REVIEW: Antstream Arcade on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Antstream Arcade brings a unique offering to Xbox players: a streaming service that hosts over 1,300 retro games, allowing players to relive the glory days of classic arcade, console, and computer gaming. From the golden age of gaming in the 80s and 90s to early 2000s titles, Antstream is a celebration of gaming history, packaged in a sleek and accessible service. But is it worth your time and subscription fee?

Antstream is a cloud-based retro gaming service that launched on Xbox in 2023, after its success on PC and other platforms. Instead of downloading games, everything is streamed directly to your console, meaning you can jump into a game without waiting for it to install. The library includes a variety of well-known titles from companies like Atari, Commodore, and Sega, alongside lesser-known gems from the arcade era.

The service itself is free to download and explore, but accessing most of the games requires a subscription. The cloud-streaming nature of Antstream means that even with a large library, there is no need for local storage, making it convenient for players who don't want to sacrifice precious hard drive space for retro titles.

The sheer number of games available on Antstream is impressive, covering all sorts of genres from platformers and beat 'em ups to shooters, puzzles, and more. Iconic games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Mortal Kombat sit alongside more obscure titles that will appeal to hardcore retro enthusiasts. However, one downside is the absence of big-name Nintendo and Sega classics like Super Mario or Sonic the Hedgehog. While this may be a licensing issue, it leaves a noticeable gap in what could be considered a complete retro library.

One of the most enjoyable features Antstream offers is its challenge system. You can participate in timed or score-based challenges, either solo or against friends and global leaderboards. This gives classic games an added layer of competition and replayability, which helps these older games feel fresh again. Additionally, the integration of Xbox achievements brings modern gaming elements to titles that are decades old.

When it comes to performance, Antstream holds up surprisingly well, but this is largely dependent on your internet connection. Since it is cloud-based, a stable and fast connection is essential for smooth gameplay. The service streams games at a high quality, I found minimal latency or input lag during play. However, those with slower connections or inconsistent internet may find some titles harder to play smoothly, particularly fast-paced games that require quick reflexes.

That said, one of the benefits of streaming retro games is that they are less graphically demanding than modern titles, making the overall experience more stable. Unlike modern cloud gaming services which can struggle with high-definition graphics, retro games tend to run more seamlessly in this format.

The user interface on Xbox is intuitive and easy to navigate. Games are neatly categorised, and searching for your favourites is straightforward. Each game comes with a brief description, adding context and sometimes even tips for playing, which can be helpful if you're unfamiliar with some of the older titles.

One slight drawback is that navigating the massive library can be a bit overwhelming, especially for new users. While the layout is generally user-friendly, some may find themselves spending more time browsing than actually playing if they aren't sure what they're looking for. An improved recommendation system could help guide players towards new games they might enjoy.

Antstream offers a free tier, but this only gives access to a limited selection of games. The subscription plan, which unlocks the full library, is priced competitively, but it may seem steep for some players who aren't deeply invested in retro gaming. For fans of classic games, however, the service offers fantastic value, especially when considering the cost of individually purchasing these games elsewhere.

It's also worth noting that the subscription covers cloud saves, multiplayer challenges, and regular updates to the game library, making it more than just a collection of old titles. If you're a retro enthusiast or simply curious about classic gaming history, the cost could easily justify itself.

Antstream Arcade on Xbox is a fantastic service for retro gaming fans, offering a vast library of titles, engaging challenge modes, and a smooth streaming experience. While it's not perfect, lacking some of the most iconic titles and being dependent on a strong internet connection, it is an enjoyable and accessible way to explore gaming's past.

One of my all-time favourite arcade games, Rygar by Tecmo is there, this was literally the first game I searched for on the service, and it is the full arcade version, not the inferior home console release, so this made me happy. I have been wanting a proper port of this game for ages, and although it was available on PC in various forms, I wanted to play it on a proper console, with my arcade control stick, to get the closest to the feeling of the arcade as you can get.

If like me you are a man who grew up in the 1980s playing classic arcade games, you might just be able to find a lost classic and relive your youth. For me personally that alone is worth the price of subscription.

Anyone with a deep appreciation for arcade classics and retro gaming, Antstream is an excellent addition to the Xbox ecosystem. If you're looking to relive some childhood favourites or discover hidden gems from gaming's early days, Antstream Arcade is well worth your time.

Check out https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/antstream-arcade/9N0BXMRL9X66

REVIEW: Unholy (2024 Psychological Horror Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Unholy by Duality Games offers a haunting dive into a world torn between dystopian reality and a nightmarish, parallel dimension. The narrative, revolving around Saidah's desperate search for her abducted son Gabriel, is steeped in emotional turmoil and psychological dread. What stands out most about the game is the unsettling duality of its settings: a cold, oppressive totalitarian society on one side, and the grotesque Unholy City on the other, where fear and suffering reign supreme.

The game's artistic direction is undeniably striking, plunging players into a disturbing yet captivating atmosphere. The visuals, crafted with a macabre beauty, linger long after the screen fades. The environments are richly detailed, and the eerie soundtrack complements the visuals perfectly, heightening the sense of dread as you traverse through the shadowy corridors and haunting landscapes. The design of the Unholy City, with its monstrous inhabitants and mask-wearing castes, feels both unique and deeply unsettling, adding layers of depth to the game's lore.

Gameplay in Unholy is a mixture of exploration, puzzle-solving, and stealth. The ability to use masks to assume different abilities adds a strategic twist, allowing players to infiltrate, deceive, and survive in the hostile world. This mechanic provides a refreshing approach, but at times the stealth sequences can feel overly difficult, occasionally breaking the flow of immersion as you painstakingly attempt to evade enemies. The puzzles, while serviceable, don't quite hit the mark in terms of innovation, often feeling a touch too straightforward for the complex world they inhabit.

One of the game's standout features is the unique weapon system, where emotions such as anger, fear, and desire can be harnessed to interact with the environment or manipulate enemies. This adds a creative layer to combat and puzzle-solving, but it might not be enough for players seeking more traditional action or horror mechanics. The game's narrative, though rich in atmosphere and world-building, leans heavily on psychological horror rather than conventional jump scares, which might leave some genre purists craving more immediate frights.

While the story is compelling, Unholy does suffer from technical shortcomings. Bugs, especially from Chapter 3 onwards, detract from the experience. Graphical glitches and frustrating issues such as white screens upon death can hamper progress, undermining the tension and immersion the game strives to build. However, if these technical hitches are addressed, the game has the potential to stand as a solid entry in the psychological horror genre.

Unholy offers an engaging, if somewhat flawed, journey through a world dripping with atmosphere. Its blend of narrative-driven horror, creative mechanics, and stunning visuals make it worth exploring, especially for fans of slow-burn psychological horror. Despite its technical imperfections and occasionally generic puzzles, the game's evocative world and unique use of masks and emotions create a memorable, if not perfect, experience. With some polish, Unholy could shine even brighter, but as it stands, it remains a solid and eerie adventure deserving of a fair 7.5 out of 10.

Out Now on Xbox https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/unholy/9NCWT2FGHXST

REVIEW: Turmoil - Deeper Underground! (DLC) - on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

"Turmoil - Deeper Underground!" is a delightful and engaging expansion for fans of the 2016 oil drilling simulation game, Turmoil. Set in the Roaring Twenties, this DLC introduces a fresh campaign with several new mechanics, characters, and challenges that blend seamlessly with the core gameplay of the original. Players familiar with the base game will immediately feel at home, while enjoying the added depth that comes with deeper drilling missions, water and petrol extraction, and the expanded town to explore.

One of the standout features is the introduction of refineries, where players can refine petrol by mixing oil and water. This adds a strategic layer to the already addictive gameplay loop, forcing players to balance resources and optimise profits. The addition of dynamite, along with a variety of other new upgrades and tools, makes the expansion feel robust, allowing you to tackle fresh obstacles and further hone your oil empire-building skills. The two new characters, Thorpe and Mabel, also add variety, each bringing their unique abilities to the table.

The atmosphere and presentation remain as charming as ever, and the Roaring Twenties backdrop injects new life into the game, with its expanded cast of NPCs and buildings giving the town a livelier, more dynamic feel. However, while the DLC introduces several enjoyable features, it doesn't stray too far from the core mechanics, which might be a double-edged sword for some. If you're a fan of the original and enjoyed the previous DLC "The Heat Is On," this will certainly scratch that familiar itch, but it might feel more like an extension rather than a significant evolution of the game.

The pricing, at £5.99, might feel a bit steep for those expecting more drastic changes, as the DLC is largely a continuation of what fans already love about Turmoil. There are definite improvements, but it doesn't reinvent the wheel. Additionally, for long-time players, there is a lingering sense of wanting more, especially since this is only the second DLC released in eight years. Given the game's timeline progression, from the late 19th century to the 1920s, there's clear potential for more frequent content to reflect the evolving historical setting.

Overall, Turmoil - Deeper Underground! is a solid addition to the series. It manages to rekindle that same addictive, time-consuming fun of the original, even if it plays it a bit safe. For dedicated fans, it's a worthy purchase and it's a delightful way to dive back into the world of oil drilling and outmanoeuvre your competitors in the pursuit of riches.

Out now on PC - https://store.steampowered.com/app/3106610/Turmoil__Deeper_Underground/

REVIEW: WHAT THE CAR? (2024 Adventure Racing Game) on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

What The Car? is an absurdly delightful and wonderfully chaotic game that takes the traditional concept of a racing game and flips it on its head, quite literally. In this world, you're not just any car; you're a car with legs, and that's only the beginning of the silliness. With hundreds of levels packed full of unexpected and bizarre challenges, you'll find yourself doing everything from paragliding to flipping burgers and playing football. It's not so much a racing game as it is a wild collection of mini-games, each one crazier than the last. Just when you think you've seen it all, What The Car? throws another curveball your way, leaving you laughing out loud at the ridiculousness of it all.

The humour in this game is spot-on, which is quite rare for a video game. It's hard to get comedy right in gaming, but What The Car? does it effortlessly. Whether you're flying through the air on jetpacks, climbing buildings, or stretching your wheels like an accordion to span a gap, each challenge is both inventive and hilarious. It's impossible not to appreciate the charm of its cartoony 3D graphics, which only add to the overall playful vibe. The game doesn't just focus on racing but invites you to explore its quirky islands, meet strange characters, uncover hidden treasures, and take on some truly off-the-wall puzzles.

However, it's worth noting that What The Car isn't exactly made for hardcore racing fans. If you're looking for a pure racing experience, the constant switch between different tasks might throw you off. There are times when you just want to race, but the game insists on mixing it up, which can sometimes disrupt the flow. Additionally, while the game offers a level creation mode, this feature feels like the weakest part. Unless you've got a lot of patience and creativity to spare, it's likely more fun to play the levels others have made rather than invest time into crafting your own.

Despite these minor drawbacks, What The Car is a joy to play. Its endless creativity, unpredictable surprises, and perfect comedic timing make it stand out in a crowded genre. It's a game that knows exactly what it wants to be: a unique, fun, and utterly bonkers experience. For anyone looking to laugh and be constantly surprised by what a car with legs can do, this is the game for you. I happily give it a solid 8.5 out of 10.

Out Now on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2727650/WHAT_THE_CAR/

REVIEW: Star Wars Outlaws (2024 Open World Action Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Star Wars Outlaws emerges as an exhilarating addition to the Star Wars video game universe, a testament to Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft's ambition to expand upon the rich lore and landscape of this beloved galaxy far, far away. Set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the game focuses on Kay Vess, a roguish scoundrel with aspirations of escaping her troubled past. The narrative kicks off with a heist gone awry, setting Kay on a path of betrayal, survival, and redemption.

From the outset, Star Wars Outlaws embraces a third-person perspective that immerses players in its expansive open-world setting. Traversing various planets and the vastness of space, players guide Kay as she engages in a spectrum of activities, from strategic combat to intricate exploration. The gameplay expertly blends melee attacks with blaster combat, featuring several firing modes including an electromagnetic pulse that adds a tactical edge. The ability to use environmental objects like explosive barrels enhances the combat experience, while the Adrenaline feature, which slows time for rapid firing, provides a dynamic combat option.

Kay's arsenal is augmented by a grappling hook and an electronic hacking device, tools that broaden the gameplay mechanics and encourage creative problem-solving. Her companion, Nix, a small yet resourceful creature, adds an extra layer of strategy with its scanning abilities, environmental interactions, and combat support. This companionship is a notable highlight, enriching the gameplay with a sense of camaraderie and providing useful tactical advantages.

The open-world design is complemented by the freedom to explore planetary surfaces on a speeder bike and engage in space combat using the Trailblazer. Space travel and combat, while engaging, are perhaps less refined compared to other aspects of the game, and this slight roughness can detract from the overall experience. Nevertheless, the inclusion of space stations as hubs for trade and missions adds depth to the exploration elements, allowing players to immerse themselves further into the Star Wars universe.

The game's narrative is a strong suit, weaving a tale of betrayal and survival through a series of well-crafted missions. Kay's journey from a desperate criminal to a key player in a galaxy-spanning heist provides ample intrigue and emotional investment. The plot's twists and turns, from discovering the true nature of Zerek Besh and the role of Sliro, to the dramatic reveal of Jaylen Vrax's true intentions, keep players engaged and invested in the story's outcome.

While the game excels in creating a compelling Star Wars experience, it does grapple with a few notable shortcomings. The sense of originality is sometimes overshadowed by familiar tropes, and certain technical issues, such as occasional glitches, may impact immersion. Additionally, while the stealth and combat systems are robust, they can occasionally feel rigid and repetitive, which might detract from the overall fluidity of gameplay.

Despite these issues, Star Wars Outlaws stands as a commendable addition to the franchise. It offers an engaging narrative, a richly detailed world, and a variety of gameplay options that cater to fans of both the Star Wars universe and action-adventure games. While it may not be without its flaws, its ability to capture the essence of the original trilogy and deliver a vivid and immersive experience ensures that it holds significant appeal. For those invested in the Star Wars saga, this game is an enjoyable, if imperfect, adventure that offers enough thrills and heart to merit a solid 7.5 out of 10.