July 2020 - Page 2 of 3 - Thumb Culture

The Cost Of Playing Video Games – An Arm Or A Leg?

17Jul

By Mike DifferNo Comments

The Cost Of Playing Video Games – An Arm Or A Leg?

With the approach of the new console generation, video game players eagerly await any news about the prices of the upcoming PS5 and X-box series X. Arguably of equal importance to the consoles themselves is the price of their games and following the news that NBA 2K21 will increase from $59.99 to $69.99 USD. 2K games who develop the NBA series are the first to take this step and it seems like other developers are ready to follow on the next console generation. At first hearing video games now cost just under $70 may be cause for frustration for gamers. As an entertainment medium have typically cost more than others such as film & TV but have not had the same inflation over the years. Film/TV where the technology used in production, from Blu-ray to 3D has always come with an inc...

16Jul

By DanNo Comments

PC Reviews

Not For Broadcast – A Trick Well Missed

Have you ever fancied going backstage and accidentally picking up a role in the production of a TV station? If yes then Not For Broadcast is for you! Developed by NotGames and Published by TinyBuild Games, they bring you a sim game like never before. They let you control your own TV station and not only let you mix the video but decide on what gets put out to the general public. Will you go rogue? or will you be the best of the best of the best? Keep reading to find out how I got on in this comedic dark TV production simulator. Gameplay Where to start, Basically you land a job of controlling the desk by accident. Whilst the actual person who should be there is out partying having a time of his life. From what I have heard, this guy really doesn't care about the news and loves his booze. ...

14Jul

By CraigNo Comments

PC Reviews

Trackmania – Trackmildia

When I hear the word Trackmania, all I can think of are those really crazy looking tracks where all you have to do is press GO, and you'll race fairly automatically through a series of cool jumps and narrow holes. Admittedly this is my first foray into the Trackmania franchise, Though I've been interested for a long time. It's a franchise that's been ongoing for nearly two decades now, with various iterations and versions of the game released on a bunch of different platforms. The latest Trackmania is a remake of a previous title, called Trackmania Nations. It a free-to-play starter version or you can choose to subscribe to a yearly pass or buy the standard edition. Subscribing to the pass allows you access to all the online club events and social aspects, like customization of your car li...

13Jul

By JohnNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

QH95 Pro-Gaming Headset From QPad®

The QH95 is the latest headset from QPad® and has been designed to be an ideal choice for multi-platform gamers. As well as having full support for the more traditional uses of headphones (such as watching movies & listening to music). This is my first headset review & in truth, it isn't a piece of hardware that I've used that often in the past. However, it couldn't have come at a better time with everyone still being very much in lockdown. As such, I used the headset truly for multi-platform purposes. I put it to the test gaming on my PS4 & Nintendo Switch as well as using it for work purposes on conference calls while working from home. The question is does it truly live up to the claim of it being the ideal choice for multiple platforms? Design & Comfort The ...

10Jul

By Stu NNo Comments

News & Updates

Let’s Race Together: F1® 2020 Out Now

Codemasters® today celebrates the launch of F1® 2020, the official videogame of the 2020 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™ for PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X, Windows PC (DVD and via Steam), and Google Stadia. With two new circuits, the introduction of the driver-manager feature, My Team, improved on-track options, and the reintroduction of split-screen and more, F1® 2020 caters for race fans of all levels and experience. Currently tracking as one of the highest-rated games of the year according to aggregator site, Metacritic, the F1® 2020 launch trailer can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2BpNE94qAs New simplified menus and assists enable drivers to spend more time competing and less time in th...

Mafia II Definitive Edition Review – Criminal!

8Jul

By JohnNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Mafia II Definitive Edition Review – Criminal!

Mafia II Definitive Edition is a remaster of the classic that came out 10 years ago from 2K Czech. The re-master is being handled by Hanger 13, a studio working under 2K’s banner. While this is a review of the PS4 version it has also been released on other platforms and it's worth noting that if you own the original on PC then you can upgrade to the Definitive edition completely free. Along with Mafia II, 2K is releasing a Definitive edition of Mafia III which again if you’re lucky enough to already own, the upgrade is completely free. To round off the trilogy, 2K will be releasing a ground-up remake of the original Mafia game which is due out in August. Now we have all that out of the way, let's see how well this re-master has been ‘made’. Gameplay As this is a re-release of a 10-yea...

Sega Celebrates Big, But Keeps It Small With The Astro City Mini

7Jul

By BrianNo Comments

News & Updates

Sega Celebrates Big, But Keeps It Small With The Astro City Mini

It looks like Sega are continuing their 60th anniversary celebrations, but sticking with the micro theme. You may remember earlier in the year, Sega announced the Game Gear Micro which is being released on October 6th this year, exactly 30 years to the day after the release of the original Game Gear, Sega's 8-bit handheld system. So far the system is only available in Japan, and like so, the Astro City Mini is said to be no different with no confirmation of a western release. What do we know so far? The Astro City Mini is set to release at the end of the year in Japan costing ¥12,800 (around $120 or £94) and will feature 36 arcade games. So far, the only conformed titles we have are: Alien Syndrome Alien Storm Altered Beast Columns II Dark Edge Fantasy Zo...

Hunting Simulator 2 Review – Hunting High or Hunting Low?

7Jul

By TristanNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Hunting Simulator 2 Review – Hunting High or Hunting Low?

Being a citizen of the United Kingdom I can't say that I have ever gone hunting or know a vast amount about it. I have experienced hunting via the medium of video games mainly via the Far Cry and Red Dead Redemption franchises but that's about it. Full-on hunting games are few and far between and the genre is a very small niche in the overall video game market. Hunting Simulator 2 is the latest entry into this small genre. Developed by Neopica and published by Nacon it is the imaginatively titled sequel to 2017's generally well-received Hunting Simulator. I am very wary of simulation games these days as often they are only really of interest of the enthusiast. However, I am willing to give anything a go (within reason) and am a sucker for a good sniper rifle (virtually of course). So is ...

Mafia III Definitive Edition Review – Or Is it?

7Jul

By NicNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Mafia III Definitive Edition Review – Or Is it?

Mafia 3 Definitive Edition was released on the 19th May 2020 on Playstation 4, Xbox One and PC. Developed by Hangar 13 and published by 2K Games, it is the sequel to Mafia 2 and is set in New Orleans, in the fictional city of New Bordeaux during 1968. It also includes the story DLC and bonus packs in this definitive edition. This open-world, 3 rd person action-adventure game begins with a documentary-style opening. You are put in control of our main protagonist Lincoln Clay. The developers had an alternative opening planned but this was scrapped due to its controversial nature. This game delves into racism and politics but does so with the hopes of broadening gamers minds to the subjects. Although a fictional city and story, the topics it touches on were very real. Gameplay The game ...

6Jul

By JasonNo Comments

PC Reviews

Willy Morgan And The Curse Of Bone Town Preview – PnC Goodness!

Willy Morgan and the Curse of Bone Town by Italian devs Imaginarylab and publishers VLG is a point and click adventure game that beautifully blends together a fantasy pirate-themed world with the modernism of today. Initially available on PC hopefully in August, and later coming to all consoles, I was lucky enough to play through the preview version of the game that delves a lot further into the story than the demo. Don't worry there won't be any spoilers me hearties! Gameplay You play as teenager Willy Morgan as he uncovers the story surrounding his famous archaeologist Father's mysterious disappearance ten years ago, all thanks to a well-timed letter dropping through the letterbox. What ensues is a very alluring plotline that takes you to Bone Town, a quaint pirate village se...