Mike, Author at Thumb Culture

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Review

22Nov

By MikeNo Comments

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Review

After almost exactly 18 years Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KotOR) has come to the current generation of consoles. It is an RPG based in the sci-fi & fantasy universe of Star Wars. Developer & publisher Aspyr Media has brought a port of the original 2003 game made by developer Bioware and publisher Lucas Arts. The original KotOR was a great success, critically acclaimed and very popular even today. And of course having sequels and expansions, even comics and novels based on the setting. Taking place 4000 years before the Skywalker saga, the old republic is under threat from the sith and Jedi are on the brink. The player character wakes up without their memories and is pulled into the centre of the conflict. However, the choice of whether you save the galaxy or seek ult...

16Nov

By MikeNo Comments

PC Reviews

Fantasy Town Regional Manager Review

Fantasy Town Regional Manager (FTRM) is a town builder sim developed and published by Caps Collective. Caps Collective are an Australian company with FTRM as their debut game available now on PC. I quickly learned that the title hits the nail on the head as a description. The game begins with you as the unwitting person in charge of building a town on the ruins of the old. Set in a fantasy world, the town and people are plagued by various monsters and potential disasters. As your town expands however you will gather more residents and adventurers to avert these disasters. Each day brings new challenges and so new choices from focussing resources to diplomatic decisions with the goal of literally avoiding ruin. Fantasy Town Regional Manager - If You Build It, They Will Come I was exci...

2Nov

By MikeNo Comments

PC Reviews

Hermitage: Strange Cases Files Review

Hermitage: Strange Cases Files is a paranormal horror mystery game delivered as a visual interactive novel. From developer Arrowiz and publisher Giiku Games. The game puts you in the shoes of the unnamed manager of Hermitage, a lesser-known specialist book store in Japan. Told over multiple chapters with each bringing new characters with their own stories with a dark narrative at their core. The store manager and his allies & friends work to solve these mysteries and stop the dark forces at work. Previously released in China on PC in 2018, it is available worldwide now on PC, Switch, PS4 and Xbox One. If you enjoyed this review then why not check out my review of Youtubers Life 2 right here. Hermitage: Strange Cases Files - The Truth Is Out There! There is nothing quite like ...

19Oct

By Mike1 Comment

PC Reviews

Youtubers Life 2 Review

Youtubers Life 2 is a single-player life simulator from Spanish developer U-Play Online & Raiser Games. U-Play also made 2017's Youtubers Life and also brought us Esports Life Tycoon. After character creation, the game starts with an invitation to live in the fictional NewTube City. Home to a community of YouTubers, you choose which type of content you want to create and record your way to the top. Youtubers Life 2 is similar to the original game and the world expands outside the character's home. I and my drone companion could take photos and film vlogs outside too. There are also quite a few pop culture references and some tongue-in-cheek humour to be found. Interacting with the other residents of NewTube City is a major part of the game. I even ended up meeting real-life YouTuber...

9Oct

By MikeNo Comments

PC Reviews

Broken Blades Review

Broken Blades is the debut game from developer Pirates Game Studio and is published by Golden Eggs Studios & West Wind Games. It is a 2D rogue-like platformer set in a fantasy dungeon full of various creatures and monsters. After the tutorial, I learned the game doesn't waste time. Right away I was in control of the protagonist in a world deep underground but with no understanding of who I am and how I got there. Fighting various monsters along the way as well as dodging the various traps, I only know hopefully there is a way out. Broken Blades - The Sword Is Definitely A Fixer-Upper From my first-hand experience and the general opinion of other players, Broken Blades is very difficult so bear that in mind. You can pick the game up on PC where it is available now. Platformers aren't ...

21Sep

By MikeNo Comments

PC Reviews, Previews & Early Access

Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodhunt

Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodhunt is the debut foray into AAA games for Swedish company Sharkmob. It is an online multiplayer third-person battle royale taking place in Prague, Czech Republic. Fighting through the city and the only rule is to keep your existence a secret, the titular masquerade. I didn't come across any plot for the game but it is faithful to the World of Darkness setting. Definitely inspired by games like Apex Legends and PUBG, Bloodhunt however is like their goth cousin. Going it alone or in a trio, fighting to be the last vampire standing, and maintaining the masquerade is all that matters. Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodhunt - Something to Sink Your Teeth Into I kept up on news and other player's thoughts and I found there was some disappointment. Many people were expe...

12Sep

By MikeNo Comments

PC Reviews

Beyond Mankind: The Awakening Review

From Spanish developer/publisher, Brytenwalda Studios comes Beyond Mankind: The Awakening, a sci-fi action survival RPG set in 2120. Brythenwalda has previously released games such as Viking Conquest. The scenario is a version of Earth that has been ravaged by nuclear war and subsequent nuclear winter. Since fleeing to space and settling on the moon and various space stations, returning to Earth has been humanity's goal. However, disagreement has formed between the United Colonies (UC) and H.O.P.E. The UC who want to return to business as usual and H.O.P.E. who believe homo sapiens have had their chance and genetically & technologically enhanced humans are the future. BEYOND MANKIND - ARE WE HUMAN? OR ARE WE CYBORGS? I am interested in games like this, as I am a fan of games such ...

25Aug

By MikeNo Comments

Features, News & Updates, Previews & Early Access

Saints Row Reveal Press Event

It has been 8 years (0r 6 including Gat Out of Hell), since a new addition to the Saints Row series. For the fans (myself among them), the wait is now over. Volition & Deep Silver have been working on the latest title, Saints Row, releasing on 25th February 2022. As the title suggests, Saints Row is a full reboot that takes the series back to its roots like the days of Stillwater & Steelport. I learned the game takes place in the fictional city of Santo Ileso, heavily inspired by the American South West. Growing tired of working for others, the nameless protagonist forms their own gang, The Saints. As the boss, this means building The Saints from the ground up alongside your trusted lieutenants Neenah, Kevin & Eli. Together they pursue their own goals carving out a piece...

19Aug

By MikeNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Foreclosed PS5 Review

Foreclosed is a cyberpunk action shooter with RPG elements experienced in graphic novel panels and stylised graphics. The title refers to when people are property and upon a company going under, their identity is being auctioned off. We begin with the protagonist, Evan Kapnos, being foreclosed and suddenly forced on the run. Kapnos is smack dab in the middle of a conspiracy and the only way to survive is with some help from allies is get to the person at the top and make them a counteroffer. Foreclosed is brought to us by Italian indie developers Antab Studio (Gridd series) and publishers Merge Games (Ultimate Chicken Horse). It is available now on PC (steam & stadia), Xbox One, Xbox Series S&X, PS4, PS5 & Switch. Going once, going twice... sold on Foreclosed ...

11Aug

By MikeNo Comments

PC Reviews, Previews & Early Access

Hokko Life Early Access Review

Hokko Life is the debut game of Swedish based indie developer Wonderscope in partnership with publisher Team17. It is a community sim game very much in the vein of the Animal Crossing series and Stardew Valley. I don't recommend falling asleep on public transport but in this case, it led to ending up in the small but welcoming town. Over time the town has dwindled but perhaps helping the community means turning this around. Being quickly welcomed by the anthropomorphic animal residents, repaying the hospitality leads to it feeling like home. The plot feels similar to Stardew Valley with the emphasis on change from urban life. And the gameplay & design very much feels like Animal Crossing: New Horizons (AC: NH). If you enjoyed those, especially the latter, then you won't be disappoin...