REVIEW: Raccoo Venture on Playstation

Review by Jon Donnis

Raccoo Venture is a delightful 3D adventure platformer that masterfully blends nostalgia from the 1990s with modern gameplay elements. With its charismatic protagonist, engaging puzzles, and a whimsical world, this game manages to capture the essence of classic 3D platformers while introducing fresh mechanics for both casual and dedicated players.

The storyline is a familiar yet engaging quest to recover holy relics and save the world from impending chaos. The game's narrative successfully weaves magic and secrets into the journey, keeping players invested in uncovering the mysteries of Verta's Harmony.

The game's graphics are commendable, offering a decent standard that enhances the overall visual experience. The charming and cute design of the protagonist adds to the game's appeal, making it a treat for players of all ages. The soundtrack complements the whimsical atmosphere, contributing to the immersive feel of the adventure.

One of the highlights of Raccoo Venture is its well-executed game mechanics, reminiscent of classic 3D platformers on iconic consoles like the N64 and Sega Dreamcast. The platform challenges, creative boss battles, and diverse mini-games add layers of enjoyment to the overall experience.

The customization options, including various outfits for the protagonist, provide a personal touch to the adventure. Collecting hidden items, solving challenging puzzles, and discovering secret paths add depth to the gameplay, catering to players who love exploration and completionism.

However, a notable drawback is the fixed camera angle, which can prove to be a hindrance during certain jumps, especially as the game progresses. While the fixed perspective is a nod to the classics, it may frustrate some players in more intricate platforming sections.

Despite this minor flaw, Raccoo Venture deserves a strong 8 out of 10. It successfully captures the essence of beloved 3D platformers, offering a mix of nostalgia and modern gaming elements. The challenging yet enjoyable gameplay, coupled with the game's overall charm, makes it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. As a player who fondly remembers the golden era of 3D platformers, I felt right at home playing Raccoo Venture and would highly recommend it to others seeking a fun and nostalgic adventure.

Out Now on Playstation at 

https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/product/EP0546-PPSA19478_00-RACCOOVENTRPS5EU

REVIEW: Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora offers an immersive first-person experience in the captivating world of Pandora. The open-world concept is seamlessly executed, allowing players to explore the vibrant and diverse landscapes at their own pace. The game cleverly weaves a standalone narrative into the broader Avatar film series, offering a unique perspective through the eyes of a Na'vi orphan. The inclusion of a 2-player cooperative multiplayer mode enhances the gaming experience, encouraging collaboration in the fight against the RDA.

"Abducted by the human militaristic corporation known as the RDA, you, a Na'vi, were molded to serve their purpose. Fifteen years later, you are free, but find yourself a stranger in your birthplace. Reconnect with your lost heritage and discover what it truly means to be Na'vi as you join other clans to protect Pandora from the RDA."

The three distinct regions of Pandora, each with its own biomes and challenges, contribute to the depth of the game. The "Na'vi sense" mechanic adds an engaging layer by highlighting interactable objects and enemy weak points. The arsenal, ranging from RDA weapons to Na'vi bows and arrows, provides a satisfying variety of combat options. Crafting and progression are well-implemented, offering a sense of growth and empowerment as players unlock better gear.

The game successfully captures the awe-inspiring essence of the Avatar movies, immersing players in the breathtaking world of Pandora. Drawing parallels to the Far Cry series, Frontiers seamlessly combines exploration, storytelling, and combat in a vast open world. The narrative choice to begin as a Na'vi raised by the RDA adds depth, creating a compelling story of resistance, exploration, and community-building.

The gameplay mechanics are familiar yet enjoyable, with the player's agility and the option to ride the majestic "ikran" adding a dynamic element to the experience. The inclusion of co-op play is a welcome feature for those who prefer shared adventures. The game's progression system, including skill trees and crafting, provides a satisfying sense of growth and customization.

While the story is compelling, a sense of repetitiveness can creep in during certain missions, particularly when tasked with taking out enemy encampments and drilling rigs. The game could have elevated itself by offering a greater variety of missions and experiences, preventing it from falling into a somewhat predictable rhythm.

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora earns a solid 8 out of 10, standing as a noteworthy addition to the gaming landscape of 2023. The game masterfully captures the stunning aesthetics of Pandora, providing a unique and visually striking experience. Despite occasional repetitiveness, the engaging narrative, well-executed gameplay mechanics, and the vast, vibrant world make it a compelling journey from start to finish. Whether flying on an ikran or fighting against the RDA, players will find themselves engrossed in the enchanting unknown of Pandora.

Out Now at

https://amzn.to/3GSnsdk

REVIEW: Asgard's Wrath 2 on Meta Quest VR

Review by Jon Donnis

Asgard's Wrath 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2019 hit, has finally landed on the Meta Quest series, and it's nothing short of a triumph for Sanzaru Games and Oculus Studios. This action role-playing game takes players on an immersive journey through Norse and Egyptian mythology, offering a compelling story, engaging gameplay mechanics, and a vast open-world VR experience.

The game's narrative picks up where its predecessor left off, with players assuming the role of a Norse god seeking revenge on Loki. The twist lies in the ability to possess mortals with important destinies, adding a unique layer to the gameplay. The shift to Egypt introduces interactions with gods from another mythology, enriching the overall experience.

Asgard's Wrath 2 truly shines in its gameplay, setting a new standard for VR open-world RPGs. The pacing is well-crafted, and the story unfolds seamlessly, keeping players invested from start to finish. The title offers a diverse range of activities, from exploration and puzzle-solving to engaging in combat with formidable foes. The addition of minigames and the ability to possess four characters, each with their own story and skill tree, adds depth to the overall experience.

The game's combat and puzzle-solving mechanics are praiseworthy, delivering a satisfying blend reminiscent of popular non-VR RPGs like Zelda and Skyrim. The expansive world encourages exploration, with various weapons and abilities waiting to be discovered. The inclusion of followers who assist in combat further enhances the depth of the gameplay.

While Asgard's Wrath 2 excels in many aspects, some limitations are noticeable. Certain elements feel constrained by traditional non-VR RPG conventions, and the graphics, while impressive for VR, may fall short of the standards set by non-VR games. The Meta Quest 3 VR platform imposes some constraints, leading to graphics that, while serviceable, may not match up to the highest standards.

In conclusion, Asgard's Wrath 2 earns a near-perfect score of 9 out of 10. It stands as a must-have VR game of the year, showcasing the potential of the Meta Quest series. The game's exceptional storytelling, satisfying combat, and intricate RPG systems make it a standout title that competes with the best role-playing games across all platforms. If you own a Meta Quest VR unit, this game is a definite must-buy, delivering an unforgettable VR experience that sets a new benchmark for the genre.

You can buy a Meta Quest unit with Asgard's Wrath 2 exclusively at https://amzn.to/3TxpqaG

REVIEW: Born of Bread on PC (Steam) - Out Now

Review by Jon Donnis

Born of Bread, a whimsical RPG adventure available on Steam, introduces players to Loaf, an unlikely hero who is a flour golem with a perpetual childlike wonder. Set against the backdrop of havoc caused by beings from another age, the game weaves a story thousands of years in the making.

The 2.5D adventure unfolds in a vibrant world brimming with mysteries. As players guide Loaf and his quirky buddies, they face off against menacing baddies through a turn-based combat system infused with a unique interactive twist. The game challenges players' reflexes, adding a layer of engagement to the traditional turn-based mechanics.

In terms of presentation, Born of Bread stands out with its clear and colorful graphics, contributing to the whimsical atmosphere. The characters, each possessing odd abilities and distinct personalities, bring humour and joy to the narrative. The game is filled with delightful bread puns and a fun sense of humor, creating a charming experience.

However, the 2.5D graphics pose challenges as characters and environmental elements may obstruct the main character, impacting visibility. Skipping dialogue could lead to missing crucial information for progression, emphasizing the importance of paying close attention. The in-game menu system, designed to be navigated with a mouse, doesn't work well with a gamepad and proves overly complicated, detracting from the overall user experience.

Despite its enjoyable style reminiscent of the original Paper Mario, Born of Bread lacks originality, and the turn-based combat may feel tedious for players who prefer real-time fights. The inclusion of numerous pop culture references adds an extra layer of entertainment, complemented by a well-crafted in-game soundtrack.

In conclusion, Born of Bread offers a cute and enjoyable experience with room for improvement. The game's strengths lie in its vibrant graphics, engaging characters, and a delightful blend of humour and pop culture references. However, issues with the 2.5D graphics and an overcomplicated menu system detract from the overall experience. While the turn-based combat may not resonate with all players, Born of Bread is still worth exploring for those seeking a lighthearted adventure.

Born of Bread on PC (Steam) has the potential for growth and refinement, and with some adjustments, it could reach greater heights.

Score: 7 out of 10

Out on PC, Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1555140/Born_of_Bread/

REVIEW: Only Wish on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

"Only Wish," the latest offering from the creators of "Broll," promised to take the "Only Up" genre to the next level with its captivating landscapes, innovative gameplay, and a plethora of unique features. Unfortunately, the game falls short of delivering on its potential due to persistent technical issues that hinder the overall experience.

The game opens with a sense of wonder, inviting players to explore mysterious doors concealing untold stories and secrets. The promise of diverse vehicles for exploration adds an extra layer to the traditional platforming genre, but this innovation is overshadowed by a critical flaw: the game consistently crashes for me after the initial opening, rendering it unplayable.

Despite reporting the issue to the developers, a fix has yet to be implemented. This raises concerns about the game's readiness for a proper release. It's evident that "Only Wish" has the potential to be an engaging and immersive experience, but the current state of persistent bugs undermines the player's ability to fully enjoy what the game has to offer.

One of the game's touted features is the intricate interactions with NPCs, promising to deepen immersion and provide a rich narrative experience. Unfortunately, my gameplay was cut short before I could fully appreciate these aspects due to the technical difficulties.

In conclusion, "Only Wish" has a promising concept with its groundbreaking gameplay elements and narrative potential. However, the presence of critical bugs prevents players from fully enjoying the experience. Until these technical issues are addressed and the game receives a stable release, it's challenging to recommend "Only Wish" to players seeking a seamless and enjoyable platforming exploration adventure.

Available on Steam.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2542010/Only_Wish/