REVIEW: The Invincible (2023 Video Game) on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

"The Invincible," developed by Starward Industries and published by 11 Bit Studios, presents a unique blend of classic hard science fiction and atmospheric gameplay. Adapted from the 1964 Polish novel of the same name, the game offers an immersive first-person adventure, where players step into the shoes of the skilled astrobiologist Yasna on the mysterious planet Regis III.

The gameplay mechanics are akin to a first-person visual novel, or a walking simulator, where exploration and decision-making take center stage. Yasna's tools, such as the scanner and handheld telescope, add an extra layer of depth to the gameplay, allowing players to identify objects and navigate the alien landscape. The branching narrative and emphasis on player choice contribute to the game's replayability, as your decisions shape the outcome of the story.

The narrative unfolds as Yasna, along with her crew, embarks on a scientific mission that swiftly transforms into a search for missing comrades. The game successfully weaves emotional suspense into its science-fiction thriller, creating an experience that goes beyond traditional horror elements. The presence of astrogator Novik, guiding Yasna through the challenges of Regis III, adds depth to the story and enhances the overall experience.

The atmospheric setting and eerie landscapes immerse players in a cosmic, philosophical adventure, where the mysteries of the unexplored planet unfold. The atompunk atmosphere, coupled with realistic interactions with analogue technologies, contributes to the game's unique retro-futuristic charm.

One of the strengths of "The Invincible" lies in its faithful adaptation of classic hard science fiction, exploring profound themes and ideas related to space exploration. The game successfully prompts players to reflect on humanity's ambitions and biases, all while navigating the unknown dangers of Regis III.

The game's positives include its engaging story, impressive graphics, and a standout soundtrack that enhances the overall atmosphere. Multiple endings and meaningful choices add replay value, allowing players to experience different outcomes based on their decisions.

However, the game does have its drawbacks. The relatively linear path and slow character walking speed might deter players who prefer more dynamic experiences. Additionally, individuals prone to motion sickness may find the game triggering.

In conclusion, "The Invincible" is a visually stunning and thought-provoking adventure that caters to fans of walking sims with a penchant for a compelling narrative. While it may not appeal to everyone, those who appreciate a slower-paced, story-driven experience in a beautifully crafted sci-fi world will find "The Invincible" to be a worthwhile journey. I give it a solid 8 out of 10, acknowledging its strengths and understanding that its unique style may not be universally appreciated.

Out Now on Xbox https://amzn.to/3vkKOpH

REVIEW: Raccoo Venture on Playstation

Review by Jon Donnis

Raccoo Venture is a delightful 3D adventure platformer that masterfully blends nostalgia from the 1990s with modern gameplay elements. With its charismatic protagonist, engaging puzzles, and a whimsical world, this game manages to capture the essence of classic 3D platformers while introducing fresh mechanics for both casual and dedicated players.

The storyline is a familiar yet engaging quest to recover holy relics and save the world from impending chaos. The game's narrative successfully weaves magic and secrets into the journey, keeping players invested in uncovering the mysteries of Verta's Harmony.

The game's graphics are commendable, offering a decent standard that enhances the overall visual experience. The charming and cute design of the protagonist adds to the game's appeal, making it a treat for players of all ages. The soundtrack complements the whimsical atmosphere, contributing to the immersive feel of the adventure.

One of the highlights of Raccoo Venture is its well-executed game mechanics, reminiscent of classic 3D platformers on iconic consoles like the N64 and Sega Dreamcast. The platform challenges, creative boss battles, and diverse mini-games add layers of enjoyment to the overall experience.

The customization options, including various outfits for the protagonist, provide a personal touch to the adventure. Collecting hidden items, solving challenging puzzles, and discovering secret paths add depth to the gameplay, catering to players who love exploration and completionism.

However, a notable drawback is the fixed camera angle, which can prove to be a hindrance during certain jumps, especially as the game progresses. While the fixed perspective is a nod to the classics, it may frustrate some players in more intricate platforming sections.

Despite this minor flaw, Raccoo Venture deserves a strong 8 out of 10. It successfully captures the essence of beloved 3D platformers, offering a mix of nostalgia and modern gaming elements. The challenging yet enjoyable gameplay, coupled with the game's overall charm, makes it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. As a player who fondly remembers the golden era of 3D platformers, I felt right at home playing Raccoo Venture and would highly recommend it to others seeking a fun and nostalgic adventure.

Out Now on Playstation at 

https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/product/EP0546-PPSA19478_00-RACCOOVENTRPS5EU

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: Asgard's Wrath 2 on Meta Quest VR

Review by Jon Donnis

Asgard's Wrath 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2019 hit, has finally landed on the Meta Quest series, and it's nothing short of a triumph for Sanzaru Games and Oculus Studios. This action role-playing game takes players on an immersive journey through Norse and Egyptian mythology, offering a compelling story, engaging gameplay mechanics, and a vast open-world VR experience.

The game's narrative picks up where its predecessor left off, with players assuming the role of a Norse god seeking revenge on Loki. The twist lies in the ability to possess mortals with important destinies, adding a unique layer to the gameplay. The shift to Egypt introduces interactions with gods from another mythology, enriching the overall experience.

Asgard's Wrath 2 truly shines in its gameplay, setting a new standard for VR open-world RPGs. The pacing is well-crafted, and the story unfolds seamlessly, keeping players invested from start to finish. The title offers a diverse range of activities, from exploration and puzzle-solving to engaging in combat with formidable foes. The addition of minigames and the ability to possess four characters, each with their own story and skill tree, adds depth to the overall experience.

The game's combat and puzzle-solving mechanics are praiseworthy, delivering a satisfying blend reminiscent of popular non-VR RPGs like Zelda and Skyrim. The expansive world encourages exploration, with various weapons and abilities waiting to be discovered. The inclusion of followers who assist in combat further enhances the depth of the gameplay.

While Asgard's Wrath 2 excels in many aspects, some limitations are noticeable. Certain elements feel constrained by traditional non-VR RPG conventions, and the graphics, while impressive for VR, may fall short of the standards set by non-VR games. The Meta Quest 3 VR platform imposes some constraints, leading to graphics that, while serviceable, may not match up to the highest standards.

In conclusion, Asgard's Wrath 2 earns a near-perfect score of 9 out of 10. It stands as a must-have VR game of the year, showcasing the potential of the Meta Quest series. The game's exceptional storytelling, satisfying combat, and intricate RPG systems make it a standout title that competes with the best role-playing games across all platforms. If you own a Meta Quest VR unit, this game is a definite must-buy, delivering an unforgettable VR experience that sets a new benchmark for the genre.

You can buy a Meta Quest unit with Asgard's Wrath 2 exclusively at https://amzn.to/3TxpqaG

REVIEW: Born of Bread on PC (Steam) - Out Now

Review by Jon Donnis

Born of Bread, a whimsical RPG adventure available on Steam, introduces players to Loaf, an unlikely hero who is a flour golem with a perpetual childlike wonder. Set against the backdrop of havoc caused by beings from another age, the game weaves a story thousands of years in the making.

The 2.5D adventure unfolds in a vibrant world brimming with mysteries. As players guide Loaf and his quirky buddies, they face off against menacing baddies through a turn-based combat system infused with a unique interactive twist. The game challenges players' reflexes, adding a layer of engagement to the traditional turn-based mechanics.

In terms of presentation, Born of Bread stands out with its clear and colorful graphics, contributing to the whimsical atmosphere. The characters, each possessing odd abilities and distinct personalities, bring humour and joy to the narrative. The game is filled with delightful bread puns and a fun sense of humor, creating a charming experience.

However, the 2.5D graphics pose challenges as characters and environmental elements may obstruct the main character, impacting visibility. Skipping dialogue could lead to missing crucial information for progression, emphasizing the importance of paying close attention. The in-game menu system, designed to be navigated with a mouse, doesn't work well with a gamepad and proves overly complicated, detracting from the overall user experience.

Despite its enjoyable style reminiscent of the original Paper Mario, Born of Bread lacks originality, and the turn-based combat may feel tedious for players who prefer real-time fights. The inclusion of numerous pop culture references adds an extra layer of entertainment, complemented by a well-crafted in-game soundtrack.

In conclusion, Born of Bread offers a cute and enjoyable experience with room for improvement. The game's strengths lie in its vibrant graphics, engaging characters, and a delightful blend of humour and pop culture references. However, issues with the 2.5D graphics and an overcomplicated menu system detract from the overall experience. While the turn-based combat may not resonate with all players, Born of Bread is still worth exploring for those seeking a lighthearted adventure.

Born of Bread on PC (Steam) has the potential for growth and refinement, and with some adjustments, it could reach greater heights.

Score: 7 out of 10

Out on PC, Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1555140/Born_of_Bread/