REVIEW: NeoSprint on PC (2024 Video Game on Steam) released by Atari

Review by Jon Donnis

NeoSprint, the latest offering from Atari, breathes new life into the cherished "Sprint" series, transporting players back to the golden age of arcade racing with a modern twist. This single screen racer for the PC successfully merges nostalgic charm with contemporary features, resulting in an exhilarating racing experience that caters to both solo players and multiplayer enthusiasts.

From the moment you launch NeoSprint, the game's vibrant, colourful graphics and energetic sound effects immerse you in a world reminiscent of the classic arcade era. The isometric view provides a perfect perspective for navigating the intricate racetracks, and the option to switch between the classic top-down angle and a closer, more dynamic camera adds an extra layer of depth to the visual experience.

One of NeoSprint's standout features is its precise, arcade-style controls. Easy to pick up but challenging to master, the game demands skillful maneuvering, particularly when it comes to drifting and drafting. This nuanced control scheme ensures that each race is both thrilling and satisfying, as you strive to perfect your racing technique.

The robust track-building and sharing tools are where NeoSprint truly shines. The customizable track builder allows you to design tracks with a variety of elements, from ramps and jumps to banks and scenic decorations. The four distinct biomes, forest, desert, winter, and city, offer diverse aesthetic backdrops, making each track feel unique. However, the track-building mode can be somewhat fiddly. Switching between different track types and placing them precisely in the limited grid area can sometimes feel more frustrating than creative.

NeoSprint also features a lineup of nine different car types, each with its own unique attributes in terms of speed, acceleration, and handling. Customizing your cars with different colours and Atari-themed decals adds a personal touch, enhancing the overall racing experience.

For solo players, the Campaign Mode offers a substantial challenge. You'll face off against eight rival racers across multiple Cups, with each track becoming progressively more difficult. Unlockable decorations and car liveries provide additional incentives to keep pushing forward. Beyond the Campaign Mode, NeoSprint includes alternate game modes like Grand Prix, Obstacle Courses, and Time Trials, each offering hours of engaging content.

Multiplayer mode is where NeoSprint's chaotic fun truly comes to life. Racing against up to seven other players on a single screen is a blast, turning each race into a frantic, high-stakes battle for supremacy. The ability to share and rank custom-built tracks with the community ensures that there's always fresh content to explore, keeping the game endlessly replayable.

Despite some minor frustrations with the track-building tools, NeoSprint is a triumph. Atari has successfully revived a beloved classic, infusing it with modern sensibilities while retaining the core elements that made the original so special. The game runs smoothly on PC and is also available on all major consoles, broadening its accessibility.

NeoSprint is more than just a nostalgia trip; it's a genuinely fun and well-crafted racing game that stands on its own merits. For fans of the original Sprint games or newcomers looking for a thrilling arcade racer, NeoSprint delivers in spades. With its blend of nostalgic appeal, precise controls, and endless customization options, NeoSprint earns a solid 8.5 out of 10. Atari has once again proven why they are masters of the arcade racing genre.

REVIEW: Parkitect: Deluxe Edition (2024 Theme Park Sim) on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Parkitect: Deluxe Edition brings the classic amusement park simulation experience to Xbox, offering a comprehensive package that includes all the extra DLCs. This game tasks you with creating and managing a unique theme park, from designing intricate roller coasters to maintaining the illusion of a seamless guest experience.

One of the game's standout features is its vibrant graphics and decent sound effects, which capture the joyful spirit of theme parks beautifully. The colourful, engaging visuals make the game a delight to look at, while the sound effects add an extra layer of immersion. Designing and building roller coasters is particularly enjoyable, allowing you to create thrilling rides piece by piece. This aspect of the game is both fun and satisfying, offering a great sense of achievement.

Compared to other simulation games in this genre, Parkitect is less complex, making it more accessible to newcomers. This streamlined approach helps maintain a balance between intricate management and enjoyable gameplay. Moreover, the Deluxe Edition includes all additional DLCs, providing a wealth of content right from the start. Players have access to a variety of attractions, decorations, and scenarios to enhance their parks.

However, the game's transition from PC to console is not without its challenges. Although the control system has been overhauled for gamepads, it doesn't feel entirely intuitive. The precision and ease of a mouse are noticeably missing, making certain tasks feel cumbersome. Using an Xbox controller for detailed management and construction tasks can be clunky, and the game would benefit from a more arcade-like simplification to make it more enjoyable on consoles.

Another downside is the requirement to build hidden underground tubes to connect buildings. This task feels more like a chore than an engaging part of park management and detracts from the overall fun. Additionally, the initial roller coaster construction tutorial is lacking, leaving myself frustrated and confused. A more comprehensive and user-friendly tutorial system would greatly enhance the onboarding experience.

Parkitect: Deluxe Edition is a fun and colourful theme park simulation game that retains the charm and depth of classic tycoon games. However, its transition from PC to console isn't entirely smooth. The control system, while reworked for gamepads, lacks the intuitiveness needed for a seamless experience, and certain management tasks feel cumbersome on an Xbox controller. These types of games tend to shine on PC, where a mouse offers the precision and ease required for detailed management. On consoles, they need to be simplified to an almost arcade-like level to truly be enjoyable. While Parkitect: Deluxe Edition offers a rich and engaging park-building experience, it falls short in making the most of the console platform.

I score Parkitect: Deluxe Edition a fair 7 out of 10. It's a solid theme park sim that feels out of place on a console and is best enjoyed on a PC, where its complexity can be more comfortably managed.

Out Now on Xbox at xbox.com

REVIEW: Seed of Life (2024 Video Game) on PS4

By Jon Donnis

Seed of Life is an action-adventure puzzle game from GS2Games, making a leap from PC to consoles in 2024. In this immersive experience, you step into the shoes of Cora, the last survivor of Lumia, a world teetering on the brink of extinction. Ravaged by alien invaders who have drained the planet's life force, Lumia's only hope lies in the activation of "The Seed", an enigmatic device capable of regenerating the planet's essence and thwarting total annihilation.

From the outset, Seed of Life enchants with its stunning visuals, depicting a once-beautiful world now laced with toxic environments. Playing in a third-person perspective, you guide Cora through a semi-open world teeming with mysteries, dangers, and haunting beauty. The game's design cleverly combines exploration with puzzle-solving, making each step through Lumia feel like an expedition through a labyrinthine landscape full of secrets waiting to be uncovered.

The gameplay revolves around collecting Talisman Capsules to acquire new abilities, gathering Lumium for upgrades, and navigating through various waypoints with the aid of Nar, your alien assistant. The waypoints, colour-coded for different powers, serve as crucial landmarks in your journey, especially in the perilous toxic zones that sap your health. The game's semi-open world design demands strategic thinking, as straying too far from a waypoint without a clear plan can result in lost progress.

Despite the perilous setting and the need to solve intricate puzzles, Seed of Life does not overly guide the player. This hands-off approach can be refreshing for those who enjoy figuring things out independently, though it might frustrate players who prefer more direction.

The game's graphical fidelity shines on consoles, retaining the beautiful, atmospheric quality of the PC version. The world of Lumia is richly imagined, with imaginative environments that make exploration a visual delight. Accompanied by a relaxing soundtrack, the aesthetic experience of Seed of Life is one of its standout features.

However, the transition from PC to consoles is not without flaws. The voice acting for Cora is notably subpar, detracting from the emotional depth of her journey. Moreover, some precision jumping segments are plagued by issues that can lead to frustration. Puzzle difficulty sometimes lacks balance, presenting a challenge that can feel uneven.

A significant drawback for PlayStation 4 players is the inability to adjust graphical settings. This limitation can trigger motion sickness due to certain effects and affects the game's performance with a lower frame rate, a step down from the more customizable PC experience. I imagine the PS5 version will look much better. Given that three years have passed since the original PC release, the lack of noticeable improvements in the console version is disappointing.

In summary, Seed of Life offers a compelling adventure with its beautiful graphics, engaging gameplay, and atmospheric soundtrack, despite its short duration. The game excels in creating an immersive world and challenging puzzles, but stumbles with voice acting, precision mechanics, and a lack of graphical customization on consoles. Nonetheless, it provides a solid and enjoyable experience, earning a respectable score of 7 out of 10.

Out now on Playstation - https://amzn.to/3XIB1FQ

REVIEW: Teardown: Ultimate Edition (2024 Video Game) on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Teardown, originally released on PC and now on consoles is a sandbox–puzzle game developed and published by Tuxedo Labs, is an absolute marvel in the world of destructible environments and creative gameplay. The game excels in delivering a unique experience that combines the thrill of demolition with intricate puzzle-solving, all set within the fictional Löckelle Municipality. From the outset, players are immersed in a story told through a series of emails, offering a surprisingly engaging narrative for a game primarily focused on destruction.

The plot centers on the owner of Löckelle Teardown Services, a demolition company on the brink of financial ruin. The protagonist's journey begins with a seemingly simple, albeit dubious, job from a businessman named Gordon Woo, leading to a cascade of events that entangle the player in a web of corporate espionage, police investigations, and high-stakes heists. The narrative is rich with twists and turns, as the owner navigates requests from rival businesses, assists a police investigator named Parisa Terdiman, and uncovers the shady operations of BlueTide, an energy drink company with a dark secret. The culmination of these events, including the construction of a menacing machine called the Truxterminator, adds a layer of urgency and excitement to the storyline.

Teardown's gameplay is where it truly shines. The game's levels are made of destructible voxels, allowing for unprecedented freedom in how players approach each mission. The destructibility of the environment is not just a gimmick but a core mechanic that requires strategic planning and creativity. Players are given unlimited time to prepare for their heists, using an array of upgradable tools and vehicles to forge a path that lets them complete objectives swiftly once the alarm is triggered. The thrill of meticulously planning a route, only to execute it in a high-octane, sixty-second dash, is exhilarating.

The variety of tools at the player's disposal, from basic sledgehammers to rocket launchers and explosives, ensures that no two missions feel the same. Vehicles play a crucial role too, whether it's using a crane to clear debris or a speedboat to make a quick escape. The game's levels are diverse and expansive, offering plenty of opportunities for creative destruction. Each mission's design is thoughtful, presenting both required and optional objectives that add replayability and challenge.

Beyond the main campaign, Teardown offers robust additional modes. The Sandbox mode provides a playground for players to experiment with all unlocked tools and upgrades without the pressure of objectives. Creative mode allows for the design of custom levels and objects, adding a personal touch to the game. Challenge modes like Mayhem, Hunted, and Fetch introduce new ways to engage with the game's mechanics, ensuring that there's always something new to try.

The recently released DLC, Folkrace, adds even more value to an already content-rich game. This standalone experience brings destruction derby-style racing into the mix, complete with intense races, rallies, and demolition derbies. The ability to upgrade and customize a fleet of vehicles, from sports cars to food trucks, adds a delightful layer of depth. The three new maps included in Folkrace offer fresh terrain to explore and conquer, making the DLC feel like a substantial addition rather than a mere afterthought.

While the game offers an abundance of content, it can initially feel overwhelming. The controls and objectives aren't always immediately intuitive, which might pose a learning curve for some players. However, once the mechanics are understood, the game becomes incredibly rewarding and enjoyable.

In summary, "Teardown" is an impressive blend of sandbox creativity and puzzle-solving intricacy. It offers a multitude of gameplay experiences, from the meticulously planned heists of the main campaign to the chaotic fun of the Folkrace DLC. The voxel-based destruction engine is a technical marvel, making every act of demolition viscerally satisfying. With a strong modding community further extending its longevity, Teardown promises almost endless possibilities for players. It's a game that feels like multiple games rolled into one, and in the best possible way. I give Teardown a solid 9 out of 10, as it stands out as one of the most innovative and enjoyable games of recent years.

Out Now on Consoles at https://amzn.to/4eCBv6p

And the latest DLC available at xbox.com

REVIEW: Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game - On Xbox

Game Review by Jon Donnis

Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game, developed by IllFonic and Teravision Games, is a thrilling and whimsical addition to the asymmetrical survival horror genre. Based on the 1988 cult classic film, (Available at https://amzn.to/45n63VL) this game captures the movie's eccentric charm and adds a fresh, engaging multiplayer experience.

In each 15-minute match, up to ten players can participate, with three playing as Klowns and seven as humans. The Klowns aim to trigger the Klownpocalypse by capturing humans and placing them in cotton candy cocoons to power generators. Once all generators are activated, or the timer runs out, the Klownpocalypse ensues, ending the game. The humans, on the other hand, must locate one of four escape routes scattered across the map and collect specific items like sparkplugs and gas cans to activate them. These routes can be temporarily blocked by the Klowns using cotton candy, adding a layer of strategy and urgency to the humans' escape efforts.

The Klowns have an array of weapons, such as mallets and popcorn bazookas, to attack humans, while humans can defend themselves with weapons and items like airhorns to stun the Klowns. Humans also have a slight speed advantage, providing a means of escape when pursued. If a human is captured and cocooned, they can be carried to Lackey generators, progressing the Klowns' objective. Once all humans have either escaped or perished, the match concludes, though players who have already finished can spectate, play mini-games to aid their teammates, or return to the main menu. A unique twist occurs in the final 30 seconds when the Terenzi brothers crash into the map with their ice cream truck, offering a last-minute escape route.

The game features five primary maps, Downtown, The Suburbs, Top of the World, Amusement Park, and Clown Summer Camp, each providing a different setting for the chaotic action. It also includes offline mode, customizable characters, skins, and various unlockable cosmetics. Players can choose from five Klown classes, Ranger, Tracker, Trapper, Tank, and Brawler, and five human classes, Athletic, Rebellious, Heroic, Resourceful, and Tough, each with unique abilities and skills.

Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game excels in its comical nods to the film and impressive graphics, demonstrating a deep respect for the source material. The game offers a polished and smartly designed experience, adding new twists to the asymmetrical horror formula. It's goofy and not meant to be taken too seriously, making it a fun game for casual and dedicated horror fans alike.

However, the game isn't without its flaws. There are still a few gameplay bugs and balancing issues between the Klowns and humans, but the developers are actively working on these problems.

In summary, Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game is a fun and engaging addition to the asymmetrical survival horror genre, and a must-play for fans of the genre. It earns a solid 7.5 out of 10.

Out Now on Xbox. cdkeys.pxf.io/JzDOZr (£30.99)