2019’s search action game Blasphemous garnered a lot of attention for its stark and gross imagery and gothic themes, filled with grotesque moments. Underneath it all is a solid game that almost misses the perfection mark when it comes to delivering a meaty 2D action experience.

Developer The Game Kitchen fixed all that with its eventual sequel Blasphemous 2, and Lord almighty, it’s a helluva upgrade.

Bless Me Father, For I Have Sinned….

Blasphemous 2 puts you in the shoes of the Penitent One as they explore the messed-up world they’re in -Cvstodia- to find out why there’s a godly baby being born out of the sky. You also have to stop a bunch of people who defected from your order as well; hunt them down, and eventually find a way to get to the top. Blasphemous lore hounds will find a lot to love here, particularly how cryptic it gets with its story. But the gist is you have to kill a bunch of bosses, then open up more sections and defeat a few more to access the top.

In standard search action format, you have to find new powerups to access previously-barred areas. You start off with a dash/dodge and any of the three weapons you get to pick. Yes, the weapons system is brand-new to this series, and it’s definitely a cherished addition. You’ll unlock more tools of destruction, with each of them having their own fighting style and obstacle-solving applications. You have the standard sword (Ruego Al Alba) that has a downward stab that destroys certain barricades, the dual rapiers (Sarmiento & Centella) that can be used onto teleportation mirror-things, and giant chained mace (Veredicto) that can ring bells that creates makeshift “water” platforms.

Blasphemous 2 requires you to switch between weapons for some of its platforming sections, some of them being more tricky than others. You have to switch from the mace to ring the bell, make platforms appear, then switch back to the rapiers to elevate and launch yourself to the finish line, for example. It’s devious and reflex-heavy, but fun all the while. If the weapon-switching gets tough, note that you can switch the order of the weapons so it can be slightly convenient for you while in the heat of the jumping bits.

And if you die? Well, you basically get a penalty in the form of Guilt. See the blue bar below your red health bar? That’s Fervour, which you need to cast Prayers (spells and powerups like your projectiles and buffs). That gets shortened the more times you die. You can go collect your afterimage from the spot you died at when you respawn, though it won’t clear all your Guilt. You need to head to the hub area’s local confessional booth to clear it out. Speaking of town hub, there’s a central area where you can buy passive equipment in the form of rosary accessories (5 slots, unlockable if you find beads all over the map).

You can also equip Blasphemous 2’s new equipment feature called Altarpieces; you can unlock up to eight spots for Altarpiece figures you can equip for passive boosts, be it extra damage for your sword attacks, bigger window for your block/parry, or buffs for your prayers and elemental attacks. It’s meant to cater to your playstyle while you’re fighting in Cvstodia. Equipping a pair of Altarpiece figures of the same family will boost certain attributes for your weapons or spells further, so it’s pretty important to find as many of these via the game’s many sidequests and secrets. Other collectibles can also unlock fast travel between save points, and more to make your search action exploration and 100%-ing all the more convenient, provided you put the work in.

Plus, there’s even a skill tree that needs upgrading via Marks of Martyrdom that open up new skills for your weapon(s) of choice, like a “Devil Trigger” mode for your Ruego, lunge attacks for your Sarmiento/Centella, and instant-charge flame properties for your Veredicto. I did unlock half of these, and they’re useful, though you are free to use the bare minimum to get through all of the game’s major challenges.

Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done On Earth…

Speaking of which, the boss fights are just as epic as the last game. Rather than the majority of them being monstrosities, most of your fights are with warriors who look similar to The Penitent One. These battles are more like duels, where you have to figure out their patterns and methods before conquering them. The big bads you fight here seem “cleaner” and more orderly compared to the last game. You still fight some nasty Catholicism-themed giant freaks (one of them’s a multi-headed coffin priest hybrid) but given Blasphemous 2’s holy order context, the majority of your duels are with people similar to the Penitent One. You will need to time your evades and parries -a staple in Dark Souls-like titles- to stand a chance against the “holy” order of fiends and giants.

My favourite fights are a duo who are so contrasting with each other, yet when they attack me together in the third bout of the fight, I was definitely paying attention. It’s a similar dynamic as that one famous Dark Souls boss fight with the fat and skinny knights, but in 2D form. Long story short, you’re not going to be forgetting these memorable duels anytime soon, especially with how visually arresting some of these encounters can get. Case in point: the giant reverend with glass shards on his back, the swordsman with the portable millstone, and the aforementioned coffin priest-thing.

If I had to nitpick certain aspects of Blasphemous 2, is that some tutorials for certain moves do not pop up earlier as intended. I’ve been stuck in a particular section with specific barricades for 30 minutes, but only solved it out of sheer luck. Within a couple of screens later, the tutorial to clear those barricades popped up. I’ve had the tools all along; the game just cued me on its barrier-destroying use a little too late. Arguably, I may have broken the game’s intended progression sequence, but this is a minor game design issue I just had to mention.

Act Of Contrition

Blasphemous 2 is a lovely search action game made for anyone who wants a challenge, an R-rated experience, and a good mix of combat and exploration. For veterans, this sequel fixes a few of the problems from the first game so that it seems less cheap and buggy.

Those well-versed with late 90s and 2000s 2D platformers and search action games might bring up the fact that Blasphemous 2 feels like the gothic stepchild of the Megaman Zero and ZX series. This is because of how it plays, how it feels control-wise, and how much the sword feels like Zero’s Z-Saber and air dash to an extent. Hell, there’s even a boss that emulates the “recall dead enemies” ability from Dr Weil’s penultimate form in Mega Man Zero 4’s climactic final fight; The Game Kitchen’s influences are clear as the blood and gore on-screen.

You won’t forget the Catholic gothic imagery from the twisted minds of The Game Kitchen once you’re done with 14 hours of this lovingly-crafted title. Believe me, I still have that image of a woman’s arm slowly being mutilated by tiny cherubs bit by bit as the story progresses with a grotesque final form seared in my mind. And also that one giant bearded guy breastfeeding his baby. That’s a sight that will haunt me in my sleep.

Pros

• Memorable, if disturbing, pixel art and imagery.
• Haunting and beautiful soundtrack.
• Great action and exploration combo.
• Bosses are fun to fight.
• Main character feels good to control, and comes with new equipment/buff systems.

Cons

• Some protips about main character’s skills pop up later than sooner.
• Minor graphical glitches.
• Guilt system isn’t too taxing or punishing enough.

Final Score: 90/100

Review code provided by Team17.

Legacy

In the movie, Xolo Mariduena gives a great portrayal of Jaime Reyes AKA Blue Beetle himself. I knew he had potential (from watching him as Miguel in the Netflix Cobra Kai series) and this role proves that he has the charismatic chops to be a lead actor in a movie. His performance is complemented by the rest of the supporting characters who are his family members in the movie. The Latinx culture and their unique family dynamics are well-represented in this movie, and that distinguishes it from other generic family-oriented superhero movies. That being said, it’s also the Reyes family members who fall into the ‘convenient plot devices’ issue of the movie, which is where the movie sort of gets a light-hearted Spy Kids-like vibe that might be divisive.

The biggest highlight of the movie is Blue Beetle himself in action. The CGI for the suit and effects look amazing, especially for a movie that was slated to be a streaming exclusive at one point in the past. Comics fans will love how comic-accurate this depiction of Blue Beetle is in terms of how he moves and uses his powers. I also won’t lie, it looks awesome. If there’s one thing that the DCEU has consistently done better than the MCU, that’s the live-action design of superhero costumes. The best thing about this particular version of Blue Beetle in the comics has always been how versatile his alien armour is, similar to how Marvel’s symbiotes work, and we see a lot of that in the movie. It’s more than just an Iron Man-like suit that flies and shoots lasers, so I’m happy to see that.

The biggest problem with Blue Beetle is that it feels a bit too formulaic, following a lot of the same beats and tropes of superhero movies from the early 2000s. It also features many convenient plot devices that don’t make too much sense. As a comic book fan, I also dislike how the movie glosses over the Blue Beetle legacy (and disrespects it by adding unnecessary characters like Victoria Kord and Jenny Kord) and how it uses the name of a prominent DC Comics character (a Jack Kirby creation) as a placeholder for one of its main antagonists (sadly, I can’t spoil who it is).

One of the weakest aspects of the movie is its villains, who are not only forgettable but also follow the same old ‘powers must mirror the hero’ trope (like General Zod and Superman, Iron Man and Iron Monger, Ant-Man and Yellowjacket, etc.). Susan Sarandon as Victoria Kord is bland and so is Raoul Max Trujillo as Conrad Carapax. I’m also sorry to disappoint Blue Beetle fans who are looking forward to a movie with more alien elements, but the movie doesn’t really explore all that. DC is probably saving all that for potential sequels but the movie doesn’t even mention the Reach once (comic fans will know what I mean).

A New DC Hero

Blue Beetle is a surprisingly enjoyable movie that a lot of families and younger viewers will be able to enjoy. It has its problems that comics fans and others will probably nitpick on but at the end of the day, Blue Beetle is a decent origin movie and introduction to a DC legacy character whose proper live-action debut has been long overdue (no, that horrible Smallville appearance doesn’t count).

P.S.: There are two post-credits scenes for Blue Beetle.

FINAL SCORE: 70/100

We attended an early screening of Blue Beetle courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Malaysia. Blue Beetle is slated to premiere in Malaysian cinemas on 17 August 2023.

After delving into the Japanese Edo Period with Shadow Tactics Blade Of The Shogun and going the American Wild West route with Desperados 3, developer Mimimi Games is giving us a taste of the pirate’s life with Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew. After spending almost 30 hours with the game, I can safely say that this is one of the best stealth strategy games I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing. And one involving undead pirates to boot!

Arrrr Ye Matey

At its core, Shadow Gambit The Cursed Crew is an isometric, squad-based stealth strategy game. Its blend of stealth and real-time strategy is unique, differentiating it from other recent turn-based stealth strategy games like the Miasma Chronicles. Taking place in a different version of history during the Golden Age Of Piracy, this alternate world is magical, where a mysterious curse is keeping some of the dead from staying dead.

To put it simply, yeah, these aren’t just normal pirates you’ll be controlling in the game, but undead pirates (which are even cooler). However, the undead in this world is hunted down by the overzealous and extremist religious group known as the Inquisition led by a powerful figure named Ignacia (and they’re the main antagonists in the game). That’s a pretty fascinating premise to begin with, but best of all, each of the eight playable crew members in the game is charming and has interesting personalities.

If you’ve played other top-down strategy games with stealth elements, the gameplay of Shadow Gambit The Cursed Crew may be familiar to you. However, there are many aspects that make it amazing to play, including a variety of different characters with a range of special abilities, multiple different ways to tackle each level or map (which come in the form of sandboxes) and more.

Each member of the titular Cursed Crew has different abilities, but you can only bring a maximum of three in a single mission. For instance, the game’s primary protagonist, Afia Manicato, feels similar to Corvo and Emily Kaldwin from Dishonored, as her ability to ‘blink’ or instantly dash across distances to kill enemies. This ability is one of the best in the entire game, and it remained one of the best even during the final levels of the game. What’s praise-worthy about Shadow Gambit The Cursed Crew is that I can say the same for essentially every playable character in the game.

Some of the characters share abilities that basically have the same functions, but they all still feel extremely distinct from each other. Another example is Teresa, one of my fave characters, who is a ‘sniper’-type who can shoot enemies from afar. Another, named Gaelle, can literally put enemy corpses into her cannon and use them as ammo.

Another, named Pinkus, can possess enemy units and safely infiltrate enemy bases; you can even keep possessing enemies one by one and clear the area that way (which feels unique). I can go on and on but yeah, while I do prefer certain characters over others, none of them feel especially useless or don’t do much to contribute to missions. Most of the fun in the game comes from trying different combinations of characters and witnessing your intricate plan work successfully.

That’s definitely great in a game that actually requires a lot of synergy between the characters and their unique abilities in order to complete the missions. What I mean by that is that players really need to fully utilize the abilities of each character and find ways to make them work together cohesively. When I successfully do that in Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, it made me feel like the smartest strategist in the world, and that’s an awesome feeling in a game like this. However, the catch is that while the stealth strategy gameplay in the game can be very satisfying when you pull it off, it requires a lot of mental prowess and energy. It’s not particularly punishing or difficult (the game actually offers granular difficulty that you can tweak, but I played on the default difficulty), but it does ask a lot from players in terms of attention and focus, which means that completing just one mission in the game can feel draining (not in a bad way). This is not a game you play to relax your mind. There are no guns blazing or brute forcing in this one, unlike other strategy games. There’s a reason why it’s stealth first and strategy second.

There are many things you have to take into account during gameplay, including enemy positions and their view cones, interactable environments, and more. Some stealth strategy games, like Miasma Chronicles, can make you feel as if you’re shoehorned or forced into using a specific strategy or mechanic, but this game is different. It feels open from the very beginning, never feels restricted, and there are a lot of layers to it all.

While the stealth strategy gameplay in Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is in real-time and not traditionally turn-based, players can pause the action at any time to queue up attacks that happen all at once or simultaneously. This allows you to consider your strategic choices or queue up multiple character actions. And trust me, with the sandbox levels of the game being complex puzzles in their own right, you’re going to use that function a lot. Oh, that and the quick-saving quick-loading (or as strategy game veterans call it, save-scumming) feature, which is impressively an actual gameplay mechanic in Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew.

The most ingenious part of the game is the developer actually adding an actual game mechanic that is essentially just save scumming. Yes, save scumming as an actual mechanic. I’m not sure if this is the first game to ever do this, but it’s definitely the first game where I’ve seen save scumming as an actual mechanic instead of something that players have to manually do in most other games (where you have to go into the menu every time you want to do it). With the save scumming mechanic in the game, you are free to experiment without having to worry about being punished for it. If you fail, simply press one button to reload the latest save or “Memory”.

It’s simple yet extremely intuitive, and as a player who plays a lot of strategy games, I can’t praise this game enough. This feature not only provides a safety net, the characters might even react to you using this feature. So not only is the mechanic useful gameplay-wise, but it’s also important to the plot, world-building and narrative of the game.

The Red Marley is a ghost ship with a living soul and it’s the hub for the player. In between missions, you can interact with your crew members to start optional conversations and scenes where you can learn more about their backstories. However, these Crew Tales are completely optional and they don’t add much to the gameplay, so you can ignore all this if you prefer to focus on the core gameplay. In addition, other sandbox elements in the game include being able to freely choose which level to play, as well as specific entry points on the maps themselves.

Overall, it took me around 30 hours to finish Shadow Gambit The Cursed Crew. Even after finishing the game, there is post-game content to extend the game’s replayability, including finishing off the optional Crew Tales and doing more stuff in order to unlock a secret ninth-playable character.

There aren’t many flaws in Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, but here are a few qualms I had while playing. Firstly, the missions in the game can take a while to complete. Each mission can take at least 30 minutes but they generally mostly average about one hour each. The later endgame missions can easily take more than one hour to complete as missions get more complex and time-consuming.  There are also no manual saves in the game. While this wasn’t exactly a problem that interfered with my gameplay, it’s annoying when you don’t know where you’ll continue from (unless it’s during a mission, where you’ll continue from the last Memory AKA quick-save you made). Also, with eight crew members, it felt a bit disappointing that most missions limit them to a maximum of three, though the final two missions of the game did allow me to use all eight at the same time (which was glorious).

Still, I understand how too many playable characters at once would have broken the game’s balance, though increasing the maximum party to four characters would have been good enough. Last, but not least, there’s not much of an upgrade system (the game does have a very simple skill tree with only one upgrade for each character). However, it can be argued that with the complexity of the game’s sandbox elements and the character’s abilities, the game doesn’t even need an extensive upgrade system as an incentive to keep playing. The endgame of the game can also feel tedious, as you replay the same maps for a few hours in order to reach the endgame.

Ships Ahoy

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is one of the best strategy games of 2023 so far. It’s a delightful experience that requires patience to enjoy. For fans of the stealth strategy genre, this game is a must-play, especially the unique save-scumming mechanic that distinguishes the game from other titles in the same genre.

PROS

• Save scumming as an actual game mechanic that’s also connected to the narrative.
• Stealth strategy combat that feels satisfying to pull off.
• Charismatic and interesting characters as party members, who you actually want to learn more about.
• A sandbox system where you can play missions on any sequence (with a few exceptions for certain story missions).

CONS

• Not much of a progression system.
• A few bugs and technical glitches.

FINAL SCORE: 90/100

Shadow Gambit The Cursed Crew was reviewed on PC based on a review copy provided by the publisher. It is slated to release for the PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC on 18 August 2023.

I do have a feeling that a fraction of the folks at Capcom might be paying attention to the antics of game developer Batterystaple. Why? Because the company is essentially picking up the Osaka-based company’s slack in terms of 2D action games featuring the controls and playstyle of one Blue Bomber.

Yes, an indie group has spent many years not only making a tribute to Mega Man X called 20XX, but also creating a worthy follow-up in the form of 30XX, which is what happens when you take the in-joke of the Mega Man series’ way of framing their vague timeline of the future and turn it into the title of your full-fledged 2D roguelike.

Gun (30X)X Sword

You heard right: 30XX is a 2D action game in the vein of a Mega Man X title but with roguelike elements. You dash, you gun (or slash if you’re Ace), you jump, you wall-climb with aplomb, and collect power-ups to get more skills and abilities as either sword-slinger Ace or buster shot-charging-and-firing Nina. They’re basically Zero and X from the Capcom game series the dev is emulating, but somehow or other, the company made the controls and character movement feel butter-smooth. Within seconds after getting into the tutorial stage and going through the roguelike run, you will just keep playing and frantically dash-jumping, wall-climb, and destroying enemies big and small in your path. Whether you survive or die, you can’t fault the controls because they’re truly sublime and easy to pick up. The auto-charge option also helps in managing your run so you can focus more on dodging things and killing foes; you can choose to turn it off if you prefer the old-school experience.

Speaking of roguelike, the Standard Mode has you playing through the game in sequence, with the boss order and level layout determined randomly. You can’t use the power of memorization here; all stages have different layouts than in previous runs, so you only have reflexes and general direction cues to guide you. If you rather have the traditional mode where permadeath isn’t a factor, you can opt for Mega Mode, which comes with the patented level selection screen the series it’s inspired from is known for. Regardless of which one you pick, the game is challenging in its own right. Bosses, however, aren’t random with their patterns and attacks. Their level and encounter order may differ in Standard Mode per run, but their patterns and mannerisms aren’t, so at least you can still use memorization to your advantage.

I felt that the game is slightly easier with Ace than with Zero; Ace has access to a lot of skills that you can button-map as he progresses. Nina can collect new alternate weapons and armour cores. I kinda favour the “Zero” playstyle of just slashing things and hit-and-running away and into things when the time is right. Regardless, you still get a ton of powerups and buffs during your run. Standard cores let you equip passives depending on how many pips you have, though you can increase those pips with Blessings you get after defeating bosses or if you unlock permanent powerups.

Just like roguelikes of this nature, dying in Standard Mode means starting over from the beginning, but you will have amassed a lot of permanent currency to get permanent powerups like the aforementioned pip increases. From life to energy to even having a cat pop up at the start of the run to give you a head start Blessing, the game technically gets easier the more runs you attempt. You will eventually have maxed out both Ace and Nina’s health and stats after 10 hours or so of play, as well as master the randomness of the level layouts and the boss fights with their already-set patterns. Thanks to great controls and gameplay, you’ll most likely go beyond that hour of playtime. And if you feel that the game isn’t hard enough, you can go talk to a robot who can add modifiers stacked against you to earn a big reward after completion.

Zero Sum Game

Whether you like playing as a facsimile of either X or Zero, both Nina and Ace control like a dream in this much-requested “spiritual successor” to the game Capcom forgot to make for its fans. Batterystaple Games took up the responsibility to create a loving tribute to the Mega Man X series and adds a new spin on things to make the game challenging and highly replayable for hardcore fans of the genre. Did we also mention that there’s a community-contributed gauntlet you can play through, as well as create your own level and share it within the 30XX folks? Talk about going beyond the call of duty!

Even if you’re new to the 2D-type gameplay 30XX offers, its lovely pixel graphics and synth music will keep you enthralled with the way its aesthetics remind you of a genre lost in time. Just be prepared for the challenge the game offers; it’s not going to take it easy on you. Fans of the archetype 2D run-and-gun power-up filled charged Mega Buster action title can stop praying for a Mega Man X follow-up. 30XX is essentially that and a bag of Nuts.

Final Score: 90/100

Turbo Overkill is a game that’s been around for about a year now but has been in Beta until now. With the release of Episode 3 Part 1 or “The Final Episode” also comes the official 1.0 Patch of the game which aims to fix a lot of the bugs which have been plaguing the game since it touched Steam.

But before we get into the thick of it, I should introduce Turbo Overkill. Meet the lead character, Johnny Turbo – a moniker that carries some street cred. The masterminds behind this game are Trigger Happy Interactive, and they’re pulling no punches. Johnny Turbo is like a blend of machine and human, with some serious madness thrown in. Think arm rockets and a hidden leg chainsaw (dubbed the Cheg) for some serious enemy slicing. Published by Apogee Entertainment, the folks responsible for hits like Duke Nukem and Rise of the Triad, this game has solid origins.

A Darkened Paradise

Imagine this: Johnny’s back in his hometown, now transformed into a nightmare thanks to an evil AI, Syn, in control. Our main man Johnny’s buried in debt and desperate, but here’s the scoop – he’s a gun for hire, and if he can knock Syn out of Paradise, his debts are history.

But it’s no cakewalk. Not only does Johnny have rival bounty hunters on his tail, but the city is swarming with Syn’s cronies. Thankfully, Johnny’s got some tricks hidden away. Those arm rockets and leg chainsaws (aka Cheg) aren’t just for show. And if that’s not enough, there’s a full arsenal to choose from, including Twin Magnums and a teleporting sniper rifle called the Telefragger. Plus, there’s the Hero Time move for some time-slowing action, reminiscent of Max Payne. You can even upgrade your weapons and abilities with the cash you earn.

Now we’re talking episodes. Turbo Overkill now unfolds in three acts, loaded with fresh weaponry, adversaries, and other treats to keep players engaged. The game pays homage to FPS classics like Doom and Quake by going the episodic route. However, it’s not all smooth sailing; the breakneck tempo takes a hit. Nostalgia’s cool, but sometimes, pulling too hard on those reins slows things down more than intended.

Imagine navigating through various settings – gritty streets, futuristic sewers, neon-drenched corridors. Each area is meticulously designed with platforms and edges to enhance the gameplay. The fights become a chaotic symphony of sorts, where the chainsaw leg takes centre stage, creating a thrilling spectacle like riding a river of blood while dissecting entrails.

Nostalgia with a Twist

But wait, there’s more! Swing around like a certain wall-crawler with a grappling hook, go all ethereal while running on walls, and even slide off your air car onto unsuspecting foes. Turbo Overkill’s visuals give off that 16-bit vibe, like Blade Runner and Doom in one, but with a modern touch courtesy of Unreal Engine 5. Neon-lit rainy streets? Check. Holographic palm trees? You bet.

The firepower? It’s no joke. Big explosions and even bigger carnage, turning adversaries into pixelated chaos. It’s like a pixel party you don’t want to miss. The action is crazy, Quake-level madness. You’ve got to keep moving or you’re toast. And prepare for some old-school key hunting to unlock new sections – feels straight from the Quake playbook.

But as Turbo Overkill gears up for its 1.0 launch, it encounters a hurdle. Some of the cooler features, like the grappling hook and slow-mo function, arrive later than expected, dampening the initial excitement. However, a late-game treat arrives in the form of a rail gun, allowing teleportation into enemies for an explosive finale. It’s a letdown that such a gem doesn’t get more screen time. As the game progresses, Johnny’s ascent feels more like a sluggish climb than a triumphant rise.

Turbo Overkill is a wild ride, no doubt. The pace is relentless, weaving in moments of platforming that involve leaping, dashing, and grappling. When equipped with a variety of weapons, it’s like handling a deck of cards, each capable of creating utter chaos. There’s even space for piloting ships and speeding on bikes with mounted miniguns. Personal favourites? Power-ups, particularly the power-fist that flattens mutants with style.

Within this whirlwind, a touch of irony emerges. The game propels you forward at breakneck speed, launching into arenas teeming with jump pads and adversaries. It’s all about adrenaline and velocity, yet at times, a pause in the rhythm seems inviting. Something to interrupt the ceaseless back-and-forth between speed and frenzy. These moments are rare, and when they do appear, they deliver delightful surprises. Sadly, they’re far too infrequent.

Yearning for more velocity? Look no further than Turbo Overkill’s Everlasting Mode. It’s a treat, allowing you to customize everything from starting gear to enemy intensity, as you battle waves of adversaries. But to be honest, it’s more of a quick thrill for when time’s in short supply.

Humour and Excitement

Now, let’s talk humour. Turbo Overkill has an edgy sense of humour. Not only does it poke fun at our futuristic predictions, but it also takes a jab at societal problems. And they’re not holding back, dropping jokes left and right, hitting the target more often than not. Even the Cheg runs into hiccups, needing a reboot – talk about character comedy gold.

Speaking of the Cheg, there’s a minor issue with level design. Too many flat spaces make it a tad tricky to fully enjoy the chainsaw antics. And the architecture isn’t striving for realism – it’s like a gaming playground that might leave you turned around.

The Story is a Sidekick

The story isn’t much to behold. Yes, it’s present, but it’s mainly there to give some context to the carnage. This isn’t a game to evoke tears over fallen mutants. The main goal? Lock, load, and dive into the action. The rogue AI subplot acts as a convenient target for all that pent-up aggression.

Making Stages…

And now, the level editor. It’s intuitive, enabling you to construct levels using a variety of assets. Yet, the real gem lies in exploring levels created by other players. I stumbled upon a creation named “High Rise” – a level that could easily pass as part of the main game. Ingenious enemy placement, captivating choices, and plenty of grappling points – it ticked all the boxes.

On the grand stage, Turbo Overkill ramps up the action and style beyond expectations, resembling the sensation of cranking the energy dial to the max and keeping the pedal to the metal. The levels themselves transform into arenas for the chainsaw leg’s annihilative prowess. However, this relentless pacing brings its own set of limitations. The delay in unleashing Johnny’s full potential and the constant deluge of similar adversaries can start to wear thin. Yet, if you’re up for around 15 hours of mutant-demolishing amusement, Turbo Overkill might be precisely what you’re looking for. A word of wisdom? Approach it in spurts, or you’ll fizzle out faster than a firework on New Year’s Eve.

But let’s not forget the musical vibes – FPS tunes pack a punch, and Turbo Overkill nails it. Synth melodies amp up the action, while heavy metal tracks crank up the intensity during those heart-pounding moments. It’s as if the game is a live concert, and you’re the star performer.

Trigger Happy Interactive has really outdone itself. Turbo Overkill is unadulterated pandemonium, a whirlwind of visuals and soundscapes. If you’re chasing that adrenaline rush akin to the high-speed action of Doom Eternal, this game is here to satisfy that craving.

In wrapping up, Turbo Overkill delivers a distinctive fusion of humour, breakneck action, and imaginative gameplay mechanics for a boomer shooter. While this throwback FPS boasts numerous strengths including its concept, humour, and visual flair, it doesn’t come without certain challenges, particularly in terms of level design, controls, and potential spikes in difficulty.

Pros

• Unique concepts and characters
• Variety of weapons and abilities
• Humour and storytelling
• Retro aesthetic with modern touches
• Fast-paced action
• Music and sound design

Cons

• Level design issues
• Platforming challenges
• Gamepad support issues
• Overwhelming gameplay elements
• Late-game augment availability
• Potential difficulty spike

Final Score: 70/100

APC Assemble

Paskal (2018) and The Assistant (2022) director Adrian Teh has returned in 2023 with Malbatt Misi Bakara, which is arguably his most ambitious movie to date with an ensemble cast consisting of popular Malaysian actors and a foreign setting (set in Somalia but actually filmed in Turkey and Malaysia). While Malbatt Misi Bakara promises to offer the story of the real Malaysian soldiers who helped rescue the US soldiers in the Battle Of Mogadishu, does it deliver that? Just like Paskal before it (or movies like Top Gun or even Black Hawk Down), Malbatt Misi Bakara is a patriotic (read: propaganda) war movie, so you should know what you’re getting into before watching the movie.

Even though it’s one of the most expensive Malaysian movies ever made (with a production budget of RM20 million), Malbatt Misi Bakara doesn’t really look like it sometimes. The movie doesn’t look too ugly, but the CGI and special effects can look janky, especially when it comes to the smoke and explosions. Some scenes, especially near the end, can break your immersion as the actors clearly look like they’re standing in front of a green screen. Sure, a RM20 million budget still can’t compare to the massive budget of Hollywood feature films but perhaps more of the money could have been more efficiently funneled to make the movie better in terms of visuals. That being said, the sound effects (shooting, bombs, etc.) are actually decent.

Most importantly of all though, Malbatt Misi Bakara can be surprisingly intense and emotional at times. I say surprisingly because almost 50 per cent of the movie (I’m not exaggerating, by the way) features scenes where the actors are in an APC (Armoured Personnel Carrier) vehicle. That’s because, for a majority of the movie’s runtime, the Malaysian soldiers spend their time inside the APC to stay safe while entering Mogadishu. We see them using a lot of technical terms while communicating with each other back and forth, as well as simultaneously getting shot at by enemy insurgents in the city. While I personally like these scenes since they remind me of the tense submarine scenes of other war movies (or similar ones in starship battles in the Star Trek franchise), they can drag the pacing of the movie, which can feel a lot longer if you don’t like the APC parts (since the movie is 2 hours and 10 minutes long).

Most of the ensemble cast generally gives good performances, and some of them contribute to how emotional and intense the movie can be at times. Unfortunately, Malbatt Misi Bakara still falls prey to a lot of the same pitfalls that other local Malaysian movies fall to; an inconsistent narrative/plot and cringe-worthy dialogue or moments of comedy. There’s nothing majorly wrong with the plot but some might argue that the movie doesn’t really clearly portray or focus much on the actual rescue of the American soldiers that the title of the movie is about. There’s not much of a coherent third act, as the second act of the movie stretches on almost to the climax of the movie before it all just ends. A more well-defined climax showcasing the successful rescue would have made the movie more satisfying.

The best thing about Malbatt Misi Bakara is how the movie explores certain themes such as despite the Malaysian soldiers feeling like they’re being looked down on and disrespected by the Americans although they’re the ones trying to help them, they still perform their duties and responsibilities to the best of their abilities. I also appreciated how the movie cast Somalian actor Musa Aden as Abdalle, a UN interpreter who helps the Malaysian soldiers. We get to see the conflict from his perspective as well, which is something not even Black Hawk Down had (Ridley Scott portrayed almost all the Somalians as the “bad guys”). During a press conference following the screening of Malbatt Misi Bakara, Abdalle actor Musa Aden revealed that he was born and raised in Bakara, Mogadishu, and that he was there when the conflict happened, which adds even more.

Fire In The Hole

Ultimately, Malbatt Misi Bakara still can’t realistically compete with the likes of iconic war movies like Black Hawk Down, Saving Private Ryan or All’s Quiet On The Western Front. However, when measured by the standards of other local movies, the movie is actually a good effort by director Adrian Teh and the cast/crew to make a movie. It’s not perfect and has a bunch of flaws, but for a Malaysian movie, at least I can say that it wasn’t bad. Last but not least, it would be remiss of me not to mention that Malbatt Misi Bakara is the first Malaysian movie to be shown in IMAX.

FINAL SCORE: 60/100

We attended an early screening of Malbatt Misi Bakara courtesy of GSC Cinemas. Malbatt Misi Bakara is slated to premiere in Malaysian cinemas on 24 August 2023 (available on IMAX screens earlier from 18 August 2023).

Although Gran Turismo has been a solid pillar of racing games since its inception, is the movie a good representation of the GT video game franchise and is it captivating enough for those lacking in the racing genre? Read on to find out!

Fuel of Surprises

The film follows Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe) in the early stages of his career as he attempts to compete with world-class drivers by using his Gran Turismo gaming skills. Directed by Neill Blomkamp, the film focuses on the journey of Jann and how GT Academy has a solid set foot in the world of professional racing. Some of the interesting highlights that pay homage to the GT franchise are the behind-the-scenes development of the video game, Polyphony Digital’s presence, and the integrated role of the founder of Gran Turismo, Kazunori Yamauchi played by actor Takehiro Hira. For someone who is not familiar with the racing genre, it’s fascinating to watch how the team seamlessly intertwined virtual with reality using racing simulators. What’s more, is that Yamauchi-san himself made a short cameo in the film in an unlikely role and it was indeed a pleasant surprise to witness the icon inside the movie.

However, it’s a shame that the film doesn’t show enough of these homages, resulting in a feeling that the story is stagnant in that particular part. Yamauchi’s character somewhat awkwardly and briefly appears at various stages in the movie, but it feels clunky. He has less to no dialogue throughout the entirety of it. Moreover, the movie could have shown just how influential the GT franchise really is, including the GT Academy alumni, polyphony Digital employees, like Tom Brooks, or the Gran Turismo esports players. Of course, the movie is not solely about the GT franchise but it would be much more interesting to show the general audience the full potential behind the Gran Turismo video game scene.

However, if you watch the movie with an open mind without much expectation of the game franchise, you will definitely have a better experience.

The Language of Speed

For the most part, the story is your average sports drama narrative, how an aspiring race car gamer turns racer through passion and determination. A majority of the story is spent with Jann Mardenborough going back and forth with the trainer of GT Academy, Jack Salter (David Harbour). Both of them have a lot of screen time, and they are by far the standout performances using the teacher-student dynamic. Formulaic, but effective regardless.

What made the movie enjoyable is its adaptation of the video game racing series. In this film, the viewer is taken to a variety of race tracks around the world, which are also available in the game, and the sound effects and elements of the HUD make you feel immersed in the experience. The game’s graphics are cleverly used outside of the courses, and every shot of the racing and drivers was stunning showing the beauty and chaos of the racing world, regardless of whether it is virtual or real. It’s clear that no expense was spared in achieving a very high production value, and it’s done sparingly as to not wear out its welcome and overload your senses. The production, cinematography, sound, and music is all top-notch and extremely well done.

Gran Turismo movie is a captivating-if-familiar watch that’s part PlayStation advertisement, but mostly a heartfelt and inspirational story of an outsider rising to the top and achieving the impossible dream: one involving fast cars and dangerous courses. If you’re a fan of the Gran Turismo series or racing as a whole, this movie will definitely appeal to you, and it might end up being a favourite of yours as well. For those who aren’t well-versed in the racing genre, it’s a refreshing take on a car movie and video game adaptation that happens to be an enjoyable watch with family and friends. A huge PlayStation advertisement? Sure, but it’s one with soul and inspiration if you can believe that.

FINAL SCORE: 70/100

We attended an early screening of Gran Turismo courtesy of Sony Pictures Malaysia. Gran Turismo: Based On A True Story is slated to premiere in Malaysian cinemas on 18 August 2023.

25 years ago, Bioware created one of the best computer role-playing game series based on the Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms universe and module: Baldur’s Gate. It had you creating your own character with a wealth of options and class choices, had a gripping narrative and tons of side quests with equally fleshed-out tales, a lovely ensemble cast of party members and memorable villains, and real-time/turn-based gameplay that you can pause in and out of at any time. Also, the game’s aesthetics and soundtrack were peerless as far as fantasy RPGs of the Western kind go.

Fast forward to now, and we have Larian Studios of Divinity fame taking up the mantle to create a worthy follow-up to the RPG series. Thus, Baldur’s Gate 3 has graced our presence. While it had quite a head start in 2020 with its Early Access build -meaning tons of feedback plus fixes and changes- it is nonetheless indicative of Larian’s dedication to make this CRPG sequel just as immaculate as the last few games.

15 hours in, and it’s certainly looking that way.

Gate Crashing

Baldur’s Gate 3 starts you off as a random person (or any of the pre-made cast members like Shadowheart and The Dark Urge) being kidnapped by a flying ship filled with Cthulu-faced psionic-powered monsters called mindflayers, who somehow implanted a tadpole into your brain that could turn you into one of the mindflayers at any time. That ship gets invaded by dragons, and thus you managed to break free and plan your escape. After the initial tutorial and once you crash-landed, you now have one objective: remove the tadpole. The kicker? The tadpole somehow is giving you powers and is not turning you into a tentacle-faced mindflayer. Yet. The other kicker? You end up meeting other travelers who also have the same kind of tadpoles in their brains.

But hey: don’t let that life-threatening situation get in the way of your exploration of Faerun, a fantasy world filled with epic stories to uncover and monsters to kill. Right now, I’m given a major decision to either spare a druid’s grove run by an insane second-in-command (by rescuing their leader in a goblin camp) or just flat-out join the goblin army led by a militant drow obsessed with hunts. There’s no right answer as far as a multi-faceted CRPG like this game is concerned: you just have to survive the combat and live with the choices you make.

Combat is turn-based; depending on who rolled the better initiative value, you take turns doing your actions. You can only move around at set distances and attack/cast spells once. However, you can use non-combat abilities like Push or Hide as per the D&D tabletop rules. If you’re a stickler for the recent analog game’s ruleset, you’ll be pleased to know that Larian is using the latest version to determine combat values and outcomes behind the scenes. The game teaches you not only to use the environment to your advantage, but also be prepared for anything. Enemies could be positioned in higher ground, or maybe they can send some grunt to call for reinforcements by reaching the faraway portcullis.

The cool thing here is that you can approach combat in any way you want. Sneak into the fray early and stealth-kill the boss for a better advantage? Sure! Find an alternate route and get better positioning, turning on nearby traps to ambush the enemy group ahead? Go right ahead!

Throughout my 15 hours of play, I’ve been given many options to fight and better plan the outcome in my favour. As a bard leading a fighter, a cleric, and a rogue, we had long-ranged weapons at the ready as we snuck up a bannister atop a giant hallway to get the drop on a group of hobgoblins and their leader. And when they attempt to climb up, we just pushed them off to ensure their demise. In a normal situation, I would have been overwhelmed as I entered the doorway, but somehow I ended up helping the hobgoblin first with a dead mindflayer problem, then earning his trust. To which my party and I took advantage of since he and his other cronies are holding my objective hostage.

Future fights in later areas of Faerun (like the titular Baldur’s Gate) will definitely give you more varied areas to fight in and will make you plan better, though I suspect they will take quite a while to complete. This IS a turn-based game, remember? At least you can save mid-way.

Numbers, Numbers, Numbers

Of course, nothing can prepare me for the game’s other results-determining factor in its narrative and heavy decisions: the dice roll. Larian has implemented the d20 system for all conversations and adventure situations. Whenever you’re attempting an action -be it a lie or fixing something- you roll the 20-sided dice to get a number to beat the challenge level presented. If your number is higher, you succeed. Otherwise, you fail: simple to understand, right? Different situations have different numbers: outsmarting a dumb ogre would mean a challenge level of 5 or lower, but navigating through complex machinery and deciphering a scripture of high intellect would mean a 20 or higher. The latter value is clearly hard to nail unless you love to save scum all day.

If you feel that luck is too much on the game’s side, don’t fret: you can have multiple modifiers to help boost your initial number to higher heights. If you’re deceiving someone, for example, your Charisma and other character bonuses related to the gift of the gab (like being a Bard) will help skyrocket your roll. Though if you fail badly -you will eventually get a Critical Fail outcome because this is a D&D game- you can at least press on with the game and continue to the end. It’s just that you may have to either fight your way out of trouble or just be more creative and find other avenues.

And yes, Baldur’s Gate 3 is chock-full of moments like:

• Befriending a vampire.
• Hooking up with a druid who shapeshifts when the mood gets erotic.
• Accidentally killed more bystanders and enemies than intended, and I didn’t pick the Dark Urge as a starter character.
• Make conversations with the dead, which is good for a laugh.
• Made money in populated areas with my music as a bard.

…and many more! Larian Studios promised that the game is about 80 to 100 hours long, and I can believe that. It’s packed with a lot of activities and story moments that are actually fun and meaningful unlike your Ubisoft joints (all filler, no killer as they say). We’re not ready to give it a score just yet; I’ll leave that honour to my colleague Alleef “Comicslord” as he’s also playing the game. But for now, let’s just say the latter half of 2023 is already sorted if you’re looking for a meaty and epic CRPG that’s as similar in scope as 2015’s The Witcher 3. Except with arguably kinkier sex.

Have you ever wished to escape the bustle of the city and experience the serenity of the Amazon Rainforest? If so, Flutter Away is a great way to escape city life and be amongst nature and wildlife (digitally), without the need to pay a fortune for a flight ticket or risk your safety.

This cosy short exploration game offers a surreal rainforest sound experience, great graphics, and a heartfelt story between a human and an animal. Not only that, the gameplay mechanic is fairly easy however it has its moments of challenging your exploration wits and subconsciously having you need to complete the journal (or is that just me?).

Starting Fresh

Flutter Away puts you in the shoes of a butterfly researcher embarking on a brief five-day camping trip equipped with a journal and a camera, ready to document all the species encountered. Players get to set up a tent in a peaceful corner of the forest that features three different paths for exploration. As you continue your journey, each path will become unlocked, revealing exciting discoveries.

Capture pictures of flora, fauna, animal footprints, enchanting views and more. There is no limit on how many pictures you can take so snap away! You can even replace the old picture taken with a new one to make your journal exciting. Moreover, you can take notes on the special qualities of each animal in the rainforest. These notes will unveil the researcher’s thoughts, emotions, and drawings that will warm your heart. Before you doze off for the next day, you’ll get to pick your “Picture of The Day” to be showcased on the last page of the day in your journal.

In this game, you won’t encounter any aggressive animals or need to engage in combat. Instead, the focus is on connecting with nature. Although the darkness of the rainforest at night may seem intimidating, as you explore, you’ll meet stunning creatures that have adapted to thrive in this environment, and you can enjoy their natural habitat in a safe and peaceful environment.

Leave Nothing But Footprints

In terms of gameplay, each day the researcher is given a total of 8 tasks to complete for the day. These tasks are then divided in half to be completed during the daylight and nighttime. Some are easy to do such as documenting butterflies, and some require you a bit of exploration to find certain species. The hardest I’ve experienced was a task to take a picture of an orchid which took me back and forth walking all the paths.

I was flabbergasted having to find out it was hidden somewhere near my base camp. This took me nearly 30 minutes to complete it. Rather than being frustrated, it made me laugh and I felt a significant achievement to tick it off the “to-do list”. In addition to taking pictures and documenting wildlife, you learn about the animals you met, written in the journal in a way that is easy to understand. Explore, soak up the serenity, have fun, and learn science all at the same time!

Two things that stood out in the game are the stunning audio and the main storyline. The sounds of the rainforest have been perfectly captured. You can hear the hushed rushing of water, the chirping of crickets, and the melodies of wild birds. It’s a natural symphony that can instantly relax your senses and uplift your mood. There is no doubt that anyone can now instantly search for “Rainforest sounds” on Google or Youtube, however, having to listen and interact inside a game is a different experience on its own. One of the famous sayings from William Shakespeare is, “The earth has music for those who listen.”

In terms of its main storyline, Flutter Away lets you meet a particular shy Capybara and build an unlikely friendship. This peculiar friendship fosters and eventually unfolds the Capybara’s ultimate secret. What took me by surprise is how the Capybara slowly lets its guard down and trusts the human companion enough to be pat! Well, I’m no expert in wildlife but having heard Capybara made a purring sound was something new that I’ve learnt in this game. And yes, Capybara does purr when it feels content and joy. After petting for some time, the Capybara slowly falls asleep, snugging near you and it’s the perfect time to take a couple of photos to be stored on your journal.

Glorious Green

The folks from Runaway Play did an amazing job with the game’s technical aspect as I’ve experienced no bugs or any minor glitches in it. Even though it was a relatively short game, taking only 1-2 hours to complete, I found myself wanting more of the exploration, wildlife, and scenery within it.

I kept wondering if I could befriend an exotic monkey, climb the hills to find beautiful plants or swim in remote waterfalls. These are the questions I have kept asking if the game was made longer and more areas to explore. Nonetheless, these are positive signs that the game is headed in the right direction.

If you are looking for a short escape away from the city and surrounded by the evergreen of nature without having to step out of your comfort zone, Flutter Away is for you. This cosy game is also perfect for casual players who would rather not spend hours on end fighting, completing missions, or questing like most games do. While this gem may not be for everyone, its relaxing and immersive wholesome vibe and non-confrontational gameplay has something special to offer those searching for a relaxing adventure that is out of the ordinary.

Pros

• Immersive and relaxing nature sounds.
• Wholesome story
• Eye-catching visuals
• Interesting wildlife discoveries

Cons

• Short gameplay
• It could be enhanced by featuring more wildlife.

FINAL SCORE: 70/100

Review copy provided by the publisher.

Shark Week

As a whole, Meg 2 The Trench is like a couple of different movies mixed together. The first act of the movie is the best when the characters are actually exploring the titular trench, featuring some moments that genuinely feel intense and gripping. However, from the second act onwards (and in two-thirds of the movie’s duration), they leave the trench and the movie changes its tone into such ridiculous and unrealistic waters that people would probably believe it’s Meg 2 The Trench is a Fast And Furious spinoff (even though it’s not). If 2018’s The Meg had sparks of Jaws, Meg 2 The Trench leans more heavily into action-heavy territory with more emphasis on comedy.

That being said, I still had an enjoyable and fun time with Meg 2 The Trench. That’s because, despite the movie being so ridiculously over-the-top, there’s a level of self-awareness in the movie that makes it all fun. It feels like the cast knows they’re in a ridiculous movie and they act like it most of the time. That’s the opposite of the cast in other movies (such as the recent Fast And Furious movies, just to cite an example) who takes everything way too seriously that it breaks the immersion for viewers.

Let’s be serious, no one watches these kinds of movies expecting a dramatic Oscar-worthy experience. If you’re here for the creature feature experience, Meg 2 The Trench gives us more than megalodons this time around, but I won’t spoil what they are. Unfortunately, Meg 2 The Trench suffers a bit in this regard because the monsters aren’t the only antagonists anymore. The movie has human antagonists for some reason, who aren’t really necessary for any other reason but to provide some additional action scenes for the cast. The monsters aren’t the only focus anymore, and sometimes the focus will shift to the human antagonists, which isn’t the reason why people are watching a movie like this.

Meg 2 The Trench could have been a much better movie if it had maintained the more intense tone of the first act. Still, it’s not surprising that the movie became much more ridiculous later on since the trailers and promotional material don’t really hide that fact. At one point, a character survives swimming in deep water (25,000 feet under the sea) without any protection. Jason Statham is basically Captain America and Aquaman in one man (from the illogical feats he performs in the movie). The caveat is that if you’re really averse to ridiculous movies like this, it’s not for you, but Meg 2 The Trench never pretended to be anything other than a simple creature feature B-movie action flick.

Fish Food

Meg 2 The Trench is a ridiculous movie with the characters doing a bunch of ridiculous things. However, it still manages to be fun and enjoyable despite it all. That is, provided you come in expecting a creature feature action B-movie where you can shut your brain off.

At least it doesn’t pretend like it should be taken seriously (cough Fast X cough).

FINAL SCORE: 40/100

We attended an early screening of Meg 2 The Trench courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Malaysia. Meg 2 The Trench is slated to premiere in Malaysian cinemas on 3 August 2023.