REVIEW: Sonic Superstars (2023) on Xbox - A Blend of Nostalgia and Modern Gameplay

Review by Jon Donnis

Sonic Superstars, the brainchild of Arzest and Sonic Team, is a delightful blend of nostalgia and contemporary gaming. This 2023 platformer successfully channels the magic of the classic Sonic the Hedgehog games, incorporating side-scrolling gameplay, vivid 2.5D graphics, engaging mini-games, and a stellar soundtrack. However, it stumbles slightly in fully replicating the breakneck speed that characterized the iconic Sonic titles of the 1990s.

One of my favourite parts of Sonic Superstars are the entertaining mini-games, designed to challenge players as they strive to collect the elusive Chaos Emeralds. These mini-games inject excitement and variety into the gameplay, showcasing a different dimension of Sonic's world and providing a rewarding sense of accomplishment. Accompanied by the vibrant 2.5D graphics, reminiscent of the beloved classic Sonic games, the visual experience is both nostalgic and modern, enticing players into a vivid and captivating world.

The auditory aspect of the game is another strong suit, with the soundtrack standing out for its brilliance. It not only complements the gameplay flawlessly but also takes players on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, amplifying the overall gaming experience.

However, where Sonic Superstars falls slightly short is in capturing the sheer adrenaline and intensity of speed that made the original Sonic games a phenomenon. Despite its best efforts to replicate the classic gameplay, the game doesn't quite reach the blistering pace and heart-pounding excitement of its predecessors.

Delving into the storyline, Sonic Superstars follows the familiar narrative of the Sonic universe, pitting players against the infamous Doctor Eggman and his nefarious accomplices Fang the Hunter and Trip the Sungazer. Set across the picturesque North Star Islands, players choose from four iconic characters—Sonic the Hedgehog, Miles "Tails" Prower, Knuckles the Echidna, and Amy Rose, each boasting their own unique abilities.

In this adventure, players traverse 12 diverse zones, each teeming with springs, loops, collectible rings, and shield power-ups. The zones are split into acts, culminating in exhilarating boss battles. Beyond the core levels, special stages offer an opportunity to swing through 3D environments in pursuit of the coveted Chaos Emeralds, granting players exciting power-up abilities and a chance to transform into their character's super form.

The game further shines with its local multiplayer option for up to four players, a first for the series. Multiplayer modes include races, battles, collection competitions, and last man standing, adding a competitive edge to the Sonic experience.

In conclusion, Sonic Superstars successfully marries nostalgia with modern elements, resulting in an entertaining platforming adventure. The inclusion of engaging mini-games, vibrant 2.5D graphics, and a stellar soundtrack add depth to the gameplay. While it may miss the mark on replicating the lightning-fast speed of its iconic predecessors, Sonic Superstars deserves a commendable 7 out of 10 for its valiant effort in ushering in a new era of Sonic gaming.

Out from October 17th

https://amzn.to/3rQHAss

PREVIEW: Dive into Romance and Battle in "Mech Academy" - A 2023 Adult Visual Novel

By Jon Donnis

Get ready to step into a world where love, duty, and futuristic warfare collide in "Mech Academy," a thrilling 2023 adult visual novel that combines enthralling storytelling with strategic decision-making. Available for play on PC through Steam, this captivating visual novel will let you navigate a world filled with choices and consequences.

In the year 2175, Earth faces an existential threat from the Noxa, a merciless alien race determined to conquer the planet. As the player, you assume the role of Lieutenant Knight, a highly decorated 1970s soldier who finds themselves propelled two centuries into the future through a mysterious experiment. Everything you knew has changed, and you must now pilot a Guardian Mech, colossal war machines built to defend Earth.

Your new home is Section 2, a training center led by the captivating and stern Commander Elara Sardana, a unique hybrid of Earthling and alien heritage. But you're not alone in this endeavor. Meet Mei Maede, the rebellious pilot of the Wonder Mech, and Drana, the confrontational pilot of the Ghost Mech, hailing from a distant alien world. Alongside them is Lydia Helmer, a reserved Sparkle Mech pilot, and Irina, the chief scientist passionate about technology and research.

The game boasts an impressive array of features, including 3,000 full HD images, 90 full HD animations, and a narrative comprising 60,000 words. The "Ren'py Engine" powers the gameplay, providing a seamless experience as you make critical decisions that influence the story's evolution. From selecting your character's name to engaging in multiple-choice decisions, every choice matters.

Character interactions are at the heart of "Mech Academy," with each pilot offering a unique and complex personality. Mei's bravery and recklessness, Lydia's family legacy, Elara's loyalty to duty, and Drana's disdain for Earth create dynamic relationships that shape the course of the story. Balancing romance, friendship, and defending Earth from extraterrestrial invaders will challenge you, making this a visual novel like no other.

Immerse yourself in a world of mystery, technology, and romance, and embark on a journey that will test your strategic thinking and emotional depth. "Mech Academy" invites you to experience love and adventure on a grand scale, as you navigate a future where the fate of Earth lies in your hands. Will you rise to the challenge and conquer both the battlefield and matters of the heart? The choice is yours.

Wishlist now (Oer 18s only) on Steam at

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2593850/Mech_Academy/

REVIEW: Bang-On Balls: Chronicles on XBOX

Review by Jon Donnis

Bang-On Balls: Chronicles, despite its peculiar name, offers a delightful and content-loaded experience for those seeking a lighthearted, bouncy adventure. As BOB, the bouncy hero, players embark on an epic quest through destructible open worlds, showcasing glorious 3D platforming and combat inspired by some of the genre's best.

Many of the problems I had with the original Steam release, seemed to have been ironed out for the Xbox release, although I still hate the camera angle, I much prefer a fixed camera, unfortunately one of my biggest complaints here is that sometimes you just cant see what you are doing as the environment gets in the way.

The game begins with a whimsical introduction, placing players in a warehouse with minimal instructions. Exploring this space unveils collectibles, including film reels crucial for unlocking levels. The initial stage serves as a tutorial, providing a simple obstacle course to acclimate players to the game's mechanics.

Once the introductory phase concludes, players dive into various historical-themed open worlds, each presenting unique mechanics, enemies, and items. From Vikings to Feudal Japan and even the Space Race, the game's diverse settings offer plenty of room for exploration and discovery.

One notable aspect of Bang-On Balls: Chronicles is its emphasis on exploration and collection. The game encourages players to delve into every nook and cranny, smashing objects and unlocking treasures. The ability to customize the character using collected items adds a creative touch to the experience, without the need for paid cosmetic DLC.

While the game excels in its graphical presentation and smooth gameplay, it could benefit from a more user-friendly menu system and improved guidance for players to navigate levels efficiently. The initial confusion regarding progression and objectives could be mitigated with clearer instructions.

Despite minor drawbacks, Bang-On Balls: Chronicles on Xbox offers a good gaming experience, especially when enjoyed in a multiplayer setting. With a few adjustments to enhance accessibility, this game has the potential to attract a wider audience and further showcase the developer's creativity.

Overall, Bang-On Balls: Chronicles on Xbox receives a fair and fitting score of 7/10, making it a promising addition to the gaming repertoire.

Out Now on Xbox

https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/BangOn-Balls-Chronicles/9NBQJ6N2T9V1

REVIEW: Avatar: The Last Airbender: Quest for Balance

Review by Jon Donnis

Avatar: The Last Airbender: Quest for Balance invites fans to relive the captivating adventure of the original animated series, embracing the elements and exploring the diverse world of Avatar. The game's art style is striking, adopting a delightful cell shading graphics design that brings the Avatar universe to life in an immersive 3D side scrolling type platform and adventure experience.

One of the game's strengths lies in its versatility of play. Players can either embark on the journey solo, switching between iconic characters or team up with a friend for an engaging two-player co-op experience. The mechanics play smoothly, making it easy for players to navigate through the game and enjoy the adventure in their preferred way.

However, the game does fall short in terms of variety and depth. The levels, while visually appealing, often follow a repetitive pattern with relatively small maps and similar quests. The quests, whether main or side, can become predictable, leading to a sense of monotony. Additionally, the camera viewpoint occasionally hinders puzzle-solving, limiting the player's perspective and complicating certain challenges.

Despite its tie-in to the beloved Avatar series, the game struggles to fully capture the essence and depth of the original cartoons. It feels more like a standard game with the licensed use of characters from the cartoon, rather than a fully immersive experience deeply rooted in the Avatar universe.

In summary, Avatar: The Last Airbender: Quest for Balance offers an enjoyable adventure, staying true to the art style of the series and enabling engaging gameplay, especially in co-op mode. However, to reach its full potential, the game could benefit from more diverse gameplay and a stronger connection to the captivating world of Avatar.

As such I can only score the game 6.5/10. I expected more from what should be a big name release.

Out now on multiple formats.

https://amzn.to/3PFRF3u

REVIEW: NASCAR Arcade Rush on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

NASCAR Arcade Rush, published by GameMill Entertainment, delivers a pulse-pounding arcade racing experience that will ignite the engines of both racing enthusiasts and casual gamers. Buckle up, hit the gas, and prepare for a thrilling adventure through reimagined versions of NASCAR's most legendary racetracks.

From the get-go, NASCAR Arcade Rush captivates with lightning-fast, high-octane gameplay that stays true to the spirit of NASCAR while injecting an arcade twist. The full-contact, wheel-to-wheel racing, combined with jaw-dropping jumps, nitro boosts, and unexpected surprises, keeps players at the edge of their seats. This game manages to strike a decent balance between being approachable for all and catering to die-hard NASCAR fans.

One of the standout features is the reimagination of iconic NASCAR tracks such as Talladega Superspeedway, Daytona International Speedway, Darlington Raceway, and more. The reengineered versions of these tracks deliver a fresh, imaginative take on familiar locales, adding an exhilarating dimension to the gameplay.

Customization is a key aspect, allowing players to personalize their vehicles and drivers with an impressive array of options spanning 75 years of stock car racing history. With countless combinations of paint schemes, rims, spoilers, and more, each player can truly craft a unique racing experience to match their style.

The game offers a variety of engaging modes, including the Career NASCAR Cup Series, Quick Race, and Time Attack, ensuring ample replayability for solo players. For those seeking a challenge against friends, the local and online multiplayer modes amp up the excitement, providing intense head-to-head battles and global competition.

The Good

Clear colourful graphics, familiar gameplay that will remind you of games like Mario Kart Tour and F1 Race Stars, and a fun arcade racing experience.

The Bad

No real differences between the cars you drive, all look different but play the same. There is NO drift mechanics in the game, which is a major mistake from the game makers, this means you will often bounce around on corners, and little skill is needed. There is no mini map and you cannot change the camera angle, two simple things that would improve the game massively.

Overall

NASCAR Arcade Rush revives the classic arcade racing experience, infusing it with the adrenaline of NASCAR racing, this could be a game you would play at an airport or an arcade, no skill needed to play, just a quick bash to pass the time.

It successfully appeals to a broad audience while paying homage to the fervent NASCAR fanbase. With its compelling features, reimagined tracks, and robust gameplay, NASCAR Arcade Rush earns a strong 8 out of 10. It is far from perfect, but it is fun enough to be worth a look. Perhaps wait for it to be on sale, as it is way overpriced right now for what it is.

Available now on Xbox

https://amzn.to/3LCyDcV