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: FAR: Lone Sails (PC Video Game)

Review by Jon Donnis

In "FAR: Lone Sails," developed by Okomotive, players embark on a captivating journey through a beautifully desolate post-apocalyptic world. As the sole operator aboard a massive vehicle, you're tasked with navigating through landscapes that bear the scars of a forgotten civilization, all while managing the intricate systems that keep your vessel moving forward.

The gameplay mechanics in "FAR: Lone Sails" are nothing short of brilliant. From the moment you take control, every action feels purposeful and immersive. As you traverse the side-scrolling environments, you must interact with various stations and mechanisms within your vehicle, from fueling the boiler to repairing damage and extinguishing fires, and even choosing when to raise or lower the sail, that you will add to your vehicle as you play. This level of detail creates a deeply engaging experience, where every decision has tangible consequences for your journey.

You will collect more than just a sail to attach your vehicle, even a vacuum/magnetic type contraption, that when attached to the back of the vehicle, which will automatically collect fuel sources that you would otherwise have to stop the vehicle, get out, and carry back. Which is time consuming. Little additions like this are so cool, and as you progress they are nice little things to look out for.

What truly sets "FAR: Lone Sails" apart is its emphasis on environmental challenges and puzzles. Rather than traditional adversaries, the obstacles you face are the elements and environments themselves. Whether you're navigating through treacherous terrain, braving hazardous weather conditions, or climbing high towers to activate a machine to clear the pass, each obstacle tests your ingenuity and adaptability. It's a refreshing departure from typical action-oriented gameplay, offering a more contemplative and strategic experience.

Visually, "FAR: Lone Sails" is a work of art. The landscapes are rendered with stunning detail, conveying a sense of both beauty and desolation. From abandoned cities to vast expanses of barren wasteland, each environment tells a story of a world reclaimed by nature. And complementing the visuals is a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere and immerses you even further into the experience.

Overall, "FAR: Lone Sails" is a triumph of indie game development. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, breathtaking visuals, and atmospheric soundtrack come together to create an unforgettable journey through a world teeming with mystery and intrigue. Whether you're a fan of exploration games or simply appreciate a well-crafted narrative experience, "FAR: Lone Sails", which I score an 8 out of 10 is not to be missed.

Out now on Multiple formats, but also make sure you check out the soundtrack at https://amzn.to/3PFw8IT

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

NEWS: Nintendo Announces Final Shutdown Date for 3DS and Wii U Online Services

By Jon Donnis

Nintendo has set the final countdown for the disconnection of online services for its 3DS and Wii U systems. Gamers who have been enjoying online play on these platforms must mark their calendars for April 8th, 2024, at midnight UK time for the termination of these services. For users in Japan, the shutdown will occur on the morning of April 9th at 9AM.

The announcement comes after Nintendo's earlier declaration of the spring shutdown, revealing that while some services like StreetPass, Pokémon Bank, and Poké Transporter will persist, SpotPass services and the beloved Nintendo Badge Arcade will vanish permanently.

In a recent press release, Nintendo reminded users of the urgency to take action regarding any unused eShop balance tied to a Nintendo Network ID. Time has already run out for users to link their wallet with a Nintendo Account which would have ensured the funds can still be utilized for purchases, even on the Nintendo Switch platform.

Despite the cessation of online play, leaderboards, and other online features, Nintendo has assured players that they will still have access to download update data and redownload purchased software and downloadable content from Nintendo eShop for the foreseeable future.

The decision to shut down online services for the 3DS and Wii U consoles aligns with Nintendo's strategy to focus on its newer platforms. The Wii U, which struggled in sales, amassed approximately 13 million units sold, while the 3DS enjoyed a more successful run, reaching around 75 million sales from its launch in 2010 until its discontinuation in 2020.

As the sun sets on online services for the 3DS and Wii U, Nintendo bids farewell to an era of gaming while emphasizing its commitment to evolving gaming experiences on newer platforms. Gamers are encouraged to make necessary arrangements before the shutdown date to avoid any disruption in their gaming experiences.

REVIEW: FIFINE Gaming USB Headset - A Top-Tier Gaming Experience

By Jon Donnis

The FIFINE Gaming USB Headset emerges as a formidable contender in the realm of gaming peripherals, offering a blend of style, performance, and versatility that caters to the needs of discerning gamers. Quickly becoming an esteemed name in the audio industry, FIFINE has once again demonstrated its prowess with this headset, equipped with features designed to elevate gaming experiences to new heights.

The headset boasts a sleek and modern design, a testament to FIFINE's attention to aesthetics. Its solid build quality inspires confidence, ensuring durability that withstands the rigors of extended gaming sessions. The adjustable headband adds to its allure, allowing users to achieve a customized fit for unparalleled comfort, a crucial aspect for uninterrupted immersion in gaming marathons.

Equipped with a 50mm driver and 7.1 surround sound, the FIFINE Gaming USB Headset delivers an audio experience that transcends mere sound reproduction. Every detail is rendered with precision, creating an immersive soundscape that heightens the intensity of gameplay. Whether you're deciphering enemy footsteps in a stealth mission or reveling in the orchestral score of a fantasy epic, the headset's superior sound quality ensures you don't miss a beat.

One of the standout features of this headset is its dual connectivity options. The USB connector seamlessly integrates with PS4, PS5, desktops, and laptops, while the 3.5mm connector offers compatibility with a myriad of devices, including Switch, Xbox, and mobile devices. This versatility eliminates the hassle of multiple headsets for different platforms, providing gamers with a unified solution for all their gaming needs.

Also worth noting it only weighs about 260g which is one of the lighter headsets I have worn. Obviously being a gamer reviewer, I have all the main consoles available, and I tried out the headset with each one, connectivity was easy and the headset worked well with each console.

The inclusion of a control box adds a layer of convenience, allowing users to adjust audio settings with ease. From muting the microphone to fine-tuning volume levels, the control box puts the power in the hands of the player, ensuring they remain focused on the game without interruptions. The detachable microphone further enhances usability, offering clear communication with teammates when needed and unobtrusive silence when not.

My headset is the black version, but you can also purchase in white and a more feminine pink version.

The FIFINE Gaming USB Headset earns its place as a top-tier gaming accessory. With its combination of sleek design, robust performance, and versatile connectivity, it exemplifies the pinnacle of what a gaming headset should be. Whether you're a casual player or a seasoned pro, this headset delivers on all fronts, enhancing your gaming experience and immersing you in the virtual worlds you love. At a price point that offers exceptional value for money, it's a worthwhile investment for any gamer seeking to elevate their gameplay.

FIFINE has once again proven its mettle in the audio industry with the Gaming USB Headset, earning a resounding recommendation and a solid score of 9 out of 10.

Out now at https://amzn.to/49OFNF8 

You can also find out more at the official FIFINE website at https://fifinemicrophone.com/products/fifine-ampligame-h9