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Swami Satyananda from DeviMandir, Napa offers these free audio podcasts explaining his...
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Bendy and the Ink Machine in Video Games
Aug 14, 2019
Set in the long abandoned Joey Drew Studios, Bendy and the Ink Machine (“BatIM”) is a survival horror game with an aesthetic of classic cartoons of yesteryear. As Henry, you set about to revisit your old workshop after receiving a mysterious letter from your past employer. When Henry arrives at the shop, he finds duhn duhn duhn the Ink Machine. The Ink Machine is a rather large device that gushes out black ink and has mystical qualities. Henry then becomes trapped in the maze-like studio, though he soon finds that he is not alone. Like a creep in the shadows, Bendy, the Mickey Mouse of the Joey Drew Studios universe, is lurking. BatIM blends puzzle solving with first-person gameplay as you adventure through a studio brimming with horrors. The art style is reminiscent of Steamboat Willie, with a macabre twist. Instead of happy go-lucky little animals, we are bombarded with the sinister grin of Bendy as he emerges from the shadows.
Similar to other games with an episodic structure (e.g.: Alan Wake and Life is Strange), BatIM uses short levels to advance the story line in some intriguing ways. Love of Exploration will be your saving grace in this game, as each area requires some in order to advance to the next. The game is not fast-paced. On the contrary, it’s meant to be a slow experience for the player with sparse combat scenarios present only to add a brief moment of action. Your actions as Henry are very limited, as is his speed. With 5 chapters, the gameplay time is at just about hours, and the game uses every minute to pull you deeper into the dark world it has created.
I reviewed BatIM for the Nintendo Switch and found that the game was somewhat held back by the platform’s technical limitations. The biggest drawback I found was that textures would often blur and have jagged edges, with the shaky 30FPS frame rate just feeding fuel to this fire. This is a detriment to gaming’s purpose in keeping the players immersed in the environment. BatIM is meant to be tense, but I often found myself dispelled of the illusion due to blurry visuals and dropped frames. With a game designed so well, how unfortunate that this be its biggest flaw. Maybe this can be patched out, but we can only hope at this point.
BatIM developer, theMeatly Games, may have taken inspiration from Five Nights at Freddy’s as the gameplay and overall genre of the games are quite similar. The world is conceptualized using objects such as books and tapes found within the game instead of long cut scenes that can tend to take you out of the moment rather than add to it in games like these. As you delve deeper into the oubliette of a workshop, you’ll find that the gameplay is perfectly paired with the game’s sick and twisted visuals, proving that BatIM delivers on every level.
Bendy and the Ink Machine is available now on all major platforms.
Similar to other games with an episodic structure (e.g.: Alan Wake and Life is Strange), BatIM uses short levels to advance the story line in some intriguing ways. Love of Exploration will be your saving grace in this game, as each area requires some in order to advance to the next. The game is not fast-paced. On the contrary, it’s meant to be a slow experience for the player with sparse combat scenarios present only to add a brief moment of action. Your actions as Henry are very limited, as is his speed. With 5 chapters, the gameplay time is at just about hours, and the game uses every minute to pull you deeper into the dark world it has created.
I reviewed BatIM for the Nintendo Switch and found that the game was somewhat held back by the platform’s technical limitations. The biggest drawback I found was that textures would often blur and have jagged edges, with the shaky 30FPS frame rate just feeding fuel to this fire. This is a detriment to gaming’s purpose in keeping the players immersed in the environment. BatIM is meant to be tense, but I often found myself dispelled of the illusion due to blurry visuals and dropped frames. With a game designed so well, how unfortunate that this be its biggest flaw. Maybe this can be patched out, but we can only hope at this point.
BatIM developer, theMeatly Games, may have taken inspiration from Five Nights at Freddy’s as the gameplay and overall genre of the games are quite similar. The world is conceptualized using objects such as books and tapes found within the game instead of long cut scenes that can tend to take you out of the moment rather than add to it in games like these. As you delve deeper into the oubliette of a workshop, you’ll find that the gameplay is perfectly paired with the game’s sick and twisted visuals, proving that BatIM delivers on every level.
Bendy and the Ink Machine is available now on all major platforms.
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated Jar City in Books
Jan 15, 2018
What made this book enjoyable was how such an intricate web was spun throughout the novel giving the reader enough interest to keep reading. I was not sure what to expect from this book. Although I’ve heard good things about it I didn’t think I would be so engrossed and be flying through the pages to find out what will happen next.
I’m still not sure what to think of Erlandur as a character. Like most protagonists in series like these they usually have an underlying personal issue (whether it be health, or family for example) which he does have, but his personality I can’t really quite make out. He doesn’t seem to have much of one except he cares for his daughter and her well being even though they are estranged. He does have some sense of humor and wit but overall he appears to be driven by his work and hard working to solve the crime (we all need police like these don’t we?.)
I’m liking how his relationship with his daughter is turning out. It’s nice to see them slowly step away from their estrangement and it shows they do truly care for each other even though it’s done through yelling (most families are like that though, aren’t they?) It shows a lot of tough love, and I’m hoping the best for Eva Lind in the next books (I hope she appears as I’m slowly starting to like her more.)
What I enjoyed the most of this book was the plot like I mentioned earlier. It went from point A to point B but in such a dramatic motion it certainly kept you reading to find out what was going to happen next. The mood of the story also, was excellent. It was dark, dreary, melancholy, and although not suspenseful like the majority of the crime novels, it didn’t have to be. It made the setting suitable for the plot and made it more enjoyable.
One little thing I do have to add though, is the side story with the bride. I’m not sure why that was mentioned as it had little to do with the main story and it seemed like a filler. It wasn’t necessary as the plot itself was fine without it. I also enjoyed the ending of the book. It was sad, but you came to the realization it had to come to an ending like this.
As this is book #3 in its native language, it’s considered book #1 in its’ English translation. It seems all right and nothing seems to be lacking. Perhaps a bit of backstory might have helped but it was comprehensible to read. Greatly recommended! It’s a great break from the usual detective novels we have out there.
I’m still not sure what to think of Erlandur as a character. Like most protagonists in series like these they usually have an underlying personal issue (whether it be health, or family for example) which he does have, but his personality I can’t really quite make out. He doesn’t seem to have much of one except he cares for his daughter and her well being even though they are estranged. He does have some sense of humor and wit but overall he appears to be driven by his work and hard working to solve the crime (we all need police like these don’t we?.)
I’m liking how his relationship with his daughter is turning out. It’s nice to see them slowly step away from their estrangement and it shows they do truly care for each other even though it’s done through yelling (most families are like that though, aren’t they?) It shows a lot of tough love, and I’m hoping the best for Eva Lind in the next books (I hope she appears as I’m slowly starting to like her more.)
What I enjoyed the most of this book was the plot like I mentioned earlier. It went from point A to point B but in such a dramatic motion it certainly kept you reading to find out what was going to happen next. The mood of the story also, was excellent. It was dark, dreary, melancholy, and although not suspenseful like the majority of the crime novels, it didn’t have to be. It made the setting suitable for the plot and made it more enjoyable.
One little thing I do have to add though, is the side story with the bride. I’m not sure why that was mentioned as it had little to do with the main story and it seemed like a filler. It wasn’t necessary as the plot itself was fine without it. I also enjoyed the ending of the book. It was sad, but you came to the realization it had to come to an ending like this.
As this is book #3 in its native language, it’s considered book #1 in its’ English translation. It seems all right and nothing seems to be lacking. Perhaps a bit of backstory might have helped but it was comprehensible to read. Greatly recommended! It’s a great break from the usual detective novels we have out there.
This thriller had my heart racing, and surprised me at every turn!
I received an ARC of this novel in the mail, I was so excited! As much as I love a digital ARC, holding a real book in my hands pre-publication was next level. I was delighted. Anyhow...SOFT spoilers ahead. Not worth marking as spoilers but just a warning if you'd like to go in completely blind.
What a fun read! I was hooked within the first few pages. The premise seems so simple - Joe is driving in London traffic when his son, in the backseat, spots mommy's car across the road. They decide to surprise her and Joe sees her with another man...her best friends husband, Ben. Sounds so predictable, right? Joe decides to confront the man, since he already knows him after all, and he doesn't want to believe his wife would be unfaithful. We all want to hear the simple explanation that clears up what we genuinely hope is a misunderstanding. Unfortunately, this particular conversation becomes a physical altercation when Ben becomes aggressive, and he ends up unconscious and bleeding on the ground in the parking structure. Joe's son begins to have an asthma attack, so he leaves him there. From there - the book gets really good. What happened to Ben? Wherever he ended up, he decides that the battle against Joe has begun. As Joe slowly finds himself the main suspect in a murder investigation, even without a body, the lies of his life begin to unravel all around him. You're so busy engrossed in figuring out the mystery that you miss the obvious truth right in front of you - much like Joe. The twist blindsided me, and I thoroughly enjoyed the clever way it was written and the way it tricks and leads your mind as you read. Thank you MacMillan Publishers and St. Martins Press! I am loaning it to friends and family next to spread the word!
What a fun read! I was hooked within the first few pages. The premise seems so simple - Joe is driving in London traffic when his son, in the backseat, spots mommy's car across the road. They decide to surprise her and Joe sees her with another man...her best friends husband, Ben. Sounds so predictable, right? Joe decides to confront the man, since he already knows him after all, and he doesn't want to believe his wife would be unfaithful. We all want to hear the simple explanation that clears up what we genuinely hope is a misunderstanding. Unfortunately, this particular conversation becomes a physical altercation when Ben becomes aggressive, and he ends up unconscious and bleeding on the ground in the parking structure. Joe's son begins to have an asthma attack, so he leaves him there. From there - the book gets really good. What happened to Ben? Wherever he ended up, he decides that the battle against Joe has begun. As Joe slowly finds himself the main suspect in a murder investigation, even without a body, the lies of his life begin to unravel all around him. You're so busy engrossed in figuring out the mystery that you miss the obvious truth right in front of you - much like Joe. The twist blindsided me, and I thoroughly enjoyed the clever way it was written and the way it tricks and leads your mind as you read. Thank you MacMillan Publishers and St. Martins Press! I am loaning it to friends and family next to spread the word!
Debbiereadsbook (1469 KP) rated Bridge of Bones (Brodyr Alarch #3) in Books
Apr 15, 2025
I loved how Mascen and Delyth had their own paths to tread and that they went off in different ways for a time
I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 of the Brodyr Alarch series and it can be read as a stand alone. However, I personally think you should read the previous books first. It will give you a better picture of this world, the people in it, and most importantly, of the Gods who meddle with the lives of their subjects! Arianrhod and Cerridwen love their people, and only want what's best for them. They don't make it easy for them though!
Mascen is pulled away from his schooling, and he doesn't know why or where he is going. He only knows he needs to leave and find the girl in his dream, literally. Delyth has lived in the tower forever, and it's all she knows. The handsome stranger popping up at her window was a bit of a shock, but he made her think. About why she was there and who Eirlys is and what she wants from Delyth.
So, a couple things! I said in my review for book 2, Feathers and Foxes, that I was loving the fact that I did not know the tales that Ms Sheppard is using as the basis for these stories. HERE, she uses the Rapunzel tale so I knew that one. I could not remember how she got out of the tower, though. And I think that's why I loved this so much, because my mind was not clouded with Rapunzel's tale, it was all about Mascen and Delyth.
I also said I loved the fact that they are clean! Still stand by that! I don't think these would work so well if they were explicit. There is love and passion, it's just all laid out for you!
I loved that it took time for Mascen and Delyth to meet! Nearly half way through the book until they meet. I loved how they had their own paths to tread and that they went off in different ways for a time.
It's full of wonderful descriptions of every day things. Like getting up and having breakfast! Simple things made wonderful. People, places and things. The world building is fabulous and I loved reading about new places in the world.
Couple of characters from previous books pop up and it was great catching up with them. I still think I'm going to have to wait for Gerallt's book though!
A wonderful 5 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 of the Brodyr Alarch series and it can be read as a stand alone. However, I personally think you should read the previous books first. It will give you a better picture of this world, the people in it, and most importantly, of the Gods who meddle with the lives of their subjects! Arianrhod and Cerridwen love their people, and only want what's best for them. They don't make it easy for them though!
Mascen is pulled away from his schooling, and he doesn't know why or where he is going. He only knows he needs to leave and find the girl in his dream, literally. Delyth has lived in the tower forever, and it's all she knows. The handsome stranger popping up at her window was a bit of a shock, but he made her think. About why she was there and who Eirlys is and what she wants from Delyth.
So, a couple things! I said in my review for book 2, Feathers and Foxes, that I was loving the fact that I did not know the tales that Ms Sheppard is using as the basis for these stories. HERE, she uses the Rapunzel tale so I knew that one. I could not remember how she got out of the tower, though. And I think that's why I loved this so much, because my mind was not clouded with Rapunzel's tale, it was all about Mascen and Delyth.
I also said I loved the fact that they are clean! Still stand by that! I don't think these would work so well if they were explicit. There is love and passion, it's just all laid out for you!
I loved that it took time for Mascen and Delyth to meet! Nearly half way through the book until they meet. I loved how they had their own paths to tread and that they went off in different ways for a time.
It's full of wonderful descriptions of every day things. Like getting up and having breakfast! Simple things made wonderful. People, places and things. The world building is fabulous and I loved reading about new places in the world.
Couple of characters from previous books pop up and it was great catching up with them. I still think I'm going to have to wait for Gerallt's book though!
A wonderful 5 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Top Gun: Maverick (2022) in Movies
Jun 1, 2022
The very definition of "Summer Flick"
There is absolutely no denying it - TOP GUN: MAVERICK is the very definition of a “Summer Blockbuster” movie - the kind of film that will appeal to a wide variety of audiences who want nothing more than to escape into a world of heroes (and villains), good vs. evil, with lots of fast chases and things exploding.
And that is just what you get with the sequel to the 1986 hit - a summer blockbuster, which will do well at the box office - just don’t expect tricky plot developments or in-depth character examinations. The plot and the characters are just there to deliver the blockbuster goods.
Bringing back the main character from the first TOP GUN film, Tom Cruise as Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, TOP GUN: MAVERICK shows Maverick 30 years (or so) after the events of the first film with “just one more” mission to go. Maverick is brought back to train a dozen hot-shot pilots, including one that is the son of his best friend - a friend who’s death Maverick has been traumatized by during the past 30 years.
Cruise, of course, is perfect in this role. He has the right blend of arrogance and charisma to pull of the fine balance needed between these two traits. Jennifer Connelly is on board as the requisite love interest and she more than holds her own with Cruise in what is an underwritten role as are all of the roles in this film by writer Peter Craig (BAD BOYS FOR LIFE) with Direction by Joseph Kosinski (OBLIVION).
Miles Teller (the son of the man who Maverick is mourning, who blames Maverick for his dad’s death), John Hamm (the a-hole boss that thinks that Maverick is “writing checks his body can’t cash”), Glen Powell (the arrogant young hot shot) and the rest are all one-note caricatures that leaves the audience not really caring about their fate.
Only Val Kilmer (reprising his role as “Iceman” from the first movie) comes out of this unscathed for his character is suffering from throat cancer and cannot speak above a whisper (much like Kilmer in real life). It was good to see him on the big screen again.
But…you don’t come to this film for the characters, you come to this picture for the high-flying action sequences, and…in the last part of this film…you get ‘em in spades! Unfortunately, you get way too LITTLE action in the first part of this film, it’s mostly nostalgic fond remembrances of the first film, so I found myself wriggling in my seat waiting for the action that I knew was to come.
It’s the perfect summer movie and one that is far more superior being seen on the big screen. It is the type of flick that one doesn’t have to pay to close attention to, but when it does grab your attention, it does it well…enough.
If you have the need…the need for speed…you can do much worse than TOP GUN: MAVERICK.
Letter Grade: B
7 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
And that is just what you get with the sequel to the 1986 hit - a summer blockbuster, which will do well at the box office - just don’t expect tricky plot developments or in-depth character examinations. The plot and the characters are just there to deliver the blockbuster goods.
Bringing back the main character from the first TOP GUN film, Tom Cruise as Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, TOP GUN: MAVERICK shows Maverick 30 years (or so) after the events of the first film with “just one more” mission to go. Maverick is brought back to train a dozen hot-shot pilots, including one that is the son of his best friend - a friend who’s death Maverick has been traumatized by during the past 30 years.
Cruise, of course, is perfect in this role. He has the right blend of arrogance and charisma to pull of the fine balance needed between these two traits. Jennifer Connelly is on board as the requisite love interest and she more than holds her own with Cruise in what is an underwritten role as are all of the roles in this film by writer Peter Craig (BAD BOYS FOR LIFE) with Direction by Joseph Kosinski (OBLIVION).
Miles Teller (the son of the man who Maverick is mourning, who blames Maverick for his dad’s death), John Hamm (the a-hole boss that thinks that Maverick is “writing checks his body can’t cash”), Glen Powell (the arrogant young hot shot) and the rest are all one-note caricatures that leaves the audience not really caring about their fate.
Only Val Kilmer (reprising his role as “Iceman” from the first movie) comes out of this unscathed for his character is suffering from throat cancer and cannot speak above a whisper (much like Kilmer in real life). It was good to see him on the big screen again.
But…you don’t come to this film for the characters, you come to this picture for the high-flying action sequences, and…in the last part of this film…you get ‘em in spades! Unfortunately, you get way too LITTLE action in the first part of this film, it’s mostly nostalgic fond remembrances of the first film, so I found myself wriggling in my seat waiting for the action that I knew was to come.
It’s the perfect summer movie and one that is far more superior being seen on the big screen. It is the type of flick that one doesn’t have to pay to close attention to, but when it does grab your attention, it does it well…enough.
If you have the need…the need for speed…you can do much worse than TOP GUN: MAVERICK.
Letter Grade: B
7 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Beep beep Alfie Atkins
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Beep beep! Welcome to the wonderful world of Alfie Atkins & friends. In this city builder game you...
Fashion Designer Girls Games - Prom Salon
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Are you willing to start making your own clothes collection? Eager to run your own "fashion shop" or...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Thick & Thin (THIRDS, #8) in Books
Jan 5, 2021
This one carries on from where the last one finished. Dex is now a human-therian hybrid and is trying to figure out how to tell his family and team mates about whats been going on with him lately.
It's a short one compared to most of the other books in this series but we still have quite a good storyline arc in it involving Wolf - one of Sparks' old colleagues - and how he's playing with them a little, which I'm sure will lead us right into the next one which is Seb and the doc's story that has been in the works for a handful of books.
I do love this group of friends. They are close and tease each other all the time but we've really gotten to know them over the last seven books and I think I'd have a serious meltdown if anything happened to any of them.
I accidentally bought book 9 a year or so ago, not realising I hadn't already got this one but now I've read it I can easily continue the story whenever I want - which will be soon, but not just yet.
If you like mm romances where the guys can kick butt then you will really like this series.
It's a short one compared to most of the other books in this series but we still have quite a good storyline arc in it involving Wolf - one of Sparks' old colleagues - and how he's playing with them a little, which I'm sure will lead us right into the next one which is Seb and the doc's story that has been in the works for a handful of books.
I do love this group of friends. They are close and tease each other all the time but we've really gotten to know them over the last seven books and I think I'd have a serious meltdown if anything happened to any of them.
I accidentally bought book 9 a year or so ago, not realising I hadn't already got this one but now I've read it I can easily continue the story whenever I want - which will be soon, but not just yet.
If you like mm romances where the guys can kick butt then you will really like this series.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Thick & Thin (THIRDS #8) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
3.5 stars.
This one carries on from where the last one finished. Dex is now a human-therian hybrid and is trying to figure out how to tell his family and team mates about whats been going on with him lately.
It's a short one compared to most of the other books in this series but we still have quite a good storyline arc in it involving Wolf - one of Sparks' old colleagues - and how he's playing with them a little, which I'm sure will lead us right into the next one which is Seb and the doc's story that has been in the works for a handful of books.
I do love this group of friends. They are close and tease each other all the time but we've really gotten to know them over the last seven books and I think I'd have a serious meltdown if anything happened to any of them.
I accidentally bought book 9 a year or so ago, not realising I hadn't already got this one but now I've read it I can easily continue the story whenever I want - which will be soon, but not just yet.
If you like mm romances where the guys can kick butt then you will really like this series.
This one carries on from where the last one finished. Dex is now a human-therian hybrid and is trying to figure out how to tell his family and team mates about whats been going on with him lately.
It's a short one compared to most of the other books in this series but we still have quite a good storyline arc in it involving Wolf - one of Sparks' old colleagues - and how he's playing with them a little, which I'm sure will lead us right into the next one which is Seb and the doc's story that has been in the works for a handful of books.
I do love this group of friends. They are close and tease each other all the time but we've really gotten to know them over the last seven books and I think I'd have a serious meltdown if anything happened to any of them.
I accidentally bought book 9 a year or so ago, not realising I hadn't already got this one but now I've read it I can easily continue the story whenever I want - which will be soon, but not just yet.
If you like mm romances where the guys can kick butt then you will really like this series.