FRONT MISSION 2: Remake brings forth the wanzers today, all as it launches on Xbox, PlayStation and PC.
You’ve probably heard of the FRONT MISSION series, whether that be through original releases a few decades ago, or via the – frankly, rather brilliant – FRONT MISSION 1: Remake in 2023. Now it’s time to follow on from that game, with FRONT MISSION 2: Remake.
Available from the Xbox Store for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, FRONT MISSION 2: Remake is, as the name suggests, a remake of the original FRONT MISSION 2; a classic tactical RPG. What’s more, it sees release outside of Japan for the very first time.
It tells a tale of how the impoverished People’s Republic of Alordesh has been suffering a severe economic decline due to the 2nd Huffman Conflict, which created widespread discontent among citizens. Set some twelve years after the events of Front Mission 1st, on 12 June 2102, coup d’état led by Ven Mackarge began. On this exact day, three main military bases and the parliament in the country’s capital city were attacked and taken over. The O.C.U. responded to the attacks by sending their army to free Alordesh from rebel hands. Follow the O.C.U. military squads, ‘Muddy Otters’ , ‘Dull Stags’, and ‘O.C.U. Ground Defense Force Intelligence Agency’ and monitor the situation in this country torn apart by a ruthless civil war.
Key features
If that narrative is enough to sell things, crack on. If not, it’ll probably be the key features that help tease open the wallet. And in FRONT MISSION 2: Remake terms, those key features are pretty strong…
Engaging storyline
Strategic turn-based combat
Wanzer customization
Modernized battle scenes
Free camera options
Improved loading speed
Modern in-game effects
Renewed soundtrack
9 languages localization
There’s more though. In addition to featuring new graphics and reorchestrated music, the game includes a number of gameplay-related improvements; that should mean it is fully tailored to modern needs. Faster loading times and more dynamic animations are in place, ensuring you can enjoy the iconic title that suits modern standards.
Brand new content
And further to that, some brand new content has been added to the Remake version. These include:
Free Camera option: allowing you to freely hover around the map to gain an even greater overview of your battlefield.
Two new Wanzers: Uisk and Igel Eins H, along with a full set of Jaboa parts ready to be unlocked.
Two new weapons: Storm Trident and Heavy Trident are available only in the Remake to wreak havoc on the battlefield.
New camo options: giving you more choices to customize the painting of your Wanzers!
And there’s even a New Game+ mode available as well, letting you keep all your existing weapons, parts, and progress, to start the game all over again!
We’ll follow this piece with full review of FRONT MISSION 2: Remake on Xbox soon.
FRONT MISSION 2: Remake Description
A classic tactical RPG returns! The second game in the main Front Mission storyline is finally available outside of Japan for the first time. FRONT MISSION 2 blends intense strategy with a deep and involved storyline.
The year is 1914. Sker Island is under the rule of Elisabeth Williams, and she is planning to broadcast something called the “Siren’s Song”. No, this isn’t an attempt to lure in a suitor, instead she is planning on world domination using the spooky sounding location as a base of operations. Needless to say, it’s bad.
You may not realise it but Sker Island is a sequel to Maid of Sker and picks up straight after the “evil” ending. Despite this, it’s a totally different experience this time around as what we have here is an FPS that pits you against endless waves of abominable creatures.
You play as a mysterious character, awakened from what can only be described as a metal coffin, to aid Elisabeth’s daughter Arianwen, who has cottoned on to her mother’s evil plans and vows to put a stop to her. The aim? Interrupt the broadcast at any cost.
Set after the ‘evil’ ending of Maid of Sker
There are four different scenarios to play through in Sker Ritual. You can gain access to four more if you fancy shelling out for the Digital Deluxe Edition. In each you will be guided through by a string of objectives which are usually simple enough to complete. You aren’t against the clock in the traditional sense, but time is not on your side.
This is because enemies will come after you in waves, gradually increasing in difficulty as you survive each one. There will not just be different enemies who are tougher to take down, but a shed load more will join them too. This is where upgrades become crucial to seeing out your objectives to the end. “Elites” will also pop up every few waves which are much more difficult to take down. Abraham for example, who slowly pursues you in a similar fashion to Mr X (look it up kids), is genuinely chilling and can take a frankly ridiculous amount of bullets to the head before he relents.
It’s a good job then that you’ll earn points (although it’s illustrated as cash) which you can use to buy new weapons. Tiered upgrades for your weapons are also essential, as well as replenishing ammo at dedicated stations. The only really useful things enemies drop are limited time buffs, such as infinite ammo and “sudden death”, which means you can carry out one-shot kills. Your character has a few tricks up their sleeve, such as a health restoration potion, explosive projectiles and force blast (which needs charging). Otherwise your items are simply on a cooldown cycle, so in theory you can keep yourself going forever, depending on how skilled you are.
If you find yourself mid-reload (which takes flipping ages without upgrades) your quick draw melee weapon will come in handy to keep the nasties at bay. The way to do this is with “miracles”, which you unlock as you progress through the waves of enemies. Each time you gain a coin to spend, you can choose between one of three options that offer all sorts of different upgrades to your abilities and equipment.
Lighting things up
These remain during each run but expire at the end, however you can permanently upgrade your character as you rack up the hours. That’s right, Sker Ritual implements the all too familiar Season Pass system, but the good news is that it’s free. XP earned from each run will allow you to unlock tonnes of customisation features, such as character costumes and voice lines. Perhaps most importantly, you will also be able to upgrade character stats such as reload speed and weapon damage, increasing your chances of success in future runs. These perks reminded me of plasmids from BioShock, despite being managed in the menu between runs.
One of my struggles was that I found the instructions vague at times, desperately trying to figure out what to do to proceed. Most of the time waypoints will guide you, but if you are looking for certain items you will only be taken to that general area. This wouldn’t be so bad, if it wasn’t for the hordes of bloodthirsty creatures trying to surround you at every moment.
You can play Sker Ritual solo, in a private lobby with friends or online through the matchmaking function. To be honest, I enjoyed myself a lot more with others. Going solo felt too challenging (even on “normal”), although you do have the option to change the difficulty mid session. The online lobbies are busy and finding a game is easy, helped along by crossplay too. It is also a case of four heads being better than one, so progress feels a lot quicker when playing with others. The difficulty curve is identical when playing solo, which meant I struggled to get anywhere near the end of each scenario before I was overwhelmed by the enemy waves without help.
Sker Ritual looks average, I can’t really be any more complimentary than that. The brightness menu at the start is way off though, so I completely ignored it. The lines of dialogue which can be triggered by using the D-Pad (used purely to irritate each other it seems) come through much louder then the rest of the in-game sound. The game crashed on me at one point, and several times I was cornered by enemies, unable to pass and was quickly taken down. Sker Ritual certainly feels rough around the edges, but thankfully the gameplay is pretty solid.
Just. Keep. Shooting.
It all means that it is quite simple really. If you enjoy shooting crowds of enemies, you’ll be in your element with Sker Ritual. There is an effective suite of progression options, backed up by customisation, to ensure there is a healthy amount of replayability value. It’s a good job too, as at an entry price of £19.99 it’ll stop and make you think before purchasing. It’s for this reason that the success of this game relies heavily on how effectively it is supported with future content.
There’s certainly room for improvement, but Sker Ritual is an enjoyable zombie horde shooter that will appeal to fans of the genre.
Predicting which game trends will be popular as you go about developing a new gaming experience must be a tricky one. For a while, some developers declared that the single-player game was dead, many focusing on live service or multiplayer games. But by the time that creation has come about, the trend has changed, single player games become more popular and make a ton of money.
PERISH is a game that hits lots of very popular genre trends. It’s a roguelite with plenty of replay value, throwing in some multiplayer co-op for up to four players. But does it work as a single-player experience?
Fight your way through PERISH
There is an ancient Greek theme to PERISH, both in terms of story and visuals. You play as Amyetri, an ancient spirit who awakens after being condemned to an eternity in purgatory. You break out of your coffin before getting the chance to perform a rite, escape this underworld and finally get to Elysium. But the journey to get there is loaded with danger and tasks for you to take on, throughout various levels as you look to reach your final goal. PERISH feels epic in terms of narrative, and the story told in bits works fine, but it’s the gameplay loop that is the real focus of the piece.
In PERISH you get to choose a difficulty level at the beginning, but be warned, the lowest level is still rock hard. You will die over and over, repeating whole sections of levels multiple times. It is whether you can hack that and love the gameplay loop that will determine whether you get on with PERISH or not.
At its heart, it’s a first person shooter/weapon action game, but built out with roguelite elements, challenges and death. You start the game with a simple broken sword, a throwing knife for a ranged attack. As you progress you get access to an assortment of weapons including guns. Combat is a hard affair where you have to approach enemies with caution and – in single-player – not get too overwhelmed from all sides. Light and heavy attacks will be forthcoming, whilst dodging will be the menu for the day. Oh, and don’t for one minute get scared of dying and learning as you head onwards…
Use whatever you can!
The big question is whether PERISH is better with friends than on your own. It feels to me that the game is designed with multiplayer in mind. It’s the onslaught of enemies from all sides that makes dealing with things as a team easier and more fun. On your own, it just feels a bit more relentless and, well, repetitive. I think the challenge of doing another run in a team with some different objectives to complete, as well as the lure of getting some loot along the way, is what makes this a very good experience. I personally like the way that if you get a certain objective to complete in a run it affects how you attack enemies, like using elemental attacks instead of just hacking and slashing.
Visually, things are good. PERISH comes complete with some nice lighting effects in places and I liked it more when we had the opportunity to go outside by the water. Enemy design is good, but it does feel a bit similar after a while. And I’ve got issues with the text that appears; it is a little tricky to read at times.
There’s nothing wrong with the music though – DOOM-type heavy metal tracks pump along nicely with all the action. The effects feel gruesome at times, whilst the voice-over work delivers a solid performance throughout.
There are some cracking lighting effects here
You’ll find the most fun of PERISH in co-op, having a blast with a few friends. It’s that which will make the gameplay loop more enjoyable, the challenge more satisfying, and the roguelite elements much more fun overall. The story is fine, the music and visuals are good without being amazing, but tackle PERISH alone and you’ll find it just too repetitive, too tricky with multiple enemies attacking you in swarms. So much so that you may wish to knock off half a mark if playing solo.
You may have noticed The Rewinder gathering up some seriously impressive reviews over on Steam. Now that game comes to Xbox and Game Pass – we see no reason why you shouldn’t be downloading it immediately.
The Rewinder is from MistyMountainStudio and Gamera Games. Having first released on Steam back in 2021, it’s fair to say it’s become a bit of a classic, nabbing some Overwhelmingly Positive reviews in the process.
Chinese myths on Game Pass
It makes sense for launch on Game Pass and Xbox then – as is happening today. In fact, you can play The Rewinder on Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S right now, making the most of your Game Pass subscription as you go. Alternatively, there’s an £11.24 price tag in place.
Dive in and you’ll discover yourself thrust into a puzzling world that is based on Chinese mythology. It has you taking on the role of Yun, as they look to speak to spirits and go deep into the minds and memories of others. You see, Yun is the last known Rewinder.
Mixing pixel art with some inky visuals, The Rewinder certainly looks neat enough, with the Chinese designs sure to intrigue. No matter whether you have played previously on PC, or are looking to come in to The Rewinder fresh on Xbox, this feels like a game that jsut MUST be played.
Our full review of The Rewinder on Game Pass and Xbox is coming soon.
The Rewinder Game Description
The Rewinder is an adventure puzzle game based on Chinese mythology. You play as Yun, the last known Rewinder, who can communicate with spirits and explore other people’s memories to alter the past.
The world of online casinos is known for its technological fervor and approach to embracing novel innovations in a bid to remain at the forefront of digital table gaming. And yet while many people naturally assume the natural home for these experiences is to be found on desktop computers, the reality of today’s online casino metrics tell a different story.
That’s because a growing number – now the majority – of casino aficionados prefer to access these titles through browsers and apps on their smartphones. Why is this? Here we will unpack just why mobile casinos are on the rise in 2024.
Cost Effective and Accessible
One of the major drivers of mobile casinos’ success today is their relative accessibility. This has two key components – cost, and their on-demand optimisation.
The online casino sector has long established an approach to promotional offers that hinges on furnishing prospective patrons with a huge variety of competitive welcome bonuses and sign-up offers for use with leading gaming providers. So much so, that platforms like casinobonusca have emerged as directories for amalgamating the best of these in one, easy place. These bonuses come in the form of a huge variety of deals, meaning that even casino gamers with niche interests or requirements can comfortably make a meaningful saving on sign-up. This has long been a differentiating factor with the iGaming market, and one that has contributed significantly to its organic growth.
Coupled with this is the natural on-demand nature of mobile platforms. Whereas PCs are heavy, not portable, and expensive – smartphones are relatively affordable, and of course are highly mobile. That means that casino fans can access quality titles wherever they are, be it on the go, during a lunch break, or during hours that conventional casinos would be closed.
By removing barriers to access for casino aficionados, mobile casinos – both with their compelling bonus deals, and their on-demand design – are able to capitalize on potential growth that rival concerns cannot match in 2024.
In-Depth Optimisation
Another component contributing to the rise of mobile casinos is the massive degree of optimisation that has overhauled the design of the sector in recent years. In the early days of the smartphone craze, nothing prevented gaming fans from accessing online casinos through their iPhone web browser – but there was a catch.
That’s because smartphones are designed around a portrait form-factor, whereas desktops utilize a landscape orientation. Furthermore, certain codecs and optimisations could only be relied upon to render faithfully on a full desktop browser. This meant that it was hit or miss whether the site you were accessing in the early days would load properly or be easy to navigate with touch controls.
This significantly hampered the early development of mobile casino gaming, but it wouldn’t be long before platforms began to build mobile-optimized versions of their sites for use with mobile browsers. And, nowadays, some casinos are even favoring the portrait orientation over landscape when conceiving of and constructing new platforms and games. This is a notable shift, and demonstrates that the mobile sector is increasingly becoming the dominant driver behind design decisions for entertainment platforms such as those in the iGaming sector in 2024.
In a world where portrait video – such as that found on TikTok – is increasingly normalized, whole new slots games or table titles are being designed from the ground up to emulate the familiar interfaces and design cues of social media content. This ultimately results in a feedback loop, where mobile casinos are increasingly the best way to play casino games – thus, more people choose to play on this growing platform of preference.
Mobile Gaming Taking Over
All of this is also part of a larger trend – that of the mobile gaming sector increasingly coming to occupy a central role in the modern games industry. Nowadays, over 50% of all gaming revenue derives from mobile titles, and in regions around the world – from Latin America to Southeast Asia – people are choosing to do the majority of their gaming on smartphones.
As this trend continues, the iGaming sector is evolving as a natural result of keeping pace with consumer preferences. What’s more, there’s no sign of this trend slowing or reversing direction any time soon – pointing to a future where mobile casinos will increasingly become the dominant way to access real money gaming in the coming years.
The clue is in the name – Farming Simulator 22 has been around for a good few years already. But it shows no sign of wilting in the field, with the latest DLC pack now available. Will you be making use of the Farm Production Pack?
We first reviewed Farming Simulator 22 back in 2021, but still we think it’s probably one of the finest farming sims available on PC and console. A game that has been treated to an absolute ton of DLC, there seems to be no end to what is on offer.
Today we welcome in the Farming Simulator 22 – Farm Production Pack. On Xbox, PlayStation or PC, this adds in a number of new items, some enhanced economics, daily opportunities and more. Whilst you’ll obviously need the base game of Farming Simulator 22 to hand to make the most of it, if heading down to the farm is your bag, we’d suspect you’ll want to get this added asap.
Do so and the following will open up Farming Simulator 22 on Xbox, PlayStation and PC like never before…
Enhanced Economics & Daily Demands
Dynamic prices and daily demands reward fast deliveries, when farmers take on contracts from several new points of sale: A farm store requests agricultural resources, a supermarket requires processed foods, and vending machines along with market stalls demand fresh produce. Meanwhile, a new kind of wind turbine and solar panels (including a remote-controlled cleaning robot) generate passive income.
Washing Crops, Increasing Yield
New farm equipment further increases the yield of harvests and resources: The Lely Sphere, a circular manure-handling system, creates liquid fertilizer from ammonia emissions when placed next to animal sheds and combined with sulfuric acid. VDW’s Cleaner Tiger scrubs and cuts sugar beets after separating them from stones, and a washing drum produces washed crops that can be sold at higher prices.
Managing a Distribution Center
Agricultural entrepreneurs, who don’t stop at selling their harvest and have their eyes on a late-game empire, can own a 4,000-square-meter distribution center equipped with heavy-loading shelves. Safely operating a forklift, they manage the distribution of pallets arriving at unloading bays, and need to apply clever logistics to satisfy dynamic market demands. In addition, several customizable sheds and silos for storing bulk materials, vehicles, and tools, as well as a vehicle repair shop with garage, are available for ownership.
Buy the DLC now!
Sold? Great, head to your favoured digital store right now and add the Farm Production Pack into your Farming Simulator 22 base game. We’ll point you to the Xbox Store where you can grab the DLC for £6.69 – cheaper if you have a Game Pass subscription.
Farming Simulator 22 Farm Production Pack Description
Let’s enhance economics, ramp-up production and promote sustainability with the Farm Production Pack. Featuring over 20 new items for Farming Simulator 22, this expansion introduces brand-new selling points, production equipment, storage options, renewable power generators, and more. A sophisticated distribution center and markets add new layers of logistical gameplay, focusing on supply & demand.
Having started out with release on the little Playdate, it’s time for the team at GrimTalin to go big, as players on Xbox and Nintendo Switch get the opportunity to fall, collect and undo. They’ll be doing so in The Fall of Elena Temple.
Super cheap. Super retro.
Available today on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, as well as Nintendo Switch, The Fall of Elena Temple is a nifty little old-school puzzle platformer in which exploration will be your friend. Having initially landed on Playdate back in 2023, and due to release on PC and PlayStation in the coming months, if you’re up for a game that will test your forward thinking skill, this is most definitely it.
Running a mere £2.49 price tag (seriously, £2.49 is silly money), The Fall of Elena Temple tasks you with a bit of coin collection. Nothing new there, you may feel, but the twist with this one is that you are able to ‘undo’ your falls. This means that leaping into the unknown should be encouraged, as you grab anything shiny that passes your way. From there, a re-rewind, should see you sorted, ready for your next move.
It’s a mechanic that we feel we can get onboard with, and when you consider the uber retro vibes coming out of The Fall of Elena Temple, as well as that price tag – did we tell you, £2.49!? – there’s very little reason to not check this one out.
Key features
20 puzzle rooms to challenge your wits
3 bonus rooms with new mechanics unlocked after you finish the game
Grab the undo crystal to enable going back up to five previous positions before falling
Collect all coins in a dungeon room to open the passage to the next one
Navigate through teleporters, locked doors, spikes, flying arrows, snakes, crumbling platforms and many more perils
Crack a smile at Elena’s musings!
Buy now!
You’ll find The Fall of Elena Temple on the Xbox Store, playable on Xbox Series X|S (optimised) and Xbox One. Alternatively, the Nintendo eShop should sort out those on Nintendo Switch. Or you could play on Playdate if you are kitted out. You’ll find it on Steam soon too.
Let us know what you think of this super cheap gaming option on Xbox. The comments are below.
And if you need a review, our thoughts concerning The Fall of Elena Temple on Xbox will be coming soon.
The Fall of Elena Temple Description
The Fall of Elena Temple is an old-school puzzle platformer in which you explore rooms, avoid perils and collect all coins to progress. The catch is you can undo your falls! So don’t be afraid of heights, fall and collect the coins bellow, then undo back up to where you fell from, keeping the coins!
Test your forward thinking and logical skills. Plan your falls carefully, as your undos are limited. If you’re not paying attention, you’ll find yourself unable to restore back to the top, with coins still needing collecting!
Enjoy the retro aesthetics with monochrome pixel art, playing the game on the state of the art handheld GrimBoy (TM) (wink). Reminisce about the good times with lovely pixel art backgrounds to put you right back into your childhood bedroom, the backyard, the park, grandma’s living and many more.
Tales from Candleforth is on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and PC
Love a horror adventure? How about one that mixes in some puzzling and a whole host of fairy tales? That’s what you’re getting in Tales From Candleforth.
Releasing today on PC and console – Xbox, PlayStation, Switch – is Tales From Candleforth. This is a fairy tale horor, one that works point and click angles, puzzle solving and more. It’s the creation of Under The Bed Games, as Feardemic push it to the world.
Horrific fairy stories
In Tales From Candleforth you’ll join Sarah, a young girl who is looking to create a potion for a boy in her village who is under stress from a strange new illness. It’s up to you to get him fixed up, taking care of the village you are in, much like your family has done before you. Of course, all evil awaits – as do the most chilling of surprises.
Having nabbed a host of awards already – you’re looking at the winner of Best Puzzle Game, Best Presentation, Best Art Direction and more – there’s some serious hype surrounding Tales From Candleforth as it lands on PC and console. The key features and trailer below should help cement this one into your mind…
Key features
2D Hand-drawn aesthetic – Discover a world brimming with detail, fully drawn and animated by hand.
Folk horror – Some tales from Candleforth have been written over an old antique book. But it seems that whatever was written in it before is now being revealed, mixing the world of nightmares with the real one…
Point & Click – A narrative adventure full of puzzles and mysterious stories, where anything can happen.
Buy now!
You’ll find Tales From Candleforth on the usual digital stores. For us Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players, it’s the Xbox Store that will sort the download needed for £7.99. Alternatively, PlayStation, Switch and PC folk are catered for from their own stores.
Let us know what you think of Tales From Candleforth by heading into the comments. And if you need a review to tempt you in, ours is coming soon.
Tales From Candleforth Description
Tales from Candleforth is a collection of fairy tales that were written on top of a forbidden book many years ago to hide its content. Years later, the dark text is bleeding out and onto the pages of the tales, mixing with them and twisting the stories.
The tale is about to begin…
In this first tale, we’ll meet Sarah, a 16-year-old girl left alone to run the family apothecary. Sarah’s grandmother went missing a while ago, but one day, she finds clues that she might still be alive. As Sarah discovers new powers that only the women in her family can inherit, she adventures into a world of occultism, mystery, and horror to uncover the secrets her family is hiding and discover the part she plays in all of it.
Writing about gaming in your college essay is a topic that often sparks debate among students and admissions officers alike. While some may view it as an unconventional choice, others recognize the potential for showcasing valuable skills and personal growth. According to the experts at Ukwritings essay writing service, let’s delve into the pros and cons of this approach and explore how you can effectively convey the significance of your gaming experiences.
The Pros:
One of the primary advantages of writing about gaming is the opportunity to showcase your passion and dedication. Gaming, like any hobby or interest, requires commitment and perseverance over an extended period. By discussing your gaming journey, you can demonstrate your ability to set goals, overcome challenges, and develop a deep understanding of complex systems. This level of dedication can be a valuable asset in academic and professional pursuits.
Additionally, gaming can provide a unique perspective that sets you apart from other applicants. While many students may choose to write about more traditional extracurricular activities, your gaming experiences can offer a refreshing and creative angle. This uniqueness can captivate admissions officers and leave a lasting impression, provided you present your story in a compelling and thoughtful manner.
If you’ve played multiplayer games, you can highlight your experience working in teams and coordinating strategies. According to the best essay writing services, games often require effective communication, conflict resolution, and the ability to adapt to changing situations. These skills are highly transferable and valuable in various aspects of life, from group projects to professional collaborations.
Moreover, many games demand critical thinking, pattern recognition, and analytical skills. By discussing how you approached and mastered complex game mechanics, you can illustrate your intellectual abilities and problem-solving prowess. Admissions officers value applicants who can think critically and tackle intricate challenges, making this a valuable aspect to highlight.
The Cons:
While gaming can offer numerous advantages, it’s essential to address potential drawbacks and misconceptions. One concern is the negative stereotypes sometimes associated with gaming, such as laziness or social isolation. In your essay, you’ll need to dispel these stereotypes by providing evidence of your well-rounded character and active involvement in various aspects of life.
Another challenge is the perceived lack of real-world applications. Admissions officers may struggle to see the direct relevance of gaming to academic or professional pursuits. To address this concern, you’ll need to draw clear connections between the skills you developed through gaming and your future goals. Illustrate how the problem-solving, strategic thinking, and teamwork skills you acquired can translate into success in your chosen field of study or career path.
With the growing popularity of gaming, many applicants may choose to write about it, leading to potential oversaturation. To make your essay stand out, you’ll need to find a unique angle or perspective. Focus on specific games, experiences, or lessons learned that resonate deeply with you. Avoid general or surface-level discussions and aim to provide a compelling narrative that captivates the reader.
Furthermore, some games may contain mature or controversial content, which could raise concerns if not handled tactfully. Be mindful of how you discuss these elements and ensure that your language and approach are appropriate for the college application context.
If you decide to write about gaming, consider the following tips to craft a compelling essay:
Highlight transferable skills: Emphasize the valuable skills you’ve gained, such as strategic thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience. Relate these skills to your academic interests or future career goals, demonstrating how they will contribute to your success.
Focus on personal growth: Discuss how gaming has shaped your character, taught you valuable lessons, or impacted your worldview. Share specific examples of challenges you overcame or accomplishments you achieved, and explain how these experiences have influenced your personal development.
Provide context: Explain the significance of the games you played and why they were meaningful to you. Describe the gaming communities you were involved in and your roles within them, such as organizing tournaments, moderating forums, or mentoring new players. This context will help admissions officers understand the depth of your involvement and the skills you developed.
Be authentic: Write with genuine passion and enthusiasm for gaming. Avoid exaggerating or making inflated claims about your experiences. Admissions officers can often discern sincerity from superficial writing, so it’s essential to be true to yourself and your experiences.
Demonstrate versatility: While gaming can be a central theme, it’s important to showcase a well-rounded personality with diverse interests and achievements. Discuss other extracurricular activities, academic pursuits, or personal projects that complement your gaming experiences and paint a comprehensive picture of who you are.
Address potential concerns: Anticipate and address potential concerns or misconceptions that admissions officers may have about gaming. Provide counterexamples or evidence that dispels negative stereotypes and showcases the positive aspects of your gaming experiences.
Remember, the key is to present gaming as a meaningful pursuit that has contributed to your personal and intellectual growth. By highlighting the transferable skills and lessons you’ve gained, and framing your experiences within the context of your future aspirations, you can craft a compelling essay that showcases your unique interests and potential. With careful planning and thoughtful execution, your gaming experiences can become a powerful asset in your college application.
An all-new planet-hopping RPG adventure, Beyond Galaxyland has today been unveiled. And later in 2024 you’ll get to go to infinity and Beyond Galaxyland, as it releases on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and PC.
Created by Sam Enright – a Chicago-based developer and music producer – Beyond Galaxyland has come about via the old classic sci-fi movies of yesteryear. It’s those that have been the inspiration for Enright, building out an all-new take on the beloved RPG adventures in the process.
To infinity – and Beyond Galaxyland
It tells of a land in which moments before the cataclysmic destruction of Earth by an unknown celestial destroyer of worlds – known only as the ‘The End’ – high-schooler Doug finds himself whisked away to Galaxyland. This is an idyllic, zoo-like solar system, full of planets. As you may expect to hear though, it’s unlikely that this paradise truly is as good as it seems.
From there, Doug embarks on a galactic quest alongside his gun-toting pet guinea pig Boom Boom, a sentient robot called MartyBot, and a whole host of equally whacky companions. Their – read: your – quest? To discover the truth behind Galaxyland and somehow undo the apocalypse that has taken place.
Narrative and story set up, in Beyond Galaxyland you’ll find yourself working your way across a variety of biomes. Pinging your way from here to there and back again, you’ll be treated to the sights and sounds of jungles, neon-lit cities, casinos and more. And you’ll traverse these places via classic platforming action, enjoying puzzle solving and turn-based combat along the way. And of course, boss battles wil be not just frequent, but epic!
Key features
Active turn-based combat: Engage in strategic turn-based battles against a vast range of galactic nemeses, with time-responsive defensive gameplay to minimise damage. Each party member has a range of unique abilities at their disposal, but for an additional tactical advantage, sneakily scan your enemy pre-battle to discover their strengths and weaknesses.
Interplanetary exploration: From the blizzard-swept planes of Arcos to the tropical jungle ravines of Erros, the neon-buzzing cities of Neo to the arid sand dunes of Xalm, explore a cosmic cluster of unique worlds, each with its own quests, environmental puzzles, and out-of-this-world characters.
A classic sci-fi adventure: A semi-open 2.5D adventure-RPGin a classic sci-fi fish-out-of-water tale that pays homageto family-friendly adventure and sci-fi movies. Beyond Galaxyland’sstory features laughter, loss, peril and friendship, all dipped in a dazzling layer of neon-tastic pixels.
Epic boss battles: Encounter 25 epic bosses throughout many extraterrestrial travels, including colossal space dragons, flesh eating flowers, and the all-knowing bionic behemoth that is the Nexus Mind.
Capture & utilise enemies: Successfully capture the many weird and wonderful creatures encountered on different worlds, each possessing exclusive abilities, and later unleash them during the heat of battle.
The devs speak up
“I’m a huge fan of classic turn-based RPGs from the mid and late-1990s, and some of my favourites – such as Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VII –have provided me a galaxy’s worth of inspiration when developing Beyond Galaxyland,” said Sam Enright. “I wanted to make a game that felt uniquely cinematic, while being within a familiar genre. I hope when gamers play it they’ll appreciate how Beyond Galaxyland’s pacing will often feel closer to a movie than a videogame. Doug, Boom Boom, and MartyBot’s adventures across and beyond Galaxyland is a very personal tale to me, and I can’t wait for people to experience their intergalactic story!”
Darren Newnham, CEO, United Label, said, “We’re so thrilled we get to publish Sam’s passion project later this year, and share Doug and Boom Boom’s incredible tale with the world… if not the Universe. He’s created an engaging and intimate sci-fi story that goes beyond the grinding gameplay some turn-based RPGs fall foul of, while injecting classic platform puzzler gameplay along the way.”
Coming Fall 2024
Beyond Galaxyland will launch later in 2024 – Fall, hopefully. It’s coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
Get your eyes on the announcement trailer below and let us know your thoughts. Get wishlisting it on Steam if you like the look of this one. We’re sold by the trailer alone!
You should know all about the power of The Jackbox Party Packs – there have been enough of them, each providing a ton of fun and humour. But what happens after dark? Well, that’s where the dirty fun of the Jackbox Naughty Pack comes in.
Get naughty with Jackbox
Announced by the prolific Jackbox Games team is the latest addition to their franchise and portfolio – Jackbox Naughty Pack. This is an M-rated game that will be fit for those 17+ gamers looking for some spicy surprises.
Full details of the Jackbox Naughty Pack are set to be revealed this coming summer, but what we do know is that this will look to provide a much more ‘adult’ take on the usual fun and games. It’ll play out as a little three-pack of joy, one that will have you laughing – and swearing – like never before.
Consider what Jackbox have done previously, taking the brilliant The Jackbox Party Pack 10 for instance, and there should most definitely be room for this spicy little side treat. Just remember to put the kids to bed, dim the lights and have some Jackbox fun…
More Jackbox joy
We’ll follow with further details surrounding the Jackbox Naughty Pack as the Jackbox team reveal them. But let us know what you think of this more mature version of The Jackbox Party Pack. What games would you like to see included? The comments section is below.
And if this isn’t your bag, why not? We’d love to hear more about your favourite Jackbox experiences. We absolutely adored Dodo Re Mi in the last pack.
The Hidden Through Time series of games is nothing but a gigantic hide-and-seek. A Where’s Wally that forgoes any proper narrative or reasoning. But it’s a series that excels in what it does, giving players the chance to kick back and head off on the hunt. Very soon, they’ll be doing just that once more, uncovering the secrets of Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery.
The follow-up to Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic, Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery will be the next to emerge from the Rogueside indie team. It’s coming to Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS and Android. Frankly, we can’t wait to play it.
Get hunting with Hidden Through Time 2 again
If you are at all familiar with the Hidden Through Time franchise, having played either Myths & Magic or the original Hidden Through Time and its DLC packs, then you should know what to expect here – a huge cosy hunt ’em up that will be suitable for players of all ages.
It comes about on the back of Myths & Magic, as Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery provides access to some new secrets, adding in a story as it goes. It features beautifully hand-drawn items within interactive landscapes, looking to ignite the imagination through each level, taking players off on a journey through a serene adventure.
But there’s more than standard hidden object gaming and in Discovery you’ll get to unleash your creativity with a Map Editor. That comes to town with assets from three magical eras including Noir, Victorian and Sci-Fi, ensuring you can create intricately crafted maps to share with the community.
And further, the Reality Shift feature seen in Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic returns, adding an extra dimension to the search, allowing players to shift between time and season to explore even more.
Key features
Relaxing Gameplay – A relaxing and cosy experience is ensured as the game doesn’t feature timers or similar mechanics to put pressure on the player. They’re able to enjoy the game at their own speed.
Map Editor – Players have access to assets from all three eras (Noir, Victorian, and Sci-Fi), giving the ability to bring their imagination to life in the Map Editor, where creations can be shared with the community.
Reality shift – Seen in the previous game, Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic, the Reality Shift feature makes a return. This allows players to explore a whole host of new objects as they can shift between time and season, giving more depth to each map, enabling more space for storytelling within one map.
Coming soon!
For now, you’ll have to take in the trailer for Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery. Give it a watch and let us know your thoughts on what Rogueside have put together by dropping in to the comments.
Expect to see Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery landing on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, PC and mobile pretty soon. We’ll be sure to let you know when it releases.
There is something wrong here. I’m playing what looks like a nice friendly platformer, but I’m repeatedly getting my ass handed to me. Yes, Another Crab’s Treasure, the latest from Aggro Crab is a Soulslike in all but name. And I have, without wanting to spoil the rest of the review, been loving it.
So, come with me to the underwater version of Dark Shoals (see what I did there?) and let us see what dangers the big bad ocean has to offer. Try not to die!
This is Another Crab’s Treasure!
Obviously every hero needs a backstory, a reason to leave his home and try and fight. Our little crab, Kril, is no exception. Being a hermit crab, he has a lovely shell of his very own, until one day a tax collector comes calling, telling him that he owes taxes to the Duchess who has annexed his tidal pool. Long story short, the Loan Shark takes Kril’s shell, telling him that he can have it back when he has paid the owed taxes. The scene is thus set to try and recover Kril’s home.
But with a big wide ocean out there, what can possibly go wrong? The thing about hermit crabs without a shell is that they are pretty squishy, and so we need to try and fight to survive. There is a cool mechanic I’ll chat about later that should help us with that…
Now, the presentation of the game is our next port of call (I will stop with the sea going puns, honest) and here the news is largely good, but sadly not perfect. The action in Another Crab’s Treasure is viewed from the traditional Dark Souls perspective of third person, looking over Kril’s shoulder (do crabs have shoulders?) and the world is a lovely, 3D kind of place to go exploring. The enemies we face are nicely designed and beautifully animated, and this helps with seeing what is going on in the inevitable combat that we have to engage in. And it must be said, the draw distances are long, and everything looks great, especially the way that human trash has been incorporated into the environment.
The sound is also bang on, with some lovely music and sound effects accompanying the action. The only fly in the ointment is the camera, which gets confused very easily, happily leaving us looking at a blank wall while we get the shell kicked off of us. There are also certain areas where it is possible to get stuck in the scenery, usually when carrying a good amount of microplastics! These are quite common complaints for Soulslikes though, so I’m not going to make too much of a meal of them. Overall, presentation is pretty good, all things considered.
Deffo a Soulslike…
Of course, in a regular Soulslike, there are souls to be collected from defeated enemies. And so is the case here. The currency in Another Crab’s Treasure is that of microplastics, a frankly alarming phenomena found in the seas. This stuff not only allows us to level Kril up, hopefully making him less squishy, but it is also used to buy things from the shop. As you level up, you get stronger, being able to put points in the usual way for your character; like health, attack power and so on.
There is a skill tree that is separate to the ordinary one that uses Umami crystals to purchase powers that can really make a difference to the way that you play. These allow such things as plunge attacks and parries, and with these options in play, the game feels a lot more like a proper Soulslike. Of course, you have to get far enough into the game to meet the character who can do this for you, and there are a lot of problems before you get there, including two mandatory bosses and at least one optional boss.
Kril’s armoury is a little sparse when it comes to weapons; his only option being a fork that he finds at the beginning of the game. However, hunt down the obligatory blacksmith and the relevant materials, and this fork can be upgraded to make you stronger. However, the real game changer is found in the shells that Kril can grab as he goes along. These not only provide you with protection if you block with them, withdrawing into said shell, but each shell also has a special power that is unlocked with an Umami charge (again, once you get far enough into the narrative) and these are great levellers. The powers vary from shell to shell, with the soda can, for instance, shooting out bubbles that interrupt the enemies, while the waffle cone shell freezes enemies when they attack you. Finding the right shell for the fight you are about to face is a matter of luck, but you can definitely develop preferences based on the attacks.
Combat is as you’d expect, with the difficulty of Another Crab’s Treasure set somewhere in the stratosphere. From there, the usual Dark Souls tropes of dodging, parrying and counter attacking are all present and correct. The Umami charges are recharged by attacking with Kril’s fork, and so as long as you can keep your shell in one piece (easier said than done, believe me!) you can keep attacking. For me, the difficulty is right on the button for a Souls game, being incredibly hard.
Hard, but fair
But you should never fear – if you aren’t a veteran, or if you just want an easier ride, there are a full range of assists that can be turned on, ranging from giving Kril a gun, which is a one hit kill on any enemy, boss or not, through to simpler ones like a longer dodge window, or reducing the damage that you take from foes, from a little bit down to basically making you invincible. In this way, Another Crab’s Treasure can be balanced to how you want to play, and this is a good thing to see. Using these assists doesn’t disable achievements either, which is always a bit of a tick.
Another Crab’s Treasure is an outstanding game, only let down by a dodgy camera and some unfortunate scenery issues. The combat is hard but fair, capable of being tweaked to your liking, and that means exploring a vast underwater world as a small crab has never been such fun.
680 puzzles later, we are at the end of our quest: to complete and review every Dreamland Solitaire game on the Xbox. We’re not delusional, though – we know another three could drop on the Store at any moment. But at least we are up to date.
So far, the Dreamland Solitaire games have delivered something of a surprise. They are silly, overblown takes on Spider Solitaire that lean into what makes that game of Patience satisfying, rather than take anything away. They have acted as a bit of a pressure-valve in the evenings for the past three weeks, even if they’ve irritated my wife. “Surely you can’t still be playing that game?”. Yep, I’m afraid so.
Dreamland Solitaire: Dark Prophecy immediately ups the stakes by delivering 280 puzzles, rather than the customary 200. My wife got to watch a little more Solitaire this time round. We’re not entirely sure the Dreamland Solitaire games needed more content, but we’ll get to that in a moment.
MORE Dreamland Solitaire?
Everything else is familiar. Like Dreamland Solitaire: Dragon’s Fury, there’s a story to lubricate the card gaming. A witch has sent a noxious purple gas circulating round the kingdom (fart jokes are optional) and it’s down to you, a fairy and a wizard to confront her. That’s a quest that needs to stretch across nearly three-hundred puzzles, so there’s a lot of bogging down going on. You’re building palaces and outfitting boats along the way.
For anyone new to Dreamland Solitaire, you will probably be wondering what this has to do with a deck of cards. Not a lot, as it happens. But by removing cards from the play area, you may uncover the odd purple potion, which can be spent on these little intermediary missions. Each potion brings you a little closer to the witch.
There’s a greater sense of padding things out with Dreamland Solitaire: Dark Prophecy. It makes sense with the larger body of puzzles, but we missed the ‘old days’ of last week when we were playing Dragon’s Fury. You’re stuck looking at the same pictures as you construct every last element within it. And there’s an added sense of grind, too. The Dreamland Solitaire games have always asked you to accumulate a set number of potions to continue, which involved a smidge of backtracking, but in Dreamland Solitaire: Dark Prophecy it feels more onerous. We actually started to feel the sense of grind.
Thankfully, there’s little that has changed for the worse in the card-playing itself. Dreamland Solitaire, over the course of the three games, has developed quite the roster of power-ups and obstacles, so there’s a lot to play with. Hammers remove rock, axes remove twine, water removes fire, lanterns remove smoke and many more. The only new addition is scissors which remove string, which are hardly revolutionary, as they act almost identically to the axes. But the two can stack, we suppose, so it gets something of a pass.
This one is a Dark Prophecy
What’s important is that the manipulation of the cards feels almost as tactile and ergonomic as sitting in front of a deck yourself. Dreamland Solitaire: Dark Prophecy opts for cursor controls which works surprisingly well, and it’s entirely possible to chuck card after card over your shoulder like you were a burrowing mole. There’s very little as satisfying as reaching a combo that stretches into double-figures, as a pyramid of cards is returned to its foundations.
Play enough and you will soon gather a bit of a gold pile. This can be spent on upgrades that dial up the arcadeness even further. Powers can be bought that increase as you gather cards of a particular suit: our favourite being a chain lightning that removes up to two cards. Squint and you could be playing a shoot ’em up as the deck explodes. But there are also wild cards to buy, jokers that become a card of your choice, and additional cards for the deck.
There are a couple of brand new upgrades here, including the ability to flip a few cards over so you can see them prematurely – perhaps keying into the ‘Dark Prophecy’ of the title. But they are another minor, incremental improvement that characterises this game. We’d even suggest that there’s been something of a step back: it feels like it takes longer to unlock everything in the game – a symptom of the greater number of levels, perhaps.
But Dreamland Solitaire: Dark Prophecy really didn’t need more levels. 200 puzzles was more than enough for a fiver, and a prolonged game experience wasn’t high on our list of wants. Since there is a cost – that everything has been stretched out, with feelings of grind creeping through the resulting holes – then Dreamland Solitaire: Dark Prophecy feels like the weakest of the trilogy. It’s far from bad, but the joyful march to the end of the games is punctuated by plods.
Get snipping with Solitaire…
Having come to the end of our Dreamland adventure, we see nothing but suits and numbers when we close our eyes. But it’s been a surprisingly painless experience: to a game, these are playful, refreshingly arcadey experiences, and they don’t remotely feel like the mobile ports that they are.
But if we were to point a finger at one of them and say ‘this is the worst of the bunch’, it would be Dreamland Solitaire: Dark Prophecy. It follows the inevitable rule of sequels: it needs to be bigger. But by going bigger, something is lost, as fatigue and grind become a factor when they weren’t before.
Pick Dreamland Solitaire: Dark Prophecy up if you somehow need more Spider Solitaire after the first two Dreamland games. Otherwise, this can sit cozily on a wishlist for a while.
We’ve seen a number of games focusing on The Smurfs release in recent years. But very soon will be The Smurfs game you’ve been dreaming of – quite literally.
A Smurfing Dream
The latest from a Microids team who have got right behind the little blue guys previously, developed by Ocellus Services is The Smurfs – Dreams. It’s set to launch on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC.
Dive in upon release later in 2024 and you’ll find yourself taking in an all-new, pretty epic, 3D platforming adventure; an adventure that will take you beyond the wildest of Smurfy imaginations. You see, it’s here where you’ll find yourself dropping deep into the mind of a sleeping Smurf, helping the gang navigate their way through some enchanted realms.
Ultimately, there will be a bit of a face-off against their arch-nemesis, Gargamel, as The Smurfs – Dreams see nightmares and dreams collide. With solo and cooperative options promised, plenty of puzzles, challenges galore and hours of fun, The Smurfs – Dreams should be one you won’t want to sleep on.
Key features
Interested in saving the day? The key features of The Smurfs – Dreams will include…
Solo or Co-op Gameplay: Team up with friends for a smurf-tastic gaming experience!
Dive into Unique Dreams: Explore diverse realms with their own set of challenges and surprises!
Embark on an Epic Adventure: Journey through 4 dreamy worlds with 12 levels and 16 mini-levels to conquer!
Customize Your Character: Collect magic orbs and boss tokens to unlock cool customization options and surprises!
Stunning Art Direction: Immerse yourself in a colorful and magical world that evolves as you progress!
Ready to unleash your inner Smurf?
The Smurfs – Dreams is coming to Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S later in 2024. Expect to see if on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC too.
Apart from the ‘incorrect spelling’ of the second word of the title, what else can I say about the latest from retro JRPG masters KEMCO? Well, Glorious Savior is yet another retro styled JRPG that comes to Xbox with the traditional kind of setup – a disparate team of people coming together to save the world. You know the drill, this is a KEMCO RPG…
Glorious Savior – a standard KEMCO RPG?
The presentation is exactly as you would expect from a KEMCO game too, but there is a little twist that helps to keep things interesting. You see, the way that the characters are designed in Glorious Savior is all straight out of the KEMCO playbook, with a pleasing anime style and pleasant enough looking backdrops.
The big twist comes in the battle screen, where the action suddenly switches to a 3D viewpoint, the characters much larger than usual, giving battles a pretty dynamic look. It helps too, because you’ll be looking at the battle screen approximately every 30 seconds, as the amount of random battles in this game is truly ridiculous. In fact, it really kills any flow that Glorious Savior manages to get going.
Other than the graphics, the sounds are also exactly as you would expect too – swishing swords and spells, stirring battle music and so on and so forth.
The story found in Glorious Savior is interesting; very much like KEMCO usually manage to deliver. We play as Rain, a noble who is given a mission to retrieve a stolen sword, the Hero’s Sword. This is a relic from when the Overlord was defeated. Of course, we can’t complete this mission alone and so we are joined by Viola, Soleil and April as we attempt to recover the sword. Through various means, we end up 300 years in the past, just in time to face the Overlord the first time around! The question is, will Rain et al ever see home again, or are they stuck in the past?
The twist is in the combat
With the story nailed on and the presentation discussed, it is time to look at the gameplay. Most of this is much the same as we have seen in countless KEMCO games before – our team wander around on the world map, having battles every ten paces, until we reach the destination we were aiming for – either a town to advance the story, or a dungeon to go and explore. So far, so good. However, there are a couple of things that set Glorious Savior apart from the rest…
The first difference is the presence of a Weapon Fairy, Cobalt, who comes with us. His job is to take the weapons that we find and upgrade them with new powers and extra attacks, using meteorites that we also come across. These weapons can have spirits added to them as well, giving extra powers such as the ability to see secret passages in the dungeons or to have additional health given to the wielder. With a whole lot of weapons to collect, from four different archetypes, including bow, guns, swords and staffs, there is a lot of flexibility here to make your team’s loadout unique to you.
This mechanic also carries through into the main combat screen, adding another layer of complexity. Each character can equip multiple weapons (and as you go on, they can equip up to four, but it is only two as you start the game) and if a weapon is not used in battle, it begins to build up an Aura charge. Once the Aura is full, attacking with the weapon can trigger a “Fever State”; when this occurs, the character with the Fever can attack multiple times for free, usually adding some special conditions to the foes, lowering their defence, for instance. Managing the character’s various weapons and picking the right attack at the right time can add to the challenge. Of course, with the amount of fighting you’re going to do in Glorious Savior, it is easier to get your characters to do it themselves, and the strategy can be set to allow you just to press Y and auto battle to your heart’s content.
Another new feature is the Fairy’s Garden level, where you can go to challenge various dungeons in an attempt to recover the Fairy King. These dungeons are made up of ten levels, and as you go deeper into the dungeon, the difficulty ramps up steadily, culminating in a fight against a demon at the bottom. If you can kill the demon, the dungeon is cleared, and the next one is unlocked. These dungeons have the possibility of finding rare weapons as you explore, with fairies in there to help, whether that be by healing the party or carrying out the weapons that you have found – when you beat the boss, you are only allowed to keep one weapon you have obtained, so these transport fairies are a big help. These levels add a lot to the challenge, and the opportunities there are very tempting.
A middle-of-the-road experience
Glorious Savior does have its stumbling blocks however, and the economy seems to be one. Usually, in a KEMCO game, by about halfway through I’m drowning in gold, but Glorious Savior seems very mean, giving paltry amounts for fighting. The health items and things you need to buy are also stupidly expensive, and so you constantly feel in a state of stress, especially as the team isn’t healed between fights. If you are poisoned in one fight, you will still be poisoned in the next ten seconds later, unless you can afford the item to purge poison.
All in all, the annoyances of Glorious Savior are pretty much balanced by the new mechanics, and as a result this is a very middle of the road game – it never quite tips over the edge into greatness, but neither does it fall into the pit of oblivion. The fights are far, far too numerous though, and it is this that is the big nail in the coffin. Glorious Savior is an RPG that feels more of chore to play than a pleasure, and that is not a happy state of affairs.
Are you ready to explore the exciting world of sweepstakes casinos? These unique online platforms offer players the chance to enjoy a wide variety of casino-style games without risking real money. Instead, you can play using a virtual currency called “Sweeps Cash.”
In this blog post, we’ll get into the details of how to obtain Sweeps Cash, the best sweepstakes casinos available, and the legality of these platforms in the United States.
What is Sweeps Cash?
Before we get started, let’s clarify what Sweeps Cash is all about. It is a form of virtual currency used exclusively on sweepstakes casino platforms. Unlike traditional online casinos that use real money, sweepstakes casinos allow you to play games and potentially win prizes using Sweeps Cash. You can obtain Sweeps Cash for free through various methods.
Top Sweepstakes Casinos for Free Sweeps Cash
Now that you know how to get your hands on Sweeps Cash let’s explore some of the best sweepstakes casinos in the USA.
Stake.us
With over 550 games to choose from, Stake.us offers an impressive selection of slots, table games, live dealer options, scratch cards, and exclusive titles. As a new player, you’ll receive a generous sign-up bonus of 250,000 Gold Coins and 25 Stake Cash.
Plus, don’t forget to claim your daily login bonus of 10,000 Gold Coins and 1 Stake Cash. Stake.us is backed by the popular gaming site, Stake, ensuring a top-notch gaming experience.
What sets Stake.us apart from other sweepstakes casinos is its Live Casino game library. The platform’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and find your favorite games.
In addition to the sign-up bonus and daily login rewards, Stake.us offers regular promotions and tournaments. Keep an eye on their promotions page to stay updated on the latest offers and opportunities to win extra Sweeps Cash.
Fortune Coins
Second on our list of sweepstakes casinos is Fortune Coins. It features a mix of in-house and popular third-party slots, giving you plenty of options to choose from. While they don’t offer classic table games like blackjack, roulette, or baccarat, they make up for it with a user-friendly mobile app.
As a new player, you can claim an impressive no-purchase bonus of 1,230,000 Gold Coins and 3,900 Fortune Coins (equivalent to $39). However, keep in mind that bank transfer is the only redemption option available.
One of the standout features of Fortune Coins is its mobile app. Available for both iOS and Android devices, the app allows you to play your favorite slots on the go. The app’s intuitive design and smooth performance make it a great choice for mobile gaming enthusiasts.
Fortune Coins also offers a unique loyalty program called “Fortune Club.” As you play and level up, you’ll earn Fortune Points, which can be redeemed for exclusive rewards and bonuses. The higher your level, the better the perks!
McLuck
With a substantial game library and a convenient mobile app for on-the-go gaming, McLuck offers an enjoyable gaming experience. Upon registration, you’ll receive 7,500 Gold Coins and 2.5 Sweepstakes Coins for free.
While they may not have as many promotional offers as other platforms, McLuck stands out with their live chat support, ready to assist you whenever you need it.
Just be aware that they have a more extensive list of restricted states compared to other casinos, including Washington, Alabama, Idaho, Kentucky, Nevada, Georgia, and Michigan.
One of the highlights of McLuck is its diverse game selection.
From classic slots to modern video slots, there’s something for every type of player. The platform also offers a variety of table games, including blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.
McLuck’s mobile app is another noteworthy feature. The app is well-designed and easy to use, allowing you to access your favorite games from your smartphone or tablet. Whether you’re at home or on the move, you can enjoy a seamless gaming experience with McLuck.
Pulsz
By providing wide range of purchase methods, including Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Union Pay, Discover, Trustly, and SKRILL, Pulsz makes it easy for players to buy coins. Their first purchase bonus is particularly attractive, giving you 200% more coins depending on the package you choose.
They have six different packages that offer a combination of Gold Coins, Sweepstakes Coins, and even a special Golden Key. It’s a great way to boost your Sweeps Cash balance right from the start.
What makes Pulsz stand out is its unique purchasing system. When you make a purchase, you not only receive Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins but also a Golden Key. These keys can be used to unlock special bonuses and rewards.
Pulsz also offers a wide selection of games, including slots, table games, and scratch cards. With new titles added regularly, you’ll always find something fresh and exciting to play.
SweepsSlots
Last but not least, SweepsSlots welcomes new players with a generous registration bonus of 10,500 Gold Coins and 300 Sweeps Coins.
While they don’t have a mobile app, their website is optimized for mobile play, allowing you to enjoy their games on your smartphone or tablet. SweepsSlots focuses primarily on slot games, making it an excellent choice for slots enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of SweepsSlots is its daily login bonus. Every day that you log in, you’ll receive a bundle of free Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. The longer you maintain your daily login streak, the bigger the rewards get!
SweepsSlots also offers a variety of slot tournaments, giving you the chance to compete against other players for prizes. These tournaments add a bit more excitement and offer a fun way to socialize with other slot fans.
Legality of Sweepstakes Casinos in The US
You might be wondering, are sweepstakes casinos legal in the United States? The answer is yes, thanks to their dual-currency model. By offering games that use virtual currencies like Gold Coins and Sweeps Cash, these platforms comply with state and federal laws.
However, it’s important to note that some states have specific regulations and restrictions. Always check the terms and conditions of each sweepstakes casino to ensure they operate legally in your state. Usually the states that have restrictions on Sweepstakes Casinos are Washington, Idaho, Nevada & Michigan.
It’s worth mentioning that sweepstakes casinos are not the same as traditional online casinos. While online casinos use real money for betting and payouts, sweepstakes casinos operate under a different set of rules. By using virtual currencies, they can legally offer their services to players in most states.
If you’re ever unsure about the legality of a particular sweepstakes casino, don’t hesitate to reach out to their customer support team. They should be able to provide you with clear information about their legal status and any restrictions that may apply in your state.
Responsible Gaming
While sweepstakes casinos offer a fun and entertaining way to enjoy casino-style games, it’s essential to prioritize responsible gaming. Always play within your means and set realistic limits for yourself. If you ever feel like your gaming habits are becoming problematic, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Most reputable sweepstakes casinos offer responsible gaming tools and resources to help you stay in control. These may include deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion options. Take advantage of these tools if you feel they could be beneficial for you.
Obtaining Sweeps Cash
One of the most common ways to get your hands on some Sweeps Cash is by taking advantage of the bonuses offered by sweepstakes casinos.
Have you heard of Daily Login Bonuses? Simply by logging into your account each day, you can receive a bundle of free GC and SC. It’s like getting a daily reward just for showing up!
When you first sign up for a sweepstakes casino, keep an eye out for Registration Bonuses. Many platforms will welcome you with a generous amount of Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Cash (SC) just for creating an account. It’s a fantastic way to kickstart your gaming journey without spending a dime.
As you continue to play on these platforms, you’ll want to pay attention to Loyalty Programs. The more you engage with the casino’s games, the higher your account level will climb.
With each new level, you can unlock exciting perks such as higher daily login bonuses, more coins on purchases, exclusive bonus offers, and even the support of a personal account manager. Talk about VIP treatment!
If you have friends or family members who might enjoy sweepstakes casinos, take advantage of Refer a Friend Programs. By bringing new players to the platform, you can earn some extra Sweeps Cash to boost your gameplay. It’s a win-win situation!
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Conclusion
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Grandia is an RPG that was released way back in the 1990’s, 1997 to be precise, on the original Sony PlayStation. Grandia II then launched a little later, in the year 2000, this time on Sega Saturn and PlayStation 2. Both these games received critical acclaim at the time, and have been firm favourites with RPG fans ever since.
Now, even though I owned the consoles in question, I never played these games back in the day (blame Square and Final Fantasy VII/VIII for that) but now I am in luck – thanks to Sickhead Games and GungHo Online Entertainment, for they have remastered and released both games onto Xbox, under the name of the Grandia HD Collection.
Promising to just give the games a graphical tidy up, without messing with the original gameplay and every thing that made them great, this sounds like an enticing prospect. Of course, if I had known just how big these games were…
A brilliant bit of retro RPG action
Having two RPGs to cover here, both of them being quite large games, means the review will be delivered in quite broad brushstrokes, all in order to not get bogged down in the minutiae of the games. We will begin with the story of Grandia, and while the narratives found in Grandia I and Grandia II aren’t linked in any way, there are similarities when it comes to gameplay.
In Grandia, we play the part of Justin; a young boy whose father was an adventurer. It is he who left him a spirit stone that would go on to lead him on an exciting adventure, one that focuses on the finding of the Angelou Civilisation. The journey takes him to new continents and even beyond the end of the world!
In Grandia II, we play as Ryudo, a Geohound (a kind of mercenary that are looked down on in polite company), as we find ourselves caught up in an apocalyptic scenario. You see, Valmar, the lord of all that is evil, is attempting to make his way back to the world and take over. Of course, this would be a bad thing, and so Ryudo, with the help of various and sundry supporting characters, must put a stop to it.
The two tales found in each game are really engrossing and you will come to care for the characters.
And so we move on to the presentation of Grandia HD Collection – again, it is also quite varied. Starting with the first game, the backgrounds of the levels we find ourselves in are drawn in 3D, but the character and enemy guys are made up of pixelated sprites; it does look a little old fashioned judging by today’s standards. Refreshingly, the camera is fully controllable, so you can see what is happening, and the battle screens and animations are all very nice as well. Grandia II, being a little later, uses the same kind of backdrop, but the characters and enemies have been updated to be made of polygons. They have that lovely retro look, where everything looks a little bit triangular. This is all very nice in action, and that same style is also carried over to the battle screen and the close ups of the victory poses which will really take you back.
Obviously there’s combat…
We can say that the sound and voice acting in both games is pretty good as well, as is the music. Come to Grandia HD Collection like a trip down Memory Lane and you’ll be well catered for.
Gameplay is the standard that we would expect from an RPG, and both games have common threads here. Starting with the combat screens, Grandia is based around a timing bar at the bottom of the screen – when it is your turn to choose what to do, there are a few options to pick from. You can action a regular attack, which hits an enemy twice, and you can also do a critical attack, which hits once but can interrupt an enemy on their turn, at least if you hit them at the right time. There are also special moves and magic to use, as well as having the option to pick from healing items or offensive items should you wish.
The way the battles play out works really well, with the move selection being chosen from a wheel that rotates until you have your selection in hand. Different moves take different lengths of time to pull off, and the longer the wind up, the more danger that an enemy will hit you and cancel the attack. The risk/reward mechanic found in Grandia HD Collection is bang on. Of course, enemies have the same weakness, and this, combined with the movement mechanic where you can actually choose to evade and run away from attacks, makes the combat still feel fresh today.
The rest of Grandia HD Collection is very much as you would expect. There is a world map with various locations on it, and choosing one of these takes you into it to explore. And the enemies that you can fight are visible on the screen, so if you are feeling a little bit fragile, you can try to outrun them; but be aware, if they catch you, they will get initiative and attack first. Running straight at the foes, in contrast, will sometimes give you the advantage, and since you really need to level up to have any chance later on in proceedings, the smart money is on fighting as much as you are able!
Best do as you’re told!
There are various things to find while exploring too and that means you’ll be able to keep up to date with new bits of kit that need to be equipped – such as amulets that provide wind protection, helpful against foes that use that element. There is no shortage of things to do in Grandia HD Collection in fact. You should however be aware that if you are coming from a modern RPG background, then you will fast discover there are no autosaves, so every time you see a save point, make sure you save. Otherwise you’ll find yourself repeating chunks of the game. Ask me how I know…
All in all, the Grandia HD Collection is absolutely brilliant value for money. Two full length classic RPG adventures are included in the package, and that means there are many, many hours of gameplay to be sunk in. Best of all, the prevalence of hints and tips on the internet (what did we do before this, eh?) means that both Grandia and Grandia II have a bright future on the Xbox.
Grandia HD Collection may not appeal to everyone, but those drawn to it will find this to be a great package.
We first became aware of Edifier as a brand a year or so ago, all as we stuck the Edifier GX Gaming Headset on our head. There were elements of that headset we absolutely loved, but issues meant it wasn’t something we could use on the daily.
There’s no doubt that aesthetically, Edifier know their stuff, continuing to excel design wise with their G2000 Gaming Speakers. Frankly, these look stunning sat on a desk (we’ve had them sitting either side of a dual-monitor set-up on our EZ Desk Carbon Edition), hooked up to a laptop or PC, delivering some really nice audio to the ears. In fact, no matter whether a minimal or flashy light-fuelled set-up is your bag, we’ll highly advise you to chuck these on your consideration list.
Stock image – The G2000 Gaming Speakers look good in white
The Edifier G2000 Gaming Speakers are a set of permanently attached speakers that should well ensure your gaming sessions are heightened. Connected by a single cable (180cm) between the two, one of those units works as the ‘master’ device, with the other slaving away to ensure some audio balance. All inputs and controls are found on the singular device, meaning that we’ve found it best to keep that one just within reach.
Running a chalky white and silver design (an all-black option is available), each speaker sits on a set of four rubber pads on the bottom. These ensure they stay put on any desk, rising from the platform with a slight hexagonal design. Curves and edges work well visually, with G2000 and Edifier logos pride of place, situated on the front and down one side. For the most part it’s just those logos that break up the white slabs, complementing the dark open front-facing speakers nicely. Yes, Edifier – again – are here, proving their worth in how to put a product together. Coming in with dimensions of roughly 10cm wide, 13cm high and 10cm deep, these are a well crafted set of duo speakers.
But they aren’t just for looking good. They sound excellent too. To our tastes, the G2000’s are nice and bassy, filling a room easily without ever having to take them up to top volume. For the most part they stay clear in that audio too, covering levels that you’ll appreciate, no matter whether you’re listing to music, watching YouTube videos or playing games. Perhaps, going to 11 and beyond sees some muddying (we’ve mostly found this with vocal audio accompanying a bassy soundtrack at full volume), but you’ll very rarely ever go up that high. We only did so for testing purposes, and aside from that, preferred to run at a more acceptable level.
Simple, easy to use controls
Edifier pretty much have your back in terms of connectivity too. Generally speaking, we’d say that these are best suited to a desk-based PC set up, running USB-A (a cable length of 1.2m) into the device of choice. But if you prefer to utilise a 3.5mm aux-in cable (a cable of 1.3m in length is included in the box), or Bluetooth capabilities, you can do so. Honestly, playing Game Pass titles on our phone, Bluetoothing things in to the G2000 has been our go-to over the course of the last few weeks, with stable connections at all times. Is there any lag through that? Perhaps just a tad, but it’s nothing to get too worried about. Obviously these are no good for mobile gaming and playing on the go, mostly as the G2000’s need a power supply to work, but if you’re sat at home and fancy a quick mobile-based Game Pass session, there’s next to no reason to not connect your phone to the G2000’s and power on through.
And no matter which of the connectivity options you run, controls are simple. Sitting on the external of one speaker is a little volume switch, a ‘Game’, ‘Music’ and ‘Movie’ mode button for your preference, and the power button. That power button also helps cycle through the aux, Bluetooth and USB connections. It’s all very simple stuff, but does the job nicely.
There’s more though and much like how Edifier lit up the late-night gaming sessions with some fancy lighting on the GX Gaming Headset, the same is true here. There are a dozen different lighting effects found on the G2000 Gaming Speakers, pushed out through some LED strips placed along the backend of each unit. Capable of being switched off fully, you’ll also find five solid colours available (we like the Xbox green for obvious reasons), a similar number of pulsating colours and then a cycle of the rainbow. It’s a nice touch and means that if you’re one of those gamers with lights coming out of your ears, the G2000 will fit your set-up well. Again, all of this is controlled via a single hold of a button on the side of the speaker.
LIGHTS!
So, ultimately, what does all this mean? Well, we’d go as far to say that if you are in the market for some desktop-based speakers, and occasionally want to use those same audio providers for Game Pass and mobile gaming, you should really crack on with purchasing the Edifier G2000 Gaming Speakers – or at the very least, sticking them on a consideration list. After a good few weeks of use, we’ve struggled to find many (read: any) real issues, with just a bit of muddy sound seeping through at very top end volume levels being a let-down. Honestly though, the G2000’s are so loud, you’ll rarely feel the need to push them to those utter limits. Once set-up, they’ve gone about their business without fail, pushing out some seriously bass-filled audio in the process and whilst we’d go with the white version that we’ve been using, if black is your bag, you’re equally covered.
Huge thanks go out to Edifier for providing us with the G2000 Gaming Speakers for review. Hit up Edifier direct or pay a visit to Amazon. You should expect to pay around £90.
The Halo Championship Series (HCS) has been the pinnacle of competitive Halo gaming over the past five years, highlighting top-tier talent and thrilling tournaments. This article explores the standout teams and memorable tournaments that have defined the competitive landscape of Halo. We will delve into the achievements of dominant teams and the evolution of tournament play and highlight the events that have captivated fans worldwide.
Dominance of Team Sentinels: Unmatched Performance in HCS
Team Sentinels have been a formidable force in the HCS, consistently delivering top performances and securing their status as one of the elite teams in Halo esports. Over the past five years, they have claimed multiple championship titles, including a memorable victory at the 2020 HCS Pro League Finals. Their strategic gameplay and cohesive team dynamics have set the standard for excellence in the series.
Rise of Cloud9: Emerging as Contenders
Cloud9, having entered the Halo scene more recently compared to other teams, has quickly risen through the ranks to establish themselves as one of the top contenders in the HCS. With a major win at the 2021 HCS Kickoff Major Raleigh, they solidified their reputation as a powerhouse capable of taking on the traditional giants. Their aggressive playstyle and adaptability have been key to their rapid ascent in competitive Halo.
Impact of OpTic Gaming: Consistency and Skill
OpTic Gaming has been a consistent presence in the HCS, known for their skilled roster and strategic mastery. Their most notable achievement came with a victory at the 2018 HCS Invitational, where they demonstrated their tactical prowess and deep understanding of the game. OpTic Gaming’s influence extends beyond their tournament wins, contributing significantly to the growth and popularity of Halo esports.
Evolution of HCS Tournaments: Innovations and Growth
The structure and scale of HCS tournaments have evolved significantly over the past five years. Innovations in tournament design, such as the introduction of online qualifiers and enhanced live event experiences, have improved accessibility and fan engagement. These changes have not only expanded the competitive scene but have also elevated the standard of play, making each tournament more exciting than the last.
Memorable HCS Events: Tournaments That Shaped the Scene
Among the most memorable events in HCS history is the 2019 Halo World Championship, which featured an epic showdown between Team Sentinels and OpTic Gaming. This tournament is celebrated not only for its high-stakes gameplay but also for its dramatic narratives and the incredible atmosphere generated by the passionate fan base.
Player Influence on Team Success: Key Figures in Halo Esports
The success of teams in the HCS often hinges on the performance of standout players. Figures like Frosty from Team Sentinels and Shotzzy from OpTic Gaming have become icons of the Halo esports community. Their individual skills and ability to perform under pressure have led their teams to numerous victories and have earned them individual accolades as well.
Sponsorship and Media Coverage: Enhancing the Halo Esports Ecosystem
Sponsorships and media coverage have played pivotal roles in the development of the HCS. Major brands and media outlets have invested in the series, bringing more attention and resources to the tournaments. This support has helped professionalize Halo esports, providing teams and players with the resources needed to compete at the highest level.
Engaging the Audience
To increase fan engagement and excitement around tournaments, betting promotions have become more prevalent in the HCS scene. These promotions offer fans a way to participate in the action, adding an extra layer of excitement to the viewing experience. Such initiatives have not only drawn more viewers but have also introduced a new dynamic to fan interaction during HCS events.
Challenges in Competitive Halo: Overcoming Obstacles
Despite the growth and success of the HCS, the series has faced challenges, including adapting to changes in game mechanics and dealing with the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges have tested the resilience and adaptability of the teams and organizers, shaping the series into what it is today.
Looking to the Future: Prospects and Predictions for Halo Esports
As the HCS continues to evolve, the future looks promising for Halo esports. With the upcoming release of new Halo titles and potential expansions in the series, the community is optimistic about continued growth and the introduction of even more competitive opportunities. This progression promises to keep the HCS at the forefront of esports entertainment, captivating fans and players alike.
Reflecting on the past five years of the Halo Championship Series reveals a dynamic and evolving competitive landscape filled with remarkable teams and unforgettable tournaments. As the series progresses, it continues to be a seminal part of the esports world, driving the popularity of Halo and setting the bar for what competitive gaming can achieve.
After the bloody romp I had with Dead Island 2 upon its release, I had high hopes going into the DLC.
The first offering, Dead Island 2: Haus, was a wonderful self-contained story that leant more into the actual horror aspect of Dead Island. The ‘forests’ you wandered around whilst in a cult HQ did make me feel slightly uneasy. However, Dead Island 2: SoLA looks more like the main game; sun-drenched and bloody. As you head over to a music festival that is so LA (you can see where the name comes from) is it a fire festival, or a Fyre festival?
Heading to Dead Island 2: SoLA?
You can access the SoLA festival as long as you have completed the Giant Slayer main mission in the base game. Unlike the Haus DLC, SoLA acts like a new location on the map, requiring you to first find the entrance to it in Beverly Hills. From there, you can then fast travel to it.
Once you arrive, things are pretty much as you would expect them to be. Exactly how this festival turned into a raging pot of zombies though is something new entirely. The first thing you will do is find the safe house for this area, and inside is a new character called Grace. She explains that the zombies here were turned by listening to a strange beat being played out of some custom made speakers. You, being immune, offer to investigate.
Dead Island 2: SoLA feels like much more of an extension of the main story than the Haus DLC. The odd character makes a reappearance, and at one point you head back to the main map to complete a mission for the DLC. Therefore, despite being available from around halfway through the main story, it is advisable to be nearer the end before attempting.
The DLC comes with what you would expect: new weapons, new zombie variants, new bosses, new locations, new skills etc. However, many of these threw up issues for me.
New gear is good – but let us use it!
Firstly, the new weapons. One of which, the Ripper, is available for purchase in the safehouse for an extraordinary amount of money. One thing I have always struggled with is money in Dead Island 2, and with how repairs and upgrades work, saving that kind of dollar is unlikely. The second new weapon, the Sawblade Launcher, is given to you as a reward for completing the DLC, similar to how it was in Haus. No. Give me these new weapons to play around with in the DLC, rather than at the end when I am likely to never use them.
Then we get to the new variants. The first one you will encounter is the Whipper, which uses its own intestines to whip you. The range with these is nothing short of ‘long’ and with a new AoE attack it is frustrating, albeit in a good way, as you work out the best way to deal with it. The other new zombie though, the Clotter, is just downright annoying, turning into bloody puddles of ooze whenever you are getting close to an attack. The fact these usually attack in pairs makes them all the more annoying.
The main boss of Dead Island 2: SoLA is known as The Dirge; very much like an apex variant of the Clotters. After his initial appearance, The Dirge will pop up periodically to terrorise you, not too dissimilar from say Mr. X or the Nemesis from Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 respectively. He is impervious to any of your attacks, meaning your only option is to run.
The new boss is interesting in how it infrequently appears to rain on your parade. But the new safe house is dead centre of the DLC and in a big field, so I never really felt trapped by it. Unlike say, if it was to appear in the Halperin Hotel section or down in the sewers.
His final boss fight is also one of the trickiest in the entire game. Without giving too much away for plot details, your best bet would be to bring a friend.
Most definitely Dead Island 2!
All this is wrapped up in a DLC that should take no longer than three hours to complete. It felt Dead Island 2: SoLA would have been slightly longer than the Haus DLC, but they are of a similar length.
But SoLA still manages to feel unnecessarily dragged out. A couple of side quests pop up, but the main narrative and quest design feel purposefully made to have you running to and from the same locations repeatedly. And even with the aforementioned returning to the main map for a quest, it is all padding to give the DLC an acceptable runtime.
It is likely that Dead Island 2: SoLA is the last major update for Dead Island 2. It’s a shame then that it’s the weaker of the two post-release add-ons, as many will have had higher hopes for this one based on the setting alone. But the set-up and the premise are a bit of a disappointment. That, along with some questionable design choices – like locking away one of the new weapons until the end or somehow feeling like a three hour DLC is padded out – means you may just want to say so long to the SoLA DLC sooner than you were anticipating.
I’m in the fifth stage of Aery. There may be more. The first stage was Curiosity, as I couldn’t figure out how this bird-centred series could be so long-running. Then it was Relaxed as I played a couple and immediately keyed into the laid back pace. Then it was Bemused as, after each release, I got a sense of deja vu that I had played levels before. Finally it was Boredom as, yep, I was definitely playing levels I had played before, and Anger – where I am now – at the audacity of releasing the same game every month.
The Aery games aren’t going to stop, so – as someone who has played them all – I should probably take a holiday from them. If they’re not going to have a break, perhaps I should, for my own sanity. But the completionist in me can’t stop. I’ve got to play them all, angry or not.
A neon hit for Aery?
First impressions were good. Aery – Cyber City is the same bird-soaring simulator as all the other games (it was never going to change that much), but the first levels felt new. Taking inspiration from Cyberpunk 2077, it explores a neuromantic city at various levels of zoom. We would be gliding through industrial warehouses and then on to Casino City-like landscapes, feeling like a flying taxi in Blade Runner. We’ve been to plenty of futuristic cities in Aery, but not quite so neon, and not quite so thick with detail.
While the art is still reasonably rough and polygonal, there’s just so much richness in each scene that it starts coming together effectively. CD Projekt Red won’t lose any sleep, but for an indie title that’s south of a tenner, it’s well done.
We can’t be one-hundred percent certain, but we think something dramatic has changed on the engine side, too. Aery often has some of the worst pop-in in gaming, as entire mountainsides can appear and punch you in the face mid-swoop. But we barely noticed any pop-in at all. That’s partially down to the smog, darkness and chromatic aberration that’s sneakily applied, but we think there’s something under the hood, too. The odd space level even manages to feel sprawling.
And then there’s a complete lack of bugs. We think that makes two Aery releases in a row where we were able to reach the end of the game. Praise the parrot! It shouldn’t need celebrating, but we’ve been frustrated by Aery so often in the past that we can’t help but raise a glass to it.
Wat dis? New Aery levels?
Which is all rather positive. It would be a sign of potential improvement, a sense that Aery might be turning a corner, if Aery – Cyber City didn’t regress in a different category. Because Aery – Cyber City is an enemy of fun. It’s forgotten old rules, things it has learned over the past bazillion entries, and is poorer for it.
Aery, if you’re not familiar, wants you to glide a bird around an environment in search of feathers. As one feather is found, the next in the chain appears, and you’re meant to follow them in succession until the final one is gathered. It’s a cozy experience that barely strays into thought. You can entirely switch off and bumble from collectible to collectible.
Except Aery – Cyber City doesn’t let you switch off. Rather than leave a trail of breadcrumbs, like an aerial Hansel and Gretel, it throws the breadcrumbs into the air and lets them fall where they may. Collect a feather and the next appears, but it could be anywhere. It doesn’t appear somewhere within your viewpoint: it could be sharply up, down or even behind you. Often, that means backtracking to old areas over and over again.
It’s perfectly possible to find a feather in Aery – Cyber City, sigh, and then perform a full 360 in the search for the next one. And then, because it’s a 3D space, you dip your nose and raise it to see if it’s above or below. Then you swoop around in the hope that a twinkly feather will appear on a distant horizon. At least four or five times in a level, we would head in a direction merely out of hope.
You’ll need to hunt for those feathers
There’s one feather in particular that had us cursing the devs. Feather 23 on level 5 required us to head through a Stargate-like ring for five whole minutes, through yet another Stargate ring, and then – just as we were about to give up and head the other way – the feather appeared. When Aery is so slow and painful to backtrack, this approach of keeping feathers distant from each other is less than helpful. It’s an approach we thought Aery had long ditched.
The effect is that a laid back game stops being laid back. We were constantly sulking and crabbing at Aery – Cyber City, as we couldn’t get comfortable because yet another feather was a couple of miles from the last one. It’s like being laid down for a massage, relaxing the muscles, only to be jabbed in the ribs at random intervals. You can’t relax when there’s the threat of frustration at every corner.
Aery – Cyber City became something of a mixed bag. We appreciated the art and tech improvements, flying around without the nagging sensation that we had been there before. That’s new. We don’t take that for granted at all. Aside from a completely unclear last level (you can have too much chromatic aberration, EpiXR) this has a much higher percentage of new, readable and even attractive levels.
The least enjoyable of all the Aery games?
If only we could have appreciated them without being royally peeved. Flying from feather to feather just isn’t fun or relaxed when those feathers seem placed at random. In pure gameplay terms, we think Aery – Cyber City might be the least enjoyable of all Aery games.
Which leads to the inevitable question: when you’ve released dozens of Aery games, how can the latest one be arguably the least enjoyable? That’s a special kind of achievement.
If you’re going to make a game where falling into water is instant death, don’t make your main character a frog. Don’t pick the world’s most iconic amphibian. Sure, it’s not a criticism that should ever factor into the scoring of a game, but come on, it’s a frog, people.
To give SokoFrog some credit, there are other more frog-appropriate ways to die. Spikes, for example. And bottomless black holes. We appreciate that these are hazards you should avoid as a box-pushing frog.
The ‘Soko’ in the SokoFrog title comes from ‘Sokoban’, the Japanese word for ‘warehouse keeper’, and the 1982 classic that kickstarted the genre of box puzzles. Thanks to the influence of that game, we have played umpteen similar games over the years, clearing crates to get to exits, drop boxes onto switches and other variations. Doing it as a frog, though, may be a first.
Get pushing those boxes – as a little frog
SokoFrog doesn’t waste its time trying to explain why you are here or why you’ve got webbed feet and hands. It’s 100 puzzles where the aim is to nudge a kind of companion cube onto a matching square somewhere else on a grid. Manage that and a door slides open, taking you to the next level. That’s it: there’s no remixes on that theme. SokoFrog is deliberately simple.
What does change is the layout of the level and the obstacles in the way. As you’d expect from the subgenre, there are other, less vital blocks cluttering the room. And there are sides and corners to the room: the enemy of any Sokoban. Push your crate into one of these and there’s a good chance it will be stuck there forever. You can’t get behind the block to push it. Your only option is to tap RB and restart the sucker.
Levels become tentative affairs, as you move square by square working out what will progress you and what will kill you (or get you irredeemably stuck). And the levels start stirring in more and more considerations. Holes are hazards until you realise that you can push unwanted blocks into them. Spikes will kill you, but – again – they can swallow up blocks too. Tall blocks can be pushed into holes to make gangways, and bombs will obliterate some of those blocks that were impending you earlier. As you can probably tell, each obstacle is neatly double-edged. They can help you just as much as hinder you.
And there are the changes of setting, introduced every twenty levels. Ice levels are box-sliding puzzles, as one delicate tap will send the box shooting into a direction. Mines will only let you see a few feet in front of your face. Suddenly, there’s a pile of stuff that you have to factor in when solving a level.
Frogs love water, right?
Our abiding question, though, is why is SokoFrog so afraid to use them? SokoFrog is at pains to create such a broad selection of toys and blockers, but it’s too worried about whether you might get stuck. So it withholds them, rarely using more than one in each level, and they are toothless as a result.
Take the obstacle crates. There’s almost always one of them in a level, and they’re in your way. Other Sokobans would have you working out which square or nook to tuck them into, perhaps even performing a dance as you have to sidle the unwanted box around your companion cube without getting either of them stuck. But SokoFrog worries that will be too much, so chucks in pits and spikes. All you have to do is push the blocking crate into one of them, and it’s no longer a consideration. Each level starts by ‘killing’ these boxes, and that’s trivially easy. It’s almost pointless having the crates there in the first place. We couldn’t help wonder what the game would look like without pits and spikes.
Stopping short of difficulty is SokoFrog’s favourite hobby. Bombs should be amazing. Working out what to blow up to create a path, all while avoiding exploding your crate, is a cracking addition to the genre. They even act like Bomberman bombs, exploding in channels. But SokoFrog keeps giving you winks and nudges about where the bomb should go. Look! There are three blocks with a gap between: perhaps a bomb should go there! It’s satisfying to see them explode, but – again – it’s more trivial than, say, a puzzle.
The levels are careful to keep puzzle elements separate from each other. Bombs don’t meet sliding puzzles, tall blocks don’t meet dark rooms. It gives each biome a distinct feel, but it also means some opportunities go unexplored. Later levels could have stacked these things up to get us stroking our beards, but our beards went unstroked.
A little snack of a game
For a younger player, this is a good thing. If you’re introducing a pre-teen to the genre for the first time, then SokoFrog is carefully curated to be that experience. There’s generally one problem to solve per level, and there aren’t many permutations for how the problem can be solved. SokoFrog is actually very good at making you think that you’re a Mensa superstar when, actually, there was only one way that you could have pushed the block without it nestling into a corner.
For anyone other than a pre-teen, SokoFrog will lack a bit of edge. It could very easily have been a poison dart frog, laced with death, but instead it’s a cuddly plushy. We would suspect that the average gamer reaches the end of its 100 levels in under 90 minutes. There are no nobbly achievements to worry yourself about: you will have the full Gamerscore in your pocket without replaying a thing. Which, now we think about it, is also a missed opportunity. Completing the levels in a minimum number of moves, time limit, or even nabbing collectibles – hidden or visible – would have added some easy longevity. But SokoFrog doesn’t quite have the chutzpah to do that, either.
SokoFrog is a breezy and well presented Sokoban that would serve as a good entry point to the genre. But it’s also deathly worried about being challenging or remotely complicated. If it took more risks, it could have been a meal: as it is, it’s just a frog-leg snack.
Coming from Solluco and Eastasiasoft, purveyors of cheap software with easy achievements, comes something of a departure from the norm. I don’t mean in the presentation or the action on offer, but in the structure of the achievements.
The game in question is Ratyrinth, a very clever mashup of “Rat” and “Labyrinth”; it’s those two words that pretty much tell you all you need to know about the game. So let’s head to the maze and see if we can get our rat through it…
A rat, in a labyrinth
Being an action adventure platformer, apparently, you’d expect Ratyrinth to have a bit of a story behind it. But perhaps you shouldn’t hold your breath for there’s not too much in terms of lore. We are a rat, or maybe a mouse (it isn’t clear but judging by the game name…), and we have been “drastically” separated from our family. It’s here where we are dropped into a scary forest that is filled with scarier creatures, left to work through numerous levels in hope of being reunited with the family again. Sounds like my drive home in the evening…
With the story held on with PVA glue, it’s probably best to turn our attention to that of the presentation. And it should come as no surprise to anyone that Ratyrinth is unashamedly retro. In fact, it is so retro that it put me in mind of some ZX Spectrum games I used to play decades back. But that said, strangely, this 1-bit, monochrome, pixel art approach does actually work for this game.
Each level is viewed from a side-on perspective, as we begin at the left of the screen and have to reach the right hand side, with various obstacles in between the two points. The screen is simple and uncluttered, whilst the overall aesthetic is very cute, almost cuddly. If it wasn’t a rat, of course! The sound is also just fine, but I’ve personally found the music that accompanies the adventures to be pretty cool – it fits the action perfectly and adds to the experience. It must be said that this is an oldie but a goodie.
Retro Rats!
There are no real surprises found in the gameplay on offer either. There are various creatures that we have to avoid (no combat here) ranging from snails, through jumping frogs, to egg chucking birds – and that is only in the first ten levels! Later foes include fish and squid that frequent some water based levels, while the environment itself is also a major killer; there are spikes and various other traps to avoid. Our little rat can jump, wall jump, cling to walls as he descends, and also swim – what a talented rodent!
As you’d expect, Ratyrinth is largely about timing and learning the levels. While you will die (a lot, based on my extensive research) you are never sent further back than the start of the level that you died in. However, if you are anything like me, you’ll probably find the level hazards will kill you more than the enemies. Perhaps that is a little bit down to my aging reflexes, but there does seem to be a tiny bit of lag in Ratyrinth, especially between pressing A to jump and the rat actually doing it. It’s about that time in which I’ve run into some spikes. With a bit of careful recalibration it is possible to make sure that you press the button that split second before you think you should, but with the rest of the game priding itself on absolutely perfect timing, it is a bit weird to have to do this. Still, it is what it is!
Apart from this issue, the rest of the gameplay on offer in Ratyrinth is of a pretty high standard, and the game runs absolutely silky smooth on the Xbox Series X, which given the way that it looks is perhaps not that surprising. Still, the animation, while minimal, is effective while the levels do look very nice, in a retro kind of way.
A good amount of content is found in Ratyrinth
And whilst I’ve had fun, I have to admit to not caring overly if the rat made it home. However, due to a change in the way that Eastasiasoft usually dishes out achievements, at least there is a reason to keep pushing through – progress towards that 100% goal of getting all 1000G is tied to progress through the levels, with achievements given out roughly after every five levels. In addition, a title update has already been released, adding another 1000G – in order to claim everything, you will need to finish level no 75. Consider that the levels do get a lot more difficult as the game progresses and you’ll find a bit of an incentive to keep plodding through.
Ratyrinth is an enjoyable game, with only some weird input lag spoiling the party. Get used to that and there is a lot of content to go at. It may not be the best looking game out there, but there’s no doubt that there is still some fun to be had.
