keep on top of your workload. You’ll have to entertain aliens with a quirky dance while using a laser to cook them a meal. All the while, you’ll steer around asteroids, hone in on fuelling stations, and try to get everyone to the goal on time.

Luckily, the madness eases as you earn cash and you upgrade your spaceship or buy a new one altogether. As you improve your equipment, the action becomes much easier. However, this takes a lot of luck, patience, and money. Sadly, things rarely go to plan and you must expect to lose your progress multiple times.

Thankfully, this is made exponentially easier if you play with friends. For some bizarre reason, the developers didn’t scale the difficulty for the number of players in a room. This oversight makes solo gaming much harder, and it is almost too difficult and overwhelming. Yet, as a team, it is much more enjoyable and accessible.

Upgrade your ship and make your life much easier
Spend those hard-earned bucks on several ship upgrades.

Needy passengers.

There is little you can do to alter your surroundings. But you have complete control of your passengers and the ship’s systems. You can upgrade your engines, radar, gravity, navigation, and more. Every new piece of tech you install makes your life much easier. What’s more, a more efficient ship makes for much happier tourists.

Talking of happier tourists, they are your priority. These moaning turds will complain about anything and will pee and vomit over your faux leather 60s-inspired furniture. Therefore, you must do your utmost to appease them. Whether you take regular toilet breaks, install a WC, hire a cleaner, purchase a TV, perform a dance, or cook a meal, it is your choice. You can, of course, ignore them, but this will cost you dearly. After all, you want to make a profit and happy customers will spend their cash freely.

Spacelines from the Far Out looks familiar.

This genre has a distinct look that appeals to all. Its cartoon style and vivid colours are easy on the eye and look fantastic. Luckily, I never tire of the familiar art style and I enjoyed the quirky touches. What’s more, the variety of obstacles, aliens, and objectives keep things fresh throughout. Alongside this, there is a large array of ships to unlock and many custom options. You can choose your company colours, logo, and name, and this was great. However, I would have preferred more freedom to create everything from scratch rather than using a template.

The 60s vibes continue with the jazzy soundtrack. The upbeat songs work perfectly with the madness while adding urgency and energy to proceedings. This is complemented further thanks to the loud fantasy sound effects. I adored the small touches that made me chuckle throughout. Whether it was the aliens screaming, the systems failing, or the crashing of debris on the hull, it never gets old.

Repairs are a necessary evil.
Repair that hull or lose your ship.

It is so easy that a child could play it.

This genre isn’t renowned for being accessible to younger players. The action is normally overwhelming and the controls are usually complex and tricky to understand. Luckily, though, Spacelines from the Far Out is different. Its simple approach, excellent tutorial, and clever UI make it easy to pick up and play. Yes, the fundamentals are challenging, but the basic concept is extremely user-friendly. Moreover, the controls are responsive and this helps when all hell is breaking loose.

Like its peers, this screams longevity and replay value. Because of its rogue-lite elements, and the multiplayer option, you’ll play this for hours. However, there are still some shortcomings that must be addressed. First, solo gamers will find it particularly hard to defeat. Annoyingly, the NPCs are tough and they vie for blood. Second, dying repeatedly is a very real risk. If you don’t have ship insurance, your progress is lost and you must start from scratch. Now, this certainly adds to the replay value, but boy, it’s tough and annoying.

Spacelines from the Far Out is great, but it needs some balancing.

In short, I adored nearly every element of Spacelines from the Far Out! It is free to play if you subscribe to Game Pass. The graphics and audio are great, and the controls are fantastic. However, the multiplayer is limited to friends, as there are no open lobbies. Furthermore, the gameplay needs balancing. As a solo player, it is simply too difficult, and this is disappointing. If the developers could address this issue, it would be more rounded and much better. All things considered, I loved it and I recommend you to buy it here! Will you become the next big thing? Fly your passengers, keep them happy, and arrive at planet Gambulon V in one piece.

Review: SOOT

Devrim Kurt
-
0
Review: SOOT

SOOT is a terraforming simulation developed by Ceiba Software and Arts and published by Badland Publishing. I should disclaim that I was only able to play soot until the end of the first chapter which was about 2 hours. I got too bored to continue, so this review is based on what I’ve experienced during the first chapter of the game.

Gameplay

SOOT’s progression is split between the comic book style cut scenes and the terraforming missions on different planets. Core gameplay loop consists of going to different planets and constructing buildings on them to mine or create or ship resources. There is a balance you need to keep between the 7 chemical components while building things which is where SOOT turns into more of a puzzle and strategy game.

If I’m being honest, most of my time while playing SOOT was spent looking at numbers. The game gives you objectives to finish levels, some examples of those objectives are; get oxygen numbers above 8000, refine 5000 ore, ship 2000 raw ore, get carbon levels below 5000, etc. During my playtime I would spend about 2-3 minutes setting up the planet to generate the resources needed to complete the quest and then for the remaining 15 minutes, I just waited for numbers to go up or down. While the core systems are quite solid and the levels could have been a lot more fun to play, they aren’t. Objectives are too boring, and every level feels the same regardless of the planet.

There was one specific level which had a time limit. And it was the only level I needed to plan and strategize in, which made the level actually fun. If more levels were centered towards obstacles and time limits which restricted you, the game would have been a lot more enjoyable.

There are also 2 other sections of gameplay that occur during story moments. These are simple puzzles to keep the player engaged between terraforming levels. While one of those puzzle sections felt unintuitive the other felt underdeveloped and just put there to add variety.

Story

The game has a futuristic steampunk setting and environmentalist overtones. I liked both of those things therefore I was more interested in the story parts. Our protagonist Doctor Mackenzie finds Commander Mason’s mission logs and we play through Mason’s missions replaying his memories of them. It was interesting to follow Commander Mason’s logs and progress Doctor Mackenzie’s story at the same time. However, there were a couple of times where I found sentences that just didn’t make any sense. But overall SOOT’s story was engaging enough to keep me playing the game.

Technical Side

The graphics and artwork is pretty good. I liked how characters, buildings and planets looked. My favorite part was planets going from green to brown as I terraformed on them. The animations from the buildings and planets are nothing special, but they don’t look weird even when sped up.

I had no frame rate problems or glitches during my playtime which is always a positive. Soundtrack and sound effects didn’t strike me as anything special but they also didn’t sound out of place or unfit.

Conclusion

The biggest mistake SOOT makes seems to be level design. While it had a nice concept and solid core mechanics, they failed to execute their ideas properly through their levels. But once again I should say that I only played the first chapter, therefore if the game and levels changed significantly during chapter 2 and 3, I wouldn’t know.

Review: Spacewing War

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: Spacewing War

Home is where the heart is! In the future, this could be any inhabitable planet we find. However, I believe that every human will call Earth their home. Consequently, if an alien race were to try to conquer it, most humans would step up and defend their planet. Sadly, though, the invaders are likely to be too powerful for “normal” people, therefore, a hero must step up and save the day. This is exactly what happens in Spacewing War. It’s a slow-paced shoot ‘em-up that is action-packed with aliens, destruction, and old-school vibes.

Developed by Pneuma Games and Eastasiasoft Limited and published by the latter, this is a retro shmup. Its dated style, shrill music, and simple action may be underwhelming for some, but don’t be put off. If you love an easy-to-understand title that is casual to play, then this will tick many boxes. What’s more, there are multiple modes to tackle, many bosses and demi-bosses to defeat, and lots of enemies to slaughter. Subsequently, it’s a basic retro title that looks rough, sounds loud, and is wonderful to play.

Choose your weapon and take down every foe.
What is that supposed to be?

Spacewing War may be too basic.

Now, I love old-school gaming so Spacewing War was always going to interest me. However, I appreciate this won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Inspired by classic handheld consoles, this auto side-scrolling affair is understated, easy to play, and is over in a matter of hours. Therefore, you may worry that it lacks value for money and will be tiresome. However, fear not as the extras modes add meat to the bone. Consequently, if you enjoy this genre and love a trip down memory lane, this should be right up your street.

The plot is as old as the hills, but let’s not disregard it just yet! Planet Earth is about to be invaded by aliens from the planet Mavros. These angry beings are controlled by an all-powerful leader who wants to steal the rainbow star and its dangerous powers. With only a small glimmer of hope, Earth defends itself with its Spacewing defence system. This powerful vessel can mow through enemies, destroy bosses, and save the day.

Plenty of secrets, weapons, and enemies.

Like the best shmup games from the past, Spacewing War has plenty of enemies and traps to overcome. You must avoid projectiles, bullets, traps, and walls as you fly through each labyrinthine world. Furthermore, you must complete 7 levels while collecting power-ups and defeating each boss you face. Now, this may sound challenging, but sadly, it isn’t. Unlike its peers, the gameplay is too easy, and the action is too slow. You’ll never struggle to complete a stage and this was tedious and disappointing.

I was desperate for the action to step up a gear, but this never happened. Annoyingly, it plateaus very early and you simply go through the motions. Even the choice of 4 weapons couldn’t break up the monotony. You may select from a machine gun, boomerang, single shot, and a bomb. Now, in theory, each should create a tactical advantage, but that rarely happened. For the most part, I stuck to the single fire or bomb weapons as they mowed down everything in sight! It would have been great if there was more variety and greater difficulty, but this never materialised.

The last chapter recaps the madness you have experienced.
Finish the game in a flurry.

A lack of variety.

Though the action spanned many locations, it felt very repetitive. Most of your foes used the same pattern of movement, and most of the bosses offered little challenge. This then impacts your weapon choices and your tactics. Sadly, much of the gameplay should have been interesting, but it was anything but!

Luckily, though, the additional challenge and story mode adds some depth to the action. What’s more, the addition of a timer adds pressure and this makes it a little more difficult. I wish that the core mode was as interesting and challenging, but disappointingly, it was not.

Spacewing War belongs to another era.

I’m fascinated by retro gaming and consequently, I adore the art style. Where Spacewing War excels is its 40 unique colour palettes for its 4-tone pixel art style. This basic and retro look won’t be for everyone, but if you are old enough, you will love what you see. The blocky imagery, rough landscapes, and rudimentary level design scream old-school gaming, and that was fantastic. On top of this, the gameplay was smooth, there were no bugs, and it never stuttered.

To match the dated approach, the audio uses a shrill synth style. The ear-piercing noises were disgustingly good, and I cherished each painful moment. The guns sound so bad that they are good. What’s more, the high-pitched noise of fallen foes will bring a wry smile to your face.

Spacewing War is full of weird enemies.
It is time to kick some moon ass.

The controls should have been tighter.

Much of the action is so simple that I expected the controls to be tight and responsive. Sadly, this wasn’t always the case, and this causes unnecessary frustrations. You’ll try to move, fail, and hit many walls. This leads to death, loss of progress, and many curse words. However, you soon become familiar with its shortcomings and adjust your style to suit.

Thanks to the additional game modes, there is some longevity and replay value. If you are a completionist, this is a dreamy title, as you’ll have every achievement ticked off in under an hour. Luckily, the additional modes add depth and this ensures it is good value for money.

Spacewing War needs to be harder.

I loved the concept behind Spacewing War, but unfortunately, it is too easy. Subsequently, this lack of difficulty reduces its longevity, while making the action plateaux. This was disappointing, as the potential was plain to see. If you can stomach the main story, you’ll experience some much-improved and harder additional modes. It is for this reason alone that I recommend you to buy it here! Will you stop the invaders of planet Mavros, or is Earth doomed? Jump in your ship, choose your weapons and destroy everything in sight.

Review: Hatsune Miku Project DIVA Mega Mix+

James Refelian
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5
Review: Hatsune Miku Project DIVA Mega Mix+

Hatsune Miku Project DIVA Mega Mix+ is the latest rhythm game featuring the Vocaloid sensation that is Hatsune Miku. If you don’t know, Hatsune Miku is a virtual pop star, who uses a virtual voicebank to perform songs, to huge worldwide popularity and success. Hatsune Miku Project DIVA Mega Mix+ is the latest rhythm game in a franchise that started in 2009.

Gameplay

The concept is simple, press the right button at the right time and get a high score. Then move on to one of the literal hundreds of other levels in the game. they’re conveniently categorised into difficulty levels and next to each one is a further indicator of difficulty with a score. What is interesting, and something I really enjoyed, was that symbols weren’t restricted to one area of the screen. They could fly in from anywhere and go anywhere. This felt unique and meant that no level felt too repetitive. In the background, you get some wonderful anime-style music videos. If I’m honest, it was difficult to spend much time focusing on the visuals when paying so much attention to the flying symbols!

The game has plenty of customisation options and DLC unlocks as well, but I never felt the need to venture down that path to keep my interest, but it’s nice to have something for fans that want to experience everything (and don’t mind the additional costs involved).

Hatsune Miku Music

I came into this game naively expecting to be assaulted by synthetic pop music and expecting to hate it. A lot. I was wrong. The music is pleasantly surprising. Sure, there are a lot of synthetic pop songs, but I didn’t mind them, and then a lot of other music covering pretty much every genre imaginable. There are so many different tracks in Hatsune Miku Project DIVA Mega Mix+ that you’ll be sure to find something you enjoy.

Graphics

Visually, Hatsune Miku Project DIVA Mega Mix+ is stunning. Beautiful anime-style artwork is blended with impressive backdrops, flashes, light shows, and other fast-paced effects. The character animations are also incredibly well polished. The whole thing is a spectacle, perhaps a little too much, but this excess is the whole point. A visual feast to go with the music that explains why this virtual sensation is a music star.

Controls

I don’t mind rhythm games in general and have played a fair few over the years. I don’t remember one that has four different methods of selecting the direction and displaying that in the tutorial in the most complicated of ways. As an aside, it’s virtually impossible to play this game using a keyboard. You need a controller!

The letters displayed on the screen that you’re supposed to hit don’t correspond to the controller that you’re likely using on a PC, namely an Xbox one immediately. Even though it works well in the tutorial. Originally, I said this was the worst part of the game and it was impossible to change. This is incorrect as had been pointed out in the comments below. I simply failed to find the correct setting. Having reviewed it further, and played around with it you can in fact change the layout in a number of ways to suit the controller you’re using.

Conclusion

This game is a lot of fun, once you’ve configured it properly! The music is varied, the art and animation is top-notch and the challenge is there.

So, is Hatsune Miku Project DIVA Mega Mix+ worth it?

If you’re a fan of the phenomenon Hatsune Miku, or you just love rhythm games, then absolutely play Hatsune Miku Project DIVA Mega Mix+ because it’s addictive and has a lot to offer.

Review: Super Perils of Baking

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: Super Perils of Baking

Healthy rivalries are a great thing. They push you to achieve phenomenal things and test everyone involved. What’s not so wonderful, however, are super competitive siblings. These sorts of relationships can be toxic and often lead to massive fallouts. This is exactly what happens in Super Perils of Baking.

Developed and published by Lillymo Games, this is a 2D side-scrolling platform adventure title. It is a remake of the 2018 game and consequently; it has improved graphics, more responsive controls, and is polished for a modern audience. Moreover, it has a distinctly retro vibe and reminded me of Super Mario Bros. and other amazing classic platform experiences.

Super Perils of Baking keeps the theme of cooking at its core.
Pancake trampolines, why not?

Super Perils of Baking is wonderfully old-school. 

I love when developers create unique titles that push me to my limits. Yet, I’m also a sucker for nostalgia! Therefore, I cherish every old-school game I get my hands on. What makes Super Perils of Baking even better are the modern elements. Unlike its dated peers, the controls are great; the graphics are clean and bright, and the sound won’t destroy your eardrums. Alongside this, you still search for secret levels, hunt for collectables, and discover mountains of monsters to maul. In short, it combines plenty of amazing mechanics to create an enjoyable experience.

The story behind Super Perils of Baking is absurd and silly. Two brothers are talented and can grow up to follow the career of their dreams. However, both love to bake and their desire to be the best chef creates an unhealthy rivalry. Your character is the hardworking, honest lad who always beats his brother. This drives his sibling mad and subsequently, he finds a way to cheat. By stealing the cursed chef’s hat, he brings every meal to life. On top of this, the hat turns him into a monster! This won’t do, so you must kill every foe while trying to save your brother.

So many secret locations to explore.
So many secret locations to explore.

Familiar gameplay. 

So, the story is a bit audacious and frankly stupid, but who cares! You’ll lose yourself in the madness as you float, swim, and jump through different stages. What’s more, you’ll face off against many monsters, overcome pits and spikes, and collect oodles of items. If you happen to be a platforming aficionado, nothing will surprise you. Many of the mechanics are familiar, and this isn’t a bad thing. After all, if it isn’t broken, why would you fix it?

Alongside the usual action, you’ll hunt down collectables, get help from unusual friends, and discover an array of secret locations. For some players seeking a unique gaming experience, they may wonder if there’s a hidden way to cheat to unlock all the surprises more easily. There is also a speedrun option, the chance to be flawless, and many more surprises. Therefore, it balances an accessible approach with challenging gameplay for veterans. I loved this, as it shows the developers considered mindset. Furthermore, you won’t tire of the action, as there is plenty to see and do.

Super Perils of Baking is polished but dated. 

Talking of what you can see, the graphics are nicely polished. Yes, they are dated and offer little in the way of original content, but this matters not. The colour palette is vivid, pleasant, and varied. Consequently, this helps each unique location to stand out. I also enjoyed the clean lines, the cute sprites, and the brilliant stage design. What’s more, the food monsters are amusing, evil, and look great. 

I’m a sucker for synth music and 8-Bit sound. Luckily, Super Perils of Baking has a delicious soundtrack that is simple and shrill. Its high-energy songs aren’t too loud or OTT. This was important, as it could have been overbearing and uncomfortable. Furthermore, the sound effects are nicely balanced and complement the action and the music.

Stay alive by shopping for your essentials.
Buy your essentials and stay alive.

Surprisingly easy to play. 

I associate old-school platformers with pinpoint precision. Subsequently, the controls have to be tight and easy to understand. This title isn’t as demanding and that was fantastic. The platforms are larger and more forgiving, and the monsters are reasonably lethargic. What’s more, checkpoints are easy to come by. On top of this, the weaponry is simple to use whenever you obtain your chef’s hat. This was a fantastic decision from Lillymo Games, as it made it that much more enjoyable. 

Super Perils of Baking oozes replay value and longevity. Thanks to the challenging secret levels, the speedrun option, and collectables, you’ll be kept busy. Then there is the flawless mode which isn’t for the faint of heart. One mistake ruins your attempt and that’ll drive you insane. 

Super Perils of Baking is an incredible title. 

Indie games go from strength to strength, and this is a prime example of that. Thanks to its great mechanics, simple controls, and polished aesthetics, it’s an incredible title. It is perfect for retro gaming fans or newcomers to the genre. I adored it and I recommend you to buy it here! Can you help your brother or is the curse of the chef’s hat too strong? 

Review: Sniper Elite 5

Natosha M
-
0
Review: Sniper Elite 5

Sniper Elite 5 brings a whole new mission and a stunning environment to immerse the player. There are plenty of weapons to use and customize, locations to visit and explore, objectives to accomplish, and also a few multiplayer modes to change up how you play. One of the best features that this game includes is the enhanced Kill Cam, where you will be able to see the weapons’ powerful blow take a devastating toll on the enemy’s body you are killing through playback!

Before the game fully begins, we learn about a true event that occurred in history which this game’s story involves around, Franch 1944, D-Day. It’s well presented through a cinematic scene at the beginning, using real footage of actual events. Next, it’s your time to shine! Adjusting the gameplay, selecting the mode, the stage, and getting started to take part in this devastating war. Given you the chance to prove your heroic skills to put a stop to the Nazis’ plot to invade Europe.

The main character, who we get to play is known as Karl Fairburne, who is the main hero in all of the series of Sniper. This time he is united with a covert team of US Rangers, working together to accomplish the main objective to fulfill Operation Kraken; taking down the Nazis and stopping their plot to move ahead in the war. There are also plenty of small objectives to accomplish before this goal can be achieved. Making this game is filled with hours of action-packed attacks, new weapons, locations, and items to discover. Plus, with all the customizability with the weapons and plenty to acquire from the target or found in the game, there is no doubt that you will be able to achieve victory and put a stop to the war.

How Was The Game

I honestly can’t say I’ve played any Sniper game before, but I’ve always been a fan of war and combat-style games. So I knew I had to try this one and see what I’d been missing. Especially, with the ability to roam many large locations and use multiple weapons to kill the Nazis who are causing so much damage and grief to this world, well it’s a pleasure!

So when I actually sat down to play Sniper Elite 5 I was automatically hooked! The realistic environment and sounds, all together made me feel like I’m really there. Transported from my living room to 1944 France. Then add in the combat skills with a cool feature, Kill Cam mode, it’s truly phenomenal! I couldn’t help getting myself immersed in the action and the game entirely. The time that the creators have taken to get an accurate design of the locations in this game is outstanding, and to be able to really investigate and roam the many different areas, whether secret or visible to the eye is what really lured me in. I always loved a game with realistic surroundings that aren’t just there for looking at but to be explored.

Now being the heroic Karl Fairburne and using all the equipped weapons to shoot down enemies at a far range is totally awesome! Even more that it plays as expected, without delay when triggering a gun or using another weapon and the response and reaction it brings to the target. Especially for a veteran playing, I just can’t stop enjoying the ability to use a scope and really take down enemies like a true sniper. Reaching targets from all distances and heights. Plus, with the many different weapons and items to use to attack with, it just feels like a realistic battle scene comes to life.

Additionally, the details of each character in the game have been nicely designed, from their clothing to their facial features. They really look and act the part, making the game so much more realistic, including the close-up scenes and views from a distance. Honestly, everything about the game is so realistic and it’s just amazing how much time it must have taken to get the details just right. This includes the moving and sitting vehicles, the buildings, weapons, the body movement of each character in the game, and of course, the objects that you get to pick up and use. I just applaud the game for this beautiful artistry.

So before getting into the game, there is so much to do and see, then it’s time to hit the real objectives. It’s very clearly shown on the screen what is required to move on in the game, but the fun part is that it can be always returned too and there isn’t any set or limited time for the most part. You are free to take your time and slowly catch up to the target, overthrowing them with a surprise attack if you’d like.

When I began, I just was ready to go in like a bulldozer and overthrow the enemies as best as I know-how. Thankfully, the controller mapping is easy to understand and took only seconds to learn. From the beginning, it’s practically teaching you while you play the real game and each time you attack or move to do something else, it will help provide the buttons required to activate or use a specific technique or tool in the game. Afterward, it becomes easy to recall and almost feels as if you were born to play this game.

I also want to point out that I’m proud I allowed the theatrical scenes to play through. It helps to listen to the entire story before moving on. As I normally move to pass the chatter by skipping right to the action, I really was drawn into the game’s narrative and wanted to know what is going on, what I’ll be facing, or what is still to come. Once moving along, the many objectives requiring things to be destroyed, found, and defeated with the many combat scenes are plentiful. When you move on, in different areas of the game new objectives appear and add to the mission. It’s nothing but action and engagement of all types. The many battles that you’ll face are just marvelous, there is just plenty and I wouldn’t even ask for more!

When it finally comes to the end, I felt the game had concluded flawlessly. It didn’t let me down or feel as if the game only starts good, stays constant during the middle, and drops at the end like there was no time to make a perfect ending. Instead, it really heightened my delight just a bit more with this abolishing the launches, taking down so many more targets with hand weapons and guns, and even demolishing objects and vehicles. I truly can’t say that there was one part I loved most because every part of the game had so many great combat scenes and many objectives and assignments to play through pure perfection!

Before I forget, there was one feature that made the kills even more memorable, which I’m so thankful that they included in this game, that was the Kill Cam. This provided an experience to the game that is out-of-this-world exhilarating! It’s giving me the ability to see the weapon I’m using takes a real toll on the enemy’s body. It’s like watching a quick war scene in a movie, where you really see the blood splatter, the skin pulls away from the body revealing the inner tissue, veins and so much more!

It may be gruesome, but it really shows how destructive and powerful the weapon being used, can really make an impact on the human body. Though many who play may find it to be a bit too much at times, so thankfully there is that ability to turn this off. I, on the other hand, played with it for the majority of the game because it was such a cool feature, and I wanted to really enjoy how nice of a shot or the effect my weapon had delivered to each enemy. Well, the ones it would slow down to show the real effect of the hit my bullet caused.

By the way, there were a few issues I felt could have been better. Nothing with how the game plays, but sometimes, I do wish that we could leap a little. Like a small jump or just being able to move over objects like tree trunks that are blocking one’s way. There are locations heading towards the side that seems possible to climb over but instead, our character just won’t budge. Instead, we have to walk all the way around, which during a combat moment may not really be the best chance to survive if they are all attacking and we can’t move anywhere. I just feel in reality, if we can climb over trenches and walls, why can’t we easily climb over a few sturdy tee trunks, small and low to the ground fences, rocks, and many other small objects left piled up on the ground?

One other is that the weapon changing appears a little off. It looks as if you are switching and dropping or like the weapon in our hands before we switch just vanishes. It’s not a flaw that would be horrible to cause someone to stop playing, but just these small things seem to remove the realistic feeling from the game. At least, the speed of loading and saving is quick and there is no stall or that much of a lag in-between.

Of course, even when the game is done and over, there are still other ways to play. Honestly, the game isn’t really over, you can actually try a few other game modes, to make it even a bit more challenging and interesting. For example, you can play with others through the co-op mode. The ability to join someone else’s campaign, help as a team, sharing ammo and other items as needed. Honestly, who doesn’t like to have a team of friends to fight alongside with? I honestly was ecstatic to see my hero help fight alongside another.

However, there is one other mode that can be triggered on or off, Invasion Mode. This can be fun and also frustrating if you are not as well equipped as the other intruder. This mode allows the game to be about stopping and putting an end to the invader before they defeat you! A game more like cat and mouse, as some would say when you have this option turned on.

Final Thoughts

Sniper Elite 5 is one of those games that even after I played it from beginning to end, I’ll still want to play it over and over again! It provided so much that I loved and not much to dislike. The features and the graphics are just perfect. Everything about the weapons the details in the locations, movements, Kill Cam, and so many others really made the game entertaining and well worth playing!

Plus, I couldn’t pull myself away from the game, as it had me captivated for hours. Therefore, it really must be great! So if you are looking for a game that will have you engaged for hours through combat, keeping your attention with new objectives to take on, and plenty of ways to play then you must check this game out! Any Sniper fans who have tried the others in the series will find this game to be just as great or even better. The experience is something, unlike anything else I’ve played before! Truly an amazing game!

Review: Deadcraft

Alex Chessun
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Review: Deadcraft

Deciding that the zombie genre that’s been done to death, developer Marvelous Inc. brings the innovative Deadcraft to the table, a Mad Max/Walking Dead story steeped in morbid humor and some interesting mechanics.

With a combination of action, survival, crafting and zombies Deadcraft brings a different spin to the transactional crafting formula – one with lopped-off limbs and rotten corpses – and is a gruesomely good time – for the most part. The one catch is that the game is dead set on clinging to a drawn-out linear structure that drip-feeds the fun a little too slowly, and forces the game into repetition.

That’s not to take away from the hilariously dark tone though, which has a charm that will bring you back for more despite its shortcomings. How can you not want to murder and zombify people to make your own small undead outfit, and then chop them up and mould them into ridiculous weapons all while swearing like a sailor with cartoony visuals? It’s got to be seen to be believed, and it’s a great concept.

Plant corpses to make your own army.

As a half-man, half-zombie in a post-apocalyptic world, your zombie-hunter character lives for the sole purpose of revenge on the group responsible for the death of your partner. It’s an ambitious goal as even just surviving is an accomplishment as the need to sustain your desires for the plain and the gruesome is a constant battle.  

For example, if you eat too much human food and clean water, your zombie body will suffer and you’ll be without your super zombie powers, but drink too much zombie blood or consume too many zombie body parts and not only will your defense lower, but you’ll also be attacked by the local population. It’s an interesting balancing act that starts off a challenge but eases as you boost your abilities through your skill tree.      

The more you grind for items dropped from enemies, the more SP you earn, which instead of leveling you up, goes towards purchasing upgrades on skill trees in physical abilities, melee and ranged weapons, item-creating equipment, zombie/weapon fusions, food recipes and health items. Sadly, the unlocking of these skills/features is also reliant on your passing a certain stage in the story, forcing you to follow the stop/start pacing of the game.  

What you’ll soon come to realize during your playthrough though, is that the action – and most else – takes a backseat to the game’s obsession for items, with the new maps and non-story NPCs rather shallowly dedicated to the unlocking and crafting of the next tier of upgrades, instead of adding to the world in any meaningful manner.

Before you say anything, I am fully aware of the irony of this statement – this is a crafting game after all – but there are so many other great ideas that could and should have been expanded. Any momentum gained after defeating each area’s boss and section of story is soon lost as you get stuck in another tiresome fetching/crafting loop, making long playthroughs quite unappealing.

Killing enemies (humans or zombies) is by far and away the most enjoyable method of farming zombie items, with you able to use your zombie powers, weapons, and any zombie-created paraphernalia to mow down the enemy. Individually, those three are not particularly deep, but combined make for a great mixture in battle. You can approach battles with a long-range strategy with guns and allow your zombie assistants to do the dirty work, or choose to go face-to-face with the enemy with swords and your own zombie moves via a long monster arm that obliterates and throw enemies up into the air – it’s a blast.

If that wasn’t enough, the crazy craftable zombie equipment that you can place on the battlefield to add to the flight of the limbs is aided by an amusing and smooth animation.  

This Carmeggedon callback is unlocked late in the game and differs to the PC classic in the sense that your car actually has a head on it that eats everything and anything in its path.

Outside of how you kill the enemies though, an underexploited element of the game is choice, as although you have an immense number of upgrades and items to craft, they are often hard-wired into the story and anything else seemingly autonomous of this gameplay loop, such as interactions with the NPCs is largely restricted to side missions.

This essentially means that you can’t experience the world without it having to be attached to very game-like transactions, and this shallowness and lack of consequences are present throughout.

It must be said, though, that it is amusing that you can rob nearly every NPC in the world, but you could actually go as far as to rob or kill off an entire area of people and they’ll either respawn the next day or forget once the game’s 4-star wanted system expires. As you start the game and have no feel for where items spawn you get pretty desperate, so being the bad guy and ‘borrowing’ their items is inevitable at points, it is just a shame your actions aren’t remembered in some way.   

Make it rain!!

This theme of a hollow and artificial world continues with the forced breaks that become more common as the story progresses. It’s one thing to be stopped in your tracks if you need to craft something important to the story, but another when you have to spend a ton of time scavenging for and then crafting huge pieces of equipment just to create a meal for an NPC you will never speak to again.

There’s also a day/night cycle, which while appreciated for its attempt to give the world some believability, is yet another feature full of unrealized potential. Illegal events, dodgy shops, Tower Defense and Arcade Carmaggedon modes – there could have been so much going on during the night or on story ‘off-days’ (when instructed by main characters to return the following day), but as there is a stark load of nothing apart from repetitive side missions, sleeping for a full 24 hours is often the most attractive option.

Unfortunately, the awkwardly implemented features don’t stop there either, with a perfect storm for poor navigation as identical-looking streets and a minimap with scant regard for any direction-reorienting combine, meaning that you often end up lost or heading in the wrong direction for no reason other than badly designed maps.

The best usage of your support zombies are sadly in the few and far between tower defense missions which allow you to properly use fences, zombie bazookas and mines. It’s not just tower defense missions that get the opportunity to feature, but never shine, however, as the game continuously ignores its best features.

Ultimately, Deadcraft feels like it’s wasted a lot of its own potential as it so often ignores the stars of the show – the zombies. Story characters might have decent voice acting and their own close-ups during cutscenes, but few have as much personality as the groaning choir who follow you around and do your bidding. Even a small feature like teleportation looks tremendous when it’s animated by zombies pulling you into the ground. I personally think that an interactable and upgradable zombie system, like a mini zombie town or warrior zombies that you can craft for, wouldn’t have deterred from the overall goal and would have allowed the game to focus on its decaying stars.

Creating and gathering a mini zombie army for boss fights is where the game’s best features really come together, the (putrid) meat of the game if you will, but its left to waste away in the desert sun as there aren’t anywhere enough grandstand fights to use your full arsenal which, for me, doesn’t justify the rest of the very bland and long grind.

While there is a decent game and some great ideas in Deadcraft, its ambitious attempt at a big interactive world and long playing time forces the gameplay’s narrow formula into constant repetition, all while leaving the best till last, which dulls the middle of the experience and risks players not finishing the game.

Review: Nacon MG-X controller

Daniel Waite
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Review: Nacon MG-X controller

Recently, I have covered articles for the Gamesir X2 Lightning and Backbone iOS controllers. Consequently, I have to say I was impressed. However, I found it frustrating that my Google Pixel 6 Pro was now defunct. Luckily, though, my recent trip to Northern Ireland was spiced up after the Nacon MG-X controller landed on my desk. This excellent piece of kit is designed for Android, is robust, and looks and feels as expected.

Its compact design, excellent battery life, and user-friendly approach make it extremely desirable. What’s more, it enhances the Xbox Game Pass experience to a whole new level. If you are like me, you won’t read the instructions! Fortunately, this matters not, as it’s so straightforward to use, that a child could set it up. So, shall we see how the Nacon MG-X controller compares to its iOS counterparts?

The Nacon MG-X Controller is well-constructed.
Check out the technical side of the Nacon MG-X controller.

What’s in the box of the Nacon MG-X controller?

  • The small but sturdy packaging is strong and striking. It’s fully recyclable and has all the key selling points highlighted.
  • The Nacon MG-X controller. This small, black controller has a nice tactile feel. It looks like an official Microsoft product thanks to its familiar button layout. What’s more, the shell can expand to fit most phones.
  • USB-C Charging cable. This rubberised cable is used to charge the controller. The battery lasts up to 20 hours and the cable is 80cm long. 
  • User manual. A short but well-constructed guide.
Simple but sturdy packaging.
The Nacon MG-X controller.
A small and simple user manual.
USB-C charging cable.
The full package.

Technical aspects.

ConnectionBluetooth 4.2 low energy
WirelessYes
Cable included and lengthYes and 80cm
SoftwareYes
Headset JackNo
CompatibleAndroid
Battery life20 hours
Joystick positionAsymmetric
LED player indicatorYes
Maximum mobile length6.7 inches

I’ve already stated that the Nacon MG-X controller is user-friendly. However, I was amazed at just how easy it is to use. Simply place your phone in the strong and adjustable jaws and you are good to go. As long as your phone doesn’t exceed 6.7 inches in length, it’ll fit this device. Word of warning, though, the jaws are strong, so make sure your phone is out of a case and positioned correctly.

The 4.2 low energy Bluetooth connection ensures you can game for hours. Connecting the device is as simple as pushing the Xbox button, and that is it. What’s more, if your phone allows two devices to be connected simultaneously, you can connect Bluetooth headphones to have a truly wireless experience.

The battery life is exceptional! Up to 20 hours for a wireless controller is extremely good. However, if this isn’t enough, you can use the USB-C port to keep gaming. Moreover, controllers need to be comfortable and responsive. Fortunately, the Nacon MG-X controller is both. This feels good during lengthy sessions with a familiar button layout, tactile grips, and a nice weight.

Play anywhere you like with the Nacon MG-X controller.
Choose your game and play anywhere.

Is the Nacon MG-X controller worth it?

When I reviewed the Gamesir X2 Lightning and the Backbone, I was blown away by them. The build quality is excellent, the controls are responsive, and they are portable and usable. Fortunately, I feel the same about the Nacon MG-X controller, for the most part. I’ll cover the niggles now and move on to the positives.

Unlike its iOS counterparts, you can’t charge your phone through the charging port. This is a minor thing, but it could prevent you from gaming over long sessions. On top of this, the controller has no external audio point. Now, depending on your phone, this may not be an issue. Luckily, I used Bluetooth headphones to overcome this problem. Yet, if this isn’t available to you, you’ll be restricted to phone audio-only, and that’s not great. This would also impact party or game chat, so this is something to consider.

My final gripe focuses on the triggers and bumper buttons. On a traditional controller, they have a noticeable resistance. Sadly, the Nacon MG-X controller is spongy and not so sharp. Now, this doesn’t undermine the use of the controller, instead, you must adjust to the softer movement.

The Nacon MG-X controller is designed with Game Pass in mind.
Designed with Game Pass in mind.

The positives. 

With the issues out of the way, let’s focus on the overwhelming positives. First, the Bluetooth connection is rapid, has no latency, and is great for your battery. Furthermore, it connects to your phone instantaneously and is a pleasure to set up. Alongside this, the lack of a specific connection point reduces the risk of damage to your mobile or the controller. Both the iOS devices use a snap-on technique that is fiddly to get used to. This controller has none of these concerns, and that is a massive plus point!

The button placement and analogue sticks are fantastic to use. They have a nice amount of travel and are both accurate and responsive. It must be noted that they are smaller than a traditional controller, but this is unsurprising. This more compact design is easy to get used to and comfortable to game with. 

The fantastic design is matched by the excellent build quality. The sturdy plastic shell is durable and compact enough to take on your travels. What’s more, it caters for most phones. If you want the best experience, I recommend you remove your mobile from its case. By doing this, it’ll fit snugly within the jaws and won’t fall out.

If you’re an Android user and love mobile gaming, the Nacon MG-X controller must be considered. The few highlighted niggles will only impact a minority of people and can mostly be disregarded. On the whole, it’s a phenomenal device that takes mobile gaming to a different level. Consequently, I recommend you to buy it here!

Summary.

Thanks to its excellent build quality, straightforward approach, and great battery life, this is a market leader. What’s more, it is robust enough to chuck in your bag to use whenever you are out and about. There are some excellent alternatives for Android users, but for the money, you won’t get much better. 

(More information on Nacon can be found here!) 

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