REVIEW: WBSC eBASEBALL™: POWER PROS on Nintendo Switch

Review by Jon Donnis

We are back again with our latest review, this time a Baseball/Softball game for Nintendo Switch called WBSC eBASEBALL™: POWER PROS.

Originally a Japan only release, eBaseball has now had a worldwide release.

This is the official baseball game of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), no I had never heard of that organisation either, but since Baseball is huge in Japan, I will assume this is their version of the MLB.

Here is the official blurb.

"Create your own team from over 300 original characters!

With over 300 characters to choose from, players can assemble their team of batters, catchers, and pitchers to compete in online matches against rivals from all over the world. Mix and match different players with different stats to find the winning formula!

Once you've got your team, test your skills against the world!

Once you've assembled your team of sluggers compete online in matches with friends or online competitions like Championship Mode with rivals from all over the world."

Baseball games tend to follow two trends, very good, or very bad, the very bad are usually over complicated, and the very good are nice and simple, luckily eBaseball is the latter. This is a very Nintendo of Japan feeling game, the characters, the graphics and so on. Everything is very cutesy. It costs just 79p in the UK, so it will hardly break the bank.

 

The most important factor of games like this is ease of play, and as soon as you figure out the pretty simple controls, you will be hitting home runs with ease. Fielding is usually the worst part of such a game, but here they have also made it pretty simple, you can make epic catches, but also throwing the ball is pretty simple, just press the button that corresponds with the plate you want to throw to and job done.

Batting has two systems, an accurate hit, which means you will hit the ball much harder, but is easier to miss, and a less accurate/ less powerful mode, but easier to hit. Soon enough you will be switching between these depending on the pitcher.

The game really is pretty simple to pick up and play, it has the usual online modes, including local multiplayer, and a single player mode.

There really isn't much more to say, this is a simple, fun baseball game, if you like arcade style baseball games, then this is a no brainer, especially for under a pound. If you prefer full on sim then this will be a bit too basic for you.

The Good

Fun graphics, decent sound effects and music. Easy to pick up and play.

The Bad

Might be a bit simple for some gamers.

Overall

A fun little arcade baseball game. 

I score WBSC eBASEBALL™: POWER PROS on Nintendo Switch a fantastic 8/10. 

Out Now for just 79p at

https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/WBSC-eBASEBALL-POWER-PROS-2340249.html

REVIEW: Rooftop Renegade on Nintendo Switch

Review by Jon Donnis

Rooftop Renegade is an awesome new action platform game that concentrates more on speed and flow than deliberate precision moves. You can run and use your hover blades, and your main objective is to reach the end of the level as fast as you can, as well as collecting as many diamonds as you can. The better performance you do the higher score you will get.

Run and glide your way through various futuristic areas, on skyscrapers and gliding on bars. You also have a few special moves you can do, boost and slide, which will help you make epic jumps, as well as slide under the various hazards and traps set by Globacorp, who are constantly trying to stop you.

With this game being about speed, split second thinking is needed here, one mistake and you will lose your flow, or get caught by Globacorp.

There are a few modes to play, Arcade mode, which has you working your way through various levels and stages, which as you would expect gradually get harder and more challenging. Then there is a generator mode, which remixes levels in new ways depending on what you enter in the seed box. Just type a random number for example and see what kind of level it creates.

There is also a party mode, which I could not try out, but is your basic multiplayer mode with "Runners vs Gunners". 3 people against 1 runner.

That is the basic game, so how does it play? Well from the very start the game feels very intuitive, your very first run might not be the quickest, but you will soon get a feel for the game, and you will want to replay levels to get that top "S" score. I played on a Nintendo Switch Lite, and the game felt comfortable to play on the smaller screen as well as with the Switch Light button layout, which I know can sometimes be a problem with some games.

The graphics are of a high quality, the sound effects and music are also decent.

This is a fun little arcade game, that you can sit down and play through the levels for a while, or just pick up and play for a few minutes. And the generator level has an almost unlimited amount of "remixes" for you to play if you complete the arcade mode.

The Good

Great graphics, easy to play, challenging to master. A really fun little arcade platformer.

The Bad

Nothing really, it does exactly what it is advertised to do.

Overall

This is one of those games you will have on your Switch for years to come, and every so often, even after completing it, you will load it up for a quick go, it has good replay qualities, and is a really cool game.

I score Rooftop Renegade on Nintendo Switch a solid 9/10

Out Now on Nintendo Switch at

https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Rooftop-Renegade-2331525.html

REVIEW: The Legend of Gwen - Nintendo Switch

Review by Jon Donnis

Back again with our latest review, this time for The Legend of Gwen on Nintendo Switch, no this is not a game about the wife of the late Derek Acorah, but instead a game about a young Witch who is a newcomer to a wizardry school. She wants to become the best witch in the world.

"To her bad luck, her arrival came at a bad time because just when she arrived she couldn't have a welcome party because there was a surprise guest... "The Evil One!"

"Evil" didn't hesitate twice and began to absorb everything she could from the school! Now who will teach Gwen about sorcery! Will she be able to learn on her own? Will she be able to overcome the obstacles of "The Evil One" and get the school back? Help Gwen with this challenge and defeat "The Evil One" (if you can ....)."

At its base this is a hardcore platform game, and when I say hardcore, i mean it, as this game is tough, really tough, from the very first level it is tough, this is a precision platformer, with something of a fixed camera for a 3D environment.

As you play through the early levels you will gain a few new moves, jump, dash, and magic spell. And then after you have died countless times, and eventually got through a few levels, you then get the option to switch the camera angle 90 degrees, which then makes things so much easier. As now you can line up your jumps much better.

The learning curve on this game is way off, and unfortunately this means a lot of gamers will be put off almost from the first moment. However if you stick with it, there is a good and challenging game here. Yes there are plenty of problems other than what I have mentioned, the level select for example, is you walking around an open area, but as you move, you do not have the abilities you have within an actual level, it just feels wrong, not to mention the very slow pace of the character, the inertia of the character also feels way too heavy. 

The Good

A pretty game with well thought out and challenging levels.

The Bad

A 2D platformer in a 3D world, with a somewhat fixed camera is so hard to get used to. Steep learning curve will also put people off.

Overall

There is a very good game here, it is just hidden behind some terrible developer choices, get past the early problems, stick with it, and you will enjoy the game. But it really takes too much effort from the gamer to get there.

I score The Legend of Gwen on Nintendo Switch a disappointing 6/10. Sadly I think it is too late to fix the issues that will mean this game never reaches an audience that will appreciate it.

TRAILER: Zombieland: Headshot Fever Reloaded Coming to PlayStation®VR2 At Launch

 

The popular VR arcade light gun style shooter Zombieland: Headshot Fever will be released as a PlayStation®VR2 launch title, according to XR Games and Sony Pictures VR (SPVR).

The popular VR title, Zombieland: Headshot Fever Reloaded, has been redesigned to take full advantage of PlayStation®5 and PlayStation®VR2. With a brand new cel-shaded art style, new character models, new animations, new lighting, ragdoll physics, new music, completely redesigned progression system, new game hub, a tonne of brand-new gameplay content, and PlayStation®VR2-exclusive features, fans will be able to experience the action, characters, and humour from the popular film franchise.

PlayStation®VR2-exclusive features include:

Adaptive triggers: making every weapon feel different

Controller haptics: unique haptic feedback every time you fire a weapon

Headset rumble: feel the horde approaching in the headset

Eye-tracking: supports eye-tracking for foveated rendering

Additionally, players can also look forward to a new story level, three new remix levels, new Gun Range challenges, new guns, new perks and new gun skins to enhance the fast-paced, heart-pounding Zombie horde gameplay.

“Bringing a reimagined version of our award-winning game ‘Zombieland: Headshot Fever’ to a brand-new audience on PlayStation®VR2 was a no-brainer.” said Jake Zim, SVP, virtual reality, Sony Pictures Entertainment. “The new hardware features of PlayStation®VR2 enabled the team at XR Games to take ‘Zombieland: Headshot Fever’ to the next level of immersive entertainment. This truly is the ultimate version of the hit arcade-style shooter, and I can’t wait for players to experience the game, and new hardware features, in action.” 

“As soon as we saw the power and hardware features of PlayStation®VR2, we knew there was a huge opportunity to increase the immersion and build the best version of ‘Zombieland: Headshot Fever’ imaginable.” said Bobby Thandi, Founder and CEO of XR Games. “The team kept experimenting, and came back with a gorgeous new artstyle, new animations, lighting, physics, character models, progression system, as well as new levels, guns, challenges and trophies. This is essentially a remaster built to take advantage of PlayStation®VR2’s exciting new hardware features, delivering a more exciting, faster, more immersive experience. I couldn’t be prouder of what the team has accomplished.”

For $24.99/£19.99, Zombieland: Headshot Fever Reloaded will be released for PlayStation®VR2. Players can add the game to their wishlist on the PlayStation store as of right now by clicking the link below.

https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/concept/10005906

TRAILER - Rooftop Renegade - Released February 17, 2023 on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

 

ROOFTOP RENEGADE is an action-platformer all about speed & flow. Evade capture through futuristic skyscrapers channelling powerful abilities from your hoverblades.

Boost through levels under constant bombardment, avoid dangerous hazards, and make split-second decisions that mean the difference between a new personal best or total wipeout.

FAST AND FLUID GAMEPLAY

Master precise controls and smooth physics to get into the zone. Blast through levels at high speeds while chaining together abilities and making split-second pathway decisions. Pursued by the sinister Globacorp, avoid capture while avoiding hazards and traps caused by income fire from gunners.

EVERYBODY RUNS, EVERYBODY GUNS

Gear up to take on challenging levels alone or grab some controllers to disrupt your friends in chaotic offline multiplayer. Take turns in up to 3v1 asymmetric rounds to set your best time as the runner while your rivals disrupt you, then take control of a gunner to defend your record.

MIX IT UP

Create fresh challenges with the seed-based Generator Mode. Enter a keyword to dynamically generate a level from a variety of worlds, layouts, hazards, and enemy combinations. Pick your perfect loadout and dive into a new run to master.

Features

Fast-paced platforming with multiple pathways

Buttery-smooth gameplay with frame rate support

Local-multiplayer Party Mode to play as the Globacorp gunners

Neo-retro city landscapes with a dynamic soundtrack

Controllers are required for local multiplayer.

Released February 17, 2023 on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

NEWS: Jet Kave Adventure - Coming to Nintendo Switch - Pre-order from 12th of February

Strictly Limited Games, in partnership with 7Levels, has announced the pre-order start date for the exclusive and highly limited boxed editions of Jet Kave Adventure for Nintendo Switch. This exciting release of the 2019 platformer is scheduled to launch in autumn 2023 and eager collectors can pre-order their exclusive Limited Edition, starting on Sunday the 12th of February!

These editions will only be available at Strictly Limited Games and will be the only physical version of the game. https://www.strictlylimitedgames.com/products/jet-kave-adventure-nintendo-switch

About Jet Kave Adventure:

Take on the role of Kave, a caveman, in this action platformer featuring an exotic stone age setting. Disclaimer: 7Levels and SLG make no claims of historical accuracy. While it is proven dinosaurs and cavemen did not exist at the same time, the same can’t be said for aliens.

Kave used to be chief of his tribe, but was cast out for failing to provide food. But when aliens threaten to erupt a volcano to jumpstart their crashed spaceship, destroying everything in its vicinity, he doesn't hesitate to try putting a stop to them. Sounds crazy?

To help him on his quest, he can make use of the best of two worlds, primitive stone age tools and spaced-out sci-fi gadgets. What would a caveman be without his trusty club? Exactly. Bash away at dinosaurs, giant fireflies and other critters to your heart's content. Can’t or don’t want to get close up and personal? No worries, Kave also carries the most advanced ranged weapon technology of his time: the rock. Show those pesky fire breathing lizards who's boss. Finally, there’s the jetpack. This is what you are here for after all, isn’t it? Kave picked it up from the crashed alien spaceship, and it allows him unprecedented mobility for a caveman. Hover, fly and boost your way through varied, 2.5D environments ranging from jungles to caves, sandbanks and volcanos. All these tools, as well as your health, can be upgraded with shells at the shaman's shop. This gives you an edge over your enemies.

Features:

Crazy mix of distant past meets distant future. You heard of Cowboys vs. Aliens? Well, we have Cavemen vs. Aliens.

Fast and fluid 2.5D platform gameplay

Upgrade Kaves’ abilities between stages: Hover longer, take more hits, get a bigger club. It’s up to you.

Colorful and vibrant Stone Age graphics

Hidden collectibles and time trials with online leaderboards for additional replay value

In-game trophies! Can you get them all?

A caveman with a jetpack!

Limited Editions:

Infinite Beyond the Mind gets physical, powered by Strictly Limited Games. The Limited Editions for Nintendo Switch™ can only be found there.

The Limited Edition is limited to 3,000 individually numbered copies for Nintendo Switch, at a price of 29.99€ / $29.99.

This edition will be available for pre-order on Sunday the 12th of February, at 9 AM PDT / 12 AM EDT / 5 PM CEST. Shipping is expected for autumn 2023.

https://www.strictlylimitedgames.com/products/jet-kave-adventure-nintendo-switch

TRAILER: Kingdom Rush - Out Now on Xbox

 

It's time for Xbox players to join the fight! Kingdom Rush, the award-winning tower defence strategy game from Ironhide Game Studio, is now available on Xbox One for £7.99! The initial instalment of the studio's fan-acclaimed tower defence series has been loved by gamers for almost ten years, proving that good classics never lose their enchantment. The franchise's iconic sequels (Frontiers and Origins) will also be available on Xbox systems in the near future.

Xbox players can now visit every corner of the magical, fantastic kingdom of Linirea: a realm full of fun adventures and thrilling battles. Kingdom Rush invites players to set their strategic game plan on the battlefield, as they unfold their tactics to defend different lands and stages from the attack of threatening enemy hordes, led by a greedy dark lord: Vez’nan.

Using a vast arsenal of epic towers and spells, players will command the mightiest heroes and guide the greatest army to victory! Fight on castle outskirts, forests, mountains, and wastelands, customizing a defensive strategy with different tower tests and specializations. Rain fire upon enemies, summon reinforcements, command troops, recruit elven warriors and face legendary monsters on this adventure to save the Kingdom from the forces of darkness!

Key features include:

13 mighty heroes to lead troops to victory

18 tower abilities to maximize your army's power

Over 50 unique enemies from Goblins to Demons each with their own unique attributes

More than 60 achievements with easter eggs to discover and challenges to overcome

Extra game modes that will push players strategy to the limit

Intense boss fights with the Kingdom’s greatest threats, going head to head with your allies

REVIEW: Pretty Girls 2048 Strike on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

Zoo Corporation are back with yet another release in their "Pretty Girls" series, this is number 19 and is called Pretty Girls 2048 Strike.

The 2048 in the title is because the game is based on the classic tile sliding puzzle game of the same name.

If you are unfamiliar of the original game, the idea was to use your arrow keys to move the tiles. Tiles with the same number merge into one when they touch. You would win the game when you have a single tile reach 2048, now with this being a Pretty Girls release, there is a twist in the game. Each game will have a title, or multiple tiles featuring one of the Pretty Girls, they will have a score, and every time you move titles in the direction of the Pretty Girl, whatever number is on that particular tile, would take off the same amount from their score, get the Pretty Girl to zero, and you win the level. However if the board fills up, and there are no moves left, you lose.

It may sound a bit confusing, but this may very well be the most addictive Pretty Girls release yet. The addition of the Pretty Girl tile, really does take the original game to a new level, throw in some special skills, that both you the player, and the Pretty Girl can activate, and that brings another level of gameplay and tactics.

Skills for you can include a shuffle of the whole board. Which is very much needed on harder levels when you are running out of mergeable tiles. Another skill when activated will automatically "attack" every Pretty Girls tile, with the equivalent number of the highest tile on the board.

Skills for the Pretty Girls include things like unmergeable tiles, add another Pretty Girl character tile to the board, put a shield around a tile, and so on.

The game is incredibly easy to pick up, and you will get the hang of it pretty quickly. Each set of stages is attached to a different Pretty Girl character, beat all the stages, unlock that girl, earn points for the shop.

As with all Pretty Girls releases, these are sexy Japanese style "Bishoujo" characters, no nudity. Once you collect the Pretty Girls, you can unlock costumes, facial expressions and backgrounds so you can make your Diorama. You can then save the image.

There are 10 stages for each of the five characters. All get progressively harder. And all characters are voiced in Japanese.

There is also an endless mode, where the main aim is just to survive as long as you can, and get as high a tile score as you can. There are 3 stages to play in endless mode, 3x3, 4x4 and 5x5 size boards.

There are two types of Character, with Exorcist Swordsman and Demon Tribe, and each character has their own little bio and story. For example

Chikage - Chikage specializes in a ninja-like fighting style. She has a personality that is both hardworking and confident. She admires her mother, who was an exorcist Swordsman, and dressed as a male in order to pursue her strength and follow the path of swordsman.

Lilim - A dream demon. She looks down on humans as food for her energy. She is mischievous and playful, and enjoys bullying humans. She absorbs energy through dreams and hallucinations.

These are mainly just window dressing and don't affect the game, but it is nice that the effort has been made in these characters.

The Good

As with all of the Pretty Girl's releases, they are based on classic games, this is the first one however where I had never played the classic game before, so for me this was a totally new game in every sense. And despite the main gameboard being very simple, the addictive nature of the gameplay cannot be understated. This is a fantastic game, and perhaps my favourite out of all of the Pretty Girls releases, and I have played a lot of them.

Super simple gameplay, with a growing challenge, that really will challenge all fans of puzzle games.

The Bad

Of the various difficulty levels, the first 3 are pretty easy and you will get through the stages in no time, I think either more levels, or more of a balance on those earlier levels would have been good, but then again it might just be that I am very good at this game?

Overall

I loved this game, definitely my favourite of all the releases, and a game I will keep playing after I have written this review, which is always the biggest compliment a game can get. I honestly can't think of anything that would improve this game outside of more levels. It is that good.

Easily Puzzle game of 2022. I score Pretty Girls 2048 Strike on PC (Steam) a super strong 9.5/10. Near puzzle perfection

Out on PC (Steam) Now!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2210630/Pretty_Girls_2048_Strike/

REVIEW: Whisker Squadron: Survivor on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

Another day and another review, this time we are looking at Whisker Squadron: Survivor.

This is the first game set in the Whisker Squadron universe, and a roguelite shooter from the makers of RACE THE SUN. In Whisker Squadron: Survivor, the action takes place in a continuous corridor setting over the course of 30 minute runs, with a strong emphasis on roguelite survival.

With a variety of feline pilots, ships, and weaponry at your disposal, you may customize your loadout before setting out on a run that only gets tougher with each wave. You can upgrade through a dizzying array of randomly selected upgrades by collecting scrap from your defeated enemies, giving each run a distinctive build.

Whisker Squadron: Survivor, which serves as a prequel to the 2023 space-faring adventure Whisker Squadron.

With a relatively tiny download size, this is an impressive looking game. The sound effects and music are all decent. The music could have been lifted right out of an 80s detective TV show! But now we get to the all important question of how does it play.


You have a choice of using keyboard and mouse, or gamepad. You would think that this game would be made for gamepads and console type controllers. Unfortunately this is the one part that the game really trips on. One of the aspects of the game is turning your ship side ways, it helps you avoid enemy bullets and also get through some tight areas, but using the gamepad, this extra control aspect just didn't feel easy to use, and I found myself totally ignoring that, and just flying with the ship flat. I then tried with a mouse and keyboard, and to be fair it definitely felt easier to control, and even I found myself using the side ways option and also the full rotate, to not only avoid enemy fire but also to go through those tricky areas.

With the mouse and keyboard being a better option, the game still struggles with the control aspects. It just never feels quite right. You are aiming with the mouse at the enemies, but this also controls the direction the ship is moving, so it is hard to do what you want at times. But the more you play, the more you adapt and get used to the controls.

The Good

Very nice looking and sounding game. Nice simple concept that plays ok once you get over the controls.

Shoot at the enemies, progress and upgrade your weapons, shoot at more enemies.

The Bad

The controls. 

Overall

A simple little game, bogged down by a poor control system, stick with it and you will be rewarded with some fun game play.

I score Whisker Squadron: Survivor on PC (Steam) a fair 7/10

Out on 2023 on Steam.
Wishlist at https://store.steampowered.com/app/2140100/Whisker_Squadron_Survivor/

TRAILER: Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew

 

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is a new Stealth Strategy game from Mimimi Games, the developers of Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun and Desperados III.

In Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, you will join a ghost ship with a living soul, sailing the Lost Caribbean, and assemble a cursed pirate crew. Embrace supernatural powers to defy the menacing army of the Inquisition, who stands between you and the mysterious treasure of the legendary Captain Mordechai.

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is coming to Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 in 2023.

Welcome to the Lost Caribbean! In this stealth strategy game, join a ghost ship with a living soul and assemble a cursed pirate crew. Embrace supernatural powers to defy the menacing Inquisition of the Burning Maiden, who stands between you and the mysterious treasure of the legendary Captain Mordechai.

Join The Red Marley, a ghost ship with a living soul. On deck, plan your next adventure or just hang out with your crew mates while they enjoy their un-life. Get to know these legendary cursed pirates of the Lost Caribbean. With individual character missions find out about their backstories, learn who they are and what led them on their cursed journeys.

REVIEW: SEASON: A letter to the future on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

SEASON: A letter to the future is a third-person, atmospheric adventure bicycle road trip game. Bet that is the first time you have ever heard of one of these types of games! 

You play as Estelle and will Immerse yourself in the environment as you take your first trip leaving home to gather memories before a terrible catastrophe wipes everything out, you know the catastrophe is coming, but there is nothing you can do to stop it. Your only wish is to record everything of the "old world" before the new one comes, whatever that may be.

 

Exploration, recording, meeting new people, and understanding the weird environment you're in are the main game objectives. Each recording technique catches a unique layer, including noises and music, artwork and architecture, and the narratives of people going through crucial events. Your instruments will remove these layers until you can see the underlying culture, history, and ecosystem. 

You are brought to the big questions by this adventure: What is this season? Why is it ending? What will the upcoming season bring?

This is not as much of a game as it is a story, a journey of discovery. Find a cemetery, follow side paths, stop off at a temple, there is so much to explore.

Your bicycle is your main mode of getting about, although you can also walk. As you explore you will reach points of interest, at this point you will get off your bike and explore that area. You can take photos, record audio of various sounds, and in general make a record of what you are experiencing. You can even make sketches. You have a journal which you will also use, and you can collect various items that you also think are of interest. The journal will allow you to make conclusions about what you experience. Along with that you will also meet various characters, and how you interact with them will also affect how things turn out for them.

This is a super relaxing game, which will give back to you depending on how much you put in. You can take your time to really explore, and fill up your journal, or you can rush through the game. Clearly it is better and more rewarding for you if you take your time. The more you investigate an area, take photos, audio clips etc, the more you will get back as you will unlock inner thoughts of the main character which may then be jotted down in your journal.

The graphics and general style of the game is pretty damn unique and just feels so warm. You feel like you are truly experiencing a game, as opposed to just playing it. Voice acting is all of the highest quality, and the sound effects are just about perfect. 

This is a really unconventional game, which is such a refreshing change from prety much anything else in the gaming world. It is a hard game to even describe. It is an experience, something that will make you think, but after you have finished it, you will want to replay it, and see what else you can find out and explore.

The Good

Beautiful graphics, great sound effects and voice acting, and a wonderful relaxing experience.

The Bad

You might find yourself obsessively trying to collect every keepsake, and get everything, which is not the point of the game, also mouths do not move on the characters when they speak.

Overall

An exceptionally well made game, original and unique in so many ways.

If you want something different, an experience more than a game, then check this out.

I score SEASON: A letter to the future a solid 9/10.

Out now on Steam and also PS4/PS5

https://store.steampowered.com/app/695330/SEASON_A_letter_to_the_future/

REVIEW: BROK the InvestiGator on PC (Steam) - Available on Consoles from March 1st 2023

UPDATE: Available on Consoles from March 1st, 2023

Review by Jon Donnis

I was asked to take a look at BROK the InvestiGator by my good friends at CowCat Games.

If you have been following my reviews on this site, then you will know I am a fan of the old fashioned point and click adventure games made famous in the 80's and 90's, well for the first time ever (I assume, I have not actually checked), we have a point and click adventure mixed with a Beat'em Up and RPG.

You play the part of an InvestiGator, (The G is capitalised due to the character being an Alligator), you live in a world where the humans are gone, and replaced by animals, you have the privileged class and the not so privileged class. You live with the son (Graf) of your deceased wife, and you are just trying to make your way in this new world. As with all point and click adventures, you will examine a scene, pick things up, try to solve the various puzzles that come your way, but here is the big twist, your character is an ex-boxer, and as such with a click of one button, you can use your fists to help you in your travels, that might entail you beating up some bad guys harassing a friend, or destroying a panel to open a door. Either way it is a nice addition to a genre that has seen pretty much everything before.

As you play and meet new people you will have various missions and side missions to complete, puzzles to complete, some you will need to use your brains, others you might just need to beat up, the story will change depending on your choices you make, giving your different endings depending on those choices.

The Prologue which is out now gives you full access to the first chapter of the game, there will be 6 in total.

The Good

This is a well-crafted game, fantastically drawn characters, full voice acting, the puzzles are just what you would expect in such a game, and the beat em up elements are fun and really do give a tired genre a kick up the ass.

The Bad

None really, this is a fun well-made game.

Overall

The Prologue is free, so download it, play it, and I am sure if you are a fan of point and click adventure games, then you will enjoy it.

I score BROK the InvestiGator a solid 8/10

Review by Jon Donnis

The "Prologue" is available NOW on Steam and GOG : https://store.steampowered.com/app/1318790

Available on Consoles from March 1st
PS4™

PS5™

Xbox One

Xbox Series X|S

Nintendo Switch