Spider-Man Remastered’s PC Port Is A Swinging Success
Insomniac’s superb spider-game looks better than ever, though you’ll need a powerhouse PC to get the most out of it.
Game, tech, film, TV/Streaming and table top reviews:
Game Reviews
Here is a small sampling of my game reviews. Most of which can be found on my site - Unitedfrontgaming.com
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl Review: Great Fundamentals
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl is an entertaining platform fighter. It bleeds nostalgia, has a good roster of characters, and plays uniquely enough to stand on its own for casual and competitive players alike.
Sable Review: Gorgeously Barren
Sable’s premise is novel, if not entirely new. Its minimalistic gameplay, at times, helps sell a more personable experience. Regrettably, the minimalism cuts both ways as Sable’s barren world betrays the game’s emphasis on exploration.
Rhythm Fighter Review: A Decent Beat
Echo Games’ Rhythm Fighter isn’t as unique as it wants to be. While it offers a lot of the genre's staple mechanics, it doesn't do much with them — Rhythm Fighter often feels like the "lesser version" of something else.
Aerial_Knight’s Never Yield Review: A Dash of Style
I really enjoyed playing Aerial_Knight’s Never Yield. It provides a good time, approachable game mechanics, and a dope soundtrack. I wish I knew more about Wally and the world he inhabits and what cultural aspects were emphasized beyond the obvious.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a surreal experience. It's also a blast to play, offering awesome turn-based combat and a rather engaging plot.
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales Review — Our Side of the Tracks
I can confidently say that Spider-Man: Miles Morales is better than its predecessor in almost every way. The combat, streamlined UI, story, and overall game length is damn near perfect. And that’s just on more gamey aspects.
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout is what Animal Crossing was back in March. A charming game that brings joy to seemingly everyone that plays it; despite hailing from different genres, they both were able to provide a cathartic experience...
Rocket Arena
Rocket Arena has a lot of potential. Its 3v3 matches are chaotic and fun. The violence is toned down, which could result in a larger player base. It also sports a unique in design, resulting in exciting gameplay not found anywhere else.
Carrion
Carrion’s Metroid inspired gameplay and unique horror elements provide an entertaining experience.
Zombie Army 4: Dead War
11 years after the last Left 4 Dead title and the formula created by Turtle Rock Studios still has legs. Rebellion’s Zombie Army 4: Dead War not only borrows mechanics from that franchise, it improves upon them.
Bayonetta & Vanquish 10th Anniversary Bundle
Bayonetta and Vanquish both feel dated. They lack newer elements, some more important than others, and their narratives aren’t as memorable as I once thought. But for the most part, they’re still strong action games.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is entertaining. More so than the previous games in the series. That said, odd design choices keep it from being as good as it could have been.
Dead by Daylight: Definitive Edition
Dead by Daylight has grown since its release back in 2016. A splattering of survivors, iconic “monsters”, a revamped progressions system – the trappings of Early Access paved the way to some interesting developments. That said, they all pale in comparison to its latest feature. The ability to be played on the go…
Hunt: Showdown
Crytek has done a great job of combining genres in Hunt: Showdown. There are some undesirable side effects of the permadeath system. But shouldn’t be enough to keep players at bay.
Wolfenstein: Youngblood
Wolfenstein: Youngblood has its moments. Unfortunately, when the bullets aren’t flying, it fails to live up to its more recent predecessors.
World War Z
World War Z is an anomaly. Despite being based on a hit film/book, it struggles to offer a unique experience. Most of the notable gameplay mechanics are pulled from older games. By all accounts, WWZ should be terrible...
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is one of the best AAA titles released this year. It can feel unfair at times. And given its challenging nature, the more unfair it feels, the less entertaining it becomes.
Tom Clancy's The Division 2
Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 is an overly repetitive shooter, with a nonexistent plot, frustrating glitches and a ton of forgettable content. That said, it still proved to be a more entertaining game than Anthem.
GRIS
GRIS is one of the best narrative-based platformers released this year. Its expert pacing, well designed puzzles, and imaginative world speak to this truth.
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Tech/Hardware Reviews
Gamevice Flex Review
Whether you’re an iPhone user or an Android fan, the Gamevice Flex controller is a solid choice for all your mobile gaming needs.
Taito Egret II Mini Review
Sporting its own rotating screen, 40 pre-installed games, and solid controls, the Egret II Mini is comparable to some of the Best Arcade Cabinets currently available.
Epos H6Pro Review
Epos makes good gaming headsets. Emerging from the Demant and Sennheiser split, the company had a history with developing audio-based devices prior to its 2019 debut. The major emphasis was seemingly always on sound quality over everything else.
Being able to hear and be heard are the two of the most important features of any headset. And while none of Epos’s headsets have landed on our list, they’re known to excel in this regard. That’s certainly the case with the company’s solidly built H6Pro
Being able to hear and be heard are the two of the most important features of any headset. And while none of Epos’s headsets have landed on our list, they’re known to excel in this regard. That’s certainly the case with the company’s solidly built H6Pro
Logitech G435 Review
Logitech is known to offer an assortment of well-designed gaming peripherals, with wireless keyboards, gamepads, and various headsets – like the Logitech G Pro X, which ended up on our Best Gaming Headset list – that are usually praised by players the world over.
That was the expectation when I got my hands on the wireless Logitech G435. This colorful headset seemed poised to be another solid pair of cans; a midrange device that, despite not having the most robust suite of features, was decent
That was the expectation when I got my hands on the wireless Logitech G435. This colorful headset seemed poised to be another solid pair of cans; a midrange device that, despite not having the most robust suite of features, was decent
Turtle Beach Recon 500 Review
When it comes to choosing the right gaming headset, it’s hard to go wrong with a Turtle Beach branded peripheral. Years of experience has resulted in it becoming one of the more reliable third-party companies in terms of quality.
This is evident in its latest effort, the Recon 500 headset. This midrange wired gaming headset is durable, easy on the ears, and is bundled with an excellent mic. As a midrange unit – sitting somewhere between the and , both of which are featured on our list – the Rec
This is evident in its latest effort, the Recon 500 headset. This midrange wired gaming headset is durable, easy on the ears, and is bundled with an excellent mic. As a midrange unit – sitting somewhere between the and , both of which are featured on our list – the Rec
Hori Fighting Stick Alpha Review
When it comes to quality third-party gaming peripherals, the name Hori is synonymous with quality. Gaming Headsets, chargers, controllers – the Japanese-based company does it all. Of course, the most celebrated Hori products are arcade sticks, and this is especially true of the Fighting Stick Alpha (stylized as α). Featuring a sleek yet sturdy design, top-of-the-line components, and customization options, the Alpha checks all of the right boxes. And that’s to say nothing of how it performs during play; Hori’s Fighting Stick Alpha is the preeminent fight stick for anybody playing on Xbox Series X or a gaming PC.
SNK MVSX Home Arcade Review
The MVSX Home Arcade is a solid buy for long-time SNK fans. It offers a ton of great fully licensed games (complete with their arcade and console versions), a 17inch LCD screen, and multiple customization options. The cabinet is solidly made, with dimensions that allow for easy placement. Some of the buttons stick a little and the joysticks can feel a little loose at times. But those things aren’t enough to dismiss the MVSX’s better aspects.
Audeze Penrose X Review
The Penrose X is one of the best wireless gaming headsets around. It provides an amazing audio experience on multiple devices, most of which are bolstered by its many features. Being able to simultaneously connect to its dongle and Bluetooth is also a plus. Quickly swapping between devices can be tricky and its boom mic is finicky to say the least. That said, the Penrose X is still better than a lot of headsets in the $300 price range.
SteelSeries Aerox 3 Review
The Aerox 3 Wireless is one of SteelSeries’ best gaming mice. Super lightweight, long lasting battery, a great optical sensor that allows for lightning-fast, yet accurate swipes – there’s just a ton of things to love.
SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless Xbox Gaming Headset Review
SteelSeries is known for producing solid gaming headsets, and the company’s Arctis line is especially great. Durable frames, high level of comfort, that signature Arctis sound – there’s a reason a bunch of them landed on our Best Gaming Headsets of 2020 list.
Take the Arctis 1 Wireless Xbox Johnny Silverhand Edition headset for example. At first glance, it offers more of the same; this limited model features all the bells and whistles we’ve come to expect from the Arctis line. That said, some slight tweaks to its design make it more compatible with Microsoft’s console this time around – including compatibility with the upcoming Xbox Series X.
Take the Arctis 1 Wireless Xbox Johnny Silverhand Edition headset for example. At first glance, it offers more of the same; this limited model features all the bells and whistles we’ve come to expect from the Arctis line. That said, some slight tweaks to its design make it more compatible with Microsoft’s console this time around – including compatibility with the upcoming Xbox Series X.
SteelSeries Rival 3 Review: A Mouse Worth Buying
The Rival 3 is a solid gaming mouse. It sports a lightweight, ergonomic design, provides true 1-to-1 movement, and is customizable. I couldn't ask for much more, given the price.
HyperX ChargePlay Clutch Review: Size Does Matter
The HyperX ChargePlay Clutch is a solid peripheral. For $59.99, it provides hours of play (while charging the Switch), an awesome kickstand, and removable grips.
The Clutch’s bulkiness can take some getting used to though.
The Clutch’s bulkiness can take some getting used to though.
Sennheiser GSP 370 Review: Tarnished By Undue Pressure
While the GSP 370 isn’t a bad headset, I can’t recommend it for gaming. A few short rounds of Overwatch. Sure. But the strong pressure placed on the ears will prevent most from using them for longer gaming sessions or competitive play.
HyperX Alloy Origins Review: One of 2019's Best Keyboards
The HyperX Alloy Origins is one of the best keyboards I’ve ever had the pleasure to use. It has some great customization features, is easily portable, and has solid key switches.
HyperX Cloud Alpha S Review: A Slight Improvement Over the Alpha
With an improved design that offers more control during play, The HyperX Cloud Alpha S is slightly better than its predecessor.
UFG Goes Hands on With TekNmotion Intruder Gaming Headset!
With great input/output sound quality, collapsible design, and multiple attachments, TekNmotion’s Intruder Gaming Headset is defiantly a useful piece of equipment.
UFG Goes Hands on With The Cideko Air Keyboard Chatting!
Cideko’s Air Keyboard Chatting is a great device. It works the way you’d expect, is user friendly, and has nice features that most will find useful.
Film Reviews
The Magician's Elephant Review
Despite its limited scope and predictable plot, The Magician’s Elephant succeeds at being a quaint animated film with a positive message.
We Have a Ghost Review
Netflix's We Have a Ghost is a little more than a middling movie wrapped in an interesting idea.
The Seven Deadly Sins: Grudge of Edinburgh Part 1 Review
The Seven Deadly Sins: Grudge of Edinburgh Part 1 is an entertaining return for fans that feels incomplete, even more so for newcomers.
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol Review
Netflix’s Scrooge: A Christmas Carol manages to delight thanks to solid animation, a lively cast, and strong musical performances.
The Curse of Bridge Hollow Review
Netflix's The Curse of Bridge Hollow is a mundane introduction to horror, with a bit of charm sprinkled in for good measure.
Entergalactic Review
Entergalactic proves to be more than just a visual playlist. It’s actually a dope animated film in its own right.
Drifting Home Review
While a little uneven in parts, Netflix's Drifting Home manages to deliver a solid heartfelt journey through various aspects of grief.
Netflix's Day Shift Review - A Violently Amusing Horror Film
Jaime Foxx's first foray into horror is a campy, yet wildly entertaining film.
Netflix's The Sea Beast Review - A familiar, yet engaging adventure story
Netflix's The Sea Beast is a wonderfully animated movie that sports a grand cast and solid storytelling.
Incantation Review
Netflix's Incantation is a decent found footage film, elevated by its eerie atmosphere and strong cast.
Netflix's Choose Or Die Review - A Horror Thriller That's Better Than Expected
Essentially, Choose or Die is a solid B-film that's worth checking out on a Friday night.
Netflix's The Dirt Review
Netflix's The Dirt chronicles the notorious '80s hair band Mötley Crüe in an entertaining if incomplete fashion.
Netflix's IO Review
Netflix’s IO provides a different take on a familiar premise. The story is intimate in nature, with a plot that highlights the importance of relationships – not just between partners or family members, but relationships in general. Its pacing and lack of urgency betrays the drama though. That's not enough to be described as boring, but enough to give one pause before choosing it as their movie for the night.
Netflix's Malevolent Review
The last thing a filmmaker wants to hear about their horror movie is that it was boring. Unfortunately, that word best describes Malevolent. Void of scares, its few engaging moments early on – and Celia Imrie’s acting – just aren’t enough to help Malevolent rise above its stilted performances and nonthreatening ghosts.
Patient Zero Review
The elements of a great film, like the fresh take on the zombie/infected monster-type and the potential of some thought-provoking themes, are present. The setting is also ripe for horror. Patient Zero utilizes none of this, instead opting for a mediocre zombie experience. And while I wouldn’t say that the film is boring, it certainly isn’t as exciting as the premise makes it seem.
Mandy Review
Mandy is a refreshing, unbridled riff on the familiar horror story of a wronged person who exacts revenge on the bad guys in horrible fashion. That said, it does struggle in parts. While giving director Panos Cosmatos the freedom to create without limits was advantageous in delivering his vision, it also proved harmful for the finished product. Proper editing would have gone a long way to make Mandy even better.
Netflix's Extinction Review
Netflix's Extinction has its moments but is marred by a familiar premise, an uneven pace and a weak lead performance.
Kings Review
Kings' fragmented treatment fails in delivering a compelling story. It also lacks the depth and clarity needed to convey a solid message, which one can assume was the purpose given the liberal use of certain politically charged images and sound bites. The potential was there for something grand though.
Netflix's The Legacy of a Whitetail Deer Hunter Review
The team behind Eastbound & Down and Vice Principals disappoint with Netflix's The Legacy of a Whitetail Deer Hunter.
Escape Plan 2: Hades Review
Escape Plan 2: Hades fails to recapture what made the previous film a decent watch. It doesn’t offer up any thrills, compelling characters or humor. It’s simply adequate and so incredibly boring, which isn’t an adjective a fan would normally use when describing this sort of film.
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TV/Streaming Reviews
My Dad the Bounty Hunter: Season 1 Review
Though somewhat formulaic, My Dad the Bounty Hunter is a fun and all-around engaging show for the whole family.
Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre Review
Netflix’s Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre is another adaptation that fails to produce an animated experience worthy of Ito’s original work.
Sonic Prime: Season 1 Review
Sonic Prime is a fun, family-friendly animated show for new and longtime Sonic the Hedgehog fans.
Blockbuster: Season 1 Review
Netflix's Blockbuster has its charm, but derivative storytelling and an absence of humor sink what could have been a great show.
Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities Review
While Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities isn’t the genre-defining horror anthology fans hoped for, it still provides a hauntingly memorable experience.
Spriggan: Season 1 Review
Netlfix's Spriggan is a solid fan-centered anime that doesn't quite live up to its classic film adaptation.
Raising Dion: Season 2 Review
Raising Dion Season 2 improves on what came prior. It continues to tell a decent superhero story, with the most compelling bits still being the show’s family dynamic.
Netflix's Raising Dion: Season 1 Review
Raising Dion starts off well enough. It tells a decent superhero story, offers a few laughs – there’s even a decent twist towards the end. The show is at its best when it focuses on depicting Nicole’s struggles though. Her efforts to keep her super-powered son safe, amid all of the normal challenges single parents face, is bound to resonate with audiences. That is, if they can get over the bad CGI, poor pacing, and shaky child acting.
Table Top Reviews
UFG Goes Hands on With DC Comics Dice Masters: War of Light!
The DC Comics Dice Masters: War of Light is a great addition to the Dice Masters series. And while that’s mostly due to the fact that the base Dice Master game is so good, it’s nice to be able to play as our favorite Lanterns.
UFG Goes Hands on With D&D Icons of the Realms: Rage of Demons!
I really dig these miniatures – so much so that I’d recommend getting them just for collection sake. They all are artistically designed, aren’t too flimsy, and they span are range of characters.
UFG Goes Hands on With Dungeon Roll!
Dungeon Roll is a great tabletop experience waiting to happen. I really enjoyed my time playing, so much so that I plan on getting the game’s expansions. Tasty Minstrel Games should invest in more games designed by Chris Darden.