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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle in Video Games
Jun 19, 2019
Nintendo Switch owners will likely be thrilled with the amazing new title for the system which for me has been the best reason for owning the system.
Mario vs. Rabbids: Kingdom Battle blends the iconic Nintendo characters with the Ubisoft Rabbids in a new turn based adventure that fans will love.
Mario, Yoshi, Luigi, and others blend with the mischievous Rabbids after a hysterical accident combines the two franchises.
Using a guide, players will move across a map, collecting coins as they go which can be used to upgrade your gear at various times.
When players enter certain arenas, the game becomes a turn based tactical combat game. Think X-Com but more family friendly and you begin to understand the fun and challenges that await them.
A typical round involves players moving to a point on the field, taking cover, and firing an attack shot at an enemy. Players may also opt to use a defensive skill when available or charge in for a close-quarters attack.
Should players complete the round with at least one of their three players still standing, they can move onto a new area and fight a new set of challenges.
I was doing very well until the first Mid-Boss who along with his minions presented a large challenge. The game gave me the option to play in an easier mode, but that did not seem to matter much as the enemies used travel tubes, exploding boxes, and other tactics to dominate.
Being able to upgrade your weapons is a big help as often the extra amount of damage you can deal an enemy is the key to winning a battle or failing miserably.
The game offers a co-op mode for players looking to play with another player and it is an easy game to play, but one that is very difficult to master.
The Game did very well at E3 when it was announced and won several awards which are well-deserved as after several days of playing the game, I am not bored with it at all and still keep coming back to it again and again.
This is a big deal for me as I often become bored with Nintendo games after a few days as I often find the dated graphics and gameplay difficult to hold my attention for long compared to other options that are out there. This time, I found a game that I love and enjoy the challenge and whimsical blend of styles which makes this one the first real reason to own a Nintendo Switch as I have found it far more enjoyable than any other title currently available for the system, Zelda included.
http://sknr.net/2017/08/28/mario-vs-rabbids-kingdom-battle/
Mario vs. Rabbids: Kingdom Battle blends the iconic Nintendo characters with the Ubisoft Rabbids in a new turn based adventure that fans will love.
Mario, Yoshi, Luigi, and others blend with the mischievous Rabbids after a hysterical accident combines the two franchises.
Using a guide, players will move across a map, collecting coins as they go which can be used to upgrade your gear at various times.
When players enter certain arenas, the game becomes a turn based tactical combat game. Think X-Com but more family friendly and you begin to understand the fun and challenges that await them.
A typical round involves players moving to a point on the field, taking cover, and firing an attack shot at an enemy. Players may also opt to use a defensive skill when available or charge in for a close-quarters attack.
Should players complete the round with at least one of their three players still standing, they can move onto a new area and fight a new set of challenges.
I was doing very well until the first Mid-Boss who along with his minions presented a large challenge. The game gave me the option to play in an easier mode, but that did not seem to matter much as the enemies used travel tubes, exploding boxes, and other tactics to dominate.
Being able to upgrade your weapons is a big help as often the extra amount of damage you can deal an enemy is the key to winning a battle or failing miserably.
The game offers a co-op mode for players looking to play with another player and it is an easy game to play, but one that is very difficult to master.
The Game did very well at E3 when it was announced and won several awards which are well-deserved as after several days of playing the game, I am not bored with it at all and still keep coming back to it again and again.
This is a big deal for me as I often become bored with Nintendo games after a few days as I often find the dated graphics and gameplay difficult to hold my attention for long compared to other options that are out there. This time, I found a game that I love and enjoy the challenge and whimsical blend of styles which makes this one the first real reason to own a Nintendo Switch as I have found it far more enjoyable than any other title currently available for the system, Zelda included.
http://sknr.net/2017/08/28/mario-vs-rabbids-kingdom-battle/
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated The Birds (1963) in Movies
Mar 6, 2018
Amazing Film
Before disaster strikes, The Birds lures you into a false sense of comfort with beautiful scenic shots from a drop-top driving up the side of a mountain pass to a small boat pacing its way through the vast Pacific. If you're smart or pay any attention to movie history at all, you know what's coming next. I can only help but imagine how original audiences must have felt seeing all this serenity before being hit with a rude awakening. The word "jarred" comes to mind.
When Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren) shows up in a sleepy, California coastal town, her visit turns sour when the town's birds start to randomly attack the population. The film is a thrill ride from beginning to end, relying on the tension of the unsettling and unusual to rattle your mind. Seagulls are attacking randomly. The chickens aren't eating. The next thing you know, a man is found in his bedroom with his eyes pecked out (very memorable shot) and it's off to the races.
Because of the tension from one moment to the next, every scene then becomes memorable. I'll never forget the scene where Melanie and Mitch (Rod Taylor) are walking past watching crows on their way to pick up Cathy (Veronica Cartwright). You know those birds can strike at anytime which had me waiting on the edge of my seat.
And this is where the genius of Hitchcock comes in. To be able to take something that sounds so minor on paper and make it a major deal in your mind is not an easy thing to do. He makes it look effortless. I give the film a 98.
When Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren) shows up in a sleepy, California coastal town, her visit turns sour when the town's birds start to randomly attack the population. The film is a thrill ride from beginning to end, relying on the tension of the unsettling and unusual to rattle your mind. Seagulls are attacking randomly. The chickens aren't eating. The next thing you know, a man is found in his bedroom with his eyes pecked out (very memorable shot) and it's off to the races.
Because of the tension from one moment to the next, every scene then becomes memorable. I'll never forget the scene where Melanie and Mitch (Rod Taylor) are walking past watching crows on their way to pick up Cathy (Veronica Cartwright). You know those birds can strike at anytime which had me waiting on the edge of my seat.
And this is where the genius of Hitchcock comes in. To be able to take something that sounds so minor on paper and make it a major deal in your mind is not an easy thing to do. He makes it look effortless. I give the film a 98.
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated Final Shadows (A Bishop Files Novel, Book 3) in Books
Apr 26, 2019
I adore Kay Hooper and the Bishop/SCU/Haven stories. That being said, these Bishop Files novels don’t seem to have the same….punch, if you will, as the main stories. This was a disappointing end to the trilogy, and a disappointing installment in the Bishop/SCU universe.
Almost the entire book is the characters talking. Explaining what happened over the last two books and why, explaining what’s going to happen and why, explaining what they need to do to end the “war.” SO.MUCH.TALKING. Even when action moments took place, they were over far too quickly, and then – you guessed it – back to talking, because evidently they found it necessary to dissect every little moment. Not even Bishop or Miranda were excluded from this overly descriptive narrative. At this point in the series, did we really need a rehash of what everyone’s powers/abilities are?
The ending of this book made me say “What?? UGH. That’s how it’s ending?”
Looking forward to eventually returning to the main SCU storyline.
Almost the entire book is the characters talking. Explaining what happened over the last two books and why, explaining what’s going to happen and why, explaining what they need to do to end the “war.” SO.MUCH.TALKING. Even when action moments took place, they were over far too quickly, and then – you guessed it – back to talking, because evidently they found it necessary to dissect every little moment. Not even Bishop or Miranda were excluded from this overly descriptive narrative. At this point in the series, did we really need a rehash of what everyone’s powers/abilities are?
The ending of this book made me say “What?? UGH. That’s how it’s ending?”
Looking forward to eventually returning to the main SCU storyline.
Merissa (14206 KP) rated Light a Candle for the Beast in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.
This is a short re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. It is only 24 pages long so doesn't take long to read at all. However, during those 24 pages you will be immersed in the story and given a depth of detail usually only found in longer books. This is the story as told by 'Belle's' sister - not someone heard of much at all in the Disney version. In the original version, she did have two older sisters so this is more true to that than the other.
Fairytales used to be dark, usually with at least one warning of what could happen if you weren't careful. Light a Candle for the Beast shows just what can happen if one of your family is mistreated by someone who doesn't care.
Very well written, clear and concise with characters that are detailed even within a short space of time. Definitely recommended for fans of darker fairytales and fantasy.
This is a short re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. It is only 24 pages long so doesn't take long to read at all. However, during those 24 pages you will be immersed in the story and given a depth of detail usually only found in longer books. This is the story as told by 'Belle's' sister - not someone heard of much at all in the Disney version. In the original version, she did have two older sisters so this is more true to that than the other.
Fairytales used to be dark, usually with at least one warning of what could happen if you weren't careful. Light a Candle for the Beast shows just what can happen if one of your family is mistreated by someone who doesn't care.
Very well written, clear and concise with characters that are detailed even within a short space of time. Definitely recommended for fans of darker fairytales and fantasy.
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2672 KP) rated The Tale of the Tenpenny Tontine in Books
May 16, 2025
Tickle Your Funny Bone with this Tale
Anty is developing a reputation for solving sticky problems, so a friend reaches out to him when two relatives die in a duel. Since a family fortune is on the line, who dies first is important. However, Anty has hardly looked at the scene before he realizes it was murder. Considering the victims were found in a locked room, how did the killer pull it off?
I’ve got to make time to read this series faster, because this was another wonderful entry. The mystery was sufficiently puzzling with plenty to keep me engaged. And we reached a logical climax that explained the how and the who. The characters are a little thin, but that is in service to the comedy. The laughs come from a very dry British wit and plenty of sarcasm. I was laughing on page one, and smiling or laughing the rest of the way through the book. If that’s what you are in the mood for, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
I’ve got to make time to read this series faster, because this was another wonderful entry. The mystery was sufficiently puzzling with plenty to keep me engaged. And we reached a logical climax that explained the how and the who. The characters are a little thin, but that is in service to the comedy. The laughs come from a very dry British wit and plenty of sarcasm. I was laughing on page one, and smiling or laughing the rest of the way through the book. If that’s what you are in the mood for, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2672 KP) rated Death at Tidal Creek in Books
Mar 18, 2026
Murder is Garbage
Clark Thomas is slowing building a relationship with Andrea, who has just opened a business next door to his bookstore. So when two people are found dead near the garbage bins at Tidal Creek Brewery, near where Andrea lives, Clark takes note, especially when one of the is the president of Andrea’s HOA. But it’s only when Andrea finds herself involved in the HOA that Clark fully gets involved. It turns out the late president was up to some shady business. Is that why he was killed?
As always, this book had great beach vibes. I’m curious how the love triangle storyline is going to get resolved. We did get some good growth in Clark, interesting new characters, and a couple more tantalizing clues to his wife’s murder. The main mystery was good. I figured out a piece early but didn’t have it all put together. The ending was a bit exposition heavy as always, but my questions were answered. If you are looking for a beach vibe mystery, this is the book, and series, for you.
As always, this book had great beach vibes. I’m curious how the love triangle storyline is going to get resolved. We did get some good growth in Clark, interesting new characters, and a couple more tantalizing clues to his wife’s murder. The main mystery was good. I figured out a piece early but didn’t have it all put together. The ending was a bit exposition heavy as always, but my questions were answered. If you are looking for a beach vibe mystery, this is the book, and series, for you.
David McK (3929 KP) rated Infernal Devices (Mortal Engines #3) in Books
Dec 12, 2021
Third entry in Philip Reeve 's Mortal Engines quartet, set 16 years after the end of Predator's Gold, and which largely shifts the focus away from Tom Natsworthy and Hester Shaw onto their daughter Wren, whilst also - at least in the first section - finishing off the story of Freya and Caul (the former Lost Boy).
As before, I found this to be uncertain of its own identity: the language and general style of the prose would lead you to believe it was written for children (or even the so-called tweenage audience), but then you get into the 'meat' of the story, with child slavery, death and mutilation all abounding!
Professor Pennyroyal also makes a return, with Hester Shaw herself coming across more - in this - as a complex anti-villain than she did in the previous entries, and with this also seeing the return of the Stalkers Shrike and Fang, both of whom largely drive the plot.
Worth a read, but maybe not the best 'jumping-on' point.
As before, I found this to be uncertain of its own identity: the language and general style of the prose would lead you to believe it was written for children (or even the so-called tweenage audience), but then you get into the 'meat' of the story, with child slavery, death and mutilation all abounding!
Professor Pennyroyal also makes a return, with Hester Shaw herself coming across more - in this - as a complex anti-villain than she did in the previous entries, and with this also seeing the return of the Stalkers Shrike and Fang, both of whom largely drive the plot.
Worth a read, but maybe not the best 'jumping-on' point.