Life On Earth: Reimagined SEGA Mega Drive Review 8/10 "Boobs, bullets and a bloody serious challenge" 🌎 @Kai_MSX #Retrogaming #IndieGame #GameDev

I previously covered KAI Magazine Software’s Metal Dragon and Life on Mars: Genesis, thoroughly enjoying both. Life on Earth: Reimagined is set in the same universe as Life on Mars, and casts you in the role of the extremely buxom and impractically dressed Zhira, who is on a mission to halt the progress of a Mars-based lifeform that was brought to Earth for study and has - naturally - broken free of its restraints, and is quite frankly – causing ructions.

First impressions are fantastic, the action is quick and precise, with the gameplay being reminiscent of titles such as Rolling Thunder 2, or Sunset Riders as Zhira combats spawning enemies from all sides as she makes her way through the stages. Oscar Albero’s graphics are genuinely stunning in some areas, as cherry blossom trees and cityscapes at night rush past in a whirlwind of cyberpunk. Zhira’s arsenal consists of a melee attack and well as standard, triple, auto, and explosive shots to take down the myriad enemies that come at her in waves. There’s also other vehicular sections to add variety to the gameplay, not to mention multi-section bosses to take down in pitched battles scattered throughout.

I also have to mention the incredible music in Life on Earth: Reimagined, as the composer Savaged Regime has created something glorious here, it’s one of the most ‘Mega Drive’ scores I’ve ever heard and pulls out all the stops in creating an audio environment for the game that absolutely rocks, fantastic stuff! They also have more music available so please check out the incredible talents of Savaged Regime.

So, there’s a lot to love about Life On Earth: Reimagined, with solid mechanics, tasty gameplay, incredible audio….but it’s also worth mentioning the difficulty, as this is a game that is not shy. In the tougher stages, enemy respawns can be problematic and pretty consistent, alongside a chase stage in which Zhira is pegging it away from an encroaching explosion that will really test your patience and get your MD controller creaking. That said, if you like a challenge in your games, that will very much be of appeal, as – although you can lower the difficulty, completing the game on easy mode doesn’t show you the full game, so you’ll need to up the challenge to see the true end of Zhira’s adventure.

In terms of the physical release, the clamshell box is solid and features a reversible cover that alternates between the early and later styles of releases on the MD, inside are some art cards featuring Zhira, as well as a multi-language full colour booklet that is packed with information about the game. 

SUMMARY

As usual – KAI Magazine Software have released a top quality modern MD game that feels right at home on the system, with the music especially feeling like it’s showing SEGA’s 16-bit console at its best. A great run n’ gun title that doesn’t take any prisoners when it comes to challenge!

8/10

🆒COOL🆒

🔗Purchase Link: 

Life on Earth: Reimagined for the Sega Genesis (European classic cover)

 

Farming Simulator 16-Bit Edition: Retro Cartridge Collectible from GIANTS Software & Strictly Limited

April 11, 2025 – Today Strictly Limited is excited to officially announce the upcoming release of Farming Simulator 16-Bit Edition for Mega Drive/Genesis compatible consoles. This limited edition is the result of a unique collaboration with game publisher and developer GIANTS Software, following the success of their Farming Simulator 25 Collector’s Edition, which launched in November 2024 exclusively for PC, while the Standard Edition was released for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The Collector’s Edition featured a retro cartridge-style version, which received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both fans and collectors. The response was so strong that it prompted GIANTS Software to explore a standalone, retro version—leading to this dedicated 16-bit release with Strictly Limited. For Collectors: Limited Edition & Deluxe Edition This unique retro adaptation of Farming Simulator will be available in two collectible formats: a Limited Edition, launching on May 14, 2025, and a Deluxe Edition, arriving in July 2025. Both editions will be available exclusively through the Strictly Limited Store. Each Strictly Limited edition will include an exclusive green cartridge, produced in a total quantity of only 1,000 units worldwide. The green cartridge is unique to the Strictly Limited Store and will not be available elsewhere, making it a highly sought-after item for collectors. The Limited Edition will retail at €49.99, while the Deluxe Edition—which includes additional collectible content—will be priced at €69.99. Retro Cartridge Returns at Select Retailers In addition to the Strictly Limited store exclusive editions, a separate edition featuring a black cartridge will be made available by Strictly Limited to select retail partners such as Amazon for the global market and VideoGamesPlus in North America. While the content of the game remains the same, the cartridge color and packaging will clearly distinguish the retail version from the Strictly Limited exclusive editions. A rare opportunity awaits retro gaming enthusiasts and fans of the Farming Simulator series to experience the franchise in a fresh format, reimagined with the authentic feel of classic 16-bit gameplay. Both editions are fully compatible with Mega Drive/Genesis-like retro hardware and reflect Strictly Limited’s ongoing commitment to preserving and celebrating gaming culture through high-quality physical releases.   For media inquiries, assets, or review samples, please contact: derek@prhound.co.uk   About Strictly Limited Strictly Limited is a Germany-based publisher specializing in exclusive, collectible physical editions of digital games. With a focus on quality, preservation, and curated design, Strictly Limited partners with developers worldwide to bring unique releases to passionate fans across the globe.   About Farming Simulator With more than 40 million copies of the main series sold worldwide since 2008, the Farming Simulator franchise is leading in its genre. Available on all major platforms, the games feature hundreds of authentic machines from renowned brands and offer compelling agricultural simulation with relaxing, family-friendly gameplay. It’s based on the powerful GIANTS Engine – built in-house to provide realistic physics, high-fidelity graphics, dynamic systems and extensive modding support. Visit farming-simulator.com for more information.   About GIANTS Software GIANTS Software is an international game developer and publisher from Switzerland, established in 2004 and known worldwide for creating the popular Farming Simulator franchise. Self-sufficient with offices in Switzerland (Zurich), Germany (Erlangen), USA (Chicago) and the Czech Republic (Brno), the team is committed to position itself as a leading publisher in the simulation genre, with Project Motor Racing to be introduced to the racing scene soon. The company maintains a global network of partners and close ties with respective industries. Visit giants-software.com for more information.

The Cursed Legacy SEGA Mega Drive Review 8/10 "Run n’ Gun? Metroidvania? Mini-games? The Cursed Legacy has you covered!" 💥 @Goodgamestudios @Broke_Studio #IndieGame #GameDev

The last game I played from GGS Studio was The Cursed Knight back in 2022, an awesome title that was also distributed through broke Studio. The Cursed Legacy is again a Mega Drive release that continues the high quality production values laid down by Broke Studio, as well as classic retro gameplay from GGS, and again continues their quirk of mixing up genres, in this instance those genres being run n’ gun, metroidvania, and riffs on classic mini-games.

The Blue Prince Xbox Series X Review 10/10 "A Labyrinth of Love" 🩵 @dogubomb @RawFury #IndieGame #GameDev

I’ve had my peepers on Blue Prince since it appeared as the cover article in issue 6 of Debug, a narrative-led puzzle title, it certainly sparked my intrigue.

The young nephew of a recently departed uncle, the protagonist has been tasked with locating the 46th room deep in the heart of a sprawling mansion that resets its rooms each day. 

The setup and premise – as well as the future revelations and key moments - are delivered perfectly, with every aspect of the game seeming a perfect fit with the other. For example, the rich, graphic-novel style visuals dovetail with the lilting, curious audio in a way that really pulls you into the game as you delve further and further into the mansion, collecting coins, jewels and more incremental permanent unlockables as you do so. 

Care Bears: Unlock The Magic Nintendo Switch Review 4.5/10 (also available on PS4/5) "lacking charm and magic" 🐻🐻‍❄️🐼 @MaximumEntmt

As a man in my forties, The Care Bears were very much a part of my childhood, and I watched show a lot as a kid, I was convinced that there was a Care Bears game on the C64, but in researching this article, I have very much been proven wrong, as the first released Care Bears title was in 2004! (WTF!!! - ed)

Regardless of my foggy memories, Care Bears: Unlock The Magic is unfortunately a charmless dud that feels like a half-finished game that had the Care Bears licensing slapped on during development, and really doesn’t feel that it’s taking full advantage of the rich, generation-spanning Care Bears heritage.

Effectively a single-player collection of mini-games, with an included digital art book, Care Bears: Unlock The Magic has an adventure mode that has you dancing along a 3D board in a 3D take on Snake, driving the Care Bear bus to pick up hearts in a simple vehicular section, pogoing across rivers, popping coloured bubbles a la Puzzle Bobble, and several more derivative mini-games that combine to allow you to make your way across the overworld game board, of which certain section are blocked by thunderstorms that require a certain amount of points to pass. The music is gentle and lilting, the frame rate 60fps, and the mini-games do ramp up in difficulty – so this isn’t a mindless trudge - but they always felt arbitrary, and there was no sense of charm or a love for the licence at hand.

SUMMARY

At it’s current price, Care Bears: Unlock The Magic is a tough game to recommend as it just feels like a compilation of forgettable – yet competent – mini-games that feel more at home on a mobile device. It was far too slight to engage me as an adult, and my four year old had no interest in the game, so unless you have a youngster that really has a connection with the franchise, this is a game that makes me dress up in my Grumpy Bear costume and sulkily fold my arms.

4.5/10

💧MELTED💧

🔗Care Bears: Unlock The Magic | Nintendo Switch games | Games | Nintendo UK

My Night Job On The Nintendo Switch "Ten Minute Taster" 🌃 @webcoregames #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich plays "My Night Job" which is a fast-paced arcade action-adventure game set in an abandoned mansion overrun by monsters.

Rich must use over 60 unique weapons, ranging from vases and chainsaws to shotguns and hammers, to fend off monsters while rescuing survivors and defending the building.

The game features an 80s horror movie aesthetic, blending nostalgia with bizarre humour. If too many rooms are destroyed or Rich's health runs out, his efforts will only be remembered in the high-score list.

A Dystopian Game That's A Cross Between Alan Wake, Control & Severance 📼💾 @pollard_llc #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich plays "Karma: The Dark World" which is a psychological thriller video game set in an alternate 1984. Rich steps into the shoes of Daniel McGovern, a Roam Agent working for the Leviathan Corporation.

Desktop Golf Nintendo Switch Review (also available on Steam) 8.5/10 "A Hole-in-One!" ⛳ @SAT_BOX_EN #IndieGame #GameDev

SAT BOX have quietly impressed me with their releases over the last few months, specialising as they do in simple premises done well. This latest release pretty much does what it says on the tin and casts you as a desktop golfer, you’ll be sailing your ball across fairways and dog-legs whilst making your way across bridges made of binders, whilst avoiding toys and pencils as well as the standard sand and water hazards. 

What We Learned About The Nintendo Switch 2 on The 2nd of April 2025 Nintendo Direct 🎮

I sat waiting for the Nintendo Direct that was going to lay out the details for the much anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 and overall it was a good Direct with most of our questions getting answered in the process. So let's take a quick look at what we learned:

Release Date: 

05/06/2025

Pre Orders: 

According to a page on the My Nintendo Store, pre-orders will be available from April 8

The Beautiful Video Game About Cleaning Up Oil Spills! 🐸⛴️ @LenteGameDev #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich takes a leisurely boat ride through various biomes to clean up oil, recycle plastics, put out fires, rescue animals and take on the big bad oil tanker! 

Spilled is a beautiful first video game from the young Dutch dev named Lente. The game revolves around themes of environmental conservation and restoration. 

Spilled's cosy and relaxing gameplay, combined with its message of mindfulness toward nature, makes it a unique and meaningful experience.

Holey Moley! It's A Game About Digging A Hole 🕳️⛏️ @HoleDiggingGame #IndieGame #GameDev

The Hole Hype is REAL! Rich gets digging a hole in his backyard and discovers the delights of hole digging in 2025 in a game about digging a hole.

Mother Machine PC Gameplay - Co-Op / Action-RPG / Platformer 👹 @maschimensch #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich plays the first 30 minutes of Mother Machine on the PC and enjoys his time learning the mechanics of this beautiful 1-4 player co-op action-RPG platformer.

Into Death and Beyond Xbox Series X Review 3/10 “Crash Landing” 🔫 @Dolores_Ent #IndieGame #GameDev

Into Death and Beyond is about a bounty hunter named Mark Helkins who is on a mission to capture a rogue alien mutation. He crash lands and is now trapped with limited resources and now facing a hostile alien threat. That is the crux of the plot, and though it slightly expands upon itself with discoverable logs scattered throughout the game, the plot is a really by the numbers affair. A seedy corporation conducting dodgy experiments that get out of hand etc. it is a story that has been told many, many a time.

Casino Apps vs. Mobile Websites: Which Offers a Better Experience?

 Image by Freepik

Mobile gaming has been on the rise of late, and it’s no surprise why. Online casinos have created two principal ways for enthusiasts to play their favourite games on the go, and those are specifically created apps for your mobile devices, and websites designed for the browsers of mobile devices. Clearly, the objective of both is to offer gamers access to all of their favourite games on the go, but while both offer the same thing, for the most part, they both have their pros and cons. So, let’s take a look at which of the two might work best for you.

Top Tips for Locating Online Casinos That Offer Your Favourite Games 🎲

 2 white dices on blue surface photo – Free Blue Image on Unsplash

When it comes to online casino gaming, the sheer variety of games available can sometimes be overwhelming. Whether you’re a fan of traditional table games, the thrill of slot machines, or the immersive experience of live dealer games, finding an online casino that offers the games you love is essential for an enjoyable experience. With so many casinos out there, it’s important to know what to look for in order to choose the right platform. Here are some top tips for locating online casinos that offer your favourite games.

Rally Arcade Classics PC Gameplay "Retro Rally GO GO GO!" 🏁🚘🏁 @NETK2GAMES #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich Revs up his engine because it’s time to race back to the past with Rally Arcade Classics. Including 44 iconic cars from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 00’s, and 48 tracks.

Boulies launches the cool new MagVida standing desk with EMO™ System 🪑 @BouliesChairs

Able to be setup in just 5 minutes, the MagVida offers the perfect workspace with an easy control panel and high-quality materials to get through the full day in comfort. It also has an EMO™ System that helps to keep everything organised and out the way.

To celebrate the launch, Boulies is also offering substantial discounts on its website, making it currently only £599.99 for UK customers and $699.99 for US customers (reduced from £679.99 and $799.99 respectively).

Rise Of The Ronin PC Gamerplay - "Infiltrating the Black Ship" ⛩️⚔️ @TeamNINJAStudio

Rich attempts the Infiltration Of The Black ship mission after completing the Rise Of The Ronin Tutorial Mission.

Embark on an epic journey across war-torn 19th-century Japan in this open-world action RPG from Team NINJA, the veteran studio behind "Nioh" and "NINJA GAIDEN." 

Game Informer Magazine and Website Is Back?! 📖

When I heard last year that Game Informer was being shut down I became immediately nostalgic and sad for a magazine and a website that I'd heard soooo much about but never really engaged with.

Game Informer was and still is regularly referenced in the video games Podcasts from the USA that I insatiably consume on a weekly basis. This has created a knowledge of Game Informer by osmosis as I lap up my daily dose of Video Games goodness via intravenous Podcast to the ear lug.

So to my absolute surprise I saw a news article on VGC that proclaimed: 

"Game Informer rescued by blockchain firm, with ‘entire team’ reunited"

At this news I instantly went over to GameInformer.com to read this great letter from the editor Matt Miller.

To say I'm excited for something that I've never read is an understatement and my next obsession will be to collect Game Informer Magazines from over the years.

YOCOWOCO BOX02 - Bluetooth 5.2 Wireless Audio Adapter Review [Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Elite 2 Controller] 🎮 @YocowocoStore

A few weeks ago I discovered the realm of wireless Bluetooth audio adapters for Xbox. Something that had always quietly bothered me when playing Xbox is that I’m forced to use wired headphones, with no option for wireless earbuds, and as mentioned in previous articles, being the parent of a young child, the ability to pop one noise-cancelling earbud in late at night (or to quietly use earbuds that aren’t noise-cancelling so that I’m aware of stuff happening around the house as I play– is a massive boon that was very much of appeal to me as a consumer. In this regard, I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to cover the Skull & Co. wireless Bluetooth adapter for Xbox, and whilst there were minor niggles, it has genuinely been a subtle revelation in my gaming experience in the evenings, I can still get the full effect of the impact of the video game’s audio, immersing me in the gaming experience, without the impracticality that headphones can cause for me, personally. 

Power Up the Teyvat Journey: UGREEN Launches Genshin Impact Co-Branded Charging Collection 🔌⚡️

 

UGREEN has teamed up with Genshin Impact to launch an exclusive co-branded charging collection, debuting on March 25 - in 14 countries.  The lineup themes “Power Up, Game On” and features four charging essentials: a 20,000mAh fast-charging power bank, an ultra-durable nylon-braided 100W cable, a portable 65W GaN fast charger, and a Qi2-certified wireless charger. Each product showcases an exclusive design of intricate patterns inspired by the popular Genshin Impact character Kinich, the Saurian Hunter from the latest nation of Natlan.  For the UK market, this product series will be on uk.ugreen.com and Amazon.co.uk.   Genshin Impact is an open-world adventure RPG that takes players into the visually stunning world of Teyvat, where they can now explore six of the seven major nations, meet a diverse cast of characters, master the art of element-based combat, and unveil the secrets of Teyvat along the way. UGREEN holds the core brand philosophy of "Activate You", delivering high-performance portable charging products to support players in exploring the unknown and unlocking new possibilities.   As a skilled Saurian Hunter, Kinich is steady, direct, and efficient in combat. These qualities align with UGREEN’s brand identity and mission. The UGREEN Genshin Impact Edition products provide players with an efficient and reliable charging experience. Kinich wields the power of Dendro and his character design primarily uses green, aligning with UGREEN’s brand colors. The pixelated elements in his design also match the digital nature of UGREEN's electronics.   UGREEN Nexode Power Bank Genshin Impact Edition – Available from Amazon and UGREEN for £74.99 The UGREEN Nexode Power Bank Genshin Impact Edition is the ultimate companion for on-the-go gaming and travel. It packs a 20,000mAh capacity with 100W fast charging for laptops, phones, and tablets. Its 130W dual-port output enables simultaneous device charging, while a sharp TFT display shows real-time power data, ensuring the player is never caught with a dead battery mid-battle. Featuring a beautiful image of Kinich on the exterior design, an amusing pixel art animation showcasing K'uhul Ajaw, Kinich’s dragon companion, welcomes the player every time they power on the device.   UGREEN Nexode Charger Genshin Impact Edition – Available from Amazon and UGREEN for £37.99   Compact yet powerful, the UGREEN Nexode Charger Genshin Impact Edition delivers up to 65W fast charging, making it ideal for quickly powering up laptops or mobile gaming devices. Equipped with two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, it can charge up to three devices simultaneously, while its sleek and compact design makes it easy to slip into players’ pockets. In addition, the advanced GaNInfinity™ chip ensures high efficiency and powerful temperature control.    UGREEN Nexode MagFlow Wireless Charger Genshin Impact Edition – Available from Amazon and UGREEN for £44.99 With the UGREEN MagFlow Wireless Charger Genshin Impact Edition, wireless charging just got a whole lot more versatile. It features a foldable 2-in-1 design with Qi2 15W fast charging, combining a magnetic pad, headphone dock, and an extra USB-C smartwatch port in a travel-friendly form factor.   UGREEN Nexode USB-C to USB-C Cable Genshin Impact Edition – Available from Amazon and UGREEN for £7.49   The nylon-braided UGREEN USB-C to USB-C Cable Genshin Impact Edition supports up to 100W super-fast charging and 480Mbps data transfer speeds, while also ensuring long-lasting durability. The silicone K'uhul Ajaw cable strap adds a touch of fun to the charging experience.   Price and Availability   The series is currently available in 14 countries worldwide, including European markets such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, as well as a number of countries across Asia and North America. Retail prices and sales platforms vary by region.   For the UK market, this product series will be available at 02:00 AM GMT on 25th 2025 on uk.ugreen.com and Amazon.co.uk. The MSRP are shown below.   UGREEN Nexode Power Bank Genshin Impact Edition (£74.99) UGREEN Nexode Charger Genshin Impact Edition (£37.99) UGREEN MagFlow Wireless Charger Genshin Impact Edition (£44.99) UGREEN USB-C to USB-C Cable Genshin Impact Edition (£7.49)