Features

Indie Arena Booth Hybrid 2022: The Best of What’s Next

7Sep

By Rowen CameronNo Comments

Indie Arena Booth Hybrid 2022: The Best of What’s Next

For the first time since pre-pandemic, Gamescom celebrated a bold return to physical form in 2022. Hosted in Cologne, Germany, from August 24th - 28th, the event showcased over 1000 exhibitors worldwide to hundreds of thousands of eager visitors. Unable to physically attend? They had you covered. Gamescom also showcased a hefty virtual program of livestreams, gameplay trailers and panels for gamers to sink their teeth into. But of course, it wouldn’t be complete without the return of one of its popular features. With a 1500 SQM space and the ‘Indie Arena Brawl of Love’ theme, Indie Arena Booth Hybrid hosted over 130 indie developers with playable demos and interactive experiences. Some debuted their demos exclusively at Gamescom. Heavyweight publishers such as Daedalic Entertainment, Ra...

24Aug

By Jamie DepledgeNo Comments

Features

Arcade Paradise Launch Party

To coincide with the release of Arcade Paradise, Wired Productions hosted a dual press day and evening launch party. I was lucky enough to snag an invite to both! Before I start, I want to quickly mention the venue itself. Both events took place at the historic 26 Leake Street hidden below Waterloo Station. What was once a collection of mere railway arches is now a bustling hub of urban creativity. It even has a dedicated event space for 1200+ attendees. This is where the events took place. A Retro Paradise All that sounds great but finding the actual place I needed to be was a tad difficult. Google Maps only got me so far, directing me to what I think was some kind of event booking office? I did eventually find my way. And what an incredible sight to behold when I arrived. Walking pa...

16Aug

By Gareth TruemanNo Comments

Features

Sniper Elite: The Board Game Review

Designed by David Thompson and Roger Tankersley and published by Gathering Games. Sniper Elite: The Board Game is a tabletop board game based on a popular video game series of the same name. It was released in 2022. Sniper Elite: The Board Game - Stay Frosty People Now everyone who is into video games knows about the Sniper Elite series. A hugely popular stealthy shooter set during the second world war. Well, released earlier this year the franchise expanded into the tabletop genre thanks to our friends over at Gathering Games. We got the chance to play the board game first-hand. If you enjoy this review then why not check out my latest tabletop review here. You can also catch up with what the rest of the Thumb Culture team is up to on our social media. When you take a popular ...

Outstanding Orchestra – Retro Playstation Games With Surprising Soundtracks

15Jul

By Rowen CameronNo Comments

Features

Outstanding Orchestra – Retro Playstation Games With Surprising Soundtracks

It's easy to see why video games are now generally regarded as works of art. The blending of many different mediums to create a unique interactive experience is truly astounding. And with the advancements in technology and media, people are now more freely able to explore and appreciate them. One that has gained significantly more attention is music. Video game soundtracks have garnered more attention from both players and critics over the years and it's now easier than ever to listen to your favourite game’s musical offerings. Because of this, there is now also a certain level of musical expectation in video games. Nowadays, it's no surprise that a video game showcases a grand, multifaceted soundtrack, often using a wide variety of instruments. Even a full orchestra. And most players w...

11Jul

By JasonNo Comments

Features, Hardware & Tech

The Best Streaming Setup Ever?

Have you ever fancied yourself as a streamer or wanted to up your game a bit on your twitch streams? Well, I may just have the perfect setup for you! Here at TC we have been fortunate enough to test all manner of hardware over the years however for me, these 3 devices have certainly enhanced the streaming experience. Lights, Camera, Microphone! As you can read from the line above, I'm going to give you the rundown on my top 3 streaming devices. Let's crack on and let's have some of your feedback on your favourite setup! Camera When it comes to your looks being cast into that little box on the screen, the clarity of your picture is almost as important as your gameplay. People enjoy watching your reactions to celebrating that amazing win and equally your frustrations at being rinsed for ...

27Jun

By Gareth TruemanNo Comments

Features

Superclub Review

Superclub is a football management simulation board game published by Superclub themselves. Released in 2020 it's a 2-4 player game that will test the greatest of friendships to see who is the best manager. This Superclub review is something a little new for us. Superclub - Who Will Be The Special One? Now it may just be me but I prefer a good old management football game. Much better than playing the latest FIFA anyway. Ever since I was a kid playing Championship Manager on the Commodore Amiga I've always loved the ins and out of running a football club. From tactics to scouting and buying players. Superclub gives you all that drama and then some in the form of a tabletop board game. So let's crack on with this Superclub review, shall we? If you enjoyed this review then why not check...

10Jun

By Gareth TruemanNo Comments

Features

Deadwood 1876 Review

Designed by Travis Hancock and published by Asmodee China, Facade Games. Deadwood 1876 is a card game that pits you against friends to unlock safes and take as much gold as you can without dying. Thanks to our friends over that Facade Games we got the opportunity to play one of their card games and it wasn't a disappointment. There's something of a kid in all of us when it comes to playing card games. Throw in some dice mechanics and a theme of the wild wild west and you got yourself a winner. If you enjoyed this review, why not check out my latest one here. You can also catch up with what the rest of the Thumb Culture team is up to on our social media. Deadwood 1876 - A Short, Fun, and Cracking Good Time Deadwood 1876 is a game that right of the bat lets you know you're in for...

4Jun

By Si WoodhamsNo Comments

Features

Si’s WASD Highlights

A couple of months ago fellow TC writer Jas and I headed oFf to Tobacco Dock, London to see the latest games on display at WASD. It was filled with indie devs galore and along with a few larger developers, made a fun-filled day out. I've been to Tobacco Dock previously for work, so was aware of how much space there is to be filled and having never been to EGX Rezzed, I was expecting the venue to be packed to the rafters with both exhibitors and the public. However for a Friday it was eerily quiet, the bonus being there were no queues to check out the games! Here are my show highlights! Be sure to check out Jas' here! Souldiers Developed by Retro Forge and published by Dear Villagers, Souldiers is a sprawling fantasy world 2d platformer. Inspired by Soulslike games you have to b...

1Jun

By DanNo Comments

Features

MCM London Comic-Con Weekend

We sent our intrepid explorer Sam a.k.a GameOnScorpio to the MCM London Comic-Con! Keep reading to find out how he gets on! What is Comic-Con? Comic-Con is more than just an event of browsing stores and seeing celebrities. It's about meeting new people and making new friends. It is a time and place where people can be whoever they want to be or just be themselves and be accepted regardless. A place where, no matter your background, gender, nationality or age you are accepted and people come together. After covid, the London MCM Comic Con was back in full swing this year but with a few changes. Gone were the wrist bands for entry as these were now replaced with passes on lanyards. What also made a nice change from my personal perspective was the long queues to get in (the joys and bene...

22May

By Gareth TruemanNo Comments

Features

Games To Play Away From Video Games

Video games have been a part of our society since the 1970s. Where it has got to the point of it being the most profitable entertainment in the world. But what about the other forms of games? The card games, the board games. Well, today we are going to take a little look at just a handful of these games and give ourselves some breathing space from video games. As we take a look at Games To Play Away From Video Games. If you enjoyed reading this little feature and the world of games outside video games then why not check my latest review here. You can also catch up with what the rest of the Thumb Culture team is up to on our social media. Top Trumps Now saying Top Trumps has been around for a while would be an understatement. A company that was founded back in 1978 with only a couple o...