25 Oct 2024
Gioteck™ FR5 Racing Wheel | PS5, PC & Steam Deck Compatible 🎮 #ComeGetSome @GioteckArmy
24 Oct 2024
101 Most Important Soccer Games Episode 3: Football Director [1988] ⚽ #RetroGaming
Rich takes on the 101 Most Important Soccer Video Games one by one. Episode 3 sees Rich try and play Football Director on the Commodore 64.
23 Oct 2024
Camp Sunshine Nintendo Switch Review 6.5/10 "If you go down to the woods today…" 🔪🩸 @Fossil_Games #GameDev #IndieGame #IndieGameDev
Originally released in 2016 on PC, Camp Sunshine if now available on consoles. Part of Fossil Games’ ‘Sunshine’ series, the game casts you in the role of a young boy arriving for his first night at camp, only to find that during the very first evening there, things have gone…awry.
A perfectly timed release for the spooky season, Camp Sunshine is a game made in RPG Maker that admirably captures the 16-bit era. Whilst however, it scores highly for mood, sound design and setting, issues with the core gameplay take the wind out of its sails a little.
Beyond GalaxyLand Nintendo Switch Gameplay ☄️ @EnrightBeats Published By @UtdLabelGames #IndieGame #GameDev
Beyond GalaxyLand is a 2.5D adventure-RPG where you play as Doug, a high-schooler transported to Galaxyland, a solar system of zoo-like planets.Alongside his pet guinea pig, Boom Boom, Doug navigates this vibrant universe to uncover the truth behind Earth's destruction by an entity called The End. The game blends humour and serious themes, featuring unique characters like Martybot, a self-deprecating robot, and Boom Boom, who evolves throughout the journey.
22 Oct 2024
Watch Rich Fail To Escape Prison in Beyond Shadowgate On PC ☠️💀 @zojoi #IndieGameDev #IndieGame #GameDev #Retrogaming
21 Oct 2024
Drova: Forsaken Kin Nintendo Switch Review 9.5/10 "One of the RPGs of the Year" 🐻⚔️ @J2D_Interactive #IndieGame #GameDev #IndieGameDev
I’ll open by saying that, whilst Drova: Forsaken Kin ended up being one of my games of the year, during the review period there was a shaky few days where V1.0 of the game had some issues that made me think that this was going to be another case of Wasteland 3, Wartales, or Shadows of Doubt, whereby a gripping and fantastic adventure seemingly genetically designed for my tastes would be scuppered by myriad technical issues, breaking my heart into a thousand pieces and casting them into the ocean.
Luckily, patch 1.1 was released and completely annihilated all the issues that I was having with the game, transforming it into a title that will be with me for a long time. In fact, I don’t even really need to cover this game as my handsome, suave editor Rich is already covering it on PC (I can feel a pay rise coming on – ed), but I want to talk about it so much that I’m writing this review anyway, purely to spread the word and share my love of it. So yes, I liked it a lot.
18 Oct 2024
101 Most Important Soccer Games Episode 2: Football Manager 2 [1988] ⚽ #RetroGaming
17 Oct 2024
101 Most Important Soccer Video Games Episode1: Football Manager [1982] ⚽️🥅 #Retrogaming #C64
Rich takes on the 101 Most Important Soccer Video Games one by one.
Episode 1 sees Rich try and play the original 1982 Football Manager on the Commodore 64, the true grand daddy of football Manager games.
16 Oct 2024
Games Freezer Interviews: Pirate PR! AKA Robby Bisschop 🏴☠️🦜 @PR_pirate #IndieGame #IndieGameDevs #IndieGames
Games Freezer Interviews: Pirate PR!
Over the years, I’ve had many an email exchange with various PR companies, developers and publishers. Recently, Pirate PR have become somewhat of a Twitter / X highlight for me, as the man behind the machine – Robby Bisschop – has been incredibly open with advice and tips for game developers, as well as dedicating his time to exposing scammers, sharing his experiences for all to learn from.
He is very active on his channel (@PR_Pirate) and I thought it would be fun to learn more about the man, the myth…the pirate.
So get comfortable, and pop open a rum as we set sail across the seas of gaming.
15 Oct 2024
Rich Becomes Brave, Grabs His Sword and Plays Marko Beyond Brave On PC ⚔️ @BraveMarko #IndieGame #GameDev #IndieGameDev
The Karate Kid: Street Rumble Nintendo Switch Gameplay 🥋 @GameMillEnt #karatekidstreetrumble @KarateKidMovie
Rich dons his gi and enters the digital dojo as he plays The Karate Kid: Street Rumble which is a beat 'em up game that follows the storyline of the original three Karate Kid films. Players control Daniel LaRusso as he moves to California, faces off against school bully Johnny Lawrence, and learns karate from Mr. Miyagi. The game features retro visuals and focuses on gameplay, including minigames that capture iconic scenes from the films. While it offers nostalgic value, the gameplay can become slightly repetitive over time.
14 Oct 2024
8-Bit Adventures 2 Nintendo Switch Review 8.5/10 "A game in a crowded genre that stands out by simply being very, very good." ☃️ @CriticalGamesAU #IndieGame #GameDev #IndieGameDev
We see a lot of RPG-Maker fuelled, 8-bit styled JRPGs here at Games Freezer, and whilst some can be memorable titles; bringing something new to the table - or are just plain ol’ fun short, narrative-driven affairs - there are many, many more that end up feeling like tedious grind-fests that seem to be designed to suck the enjoyment out of your time with the game. It is a massive genre, and so finding the gold can be daunting. Luckily, there are games like 8-bit Adventures 2 out there, flying the shimmering flag of quality as they game their way across the high seas.
11 Oct 2024
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland Nintendo Switch Review 6.5/10 "The Rugrats Ride Again" 👶 @WallrideGames
I must admit that I wasn’t expecting a Rugrats game in 2024. I remember the cartoon back in the early-mid ‘90s, but I was far more preoccupied with X-Men and Spider-Man at the time, a lot of the quirkier shows of that era kind of passed me by, although some of my peers remember them very fondly.
That said, the show must have been on a hell of a lot, as the moment I booted up the game and heard that theme, even I was surprised how much of the show I remembered, from the voices, character names and family members, it all came flooding back. Heck, maybe I did watch it more than I can recall! Or perhaps it was such a cornerstone of culture at the time that it just permeated my very being.
10 Oct 2024
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter Remastered | Xbox Series X Review 6/10 “A blaster from the past” 🌠 @transvaalgf @AspyrMedia
Recently I reviewed Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection, a remaster of two beloved games from the past, games I spent hours and hours playing and share a whole lot of love for. Star Wars: Bounty Hunter on the other hand, I have heard about but never played.
Going in without any nostalgia was going to be interesting as I felt the Battlefront remasters were held up entirely by nostalgia, and so having had no previous experience with it, would Bounty Hunter hold up in 2024 or should it have been left in 2002?
9 Oct 2024
Video Game Lofi: Kirby - Britt's Review 💿📀 @CuragaRecords #VideoGameVinyl #Vinyl #VGM
🔗Video Game LoFi: Kirby | Besso0 & GlitchxCity | Curaga Records
We are once again in the cosy arms of another in the Curaga Records LoFi series, this time centred around the music of the Kirby games, specifically; Kirby and the Forgotten Land (2022), Kirby’s Adventure (1993), Dedede’s Drum Dash Deluxe (2014), Kirby’s return to Dreamland (2011), Kirby Air Ride (2003), Kirby’s Epic Yarn (2010), Kirby Super Star (1996), and Kirby’s Dream Collection (2012), together - representing almost thirty years’ worth of music from the world of the lovable pink puffball across various systems, from SNES to Switch.
8 Oct 2024
Watch Rich Try To Survive in CITY 20 | PC Gameplay ☢️ @UntoldGamesTW #IndieGame #GameDev #IndieGameDev
As a survivor in this harsh environment, you must navigate a world that dynamically responds to your actions, dealing with organized factions, harsh environmental conditions, and unsolved mysteries.
The game emphasizes survival mechanics, requiring you to manage hunger, thirst, and other vital needs while exploring a post-apocalyptic world rendered in a unique, dirty watercolour aesthetic. You'll craft your own narrative through a series of choices, working with or against factions to stay alive and ultimately aiming to escape the city.
7 Oct 2024
Replay: Memoir of an Uprooted Family by Jordan Mechner | Review By Rich 📚📖 @jmechner #bookreviews #BookoftheDay
Recently though, this changed again as I was sent a digital PDF copy of the Jordan Mechner Visual Novel/memoir, REPLAY, to read and it has reignited my love for two things, 1. Visual Novels 2. Jordan Mechner and his attitude to making video games. Obviously as it was a PDF copy it was almost reigniting my instinct to read a physical book even though I was using my tablet to read the book.
Replay: Memoir of an Uprooted Family by Jordan Mechner is a poignant and vibrant graphic novel that attempts and succeeds in weaving together the stories of three generations of the Mechner family.
4 Oct 2024
Shadows of Doubt XBOX Review 5.5/10 "A Fantastic Premise Sandbagged By Technical Issues" 🕵️ @colejefferies #IndieGame #GameDev #IndieGameDev
Much like my review for Cloudpunk and more recently, Wartales, Shadows of Doubt is a game that is packed with great ideas, a cracking premise, eyecatching visuals and intriguing gameplay, but is hamstrung by technical issues that will hopefully be a distant memory after several months’ worth of updates and patches – but sadly can’t be ignored at the time of launch.
Shadows of Doubt is game that I’ve been following for a while, the premise of being a private detective in a dystopian future comprised of glorious voxels, spending your days solving cases and scouting for clues very much appealed to me. When it was announced for consoles, my trousers were neatly folded in a drawer, hopefully to never be needed again.
3 Oct 2024
Deathchron Nintendo Switch Review 6/10 "A great premise hindered by design" 🤖 @CM_Games @RatalaikaGames #IndieGame #GameDev #IndieGameDev
The actual premise of Deathchron – in that you are a child in a mech that needs to occasionally leave the safety of the suit in order to get into small spaces or activate certain switches etc. leaving you vulnerable as you do so – very much appealed to me when I watched the trailer for Deathchron.
The vibrant music, tasty pixel art visuals, and platform-based side-scrolling action presented in super-smooth 8-bit fashion all had me twirling my moustache in anticipation, but upon actually playing the game – it became clear that there were too many factors working against my enjoyment to really make this a keeper.
2 Oct 2024
A Night on the Farm Nintendo Switch Review 7/10 "A bite-sized slice of spookiness" 👨🌾👽 @FrozenFlameInt #IndieGame #Horror #GameDev #IndieGameDev
Frozen Flame Interactive deliver us a mysterious tale that follows the events of a car crash at night. Our protagonist begins the tale by clambering out of their wrecked vehicle before heading off into the night, happening across a seemingly abandoned farm.
What follows is a short romp around the farm and its grounds, as you find out more about the strange notes and items that you find scattered in this lonely locale.
1 Oct 2024
Horror Tales: The Beggar | Xbox Review 8/10 “It’s Morvin Time” 👽 @CarlosGameDev #IndieGame #GameDev #IndieGameDev
Horror tales: The Beggar begins with introducing the titular Beggar a human(ish) creature who has been locked away. Now freed by a helpful robot he claims he will guide you out and help you on your way.
You notice very quickly the world is broken and has been for a very long time, you will find little sign of life, unluckily for the Beggar there is one being that follows him Morvin a product of his own imagination who isn't particularly friendly and will happily attack you on sight, luckily you have powers which are introduced as the game goes on, so you aren't completely helpless when old Morvin turns up, you have the power of telekinesis so not only can you move objects that are in your way, you can also hurl objects at your stalker, which after you have hurled enough objects at him you will get some respite and can continue traversing the fractured world.
30 Sept 2024
Rich Spins His Tyres in Mudrunner Expeditions on the PC 🛻 @Focus_entmt #IndieGame #IndieGameDev #GameDev
27 Sept 2024
PowerA Xbox Series X/S & One Wired Controller – Core Blush Review By Britt 🎮 @PowerA
PowerA – although founded in 2009 – hasn’t yet had any products covered here at GF, and whilst they have myriad items for sale, ranging from controllers and charging docks through to headsets – across most modern gaming platforms – today we will be taking a look at their wired controller for the Series X/S & Xbox One, in an exclusive Core Blush colour.
26 Sept 2024
Rich Plays Shadow Of the Ninja Reborn on Nintendo Switch 🥷 @TENGO_PROJECT #IndieGame #GameDev #RetroGaming
To celebrate the launch of the highly anticipated indie run-and-gun game IRON MEAT, Retroware has created a cool new launch trailer! 💥
25 Sept 2024
Flutter Away Nintendo Switch | Mini Review 6.5/10 "A cosy game that may have fluttered by" @runawayplay #IndieGame #GameDev #IndieGameDev
Flutter Away is a simple and short game set in and around a small forest clearing. Set over five days, each day your character will wake up, makes notes in her journal regarding the flora and fauna discovered, in turn unlocking more of the backstory behind why she has sought out this return to nature.
Running at 60fps on Switch, this is an extremely light and calming 1st-person adventure game about completing daily tasks such as photographing butterflies, befriending animals and re-hanging fallen lanterns etc.
With relaxing music, a slow pace and zen tone, Flutter Away is a decent enough escape for an hour or two, but is probably best enjoyed by younger players. Or hardcore butterfly enthusiasts!
Looking For A New Gamer Chair? 💺👀 @BouliesChairs #boulieschair
There's some amazing gamer chair deals that are live on the Boulies website from the 25th September until the end of November in the UK and on the 1st October in the US.
With up to £100/$100 to be saved on some of the bestselling gaming and office ergonomic chairs, it is a great time to buy one of Boulies popular chairs. Including the Master Series, EP200 and EP460 chairs, Boulies are also offering an extended warranty of one additional year.
Boulies Master Series 2024 and Master Max Gaming Chairs –
Master Series – RRP £369.99 – SAVE £80 with code “BF80” on Black & Red & Charcoal Grey – NOW £289.99 on Boulies website
Master Series – RRP £369.99 – SAVE £75 with code “BF75” on all other colours – NOW £294.99 on Boulies website
Master Max – RRP £399.99 – SAVE £45 with code “BF45” on black – NOW £354.99 on Boulies website
Master Max – RRP £399.99 – SAVE £34 with code “BF34” on other colours – NOW £365.99 on Boulies website
Master Series – RRP $459.99 – SAVE $80 with code “BF80” (Ultraflex PU black and water repellent fabric in Ash Grey) – now $379.99 on Boulies website
Master Max – RRP $499.99 – SAVE $60 with code “BF60”– now $439.99 on Boulies website
How Technology is Changing the Way We Play Bingo 🎱
Bingo, once the preserve of smoky halls and community centres, has undergone a dramatic transformation in the 21st century.
As technology continues to evolve, so too does this beloved game. From the rise of mobile apps to virtual bingo nights, the way we play bingo has shifted significantly.
In the UK, this change has been particularly pronounced, with a surge in online participation and new ways to engage with the game.
Study by University of Oxford in collaboration with PowerWash Simulator reveals playing video games can be good for your..... 🙂🕹️
Oxford Internet Institute carried out the first of its kind study, to understand more about the short-term effects of playing video games.
FuturLab and Oxford Internet Institute, part of the University of Oxford, is excited to reveal the results of a new international study that shows positive mood changes during video game play - with data collected from players of PowerWash Simulator who opted to take part in the study via a research edition of the game.
24 Sept 2024
Drive Rally PC Gameplay "Hairpin Right!" ↗️ 🏎️💨 @drivethegame #DRIVE #IndieGame #GameDev
Let’s buckle up with Rich and hit the virtual rally tracks with Drive Rally, an arcade-inspired rally-driving experience that revs up the nostalgia of the '90s racing era and pulls on the SEGA Rally and V Rally influences nicely.
Rewind or Die PS5 Review 8/10 “The Good Stuff” 📼 @PuppetCombo @torturestar #IndieGame #GameDev #IndieGameDev #HorrorCommunity
Puppet Combo games have been my jam, I think I have reviewed one of their games every month for the last several months (I have another in the pipeline already, for next month).
I’ve enjoyed every game, and the last few releases have been some of their most diverse - with Lakeview Cabin Collection being a side scroller and The Glass Staircase being a PS2 zombie horror inspired by classic Italian films.
Rewind or Die gets back to what I imagine when I think of Puppet Combo - A grubby, dirty slasher-inspired romp with PS1 style graphics mixed with VHS. It’s not only what I think of… it’s what I love.
23 Sept 2024
REKA on PC | First 30 Mins Of Gameplay "Witches & Chickens" 🐓 @emberstorm_de #IndieGame #IndieGameDev #GameDev
Your mission? To explore a world teeming with secrets, herbs, and quests.
How to Run Multiple Discord Accounts 💻
For many users, juggling multiple Discord accounts is essential, whether for engaging with various communities or balancing personal and professional conversations. Octo Browser offers a powerful solution to streamline and simplify this task, enhancing your overall experience.
Why Several Discord Profiles?
Discord serves a wide range of purposes, from casual interactions and gaming to professional team discussions. However, managing more than five profiles simultaneously can be cumbersome due to Discord’s restrictions on account handling.
20 Sept 2024
Mega Cat Studios: ‘Britt’s Mega Drive Odyssey Part 1: Coffee Crisis’ ☕️ @megacatstudios #IndieGame #IndieGameDev #GameDev #RetroGaming #SEGAGenesis
Since joining GF back in 2016, one of the pleasures of my life has been discovering new titles for one of my favourite consoles – the Mega Drive. There are several companies out there that are doing the Lord’s work in bringing out new games out for SEGA’s saucy black box, but Mega Cat Studios were the first I was made aware off, when I covered Paulo Andres de Matos Villalva’s secretly wonderful ‘Devwill Too’ back in 2020*, and so I’ve always associated them with developing and publishing new MD titles, breathing life back into the system and hopefully getting players worldwide to dust off those creaky controllers!
This is the first in a series that will see us covering a large portion of the Mega Cat Studios Mega Drive-related output, with the end result being an interview and deep dive into the studio itself.
19 Sept 2024
Rich Plays Besiege On The Nintendo Switch "Destruction & Awe!" 💥 @spiderlinggames #IndieGame #GameDev #IndieGameDev
18 Sept 2024
Rich Plays 'Caravan SandWitch' | *A Van and a Mystery* 🚐 @SandWitchDev #IndieGame #GameDev
In the desolate aftermath of human exploitation, the once-thriving planet of Cigalo lies devastated. Enter Sauge, our protagonist—a determined soul searching for her missing sister. As you embark on this poignant journey, the mystery surrounding her disappearance unfolds with each discovery.
17 Sept 2024
Kena: Bridge Of Spirits Xbox Series X Review 7/10 "Formulaic Fun" 🏹 @emberlab #IndieGame #IndieGameDev #GameDev
Hey you! Yeah, you! You like platforming games, yeah? And a bit of puzzling floats your boat? How about a bit of combat to keep things interesting? Yeah? You like that? Well then, step right this way, I’ve got something I think you might enjoy, even if you’ve probably played it before.
Finding the Right Game for Your Interests 🎮
Video games offer an incredible range of genres, themes, and experiences to suit different tastes. Whether you’re into fast-paced action, strategic thinking, or immersive storytelling, there’s a game for everyone. However, finding the right game that aligns with your interests can be challenging. This article breaks down the factors to consider when searching for a game that fits your style and interests, so you can make an informed choice and maximize your enjoyment.
16 Sept 2024
Mika and the Witch’s Mountain Nintendo Switch PC Review 6.5/10 "A Delivery Service game lacking magic" 🧙♀️🧹📦 #MikaandTheWitchsMountain #IndieGame #GameDev @chibigstudio
Beginning with an amusing introduction whereby beginner-witch Mika arrives at the top of the titular Witch’s Mountain for tutelage before promptly getting booted off a cliff by her very teacher!