Did you know that Super Rare Games is having a Black Friday sale which ends in 48 hours? If I knew, I would have waited to buy my copy of Dicey Dungeons.

The allure of this sale lies not just in the exclusive timeframe but also in the substantial discounts offered, reaching up to a remarkable 50% off on a diverse array of editions. The regret of missing out on the Dicey Dungeon deal is somewhat mitigated by my newfound interest in the Steelbook version of Lost in Play. #girlmaths

This limited-time extravaganza kicked off on November 23 at 6 pm GMT and will run until November 25 at 6 pm GMT. With a tad bit of time left on the clock, the opportunity to fill my cart and proceed to checkout still beckons.

How about you? Have you unearthed any hidden gems or taken advantage of the Black Friday sales to add to your collection? Feel free to share your finds and recommendations in the comment below!

Remember my Quantium Solutions Postal Problems? 

Well, there's been some interesting and new developments. Right after the seller, PlayAsia, affirmed that the parcel was lost and offered to either reship or refund, miraculously on the same day about 3 hours after their response, there was an update!

Like magic they suddenly found the parcel which was sitting there for days on end, processed it and shipped it out the next working day... Wow just simply wow... where did all that efficiency go on 26 October?

The update was that the shipment was sent to the postal operator. So it was sitting around being "lodged" with the postal operator since 26 October 2023 with no updates, and on the very day the seller responded to me they decided to update the information that the very same parcel which lodged with said postal operator had it's information sent to the very same postal operator, got processed and I received it the next day?

But wait... isn't Quantium Solutions supposed to be part of SingPost, so why the horrible delay in process when they are affiliated and lack of transparancy?

I've had things ordered from overseas before and sent through SingPost and the updates, along with delivery times were definitely not as dismal. How is Quantium Solutions still in operation baffles me. If the fact they are affiliate with SingPost but there seems to be no common database or process for the handover is a red flag and super sus.

Don't even think of getting support from  them, as Quantium Solutions is non-responsive and hopeless. And if you think you could try getting some help from SingPost... well they just make it a lot complicated and difficult for you to contact them to get assistance on such matters. 

PlayAsia being the seller and the one who (unfortunately) engaged the services of Quantium Solutions were much more supportive and responsive. They actually provided a resolution and updates where they could. This was very much appreciated. They must have initiated a process which propelled the movement in updates from a nonchalant Quantium Solutions, and probably Singpost team. Otherwise the timing of how fast it suddenly got processed and delivered was literally magic... and not the good kind either.

It is undeniable that there is a gap in the process between Quantium Solutions and SingPost.  As a buyer it was really a bad experience with Quantium Solutions, and I will keep a look out to avoid this logistics / shipping coming as much as possible.

As for PlayAsia, I might give them another chance if there is something I really like from their site. After all it was not totally on them the parcel was lodged in Singapore with no updates when it had actually reach it's destination country. I cannot even imagine how it must be like for those who are living in countries further away. 

Seriously, if you are are seller please don't use Quantium Solutions!

Pokemon fans, both old and new, can easily get into playing Pokemon Snap for the Nintendo Switch. This sequel to the classic N64 game from 1999 promises a fresh take on photography and adventure in the Pokemon universe. As an avid Pokémon enthusiast and a photography enthusiast myself, I couldn't wait to dive into this game and see if it lives up to the hype. In this review, I'll share my thoughts on Pokemon Snap for the Nintendo Switch.

Pokemon Snap for the Nintendo Switch is an absolute visual treat for the eyes. The game takes full advantage of the Switch's hardware capabilities, offering stunningly detailed and vibrant environments. Each level, referred to as an "island," is brimming with life and charm. 

The Pokemon themselves are beautifully animated, and their behaviors and interactions feel incredibly authentic. You'll be awestruck by the picturesque landscapes, whether you're exploring dense jungles, shimmering oceans, or icy tundras. The level of detail and creativity put into each island truly captures the essence of the Pokemon world.

Gameplay:

The heart of Pokemon Snap is, of course, photography. You will be embarking on expeditions guided by Professor Mirror, tasked with capturing the perfect shots of Pokemon in their natural habitats. The game encourages you to be patient, observant, and creative. 

Your photo expedition begins with just a camera, but as you progress, you'll unlock a set of handy tools to enhance your photography experience. These tools include edible fluffruit, luminescent illumina orbs, a music player, a scanning feature to elicit unique reactions, and an accelerator to keep up with swift Pokemon. While each tool has its uses, the illumina orbs stand out as the most unexpected. They can activate crystabloom flowers, luring Pokemonor even altering the course dynamics. Additionally, you can throw illumina orbs directly at Pokemon, causing them to radiate with a captivating glow. While many Pokemon may not react significantly to the orbs, a select few will surprise you with their responses.

The mechanics are pretty easy to grasp, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. The challenge lies in taking the best shots. There's a rewarding sense of accomplishment when you finally get that perfect picture of a Pokemon in action; it's all about timing which is challenging to get at times.

Although I have to add that while the mechanics are relatively easy, if you are prone to motion sickness then go slow or play in short bursts rather than a long session. I initially played for more than an hour and found myself dizzy with maneuvering the camera Pokemon; espcially when it was docked. I found that sessions of 30 minutes or less were much better.

That said, one of the highlights of Pokemon Snap is the wide variety of Pokemon you will encounter. From the beloved classics like Pikachu and Charizard to newer additions, the game offers a diverse roster of creatures to photograph. As you progress, you'll unlock new areas and behaviors, adding a layer of excitement and anticipation to each playthrough

Exploration and Discovery:

One of the most enjoyable aspects of  Pokemon Snap is the sense of exploration and discovery. You never know what you might find around the next corner or beyond that dense thicket. The game encourages multiple playthroughs as you strive to capture every Pokemon species and observe unique interactions. This adds replayability and depth to the experience, making you want to return to the islands time and again.

Interaction with Pokémon:

In addition to capturing photos, you can also interact with Pokemon by tossing them Fluffruit (fruity snacks) or playing music to get playful reactions. These interactions add a layer of charm and unpredictability to the game. It's adorable to see how different Pokemon react to your presence and the offerings you provide.

Online Features:

The online features of  Pokemon Snap enhance the sense of community among players. You can share your favorite photos, compete in ranking battles (for the best photo of course), and even see the photos taken by others in your friend list. It's a fantastic way to connect with fellow Pokemon enthusiasts and compare your photography skills.

Verdict: 3/5

In the end, Pokemon Snap  for the Nintendo Switch delivers a delightful experience. It successfully captures the magic of the Pokemon world and combines it with the joy of photography. The beautiful visuals, engaging gameplay, and the sheer number of Pokemon to discover make it a must-play for fans of the franchise. 

Whether you're a long-time Pokémon Trainer or a newcomer, Pokemon Snap is a game that will make you feel like a part of the Pokémon world. So grab your camera and embark on a memorable journey to snap 'em all!

Should you get it?

While Pokemon Snap for the Nintendo Switch is generally well-received, it's essential to acknowledge that no game is without its flaws. Some potential drawbacks include:

1. Limited Gameplay Depth: "Pokémon Snap" primarily focuses on photography and exploration. If you're looking for traditional Pokémon battles and deep RPG elements, you may find the gameplay somewhat shallow.
2. Repetition: The game encourages replayability by revisiting the same areas multiple times to capture different Pokémon behaviors. Some players might find this repetition less engaging over time.
3. Short Playtime: The main storyline of "Pokémon Snap" can be completed relatively quickly, leaving some players wishing for more content or longer gameplay.
4. Lack of Evolution: Unlike the original N64 game, "Pokémon Snap" for the Nintendo Switch does not feature the ability for Pokémon to evolve, which might disappoint some fans who enjoyed this feature in the original.
5. Limited Multiplayer Interaction: While there are online features for sharing photos and competing in ranking battles, the multiplayer interactions are somewhat limited, and players cannot directly interact with each other in real-time.
6. It's important to note that the appeal of "Pokémon Snap" largely depends on your expectations and what you enjoy in a game. While it may have some shortcomings, it excels in delivering a unique and enjoyable photography and exploration experience in the Pokémon universe.

[S$37-$68] New Pokemon Snap (Nintendo Switch)

www.shopee.com

As technology continues to advance, so does the realm of online shopping and shipping. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it appears that everything has accelerated, from the swift delivery of food to the seamless online shopping experience and the rapid distribution of goods. Everything except for Quantium Solutions, they should change their name to Quantium Problems instead. 

Considering the potential of blockchain technology, it's disconcerting that Quantium Solutions, seemingly a part of the SingPost Group, appears to be falling behind in technological advancements. The order from PlayAsia (my very first!) was dispatched on October 4, 2023, and it took 17 days to finally reach its destination in Singapore. However, it took 2 days to reach SingPost and it has been stuck in that status since.... and they are telling me that cannot tell where it is!

Upon emailing the Singapore branch of Quantium Solutions, they replied saying to "Based on the record, the item was shipped out via Quantium Solutions Hong Kong to Singapore. However, we do not have any record in our system. Please reach out to your merchant/sender or the origin shipper,  Quantium Solutions Hong Kong for more details and further assistance."

Really Quantium Solutions? You could tell me where it was shipped out from, but cannot tell me where it is now that it has arrived in it's destination which should be under your purview? 

I've ordered from Bokksu and they deliver from Japan. When the parcel arrives in Singapore, dispatch is done by SingPost, and I usually received it within 2-3 weeks from dispatch. So that works out to be an average of 15 working days, not more than 21 days and counting. Even Amazon Prime shipping from the US to Singapore has arrived faster than this, with frequent status updates. And let's not even take about anything bought from China on Lazada or Shopee, where you are updated on the status constantly.

It's just Hong Kong to Singapore, not Hong Kong to the Netherlands. Plus, the status was updated to have already arrived in destination N days ago with no new updates and when it will be delivered.

But what's worse is that Quantium Solutions Singapore is telling me that they cannot find it in their system as it was sent out by the Hong Kong Branch. Since they are basically the same company just in different locations, where is the blockchain technology or visibility  to check for such deliveries?

I would say it's a red flag when the same entity does not seem to use the same system for something as simple as shipping. The reviews on Google and on the internet for this company also reflects the experience.

How is this company still in existence is a mystery - tracking is bad, customer service is hopeless and their system is not even integrated! Oh and did I mention that Quantium Solutions is a subsidiary of SingPost and yet their tracking system is hopeless.

Thankfully the seller, PlayAsia, has replied me saying that they would proceed with the full refund or reshipment so let's see how that goes. I would have to say that the customer support for PlayAsia has really been good and supportive, unlike Quantium Solutions.

Have you encountered Quantum Solutions with you shipping and deliveries? If so what are your thoughts on it?