Heaven Dust: Interview with Jack Zhou

As I mentioned in my review of Heaven Dust; I was lucky enough to be able to speak to the lead game designer Jack Zhou himself. Reaching out to him via email, he was both friendly to speak to and very informative.

   Jack Zhou worked independently on Heaven Dust in his personal time, with only one other co-worker Garden Guo. Focusing on the primary concept of Heaven Dust (that of a love letter to the Resident Evil franchise), Jack Zhou was open to talk about the development behind Heaven Dust, some tips for players, and any upcoming projects.

Heaven Dust Review: A Charming Love letter

Heaven Dust

Heaven Dust Menu Image

Heaven Dust is an indie title developed and produced by a tiny team of only two people. Self-described as a `Love Letter` to the classic survival horror titles of the '90s, Heaven Dust aims to re-capture the puzzle and atmospheric style of the original Resident Evil titles.

   This top-down isometric puzzle game demonstrates exactly how much video-games can inspire differentiation on classic genres. Heaven Dust works hard to give players an experience that feels both familiar and new at the same time. Released on the Nintendo Store for the Switch on the 27th of February, Heaven Dust is one of the cheaper variations of the nostalgia hype currently found in the Survival Horror genre.

   How does it play? Heaven Dust has simple controls; the left stick to move, R to aim, and B to open the oh so nostalgic status menu. The simplicity of the design complements the art style and provides the player with a smooth experience. Playing both docked and handheld, Heaven Dust plays without any framerate issues - and surprisingly low amount of bugs and glitches for a two-man team. The primary aim of Heaven Dust is for players to explore the Mansion/Laboratory setting in search of files, clues, and key items - trying to both put an end to the Zombie outbreak and escape alive.  

Dawn of Fear Review: Dawn of Potential

Silent Hill 3 Style Long Ladder Climb

   This review takes a look at the unpolished game thats arrived on the PS Store. If you're a fan of old school survival horror; Resident Evil and Silent Hill alike. Dawn of Fear released on the PlayStation store on February 3^rd, for £15.99, seemingly out of nowhere. I can’t even remember how I heard about it, but despite being a little skeptical – I thought I may as well try it.

   It is overwhelmingly clear just how much the developer Brok3nsite both admires and was inspired by classic survival horror games. But does it work? Yes and no.

   The set-up for Dawn of fear is weak at best. After some brief on-screen text telling you what’s happened, you’re left to go wander around the mansion as Alex. After hearing a gunshot, forcing you to return to the main hall, you find your friend’s(?) corpse and a handgun – sound familiar? The rest of the story comes from brief, but confusing, conversations before boss fights. And from the documents you find throughout the manor, which are just difficult to read and don’t actually offer much.

Animal Crossing Pocket Camp Review: Camping fun!

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp

   Animal Crossing is a well-cemented game Nintendo platforms. Even those who don't necessarily play games that often will most likely have at least had a DS so that they can get a daily dosage of Animal Crossing in their lives. Primarily designed to be a more of a quiet stress reliever as opposed to an actual game - Animal Crossing lets you design your own home as you see fit, walk around the calming scenery, and take part in recreational activities; fishing, bug catching, fruit picking.

   With the introduction of their first mobile game, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp puts you in charge of a campsite, as opposed to the usual town. Players are given a few areas they're allowed to visit, each with a different collectible item. Breezy Hollow has a selection of different fruits for players to collect, which grow back every 2 hours. While Sunburst Island gives the player the typical Animal Crossing bug-catching net, for them to sneak up on unsuspecting butterflies and bugs to capture.

A Drink For You!

So, as mentioned in my last review of Wish Studios `That's You!` - Me and and a few of my friends have been thinking up some drinking rules that will amplify it's fun and serve as a great way to spice up pre-drinks before you head out!

To start with, go and fetch your favourite alcoholic beverage. Some of these rules involve large intakes of alcohol so make sure you know your limits, and pick a drink that won't leave you paralytic.

My Drink of choice?

Trusty old whiskey. However there's nothing wrong with taking the weaker option (even if spirits are just more fun).

That's You Review: It's All About You!

That's You!

   Released on the 4th of July and created by Wish Studios, That's You! is a multiplayer party game for the PlayStation 4. Featured free for PlayStation Plus members during July, That's You! starts off the new upcoming PlayLink games, which feature being able to use your smartphones as a method of playing party games in a more accessible manner, coming to PS4!

Shadow of the Colossus Review: For the Sake of Love

Shadow of the Colossus

   Published and developed by Sony, Shadow of the Colossus was the spiritual successor and believed prequel to the popular Playstation 2 title Ico. Featuring similar graphics and continuing the fictional language used within Ico, Shadow of the Colossus follows a limited storyline - instead, focusing more thoroughly on the open world's luscious design and it's unique gameplay mechanics.

   In the bittersweet style that Ico embodied, Shadow of the Colossus follows Wander as he desperately tries to find a way to bring his deceased love Mono back from the dead. Accompanied by his trusted steed Argo, and armed only with a single sword and a bow and arrow, Wander aims to slay the 16 Colossi as commanded by a mysterious voice within the shrine of worship, in order to bring Mono back into his life.

   Remade for the PS3 in full HD updated graphics and slightly better controls, Shadow of the Colossus has been a game loved by its fans for many years, developing an almost cult-like following.