Review: ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard

Josh Blackburn
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Review: ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard

Sometimes, I like to start these reviews with a little healthy self-depreciation. That way when I start picking nits, I can argue that I’m just as mean to myself. So in the case of ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard, a new puzzle game by Pixel Maniacs, let me say this: I am weirdly bad at remembering how to mix colours. I’m fairly certain I was taught primary and secondary colours in primary school, but it evidently didn’t stick. If you’d asked me last week how to mix the colour green, my mind would’ve completely emptied itself. You’d have gotten little more than a blank look.

Thanks to ChromaGun 2 though, I can now confidently say that it’s blue and yellow. It’s funny how quickly you memorise things when a spinning, razor-sharp droid is rapidly coming towards you and all you’ve got is a fancy, gun-shaped paint palette. Colours are ChromaGun 2‘s puzzle mechanic of choice, and it wrings as much as possible from mixing primary colours together. It’s strung together with a decent enough plot, but it stuffs in rather too much, leading to excessive bloat.

ChromaGun 2

Puzzle By Numbers

ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard‘s central tool is the titular ‘ChromaGun’. It’s a fancy name for what is, basically, a paintball gun loaded with three different colours of paint. You point it at wall panels or droids, pull the trigger, and it paints everything that colour. You can then switch to another colour and shoot it again to mix it. That’s your limit, though. If you try and get clever and mix again, it’ll just paint it black. The key twist here is that things that are identical colours will pull towards each other. So an orange wall will pull an orange droid.

The goal of each room is to reach the exit door, which is usually behind a bunch of other locked doors. So you need to use a combination of colours to get droids on all the door switches, and you to where you need to go. In general, it’s quite a nice system and there are some really well thought out puzzles here. You start off by just pulling droids round corners, but by the end you’re stacking them three high and trying to find the right combination of panels to get them sitting on a button in the middle of the room. Or, in one case, playing basketball.

Still, I do think that the central colour concept is a touch simplistic. It doesn’t offer much freedom in puzzle solving. Having only one solution is normal, but only being to paint certain tiles meant that most of the puzzles solved themselves on first shot, as the solution became obvious. Even in the last third of the game, some puzzles are very simple in concept. They only take time to beat, rather than brainpower. Allowing us to paint anywhere we wanted would offer a lot more freedom, ergo a lot more thought. As it is, the excellent puzzles are balanced out by some dreary ones.

ChromaGun 2

Colourful Characters

The nadir comes around the midpoint of ChromaGun 2, where one puzzle is just an extended maze. No tricky puzzles in that maze. Just running around. In fact, the relative simplicity of the game seems to have spooked ChromaGun 2, so it tries to fill it out with levels that are full of electrical hazards and droids that attack you. It feels a little cheap, for lack of a better word, and sells the good puzzles short. These padded puzzles make ChromaGun 2 feel a little overlong at times, clocking in at ten to fifteen hours.

Still, there are other elements that keep you playing. There’s some nice character work on display, for one. Initially we’re greeted by Richard, a returning character, who tricks us into some deadly testing. Then we meet Mildred, after a short dimension hop, who does the same thing. At first, I struggled to click with them. It felt like Portal cosplay. But then something happens to Richard and he starts to grow as a character. It gave me some impetus to push through the weaker puzzles. The humour started to land a bit more once the jokes were coming from a more sympathetic character.

The other thing that ChromaGun 2 has going for it is it’s inability to rest on its laurels. Its playtime may be long, but it’s constantly trying new things. The first four chapters build on the central mechanic, going from simple colouring in to a controllable droid, with the puzzles appropriately expanding in scope. The last chapter goes completely bananas, sending us to a variety of different universes where we suddenly have moon gravity, or we’re jumping on bouncy floors. There’s a strong sense of freshness to every chapter.

ChromaGun 2

ChromaGun 2 – Fun But Overstuffed

I like ChromaGun 2 in the same way I like fish and chips: it’s very nice but I can’t ignore the bloating. ChromaGun 2 feels rather overlong. Part of that is the preponderance of hazards and jumping puzzles in the middle third, but the final chapter stretches the story conclusion out too. It hops between universes and, while some of them are nice, others are just references to other titles like The Stanley Parable and Superliminal. One level is just a text adventure. Cute idea, but as we just pick from pre-written options, it’s little more than padding.

I guess my final conclusion is that ChromaGun 2 is in need of a good pair of shears. If it trimmed down the overlong puzzles in the mid section, and perhaps reigned in the pandering references in the latter half, it would be a much tighter game. As it is, it feels a little all over the place. I came away with a good feeling about ChromaGun 2, but my enjoyment levels were definitely akin to a sine wave. Still, at least splashing paint all over the place did a lot to liven up the blank, white rooms that these crazy scientists seem to love.

(ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard‘s Steam Page)

Review: Demon Tides

Dawid Wisniewski
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Review: Demon Tides

Demon Tides is what Sonic Frontiers wanted to be. The entire game revolves around the main character Beebz traversing distinct islands collecting outfits, talismans and upgrades to make consequent islands easier and more fun. There’s something magical about a 3D platformer that truly understands movement. Not just jumping from point A to B—but making every leap, dive, spin, and scramble feel like self-expression.

The theme

You play as Beebz, the demon queen with a rebellious streak and a surprisingly acrobatic skillset. The setting is a sprawling ocean archipelago called Ragnar’s Rock—an interconnected playground of islands, secrets, vertical challenges, and open water traversal.

Unlike tightly segmented 3D platformers, Demon Tides leans into openness. The ocean itself isn’t just a hub—it’s part of the platforming puzzle. Swimming, gliding and freeform exploration blur the lines between levels. The Islands are perfect bite sized, None of them drag out too long and remain fun to explore every time.

The music and art direction deserve just as much praise as the movement. Visually, Demon Tides embraces a bold, colourful style that feels playful without being overly busy. Exaggerated character animations, vibrant island palettes, and expressive effects all reinforce the game’s kinetic energy. The ocean shimmers with that slightly surreal, almost toy-box quality, while Beebz herself remains a constant focal point thanks to her sharp silhouette and lively animations. The soundtrack complements this beautifully: From up-beat funky tunes to Lo-Fi flicking between exploration, platforming and boss fights really set the tone for any task.

The Exploration

Rather than overwhelming you with map icons and quest logs, Demon Tides encourages organic discovery. You spot something interesting in the distance and you go there.

The depth here feels deliberate. At first, you’re simply navigating obstacles. A few hours in, you’re experimenting with new abilities to find faster routes, discovering unintended shortcuts, and slowly becoming a speedrunner. Importantly, progression feels flexible. You can tackle objectives in multiple ways, and creative movement often rewards you with unintended advantages.

Talisman upgrades modify abilities in subtle but meaningful ways. Cosmetics are plentiful (and stylish). Scoreboards that allow player-ghosts that you can track add a friendly competitive edge without being intrusive. In other words there’s plenty to do and enjoy.

My Conclusion

Yes the technical rough edges are there. The islands popping into existence out of the void can be jarring, especially when you’re swimming or gliding at full speed. Those moments briefly break the illusion of this seamless ocean world. You notice it. It’s not subtle.

But the more time I spent with Demon Tides, the more it clicked. What started as “this feels really good to control” slowly turned into hours of experimentation, rerouting, and that addictive “one more attempt” energy that only the best platformers manage to create.

What makes this game special is personality and freedom. It trusts you to push its systems. It rewards curiosity. It lets you look at a distant structure and decide how you want to approach it, not how the designer expected you to.

Review: TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter 21W

Andrew Edney
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Review: TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter 21W

Here is our review of the TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter 21W.

Features

  • 5 in 1 design with 1 universal AC outlet and 4 USB ports 
  • 2 USB A ports up to 5V/2.4A (12W total) 
  • 2 USB C ports up to 5V/3A (15W) 
  • Total USB output 21W max 
  • Supports plug types C, G, A and I 
  • Compatible in 224+ countries 
  • Compact size: 5 x 5.3 x 7.1 cm 
  • Lightweight at 149 g 
  • Built in double 10A fuse with spare fuse included 
  • Input voltage 100V to 250V AC 
  • Rated power 110V 1100W / 250V 2500W 
  • Fully cruise ship approved 
  • Not a voltage converter

The adapter features a universal AC outlet that accepts US, EU, UK and AU plugs, allowing travellers to connect devices in more than 224 destinations. This includes regions across Europe, the United Kingdom, North America, Australia, Asia and many other popular travel locations. The four USB ports include two USB A and two USB C connections, delivering a combined 21W output. The USB A ports support up to 2.4A while the USB C ports reach up to 3A, providing fast and efficient charging for phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, earphones and other essential travel electronics. All USB ports intelligently detect connected devices to optimise charging performance.

Designed for convenience, the TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter 21W transforms four international plug types into one compact unit that powers up to five devices at the same time. This makes it ideal for use in airports, hotels, dorm rooms and other locations where outlets are limited. Its lightweight 149 g construction and compact 5 x 5.3 x 7.1 cm size allow it to fit easily into pockets, handbags, backpacks and carry-on luggage without adding unnecessary bulk. With no surge protection and no cords, it is fully compliant with cruise ship regulations.

Safety remains a core focus of the design. The adapter includes double 10A fuse protection with an additional spare fuse provided, along with integrated safety shutters to support secure operation during international travel. As with all universal adapters, it is not a voltage converter and is suitable only for devices that support 100V to 250V dual voltage. Travellers using high-power appliances such as hair dryers, straighteners or curling irons should ensure their devices are compatible before use.

The adapter is small and lightweight and easily fits into a bag without taking much room. This is a must have addition to your kit if you travel!

The TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter 21W is available now priced around £20.99.

You can learn more from the TESSAN website here.

Review: Monitor 60 headphones

Daniel Waite
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Review: Monitor 60 headphones

The Monitor 60 headphones from OneOdio join a long list of DJ and production headphones that I’ve reviewed. First impressions were good as they feel great, look sleek and discreet, and offer impressive sound quality. On top of this, they are available for under £80, so they are an affordable option if you want next-level quality.

This audio peripheral boasts Hi-Res audio and market-leading audio quality. The Hi-Res audio is crystal clear, and a keen ear will pick out every tonal range and bass line with ease. This is important if you love to DJ or you are editing any form of audio. Alongside this, they are built with marathon sessions in mind. The large earcups are comfortable and plush. Moreover, they never overheat, and you can wear them with glasses. Consequently, they are perfect for many people.

What’s in the box of the Monitor 60 headphones?

  • The packaging is professional and eye-catching. Additionally, it can be recycled.
  • The Monitor 60 headphones are chunky but not obnoxiously heavy. They have a simple design with no tactile buttons or audio wheels. On top of this, the audio ports are gold-plated for elite connectivity and low-latency performance.
  • A carry case is provided.
  • Audio cables are provided for a wired connection. They are well built and will resist some roughhousing.
  • Learn the basics with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

The Monitor 60 headphones are ideal if you are a DJ. The single-sided monitoring feature lets you focus on your music and any environmental sounds. This keeps you in tune with your surroundings without missing a beat. Although this wasn’t perfect for me, I know that hardcore DJs will adore this helpful setting.

OneOdio provides 2 cable formats to remove the need for adaptors. This was the perfect choice as it reduces interference while focusing on crisp and clean sound. Moreover, if you are spending around £80, you want to hit the ground running. Luckily, the 3.5mm to 6.5mm coiled cable covers most bases for everyday and professional setups.

This headset offers a 20Hz to 40KHz frequency range. This impressive range delivers accurate and clear tones alongside sparkling vocal clarity and a clean and punchy bassline. The 50mm neodymium driver creates a powerful soundscape that is memorable and comfortable to work with. With a strong bass, impressive lows, stable mids, and crisp high tones, this offers everything for hobbyists and professionals.

Build quality.

The Monitor 60 headphones are built to look as good as the audio it delivers. The sleek black finish is professional without screaming look at me. Moreover, the high-protein memory earmuffs are a pleasure to wear. They sit against your skin and cause no friction or pressure points. The same applies to the excellent headband. It sits upon your head without creating unwanted pressure. This is ideal if you are working for hours or you have a long commute. Either way, they feel delightful to wear.

If you are short on space, the headphones fold to a small size. This is perfect if you need to throw them into your bag or you have a compact workstation. The hinged points are robust, and I have no concerns about durability when used excessively. Finally, the accessories are amazing. The strong cables can be pushed and prodded without breaking. Furthermore, the gold-plated connectivity delivers sparkling audio and low-latency performance.

Are the Monitor 60 headphones worth it?

If you love listening to music and you have a passion for editing, the Monitor 60 headphones should be on your radar. Alternatively, if you are a DJ seeking a great pair of headphones with high-quality audio, impressive accessories, and market-leading comfort, you need these in your life. They are impressive, affordable, and worth every penny. Accordingly, I recommend buying them here!

(More information on OneOdio can be found here!)

The Monitor 60 headphones have been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)

Review: Under the Island

Dawid Wisniewski
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Review: Under the Island

There’s something immediately comforting about booting up Under The Island. Before the story even begins to unfold, the vibrant pixel art, top-down perspective, and upbeat colour palette quietly signal what kind of journey you’re about to take. This is a game that wears its inspirations proudly on its sleeve — and yet, it still manages to carve out an identity of its own.

Developed by Slime King Games and published by Top Hat Studios, Inc., Under The Island is a 2D action-adventure RPG that feels like it belongs in the late ’90s — in the best possible way.

Straight to the action

You step into the shoes of Nia, who reluctantly accompanies her parents to seemingly very boring island. Under the Island quickly escalates the stakes and doesn’t waste time sending players on their adventure. The premise is simple, but it works. There’s an immediate sense of urgency layered beneath an otherwise cosy island atmosphere.

The game’s narrative doesn’t overwhelm you with exposition. Instead, it unfolds naturally through exploration, side quests, and conversations with the island’s eccentric residents. You’ll reunite lost pets, uncover strange environmental disturbances, and gradually peel back the mystery surrounding the island’s fate.

The tone balances lighthearted charm with genuine interesting characters. As players progress they will constantly loop back to the main Koala Village where NPC’s will move around, complete their tasks and have something new to say. It’s what this title does really well, added details like that, which wouldn’t be missed, but add so much character by being there.

Great puzzles combined with fun gameplay

If you love discovery-driven games, this is where Under The Island shines brightest. The island is divided into multiple distinct regions — lush forests, odd industrial areas, strange greenhouses, frozen caverns — each with its own visual identity and mechanical twist. The map design encourages backtracking once you unlock new abilities, creating that classic “aha!” moment when you remember a previously unreachable ledge or sealed path.

There’s a satisfying density to the world. Hidden chests, secret pathways, optional character stories — the island constantly rewards curiosity. It’s not massive in scale, but it feels intentional and handcrafted. Under the Island captures that elusive feeling of childlike adventure — the sense that every corner of the map might hide something surprising.

It’s not trying to reinvent the genre but refine it. It’s confident in its scale, focused in its design, and careful not to bloat its systems unnecessarily. For players who grew up on classic 2D adventure games, this feels like coming home. The puzzles are rewarding with a perfect balance between being satisfying without unnecessarily frustrating.

My Conclusion

Under The Island is a heartfelt indie adventure that understands exactly what it wants to be. It combines exploration, combat, puzzles, and story into a cohesive experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It may not push technical boundaries or introduce groundbreaking mechanics — but it doesn’t need to. Everything this title offers is done perfectly.

If you’re drawn to retro-inspired action RPGs with charm, mystery, and a strong sense of place, this is absolutely worth your time. Under the Island is inexpensive and available on all major platforms.

Assessing the GameZone App Benefits Through the Eyes of Players

Christopher John
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Assessing the GameZone App Benefits Through the Eyes of Players

In the Philippines, online card games represent more than mere recreation; they create valuable opportunities for families and friends to come together, develop their gaming skills, and engage in positive, friendly competition. Among the numerous platforms available today, the GameZone app stands out prominently. Licensed by PAGCOR, the GameZone app benefits an extensive variety of card games alongside dynamic interactive features tailored particularly to Filipino players. Understanding the diverse benefits and features this app provides can help gamers—both beginners and seasoned—to make informed decisions about their online gaming platforms.

Core Features Players Look for in a Card Game App

When users evaluate an online card game application, several elements form the basis of their judgement. These factors play a crucial role in shaping their overall satisfaction and influencing whether they remain loyal users or seek alternatives.

  • Smooth and Responsive Gameplay
    One of the foremost expectations players have centres around seamless gameplay. Speedy loading times and lag-free interactions are essential, especially in strategy-driven card games like Tongits or Pusoy Dos, where thinking ahead and quick responses are vital. The presence of delays or interruptions negatively affects the momentum and enjoyment of the game. GameZone focuses intently on minimising such technical bottlenecks, ensuring match progression remains fluid for a satisfying player experience. 
  • Intuitive and User-Friendly Interface
    Complex or cluttered interfaces can intimidate or frustrate players. Consequently, a simple, well-organised design with clearly visible buttons and legible card layouts is highly valued. Such clarity supports quick navigation and reduces user errors. GameZone’s platform incorporates these principles to cater to diverse player demographics, allowing both new entrants and veterans to engage effortlessly with modern Filipino card games. 
  • Fairness and Platform Stability
    Equitable gameplay and a reliable connection form the pillars upon which trust in an online gaming app is built. Frequent disconnections or ambiguous rulings can cause frustration and decrease enjoyment. The PAGCOR licence granted to GameZone PH establishes standardised rules applied fairly across all matches, assuring players of a level playing field. Furthermore, the app’s compatibility with multiple device types enhances accessibility, attracting a broad user base. With such safeguards, players feel more confident investing time and effort into their matches.

Tangible Benefits Experienced by GameZone Players

Regular users of GameZone quickly notice several functional advantages that amplify the gaming experience on this platform.

  • Accessibility and Convenience Anytime, Anywhere
    The mobility provided by GameZone’s app enables users to enter a game on the go—from brief rounds during short breaks to extended sessions with friends and family. This level of convenience appeals particularly to players with demanding schedules, offering flexibility without compromising on entertainment. Whether commuting, waiting between appointments, or relaxing at home, the convenience of instant access to favourite card games resonates strongly with today’s fast-paced lifestyles.
  • Visual Clarity Enhances Gameplay
    Visual design elements like easy-to-read cards, appropriately scaled buttons, and straightforward menus decrease the possibility of mistakes during gameplay, adding to player satisfaction. Many players report that the clean, visually pleasing interface of GameZone PH contributes positively to prolonged, enjoyable gaming sessions. The thoughtful use of colour, typography, and spacing collectively enhances focus, helping players stay immersed for longer periods.
  • Control Precision and Responsiveness
    In strategic card games, the capacity to make quick and precise moves can be crucial. Player feedback often praises GameZone’s responsive control system, which enables swift card placements and enhances real-time interactions among participants. This responsiveness deepens immersion and elevates the competitive aspect of matches. Rapid response times paired with intuitive controls amplify the gaming experience, allowing players to execute their strategies with confidence.
  • Technical Reliability and Continuous Support
    By prioritising regular updates and accessible technical assistance, GameZone maintains a high level of operational stability. Reduced incidents of app crashes, connection drops, or technical glitches empower users to concentrate on gameplay strategies rather than dealing with frustrating interruptions. The app’s consistent reliability garners significant praise among its active user base. 

Quality of Gameplay Experience

  • Efficient Match Flow Maintains Engagement
    Smooth transitions between player turns and minimal waiting times are critical to sustaining interest during games. GameZone incorporates mechanics to reduce downtime, ensuring the gameplay progresses steadily to keep users engaged and focused on the strategic elements of play. This steady tempo helps maintain the intensity of competition and prevents any decrease in enthusiasm.
  • Pleasant Competitive Atmosphere
    The app fosters an environment encouraging balanced competition by offering options such as private matches, group play, and skill-based arenas. These settings promote positive interactions and help moderate competitive tension, aiding players in maintaining focus and enjoying gameplay without frustration. This flexibility in play modes caters to a wide spectrum of players, enhancing community interaction and camaraderie.
  • Useful Onboarding and Learning Tools for Newcomers
    Simplicity in design combined with accessible in-app guidance helps players unfamiliar with digital card games quickly adjust. This design focus positions GameZone as an attractive choice for novices eager to explore the online Filipino card game community with ease and confidence. Tutorials, tips, and rule explanations embedded in the app shorten the path to proficient, enjoyable play.

Advantages Beyond Gameplay

  • Secure User Authentication and Account Stability
    Security concerns often top a player’s list when choosing a gaming platform. GameZone addresses this by implementing robust login procedures that safeguard user information effectively. Reliable account access ensures that players can resume gameplay seamlessly, an essential feature for those regularly engaging with the platform. These safeguards foster peace of mind when spending time on the app.
  • Ongoing Improvements and Feature Enhancements
    The developers behind GameZone regularly deliver updates that refine app performance and introduce new functionalities. These improvements reflect responsiveness to user feedback and evolving player demands, contributing to sustained user satisfaction. Constant innovation and maintenance help keep the app fresh and aligned with technological advances.

Frequently Raised Questions

Q1. What factors contribute to GameZone’s reputation for reliability?

The app’s licensing through PAGCOR upholds fair play and transparency. Alongside a consistently stable user interface and frequent technical updates, these factors support its dependable reputation.

Q2. Is the app beginner-friendly?


Yes. GameZone’s design philosophy, coupled with clear instructional aids, helps newcomers quickly understand how to navigate and enjoy common Filipino card games.

Q3. In what ways does the platform encourage responsible gaming?
GameZone incorporates features to monitor session durations and manage playtime, encouraging users to balance their gaming activities responsibly.

Review: Connex – Multi Cable connector

Daniel Waite
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Review: Connex – Multi Cable connector

The Connex – Multi Cable connector is a superb invention in a cable-hungry world. We have all been there where we have several items that need charging. However, when it comes to the crunch, we don’t have the correct charging cable in our bag. This is not only inconvenient, but it is extremely frustrating as well. Luckily, this product takes away that modern issue in one small but handy swoop.

This charging solution is ideal for the busy person who is always on the move. Alternatively, if you have kids who have millions of devices, this is going to be a game-changer. Designed with convenience in mind, this multi-charging solution allows users to connect USB-C, USB-A, and Lightning-charged devices at once. Moreover, it is a maximum of 25W (5V at 4.5A) of power. Accordingly, you enjoy fewer wires and fast charging.

The Connex – Multi Cable connector.

I’ve become so used to carrying multiple cables that I had no idea how annoying it was. My work bag is a mess, and my cables become damaged as a result. Subsequently, the Connex – Multi Cable connector is a handy solution that reduces the weight and mess of my bag. Additionally, it can slip into my pocket, laptop bag, or work bag without issue.

This device offers 4 unique outputs to save space and time. There are 2 lightning ports for Apple products. These output 4A and 2A. Furthermore, there is a USB-C and a micro USB port as well. If you were to charge 2 items using 5V and 3A input, you’ll get 2×1.5A, and the 3 outputs would be shared at 1A. Alternatively, 4A input would be split into 2A for 2 devices, 1.3A for 3 devices, and 1A if you charge 4 at once. In short, the more devices you use, the slower the charging results. However, you get the benefit of multiple devices charging to save time and effort. 

Not only does the Connex – Multi Cable connector charge your devices, but it also offers data transfer for PD connections. This is great as it’s a nice backup if you cannot use other methods to move files, pictures, voice notes, or video clips. As such, it enhances versatility while reducing the clutter in your bag.

Build quality.

We all know that wires can break with ease. This is one of their huge flaws and something that drives people mad. Thankfully, the Connex – Multi Cable connector is extremely well-made. The grey finish looks amazing and delivers a truly professional edge. Moreover, the folding connectors move similarly to a pocket knife. This approach was smooth, robust, and an ideal space-saving solution. Furthermore, each of the ports is protected when in transit.

There is always a risk of knocking, dropping, and banging whatever you are charging. Accordingly, if the connectors are rigid, there is likely to be some damage. This risk has been overcome with the rubberised, flexible connector arms. You may wiggle and move each device without worrying about the connector failing or disconnecting from your phone. Finally, this device uses nickel-plated reinforcement plates for ultimate durability. The result is a product that is designed to last.

Is the Connex – Multi Cable connector worth it?

Cable solutions are worth their weight in gold. No one likes a messy bag, damaged cables, or a lack of power. Therefore, the Connex – Multi Cable connector is the ideal solution! It is robust and built to last. Moreover, it feels great to hold, and I adore the versatility. Consequently, it is a no-brainer, and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on Krafted can be found here!)

The Connex - Multi Cable connector has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)

Review: Chowdown Kitty

Cody Monfredi
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Review: Chowdown Kitty

Chowdown Kitty is match 3 puzzle game where you feed hungry cats. Developed by a team of five at Lunar Peace and published by indie.io, Chowdown Kitty was released on February 12th, 2026. Featuring thousands of cats to collect, furniture to deck out the Cat Lounge, and outfits to dress up your kitties, Chowdown Kitty is a simple and whimsical game. The cats are cute and I enjoyed dressing them up in the different clothing options. I also thought the gameplay was quite expectedly simple from a match 3 game.

However, I do think it might be a bit too simple. Chowdown Kitty takes a very basic approach to their core match 3 gameplay. There are only a few power-ups, obstacles and challenges to make things interesting. This feels like the type of game I would play on my phone during a commute, rather than something I’d sit at my computer playing. Whimsy, charm, and cute cats carry the game for a while, but they eventually give way to monotony and some hard‑to‑miss flaws. The low price softens the blow, yet I still believe it needs a few key improvements before I can recommend it broadly. So, call up Catherine and Gramps, because it’s time to discuss Chowdown Kitty!

Hungry Cats Galore!

Gameplay can be summed up quite simply. Make matches of three to fill up the cat’s food bowl. Once they’re full, they are added to your collection. As a cat dad myself, I know how food motivated he can be, so initially the charm of feeding cats had my attention. There are thousands of different cats to collect, with a book containing 1008 pages with 10 cats per page. As you feed the cats, they will grow across three stages, from small baby to extreme chonk. For most cats, this evolution was pretty cute. Others looked a bit uncomfortable with their hefty bodies and bulging eyes going in different directions.

The objective is to fill the Happy Cat Meter and to get decent scores. Each cat has a favorite treat. Players can focus on them to achieve better scores. Players will also encounter a few power-ups and obstacles. Power-ups are either bombs that blow up a small area of the board or arrows that go vertically, horizontally, or in all four diagonals. Power-ups, as well as some spaces on the board when starting a level, will be frozen. Players must make matches next to these areas in order to break them open. Frozen blocks can have different thickness, requiring more adjacent matches. When you break open a block containing a power‑up, the game uses it automatically. This might come in handy or hinderance if you are aiming for a new high score.

As you play, cats will eat food from their bowl. This will eventually lower the happy cat meter over time if you are not actively making matches. In later stages, cats will eat faster and require more food. In my time of playing, I only noticed a slight difference. The game takes a pretty relaxed approach to increasing difficulty. After each stage, the game shows players a scorecard and a grade. When it comes to the core gameplay of Chowdown Kitty, this is pretty much it. Some stages feature challenges, such as limited moves or more obstacles, but these come much later on. Overall, the match 3 gameplay here is not introducing or inventing anything new to the genre.

Catherine, Gramps, and Lost Cats

Chowdown Kitty has two game modes—adventure and free play. In adventure mode, we are traveling with our friend, Catherine across 7 islands to rescue lost cats and bring them back to our Rescue Center. With the help of her grandpa, Gramps, and his boat, players can travel to each island, each with 10 cats to rescue. As you progress, different story bits will pop up, mostly Catherine giving the players some little information about the islands. Once you’ve rescued all the cats across the 7 islands—spoiler alert—an alien guy will ask you to rescue cats across 3 space ‘islands’, featuring some space themed cats. These 3 stages also have ten cats each to rescue, resulting in a total of 100 cats.

Free play is the same as adventure mode, just without the actual ‘adventure’ bit. It is a continuous loop of collecting cats, occasionally interrupted every few stages by a bonus game. Bonus games are simple mini-games such as following a card as it gets shuffled around. They reward players with new furniture items or cat clothing. It is a simple little break of pace from the endless loop of stages. There are achievements for winning 1000 stages of free play and befriending 1000 kittens. Free play feels intended to keep players busy, collecting cats as they aim for the achievements.

Playing Dress Up in the Cat Lounge

The Cat Lounge at the Rescue Center serves as the home screen for when you aren’t matching 3. Here you are able to display up to 5 cats, dress them up in outfits, and decorate the room with furniture. Gato Bazaar sells cat clothing and furniture, refreshing its stock every 45 minutes. To make a purchase, you will need mewcoins, a currency rewarded to you after each completed stage. I will say, I did have some fun here dressing up my cats and decking out the room, but I do find some elements to be very limited.

First off, to only be able to place up to five cats when you can collect thousands feels a bit underwhelming. I do believe this is due to the limited space in the room. Though I can appreciate the appearance of a second room and the depth perception when placing items, the space feels super cramped. There are only 6 pages of furniture items, further limiting the actual variation allowed. Also, moving items around the room feels a bit clunky. Items can’t be placed on top of each other, such as a small plant on a table. Cats can go on only certain chairs but not all. Oh, and there seems to be no way of rotating things to face the other way. All of the cats end up facing towards the left, in the same way they do during stages.

It feels hugely uninspired. I wish there were more furniture items and multiple rooms. Afterall, this rescue center has to be quite big if we are containing thousands of cats in it. Why can’t we create a whole house of cats, displayed in different rooms? I would love if the cats moved and interacted with the area, or at least had more things to sit on beyond just some of the chairs. My cat climbs all over the place and chews on plants he knows he shouldn’t. I really wanted to enjoy this “fully customizable playground of your own making” as the steam page states, but instead I feel a bit lied to as a player. Still, I did enjoy dressing up my cats and putting mustaches on them, so I will give the developers a golf clap for this at least.

Cat-clusions

I don’t typically like to discuss price in my reviews, but I think it’s relevant in this case. Chowdown Kitty has a low price point of 2.99 USD. For this price, I do think you are getting a decent game and its difficult to ask or expect more. Still, the game leaves several things to improve, including simple quality‑of‑life tweaks that would make decorating the room much smoother. When it comes to match 3 gameplay, I admittedly am not a fan. Yet, I still am aware of plenty of free match 3 games that do what Chowdown Kitty does, if not better. Unfortunately, though I love the idea of a match 3 game where you feed and collect cute cats, I sadly think it misses too many marks in execution for me to be able to recommend this to everyone.

I do wonder why this game was not made to be on mobile, outside of if you are using a steam deck. This could be a free, match 3 mobile game with ads/optional ads—a casual game to play during a commute. I would be a bit more understanding of the limitations. Regardless, I hope small quality of life updates are made to at least improve on the decorating aspect outside of the match 3 game.

I need to go give my cat a treat now, thank you for reading!

Review: HumanityZ

Daniel Waite
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Review: HumanityZ

HumanityZ is a game I tested in Early access. However, I waited until its 1.0 release on Feb 26 to give it another go. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. With Project Zomboid elements and a distinct DayZ feeling, despite the isometric viewpoint, it has plenty of elements to look forward to. Sadly, it isn’t without its problems, and you may experience some server issues when trying to play with others. I spent most of my time alone, so this wasn’t an issue I experienced.

This zombie survival game was developed by Yodubzz Studios and published by Indie.io. It is a single-player and cooperative PvE and PvP title with character customisation, jobs, a skill tree, base building, vehicles to drive, and much more. Therefore, there is plenty to get your teeth into. Additionally, the full release includes the Island. This endgame segment demands that users be prepared for a hellish time. Consequently, you must have all the gear and a comprehensive understanding of core mechanics if you wish to survive.

HumanityZ tells a typical zombie tale.

Taking a romp across an apocalyptic landscape is a familiar trope for the survival genre. Therefore, HumanityZ tells a typical zombie tale. The hero or heroes must explore what is left of their surroundings as they search for food, weapons, and other resources. This leads to danger and plenty of zombie encounters. Therefore, you must balance risk vs reward as you build your base, expand your search area, and ultimately survive for as long as possible.

A survival game wouldn’t be a survival game if there weren’t a large array of mechanics to understand. Hunger, thirst, exposure to elements, and harsh weather fronts are just some of the things you must keep an eye on. This isn’t so bad if you adjust the settings to reduce the difficulty. However, if you ramp things up, it can be a brutal and chastising experience that’ll kick your arse repeatedly.

Risk your life or stay at home and go fishing.

The isometric world is vast and a joy to explore. Yet, the risk of dying and losing it all is always on your mind. The developer has done a fantastic job of mixing sparse and open locations with dense and often impossibly dangerous cities. The wilderness is untamed, exciting, and full of natural resources. Alternatively, each town is loaded with interesting items that are essential to upgrade your base. Therefore, you must plan each trip to make the most of every expedition.

Vehicles make traversing the world a joy, but they make your journey more noticeable to the zombie horde. Additionally, maintaining a car in an apocalyptic world isn’t as easy as you’d expect. Therefore, you must be careful before you jump behind the wheel of your newly stolen vehicle. 

Unlocking a profession is a must if you want to specialise in a specific field. You are not set to one job, as the skills tab lets you select more as you progress. These handy jobs let you expand your abilities and focus on a certain task. Whether you train to be a boxer, mechanic, salesman, thief, outdoorsman, or so forth, they give you permanent buffs to improve trading, fighting, repairs, and so forth. I loved this mechanic as it meant that every player could offer something new to the group. Furthermore, it offered some role-play elements if that is your thing.

HumanityZ looks great!

If you love isometric games and a sinister and often oppressive world, then HumanityZ will appeal to you. The beautifully designed game has come a long way since its Early Access days, and I appreciate the level design, the large and open world, and the inclusion of the endgame area. Moreover, each zombie looks hideous and fascinating in equal measure. Therefore, it is one of the better-looking indie zombie games I’ve played.

The audio has a Deja vu edge that works on many levels. Minor-toned music, cruel sound effects, and brilliant ambient noises help to create an uncomfortable and nervy atmosphere. This is particularly good when you encounter a host of zombies and have to run for your life. The dramatic style fills you with dread while making things horribly dynamic.

Excellent controls.

Relearning the controls took some effort. Thankfully, a decent tutorial focuses your mind and explains the fundamentals perfectly. If you want a game that you can jump into and play immediately, then HumanityZ won’t be for you. You will need to invest a little time to maximise your potential and get the best out of each core mechanic.

Due to its sandbox style, massive open world, PvP and PvE options, adjustable controls, and cooperative mindset, this has plenty of replay value. Moreover, I can see the developer adding new areas with ease. This will expand the base game without ruining your progress. Subsequently, longevity is a key focus for this title.

HumanityZ is a great zombie game.

The zombie genre has been done to death. It is saturated, and I think plenty of people have had their fill. However, HumanityZ does enough to stand out from the brain munching crowd. It is interesting, challenging, and fun. Furthermore, it looks great, and the developer has got the balance just right. Accordingly, I think it is great, and I recommend buying it here! Can you explore the world and survive? Pick your profession, team up with some friends, and survive another end-of-the-world experience.

What Is An AI Detector And Why Are More People Looking For AI Detector Free Tools?

Christopher John
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What Is An AI Detector And Why Are More People Looking For AI Detector Free Tools?

Have you ever read a text online and thought, “Is this written by a real person or by AI?” 

If yes, you’re not alone. These days, many people are reading blogs, emails, assignments, and even job applications, and asking the same simple question. Because AI writing tools are now common, a lot of users want an easy way to check content before trusting it. That is where an AI detector comes in.

An AI detector is a tool that checks a piece of text and tries to find out if it looks like it was written by an AI writing system. People use it for many reasons, and most of them are actually very practical. From teachers to content writers to business owners, more and more users are checking text to stay clear, honest, and professional.

In this article, we will talk about what an AI detector is, how it works in simple words, and why the demand for free AI detector tools is increasing day by day.

What Is An AI Detector?

An AI detector is a software tool that checks writing and gives an idea of how likely the content is AI-written. It looks at the writing style, sentence pattern, word choices, and many other small details. After checking, it shows a result like “This looks human-written” or “This looks AI-generated.”

Many people think an AI detector is like a lie detector for writing, but it’s more like a smart checker. It does not read minds. It only checks the text style and patterns. That’s why it is best used as a helpful tool, not as a final judgment.

What An AI Detector Checks In A Text

AI detectors usually check things that humans may not notice easily. For example, AI writing can sometimes sound too balanced, too smooth, or too perfect. At the same time, human writing often has small natural changes, personal tone, and slightly different sentence flow.

An AI detector checks points like these and then gives a score or report. This helps people understand the writing type in a simple way.

AI Detectors Are Used For Many Types Of Content

AI detectors are not limited to just one kind of writing. People use them for school work, office writing, online articles, and even social media captions. Anywhere text is involved, AI detection can be useful.

How Does An AI Detector Work In Simple Words?

AI detectors work using language models and pattern checking. That sounds technical, but let’s keep it easy.

An AI detector has been trained on a lot of human writing and AI writing. So when you paste text into it, the tool compares the style with what it has learned. It checks how the sentences are formed, how predictable the writing is, and how the words are placed.

After that, it gives a result.

Why It Gives A Percentage Score

Many AI detectors give a percentage like 20% AI or 80% AI. This is not a “final truth,” but more like a probability. It is like saying, “Based on patterns, this text looks similar to AI writing.”

So, it’s better to take the score as guidance.

Why Human Writing Can Also Look Like AI

Sometimes, a human can write in a very clean, formal, and structured way. In that case, the detector may say it looks like AI. This can happen, especially with academic writing or professional emails.

That is why many people use AI detectors as support tools, not as the only deciding factor.

Why Are People Using AI Detectors More Than Before?

The simple reason is: AI writing is everywhere now.

Earlier, most online content was written by people. Now, AI tools can create articles, captions, and emails in seconds. That is helpful in many ways, but it also creates a need for checking and clarity.

People want to understand what they are reading and what they are sharing.

Schools And Teachers Want Clarity

Teachers want to know if a student has written an assignment on their own. This is not about punishment. It is more about learning. When students write on their own, they build skills and confidence. AI detectors help teachers support learning in a better way.

Content Writers Want To Maintain Their Style

Many writers use AI tools for help, like generating ideas or correcting grammar. But they still want the final writing to sound human and personal. AI detectors help them check if the tone feels natural.

This is especially useful when writing blogs, website content, or client articles.

Companies Want Professional Communication

In offices, emails and reports are important. Some teams use AI to speed up writing, but they also want the message to sound real and polite. AI detectors help in checking if the writing feels too robotic.

Why Are People Searching For AI Detector Free Tools?

Now, let’s talk about the main part: why so many people are looking for AI detector free tools.

The demand is rising because people want quick access without spending money. Not everyone needs a paid tool for daily checking. Many users only want to check a few paragraphs, a short assignment, or a small blog post.

Free tools give them that option.

Free Tools Are Easy For Students And Beginners

Students, new writers, and small business owners often have limited budgets. They still want to check writing quality and originality. So they naturally search for free options first.

People Want Quick Checking Without Signing Up

Many users don’t want to create accounts or share personal details just to check a paragraph. Free tools often allow instant checking. This saves time and feels simple.

Free Tools Help In Daily Work

Some people use AI detectors daily, especially writers and editors. They may check many small pieces of text. A free tool is helpful for quick use, even if they later choose a paid tool for larger tasks.

When Is It Useful To Use An AI Detector?

AI detectors can be useful in many daily situations. The best part is that they are easy to use, even for someone who is not technical.

For Students Before Submitting Assignments

Students can check their own writing to make sure it looks natural. This is also helpful for those who use grammar tools and want to confirm their final work still feels human.

For Bloggers And Website Owners

Bloggers can check content before publishing. This is useful if they want their content to feel personal and reader-friendly.

For Freelancers Working With Clients

Freelancers often write for clients who want human-style content. Using an AI detector helps freelancers feel confident before delivering work.

For Editors Checking Guest Posts

Website editors receive guest posts from many writers. An AI detector can help them understand the writing style before approving the content.

What Makes A Good AI Detector?

Not all AI detectors give the same results. Some are more accurate, and some are more basic. Still, a good AI detector usually has a few common qualities.

It Gives Clear And Simple Results

A good tool should not confuse the user. It should show results in an easy format so anyone can understand.

It Supports Different Writing Styles

Some tools work better for academic writing, and some work better for casual writing. A good AI detector should handle both.

It Checks Fast

Speed matters. People want results quickly, especially when working on deadlines.

It Keeps Text Private

Most users want privacy. A good tool should handle text safely and not misuse it.

How To Use An AI Detector the Right Way

AI detectors are helpful, but the best results come when you use them in a smart way.

First, always paste the final version of your content, not the rough draft. Second, check in small parts if your text is long. Third, focus on improving the flow and natural tone instead of only chasing a score.

If a tool says your writing looks AI-like, it does not mean your writing is bad. It just means the text style is similar to AI patterns. You can make it more human by adding a personal touch, natural phrasing, and small real-life expressions.

Final Thoughts

AI detectors are becoming popular because people want clarity, trust, and natural writing in a time when AI content is common. Many users search for AI detector free tools because they are easy to access, quick to use, and useful for daily needs like assignments, blogs, and professional writing. When used in a balanced way, an AI detector can be a simple and helpful support tool for anyone who works with text.

Review: Nioh 3

Dawid Wisniewski
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Review: Nioh 3

Developed by one of my most beloved, Team Ninja and published by Koei Tecmo, Nioh 3 builds on the foundation of its predecessors while taking a bold step forward with an open world structure. It’s the biggest the series has ever been — mechanically and geographically — and that ambition is both its greatest strength and its most exhausting indulgence.

Another excellent Team Ninja title

Let’s start with where this title shines, on PS5, Nioh 3 runs beautifully. Load times are minimal, performance is stable, and responsiveness is exactly what a fast paced action RPG demands. Switching between Samurai and Ninja styles on the fly adds welcome flexibility. Whether you prefer grounded, Ki-management heavy duels or faster, evasive playstyles, the system feels refined rather than bloated.

I have to also highly commend how easy it is for players to respec, found a completely new weapon? or maybe learned a skill that completely changes you perspective on a playstyle? It doesn’t matter why, the game allows you to respec pretty much anywhere and at no cost but time.

Boss encounters and variety in spirit guardians still remain my favourite parts especially since the lack of enemy variety is even more prominent in an open world setting. This is still Nioh at its core — demanding, system-driven, and deeply satisfying.

A loot system you either love or hate

But also since it is still Nioh at its core, the loot system still remains my biggest gripe with the title. It continues the series’ Diablo-inspired design of constantly picking up gear with slightly higher numbers. weapons with +1 or 2 more damage. Armour with marginally better defence. Accessories with another minor percentage tweak. Overall I understand these systems except it never matters in the early game as long as players sift through their gear occasionally. A minor inconvenience for sure, but Nioh 3 has a few of those and collectively, they’re exhausting.

To the game’s credit, though — it does everything it can to reduce the hassle.

  • Auto-equip recommendations
  • Mass disassembly options
  • Clear stat comparisons
  • Easy ‘looting’ tools

The amount of options to make life easier and help players enjoy the game is impressive. However I would still need to dedicate an entire article if I wanted to explain the rest of the systems in this title.

My biggest complaint

But if I stop at a shrine and actually start thinking about everything available to me?

  • Equipment
  • Skill trees
  • Combat techniques
  • Unlockable abilities
  • Titles (extra % to stats)
  • Soul Cores
  • Collectables ( extra % to stats and buffs)
  • Guardian spirits
  • And probably a few systems I forgot about

Every now and again I’ll stop to actually sort through everything and lose 10-15 minutes doing so, which throughout the sessions can add up to hours wasted staring at the menus.

The game respects your time mechanically, but the sheer density of options can create mental fatigue if you’re the type of player who wants to optimise everything. Which I am not, and the game did not punish me enough start.

Significant changes

One of my biggest positives however, is the shift to a more open world structure.

Previous Nioh games leaned heavily on mission-based progression. Here, the interconnected open areas create a stronger sense of journey. Exploration feels natural. You’re not just selecting missions from a map. You’re actually traversing through different biomes and interesting sections of the map.

Traversal never becomes tedious. Distances feel intentional. Shrines are placed thoughtfully. Enemy density keeps movement engaging without becoming overwhelming. You’re rarely bored between encounters. There are plenty of collectibles , side content, secrets and tasks but in my opinion they are spaced out in such a way where players aren’t over burdened by everything.

My Conclusion

I don’t love the constant loot treadmill. I probably never will. But I genuinely appreciate how painless the game makes engaging with it. The tools are there to minimize frustration. The open world shift is a clear evolution, one that gives the series room to breathe without sacrificing intensity. Even with procedural blemishes, exploration feels meaningful and well-paced.

If you thrive on deep combat systems, layered progression, and high difficulty, this is easily one of Team Ninja’s most refined efforts. For me, it’s a game I admire as much as I wrestle with. But there is enough there to to make want to go for 100%.

If Nioh 3 peaks your interest and your looking for more maybe check out Team Ninjas heavier souls like khazan the first berserker

Reivew: Ball x Pit

Daniel Waite
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Reivew: Ball x Pit

Ball x Pit is a Game Pass title that has been out for a few months. I admit that I should have reviewed it sooner, but it slipped through the net. Accordingly, I’m making up for lost time as I delve into this fantastic indie experience. It is a single-player endeavour that is perfect for consoles or handheld devices. Furthermore, it is hellishly addictive as it combines multiple genres to great effect.

This hybrid survival rogue-like was developed by Kenny Sun and published by Devolver Digital. It is a simple-to-understand game that combines special abilities with Arkanoid-style physics. Moreover, there is a Vampire Survivor progression approach that enhances longevity and replay value. However, some potential tedious elements could annoy you.

Ball x Pit is the phoenix that rises from the flame. 

The legendary city of Ballbylon has been destroyed. The people flee, and a giant pit forms in the aftermath. This bottomless chasm offers rewards for the bravest of fighters. Yet, bravery can only get you so far. Death is all but guaranteed, and it’ll take an exceptional talent to return alive. Consequently, 15+ heroes test their skills and special abilities against the unknown and danger of the dark.

The deadly story is just a small part of what makes Ball x Pit a fantastic title. The base building, unique skills, and block-breaking mechanics help to create an addictive and testing game. However, understanding the fundamentals and getting to grips with things was an easy task. Unlocking everything isn’t easy, and this creates a sense of grind. This didn’t bother me as I played it casually. Moreover, experiencing a new gameplay style was as exciting and challenging as it was interesting.

Upgrades. 

Like other roguelikes, there are temporary and permanent upgrades to discover. The temp options require players to use fusion, fission, and evolution to develop their ball. This requires a change in approach as your ball bounces from surface to surface. Moreover, you’ll unlock lasers, warriors, and much more. As things progress, your choices reduce, but your hero becomes ridiculously strong. This should have made things easy, but the gameplay curve is nicely balanced. The result is a game that rarely gets ahead of itself.

Once you leave the pit, base building, character attributes, and meta-progression take over. You must gather resources once per round to help unlock new buildings. With 70 unique structures and blueprints to gather, there is plenty to change the way things play out. Additionally, you’ll unlock new heroes with their own set of skills and special attacks to try out. Subsequently, each playthrough is as fresh or familiar as you like.

Ball x Pit looks great.

This genre has a tendency to be dark, sombre, and a little ugly. Ball x Pit doesn’t break this mould with its oppressive aesthetic. The balls flit and flow with ease. Furthermore, the XP orbs are vivid to juxtapose the earthy background. With so much going on, this could have suffered from frame rate problems. Luckily, this isn’t the case as it performs to a high standard.

The audio is dramatic and loud. However, it isn’t annoying, and I enjoyed the fantasy edge and the often uncomfortable moments. The constant pop of balls and the simple sound effects create a rudimentary soundscape that works on many levels.

To move or not to move?

Do you want to be nimble and avoid trouble, or do you want to focus on your balls? Either way, there are advantages and disadvantages. If you don’t move, you’ll be in trouble. However, too much movement can lead to being overwhelmed. Therefore, you must balance your approach if you wish to get through every level.

Replay value is off the chart. There are plenty of characters to unlock and loads of combinations to play with. Moreover, the city won’t rebuild itself. Consequently, you’ll lose many hours tackling every aspect of this addictive game. 

Ball x Pit is a brilliant addition to the genre. 

This genre is a little saturated, and indie devs love to try different themes with limited originality. Thankfully, Ball x Pit is a unique hybrid that gets things right. Moreover, it is on Game Pass, and it’s great if you love handheld gaming. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here! Can you rebuild Ballbylon? Choose your hero, master your abilities, and see how deep the pit is. 

Review: I Hate This Place

Matt Cooper
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Review: I Hate This Place

The start of the new year gives the chance for smaller games to grab some spotlight. Step up, I Hate This Place, a new isometrical survival horror game. Can this comic book adaption stake an early claim for sleeper hit of the year? Or should it have remained confined to the page?

What Horrors Await?!

There is a long history of comic books and video game adaptations; everywhere you look in modern gaming an adaptation appears. From superheroes to zombies, there have been countless attempts at recreating the magic of the comic book strip. So, when I Hate This Place was announced for PC and consoles, my interest was peaked. Whilst there are a myriad of flaws to this game, this is still a worthy addition to the comic book adaptation genre. Developed by Rock Square Thunder (Makers of the delightful The Light Bringer), I Hate This Place shares the title of the Eisner nominated 10 issue mini comic book series by Kyle Starks and Artyom Toplin.

Players take control of protagonist Elena in this brand new original story set in this universe. Taking place on a haunted ranch, Elena is seeking answers as she searches for her friend Lou. At the same time she is also attempting to understand what happened to her mother years ago. This survival horror tale revolves around the Rutherford Ranch and the horrific experiments that took place in this haunted location. I loved the focus on a singular location as it reminded me greatly of Resident Evil and its iconic Spencer Mansion. Every nook and cranny of this vast ranch felt like peeling back a layer of the story. However, let’s be very clear, the Horned Man is no Wesker or Spencer. This antagonist is scarier in conversations with NPCs than in actual fights and this is a great disappointment.

The Power Of Location

It’s true that the narrative is dripping in suspense; as Elena delves further and further into the ranch, she uncovers more and more ties to her family and past. Everything connects to the mysterious Horned Man, who serves as a great antagonist through the 10 or so hours campaign. However, if the game had dedicated more time to the voice acting, this would do a lot to increase empathy for Elena and make her more appealing. Thankfully though, the game’s striking visual style helps elevate the tension and horror. Above all else, this story is one of terror waiting around every corner, along with a solid, if not spectacular, mystery to uncover. I love games which pour story into the environment and then use that as a key narrative plot point, and this is delivered superbly with the Rutherford Ranch.

Survival RPG Horror

Survival Of The Fittest

Gameplay in I Hate This Place is where issues begin to become very clear, though that’s not to say there isn’t some real fun to be had. The developers billed this game as a survival horror game from an isometric camera angle. Whilst it is that at its core, there is a mixture of varying gameplay styles spliced in as well. The survival aspect is evident in the combat for the game making combat intrinsically tied to stealth. In this game, you’ll come across a plethora of horrifying monsters so it’s vital you plot and plan your every step. Utilising sound is integral to gameplay; tread lightly if you do not want to alert your enemies.

The isometric camera view works well for the most part of stealth but it can lead to some frustrating moments when you are spotted off screen by an enemy. Sneaking up to an enemy and smacking them with your beloved bat feels very satisfying. Also, gunplay is solid if you decide to go in loud. Outside of combat, the gameplay evolves into a more traditional survival experience. You loot and scavenge for items to bring back to your base of operations – the Rutherford Ranch. Unfortunately, it’s here, with gameplay, where the main issues lie.

A Mixed Bag

At the base you can craft workbenches amongst other items to keep your resources in abundance. However, this comes at a cost. The resource gathering feels boring. The day and night cycle in the game mixes this up slightly but not nearly enough in my opinion. Later on in the game, crafting and resource gathering can feel laughably simple and overpowered. There is a hunger bar for Elena but by the end of the game, my base had become overflowing with food. Thus, it was never an issue. Furthermore, for a game that bills itself as survival horror, there are far too many items for Elena to find and use. Therefore, it doesn’t feel like you’re scavenging to survive the night against the horror. Similarly, the abundance of ammunition which can be found makes this game feel far too easy at times.

Still, the map design and the ghost side quests are robust enough to allow exploration to feel rewarding. You can find secrets along with more lore and context for the game’s narrative threads. Overall gameplay is a real messy affair of half baked ideas and balance issues; it’s a real shame.

Admire The Aspiration

As with the gameplay, I am left with mixed views about the visual presentation in I Hate This Place. At times, the Rutherford Ranch can look spectacular, as you go through each room and environment hunting for answers. Then, disappointingly, ugly cutscenes and poor character animations ruin the moment. On a positive note, there is some great lighting to be seen during the night time moments, along with some great character and enemy visual design. Sadly, fidelity and performance issues reared their ugly heads during my playthrough. Some speech bubbles weren’t there during cutscenes and dialogue; there was a frozen NPC in place and two voiceover lines during the game’s ending (multiple endings dependent on your choices) playing at the same time. Hopefully patches can iron these issues out.

Conversely, audio design and musical score are absolutely top notch. Every footstep that Elena or an enemy take sounds weighty and powerful; this really heightened the tension for me and made me hyper aware of enemy movement. Gun shots and bat swings sound violent, whilst enemy screams and roars sound positively terrifying. Finally, the pulsating musical score in this game is wonderful; it pays homage to 80’s horror films with a synth soundtrack that hits all the right beats during gameplay and cutscenes. A brilliant effort made in the sound department!

Verdict

When I Hate This Place is at its best, it feels like a great 80’s B movie which is full of over the top mystery and horror. A great story is propelled by a superb environment, ensuring fans of the comic series won’t be disappointed. Sadly, survival horror fans may feel somewhat short-changed, by the uneven and often far too easy resource system, along with a plethora of performance issues. Still there’s great fun to be had, with some fun stealth and a brilliant soundtrack. I admire developers making unique games in an era of imitation over innovation! Check the page out here- I Hate This Place

Review: Underground Garage

Josh Blackburn
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Review: Underground Garage

Underground Garage has a lot of things going for it in the simulator department. A core part of the experience is dismantling cars down to their component parts. As someone who is, in all things, mechanically inept, this is quite appealing. I have no idea what all these different parts are for, but I like taking them out, polishing them, and putting them back in. There was a lot that went wrong in my time with Underground Garage, but that aspect, at least, was quite fun.

Everything around it is significantly less fun though. Underground Garage is a game that needed to spend significantly more time in Early Access. From the multitude of bugs, to the absolutely bonkers physics, to the weird progression: it is just not ready. As a result, the moments of entertainment were smothered under a blanket of annoyances. The world that felt so appealingly big at the start quickly began to shrink.

Underground Garage

Desire For Acceleration

Underground Garage puts us in the shoes of a new mechanic, who looks and moves like he’s permanently on a cocktail of exotic substances. He starts off by cleaning up some engines, and doing some repair jobs, before a bunch of hooded goons smashes up the garage. Turns out one of the other mechanics was an informant for the FBI and fell foul of a local mob, and it falls to us to pick up the pieces. Led by the garage’s owner, Deb, we fix up cars for the cash and renown needed to get the garage back on its feet.

In basic terms, Underground Garage is split between two things: fixing cars and racing them. Basic car repair jobs are the best initial way to get some cash flow in, which expands to engine tuning and paint jobs as you repair the garage. Once you take the job, you pop the car on the lift and click the diagnose button. It’ll tell you what’s busted, and you need to take those bits out and repair or replace them. Parts of the car follow a strict hierarchy. If you want to take out the pistons, for example, you’ll need to take out everything around them first. From the camshaft covers to the rod caps. It’s strangely meditative, pulling out all the parts of an engine in order, and then reassembling them back.

In fact, the most fun I had with Underground Garage was when I bought a scrap car at the junkyard. It had a chassis, engine, and most of the suspension components, but nothing else. I meticulously removed each part, repaired it and assembled it back, adding missing parts when I had the money. It was fun. There are still annoyances though. The camera really doesn’t play ball when looking inside small spaces, for instance. It’d also be nice to be able to highlight a certain part, so I don’t have to hunt out where they’ve moved the ECU to this time. The shopping interface is godawful too, forcing you to search for a part and select the engine or car model every single time you open it.

Underground Garage

Tinkering With Bugs

The other half, the racing, is where everything starts to go wrong with Underground Garage. For one, the cars handle very strangely. No matter how much I tightened things up, steering felt very heavy. Even the best brakes barely slowed me down, so cornering was more about aiming my nose and praying. It’s not just me, either. The AI would routinely crash into corners and have to extract themselves from the metal barrier before they could carry on. As soon as I learned not to crash, I would be routinely winning races.

The physics are nuts as well. In my first race, I crashed into the back of another car, and it sent me flying through the air, end over end, until I came to rest propped up against a shipping container. It’s not unusual to see other cars flying through the air, or to suddenly flip over onto your side during a race. It’s nuts. You’d think these cars are filled with nothing but helium. Despite that, some races are bizarrely easy. After I rebuilt my first car, I did a race that was just a giant oval and it earned me ten grand. It was so simple a race that it became easy to get as much money as I could ever want through betting.

I had over a hundred grand before I’d finished rebuilding the garage. It’s not the only part of Underground Garage that feels like it’s all out of order. Midway through rebuilding the garage, I got a text congratulating me on my first car. I didn’t have one then. I figured it had just forgotten to give me one, so I went to the junkyard and got one. After fixing up that car, I then got a quest to go and buy one. This was after constant repair jobs, mind you. Even one of the initial cutscenes was backwards. I got a message asking if I was okay before the scene of the goons smashing up the garage. Of course I’m okay. I was just lying in bed at that point.

Underground Garage
The end result of my first race.

Underground Garage – Far From Finished

On top of all that, Underground Garage is absolutely riddled with game ruining bugs. For one, new races just stopped unlocking, no matter what I did. Secondly, make sure you don’t open the options menu because it refuses to go away after you do so. Then there was the big one. One of the missions has you installing GPS tracked ECUs, but I accidentally installed one into a car that wasn’t for that mission. It let me do this, and there was no way to replace the one I lost. So I just softlocked my entire run. I wasn’t prepared to spend fourteen hours getting back to that point, as I had done a lot of repair jobs and races to get to that point.

Which is sort of the main issue with Underground Garage. The meditative repair work is there, and the busted garage gives you a goal to strive for, but it’s dragged down by everything else. From the ugly human models to the awful controller support. The fact that the racing is so awkward and unsatisfying means that that engine repairing is all you’ve got. If you can lose yourself in that, then you’ll find some fun. In the end though, you’ll be asked to drive the car to the drop-off location and it’ll all go downhill.

(Underground Garage‘s Steam Page)

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