Mike Differ, Author at Thumb Culture

1Jul

By Mike DifferNo Comments

Barn Finders – PS4 Review

Barn Finders is the latest game from developer & publisher Duality Games (Unholy). It is a first-person Simulation video game set in Ameryka, a fictionalised version of the USA. Travelling all over, the aim is to strike gold in finding various valuable items for clients and hopefully sell the rest for a profit. The title refers to the protagonist's pawn shop and home. The game was made possible after a very successful Kickstarter campaign, making more than double its target. I found Barn Finders to be an interesting blend of games like House Flipper and reality TV like Storage Wars. Already released on PC & VR in 2020, Barn Finders is now available on Playstation, Xbox and Switch consoles. Barn Finders - a diamond in the rough or plain old junk? There is a reason that ente...

8Jun

By Mike DifferNo Comments

PC Reviews

The Quarry PC Review

The Quarry is an interactive horror game from developer Supermassive Games (Until Dawn, The Dark Pictures Anthology) and publisher 2K (Borderlands series & NBA2K series). It's a spiritual successor to Until Dawn in this narrative-heavy, choices matter video game. After summer camp is over, the counsellors of Hackett's Quarry are stranded overnight and spooky events begin to occur. Finding clues, solving the mystery and making wise choices may just be enough to survive the night. The Quarry is available on PC, PS4/PS5 & Xbox One & X/S on June 10th. Classic horror in spades here in The Quarry! I love Supermassive Games' previous work and so I was especially excited to play The Quarry. Let us know below if you are excited or what you think about the game too. Gameplay The ...

19May

By Mike DifferNo Comments

Features

10 Games That Break The Fourth Wall

For as long as there have been video games, there have been developers adding moments to break the fourth wall. These are times that the game and characters show they are aware of the player and they're within a fictional world. From easter eggs & throwaway comments to sequences changing how we play, they have come in all shapes and sizes. Whether making us laugh, cry or ragequit these moments of self-awareness usually have an effect. I took a look back and chose 10 of the best of these video game moments. The 10 games are in no particular order and are my personal favourites. And there is a spoiler warning for the games listed. I hope you agree with me (at least partially) or if you feel I missed any, please comment below. And to anyone reading this, yes I'm speaking to you, I k...

24Apr

By Mike DifferNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

35MM Review

35MM is a single-player horror game taking place in a present-day version of Russia after a virus has killed the majority of the population. The title 35MM refers to the camera that Petrovich, our protagonist carries throughout the game. It is developed and published by Russian indie video game company Сергей Носков who also made The Light. Originally released on Steam in 2016, its narrative on life after a pandemic is especially apt today. I based my review on the PS4 version where 35MM is available now as well as Xbox One & Nintendo Switch. Seeing the world through this 35MM lens is a bleak picture I was very interested in 35MM as a game made and set in Russia to see the approach taken to the popular genre. I and the TC team are curious to hear what you think of the game so ...

23Apr

By Mike DifferNo Comments

PC Reviews

Trolley Problem, Inc. PC Review

Trolley Problem, Inc. is a simulation/choices matter game built around the titular thought experiment. It is the debut game from developer ReadGraves & published by Yogscast Games (Helheim Hassle). I had heard of the thought experiment before but to experience it as a video game was quite something. I found when push came to shove making choices wasn't as easy as I expected. Trolley Problem, Inc. is available now on PC via Steam & Epic Games. Trolley Problem, Inc. will change your definition of a dilemma! I was excited to play Trolley Problem, Inc. and see what choices I would make. Feel free to comment and let us know what you think of the game down below. Gameplay Trolley Problem, Inc. is based on the thought experiment and various other scenarios involving ethical dil...

19Apr

By Mike DifferNo Comments

PC Reviews

Solasta Lost Valley Review

Solasta Lost Valley is a brand new non-linear campaign and the second Solasta expansion after Primal Calling. And comes from the indie developer and publisher Tactical Adventures. Like Crown of the magister, Lost Valley is an isometric turn-based RPG. However, this is a brand new campaign set in the world of Solasta. The titular valley is a long-forgotten region ripe with opportunity but not everyone may feel very welcoming. I enjoyed getting a sneak peek with some of the Tactical Adventures team and have put some of my first thoughts here. Solasta Lost Valley is available now on Steam as well as Xbox Game Pass on PC. The party who went up a mountain and stumbled into the Lost Valley! I enjoyed my time playing Solasta Lost Valley and hopefully, you do too. I and the TC team would ...

Solasta: Lost Valley DLC & Multiplayer First Look

4Apr

By Mike DifferNo Comments

PC Reviews, Previews & Early Access

Solasta: Lost Valley DLC & Multiplayer First Look

I recently got an early sneak peek at the Solasta: Lost Valley DLC and the upcoming addition of online multiplayer. Tactical Adventures set up the session to show off what they have been working on and it didn't disappoint. I joined Mathieu Girard (CEO & Creative Director), Pierre Worgague (Marketing Director) & Emile Zhang (Community Lead) for an hour-long hands-on experience. I came into the session having played & reviewed the base game last year. Playing the turn-based fantasy RPG again was a pleasant reminder of what I enjoyed about Solasta in the first place. Get ready to roll! Alongside the DLC is the release of the online multiplayer for Solasta. Playing online co-op felt just as good, perhaps even better than similar games e.g. Baldur's Gate 3 & Divinity Original...

Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream

24Feb

By Mike DifferNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream

Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream is the latest instalment in the Atelier franchise. It continues the trend of single-player RPGs in a somewhat open-world akin to late 1700s or early 1800s Europe. It was developed and published by Koei Tecmo who have been part of the series since it began on the PS1 in 1997. I was excited to play the game after having enjoyed the Atelier Mysterious Trilogy Deluxe Pack. If you are a fan of the series then I have no doubt you will too. And if you are interested, you can read my review here of the original Atelier Mysterious Trilogy here. The Adventure Continues! Atelier Sophie 2 is available on February 25th on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4 & PS5. The TC team and I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on Atelier Sophie 2. So d...

20Feb

By Mike DifferNo Comments

Previews & Early Access

Flawless Abbey

Flawless Abbey is the debut release from Russian developer Bed Head Games in partnership with publisher Critical Reflex (Aeon Drive). Set in a hand-painted fairy tale world, Flawless Abbey is a puzzle game where your choices shape the outcome. Delve deeper into the world as you uncover the story of the titular abbey and its inhabitants. It was nice to be able to play this demo until the release comes from Bed Head Games. Find what is beneath the surface of Flawless Abbey For a short demo, Flawless Abbey sets up an interesting game with a fresh design style. The TC team and I would like to hear your thoughts on what you think so far. Feel free to post in the comments below. Gameplay Flawless Abbey begins with a prologue of sorts, being told via a stage play is the tale of a fo...

The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante Review

15Feb

By Mike DifferNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante Review

The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante is the debut game from developer Sever Studio while working with publisher 101XP. You play as the titular character in this single-player narrative-driven RPG. The game takes place in the fantasy fictional world of Magra, part of the Arknian Empire. The setting is akin to Victorian London with class issues, religion and even persecution of magic users being major driving forces of the story. Set out on a challenging lifetime journey, where every choice entails consequences. Each decision determines the path you go down so choose wisely. Sir Brante was released on PC last year but is available now on PlayStation & Xbox consoles with my review based on the PS5 version. And if you want to read more on the game, check out Gareth discussing news on it...