With Christmas not too far away now, we are going to be looking at various things you might want to consider – here we look at The Gruffalo Interactive Soft Toy from WOW! Stuff.
Snuggle up to this cuddly plush Gruffalo and hear Mouse narrate part of the story by describing the infamous Gruffalo character. Let your child play make believe in the wonderful world of the The Gruffalo created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler by squeezing The Gruffalo’s Ear, Hand and Knees to hear The Mouse and The Gruffalo speak. Your child can use their imagination to recreate the fabulous Gruffalo stories from the paperback books and films.
Bring the wonderful world of The Gruffalo to life with this beautiful 30cm tall talking soft toy. With 12 sounds and phrases it is the perfect Gruffalo toy for kids who love the book and films.
Squeeze The Gruffalo’s ear, hand, knees and feet to hear Mouse narrate different part of the Gruffalo story. Includes many of the iconic phrases and sounds from the Gruffalo animated movie.
When your child plays the description of the Gruffalo in the right order they unlock The Gruffalo himself! Hear him speak 1 of 9 random phrases, such as “You’ll taste good on a slice of bread!”
Measuring approx. 12″ tall The Gruffalo is a wonderfully soft teddy cuddly toy with press button activation for sounds. Includes bonus content: activity sheet and exclusive poster featuring artwork from Axel Scheffler.
The Julia Donaldson Collection features unique kids toys and gifts inspired by the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler books and films that are authorised and licensed by Magic Light Pictures.
If you are a fan of the Gruffalo, and who isn’t, then this really is the toy for you, sorry, I meant your child. Apart from having your very own plush Gruffalo to play with and cuddle, he also speaks and your child will have hours of fun playing with him. AMAZING!
The Gruffalo Interactive Soft Toy is available now from Amazon priced around £29.99 and is aimed at children 3 years old and up, and even comes supplied with batteries to get you started.
Bonfire Peaks is a brainaching puzzle game in which the player must complete one simple task. Burn your belongings. But this task isn’t an easy one. With a multitude of different practical puzzles across the map, Bonfire Peaks presents unexpected challenges. From learning to run upstairs backwards to balancing three boxes on top of one another, these puzzles will leave you wanting more.
BURN IT ALL!
The controls of the game feel odd at first. Running backwards up stairs because your box doesn’t fit any other way feels unnatural. But after completing the first few test puzzles, you begin to get the hang of it. There isn’t a tutorial which explains the controls to a player. Like I said, there are a few test puzzles which basically teach you all you need to know. Even far into the game you learn something new, like nudging a box through a gap to pick it up the other side. On multiple occasions I found myself staring at the same puzzle for about 10 minutes before realising the solution was simple.
If you are like me and make frequent errors in games like this, Bonfire Peaks has your back. Rather than accidentally sliding all the boxes into the water and having to begrudgingly start the puzzle from the beginning and lose track of all your moves – there is an undo button. I also really enjoyed using this to retrace my steps on puzzles I had to step away from. Which was more often than not. Honestly – I don’t get frustrated easily at games but this one was a whole new level of stress. For those which just get the better of you, you can reset the whole puzzle with one button too. It’s just a really handy mechanic rather than having to sift through a menu and select restart and feeling like all progress is lost.
Melancholic madness
Bonfire Peaks is a visually stunning game. It feels gritty and cold, and the whole experience is melancholic. There is such an emphasis on the bright flame of fire compared to the dull surroundings of our main character. I honestly think this game is beautiful. Accompanied with a slow, thoughtful soundtrack, this title just leaves us questioning it all. Who is this character? Why are we burning all of his things? But unlucky for us we will never know. These questions are never answered. We simply get given a task and continue to do it with no questions asked.
I absolutely adored the unsolved mystery of Bonfire Peaks. Unlike other puzzle games, there isn’t a narrated story, which is one of the main elements which keeps it so compelling. There’s just something so ominous. Maybe it’s all the dark shadows that are cast across the map. Or maybe it’s because we never really understand, we just do what we are meant to. I can’t help but keep thinking about it – which is something I rarely experience once a puzzle game is finished.
Final thoughts
With such a simple premise, I didn’t expect to love Bonfire Peaks as much as I do. It’s depressing nature and no explanation kept me transfixed for hours. With the nights getting longer and the rain coming in, it’s the perfect autumnal pastime as well.
Norse mythology is a trusted and much-loved theme used by developers the world over. Its mystical settings and variety of gods are awe-inspiring and allow your imagination to run wild. I admit that I love anything that utilises this theme, so when Apsulov: End of Gods landed on my desk I couldn’t wait to try it.
Developed by Angry Demon Studios and published by Digerati, this is a bizarre horror sci-fi puzzle adventure title. Played out from a first-person perspective, it relies heavily on jump scares moments of silence and terrifying creatures. Moreover, its haunting soundtrack, gruesome images and strange story make for an uncomfortable experience.
Apsulov: End of Gods uses a familiar plot.
I dislike it when games open with no explanation. Yet, Apsulov: End of Gods executes this idea perfectly. You control a tattoo laced female protagonist who awakens on a stone medical table. An odd entity hangs in the sky above her while barking orders. You are its latest experiment, and it wants to obey its instructions without question. Somehow, you anger it and all hell breaks loose! Here your horrific journey begins. You must crawl through tight spaces and escape lurking beasts that wish to rip your face off.
It’s not the most pleasant of titles, but I expect nothing less from a sci-fi-inspired horror title. The world tree Yggdrasil and the surrounding realms are overrun by unsightly creatures. The humans that took over these realms brought the problems upon themselves. They dug up the ancient artefacts which unleashed the ungodly entities. Only by travelling through the snake-like roots of the Yggdrasil tree and collecting all the artefacts can the beings be banished and the gateway closed.
Where it all begins.
A familiar story but a unique experience.
Originality in the horror genre is almost unheard of. Developers borrow ideas from each other, and there is a heavy reliance on clichéd methods. Apsulov: End of Gods uses every classic technique available. With its many claustrophobic spaces, fast-moving enemies and beings that hide around every corner, you are on edge throughout. You may worry that this would become tiresome, yet it never did. Thanks to the use of some clever theme-based mechanics, the game rolls along at a gradual pace and keeps you interested throughout.
You begin the game with a gift referred to as ‘The Sight’. This power enables you to see in the dark and to highlight hidden objects. It’s your tool to find clues and allows you to see any nasties hidden in plain sight. This limited timed ability beautifully creates suspense and tension, especially when it runs out at inopportune moments.
‘The Sight’ goes hand in hand (pardon the pun) with other key mechanics.
‘The Sight’ was an excellent navigation tool, yet this wasn’t its only use. The game’s sci-fi twist didn’t stop at the large futuristic world you explore. No, it extended to a cybernetic hand known as Jarngeipr! This elemental powered tool fires blasts of energy and is key to accessing every realm. It goes hand in hand (pardon the par) with ‘The Sight’ when you try to find switches or doors to unlock.
I loved how the mechanics were beautifully intertwined. The many puzzles and obstacles required both key components to proceed. It was a clever move from the developer as the ideas were simple to grasp and it didn’t overcomplicate the matter.
Each locked door was secured by one of nine rune symbols that are found as you explore each realm. This was an excellent way to ensure the story focussed on a linear path. Fans of open-world games may find the restrictive approach frustrating, yet I loved how it directed my attention and drove the story forward.
Charge Jarngreipr and solve those puzzles.
Death and a second chance.
I’ve come to terms with almost certain death when playing a horror game. However, I didn’t expect to die quite so many times! The horrendous demons and overlords of each realm don’t hold back and you will perish repeatedly.
Worry not, though, as every time you fail, you are given a second chance. You awaken in a small arena where two globes are hidden. You must collect them and place them on two switches to activate a portal. Sounds simple, right? It is until you realise you are being hunted by a demon. If you die here, it’s game over and you must reload or start a new game. This quickly became a bore, and I allowed myself to be caught repeatedly as save points are plentiful. It’s a shame, as theoretically it’s a great idea, yet in reality, it became repetitive very quickly.
Apsulov: End of Gods is vast, empty, and creepy.
Using the phrase empty to describe Apsulov: End of Gods stage design may seem critical, but it isn’t. The desolate and barren landscape enhances the creepy and horrific nature of this tale. The considerable moments of nothingness build suspense, and I was on edge, waiting for something to jump out on me. I adored the combination of futuristic buildings and technology with the ancient mythological structures. I also enjoyed how each realm had a unique style. However, this was balanced with the familiarity of crawl spaces and man-made structures.
A horror game is only as good as the tension it creates and Apsulov: End of Gods captured this with its excellent audio. The deafening silence was interrupted by creepy noises and demons wailing. The sound effects chill your blood and send shivers down your spine. It’s a nasty experience, yet it’s exactly what I want when I play a horror title. Alongside the exceptional audio, you’ll experience a well-defined script full of emotion and drama.
What could be hiding behind around the corner?
Some minor tweaks will improve the controls.
When stealth is a key mechanic to avoid your demonic foes, you’d expect the controls to have a high level of finesse. Sadly, this isn’t the case! The button layout is counterproductive and I couldn’t stand the crouching mechanic. Having to hold a button to complete an action is archaic and makes the controls fiddly.
The plot indeed plays out linearly, yet there are still exploration elements and secrets to find. The hidden collectables offer a small amount of replay value for any completionists. Therefore, this limits the reasons to return, and this impacts its longevity.
Apsulov: End of Gods combines old elements to create an interesting and creepy experience.
Apsulov: End of Gods use of well-trodden mechanics risked a tired performance. However, its unique storyline and combination of elements worked well. Subsequently, I enjoyed the dark and sinister futuristic story. It entertained me throughout and kept me on the edge of my seat. Its only downside is the fiddly controls and even these are serviceable. I loved its horrific ways and I recommend you to buy it here! Can you collect all the artefacts, or are you destined to not fulfil your potential?
If you’re looking for a fast-paced action game, then get ready to join the battle in Worms Rumble as you blast your way to victory.
Gameplay:
Released June 23rd, 2021, for Nintendo Switch, Worms Rumble is a spin-off featuring real-time action gameplay versus the Worms series usual turn-based combat.
There are four primary game modes: Team Deathmatch, Deathmatch, Last Squad Standing, and Last Worm Standing. The controls take a minute to get used to, but there is also a training mode available where you can test out all of the weapons and do a simple practice run.
First off, in each match, you start with basic weapons, and each stage has crates scattered around the map with various zany weapons and items. Plus, the levels are large, and moving around is really fluid. For example, I liked how you could fast travel using zip-lines and elevators, sometimes saving you from getting blasted off the map. With that said, each battle feels very fast with lots of fun chaos.
Outside of the main gameplay, you can also customize your character and weapons. As you level up, you are rewarded with costumes and coins for various accessories giving a great range to choose from for your little wormy friend. DLC costume sets are also available, but I think the in-game content is more than enough where it doesn’t feel like you’re being forced to buy extra stuff.
Pros:
Fast-paced gameplay
Fun arsenal of weapons and nice customization
Cons:
Can’t play offline
Takes too long to find a match
Lack of game modes
Although I found the worms to be pretty lovable, I did have several issues with this game. Sadly, Worms Rumble is only playable online. I think there should be at least one offline mode available to play. Another frustrating thing about this game is the loading times to find a match take too long. Even with cross-play enabled, it can still take five minutes or more before you can play the game. Apart from this, I encountered network issues where now I can’t even get past the title screen and play the game.
Like many online multiplayer games, Worms Rumble failed to compensate gameplay for their newcomer gamers. They recommend that you reach a certain level before trying other modes, but even in the team deathmatch, you are likely to keep getting obliterated by high-tier players. While it may be fun for a while, the combination of a lack of game modes, having no offline content, long loading times, and the frustrating level gaps made me eventually lose interest in the game.
Conclusion:
Above all, Worms Rumble is a reasonably fun game, but I feel like it just missed the mark. If the technical issues are addressed, and offline game modes are added, I think Worms Rumble would make a decent online multiplayer action game to add to your Switch library.
With Christmas not too far away now, we are going to be looking at various things you might want to consider – here we look at the Drop n Pop Jurassic World – Blue from WOW! Stuff.
See your favourite dinosaurs instantly hatch, simply drop and watch in amazement as a Baby Dinosaur from the Jurassic World Franchise springs out. Be careful it doesn’t bite!
Play out some of the iconic movie scenes from Jurassic Park by watching your dinosaur hatch by simply dropping onto any floor, table or countertop. Reveal a plush baby Dino teddy 150% bigger than the egg.
Kids will have hours of fun dropping the egg time and time again, thanks to its easy reset feature. Simply push the plush back inside the egg and click shut. Your surprise toy is then ready to drop to pop.
Surprise your friends as you carry the small egg around with you, suddenly drop the egg and watch the raptor Blue appear, a real Wow! Also available in the other fan favourites Ankylosaurus Bumpy.
The Jurassic World Collection features unique toys and gifts inspired by the Jurassic World, Fallen Kingdom & Jurassic Park film franchises and the Netflix Camp Cretaceous animated series that are authorised and licensed by Universal Pictures.
These Drop n Pop toys are a lot of fun – they are quite fiddly to get Blue back into the egg, which is actually half the fun, without accidentally having the egg open. Once placed back in the egg you just drop it on the ground and it pops open to reveal Blue in all her glory.
The Drop n Pop Jurassic World – Blue is available now from Amazon priced around £19.99 and is aimed at children 5 years old and up.
With Christmas not too far away now, we are going to be looking at various things you might want to consider – here we look at the Drop n Pop Space Jam – Daffy Duck from WOW! Stuff.
Team up with LeBron James and the Looney Tunes. Play out some of the iconic movie scenes from the latest Space Jam Movie by watching your Looney Tune basketball transform into a cute and crazy plush.
Amaze your friends and family as Daffy Duck instantly hatches from the basketball. Simply drop and watch it crack open revealing your favourite Looney Tune character, 150% bigger than the ball.
Have hours of fun dunking the ball time and time again, with an easy to reset feature. Simply push the soft toy plush back inside the ball and click shut. Then drop to pop and Daffy springs into action creating a real Wow!
Be a team player! With its surprise reveal function you can carry the small ball around with you, then suddenly drop it and watch Daffy Duck appear. Also available with Bugs Bunny.
The Space Jam Collection features unique toys and gifts inspired by Space Jam: A New Legacy and the original Space Jam movie franchise that are authorised and licensed by Warner Bros.
These Drop n Pop toys are a lot of fun – they are quite fiddly to get Daffy Duck back into the ball, which is actually half the fun, without accidentally having the ball open. Once placed back in the ball you just drop it on the ground and it pops open to reveal Daffy in all his glory.
Drop n Pop Space Jam – Daffy Duck is available now from Amazon priced around £19.99 and is aimed at children 5 years old and up.
I like to delve into simple games that are easy to pick up and take little of my time to complete. These casual experiences are wonderful, fill a void, and go hand in hand with major titles. Fortunately, the indie market is saturated with such titles and subsequently, I’m spoilt for choice. My latest time killer was picked because of its cute name, Catty & Batty: The Spirit Guide. It caught my attention because of its random name and striking artwork.
Developed by Philipp Lehner and published by Sometimes You, this is a solo or couch co-op title. It takes inspiration from Lemmings and many Tower Defense games and I couldn’t wait to see what it offered. It’s a spirit wrangling puzzle title that uses drip-fed mechanics to keep the gameplay fresh and to gradually increase the difficulty.
This is where it all begins.
Catty & Batty: The Spirit Guide keeps things simple.
Wrangling spirits has never been so simple, yet these minxy ghouls and random stage mechanics ensure it’s not as easy as it appears. What begins as a walk in the park (albeit a spooky empty one), quickly becomes a logistical nightmare. Quick thinking and planning on the fly are skills you must use if you wish to successfully defeat the game.
You control either Catty a cat, or Batty a bat, that somehow stumble across an array of lost spirits. These want away ghosts can’t make it to the portal to return home, and it’s your job to help them. Armed with ghost blocking cardboard boxes, you must form a path to guide them to the exit. Of course, it’s not as easy as it sounds as obstacles and traps stand in your way.
Portals, limited boxes, and teamwork.
Teamwork is key when trying to complete each stage, and because of this, Catty & Batty: The Spirit Guide is much more enjoyable as a co-op title. I appreciated its mechanics as a solo gamer, but playing with a friend is where it excels. ‘Love Vines’ block your path and Catty and Batty must create routes on either side of the obstacle.
You’ll love pushing spirits through portals while battling plants that force you to sleep. When boxes are plentiful, it’s easy to formulate a plan. However, when limited boxes are available, you must use your wits to be victorious. The ghosts like nothing more than to cause mischief, and it’s a massive error to allow the ghosts to run free. You must take your time, be patient, and make sure nothing stops you from executing your plan of action.
Guide those spirits to the exit.
Catty & Batty: The Spirit Guide is a hand-drawn masterpiece.
I have a soft spot for well done hand-drawn titles, and Catty & Batty: The Spirit Guide doesn’t disappoint. With over eight hundred hand-drawn images and one hundred and fifty animations, there is plenty of attention to detail. The crisp images work wonderfully with the contrasting background thanks to the monochromatic colour palette. The unique style of each trap helps to easily identify each obstacle in your way. This was a great decision from the developer, as the latter stages quickly become hectic and hard to handle.
Though the gameplay becomes a handful, it’s pretty mellow thanks to its chilled piano music. An array of tunes play alongside the impending madness and its slow manner helps to keep you calm and composed.
So hypnotic.
Basic controls and easy to play solo.
The gameplay is geared up for couch co-op, but it works just as well for a solo player. The responsive commands and ability to swap between characters makes it easy to play. Each stage allows you to plan your approach before you begin, and this makes it much more manageable.
I adored everything that was offered, yet I can’t get over the lack of replay value. A short two to three-hour story allows you to unlock every achievement. With no NG+ mode, there is no reason to return once you’ve completed it.
Catty & Batty: The Spirit Guide fills the void.
This stunning casual puzzler may lack longevity, but it offers striking aesthetics and wonderful gameplay. The increasingly challenging problems will test your mind and communication is key when playing co-op. I enjoyed its simplicity and recommend you to buy it here! Create a plan, lay a path, and wrangle those spirits.
Here is my video review with footage captured from my Xbox Series X, enjoy!
The team behind EGX2021 has worked tirelessly! They have focussed their efforts on making this an event that’s fun, interesting, and above all else, safe! COVID-19 has altered the events landscape much more than anyone would like to admit. Yet this shouldn’t stop us from making the trip to the ExCeL Centre in London. Many major players are missing and the large space that’s usually full of colour and life appears stark and bare. However, this doesn’t mean that this year’s instalment should be ignored.
After much disappointment, sorrow, and isolation, this staple of the gaming calendar has arrived. It is the opportunity for like-minded individuals to gather together, and get hands-on with some amazing unknown titles. EGX2021 may be different from what most expected, but this slow-burning event proves that a phoenix can rise from the flames.
EGX Live stage.
EGX2021 is remarkably uninspiring at first glance.
Having collected my press pass while navigating some minor confusion surrounding entry times, I gladly skipped to door S7 to get my first glimpse of EGX2021. Sadly, however, more miscommunication forced me and fellow press members and creators to wait in the foyer until 10 am. This wasn’t an issue, as a kind gentleman entertained us with magic and card tricks, so not all was lost.
10 O’Clock came and the curtain was finally raised. We entered and was greeted by a disappointing and rather flaccid fanfare. Compared with previous years, the arena was empty and bland, or so it first appeared. Yet, fortunately, Virgin Media and Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout added some much-needed colour, energy, and life to this calm affair. With pumping tunes, mascots, lively staff, and the promise of a prize bundle if you won the tournament, there were many reasons to rejoice.
Sadly, I and my fellow teammates sucked at the game! Disappointingly, our dreams of a free PS5 and a year’s supply of Virgin Media went out the window. Though, the chance to take on the Fall Guy Mountain was an opportunity we couldn’t turn down. A giant Wipeout style treadmill challenges competitors to sprint to the top to collect a foam crown. Each team has three minutes to stay on their feet, gather the crowns, and get back to the starting point. It was hectic, fun, and full of banter! This portion of the day was a raving success.
Do you dare to take on the Fall Guy Mountain?
Focussed on indie titles and Steam.
The gaming industry is renowned for its triple-A titles, and many gamers rave about each exclusive they get to play. Yet, EGX2021 offers little in the way of triple-A games, especially if you haven’t turned eighteen! As you wander the enormous space, you are treated to a spectacle of university projects, new developers, unusual ideas, and well-established talents. There is also the odd smattering of high-end games, namely Baldur’s Gate III and Crysis Remastered Trilogy.
As for the rest, there is a wonderful presence from Team17, PQube, Goblinz Studio, and Mooneye Indies. Many of the developers and publishers were extremely excited about offering a hands-on experience with their creations, yet two stood out for their enthusiasm and flair. Sally Sheppard, a solo developer, has created a visual novel-like title called Spellbound: The Magic Within. And Not A Goose Games has entertained with its fun and frantic twin-stick shooter Cheftastic.
Console gamers will wonder where their piece of the pie is! Strangely, most of the games on offer are either Steam Early Access or mid-development projects. This, unfortunately, will leave many console gamers disappointed, as their favourite games will be forever out of reach.
Some much-needed colour has been added.
Over 18s only, merchandise, and retro gaming.
EGX2021 has done a fantastic job at separating its key sections, and this is evident in the Over 18s only section. Reserved for gory titles, players will enjoy Call of Duty, Back 4 Blood, Deathloop, and more. ID and patience are required to enter this area as players have a maximum of 45 minutes to play the game of their choice. This section was well marshalled, disciplined, and was a credit to the organisers.
Gaming, retro action, and merchandise go hand in hand. So, fortunately, it’s a good thing that EGX2021 has this covered. With a vast amount of stalls for collectables, bags, accessories, and more available, there is something for every taste. The retro area spans pinball machines, NES consoles, and more, so you can relive good times while challenging friends.
Back to the old-school.
EGX2021 has a live theatre and educational pieces, but it lacks that special edge.
You can’t fault the organisers for their efforts to put together some fascinating talks and educational pieces, yet it missed that showbiz edge. Previous instalments have wowed the crowds with exclusive game footage and Q and A sessions, and EGX2021 doesn’t seem to have lived up to this promise.
The lack of wow factor was disappointing, and I was left craving so much more. I needed my hit of unseen gameplay from triple-A titles, but that never appeared. This impacted the vibe of the event as many gamers come for a hands-on experience, but they also want to be amazed by never before seen footage.
EGX2021 is a slow-burner that is worth your time and effort.
You may initially be disappointed after you first enter the ExCel Centre, but I suggest you let this wash over you! If you discard the normal razzmatazz, you will enjoy a full-on experience of smaller indie developers, some excellent larger titles, and a friendly crowd waiting to greet you. Every developer is keen for you to observe their time-consuming work, so why not look at the full itinerary here! Jump right in, meet some hard-working indie developers, and experience so diamonds in the rough.
Fantasy games are a wonderful form of escapism and I love how the plot can take you on some weird and wonderful journeys. The combination of mystical beasts, magical powers, and made up kingdoms is a recipe for a wild and interesting adventure. The Handler of Dragons uses this freedom to create an interesting story filled with lore and unusual characters.
Developed by Jerzy Calinski and published by Golden Eggs Studio, this is a 3D action RPG. It’s an Early Access title, so this preview will judge it on its current build. You control a husband and father who’s unaware of the power he possesses. His quiet life is about to be turned upside down as a chance encounter with a stranger has deep-rooted ramifications.
Choose your fate in The Handler of Dragons.
Unlike many RPGs, you have the freedom to decide your fate in The Handler of Dragons. Yes, the core story progresses no matter your decisions, but how the surrounding world and its people perceive you alter significantly. This was my favourite mechanic that was incorporated into an otherwise very standard affair.
You control a hero who lives in a small house at the edge of a wood. A stranger appears and asks for help. This then delivers a cutscene where you discover you can talk to dragons and you learn about the power to control these beasts. You can consume their first shed scale to become more powerful, or you can set the majestic beasts free. This is the overarching plot and you quickly become accustomed to helping dragons, learning new skills, and meeting new cultures.
The story culminates in a standard Good vs Evil encounter. You must use everything you’ve learned to avenge the fallen dragons and prove you have Dragon Handler blood flowing through your veins.
The Handler of Dragons shows such potential.
A dramatic, albeit cheesy story that’s let down by clunky mechanics and uninspiring worlds.
With so many amazing RPGs to choose from, you have to do something special to stand out. Sadly, however, in its current build, The Handler of Dragons doesn’t do enough to make itself memorable! I liked its dramatic, albeit cheesy plot and enjoyed the personalities of the NPCs and the dragons you encounter. Yet, this wasn’t enough to paper over the very evident cracks.
The gameplay is broken down across many minor quests that take you on a journey across many regions. You encounter dwarves, the undead, a plethora of dragons, and more as you gain power and learn new abilities. In theory, this should have been an incredible journey, yet it felt rushed, stale, and dated. Subsequently, I built no rapport with the characters and cared not about my decision making. This was a shame, as it undermines the best element of the game.
Matters only get worse.
The issues only got worse because of the clunky combat mechanics, uninspiring quests, and laughably poor acting and subtitles. I have no issues with poor acting or badly proofread subtitles. In fact, they offered some much needed comical relief. My gripe is it highlights the lack of polish and the inability to alter obvious problems.
These issues hold many of the key components back. The movement within The Handler of Dragons is some of the campest and most clunky I’ve endured to date. You’ll crash into the scenery, fall into pits, off ledges, and generally have a torrid time. This then impacts the combat mechanics! You’ll die repeatedly as your hero swings, misses, and turns like a tanker in the Suez Canal. It’s a recipe for disaster and something that needs to be drastically altered if the developers wish this to succeed.
The staple for any RPG is the crafting mechanics, varied equipment, the levelling of your character, and the associated skill tree. The Handler of Dragons comprises each of these elements, however, it’s all subpar.
Everything is nerfed by the increasing levels of the monsters you encounter and subsequently, you never feel like a powerful hero. This is disappointing and this hollow state continues with the lacklustre spells! Using them doesn’t generate fireworks or a wow moment and sadly, it’s a bit of a damp squib.
A dated inventory screen.
The Handler of Dragons has poor textures, dated graphics, but plenty of potential.
My laptop was powerful enough to play this on ultra settings, yet this wasn’t enough to iron out the many creases. With glitches galore, awful textures, frame rate issues, and dated graphics, there is a lot to work on. Yet, there is plenty of potential for the developers to create a beautiful looking game. The currently mediocre worlds could easily be fantastic with some minor tweaks. If the environments were more interactive, the NPCs more believable, and traversing each section more seamless, this would improve it vastly.
The audio is both excellent and awful! A contradiction in terms, I know, but bear with me. I loved the mixture of medieval fantasy music, the aggressive combat tunes, and the sound effects. These factors truly transport you to this make-believe world and worked beautifully with the theme. Sadly, though, the illusion is broken by the dreadful aforementioned acting. Amateur dramatic societies are less wooden and the part-time actors generally don’t mispronounce every other word.
Do you dare to venture down this dark passage?
Clunky is being kind.
To describe the controls as ‘clunky’ is particularly kind, as they are much worse, mostly. Like the graphics, some small changes will improve the experience. If the developers make it much more responsive, reduce the lag on all commands and tighten up the movement, it’ll be improved immeasurably. I did, however, like the layout and the ability to use a gamepad. These were two big positives that highlight the available potential.
If you can battle through the many niggling issues, you’ll find a game that has lots of replay value. Thanks to its array of dialogue choices, you can alter your relationship and character in many ways. Its large achievement list requires multiple playthroughs and different dialogue choices, so completionists will get to experience everything on offer.
The Handler of Dragons could be great.
Currently, The Handler of Dragons is a world away from where it needs to be. Yet, I can see plenty of potential behind its rough edges. With excellent lore, nice dialogue mechanics, and the possibility of wonderful lands to explore, it could be great. Sadly, it needs plenty of polishing to get where it should be. Hopefully, it’ll improve with time if the developers keep working on its core concept. If you wish to try this early access title, you can buy it here! Forge your path, collect the dragon scales, and take down the evil power.
Summary.
The Handler of Dragons is an Early Access Steam title. With plenty of potential, there is a lot to be hopeful about. Sadly, in its current build, it’s a world away from where it needs to be. With some minor tweaks, the developers can polish its very rough edges.
(Reviewed on PC using Steam & the game is currently in Early Access. It will be available on Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation in 2022.)
After the high praise of the first Curious Expedition game, Maschinen-Mensch created the second instalment to the franchise. Following it’s successor, Curious Expedition 2 is a turn-based adventure narrative, set in the late 17th century. So if you have a hankering to explore new lands and see the never before discovered, then this game might just be for you.
Taking a cartoonish design and hosting a whole cast of creative characters, Curious Expedition is certainly an experience from start to finish. The title quickly whisks you through a tutorial, which is extremely text heavy. Be prepared to feel like you’re reading a novel. There is no narration, but the personality of every character still shines through text. As someone with a lot of experience with fast paced reading (meaning yes, I spent a lot of my childhood watching subtitled anime) this sheer amount of text still came as a shock. Be careful as well, because there are certain pauses between conversations which you WILL skip if you’re impatient. I did this a lot, and sometimes these missed chats are vital to your exploration.
You are tasked with choosing a character at the very beginning of the game, which will be your group leader for its entirety. Choose wisely! You also select your three companions (obviously I chose the dog, who wouldn’t) and then the real fun begins. Every action you take, every question you answer, all plays into the exploration aspect of Curious Expedition. There’s an almost butterfly effect to the gameplay, so it’s very important to stay on your toes. Some of these elements end up with the sudden end of a quest, which is definitely frustrating after the second or third go. Despite the amount of times I put my switch down to take a deep breath, Curious Expedition 2 still leaves you wanting more.
Tactical Theft and Contrasting Concepts
It’s not just combat based either. Even though this plays quite a large part in the game, it still encourages you to take different approaches to it. Looting and trading are quite heavily encouraged, but this doesn’t mean looting enemies on the battlefield. Rather, it means finding temples and shrines and bringing stolen artifacts back to civilization. After every expedition, your team returns to Paris. Which is essentially the ‘hub’ of the operation. I found that the looting aspect of these expeditions completely contradict the colourful and respectful approach of the game. Whilst this isn’t necessarily a downside to the title it still feels wrong. However, Curious Expedition 2 can be played without this almost harsh approach, but it will definitely be a longer journey.
When in Paris, you can exchange party members for others and as you progress through the game a wider variety of characters become available. This is the main incentive to put yourself through the repetitive nature of the title. After a while these expeditions become less enjoyable and more grinding. I did enjoy the majority of my time with this game, but after a good couple of hours of playing it definitely became more of a chore.
Final thoughts
As a whole, Curious Expedition 2 is definitely an engrossing game. I can see why the first edition became so highly praised. If you are looking for an engaging few hours of exploration then I am sure you will enjoy it. Just make sure to prepare yourself. This journey is not a straightforward one.
Gaming conferences and events used to be the must-go-to occasion for much of the gaming community. The ability to spend time with like-minded individuals was essential while enjoying the chance to get hands-on with some of the latest games. The banter between fan groups is fierce, but rivalries are put aside while everyone enjoys the festivities. EGX 2021 has finally come around after the horrendous COVID-19 pandemic and a tough twenty or so months for everyone.
This event will be different for sure, but minor changes have to be made to ensure everyone will be safe and everything runs smoothly. Though the numbers attending will be lower, and the number of exhibitors is reduced, nothing can break a gamer’s spirit and the crowd will be buzzing to break down the doors to see what’s on offer.
Things will be much quieter this year.
When and where will EGX 2021 take place?
Eurogamer Expo, as it used to be known, has been held across various venues. It was held at Earls Court in London, followed by the NEC in Birmingham, but now it has returned to London at its current home, the ExCeL Centre. Many reasons were stated for the relocations, but the key one is transport routes and ease of access. This is undoubtedly true with DLR trains running regularly and a bus route situated bang outside, so getting there is not going to be an issue.
Thursday 7th October 2021 through to Sunday 10th October 2021 is when the magic happens. With a full itinerary of events, a plethora of developers, a retro section, an after-hours area, and university students showing their projects, you’ll fill every day with ease. You’ll, of course, get some hands-on time with major titles and the ability to question any of the developers present.
Will the organisers amaze us?
What’s new, and what’s to do?
If you’ve been to Eurogamer before, you’ll know what to expect, but new zones have been added for EGX 2021. You can enjoy hands-on time with the next-gen consoles as well as enjoying the PC LAN area, Sports Zone, and Console Corner. This is complemented with the Playable Games, Rezzed Zone, Leftfield collection, EGX Arena, Theatre and Live, The Rezzed Sessions, Tabletop section, and the Retail Quarter.
You’ll watch Streamers play live, speak to leading members of the gaming industry, chat to developers, play some of 2020s best games, try some unique indie titles, challenge friends to classic board games, and buy many gaming essentials you require.
What’s Playable?
In short… a lot! There is an eclectic collection to try, so here we go: PvPvE first-person shooter, Hunt: Showdown. The classic first-person shooter from Crytek, Crysis: Remastered Trilogy. Cooperative third-person survival shooter, Aliens: Fireteam Elite. The massively multiplayer party game, Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout. World War II isometric real-time tactics game, War Mongrels. The post-apocalyptic Kung-Fu fable RPG, Biomutant. A ruthless Wild West hardcore tactical stealth game, Desperados III. The classic alien annihilation game, Destroy All Humans. Take part in a demolition derby in Wreckfest. The next-gen FPS from Arkane Lyon, Deathloop. Spectacular high-energy racing in Hot Wheels Unleashed. Classic arcade fighter, Street Fighter V: Champion Edition. And finally, Left 4 Dead’s spiritual sequel, Back 4 Blood.
The Rezzed Zone and Leftfield Collection.
Indie games are big business and many gamers fill their time between triple-A and these casual and fun titles. EGX 2021 brings a humongous range of games for you to play and enjoy. This is where you’ll spend hours sifting through the range of adventure, sports, puzzle, and shooting experiences. Yet with only four days to enjoy it all, will you be able to fit it all in?
EGX 2021 will be different, but it’ll still be spectacular.
Post-COVID-19 events are going to be unusual for most of us, but where best to spend your time than with fellow gamers. With COVID-19 safe practices in place and a focus on safety, the organisers have done their best to put on a great show. It’ll be different for sure, but it’s going to be spectacular, nonetheless. For more information, click the EGX 2021 link here! I’ll be there to enjoy it, and I hope to see you all enjoying the festivities.
I immediately pre-ordered Kena: Bridge of Spirits during the week of E3 2021 when the studio, Ember Lab, released a trailer not so much about the game, but to introduce themselves as a studio. That trailer won me over to the point that knowing nothing more about Kena than the hopes and plans of Ember Lab was enough all by its own with a chance to support a new studio with a vision for their first game that would eventually turn out to be one the last PlayStation console exclusives of 2021. Though it was originally planned to release in the same week as the Ghost of Tsushima Expansion and PS5 upgrade, it was delayed until end of September, same week that the PS5 Death Stranding Director’s Cut released, though both planned releases had Kena going up against some heavy hitter big names, I am happy to say that this indie title does more than enough to stand out on its own.
This is a story about Kena, who like her father before her, is a Spirit Guide who has the task of helping the spirits of those who have passed on, find their away across to the other side. Set in a world where wooden masks are made to honor those who have died with the mask turning to dust to signify that the spirit has moved on. Sadly, there are occasions when a Spirit will struggle or be unable to move on due to a traumatic event that may serve as an anchor preventing the crossing over which can lead to the spirit becoming a corrupt version of themselves, Kena must then do what it takes to rescue that spirit to free them from the burden keeping them stuck.
During the run up to the launch of the PS5 back in 2020, I remember Kena featuring in all the videos for titles to look out for on the console within its first year. I made the mistake of just seeing it as nothing more than just a pretty game that would like many other PlayStation console launch titles, such as Knack, get lost in the shuffle and easily forgotten. The game looked incredible with its close to Pixar and Dreamwork big screen animation visuals with a story that looked incredible. It really was the E3 showcase video that introduced the developer team at Ember Lab that won be over the moment that it was revealed it was also the same team that had produced the animated short “Majora’s Mask” back in 2017 and you can see how Kena: Bridge of Spirits is the evolution of that story telling.
Quite frankly this is an astonishingly beautiful game on PS5 and PS4 though it really comes to life on PS5. The world is a constant contrast of the lush green full of life environments to the corrupted, horrifying world that comes because of the Spirits failing to move on. The character models starting with Kena and the other characters she will meet and attempt to help throughout the story are so carefully and majestically crafter that once you have played for an hour or so, you will Google search to see if Pop Funko figures exist of them, something I sense will only be a matter of time since the successful launch of the game on PlayStation consoles and PC.
The musical score is also exceptional, blending so effortlessly with the visuals and using the almost feudal Japan style setting of the world and all come together to just create a fantastical world that truly is a joy to be in but of course, Kena: Bridge of Spirits also has a secret weapon that will just melt the heart of any player, the Rots. A name that you would not normally associate with such a world of beautiful things, but the Rot hands down steal the show. Rots are tiny magical little creatures who Kena can and will need to find across the world to rescue them but also to upgrade and unlock new combat abilities because as great as Kena is as a story narrative telling game, it also has a combat element to it, which is sadly also where the first weakness in this game appears.
The combat relies on a light and heavy attack system at first using Kena’s staff but soon expands to have a magical bow form from the staff itself and bombs. The staff is the primary weapon, and a good deal of the combat will be in the melee combat against enemy types ranging from standard tiny grunt types to much larger mini boss level enemies right up to the boss fights which I will come to further down. Kena has a bubble shield that can take a few or one big enemy hit and has a parry system which is very rough around the edges for me at this moment as it can feel clumsy and fails more times than it works which in fights with far bigger enemies can leave you relying on your bubble shield to take the edge of an enemy attack. It just needs some quality-of-life fine tuning to make the combat feel more fluid, the combat system does work but it just needs that little bit of finesse I feel would just complete the combat system.
What I do love so much about this game are the area designs in terms of puzzles with a lot of the locations you have to explore on the journey to help the three main spirits you must help to reach the Mountain shrine. There really is a lovely nostalgia to the gameplay with puzzles to solve, platforming and combat sections but also just good old-fashioned exploration looking for collectibles and Rots to add to your collection. For me this almost feels like a Darksiders style game with various elements all coming together for the most part, very well indeed. The story itself and the pace and freedom to travel to previous locations in the world helps keep the experience overall very accessible and easy to manage for those who like to dip in for a while then dip out but also for those able to fully immerse in the world.
There really is so much to celebrate about Kena: Bridge of spirits even the Boss Fights which can prove to be very unforgiving difficulty spikes which if you have not kept up with collecting Rots and upgrading skills can leave Kena at a disadvantage at a fair few of them leading to some trial-and-error attempts at the battle. These are just blips in an otherwise highly polished first release from Ember Lab and I do think it is a shame that it is, for now, a PS and PC exclusive as this is a world that will do so well on Nintendo Switch and Xbox especially. I would love for more people to discover and experience this game and whilst as I understand it there are no plans for a sequel, I hope this success inspires just that, a sequel that brings us back to the world of Kena because I for one am certainly not ready to call it a day just yet, easily one of the most memorable and enjoying games of 2021 for me.
There are just too many hats to buy for my Rot friends!!
Gaming is one of the most inclusive pastimes one can experience. With a range of genres and themes to select from, there really is something for everyone. Yet, there are still some games that fall into a niche category. In Europe, visual novels are popular. However, they don’t have the following that the Asian Market affords them. I enjoy reading, so I’ll always leap at the opportunity to review any visual novel I can. Yet, that being said, Takorita Meets Fries wouldn’t be a game that would normally appear on my radar. Its cutesy and nonsensical story doesn’t normally appeal, but nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Developed by Roseverte and published by Ratalaika Games, this is a visual novel about food, romance, and friendship. The developer is renowned for its OTT style, eccentric storylines, and vivid art style, so I was equally dreading and excited to give this a go.
Takorita Meets Fries is typically Anime and odd as hell.
I’m not sure if it’s a generational thing, cultural difference, or I just didn’t get it, but Takorita Meets Fries is odd as hell. With light romance elements, a heavy dose of sexual tension, and bizarre food combinations, I didn’t know whether to love it or loathe it.
The story revolves around Princess Takorita and her selfish attitude toward life. She is fed up with the bland food served to her in her underwater kingdom and she demands new recipes. Her father, the King, refuses, but he is overruled by the Queen and Princess Takorita is allowed one month to venture on land to find new and exciting foods. She must take her less than helpful guard Mer with her and the two unlikely companions head to land for their new adventure.
The beginning of the bizarre adventure.
An odd plot with a heavy reliance on its colourful world.
Takorita Meets Fries is no masterpiece and its plot fails to evolve past its reliance on food. Yet, I still enjoyed it for what it was. The cute characters and delightful settings bring the story to life, and I enjoyed the weird romance that blossomed over the exploration for new food types.
I also liked how the story eventually came full circle to explain the strange disappearance of other merfolk who searched for new food types. The lack of closure wouldn’t have bothered me, but it was a nice touch, nonetheless.
Multiple endings and different plots to follow.
Takorita Meets Fries isn’t the largest visual novel I’ve played. Yet the story is nicely broken down across three locations, each with unique endings and relationship paths. I really liked the bite-size approach that enabled you to have a rounded appreciation of every character.
However, unlike other visual novels that have good, bad, and neutral endings, this one forces you into a happy ever after finale, repeatedly. This was fantastic for the cute theme and lighthearted nature of the story, but this method missed an opportunity that would have developed the characters further. Princess Takorita made no errors and I would have preferred to see a more vulnerable side that would have allowed the other characters to shine.
The Queen knows where you can find the best food.
Takorita Meets Fries is fantastic to look at.
Roseverte is a genius when it comes to presentation. Yet, the extremely colourful imagery and loud in your face noises may not be suitable for a Western audience. I admired it for its style, but its Anime influences and shrill sounds got under my skin.
The crisp lines and stunning landscapes bring the story to life and I loved how the basic animation enhanced the emotion and brought energy to every scene. The world you explore is an explosion of colour, and each character is unique and interesting to look at. What I didn’t like, however, was the overreliance on Mer crying. It was thoroughly irritating and didn’t match the character’s persona.
The audio helped to build a lighthearted and carefree atmosphere. Its blend of energetic sounds and sad tunes portrayed the emotions far better than much of the script. I found the repeated use of a lighting crack to emphasise annoyance to be really irritating. Many of the chapters looked fantastic and had a jovial atmosphere, yet they were plagued by an unnecessary and OTT crashing sound. It would have been effective if it was reined in, but its constant use was absolutely unbearable.
Fries glorious fries.
A lack of dialogue options and limited replay value.
My fascination with visual novels stems from the ability to alter the plot. Yet, Takorita Meets Fries has a distinct lack of choices. This makes it relaxing and easy to play but, I wanted to influence the plot more than I did.
Thanks to its array of endings and relationship paths, there is some replay value. I enjoyed exploring each ending even though most were extremely silly. If you love your achievements, there are guides available that allow you to finish this in less than an hour. Therefore, this is a completionist’s dream.
Takorita Meets Fries is odd, confusing, but good fun.
I definitely didn’t get the nonsensical plot, yet I enjoyed the setting, art style, audio, and characters. Its story won’t win any awards, but it’s fun if you take it with a pinch of salt. It’s a bizarre game that I recommend you to buy here! Can you help the Princess to find the new food types she desires? Go on an adventure, find new friends, and taste exciting new recipes.
With Christmas not too far away now, we are going to be looking at various things you might want to consider – here we look at the WOW! PODS Iron Man from WOW Stuff.
Its really simple to connect the pods together and create your very own fan display with your favourite characters. Build your own display and watch the awesome light show across your wall, shelf, table or window ledge.
Swipe your hand across your POD collection and create an awesome light show! The light will automatically switch off after 30 seconds.
Connect to other WOW! PODS characters in seconds. There are 6 Marvel characters to collect; Spiderman, Iron Man, Hulk, Loki, Groot, Black Widow.
The MARVEL Collection features unique collectibles, toys and gifts inspired by the MARVEL and are authorised and licensed products.
The WOW! PODS are really cool – the attention to detail is amazing and they really add something unique to a room. They are really easy to use and light up the room. These really are great stocking fillers and with so many to collect – which ones will you get?
The MARVEL Iron Man (108) is available now from Amazon priced around £11.99.
