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talking tom

Talking Tom and his POKE-A-THON!

Outfit7 is celebrating it’s 10 year anniversary of Talking Tom this summer! Talking Tom made his global debut in his first game in July 2010 and instantly became an overnight sensation! 10 years and 13 billion downloads later, Outfit7 is inviting fans to a special “POK-A-TOM’ event from July 20th to July 30th.

The reason behind this? Can Tom’s fans poke him 10 billion times in 10 days?

The anniversary event is taking place in a total of four of Tom’s most popular games: Talking Tom Cat, My Talking Tom, My Talking Tom 2, and My Talking Tom Friends.

During the celebration the total number of pokes will be displayed on a “POK-A-METER” on the Outfit7 official website. While if players manage to complete the challenge, (10 billion pokes) every player will be gifted a generous in-game currency bundle. More times Tom gets poked, the bigger the reward!

“Fans have poked Tom almost too many times to count since 2010,”  

“Over 400 million fans play with the games every month, so we wanted them to be included in the celebration by doing more of what they love – and getting fun rewards to enjoy with Tom in return!”

Xinyu Qian, CEO of Outfit7

Over The Years

Tom has changed a lot over the past 10 years. Tom has inspired the Talking Tom and Friends Franchise, which now includes a total of 23 mobile games, digital video content, which has over 56 billion views and a movie that’s in development! The original game was named as one of Android’s “Most Downloaded Games of All Time!”

Go ahead and poke Tom and see how many pokes we can all get by downloading his mobile games here:

Android / Apple

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Episode 367 Munya Chawawa

Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter Gaming: 1,000 Games for $5!

It’s time to celebrate some success! If you’re a gamer you are going to love this wonderful piece of news. The folks over at itch.io put together a bundle of games, well over 1,000 projects in fact. (Which totaled over $3400 of paid games!) – You can help this way with the Black Lives Matter movement by playing video games!

We live in a time of racial injustice, inequality and police brutality against black people. Therefore the folks over at itch.io decided to take a stand, in any way that they felt that they could.

Black Lives Matter: Gaming

So, they partnered with many different creators across their platform to help the many different organisations that are working directly with those affected.

They reached out to their community and an unprecedented amount of creators donated their projects. Which was over 1,000, to create the largest bundle ever.

The best part?

It was available with as part of a ‘Pay-What-You-Want’ scheme, with a minimum donation of $5. All of the proceeds were donated to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and Community Bail Fund at a split 50/50.

The amassed an amazing figure of OVER 8M DOLLARS! While the average contribution was a little over $10.

 

 

Unfortunately the bundle has now ended, but let us know if you were able to pick them up! What were they like? What was your favorite? Let us know via our socials @howtokillanhour across them all! How did you help with the Black Lives Matter movement? What games did you pick up?

(itch.io)

Check out the bundle that was available by clicking here! Check out “Randomise Users” overview of 25 of them online!

If you’re looking for more ways to help please click here!

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Virtual Reality Worlds Expand in Doctor Who and Peaky Blinders

A brand new Doctor Who trilogy is set to extend across VR, console, Switch and Mobile. Also, a Peaky Blinders VR game called The King’s Ransom! Virtual Reality is getting interesting indeed!

Maze Theory, the Virtual Reality studio that will develop both these amazing games. Are set to receive investment from the UK Creative Content EIS Fund. Furthermore they’ve been awarded a second grant from the Government’s UK Research and Innovation Body, UKRI!

Doctor Who & Peaky Blinders Expansion

Doctor Who franchise expansion will kick off next year! Launching a Playstation, Xbox, PC and switch game. Plus a horror/sci-fi mobile phone takeover game.

The three games create a trilogy of experiences. Doctor Who: The Edge of Time VR was the first.

It will include new mechanics, new subplots and iconic features! Such as the TARDIS, Daleks and the chance to collude with the Doctor herself.

The Kings Ransom, launches in 2021. Tommy Shelby, Arthur Shelby and Polly Gray features. Also it’s set in iconic locations such as The Garrison Pub and Charlies Yard. Furthermore, King’s Ransom will be a narrative driven action adventure!

What they’re saying….

“Maze Theory is evolving to the next level. We know from feedback that fans of shows like Doctor Who and Peaky Blinders crave new and exciting experiences across multiple devices and interwoven stories that create an overall experience far surpassing that of a single game.”

The world is facing challenging times right now, but the gaming sector continues to be resilient in times of economic uncertainty. These investments and our new content initiatives enable us to grow our fanbase and drive our business forward. We remain as committed as ever to delivering brilliant gaming experiences.” Maze Theory CEO, Ian Hambleton

 

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Episode 355 “Robbing Pete Tong” Ft Kelly Vero

Episode 354 Mr Midas Interviews Tifa! (Britt Baron)

Episode 353 Mr Midas Interviews Aerith! (Briana White)

Final Fantasy VII Remake Review

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Review: Is it worth an hour?

Final Fantasy VII Remake is THE game that all Final Fantasy fans are waiting for. Arguably one of the best games, Final Fantasy VII is getting remade for a modern look and a lick of paint. Is it worth an hour of your time? Watch and you'll see 😉

Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Thursday, 9 April 2020

Final Fantasy VII Remake

Final Fantasy 7 one of the most beloved video games EVER! , wanna know how beloved. We’re taking original, remastered, Prequel, Animated Movie, features in Super Smash Bros, Dissidia, Kingdom Hearts, FF7 manga and the list goes on. So to say the excitement for Final Fantasy 7 Remake is huge is an understatement. Check out our Final Fantasy VII Remake review below!

This review contains minor spoilers ahead. No story spoilers.

Final Fantasy 7, FF7, is the game that I always honour as the title that made me a hardcore gamer. So if it wasn’t for this title, I may have never worked in gaming.

So quick backstory for those of you who are like,So wtf? Is Final Fantasy 7?

The original is turn based role playing game created by Japanese development studio Square enix in January 1997!! Damnnn I’m getting old. FF7 released on the PS(one) took the world by storm, taking you on the adventures of Cloud, Tifa, Barrett and crew.

Now the Final Fantasy Remake is a new game brand a new vision inspired from original, now big man ting. I was super nervous starting this game, when I heard the opening sequence which matches the original to a t, my heart sank.

Long gone are the miss mash of shapes, trying to visually present 3D, we now have a beautiful, like stunning game, with colours that pop! MPCs who’re actually living out their lives and one of the best games I’ve seen on my 4K TV.

And man to see Cloud, Tifa and Barret in all their 3 dimensional glory. Mind blowing.

So does this beloved game, still make me  feel the same? Well yes, yes and no!

Yes!

So Final Fantasy 7 Remake, kept very true to most of the original story, but also added most of new things, including Seporath, the games glooming bad guy, he’s a major part of FF7R and messes with you through the game.

The game does an amazing job of helping you build relationships with characters, even characters like Jessie, who took a back seat in the original is a huge and major part of your story now. And midgar has a more realistic feel, the streets look like somewhere you may of visited or seen on your favourite TV show,

Yes

One of the reasons FF7 is loved and adored. Is it’s cast, FF7R feels so diverse, with characters of all different races livin together, and the leading cast is incredible;

Cloud strife, is beyond iconic and easily the most memorable in the FF series, his gruff loveable personality can’t be missed as he stores around with his giant busted sword. And he looks better than I could ever manage.

Barrett the gruff, strong black male who cares so for the planet, his people and his family more than anything and will die fighting to protect them, stays very true to the original although he’s very Mr T like.

The games leading ladies, Arieth, the caring girl next door, who is super funny and got banter for day’s, which really surprised me. Furthermore she looks stunning in that opening cutscene.

Also everyone’s favourite, Tifa, the strong, independent female, who can kick ass while looking super hot at the same time. Plus she showed a vulnerable side that I really enjoyed.

No!

Although we all reference the original game. Final Fantasy Remake is new title that’s basically redoing an old idea. One of the main changes is the the combat system. It has been completely rebuilt, and it’s soooo f** cold, the game goes all out with real time action, with options to choose your magic and special attacks, via menu. The combat is fast paced, colourful, dramatic and at times a challenge, you can take control of the all characters by pressing side on your D-pad. This has completely changed the feel of the game and makes it feel completely modern. And the music, the musicccc has been completely enhanced to accompany the new style.

FF7R is not a perfect game. Some sections feel super padded out, in a typical JRPG fetch quest fashion, sometimes when your talking to characters the conversations on the street overtake yours and the but these are such small complaints, their like having a ugly spoiler on your Lamborghini, but it’s still a Lamborghini!!!

Now I could talk about this game all day long, you much give this game a try and you can right now as there a free demo on the PSN store and you need this game in your life.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Review

So it looks like Final Fantasy VII is THE game that all Final Fantasy fans are waiting for. Arguably one of the best games, Final Fantasy VII is getting remade for a modern look and a lick of paint. While the question remains. Is it worth an hour of your time?

Well, the answer to that question is yes. Yes it is. It’s worth many hours of your time.

While it’s been altered to bring it to the modern era and attract more fans and bring new eyes to the Final Fantasy Franchise. You can either play in classic Final Fantasy turn based battle mechanics. Or you can play in a more modern fluid battle mode. Furthermore, the characters are well balanced and are very relatable. Whilst still retaining what we fell in love with them for all those years ago.

Also, it’s very pick up and play and even Final Fantasy novices can get into it. Also, they don’t need to worry about what has gone on in previous games. So, they can simply play this game as their 1st foray into the franchise and be hooked. Within minutes as well!

Final Fantasy VII Remake Plot

The world has fallen under the control of the Shinra electric power company. A shadowy corporation controlling the planet’s very life force as Mako energy. In the sprawling city of Midgard, an anti-Shinra Organization calling themselves Avalanche have stepped up their resistance.

Cloud strife, a former member of Shinra’s Elite soldier unit now turned mercenary, lends his aid to the group, unaware of the epic consequences that await him. A spectacular re-imagining of one of the most visionary games ever, the first game in this project will be set in the eclectic city of Midgard and presents a fully stand alone gaming experience. [Square Enix]

 

 

Written and reviewed by Mr Midas

So, what are you waiting for? Purchase Final Fantasy VII Remake here!

Also, listen to the guys chatting about this by clicking here!

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How To Prevent Eye Strain During Marathon Gaming Sessions

After a marathon gaming session, your eyes can get sore and irritated and some people even get headaches. There are a lot of people out there that will tell you that means you’re gaming too much and you should try to cut back a bit. But if you’re an avid gamer, you probably don’t want to do that, and when you get immersed in your favorite gaming world, the hours can easily slip by without you noticing. The good news is, you can have the best of both worlds because there are ways to prevent eye strain when you are gaming, even for long sessions. These are some of the best ways to prevent eye strain while you game. 

The 20/20/20 Rule

The 20/20/20 rule is something that office workers use a lot, but it is also useful for gamers. Every 20 minutes, you should take a 20 second break from the screen and look at something that is around 20 feet away. This helps to refocus your eyes on something more distant and it can really help with eye strain. You don’t need to stick to it exactly, but you should pause the game every now and again to take a short break. If you are gaming online, you can look away from the screen between matches. 

Blue Light Blockers 

Eye strain is caused mainly by the blue light from the screen, and it is this blue light that also makes it difficult for people to get to sleep because it suppresses production of sleep hormones. You can get some great blue light blocker glasses that solve this issue. They will reduce eye strain when you are playing a marathon session, and after you eventually decide to switch off and go to bed, you will find it a lot easier to go to sleep. 

Get The Lighting Right 

Lighting is so important when you are gaming and if you get the lighting setup wrong, it will make eye strain a lot worse. You need the room to be evenly lit and avoid putting any light sources directly behind the screen. You should also avoid light that points directly at the screen because this will increase screen glare and eye strain a lot. Fluorescent lights should be avoided as well. As long as you play in a bright, evenly lit room, you can reduce eye strain a lot. 

Remember To Blink 

You might laugh at this suggestion but it’s important. When you play games, your eyes focus intensely on the screen and you do not blink as much as you normally would. This causes your eyes to dry out and get irritated and sore. It is difficult to control your blinking because it is an unconscious reaction, but you need to make an effort to ensure that you are blinking enough when you play games. 

 

If you try these simple tips, you can reduce eye strain a lot when you are gaming. However, if you still find that it is a problem, maybe you should try to shorten those big gaming marathons just a little bit. 

The Opening 30mins of Final Fantasy VII!

The Opening 30mins of Final Fantasy VII Remake! Gameplay!

Final Fantasy VII Remake is out very soon and with thanks to Square Enix we got to play the game early! Here's the first 30 minutes for your enjoyment!

Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Wednesday, 4 March 2020

Final Fantasy VII Remake is out very soon and with thanks to Square Enix we got to play the game early! Here’s the first 30 minutes for your enjoyment!

Final Fantasy VII is THE game that all Final Fantasy fans are waiting for. Arguably one of the best games, Final Fantasy VII is getting remade for a modern look and a lick of paint. Boy oh boy does it look good! We’ve had a little play and we’re really enjoying what we’ve been able to get our hands on so far.

It’s very pick up and play and even Final Fantasy novices can get into it. Also, they don’t need to worry about what has gone on in previous games. They can simply play this game as their 1st foray into the franchise and be hooked. Within minutes as well!

Final Fantasy VII Plot

The world has fallen under the control of the Shinra electric power company, a shadowy corporation controlling the planet’s very life force as Mako energy. In the sprawling city of Midgard, an anti-Shinra Organization calling themselves Avalanche have stepped up their resistance.

Cloud strife, a former member of Shinra’s Elite soldier unit now turned mercenary, lends his aid to the group, unaware of the epic consequences that await him. A spectacular re-imagining of one of the most visionary games ever, the first game in this project will be set in the eclectic city of Midgard and presents a fully stand alone gaming experience. [Square Enix]

Stick with How To Kill An Hour for a FULL Review soon!

So, what are you waiting for? Pre-Order Final Fantasy VII here!

Also, listen to the guys chatting about this by clicking here!

Keep up to date with everything How To Kill An Hour by signing up to our newsletter by clicking here!

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