REVIEW: Rallyallyally on PC (Steam) - A Chaotic Joyride of Fun and Competition

By Jon Donnis

Rallyallyally is a rollercoaster of adrenaline-fueled chaos, delivering a unique twist to the racing genre that's as exhilarating as it is unpredictable. As the mastermind behind the track, your decisions shape the path to victory, but be prepared for your friends to throw a wrench in your plans.

One of the game's standout features is the ability to create your own tracks on the fly, ensuring every race is a fresh adventure. With up to 8 players on one screen, the competition is fierce, and with 15 different vehicles ranging from monster trucks to double decker buses, there's a ride for everyone.

Customization options add a personal touch to your vehicle, allowing you to stand out on the chaotic track. And with an arsenal of power-ups at your disposal, including the infamous boxing glove, oil slicks, and rocket boosters, the race is never short on surprises.

Rallyallyally thrives on its weirdness and unpredictability, delivering fast-paced action that keeps players on the edge of their seats. Whether you're laughing maniacally as you sabotage your friends or screaming in frustration as victory slips through your fingers, the game guarantees a rollercoaster of emotions.

With its easy-to-grasp mechanics and emphasis on silly fun, Rallyallyally is the perfect addition to any game night with friends. Despite its simplicity, the game offers a surprising amount of depth and strategy, ensuring each race is a new adventure waiting to unfold.

Overall, Rallyallyally earns a solid 7.5 out of 10 for its original concept, chaotic gameplay, and ability to bring friends together for hours of laughter and competition. If you're looking for a wild ride unlike anything else out there, buckle up and dive into the madness of Rallyallyally.

Out now on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1830540/Rallyallyally/

REVIEW: Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore (2024 Video Game) - on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore delivers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of the classic CD-i Zelda games, offering players a hack-and-slash adventure in the enchanting land of Faramore. Controlling the courageous Arzette, players embark on a quest to thwart the sinister plans of the demon lord Daimur, engaging in 2D action platformer gameplay enriched with animated cutscenes. The game flawlessly captures the essence of the CD-i era, drawing inspiration from beloved classics while infusing its own unique charm. The gameplay may feel familiar to veterans of the genre.

The narrative of Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore is a captivating tale of heroism, betrayal, and redemption. Set in the kingdom of Faramore, players witness the treacherous onslaught of the demon lord Daimur, aided by the duplicitous Duke Nodelki. As Princess Arzette, accompanied by her unlikely allies, sets out to vanquish the darkness threatening her realm, players are immersed in a richly crafted world filled with intrigue and peril. The journey to reclaim the shattered Jewel of Faramore is not only a test of skill but also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The game masterfully weaves together elements of fantasy and adventure, culminating in a satisfying conclusion that leaves players eager for more.

Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore excels in paying homage to the classic CD-i Zelda games, capturing the essence of the beloved titles with remarkable authenticity. From its art style to its gameplay mechanics, the game exudes retro charm, appealing to fans of the genre and newcomers alike. The attention to detail is commendable, with lovingly crafted environments and character designs that evoke a sense of nostalgia. The inclusion of fun cutscenes adds depth to the storytelling, immersing players in the fantastical world of Faramore. Despite its homage to the past, the game manages to carve out its own identity, offering a fresh take on familiar concepts.

While Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore succeeds in many aspects, it does falter in its difficulty level. Some players may find the game to be too easy, lacking the challenge they seek in such an adventure. This discrepancy in difficulty may hinder the overall experience for those craving a more rigorous test of their skills. However, this minor flaw does little to detract from the overall enjoyment of the game, which remains a delightful journey through a nostalgic landscape.

In conclusion, Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore is a well-crafted homage to the classic CD-i Zelda games, offering players a nostalgic adventure brimming with retro charm and engaging gameplay. While its ease of difficulty may deter some players, its captivating storyline, charming visuals, and immersive world more than compensate for any shortcomings. Overall, Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore is a delightful experience that pays tribute to its predecessors while carving out its own place in gaming history. I wholeheartedly score Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore an admirable 8 out of 10.

Out now on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1924780/Arzette_The_Jewel_of_Faramore/

REVIEW: Ultros (2024 Video Game) - On PC

Review by Jon Donnis

"Ultros," developed by Hadoque and published by Kepler Interactive, is a mesmerizing journey through a surreal and visually stunning world trapped in a time loop aboard the enigmatic ship known as the Sarcophagus. As players awaken in this bewildering setting, they are thrust into a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and dream, confronting them with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, bizarre flora and fauna, and cryptic encounters with the ship's remaining inhabitants.

Cheapest price I have found to buy Ultros is from CDKeys at cdkeys.pxf.io/rQ3ALj

Gameplay in "Ultros" revolves around the player's mission to prevent the awakening of the eponymous demon, Ultros, imprisoned within the ship. The overgrown vessel serves as a labyrinthine playground where players navigate through hordes of alien creatures, engage in combat with bosses driven mad by the time loop, and harness the power of seeds obtained from interactions with the ship's denizens. These seeds allow players to cultivate edible plants, enhancing their abilities and facilitating progression through the ever-shifting environment.

The combat system evolves from a simple hack-and-slash mechanic to a nuanced and precise swordplay experience as players unlock new abilities. The incorporation of elements from roguelites and metroidvanias adds depth to the gameplay, offering a captivating blend of exploration and progression. The time loop mechanic introduces a dynamic aspect to the world, allowing players to influence future iterations through their choices and actions in previous loops.

Visually, "Ultros" is a feast for the eyes, boasting vibrant aesthetics and imaginative creature designs that contribute to its otherworldly atmosphere. However, the game's complexity may occasionally lead to frustration, with some mechanical aspects feeling overly vague. Additionally, while combat is engaging, some encounters may lack challenge, and certain control issues could be addressed for a smoother experience.

In summary, "Ultros" is a bold and innovative entry in the metroidvania genre, offering a richly immersive experience that captivates players with its stunning visuals and enthralling gameplay. Despite some minor flaws, its unique blend of elements from various genres sets it apart as a standout title, earning it a strong recommendation and a score of 8 out of 10.

Out Now on Steam at

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2386310/Ultros/

Cheapest price I have found to buy Ultros is from CDKeys which is 5 quid cheaper at 

cdkeys.pxf.io/rQ3ALj

REVIEW: Dead Man´s Diary (2024 Video Game) on Playstation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

While I typically avoid revisiting games for reviews, the revamped release of Dead Man's Diary on PlayStation 5 intrigued me enough to reconsider. However, rather than rehashing everything, I'd encourage you to check out my original review of the PC version from a few years ago at http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2022/03/review-dead-mans-diary-on-pc-steam.html. This will provide insight into why I felt compelled to give this game another chance.

Dead Man's Diary, the narrative-driven survival adventure game from TML-Studios, ventures into the post-apocalyptic realm with promising visuals and an immersive premise. Launched on PlayStation 5 after its initial stumble on other platforms, the game aims to deliver a captivating experience amidst a desolate world.

Visually, Dead Man's Diary shines on the PlayStation 5, boasting stunning environments ranging from eerie forests to desolate ruins, all powered by the Unreal Engine 5. The graphical prowess sets an immersive backdrop for players to delve into the game's narrative.

The audio production complements the visuals, with intense internal monologues and emotive music guiding players through the protagonist's journey. However, despite these strengths, the game falls short in some key areas.

The narrative premise, while intriguing, is hindered by repetitive gameplay and unresolved issues carried over from previous releases. Despite enhancements, including a revamped tutorial and dynamic help options, fundamental problems persist. The inability to skip cutscenes, clunky menu systems, and frustrating mechanics like managing meters and swapping tools detract from the overall experience.

While the game incorporates survival elements like managing hunger and scavenging for resources, they feel underdeveloped and fail to add depth to gameplay. Additionally, the presence of "invisible" walls and limited healing items further dampen the immersion.

Despite its flaws, Dead Man's Diary does have redeeming qualities. The lock-picking mini-game and occasional horror elements add variety to gameplay, and the help system proves valuable for newcomers. However, these highlights are overshadowed by the game's persistent shortcomings.

In conclusion, Dead Man's Diary shows promise with its captivating premise and impressive visuals on the PlayStation 5. However, unresolved issues and repetitive gameplay hinder the overall experience, resulting in a frustrating journey for players. While the help system is commendable, it's not enough to salvage the game's fundamental flaws. With a generous score of 4 out of 10, Dead Man's Diary falls short of its potential, leaving players craving a more polished and engaging experience.

Out now at https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/product/EB0129-PPSA16657_00-DEADMANSDIARY000

REVIEW: BMX Gravel on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

"BMX Gravel" offers a thrilling ride through its gravelly terrain, combining BMX skills with an adventurous twist. With its easy-to-learn yet hard-to-master gameplay, this 2D side-scrolling arcade-style game promises plenty of fun as you tear through the levels, pulling off impressive tricks and discovering hidden gems along the way.

One of the game's standout features is its clean and visually appealing graphics. The artwork and custom graphics add to the immersive experience, creating a distinct environment for players to explore. Controlling the bike and performing flips and tricks is undoubtedly enjoyable, adding a layer of excitement to each level.

However, "BMX Gravel" isn't without its flaws. Some certain aspects of the game physics feel off, detracting from the overall experience. Control of the bike can sometimes feel a bit light, leading to moments where players may feel less in control than desired. Additionally, the game's format may leave some players feeling like it's better suited for a browser or mobile platform rather than a full-fledged PC game.

In conclusion, "BMX Gravel" earns a fair score of 6 out of 10. While it delivers on its promise of providing some fun and excitement, it may not offer enough longevity to keep players engaged for extended periods. Nonetheless, for those looking for a casual gaming experience with a BMX twist, "BMX Gravel" is worth a spin.

Out now on Steam for a few quid.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2754670/BMX_Gravel/