Nomori review (Xbox)

Developed and published by Enchanted Works, Nomori is a 3D puzzle platformer that takes the familiar concept of walking through portals and gives it a topsy-turvy twist. Playing as Kiko, a young girl who finds herself stranded in a magical spirit world while out collecting mushrooms, players must find a way back home by helping the creatures who inhabit this strange place. The journey takes Kiko through four seasonal domains, each bringing new environments, characters and puzzle mechanics into the mix. Its colorful presentation and gentle atmosphere might suggest a relaxing adventure, but Nomori proves considerably more demanding than its appearance initially lets on. Continue reading “Nomori review (Xbox)”

VR roundup: Shil, VMX & Walkabout Mini Golf – Planet Xylodon

VR continues to offer developers plenty of room to experiment, whether through mind-bending puzzles, physically demanding extreme sports or imaginative worlds that put a new spin on familiar activities. This roundup takes a closer look at three Meta Quest releases that demonstrate just how varied these experiences can be. Shil challenges players to question their surroundings while solving inventive puzzles, VMX brings BMX, mountain biking and scooter tricks into the virtual skatepark, and Walkabout Mini Golf’s Escape from Planet Xylodon DLC introduces an alien course filled with bizarre plants and unpredictable obstacles. Each has its own approach to immersion, with varying degrees of success, but all offer a glimpse of what makes VR such an interesting platform for developers willing to think beyond traditional gaming. Continue reading “VR roundup: Shil, VMX & Walkabout Mini Golf – Planet Xylodon”

KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I～III] review (PS5)

Kingdom Hearts has always been an unusual yet charming combination of ideas, bringing together Disney characters, elements of Final Fantasy and an increasingly elaborate mythology about hearts, memories and the battle between light and darkness. What began with Sora leaving his island home in search of his friends has grown into a sprawling saga spanning multiple games, protagonists and timelines. Kingdom Hearts Collection [I ~ III], published by Square Enix, brings most of this journey together in one package on PlayStation 5, making it considerably easier for newcomers to catch up before the next numbered instalment. However, while the collection offers an enormous amount of content, its value depends heavily on whether players are discovering the series for the first time or returning to adventures they may already own. Continue reading “KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I～III] review (PS5)”

The Jackbox Party Pack 12 review (PS5)

The Jackbox Party Pack series has become a familiar fixture for anyone who enjoys bringing friends and family together for a night of multiplayer mayhem, but coming up with fresh ideas for its annual collections is no easy task. The Jackbox Party Pack 12 from Jackbox Games introduces five new party games, covering everything from word association and trivia to improvised debates and some decidedly questionable photo editing. As usual, players use their phones or other internet-connected devices to submit answers and interact with the games while everything unfolds on the television. The result is a varied collection that offers several genuinely entertaining additions to the series, although not every game has the same staying power. Continue reading “The Jackbox Party Pack 12 review (PS5)”

Razer Basilisk V4 HyperSpeed review

Razer has built a reputation for gaming mice that combine ergonomic designs with extensive customization, and the Basilisk V4 HyperSpeed continues that approach with a wireless model aimed at players who want plenty of controls without stepping up to the more expensive V4 Pro. Its combination of a 33,000 DPI optical sensor, programmable buttons, a versatile scroll wheel and long battery life makes it suitable for both gaming and everyday productivity. However, while its specifications cover most of what a modern gaming mouse needs, some of its more distinctive features will appeal to particular players rather than everyone. Continue reading “Razer Basilisk V4 HyperSpeed review”