How To Erase The Look Of Dark Spots

Do you notice uneven skin tone or the appearance of dark spots on your face? Cheeks that were once clear now shaded by faint brown spots? If these signs of age and sun damage are appearing on your complexion, now is the time to take steps to remove dark spots on your face. We introduce some of the best skin care ingredients to apply for uneven skin tone, as well as a few different treatments to improve the appearance of unwanted dark spots.

What are dark spots? | Ingredients | Dark Spots Skincare Routine | Professional spa treatments

What are dark spots?

According to Medical News Today, dark spots can appear from light to dark brown, depending on a person's skin tone. They vary in size, are painless, and can be anywhere, but you'll usually see them in areas that are more exposed to the sun. These dark spots shouldn't be painful. Factors like skin irritation from acne, waxing, and harsh peels can also cause dark spots. "Dark spots … are due to the overproduction of melanin in the skin by melanocytes," says plastic surgeon Melissa Doft, M.D. in SELF magazine. That extra melanin can be triggered by hormones, the sun, and aging, she says.

Dark spots are common in the following areas:

  • back of Hand
  • face
  • back
  • Shoulders

How to get rid of dark spots: ingredients

Now that you understand what dark spots are, here are the top ingredients for treating uneven skin tone, followed by a skin care routine and some professional treatment recommendations.

Licorice root

According to this medical study, licorice root extract is an effective botanical ingredient to package your dark spots. It improves dark spots by dispersing and inhibiting melanin production. Dr. Michele Green, a certified dermatologist and RealSelf employee from New York City, explains that licorice root contains two components that help reduce discoloration, glabridin and liquiritin: "Glabridin helps tyrosinase, an enzyme that produces melanin, which leads to pigmentation, to retrain. Liquiritin helps break down and remove melanin and pigment spots in the skin. ”Taken together, these two elements make licorice root an effective ingredient in getting rid of pigmentation.

Azelaic acid

Another natural ingredient, azelaic acid, is also effective for erasing dark spots. This acid works by inhibiting melanocytes as well as the tyrosinase enzyme. By curbing pigment production at the beginning of the process, this ingredient stops uneven skin tone, like dark spots, before it starts.

Natural hydroquinone alternatives

Eminence Organics uses African potato and tara tree ingredients that act similarly to hydroquinone, a chemical compound commonly used to lighten the skin. These two ingredients work together to inhibit the development and activity of tyrosinase. By reducing the amount of pigment produced, these ingredients stop dark spots from progressing.

vitamin C

Another ingredient that you might want to add to your arsenal is vitamin C. This study shows that vitamin C derivatives have been shown to decrease melanin synthesis, an important process in reducing the appearance of dark spots. A popular skin care ingredient, this antioxidant works not just on dark spots, but in a variety of solutions from collagen production to wrinkle prevention.

A skin care routine for dark spots

To remove the appearance of dark spots, our Product Development Director, Colette Liebermann, recommends the following products. The Stone Crop Gel Wash contains stone harvest as a cleaning agent, which improves the appearance of uneven skin tone and moisturizes the skin. It also contains chamomile to revitalize and balance the complexion and shea butter to help moisturize it.

Then you can use the Stone Crop Hydrating Mist, a revitalizing toner for all skin types, especially for complexions with uneven skin tone. The mist contains stone fruit juice, which moisturizes all skin types, as well as lavender, a soothing herb. Jasmine supplies the skin with carotenoids and vitamins C and P, which also support the appearance of uneven skin tone.

Bright Skin Licorice Root Exfoliating Peel improves texture and skin tone, while Lactic Acid exfoliates and speeds up the removal of dead skin cells. Licorice root and daisy flowers brighten the appearance of your complexion. Another natural brightener in this peel is our natural hydroquinone alternative made from African potatoes and tare trees.

Now for the best part – masking! Erase the appearance of dark spots with the Eight Greens Phyto Masque – Hot. It contains a Biocomplex2 ™, a booster of antioxidants, coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid to improve the appearance of your complexion with a hot tingling sensation.

The Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System is a three-stage peeling and peptide system that helps you to achieve radiant skin. The set contains the Arctic Berry Enzyme Exfoliant, the Arctic Berry Advanced Peel Activator and the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream. Not only will the clarity and texture of your skin be improved, but your complexion will also look radiant.

Before applying the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream, the second to last step in reducing the appearance of dark spots is to apply the Citrus & Kale Potent C + E Serum. This lightweight serum contains stabilized vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The inclusion of leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, and broccoli sprouts) offers a formula rich in antioxidants for younger looking skin.

Professional spa treatments

Sometimes using the right home care ingredients is not enough when you suffer from stubborn dark spots. Professional treatment at your dermatologist, spa, or medispa can also be important to even out skin tone and remove dark spots on the face. Before booking any treatment, we strongly recommend that you consult your doctor to find out which professional options will best suit your skin condition and complexion, as well as your history and current medication. Here are some of the most popular treatments for tackling stubborn dark spots:

Chemical peels

A chemical peel, which uses acid to remove the top layers of the skin, can be effective in treating uneven skin tone. Treatment can use a variety of acids, including lactic and salicylic acids.

Laser peelings or laser resurfacing

As Mayo Clinic explains, laser scrubs are targeted beams of light that are used to reduce dark spots. There are two types of laser treatments: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative laser treatments remove thin layers of skin, while non-ablative laser treatments are less invasive and work primarily to stimulate new collagen, which helps remove some of the pigments caused by sun damage and promote the production of protein building blocks.

Intensive pulsed light therapy

With this type of non-ablative laser treatment, light energy penetrates the skin until the melanin is there. The heat breaks down the pigments, which rise to the surface of the skin as crusts or are transported away via the lymphatic system.

Microdermabrasion

In microdermabrasion, a jet of abrasive substances is aimed at the surface of the skin and removes dead skin cells. As the superficial layers of the skin are removed, dark spots appear lighter. Further advantages are faster cell renewal and increased collagen production, which also promote the appearance of healthy, even skin.

With all of these treatment options and a skin care routine, you now know how to remove dark spots on your face and are ready to address the problem. Which of the above skin care products or treatments have worked best for you? Let us know in the comments or on social media.

This article was originally written June 2017.

Ring Alarm Pro Review: Peace of Mind When You’re in the Dark

ring alarm pro test 2020q1 lifestyle insitu alarm base station keyboard input

Bell Alert Pro

RRP $ 300.00

"Never worry about power or internet outages again, because the Ring Alarm Pro will continue to work."

advantages

  • Double as a Wi-Fi 6 router

  • Backup of the internet for all devices

  • Lots of accessories to expand the system

  • Battery backup in the event of power interruptions

disadvantage

  • Separate app required for router settings

I have been using the Ring Alarm (2nd Generation) for almost a year now and have had very few complaints about the system or service. It kept me informed of what was going on in my apartment when and not being there, while frequent updates of Ring's services made the experience even sweeter. Add to that the range of Ring devices and accessories and it becomes a breeze if you're looking for a complete all-in-one security system for your home.

So how can Ring do it better? Maybe by making sure that all of my devices stay connected even when the power and internet go down. The Ring Alarm Pro serves this purpose but is different from other offerings in that it effectively acts as an Eero Wi-Fi 6 router to keep not only your Ring devices active and connected, but everything else on the network as well.

Setup and installation

The Ring Alarm Pro is available in a variety of configurations – which is good because it covers both small and large spaces – with the ability to add accessories to the system at any time. The five-part basic kit costs US $ 200 and consists of a base station, keyboard, contact sensor, motion detector, and range extender. I tested the eight-piece kit ($ 300) which has everything that is in the five-piece but includes three additional contact sensors.

Ring Alarm Pro in the closet.

In contrast to the Ring Alarm (2nd Gen), which I had hidden on a corner table, the Ring Alarm Pro has to be placed near your internet modem. If you already have a modem gateway that doubles as a router, you will need to connect the Ring Alarm Pro with an Ethernet cable. After setting it up through the Ring app, the only problem I stumbled across was connecting my previous sensors. They just didn't want to connect at first, but updating the Ring app seemed to fix the problem.

software

The Ring app went through a lot of updates, but it can be a bit overwhelming to navigate the app to find various settings. If you've been a long-time Ring user you shouldn't have too many problems, but anyone who is new to the Ring should have a serious look at the app. Regarding arming / disarming the security system, I like that the option is conveniently available right from the main screen. If there is one critical feature I would recommend to turn on, it is setting up the geofence – so that you will be automatically notified of arming / disarming the system based on your phone's GPS location.

In order to access or change some of the router settings, you will need to do so through the Eero app. This can cause confusion for some people as it is technically a separate app, but it is required if you are monitoring traffic on your network, changing the settings of the router, and adding additional Eero Wi-Fi 6 mesh extenders want to add. Personally, I would have preferred some of these options to be accessible through the Ring app as it means one less app to manage.

Home security performance

During the time I have been using the Ring Alarm (2nd generation), I have never had any problems. Whenever a door or window opens, I am informed about these events via the app, which can be combined with other automations, e.g. If you have pets nearby, I also recommend adjusting the sensitivity of your motion sensor as they can set off the alarm if they move. This happened once a year that I was using Ring Protect Plus and I got a call from Ring's professional monitoring service.

Ring motion sensor attached to the wall.

I really like that there are so many accessories connected to the Ring Alarm Pro home security system that you can sleep knowing that you are safe. Aside from the usual sensors, there are also those that can detect other hazards – like water collecting on a floor or even being able to watch out for fire / carbon monoxide sirens that you may already have.

Some home security systems can become vulnerable, but the Ring Alarm Pro cannot.

What really sets the Ring Alarm Pro apart from other home security systems is that it provides backup support for internet and power outages. This is not new in and of itself as other systems have similar automations, but what differs from Ring's offering is that Internet backup is available for all devices – not just the Ring Alarm Pro and its connected sensors. Would you believe it would work?

I tested this by unplugging the Ethernet cable connected to the Ring Alarm Pro from my modem, as well as the power cord. Within a minute, I received a notification that the Ring Alarm Pro was running on battery power and backup internet. I was very surprised to see that all of my devices, such as my laptop and smartphones, were still connected so I could keep working. Ring Protect Plus includes 3 GB of backup data service, but you can sign up for additional data through the Ring app for $ 3 per GB.

Bell alarm keypad on the table.

Fortunately, I haven't experienced an emergency situation, but I like how the Ring Alarm Pro takes that extra step to provide protection in other situations. Take, for example, an evening storm that cuts power for a few hours. Some home security systems can become vulnerable, but not the Ring Alarm Pro, which goes beyond that by providing total security.

WiFi 6 mesh router

There's no denying that I love multifunctional devices that eliminate the need to buy multiple devices – and the Ring Alarm Pro is one of them! Part Home Security Hub, part Wi-Fi 6 Router, it helps a growing smart home by expanding Wi-Fi coverage. Before installing the Ring Alarm Pro, I used an Eero mesh WiFi router with two other extenders in other parts of my home. Exchanging it with the Ring Alarm Pro and connecting the existing extenders was a breeze.

I appreciate the convenience of being able to expand the coverage when I move into a larger room.

Usually devices in my bedroom were struggling to stay connected to my living room router, but the Wi-Fi 6 mesh extender I set up helped fix the problem. Although my apartment is about 1,000 square feet, I appreciate the convenience of being able to expand the coverage if I ever move to a larger room with the Ring Alarm Pro. I can also see which connected devices are consuming the most data and even have the option to pause data usage. For parents, this is an incredibly powerful tool for managing device usage throughout the day.

Our opinion

Ring was a pioneer in the video doorbell space and has expanded into other categories to further expand its ecosystem. With the Ring Alarm Pro, it is the iterative home security system that needs to be beaten right now because it will really continue to protect your home if there is an emergency. Other systems have problems when the power or internet goes out and some of your other devices are left in the dark, but the Ring Alarm Pro keeps chugging as if nothing happened. And. oh yes it doubles as a Wi-Fi 6 mesh router!

Is there a better alternative?

Nothing matches the depth and utility that the Ring Alarm Pro offers, but SimiplSafe's home improvement security system is the closest competitor. While it may not have as many accessories and devices as Ring, SimpliSafe offers one of the best professional home monitoring services out there. In addition, many of the key devices, such as the base station and Smart Lock, are beautifully designed to match any facility.

How long it will take?

If the previous iteration of Ring is any indication, the Ring Alarm Pro should remain in good working order for a long time. Since this is a router and remains stationary, there is very little chance of it getting damaged – even more so if you're like me and place it in a locked room in your entertainment center. There is a one year limited warranty that covers it for defects.

Should you buy it?

Yes, you kill two birds with one stone, because the Ring Alarm Pro doubles as a Wi-Fi 6 mesh router and home security base station. You will never have to worry about home security and power outages again.

Editor's recommendations



Death’s Door Review: Bringing Life to a Dark, Dead World

Deaths Door Review laugh at the Reaper xbox game1

Death & # 39; s Door Review: Bringing Life to a Dark, Dead World

"Death's Door is a must-have Metroidvania game that combines intense combat with bright, hilarious characters."

advantages

  • Hilarious cast of characters

  • Exciting boss fights

  • Simple but complex fight

  • A world that wants to be explored

disadvantage

  • Repetitive enemies

  • Some unforgiving checkpoints

Dark, riddled with wit and adrenaline – Death’s Door is the Metroidvania that has finally got me hooked.

Metroidvanias has long escaped me as a genre. I've never been able to bother with the backtracking aspect of them; their maps have never fascinated me enough and their stories have always lost me. That all changed when the little crow from Death’s Door took control. Where other large, expansive maps had disinterested me, this one had my full attention. Where other stories have lost me, I was completely absorbed here.

Death & # 39; s Door presents players with an endlessly interlocking fantastic world full of secrets, exciting boss fights and a dark story that managed to get more than just a few laughs out of me. In between there is a simple but exciting combat system that proves once again that the right developer can achieve a lot with a few simple tools.

At its base, Death & # 39; s Door isn't complicated. It's not an emotional show of strength; It's not a blockbuster title with massive hype behind it. But it's a rarity, an indie title that surpasses its AAA counterparts in almost every way.

To reap laughter

The premise of Death & # 39; s Door is macabre. They fill the … claws, I suppose, of a reaper who's not a grim skeleton but a feathered crow. In the game world, death is a red tape and if you can't finish your job, you're out of luck. The Reaper is on a mission to find a stolen soul and sends it on a goose hunt through a meaninglessly hopeless world to harvest even more souls just to get to yours.

As I said, it's not exactly sunshine and lollipops.

But through its grim haze, light shines through the door of death. Despite all of the monster kills that leave blood and corpses behind to finish the job, the game gives players endless reasons to smile.

Pothead from the door of death.

Every character in Death & # 39; s Door has a certain charm, from bosses to friendly NPCs. While the underlying story is undoubtedly obscure, there is a warmth to every character, even if tragic themselves. Take, for example, my favorite character in the game, Pothead. Its head was turned into a pot by the magic of the urn witch, hence the name. But if you ask him, he doesn't see it as a disadvantage. Instead, he uses his pot head to store soup that he gives to passers-by.

No matter what I did, whether it was fighting my way through enemies or chatting with NPCs, Death & # 39; s Door always left a smile on my face.

Most of the characters have that kind of depth, even the NPCs that don't seem that important. They all have their own lives, interests, and passions. No matter what I did, whether it was fighting my way through enemies or chatting with NPCs, Death & # 39; s Door always left a smile on my face.

The remains of a world

While Death & # 39; s Door's funniest moments result from talking to NPCs, its most exciting moments are found in combat and exploration. None of these functions are overly complicated. In fact, both are extremely simple. Once you've explored the game's first area and defeated its first boss, you've pretty much seen what to expect in the rest of the game.

Death door urn witch house room.

However, it's the little tweaks in Death's Door that make everything more useful. Enemies are largely the same throughout the game, but there are a new villain or two in each area. Likewise, the exploration is pretty much the same everywhere until you unlock the game's four power-ups that can be used outside of combat to uncover new areas. Death & # 39; s Door starts with basic forms of these ideas and slowly builds on them, integrating every facet of its gameplay into one another.

Death & # 39; s Door starts with basic forms of these ideas and slowly builds on them, integrating every facet of its gameplay into one another.

Of course, the exploration isn't always positive. Each death sets you back, of course, and some of the game's shortcuts aren't that far apart. I just walked through some areas that I found too difficult, trying to get to the nearest ladder to lower or the path to uncover.

The more times I've played Death & # 39; s Door, the more the design choices, especially the structure of the world, reminded me of entries in the Zelda franchise. While Death & # 39; s Door encourages more backtracking, it shares some DNA with the earliest Legend of Zelda games. Players slowly unlock new power-ups and access new parts of the map from areas they've already been to. Even the top-down perspective of the game is reminiscent of Nintendo's classic franchise. The game's dark world is even offset by bright characters, a constant in most Legend of Zelda titles. Death & # 39; s Door has some distinct influences, but it uses them to create something completely original.

Growing struggle

Death & # 39; s Door's worldbuilding is best when it comes to a boss fight. Each boss is first given context by the area you go through to get them there. Maybe you speak to an NPC who says the boss killed her wife, or in the case of the urn witch, you're traveling through a mansion that was clearly a happy family home at one point or another.

The approach to each boss follows the same structure: explore an area, gain a new power, and then take on a boss. While this pattern repeats itself three times and eventually becomes predictable, the context for each keeps it fresh. Functionally, you do the same thing every time you build yourself into a boss fight. But each experience feels different because of the landscape, the enemies, and the boss's own interjections as you explore.

The game's boss fights are some of the most exciting I've ever fought thanks to the emphasis on evolution. Like the rest of the game, bosses build on themselves with different phases and become more difficult as the damage increases. Also, they don't know exactly how much damage you've done because Death & # 39; s Door thoughtfully left health bars out of the equation. Instead, enemies will be damaged and their skin will tear when you howl at them.

I didn't jump after beating a lot of bosses before. Sure, there might be a punch here or there, but actually cheering after I've won? Before facing the urn witch in Death & # 39; s Door, the last time was against Ornstein & Smough in Dark Souls.

Of course, normal enemies aren't nearly as addicting, and provide the same experience as punching bags, once you get used to the combat of the game. Even the game's mini-bosses aren't much of a challenge, especially if you face the same one multiple times. Enemies have simple attack patterns, and once you've learned how to move and weave between them, defeating an enemy is less an art than a science.

The game's boss fights are some of the most exciting I've ever fought thanks to the emphasis on evolution.

That being said, Death & # 39; s Door allows players to approach the battle in a wonderfully open manner. The game has multiple weapons, each with their own unique movesets and bonuses. The game's standard sword does solid damage, but you can swap it out for a pair of knives or a massive hammer. Simply switching your weapon will even affect how much you can use your skills, as you can use four charges that can only be replenished by hitting enemies. Once again, not a single part of Death & # 39; s Door is isolated; they all interlock.

Our opinion

With a world that practically begs you to explore every nook and cranny, and a cast of characters that will make you grin from the beginning to the end of the story, Death & # 39; s Door is one of those rare games to play with I struggled to find faults. It's addicting from start to finish (a journey that took about 10 hours) and lets players explore even more content after the story is complete. Death & # 39; s Door is beyond extraordinary and has solidified itself on my list of games of the year.

Is there a better alternative?

If you don't want to wait for Metroid Dread, there probably isn't a better Metroidvania right now.

How long it will take?

Death & # 39; s Door takes anywhere from 10-14 hours, depending on how much additional game content you want to complete. It also has a significant amount of post-game content that can add three or four hours to the total playing time.

Should you buy it?

Yes. Death’s Door is one of the best games released this year and is sure to be a nominee for Game of the Year by the end of 2021.

Editor's recommendations



The Last of Us Part II Review: A Dark Masterpiece

the last of us part 2 review ellie

"The last of us Part II is a slap in the face in the best way."

  • Deep emotional impact

  • Well-written narrative

  • Breathtaking graphics

  • Fine-tuned game mechanics

  • Characters are fully developed and credible

  • High level of detail in the game and in the options

  • Gating prevents more extensive exploration

Publishing a follow-up to a very popular game is daunting and can easily disappoint fans. The last of us part II accomplishes the feat effortlessly.

This sequel extends and perfects the already well-made story. It lives up to the first release and extends the original without going too far, which could alienate fans hoping to get a taste of what they loved the first time.

The last of us places a heavy burden on this entry because the effects of Joel's actions have far-reaching effects and history is not forgotten. Ellie and Joel started a new life in Jackson, Wyoming, but the game lets players know that it is not that easy to continue.

The plot is certainly dark, but it never feels nervous. There is empathy even for your enemies. Obviously, the game contains many unexpected twists that make The Last of Us Part II look emotionally and narratively polished. There are Easter eggs and funny jokes, but that's a story of revenge. It will never be forgotten.

Emotional impact

The Last of Us has been praised for its emotional narrative that shook players, and Naughty Dog's sequel finds a way to expand on that. The last of us Part II is a slap in the face in the best way.

I can't count the number of times I stared at the screen with wide eyes and thought, "No. It can't be right. It can't be that way."

The players in the first game already know and love Ellie, so it's easy to shop around in her story. That said, this is not a happy story. Fans are likely expecting this since Sony described the plot as a quest for revenge. But The last of us part II takes many dark turns. It twists and affects your expectations and therefore your well-being.

I can't count the number of times I stared at the screen with wide eyes and thought, "No. It can't be right. It can't be that way."

And while I thought I knew Ellie, the game felt like meeting an old friend I was separated from. Sure, she is – but she's older and her attitude has evolved from a spunky, tough child to a blunt survivor.

Ellie is still very loyal and fearless, but she has lost the hope she had in the first game. This is probably because the original Ellie was on the way to finding a cure. It is clear that the failure of this mission took part of its optimism and growing up in a post-apocalyptic world, while the excruciating pressure to be a teenager still didn't help.

We see her story and her fear of telling Joel about her first friend. This story is particularly beautiful and I was glad to see that Ellie's feelings were explored with the same sincerity as a heterosexual relationship.

Screenshot of The Last of Us Part IINaughty dog

Their relationship with Joel also deepens as they create a new life after the events of the first game. There is a look back at one of their birthdays, and the time they spend tying is a strong reminder that the family is not just blood relatives.

Still, Ellie is older. She has questions and she was not one who was afraid to question authority. And after the failed vaccine search by her and Joel, it becomes more difficult to see how people turn away from a bite.

Sometimes Ellie is unrecognizable to herself.

The event that causes Ellie to take revenge is even more relieved.

Sometimes our protagonist is unrecognizable for herself. It is painful to watch their journey – to participate actively, but not to be able to change course. Writing does The last of us part II one of the greatest gaming experiences I've ever had. It reminds me of the games my mother, who really didn't understand my fascination with video games, would look over my shoulder to watch. Those who made her stop asking, "Aren't you tired of playing this?" and sit next to me instead. That made her say softly to my stepfather, "It's like a movie."

Similar to the first time The last of us, The narrative will remind players why they love to play and give birth to a new generation of players.

While Ellie is the star, the story goes beyond her. I was involved in the life of characters I would never meet, some dead, some still out there. You will find documents and memorabilia, similar to the one in the last game. But this time the game does better at creating stories that can last the entire duration of the game. A document in an early area is linked to a document in a later level. One person mentioned in a note is the author of another. And when I came across the last note of an invisible character near his body in a room with an infected person, or worse, my heart was broken.

That was teased Part II is darker, but I wasn't prepared.

This also goes beyond Ellie. The world is at war with itself. Different factions are suffering on both sides after the termination of an armistice for which neither party is to blame. There is also the profound moral question of which side is the right one. People who had previously joined the government-sanctioned FEDRA, the countermovement of fireflies, or who chose to respond only for themselves. But it's not just about survival. It's about what society looks like when the remains of human civilization are desperately trying to hold on.

If you kill a human enemy, his friends will cry out for them. They each have names. Their allies will be devastated to bump into their dead bodies, and not because that means they are in danger themselves. It's a heartbreaking but realistic detail that lights up the game and leaves you with a pit of the stomach.

Way of playing

If you add so many elements to the game, you have to open the map. While not really an open-world game, some levels are large and complex, and definitely worth exploring.

When it comes to game mechanics, it doesn't fix what isn't broken.

I was happy to come across Easter eggs, to unravel a story by leaving notes and clues behind, or to find a particularly practical way to pick up the equipment by bothering.

There are also small moments that trigger cutscenes and appear completely optional. Some parts were just cute, others added a deep emotional layer. I highly recommend reviewing everything and I will probably go to another degree myself.

Screenshot of The Last of Us Part IINaughty dog

Still, The last of us part II is a linear game, and gating – which prevents you from going back to a previous area – removes any illusion that this could be a real sandpit title.

When it comes to game mechanics, it doesn't fix what isn't broken. It works much like the first game, but refines the fight. Stealth is getting smarter, there are new enemies and there are skill trees in which you can invest resources depending on your preferred fighting style. I found it easy to jump in again and appreciated the new elements.

Pictures and details

The visuals of The last of us part II are just great. The details of the surroundings and the objects are absolutely phenomenal. I played on a PlayStation 4 base with HDR turned on and was convinced that I wasn't playing in 4K. It really looks so good. Textures look exceptionally detailed and landscapes look incredible. This is particularly important because a lot of time is spent outdoors.

The character details could be even more impressive. There is a small part where Ellie looks in the mirror and makes different faces, and it is not a cut scene. The animations look so good that it feels like the developers are showing off.

Screenshot of The Last of Us Part II

Of course, it would be inappropriate not to mention the crisis in this game. Naughty Dog has received criticism of his practice of putting his team in stressful hours to end this and other games. It's an absolute shame that everyone would work under these conditions, and they're the unsung heroes who made this game as good as it is.

They contain so many subtleties that have to be explored. The options menu allows you to customize the difficulty of things like enemy health or the number of resources you find.

More importantly, players can change the controls to make them more accessible in several ways. Changes can be made visually to make reading subtitles easier or to display important details. There's also a text-to-speech option and motion sickness settings. Players can even change the guitar playing or operate a boat. These options are also highlighted by on-screen notifications, and other accessibility features are announced at the start. It's a great move that I hope to see in more titles.

Do all these details The last of us part II an incredibly powerful game.

Our opinion

The last part II is a tour de force, in which the best parts of the original are brought into their best forms. History will stagger you, and there are some unexpected twists and turns that you will invest consistently. The level of detail and quality in creating and creating stories in the world is at the top of their class.

Is there a better alternative?

There's nothing like The Last of Us Part II, let alone a better alternative. The gameplay and combat are not unique, but the story that revolves around these elements is unique. This is also the reason why people chose the first game so strongly.

How long it will take?

The campaign lasts between 30 and 40 hours and reaches it easily if you want to explore and find everything that is available. If you just want to get through the story, 30 hours are closer to accuracy, but even narrative players will benefit from additional exploration.

But should you?

Yes absolutely. The Last of Us Part II will go down as a classic game that people will talk about for years, much like the first iteration. The fact that this title extends what worked well so much makes it much easier to justify adding it to your library.

Editor's recommendations




Pascal’s Wager Review: Dark Souls Somehow Works on Mobile

Selected image for Pascal's bet evaluation

"Pascal's bet doesn't quite match the impressive standards of his inspiration, but Dark Souls fans should check it out."

  • Excellent level design

  • Characters offer unique play styles

  • Creative enemy design

  • Sanity System is a fun twist

  • Great bosses

  • Boss is too difficult

  • Requires controller for best experience

  • Messy story with bad acting

The developer FromSoftware developed Dark Souls, probably the most influential game of the past decade. This game and its sequels encountered waves of imitators, which we have collectively referred to as "soul likes", but so far they have been limited to consoles and PCs.

Creating such a challenging and complex game on a mobile platform seems like an impossible task, but TipsWorks tries Pascal's bet. It's not too original, but it does have a few tricks up its sleeve.

Story: Talk to me. Or not.

Dialogue in Pascal's bet

Contrary to the vague narrative that is often standard in FromSoftware games, TipsWorks in Pascals Wager offers more direct storytelling. It highlights the game's AAA-like production values, but also shows how effective the less direct approach can be.

In a world full of darkness after the disappearance of the creatures called "Colossi", the game is playing Terrence, a courier who is looking for his wife, who was apparently seduced by the darkness. During his trip, he is accompanied by a trio of other adventurers. the gunslinger Viola, the coffin-swinging Norwood and the nun Benita. All three have an ulterior motive, while Terrence is more direct and transparent.

There are a few clever twists in Pascal's bet, but almost every stroke is affected by terrible writing and speech. Characters sometimes don't seem to know what emotions to feel, alternately screaming and whispering loudly.

It can be strange. For example, people known as "Marcians" are often pronounced "Martians" and a few lines randomly display subtitles in Chinese. It would have been more compelling to let the players fill in the gaps and give them atmosphere and light contextual information.

Gameplay: Yes, it lasts.

Playing as a viola in Pascal's bet

Enough players have skipped the film sequences in Dark Souls over the years to know that the story in these games is secondary. If you take this view, you will be satisfied with Pascal's bet.

The fight is almost entirely like other games in the genre, with an arsenal of light and heavy attacks, evasive action, back stabbing, finishing moves and parades. Pascal's bet also has a "rage" measurement, which increases when you land a hit, and which can then be used to trigger special attacks. It adds a nuance and strategy to battles, especially when you're trying to reduce your enemy's stamina to get them to get rid of them.

What sets Pascal's bet apart from other soul likes is the character change system. With a few exceptions, you will be sent to battle with Terrence and a companion. You can swap whenever you are not in combat. If one dies, switch to the other instead of returning to the next checkpoint.

Due to their different fighting styles, this can mean that the techniques differ in the middle of the fighting. Terrence is a mediocre character with average defense, speed, and attack power, while Viola and Benita are both mushy but can do enormous damage. Meanwhile, Norwood can cause relatively high damage, but is slow, which makes him responsible for certain encounters.

If you prefer one of them to another, you can keep it in your squad forever. In my case, I found Benita most effective because it can heal itself without using restricted potions.

If you are familiar with the animation-based battle of Dark Souls or Bloodborne, Pascal's bet is the place for you. Once you launch an attack, this animation will play until you hit or damage an enemy. This means that you have to be extremely careful when hitting.

Enemies are unforgiving, especially in groups, and they often hide in unsuspecting places as you navigate through the game's open environments.

Don't play without a controller

If you face the game's tougher opponents, you'll understand one of the game's main suggestions: play with a controller.

By default, Pascals Wager uses a virtual stick and buttons to do everything. Even if this is possible in Fortnite, you will go crazy here. Fortunately, iOS 13 has added support for Xbox One and PS4 controllers. In combination with a controller mount, you can play with a more recognizable layout. If you request this, the purpose of putting the game on the phone first will be somewhat negated, but there is no better solution.

As is common in this genre, Pascals Wager offers numerous doors, lifts and gates that you have to unlock from one side before they can be used on the other. The game clearly mimics the design of FromSoftware and makes it absolutely clear.

Every time you explore an area, you feel that you have made significant progress.

Every time you explore an area and discover a link to a checkpoint, you feel that you have made significant progress. At this point you can redeem your "bones" for upgrades. This is both experience and currency. Unlike the Dark Souls games, you only lose a fraction of your bones when you die instead of all.

This can make death less frustrating and allow you to improve yourself in difficult areas. At the checkpoints – the game calls them altars – you can also equip special equipment that improves certain statistics, replenishes consumables, and distributes skill points to your current characters.

Difficulty: It's going to be insane

Fight a boss in Pascal's bet

One of the consumables is a reason elixir, which is vital for one of Pascal & # 39; s Wager's most unique mechanics. If you damage enemies, you will gradually lose your "sanity" that appears next to your health bar. If it falls into the "abnormal" area, you will get a slight health impairment, and if it is completely lowered, you will enter a "crazy" state.

This is bad. Enemies become much more difficult and even get new moves. It's annoying to deal with at first, but managing your sanity through potions becomes a crucial part of struggles.

Boss fights are by far the most dangerous time to lose your mind. Challenging, but (largely) fair, these are the best moments of the game and show an unexpected level of creativity. They range from horse magicians to Lovecraftian brain monsters with sprouted tentacles, all of which require their own strategy.

After a few tries, you will learn their movements and can better estimate when to attack. The battles in the late game offer a great mix of difficulty and spectacle. After death, you always have a short run back to the battlefield to try again so that you don't forget anything that happened in the last fight.

The jump in difficulty from the penultimate boss to the last fight is ridiculous.

The delicate balance between challenge and frustration is present in almost every fight except the final boss. Yes. I couldn't beat it.

Despite hours of trying, the game's somewhat tricky camera and three-phase format of combat make it almost impossible. Yes, the final boss should always be the hardest, but the jump in difficulty from the penultimate boss to the final fight is ridiculous and slows down the breakneck pace of the game.

At the beginning of the game there is the possibility to reduce the level of difficulty with an Easter egg. However, if only one boss is the problem, this is not a good solution.

Our opinion

Although Pascals Wager goes overboard his boss and is a ridiculous story, he's an impressive action game. Translating this hardcore genre to phones and tablets is not easy. The reasoning system and several playable characters make the game of TipsWorks worthwhile even for those who normally do not like mobile gaming.

Is there a better alternative?

Not on mobile devices. Dark Souls games are undoubtedly superior on console and PC.

Do you want more iOS options? Check out our favorite iPhone games.

How long it will take?

According to TipsWorks, the game lasts between 10 and 20 hours. We found it closer to the latter.

Should you buy it

Yes, provided you have a controller and holder for your phone.

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