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Review: Minute of Islands

Daniel Waite

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Jun 19, 2021

In a world full of pressure and responsibilities you’d expect the load to be shared evenly. When it isn’t, it can have dreadful consequences. The balance that settles your mind can be disturbed and the world can seem an oppressive place. Minute of Islands explores this idea in a touching and surreal way.

Developed by Studio Fizbin and published by Mixtvision, this is an unusual adventure puzzle game. With beautiful poetic narration and underground labyrinthine worlds to explore, it is easy to lose yourself in this weird story.

Minute of Islands is touching and horrifying.

There is so much to love about Minute of Islands, but occasionally you are left reeling by the shocking images. With the influences of death and suffering at every turn, you can see why the protagonist struggles mentally. Every task and journey is thwarted with danger and only logical thinking, and her training will ensure she succeeds.

The story is told across four chapters, each taking in separate islands that are unique but intrinsically linked. You are Mo, a female apprentice who must help the four gigantic guardians. These enormous beasts run the engine that protects the islands and their remaining inhabitants. The air is laced with toxins that harm anything it touches. The machines keep the atmosphere clear and you must assist the giants to fulfil their obligation to humanity.

It’s a weird dreamlike tale that will leave you confused at first. You will wander the dark tunnels looking at the alien-like environment. Quickly you’ll realise this is a story like no other when you spot the first snoring giant. You enter a vast cavern and see the creature leaning against his machine. It’s from this moment you learn to go with the flow and accept the surreal and wonderful ideas.

A world run on special power and giant run engines.

You will travel by boat, hopping from island to island aiming to save your failing world. The moment you land, you must begin exploring. You will meet family members, animals, and the few remaining islanders. The environment is dark and grimy and gives an oppressive feeling. The toxins in the air make the inhabitants irritable and irrational. You do your best to help each person while aiming to fix the broken machines. Gifted with a special tool known as the Omni Switch, you can control the island’s power and divert its flow to help the giants.

Your staff-like item is as mystical as it is useful. It solves all problems and is the key component of this bizarre jigsaw. You encounter locked doors that open like fish gills when powered up. The heart of each island must be energised and only Mo and the Omni Switch can make that happen.

It’s simple, brilliant, and slightly absurd. I adored the randomness of the whole situation and embraced the strange puzzles you face. Basic platforming elements added depth to the adventuring. Though it was occasionally tedious with the constant back and forth, it was fun, mostly, and added longevity.

Life is toxic without the air purifier’s

Minute of Islands teases you.

This fairytale and personal experience inspired plot weaves an intricate web. And your straightforward journey is always complicated by additional problems. Minute of Islands teases you throughout by implying the chapter is nearly over, yet this is rarely the case.

Problem after problem and puzzle after puzzle block Mo’s progress. Her simple journey becomes arduous and long and she constantly battles to keep her sanity while forging through the constant toxic visions.

A wonderfully stylised experience.

The weirdness of the plot is one thing, but the stunning stylised graphics are something else. Its look is incredible, with clean lines, oppressive colours and Brothers Grimm inspired imagery. You’ll feel like you’re travelling through a tragic nightmare. But, no matter the horrific nature of the imagery, you won’t want to wake from this spectacular slumber.

The graphics and atmosphere are supported perfectly with the touching and harrowing audio. The music will make you laugh, cry, and shudder with its variety of songs. Airy melodies enhance the surreal nature and heavy tunes emphasise the disastrous situation. This is all held together by the marvellous poetic narration.

The beautifully delivered acting highlights Mo’s mental state and the problems she faces. Each line is full of emotion and you never tire of the words you hear.

The combination of sound and imagery makes this one of the best indie games I’ve played. It’s touching and horrendous at the same time. Walking further into the madness ensures Mo faces her demons. You know it’ll be uncomfortable, but you won’t turn away as you want to know what the future holds.

The controls are its Achilles heel.

Minute of Islands does everything to a high standard, so I’m going to be a little picky. Sadly, the controls are clumsy during platforming elements. The level of accuracy required to jump or fall from surfaces is too precise. I jumped when I want to fall and vice versa; it wasn’t game-breaking, just annoying. This is me being very particular and other than this it was easy to play.

Like most adventure games the replay value is limited. The developers tried to enhance it with a secret achievement list and plenty of memories to find. These unusual spirits are hidden on each island. As you touch the ghostly beings, a snippet of information about Mo plays out. I loved this element! It gave you something to hunt for and added depth to the surrounding issues of the lead character.

Minute of Islands: Unusual, but utterly spectacular.

I went from; confused, lost, shocked, and in awe, as I explored this strange world. Minute of Islands is very unusual, but boy is it utterly spectacular! Focusing more on the artistry and the journey, you won’t be challenged by the puzzle aspect. You will love its wonderful narration, touching and horrendous story, and it’s brilliant surreal graphics. You must play it so buy it here! Mo’s world is in danger and only she can save it. Grab the Omni Switch, awake the giants, and restore order.

Review: Scalextric 1966 Batmobile

Andrew Edney

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Jun 18, 2021

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With Fathers Day just around the corner, we take a look at the iconic 1966 Batmobile in Scalextric form.

Batman originates all the way back to 1939 where he was first introduced in Detective Comics. Since then, he has grown to become one if not the most famous of superheroes of all time. Batman made it from the comic book pages and onto the TV screen in the 1960s when the Batman TV series first aired starring Adam West as Batman/Bruce Wayne.

Both Batman and his companion Robin were two crime fighters there to defend Gotham City, their mode of transport was the Batmobile. This detailed Scalextric slot car of the 1960s Batmobile captures the shape of this iconic car and offers Batman fans from around the globe the opportunity to take Batman to the track. This car comes complete with a detailed Batman figure in the driver’s seat.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

As both a fan of Scalextric and also of Batman – I used to watch the 1966 Batman TV series when I was a kid in the 1970’s – I was really keen to get my hands on this car.

And what can I say other than it’s amazing! The attention to detail on it is fantastic, even down to having 1966 Batman sitting in the drivers seat.

My 4 1/2 year old son even said “it’s the Batmobile” – and he’s never seen the original Batman TV series – that’s how iconic this car is!

If you are looking for that slightly different Fathers Day present, or just want to add it to your own collection, then this is definitely one to have – you may find it hard to take it out of the box, it looks that good!

The iconic 1966 Batmobile from Scalextric is available now priced around £45.99.

You can learn more from the Scalextric website.

Review: Backworlds

Kara Phillips

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Jun 18, 2021

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Backworlds is an oddly charming puzzle platformer game which finally came to the Nintendo Switch after nine years of development. With enough puzzles to keep you thinking for hours, any fans of an intricate puzzle platform game will adore this one. Standing out against other games with it’s unique art style, players are challenged to utilise new skills in order to progress. Backworlds has features even a veteren of puzzle platformers isn’t used to, which makes it such a fun and engaging game.

Clunky controls but perfect puzzles

Despite the game being developed for nine years, the controls on Switch are not as smooth as you would expect. Backworlds was originally set to release exclusively on PC, which would explain some of the controls. The transfer to switch definitely takes a few moments to understand. Rather than using the joystick to control your character, you’re told to use the d pad which seems uncomfortable when jumping around maps. It’s definitely something you get used to after a few puzzles but to start it seems out of place. Directional controls were definitely the main issue, and everything else seemed to be fine.

The gameplay follows a pretty simple concept too. You complete puzzles in order to catch ink spills, and enough of those unlocks a door to somewhere. Eventually, these turn into boss encounters. You’re also equipped with a handy map in case you get lost (which I definitely did a few times). This map shows where the rest of the ink spills are, and also allows you to fast travel should you need to. This element isn’t one frequently used in puzzle platformers, but it’s definitely one highly praised in Backworlds.

Aesthetically incredible

The game is visually stunning. Backgrounds are extremely detailed and the papercraft-esque hand drawn style sets it aside from any other. When using the drawing tool to unlock other dimensions, there are hidden elements and details you definitely wouldn’t expect. Trees are rustled with winds, and everything comes together to produce this wonderful little package. Your character is fully animated as well, tail swishing around, and head popping off to help solve puzzles. It’s extremely entertaining. With accompanying music to mirror environmental changes, Backworlds is a neatly tied up bundle of fun. For the most part, it runs extremely smoothly as well. The other downside is on occasion loading screens cause levels to freeze for a few seconds.

The main gimmick for this game is the interdimensional drawing tool you have to use to complete levels. All puzzles expect you to use this in some shape or form. Switching between the real world and the reverse opens up an entire new world (quite literally) of opportunity. According to different levels, this tool also comes with different and exciting powers. From disobeying gravity to swimming through air, you hardly feel bored. Gameplay is kept completely fresh by this tool since you never really know what to expect, or what is going to happen next. It’s exciting, and hardly monotonous.This can’t be said for the occasional boss battle though. Nothing really separates them and there isn’t really much of a challenge. They seem out of place and repetitive. They’re simple and kind of boring, which is a shame since Backworlds is so wonderful without them.

Final thoughts

As a whole, it’s clear that the nine years of development were worth it. Backworlds is an extremely enjoyable puzzle platformer which is completely fresh and unique. With so many elements, I’d definitely recommend this to anyone looking for something simple yet challenging to enjoy.

Review: Outriders

Daniel Waite

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Jun 18, 2021

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The idealistic view that the future will be all roses and delight is usually deluded. Well, at least in the video game world it is. Anarchy, destruction, and famine are usually the flavours of the day. Mankind is doomed, and it’s usually down to our selfishness, so more fool us! Outriders runs with this grisly picture, and those of us that are left alive must fight for scraps as we try to survive our grim existence.

Developed by People Can Fly and Square Enix and published by the latter, this is a third-person looter shooter set on an alien planet. Brought to us by the team that made Bulletstorm, this has the potential to build from their 2011 project. I was excited when I saw the game was being released straight to Gamepass and downloaded it at the first opportunity. But with opening weekend gremlins, I allowed the dust to settle before strapping myself in for this futuristic ride.

Outriders is a weird blend of other titles.

With Borderlands looting mechanics, the look of Destiny, and the movement of Gears of War, this has the potential to be a unique experience. Yet, I found that the eclectic blend didn’t amount to the height of each of its parts. Yes, each element is good, but it doesn’t evolve beyond what has already been experienced. You’ll dive around, hiding behind the scenery as you snipe or blow your foes to pieces. Sprinting and rolling is smooth and enjoyable, but the process becomes repetitive quickly. There is a lot of fun to be had when annihilating enemies, yet it plateaus pretty early on.

The almost dated 2D plain in which the action takes place screams Gears of War. Now, there was nothing wrong with this mechanic on the Xbox 360. Yet, times have moved on and palettes have developed. Failing to make the most of each situation made each fight feel flat. The epic scenery was at odds with the action and I wanted it to flourish, but it failed to materialise.

A great story that is a slow burner.

Life as a badass hero can be a lonely existence. Being the last Outrider alive sends this message home! You’ve travelled to an alien planet with your band of brothers, completed your mission, and prepare to return to base. Unsurprisingly this foreign land throws up some horrendous surprises! The ground rises, electrical storms devour you, and a few lucky people are granted superpowers.

Struck by the anomaly you think you are as good as dead. Placed in cryo sleep, the world goes dark and years pass. When you awaken, the landscape is scorched and people are dying. Only a hero can save the day and the people turn to you to fill that void.

I loved the story, the husky characters, and the twists and turns. The well-timed boss fights added depth, but I couldn’t get away from the slow flow of the narrative. Each main battle was interesting, and I genuinely enjoyed the variety in the cast. Sadly, the rinse and repeat nature of jumping from each blockade was underwhelming. The potential is there for all to see, but Outriders falls short.

Walk through the flames to become a hero.

Outriders is all about skill trees and moded guns.

With four class types to choose from, a vast skill tree to unlock, and weapons to find, buy or mod, there is a lot to personalise your experience. Each class has buffs and negative effects that mildly adjust your gameplay approach. But at the beginning the impact is negligible. As you focus your abilities along the skill tree, you see where the developers want their game to go. With bonuses applied for close-quarter combat or long-ranged weapons, you get to choose how you want this title to play out.

I liked how you were free to decide your fate, but the winner was the highly detailed weapon design. With insane mods and weird looks, each gun was a delight to look at. People Can Fly have spent a lot of time creating some amazing rifles, and you’ll be in awe when you stumble across something truly unusual. Yet, what strikes me as strange is you rarely get to see your gun from the third-person perspective. With so much time invested, I would have loved to see my beastly equipment up close and personal.

Crafting and this genre go hand in hand. It was pleasant to see that the usual drawn-out process was relatively user friendly. Weapons can be broken down to gain resources and any mods are retained for use of future guns. This was a nice touch, as your favourite additions never went to waste, and altering your arsenal on the fly was a simple task.

Vast sprawling landscapes that you never explore.

We all crave a full and interesting world and Outriders delivers that and then some. The grim world is incredible to look at. The massive sprawling landscape makes your jaw drop, and you will be desperate to get exploring. Sadly though, the gameplay forces you into a linear path. Each mission sells a portion of the world and slowly you’ll piece together each section. Yes, you get to see some amazing locations, but you’ll be desperate to rummage around and this never materialises. This doesn’t help with the aforementioned flat nature of each stage. So, though you’ll be in awe of the surrounding world, you’ll equally be left frustrated by the lack of exploration.

The audio enhances the doomed situation you find yourself in. The booming sound effects and aggressive soundtrack emphasise your hero status. It was easy to lose yourself in each battle with explosions left ringing in your ears. There were no complaints from me regarding how well the all-action portions played out. However, I was disappointed by the disjointed NPC conversations. Key information was often drowned out by someone complaining about their situation. There was no way to repeat the dialogue, so you always felt as if you’d missed out. The gruff acting and manly narrative was borderline absurd and weakened the delivery of the plot. It was enjoyable, but it flirted too closely to OTT ham acting for my liking.

Familiar mechanics ensure there are comfortable controls.

Fans of the genre will feel right at home with the comfortable controls. Rolling to cover and leaping into the battle was smooth and easily achieved. A large cursor makes aiming easy, and the drift and flow of the weapons ensured fighting was a joy. With the developers pedigree, it didn’t surprise me they got this element spot on. As a fast-paced action game, you won’t find much better, even if the other elements don’t make it to this level.

Like Borderlands, Outriders focuses a lot of its energy on making this a fun co-op game. Every mission can be tackled solo or with friends and strangers. This is where it excels, and it’s truly enjoyable when working in teams to hunt down your foes. Killing and looting are a team effort and creating a plan to succeed isn’t as easy as you’d think. This approach vastly increases the replay value, as does the end game Expedition missions. Take on fifteen challenging levels with a sliding difficulty scale and loot based on how well you do. You’ll lose yourself for hours in this mode alone, and the tougher stages will test the best players.

Outriders is a good game, but it leaves you with more questions than answers.

With so many layers and influences, I can see what the developers were trying to achieve. As a concept, each element works, but they never reach their full potential. You’ll enjoy playing it, but there are better, albeit older titles available. It’s free on Gamepass so you have nothing to lose. I recommend you download it and if you like it buy it here! Being a hero is tough, but someone has to do it.

Review: Guilty Gear Strive – PS5

Sean McCarthy

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Jun 18, 2021

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Now I must acknowledge and apologize that despite considering myself a fighting genre fan since the very first time I played IK+ on my Amiga back in the day, the Guilty Gear series is one I have not played until now. Which is more shocking when you consider that it is a system that has a full-on twenty-year legacy to celebrate and the developers at Arcsystemworks have been responsible just for Guilty Gear but a list of games any fighting game fan would instantly recognize such as Baz Blue and Persona 4 Arena to name but two. Guilty Gear Strive coming to PS5, PS4 and PC was my chance to have a first date with this series and I have to say, it was an intriguing introduction to the series.

I came to know the name of Arcsystemworks from their most recent success in Dragon Ball FighterZ, a fighting game that I absolutely adored and captured not only everything I loved about fighting games but also my favourite Anime series in Dragon Ball. The attention to detail in FighterZ made me want to check out their next Guilty Gear title and thankfully Strive was announced for PS5 so what better way to christen my new PS5 console than with the newest Guilty Gear entry.

I will say that after the first time of firing up the game and accepting all the usual agreements you need to “read” by scrolling down a very long wall of text in order to just get access to the game, each subsequent firing up of Strive lead to a good five minutes or longer of it “Connecting to the server” before you can get to the main menu became quite annoying after getting used to the incredible loading times the PS5 has only to have the traditional online networking part to take longer than it really should, I am hoping this is one of the first things to be improved in quality of life updates going forward in the game’s life.

Naturally my first stop in a fighting game is to check out the story mode, hoping to get some level of introduction into this world of Guilty Gear and its roster of 15 characters. But to my surprise, unlike fighting games like Mortal Kombat, Injustice, Tekken and Street Fighter this Story mode does exactly what it says on the mode…it tells a story. By that I mean it is a full length five-hour anime film, which has a clever feature that allows the player the option of taking a rest after each chapter therefore turning it into a mini anime series instead of a continuous five-hour film. The chapters themselves are not followed by any gameplay, so where the recent Mortal Kombat 11 for example would have a cutscene driving the narrative of the story mode but would end in the player then having some gameplay in the form of a fight before moving on to the next cutscene. So, this was quite the surprise to have a Story mode that is literally the story. It is also a story that completely lost me as a newcomer to the series as I had no idea who anyone was or what was happening.

The game does have a compendium of sorts that will teach you about the characters in the world, but I retreated out and looked up some “What happens in Guilty Gear” in order to research and learn the history of the series and the games to put me in a better position of understanding the lore and what was in the new story mode. I also must say that the animation in this anime movie essentially, is stunning and better quality than fully release anime movies I have in my collection. So there is a lot to take on board just from this Story mode alone and I could already tell that this was going to be a very different fighting game experience than I was used to.

Gameplay wise there are very minimal modes form the offline Tutorial mode which teaches you the basics of the fighting system as well as “Missions” where you continue the Tutorials but against other characters. Whilst I am more used to using a training room to practice combos and then using the arcade to try and find a character on the roster to start off learning, the tutorial missions do go some way to try and teach you the styles of each character as each character as you would expect, has a different fighting style from up close to a more ranged attack but it will be your experimentation in the arcade that along with the command list system to show you the moves of each character, will be the foundation especially for newcomers like me in getting to grips with Strive.

At the core, Guilty Gear is a 1v1 fighting game and if you have ever any experience with Street Fighter, you can easily get the basics with most of the roster of character in terms of their special moves which allowed me to find my way in. There are layers to this combat system that are going to take time to master or just get proficient in I have no doubt but finding this way in gave me the feeling that for this game in the series, to have some focus on allowing newcomers that way into the gameplay was a conscious choice which is a risky one. It is risky in that by making or changing a commonly known and embedded fighting system in order to allow folks like me a way in, those who know, love and are used to the traditional way may find those changes too much, but from the reaction I have seen online so far, now for the moment at least, that has not happened. The learning curve with some of the characters on the roster will still require putting time in to learning the move sets and combos and how to take on other players which with enough time in the Arcade mode, you will feel prepared for quickly.

Which is when you hit the remarkably interesting lobby system which instead of normal match making system you might instantly recognize in other fighting games. It uses this interesting 8-bit style choice, and you then have to move your avatar round to initiate a player battle which was also annoying in Dragon Ball FighterZ for that matter. It has only been a week since release and I did suffer some disconnections when I did find a match but like any new fighter, these issues can be resolved with title updates that can resolve the disconnections and often very long server waiting times.

My first time with a Guilty Gears game has certainly been interesting with Strive. It is one if not the best looking fighting games I have played with its blend of 2D-3D art style with such incredible attention to detail in the character designs and fighting animations with the Override moves and environmental transitions just stunning to see as well as the 3D win animation. The soundtrack is just kick-ass and the way the character look elevates this above other fighters especially on the PS5. With a Fighting system that has a nice way in for new players as well with enough depths to still provide a challenge when fighting other people, Guilty Gear Strive once server issues are resolved could be the best way to bring a new generation to this series.

Preview: Freshly Frosted

Daniel Waite

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Jun 17, 2021

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Puzzles have been around forever and people love them as they keep their minds young and alert. No matter your favourite, you’ll always want to push yourself further, trying harder and harder challenges. I love logic-based problems and I don’t mind what format they come to me. But, when a computer game lands in my inbox that tests me from start to finish, I get genuinely excited. Freshly Frosted is a cute factory conveyor belt puzzle game that is as sweet as it is difficult.

It is developed by Ty Taylor, Amanda End, and Ally Overton and published by The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild. This colourful problem solver is still in early development and is one of the Steam Next Fest titles available to try. The gameplay could change between now and release, however, what I’ve tried so far is addictive, fun, and comprises an array of interesting mechanics.

Make sure you deliver the correct treat.

Freshly Frosted is deceptively difficult.

As you load into the game you are welcomed by a light and airy screen that makes you warm and cosy. You’ll look at the first world of puzzles and feel comfortable you’ll nail it. Quickly, though, you realise that your overconfidence is misplaced. The levels soon become complex nightmares and many mechanics are chucked into the mix to keep the gameplay as fresh as the doughnuts.

Each of the twelve worlds is presented as a unique box of treats. Very apt, I know! Each box comprises twelve levels of consistently increasing difficulty. The aim of the game is, however, simple. Place conveyor belts across the map, decorate the doughnuts, and get them to the delivery chute. Sounds easy, right? Hell, no it’s not! Some cakes require icing or sprinkles, or both. Others must be plain and you must use tools in the factory to ensure your operation runs smoothly.

Show the love and deliver some heart doughnuts.

This isn’t just another factory sim game.

Now, I know many games use the factory setting at their core. But Freshly Frosted is unique. It has lots of different mechanics, but its gameplay is simple to follow. You must remember the order of when to apply the icing, cream, or sprinkles. It quickly gets out of hand and planning your conveyor belts can be a challenge.

Add in the array of new mechanics and you are constantly kept on your toes. You will use splitters and pushers, mergers and cloners, teleporters and randomizers, and more. Each tool alters the planning stage and a minor mistake will affect your production line. You will juggle many problems to ensure your doughnuts get delivered perfectly.

Freshly Frosted is a breath of fresh air.

I adored the developer’s vision for their game. The pastel colours and fixed screen perspective make it easy to look at. Using contrasting tones and shapes to highlight each mechanic was genius. It made it much easier to play and you could instantly identify which tool to use. The clean UI was the right decision and its basic appearance allows you to focus solely on the puzzling action. I also liked how the backgrounds changed for each world. This added variety and enhanced the atmosphere created by the audio.

Freshly Frosted puts other indie games to shame with its wonderful music choices. With different tunes for each world, you’ll never tire of what you are hearing. The music reflects the colour and images and delivers some spectacular scenes. You’ll travel through the seasons, from night to day, and through surreal realms. I loved all the elements that make this work, but the audio is done to a high standard.

Lots of layers, but easy to play.

This could have been complicated because of its many layers, but fortunately, it wasn’t. You have a selection of control methods depending on preferences and both are easy to master. Introducing new mechanics doesn’t complicate the control setup. So, once you know the fundamentals, you’ll fly through this. It’s very user friendly and its only challenge is to solve the puzzles.

I cleared this demo in one sitting because it’s short and the gameplay is super addictive! When the action stopped, I was desperate for more and I believe the full game will be just as moreish. There was no achievement list, though I’m sure one will be added. With 144 levels of doughnut frosting fun, this game will keep you happy for hours.

Freshly Frosted is as addictive as sugar!

Even as I write this preview, I’m desperate to play more levels, such is the addictive nature of Freshly Frosted. The demo gave me a taste of the treats ahead and now I want the whole cake. I can’t wait to see the end product and I guess I’ll have to be patient while it bakes a little longer. The demo is available for a short period, so download it here! Run your factory, frost your doughnuts, and keep calm. After all, how tough can it be to make the perfect doughnut?

Summary.

Freshly Frosted is an addictive puzzle game with many elements. Set your conveyor belts, use your tools, and deliver the perfect treats. As addictive as sugar, I can’t wait for the final product to finish baking in the oven.

(Reviewed on PC. Also available on Mac, Linux, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation.)

Review: Alba: A Wildlife Adventure

Daniel Waite

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Jun 17, 2021

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The world is a fast-paced mess that demands your attention. Sometimes it’s nice to sit back, relax, and soak in the ambience of the surrounding world. Games are guilty of pushing the pace, keeping the adrenaline high, and demanding utmost focus. It’s nice when a developer takes a more laid back approach. Alba: A Wildlife Adventure does exactly that!

Developed by ustwo Games and published by PID Games, this is a wholesome adventure title about love and family. A slow-paced colourful game awaits anyone who takes this on. The strong and friendly characters will warm your heart and make you fall for this title’s rural charms. You will forget your sports games and all-action titles, and take a moment to reflect on life’s small details.

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure will make you feel warm inside.

No matter how icy your heart is, this will melt it instantly. Alba: A Wildlife Adventure chips away at your stoney exterior and demands that you fall for its lovely story. With heartwarming characters, many simple tasks to complete, and an island that needs saving, it’s a good job you are there to lend a hand.

The story revolves around a young girl named Alba. She has visited her grandparents for years, and this summer is no different. They are a delightful couple who dote on their granddaughter. She is a loving wife who jokes about her husband’s obsessions. He is a strong man who cares about everyone and has a passion for wildlife. Alba admires her grandpa’s love of the outdoors and is a kindhearted soul.

This summer the island is under threat! Alba and her friend Ines join forces to form the AIWRL and between them, they will save the island and its way of life.

An adventure like no other.

I have played some lovely games recently that are similar. Summer in Mara instantly stands out. Yet, this one feels tighter and more concise. The tasks are all achievable and never appear a grind. Searching the island for injured creatures, or cleaning up mess helps the people to thrive. Every day you witness the positive outcomes from your actions and this drives you to do more.

For all its wholesome elements, the concept is simple. Accept tasks from the locals, take photos of the wildlife, and prevent the “disaster” from happening. You may be young, but you make a difference. The plot revolves around family and improving the islands way of life. If you don’t step up to the plate, the beautiful island will be ruined forever, and the wildlife you love will disappear.

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is a lovely bright and vivid game.

Like many games in the category, the world you experience is bright and colourful. Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is no different. Its simple cartoon style, clean-cut lines and vivid tones make it lovely to look at. The characters look cute, and the animals are all detailed enough to be recognisable. Taking pictures was great, and I loved the use of zoom and focus to make it more challenging. Whenever Alba is asked a question, it cuts to her head to nod or shake. It’s a simple thing, but I loved the animation and the involvement in the questioning. There were occasional issues where the camera panned incorrectly, or scenery blocked your point of view. Mostly, though, it was easy on the eyes and a joy to play.

I liked the graphics, but I loved the audio. Realistic birdsong sings out above everything else. The developers have gone into real detail to capture the essence of each creature and I really appreciated it. The music is beautifully thought out with a wholesome tone that matches everything the game is trying to deliver. There is no spoken dialogue, which was a shame, but it allowed my imagination to run wild instead.

The easy controls allow you to focus on hunting those pesky creatures.

I’m glad the controls were easy, as I desperately wanted to snap every available creature. I got hooked on searching the island, hunting for rare creatures. The game essentially asks you to use the D-pad to select items and the analogue stick to move around. It’s a straightforward affair that is easy to master. I found it a little strange that Alba can’t run or jump, and though this ensures you take your time and enjoy the scenery, it was annoying when you needed to get home for tea. This is a minor gripe, and I loved the forced slow-pace, mostly.

There is only a finite amount of time that you can play this. You have one week to achieve your goals and to save the island. If you fail, you must start again from the beginning. This isn’t a problem though, as each day is relatively short. Once you complete the game, you are unlikely to return as everything will have been seen and achieved. Fortunately, the first playthrough is so good that you’ll forgive its lack of replay value.

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure, a slow-paced and delightful feel-good title.

When a game charms you from the off, you just go with the flow and see what happens. I lost myself in its colourful and touching world and loved the relationships that formed around me. A slow-paced game that is relaxing and wholesome throughout. If you want something different to try, then buy it here! Save the island and snap all the wildlife in sight.

Review: Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World

Christopher McNally

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Jun 16, 2021

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Review: Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World

The Wonder Boy series is an old one, dating back to 1986. There was a time where some games were not released worldwide. There was no European Store or NA Store versions to get a hold of. Many games never left Japan even if they’d been hugely successful there, one such title was Monster World 4 the final instalment of the original series. There’s a complicated history in the legalities of the Wonder Boy branding but finally a remake of Monster Boy makes its debut in the form of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World.

In Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World Asha is given the task to free four spirits which are being held captive by evil entities. If you remember any of the previous Wonder Boy games then you may recognise some of the spirits in Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World. It’s a pretty standard story but Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World does have a very nostalgic feel to it calling back to simpler times when platform games were a simple case of running and jumping around.

Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is effectively a 3D platformer with a fair bit of backtracking. There is a companion called a Pepelogoo who can help you in several ways. One way it can help you is by holding you up as you do a double jump, in the modern world double jumping is an easy thing to do, in Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World it comes across a little archaic. There are other ways Pepelogoo can help you such as protecting you from falling objects or thrown onto something harmful so you can walk on it. Outside of the slighted dated but easy to lay platforming is the combat you need to get to grips with. As it’s a remake of an old game the combat is pretty limited to a couple of different strikes, combat doesn’t really add a lot to Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World.

Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World just like platformers your parents may talk to you about is a hard game to master. This is old school platforming where there isn’t much degree to compensate for a slightly under hit jump. Luckily there are a lot of regenerative potions to collect on your way to help you progress. Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World currency is coins and there are plenty about which you can use. One particularly annoying trait in Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is your character does a cute little dance when they open a chest, but they do that dance every time they open a chest…… Every time! There are a various puzzles to complete in Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World which can be quite difficult to finish if you’re not particularly well versed in retro platformers.

Graphically Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World looks very cute and very bold. The colours are very bright and I really like the look of it personally. Musically there are a number of similar tracks that are played but they suite the scenes they appear on. There’s a reasonable amount of dialogue you have to get through and this part of interacting with the citizens of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is quite enjoyable. The biggest issue with Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is that whilst it is a remake its core elements do feel out of place in modern gaming.

Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a remake of a classic game that has remained hidden from the Western world for many years. If you enjoyed the Wonder Boy series then you may finally get some closure with Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World. However, for new players Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World isn’t that engaging, it’s cuteness will draw you in but the lack of entertainment will probably put you off after a few levels.

Preview: Sail Forth

Daniel Waite

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Jun 16, 2021

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Indie games are much-loved across the industry. They allow developers creations to flourish and can usually be produced with much smaller budgets and man-hours than triple-A titles. I’m always keen to see what the future holds, so when Xbox announced its ID@Xbox Summer Game Fest I couldn’t wait to get started. There are plenty of demos and games to choose from, but one, in particular, caught my eye. Watching the trailer, I fell for the cartoon graphics and bright colours. I instantly downloaded the demo and waited patiently for Sail Forth to install.

Developed by David Evans and published by the Quantum Astrophysicists Guild, this is a procedurally generated adventure title. You control the captain of a vessel who is free to explore the wonderful and massive deep blue sea. You will sail to different locations, identify new islands, and assist people you encounter.

Sail Forth in a great shape for an Alpha title.

The demo allows you to experience everything that has been created. I have to say for an Alpha build game it’s thoroughly impressive how well the developer has done. Yes, it screams indie game in style and gameplay, but it has a high-end finish I don’t always associate with this market.

You begin the game with the choice of two vessels. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and you must decide which matches your style. You also get to pick your flag, its colour, and the look of your boat. The options are basic, but they allow you some freedom to be creative. Once you are set up, you set sail for the high seas. Sail Forth allows you to pick your path and you can do as much or as little as you wish. Want to help the local fisherman? Grab a rod and catch some rare specimens. Pirates bothering you or the locals? Fit some guns to your ship and blow them out of the water. Do you fancy starting a race? You can do that as well. None of the quests is mind-blowing, but they offer enough variety to keep you interested on your journey around the world.

Procedurally generated, so no playthrough is the same.

Now, the word procedurally generated will fill some gamers with dread. Some players love the familiarity of running through the same stage repeatedly. Not me, I love when the game is constantly changing, and this is one element that David Evans excelled with. The thought that each time I load into the game I’ll have a unique experience is impressive. With so many little elements combining to drive the main concept, this makes for an intriguing prospect.

Every playthrough will have new NPC’s to interact with, and your friendly merchants will be found on different islands. It is the epitome of exploration and adventure and I loved it. The merchants are key to your success as they sell you new ships and guns. You can also sell them excess items that you find in crates and when you blow up pirates. The game’s currency is wooden planks! Boy, oh boy, do you need a lot of these to succeed. This is possibly one area that needs a little balancing as it’s quite difficult to gather more supplies.

Sail Forth wants you to be the captain of a fleet of ships. Gather sailors from the water, find new boats, and rule the waves forevermore. As your fleet increases, you will learn to use simple commands to keep everyone in check. This is essential when you attack pirate forts and luckily it is easy to do. Being in charge has never been so straightforward, allowing you to pillage and plunder to your heart’s content.

Sail Forth has surprisingly good graphics.

I went into this with low expectations. The trailer I saw gave me glimpses of what to expect, but I didn’t want to get excited about an Alpha build game. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. The colourful world and cartoon imagery are reminiscent of Zelda Wind Waker and Sea of Thieves. The multitude of islands is devoid of life at the moment, but they vary in sizes and fauna. As the game develops, I’d expect the world to become more vibrant and interesting. Alongside the look, I was impressed with how well the gameplay ran. I had no issues at all. There were no screen tears, crashes, or glitches. It was quite impressive.

The audio lacked a pirate edge, sadly. I expected jolly sea shanties and more “Yarrrrrrrrrr’s”. Instead, the world is mainly full of gentle atmospheric sounds that help to transport you onboard your vessel. The airy tunes gave the game a surreal finish that worked well with the strange and unusual gameplay. The sound effects, however, are very good. The crashing of the cannonballs, your boat colliding with land, and the random noises from the NPCs are all great. Though it didn’t match what I expected to hear, it was delivered to a high standard.

Sailing has never been so easy.

When a game allows physics to impact its mechanics, I get a little worried. Fortunately, Sail Forth uses the idea of wind direction and speed generously. You must control your mast’s position and the amount of sail you wish to unfurl. This sounds like a complicated task, but it’s straightforward to achieve like the rest of the controls. A radial menu hides all your commands, and controlling your boat is a joy. Combat is easy thanks to a crosshair and grid that shows both aim and maximum distance for each cannonball. If the developers can maintain this simplicity, it’ll be a cinch to play.

As this is only a small demo it’s hard for me to decide how much replay value it holds. I have no visibility of the achievement list, nor do I know how in-depth the quests will become. In its current build, I found the gameplay addictive, and it was hard to put down. If the game continues in this vein, I believe it’ll keep gamers playing for hours.

Sail Forth has a bright future.

Obviously, an Alpha game can change direction and mechanics at the drop of a hat, so gameplay may alter from now to full release. Yet, I don’t think major changes need to be made. This demo is proof that Sail Forth has a bright future and I can’t wait to see how David Evans develops it further. I recommend you try the demo here! Be aware it is only live until June 21^st 2021. Life on the open waters is dangerous and thrilling, so grab your ship and crew, and go adventuring.

Summary!

Sail Forth is a wonderful procedurally generated game that is fantastic to play. With plenty of tasks to complete, new islands to explore and vast ships to sail, you will soon become the King of the Seas. An Alpha build game currently, this has great promise to be an amazing Indie title.

(Reviewed on Xbox Series X. Also available on PC, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation.)

Review: Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown

Alex Chessun

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Jun 16, 2021

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Review: Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown

SEGA has been on a roll in recent years, having been voted video game publisher of the year in 2020, and have amassed a cracking stable of IPs that rivals even their beloved back catalogue. This focus on newer titles has left longtime fans of their older IP holding their collective breaths for even the slight mention of their favorite games and, oddly, it has taken the pandemic, which has restricted resources the world round, to stimulate not just SEGA, but most publishers to dip into their existing franchises to fill up their release schedules.

Clench your fists and whip out the arcade stick cause Virtua Fighter is back! The legendary Yu Suzuki-created series and the first fighter to grace us with 3D graphics is back with Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown – a remaster of the PS3 and Xbox 360 title with revamped graphics and a focus on online play and developing an e-sports phenomenon.

You can view high ranked matches from the main menu as well as being able to watch matches as they are being played live.

The 14-year-old fighter has been refurbished using the dragon engine (used in the Yakuza series) updating the graphics, menus and soundtrack. But are the aesthetic upgrades enough to justify giving the remaster a shot? In short – yes, if you are playing online or local co-op.

Terrified that I was plunging into the deep end of one of the most notoriously technical fighters in the genre I avoided Akira and his all-important timing-based attacks and went with Mexican wrestler El Blaze thinking that I could button mash my way to victory. I mean – how hard could it be? Let’s just say I was wrong on both counts.

The beauty of this series is that the effort to learning your character pays you back in spades, with a deep set of moves that can allow you to acquire the necessary timing and skill to change your approach for each opponent and completely dominate them. This isn’t Marvel vs Capcom 2 where the most impressive moves are initiated with the press of two buttons, this also isn’t Dead or Alive or Mortal Kombat where other visual gimmicks are the biggest selling points. The Virtua Fighter series has the allure of a pure fighting game, where the combat styles and strung (but manageable) combos are the attraction. The impact of each maneuver is felt by the player as impactful sound effects and heavy damage give weight and meaning to your attacks. It also means that dramatic comebacks are not commonplace, but when they do occur they are memorable and feel earned. It’s a very rewarding experience, a depth that gives the title replay value, addictive longevity, and it’s that very thing that makes Virtua Fighter a perfect e-sports title.

The original Virtua Fighter character model style is very appealing.

Unfortunately, this keen focus on the esports scene is rather narrow, resulting in an underwhelming lack of modes and features, with no story mode to speak of and only a short jaunt of an arcade mode providing any competition non-multiplayer related. There is of course a training mode and DLC provides music from previous games and beautiful blocky polygon VF character models, but a bit more of an offline element would not have gone amiss.

Another misstep is the lack of rollback netcode meaning that slower internet connections prevent a more interlinked global audience and high latency affects the quality of matches unnecessarily. Other fighting games, even other re-releases (a previous review of mine King Of Fighters 2002 Ultimate Match as an example) have integrated this feature as standard, making it quite the glaring omission based on its overall goal. I didn’t experience too many connectivity issues or have much of a problem finding matches but I don’t know if that can be said for those with poorer internet speeds. Ranked matches and searching for/ creating a room for fighters are the two online modes available and both function well.

My go-to character – Sarah Bryant – in a position that will likely introduce the opponent to world of hurt. On a side note – SEGA please use this graphics engine to develop Shenmue 4.

Although it’s billed as secondary to the online aspect, It’s hard to trump traditional multiplayer – local co-op – in my mind and it’s really where the game shines for me. Exploring the depth of the fighting system and characters on offer through extended playthroughs with friends, learning each character’s nuances and strengths is a great deal of fun, and makes me want to consider my recent stance of preferring single-player experiences. I can see this being a mainstay on game nights with friends in the not-so-distant pandemic-less future. Online is certainly not a bad option for the time being though.

Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown may not be the complete package, and might be letting down its e-sports aspirations by omitting rollback netcode, but the core gameplay is a diamond in the crown of a series that deserves to remain relevant and will no doubt provide endless fun for those looking for a great multiplayer experience with replay value.

Review: No Straight Roads

Daniel Waite

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Jun 16, 2021

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The music industry is a fickle beast. It goes with the popular vote and talent rarely beats money. Songs have the power to move us, and they connect with us in a more meaningful way than words ever could. They often divide communities and you’ll argue until you are blue in the face about why your style is superior. However, music is rarely at the centre of political turmoil, but when it is, it causes a divide between the rich and the poor. No Straight Roads runs with this idea and integrates it into its colourful world.

Developed by Metronomik and published by Sold-Out Software, this is a vivid action-adventure game. Set in a bizarre futuristic landscape, this coins itself as a rhythm adventure title, but truth be told, the beat makes up only a small part of its gameplay. This surreal story is full of banging tunes, whacky characters, industry stereotypes, and many jokes.

No Straight Roads teases you with wonderful mechanics, but it fails to evolve.

I never know what is more disappointing, an outright poor game with no direction, or a title with an interesting concept that fails to evolve beyond its basic premise. No Straight Roads sits in the latter category and is a game that has such great potential. Many of its layers worked brilliantly, but sadly it just didn’t take off. With the story revolving around fights and capturing districts, it gets stuck in a monotonous loop of repetition. A lack of enemies and the same type of battle give this a distinct Deja vu feeling.

Though I was disappointed with its shallow gameplay, I still found plenty to entertain me. If you are a fan of the industry, you’ll love the in-jokes and digs at the culture. The comedy runs deeper than that with amusing one-liners fired between the two protagonists throughout. This approach helps the loose story flow from district to district, giving you direction and helping you to focus. There is a ranking system for each battle, collectables to be found, and fans to win over. So, on a basic level, there is a lot to do.

Vinyl City is a place where the rich always win.

The game is set in a sprawling metropolis known as Vinyl City. You control the Rock duo Mayday and Zuke, one is OTT and craves fame, the other is so laid back he’s horizontal. Their band Bunk Bed Junction wants to return Rock to its former glory, but the evil EDM empire known as NSR (No Straight Roads) disapproves. While they control the music scene, they filter the power to whomever they chose. The EDM favour their rich backers and allow the poor to suffer in the darkness.

The Rock duo will not stand by and watch their beloved Vinyl City fall under this tyrannical ruler. Together they battle to capture each district, overcoming the boss in charge and loosening the grip the NSR has over the people. Rock must live on, and Bunk Bed Junction is the band to make it happen.

A semi open-world with a linear focus.

When you first look at the surrounding environment, it appears vast and daunting, as any major metropolis should. As you play you quickly realise that this large space is devoid of life and the game linearly funnels you to how it wants you to play. You are free to explore “hub” areas, searching for energy sources to power broken equipment. In doing so you’ll increase your fan base, which is used to help with upgrades to each character. However, finding all the damaged equipment is no easy task, and repairing them all offers a reward and an interesting alternative challenge to the main plot.

As you move through the zones, you note a distinct music style for each location. I loved this small detail, and it reflects the developers love of different genres. Each district follows the same pattern and here unfortunately is where the repetition begins. You must battle your way past security, rinsing and repeating the same few moves against the same type of opposition. Once you overcome the predictably easy minions, you’ll face the big boss. This would have been an exciting experience if it wasn’t for the rehash of the same fighting mechanics.

No Straight Roads fails to hit the high notes.

The tone is one of sorrow and negativity, but that’s not because I didn’t like what I’ve experienced. No, it’s out of sheer disappointment! This genuinely has so much potential that I wanted it to kick on, however, it never did. There were so many great moments that made me smile and laugh throughout. Yet, its core concept of the battles dragged it back down to earth.

Yes, the stages that the fights take place on are unique and interesting to look at. Also, the bosses all vary in stature to match their song and their environment. But, this doesn’t take away from the tedium of the overall event, sadly.

There are highlights peppered along this weird rhythmical journey. The characters that you interact with are warm, full of emotion, and are well designed. They add such depth to a loosely written story it’s hard not to love the effort put into each one.

There is also the concept of a skill tree that is powered by your fan base, the ranking system for each event, and many stickers that give you temporary buffs. So, there is a lot to consider before taking on each mission. It’s simply unfortunate that it’s all held together by a hollow mechanic that fails to go anywhere.

A vivid yet unusual trip from start to finish.

No Straight Roads smacks you right between the eyes with its incredibly unusual art style. Bold characters, sharp contrasting lines, and retina-burning colours make this an acid trip of a game. I fell for its style instantly and loved how the characters were designed and how they matched the world they lived in. The variety between the areas was incredible, with every element creating a surreal atmosphere. It’s rare these days that a game can be unique and original, yet that’s exactly what you get here.

When a game is all about music, you know the audio will be spot on. Metronomik loves everything about the industry and this shows in their eclectic mix of sounds. From Rock and electronic to rap and more, there is a vast selection of styles. As you battle off against the bosses, you’ll have to endure their taste in music. But, as you win over the crowd and reduce their health, the tunes start to have a Rock undertone. This gets stronger the further you progress, and this was a marvellous touch.

When you look at how great the graphics and audio were, you can see why I’m frustrated. So much care and attention has been placed into making this sound and look great that it’s annoying the core concept fails to flourish.

Easy to pick up, frustrating to use.

At first glance, this appears quite complex to play. Two characters to control, combo attacks, melee and ranged weapons, dodging, and finally parrying. All of these must be mastered to the beat of the songs. It sounds like a nightmare, right? Wrong! A thorough tutorial teaches the fundamentals and everything else falls into place with a little practice. You soon become a master of the beat and your only challenge will be the unresponsive controls when changing players. This wasn’t a big thing, but I would have liked it to be smoother.

Where No Straight Roads excels is its volume of tasks to complete. With multiple collectables to find, electrical equipment to repair, a skill tree to fill, and S ranks to obtain, there’s plenty to keep you playing. There is also a large achievement list that requires perfection in the boss fights. So, this will help keep you busy if you are that way inclined. Yet, the issue doesn’t lie with how much there is to do. No, it’s whether you can stomach repeating the repetitive fights, again! This is one for the true completionists among us. The player who likes the accolade of completing a game few others have.

I loved No Straight Roads, but its failure to reach its potential holds it back.

Ironically, I feel like a stuck record after my time in Vinyl City. I’m stuck playing the same piece of music knowing there should be more, but it never materialises. This is No Straight Roads, in a nutshell, such potential, but it never quite gets there. With so many great elements, this could have been phenomenal. Sadly, its safe and repetitive core concept holds it back.

I enjoyed my time with it, mostly and loved many of its components. It’s a shame its lack of adventure stops it from becoming the game it’s destined to be. I recommend it but be warned you’ll only play it casually. A copy can be purchased here if interested. Will Rock music endure and save the day? Or will the NSR be victorious? Grab your instruments and remind Vinyl City what they’re missing.

Review: Subnautica: Below Zero

Daniel Waite

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Jun 15, 2021

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I find it quite disconcerting that we know more about other planets and the deep reaches of space than we do about Earth. Miles and miles of the ocean remain a mystery and many of our problems could be solved by what lies in the deep. This lack of knowledge allows our imaginations to run wild and developers have the creative licence to scare the living daylights out of us. Subnautica: Below Zero is a claustrophobic nightmare that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.

Developed by Shiny Shoe LLC and Unknown Worlds Entertainment and published by the latter. It’s a survival game set in a fantasy alien world and it’ll test the best players to find all its secrets. The stand alone expansion to the much-loved Subnautica, it’s a multi-terrain title that pushes you to your limits. It runs with many of the series well-trodden mechanics but adds new content to keep you entertained.

Subnautica: Below Zero is a stunning piece of art.

When I played the first title, it made me feel anxious, and I was uncomfortable at all times. The constant requirement to dive deeper and the fear of the unknown was ever-present. Subnautica: Below Zero has captured this essence, but it breaks up the fear factor with its stunning underwater environment. The vastness of this icy ocean and the eclectic blend of wildlife make exploring both dangerous and exciting.

If you ignore the emotional story, the game’s premise is quite simple. You are in control of your fate and you must manage your health, oxygen, food, and water. Supplies hide in emergency drop locations and are found on the seafloor. You must gather as many resources as possible, create new equipment, cook food, and dive further into the deep. Scanning life-forms, finding new resources, and exploring all add new blueprints for game-changing technology.

It’s all about embracing the world around you, foraging the local fauna and surviving at all costs. Your new tech will allow you to ride new vehicles, dive for longer, and battle the harsh climate when out of the water. Every element is brilliant throughout and is cleverly intertwined.

It’s a heartfelt tale about loss and deception.

I won’t go into details about the story, but I will say it’s brilliantly written with some intelligent and well-delivered acting from the entire cast. The emotional ties from the protagonist and her reasons for exploring this alien world are heartbreaking. You quickly become attached to her and hope she finds the answers to all her questions.

You control a scientist called Robin Ayou. She smuggles herself onto planet 4546b to investigate her sister’s death. Her employer Alterra claims she was negligent, but Robin does not believe what she is told. The planet is full of research bases that are abandoned and you must explore this icy tundra and deep ocean to try to find out the truth behind your sister’s demise.

Beyond this, there are some fantastical twists and turns that force you to explore the surrounding environment. You will naturally have to improve your technology to progress and the requirement to gather supplies and enjoy the plot is finely balanced. You must remain focused, otherwise, you’ll easily lose yourself in the game’s beauty.

Subnautica: Below Zero sets the survival benchmark.

There are so many survival games available that we are swimming in choices. Every workable theme has been covered and some are great, whereas many are trash and a waste of time and money. Subnautica: Below Zero is brilliant and every mechanic it uses works in harmony with the others. This is, without doubt, the benchmark for what other survival games must strive to achieve.

The demands to replenish oxygen, food, water and health are constant but feel manageable. For every negative impact on your stats, there is a positive in the technology you use. You must choose how you wish to manage your stats. Failure to stay alert will cause death and loss of your items. It’s a tough survival game, but planning and knowing your limits will ensure a successful expedition and the continuation of the story.

Anyone for an underwater party pad?

Everyone loves to build a home of their own. Just because you are on an alien planet this desire doesn’t dissipate. You are free to build basic outposts to give you much-needed shelter, or an OTT party pad similar to a Bond villains hideaway. It was fantastic to let your creative juices flow and was a welcome break from the oppressive alien world.

What was equally great was the selection of land and sea vehicles at your disposal. Cutting through alien oceans, exploring caverns and zipping past fish was thrilling. Exploration no longer felt daunting and though it was still thwarted with danger, you felt safer with technology by your side.

If the constant pain of not being able to breathe gets you down, you can spend time out of water. O₂ is no longer your primary concern, no, you simply have to watch out for hypothermia. Out of the frying pan and into the freezer. The small overworld section didn’t thrill me as much as I hoped, and I leapt like a salmon to return to the icy depths.

Subnautica: Below Zero is proof that science fiction is beautiful.

I’m rarely lost for words, but trying to describe how Subnautica: Below Zero looks is a tough ask. The art team has allowed their minds to run wild with strange but familiar fish, haunting landscapes, and beautiful weather fronts. Using neon colours, vivid tones and vast landscapes makes this a massive stunning alien environment to explore. Viewed from a first-person perspective, your limited window of view keeps you in suspense and you quickly learn to fear the unknown.

If you are not used to instructions being barked at you, you soon will be. Your HUD screams for oxygen, water and food. The orders come thick and fast and you’ll beg for them to stop. These robotic sounds are matched perfectly with moments of silence and haunting animal sounds. The audio captures the alien environment to a tee, and you are left in awe as you float weightlessly out in the deep. I’ve already mentioned it, but the quality of the acting will move the hardiest of individuals. You will fall for the story and each character from the various audio clips you hear. Piecing these together will help solve the mystery and may save your sister’s reputation.

Like this review, Subnautica: Below Zero keeps going on and on and on!

Floating around underwater can disorientate and losing your way is a worry. But, what you needn’t worry about is the controls. With so many complex mechanics this could have been a nightmare, instead, it’s an absolute joy to experience. With pinned recipes, beacons, a compass and more to help you navigate, getting lost is the last of your concerns. The layout is well thought out, and the UI is simple and clean-cut. Even towards the end game, it maintains its straightforward approach.

Like this review, Subnautica: Below Zero keeps going on and on and on. You can play for hours and be nowhere near the finish. This large almost objective free experience may be daunting for some. However, I loved the lack of shackles and thoroughly enjoyed the freedom bestowed upon me. A small achievement list is shrouded in mystery, so best of luck unlocking each one. With so much to do, this will keep you busy for ages and is great value for money.

Subnautica: Below Zero is a stunning Sci-Fi survival game.

Subnautica: Below Zero is such a great experience from beginning to whenever you find the end. It proves that science fiction isn’t all about geeky ideas. No, sometimes it’s beautiful, emotional, and has a deep fulfilling story. With balanced mechanics, a purpose to explore, and a brilliant story, this is what all survival games should be like. Unsurprisingly, I recommend you buy it here! Sneak onto an alien planet, find clues to what happened, and clear your sister’s name.

Review: BitMaster

Daniel Waite

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Jun 14, 2021

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When life gets you down, what are you going to do? Will you keep accepting you are going nowhere and everything is out to get you? Or, do you plan to make a change? I suggest taking the bull by the horns and take control! BitMaster shows what happens when a common person becomes a hero. No longer will they be walked over when they fight for their freedom!

Developed by CoMiGo Games and published by Sometimes You, this is a colourful futuristic twin-stick shooter. You control one of five heroes who must blast their way through waves of enemies. You’ll face massive bosses and go up levels to improve your abilities. It’s a game of patience, tactics, and power-ups.

BitMaster grows on you.

When I first loaded into this arena shooter, I admit I was confused. The gameplay is fast-paced; the enemies come at you in waves, and I did not know about my weapons. I floated on my hoverboard with little focus other than to shoot anything that moved. It took me a good hour for the premise to click, and when it did, I wondered how I struggled so badly.

The concept is ironically straightforward. There are one hundred waves broken down into five sections of twenty. At the end of each one, you will face a random boss. If you die, you lose everything and your score is calculated. This is added to your character’s progress and you may level up, increasing his/her base stats.

However, if you defeat the boss, you will create a shortcut that allows you to spawn at different wave points with a random allocation of weapons. Get used to the word random, as most of the gameplay is based around RNG and luck. During each wave, you collect a boost and this will either heal you or improve one of your four weapons. The best part of the game, though, is the positive and negative buffs that aid and impact your progress.

Plan as much as you like, but debuffs are a pain in the arse.

Every character has a set shield and health stat. If you are skilled and lucky, you will keep each maxed out. That’s until the debuffs take over! Your shield will drain over time, or you won’t be able to recharge it. Your movement speed may be reduced, or your ability to shoot is negatively impacted. It’s brilliantly infuriating, especially when you are making such good progress. Yet the randomness is appealing and adds such variety to each playthrough. No attempt is ever the same, and this is one of BitMaster’s key features.

Alongside these horrendous ability drains, you will have little choice over which weapon is improved. Your four tools of destruction are as follows; a widespread laser, a boomerang, an EMP gun, and a high-powered rifle. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but you may be forced to use your least favourite if luck isn’t on your side.

BitMaster doesn’t make life easy.

Once you get the hang of what you must do, you’ll be lulled into a false sense of security. You’ll speed around on your board, dodging projectiles, and keeping your eye on the buffs. The game is in constant flux and this won’t be to everyone’s liking. The constantly shifting playing field makes planning your approach almost impossible. With no control over which weapons you’ll improve, and the game wanting to kill you, this can be unfairly harsh.

Yet, I loved BitMaster for its brutality and high level of difficulty. Yes, I was frustrated when I got backed in a corner and my shield drained away. But this strengthened my resolve and made me come back stronger. There was one area that I wasn’t so happy with, however! The randomness of each of the five bosses was unduly harsh. You have one chance to defeat them, and unless you are a quick learner, or have a great memory, you’ll fail miserably.

It added to the difficulty, but I can see a lot of gamers chucking in the towel way too early because of it. I would like to see the chance to spend in-game credit on picking your opponent. This would ensure players had a fairer chance of victory, and another collectable to gather during each wave.

A game that’s electronic and futuristic.

The synth/electronic influences are clear to see in both the graphics and the audio. Its isometric viewpoint allows you clear scope to see the surrounding arena. A well placed HUD gives you a radar image of your foes, so you can dodge and weave throughout the maze-like factory. The purple and neon hues and Amiga-like imagery give this a retro aesthetic. With twenty different enemies to tackle, this has plenty of variety in both looks and gameplay. The action can be hectic, but it never suffers from stuttering, glitches, or crashes. Everything runs smoothly, and this makes it a really enjoyable experience.

The audio is where the game shows its electronic roots. With a high-tempo synth soundtrack it belonged to the 80s, but was fused with futuristic vibes. It was delightful to listen to and kept the energy levels high. The sound effects were equally great, with screeching lasers, explosive crashes, and loud thuds as projectiles struck the scenery.

Easy controls once you get used to it.

As previously mentioned, I struggled at the beginning. This wasn’t because of the controls, however. The simple layout allows you to hit the ground running and you’ll be blasting foes in no time. Moving around can challenge you until you become familiar with the fluid approach. You’ll crash into the forcefield, walls, and every enemy you face. Yet once you get used to it, you’ll not experience these problems again. It truly is a game that needs time and practice to master. If you have the patience, you’ll be rewarded with a well-rounded experience.

With four additional heroes to unlock, five monstrous bosses to defeat and one hundred waves to overcome, this will keep you playing. The in-game balance is constantly changing, so you’ll be kept on your toes throughout. A challenging achievement list is small, but will only be completed by thorough players. Hours of gameplay await you making this a great value title.

BitMaster is a tough indie title.

BitMaster is undeniably tough. The RNG buffs enhance the difficulty, as does the random weapon allocation. No playthrough is ever the same, and I loved it because of that key feature. I enjoyed my time with this, and recommend you to buy it here! Grab your hoverboard, pick a weapon, and shoot your way to freedom.

Review: Indiana Jones 4-Movie Collection 4K Ultra HD

Andrew Edney

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Jun 14, 2021

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Review: Indiana Jones 4-Movie Collection 4K Ultra HD

Here is our spoiler free (I know, but some people may not have seen them) review of the new 4K Ultra HD 4 Movie Collection of Indiana Jones.

Relive the unforgettable exploits of world-renowned, globetrotting hero Indiana Jones in spectacular 4K Ultra HD when the INDIANA JONES 4-MOVIE COLLECTION in a new 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray set and on Digital to Download & Keep from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Paramount Home Entertainment.

The cinematic classic that started it all – Raiders of the Lost Ark – celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, having first introduced audiences to the man with the hat on the 12th June, 1981. Forty years later, the legendary hero continues to captivate new generations of fans.

Now, for the first time ever, all four films are available together in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision and HDR-10 for ultra-vivid picture quality and state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos audio. Each film has been meticulously remastered from 4K scans of the original negatives with extensive visual effects work done to ensure the most pristine and highest quality image. All picture work was approved by director Steven Spielberg.

In addition, all four films were remixed at Skywalker Sound under the supervision of legendary sound designer Ben Burtt to create the Dolby Atmos soundtracks. All original sound elements were used to achieve the fully immersive Dolby Atmos mixes while staying true to each film’s original creative intent.

The INDIANA JONES 4-MOVIE COLLECTION includes nine discs in the set. Each film is presented on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc with original theatrical trailers and on standard Blu-ray. The set includes a double sided map and an additional Blu-ray™ with seven hours of previously released bonus content as detailed below:

On Set with Raiders of the Lost Ark

From Jungle to Desert
From Adventure to Legend

Making the Films

The Making of Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981 documentary)
The Making of Raiders of the Lost Ark
The Making of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
The Making of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
The Making of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (HD)

Behind the Scenes

The Stunts of Indiana Jones
The Sound of Indiana Jones
The Music of Indiana Jones
The Light and Magic of Indiana Jones
Raiders: The Melting Face!
Indiana Jones and the Creepy Crawlies (with optional pop-ups)
Travel with Indiana Jones: Locations (with optional pop-ups)
Indy’s Women: The American Film Institute Tribute
Indy’s Friends and Enemies
Iconic Props (Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) (HD)
The Effects of Indy (Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) (HD)
Adventures in Post Production (Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) (HD)

I am a huge fan of Indiana Jones and have been for most of my life. Whilst I didn’t see Raiders at the cinema (I can’t remember why now, it was a while ago), I did see the rest at the cinema. I remember going to see Temple of Doom about six or seven times and loving every minute of it. I think today it is still my favourite of all the films. I have to be honest, I wasn’t really impressed with Crystal Skull, and so I am hoping the new Indiana Jones movie, which is currently filming, will be better – it has to be!

Anyway, I’m not going to spoil any of the stories in case people haven’t seen them yet (I know I am very excited to show them all – well the first three – to my son when he is a little older).

This set is simply a must have if you are a fan of the movies – they are beautifully remastered in 4K and it makes you feel like you are back in the cinema. The inclusion of all the extras really adds to the value of the set.

So what are you waiting for, go get it now, you wont be disappointed.

Available on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and on Digital to Download & Keep now.