REVIEW: Heavy Duty Challenge on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

"Heavy Duty Challenge" attempts to immerse players into the challenging world of off-road truck trials, offering an authentic simulation of the experience. The game is grounded in real-life locations and provides modding support with an in-game level editor, adding a layer of customization and creativity. It does a good job in its authentic representation of off-road driving and the detailed simulation of truck mechanics, offering a wide selection of licensed trucks and interactive cabin views.

The positives of "Heavy Duty Challenge" lie in its official licensed content by Europa Truck Trial, offering 12 real licensed trucks with interactive cabin views and supporting both steering wheel and gamepad controls for a more immersive experience.

However, the game has its drawbacks. The gameplay can feel painfully slow due to the nature of off-road truck trials, which might not appeal to all gamers. Graphically, the game falls short of expectations, even on the next-gen Xbox Series S/X consoles. The lack of an in-game map can be frustrating, making it easy to get lost and rendering some levels virtually impossible to complete. Additionally, the camera angles, especially the "behind the truck viewpoint," don't contribute positively to the gameplay experience.

In summary, "Heavy Duty Challenge" prioritizes realism and simulation but inadvertently sacrifices enjoyment and engagement. The dedication to an authentic off-road truck trial experience results in gameplay that feels more like a chore than a fun, immersive adventure. For enthusiasts of the genre seeking a true-to-life simulation, this might hit the mark, but for the average gamer looking for excitement and enjoyment, it might not quite deliver.

Please add simple arcade mode to this game, let people go fast and crash and have fun.

I sadly can only score the game 5 out of 10, and even that is generous. Gameplay is just too slow and methodical to be fun.

Out now on Xbox at

https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/heavy-duty-challenge-the-off-road-truck-simulator/9nmqz1dckcrp

REVIEW: Rebel! on PC (Steam)

Review By Jon Donnis

"Rebel!" is a PC game that invites players to step into the shoes of a freedom fighter, taking on oppressive regimes and battling waves of SWAT teams. While the game has its strengths and weaknesses, it manages to provide a decent gaming experience overall, scoring a 7 out of 10.

The storyline sets the stage for a rebellious adventure, where you must steal weapons and money from your enemies to fuel your resistance. The concept is simple but effective, offering players a chance to experience the thrill of fighting back against an authoritarian regime. However, the story lacks depth and complexity, which is one of the game's drawbacks.

The gameplay mechanics of "Rebel!" are straightforward yet enjoyable. It offers a casual top-down view and employs dual-stick shooter controls, resulting in short but intense gameplay sessions. The AI is surprisingly clever, making enemy encounters engaging and challenging. Additionally, the game's small download size is a plus, making it accessible to a wider audience. The clear, colourful, and well-drawn graphics contribute to an aesthetically pleasing experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the game.

On the downside, "Rebel!" can be considered somewhat basic. It could benefit from more maps, a variety of adversaries, and a wider array of weapons to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting. These limitations hinder the game from reaching its full potential.

In summary, "Rebel!" is a fun game with a lot of potential. It offers a straightforward and enjoyable gaming experience, especially for those looking for short bursts of intense action. While it may lack depth in terms of storyline and gameplay variety, its strengths, such as the small download size and appealing graphics, make it a game worth trying out. With some improvements, "Rebel!" could become an even more engaging and addictive title in the future.

Check it out at https://store.steampowered.com/app/2496160/Rebel

REVIEW: Cats and the Other Lives on XBOX

Review By Jon Donnis

Today we have an unusual game, a point and click game that has been converted to Xbox, that features you in control of a cat within a narrative story.

The story is set after the passing of Bernard Mason, the family patriarch, all the remaining members of the Mason clan return to their childhood home one last time. In this unique game experience, players step into the paws of Aspen, the household cat, embarking on a captivating journey through the hopes, disappointments, and regrets of the enigmatic Mason family, spanning decades of their intricate narrative.

This game offers an interesting point-and-click play style that pays homage to the behaviours of everyday house cats from around the world. As Aspen, you'll explore the simple areas of the house, is this feline companion just a pet or does it harbour a more mysterious role in our lives.

The cat has no special powers or abilities, it is literally just a cat, the object of the game is to unravel the story of the Mason Family. You will listen in to conversations, solve puzzles, and in general do cat things like follow scents, chasing a mouse, causing chaos during family dinners and so on.

The game is rendered in 2D pixel style art.

Also, worth noting that a portion of the proceeds from "Cats and the Other Lives" is dedicated to funding medical operations for street cats.

The Good

An interesting concept for a mainly story based type of game, I liked the 2D pixel art, and the game looks great.

The Bad

I found the controls of the cat a bit clunky, the problem is this is a PC game, and controlling the game with an Xbox gamepad just doesn't quite work, and a few times you will find yourself literally stuck, and you are unable to use the gamepad to move to a separate section, for example I was on a sofa, and could only interact with a small figurine on a side table, for the life of me I couldn't figure out how to get off the sofa, as you need a mouse to select the correct movement.

Overall

This is a PC game, not an Xbox game, so although I played this on an Xbox, I can't really recommend this unless you play with a mouse, both figuratively and literally!

An interesting concept for a game, which is very storyline heavy, might not be for those of you who prefer more of a gameplay experience. But if you enjoy narrative/storyline-based games, where you are more of a bystander, than active participant, then this game finds a happy middle point.

If you like these kinds of game, get it on PC not Xbox, as it just doesn't quite fit the gamepad experience.

I score Cats and the Other Lives on Xbox a 6/10, playing it on a PC I would give it a 7/10

Out now!

Xbox

https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/Cats-and-the-Other-Lives/9P862Q562R1X 

PC

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1360390/Cats_and_the_Other_Lives/

REVIEW: Contraptions 3 on Nintendo Switch

Contraptions 3 continues the zany tradition of its predecessors, delivering a fun and imaginative puzzle-solving experience that fans of the series will appreciate. This game successfully combines creative contraptions and Rube Goldberg-style mechanics to entertain players with its unique challenges. However, while it offers simple and enjoyable graphics, it also carries some drawbacks that might hinder newcomers from fully embracing the eccentric charm.

The game features over 200 wacky puzzles spread across five distinct worlds, offering a substantial amount of content for puzzle enthusiasts to explore. Additionally, the ability to create custom levels and challenge friends to conquer them extends the game's replayability beyond its premade puzzles.

Each level tasks players with ridding the environment of monsters by crafting intricate contraptions. The core gameplay revolves around arranging objects in a way that triggers chain reactions, leading to the monsters' demise. Players can pause time to reposition, flip, or connect objects, allowing them to fine-tune their solutions before setting the contraption in motion. If executed correctly, a satisfying domino effect unfolds, leading to the monsters' ultimate defeat.

Contraptions 3 boasts a wide array of gadgets, each with its own unique interaction and functionality. Igniting, touching, pushing, or pulling these gadgets can set off a series of events that culminate in solving a puzzle. Players must think creatively to interconnect these gadgets, crafting complex and often hilarious setups to achieve their objectives.

The game encourages diverse approaches to puzzles, enabling players to experiment and devise their own Rube Goldberg-inspired solutions. This aspect lends itself well to the game's replayability, as the puzzles can often be approached in multiple ways.

The Good

The game's simple and fun graphics retain the signature style that fans of the series have grown fond of. The whimsical world of Contraptions 3 is a joy to explore, with each of the five different worlds presenting distinct environments to unravel. Players who enjoyed the previous entries will feel right at home, revelling in the familiar visuals that make the game so inviting.

The Bad

Unfortunately, Contraptions 3 stumbles when it comes to onboarding new players. The absence of a detailed tutorial and the steep learning curve can be a significant barrier to entry, particularly for those who are new to the franchise. The complex interactivity of various gadgets and objects is not thoroughly explained, leaving players to grapple with confusion as they attempt to piece together solutions. This oversight in introducing newcomers to the game mechanics detracts from the overall enjoyment and accessibility of the experience.

Overall

Contraptions 3 successfully maintains the engaging and humorous puzzle-solving experience the series is known for. The game's vibrant and imaginative worlds, coupled with its intricate contraption-building mechanics, offer a joyful journey for fans of the franchise. However, the absence of a thorough tutorial and the steep learning curve can be off-putting to newcomers, hampering their initial immersion into the game.

With its unique blend of creativity and puzzles, Contraptions 3 stands as a solid entry in the series, deserving of a 7 out of 10. It's a game that rewards both ingenuity and patience, beckoning players to explore the wacky possibilities hidden within each level's assortment of gadgets and objects.

Out Now for £5.99 on Nintendo Switch

https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Contraptions-3-2408452.html

REVIEW: Pretty Girls Klondike Solitaire PLUS on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

I have covered many of the "Pretty Girls" releases, by now you should know the routine, take a classic simple to play game, wrap it within the Pretty Girls universe, and job done.

"Pretty Girls Klondike Solitaire PLUS" from ZOO Corporation delivers a delightful twist on the classic game of solitaire, immersing players in an anime-inspired world with Klondike rules. With its charming anime-style graphics, easy-to-play gameplay, and impressive presentation, this title adds a fresh layer of excitement to the timeless card game.

The game offers a unique twist by incorporating 11 beautiful girl characters, each with their own distinctive personalities and stories. Engaging with them adds an element of intrigue as you progress through the solitaire challenges. The diverse cast of characters, from cool beauties to Tsundere personalities, enhances the gameplay experience and gives players an incentive to clear stages and unlock stylish costumes for the girls.

The various difficulty levels add a layer of challenge to the traditional Klondike solitaire game, but also rewards players with costume changes as they make progress. Dressing up the characters in various outfits adds a fun and rewarding aspect to the game, offering a creative outlet for players to express their style preferences.

The inclusion of a Diorama mode is a classic part of the Pretty Girls games, allowing players to place multiple characters in different settings, customize their expressions, and change their costumes. The ability to save and load scenes encourages creativity, letting players craft their ideal scenarios and capture snapshots of their creations.

The game does a commendable job of integrating the anime aesthetic into the solitaire gameplay. The characters are beautifully designed, and the voice acting in Japanese adds an extra layer of authenticity. The game's interface is intuitive, making it easy for both newcomers and seasoned players to dive into the solitaire action.

Here is an example of some of the characters and their bios.

Sakura - The daughter of the Jounouchi family, a large conglomerate. She has a bright and friendly personality with the grace of a celebrity. She plays the role of a maid-maker among her close female friends.

Shion - The daughter of the famous Arisugawa family. She has a soft demeanor and a quiet personality. She is considered by those around her to be a beauty because of her personality and good looks.

Ayame - She is the daughter-in-law of the heir to the famous Fujishima family, and is held in awe by all concerned for her ability to manage the Fujishima family.

While "Pretty Girls Klondike Solitaire PLUS" offers an enchanting experience overall, there's room for a few enhancements. Expanding on the variety of backgrounds and settings for the Diorama mode could further boost its creative potential. Additionally, introducing more challenging gameplay modes or power-ups could add depth to the solitaire mechanics.

In conclusion, "Pretty Girls Klondike Solitaire PLUS" is a captivating addition to the "Pretty Girls" series, successfully blending Klondike solitaire rules with an engaging anime-inspired universe. With its charming character designs, easy-to-understand gameplay, and the allure of dressing up the characters, this title is a must-try for fans of both solitaire and anime aesthetics. ZOO Corporation's dedication to creating an enjoyable and visually appealing experience earns this game a solid 8 out of 10.

Out now on Steam
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2483680/Pretty_Girls_Klondike_Solitaire_PLUS/