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31 Aug 2023

Ghostrunner 2 Preview by @PixelHunted "harder, better, faster, stronger than the original" 🥷 @GhostrunnerGame #IndieGames #GameDev

I missed Ghostrunner on its original release, but when a polished next-gen edition landed on PlayStation 5 in 2021 I fell deeply dippy in love with its lightning-quick, lethal and acrobatic combat. Since then there’s been nothing else that’s captured the same sense of dynamic combat, where death you or your opponent’s death is a cyber katana swipe away.

Now, courtesy of a demo courtesy of developers One More Level, that same adrenaline rush is back. What’s immediately apparent is that everything great about Ghostrunner is present in the sequel. This is an evolution rather than a ground-up reworking, to the point where my initial suspicions were that little had fundamentally changed.

Arcadegeddon Ten Minute Taster PC Gameplay " Shootin' N Slidin' " 💥@Arcadegeddon #IndieGames #GameDev

Rich plays Arcadegeddon for the first time and experiences the tutorial and some of the adventure mode gameplay of this snappy FPS on PC.

Rise up and play with up to three friends in this ever-evolving cooperative multiplayer, rogue-lite shooter. Explore multiple biomes, and mini-games, find hidden chests, and defeat numerous enemies and bosses

Virtua Fighter 5 --The Ultimate Showdown PS4 Review 8.5/10 "does not fail to deliver hours of button-bashing gameplay..." 🤜💥🤛

The Fifth World Fighting Tournament has arrived, and it does not disappoint. 

Virtua Fighter 5 returns with its all-out action and fast-paced - fighting that any arcade beat em’ up fan would be proud of...

This arcade (turned-console) beat 'em' up classic harnesses all of the features you would expect from its predecessors and finds more in this all-enhanced re-master. All new downloadable content is available, such as costumes and themes, updated graphic interfaces and most of all its alternate life bar User interface graphics. If you have loved all the others, then you will enjoy this!

30 Aug 2023

Sonic Origins Plus XSX Review 8/10 "12 Game Gear Titles Join this Awesome Sonic Collection!" 💨 @sonic_hedgehog

The Sonic Origins collection was originally released in June 2022 on what was the blue Blurs’ 31st anniversary. Already a solid collection that featured HD remasters of:

  • Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
  • Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992)
  • Sonic CD (1993)
  • Sonic the Hedgehog & Knuckles (1994)

29 Aug 2023

Video Game LoFi - Deltarune Chapter 2 Vinyl Review "if you like this sort of thing, this is the sort of thing you’ll like" 📀💿 @CuragaRecords #VideoGameVinyl #Vinyl #VGM

Another day, another Video Game LoFi record to review, and this is a good thing. 

This one features re-imaginings of true Renaissance developer Toby Fox’s music for Deltarune Chapter 2. 

This release comes from Curaga Records as usual, on single black vinyl with a really nice holographic cover and heavyweight black paper sleeves. As with all VGLF releases, it’s got a premium feel.

25 Aug 2023

Best Budget Projector For Under £30 VANKYO LEISURE 430W Projector "Final Fight On The Big Screen!" 📽 @VankyoOfficial #HomeCinema #BudgetProjector

 

I recently bought the VANKYO LEISURE 430W Portable Projector from eBay second-hand for £25 and it was in immaculate condition. I decided to set it up in the kids' playroom/games room so that we could have family movie nights in our very own budget home cinema. I also connected the Raspberry Pi up to the projector to test that out and it plays like a dream. Here's a video talking you through my set-up and also a quick play on the Raspberry Pi / Retropie with some good old Final Fight - Hope You Enjoy It!

📽

24 Aug 2023

Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission VR Meta Quest 2 Review 7/10 "The Wolf is Back!" 🐺 @Virtuallyz_G

Operation Wolf is a game that pops up quite often whenever my family – my Dad, especially – talk about video games. Some of my earliest memories are of him hunched over that plastic Uzi, blasting away at a myriad of enemy soldiers….and never quite getting past the second jungle stage.

With these fond memories swimming about my mind, it was quite exciting to discover that Microids would be releasing this new VR version of the game, and whilst it may have its flaws and visual differences to the original, this captures the sense of mindless blasting action that Operation Wolf provided to so many fans back in the ‘80s.

23 Aug 2023

Moving Out 2 Nintendo Switch Gameplay No Commentary Ten Minute Taster 🚛 @MovingOutGame #IndieGames #GameDev

 

Moving Out is back and wackier than ever, and now with ONLINE PLAY! Return to Packmore and use your moving skills across brand-new dimensions and some old favourites. Help rebuild Smooth Moves and become an all-star F.A.R.T. (Furniture Arrangement & Relocation Technician)!

Gamify Your Favourite Sports with These Fun Options 🏀⚽️⚾️🏐🏈

The gamification of sports is a great way for people to be involved in their favourite sports on a new level. You might be a fan of playing certain sports or more of a spectator, but the gaming aspects of engaging with them can be fun for anyone. You might not even be a big fan of watching or playing any sports but you still like playing games related to them. There are multiple ways you can gamify sports, turning them into something you can be much more actively engaged with. Some of them are directly related to real gameplay, while others let you do your own thing.

Image from Pixabay - CC0 Licence

Those Games (or, YEAH! YOU WANT “THOSE GAMES,” RIGHT? SO HERE YOU GO! NOW, LET’S SEE YOU CLEAR THEM!) Review 6/10 "A great send-up of fake game ads that lacks the key fun factor" 🤳 @D3_PUBLISHER #IndieGames #GameDev

Designed as a series of actually accurate versions of games glimpsed in fake mobile gaming adverts in the days of yore, Those Games does a good job of representing the games that people who click on those ads assumed that they would play, but it’s a premise that – to me at least – is more fun in concept than in action.

22 Aug 2023

Killer Frequency Nintendo Switch Review 9.5/10 "Who doesn’t like jumping into a horror game?" 🔪 @KillerFrequency #IndieGames #GameDev

Who doesn’t like jumping into a horror game? Changing it up from racing, shooting, sports games – or even the hundreds of Battle Royale titles that continuously seem to get released.

KILLER FREQUENCY. A puzzle-horror based in 1987, in which you play as the radio host Forrest Nash of KFAM 189.16 who, due to unforeseen circumstances, becomes the 911 hotline in a little town called Gallow Creek.

How 2 Escape Nintendo Switch Preview 🗝️@JustForGames #EscapeRoom #IndieGames #GameDev

Sometimes I’m very much in the mood for escape room games – and even hidden object adventures, if things get crazy – and so the chance to dive into How 2 Escape, the upcoming co-op room escape game from developer Breakfirst via publisher Just For Games got my trousers in a right old twist!

As mentioned above, this is a co-op title – one player on the PC / console and the other either on PC or mobile using the How 2 Escape companion app.

Get the Most Out of Your Online Slot Machine Experience with These 4 Tips and Pointers 🎰

If you're new to the world of online slots entertainment, you may be wondering how to make the most of your experience. But before you start reading our study, you should know there is no proven strategy to win at slot machines when playing at UK casinos, as they rely on random number generators to determine payouts. That said, you can still employ these four tips and pointers in your strategy to make the most out of your bankroll and avoid unnecessary losses. 

Delisting of Rodea the Sky Soldier: A Collector's Interest ❎

 

In a significant move that has caught the attention of both gamers and collectors alike, Rodea the Sky Soldier, a title released in 2015 for the Wii U and 3DS platforms, has been delisted from the Eshop in North America and Europe as per Casino Gambler, a website about playing real money games in the UK. 

While the game may have yet to achieve critical acclaim during its original run, its fascinating journey and distinctive packaging have turned it into a sought-after item for collectors with an eye for the unique.

21 Aug 2023

Astebros SEGA Mega Drive Review 9.5/10 "The Pinnacle of Mega Drive Gaming" ⚔️ @DAsteborg #IndieGames #GameDev

Back in 2021, I was lucky enough to cover Demons of Asteborg, Neofid Studios’ first release on the Mega Drive. At the time I hailed it as a modern Mega Drive classic, I was really taken by the almost perfect action-platformer, which was up until that point the best game that I had covered on the Mega Drive as it was not only a great game to play, but was also a marvel in terms of the technical design.

In the space of only two years since that release, Neofid Studios have returned to the world of Asteborg and doubled down on what made the preceding title so great, this time upping the ante with local co-op and rogue-lite aspects that exist to add longevity to the game, making it the absolute cream of the Mega Drive crop.

18 Aug 2023

Cassette Beasts Ten Minute Taster PC Gameplay "Beast Mode!" 📼 @ByttenStudio #IndieGames #GameDev

Cassette Beasts has you collecting awesome monsters to use during turn-based battles in this open-world RPG. Combine any two monster forms using Cassette Beasts’ Fusion System to create unique and powerful new ones!

🕹️ GAME LINK:🕹️

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1321440/Cassette_Beasts

17 Aug 2023

GORD TEN MINUTE TASTER PC GAMEPLAY "Build A Gord and They Will Come" 🌳🪓 @GordTheGame #IndieGames #GameDev

Gord is a single-player adventure strategy. To survive, you must build, but to prevail, you must conquer the darkness beyond the gates.

In this dark fantasy world, you must complete quests while managing a populace whose personal stories and well-being decide the fate of your tribe.

A Little To The Left PC Gameplay PART III - Cupboards & Drawers DLC "Rummage My Drawers" 🕰️ @MaxInfernoGames #GameDev #IndieGames

 

The new A Little To the Left Cupboards & Drawers puzzle pack expands on the popular puzzles from the base game and will have you sorting through multi-layered levels, with multiple drawers and secret compartments galore. From cleaning products and craft knives, to dice and D-batteries, you will have to arrange and align hundreds of objects in A Little to the Left's most elaborate puzzles yet.

You can get the Cupboards & Drawers DLC on PC, Mac and Nintendo Switch.

Classic Racers Elite Nintendo Switch Review 6/10 "A Very Simple Racing Game To Drop in and Play" 🏎️🚗 @_VisionReelle_ #IndieGames #GameDev

I have always enjoyed racing games – whether it’s circuit, street, or rally racing – I am there! Classic Racers Elite is a time-trial-centric racing game, and that's pretty much it! featuring 12 championships and various takes on iconic cars from the 1960s, it could have been a keeper, however, it doesn't quite get there.

16 Aug 2023

SILT PC Review 8/10 "An introduction to puzzle games with a striking, eerie twist..." Review By Adelle 🤿 @adelinatalina @GamesCircus #GameDev #IndieGames

If you’re anything like me, you may tend to struggle solving puzzle games. On the other hand, maybe you’re just an exploration lover and you’re on the hunt for a mini atmospheric adventure game to play in your spare time.

If any of these apply to you, Silt might be the perfect candidate to add to your collection. 

15 Aug 2023

Syntech Docking Station For Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch & ROG Ally Unboxing and Set Up "Docking Makes Me Feel Good" ⚡️🔋🔌@syntech_home

 


Rich took some time to look at the Syntech 6-in-1 Docking Station for the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch and ROG Ally. In this video, we unbox the dock and set it up to test the connections and how easy it is to get working out of the box for the Valve Steam Deck.



Syntech Docking Station Purchase Link:
https://amzn.to/3qw6IUO (Amazon Affiliate Link)

14 Aug 2023

Sephonie (Console release) Nintendo Switch Review 8/10 "Analgesic Release 3D Platformer ‘Sephonie’ on Consoles" 🏃‍♀️ @han_tani #GameDev #IndieGames

My esteemed colleague Pixel Hunted covered Sephonie upon its PC release last year and quite frankly, I’ve been furiously jealous of him ever since. I’ve recently had the pleasure of playing the newly released console version on Switch, in hands trembling with excitement…and possibly unbridled passion.

The developers’ previous game – Anodyne 2 – was my game of the year in 2021 and I’ve been waiting to get my hands on Sephonie since it was first announced, I admittedly had high expectations, knowing what gold the devs were capable of.

11 Aug 2023

A Little To The Left PC Ten Minute Taster Gameplay Part 2 "More Rummaging Through Bookcases" 🍴✂️ @MaxInfernoGames #IndieGames #GameDev

 

Onwards into the tidying frenzy that is A Little To The Left. I was actually looking to play the DLC in this part 2 but I managed to forget to download the DLC.

Instead, I gave tidying up another go and will be back with a part 3 soon...

KEMCO: 50 RPGs Celebratory Bundle ⚔️ 💀

I have to say, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like this on the Xbox! 50(!) games included in a huge RPG bundle that will keep you busy for hundreds - possibly thousands - of hours, if you have the tenacity to finish them all!

10 Aug 2023

Peppa Pig: World Adventures (mini) Xbox Review 7.5/10 "Peppa Goes Global" 🐷 @Outright_Games #IndieGames #VideoGamesForKids #GameDev

Publisher Outright Games’ releases have had such a joyful impact on my 2-year-old that I actually sent them an email of thanks a few months ago. This new release continues the theme of incredibly accessible games with visuals and tonality that accurately reflects the franchise on which they are based, turning them into interactive experiences for all the family.

9 Aug 2023

Layers of Fear Xbox Series X Review 6/10 “Constant corridors and predictable scares” 😱 @Layers_Of_Fears #IndieGames #GameDev

Layers of Fear is an enhanced remake of - you guessed it - Layers of Fear, but it’s not just an enhanced remake of the first game, it also includes a remade version of the sequel as well as ‘The Inheritance’ DLC, and two new additional stories – ‘The Writer’, and ‘Final Note’.

I have never played any of the original series, although I have heard of them, and had an idea of what they were about - but I never went ahead and gave them a go, so with this release, it seemed a perfect chance to jump in and experience them in all their new Unreal Engine 5 glory.

8 Aug 2023

AEW: Fight Forever Xbox Series X Review 6/10 “Great in-ring action, but certain areas need more depth” 🤼‍♂️ #AEW

AEW Fight Forever is the new wrestling offering from developer Yukes, upon its first announcement it was made clear that this game was going down a different path, it would not concern itself with the more simulation style of gameplay, instead opting for a more arcade-orientated approach. For me this was music to my ears, as  I’ve complained for years that arcade was the way to go, opting for fun over realism.

I’m happy to say that the gameplay is the game’s biggest strength; it’s fun, brutal, and packs a punch. Matches are about building momentum and damaging your opponent, you use a combination of strikes and grapples - strikes are a combination of punches and kicks, which can be chained together for maximum effect; grapples can be done in a variety of positions and take many forms, they are easy to execute and have a nice variety. There is a nice fluidity to all of the combat giving a fast pace to matches. 

7 Aug 2023

GIMMICK Special Edition PS4 Ten Minute Taster Gameplay "My word this is tough!" 💚 @bitwavegames #IndieGames #GameDev

Save the day as a star-shooting, platform-bouncing cutie pie in Gimmick! Special Edition.

SUNSOFT's beloved physics-based action platformer finally bursts onto current platforms enriched with a rewind feature, a time attack mode, online leaderboards, and modern extras.

4 Aug 2023

The Legend of Synthwave Vinyl Review "If The Legend of Zelda was an ‘80s movie, this would be its soundtrack" ⚔️💿 #Vinyl #VideoGameVinyl #VGM @GameChops @iamhelynt @VideoGameDJ

It’s Summer, and absolutely the right time for some soothing Synthwave coolness. Cue GAMECHOPS release The Legend of Synthwave, which imagines classic tunes for this most beloved of franchises re-imagined as a breezy neon electronica soundtrack. Good.

The cover – which is rich with shades of pinks and purples,  features a bespectacled and smiling Zelda – with Master Sword earrings, natch – emblazoned under a starry night sky, with the Tri-Force symbol behind her, and mountains rising up from a neon checker design that stretches into the horizon.

This artwork (courtesy of ONSTA) is GLORIOUS. There are nods throughout - in the designs and clothing - of Zelda to the franchise, whilst being a vibrant, stylish piece of art in its own right – it completely conjures up the melding of Zelda and synthwave in incredible detail, awesome stuff.

The rear cover art furthers the landscape set out on the front with the Duelling Peaks, black palm trees and that neon pattern drenched in hues of – again – pinks and purples. It’s very evocative of the ‘80s, and I wouldn’t have been surprised to see Don Johnson tucked away in there somewhere….wearing wicker shoes with no socks in sight.

The records are ensconced in anti-static sleeves and comes on double red/purple, pressed at 45RPM. – again, the colour choice and inner-circle design are completely in tune with the rest of the artwork, it’s a very mood-setting record, even when taken at first glance.

Opening the cover shows off the illustration that is spread across the double gatefold sleeve, a starry Zelda on a pink motorbike surrounded in a fuzzy dreamscape – a smile still plastered across her face. On the right-hand side are the track listing and credits, the blues of these pages breaking up the external colours whilst also being a thematic match.

3 Aug 2023

Dredge PS5 Review 8/10 "a wonderful, cosy fishing game with a slightly Lovecraftian horror twist" 🎣 @BlackSaltGames #IndieGames #GameDev

 

When it comes to games wherein you collect and sell things repetitively, I tend to only play them occasionally, but after seeing the trailer for Dredge, you could say I was ‘game’ to give it a go.

Dredge starts with your character - a fisherman, nonetheless - making his way through a foggy sea before he inevitably has a shipwreck. Waking up on a deck on a small fishing island called Greater Meadows...his journey begins.