Nirvanna The Band The Show On Series 3, Filming & More | Nirvanna The Band The Show Interview UDS Gaming 2026-09-29 | Nirvanna The Band The Show On Series 3, Filming & More | Nirvanna The Band The Show Interview
These Video Game Movies Suck (but I kinda like them) UDS Gaming 2025-08-13 | Uwe Boll's video game movie adaptations are objectively awful, but I still had a good time watching most of them. Is it Stockholm Syndrome? Is it ironic? Am I just a glutton for punishment? We'll look at the likes of Bloodrayne, House of the Dead, Alone in the Dark, Far Cry and more to find out if there's anything actually redeeming about them. #UweBoll #VideoGameMovies #BadMoviesTip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.com
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories Was The Scariest Game On The Nintendo Wii UDS Gaming 2024-12-29 | The Nintendo Wii wasn't really known for its spooky games, but it had some real hidden gems. Take a peek at the scariest game on the console - Silent Hill: Shattered Memories.We'll take a look at what made it so effective, where it stacks up in the series and how it used unique mechanics to read your mind and get under your skin. #SilentHill #ShatteredMemories #HorrorGames Tip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.com
Watch This Before You Play STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl UDS Gaming 2024-11-20 | Check out our review of the long-awaited STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl.We'll take a look at everything you need to know about this hardcore, horror-inspired FPS game, including a look at gameplay, the story, visuals and more.#Stalker2 #HeartofChornobyl #ReviewTip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptAh, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.. The series that made irradiated wastelands look almost appealing. For anyone not in the know, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. made a name for itself in the 2000s with an experience so bleak it made the ending of The Mist feel downright wholesome.Set in a version of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone filled with mutants, anomalies, and other things you wouldn’t want to meet on a dark night, it stood out with its unrelenting atmosphere and unique take on post-apocalyptic dystopia. You’d step into the Zone, scavenging for supplies while avoiding irradiated patches, supernatural oddities, and bandits who had no qualms about leaving you skint or worse. It wasn’t an easy game to love, but if it got its claws in you, there was no escape.Heart of Chornobyl, after multiple delays, real-life wars, and several false starts, finally brings us back to that harsh, unforgiving landscape. And while it’s been polished up with all the bells and whistles Unreal Engine 5 can manage, make no mistake, the grim, unpolished soul that made the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. so memorable is still very much here. But is it the return we all hoped for? Watch on to find out.Heart of Chornobyl starts you off as a lone stalker named Skif, and from the first moments, it’s clear the Zone’s got no interest in easing you in. The developers have taken their dedication to recreating the Exclusion Zone to a whole new level, and it’s both stunning and deeply unsettling. The landscape is vast, detailed, and, of course, completely hostile. Trees are twisted, derelict buildings feel like they’re just waiting to collapse on you, and every step you take feels like it’s luring something nasty out of hiding.Thanks to Unreal Engine 5, everything looks grimly beautiful—the lighting’s moody, the textures are realistic, and the dynamic weather and day-night cycle make the place feel alive. A heavy downpour changes the whole vibe, and the day shifting to night makes you wish you’d stayed near a campfire. But this isn’t just pretty graphics slapped onto a horror setting; every detail serves to remind you that, here, you’re not welcome. It’s immersive in that eerie, hairs-on-the-back-of-your-neck way that the originals did so well.Heart of Chornobyl doesn’t hold your hand. In fact, if you find a hand in the Zone, it’s probably detached and has an extra finger. This game is as harsh as they come. You’re scavenging for supplies, constantly keeping an eye on your Geiger counter, and desperately trying not to waste any of your precious ammunition. Think you’ve hoarded enough supplies? The game will quickly show you otherwise.One of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.’s most unique mechanics is its use of anomalies—strange energy pockets scattered about, ready to throw you a proper curveball. Some will knock you flat out, others will twist gravity, and there’s usually some nasty surprise just waiting for you if you get too close. But the real twist? Those same anomalies are your best shot at finding artefacts, which are as valuable as they are dangerous to collect.These artefacts aren’t just collectible trinkets; they carry unique, often supernatural properties that can boost your abilities or even stave off radiation—if you’re willing to pay the cost. Some artefacts enhance your endurance, while others might help mitigate bleeding or radiation exposure, making them lifesavers in the hostile Zone. However, getting them is a gamble with your life, and the whole system’s as mad as it sounds and just as addictive. You’ll take risks you shouldn’t, all for that one rare trinket that might keep you alive a bit longer...
This Nintendo DS Game Genuinely Scared Me UDS Gaming 2024-11-15 | I went on a quest to find the scariest game on the Nintendo DS, and found this hidden gem.Dementium: The Ward packs in scares, intrigue and action into the tiny handheld, and it's just as effective as it was back in 2007.Let's took a look at the gameplay, the story, the presentation and more.#Dementium #HorrorGaming #NintendoDSTip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptYou know, the Nintendo DS was a funny little console. If you were to describe its biggest hits to someone, you’d probably be talking about games like Mario Kart DS, Nintendogs, Cooking Mama… you get the vibe. It was colourful, family-friendly, and had this cutesy, approachable charm that made it easy to pick up and play. And yet, right in the middle of this world of puppies and pastries, came Dementium: The Ward – a horror game so disturbing and intense that it somehow transformed the DS from a happy-go-lucky handheld into a haunted little box of fuck no. Imagine it: you’re sitting there, stylus in hand, expecting ‘Let-sa go”, and then boom, you’re plunged into an abandoned hospital, surrounded by monsters, low lighting, and a soundtrack designed to make you pee your pants. God, I’m glad I stumbled on this one.Dementium: The Ward didn’t just do horror well for the DS – it did horror in a way that genuinely worked, full stop. So let’s take a look at how Dementium pulled it off. We’ll explore the game itself, its story, and why it managed to carve out a unique little corner in DS history as a surprisingly legit horror experience.So, let’s set the scene. It’s 2007, and the Nintendo DS is known for being a family-friendly, “even your nan will want one” kind of console. I mean, the fact that Nintendo ads had gone from an exploding fat guy to Beyonce on a couch should tell you all you need to know about the vibes they were shifting to.But then, out of nowhere, comes this tiny indie team called Renegade Kid, saying, “You know what? People aren’t traumatised enough these days. Let’s do that.” And they went for it, all the way. And also The Mist hit cinemas like 3 weeks later, and that ending is mainlined trauma, what a fun few weeks. Dementium: The Ward was their big experiment – a survival horror game with a first-person perspective, terrifying enemies, and a hospital setting straight out of a haunted fever dream.If you’re thinking this sounds quite ambitious, you’d be right. After all, the DS wasn’t exactly set up for horror. It had a tiny screen, minimal processing power, and, let’s be honest, a stylus. Not the recipe for immersive horror, right? But somehow, against all odds, Dementium made it work. And not just work – it became one of the scariest games you could play on the DS, no small feat considering this was a console better known for making us blow into the microphone to clear dust off ancient artefacts in Zelda.Dementium starts with our protagonist waking up in an abandoned hospital. The walls are stained, lights flicker ominously, and every corridor seems to stretch out into pitch-black nothingness. Your character has no idea why they’re there, or what exactly went wrong.As you stumble through the game’s levels, you start to piece together a few disturbing clues. The hospital, it turns out, isn’t just any old hospital. It’s got a history – one that involves experimentation, insanity, and creatures that look like they’ve been ripped straight from a death metal album cover. Each new room you enter is another breadcrumb leading you deeper into the story, a horror tale that’s unsettling in all the right ways because it never fully explains itself. There’s no grand exposition scene, no moment where someone in a lab coat hands you the “Here’s What Happened” brochure. It’s just you, your flashlight, and a growing sense that you’re probably not getting out of here in one piece.You can finish the game and still be left wondering if any of it was real. Is the hospital haunted, or is your character experiencing some sort of psychological breakdown? Are the creatures actually there, or are they a manifestation of something your character is repressing...
Watch This Before You Play Puppet House | Review UDS Gaming 2024-10-24 | Check out our review of Puppet House, a survival horror puzzle game with a nasty little puppet.We'll take a look at the gameplay, the story, the visuals, the puzzles and everything else to help you decide whether or not you should pick it up.#PuppetHouse #Review #HorrorGames Tip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptI’ve been reviewing new horror games all month and we’ve got time for at least one more, so let’s talk about Puppet House.If you’re someone who gets a kick out of the retro horror aesthetic and has a bit of a masochistic love for puzzles, it might be your thing. It’s got everything: a killer puppet, a haunted mansion, and enough puzzles to make you question every life choice that led you here. Developed by Vecube Studio and Spirit Games Studio, Puppet House is an unapologetic love letter to 80s and 90s horror, wrapped up in a puzzle-heavy escape room adventure. So grab your flashlight and an extra dose of patience—you're going to need it.Let’s set the scene: You’re Detective Rick, an average guy with an above-average number of missing persons cases piling up in Field Town. All leads point to one place—an old mansion once owned by the late ventriloquist Peter Hill. Sounds like a bad idea, right? Well, that’s the whole point. This mansion isn’t just your typical haunted house. It’s crawling with unsettling vibes, and oh yeah, it’s home to a murderous puppet, arguably my least favourite type of puppet. Rick’s investigation quickly turns into a fight for survival, with a side of puzzle-solving that’ll either have you feeling like Sherlock Holmes or a confused contestant on The Crystal Maze.From the get-go, Puppet House doesn’t shy away from its campy influences. It knows exactly what it is and leans into it hard. The killer puppet is absurd, the storyline is predictable, and the dialogue is so cheesy you could melt it on nachos. But that’s the charm. This isn’t trying to be the next Silent Hill—it’s here to entertain you with B-movie ridiculousness, a vibe that I don’t think there’s enough of in video games.Here’s the thing with Puppet House: You’re going to be solving a lot of puzzles. Like, a lot. Most of which I was nowhere near smart enough to handle. This game might as well be called “Puppet House: The Escape Room Edition.” The haunted mansion is packed with intricate, mind-bending puzzles that will test every ounce of your problem-solving skills. The puzzles aren’t just throwaway time-fillers either—they’re woven into the mansion’s spooky atmosphere, making every locked door and hidden passage feel like part of the haunted world. They range from classic “find the missing piece” quests to more complex challenges that involve manipulating the environment in clever ways.Now, for the most part, these puzzles are a lot of fun, particularly if you’re better at solving them than me. I appreciate this is a very low bar, but still. But it’s oh so satisfying when you crack a particularly tough riddle, and the rush of discovering a new passage or unlocking a creepy room is chef’s kiss. However, after the first few hours, the novelty starts to wear off. You might find yourself rolling your eyes at yet another puzzle that involves matching symbols or deciphering cryptic notes. It’s not that they’re bad; it’s just that they can get repetitive, especially when they break the flow of the game’s spooky pacing.What saves the gameplay from falling into a monotonous grind is the constant pressure from the game’s antagonist - the soul-stealing puppet. While you’re busy trying to figure out how to open that secret passage, this little nightmare is stalking you. And let me tell you, this puppet has a talent for jump scares. The game plays with your nerves, making you feel like the puppet is always one step behind you, even when it’s not. It’s tense, it’s stressful, and it’s a perfect contrast to the more relaxed pace of the puzzle-solving...
Watch This Before You Play A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead | Review UDS Gaming 2024-10-17 | Check out our review of A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead, a brand new survival horror game based on the hit film franchise.We'll take a look at the gameplay, graphics, story and more to help you decide whether you pick it up.#AQuietPlace #HorrorGame #Review Tip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptSo another week, another day closer to Halloween, and another horror game to check out while trying not to poop my pants. This time, A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead.Let’s be honest, video game adaptations of movies are practically an endangered species. Once upon a time, you couldn’t release a big film without some pixelated companion game tagging along. And, most of the time, they were forgettable at best (not you, Aladdin on the SNES. You’ll always be my favourite version). But here comes A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead, and suddenly we’ve got a film-to-game adaptation that’s actually making people curious again. Why? Because if there’s any horror movie concept screaming (well, whispering) to be turned into a game, it’s A Quiet Place. A world where even breathing too loudly could get you killed? Now, that’s got potential.So, how does The Road Ahead translate all that quiet tension into a video game? Well, it’s a mixed bag, but let’s start with the premise. You play as Alex Taylor, a young woman trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world that’s gone silent. You’re not alone, though, your boyfriend Martin tags along, but, true to the film series, there’s no room for chitchat. The world has been overrun by aliens with super-sensitive hearing, and one wrong step (or one loud cough) could get you killed. Oh, and Alex has asthma. Just in case the whole “stay silent or die” thing wasn’t stressful enough.But what’s cool here is that the game doesn’t just focus on the external threats—there’s a lot of emotional baggage in play. Alex’s relationships with Martin and her family are woven into the story, making this more than just a monster-hunt survival game. It’s about keeping it together mentally as much as it is about staying quiet physically. It’s genuinely quite a moving narrative, at least more so than your usual horror game affair.When it comes to gameplay, The Road Ahead is all about stealth. You’ll sneak, hide, and pray that you don’t step on anything too crunchy. At its core, this is a classic survival horror setup. You throw objects to distract enemies, tiptoe around danger, and use the environment to your advantage. One of the coolest tricks is spreading sand across your path to silence your footsteps, a nice little nod to one of the key elements of the movie. But the standout feature of the game is the way it plays with sound, or rather, the fear of making any.However, here’s where it gets a bit tricky. The game introduces a phonometer, a device that measures how much noise you’re making. At first, this seems like a neat addition, but as the game progresses, it starts to feel more like a babysitter than a helpful tool. Instead of relying on your instincts to gauge how loud you’re being, the game constantly tells you. It’s like it doesn’t trust you to figure it out on your own. And in a game that’s built on tension and atmosphere, that’s a bit of a letdown. You want to feel the weight of every step, not have a metre remind you, “Hey, you’re getting loud!”.Still, that’s not to say the game doesn’t deliver on the suspense. When you’re creeping through an abandoned barn, the floorboards creaking underfoot, knowing that one wrong move could summon an alien death machine, the tension is real. I couldn’t help but hold my breath in sync with Alex, hoping that sound doesn’t carry too far. And when it does, when you accidentally knock something over or step on metal, the panic was enough to make me drop the controller and ‘nope’ out of the room. These moments, when the game trusts you to be quiet and stay alive, are where it really shines...
XCOM Meets Resident Evil | Dead Season Review UDS Gaming 2024-10-08 | Check out our review of Dead Season, a brand new turn-based tactics game set in a zombie apocalypse.We take a look at the gameplay, visuals and story to find out if it's worth playing this Halloween.#DeadSeason #SurvivalHorror #GameReviewTip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptSo, I guess now that it's October, I’m going to try and review all the upcoming horror games. Let’s keep it going with Dead Season, the new indie game that mashes up turn-based tactics with some good old-fashioned undead chaos. Imagine if XCOM and Resident Evil had a baby and then left it in the middle of a zombie apocalypse to fend for itself.You’re in control of a small squad of survivors trying to make it through the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse. Sounds like every other zombie game, right? Wrong. Every action you take makes noise, and noise attracts more zombies. So yeah, that big ol’ shotgun you’re eyeing up? Risky business.But it’s not just about staying quiet. You’ve got to scavenge for resources, complete objectives, and outsmart the undead (and some pesky human enemies too). Every mission is basically a balancing act between survival, strategy, and making sure you don’t end up as zombie food.Honestly, Dead Season isn’t your typical zombie shooter. If you’re looking for fast-paced action, this isn’t it. But if you like thinking ahead, planning your moves, and making every decision count, you might be onto a winner.Each mission plays out on a grid, where you move your characters, set up attacks, and try to stay alive. It’s a classic turn-based system, but the noise mechanic adds a layer of tension that makes it feel fresh. Every shot, every move - it all makes a difference. Fire a loud weapon? You better believe more zombies are coming for you. It’s kind of like playing chess… if the other player was a horde of undead trying to eat your face.What sets Dead Season apart is that this isn't a game where you can just shoot your way out of trouble. The noise mechanic forces you to think ahead. Do you risk firing your gun and attracting more zombies, or do you try to sneak around and take them out quietly? You have to think several moves ahead, and it’s this constant tension that keeps the game exciting.Now, let’s talk about progression. As you fight your way through the campaign, you can level up your survivors and unlock new abilities. It’s a solid progression system that lets you mold your squad into a zombie-slaying dream team. You can build your survivors to match your playstyle—whether that’s creating a stealthy team that avoids combat or a more aggressive squad that can handle a fight, as long as they’re smart about it.Scavenging is a big part of the game. Each mission has you hunting for supplies—whether it’s food, ammo, or other resources that will help you survive the next encounter. But again, the game forces you to make tough decisions. You might find a stash of supplies in a building, but getting to them could require making a lot of noise, which—as I’ve said before—could lead to your untimely demise.The mission objectives keep things interesting. One mission might have you rescuing survivors, while another might require you to hold off waves of zombies until a rescue arrives. The variety of objectives forces you to adapt your strategy for each mission. The challenges gradually ramp up as well, with tougher enemies and trickier objectives as you get deeper into the game.Visually, Dead Season isn’t going to win any awards, but honestly? It doesn’t need to. The art style is dark, gritty, and exactly what you’d expect from a zombie apocalypse game. Streets are littered with debris, buildings are falling apart, and the atmosphere is full of dread. Every corner feels like it could be hiding a horde of zombies, and that sense of unease is one of the game’s biggest strengths.Sure, the textures and animations can feel a bit basic at times, but what really stands out is the mood. Dead Season nails that creepy, everything-is-falling-apart vibe...
Watch This Before You Play Kill Knight | Kill Knight Review UDS Gaming 2024-10-02 | Check out our review of Kill Knight, the twin-stick shooter from PlaySide Studios.We'll take a look at the gameplay, the visuals and story to reveal whether you should check it out this Halloween.#KillKnight #VideoGames #ReviewTip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptHey, Halloween’s just around the corner; the time for all things spooky and/or ooky. But while it’s my favourite time of year, I’m also a big baby when it comes to scary games, so can’t play anything too intense without needing a couple of hours of Animal Crossing to calm me down.So that’s why I was hoping Kill Knight would let me get all dark, broody and bloody, but with more action than pants-crap-tion. I’m so sorry.Developed by PlaySide Studios, the same team that brought us Age of Darkness: Final Stand, this top-down, twin-stick shooter throws you headfirst into a relentless abyss of eldritch horrors, where your only purpose is to slash, shoot, and survive. Simple, right? Think again.You’re a once-loyal knight, betrayed and banished to the Abyss, now resurrected as a desecrated corpse encased in reanimated armour. You’re branded the “Kill Knight,” and your one job (because apparently, you didn’t have enough to deal with) is to kill the Last Angel. So, yeah, no pressure.With retro, neon-drenched aesthetics and the promise of brutal, arcade-style gameplay, will it be a trick or a treat this October? Watch on to find out…Starting with the gameplay, the combat in Kill Knight is its biggest selling point, and boy, does it deliver. You’re armed with a variety of weapons—like twin pistols, a shotgun, a sword—that offer you multiple ways to slaughter your enemies. You’ve also got active reload at your disposal, allowing you to chain combos of carnage that’d even make Doom Guy blush.The game’s fluidity and quick pacing keep you constantly engaged, rewarding aggressive playstyles where dodging, shooting, and slashing are part of a rhythm that feels immensely satisfying.The game also shines with its constant minute-to-minute decision-making. You’re not just mashing buttons; you have to think about when to use your special attacks, when to parry, and when to reload. Using different weapons also gives you certain items and abilities, meaning you won’t be able to stick with one strategy for long. This keeps you on your toes, and forces a scrub like me to get good.And get good, you must do. The difficulty spikes are rough. The game thrives on making you feel like you’re always just one dodge away from disaster, which makes every victory feel that much more rewarding.While some of you might like this challenge, others (like me) may find it overwhelming. The game rarely gives you a breather, and the sheer volume of enemies can feel suffocating at times. Elites and bosses, especially, require precise strategy and timing, and it’s easy to feel outmatched. There are 3 difficulty options to choose from, but don’t expect an easy ride on any of them. And if you’re able to master the top difficulty, I’ll assume you’re also able to perform open-heart surgery, because that’s some mad precision. And while the game nails the arcade shooter vibe, the lack of a more engaging progression system was a bit underwhelming. While there are weapon upgrades and challenges to unlock, they don’t drastically change the gameplay. After a few hours, the thrill of gunning down demons may start to wear thin if you’re not already bought in. But if and when you’re bought in, Kill Knight offers plenty of replay value, especially if you love chasing high scores. The global leaderboards are a great addition, allowing you to compete against friends and other players worldwide. This, combined with the game’s Master Mode—an extended challenge mode where you tackle all five levels in one go—adds plenty of incentive for a cheeky replay.Visually, Kill Knight… well, kills it. The neon-lit environments and isometric view create a gothic, eerie atmosphere that feels like a throwback to classic 90s arcade games. I swear they even slapped on a grainy filter to make it look even more authentically retro...
Dead Rising is Better Than Resident Evil | Dead Rising Review UDS Gaming 2024-09-17 | Dead Rising is one of my favourite games, and it deserves more love.Find out why this zombie survival game is so underrated, and why you should pick up the new Deluxe Remaster edition.We'll look at the story, setting, gameplay and more.#DeadRising #HorrorGaming #ReviewTip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptThe Underrated Genius of Dead Rising: Why This Game Deserves More Love (Marking the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster)Nearly two decades ago, Capcom gave us Dead Rising, a messy masterpiece that shamelessly borrowed from Dawn of the Dead - and somehow dodged a lawsuit. Now, with the release of the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, it’s time to revisit this underrated zombie game and remind ourselves why it still stands out in 2024.While the first game is a cult classic (big up my Frank West-ers), Dead Rising often feels overshadowed by bigger zombie franchises like Resident Evil. Sure, the series has had its ups and downs since its debut, but so has Resident Evil, so why hasn’t Dead Rising earned the same lasting legacy?Innovative, campy, violent, and irresistibly silly, Dead Rising is a hidden gem that deserves just as much love as its contemporaries. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it so special.A Playground of Chaos: Rediscovering Willamette MallIf there was one thing that ‘made’ Dead Rising, it’s the setting: Willamette Parkview Mall. Now, to say it was ‘inspired’ by the mall in Dawn of the Dead is like saying M&Ms were inspired by Smarties - it’s a complete rip off. But I’m so glad they ripped it off. Whether you're battling zombies in a jewellery store or grabbing lunch in the food court, every part of the mall is meticulously designed for mayhem. It might not have the vast expanses of the cities in GTA or Saints Row, but its contained environment works to its advantage. Everything feels rich, packed with detail, and begging to be exploited for your survival.And this very much extends to the weapon system. Almost anything in the mall can be turned into a weapon, from a humble frying pan to a chainsaw, from toys to lawnmowers. The sheer variety of weapons (and how they very rarely take themselves seriously) set the game apart from other zombie titles. You don’t just have to survive with a baseball bat and a pistol with hardly any ammo. You’re constantly encouraged to experiment and indulge in a macabre sense of whimsy. At least I felt some whimsy hitting a zombie with pet food, I don’t know about you. The Time Mechanic: A Bold Strategy, CottonPerhaps one of Dead Rising’s most controversial mechanics is the 72-hour in-game timer. From the moment you land in Willamette Mall, you are racing against the clock to solve the mystery behind the zombie outbreak, rescue survivors, and gather scoops for your story. The timer means you can’t do everything in one playthrough, which could be kind of annoying, particularly if you’re used to doing a completionist run of games. But it was a bold strategy, Cotton and one that definitely paid off.The time mechanic forces you to make tough decisions. You can’t save everyone or see every cutscene in one go. You have to pick and choose which survivors to help, which missions to prioritise, and which side activities to skip. It adds a layer of pressure that makes the stakes feel higher and creates a sense of replayability that’s rare in games even today.I’m a big fan of the fact you could just hide in a cupboard and wait out the entire 72 hours there. It’s dull but it’s absolutely what I would do in that situation.The first time you play Dead Rising, you’ll make mistakes. You’ll miss out on rescuing survivors, finding secrets and easter eggs, and it can be tough knowing you’re skipping over parts. But it’s in these imperfections that the game shines. Each new playthrough offers new opportunities to try new things and roleplay different tactics, making every run feel fresh. The time mechanic pushes you to embrace the chaotic, trial-and-error panic of what a zombie invasion might actually be like...
Alien: Romulus Should Be A Video Game And Heres Why UDS Gaming 2024-09-10 | I've watched Alien: Romulus several times now and I'm absolutely convinced it should've been a video game.Find out what elements from the film would've worked really well as a game adaptation.#Alien #Aliens #AlienRomulusTip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptSo Alien: Romulus came out recently and I bloody loved it. It somehow managed to link so many parts of Alien lore that I never thought would be able to fit. Finally, grubby space peasants and magic black goo can exist comfortably together. But wait, I hear you cry! This is a video game channel, why are you talking about a movie? Don’t you have a whole channel for chatting films? Well, yes. But hear me out.After a couple of weeks of seeing Romulus, ravenously consuming all the video essays and mulling it over, I can comfortably say that while it was a great movie, it would’ve made an even better video game. Let me explain.Now there’s been so many games featuring Xenomorphs; seriously name a genre and it’s probably been done. RTS, platformer, squad shooter - that little second mouth has been sucked dry. But the game that’s captured the sheer pant-wetting terror of the first film has to be 2014’s Alien Isolation. Not just the best Alien game, it might be one of the best games of the 2010s, and one that still gives me chills just thinking about it.The only reason I bring it up is because I wanted to assure you that Alien: Romulus - The Game wouldn’t be a rip off of Isolation. I think the movie leans into so many other elements of gaming that it’d definitely be its own thing. Let’s assume it’s still going to be a survival horror at its core, but I think there’s so much more room for elements of RPGs, crafting, decision making and so much more.Obviously I’m going to touch on some major spoilers (so fair warning), but I’m also not just going to run down the synopsis, so hopefully you’ve already watched it. I’m just going to ramble about some of the things I think would work well in a game format.And it all starts with Andy.The most loveable synthetic in the entire franchise starts as a fragile, knackered brother, only really good for a cracking dad joke and putting his finger in things. But after he gets the right mini disc popped in his head, he suddenly becomes intelligent, strong and British. I couldn’t help but think he’d be a great upgradable companion in a video game. Strength and intelligence are classic stats, and I could easily see him developing as you play through the game. His Britishness could go up to. Give him a cup of really milky tea and a little Weyland-Yutani bowler hat. You could even work in the twist where clever Andy only works for the business. Have him as a surprise boss, or even just a section where you fly solo and have to find a way to get inside that delicate brain slot. And with that stupid thought, I started thinking about how other parts of the film could work into a game. You’ve got the film’s other notable android Bishop, Bilbo, Rook. I know bringing back Ian Holm-bot was a divisive choice, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t let out a quiet “Yoooo” when he appeared on screen. Whatever you think of him, his knack for exposition dumps would do very well in a game. Being a stationary torso and head, I can’t see him being a companion like Andy, but as a hub, I can. You could have to go to Rook to save your progress, store stuff or whatever else you might need to do to make life easier. With each visit, you’re given more information needed to continue, whether it be missions, clues or just juicy lore. He might not be the most reliable source of information, but all the while you’re useful, the least he can do is save your place while you toast some Pop Tarts. I really need to get more hobbies.If we’re leaning into the levelling up, RPG-y angle, you could even throw in some crafting with the station’s lab. You’re on a massive, abandoned spaceship, almost definitely littered with all sorts of useful junk. Take it to the lab, and you could make anything and everything you could need to survive. Heck, there’s a whole part of the film where they’re trying to fix the stasis pods. Tell me that’s not a crafting mission...
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter Remaster Review and Retrospective | Jango Fetts Finest Hour UDS Gaming 2024-08-11 | Star Wars: Bounty Hunter is an underrated masterpiece and I'm going to take 10 minutes of you day to tell you why.We'll take a look at the plot, the gameplay and how it fits into the Star Wars story. We'll also check out the latest editions in the recent remaster, including how you can now play as Boba Fett too!#StarWars #VideoGames #ReviewTip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptStar Wars: Bounty Hunter gets a lot of hate, and some were wondering why it was getting the remaster treatment. Well I’m going to tell you why not only is Bounty Hunter a great game, but a shining light in Star Wars Legends canon. Just quickly before I get started, I’ve done a bunch of videos on all sorts of Star Wars games, so make sure to like and subscribe to watch more of this cursed bunch. But anyways…Jango and Boba Fett are often considered two of the coolest characters in Star Wars lore. However, at least within the first 6 episodic movies, they aren’t really shown in all their glory. It’s been up to the extended universe material to flesh out their mystique. While Boba’s had a lot of love (and his own show) in recent years, his dad Jango only has one real highlight.Star Wars: Bounty Hunter was originally developed in house by LucasArts the same year as Episode II - Attack of the Clones. Ostensibly an 3D, third person action platformer, the game serves as a prequel to the film, adding some sorely needed backstory to our boy Jango.While we’ve had some great extended universe content set between the films, we’ve had very little between Episodes I and II. This has always felt like a bit of a missed opportunity, as aside from the gaps between trilogies, these films have the biggest time jump between them, clocking in at a decade. Now I’ll admit I’m not that well versed on this time period, both in Legends and Canon, however from what I’ve experienced, Bounty Hunter is by far the most intriguing story.Obviously massive spoiler warning for the entire plot, but I can’t deny myself a good lore dump. We start the story almost immediately after the events of The Phantom Menace, where we’re greeted with the usual opening crawl, where we’re told that the aftermath of the Battle of Naboo has left the galaxy in disarray, and a mysterious and deadly cult known as the Bando Gora are causing such a stir, even ol’ Sheevy Sidious is worried they might affect his grand plans. He asks his secret apprentice Saruman to stop them and their leader Komari Vosa, who happens to be a fallen Jedi, while also finding a suitable host for their clone army. Turns out the Sith are masters of project management, who knew?We then jump into the shoes of Jango, who after establishing himself as a badass by dispatching a big beastie in the first few moments, is told of an offer he simply can’t refuse. His Toydarian friend Rozatta shares a hologram of Lord Summerisle, who informs Jango he’ll be offered 5 million credits if he can take down Komari Vosa and end Bando Gora. Mission received, we jump aboard not Slave I, but Jango’s first ship Jaster's Legacy, named after his mentor Jaster Mereel, first arriving at Coruscant. Here you infiltrate the seedy Death Stick trade to find leads to help your hunt, and before long you uncover a conspiracy involving corrupt senators, drugs laced with neurotoxins and even your own Mandalorian archnemesis Montross. I won’t dive too much more into the finer details in case you want to check it out for yourself, but after Coruscant, you’ll zip across the galaxy following leads until you find your target. In that time, you’ll lose your ship, acquire Slave I, lose Rozatta and avenge her. It’s quite the emotional rollercoaster.In the final stages, you track down and defeat Vosa with the help of Zam Wesell (I wonder what happened to her). It’s then revealed that Willy Wonka’s Dad knew where Vosa, who turns out to be his former Padawan, was all along, and the whole job was just a ruse to test whether Jango would be a suitable template for the clone army. He agrees, under the condition he can have one unaltered clone, fulfilling Rozatta’s final wish for him to find something to live for, other than money. He’s a softie, really...
The Most Expensive Xbox Games (According to CeX) UDS Gaming 2024-07-28 | What are the most expensive Xbox games?We looked at the prices on CeX's website (WeBuy.com) to find out which titles top the list, and whether they're worth playing for such expensive price tags. Expect to see some picks from popular franchises, like Jaws Unleashed, Castlevania: Curse Of Darkness and OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast.#Xbox #OriginalXbox #CeXTip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptOk so this is the third time I’ve done this now so you know the drill. CeX is a second hand game shop in the UK, and they’ve made a new category for the rarest, most expensive games on a bunch of retro consoles.I’ve already talked about PS2 and Gamecube, and it’s been fun, eye opening and sometimes traumatising checking out the games with the biggest price tags. Honestly, I didn’t think it’d have such a physical effect on me, please watch the first two to make it worth the damage.But this time around, we’re looking at the original Xbox, and what games will set you back the most. I was actually really looking forward to this one; while I was a PlayStation boy growing up, I got an Xbox a little later down the line, and I think it’s aged pretty damn well all things considered. Multiplatform games tend to look best on it, that second gen controller is nice and comfy and let’s be honest, it’s incredibly easy to hack, meaning I could play most of these games authentically without risking homelessness.Usual rules apply, we’ll start with the least expensive, working up to the most butt-clenching prices. Let’s go! Jaws UnleashedHey, we owe our very name to sharks, so we have to have a soft spot for games that lets us play as our favourite aquatic killers. Jaws Unleashed does just that, letting you play as an escaped shark, chomping its way through the waters of Amity Island. But while I may be biassed and I did have fun for a little while, I can see why critics blamed it for being pretty shallow and a bit buggy.It’s fun for a few hours, but for £95 for a mint copy, you’re really not getting your money’s worth. And this is one of those really weird cases where we have a game based on a popular movie franchise, by all accounts it sold well back in the day, yet still costs a small fortune. I don’t get, but if you want a game that lets you swim around as a shark at a fraction of the price, check out 2020’s Maneater. We did a review way back then and it’s much better than Jaws Unleashed. Trust me.Nightcaster 2A sequel to one of the very first Xbox games, Nightcaster 2 tries to do some neat things. In this dark fantasy RPG, you’re able to control your character’s direction with one analog stick, while using the other to aim spells. This, combined with a big roster of enemies and abilities to play around with, and it all sounds pretty promising. On paper.In reality it was unbalanced, buggy and generally a bad time. You’ll die every two seconds, there’s the stupid techno soundtrack that doesn’t fit the vibe at all, and the level design is just so unbelievably basic that it feels procedurally generated.Also £95 for this one, and that’s at least £96 too expensive.Frankie Dettori Horse RacingIt can be great when an athlete or celebrity lends their name to a game. Tony Hawk Pro Skater, John Madden Football, Shaun White’s Snowboarding.It can also be very funny. Dick Vitale's "Awesome, Baby!" College Hoops, Shaq Fu and Cheggers Party Quiz all come to mind. And Frankie Dettori Horse Racing definitely falls under this category.As far as horse racing simulators go, it’s fine, but I think you really have to be into horse racing to enjoy it. It has more depth than I was expecting. There’s a full season mode where you have to train, trade and race your big ponies, and a betting mode where you literally put money on virtual races and watch them unfold. I reckon there’s a parallel timeline where the betting mode of Frankie Dettori Horse Racing is trending on Twitch. It just has that vibe.But in our dystopian timeline, not many people bought it, meaning it now fetches £110. Think we might have to take ol’ Frankie to the glue factory before we pay that price. They take the jockeys too, right...
The Most Expensive GameCube Games (According to CeX) UDS Gaming 2024-07-04 | What are the most expensive GameCube games?We looked at the prices on CeX's website (WeBuy.com) to find out which titles top the list, and whether they're worth playing for such expensive price tags. Expect to see some picks from popular franchises, like Fire Emblem, Pokemon and Kirby. #GameCube #videogames #CeXTip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.com
The Most Expensive PlayStation 2 Games (According to CeX) UDS Gaming 2024-06-13 | What are the most expensive PlayStation 2 games?We looked at the prices on CeX's website (WeBuy.com) to find out which titles top the list, and whether they're worth playing for such expensive price tags. Spoiler: They're not. They're just not.#PS2 #PlayStation2 #CeXTip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.com
Fallout 3s Mothership Zeta Retrospective | The Best DLC UDS Gaming 2024-05-05 | Mothership Zeta is often considered one of Fallout 3's worst DLC expansion. But I'm here to tell you that's just not true.We'll look at why it's totally misunderstood, and actually offers something fresh, different and exciting, while sticking to the vibe of Fallout perfectly.Find out more about the story, the gameplay, unique items and why you should play Mothership Zeta in 2024.Join us on a journey through the captivating world of Fallout 3 and its iconic DLC, Mothership Zeta! Get ready to explore the Capital Wasteland, encounter aliens, and navigate through thrilling missions.#Fallout #Fallout3 #MothershipZetaTip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.com
Dino Crisis Needs A Movie and Heres Why UDS Gaming 2024-04-24 | Dino Crisis is a cult classic that needs a movie adaptation.We take a look at the 1999 survival horror game, analysing the story, the themes it explores and how a movie might be cast.#DinoCrisis #Retrospective #SurvivalHorrorTip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptDinosaurs and horror are two things that seem like an obvious recipe for success. I mean you’ve got literal demon lizards of all shapes and sizes, and you’re telling me this hasn’t been milked into oblivion for spooks? I still don’t get it, but at least there are a few notable examples, like Dino Crisis.Ah, Dino Crisis - Capcom’s little problem child. While Resident Evil has been a cultural phenomenon for nearly 30 years, touching almost all mediums of entertainment, DC hasn’t even had a whiff of a re-release.If you’ve not played it, it’s essentially what would happen if you smashed Resident Evil up with Jurassic Park and slurped up all the delicious, prehistoric survival horror pixels. This makes a lot of sense as it and Resi were both helmed by Shinji Mikami.The plot follows Regina, a member of a special operations team sent to Ibis Island to recover a rogue scientist. What starts as a seemingly straightforward mission spirals into a fight for survival against dinosaurs, brought to the present through experimental time-travel technology.Basically, if you stretched out the nail-biting kitchen scene in the original Jurassic Park into a whole story.Now there’s been a tonne of articles, videos and general chatter on why Dino Crisis needs a sequel or a remaster in the same vein as the recent Resi ones. But I’m going a step further.For context, my buddy Drew recently did a video on our UDS Films channel on why the endings of every single Paul W.S. Anderson Resident Evil movie doesn't make sense. And it got me thinking about how many bloody chances that franchise got to get it right, with probably a generous 7% success rate. And it got me thinking, why has Resident Evil had chance after chance, when Dino Crisis hasn’t had one crack of the whip? Ok, so I’m going to go into more detail on the plot of the game, and please, pause this video and comment if at any point you think this wouldn’t make a dope movie. Also, very obvious spoiler warnings, but this game came out 25 years ago - you’ve had time.The game kicks off with a covert operation involving a special forces team sent to investigate a remote island research facility. The team, comprised of Regina, Gail, Rick, and Cooper, is tasked with locating Dr. Edward Kirk, a genius scientist presumed dead for three years. However, intelligence reports suggest he's alive and continuing his research on the island. The team parachutes onto Ibis Island under the cover of night, but things go awry almost immediately. Cooper is killed by an unseen creature, foreshadowing the dangers that lie ahead.Upon regrouping, Regina and her team find the facility abandoned and in disarray. It becomes clear that the island is not merely a scientific outpost but a breeding ground for something far more sinister. As they delve deeper, they encounter their first dinosaur, revealing the true nature of their mission: survival in a place overrun by prehistoric creatures brought to the present by Dr. Kirk's experiments with "Third Energy."The team splits up to cover more ground, with Regina tasked with restoring power and unlocking doors to facilitate their search for Kirk. Along the way, she uncovers documents that hint at the unethical nature of Kirk's experiments and the catastrophic potential of Third Energy. Despite the ever-present threat of dinosaur attacks, Regina successfully locates Kirk, only to find him uncooperative and dismissive of the danger his work poses.As the plot thickens, Regina and her teammates discover not all is as it seems. They encounter a survivor, Tom, who reveals a government conspiracy to weaponise Third Energy. It also becomes apparent that there are traitors within their own ranks, because of course there would be...
Why dont NPCs explode in games anymore? UDS Gaming 2024-03-25 | Why don't video game characters explode anymore? We take a look at the long lost art of gibbing, pioneered by the likes of Doom and Quake.It's time we bring back this form of meaty slapstick for a whole new generation to laugh at.#VideoGames #Gibbing #GamingTip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.com
Watch This Before You Play Alone in the Dark | Alone in the Dark (2024) Review UDS Gaming 2024-03-19 | Check out our review of Alone in the Dark 2024, a brand new adaptation of the 1992 classic survival horror game.We'll tell you everything you need to know before you play, featuring the gameplay, story, visuals and more. And most importantly, if you're allowed to call him Dedward Harbny. I'm so sorry...#AloneintheDark #HorrorGame #ReviewTip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comThe Alone in the Dark franchise has a complicated past. All the way back in 1992, it threw upon the door for the survival horror genre, and without it, we may never have had the likes of Resident Evil or Silent Hill. But since then, there’s probably been more lows than highs. New Nightmare was a great addition, but the likes of the overly ambitious 2008 reboot and 2015’s truly abysmal Alone in the Dark: Illumination haven’t done much to keep the series relevant for a long, long time.At least we can all agree the Uwe Boll film adaptation was absolutely perfect and anyone who says differently can take it up with Mr Boll in the ring.Anywho, will this 2024 reimagining of the original game kickstart things in the right direction for the franchise?Taking it back to the early 20th century, the story follows Emily Hartwood with the help of private investigator Edward Carnby arriving at Derceto Manor, a psychiatric hospital, after discovering that her uncle Jeremy has gone missing. As you can imagine with such a setting, it’s not long before you encounter monsters, arcane conspiracies and portals to haunted drea worlds.You know, the usual.But will it live up to the heady heights of the series, or will it prove to be its final nail coffin? Watch on to find out.So in a similar vein to other recent survival horror remakes, the gameplay has been completely rebuilt for modern sensibilities. Gone are the fixed camera angles, making way for a third person, over the shoulder perspective. While you explore the manor building, things are a little slower and methodical. There’s lots of puzzles to figure out and residents to interact with, all of which helps to slowly piece together the story. To be honest, when I first saw the first gameplay trailers, I was a little worried it was going to fall into the walking simulator category, but after getting hands on it’s so much more.Sidebar, there’s actually some great walking sim games. Definitely check out Everybody's Gone to the Rapture.The puzzles are challenging and the characters really breathe life into the dusty old haunted house. In a way, the Derceto Manor feels like a big puzzle box. You gradually unlock more rooms and go deeper into its mysteries. Also the walls literally move, which makes it feel like you’re in a spooky Rubik's Cube. Depending on how much of a challenge you want, not only can you adjust the difficulty, but also choose between ‘Modern’ and ‘Old School’ mode. ‘Modern’ gives you a host of helpful features, including more interactive maps and easier to follow objectives. ‘Old School’ mode does away with all of this, meaning you’ll really have to get into the weeds and hope you don’t miss that one clue you walked past thirty minutes ago. Let me know if you beat it this way, that’s mighty impressive.But exploring the halls of Derceto Manor is only part of the Alone in the Dark experience. You’ll spend time in a liminal dream world that’ll take you to all manner of horrible places, from an abandoned oil rig to the French Quarter, now riddled with nasty ghoulies. These areas tend to be a lot more action packed, meaning you can really sink your teeth into the combat systems. After recently playing the Resident Evil 2 remake, I was surprised at just how much combat there was here. You’ll have access to guns, and while ammo isn’t as scarce as in Resi, some enemies will soak up bullets like crazy before they go down, particularly on the harder difficulties. Fortunately, you’ll also be able to find throwable explosives and some chonky-looking melee weapons to keep the baddies at bay. I was genuinely impressed with the depth and variety of the action, and while I enjoyed the moments in the manor, I think these dream world moments will be the ones that stick in my memory. They were a lot of fun...
Berserk Boy Review | Is It The New Mega Man? UDS Gaming 2024-03-05 | Check out our review of Berserk Boy, a brand new action platformer from BerserkBoy Games.We'll tell you everything you need to know about the gameplay, the visuals and everything else you need to know before you play. Will it live up to the likes of Mega Man and Sonic the Hedgehog? Watch on to find out...#BerserkBoy #Review #IndieGameTip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptI’ve said it before in a couple of recent videos, but we’re really living in the golden age of indie games. Whatever you’re looking for, whether it be something deep and thought-provoking or a sugar rush of adrenaline, you’ll find something to tickle your fancy. And Berserk Boy is definitely aiming for the latter. Developed by the very aptly titled Beserk Boy Games, it’s an action platformer, set in a futuristic world in which an evil scientist named Dr Genos is trying to harness cosmic Dark Energy to take over the world.You take the role of Kei, a teenager who unwittingly comes into contact with a Berserk Orb - a mythical phenomena that imbues its host with superpowers. Now the titular Berserk Boy, it’s up to you and your pals to stop the baddies and save the day.But after being in development hell for 4 years, a charming retro style and the promise of fast-paced gameplay, will it do enough to drive us berserk in this best possible way? Watch on to find out…When they said the gameplay was fast-paced, they weren’t joking. With both vertical and horizontal platforming, you can zip around super quick, dashing over obstacles and quite literally bounce off the walls. Then there’s the combat. Dr Genos’ minions come at you from all angles, and you’ll either have to take them on or dash past them and hope you don’t clock a surprise whack. If you do decide to throw proverbial fists, you’ll be able to chain together combos to stylishly take down the baddies.I won’t lie, I put everything on the lowest difficulty but still found a lot of the enemies pretty challenging. Some of them can absorb a lot of punishment before they go down, making for a bit of a learning curve. But once you get the hang of it, there’s a real fluidity and rhythm to the action that’s super satisfying when you’re in the groove. Speaking of difficulty, you can either play with modern settings, where you get infinite retries, or if you’re a total masochist and pick retro, where not only is everything harder, but you get a set amount of lives before you get a game over. If you pick retro, we get it, you drink at the Salty Spitoon. But honestly, I’m happy at Weenie Hut Jr’s.Despite experiencing most levels at a blistering pace, there’s still a lot of detail and charm to each stage. Not only is there plenty of variety in the design and challenges, but there’s also plenty of branching paths in the spirit of classic Metroidvanias. Now if you’re a completionist like me, that’ll mean a lot of backtracking, but honestly I didn’t hate it.But what really sets Berserk Boy apart from its contemporaries is the abilities you gradually develop from the Berserk Orb. Largely based on the elements, it won’t be long before you’re harnessing the power of fire, ice and even learning to fly. It adds a whole new dimension to combat and problem solving, and each power is balanced in a way where I never ended up relying on any particular one. Plus these powers make you feel like you’re playing through a Saturday morning cartoon, and that will never not be cool. This vibe extends to the visuals. With bright colours, cartoony sprites and Super Saiyan-esque hairstyles, it’s the lovechild of Mountain Dew and 3D Doritos. I say that with the utmost respect and reverence. So as you can probably tell, I had a great time with Berserk Boy, and it’s an easy one to recommend. The only thing is, it’s definitely a product of its influences, for better or worse. The obvious one is the Mega Man X, which I’m sure you’ll hear from other critics, but the speed and fluidity is more than a little reminiscent of the Sonic series. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with homages and building on what’s come before...
Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster Review | How It Affects The Mandalorian UDS Gaming 2024-02-28 | Check out our review of Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster, a brand new update of the 1995 classic.We'll reveal everything you need to know about the story, the gameplay, the updates introduced in the remaster, and whether it's worth playing in 2024. We'll also tell you how Star Wars: Dark Forces directly affects The Mandalorian, and plays an important role in the Star Wars story.#StarWars #DarkForces #ReviewTip UDS: ko-fi.com/upsidedownsharkUDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptIf you’ve been following this channel, you know I love a Star Wars game. I’ve talked about most of the big’uns, but I’ve never got round to covering Star Wars: Dark Forces. And with Star Wars: Dark Forces Remastered introducing it to a whole new generation to swoon over Kyle Katarn, let’s find out what it’s all about.We’ll take a look at the story, the gameplay, all the new features in the remaster, and most importantly if it’s worth playing today. We’ll also reveal how this plucky little game directly plays into The Mandalorian.Come for the reviews, stay for the obscure lore. What more could you want?So what happens in Star Wars: Dark Forces? Taking place immediately before and after the events of A New Hope, you assume the role of Kyle Katarn, a former Stormtrooper now working as a hired agent of the Rebellion. And for anyone saying he’s just a discount Han Solo, that’s ridiculous. He’s more like a svelte Dash Rendar.Anywho, the game starts with you stealing the original Death Star plans (Jyn, who?), before taking on a series of missions in the time after the Battle of Yavin. I won’t spoil more than that, in case anyone’s curious about checking it out for the first time, but you can expect to meet a lot of classic characters over the game’s 14 missions, including Jabba, Boba and big daddy Vader himself.While very different in both genre and style, this game would effectively launch the Jedi Knight series, which would spawn some of (if not the best) games in the franchise.If you’ve been watching the gameplay so far and been thinking “this is just Star Wars Doom”, you’re not far wrong. It’s an early first person shooter (the first set in the Star Wars universe), mixing 3D environments with 2D sprites. But to say it was just a clone of what came before would be doing Dark Forces a massive disservice, as it was actually quite revolutionary for the time. LucasArts hired a small, inexperienced team to design not just the game, but the Jedi Engine to build it in. This groundbreaking system allowed players to look up and down, jump, and crouch. While this sounds quaint by today’s standards, this was crazy impressive in 1995. This allowed for more complex, immersive levels, which incorporated puzzles and objectives beyond the simple "find the key" mechanics prevalent in FPS titles at the time. Each stage felt like a mini-story, giving the impression that you were really playing through a Star Wars adventure. And this is all augmented by the use of great visuals, sound effects direct from the studios at Skywalker Sounds, and cutscenes that flesh out the narrative between gameplay. It’s pretty easy to see why it spawned its own series of games, novels and tasteful to questionable submissions on DeviantArt. As for the gameplay itself, sure it's a bit antiquated by today’s standards, there’s still a lot to love. It’s a lot slower than the frenetic madness of Doom, but this more calculated style allows for a much more involved experience, rich with puzzles and variety. You can also expect the usual affair of power-ups and items to help you on your way. But that’s the original release. What about the remaster?Well, you can expect the usual graphical updates, now up to 4K 120fps. This makes everything pop and look better than ever, while preserving the original charm and style. When you see it all nice, bright and buttery smooth, it’s easy to forget that this game is touching 30 (which means so am I and isn’t that just bloody lovely).But what’s arguably more significant is the improved controls for modern inputs. With a new weapon wheel and rumble, it’s a little change that makes a huge difference to the whole quality of life experience...
Night in the Woods Broke Me UDS Gaming 2024-02-23 | Night in the Woods is one of the best, most powerful games I've ever played. Find out why this indie adventure spoke to me so much, how it made me challenge some difficult emotions, and why I loved every second of it.*EDIT* This was published without knowledge of the situation regarding Alec Holowka.Download Night in the Woods' soundtrack: infiniteammo.bandcamp.com#NightintheWoods #ExistentialGames #IndieGamesSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptIt’s such a hipster cliche, but you just don’t get creativity like you do in indie games. Seeing a small team’s (or sometimes one person’s) singular vision come to life, without pressure from big publishers to drain players of every penny or serve as the 20th sequel to Mr Shooty-Shooty Bang Bang has led to timeless, genre-defining pieces of art. For the record, Mr Shooty-Shooty Bang Bang 3 was pretty good.And among the best of this golden period of indie gaming, Night in the Woods emerges as not just a game, but a profound journey into what it means to be human. A depressed, broken human. Relatable, no?Developed by Infinite Fall, it's a narrative-rich adventure that masterfully blends the whimsy of exploration with a depth that tugs at the very fabric of the soul.If you’ve never heard of it before, Night in the Woods is essentially a 2D adventure game Players step into the shoes of Mae Borowski, a college dropout returning to her hometown, Possum Springs, to reconnect with old friends and confront her personal, as well as the town's collective issues.The game combines incredible dialogue with exploration mechanics, allowing you to navigate through the town, interact with a host of characters, and uncover hidden secrets. This is all punctuated with mini-games and sequences that range from dreamlike platforming challenges to activities like band practice or stargazing, which help to deepen the immersion into this world. While the mechanics and technicalities of the game might not be anything we haven’t seen before, it’s the way it helps to convey the narrative in a way that feels real, despite its cutesy presentation. Mae’s return to her deteriorating hometown serves as a poignant reflection on the disillusionment of young adulthood. This setting, familiar yet estranged, became a canvas for our own reflections and yearnings for a place and time that just don’t exist anymore.Through Mae's eyes, we experience the dissonance of outgrowing places that once felt like the entire universe. It’s impossible not to resonate with that feeling of being adrift, caught between the nostalgia of childhood innocence and the daunting realities of adult life. Mae's struggle with her mental health, her feelings of alienation, and her desperate search for meaning echo the silent battles many of us face. And for me, these feelings are often pushed back into my subconscious (for better or worse), so having them articulated in such an explicit presentation can feel jarring, yet in a way that feels necessary. And this is just scratching the surface of how Night in the Woods transcends mere storytelling by weaving a complex tapestry of themes. Each character and subplot enriches the narrative with layers of depth and emotion. Gregg and Angus’ relationship, for example, became a beacon of stability and hope, showcasing the power of love and understanding amidst chaos. Honestly, they’re couple goals.In contrast, there’s Mae’s former best friend Bea. Her narrative arc, marked by the burdens of familial obligation and the loss of her own dreams, offers a stark reminder of the sacrifices many of us make, often in silent isolation.My journey through Possum Springs was punctuated by moments of laughter, tears, and introspection. The game's ability to oscillate between moments of youthful exuberance and profound melancholy I’m sure mirrors many of our experiences with life's unpredictable ebb and flow. The town's economic struggles and the crumbling infrastructure served as a metaphor for the internal decay we often ignore, urging us to confront the parts of ourselves we'd rather leave untouched.And this gut wrenching experience is augmented through its visuals and audio.
Pacific Drive Review | Watch This Before You Play Pacific Drive UDS Gaming 2024-02-20 | Check out our review of Pacific Drive, one of the most innovative, exciting games of the year.We take a look at what it's all about, from the gameplay to story and how it helps to conjure one of the spookiest gaming experience we've experienced in a good long while.Funhaus My Summer Car: youtu.be/ehlWriIl7Vo?si=3P-pSDhKgRoRCswi#pacificdrive #Review #GameReviewSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptIn a time where it feels like originality is harder and harder to come by, it makes the avant garde, the weird and the overall ‘different’ all the more enticing, and that’s why I’ve been excited for Pacific Drive since it came across my dashboard. I have no idea how many car puns I’m going to get away with, so buckle up. In this world, arcane and bizarre government experiments have resulted in the American Pacific Northwest being quarantined as the Olympic Exclusion Zone - a place where nothing is what it seems and most of it wants you dead.And wouldn’t luck have it, you’ve been sucked into the zone with little context, few resources, and very little time to get your bearings and try to survive. So you find a beat up car, and your journey to salvation, understanding the nature of the Zone and keeping the bastard auto running begins.But with an intriguing premise and the promise of ambitious, unique gameplay, will it live up to these lofty ambitions? Watch on to find out…So how would you describe the gameplay? In a word, it’s a Roguelike, but in truth it’s so much more. You take your car out on missions deeper and deeper into the open world of The Zone, collecting supplies to improve your wheels, unveiling the secrets of this dangerous land and avoiding succumbing to its numerous threats.You end each mission loop by collecting energy from the anchors stabilising the area, which allows you to create an exit portal to the safety of your garage. But by destabilising these anchor points, you cause the order of everything around you to break down, creating a knuckle-whitening race to safety. Then once you’ve made it to the garage, you’ll be able to put all the loot you’ve gathered to use, upgrading and repairing your car before your next loop begins. And boy will you need to keep it repaired, as it’ll take a pounding even if you’re a careful driver. I’ll talk more about it in a bit, but the realism of the car’s handling, degradation and response to external factors is really impressive, and becomes an integral part of Pacific Drive’s challenge, and charm. And trust me, this game is a challenge, at least for a scrub like me. If you don't make it out 'alive', you'll be returned to the garage with a battered, almost undriveable car, and will lose any resources that you gathered on your latest loop. It’s a good incentive to ‘git gud’. There’s always that temptation to risk going a little bit further before retreating to safety, and this risk vs reward choice keeps things intoxicatingly addictive. So that’s a basic rundown of the core gameplay, and before I go on, it’s worth saying that it’s bloody brilliant. It’s that perfect balance of progress and challenge that scratches that dopamine itch, and makes for one replayable experience. While the first hour or so can be a bit of mindfuck, you’ll find your feet (or tyres) soon enough, and there’s a real sense of satisfaction when you look back at how far you’ve come.The only thing that really takes some getting used to is the UI and the seemingly endless cascading menus. There’s so much depth to this game, and like I said, the realism offers enough to sink your teeth into before you even factor in the supernatural elements. Not only do you need to physically put things in the trunk of your car, manually start the engine or engage and disengage the handbrake, but you’ll also need to keep a very close inventory of everything you have and need in order to not get stranded. But all this stodginess feels by design, and augments the atmosphere of the game.And this atmosphere is creepy as flip. The fear of the unknown and the hidden threats of The Zone looms large over every moment...
Ranking Every Crash Bandicoot Game | Tier List UDS Gaming 2024-01-08 | Join us as we rank every Crash Bandicoot game from best to worst. We follow our favourite marsupial from his humble beginnings on the PlayStation, all the way through to his current gen adventures. Expect some stinkers as well as some of the all time greats.What's your favourite Crash Bandicoot game?#CrashBandicoot #VideoGames #TierListSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.com
Every Game Featured in Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection | Review UDS Gaming 2023-11-21 | We take a look at every game included in the Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection.Take a peek at some retro, prehistoric gaming fun, find out which ones are good, which ones are bad and which ones are worth playing today.00:00-01:13 - Intro01:14-02:00 Jurassic Park 8-BIT (NES)02:01-02:49 Jurassic Park PORTABLE (Game Boy)02:50-03:39 Jurassic Park 16-BIT (SNES)03:40-04:28 Jurassic Park (GENESIS)04:29-05:24 Jurassic Park Part 2: The Chaos Continues 16-BIT (SNES)05:25-06:00 Jurassic Park Part 2: The Chaos Continues PORTABLE (Game Boy)06:01-06:32 Jurassic Park: Rampage Edition GENESIS06:33-07:05 Outro#JurassicPark #JurassicParkClassicGamesCollection #Review SUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptHey, dinosaurs are cool, aren’t they? We’ve already looked at some of the best games featuring prehistoric lizards on this channel, movies on our film channel and lamented at how there really aren't enough good dino games around at the moment (with a few notable examples).But in the absence of new titles, it’s always nice to see some forgotten gems get another chance to shine, and we’ve definitely got this in the form of Jurassic Park: Classic Games Collection. This brand new anthology consists of some of the true highlights from the 90s, covering a variety of consoles from home to handheld.Now, I’m personally not in a rush to pick this one up, for one, Raspberry Pi-shaped reason, so this isn’t a review of the package dropping this week. However, I’ve played each of the games featured, so fancy talking a little bit about each one, and it’s our YouTube channel, so what the heck - let’s do it!So join me on a trip to Isla Nublar (or Sorna if you’re feeling daring) as we take a look at each game, what makes them good, what makes them bad and how they stack up today. Jurassic Park 8-BIT (NES)What Happens? This classic takes us back to the pixelated Isla Nublar. The objective? Survive the dino onslaught and restore power to the park.The 8-bit era was all about simplicity. This game offers a straightforward platforming experience with a dash of puzzle-solving. You control Dr. Alan Grant, jumping and dodging your way through levels, using tranquilliser darts against your ancient adversaries.How does it play today? Its basic graphics and sound might be a fossil of the past, but its charm is undeniable. The difficulty is punishing, but it provides a nostalgic challenge for those who appreciate retro gaming.Jurassic Park PORTABLE (Game Boy)What Happens? Well, it’s similar to its 8-bit cousin, but with the added portability factor. Again, it's all about survival and outsmarting dinosaurs.With limited graphical capabilities, the Game Boy version focuses more on strategy and resource management. It's slower-paced, urging players to think before they leap, or in this case, before they run from a Velociraptor.How does it play today? I actually enjoyed the slower pace, despite the lesser graphics. It has an almost survival horror vibe, and it's impressive how much tension and atmosphere were squeezed into such a small cartridge. In the small form factor of a portable device, it holds up remarkably well.Jurassic Park 16-BIT (SNES)What Happens? With the massive leap forward in graphics and power afforded by the 16-BIT SNES, this iteration takes a more narrative-driven approach that feels more in the mould of a modern adventure game. You’re put through a mix of top-down exploration and first-person interior sequences. Both work surprisingly well, with the top-down exploration almost giving off Zelda or Pokemon vibes. Plus I don’t remember Sam Neill’s Alan Grant ever looking that jacked, but it’s the sort of head-canon I can get on board. with.How does it play today? As you can imagine, it’s the best we’ve covered so far. The increased colour palette, variety of gameplay and inflated pectorals of our favourite palaeontologist all make for a bit of an underrated classic. Jurassic Park (GENESIS)What Happens? Another 16-bit take on the Jurassic saga, but with a distinct, kid-high-on-Sunny-Delight flair that only Sega can do...
Watch This Before You Play The Last Faith | The Last Faith Review UDS Gaming 2023-11-15 | Check out our review of The Last Faith, a new Metroidvania Soulslike horror adventure.We take a look at the gameplay, combat, visuals and more so you can find out if it's worth your time and money.#TheLastFaith #Review #HorrorGamingSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptSo here at UDS Gaming we cover all things gaming, no matter genre, platform or era. But recently we’ve been delving more and more into horror games, and I’m not really sure why, but at the same I’m really not complaining. From recent releases to hidden gems of the past, we’ve covered some absolute spooky bangers. And we’re hoping this trend continues with the recent release of The Last Faith, a game that looks to blend elements of Metroidvania and Soulslike to make for one atmospheric package.You play as Eryk, who wakes up in a desolate world with no memory of how he got to this point, and swathes of Eldritch-style horrors in front of him as he races against time to save his deteriorating sanity.But in an age when horror games have never been better, does The Last Faith do enough to stand out from the pack? Watch on to find out…As you can imagine, the meat of the gameplay is a mix of non-linear exploration and bloody difficult combat, and I’ll talk a bit about both.Now personally, I would say I enjoyed the exploration more, as everything felt purposeful, well designed and full of surprises. It feels like you’re discovering a living, breathing world, albeit one breathing the icy winds of death and decay. That was a bloody good line, wasn’t it, ruddy mysterious. There’s interesting NPCs who will reveal more of this world you’ve awoken in, piecing together the lore in a way that feels natural, without slowing the pace of gameplay.There’s also the very welcome inclusion of fast travel points, which helped to keep things moving along at a healthy pace and most importantly for a scrub like me, stopped me getting lost. Combat is also pretty good, if not perfect. You get a good mix of weapons, ranging from melee, ranged and magic. It’s an impressive variety, but you’ll definitely find some are more useful than others, and things can feel a little clunky. Now this might be your taste, as it can make things feel weighty and I guess in a sense more realistic, but I’m a man who likes his combat to be snappy, and this wasn’t quite snappy enough for my tastes. But I still had a good time getting to grips with the various systems, and I’d be interested to hear your thoughts in the comments below.And yes, like any Soulslike worth its salt, there’s a dodge roll. It’s not a fool-proof get-out-jail card, but you better get used to using it if you want to survive the various beasties.And speaking of the beasties, there’s a lot of them and they’re bloody brilliant. You’ll find threats from all angles, from snipers who’ll take aim and try to take you down from distance, to rabid demon dogs that’ll charge you from close range. It’s punishing from the offset, and I think it’s fair to say there’s a steep learning curve.But like many Soulslikes that have come before, there’s a rhythm to proceedings that once you get the hang of, is super satisfying like nothing else. And that’s without mentioning the boss encounters, which open up into these immense setpieces that can honestly be jaw dropping. To evoke this sense of grandeur while limited to a 2D plane is mighty commendable.Actually, I’d say the aesthetic of the entire game deserves a lot of praise. The pixel artwork is absolutely captivating, from hauntingly beautiful wilderness to ornate, gothic mansions. A more cynical reviewer might complain that it’s nothing we haven’t seen before in other games, but the sheer polish and refinement on show here is impossible not to enjoy on a visual level. The sound design is equally engrossing. As action heightens, the score swells into epic, orchestral movements, but equally fades away into chilling silence in the quieter moments. This makes way for the ambient sounds of creaking buildings, the splatter of viscera and your own, echoing footsteps. It’s definitely one to check out with headphones to get the full effect...
Top 10 Best Horror Games to Dive into on Your iPhone or Android 2024 UDS Gaming 2023-10-31 | Want to get spooked on the go? Take a look at the top 10 best mobile horror games available for iOS and Android.From jump scares to eerie, touching narratives, you'll find a little bit to scare even the bravest of gamers.Games featured:Dead by Daylight MobileThe Room SeriesIdentity VDark EchoFran BowEyes - The Horror GameLayers of Fear: SolitudeGrannyBendy and the Ink MachineDetention#HorrorGaming #MobileGames #VideoGamesSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscript:Greetings traveller, and welcome to the eerie world of mobile horror gaming! Ever wanted to be terrified while waiting for your coffee? Or give yourself a fright on the subway? Dive into our list of the top 10 horror games perfect for your pocket-sized portal to the netherworld. And no, we’re not talking about the horror of pay to win cash grabs. They’re scary enough.This will be just a short whistle-stop through a selection of different titles, but if you want a deeper dive into ooky and spooky games, check out our channel for plenty to keep you p**ing your pants.Dead by Daylight Mobile:Swipe left for d***h? The popular multiplayer survival horror experience has been scaring console and PC players for years, and is a personal favourite of UDS’s own - Matthew Dobbie. Now it’s available on mobile, you can get your creep on, on the go. Choose between being a survivor or the bloodthirsty k****r, and try not to p** your pants in public. The Room Series:Don't let its name fool you, The Room has nothing to do with Tommy Wiseau (I was a little disappointed too). Instead, dive deep into a world of intricate puzzles and a chilling narrative. With its creepy ambiance and mysterious artefacts, The Room offers cerebral horror that'll make you think under pressure, building an uneasy atmosphere of dread that’ll have you hooked.Identity V:When Dead by Daylight meets gothic Tim Burton visuals, you get Identity V. With its asymmetrical 4 vs 1 gameplay, work together to outwit the hunter, or BE the hunter and hunt your friends down. Creepy dolls and foggy mansions included.Dark Echo:I reckon a good 75% of effective horror is sound over sight, and Dark Echo distils this into one effective experience. A unique horror where you "see" through sound, each footstep reveals a snippet of the world, but also attracts things that go bump in the night. This is a game that you simply need to play with headphones. Fran Bow:Dive into the mind of Fran, a young girl battling mental illness and dark forces in this psychological horror point-and-click adventure. Twisted and beautiful in equal measure, it's like a nightmarish fairy tale come to life.Eyes - The Horror Game:Imagine being trapped in a mansion with an otherworldly entity. Your only mission? Collect the money and escape without getting caught. Easier said than done, especially when your pursuer has more eyes than any being should.Layers of Fear: Solitude:Explore the mind of a painter gone mad. Roam an ever-changing Victorian mansion where each room reveals more of the artist’s psychological descent. With haunting visuals and a gripping narrative, this mobile adaptation truly captures the essence of the console experience.Granny:Who knew grandma's house could be this terrifying? You've got five days to escape Granny's house before she gets you. Move silently, hide wisely, and whatever you do, don't drop anything! Granny hears everything, and she's faster than she looks.Bendy and the Ink Machine:Who says cartoons can’t be flipping terrifying? Take the plunge into the dilapidated animation studio where ink comes to life, and not in a fun-loving Mickey Mouse way. More like nightmarish doodles chasing you down.Detention:Set in 1960s Taiwan under martial law, this atmospheric horror touches on real-life horrors as well as supernatural ones. Beautifully hand-drawn, it’s as mesmerising as it is scary.So that’s just a small selection of spooky games to play on the go. Did we cover your favourite or did we miss it off...
Why I Actually Liked Stray Souls | Stray Souls Review UDS Gaming 2023-10-25 | Check out our review of Stray Souls, a brand new horror action game.We'll tell you everything you need to know about the story, gameplay, controls and if it's worth playing this Halloween.#StraySouls #Review #HorrorGamingSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptAt the time of this video release, we’re in the middle of spooky season, meaning it’s time to make everything pumpkin spiced, take candy from strangers and most importantly, play some scary games.And luckily for us, there’s a brand new one in the form of Stray Souls from upcoming developers Jukai Studio.Ostensibly a third person action horror in the style of genre linchpins like Silent Hill and Resident Evil, you play the role of Daniel. Seemingly an average teenager, you inherit your estranged grandma’s house on your 18th birthday, but while that might sound like an escape from the all too real horrors of mortgage rates, it actually opens you up to a whole new lot of non-mortgage-related horrors.Promising to blend spooks, frenetic action, puzzles and a unique story, will it live up to these lofty ambitions. Watch on to find out…The first thing about Stray Souls that grabbed me was just how action-packed it is, particularly for a game in this genre. You won’t be hoarding bullets like they were made of gold like you might in Resident Evil 2; instead you’re given free reign to just start blasting.Things get real fast, real quick, with a simplified loadout meaning you can enjoy combat largely uninterrupted. As someone who isn’t the brightest when it comes to games, this really worked for me as it meant relying on instinct just as much as strategy, which I find far more engaging. With a mixture of different enemies offering different challenges (including some pretty gnarly bosses), it has more than a whiff of Soulslike about it. And that’s without mentioning the trusty combat roll. The only thing is, the controls don’t quite offer the fluidity needed to really make the most of what they were going for. It feels a little tank-ish, which doesn’t make for much precision, and I did find myself getting in some pretty frustrating situations. Can it be annoying? Yes. Is it gamebreaking? Far from it, and for the most part I really dug what they were going for.What is excellent without any caveats is the monster and general enemy design. There’s some truly unsettling beasties out there, effective without over-relying on jump scares or other cheap tactics.I could be reading too much into things, but it felt like there were nods to baddies from other games, like the Necromorphs of Dead Space and the Boomers from Left For Dead. But rather than feeling derivative, it comes off more like a real reverence for the genre, picking out some of the best features from what’s come before and making them feel new. But it isn’t flat out action, with a healthy mix of puzzles helping to balance the flow and pacing of proceedings. Now I’m really bad at puzzle solving, embarrassingly bad, so I did find a few here a bit frustrating, but that might be more down to my lack of skill then anything inherently wrong. You’ll have to let me know how you found them. With that being said, nothing felt like a puzzle for the sake of a puzzle, with them all thematically making sense. This meant despite my lack of skill, these moments never broke the immersion, instead allowing me to build the head-canon that Daniel is equally inept at lateral thinking.And speaking of Daniel and the story, I thought it was really effective, blending aspects of the occult, familial trauma and mysticism. While it might not be anything we haven’t seen before, it’s more than enough to keep you engaged throughout the game’s runtime. This is all augmented when you’re presented with dialogue choices, which allow you to shape your version of Daniel. While it might not be the deepest system we’ve seen, it’s really impressive to see in an indie game like this, and adds an extra layer of investment in your journey. The setting of Aspen Falls is also super effective...
The Shocking Truth Behind Rule of Roses Price Tag UDS Gaming 2023-10-01 | Rule of Rose is the most expensive Playstation 2 game, but why?We take a look at this mythical game that is now one of the Holy Grail items for many collectors. Find out why it's so expensive, why it's so rare, and whether it's actually worth playing.#RuleofRose #Playstation2 #PS2SUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptRemember the glory days of the PS2? I really hope so, otherwise you’re going to make me feel old and send me into an existential crisis. Oh gosh.But among the vast sea of games that gave us countless hours of procrastination, there's this hidden gem called Rule of Rose. Ever heard of it? Probably not, but If you're looking to buy it, you might be in for a shock, with it costing more than a brand new console. Why does this game easily fetch over half a grand? Let me start counting my pennies as we dig in…Released in 2006, Rule of Rose was a bit like that indie band that only your most pretentious friends knew about. Punchline, the game's small developer team, didn't have the resources for a big marketing campaign, so the game was hard-to-get from the start. It’s a little like a one-off vinyl record; if you’re not in the know before it releases, chances are it's gone forever.And this mythical status was only exacerbated with a good old dose of controversy.Rule of Rose ignited significant controversy, notably in Poland, where the Ministry of Education questioned its suitability for minors, citing concerns over child violence and sexual themes. The fact a game sold and targeted exclusively to adults just goes to show how games were still so misunderstood not that long ago. Anywho, Italian weekly magazine Panorama, especially its journalist Guido Castellano, intensified the debate. Castellano criticised the game for its alleged erotic and violent portrayal of young girls and inaccurately mentioned a "burying alive" game mechanic, which I stress, didn't exist. While there's a scene where the protagonist falls into an open coffin, it's later extracted, not buried.By November 2006, three French deputies advocated for the game's ban, alleging it promotes horrific child abuse and murder. They warned about video games potentially spiralling into unbridled sources of violence. Adding fuel to the fire, the European Union justice minister, Franco Frattini, decried the game for its "obscene cruelty" and called for a review of Europe's PEGI rating system.By March 7th 2007, some MEPs were pushing for a European Parliament resolution to ban the game in Europe and set up an observatory on minors' issues. However, the game's European publisher, 505 Games, proactively pulled the game from the UK market due to mounting pressure and misleading media narratives. While the game was still released in Europe and copies were sent to UK journalists, it already had one arm tied behind its back, really through no fault of its own.That’s all pretty heavy, but what is Rule of Rose actually all about?Set in England during the 1930s, Rule of Rose follows the story of a 19-year-old woman named Jennifer. As the game begins, Jennifer finds herself lured into an abandoned orphanage and later trapped on a mysterious airship that's controlled by a group of malevolent young girls. These girls, who refer to themselves as the "Red Crayon Aristocrats", enforce a strict and often cruel hierarchy based on a series of monthly "gift" offerings, which Jennifer is forced to participate in.Throughout the game, players uncover Jennifer's memories and piece together her tragic past. It becomes clear that the events on the airship are deeply intertwined with Jennifer's own history, involving childhood friendships, betrayals, and a beloved dog named Brown, who assists Jennifer throughout her journey.A central theme in Rule of Rose is the cruelty children can exhibit towards one another, especially when unchecked by adult supervision. The game delves into the dynamics of power and submission, the vulnerabilities of childhood, and the distorted memories of past traumas...
Why The Darkness Is The Best Game (Youve Never Played) | A Retrospective UDS Gaming 2023-09-14 | Find out why The Darkness still slaps over 15 years later.In this look back, find out how it broke the mould of what an FPS game could be, leaning into open world and narrative more so than the usual titles of the time. #TheDarkness #Gaming #reviewSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.com........The Darkness is a first-person shooter video game developed by Starbreeze Studios and published by 2K Games for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The game was released in 2007 in North America and Europe and it is based on The Darkness comic book series published by Top Cow Productions. A sequel titled The Darkness II was released in 2012.[1]The game includes a range of modern-day weapons as well as the powers of the Darkness, which include summoning four imp-like creatures called "Darklings" that can attack foes, using "Dark" tentacles to impale foes or break down walls, using "Creeping Dark" tendrils that sneak along floors, walls and ceilings to take out foes from a distance, and creating a black hole that sucks anything nearby into it. The Darkness powers cannot be used in a well-lit area but can be used in darker areas and under total darkness; the player is able to shoot out lights to help increase the amount of dark energy available. Additionally, by letting the Darkness consume the hearts of its victims, the player can further increase the effects of the Darkness powers.Over the course of the game, Jackie comes into possession of Darkness guns that are more powerful than conventional weapons but consume Darkness energy in order to fire. The Darkness guns are dual wielded.The game has several levels based on New York City locales that players visit multiple times. A subway system allows the player to move between areas. While the main plot is primarily linear, requiring the player to visit each area in a certain order, the player can undertake side missions by speaking with non-player characters that wander the subway stations. Completing sub-missions earns the player a "collectible" phone number which can then be used at any phone to unlock additional game media; collectibles can also be found scattered throughout the level. The Otherworld levels feature collectibles in the form of unposted postal mail that the player can deliver when back in New York City in order to unlock the content.
Should You Play Mr. Run and Jump? | Mr. Run and Jump Review UDS Gaming 2023-07-25 | Check out our review of the retro-inspired platformer - Mr. Run and Jump.Published by Atari, this back-to-basics title has lots of history and pedigree behind it. But in an age when we're not short of great platformers, will it stand out among the rest?#MrRunandJump #Review #GamingSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptRunning and jumping. These two verbs form the basis of pretty much every platformer since a big gorilla decided to start hurling barrels at you. That’s why it’s fitting that it’s the grandaddies of video game development Atari have decided to take things back to their roots with the charmingly named Mr Run and Jump. With a title like that, you might think this new release is a remake of some ancient 2600 title, but this is a brand new IP, and more of a love letter to that era as a whole. Now I bloody love a good platformer. There’s something so satisfying about what can be achieved within the limitations of the 2D plane, and we’ve had some absolute gems in the past few years. But how would Mr. Run and Jump stack up among these modern classics? Watch on to find out…So what is Run and Jump man all about, aside from, you know, running and jumping? Well, much like the Marios and Sonics of old, there really isn’t much to it. You must defeat the nefarious Void from taking over the Realms of Colour and also save your canine pal - Leap the Dog. Now instant points for including a cute dog in the story (I said cute, CoD Ghosts), but come on, you’re not playing this game for the story. It’s merely a shallow layer of set dressing to frame the real main course - the gameplay. The game starts you off with the classic Atari visuals, the kind that make NES games look futuristic. But long before the nostalgia goes from charming to irritating, you’re transported into a world of hyper stylised, modern neon graphics. It’s very retro-futurescape, and I bloomin’ love it.Now the gameplay. It reminded me a lot of games like Celeste, with plenty of fluid, hyper precise vertical and horizontal platforming, where you can zip up walls as easily as you can dash along the ground. And intentional or not, there’s plenty of elements to the movement that feel like homages to the platformers of old, like how crouching transforms you into a Sonic-esque spinball.But overall the movement and physics feel really good. While I would say the levels are far from easy, nothing ever felt unfair or unbalanced. If I ballsed something up, it was because of me, not something wrong with the game. And when you get into the rhythm of things, it feels really good. I can definitely see this being a firm favourite with speedrunners, as there’s a fluidity to everything that I can see far more talented players than me making the most of to get the best times.There was also this vibe that there were exploits and tricks that could be done to breeze through areas. I didn’t find any myself, but you know when you just get the feeling they might be? Maybe it’s just me, but either way, if you like going fast I think you’re going to have fun.But that isn’t to say Mr. Run and Jump is just for the elite. There’s plenty of customisation in the settings to control the challenge on offer. It’s always great to see games that offer comprehensive accessibility, meaning no matter if you’re a hardcore gamer or haven’t picked up a controller since they had a joystick slapped in the middle of them, you’ll be up and running in no time. The levels themselves are fairly linear. There’s a couple of branching paths that unlock upon receiving new abilities, but nothing that you’d consider Metroidvanian. It’s very much a case of getting from point A to point B, which might limit the replayability for some people. With that being said, there’s about 30 hours of gameplay if you complete absolutely everything there is on offer.The only thing is, while there’s a lot to be said for bringing things back to basics, it does make things feel a little generic. Don’t get me wrong, nothing feels bad (far from it), but nothing stuck out as something I haven’t done many times before with many other games...
Ed Hunter | That Time Iron Maiden Made A Video Game UDS Gaming 2023-07-20 | Remember that time Iron Maiden made an FPS game? Neither did we!But Ed Hunter happened and its story is just as weird as when it released way back in 1999. Find out the history is this gaming oddity and whether it's worth playing in 2023!#EdHunter #IronMaiden #GamingSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptHere at UDS we talk about a bunch of different things. We have a YouTube channel for videos games, films, music - heck we’d make one about sandwiches if we had time. That’s why when we find something that crosses multiple mediums, genres or interests, we love to check it out. That’s why after seeing Iron Maiden live in London the other week, I was reminded of the game Ed Hunter, this weird footnote in my childhood game collection that probably isn’t worth bringing up in 2023, but damn it it’s my YouTube channel and I can waste my time however I like.So let’s go Somewhere In Time (the mid-90s, to be specific) to start our story. Maiden were in a weird place - struggling to keep their former relevance with long-standing vocalist Bruce Dickinson being replaced by the frankly less good Blaze Bayley, and their style of classic horn-raising metal falling out of favour to the burgeoning Nu-Metal scene. Not ones to simply fade into obscurity, the Maiden lads started toying with the idea of releasing a video game. Evidence of this can be found all the way back in 1996, when on the cover of their greatest hits album Best of the Beast, there appeared a little sticker. This read ‘Available soon... Melt, Eddie's own state-of-the-art 3D game’. This is literally the best picture I could find of a copy of the CD featuring the sticker, so I’m not exactly sure how many copies were printed with it, but either way it showed something was in the works. The only thing is, apparently it was bad… real bad. Even Blaze called it “crap” (his exact word). So with little more than a teaser announcement, the Iron Maiden game was cancelled with no knowledge of its genre, format or basically anything. But much like the band’s famous zombie mascot Eddie, it just wouldn’t stay dead. The project, now named Ed Hunter, was rebooted by developers Synthetic Dimensions, and much more enthusiasm from the band. Founding band member Steve Harris said “it's the most amazing thing I've ever seen. I don't get shocked very often, but Ed Hunter was so good. It's like walking into a 3D version of the Somewhere in Time album cover, like going into the bar at the Ruskin Arms, only full of aliens and stuff. You go in and we'll be, like, holograms playing in the corner, or sitting at a table gambling. And then you've actually got the game itself, which is, like, this big shoot-'em-up chase through space and time to catch Eddie. It's brilliant”.Big words from a man who definitely didn’t have a financial stake in the success of the game. But the thing is, of all metal bands to work on a video game, Iron Maiden made the most sense (aside from maybe Kiss, but anyone who calls them metal is clearly only judging that on looks). All of Maiden’s music makes you feel like you’re going into battle, and there’s already an iconic character in Eddie to base everything around. If I weren’t more than a babbling baby at this point, you could colour me excited.So eventually in July of 1999 (to coincide with Bruce Dickinson’s first tour since rejoining the band), Ed Hunter released as a three disc package, mixing another greatest hits collection with the game itself.Now I’ve waffled on about everything around the game except for the game itself, so I should probably do that now.In Ed Hunter, players assumed the role of the eponymous protagonist, a self-proclaimed "Headhunter" tasked with tracking down various incarnations of Eddie throughout time and space. From ancient Egypt to futuristic cityscapes, you’ll go through a plethora of different levels based on the album covers of Maiden’s discography...
Watch This Before You Play Exoprimal | Exoprimal Review UDS Gaming 2023-07-14 | Check out our review of Exoprimal, a brand new multiplayer game from Capcom, featuring a butt-load of dinosaurs!We take a look at the gameplay, game modes, characters, story, and more to reveal if it's a game you should check out.Also the dinos, we make sure we take a look at them. Because dinos are rad.#Exoprimal #Review #VideoGamesSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptFor years now, we’ve been bemoaning a lack of video games featuring dinosaurs. Heck, we even made a video talking about the best dinosaur games, where we prove that no matter the genre, our prehistoric friends deserve a place.That’s why when Capcom announced Exoprimal, we had to give it a go. It’s a pretty simple premise. In the not too distant future, vortexes in spacetime have resulted in swarms of dinosaurs wreaking havoc, bringing humanity to its knees. In an attempt to turn the tide and save the day, the corporation Aibius has developed a hyper-advanced (not at all menacing) AI called Leviathan that can predict the location of future outbreaks.To test humanity’s defence capabilities, Aibius and Leviathan have drafted a swathe of pilots to man exosuits in a series of increasingly bizarre tests and experiments. This is where you come in, as you’re thrust into the battlefield, fighting for your life while trying to work out what Leviathan is really up to. Now, normally I’d be wanting to side with the dinos rather than humans. What can I say? I love a comeback story. But with that not an option, and Capcom having a strong pedigree of dinosaur games, I was still excited to see what Exoprimal was all about. Would it live up to the hype? Watch on to find out…So what exactly is Exoprimal? Ostensibly, it’s a multiplayer team shooter in a similar vein to the likes of Left For Dead and the like. Not only will you have to survive some quite ludicrous numbers of dinosaur foe, but also complete tasks such as defending strategic vehicles and escorting high value assets to safety.I’ll admit from the offset it can be a little overwhelming. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself struggling just to stay alive before worrying about any of the other objectives. But this is where good teamwork is really rewarded, as once you and your team get the hang of it, you’ll soon be working as a well oiled machine. When it all comes together, there’s honestly few feelings in gaming more satisfying. The thing that really sets Exoprimal apart from other games in the genre is that it isn’t PvE, it’s PvPvE. Let me explain…All the while you’re fighting dinos and completing tasks, you’ll be competing against another team to get the best time. While you won’t be interacting much during the bulk of a match, completing certain tasks will make your opponents’ life more difficult, like throwing an extra bunch of raptors their way. My personal favourite is the Dominator item, which will temporarily let you control a T-Rex to absolutely crush the enemy team. I told you I wanted to play as a dinosaur, didn’t I? During the end game, both teams will be dumped into the same zone to complete one final objective, with the first team to finish winning. This is the only place you can take down other exopilots alongside the dinos, and it makes for some truly tense finales. And if you’re on the losing team at the end of the game, you get messed up. Really messed up.When it comes to working as a team, you’ll all need to quickly learn the different types of fighters you can man. While there’s plenty of Exosuits to pick from, they fit under three main categories: Assault, Tank, and Support. Assault has a selection of offensive-based options, Tank is your heavies who can shield others and block enemies, and Support are your healers and buffers.Being someone who plays most shooters running around like a headless six foot turkey, I tended to enjoy the Assault class most of all, but you’ll definitely need an even spread to assure victory. Fortunately, you can change your Exosuit mid match, meaning you can have a fairly comprehensive go at all of them within the first game...
The Real, Unseen Villain of Dredge UDS Gaming 2023-07-08 | Watch the full video: youtu.be/IypZzQjsFoQ#Dredge #Gaming #IndieGameSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.com
Dredge, Capitalism, and Cosmic Horror UDS Gaming 2023-07-03 | Dredge is one of the most underrated games of the year so far. While it might look like an indie fishing game on the surface, it goes much deeper than that (pun intended). Watch on to find out how it deals with themes of capitalism, cosmic horror and more.Script by LP Mills: twitter.com/liampmills10?s=20#Gaming #Dredge #IndieGameSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptDredge, Capitalism, and Cosmic HorrorMinor spoilers for Dredge (2023)Dredge is a 2023 indie fishing game developed by Black Salt Games, inspired by moody, atmospheric day-in-the-life sims like Papers Please and the florid prose of notorious racist shut-in HP Lovecraft. In it, you control an unnamed amnesiac, brought to the misty coastal town of Greater Marrow by the churning waves. It starts out harmless enough: you take up a job as an angler, sailing the waters in search of mackerel, cod, crabs, and the like. But as the game goes on, you begin to realise that something is… Off. The fog that sits on the water by night harbours a strange, sinister life of its own; occasionally, you'll pull a fish aboard only to discover it has two heads, or gnashing, human-like teeth, or great staring eyes that pierce your very soul; often, you might see what you think to be an inviting place to dock, only to close in and find yourself staring at yet more cold, unfeeling ocean. And this is only the beginning of your horror. You see, in the depths of the sea, a stranger and deadlier beast yet lies…Capitalism. Alright, bear with me. The main gameplay loop revolves around managing the space aboard your vessel, and the time it takes for you to complete your work before the sun sets and the isles become drenched in fog. You can only carry so much cargo, so each new catch has to be sorted in such a way that maximises your overall haul. Once you've paid off your debt to the local townsfolk, you can earn enough to buy upgrades that give you new varieties of rod and more space to work within your cargo hold. And all the while, time ticks ever-onwards, walking us hand-in-hand to the inevitable grave. Sorry, got distracted for a second. Time is an important resource within the game; once night falls, the sea becomes a deadly, maddening place, so it behoves you to get as much done during the day and sail your ship back to harbour in order to rest, patch up your boat, and sell your wares. Time only moves forward so long as you move forward, but the minutes tick by so quickly its very easy to lose your whole day to one or two especially rich shoals of fish. Merchants are open 24/7, so you can flog your catches pretty much whenever you wan-Wait. Why are the merchants open so late? Why don't the shipwright and fishmongers and travelling salesfolk ever seem to sleep? This is obviously a gameplay feature, ensuring that players who show up late aren't locked out of earning their keep for the day. But it points to something more subtly distressing about the game's setting. Poverty is everywhere in Dredge. The towns of Greater and Little Marrow are inhabited by down-on-their-luck sorts who seem to barely scrape together a living. The nearby village of Istfell – once a prosperous whaling town – has fallen into ruin and disrepair. You even start the game in debt, with your own ship having been destroyed and replaced – at a premium – by Greater Marrow's mayor. No matter where you look, there's some poor schlub trying and failing to make ends meet. This brings me back to my earlier point; the real monster in Dredge is capitalism. Yes it's a bit click-baity and more than a little pretentious, but it becomes more obvious to the setting the deeper we get into the world itself. You see, the waters that surround this little archipelago aren't especially… safe. Monsters abound, creatures that will gladly take a chunk out of your ship as though it were a two-tonne bucket of delicious chum. The first encounters with these monsters are often breath-taking: a hint of a dorsal fin the size of a blue whale slowly emerging from the waves...
Why the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Soundtracks Are SO Important UDS Gaming 2023-05-08 | The Tony Hawk's Pro Skater soundtracks weren't just iconic, that changed the course of alternative music. We take a look at the history of the soundtracks, who curated them and how they impacted genres range from punk to hip hop. Read the article: upsidedownshark.com/features/why-the-tony-hawks-pro-skater-soundtracks-are-so-important#TonyHawk #thps #ProSkaterSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscript:To call the Tony Hawk Pro Skater (THPS) series anything short of a cultural milestone would be underselling it. For almost its entire 25+ year run, the franchise has been praised for its gameplay, graphics, and level design, but one aspect that has always stood out is its soundtracks. The THPS soundtracks have become iconic, and they’ve played a significant role in shaping contemporary alternative music. Let’s take a look at this importance and how they have influenced the generation.Firstly, what tracks were featured in these games and who picked them? The soundtracks were a healthy mix of punk, ska, hip-hop, and alternative rock and were curated by music supervisor and producer, Brian Bright, and boy did he do a good job. The soundtracks were a perfect fit for the game, and were much more than your average background music; they were an integral part of the experience, and helped to create a sense of energy and excitement that augmented the experience more than anyone could’ve predicted.While there hasn’t been a game in the series that had a particularly weak soundtrack, it’s the first 4 Pro Skater-titled games that you often see on nostalgic Spotify playlists. Why? Because they introduced a new generation of kids to alternative music during a time when it was desperately needed. In the late 90s and early 2000s, alternative music was going through a bit of a rough patch. Grunge was dead, nu-metal was on the rise, and pop-punk was starting to get stale. But then along came THPS with its eclectic mix of tracks, looking to shine a light on artists that had been making waves on the pre-internet underground. Suddenly, a whole new generation of kids were exposed to bands like Goldfinger, Bad Religion, and The Suicide Machines, to name just a few.The massive success of these first games, and by proxy the music that accompanied them helped to legitimise these bands in the eyes of the music industry. Suddenly, record labels were taking notice of these previously underground acts and signing them to major deals. And as these bands gained more exposure, they started to influence the sound of youth music.One of the most significant impacts of the THPS soundtracks was on the punk and pop-punk scene. Bands like The Offspring, Blink-182, and Green Day were already reaching a peak of popularity by the time of THPS’s release, but exposure on the THPS soundtracks strapped a rocket to this. I don’t think it’s a stretch to suggest that pop-punk wouldn’t be as popular as it is today (for better or worse - mostly worse), without these games. What’s thankfully much more wholesome is THPS’s impact on the ska scene. Bands like Less Than Jake, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and particularly Goldfinger are now intrinsically linked to these games. I don’t trust anyone who listens to Superman and doesn’t immediately want to pull off a triple kickflip. Ska might not be as ubiquitous in modern culture as pop-punk (a crime, to be sure), it lives on thanks to this series. Hip-hop was also well represented in the THPS. The game introduced a new generation of listeners to hip-hop icons like Public Enemy, Jurassic 5, and N.W.A, and brought them into a contemporary setting. In my ignorant youth, I often skipped past these, growing up in a house that treated rock and punk above all other genres. But as I grew older and broadened my horizons, I realised how incredible these tracks are. Not only do they match the energy and ethos of anything else on the soundtrack, but the socially conscious lyrics arguably have more place in the counterculture-driven skate scene than cheesy breakup songs.It would be remiss not to mention the community that these soundtracks fostered too...
Should You Play Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider? | Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider Review UDS Gaming 2023-01-11 | Check out our review of the 16-bit action throwback Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider!Find out everything you need to know before you play, including details on gameplay, style, soundtrack and more. Will we be swayed by robo-samurai vibes? Watch on to find out.#VideoGame #Gaming #Review #MoonriderSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptFor anyone who’s followed UDS for a while, you’ll know we were pretty quiet over Christmas, taking a much needed break. During the time away I discovered a bunch of old retro games I had packed away for years, and among all these I rekindled my love of old school action games. The likes of Ninja Gaiden and Shinobi are brutally difficult, but have fast-paced, fluid gameplay that holds up really well nearly 30 years later. That’s why it was very cool and a little serendipitous that one of the first releases of 2023 happened to be a loving homage to this very genre of a bygone era. Hey how’s it going guys! This is Tom from UDS and welcome to our review of Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider, a brand new 16-bit side-scrolling hack-and-slasher from publishers JoyMasher. We’re going to tell you everything you need to know before you play, but before I do, don’t forget to hit subscribe for more on all things gaming every single week, or at least we’ll try to do it every week. Let’s see!So Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider takes place in a quintessentially dystopic future setting. The authoritarian leadership have built an army of super soldiers to maintain their dominance, but all this changes when they bring you, Moonrider, online. Similar to the likes of Robocop, you’re programmed to uphold the power balance, but instead you reject your intended purpose, choosing to rage against the proverbial and sometimes literal machine to save the world. You also look like a sick samurai warrior, because in a game like this it’d be rude not to.I’ll get more into the vibe and style in just a sec, but the most important thing with games like this is the gameplay, and I’m happy to report that it’s as laser sharp as a futuristic ninja’s katana. From the initial tutorial, you’re introduced to tight platforming that expertly tackles horizontal and vertical movement as well as any Metroid game or more recently the likes of Celeste and Dead Cells. Whether it’s running, wall jumping or climbing monkey bars, it’s super satisfying just zipping around like a ball of furious energy.The only thing I will say is while sprinting he does look like a quarterback holding a football, but that’s more funny than anything. And once you’re up and running, you’ll come up against a veritable smorgasbord of enemies to defeat. Fortunately, you have a range of different attacks to combat them all that grows as you progress through the stages. And boy, are you going to need them. From gun-totting soldiers, turrets, floating heads that fire lasers out of their mouths and even some ninja-looking chaps who seem to have the Smart Disc from Predator 2, you’ll constantly have to think about your strategy for every situation. The gameplay never gets stuck in a rut, throwing a new challenge up at every turn.And on that note, yes this game is bloody hard - at least for a scrub like me. I enjoy games like this, but I’m absolutely awful at them, so found myself dying over and over again. But despite some moments which left me holding back naughty words through gritted teeth, it never felt truly unfair - there’s a logical solution to every challenge, whether it be patience, timing or some of those extra skills you pick up along the way. If you’re used to these sorts of games, the difficulty won’t shock you, but for anyone new to the genre, expect frustration, but also some of the most satisfying moments when it all comes together.Now as I said, the visuals and aesthetics are more than a match for the gameplay. While reminiscent of its 16-bit predecessors, it offers a level of detail, depth and refinement that just wouldn’t have been possible back in the day. Beautifully apocalyptic, it felt like I was playing through a long lost John Carpenter film, and that’s a massive compliment in my books...
Get HYPED For This Game | Goat Simulator 3 First Impressions UDS Gaming 2022-11-10 | Check out our hands on preview of Goat Simulator 3!We review the early build we experienced at EGX 2022, sharing our experiences of the gameplay, online functionality, mini games and more.Watch our interview with the developers behind Goat Simulator 3: youtube.com/watch?v=TE796kXt0d8&t=350s#goatsimulator3 #goatsimulator #preview SUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscript:So we were lucky enough to check out EGX last week, and while we were there we managed to chat to the team behind the upcoming Goat Simulator 3, as well as get hands on with the latest preview build. In this video, I’ll share our initial thoughts on what we experienced, and tell you whether or not it’s worth getting excited for.In the effort of transparency, while we got a decent amount of time on most aspects of the game, we didn’t really touch the main missions, so won’t be mentioning anything to do with that here. Also, this is in no way sponsored or paid for, so when I’m super positive about certain things, that’s just my genuine opinion.Lastly, make sure to check out our interview with the minds behind Goat Simulator 3 on the channel after this, and subscribe for plenty more video game content every single week. If you do, you can legally refer to yourself as the GOAT. It’s fine, the goat told us we have the authority.For the uninitiated, Goat Simulator is essentially a chaotic sandbox game in which you cause havoc as a deranged goat. While the initial release was a self-confessed joke, lampooning the rise in simulator games around the mid-2010s, regular updates made it into something much more substantial that people continue to enjoy to this day.But what about Goat Simulator 2? Well, it doesn’t exist, and finding out why was like trying to figure out The Joker’s origin story. Everyone had a different explanation. Is the game so incredible it skipped 2? Was it a jab at Valve that a third entry in a popular franchise can be made? Was it just a silly joke to promote a silly game? Who can really know for sure?Anywho, what’s new this time around? By far and away, the biggest update is the addition of online multiplayer - it’s honestly going to be a game changer. What might’ve made you quietly chuckle to yourself before is now something that’ll cause belly laughs between you and your dumb friends. Put it this way, Craig and I were wandering around as a shark and giraffe, blowing people up and launching each other in the air like some twisted Pixar movie. I had to ask to borrow a tissue to wipe away the tears of laughter. While the first game had local multiplayer, this takes things global, and where a lot of popular games have effectively become glorified chat rooms, I can easily see kicking back with digital friends while dicking about as a goat.And while it was a blast wandering about aimlessly, the mini games are just as fun. We had a fair selection to choose from in our demo, ranging from a floppy, ragdoll version of football, to the classic floor is lava. When you start any game, the play area starts wherever you’re currently standing on the map, whether or not it’s conducive to the game. This can lead to games of football on the side of a building or in the middle of a construction site, leading to very different experiences.And that’s the thing. Despite there being obvious polish in terms of graphics and physics from the previous game, there’s still an intentional level of jank that leads to some truly hilarious moments. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing game breaking. Instead, you can expect things like clipping through a car you just hijacked, or being flicked into near orbit by the lick of another player (a sentence I never thought I’d say out loud). It’s here where Goat Simulator’s identity shines, and where things will never feel quite the same between each play. And this is all complemented by all the zany customisation options. Not only can you give yourself the usual silly wigs and accessories, you can also play as a selection of other animals, each of which have their own way of controlling...
EGX 2022 Vlog UDS Gaming 2022-09-30 | Check out our mini vlog of EGX 2022 in London. Find out what got us excited and why Sonic is always watching.
Goats, Chaos & Multiplayer: What To Expect From Goat Simulator 3 | Developer Interview UDS Gaming 2022-09-29 | SUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2Check out our interview with the Sound Designer from Coffee Stain Studios: Stuart Docherty! We chat about the creativity behind something like Goat Simulator 3, how they decided to implement different modes in the upcoming game and how it is not just a simple sequel!We also discuss what makes goats so metal, the best goats and some light shark conversations too!#goatsimulator #interview #videogamedevelopment UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.com
Rogue Warrior - Better Than You Remember UDS Gaming 2022-09-15 | We put on our neck on the line and defend one of the most hated games of all time!Check out our retrospective of Rogue Warrior, the 2009 FPS that IGN described as "...completely bankrupt of any value whatsoever”.Read the article that inspired this video: upsidedownshark.com/features/critically-panned-games-that-were-actually-good#RogueWarrior #WorstGames #ReviewSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptHey how’s it going guys, this is Tom from UDS and welcome to the latest edition of our series where we look at games that critics hated, but in actual fact, we enjoyed a whole bunch. Whether they’re so bad they’re good, or genuinely under-appreciated hidden gems, we think it’s about time they get the spotlight they deserve.Based on aggregate review scores, we’re going to throw ourselves directly onto the controversy bonfire, and tell you what you really missed out on if you listened to the critics of yesteryear. Lastly before we start, don’t forget to like, hit the bell and subscribe for plenty more video game content every single week and let me know what your favourite underrated games are in the comments below.Whenever the discussion of the worst games of all time arises, Rogue Warrior is often bandied about. This is surprising in of itself, given it has the might of Bethesda behind it, as well as Rebellion, who created the amazing Judge Dredd: Dredd vs Death, which we featured a few weeks ago. Anyway, sitting at a paltry 29/100 on Metacritic, Rogue Warrior hasn’t garnered much in the way of praise from players or critics since it was released in 2009. Would I dispute that it’s not very good? No, no one could. Would I argue that it’s still a lot of fun? You bet your cock-breath commie motherfucking ass! Based very loosely on the real life exploits of former Navy SEAL Dick Marcinko, you act as a one man army dropped behind enemy lines during the height of the Cold War. Ostensibly a ‘by the numbers’ FPS, you have to take out foreign threats like the grizzled American hero you are. And while your methods might be extreme, they pale in comparison to your language. I’m fairly certain Mickey Rourke, who voices Marcinko, stubbed his toe in the recording booth, as he managed to reel off every expletive-laden sentence he could muster.But while the language is painfully juvenile, and the gameplay is short and mindless (you can quite easily finish it in less than two hours), the sum of Rogue Warrior’s parts is probably the closest we’ve ever come to a faithful recreation of an 80s action film in gaming. There’s an attempt to implement a stealth mechanic, but when the enemy AI has the attention span and spatial awareness after two lemon shandies, it’s much easier to go in all guns blazing. For me, this makes for a much more entertaining experience than if I had to tediously peak behind cover, quietly cursing under my breath. Much like the films of Schwarzenegger and Stallone (as well as Rourke himself), you’re not meant to go into the game looking for anything of substance. You play it for over the top action, ridiculous dialogue and machismo that borders on the homoerotic.Heck, I’m about as red as Lenin’s left pinkie toe, but even I enjoy playing as the jingoistic protagonist. Not because I agree with him, far from it, but because he serves as a parody of that mindset, and the silliness of it all is just as fun to watch as it is to play. That’s why it’s no surprise that many comedy gaming YouTube channels still break out Rogue Warrior to have a good laugh and a good time. And that’s just it. A game doesn’t have to be technically or philosophically advanced to be enjoyable. I love a thought provoking experience like Gris or Night in the Woods, but I also like to blow up baddies as an over the top action hero. This is a game that IGN described as “completely bankrupt of any value whatsoever”, giving it a scathing 1/10 review. And on a technical level, it’s hard to argue with the criticism. But, if like me, you finish a game with a big cheesy grin on your face, regardless of what anyone else thinks, it’s a good game...
Tweety and the Magic Gems | The Best Licensed Game You Never Played UDS Gaming 2022-09-08 | Check out our retrospective review of Tweety and the Magic Gems.Find out why this Gameboy Advance game is a true hidden gem, and gives the likes of Mario Party and run for its money!Read the article that inspired this video: upsidedownshark.com/features/critically-panned-games-that-were-actually-good#TweetyandtheMagicGems #LooneyTunes #GameboyAdvanceSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptHey how’s it going guys, this is Tom from UDS and welcome to the latest edition of our series where we look at games that critics hated, but in actual fact, we enjoyed a whole bunch. Whether they’re so bad they’re good, or genuinely under-appreciated hidden gems, we think it’s about time they get the spotlight they deserve, and this particular entry comes from UDS team member Matt Dobbie.Based on aggregate review scores, we’re going to throw ourselves directly onto the controversy bonfire, and tell you what you really missed out on if you listened to the critics of yesteryear. Lastly before we start, don’t forget to like, hit the bell and subscribe for plenty more video game content every single week and let me know what your favourite underrated games are in the comments below.Above all else, a video game should be fun. That’s their main purpose. When you’re a kid, you’re not looking at what critics are saying, you’re grabbing a game with a really interesting cover or with brand recognition and just playing the Hell out of it because you want to have fun. Or, at least, that was my experience. Bad game design didn’t factor into my 9 year old gaming habits (unless we’re talking about Sea Monkeys for the PS1 which I knew was bad within about 5 minutes of starting it up…).Brand recognition is what led me to Tweety and the Magic Gems. I knew I was getting a Game Boy Advance for my birthday, and in the lead up happened to see the box for the game in my local Dixons. I made the decision there and then that I wanted the game. I didn’t know anything about it, I don’t even think I looked at the back of the box. All I knew is that I was getting my first ever handheld console and I needed games for it – Looney Tunes would be perfect no matter what they’re up to. Tweety and the Magic Gems turned out to be a party game, a term I wouldn’t come to understand until many years after. The story went that Tweety Pie, lovable scamp that he is, had been venturing through the woods one day and discovered a strange box. He opened the box and accidentally unleashed ‘bad forest magic’ and began slowly turning to stone. Granny, in her witchy form here, finds out and summons Looney favourites like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester and more to scour the globe and collect 5 Magic Gems in an effort to stop Tweety fully turning to stone forever.Truthfully, the story doesn’t play a massive part in the game, outside of setting an effective turn limit to the game (every few turns, you see more and more of Tweety’s body turning to stone; once he hits 100%, it’s game over whether anyone’s collected the gems or not). The game board is basically a map of the world with spaces allocated across it, and you decide how many spaces you move via selecting a card from a shuffling deck. The gems themselves change place for every game, but are always located within 5 famous cities across the world, which effectively act as mini game boards that you enter via the main board. There are events across the map that can help or hinder you and your opponents can use items to stop you in your tracks. If you draw an Joker card from the deck, then Taz will arrive as the game’s chaos element to ensure you’re gonna have a bad time. And in true party game fashion, there were MANY minigames to take part in to get character points to save up for items. Nowadays, and perhaps even at the time, this game would be seen by many purely as a ‘Mario Party’ clone, and you can’t really argue that point. I can argue though that it doesn’t make this a bad game by any stretch – in fact I think in terms of its game board and the minigames within it has a fair deal of scope that Nintendo’s plumber had yet to realise in his Party series...
Judge Dredd: Dredd vs Death | The Best FPS Youve Never Played UDS Gaming 2022-07-28 | Find out why we think Judge Dredd: Dredd vs Death gives Halo and run for its money!We look back at Judge Dredd: Dredd vs Death, covering gameplay, story, level design and more to find out why it's a game that deserves more love. Read the article that inspired this video: upsidedownshark.com/features/critically-panned-games-that-were-actually-good#JudgeDredd #DreddvsDeath #RetroGamesSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscript:Hey how's it going guys, this is Tom from UDS and welcome to the latest edition of our series where we look at games that critics hated, but in actual fact, we enjoyed a whole bunch. Whether they're so bad they're good, or genuinely under-appreciated hidden gems, we think it's about time they get the spotlight they deserve.Based on aggregate review scores, we're going to throw ourselves directly onto the controversy bonfire, and tell you what you really missed out on if you listened to the critics of yesteryear. Lastly before we start, don't forget to like, hit the bell and subscribe for plenty more video game content every single week and let me know what your favourite underrated games are in the comments below.Right, this one hurts. Judge Dredd: Dredd vs. Death was released by Rebellion back in 2004, and a while back, I included it in our list of The Best Licensed Video Games, which is why it was particularly painful to find out it only has 55/100 on Metacritic.Despite being 18 years old, it remains the franchise's most recent video game release. I distinctly remember reading the manual, complete with plot synopsis and character profiles, to death as a kid. It was my first real exposure to the character of Judge Dredd, and led me to become a lifelong fan. And yes, I do like the Stallone film unironically, don't even @ me. So what happens in Dredd vs. Death? Well naturally, you play the role of Dredd himself, starting off as he would on any normal day, by arresting anyone and everyone he comes across. And yes, I do mean everyone - even for owning a hamster without a licence. But before long, the Psi Judges sense that a plague is approaching the sprawling metropolis of Mega City One, and the incarcerated Dark Judges are the prime suspects. If you've never heard of the Dark Judges, they're basically a group of undead beings from an alternate timeline, hailing from the planet Deadworld. Now if that weren't edgy enough for you, their leader Judge Death views life itself as a sin, punishable by death. As I said, Luckily at this point in the game, they're all in the clink and there's no way they're going to cause problems.Only, that obviously isn't true, and before long not only will you have to contend with the Dark Judges and the cult members who worship them, but also Dr. Dick Icarus, and no Kid Icarus didn't grow up to get his doctorate, although I now wish Pit was called Dick, that'd be funny.Anywho, Dr. Icarus is dead set on finding not only the secret to immortality, but also resurrecting the dead. Naturally, this leads to an infestation of zombies and vampires that you'll have to mow down. Of course, being the big chinned, helmeted hero that you are, you do this, take on each of the Dark Judges and ultimately save the day. Leaving the citizens of Mega City One to live in their dystopian police state paradise. So that was a pretty whistle stop tour of everything that happens, but I hope it gives you a vibe for how batplop insane the story is. It totally captures the grungy, late 80s/early 90s tone of the source material, and features plenty of Easter eggs and nods to give long time fans a giddy thrill. And even if you've never heard of Judge Dredd before, you don't really need to. It's very good at showing you the world without tedious lore dumps or exposition. It hooked me on the franchise, so it must've done something right!In an era of fairly generic FPS games, Dredd vs. Death made a real effort to innovate. Expansive maps allowed you to tackle combat from various angles, and the fact you could arrest almost all NPCs for crimes ranging from murder to, and I'll stress again, owning a hamster without a license made the world feel lived in and organic...
Gotcha Force - Is It Worth Playing In 2024? UDS Gaming 2022-07-14 | Gotcha Force was critically panned when it first released in 2003, but since then has garnered a cult following. But despite this conflicting opinions, should you play it today?We take a look back to find out if it's bad, so bad it's good, or a real hidden gem.Read the article that inspired this video: upsidedownshark.com/features/critically-panned-games-that-were-actually-good#GotchaForce #GameCube #GachaSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptHey how’s it going guys, this is Tom from UDS and welcome to a brand new series where we look at games that were mauled by critics, but in actual fact, we enjoyed a whole bunch. Whether they’re so bad they’re good, or genuinely under-appreciated hidden gems, we think it’s about time they get the spotlight they deserve.Based on aggregate review scores, we’re going to throw ourselves directly onto the controversy bonfire, and tell you what you really missed out on if you listened to the critics of yesteryear. Lastly before we start, don’t forget to like, hit the bell and subscribe for plenty more video game content every single week and let me know what your favourite underrated games are in the comments below.Our first game is Gotcha Force, released in 2003 by Capcom. Ostensibly a third person action game, the game consists primarily of collecting gacha toys and battling with them. As for a quick summary of the plot, you play as a child named Kou, who finds a little robot called G-Red, before being attacked by an evil gang of Borgs called Death Force. Like any good pre-teen protagonist, it’s not long before you have to form the Gotcha Force, a gang of you and your friends who have to defeat Death Force’s leader, the Galactic Emperor and ultimately save the Earth.Sitting at a middling 56/100 on Metacritic, the general consensus of Gotcha Force on release appeared to be that of an inconsistent mish-mash of existing IP’s and repetitive gameplay loops. In the years since, it’s established itself as one of the many overlooked cult titles of the Gamecube era, going for fairly big bucks on auction sites across the internet.In the defence of 2003/4 games journalists across the globe, they weren’t entirely wrong in their estimation of what was on offer here. The game seemed to borrow a lot of basic elements from all over the place; little robots from outer space need YOUR help to stop an invading force that’s now threatening planet Earth (à la Transformers, only much, much smaller). Seemingly half inspired by the smattering of “gotta catch ‘em all” style titles that were all the rage only a few years prior, and the other half by Capcom’s own, then recently established, Megaman Battle Network series in it’s style, Gotcha Force had a lot of other people’s work to thank for it’s backbone. There’s a constant, pervading feeling that Capcom was wishing for this to be something bigger than it would ever become ingrained into almost every facet of the game. Their clear desire for this to sell merchandise loomed over you perpetually, but unfortunately for Capcom, the game just didn’t sell that well and was considered a big flop. No sequel, no accompanying anime, and (according to my brief research on the subject) virtually no toys. But the game was fun! There’s not a whole lot of downtime between missions, the action is snappy and energetic, and the style is cute and colourful – the weak links are the story, and lack of other things to do. This is a fairly impressive game for 2003 as far as I’m concerned, and it’s a bit of a shame that there’s not been any news on the series since. But what did you think of Gotcha Force? Did you play it at the time, or did you remortgage your house to buy it more recently? Please let me know in the comments below, I’d love to read your thoughts. And while you’re down there, don’t forget to subscribe for more videos every single week, and visit upsidedownshark.com to read the article that inspired this series. I’ll put a link in the description.But until then my name is Tom, this has been UDS and we’ll see you next time.
Why You NEED To Play Trek To Yomi | Trek To Yomi Review UDS Gaming 2022-05-05 | Welcome to our review of Trek to Yomi, a brand new side-scrolling action adventure game from Devolver Digital.Heavily inspired by Japanese cinema as well as traditional Shinto beliefs, we'll tell you everything you need to know before you play. We cover the game's visuals and sound, story and gameplay.Watch our Weird West review: youtu.be/pgzayxR134o#TrekToYomi #Review #VideoGamesSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptHey how’s it going guys! This is Tom from UDS and welcome to our review of Trek to Yomi, a brand new side-scrolling action adventure game from publishers Devolver Digital and developers Flying Wild Hog. We’re going to tell you everything you need to know before you play, but before I do, don’t forget to hit subscribe for more on all things gaming every single week. And just for fun, why not drop a shark emoji in the comments too. I feel like I say it every other week, but Devolver Digital have been absolutely knocking it out of the park lately. The past couple of years have seen a slew of great releases, highlighting the cream of the indie crop and giving them the platform they deserve. They’ve even started this year strong with the exceptional Weird West (which you can find our review of on the channel), and they’re looking to keep the good run going with Trek to Yomi.Ostensibly a side-scrolling action adventure game, you play as Hiroki - a young samurai hell-bent on revenge after the loss of his home. Heavily inspired by Japanese cinema as well as traditional Shinto beliefs, will Trek to Yomi live up to its early hype? Watch on to find out…I couldn’t start anywhere other than with the game’s aesthetics, which might be an all-timer. Visually, it evokes the spirit of filmmakers like Kirusawa, employing a black and white minimalism with just a hint of film grain. The changing camera perspectives only augment this cinematic appeal, making you feel like you’re part of a grand period epic. But if the bedrock of the world is Kirusawa, the action is more Tikashi Miike. It can be incredibly brutal, with monochromatic blood squirting everywhere, but even this has a sense of elegance. If you already have a reverence for these types of film, this game is unabashed, unadulterated fan-service, and I’m absolutely here for it.I chose to use the word ‘aesthetics’ earlier, rather than diving straight into the visuals as it would do a disservice to the game’s audio, which is equally as impressive. Every, from the crackle of fire to the snikt of swords leaving sheaths helps to add to the atmosphere, as does the at times haunting score. This is definitely one to play with headphones or a good sound system, if you can.But before you start thinking Trek to Yomi is all style over substance, we have to talk quickly about its excellent story. At its heart it’s a revenge tale, as Hiroki and his ancestors travel to hell and back to get their justice. Although great work has gone into keeping everything authentic to Edo Japan, there’s an element of the supernatural too, which helps it to stand out from other recent games set during this time period. After all, Yomi refers to the land of the dead (or literally "world of darkness").These fantastical elements are all grounded by some great voice acting and character work. The Japanese dialogue with English subtitles helps to keep you immersed in the world the developers have created. You’ll really feel the stoic struggle that Hiroki is forced to embark on, and the roughly 5 hours of the campaign fly by. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to go back in and try to uncover every secret just to keep the adventure going.It feels strange to leave the actual gameplay to the end, because it’s still really good, it’s just the packaging around it is so outstanding, it sort of feels weaker by comparison. You’ll go through phases where things might feel patient and meditative, allowing you to soak in the scenery as you traverse the various landscapes. But these quieter moments make the action feel all the more frenetic...
Should You Buy Star Wars: The Force Unleashed On Switch? | Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Review UDS Gaming 2022-04-20 | [Duel mode not featured as this will be covered in another video]Check out our review of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, now available on Nintendo Switch.We'll tell you everything you need to know before you play, including a look at the story, gameplay and updates specific to the Switch.Watch more Star Wars video game content: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxfxYfCNN1kUZtq9tniEel8xo7pH43utW#StarWars #ForceUnleashed #ReviewSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptHey how’s it going guys! This is Tom from UDS and welcome to our review of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, now available on Nintendo Switch. We’re going to tell you everything you need to know before you play, and if you’re new to the channel, make sure to subscribe for plenty more on all things Star Wars and gaming. Check the description below for links to our playlist. Developers Aspyr have been doing an amazing job of reviving some of the classic Star Wars games of the past 20 years or so. With the likes of Republic Commando, Jedi Academy and Knights of the Old Republic now no longer considered canon, it would be easy for them to fall into obscurity, with Disney and co more focused on expanding their own canon. But Aspyr are determined to not let this happen, re-releasing each on the Switch in shiny HD for a new generation to enjoy, with The Force Unleashed being their latest offering. Originally released in 2008 and one of the last pieces of expanded universe content to be produced before the Disney purge, the game bridges the gap between the prequel and original trilogy.Here’s a pretty spoilerific synopsis for you lore junkies like me, but if you’d rather go in blind to a 14 year old game, skip to the time on screen now.Are you still with me? Ok great! You assume the role of Starkiller (born Galen Marek), currently Darth Vader’s secret apprentice after being kidnapped as a child. You undertake missions for your master (mainly taking out the few Jedi who survived Order 66), before Vader literally kills you to prove his loyalty to the Emperor. But Vader is known to have abandonment issues. Still considering you useful, he brings you back to life in order to sow the seeds of what would become the Rebel Alliance, allegedly to destabilise the Emperor’s control so that he and Starkiller could usurp the imperial throne. However this proves to be a double (triple?) bluff, a ploy to lure potential rebels straight into the grasp of the Empire. Now more rebel than Sith, you’re left with the choice of whether to save your friends from the Emperor, or let them die and exact your revenge on Vader. With everything that leads up to this moment, it’s a genuinely difficult decision to make, and will give you definite pause for thought.Despite no longer being canon, the plot of The Force Unleashed is brilliant, and it’s easy to see why George Lucas himself was happy to sign it off as the official origin story for the Rebel Alliance. Your betrayal at the hands of Vader demonstrates a more cerebral side to his villainy, adding substance to his character beyond what we see in the movies. What’s more, the wider cast of heroes that we’re introduced to in the game are largely fantastic too. Imperial pilot Juno Eclipse, former Jedi master Rahm Kota and your robot pal PROXY are all fully realised characters, and the fact they no longer ‘exist’ in the new canon is a real shame. Fingers crossed they can be woven back into the grand, interplanetary tapestry of Star Wars soon.While the story of The Force Unleashed might now be ignored, its irrefutable legacy is how it gave us the best portrayal of the Force yet. Whereas other games might let you push, pull and double jump with the power of Midi-chlorians, here the Force is truly unleashed. You can throw TIE Fighters to the ground mid flight, choke an opponent into the sky then throw them against a wall and even pull a Star Destroyer out of space itself. It’s a power trip, and a damn fun one at that. Bonus fact: Starkiller is modelled and voiced by Sam Whitwer, who would go on to voice Darth Maul in Star Wars: The Clones Wars and Rebels...
Reviewing Every Ed, Edd n Eddy Game In 2024 UDS Gaming 2022-04-08 | Join us as we rate and review every game to feature the characters from Ed, Edd n Eddy.Find out if the video game adaptations of one of the best Cartoon Network shows ever stand up today, and if you should seek them out.Games featured:Cartoon Network: SpeedwayCartoon Network: Block PartyEd, Edd n Eddy - Jawbreakers!Ed, Edd n Eddy - The Mis-EdventuresEd, Edd n Eddy - Scam of the Century#EdEddnEddy #VideoGames #CartoonNetworkSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptLike most of us born in the mid-90s, I was lucky enough to enjoy the golden age of Cartoon Network. The likes of Courage the Cowardly Dog, Dexter’s Laboratory and The Powerpuff Girls made weekend mornings and after school evenings rich with colourful worlds, irreverent characters and zany plots.To this day if I’m ever looking for something to pick me up or give me a healthy dose of nostalgia, I’ll whack on an episode or two and take a trip back to childhood.Of this prestigious bunch, none stack up to the absolute genius of Ed, Edd n Eddy. The hijinx of three 11 year old friends trying to scam their neighbours out of enough money to buy jawbreakers are some of the funniest 20 minutes to be found anywhere on TV, let alone just the kids channels.But if you’ve clicked on this video, chances are you don’t need me to tell you that. But what are less well known are the various video game adaptations featuring the residents of the cul-de-sac. Like many cartoons from this time, studios couldn’t help but milk their technicolour cash cows and slap them on a game cartridge or disc, to varying degrees of success.Yet whether they be good, bad or anywhere in between, each is still a fascinating time capsule that’s worth talking about, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. In this video I’ll be taking a look at each of the Ed, Edd n Eddy titles that received a full console release, as well as games that featured the Ed Boys. I’ll tell you a little bit about each one, whether they’re any good and if you should check them out today. What I won’t be doing is talking about all the web games that you could play on the Cartoon Network website. One because they’re pretty much all defunct by this point, and also there’s like 30 of them and finding enough information about the console game was hard enough. So instead, here’s a tasteful in memoriam…Defunct online gamesAstro QuizBoot the FruitCandy FactoryCandy MachineCandy Machine DeluxeCartoon Cartoon Summer ResortCartoon CoveCartoon SoundboardClash of the IdiotsCul-de-Sac SmashCul-de-Sac Smash 2: Wheels of FuryEd Over HeelsThe Ed-TouchablesThe Eds' LaunchboxFace BuilderFood BashInfect EdKart Attack!Kick-The-CanBean-Bag-TagLunchroom RumbleNightmare in SpaceOperation S.T.A.T.Picnic Pick-offReady, IM, Fire!Sewer Rat Balloon BashSnow FortSpin StadiumToon HoopsToy TwisterTopsy TurkeyTrick or Treat Beat!What's Your Eds Name?Jingle-Bell EdNight of The Living EdBowl-Ed OverTo The Eds-TremeAnd with that out of the way, let’s begin. Cartoon Network: SpeedwaySo the first of the games to feature the Eds in a supporting role was Cartoon Network Speedway, released back on November 17th 2003 for the Gameboy Advance and boy is it a kart racer on the GBA!You can expect all of the grand prixs, zany weapons and other tropes of the genre, as well as some surprising innovations. Speedway actually introduced a Blue Shell mechanic before Mario Kart, so take that Chris Pratt! And to its credit, Speedway also handles and plays really well, and although I wouldn’t say it offers much of a challenge, I still enjoyed zipping around the various courses.When it comes to our favourite show, you can pick either the Eds in a shared vehicle, or somewhat randomly, Johnny 2x4 as an unlockable racer. But it’s a good job they tell you who you pick beforehand, because even for a GBA game of the time, everything looks like ass. Everything looks so muddy and pixelated, and given that Mario Kart Super Circuit came out two years before it is just inexcusable. And listen, I’m all for Johnny getting his moment in the sun, but when Dexter’s Laboratory and The Powerpuff Girls have no representation, even...
Watch This BEFORE You Play Weird West | Weird West Review UDS Gaming 2022-03-31 | Check out our review of Weird West. A top down isometric adventure RPG from the minds behind Dishonored, it looks to explore the awesome world of 'Weird Western'.Find out everything you need to know before you play, including how it plays, how it looks, what to expect from the story and whether you should check it out.#WeirdWest #VideoGames #ReviewSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptHey how’s it going guys! This is Tom from UDS, and welcome to our review of Weird West, a top-down isometric action RPG from Devolver Digital and WolfEye Studios. We’re going to tell you everything you need to know before you play, and if you’re new to the channel, don’t forget to subscribe for more video game content every single week. You’re not going to want to miss it. So, Devolver Digital are responsible for publishing some of my favourite games in recent years. The likes of Ape Out, Loop Hero and Carrion demonstrate that they’re on one of the hottest streaks going, giving the cream of the indie world the platform they deserve. And they’re looking to keep this going with the long-awaited release of Weird West.Taking its name from the ‘Weird Western’ genre, you control a collection of characters as they deal with life on the frontier, as well as a veritable smorgasbord of werewolves, zombies and other supernatural threats. It does say Weird Western, after all.But promising a modern twist on classic RPG mechanics, engaging plots and a truly unique setting, does Weird West deliver? Watch on to find out…First and foremost, there’s a huge variety of things to see and do, and for the most part it’s largely excellent. In the early stages, there was a heavier emphasis on combat than I would’ve liked (given I’m more inclined to talk my way out of situations), but as the world opens up, so do your options.As with any RPG worth its salt, there’s a huge cast of characters to interact with and quests to undertake, all of which help you level up the 5 playable hero characters however you see fit. While each hero has a detailed backstory and fixed narrative path, that doesn’t mean you have to stick to it, and with many elements procedurally generated, every playthrough is going to be very different.For example, you might walk past a peaceful tavern, only for another player to find that same peaceful tavern hosting a less than peaceful bar brawl. Oh, and while we’re on the subject, just because the skew towards combat at the start wasn’t for me, it doesn’t mean it’s bad - far from it. Not only does everything feel super slick as you swap between a huge variety of weapons, but the set up of levels makes for some truly intense setpieces. You’ll have to survey the landscape pretty quickly, taking in the locations of cover and exploding barrels to ensure you have the leg up on your opponent, and few games since Red Dead 2 have made me feel like I’m really in an Old West shootout. Anyway, the procedurally generated elements of the game aren’t just limited to random encounters, but also shape the path your characters take. What I mean is, although each character has a path they’re meant to take, what would happen if you shot a key NPC you were meant to interact with later on, endeared yourself to the wrong people, or I don’t know, got turned into a pig man? Well, the game responds to these events, and dynamically adapts the narrative accordingly. Using what the developers have coined ‘Narrative Legos’, the next chunk of the story gets slotted in depending on what you’ve done before. It’s a really cool way to augment the sense of immersion and roleplaying, an element that sometimes gets overlooked.And the lack of a fixed narrative path allows for the world to exist and function in a truly natural and living way. It doesn’t feel like NPCs are just waiting to pop in to interact with you, rather they’re simply living their lives, and it’s up to you whether you interfere with them or not. You might find a coven of witches summoning the undead, and it’s up to you as to whether you stop them, join them or just yeet yourself out of the situation. It all makes you feel quite insignificant, and I mean that as a huge compliment...
Ranking Every Video Game Controller From Worst To Best 🎮 | Tier List UDS Gaming 2022-03-23 | Join us as we rank every video game controller from every games major games console from worst to best.A video game console is nothing without a good controller; if it doesn't feel right to use, it isn't worth picking up. That's why Tom and Craig take a look at the offerings from Nintendo, Sega, Microsoft and Sony, judging their respective looks, feel, responsive and additional features to find out once and for all what the best is.Consoles featured:Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)Nintendo 64Nintendo GamecubeNintendo WiiNintendo Wii U Nintendo SwitchSega Mega Drive/GenesisSega SaturnSega DreamcastPlayStation (Original and DualShock)PlayStation 2 (DualShock 2)PlayStation 3 (Sixaxis and DualShock 3)PlayStation 4 (DualShock 4)PlayStation 5 (DualSense)Xbox (The 'Duke' and S)Xbox 360Xbox OneXbox Series X/S#VideoGames #Controllers #TierList #VideoGameTierListSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.com
Why You NEED To Play Martha Is Dead | Martha Is Dead Review UDS Gaming 2022-02-24 | Check out our review of the brand new indie horror game Martha Is Dead.Set in WW2 Tuscany, find out why it manages to deliver all the entertainment and spooks you could hope for, without resorting to jump scares. We take a look at then story, visuals, gameplay and more to give you all the info you need to know.#MarthaIsDead #HorrorGames #ReviewSUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE SHARK TANK! 🦈 - bit.ly/2VDaxT2UDS (Upside Down Shark) is the home of alternative pop culture. Focusing on video games, movies, TV shows and more, expect reviews, features, video essays and more on this channel, hosted by Tom, Craig, Dobbie, Neale and Drew.Founded in 2017, we champion DIY talent, independent creators and promote the things we're passionate about. Check out our channel dedicated to music: youtube.com/channel/UCr23R3mD0XR-OnzUsLXjMVwListen to our weekly entertainment news podcast - UDS Radio: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/uds-radioListen to our podcast where we rank every episode of The Simpsons - Simpsons Showdown: upsidedownshark.com/category/podcasts/simpsons-showdownEmail: upsidedownsharkradio@gmail.comupsidedownshark.comTranscriptHey how’s it going guys! This is Tom from UDS, and welcome to our review of Martha Is Dead, a brand new horror game from LKA Games. We’re going to tell you everything you need to know before you play, and if you’re new to the channel, don’t forget to subscribe for more video game content every single week. You’re not going to want to miss it. 2021 was a great year for horror games across the board. From indie titles like Lamentum to triple-A juggernauts like Resident Evil, it’s a good time to be a fan of the spooks. Looking to keep this good run going into 2022, we have Martha Is Dead. Set in WW2 Tuscany, you play as Gulia, a young woman whose twin sister Martha has mysteriously died, and it’s up to you to find out what’s happened. Naturally, not everything is as it seems, and it won’t be long before your sanity as well as your life are in danger. Promising to be one of the scariest games of the year, will Martha Is Dead deliver? Watch on to find out…Well, I can safely say that Martha Is Dead is indeed one of the most bone chilling games I’ve ever played, thanks in no small part to its haunting story and unsettling visuals. I found myself being driven to unravel the mystery just as much out of morbid compulsion as curiosity. Like that feeling when you peek around the corner, even when you know nothing good will be behind it. And that’s the thing. It builds this sense of dread without resorting to any real jump scares. Instead, it uses tension and familiar themes of family strife, trauma and loss to keep you from ever looking away, even if you might want to. This, along with the horrors of war, are framed with a sort of dark fantasy. Think the likes of Pan’s Labyrinth, where the mystical isn’t used to sugarcoat these unpleasant themes, rather it augments their true terrors.But when things need to get real, like the proverbial S-H-I-T, they don’t half get real. In fact, one interactive cutscene (which I won’t spoil here) has been censored for the PlayStation releases. Hopefully this gives you a sense of how graphic, wince-inducing, and at times controversial things can get. Player discretion is very much advised.As for the gameplay itself, at its core, it’s a walking simulator, but I hazard to define it as that. One, because despite being a big fan of the genre personally, it does have negative connotations, and two, because it has a lot more variety and interactivity than the name might suggest.As you explore your family home and its surrounding land, you’ll find many objects and anomalies can be interacted with, which not only helped me to feel engaged, but also added to the immersion of the world. It stopped me from dissociating from Guilia, making every act and decision, however heinous, feel all the more real.One of the major features I really enjoyed was the use of photography, both thematically and technically. We quickly learn that Guilia is a keen photographer, and it’s through this that much of her investigations are done. On that technical level, I found it oddly satisfying going through the process of 1940s photography. From setting up your tripod on solid ground, to focusing in on your subject, all the way through to developing your film in the dark room. I’m sure I couldn’t, but part of me feels like I might be able to pick up a vintage camera and get her working now!But seriously, the use of the camera allows you to take the game at your own pace, and really enjoy the more beautiful elements of the game, which I’ll talk a bit more about when we get to the visuals.And while these more placid moments allow you to dictate the speed of proceedings, Martha Is Dead knows when to grab the reins and take you for a ride...
