Review: Swimsanity! – A Wet And Wild Multiplayer Experience
For a game evoking insanity in its title, Swimsanity! feels rather sedate at times, even when it’s casually erasing you from the face of the planet. It’s unforgiving, you see, but not in the positive, challenging sort of sense. Often, we’d see our entire team wiped in a matter of seconds by the unexpected appearance of a whale. We can’t recommend even trying to clear any of Swimsanity!’s Adventure Mode missions in single-player; this is a multiplayer experience through and through, but even with a full set of four players you’re going to spend a lot of time being demolished.
Yes, this is a game you’ll want to play with friends, if at all. Thankfully both local and online options exist, and it boasts full cross-play across all formats. Laudable, but we question whether or not people will be interested in what Swimsanity! offers compared to more established games.
First up, there’s the co-op Adventure mode, which sees you and up to three additional divers taking on any one of a handful of levels, each of which sees you traversing a different undersea stage and outmanoeuvring various entirely-too-big breeds of sea life. It’s sort of like The Little Mermaid, but with a lot less singing and a lot more death. Controls are ostensibly twin-stick, with the ZR button used to fire your basic laser gun. You can acquire explosives and fling them with ZL, while the B button offers a limited, short-range teleport that will get you out of dodge, saving your life more than once if used properly. Finally, as you play you’ll fill up a little bar that allows you to use your “Unleash”, a powerful skill that can turn the tides of battle. Pun intended.
You’ll gather power-ups as you play, but you’ll need to be coordinated to make almost any headway at all. Seriously – we can’t stress enough how challenging this game can be, and that’s just on the default difficulty. There’s a second, harder go-around if your first attempt wasn’t punishing enough, but alternatively, you can hop into the versus modes, of which there are plenty, and which hold a lot more appeal.
While none of the versus games on offer are especially unique, they are enjoyable. Besides your standard sort of Deathmatch modes (DM, team DM and “Last Mooba Standing”, which is exactly what it sounds like), there’s a rather great take on Capture the Flag where you must grab an on-screen orb and ferry it back to your capture point. Of course, taking a hit causes you to drop it, so things get silly in a hurry and it’s hard to imagine a group not having fun with it. The chaos reminded us most strongly of the under-rated Heavy Burger, which had a similar to-and-fro tug of war feel and was also strangely compulsive.
Playing these games will gradually see you achieving in-game challenges that award Gold Orbs, which will eventually unlock new Unleashes that let you experience the game in different ways – effectively giving you new character classes to try out until you find what works best for you. It’s not the most driving of video game structures, but you’ll reach many of the intended goals simply through playing, and local play is well-represented in the list if for whatever reason you’re limited to couch gaming.
Graphically, it’s just adequate. It simply gets the job done, but never really impresses. Thankfully it’s more to the game’s advantage that it looks fairly plain; you need to be able to tell what’s going on at all times, and there’s no danger of getting lost in the visuals here. The animation is a little poor with its “motion tweening” look, but movement and performance are both smooth so it doesn’t really matter that much. The music stands out – the work of composer Joshua R. Mosley, it’s a marvellously exciting and cinematic score that enormously enhances the game that it soundtracks. An eminently impressive effort.
While Swimsanity! is plenty of fun in local, not everyone has the capacity to play in any way besides online, and we’d love to see the game find an audience; crossplay should help with that, but even if you’re totally friendless and disconnected you can still play the versus modes with AI bots. Though we wouldn’t really recommend it be played that way.
Conclusion
A full-featured multiplayer effort, Swimsanity! excels in its frantic competitive gameplay, with a co-op experience that we found critically lacking in enjoyment. Skip the adventure mode and dive straight into Orb Rush with three friends for a good, fun time. The package holds together well despite some blandness to the visuals, and there’s certainly plenty to do if it gets its (fish) hooks into you. Swimsanity! holds up well in a crowded market and we truly hope to see it succeed.
Feature: Uncle Creates Amazing Super Mario World Play Set For His Niece
Tom Robertson
The recent partnership between Nintendo and LEGO has produced a number of quality play sets based on Super Mario, and there have been other sets of various sizes (and quality) available in the past that recreate the characters and setting of the Mushroom Kingdom.
However, one man found the available options unsatisfactory and thought he could do better himself. So he did! That man was Thomas Robertson and he set out to construct a Super Mario-themed play set for a young relative. The results speak for themselves, and we recently caught up with Tom to find out more and get a more detailed look at the project. Without further ado, we’ll hand over to Tom…
My niece is six tomorrow and obsessed with all things Mario (like me). She has so many action figures but the play sets on the market are pretty low end and not that exciting. She watches an American family called The Heywoods on YouTube who built their own play sets and inspired me to make this one. I wanted it to resemble a Mario platformer as much as possible, so it has a “bonus” cloud level on the top shelf, a classic “Acorn Plains” on the middle and a “Bowser’s Castle” on the bottom, complete with Peach being held hostage by Bowser. The pipes between levels are functional and allow Mario to travel from one to the other, the flag moves up and down the pole and Bullet Bill & the lava are on springs to bring the set to life even more.
I hope you guys like it, I’ve been asked by many people from the Nintendo UK Facebook group to make one for them but I think I’ll keep it as a one off!
What was the idea behind the project?
The idea came from my niece, Phoebe who saw a similar playset on YouTube and said she wanted something similar. She has so many action figures but the play sets that Nintendo offer aren’t that great so I thought “why not give it a go?”.
Do any parts move / are there any interactive parts?
The set has a few moving parts. The flag goes up and down the pole, Bullet Bill and the Lava are on springs so they wobble back and forth and Peach is in a suspended cage that open up for her to be rescued. My favourite part though are the pipes that are fitted between the shelves and allow Mario to travel from one level to another just like he would in the games.
How big is it?
The set is about 3ft tall x 2.5 wide…..it wouldn’t go in the car so had to use a minibus to get it home. I’m lucky enough to work at a centre that has a large art room I was able to use to make it.
What is it made of?
The set was originally an Ikea bookshelf unit. The props are made from all different things. The clouds and mushrooms on the top level were cut out of MDF and sanded into shape. The pipes are all heavy duty water pipes that we cut to size and spray painted. The “rocks” on the middle level are custom made from solid oak thanks to a very talented friend. The walkways on the bottom level are all made of Jenga blocks glued together and painted.
Which games did you use as reference material?
I’m a thirty-year fan of Mario myself since I got my first NES aged eight. The look of the set was mainly based on the newer Super Mario Bros games as that’s what my niece is more familiar with. The backgrounds were all hand painted by an incredible artist and friend of mine Lee Clark. He helped me design and make the whole set. I have had requests from friends to make a Pokemon and a Zelda one too.
How long did it take you to make?
All in all it took about three months to make. Obviously I work full time so it was mainly on weekends. There was a lot of trial and error involved, especially with the pipes, so we got through a few cans of green spray paint.
Huge thanks to Tom for reaching out and taking the time to answer our questions – we’re sure you scored some amazing brownie points with this project. What do you make of Tom’s effort? Have you ever made anything similar? Let us know in the comments below.
Microsoft Explains Why xCloud Won't Be On iOS After Prematurely Ending Testing
Update: Microsoft has provided a response to CNET outlining their position, and explaining that there's currently no solution for bringing Project xCloud to iOS.
"Our testing period for the Project xCloud preview app for iOS has expired," the statement reads. "Unfortunately, we do not have a path to bring our vision of cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to gamers on iOS via the Apple App Store. Apple stands alone as the only general purpose platform to deny consumers from cloud gaming and game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass."
The statement points out that non-gaming apps operate under different rules on Apple's store. "We are committed to finding a path to bring cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to the iOS platform," it continues. "We believe that the customer should be at the heart of the gaming experience and gamers tell us they want to play, connect and share anywhere, no matter where they are. We agree."
For now, at least, it seems that xCloud will be much easier to access for Android users.
The original story follows.
Earlier this week Microsoft confirmed that xCloud, its games streaming service that will be bundled with Xbox Games Pass Ultimate, will be launching in September on Android. Apple devices were completely omitted from the announcement, with their testing apps pulled from devices shortly afterwards.
Microsoft has chosen to prematurely end its iOS testing for xCloud ahead of the previously communicated September 11 date, when Android test users will migrate over to the officially launched product. In a statement to The Verge, Microsoft say its attention now is focused on a smooth launch across Android.
[www.indiegala.com] NASA's Perseverance rover is headed to Mars! This might be the ideal moment for you to build your very own spaceship in Kerbal Space Program, the physics-based Space Flight Simulation, and aim for the stars. https://youtu.be/-qM7XFx12I4
Be sure to create an account on Humble Bundle in order to claim it.
Afterwards click GET THE GAME and check your email account for the key. Or alternatively you can click Preview Email to access the key directly on the humble site.
We are welcoming everyone to join our discord[discord.gg]. We are more active there on finding giveaways, small or large.
Charming 2D RPG Phoenotopia: Awakening Launches On Switch Later This Month
The Switch already has its fair share of Zelda-inspired RPGs, but the eShop will soon have another charming option for you to consider thanks to the indie release, Phoenotopia : Awakening.
The game’s launching as a timed-exclusive on Switch in North America and will be available to buy in just over a couple of weeks’ time. It’s a cutesy, colourful-looking take on the genre that features plenty of the usual mechanics and traits you’d expect, but we’re hopeful that it’ll be able to stand out from the crowd when it does arrive on Nintendo’s platform. You can read all about it below.
Phoenotopia: Awakening places you in the role of Gail, a simple villager living a happy life in the idyllic countryside. Without warning, a great starship appears in the night sky and abducts all the adults. As the now oldest member of her little community, Gail must set out to solve this mystery and recover the villagers. Little does she know of the grand adventure before her, the evil lurking in the shadows, and the role she will play in the fight for Earth’s very own existence!
Features: – A narrative-driven single player adventure filled with charming characters, vibrant towns, and dangerous dungeons. – Over 10 different weapons & tools with which to combat enemies and solve puzzles. Fly with rocket boots! Blast with bombs! Play the flute! – Fight against over 50 different enemy types and 12 boss encounters. – A world brimming with secrets! Find 33 Energy Gems, 55 Heart Pieces and 111 Moonstones. – An achievement system, with 33 badges to earn, for players seeking extra challenge and replayability. – Over 60 original songs ranging from mellow piano and orchestra to raging synth/metal rockers and bagpipes! – A main campaign length estimated at 25 hours of playtime. 50 hours for completionists.
The development team says that it intends to release the game everywhere it can in time, but due to its small size, has decided to focus on this North American Switch release as a priority. It’ll be available for $19.99 from 20th August.
Do you like the look of the game? Think you might give it a spin later this month? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 08-08-2020, 01:05 AM - Forum: Windows
- No Replies
New webcast series: ‘Enabling remote work with Microsoft Teams’
The recent shift to remote, hybrid and on-premise work has IT professionals across every industry looking for more solutions and support for deploying Microsoft Teams. That’s why we’re excited to launch this new live webcast series. Host, Stephen Rose is back! He’ll be talking with members of the Microsoft engineering staff, community experts and real-world professionals about best practices for piloting, planning, managing, securing, and deploying Teams. He’ll be joined by surprise guests, unbox cool new hardware and share resources to help you make the most of Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams.
Our host, Stephen Rose is a Senior Product Manager on the Modern Workplace and Teams, Stephen has been working with and helping IT professionals with a variety of Microsoft products since 2009 including Windows, Surface, Office and OneDrive, and holds over 20 technical certifications. Stephen was an MVP for 3 years and still is a community guy at heart. You can follow him, @stephenlrose on Twitter.
(Left to right) Host Stephen Rose. Previous Episodes with Joe Lurie on Windows Servicing, Chris Jackson on security best practices, Dan Holme on Microsoft Teams Live Events platform and Sandhya Rao demoing the new Bose Teams headphones.
Take a look at the upcoming episodes below – and add them to your calendar*. You’ll definitely want to tune in live to get the solutions and insights you need now.
Episode 1: Real work experts/real world stories August 11, 2020 | 9:00 AM PDT | ADD TO CALENDAR
Join us as we sit down with members of our IT pro community to discuss their Teams customer stories. You’ll hear about what worked and what didn’t work so you can avoid the same pitfalls with your own rollouts.
Episode 2: Back to school and user adoption with Microsoft Teams August 25, 2020 | 9:00 AM PDT | ADD TO CALENDAR
Learn about the latest features and functionalities to help educators make the most of Microsoft Teams and how IT pros can secure these features in a variety of environments.
Episode 3: Microsoft Teams security September 8, 2020 | 9:00 AM PDT | ADD TO CALENDAR
Let’s talk security. The top challenge IT pros are facing right now is securing data. Join our product expert for a deep dive discussion on identity and authentication.
Episode 4: Microsoft Ignite 2020: Pre-show September 15, 2020 | 9:00 AM PDT | ADD TO CALENDAR
In this special episode, you’ll get a preview of what’s coming up at Microsoft Ignite. Hear about upcoming sessions you don’t want to miss, as well as new resources that will help you make the most of your experience.
Episode 5: Microsoft Ignite 2020: Wrap-up part 1 September 23, 2020 | 9:00 AM PDT | ADD TO CALENDAR
Join us for a wrap-up of day 1 at Microsoft Ignite. You’ll hear all the highlights and we’ll talk about what’s coming up on day 2.
Episode 6: Microsoft Ignite 2020: Wrap-up part 2 September 25, 2020 | 9:00 AM PDT | ADD TO CALENDAR Join us for a complete wrap-up of day 1 and 2 at Microsoft Ignite. You’ll hear all the highlights and talk with product experts.
Episode 7: The new world of virtual events October 8, 2020 | 9:00 AM PDT | ADD TO CALENDAR
The events industry transformed overnight, and Microsoft Teams played a big part in this transition. We’ll sit down with members of the Microsoft Teams product group and learn how they are building the future of high-scale communication with Microsoft Teams.
Episode 8: New resources for Microsoft Teams admins October 22, 2020 | 9:00 AM PDT | ADD TO CALENDAR
Learn about new Teams deep dive help videos for administrators as well as other resources to get your support teams and help desk up to speed.
Episode 9: Manage guest access in Microsoft Teams November 5, 2020 | 9:00 AM PDT | ADD TO CALENDAR
One of the most requested episodes. We’ll feature tips, tricks and gotchas on managing guest access in Microsoft Teams.
Have a great idea for an episode? Want us to deep dive into a specific feature? Contact Stephen Rose.
*Please note that episode guests, topics and dates are subject to possible change
This Newly Discovered POW Block Bug Freezes Paper Mario: The Origami King
A new bug that has the potential to “softlock” your copy of Paper Mario: The Origami King has reportedly been discovered. Yes, we’ll admit the timing of this news is a tad awkward considering Nintendo only patched multiple other glitches yesterday, but it might at least stop a few people from having to replay a certain section of the game.
In phase two of the Boss Sumo Bro rematch located in the Battle Lab, defeating this enemy with a POW Block – before defeating the Sumo Bro – will freeze the game. You’ll lose a significant chunk of progress and be forced to redo the entire battle.
As explained by Gaming Reinvented, once this happens, all you can do is watch the background animations play over and over while the boss music continues to loop until you close the game and restart it. Hopefully, Nintendo can patch this out ASAP.
In the game’s first update, Nintendo fixed an issue in which players were unable to enter the Spring of Rainbows in Shangri-Spa and resolved a problem where the Black Shy Guy would not be registered in the Gallery of the Musée Champignon—even if you had previously defeated one. Have you encountered the above bug? How about any others? Leave a comment down below.
Netflix’s New Video Game Documentary Series Is Narrated By The Voice Of Mario
Later this month on 19th August, Netflix will premiere its new documentary series High Score. It will focus on the “the golden age of video games” – covering the brains behind the success, the games, and how the industry has evolved over the years.
Perhaps the most interesting part about it – at least for Nintendo fans, is the fact it’s being narrated by the one and only Charles Martinet (aka the voice of Super Mario). This has been discovered in the recent opening credits trailer uploaded by IGN. You can see Martinet’s name pop up at the 32-second mark. Take a look below:
Here’s the official description of High Score, courtesy of Netflix:
High Score is a documentary series about the golden age of video games, when legends – from Pac-Man to Doom – were brought to life. Through ingenuity and sheer force of will, computer pioneers and visionary artists from around the globe spawned the iconic worlds of Space Invaders, Final Fantasy, Street Fighter II, Mortal Kombat, Sonic the Hedgehog, MADDEN NFL, and beyond. Without rules or roadmaps, players and innovators alike pushed the limits of money to be made, rivals to be crushed, and hearts to be won. This is the story of the brains behind the pixels and how their unmatched innovation built a multi-billion dollar industry – almost by accident. High Score premieres on Netflix on August 19, 2020.
Is this a documentary series you think you would be interested in watching? Will you be tuning in exclusively for Charles Martinet? Leave a comment down below.
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 08-08-2020, 01:05 AM - Forum: Lounge
- No Replies
Command And Conquer Remastered Collection's Latest Update Adds LAN Play
Command and Conquer Remastered Collection has received a major new patch, adding a much-requested feature to the game. From today, the game supports LAN play, so you can gather together with friends and all play together in one location. This is a feature from the original Command and Conquer games, so it's good to have it back.
Of course, if you're planning a LAN party, you'll want to make sure that you practice social distancing and adhere to local laws and common-sense rules regarding gatherings.
The officially implemented LAN play feature lets you use mods in multiplayer, and will allow fans to enjoy the game's multiplayer in the future should the online play ever shut down. "Given the variety of ways people could play over VPN and with mods, we expect there still to be some quirks in the system," the patch post on Reddit explains.. "Please continue to provide feedback so we can make any refinements going forward."
