Review: An Everyday Story

Saim Khurshid
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0
Review: An Everyday Story

Developed and Published by Cactus Production Entertainment, An Everyday Story is a 2.5D story-driven puzzle platformer which follows a story of loss and acceptance.

We have all heard the exaggerated expression, “It was so boring, I fell asleep.” Well, I have got the puzzle platformer for you! 

Here I was, keyboard on my lap, game on the screen before me, ready to embark on an emotional journey of love and loss shown via the medium of little toys, through the narrative voice of a heavy-tone dude whose name I could not find, and…. ZZZZZ….

A Cradle of Tedium

An Everyday story is a man’s recollection, describing his loved ones and how he lost them. As much as that sounds like a chilling tale of acceptance, the dialogue at play is anything but. 

You see, from the beginning, we are given the impression that the story would be told via these little toys (more on that later) but there is not a single moment where the narrator won’t stop talking and let you decipher what is happening. Above all that, it’s the dialogue that sounds like nonsensical rambling that often has very little relevance to the story and even then, it is just monotone and boring.

I’ll give him a point for the voice. He has this heavy and soothing voice that makes you sleepy.  But then again, A soothing voice speaking boring dribble is not a way to get someone invested but a very promising technique to put someone to sleep. Which, I will tell you, this game achieved at one point.

Without the Game or the Play

There are three toys: A paper mache bat, a Toy soldier with a little bayonet, and a little boat that does not need water to ride. You will switch between these three toys over and over again throughout this game to solve puzzles. You do not choose when to switch, the story driven game will do that for you. 

Now, when I said puzzles, I did not mean actual brainy hurty puzzles like The World of Goo or Talos Principle.

No, I meant obvious and plain, just do the thing, puzzles which in my humble opinion, are worse torture than those walking simulators Bloober Team used to make before Silent Hill 2.

I won’t spoil anything for you if you intend on torturing yourself but let me describe a puzzle from this game: So you turn into this all-surface boat and land inside a tub with low water. In this tub, there are 3 faucets. The goal is to sail over to each faucet and pull it with your Hookshot. Don’t be fooled by the hookshot, it does not add to anything.

The three hours that it takes to finish this story driven game are not short enough. Every second that I had to play this puzzle platformer, I regretted it so much that I wanted to rip my hair out. I would rather have it as a 5-minute experience and get all that wasted time back for something more important. Like trying to lick my elbow.

An Everyday Disappointment

In the end, “An Everyday Story” manages to do what few games can: drain the very essence of enjoyment and leave you questioning the point of it all. 

The story is very bland, the narrator makes you want to sleep(quite literally at one point), and the gameplay is worse than those child-occupying phone apps that get downloaded in the thousands on mothers’ phones worldwide.

If you are looking for a story driven puzzle platformer that might put you into a deep, existential coma, then congratulations, this is your ticket. Otherwise, you’d be better off finding something that respects your time.

Review: Fox Legend

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Fox Legend

Fox Legend is an old-school platforming experience that rarely breaks new ground. However, I enjoyed the sharp colours and the loud but repetitive audio. Moreover, the sense of danger and despair is never too far away. Accordingly, it would help if you worked hard to avoid every danger you face.

This retro platform adventure was developed by Fabrizio Abreu and published by Fa Games. It is a single-player side-scrolling title. Though this style isn’t new, I enjoyed the trip down memory lane. Additionally, the short, sharp levels were rewarding even though the early stages were a little too easy. This matters not as it was a great introduction to the harder drip-fed elements.

Fox Legend tells no story.

Fox Legend didn’t require a hearty plot to get you hooked. Instead, it lets its action do the talking. You are expected to avoid obstacles as you race towards the finish line. Moreover, there are 20 levels to experience and plenty of precise and fiddly mechanics to master. As such, the latter stages will test the best platforming gamers.

I’d have liked to experience a heartwarming story. The developer could have incorporated an antagonist to keep things interesting. Alternatively, maybe a couple of big bosses to overcome to capture your attention. Instead, you focused on each chasm, circular blade, and deadly spike. This was a little unfortunate as it prevented the action from evolving. Furthermore, there is a lack of empathy whenever the protagonist dies.

Simple gameplay.

As you explore each arena, you must avoid angry animals and a long list of traps. There are moving platforms and other tricky layers to navigate as well. Whether it is the classic fading platform or falling spikes, Fox Legend has them all.

You must move from left to right with 3 hearts at your disposal. If you are hit by a creature or you come in contact with a trap, you will lose a life. However, this is rarely troublesome as you can avoid most enemies with ease. What wasn’t so easy, however, was traversing the monstrous gaps. As you leap each chasm, you will make mistakes. Once you fall to your doom, you must start the stage again. This was infuriating as there were no checkpoints. Consequently, mistakes are costly.

Fox Legend blends 3D backdrops with 2D action.

I adored the perspective twist. At first, you’ll think that this is simply a 2D side-scroller. Yet, if you look closer, you’ll notice the wonderful depth of the well-designed backdrop. The 3D environments create depth without complicating the straightforward action. Additionally, the simple but effective character design makes this an easy game to look at. My only complaint was the lack of variety. There are 3 different biomes and that is all. Subsequently, it becomes repetitive quickly.

The audio is guilty of this problem as well. The soundtrack has a fun edge, but I became tired of it extremely quickly. There are limited songs and this made dying much more painful. If you combine this deja vu musical nightmare with the rudimentary sound effects, you get a tough-to-swallow audio experience.

Effective controls.

Platforming games are dreadful if the controls are hard to master. Luckily, Fox Legend delivers a pleasant and accurate control approach. There are few inputs to master and this makes the harder mechanics a little easier to overcome. What’s more, death and failure can only be blamed on a lack of skill or patience.

Unfortunately, replay value is lacking. This could have been improved had a speedrun mode been included. Alternatively, maybe boss battles or hidden collectables could have increased the challenge while making you return for more.

Fox Legend is a fine indie experience.

Though Fox Legend is short and relatively understated, I liked the aesthetics and the effective controls. On top of that, it is an affordable game, so though it didn’t take me too long to complete it, I still think it’s good value for money. The level design is fun and I liked the mixture of 3D and 2D imagery. However, a lack of replay value and the repetitive audio hold it back. Accordingly, despite the shortcomings, I recommend buying it here! Can you survive each trapped-filled arena? Master your skills, avoid the obstacles, and get to the exit portal.

Review: Highway Police Simulator

Daniel Waite
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2
Review: Highway Police Simulator

Highway Police Simulator is a game that I’ve been looking forward to. I love the sim genre and the idea of cracking skulls in an open-world arena was appealing. Yet, I should have guessed that my hopes and dreams would be ruined by horrible bugs, wooden acting, and questionable missions. On top of this, the mechanics are cumbersome, and criminals can take 4 or 5 shots to the face before they die. 

This alleged simulation game was developed by Z-Software and published by Aerosoft GmbH. Moreover, it is an open-world single-player experience that should have been thrilling. Yet, every aspect is hard work and this made it a slog when playing for any length of time. Additionally, the game-breaking bugs will drive you to distraction. I fell through the world when driving at high speeds. What’s more, people walk into the walls, the same police officer does endless push-ups, and your crewmate has a mind of her own. This should have been hilarious, but it was damn annoying.

Highway Police Simulator has a high-energy story.

Sim games usually have weak stories. This is a bugbear of mine as I like something to get my teeth into. Thankfully, Highway Police Simulator didn’t let me down. Caminora is a dangerous area filled with crime. Guns, drugs, and accidents are part of the daily grind. However, the police department is on hand to keep everyone safe. Whether you are progressing the hard-hitting plot or tackling daily issues, you never stop.

This was one area that impressed me. I loved the freedom to explore and the endless missions on offer. Additionally, piecing together each crime scene was a joy. Taking pictures, interrogating suspects, and arresting people was a thrill. Furthermore, abusing your powers was a cheeky way to bring a smile to your face. Yet, I cannot forgive the almost endless list of issues I faced.

Driving on ice. 

The bugs are horrendous and Highway Police Simulator needs to iron out its problems. However, the driving is appalling. Every vehicle feels like it has no grip. Consequently, you jerk from left to right as the ice-like resistance makes it impossible to handle the simplest of tasks. This issue rears its ugly head during every race you undertake. Yet, it doesn’t cause any problems as the NPCs are slower than your everyday turtle. 

Next up, we have the terrible shooting mechanics. I’m not sure what the NPCs’ faces are made of, but I’m sure it is Kevlar armour. The bullets are seemingly ineffective as you unleash hell upon them. Though this wasn’t too problematic, it is another ridiculous aspect that ruins the end product.

One aspect I was looking forward to was the helicopters and motorbikes. Now, I’m not sure how they’d handle as I was unable to unlock them. This is a shame as I’m sure it would have been fun flying into buildings or riding into cars. I suspect that these elements would have been just as buggy and probably even more funny.

Highway Police Simulator looks rough.

Occasionally, Highway Police Simulator looked impressive. The cinematic was pleasurable to watch and the faces have a high level of detail. However, things quickly went south when mobile phones were sticking out of their faces and people walked aimlessly into walls. Moreover, you drive through the map and into the nether or cars crash into invisible walls. To top things off, each car has no driver and the automated vehicles have a life of their own.

The audio was just as bad. The acting is wooden and the small talk takes place at the most inopportune moments. Furthermore, the weapons sound like peashooters and the cars lack a level of oomph. Consequently, it is a little flat and lifeless.

Poor controls.

You can play this with a controller or a mouse and keyboard. I tried both and they were equally problematic. The sensitivity is way off and driving in first or third person was cumbersome at best. Moreover, the shooting elements were glitched as I couldn’t fire when using a controller. This caused me to flit from each control method to complete the simplest of tasks. 

I’d love to say that this oozes replay value, but I can’t. With so many problems, I found it tough to play. I’d love to test out the helicopter and complete the seemingly endless side quests, but it was too problematic to invest heavily. As such, I could only play this casually and that was unfortunate.

Highway Police Simulator failed miserably.

Highway Police Simulator has such potential but it fails to overcome many of its shortcomings. This should have been wonderful to play, but there is a problem around every corner. Bugs, glitches, poor acting and woeful mechanics undermine it throughout. Accordingly, I do not recommend buying it. However, more information can be found here! Can you become a police officer? Walk the beat, solve crimes, and clean up the streets.

Review: Toads of the Bayou

Josh Blackburn
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0
Review: Toads of the Bayou

Why are toads always at the centre of stories about magic? Toads of the Bayou has a plot about a giant toad raising an army of the damned. One of the protagonists is a toad that can conjure totems and teleport. A cursory Google indicates it’s something to do with their psychedelic excretions, but it’s really taken off. Read a story about a witch, and chances are there’s a toad somewhere in the background. We’re a few years off people spending their Sunday mornings worshipping at the local garden pond.

They do make for quite charismatic characters, however, being equal parts strange and charming. Impressive, for creatures that spend most of their time just sitting and staring. Toads of the Bayou puts them to good use, too. I’m always wary when I see the description mentioning terms like ‘deckbuilding’ and ‘roguelike’, as they’re often a source of frustration. A few minor quirks aside, however, Toads of the Bayou gets away from this feeling. It is, in a word, charming.

Toads of the Bayou

Combat Toads

Toads of the Bayou begins the usual way for this sort of thing. When we open, the bayou is a lovely place, full of happy, smiling toads. Predictably, this quickly goes south. A strange toad swans into town and friendly toads begin disappearing. The strange toad then reveals himself to be Baron Samedi, who promptly brings in his occult friends to overrun the Bayou. A resistance soon forms, led by our choice of three toads: the Leader, the Sister and the Seer. Each of these have their own skillset. I like the Sister, because she has a gigantic gun. My kind of religious relic.

Liberating the Bayou takes us across three islands, broken down into individual missions. These have a main objective of killing eight enemies, then a set of sub-objectives, which usually involve protecting some precious resource. Once a mission is chosen, you land down on the map and away you go. The action is turn-based, with individual actions dictated by a deck of cards. Each card has a cost, and you get three action points as standard. It’s turn-based strategy boiled down to its most basic elements, but there is joy in the simplicity.

The joy largely stems from the different playstyles that each character has. The Leader is focused on close combat, for example, so the winning formula is mainly about being in the right place. The beauty comes from a mechanic called ‘Push’, where an enemy collides back into another one. Play it right and you can knock ’em around like pool balls. Completing objectives nets you oil and gold, which you can use to stack your deck, or buy ‘support’ toads, that add extra bonuses. At the end of the day, though, you’re still only controlling one toad, which I rather liked.

Toads of the Bayou

Charming Amphibians

For me, Toads of the Bayou‘s gameplay hits the sweet spot of simplicity, thoughtfulness and speed. Each individual mission is fairly short, but requires some thought. Just look at the other characters. The sister, for instance, does a lot of damage with her rifle, but it pushes her backwards. Fire it in the wrong place, and she’ll hit the wall and crack her head open. You need to make sure you manoeuvre yourself with a bit of forethought. Even more so with the Seer, who specialises in swapping places with enemies and transferring negative statuses. Chaining together a hand of cards to wipe out multiple enemies is a wonderful feeling.

That said, there are a couple of odd quirks in the gameplay that give Toads of the Bayou an unpolished feel. For one, if you drag up an attack card, decide against using it and release your mouse, you risk attacking yourself to death. Preventing the Seer from clawing his own face off would have been polite. There’s other stuff too, like not being able to back out of the card removal screen. Lastly, the balance could perhaps do with a tweak. It’s fairly easy to get one or two supremely powerful cards – like one that draws itself every turn and lets you move diagonally – that snap the difficulty.

Those are my main complaints, really, and accidental death aside, they didn’t bother me too much. I think my sense of forgiveness is heightened by the fact that Toads of the Bayou is very charming. The visuals ooze personality. It’s not just that they’re bright and colourful, or that it’s pixel art (one of my weaknesses), but there’s a lot of cute little details. One objective is to protect toads in barrels, and you can see them poke their heads out. The main base is in a pub, full of toads chilling in the background. Someone had fun with the art and it really shows.

Toads of the Bayou

Toads of the Bayou – Simple, Charming, Fun

I’ve seen some concern on Steam about the length and replayability of Toads of the Bayou. Well, replayability is helped by the fact that you need to win with the three main characters before you get the true ending – though I admit there’s not much new after that. It didn’t worry me that much, though, because you can probably expect to sink in somewhere around fifteen hours to get to the end, depending on your strategy skills, which isn’t bad for a game that only costs eight quid.

Hopefully, La Grange take some of the minor tweaks on board as they go forward. I also hope they give their artist a big pat on the back. Actually, big pats all around. It’s a funny thing. Sometimes when playing games to review, I end up with a negative feeling that I have to backwards engineer. This time, it was the complete opposite. I liked Toads of the Bayou after my first run, and that was what I had to unpack. As it turns out, it’s down to charming visuals and a simple, enjoyable gameplay loop.

(Toads of the Bayou Steam Page)

Review: Garten of Banban 6

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Garten of Banban 6

Garten of Banban 6 is ironically named as the episodic franchise comprises 5 chapters. However, this shouldn’t surprise anyone as this series makes little sense, and you simply roll with the punches. Though this off-the-cuff style may annoy some people, I love the surreal gameplay and the silly but horrific storyline. Accordingly, if you love chapters 1-4, you’ll cherish getting your teeth into chapter 6.

This horror adventure title was developed by Euphoric Brothers and published by Feardemic. Moreover, it has some strange puzzles that rarely make sense. This should have been an annoying design quirk, but I loved the bizarre nature of the gameplay. What’s more, there is a real horror edge that keeps you on your toes and makes your heart pound.

Garten of Banban 6 has you guessing who is a friend and a foe. 

Garten of Banban 6 follows on from the madness of its predecessor. The hero is a father who has lost his child in kindergarten. Consequently, he must search the lost levels to find clues to reunite with his offspring. This is no easy task as the world is huge and the Naughty Ones hide in the dark. These manic little bastards love to scare the crap out of you and one false move is all it takes.

Every episode explores a random region of this hectic world. Yet, this one is uncomfortably big and shrouded in darkness. To make matters worse, there are small rooms to explore and plenty of puzzles to complete. Each of these problems requires a logical mindset and great situational awareness. If you creep into the dark or you miss a glimpse of a naughty one, you’ll regret every second. 

Keep on moving. 

Previously, Bittergiggle has been your enemy. However, this horrendous mascot has changed its allegiance and now wants to help you on your quest. This was a strange twist that took me by surprise. I didn’t mind as any help in this dank dark world was always welcome.

If you wish to complete your quest, you’ll need more than a weird friend on your side. Instead, you’ll have to upgrade your drone and flick switches to get the lights on. Your drone is the perfect tool that keeps you safe and the Naughty Ones at arm’s length. Though this tool isn’t always the go-to solution, it helps you to keep on moving from section to section.

A tough game to review. 

Garten of Banban 6 is a brutal game to review. Much of the action makes little sense and you require plenty of context from the previous episodes to make the most of it. Additionally, I can’t talk about many of the elements without ruining the gameplay or sounding like a deluded fool. Subsequently, you’ll have to believe me when I say the jump scares are cliché but enjoyable. 

On top of this, the puzzles are testing but not impossible. The inclusion of darkness and the fear of getting caught ramps up the difficulty setting, but everything is achievable. The hardest part of this title is the navigation. Walking narrow and poorly lit pathways is enough to make you scream. However, it is the risk of getting leapt on by a deformed mascot that really got my heart pumping. 

Garten of Banban 6 needed longer in the oven. 

This series is renowned for its low-quality visuals. The games feel rushed and the end product is somewhat shite to look at. The characters are glitchy and the cinematic is poor, to say the least. Furthermore, the textures are lacking and render distances are almost non-existent. I didn’t mind the latter issue as it enhanced the claustrophobic experience and increased the feeling of fear. However, the rest of the issues were unfortunate and should have been ironed out before release.

The audio is unbelievably creepy. The developer has combined moments of silence with awful ear-splitting sounds to great effect. Exploring the sinister and dark world was eerie at the best of times. Yet, when you combine the ominous soundtrack and creepy sound effects, you get a skin-tingling result.

Sluggish controls. 

Sadly, the rushed edge isn’t exclusive to the graphics. No, the controls are loose and have a sluggish nature. This isn’t too problematic, but there are moments where accuracy is essential. Annoyingly, you’ll have to adjust your approach to overcome these moments. This was disappointing as it should have been avoided altogether. Had some minor tweaks been made, the control system would be vastly improved. 

Though you are free to explore within reason, it is a linear game. Additionally, once you’ve experienced every jump scare and weird moment, I’m not sure there is a reason to return. Consequently, Garten of Banban 6 lacks replay value and longevity. 

Garten of Banban 6 is good, but it is flawed. 

Garten of Banban 6 is the best of a bad bunch. Though I’ve enjoyed the series, it lacks modern polish and the clichéd weirdness isn’t as appealing as it should be. Despite its flaws, this is the best game in the series and lovers of the franchise will adore every bizarre moment. However, if you have never played a Garten game, you will not want to start with this title. I have my reservations and my doubts, but I still recommend buying it here! Can you survive and find your child? Solve the puzzles, explore the world, and steer clear of the darkness.

Review: Duck Paradox

Jorge Castilho
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0
Review: Duck Paradox

The Roguelike Saga Continues

The roguelike genre has been saturated with many games that often recycle familiar mechanics, but “Duck Paradox” by Magic Games stands out as a unique gem. This quirky platformer combines precision gameplay, a humorous storyline, and unexpected twists to deliver an engaging and refreshing experience. It’s not just another roguelike; it’s a wild journey across the multiverse with a charming protagonist, Dr. Paraducks, on a quest to find her missing pet duck, Quark.

Story and Concept

“Duck Paradox” has a simple yet entertaining narrative that sets the tone for an unusual adventure. You play as Dr. Paraducks, a scientist whose pet duck, Quark, has mysteriously gone missing. To get Quark back, Dr. Paraducks must navigate a series of increasingly bizarre and dangerous dimensions. The game’s storyline is filled with light humor and charming characters that add a touch of whimsy to the multiverse adventure.
One of the standout elements of “Duck Paradox” is how it approaches storytelling. The plot is interwoven into the gameplay, with the different dimensions—the Lab Dimension, Disco Dimension, and Duckwash Dimension each having their unique visual style and challenges that help the story come alive. The theme of paradoxes is woven into the game mechanics, keeping players intrigued as they solve puzzles and interact with different versions of the ducky imposters.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Gameplay is where “Duck Paradox” shines the most. The core mechanics combine precision platforming with rogue-like elements. Each level introduces new obstacles, often requiring careful timing and planning to advance. What makes “Duck Paradox” unique is that every shot you fire can become a new obstacle. Bullets ricochet across the environment, making each action carry the weight of its consequences. Players need to think about not only how to defeat enemies but also how their own shots can affect their future path. This adds a strategic layer to the precision platforming that’s both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

Another highlight of the gameplay is the ability to slow down time. This mechanic isn’t just a cool feature but also an essential tool for survival. With bullets bouncing around and enemies moving quickly, the time-slowing feature allows you to dodge attacks and solve puzzles under pressure. The dynamic of dodging, planning your moves, and managing chaos on-screen offers an experience that feels uniquely “Duck Paradox.” After each level, players are presented with randomized upgrades, adding a roguelike twist that keeps the game unpredictable. These upgrades vary from boosting Dr. Paraducks’ abilities to altering the way you interact with enemies and obstacles. This roguelike progression system keeps each run feeling fresh, motivating players to experiment and adapt to whatever upgrades they are given.

Level Design and Visuals

“Duck Paradox” boasts over 50 levels across three unique worlds, each filled with intricate platforming challenges. The levels are cleverly designed to progressively increase in difficulty, ensuring players always feel that their skills are being tested. The dimensions themselves—the Lab, Disco, and Duckwash—are visually distinct, each with its own style, making the game a vibrant adventure across bizarre yet captivating worlds.


The game’s art style is colorful and humorous, fitting perfectly with the quirky storyline. The Lab Dimension has a typical science-lab aesthetic, the Disco Dimension features flashy colors and psychedelic lights, while the Duckwash Dimension adds an extra layer of humor to the mix. The visuals don’t push the boundaries of graphical fidelity, but they succeed in delivering a fun, light-hearted aesthetic that perfectly matches the tone of the game.

Challenges and Replayability

“Duck Paradox” is not for those who shy away from a challenge. The combination of precision platforming and the ricocheting bullets mechanic can make for some intensely difficult moments. However, the difficulty curve is well-balanced, and each level offers the satisfaction of overcoming increasingly complex challenges. The roguelike nature of the game, with random upgrades at the end of each level, adds replayability by making sure no two runs are the same.

The randomized upgrades encourage experimentation, allowing players to try out different combinations of abilities to see what works best for them. This unpredictability is at the heart of what makes “Duck Paradox” such a captivating roguelike—even when you’re retrying a level for the tenth time, there’s always the chance to discover something new that changes how you play.

Verdict

“Duck Paradox” is a delightful entry into the roguelike genre that offers a unique twist with its blend of precision platforming, humor, and clever mechanics. The ability to slow time, the bullets, and the challenging level design make this game stand out as something genuinely different. While the game may be tough at times, it’s always rewarding, and the lighthearted storyline keeps you smiling even through repeated failures.

Review: Little Big Adventure- Twinsen’s Quest

Matt Cooper
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0
Review: Little Big Adventure- Twinsen’s Quest

It’s been 30 years since Little Big Adventure released on the PC. Now it is back in its self-proclaimed remake, Little Big Adventure- Twinsen’s Quest. Is it worth checking out? Or should it have remained a beloved classic of the past?

The Quest To Find Answers

Little Big Adventure truly is a relic of the past. Released way back in 1994 to a positive reception and decent sales for its time, the adventure game blended 3D environments with its isometric point of view. Now, after all these years, it has returned in the form of a remake. In the era of remakes and remasters, this new game unfortunately represents many of the negatives which become apparent in trying to recapture the magic of a beloved game. The original story of Little Big Adventure centres around Twinsen, a Quetch (similar to humans but they all possess ponytails) who lives on the planet Twinsun. In the original game, Twinsen has visions of the evil Dr FunFrock causing the end of the world and seeks to protect the planet by warning citizens, which results in his detention in an asylum. It’s from here the original balances a serious tone with light-hearted humour as Twinsen ventures across the planet to defeat FunFrock and save the planet. It’s an enjoyable tale that knows when to be silly and when to be serious. Whilst the remake has major elements of the plot incorporated, it truly makes some really head-scratching decisions in revising the classic tale.

The story originally had Twinsen’s love interest Zoe captured by FunFrock’s army but in this version it is his little sister Luna whp is captured, with Zoe having fled the city years before, bizarrely. Twinsen’s reason for being imprisoned also changes and without giving spoilers, it is a baffling decision that changes the whole mood and tone of the game. I think this is where the core of my issues with the story are; the original had heart and dark moments so finely balanced with the themes of freedom and resistance but in this version it is so light-hearted that I could barely take the threat of planetary destruction seriously. Twinsen seems to take everything that comes his way half-heartedly and I wish the team at 2.21 had opted to keep the tone of the original. I understand these changes are to modernise damsel in distress tropes and avoid old stereotypes, but the way it has been done makes the game feel completely devoid of heart and soul. Add in the truly terrible cutscenes that take place sporadically throughout the game and poor voice acting, and the quality of the voiceovers truly take away what made the first game special to many people. I can respect the developers’ attempts to make the story feel fresh, but they have failed with this version- and I haven’t even mentioned the gameplay yet!

Clunky Clunky Clunkiness

The original version of Little Big Adventure had innovation and ingenuity for its time. Twinsen had a mood system which the player could alter to change gameplay styles. Normal mode had Twinsen act in a standard way and interact with characters. Athletic would make him run and jump better for traversal purposes whilst aggressive and stealth added layers of combat for the player. Not in this game. Gone is the entire mood system, replaced by one set of controls that take away so much from the original that it’s baffling the developers decided to do this. The system is now just a boring clunky mess. The controls are so frustrating with their terrible traversal system; you will almost certainly spend far too much time failing to jump and move on to the next objective. The combat system is equally as bad as you attempt to punch and kick enemies. It’s so bad the enemies don’t even move and I was still experiencing difficulties landing blows on them. Coupled with the terrible lock-on system for the magic ball ability, you have the recipe for terrible game play. The controls were originally tank controls but the replacement system bizarrely is worse.

Along with the awful combat and platforming, the remake also suffers from baffling misses in the quality of life department. I cannot tell you how many times I stumbled across the next objective just by talking to a random character. There is no true objective or mission marker, which makes the game feel completely lifeless and devoid of purpose. Finding a specific piece of dialogue from a specific character involves backtracking across multiple locations to unlock the next part of the story. This is just ridiculous and severely stunted my engagement and enjoyment. Along with the terrible gameplay is a myriad of bugs: characters not engaging in conversation, Twinsen regurgitating lines from the beginning of the game over and over and over and multiple crashes of the game. For a cult classic like this to achieve success, it needed to be a polished and improved product and sadly, this is absolutely none of that. A terrible effort in gameplay and mission design.

The Lack Of That 90’s Charm

I think a common theme of this remake is its lack of charm which the original game managed to capture and this is once again evident in its visual presentation. When loading up the classic game, one of the first things to garner your attention were the graphics with the 2D background design, coupled with the 3D character models. It was impressive for the time but now with the remake, the game feels lifeless in comparison. The new visuals are 3D backgrounds that have replaced the 2D isometric pixels. This makes the game look blocky, low resolution and just downright cheap. Character models and animations also look particularly bad and as previously mentioned, enemy animations are laughable at times and in some instances, no animations actually occur. The whole colour scheme to me feels slightly oversaturated as well, resulting in some ugly images as you traverse across the different biomes that are on display. A disappointing effort in visual design and presentation.

Fortunately, the sound design and score produce some positive results. The remake attempts to make the game more light-hearted and this is reflected in sound design. Wandering around, you will hear lots of boings and cartoonish squeaks and squeals that help to keep the tone at the level the developers are aiming for. Throwing Twinsen’s magic ball sounds great when you manage to strike an enemy with it, whilst hearing an enemy soldier fire off a rife makes you feel like the stakes are high every time a bullet exits the chamber. Dodging and rolling around the map also has this cartoonish sound to it, thus making it amusing for you to traverse the areas this way. Along with the charismatic sound design is a returning soundtrack from original composer Phillip Vachey, which once again is superb. The score has this charming upbeat tone to it that reminds me in some ways of a classic fantasy tale, as the heroes embark on saving the town or village. The score remains one of the best parts of the game and with new additions added to the already strong soundtrack, this is one area the developers have absolutely nailed.

Verdict

Little Big Adventure- Twinsen’s Quest is a profoundly disappointing evolution of the cult classic. Bizarre story tone changes, god awful combat and platforming and poor visuals seal this version as a cheap imitator. Whilst the strong musical score remains, and sound design across the board is solid, it’s not enough to change my opinion that this was just made for a quick buck. This one should have stayed in the 90’s.

Review: Neva

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Neva

Neva is an emotional journey that will thaw the iciest of hearts! Every element of this touching game was truly wonderful to explore. Whether it is the breathtaking scenery, the beautiful bond between humans and animals, or the simple but effective puzzles, this game does not disappoint. The game hooks you immediately as disaster strikes. From this point, you are fighting a battle of revenge as the world and everything in it is out to get you.

This action-adventure platformer was developed by Nomada Studio and published by Devolver Digital. It is a single-player title that uses a 2D side-scrolling approach. Though this is relatively old-school by design, it works perfectly with the core gameplay mechanics. The sombre atmosphere and brilliant use of light and dark reminded me of Song of Iron. However, this is a more expressive title that is touching and rewarding.

Neva tells a sorrowful and exciting tale.

I love story-rich gaming. The ability to lose myself in another world is a special experience. Thankfully, Neva does this to a masterful level! The poignant storytelling gets under your skin. Moreover, there are genuinely sorrowful moments that will stick in your mind long after you finish playing it.

You control Alba, a young woman who is bound to a curious wolf cub. A traumatic encounter forces the pair into a battle of life and death and dark forces combine to overpower them. However, the new pairing work together and complement one another to maximise their chances of survival. As they explore the seasons, the cub begins to grow. As it gets older and more powerful, the pair evolve and their problems get harder. Consequently, you never know what to expect and you are tested from Spring to Winter.

Amazing mechanics.

Though Neva has massive swathes of nothingness, this mattered not. You will traverse large open plains with spectacular backdrops. As you run, you expect something to happen, but it doesn’t. Instead, you are given time to think about every sombre element and the impact it has on the lead characters.

As the pair encounter each cruel entity, they must work together to overcome the danger. This usually means that Alba must swing her sword and use her dodge powers to overcome every minion and boss she faces. As the game evolves, Neva uses her teeth and weight to assist you. This was great as it allowed you to focus on the task at hand.

The platforming elements are familiar and well-trodden. There are walls to climb, chasms to leap, and a dash mechanic to avoid obstacles. Though these ideas don’t break the mould, they work perfectly with every situation. Additionally, the developer drip-fed them into the game to add depth during the latter phases.

Neva is absolutely stunning.

I have played some beautiful games in my time, but Neva is absolutely stunning. Every visual element is delivered to a high standard and I couldn’t find fault. The juxtaposition between light and dark was fascinating and helped to enhance the danger and melancholy elements. What’s more, the backdrops are simply divine. Subsequently, though there are large empty areas to traverse, you will not be disappointed.

I cannot praise the visual elements enough. Yet, they wouldn’t be as powerful if the audio wasn’t as emotive. The soundtrack is unbelievably good and the blend of slow and touching songs is countered by high-energy and dramatic moments. The loud music is killed instantly when the heroes share a touching moment. This change of pace was phenomenal and I was sucked into the story because of the incredible audio.

Excellent controls.

Though Neva could have got away with sloppy or badly executed controls, it doesn’t have to. The developer has done an amazing job with the drip-fed mechanics and the simple control layout. Furthermore, the inputs are accurate and this helps during the complicated parkour moments and the hectic combat encounters.

I loved every minute of this game, but I’m not sure I’d return. The action is relatively linear and once you’ve experienced everything, I wouldn’t want to endure the emotional turmoil again. However, if you are a completionist, you must search for plenty of collectables. Consequently, there is replay value and longevity if that is your thing.

Neva is an amazing indie game.

Finding a good indie game is easier said than done. Accordingly, discovering an amazing one is harder still. Neva hits a level that is rarely achieved in the current market. It is touching, exciting, sad, and wonderful to play. Every element works with the exception of replay value. As such, though it is phenomenal, it just misses out on a perfect 10/10. Subsequently, this is a great game and I recommend buying it here! Will you overcome the darkness? Explore the world, protect the cub, and get through the madness together.

Review: Stilt Fella

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Stilt Fella

Stilt Fella is one of those games that will make you scream and swear repeatedly! Furthermore, it requires a ridiculous level of skill and an awful lot of luck if you wish to succeed. However, this challenging gameplay will appeal to lovers of physics-based games. Unfortunately, this is my least favourite genre, and my heart sinks whenever I’m handed a game from this genre to review. Yet, I still gave it my best even though I failed miserably.

This challenging physics-based arcade game was developed by September Games and published by Pineapple Works. Moreover, it is a single-player experience with an interesting graphical approach. Consequently, you must tackle the troublesome levels alone and put up with some rough visuals simultaneously. If you can put these elements to one side, you’ll endure an oddly rewarding testing time.

Stilt Fella tells no story.

Each level demands that you walk from point A to B whilst staying upright and avoiding any obstacles. This should be easy, but it isn’t. One foul move or badly executed analogue stick will send you flying. Additionally, if you fail to plan, you will fall flat on your face as you attempt to climb over boulders and other tough hazards.

The hero has picked stilts as his transport of choice. This is somewhat ridiculous as he can barely stay upright. Yet, you can do little about this problem as you must tackle the protagonist’s lack of balance and the hazardous course that lies ahead. Disappointingly, the developers focused all of their energy on the brutal gameplay and they forgot to incorporate a hearty story. Though I’m not sure a decent plot would have changed anything, I would have liked a minor distraction from the never-ending pain.

Grit your teeth.

If you’ve played Human: Fall Flat or Kerbel Space Program, you’ll know exactly what to expect! The hero flops around like a flaccid banana. This wouldn’t be so bad, but any false move and you must restart the level. This Russian roulette of skill and chance is infuriating. Moreover, the urge to rush each stage just to get to the finish line is often overwhelming. Consequently, you must remain calm and patient if you wish to succeed.

The action revolves around a repetitive gameplay loop. The hero must move from the start to the finish without hitting the floor. En route, they must avoid an array of ridiculous hazards and obstacles before they get to the finish line. This is where Stilt Fella excels. The stupidity of each fresh arena will make you chuckle. Yet, once you get into each level, the humour quickly fades as you slowly plan to take revenge on the developers.

Stilt Fella lacks modern finesse.

I didn’t focus on my surroundings. Instead, I was laser-focused on the task at hand and the chasms, fire, boulders, water, and parkour elements that I had to overcome. When you sit back and take the visuals in, you realise that the developer has used their creative licence to deliver a truly unique and unusual indie title. The use of lighting as well as height and depth make you think outside the box. Additionally, it enhances the difficulty and keeps you thinking throughout.

The audio is surprisingly refined. I expected a calm and underwhelming soundtrack. Instead, the action relies on ambient sounds and little else. This was a strange choice, but I guess I’d have been driven mad if the music played on a loop. It would have been nice if a varied soundtrack complemented the controller-smashing action. However, this wasn’t to be and you must endure hours of near silence instead.

Excellent controls.

Though this genre drives me mad, I have to admire the tight controls and the excellent layout. Moreover, the tutorial gets you ready for the hell that you are about to face. If you struggle with balance and coordination, you will hate every second of Stilt Fella. The pinpoint accuracy will drive you to distraction. Furthermore, there is too much luck especially when the obstacles start to mount up.

Now that I’ve finished reviewing this, I shall not be returning for more. Yet, if you fall for its wobbly charms, you may wish to speedrun each level or perfect new techniques. Subsequently, though it wasn’t for me, I can see people returning for more.

Stilt Fella drove me to distraction.

30+ levels of ball-breaking action isn’t my idea of fun. If you then add in the horrible obstacles and mushy physics-based controls, you have a recipe for a tough time. However, these are the perfect ingredients if you wish to test your audience. Consequently, though Stilt Fella drove me to distraction, it is an extremely good, albeit harsh indie title. Accordingly, I recommend buying it here. Can you make it to the finish line? Plan ahead, master the controls, and hope that luck is on your side.

Review: Once Alive

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Once Alive

Once Alive is a touching and cruel game that is slow, methodical, and wonderful to look at. Furthermore, it has an incredible story that’ll resonate with its audience. Though the recent pandemic pales by comparison, you will empathise with the feeling of loss and isolation. However, the daunting understanding of annihilation and doom is something we cannot comprehend. Accordingly, you’ll allow the sense of sorrow and fear to wash over you throughout.

This walking simulator was developed by Cem Boray Yildirim and published by GameDev.ist. Moreover, it is a single-player and first-person experience. The action is broken down into 3 acts, and every house and location has a story to tell. Notes, clues, and shrouded memories help you to piece together the mystery you are solving. Yet, it is the emotive-laced plot that drives you forward in this short and melancholy game.

Once Alive tells a great tale.

Death, despair, and apocalyptic scenes are nothing new. However, when these elements combine and the plot is exceptional, you get a moreish game that should be played by everyone. This is exactly what happens in Once Alive. The combination of incredible audio, beautiful visuals, and amazing dialogue keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.

You play the role of Jim. He is the older sibling to Daniel and the pair think they are the last survivors of a deadly pandemic. The world as we know it is over and death and destruction reign supreme. Yet, from the darkness, a glimmer of light and hope can be seen. A new home and salvation are promised and Daniel wishes to get a piece of it for himself. Though Jim begs him not to go, he leaves nonetheless. The story follows Jim as he tries to find his brother whilst solving the mystery of what happened in HaustVille.

Typical mechanics.

Though Once Alive is well constructed, it doesn’t break the mould. The core mechanics are genre-typical, and you will spend your time exploring small areas before moving on to the next. Furthermore, though there are some minor puzzle elements and some quick time events, these do not monopolise your time. Instead, they help to progress the wonderful story.

Though the familiar elements may lack originality, the execution of the ideas and the story are certainly unique. Moreover, the brilliant memory scenes and the well-written notes keep you guessing throughout. If I was to be picky, I wish more puzzles were included. There were plenty of opportunities to incorporate new challenges, but these weren’t taken. This was a shame as it would have increased the longevity whilst adding more mystery to the incredible plot.

Once Alive looks great.

Once Alive is a solo dev project! Though this isn’t unusual, this dev taught themselves how to code and write a game in under 3 years. When you look at the result of that work, you have to sit back and admire the outcome. The world is simply divine and the use of light and shadow creates breathtaking depth. Alongside this, the cinematic is great even though there were some issues with the mouths and lip-syncing. Additionally, some minor rendering issues would cause the game to hang momentarily.

The audio is a beautiful blend of danger and upbeat optimism. The soundtrack never dominates proceedings. Instead, it gently plays in the background to enhance the atmosphere. The acting is well-delivered and most of the cast perform admirably. These moments are complemented by realistic ambient sounds and sound effects. In short, Once Alive sounds and looks amazing.

Simple controls.

Walking simulators aren’t renowned for their complex controls. Luckily, Once Alive is no different. Consequently, you’ll master this in 5 minutes. Had the developer incorporated more QTEs, this would have been more challenging. However, this wasn’t to be and you’ll enjoy the simplicity and the haunting mystery that unfolds.

Sadly, this is lacking both replay value and longevity. Once you get through the roughly 2 hours of gameplay, there is no reason to return. Furthermore, there is only one ending, so you cannot change the outcome no matter how much you try. 

Once Alive is a fantastic game.

Once Alive took me on an emotional roller coaster. Moreover, it is a truly beautiful game thanks to its stunning aesthetics. Yes, it has minor shortcomings, but these matter not. I wish it was longer and there were more puzzles and other aspects, but this wasn’t to be. Instead, I’ll patiently await the developer’s next project. If you love this genre, I highly recommend buying this game here! Is the end of the world nigh? Search for your brother, explore the village, and unravel the mystery.

Review: Reamlz Wireless Xbox Series X Minecraft controller

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Reamlz Wireless Xbox Series X Minecraft controller

As a reviewer, you get some weird and wonderful games and items. However, occasionally, you get something that makes you smile. Furthermore, the quality and striking looks are enough to make you sit up and take note. This happened when I opened the Reamlz Wireless Xbox Series X Minecraft controller from PDP. This stunning officially licenced Xbox controller is superb for fans of the Minecraft franchise. Additionally, it is loaded with modern tech, so it is perfect if you love to game competitively.

I’ve tested some great controllers and I’m always impressed with the quality and price of third-party accessories. This controller can be purchased for under $80. Now, this may sound like a lot, but you are getting a behemoth pad that is a conversation starter. Additionally, it has a Minecraft collectable (Steve), and it can be customised with the free-to-download PDP software. On top of this, it has a mute button, screen recording facility, built-in audio jack, and much more.

If this isn’t enough for you, the design is worth every penny. I love the blend of colours and the transparent case. Moreover, it feels like an official controller, so there was no uncomfortable settling-in period. As such, you can unbox this and get on with your gaming session in minutes.

What’s in the box of the Reamlz Wireless Xbox Series X Minecraft controller?

  • The packaging has a distinct Minecraft and Xbox tinge. Moreover, it is well-built and can be kept or recycled.
  • The Reamlz Wireless Xbox Series X Minecraft controller is lightweight and comfortable to hold. There is a port for the USB-C cable for charging or wired gaming and a port for your headphones. To the rear are mappable buttons that give you an elite edge.
  • The USB-C cable is long and suitable for many gaming setups.
  • A USB dongle is provided for wireless gaming.
  • A code is provided for a cosmetic item.
  • Learn the basics with the user guide.

Technical aspects.

Wireless connectivity is normally reserved for Xbox-only products. Yes, there are exceptions, but these normally cost a fortune. The Reamlz Wireless Xbox Series X Minecraft controller is affordable and can be connected with ease. Additionally, you can play while the controller is connected via the USB cable. This was great as you can charge the device and keep gaming at the same time. However, the 40-hour battery life is pretty impressive and I rarely ran out of juice.

What makes this gamepad stand out from its peers is the exceptional PDP control hub app. This allows you to re-map buttons, reconfigure your triggers, adjust your dead zones, and much more. You can change your audio settings, increase or decrease vibration and design lighting profiles. This was a great way to customise the controller to your style. Moreover, you can use 4 lighting profiles to adjust the controller to every gamer’s needs.

Build quality.

PDP rarely disappoints! Yet, I have to say, they have excelled themselves with this phenomenal product. The Reamlz Wireless Xbox Series X Minecraft controller is such a desirable object. The clear shell lets you see the inner workings of the device. What’s more, the collectable Steve figure hangs within the body for everyone to see. The eye-catching design is complemented by the vivid RGB lighting. Though I didn’t go crazy, my tasteful lighting hue made the controller pop.

On top of this, the officially licenced design feels fantastic in your hands. The rear buttons are placed where your fingers normally rest and the media, menu, and back buttons are found in their normal place. PDP has included a mute button by the 3.5mm port for convenience. This was ideal if your headset doesn’t have inline controls or a flip-to-mute microphone.

Finally, the buttons are responsive and the actuation distance is similar to the official pad. I didn’t experience any latency issues when gaming wirelessly and there were no problems when it was plugged in via USB-C.

Is the Reamlz Wireless Xbox Series X Minecraft controller worth it?

There are some great third-party controllers available. PowerA and Turtle Beach are to name but a few. Yet, none of them can compare to the amazing style and impressive software of this product. What’s more, the wireless connectivity is excellent and the battery life is suitable for marathon gaming sessions. Consequently, I cannot fault this impressive officially licenced controller and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on PDP can be found here!)

The Reamlz Wireless Xbox Series X Minecraft controller has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: Aaero2

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Aaero2

Aaero2 is the sequel to the critically acclaimed 2017 title, Aaero. Though its predecessor was well received, the developers didn’t rest on their laurels. Instead, they read and listened to every ounce of feedback they were given. The result is a new and improved title that will appeal to lovers of high-energy music and rhythm-based action.

This sci-fi musical endeavour was developed and published by Mad Fellows Ltd. Furthermore, it is a single-player or cooperative game. I played this alone and cannot talk about the latter option. Yet, I assume it’ll be a challenging but rewarding experience that will cause arguments. However, when you play this alone, you’ll have to be accurate, calm, and alert. Minor mistakes have big consequences, and this can undermine the end result.

Aaero2 lets its action do the talking.

I’m obsessed with a great story. As such, when a game lacks this key element, I’m normally disappointed. However, Aaero2 is an exception to this rule. There isn’t a story in sight and I still enjoyed the hellish action. Your vehicle must explore alien worlds as it follows ribbons of light. The music is pounding and the ribbons adjust accordingly. As such, you must stay alert as the world and the lighting evolves.

Though the gameplay follows a repetitive loop, each world is a joy to explore. The fast-paced movement is challenging to follow and the varied difficulty settings push you to your limits. Alongside this, you have enemies to tackle and boss fights to overcome. This violent element was a nice change of pace. Furthermore, even though this diluted the rhythm-based action, I enjoyed unleashing hell upon my nearest foes.

Simple ideas. 

Aaero2 isn’t a mentally challenging title. The action is rudimentary and repetitive. However, I loved the straightforward approach. Moreover, keeping up with the fast-moving light pattern was tough to achieve. Once you got to grips with this basic concept, the boss battles added a layer of depth. Though these encounters were basic by design, they kept you on your toes.

Aaero2 looks great. 

The futuristic style complements the weird alien worlds. Though the backdrops are tough to observe, there is enough detail to fascinate you. Alongside this, I adored the vibrant neon hues and the smooth animation. Moving through the world had a real fluid sense of speed. What’s more, the lights flash and flow with the beat of the music. This combination of striking elements makes Aaero2 an unusual game to play.

The audio wasn’t my cup of tea. The heavy bass and high-tempo music were suitable, but loud and obnoxious. Yet, if this is your scene, you’ll cherish every song and every distinct bass line. Alongside this, the limited sound effects were good. The sci-fi edge was great and the weapons enhanced the gameplay.

Responsive controls. 

Though the music didn’t float my boat, the game had a dreamy and seamless edge. Floating across each ribbon of light felt sensational. Additionally, your vessel moved between each area with ease. The controls were straightforward to master. However, getting your timing right and completing each stage was no easy task. 

Replay value and longevity will vary. If you love the selection of songs, you’ll play this for hours. But if the music grinds you down, you’ll play this in bite-size chunks. Consequently, I can see the appeal and I understand why people return to complete every challenge. 

Aaero2 is a good indie game. 

Aaero2 had big shoes to fill. Its predecessor was great and this made it a tough act to follow. Thankfully, the developer has done an incredible job. The level design is great and I liked the vibrant tones. Accordingly, though it is simple, it is addictive and I recommend buying it here! Can you complete your mission? Follow the light and destroy every enemy you face.

Review: Sonic the Hedgehog Tornado Biplane

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Sonic the Hedgehog Tornado Biplane

The Sonic the Hedgehog Tornado Biplane is a fantastic replica of the Sonic the Hedgehog 2 plane. Moreover, it includes a song from the 3rd game and it has some funky sound effects, lighting, and a moving propeller. Accordingly, it is a great toy if you love the franchise or enjoy imaginative play. Alongside this, it is extremely robust and much larger than I expected. The ample frame is great and the toy is fantastic to look at. Moreover, kids can fit the included Sonic action figure or other toys into the cockpit with ease.

If your children adore loud and obnoxious items, then they will cherish every moment! The music and sound effects are unbelievably loud. What’s more, they seem to take an age to stop and this may drive adults crazy. Thankfully, though, there is an on/off switch to get some quiet. 

What’s in the box of the Sonic the Hedgehog Tornado Biplane?

  • The packaging is large and bright. Additionally, the plane comes in several pieces, so some construction is required.
  • The Sonic the Hedgehog Tornado Biplane is a lightweight but large toy. There is a rocket with a yellow light to replicate the flame, a moving propeller, and a large tactile switch to activate the music. Furthermore, the cockpit is large but only suitable for one figure at a time.
  • A Sonic figure is included.
  • This needs 3xAAA batteries and these are not included.
  • Learn the basics with the user guide.

Technical aspects.

The Sonic the Hedgehog Tornado Biplane isn’t the most complex toy on the market. Yet, it has plenty of great and alluring aspects that will make your child smile. Moreover, there are some nice tactile buttons and movement-based sound effects to bring it to life. Behind the cockpit is a large switch that blends with the body of the plane. This switch is a dual-mode device and can be used to activate the music or light the rocket and make it sound.

Alongside this, there is a rear wheel switch that starts the propeller. Word of warning, this goes on for quite some time, so be prepared to leave the room or turn the device off. I loved the movement of the propeller and the design has a nice fluid appearance. Finally, if you tilt the wings either way, the toy makes a swooshing sound. This was pretty cool and really impressive. When you combine this with the engine noise and the sound of the rocket, it works perfectly.

The combination of every high-energy movement sound was spectacular. This toy genuinely delivers a realistic soundscape for imaginative play. However, it is extremely loud and this may put some parents off. If you have kids of varied ages and your youngest children need a nap, this toy won’t be suitable during quiet periods. Thankfully, this didn’t impact my household, but it is something to be mindful of.

Build quality.

The dreaded phrase DIY toy can bring parents out in a cold sweat. Luckily, the Sonic the Hedgehog Tornado Biplane is easy to build. I think it took less than 2 minutes to construct and the plane feels sturdy and great to hold. Additionally, there is a nice balance and the toy is great to hold or sit on a solid surface. 

The wings are strong and normal use will see this toy last a lifetime. Alongside this, the switches look and feel great. Each activation point is hard-wearing and should resist the toughest tests. What’s more, the lighting looks great and the wave design on the propeller is pleasant to the eye. I liked the free-moving wheels that allow younger children to move them on a carpeted or hard wooden surface with ease.

You are provided with a small but colourful Sonic figurine. This pleasant toy has partial moving parts and a standard Sonic expression on its face. The figure can fit in the cockpit easily and can be used with any other toy from the JAKKS Pacific Sonic playset range.

Is the Sonic the Hedgehog Tornado Biplane worth it?

Christmas is coming and most kids adore Sonic. As such, getting this toy would be a no-brainer. The excellent sound effects were impressive and I was amazed by the size and straightforward DIY construction. Moreover, the action figure was nice and there is a sense of drama and dynamic energy when you play with this toy. Accordingly, I love it and so do my kids and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on JAKKS Pacific can be found here!)

The Sonic the Hedgehog Tornado Biplane has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: So Bomb Bath Bomb Dispenser

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: So Bomb Bath Bomb Dispenser

The So Bomb Bath Bomb Dispenser is the perfect toy for bath-loving children who enjoy scented bath bombs. Moreover, you can create a unique charm bracelet with 10 special charms hidden inside the bombs. This sense of mystery and surprise had my girls giddy with excitement. Furthermore, there was the occasional argument as each of them wanted to get a charm. However, they appreciated the fun dispenser and the colourful toys once things were smoothed over.

This simple toy is great for children aged 6+. Additionally, your young children should be supervised whilst using this product as small parts and water are involved. Yet, I wasn’t concerned with my older 2 as they rarely ingest random items. The cute dispenser and the bath bombs are water-resistant. This was great as bath times get somewhat splashy and you don’t want your spare bombs to be ruined by overzealous splashing.

What’s in the box of the So Bomb Bath Bomb Dispenser?

  • The packaging is large and vibrant. What’s more, the contents were secured and the bath bombs were in perfect working order.
  • The So Bomb Bath Bomb Dispenser is pink and looks like an old-school sweet dispenser. The lower portion has a smooth moving mechanism and the plastic is hardwearing and easy to handle.
  • A bag of bath bombs is used to fill the dispenser.
  • Learn the basics with the quick guide.

Usability.

The So Bomb Bath Bomb Dispenser is unbelievably easy to use and fill. The clear dome can be removed by twisting it from the body. Alternatively, you can remove the small plastic lid to refill the bombs. If you wish to dispense a bath bomb, you simply turn the pink handle and one drops into the little area below. If this didn’t work, a small shake of the device made the product drop into place and you try again.

This was great as my kids could grab a bath bomb without making every item wet. Additionally, they could only dispense one at a time and this prevented unnecessary mistakes from happening. If you run out of bombs, you can replace them by purchasing more from Canal Toys or other leading department stores.

Build quality.

I’m not a massive fan of plastic toys. They tend to break easily and then there is the issue with disposal. Thankfully, the So Bomb Bath Bomb Dispenser is robust and the moving parts were smooth and built to last. On top of this, it was easy to remove and replace the clear plastic dome and the pink screw on top. This was ideal as my girls could refill the dispenser without worrying about damaging the base unit.

The item is reasonably compact and will sit on a bathroom shelf. Moreover, the plastic material is water resistant and this prevents the moving parts from becoming damaged or rusty during prolonged usage. Though this won’t last forever, I believe that it will take some rough and tumble. Finally, the charms are simple and small. This is where the major choking hazard can be found. Subsequently, I recommend removing the charms and placing them on the supplied material chain ASAP.

Is the So Bomb Bath Bomb Dispenser worth it?

Bath toys can be hit and miss. Consequently, I’m always careful when investing. This affordable option from Canal Toys is vibrant and useful. What’s more, my kids loved being in charge of the dispenser. If you then consider the readily available refills and the varied charms, this is a great gift for bath-loving children. Accordingly, it’s a great toy and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on Canal Toys can be found here!)

The So Bomb Bath Bomb Dispenser has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

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