Geek Culture Reviews

Amy Jo Johnson returns to the Power Rangers to tell a poignant tale of love and loss… For most people of my age, we all grew up watching Mighty Morphin Power Rangers on television. The show became an instant hit and spawned countless toy lines, video games, movies, comic books, and a heck of a lot more.  Now to celebrate the shows 30th Anniversary (has it really been that long!?) Amy Jo Johnson , the original Pink Ranger, has teamed up with writer Matt Hotson to craft a “what-if” tale that’s arguably the continuation of the original series that is old timers have been waiting for. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return takes place in a future where 22 years prior to the comic, the Rangers defeated Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd. After their victory the team goes their separate ways, yet remain tied together through their time as Power Rangers. Now in the present day the team have grown up and faced their own problems and challenges. However something evil is lurking in the darkness ...

Declan Shalvey bows out of Alien with a bang… It seems like only yesterday we were introduced to Zasha and her scientist family on the frozen planet of LV-695. Across this first arc veteran writer Declan Shalvey slowly creeped in the horror as the Xenomorph awaited the families discovery underneath the frozen tundra. From that moment onward, Zasha’s world fell apart as Wayland-Yutani descended onto LV-695.  This current arc dubbed ‘ Descendent’ continued Zasha’s journey by sending her back to LV-695. While we could have retread old ground, Shalvey instead opts for a strong story about family, and what our descendants might inherit further down the years. And of course, there’s plenty of Xenomorph action too!  Alien #4 picks up in the immediate aftermath of the previous issues conclusion. Zasha’s short reunion with the remains of father figure Cole were short lived as Jun Yutani arrived to drop quite an unexpected bombshell - Dayton is the Synth that’s been featured in the fl...

Rob reviews Witch Rise on PlayStation 5… It seems like every week indie powerhouse Ratalaika Games brings a new indie title to console store fronts. Where January seems to be a quiet month for AAA titles, it is the perfect time to sample some indie delights. With price points that don’t necessarily break those post-Christmas bank balances, it’s no big loss if the title in question is a done-in-one to never return.  Witch Rise is one of those titles.  Don’t get me wrong, Witch Rise does have some charming features to it, but it’s one that’s probably only going to be played for those of us who like those illusive platinum trophies. Coming in with a playtime that can be done in a little under 90 minutes with 12 simple unmissable trophies, Witch Rise is one that’ll be done and dusted pretty quick.  Taking inspiration from the likes of  DOOM , Witch Rise is a colourful pixel art romp through a strange world featuring four unique biomes. As you progress through this wor...

Rob reviews DreadOut 2 on Nintendo Switch… I’m a fan of horror titles, and anything from fighting ghostly apparitions, to hiding from a seemingly unstoppable monsters are a big hit in my book. Horror games are done well when they make the player unsettled, but give them enough rope to come back for more. A good example of this is Alien Isolation - which I think is a title that’s still not been beat in terms of making you feel truly trapped in a nightmare. The same can also be said for the 2001 PlayStation 2 title Project Zero (Fatal Frame if you’re not in Europe or Australia). Project Zero cast you as Miku Hinasaki who only armed with a camera had to battle supernatural forces whilst attempting to save her brother. The dark corridors were unsettling enough - and that’s before you used the camera to realise you weren’t alone.  DreadOut 2 is very much like these two horror heavyweights. And it’s a title that I’m glad to have experienced. Even if it’s on the Nintendo Switch.  ...

Rob (and Grace) review Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic on Xbox Series X… Back when Grace was a wee toddler we’d always have fun looking through those hidden object books. From the brain teasers of Where’s Wally (Waldo for you Americans), to the likes of Meerkat’s, Wookiee’s, and Penguins, we’ve hunted for them all. Some times we’d be successful, and other times we’d give up. But we’d always have a fun time looking at the crazy goings on that adorn each page. Now that she’s 14 it’s very rare that Grace wants to do anything with her old man that doesn’t involve Overwatch 2. So it did come as a surprise when she wanted to sit down with me and hunt some inanimate objects across various historical locations Where Hidden Through Time 2 is a recent title for the Xbox, it has been available on PC and Mac for a few months. It’s a casual game that’s perfect for any age group, and any ability. It’s gorgeous hand drawn art draws you into the page, and the sheer amount of maps and hidden ...