REVIEW: Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game - On Xbox

Game Review by Jon Donnis

Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game, developed by IllFonic and Teravision Games, is a thrilling and whimsical addition to the asymmetrical survival horror genre. Based on the 1988 cult classic film, (Available at https://amzn.to/45n63VL) this game captures the movie's eccentric charm and adds a fresh, engaging multiplayer experience.

In each 15-minute match, up to ten players can participate, with three playing as Klowns and seven as humans. The Klowns aim to trigger the Klownpocalypse by capturing humans and placing them in cotton candy cocoons to power generators. Once all generators are activated, or the timer runs out, the Klownpocalypse ensues, ending the game. The humans, on the other hand, must locate one of four escape routes scattered across the map and collect specific items like sparkplugs and gas cans to activate them. These routes can be temporarily blocked by the Klowns using cotton candy, adding a layer of strategy and urgency to the humans' escape efforts.

The Klowns have an array of weapons, such as mallets and popcorn bazookas, to attack humans, while humans can defend themselves with weapons and items like airhorns to stun the Klowns. Humans also have a slight speed advantage, providing a means of escape when pursued. If a human is captured and cocooned, they can be carried to Lackey generators, progressing the Klowns' objective. Once all humans have either escaped or perished, the match concludes, though players who have already finished can spectate, play mini-games to aid their teammates, or return to the main menu. A unique twist occurs in the final 30 seconds when the Terenzi brothers crash into the map with their ice cream truck, offering a last-minute escape route.

The game features five primary maps, Downtown, The Suburbs, Top of the World, Amusement Park, and Clown Summer Camp, each providing a different setting for the chaotic action. It also includes offline mode, customizable characters, skins, and various unlockable cosmetics. Players can choose from five Klown classes, Ranger, Tracker, Trapper, Tank, and Brawler, and five human classes, Athletic, Rebellious, Heroic, Resourceful, and Tough, each with unique abilities and skills.

Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game excels in its comical nods to the film and impressive graphics, demonstrating a deep respect for the source material. The game offers a polished and smartly designed experience, adding new twists to the asymmetrical horror formula. It's goofy and not meant to be taken too seriously, making it a fun game for casual and dedicated horror fans alike.

However, the game isn't without its flaws. There are still a few gameplay bugs and balancing issues between the Klowns and humans, but the developers are actively working on these problems.

In summary, Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game is a fun and engaging addition to the asymmetrical survival horror genre, and a must-play for fans of the genre. It earns a solid 7.5 out of 10.

Out Now on Xbox. cdkeys.pxf.io/JzDOZr (£30.99)

REVIEW: Ario (2024 Video Game) on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

"Ario" offers an intriguing blend of action, adventure, and fantasy, inviting players into a world filled with mysteries, challenges, and the quest for redemption. Set in a realm besieged by nightmares and dark forces, the game follows the journey of Ario, a determined young hero on a mission to rescue his missing mother and confront the malevolent forces threatening his homeland.

The gameplay mechanics of "Ario" are both diverse and engaging, offering players a range of movement options and combat techniques to navigate through the treacherous landscapes and confront the various adversaries encountered along the way. From running and sliding to wielding the crossbow with precision, players must master Ario's skills to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious in battles against demons and mechanical foes. The inclusion of tower defense elements adds an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay, requiring players to strategically position themselves and utilize special areas equipped with powerful ballistae to fend off waves of enemies.

Visually, "Ario" presents a captivating blend of medieval fantasy and retro steampunk aesthetics, creating a rich and immersive world teeming with mythical creatures and mechanical wonders. The 2.5D side-scrolling format effectively captures the essence of classic platformers while offering a fresh perspective on the genre, reminiscent of titles like the "Assassin's Creed" 2D games. Additionally, the decision to incorporate Persian voiceovers lends an authentic touch to the game's atmosphere, further enhancing the sense of immersion for players.

While "Ario" excels in many aspects, it is not without its flaws. Some players may find the controls to be less intuitive, requiring time to adjust to certain button configurations. Additionally, occasional rough edges in the gameplay experience may detract from the overall immersion, although these issues are mitigated by the game's compelling storyline and challenging yet fair boss encounters.

In summary, "Ario" is a commendable indie title that delivers an enjoyable and immersive gaming experience despite its minor shortcomings. With its captivating narrative, diverse gameplay mechanics, and visually stunning world, "Ario" offers players a rewarding journey filled with excitement and adventure. While not without room for improvement, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, earning it a generous score of 7.5 out of 10.

Out Now on Xbox

https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/ario/9p3g2cbwb545

REVIEW: Stunt Paradise (2024 Video Game) on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Developed by BrineMedia, "Stunt Paradise" sets out to deliver an adrenaline-fueled experience in the realm of extreme driving and heart-stopping stunts. As a fan of the Trials franchise, the game immediately resonates with its familiar yet refreshing take on the genre, substituting motorbikes with cars while maintaining the arcade-style essence.

Graphically, "Stunt Paradise" offers a simplistic yet stylish visual presentation. The environments vary from sandy deserts and jumping over the Sphynx to sea based levels, to volcanoes and levels and everything inbetween, each providing a distinct backdrop for the exhilarating gameplay. 

One of the game's highlights is the diverse selection of 20 unique cars, although the differences between them remain purely cosmetic. However, this does not detract from the enjoyment as each vehicle offers its own flair to the gameplay.

The initial levels may seem straightforward, but quickly ramps up the challenge, demanding more strategic thinking and precise execution from players. The progression feels natural, ensuring that players are continuously engaged as they tackle increasingly difficult tracks.

Gameplay predominantly unfolds from a side-view perspective, complemented by occasional dynamic camera effects such as slow motion and sweeping shots, adding a cinematic touch to the action. The inclusion of various background elements, such as passing trains and swooping airplanes, adds an element of surprise and excitement to the gameplay, keeping players on their toes throughout.

Level design in "Stunt Paradise" is commendable, featuring well-structured courses with coins to collect and a special star to achieve on each level. Power-ups like speed boosts and strategically placed exploding barrels further enhance the gameplay dynamics, adding layers of excitement and challenge.

Overall, "Stunt Paradise" offers a thoroughly enjoyable gaming experience reminiscent of the early Trials games, before the franchise became overly complex. With its blend of arcade-style driving, challenging tracks, and captivating visuals, it succeeds in delivering heart-pounding thrills.

Looking ahead, one can only hope for continued support from the developers with new tracks and expansions, further enriching the experience for players. With its combination of thrilling gameplay and engaging content, "Stunt Paradise" earns a well-deserved score of 8.5 out of 10, marking it as a standout title in the realm of extreme driving games.

Released on 21^st of March at a really competitive price.

https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/stunt-paradise/9p14h26bq9fh

REVIEW: Laika: Aged Through Blood (2023 Game on Xbox)

Review by Jon Donnis

Laika: Aged Through Blood, developed by Brainwash Gang and published by Headup Games, is a masterfully crafted action-adventure Metroidvania (Motorvania?) that delivers a unique and emotionally charged experience. Set in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by anthropomorphic animals, the game follows Laika, a mother coyote on a perilous quest to save her people and protect her family.

The game's standout feature is the exhilarating vehicular combat on Laika's fast and agile motorbike. The seamless integration of high-speed racing, daring jumps, and slow-motion shootouts adds a dynamic layer to the traditional Metroidvania gameplay. It's a testament to the developers' creativity that they managed to bring such an intense, unique and engaging experience to the genre.

One of Laika's most compelling aspects is its hand-drawn, post-apocalyptic world. The visuals are stunning, with each frame painted meticulously, creating a beautiful yet haunting backdrop to the unfolding narrative. The game successfully captures the desolation of a world ravaged by war and the struggle for survival, making exploration a visual treat.

At its core, Laika is more than just an action-packed adventure. The narrative dives deep into themes of vengeance, loss, and the complex dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship. The story unfolds organically as Laika navigates through a world consumed by conflict, making every boss battle and mission feel significant and emotionally charged.

The variety in the game world, coupled with epic boss battles, ensures that players are constantly engaged and motivated keep going. Laika: Aged Through Blood manages to present a fresh take on the Metroidvania genre, blending ruthless combat with a captivating side-scrolling environment. The storyline is both touching and dramatic, adding layers of emotional depth to an already gripping gameplay experience.

While the game excels in many aspects, it's not without its flaws. The mechanic of shooting enemies while riding a motorbike can be initially tricky for some players. However, with perseverance, players can adapt to this unique gameplay element, and it becomes a minor inconvenience in an otherwise exceptional gaming experience.

In conclusion, Laika: Aged Through Blood is a remarkable addition to the Metroidvania genre, earning a strong score of 8.5 out of 10. Its combination of intense vehicular combat, a visually stunning world, and a deeply emotional narrative make it a standout title that will leave a lasting impression on players. Despite its minor gameplay challenge, Laika delivers a thrilling and memorable adventure that is well worth the journey.

Out Now on Xbox.

And it is also worth checking out the awesome soundtrack which is available now at https://amzn.to/47rsIj1

REVIEW: Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora offers an immersive first-person experience in the captivating world of Pandora. The open-world concept is seamlessly executed, allowing players to explore the vibrant and diverse landscapes at their own pace. The game cleverly weaves a standalone narrative into the broader Avatar film series, offering a unique perspective through the eyes of a Na'vi orphan. The inclusion of a 2-player cooperative multiplayer mode enhances the gaming experience, encouraging collaboration in the fight against the RDA.

"Abducted by the human militaristic corporation known as the RDA, you, a Na'vi, were molded to serve their purpose. Fifteen years later, you are free, but find yourself a stranger in your birthplace. Reconnect with your lost heritage and discover what it truly means to be Na'vi as you join other clans to protect Pandora from the RDA."

The three distinct regions of Pandora, each with its own biomes and challenges, contribute to the depth of the game. The "Na'vi sense" mechanic adds an engaging layer by highlighting interactable objects and enemy weak points. The arsenal, ranging from RDA weapons to Na'vi bows and arrows, provides a satisfying variety of combat options. Crafting and progression are well-implemented, offering a sense of growth and empowerment as players unlock better gear.

The game successfully captures the awe-inspiring essence of the Avatar movies, immersing players in the breathtaking world of Pandora. Drawing parallels to the Far Cry series, Frontiers seamlessly combines exploration, storytelling, and combat in a vast open world. The narrative choice to begin as a Na'vi raised by the RDA adds depth, creating a compelling story of resistance, exploration, and community-building.

The gameplay mechanics are familiar yet enjoyable, with the player's agility and the option to ride the majestic "ikran" adding a dynamic element to the experience. The inclusion of co-op play is a welcome feature for those who prefer shared adventures. The game's progression system, including skill trees and crafting, provides a satisfying sense of growth and customization.

While the story is compelling, a sense of repetitiveness can creep in during certain missions, particularly when tasked with taking out enemy encampments and drilling rigs. The game could have elevated itself by offering a greater variety of missions and experiences, preventing it from falling into a somewhat predictable rhythm.

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora earns a solid 8 out of 10, standing as a noteworthy addition to the gaming landscape of 2023. The game masterfully captures the stunning aesthetics of Pandora, providing a unique and visually striking experience. Despite occasional repetitiveness, the engaging narrative, well-executed gameplay mechanics, and the vast, vibrant world make it a compelling journey from start to finish. Whether flying on an ikran or fighting against the RDA, players will find themselves engrossed in the enchanting unknown of Pandora.

Out Now at

https://amzn.to/3GSnsdk

REVIEW: VISCO Collection on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

The VISCO Collection is a delightful time capsule, preserving the essence of classic arcade gaming in a revitalized bundle of seven games. Each title holds its own unique charm, appealing to a wide spectrum of gaming preferences.

Andro Dunos: Blast through space in a side-scrolling shoot 'em up adventure, facing off against swarms of alien foes and enormous bosses. With fast-paced action and impressive visuals, it's a classic that will test your skills and reflexes.

Bang Bead: Get ready for intense one-on-one battles in this addictive arcade-style fighting game. Choose your favorite character and engage in epic showdowns, mastering various moves and combos to claim victory.

Captain Tomaday: Take control of the titular hero, Captain Tomaday, in a quirky and challenging shooter. Transform into different forms to navigate bizarre levels and defeat eccentric enemies in this unique and fun-filled adventure.

FlipShot: Challenge your friends or AI opponents to a thrilling game of futuristic pinball. With a variety of tables and physics-defying action, FlipShot offers a fresh twist on the classic pinball experience.

Ganryu: Assume the role of either Musashi or Suzume on a journey to defeat a resurrected Kojirō and his legion of evil ninjas and monsters terrorizing Kyoto.

Goal! Goal! Goal!: Experience the excitement of soccer in this fast-paced, arcade-style sports game. Choose your team and compete in exhilarating matches, scoring goals and making epic plays to win the championship.

Neo DriftOut: Get behind the wheel of high-speed rally cars and drift your way to victory in this thrilling racing game. Navigate challenging courses, master the art of drifting, and compete against other skilled drivers to prove your supremacy on the track.

The range of genres covered is impressive, shoot 'em ups, fighting, shooters, sports simulations, and racing, ensures there's something for everyone. Andro Dunos stands out for its space shoot 'em up adventure, a true test of reflexes and skill. Meanwhile, Goal! Goal! Goal! resonates deeply with nostalgic sentiments, transporting players back to the days of arcade coin-drop matches.

What's particularly noteworthy is the way these games evoke nostalgia, tapping into the memories of anyone who frequented arcades in their younger days. Even if you didn't play these exact titles, the collection brings that familiar arcade ambiance right to your screen.

In summary, the VISCO Collection offers a diverse selection of classic arcade games, making it a recommended choice for anyone seeking a dose of nostalgia or a varied gaming experience. Whether reliving the past or discovering these gems for the first time, it's a journey worth taking.

Out Now on Xbox at https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/visco-collection/9NVBQZ9MBWRD

And if you enjoy these check out these awesome Arcade machine from Visco at https://amzn.to/3SDFozG

REVIEW: Final Apex - Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Back once again with a brand-new review, this time for futuristic racing game Final Apex. First let's accept that the developers made a monumental mistake with the name of the game, not because Final Apex is a bad name or anything, I like the name, but when there is a big budget game out there called Apex Legends, who are paying search engines millions to put their game at the top of any search result for anything using the word "Apex" then you have a problem.

Despite the poor name choice, Final Apex is actually a fun little arcade racer. This is all game and no messing about, it reminds me very much of the kind of arcade game you might find in an airport arcade. You sit down, put your coin in, click start and within seconds you are racing away. Except here there are no coins to put in.

Once the game loads up you have three choices. Career, Series or Test Drive.

Since Test Drive is obvious, we will ignore that one for now.

Career mode has you choosing a track, then you choose your vehicle, the cars colour, and then away you go. In career mode, races have a running start. Try to finish the race as high up the pack as you can, and with as fast a time as you can. When you have completed the race, you can choose the next one. Tracks and Cars are locked until you have enough points. There are 7 cars in total to drive, and a huge 70 tracks to race on.

In series mode, you complete in a "season" of races, so season one is 10 races, and each race earns you points on a league board. Races in this mode start with a random selection of grid position, and then a standing start.

Both these modes are fun to play, and will keep you busy for a fair amount of time.

Onto the gameplay itself, whenever I play an Indie Racing Game, I always fear that they will get the basics of the game wrong, that being the handling of the car, so I was pleasantly surprised how much fun this game is and how much fun it is to race the car. Handling is a joy, skidding round corners is a lot of fun, the game feels super-fast, everything handles well. Now there are some issues, go slightly off track and you are punished a lot with the car slowing down, I think this needs changing, as we all like to cut corners a bit, but just slightly off track and you are punished. The cars themselves are basically indestructible which is fine in an arcade racer, however collisions with other cars feels terrible and not at all natural. Again, I can forgive that as this is a racer, but collision in a racing game is an important thing, and I think that you either have magnificent crashes, or you don't. And I think this game misses a trick here.

I understand the game is set in the near future, and the graphics themselves are decent, but everything feels a bit dark. Maybe this is on purpose, but I would have liked a bit more colour and brightness in the game. Oh, and the music is terrible, feels like something lifted out of the 1990s.

So yes I do have some complaints about the game, but the single most important factor of an arcade racer is if it is fun to play, and damn Final Apex is a fun game to play, it is truly a pick up and play game, controls are simple and straight forward, steer, accelerate and brake, and that's it, that is all that is needed too. I never felt like it was missing anything in the handling or driving aspects.

The Good

This is a FUN game to play, simple as that. It might not have a lot of depth of options, but it really doesn't need them. It is a racing game that is fun to play. That is a massive win for me!

The Bad

Crappy music, so turn that off, problem solved. Not keep on collisions, or putting a wheel offroad slowing you down.

Overall

It is easy to pick holes in Indie Racing Games like this, and I have picked a few, but the most important thing is that this game is fun, and I will keep playing it, that is all that matters, and as such I will score Final Apex a solid 8/10.

Out Now on Xbox

https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/final-apex/9np6w0xfpzn1

REVIEW: EDENGATE: The Edge of Life on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

EDENGATE: The Edge of Life is a new walking simulator/narrative adventure from award-winning writer Matthew Seiji Burns

Created and developed during the pandemic, the game has been designed to represent the fear and loneliness that we all suffered during Government enforced lockdowns and the isolation that we were forced to endure. With a haunting soundtrack composed by Laryssa Okada, does this game succeed in its aims? Read on to find out.

Synopsis:

"Mia, a young and promising biologist, awakes in an abandoned hospital with no memory of how she got there. With no other traces of life, Mia tries to piece together the events that brought her to the hospital and unravel the mystery of the now desolate city of Edengate. What happened to her? What happened to the world she remembers? Join Mia on her emotional journey to discover any traces of life and the terrifying events that have befallen the once vibrant city. A fusion of exploration, investigation, puzzle solving and meaningful decision making will lead you on an emotional journey and unveil the events leading to Mia's awakening."

As mentioned, this is a walking simulator/narrative adventure, in English this means that you are playing a story, and witnessing it as it happens, as opposed to how you might control a story when you play. You can approach glowing items which will trigger flashbacks, which further explain what has happened.

The game is played from an over-the-shoulder viewpoint.

You start off in the abandoned hospital, no idea where to go, or what to do, luckily this is a linear game, so as long as you keep moving forward down the only routes available, you will figure things out. There are a few decisions in there, but nothing major.

There are basic puzzles that might need to be solved, for example you enter a room, the door digitally locks behind you, you notice a note on a table, read the note, that gives you a clue to what the code is to open the door. Figure out what the clue is and how to solve it. And job done.

I don't want to say too much about the game, as to do so will spoil the story, but you will relatively quickly leave the hospital, find yourself outside, then back inside a different area and so on. A school, a train station, etc, All the way you will find little objects to look out, the glowing objects which trigger flashbacks, as well as a ghostly child that will appear and then disappear.

Although at times it can feel like a horror story, there are no major jump scares, and things are pretty straight forward. There are no real enemies in the game. 

You will complete the game in perhaps 2-3 hours, depending on if you rush through it, or search every corner for things to interact with.

The Good

Amazing soundtrack that really does make a huge difference. The gameplay is simple, and there isn't much you can get stuck on, so you can just enjoy the narrative being told.

Voice acting is of a very high quality.

The Bad

This is a pretty short game, and unless you rush through it, there is not really a reason to replay it.

There are also some issues when moving, for example you might need to move a crate to reach an area, you move it, and clearly you can just get past, but you have to move it a little but more before you can. It is only a small thing, but in the real world, as soon as you got enough room, you would just hop over something

Overall

For me, this game delivered what I was told it would, a story about isolation, with some puzzles, and somewhat of an emotional journey.

If you are looking for excitement, then this game is probably not for you. But if you want to experience a really good story, then you should give it a go.

I enjoyed EDENGATE: The Edge of Life, and score it a lonely and isolating 7/10

Out Now on Xbox

https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/edengate-the-edge-of-life/9P175WJ0DCSD

REVIEW: Arcade Paradise on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

When I was first asked to review Arcade Paradise, just looking at the press material I assumed this would be something similar to the recent Capcom Arcade Stadium releases, but although sharing elements with that game, this does things a little different.

You play as Ashley, and your job is to run the tedious day to day business of a launderette after your father Gerald, has gone to the Riviera.

Now what has any of this got to do with Arcade games I hear you ask, well in the back of the launderette is a room full of Arcade games. General gameplay starts with you entering the launderette, you will clean up rubbish from the floor, pull chewing gum from seats and when your rubbish bag is full you will take it outside and put in the large trash. Back inside you will pick up dirty clothes, put in washing machines, and then in the dryer. Do this all in quick time and you will get a score based on that.

Doing these tedious tasks earn you money, which in turn you can use on the computer in the office to unlock new arcade games.

The arcade games themselves are the kind of games you would literally have found in the 70s, 80s and 90s.

The ultimate aim of the game is to upgrade and buy better machines and create your "Arcade Paradise".

The management part of the game, the picking up rubbish, unclogging the toilet, washing clothes etc, is fine, but what you are most interested in are the actual arcade games, unfortunately these are not actual classic games, but instead "clones" or variations on classic games, There are about 30 games to unlock. And they all look the part, they play the part and could easily have been made in the past. Obviously to licence real games and their trademarks would be expensive for an independent developer to do, so they had to make their own versions. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it also isn't the perfect experience you might expect.

At times the game feels like too much of a chore, when in reality you just want to play some retro style games, and I wonder if the game would have been better if it just offered up a straightforward experience like the Capcom Arcade Stadium, but then if they did that, people would moan that the games are just the same as freeware games or browser games you can play online.

The Good

It is an interesting and original idea, and some of the Arcade Games I did enjoy playing.

The Bad

Sometimes the game feels too much like actually doing chores in a launderette.

Overall

I appreciate any attempt at an original idea, and there are some fun retro style arcade games to play.

I score Arcade Paradise a fair 6/10

Out now on Xbox

https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/arcade-paradise/9n2fqcgwh32d