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As fans who grew up on button-mashing action become game developers, beat’em-ups are having a moment right now. This genre is fueled by nostalgia, but it’s driven forward with each new release willing to change up the classic formula. One of the best recent examples is Young Souls, a 2D brawler / RPG hybrid that merges modern day gaming with its retro roots.
Developed by 1P2P and published by The Arcade Crew, it’s obvious from Young Souls’ pedigree that it knows the 2D streets (of rage) it came from. The game goes deeper than that – literally – when twin orphans, Tristan and Jenn, discover their adopted father has been kidnapped. Mounting a rescue requires the twins to descend into a subterranean society.
Jenn & Tristan will equip weapons, armor, and more in search of their legal guardian. As they descend into combat the underground hordes, combinations of movement with attack and jump buttons can be expected. Young Souls’ RPG influence adds parrying / blocking, secondary weapons, and mana-based attacks.
The challenge here is a mechanic tied to Young Souls’ characters themselves. Jenn and Tristan are a matched set: either via two player co-op or a single player alternating between twins. Downed players can be resuscitated once apiece, but losing all health on both twins results in an express trip back to the entrance.
Thankfully, the eventual return trip allows you to keep whatever experience and items you found on your last delve for leveling up your character. This can only be done outside of the underground, which encourages players to get to know the less-violent locals and upgrade their characters.
All the while, Young Souls distinguishes itself with eye-catching art direction. Its pastel palette of digital paper dolls is immediately engaging. Practically every piece of clothing and equipment can be visibly altered on Tristan & Jenn. The result balances between YA animated series like Disney’s Gravity Falls and Netflix’s Trollhunter.
Young Souls expresses this balance both narratively and mechanically, as the hybrid mechanics attempt to reconcile its two genre influences. Take the ‘Happy Fit Gym’ minigame. Every two experience levels, the characters gain access to the gym’s stat-boosting minigame. Maximum gains require carefully tapping a button to keep within a constantly moving target.
Staying within this ‘sweet spot’ earns a rating of up to five stars, but it’s tricky to manage. It’s a tension felt throughout the game, especially on the Switch. Loading times can be rough, with hectic fights resulting in screen tearing, slowdown, and crashes. In 2-player mode, it’s even possible to lose one of the characters offscreen if the twins fight too far apart.
In the end, these critiques should be weighed against the ways in which Young Souls is trying to push the boundaries of the genres it’s straddling. An RPG beat’em-up with tag-teaming combo capabilities is a rare beast. Young Souls’ 2D planes reveal surprising depth. Here’s hoping this new potential hybrid genre is given room enough to grow.
SCORE: 8.0 out of 10 Mana Potions
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The post ‘Young Souls’ Rage Beneath the Streets appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
As fans who grew up on button-mashing action become game developers, beat’em-ups are having a moment right now. This genre is fueled by nostalgia, but it’s driven forward with each new release willing to change up the classic formula. One of the best recent examples is Young Souls, a 2D brawler / RPG hybrid that merges modern day gaming with its retro roots.
Developed by 1P2P and published by The Arcade Crew, it’s obvious from Young Souls’ pedigree that it knows the 2D streets (of rage) it came from. The game goes deeper than that – literally – when twin orphans, Tristan and Jenn, discover their adopted father has been kidnapped. Mounting a rescue requires the twins to descend into a subterranean society.
Jenn & Tristan will equip weapons, armor, and more in search of their legal guardian. As they descend into combat the underground hordes, combinations of movement with attack and jump buttons can be expected. Young Souls’ RPG influence adds parrying / blocking, secondary weapons, and mana-based attacks.
The challenge here is a mechanic tied to Young Souls’ characters themselves. Jenn and Tristan are a matched set: either via two player co-op or a single player alternating between twins. Downed players can be resuscitated once apiece, but losing all health on both twins results in an express trip back to the entrance.
Thankfully, the eventual return trip allows you to keep whatever experience and items you found on your last delve for leveling up your character. This can only be done outside of the underground, which encourages players to get to know the less-violent locals and upgrade their characters.
All the while, Young Souls distinguishes itself with eye-catching art direction. Its pastel palette of digital paper dolls is immediately engaging. Practically every piece of clothing and equipment can be visibly altered on Tristan & Jenn. The result balances between YA animated series like Disney’s Gravity Falls and Netflix’s Trollhunter.
Young Souls expresses this balance both narratively and mechanically, as the hybrid mechanics attempt to reconcile its two genre influences. Take the ‘Happy Fit Gym’ minigame. Every two experience levels, the characters gain access to the gym’s stat-boosting minigame. Maximum gains require carefully tapping a button to keep within a constantly moving target.
Staying within this ‘sweet spot’ earns a rating of up to five stars, but it’s tricky to manage. It’s a tension felt throughout the game, especially on the Switch. Loading times can be rough, with hectic fights resulting in screen tearing, slowdown, and crashes. In 2-player mode, it’s even possible to lose one of the characters offscreen if the twins fight too far apart.
In the end, these critiques should be weighed against the ways in which Young Souls is trying to push the boundaries of the genres it’s straddling. An RPG beat’em-up with tag-teaming combo capabilities is a rare beast. Young Souls’ 2D planes reveal surprising depth. Here’s hoping this new potential hybrid genre is given room enough to grow.
SCORE: 8.0 out of 10 Mana Potions
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The post ‘Young Souls’ Rage Beneath the Streets appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
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Greetings to our loyal Afronerd Radio listeners and avid supporters. Listen to a new episode of The Mid Week in Review airing this and every Wednesday at 8 p.m. on the BTalk 100 internet broadcasting platform. Check out the latest meanderings of your Khonshu-powered AFROnerdists discussing the following (mid) weekly issues: legendary comedian, Dave Chappelle, is attacked by a wannabe rapper for no apparent reason while performing at the Hollywood Bowl to a packed audience. Has the Will Smith-Chris Rock debacle from a few weeks ago exacerbated more attacks on controversial comedians?
The nation reacts to news reports affirming that a leaked draft of an upcoming Supreme Court decision to overturn 1973's Roe vs. Wade pro-abortion decision is in fact real; a new DC animated trailer entitled, Green Lantern: Beware My Power, (John Stewart GL version) hit the cyberverse today;
Our thoughts about the early reviews of the highly-anticpated marvel event film, Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness; Moon Knight on Disney plus concludes with today's season (versus series) finale we have our thoughts; The Comics Beat highlights DC animated shorts through the iconic works of Jack Kirby and Darwyn Cooke; an RPG based on the longstanding Blade Runner film franchise garnered almost 1M in investment funding in one day on Kickstarter ; And lastly, if time permits, the crew will touch on Gun Honey comic news, a proposed Viola Davis -Amanda Wallace HBO Max solo series and the new CW Tom Swift trailer:
One thing that Dburt is doing (finally) is investing in cryptocurrency, courtesy of Roundlyx. We would implore our followers to investigate, discern and then explore by using our referral code: afro-87A4BF
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Boost your child’s motor skills, imagination, and more with our list of the best baby ball pits!
Baby ball pits are a great toy that can be used for both indoor and outdoor play, and I’m not talking about the ones at Chuck E. Cheese (which they don’t have anymore). If you’re interested, go here for an awesome deep dive into the history of the ball pit.
For our list of the best baby ball pits, we’ve got ball pits for babies and toddlers as well as tent and tunnel ball pit combination toys. Many of the baby ball pits available develop cognitive skills, offering calming sensory experiences, and encourage imaginative social play. So, basically, your child will be having a ball !
Speaking of, a lot of baby ball pits don’t actually come with balls, so go here to fix that. Also, while you’re at it, pick up some sanitizing wipes to keep those surfaces germ free!
Want more fun ways to entertain your little one? Be sure to check out our list of the best baby and toddler indoor and outdoor swings!
Ready to go? Then, let’s get rolling!
I was looking for a gift for my niece’s first birthday and wanted something unique and educational. I found this Melissa and Doug Turtle ball pit and fell in love. It encourages early childhood development in three key skill areas: physical, cognitive, and social. Further, it has a plush design that your little one can play in or climb on. As always, Melissa and Doug’s travel-ready turtle ball pit holds up to the company’s commitment to cute, high-quality, educational toys.
I reviewed sports-related indoor toys so my toddler could actively play inside on those rainy days without destroying my house. I came across the Little Tykes Slam Dunk Big Ball Pit and loved the design. Firstly, it’s perfect for indoor play and quickly inflates so your toddler can bounce around inside. Secondly, its 3-in-1 design can be used as a bouncer, ball pit, and basketball. Lastly, there’s an easy access crawl-through, so your child can safely enter and exit during playtime.
For even more Little Tikes toys for babies and toddlers, check out our list of Little Tikes swings and other outdoor toys!
Baby Ball Pit & Activity Gym Combo
The Infantino baby ball pit and activity gym combination is a great toy that offers versatility and multiple play options. I always love to find a multi-functional product that can grow as the child grows. With this, your little one can use it from infant to toddler stages. Further, this baby ball pit quickly transforms from a baby activity gym to a ball pit, and it’s easily packed away with the adorable storage sloth. With toys of different shapes, colors, and textures for motor skills development and sensory play, a linkable teether, and 40 play balls, your infant or toddler will have hours of playtime!
The memory foam ball pit is an excellent design for your toddler. Made from high-quality memory foam, non-toxic, and BPA-free, it’s cushy and safe, so you won’t have to worry about your little one getting hurt during playtime. In addition, the soft fleece material has a zippered design, allowing for easy cleaning by removing the outer lining.
The VTech Drop & Pop Ball Pit is perfect for younger children aged 9 to 36 months. If you’re looking for a fun, interactive, and educational toy that builds cognitive and problem-solving skills, this toy has all those features and more. Further, it comes with an interactive activity panel with a hoop that counts the balls. In addition, it features buttons that play imaginative phrases, animal sounds, and music.
If you are looking for a gated-in play area to keep your little one safely confined, this item fits the bill. With a length and width of 71 by 47 inches, your little one will have room to crawl and roll around. Further, the gate height of 25 inches, along with the pull-up rings, are perfect for learning to stand. Lastly, the mesh basketball hoop and soccer nets at the ends encourages active play for your toddler. Just be aware that it doesn’t come with balls, so you’ll need to pick up a pack or two of them.
If you’re looking for a unique and multi-use ball pit for your toddler, I recommend this ball pit and kiddie pool combination toy. Your toddler will have hours of fun swimming in the pool or playing in the ball pit. Even better, you can combine both by adding the balls to pool time. Further, you don’t have to blow up this ball pit and pool combination toy, which means there’s no need to worry about rips or water spills.
Rocket Play Tent and Tunnel Ball Pit
If your toddler loves imagination play, then the rocket tent and tunnel ball pit will provide hours of enjoyment. Have your toddler press the blastoff button, so space exploration sounds fill the room. Further, the easy storage and assembly make this ball pit portable, so your child never misses out on space exploration play.
If you are searching for the ultimate fun in ball pit and tunnel play for your toddler, look no further. With this combination of tents, tunnels, and ball pits, your child can crawl thru and explore for hours of fun. Not only is it large enough for multiple children to use, but it also encourages group play and problem-solving skills with its maze-like design. You can rearrange and add sections to increase outdoor and group play size or remove tunnels or tents for more compact indoor play.
Ocean-Themed Tunnel, Tent, & Ball Pit
This toy is an excellent option for any little ones learning to crawl or for toddlers who love to explore. Firstly, separate ball pit areas are attached between two tunnels, and one of the open ball pits includes a hoop for coordinated ball play. Secondly, it’s made with a durable mesh material, so you can easily unfold and set up, or fold and store, the tents and tunnels within minutes.
The 6-sided ball pit makes an excellent alternative to a playpen for your little movers. The 6-sided tent includes roll-up doors for older toddlers to enter and exit as they want. In addition, the windowed mesh sides allow you to observe your toddler’s playtime, and when done, you can easily wipe everything clean. Further, it pops up quickly, folds down easily, and fits into a small zippered bag for easy storage.
My child loves their hearts & starlights ball pit and tent toy, and so do I! Firstly, it stores easily, but also fits the bedroom’s decor when we do leave it up. Secondly, if you want to keep any toys and ball pit balls inside the tent, the front flap can be untied and lowered. Lastly, the string of star lights that come included add a nice glow during the evening. We use it as a night light until my child falls asleep.
Boost your child’s entrepreneurial spirit with this food truck play tent and ball pit. Perfect for any kid who loves mixing food and imaginative play. Roomy enough for multiple children, and spacious enough for kids up to 8 years old. The wide front door unzips for easy ins and outs, and the rear area is the ball pit. In addition, a set of fifty-four play foods come with it as well as a QR code to print a menu and fake money!
The post Best Baby Ball Pits Any Kid Will Love! appeared first on Geek Baby Clothes.