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  • Review: Top Racer Collection

    For years they tried to imitate it, the great top gear arrives in a collection with a different name and adapted with several improvements and advantages. Developed and published by the Brazilian QUByte Interactive, the Top Racer collection is one of several projects by this company that features several games from different genres. The game is available for: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S STORY The Top Gear game, although devoid of an intricate plot, left an indelible mark on the Brazilian gaming community. For many years, he was acclaimed as one of the pioneers of racing game entertainment. A distinctive element that contributed to its longevity was its immersive and captivating soundtrack, which deeply resonated with a generation of gamers in Brazil. In the era of tape rentals, Top Gear has emerged as one of the most requested titles. Its exceptional gameplay was just one facet of its appeal. The game also featured meticulously crafted progression, a rarity at a time when many games relied on artificial difficulty to prolong the gameplay experience. Thus, Top Gear was not just a racing game, but a complete and immersive experience that captivated players with its unique combination of elements. This combination of factors made Top Gear stand out as a milestone in the history of electronic games in Brazil, ensuring its place as a timeless classic that continues to be remembered and appreciated to this day. GAMEPLAY This compilation certainly comes to revitalize a franchise that had long been dormant, largely due to its relative international lack of success as a video game title. Although the Top Gear label has been used in other media, it is likely that this was one of the reasons for avoiding the use of the same name. The Top Racer collection brings all the immersion of old games, with menus updated for the modern era and features that make interacting with these classic games much easier, keeping their gameplay intact while improving areas where needed, especially in terms of interactivity options, including progress saving and modes that were not originally available in the original games. It is interesting to note that, in some game descriptions, three titles were always mentioned, but this compilation presents four games from the franchise: Top Racer, Top Racer 2, Top Racer Crossroads and Top Racer 3000. Some of these titles I had never tried before, and I actually didn't even know them, but I had a lot of experience with the classic Top Gear. I can say that this collection honors everything that old and memorable games represent, demonstrating the developers' care and respect for something that was so special to us at some point in our lives. ACHIEVEMENTS We are often faced with an unfortunate situation when it comes to achievements in games, which often discourages trophy hunters as companies seem to not adequately consider this audience. However, in Top Racer Collection, the approach is different! The achievements are achievable, at least most of them, and care is taken to include some challenges that are really difficult, but not impossible, largely due to the save state feature offered by the game. I would say that all you need to complete this game's achievements is time, and considering that the game is enjoyable, fun and has an extremely captivating replay factor, it is commendable to recognize QUByte Interactive's approach. They avoided making the common mistakes that many developers and publishers make when it comes to smaller titles. The biggest difficulty you will encounter is completing a campaign in each game, guaranteeing first place in every race. However, with the save state at our disposal, this task comes down to just the investment of our time and the pleasure we feel when completing the game or not. TRAILER OFFICIAL RESUME What a pleasure it is to follow a classic game as well cared for as Top Racer Collection. It's a real feast for the eyes, a flawless, perfectly executed experience. I just wish more games that were successful in the past received the same level of attention and care that QUByte Interactive put into Top Gear/Top Racer. For me, this is the definitive version of this classic, and I recommend it without hesitation, even to players who didn't have the opportunity to experience the originals in their day. They will certainly be able to have fun and get involved in this game's classic and impactful soundtrack. Review by Gamertag: Scoulz SCORE: 90/100

  • Review: The Thaumaturge

    Know your flaws and your demons and use them to your advantage in The Thaumaturge. THE GAME The Thaumaturge is a turn-based RPG developed by Fool's Theory and distributed by 11 bit studios. As we begin our journey, we meet Wiktor Szulski, our protagonist, who is a thaumaturge. But what is a thaumaturge? They are people who can read the secrets of the human soul, speak to the Darkness, and tame supernatural beings called Salutors, known for causing trouble. Wiktor wants to capture several Salutors and control them, even though this is a deadly and dangerous task. And so, our thaumaturge continues with his objective, passing through several cities and towns, unraveling mysteries and facing enemies, human or not. MY IMPRESSIONS I must start my impressions with what caught my attention the most at first glance: the look. The game is beautiful, with lots of details and a very melancholic tone that sets the tone for the story. The character design is very well done and that of the Salutors is not far behind, portraying these supernatural beings in a bizarre and frightening way. The game is not in Portuguese-Brazil, which is a shame, as the game has a lot of texts and you depend on them to understand some missions or where to go at certain times, which harms non-English speakers. The characters are voiced and convey the personality of each one well. The gameplay is very simple. When exploring, you can easily guide yourself using your senses. In explorations and mysteries, your decisions make a difference in the final outcome. Some actions can only be taken if you have a sufficient level of that required skill. This can culminate in a change in the attitude of some characters, helping you to advance in some situations. In combat, which takes place in turns, you control the actions of Wiktor and his Salutors, for physical and psychic attacks, which can be combined to generate more powerful attacks or effects. It's a really cool dynamic, because at the beginning, it seems like you will always be at a disadvantage in fights, but little do your enemies know that they are the ones who should fear you. The skill evolution system is customizable and not at all complicated. Unlike many RPGs, where you need a master's degree to discover which skill is best, here you have many options, but which follow a simple line of reasoning and are easy to understand, in addition to improvements, which can be equipped and unequipped from your skills as you see fit. It's a very interesting RPG, full of questions about flaws, sins and inner demons, about how to use this to your advantage as a strength and not as a curse, about seeking help when necessary. I'm sure that anyone who likes the genre will be excited and encouraged to see where our thaumaturge's adventure will go. ACHIEVEMENTS The variety of achievements in The Thaumaturge is huge, but that's to be expected since the game is an RPG. In addition to achievements linked to the story, we have achievements for completing collections, winning battles with specific conditions, such as winning a fight with full life or just inflicting status blows, in short, there are several varieties that, if you want to complete 100%, you will have to explore the game as a whole a lot. In fact, there are missable achievements and different endings depending on your choices during the game, so pay close attention. CONCLUSION For those looking for a more intimate RPG, with lots of questions and choices, come and live the life of a thaumaturge. When I started playing, I felt a vibe of The Witcher from Warsaw 1905, even though it had nothing to do with one game or the other. What won me over the most was the look, which is incredible. Needless to say, the Salutors are wonderfully bizarre. Furthermore, Wiktor doesn't gain your sympathy as a protagonist right away. He is an ambiguous character and may have motivations that are not the most honorable. However, many of his decisions are in his hands, so you can change some directions. It's that type of game that will take you hours and hours, that has a narrative that keeps you hooked. It's a great RPG experience, with a wonderful setting and easy-to-understand gameplay. Even though it has a lot of texts, it doesn't become tiring and can be easily played in short doses, thus enjoying every moment of this good game. SCORE: 8.5/10

  • Review: The Morbius Machine

    The Mobius Machine presents itself as a modern version of the Capsized game, unpretentiously inserting itself into the platform game genre with incredible progression. Developed by Madruga Works, an independent studio made up of some developers who have already contributed to renowned games such as Burnout Paradise, The Mobius Machine stands out as one of their creations. The company's portfolio includes other games, some of which explore the strategy genre. The game is available for: PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, Mac OS STORY As an intrepid space ranger, we are summoned by the enigmatic echo of a radio signal, a harrowing call that echoes across the cosmic void. We awoke amidst the wreckage, the wreckage of our ship now scattered. With only our laser gun as a companion and no sign of help in sight, we are faced with the brutal reality of our situation - isolated, helpless, but not defeated. Therefore, faced with this challenge, our mission is redefined: to find the hidden terminals that will lead us to the origin of the enigmatic distress call. Each step is a careful foray through the unknown terrain of Isolária, each clue followed with meticulous determination toward hope. Initially, the astronaut finds himself limited to simple jumps amid Isolária's peculiar gravity, her body floating in the vacuum in clumsy movements. However, as he explores the far reaches of this mysterious world, a subtle metamorphosis begins to unfold. As we advance in our journey through Isolária, our arsenal of skills expands exponentially, just like in classics of the metroidvania genre. Each major progression gives us the ability to swim, climb and among other things. GAMEPLAY Overall, The Morbius Machine's gameplay is captivating, evoking a similar feeling to "Capized", but without the demanding level of difficulty, which is a positive point. Gameplay involves meticulously exploring the new environment, expanding our abilities to unravel the mysteries behind what happened in the region of The Morbius Machine. Additionally, the lack of procedural elements makes for a more consistent experience compared to most games in the same genre. The diversity of shooting types is an aspect that I liked, although I feel they should have been more accessible from the beginning. However, the game lacks a little in the implementation of the map and its indications. It would be much more advantageous if there were pre-defined objectives to avoid the feeling of being lost. An objective system could mitigate this issue considerably. For now, exploration ends up being guided by unlocking new areas through acquired "Powers", which may seem somewhat disjointed. ACHIEVEMENTS Unfortunately, the developers decided to include some overly challenging achievements in addition to completing the game in several ways. Among them, the requirement to complete the game in less than 10 hours to reach one of them. As a platform that values achievements that encourage creativity and don't entirely discourage smaller-scale gaming experience, we were disappointed. However, throughout the gameplay, we managed to obtain some satisfying achievements as compensation. TRAILER OFFICIAL RESUME The Morbius Machine demonstrates how indie-style games can embrace diverse influences, even adopting specific elements from other games, to deliver a truly immersive experience. Both the gameplay and graphics of the game are impressive and worthy of praise. Despite my appreciation for the game, unfortunately, due to shorter review deadlines, I was unable to complete it in time to provide a full review. This situation is an exception, as I tend to complete every game I review. However, I recognize that in the game review industry, tight deadlines are common, as not all reviewers have the opportunity to be as thorough as we would like. Review by Gamertag: Scoulz SCORE: 73/100

  • Review: Escape Simulator Magic DLC

    Try to escape enigmatic rooms with the help of magic. THE GAME Escape Simulator is a puzzle game developed and distributed by Pine Studio. With several rooms full of puzzles, you must try to escape by solving the riddles and challenges presented to you, interacting with objects and collecting clues to finally escape the room. The base game has several themed rooms, but in Magic DLC, as the name suggests, the theme will be magic. The DLC adds four new rooms for you to explore this magical world. Make no mistake: you will need much more than magic to solve each puzzle. MY IMPRESSIONS The base game itself is already very fun and long-lasting, but the developers weren't satisfied with that and launched several DLCs with new rooms and new themes. Magic DLC maintains the difficulty level of the rooms, with a good level of challenge. Despite thinking a lot trying to solve some puzzles, you will definitely find the solution if you think and look more carefully. Many times you will realize that the answer was right in front of your face and you didn't see it. The game is in Portuguese-Brazil, which makes it easier to understand some tips and clues. Many times, you will feel like you are in the Harry Potter universe, as it is the most famous wizarding world in the world. So expect to see a lot of references or inspirations. For those who enjoyed the base game and want to continue playing, this DLC is perfect. Playing with friends also makes everything more fun, dynamic and, often, funny. ACHIEVEMENTS The DLC doesn't add new achievements, which is good on the one hand, since anyone who wants to do all the achievements doesn't need to buy all the DLCs. On the other hand, it doesn't add new achievements and this may put some people off spending money just for four new rooms. CONCLUSION A very fun DLC with a good level of challenge, that's what you'll find in Magic DLC. I recommend playing with friends, because it's a completely different experience. Keep in mind that there are only four new rooms added to the game, but they are well done and well thought out to generate proportional challenge. This is just one of the many DLCs released and yet to be released. We see that the developers care about the game and want to continue creating new ideas for this fun game. SCORE: 7.5/10

  • Review: Hairdresser Simulator

    Now you can test your hairdressing skills without fear of ruining your hair. Or that of a friend. THE GAME Hairdresser Simulator is a simulation developed by Petard Games and Frozen Way and distributed by Frozen Way, Frozen District and PlayWay S.A. Live the life of a beginner hairdresser, opening your own salon and learning the different techniques to create the best hairstyles the city has ever seen . Decorate your salon, schedule appointments for your clients and join courses to improve your cutting skills. If you've ever been to the hairdresser, you know everything there is to do, from a wash and a standard haircut to dyeing your hair and getting more elaborate hairstyles. Get your hands dirty, or rather, your hair, and release the hairdresser that lives inside you. MY IMPRESSIONS If you imagine what a game where you are a hairdresser might be like, that's exactly what you'll find in Hairdresser Simulator. There isn't much invention here, you fix up your salon, cut hair, make money, make improvements, make more money, buy a bigger salon and so the game continues. And, simply put, the game is pleasant to play, as its gameplay is very calm and has many assists. Don't worry, you don't need to be so precise in your cuts that it becomes complicated and frustrating. Here the game hits the nail on the head, because they could easily turn the experience into something unsatisfactory. Doing all the procedures may seem repetitive, but they are pleasant to do. The game is not in Portuguese-Brazil, which may make it difficult for some non-English speakers to understand some explanations of the mechanics. Game optimization is a problem. You notice that it is not well polished. Graphically, it is average, but that doesn't hurt and is even a standard in simulation games of this style. However, the game's HUD is very poor. It seems like it is not finished and clashes in a way that is uncomfortable. As a simulator, it does what it sets out to do well, without many surprises, both positive and negative. As a game, it feels pretty incomplete. Although the mechanics are interesting and add some immersion to the game, such as having to clean hair off the floor after finishing a job, it seems like there's something more missing. Perhaps the theme doesn't allow us to go very far without going beyond reality, which can be good or bad from a creative point of view. ACHIEVEMENTS Although few so far, the achievements are quite varied and unique in each aspect, that is, you will not have several achievements related to the number of customers you served, just a milestone of 100 customers served or 100 days worked, for example. Overall, they are very simple achievements and specific actions, nothing that will be very difficult to accomplish, maybe just a little laborious. CONCLUSION As a basic simulator, it does its job well, but it lacks a little extra spice to attract attention. Honestly, it's not even the fault of the game itself, but I see that to attract more players, there would have to be a difference. That said, it's a simulator of a profession that I hadn't seen on the gaming market yet and it always impresses me how developers imagine professions and gamify them. You never know what the next simulator they will create will be. Perhaps with better polish and more content, Hairdresser Simulator will become more interesting and encourage more simulator game players to try the game. In its current state, I don't know if many people will be interested, despite it being playable and even enjoyable even with a certain level of repetition. For those who enjoy different types of simulators, it's worth the experience. SCORE: 7.0/10

  • Review: Rough Justice '84

    Many crimes, little time and resources. Send your best agents to solve cases throughout the city. THE GAME Rough Justice: '84 is a resource management and puzzle game developed by Gamma Minus UG and distributed by Daedalic Entertainment. Lead a private security agency, hiring agents and guiding them on missions that suit them best. Manage your resources, because if you're not careful, your agency will go bankrupt. Buy equipment for your agents to help with their missions and solve puzzles to successfully complete the challenges. Do whatever it takes to make your agency a success. MY IMPRESSIONS We need to understand Rough Justice: '84 as a single-player board game. Initially, everything will be fresh and new, but it soon becomes repetitive. And this is a big problem with games like this. Furthermore, the dice rolling system brings a recurring problem: frustration. For me, every dice rolling system in digital games doesn't work. Even though, even in real life, rolling dice is simply luck, digitally, you don't get that same feeling. I really have no idea how to make systems like this satisfactory, but I know it frustrates me a lot. The game even has a backstory, but it goes largely unnoticed. It has a lot of text, but after a while, you don't even care anymore, as most of the missions don't even have any connection or importance with the story. You will do it simply to gain more resources. Unfortunately, the game is not in Portuguese-Brazil, which can make the game tiring due to the amount of text. The game's art is very beautiful, with well-designed characters and references to the time. The puzzles are well done, but they soon tire you through repetition. Note that repetition is the biggest mistake in this game, but the biggest culprit is the lack of satisfaction in doing certain actions repeatedly. As much as you can play it in small doses, it's not a game that makes you want to come back several times to play. ACHIEVEMENTS As the entire game is based on repeating missions over and over again, logically the achievements follow the same line of reasoning. For each type of mission, you will have to repeat it 250 to 500 times. Recruiting and leveling up your agents are also achievements here. Realize that you will have to play a lot and repeat many actions, which is neither an easy nor a pleasant task. It feels like it was just made to keep players forcefully playing to complete all the achievements. Good luck to anyone who has the patience to try. CONCLUSION Maybe Rough Justice: '84 isn't a game for everyone. Especially for those who are short on time. In addition to the unsatisfactory repetition, the game itself fails to shine after an hour of play. Although the idea was good, the execution left something to be desired. It's a shame, because the developers had something good to work on, but it became a board game that you leave on the shelf collecting dust after playing it a few times. Unfortunately, the game didn't hold my attention. Aside from the repetitive gameplay, there was nothing that kept me playing the game. However, like I said, maybe Rough Justice: '84 isn't for me. SCORE: 6.0/10

  • Review: PARANORMASIGHT The Seven Mysteries of Honjo

    How much is a life worth? Is it worth doing horrible things to resurrect someone? THE GAME Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo is a horror visual novel developed and distributed by Square Enix. The story takes place in Tokyo, in the Sumida area, where we try to discover a little more about the legend of the Seven Mysteries of Honjo and a curious Rite of Resurrection, which will guide the course of this adventure. We follow the saga of four characters, starting with Shogo Okiie, a simple company employee who accompanies his friend Yoko Fukunaga, who drags him in the middle of the night to go after the aforementioned legend. In addition to him, we follow a detective who investigates strange deaths that have been happening in the area, a student who seeks the truth about a friend's suicide and, finally, a mother who wants revenge against those responsible for her son's death. All these stories intertwine into a terrifying plot that will leave you intrigued. MY IMPRESSIONS Not every visual novel is about romance. This label dies when playing Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo. Here, you will find an engaging and interesting game, unlike any visual novel I have ever played. It's not just texts and more texts and basic choices. This game has many differences that make it something unique, such as its 360º camera, which provides enormous immersion, especially since the scenes were photographed in real places and recreated in the game. Furthermore, this 360º camera yields incredible and very creative moments which, I'm not going to lie, is where the game won me over. Another important factor is your choices, which must be made carefully and paying close attention to the elements presented, as one wrong choice and your character could end up dying. The story is very interesting and, despite seeming confusing at first, it is simpler than it seems. Unfortunately, the game is not in Portuguese-Brazil, which, for a game that is entirely text-based, can alienate some players and become tiring. The game's art is wonderful and, added to the story, it could easily be an anime. The entire soundtrack helps you get into the game's vibe and adds a lot to important moments. You can see that everything fits together perfectly and creates a unique atmosphere. It's exciting to advance the story, as well as solving the challenges imposed. Rest assured that you will have to use resources you never imagined to advance in the game. Without a doubt, a different experience that will surprise you. ACHIEVEMENTS The achievements in Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo are not that difficult, but they will require attention, in the case of collectibles, and route exploration, that is, trying out the different choices that the game presents. In addition, we have achievements in which you must do some specific and even funny actions, such as replaying the game after three days or playing it at midnight. Without many complications, achieving 100% of the achievements will be an easy task. CONCLUSION What a nice surprise it was to discover and play Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo. Without any expectations, I started playing and was gradually won over by this game, whether by its art or its gameplay. He surprises you in so many ways that when something different happens, it's just incredible. I was happy to see the mechanics work the way they do. The saddest thing is that this game went off the radar of many people, and many people didn't even try it because they were prejudiced against visual novels. Little do they know that they are missing out on an incredible and fun experience. I thank Square Enix for allowing me to play this work. If you can, give Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo a try, you won't regret it. SCORE: 9.0/10

  • Review: Super 56

    One button and limited time. Think quickly to beat the Super 56 minigames. THE GAME Super 56 is a fast-paced minigame developed by Onion Soup Interactive and distributed by WhisperGames. With just one button, you must complete objectives in quick and humorous minigames. Beat the 56 minigames and try to achieve S rank in all of them. In addition to the classic mode, we have daily challenges and a multiplayer mode for up to 8 players for you to have fun in the complete chaos of Super 56. MY IMPRESSIONS For those who have played and are familiar with WarioWare, Super 56 has the same gameplay style. Initially, it will be difficult to get used to using just one button for everything. Yes, for everything, including the menu, which is the game's only weak point, in my opinion. It's okay to use just one button in the minigames, but did I need to do this in the menu too? It's agonizing to navigate through the options. Even though it is allowed to use the arrow keys, having to press and hold the button to select options is not cool. Other than that issue, I have no other complaints about the game. Although the game is not in Portuguese-Brazil, you can understand well what needs to be done in the minigames, since the first time you play each of them is to learn and you will probably fail the first time in the vast majority. The minigames are very diverse and creative, using different graphic styles and referencing classic games and memes, always with a comical and fun tone. In this style of play, you will always be better at some minigames and horrible at others. Since you can't know which minigame will come next, the tension will always be there. You have lives and whenever you don't complete a minigame, you will lose one of them. However, there are ways to recover these lives. You can customize your profile in the game, which will be displayed in the rankings that the game has. For those who want to climb the rankings, there is a training mode for each minigame, so you can train to get better and get better scores. There is also the possibility of using sounds instead of just pressing a button to play the minigames, which can make the experience even crazier and funnier. Without a doubt, it is a very fun game to play casually, both alone and with friends. ACHIEVEMENTS Most achievements are linked to each of the 56 minigames. In other words, in addition to completing them, you will probably have to do something else to receive an achievement, such as getting all the coins in the level, not taking damage or simply completing the minigame perfectly. In addition, we have level achievements, which you receive naturally when playing, and achievements related to daily challenges and trials. It may take a long time to achieve all the achievements, but due to the fun the game provides, you won't even notice that you are completing some of them and you will have more than half achieved. It's definitely a fun and challenging game to get 100% of the achievements. CONCLUSION When I discovered Super 56, WarioWare came to mind. And it's amazing how we don't see many games like this out there. Such a cool and creative game genre that has so few examples in the gaming market. Maybe because WarioWare is so perfect that no one dares to try to do something like it? We'll never know, but I'm glad that Super 56 wasn't afraid to be happy and showed us that you can do it and impose your own personality. It is, without a doubt, a very fun game and well worth purchasing. Its balance between difficulty and fun is great and its humor and graphic style are just right. From what it seems, the developers will continue to add content to the game, which is very good and keeps the game alive. I hope more people can try Super 56 and that this genre has more and different approaches. SCORE: 8.5/10

  • Review: The Lord of the Rings: Gollum™

    In The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, we embark on Gollum's harrowing journey and inner duality in an interactive narrative set in the epic universe of The Lord of the Rings. Distributed and developed by Daedalic Entertainment, a German game developer known for creating immersive and visually stunning narrative experiences, with titles spanning a variety of genres, from adventure to strategy, with an emphasis on games based on original stories and licensed intellectual properties. The game is available for: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S STORY The story of "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum™" is set in J.R.R. Tolkien's epic universe and explores events that precede the main plot of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. The game follows Gollum, a creature tormented by the duality of his personality, divided between Sméagol and Gollum, as he searches for the One Ring, his "precious". During the narrative, players witness Gollum's internal struggle and his interactions with other iconic characters from the universe, such as the Nazgûl. The story addresses Gollum's gradual corruption by the power of the One Ring and explores the challenges he faces in his quest to possess the ring. The game emphasizes elements of stealth and exploration, providing players with a unique experience as they experience Gollum's unique perspective and elusive behavior. The narrative aims to offer a deeper insight into the character and world of "The Lord of the Rings". It's almost ironic to admit, but I initially counted myself among those who doubted the choice of Gollum as a game's protagonist, given the wide range of iconic characters that made The Lord of the Rings so beloved by fans. However, the parts that involve making decisions while dealing with your duality represent some of the game's most captivating moments, in my opinion. To the aesthetic decisions involving the chronology adopted in the game, which I consider regrettable. Starting the narrative in Mordor, with the need to escape from that place, could have been much more impactful if it had been reserved for the final third of the adventure, involving Gollum chasing Bilbo and Frodo (even though the game was set eight years before the events of the Mordor films). LOTR by Peter Jackson), or similar events. When starting the game in Mordor, not only is the opportunity to give greater gravity to the environment lost, but the player is also deprived of the typical open and bright landscapes. If this were the initial third of the game, many things would certainly be different, the which are striking characteristics of Middle Earth. This last part, in particular, deserves attention, as it is common for the "specialized media" to limit themselves only to the first hours of the game to base their analyses. However, I highlight that this portal adopts a different approach, valuing a more in-depth and complete analysis, my dears. :) I firmly believe that the root of this game's flaws lies not in its conception, but rather in its implementation. Surprisingly, the premise of "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum" is admirable, however, a series of mistaken choices were made during its development, neglecting crucial aspects such as duality, previously mentioned, which could have added considerable value to the experience. . GAMEPLAY The gameplay of The Lord of the Rings: Gollum focuses on exploring environments, solving puzzles and stealth. Players control Gollum, switching between his dual personality as he faces challenges and interacts with the world around him. The narrative is driven by the player's choices, influencing the course of the story. At this point is where the foundations start to fall apart, as the game itself fails to execute anything in a truly satisfying way. It sticks to the basics in every aspect and often fails even there. Be it the jumping movements that seem clumsy, or the simple commands that are not adequately explained or are too difficult to explain. When analyzing The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, I realize that the studio tried to take a leap beyond its capabilities, aspiring to something great. Using Unreal Engine 5 highlights this ambition, reminding me of the painting classes my mother used to take, where she explained to me that portraying human figures was the most complex challenge in art. The game features stunning landscapes, spectacular skies, but the artistic representation of all life forms, including Gollum himself, is pitiful. I firmly believe that Lords of the Rings Gollum would need an additional period of development, extending over another year or two of dedication. Even considering the possibility of extending this period to three years, if a complete review of character modeling was contemplated. This project, which used motion capture techniques to bring Smeagle's facial expressions to life, undoubtedly required considerable investment on the part of the company responsible for its development. When it comes to gameplay, it's undeniable that correcting inaccurate pulses would be crucial to improving the user experience. This is an aspect that, unfortunately, negatively impacted the gameplay, despite its well-designed proposal. However, once these obstacles are resolved, it is possible to see that the game presents itself in a very solid way in its essence. ACHIEVEMENTS The design of achievements must be aligned with the game's proposal, however, it seems that there was no clear definition in this regard. The game's problems, often resulting from unattainable goals for the developers, are also reflected in the achievements, which end up not aligning with the reality of the experience. Some achievements, like collecting items or surviving without dying, feel out of place, especially in a game that hasn't reached a significant level of greatness. In this circumstance, it becomes somewhat difficult to recommend the game, especially since we can enjoy a much more rewarding experience with smaller games that are also meticulously crafted in this aspect. In relation to certain specific games that make the mistake of assuming that players prefer to complete their experiences without suffering deaths, I will choose, from this analysis, to adopt an alternative gamer tag instead of my usual one (Scoulz). This will allow me to enjoy the game without the self-imposed pressure of achieving all the achievements, thus highlighting my dissatisfaction with the poor decisions made by companies. This approach will not only provide me with a more relaxed and immersive experience, but it will also serve as a way to more forcefully express my disagreement with such poor choices on the part of game developers. TRAILER OFFICIAL RESUME This was, without a doubt, the most complex analysis I have done on this portal to date. In addition to the game itself, there is all the controversy surrounding the studio's closure after launch. Therefore, it was necessary to analyze the work impartially, going beyond any external opinion. I can say that the game is not completely devoid of merits. I'm particularly fond of the Celebrimbor games in "Shadow of Mordor" and "Shadow of War." When I came across Gollum for the first time, I confess that I wondered who could be interested in such a unique character. However, it is undeniable that Gollum found his space in the gaming world, although the game itself is considered average. Much of the fuss surrounding this title is mainly due to the fact that it bears the name of Tolkien's beloved franchise. Certainly, creating a game centered around Gandalf or Aragorn would seem like a more obvious choice. However, it would be a monumental task for a small studio like Daedalic to handle, especially given the inevitable comparisons to the previously mentioned games. In addition to demanding stunning graphics, the established "Shadow of Mordor" franchise offers extremely captivating gameplay, not to mention the pioneering use of artificial intelligence to the benefit of the Nemesis system. Given all this, it is clear that "Lords of the Rings: Gollum" has been unfairly criticized by both the media and gamers. Is it an excellent game? No. However, it is not completely a disaster in all respects. Smeagol's character carries a significant part of the game with him - his charisma, personality, dialogue and duality are elements that could, in themselves, captivate the game's audience. However, unfortunately, this did not materialize. Review by Gamertag: MatheusBom#3245 SCORE: 65/100

  • Review: Please, Touch The Artwork 2

    Touch as much as you want! THE GAME Please, Touch The Artwork 2 is a point and click puzzle game developed and distributed by Thomas Waterzooi. In command of a lost skeleton painter, you will travel through different paintings, looking for lost objects and repairing paintings, until you find your way home. The game is a tribute to the Belgian painter James Ensor and features his arts that are the backdrop for this journey. MY IMPRESSIONS As a way of paying homage to James Ensor, the game uses his works as a setting for the adventure of our beloved skeleton painter. In a simple and humorous way, we visit each of the painter's paintings, looking for elements to advance the story. The game is in Portuguese-Brazil, however, you won't need to read practically anything, as the idea is to visually express the protagonist's entire journey and show the Belgian painter's arts. The puzzles are not at all complicated and the objects hidden in the scenes are a good visual challenge. The idea here is to introduce you to James Ensor through his works, which makes your entire journey something fun and surreal. Even though it's short, it's a great game to entertain and teach you, without you even realizing it. ACHIEVEMENTS The achievements are very simple, basically by completing the game's objectives, you will complete almost all of them. In addition, we have achievements for doing some specific actions, nothing too complicated. CONCLUSION Games like this really please me. And when you take James Ensor's work and animate it, everything takes on a unique vision. Although short, the experience is fun and educational. It's a cool way to show and pay homage to the Belgian painter and his work. The game will be free, which is very positive, as it will reach more people and, consequently, spread more knowledge about the artist. I think we should have more games like this, where we have fun and learn at the same time. SCORE: 7.0/10

  • Review: Lords of Exile

    Enter a journey of relentless quest for revenge in Lords of Exile, a game clearly inspired by classics like Castlevania. Developed by Squidbit is a new independent video game brand, focused on the mission of creating high quality arcade and action games and distributed by PID Games. The game is available for: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Mac OS. STORY Obviously with Castlevania extremely clear in our vision, replacing Dracula's servants with a variety of adversaries including ghosts, demons, samurai and Japanese ninjas. Gabriel, the protagonist, seeks revenge after the evil sorcerer devastates the land and murders his wife. In this journey of eight challenging stages, he faces the sorcerer's companions in epic confrontations in his search for justice and redemption. It is important to highlight that the game does not have subtitles in Brazilian Portuguese. Furthermore, due to the absence of narration, subtitles play a crucial role in conveying information and dialogue. However, it was noted that the subtitles had a somewhat accelerated scrolling speed, which occasionally made it difficult to follow conversations and important details. GAMEPLAY Lords of Exile's gameplay is unforgiving and brutal, to say the least. The game constantly challenges players, especially during boss battles, where the intensity reaches extraordinary levels. Even for experienced players who are used to completing multiple titles, Lords of Exile can represent a true test of perseverance. In many moments, I found myself on the verge of extreme frustration, with a fervent desire to abandon everything in anger. One sticking point to consider is the feeling that Lords of Exile's controls feel dated and the jumping movements are notably imprecise, especially when compared to the standards set by other games in the genre. ACHIEVEMENTS It is inevitable to address this issue impartially, especially considering that it is one of the pillars on which our analysis portal is based. When I first came across the Lords of Exile achievement list, I was genuinely surprised by the apparent lack of judgment that seemed to have gone into its creation. Some of the proposed achievements were so absurdly challenging and disconnected from the reality of the game that I couldn't help but wonder if they were designed by someone with a true understanding of the target audience. These bad decisions as I would dare to describe it, can not only alienate a considerable portion of this game's potential audience, but also raise doubts about the discernment of those responsible for its conception. The approach adopted by the game can be described as challenging, reaching the point of discouraging even the most experienced players with its achievements focused on speed-runs and insane challenges, such as the demand to face bosses without taking any damage, almost half of which are based on this specific challenge. TRAILER OFFICIAL RESUME In fact, Lords of Exile could have been an intriguing title if it had been released around 40 years ago. However, we are in 2024, an era in which technological evolution in the gaming genre is remarkable, and we can observe exponents in similar games that embrace the latest trends and innovations. In this context, it becomes difficult to ignore the aspects that Lords of Exile seems to neglect, making it seem extremely dated since its release, especially when compared to contemporary titles like The Messenger. The speed with which the gaming industry has evolved in recent years is impressive, and gamers are increasingly demanding in terms of quality, game mechanics and immersion. In this sense, Lords of Exile seems to fall short of expectations, leaving a feeling of nostalgia for a time when its approach could have been more relevant. Comparison with modern titles like The Messenger further highlights the game's shortcomings, highlighting how much it feels stuck in the past in terms of gameplay, narrative, and visual presentation. While it's laudable to recognize Lords of Exile's attempts to pay homage to the classics of the past, it's difficult to ignore the fact that today's market demands more than generating inorganic nostalgia. Players seek innovative, challenging and engaging experiences that transport them to new worlds and captivate them in ways that the game unfortunately was unable to achieve. Thus, Lords of Exile faces an uphill battle to find its place amid an increasingly dynamic gaming landscape. Review by Gamertag: Scoulz SCORE: 60/100

  • Review: Inkulinati

    Inkulinati is a turn-based strategy game with an artistic style inspired by medieval manuscripts, offering hand-drawn creature battles in a fun and creative environment. The game developed by Yaza Games, an independent developer based in Poland. And distributed by Daedalic Entertainment. The game is available for: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Mac OS STORY Inkulinati is a turn-based strategy game set in a medieval world where manuscripts come to life. Players take on the role of masters of a guild of illustrators and compete against each other to prove who is the most skilled. With a unique and humorous approach, the game combines elements of art and strategy, allowing players to summon hand-drawn creatures for tactical battles on a manuscript-inspired battlefield. With a mix of deep gameplay mechanics and captivating visuals, "Inkulinati" offers an immersive and original gaming experience. GAMEPLAY In Inkulinati each creature has unique abilities and special characteristics that players must take advantage of to defeat their opponents. During battles, players need to consider the position and action of each creature, as well as the topography of the battlefield, to gain a tactical advantage over the opponent. Additionally, players can use a variety of strategies such as strengthening their creatures, casting spells, and seizing objects on the battlefield to gain an advantage. The depth of gameplay is expanded with the inclusion of different game modes, challenges and customization options, offering players a dynamic and immersive experience. ACHIEVEMENTS Currently, given the game's preview stage, the achievements functionality is not yet available for our review. However, it is important to note that achievements have already been integrated into the game on the Steam platform. This indication suggests that, as the official launch approaches, it is plausible that the achievements will soon be implemented in the Xbox version as well. TRAILER OFFICIAL RESUME With the release of the game "Inkulinati", strategy fans have reason to celebrate. This game brings a unique approach to the genre, combining elements of turn-based strategy with an artistic style inspired by medieval manuscripts. With its irreverent humor and innovative gameplay mechanics, "Inkulinati" promises to deliver an engaging and fun experience for players. Unfortunately, I encountered some technical setbacks while exploring the game, experiencing unexpected shutdowns and spotting some visual bugs. However, it is reassuring to highlight that such inconveniences, although present, were not of significant magnitude. Considering this is a preview version, it is reasonable to expect that these issues will be promptly fixed in future updates. As players delve into this world of hand-drawn creature battles and cunning strategy, it's clear that "Inkulinati" offers something truly special. Its launch is an invitation for all gaming enthusiasts of the genre to explore a unique universe, full of challenges, laughter and surprises. May Inkulinati be warmly received by the turn-based gaming community and may his legacy endure as a shining example of creativity. Review by Gamertag: Scoulz SCORE: 83/100

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