Developer FuturLabs has been quoted often about their choice to use the puzzle genre for the Peaky Blinders foray into the gaming world. Many soundbite worthy quotes about it being linked to Tommy Shelby’s mind and the way in which he can see the perfect plan unfold do make sense. However I can’t help but feel that with a bigger budget, this puzzle based element would have merely been one part of a much larger game world. Perhaps more in the vein of Mafia 3 with the added time manipulation on offer here in Mastermind. However, I should point out that FuturLab has done a good job with the limited resources on hand, it is just a shame we couldn’t have played around inside the Peaky Blinder world with a little more depth.
Void Terrarium is a very interesting title. It has a unique mix of gameplay styles that are coated in gorgeous artwork and an impressive soundtrack. My advice would be to not go in expecting Disgaea levels of content or Atelier customization and you will have a much better time. Taken as a quickplay rogue-lite title it is a great little distraction and is priced reasonably for the content on offer.
There are glimmers of fun here. I do not wish to ignore those. Driving down the open road, delivering your cargo in the night-time rain can be a relaxing experience. However, these moments are so few that they simply do not warrant the price being asked of by this title. The real problem here is that the game is clearly unfinished. Were the publishers asking a lower price of the title then many of the problems above could be overlooked. Currently though the price remains worryingly high and therefore not something I can recommend.
It is this moment of realisation that led me to my current opinion of Pokémon Café Mix. Forcing an adult player into the position detailed above is one thing. But when the game is rated as E for everyone the design choice begins to feel rather unethical. Even after restarting the game and forcing Munchlax into café servitude I found my enjoyment of the game had evaporated. Whilst you may find that the initial stages of the game fill you with joy and happiness. Much like that double espresso shot, the dizzying highs will soon be followed by the inevitable crash. My advice; grab a copy of Tetris and sip some water instead.
From the sweeping visual appeal, to the emotive and often soothing audio. The story will guide you through the ups and downs of a creature experiencing a world they cannot fully understand. Something I imagine many of us might be feeling at this moment in time. As such I can heartily recommend The Wanderer, not as a game, but as an experience. One to savour and enjoy with a warm cup of tea and a flickering candle at one’s side. Mary Shelley would be proud.