REVIEW: Wall Town Wonders (2024 VR Game) - Meta Quest 3

Review by Jon Donnis

Wall Town Wonders is a delightful mixed-reality experience that transforms your living room into a bustling, miniature world. From the moment you step into the game, it's clear that the developers have crafted a charming and inviting environment where relaxation and creativity take centre stage. The concept of watching a tiny town spring to life around you is enchanting, and it's executed beautifully. The vibrant graphics and quirky animations bring the miniature citizens and buildings to life, making it hard not to smile as you explore and expand your virtual town.

The gameplay itself is soothing and accessible, designed for players who enjoy a more casual pace. Progression comes naturally as you complete simple quests and unlock new buildings, each bringing fresh surprises and interactive mini-games. These mini-games are undeniably one of the game's highlights. Whether you're fending off pests with a tiny crossbow, guiding planes with hand gestures, or fishing on your living room floor, there's an endearing creativity to the variety on offer. The seasonal updates and customisation options are another welcome touch, ensuring that the game stays fresh and inviting over time.

Where Wall Town Wonders truly shines is its use of mixed-reality technology. It's impressive to see your physical space so seamlessly integrated into the digital experience. The hand-tracking feature, while innovative, does have its shortcomings. At times, it can feel unresponsive, which led me to switch to using controllers for smoother interactions. Despite this minor setback, the immersion is undeniable, and it's a thrill to feel as though you're truly part of this tiny world.

However, while the game excels in charm and innovation, it may feel a little shallow for some players. It's undeniably a casual experience, with little in the way of challenge or complexity. For those looking for deeper mechanics or high-stakes gameplay, Wall Town Wonders may not scratch that itch.

Despite these minor drawbacks, Wall Town Wonders is a joy to play and an excellent showcase of what mixed reality can achieve. Its easy-going nature makes it perfect for unwinding after a long day, and the unique premise is sure to capture the imagination of players of all ages. If you own a Meta Quest headset, this game is an easy recommendation.

I'd score Wall Town Wonders a solid 8 out of 10. It's a cosy, charming, and highly enjoyable experience that reminds us of the magic VR can bring into our homes.

Out Now on Quest 3 for £15.99 - https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/wall-town-wonders/6103056399797843/

REVIEW: Starship Troopers: Continuum (2024 VR Game) - Meta Quest 3

Review by Jon Donnis

Starship Troopers: Continuum is an absolute blast, and I've had an awesome time playing it on the Meta Quest VR platform. If you're a fan of the Starship Troopers franchise, you're going to love this game. Not only do you get to dive back into the iconic world of the Federation vs. the Arachnids, but you also get to control the battlefield in a way that's fresh and exciting. Plus, it's got Casper Van Dien reprising his role as Johnny Rico, which adds that extra bit of nostalgia.

The story picks up 25 years after the Battle of Klendathu, and while the war with the Arachnids is deadlocked, there's a game-changing new weapon called the Continuum. It's a psychic technology that lets you control troopers on the battlefield. And that's where the real fun begins. You play as a PsyCommander, with advanced psychic powers that allow you to take direct control of your squad. This isn't just another first-person shooter – it's got that tactical edge where you have to manage your squad, rank them up, and even choose their perks to build the perfect team. This system makes the game feel dynamic and rewarding because it's not just about surviving the waves of bugs; it's about developing your troopers into elite soldiers with the best weapons and abilities for the job.

The gameplay loop is really satisfying. You'll go on missions where you and your troopers fight through waves of Arachnids. The missions vary from objectives like planting and defending nukes to fighting off enormous bosses like Tankers and Plasmas. The combat itself is fast-paced and intense, with plenty of opportunities to blow through hordes of bugs with over 20 weapons, from your standard rifles to heavier artillery. You'll need to reload fast, aim accurately, and always stay on your toes because the Arachnids can strike from any angle. The waves of enemies keep things thrilling, and the game does a good job of keeping you on your toes. As you progress through missions, the stakes get higher, and so does the challenge.

In addition to the main campaign, there are Patrols that act as smaller side missions, where you defend key points or survive wave after wave of bugs. These patrols are a great way to rank up your PsyCommander, as well as your individual troopers, and unlock credits to spend on upgrading weapons. One cool thing about the game is that there's a bit of a rogue-like element when it comes to your troopers. They have one life, and if they die, you're back to square one with a new trooper at Rank One. This gives the game a bit of replayability because, even though you're progressing with your PsyCommander, each new trooper feels like a fresh start with new weapons to buy and new perks to unlock. The challenge comes in maintaining a connection to your troopers and making sure they survive long enough to gain enough rank to make a real difference. Plus, once a trooper reaches a certain rank, you can choose to promote them to civilian status, which rewards you with bonuses towards your own progression as a PsyCommander. It adds a layer of depth that makes the game feel even more strategic.

The game's graphics are impressive for VR, and the visuals really help bring the world to life. The environment is immersive, with plenty of atmospheric settings that make you feel like you're in the trenches with your squad. The bugs are creepy as ever, and the design of the enemies really stands out. Whether you're fighting swarms of smaller Arachnids or going head-to-head with a massive Tanker, the action feels tense and immersive. The VR experience makes the combat even more intense, with every explosion, gunshot, and bug attack feeling like it's right in front of you.

One of the standout aspects is the humour. The Starship Troopers films are known for their satirical, over-the-top style, and this game doesn't shy away from that. The voice acting, especially from Casper Van Dien, nails the tone, and there are some genuinely funny moments that bring the campy spirit of the movies into the gameplay. Sure, the humour might go over the heads of younger players, but if you've seen the original film, you'll appreciate the tongue-in-cheek dialogue and the occasional absurdity.

That said, there are a few areas where the game could improve. I did notice some minor audio glitches, particularly when firing weapons. These don't totally ruin the experience, but it's something that could be patched out to improve immersion. Also, while the game is a lot of fun solo, it really shines in co-op mode. Teaming up with friends to fight off the Arachnids and strategising together adds a level of depth that solo play can't quite match. There's some grind to be done in the single-player campaign, especially when you have to level up your PsyCommander rank in order to proceed to the next missions, but that's part of the fun. It's the kind of game that becomes more enjoyable when you've got a solid group to play with, but if you're a solo player, you might find yourself repeating missions a bit more than you'd like.

Starship Troopers: Continuum is a fantastic VR experience. The mix of fast-paced combat, strategic squad management, and a great progression system makes it a standout game. The action is fun, the humour hits the right notes for Starship Troopers fans, and the graphics are top-notch. If you've been waiting for a VR game that combines arcade shooter action with a solid tactical layer, this is definitely one to check out. It's definitely better with friends, but even solo players will have a good time. I'd give it a solid 8.5 out of 10 – it's a thrilling, immersive experience that keeps you coming back for more.

Out Now on Meta Quest

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/starship-troopers-continuum/5848412461902615/

REVIEW: Songs of Conquest on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

Songs of Conquest is a beautifully crafted tribute to classic 90s turn-based strategy games, particularly the much-loved Heroes of Might and Magic III, and it's clear that Lavapotion poured their heart into making this game both an homage and a fresh experience. At its core, Songs of Conquest combines strategic kingdom management with tactical turn-based combat, set against a vibrant, nostalgic fantasy world. It's a genre blend that feels like a rewarding throwback, yet also delivers with enough modern touches to feel relevant and immersive.

Players are introduced to four distinct factions, each with its own flavour and tactical nuances. These factions aren't just reskins; they're balanced with great care, encouraging players to try multiple playthroughs to appreciate the unique abilities and strategies of each. As the rulers of these factions, players command Wielders, powerful sorcerers who harness a blend of might and magic to steer the fate of their kingdoms. These Wielders aren't simply token heroes but come with rich backstories and unique abilities that add a nice layer of tactical depth. Building up your Wielders and strategising their strengths with carefully chosen units is addictive, tapping into that nostalgic compulsion to level up, manage resources, and explore new lands.

Lavapotion's decision to weave in pixel art with 3D environments and volumetric lighting pays off impressively. The visuals are both striking and nostalgic, bringing an old-school style into the modern day. The intricate 2D pixel art is dazzling, and the game shines with vibrant landscapes, enchanting lighting effects, and detailed animations. The way that the visuals complement the combat scenes and map exploration enhances the experience and makes the player feel genuinely immersed in a magical world. It's rare to find a game that bridges past and present aesthetics so seamlessly, and Songs of Conquest nails this aspect.

The gameplay itself is engaging, with each turn requiring thoughtful consideration. Building structures, recruiting Wielders, and upgrading units all demand careful planning and resource management, which in turn makes the battles feel meaningful and earned. The tactical combat skirmishes are satisfyingly challenging, requiring the player to be aware of each unit's positioning and abilities, rather than just throwing them at the enemy. The combat system has enough depth to keep players on their toes without feeling overly complex or inaccessible. The thrill of testing different combinations of units and abilities to see how they work against different factions is one of the most satisfying aspects of the game.

Songs of Conquest also deserves praise for its original score, which adds to the game's nostalgic yet immersive atmosphere. The music is wonderfully composed, giving each region and battle an emotional resonance. The soundtrack complements the visuals beautifully, making each adventure feel grand and timeless. You get a sense that Lavapotion has crafted each detail to elicit a specific mood, which amplifies the overall experience of the game.

For all its charm, however, Songs of Conquest might feel a bit too familiar to players looking for something truly groundbreaking. Its roots in Heroes of Might and Magic III are so evident that some players might see it as a mere modernisation rather than a true evolution. Yet, one could argue that Lavapotion's respect for the genre's foundations isn't a flaw at all but rather a testament to the timelessness of classic gameplay mechanics. Songs of Conquest doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, but it does make it shine and roll smoothly for modern players, which is a feat in itself.

Another highlight is the extensive content available, including robust support for community-generated maps and mods, which hints at a dedicated player base that will likely keep the game alive for years. It's refreshing to see a game in this genre acknowledge the importance of community involvement, and Lavapotion has made it easy for players to share and create their own campaigns, maps, and challenges. This focus on player-driven content gives Songs of Conquest a potentially long lifespan and ensures that there will always be something new for dedicated fans to return to.

Songs of Conquest is a love letter to turn-based strategy fans, particularly those who hold a soft spot for the golden era of 90s games. With its nostalgic visuals, captivating music, and rewarding gameplay mechanics, it proves that this genre still has so much to offer. While it may not introduce dramatic innovations, it's an enchanting experience that balances the old with the new in a way that feels respectful and fresh. Songs of Conquest is a stellar game for anyone who longs for the satisfying, strategic depth of classic fantasy adventures. I'd confidently score it 8.5 out of 10, with high marks for its art, music, and ability to evoke the magic of a beloved genre without diluting its essence.

Out Now

https://store.steampowered.com/app/867210/Songs_of_Conquest/

Also out now on Xbox and PS5

The Blocky Beginnings and Evolution of Minecraft: A Story of Creativity, Survival, and a Dash of Chaos

By Jon Donnis

Imagine it is 2009. Markus Persson, or "Notch" as his fans know him, is tinkering with this quirky little idea for a game. He had this simple but totally new concept: a game where you could build and explore anything you wanted without following a storyline or set goals. Everything was in these chunky, retro-styled blocks. And just like that, Minecraft was born. It did not seem like much at first, just a simple indie game with pixelated graphics, but there was something magical about the freedom it offered.

Over time, Minecraft grew from that humble beginning into one of the best-selling games ever. With over 200 million copies sold, it is now everywhere: PCs, consoles, even phones. People all over the world have built, mined, and battled through its worlds, creating a whole community and culture around it.

Survival Mode: Where the Adventure (and Chaos) Begins

If you are diving into Minecraft for the first time, you will probably head straight into "Survival Mode." Here is the setup: you are dropped into this massive, randomly generated world with no supplies and no plan. Step one? Punch a tree! That is actually how you start. It might sound weird, but trust me, it works; you need wood to get those first tools going. Once you have got them, it is time to find some kind of shelter because when night falls, things get a little dicey.

When it is dark, the mobs come out: zombies, skeletons, spiders, and the infamous creepers, all looking to make your life a nightmare. So, if you do not want to get wiped out before your first sunrise, it is time to hustle and build some walls. As you explore, you will start to gather other resources like coal, iron, and maybe even diamonds if you are lucky. Survival mode is not just about building a nice cabin though; you have to manage hunger, upgrade your gear, and face all kinds of threats. And if you are looking for a real challenge, there is Hardcore mode. In Hardcore, if you die, that is it. No respawning, no second chances. It is intense.

Anarchy Mode: The Wild West of Minecraft

Then there is the wild world of Anarchy servers like https://adventuresinminecraft.com. Minecraft does not officially have an "Anarchy Mode," but players created it anyway. These servers are basically free-for-all chaos zones where anything goes. No rules, no protections. If you manage to survive more than a few hours, you are either really good or just very, very lucky. Anarchy servers are all about raiding, griefing, and just going wild. Nobody is worried about getting banned here. One moment you are building a base, the next it is reduced to rubble by a stranger just because they felt like it.

Some people love anarchy servers because they are unpredictable and raw. You never know what is going to happen, and you have got to stay on your toes if you want to keep anything safe. There is even a kind of community that forms within the chaos. Alliances, secret bases, and betrayals are all just part of the fun. For players who want total freedom (and are not afraid of a little madness), Anarchy servers are the ultimate test of survival and creativity.

The Social Side: Multiplayer, Mods, and Custom Servers

One of the things that keeps Minecraft fresh after all these years is its multiplayer scene. You can hop on a server with friends or meet new people, and the range of things you can do together is endless. Maybe you will team up to build a massive fortress, or you will end up in a PvP (player vs. player) battle where it is every person for themselves. Some servers are just a small group of friends, while others are huge communities with thousands of players all online at once.

And let's talk mods for a sec. They are like pure magic, adding everything from new items to whole new worlds players have dreamed up. There are mods that let you explore space, ride dragons, or even live as a medieval farmer if that is your vibe. If you are on the Java Edition (the original version for PC), it is easy to install mods and join modded servers where entire communities are built around specific themes. For players on Xbox, PlayStation, or other platforms, there is the Minecraft Marketplace, which has approved mods, maps, and mini-games so everyone can get a taste of that modded magic.

Mods and custom servers mean Minecraft never has to be the same game twice. You can always find something new, and no two modded servers are exactly alike.

PS. You can find me on the servers at https://adventuresinminecraft.com if you are interested.

The Community: Where Minecraft Really Shines

Honestly, Minecraft would not be anywhere near what it is today without its community. People all over the world are constantly sharing their builds, recording tutorials on YouTube, and streaming their adventures on platforms like Twitch. Some players take on huge projects, building replicas of real-world landmarks or creating their own fantasy worlds. Others keep it simple, focusing on survival, exploring, or just hanging out with friends.

Then there is MineCon, a massive fan event where players, creators, and developers come together to celebrate the game. Minecraft has become a cultural phenomenon, with everything from creeper memes to massive fan art communities. Over time, it has gone from just a game to a shared experience that connects millions of people, whether they are building, surviving, or just goofing around in creative mode.

The community also keeps the game alive with endless new ideas. Mojang, the developers behind Minecraft (now owned by Microsoft), keep updating the game with new biomes, mobs, and features that are often inspired by player feedback. Recent updates have added lush caves, deep oceans, and all kinds of new creatures to interact with. Every update brings something fresh to explore.

Why Minecraft Matters

So what keeps Minecraft going strong after all these years? It is the kind of game that grows with you; whether you are just here to build a cozy cabin, take on Hardcore survival, or jump into an anarchy server just to see what happens. It is about creativity, adventure, and, yeah, sometimes watching your hard work get blown to bits by a random creeper. But that is what keeps us coming back. In Minecraft, there is always something new to try, and a whole community to share it with. It is a game that feels as big as your imagination, and that is why it is still capturing people's hearts over a decade later.

REVIEW: Planet Coaster 2 (2024 Video Game) on PS5

Review by Jon Donnis

Planet Coaster 2 is a real treat for anyone who loves theme park sims. Building your dream park just got way more exciting with all the upgrades and new features in this sequel. It takes the original game's solid mechanics and cranks everything up a notch, bigger parks, more things to do, and way more freedom to design the theme park you've always dreamed of.

One of the standout improvements is in the building tools. The pathing system, for example, has been completely overhauled. It's now much easier to lay out paths and create complex layouts without being hindered by the old piece-by-piece system. It's a small change, but it really makes everything flow more smoothly. If you're someone who loves making wild rollercoasters that snake through the landscape, or you've got a dream of building a huge water park, the new features give you way more freedom to get creative. You can scale and mirror objects now, and even add scenery directly to your rides. These tweaks let you make your park look just how you imagined, and it's a lot of fun seeing everything come together.

Sandbox mode, as usual, is where this game really shines. If you're into complete freedom, this is where you'll likely spend most of your time. You can build exactly how you want, without worrying about budgets or park limits. The menus are smooth and easy to use, which makes it simple to keep track of everything, from coasters to food stalls, and tweak even the smallest details to get the perfect vibe.

Visually, Planet Coaster 2 has had a serious upgrade. It's not just about improving the graphics, it's about making the park feel more alive. Watching the light change throughout the day, or seeing a coaster race by at full speed, adds an extra layer of immersion. You might even catch yourself taking a moment to step back and admire all the little details you've added to your park. The visuals really help bring the whole experience to life, making your creations look even more impressive.

If you prefer a bit more structure, the campaign mode has got you covered. It gives you specific goals and challenges to work towards, which is a great way to ease into the game before diving into the free-for-all of Sandbox mode. It's not the deepest campaign, but it adds variety and keeps you engaged with a sense of progression.

The multiplayer feature is another exciting addition to Planet Coaster 2. Now, you can team up with other players across different platforms to build a park together. It's fun seeing what your friends create and sharing the experience of building a park, even if you're each working on different parts at different times. This social aspect really adds to the game and makes it even more enjoyable, which is something many simulation games don't get quite right.

That said, there are a few areas where the game could still improve. The management systems, particularly the research mechanics, feel a bit passive. They're not bad by any means, but they lack the depth to keep you fully engaged once you've spent a while in the game. Financial management and staff interactions also feel a little too simple compared to everything else. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's definitely something that could use a bit more complexity.

Overall, Planet Coaster 2 is a fantastic sequel. If you enjoyed the original, this one builds on everything you loved and makes it even better. There's more to do, more to customise, and the visuals are stunning. Sure, some of the management aspects could use a little more depth, but that doesn't take away from the fun of creating your dream park. If you've ever wanted to build a theme park exactly the way you want it, this game gives you all the tools to do just that. I'd give it a solid 8.5 out of 10.

REVIEW: Sofie: The Echoes (2024 Video Game) - On PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

"Sofie: The Echoes" aims high with its ambition to deliver a story-driven, emotional journey, but it's a mixed experience that doesn't quite land where it should. Stepping into Sofie's life as she fights to uncover the whereabouts of her missing family sounds like the foundation for a gripping story, and, in fairness, the narrative has some genuinely compelling moments. Sofie's character is refreshingly multi-dimensional; as a mother and a college professor, she's not your typical action-game protagonist, which should make her journey feel more grounded and relatable. The haunting, echo-laden world she navigates is eerie and atmospheric, drawing you in with its dark landscapes and glimpses into a twisted past. Unfortunately, it's everything outside the story itself that holds the game back, and in more ways than one.

The visuals start off promisingly. Cutscenes are gorgeous, truly cinematic, with a level of detail that pulls you right into Sofie's world. But then you drop into the actual gameplay, and the graphics quality takes a noticeable dip. It's a shame because the world itself is quite stunning in concept, but the execution leaves you wanting. From beautifully crafted cutscenes to environments that sometimes feel bland or glitchy by comparison, there's an inconsistency that undermines the game's potential.

Gameplay mechanics are functional but not especially inspired. It's the standard run, find a weapon, and shoot, a format we've seen plenty of times before. Sofie does have some unique combat abilities that make things interesting for a while, but they don't fully make up for the overall clunkiness. Enemy AI is subpar, which often turns fights from tense encounters into frustrating struggles with unpredictable, often buggy foes. The game's combat sometimes feels like it's fighting you, rather than challenging you in a way that would make sense. Puzzles are present, yes, and they add some variety, but they feel largely inconsequential, which is a shame given how much more depth they could have added to the story if woven in more effectively.

Now, the bugs and glitches deserve their own paragraph because they're unfortunately ever-present. While the developers are pushing out patches, "Sofie: The Echoes" still feels half-baked on launch. It's baffling to see priorities skewed in such odd ways, especially with that unusually polished cloth physics that seem to exist solely to showcase Sofie's skirt and backside in every possible situation. It's jarring and raises questions about what the developers deemed important in a game that's supposed to be an emotionally charged journey. Performance-wise, the game is demanding, too; unless you're running it on a powerful PC, expect drops in frame rates and lengthy load times, which only add to the frustration.

The game's world has depth if you dig for it, with collectible documents and recordings that shed light on Sofie's family history and the dark secrets she's trying to unearth. These snippets are intriguing and genuinely well done, but they're buried beneath so many technical issues that you might find it hard to care enough to look for them. Choices in the game matter to some extent, with certain paths impacting the story's outcome, though this feature feels underdeveloped. If you're looking for something akin to branching narratives that shape the game in meaningful ways, you may feel disappointed by the limited impact of your decisions.

"Sofie: The Echoes" wants to be a deep, cinematic experience, and there are flashes of greatness here and there. The narrative is the one consistently bright spot, filled with emotional weight that's rare in action-adventure titles. Yet the bugs, lacklustre gameplay, and wonky AI ultimately drag it down. This is one of those games you might want to keep an eye on and revisit in a year when the developers have hopefully ironed out the issues and given it the polish it deserves. For now, though, the story just isn't enough to carry it. A disappointing 5 out of 10 feels about right. It's not without merit, but there are far too many flaws for it to be a satisfying experience.

Out now on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2946320/Sofie_The_Echoes/