The Advantage Plus Wired controller from PowerA is a great alternative to the official wireless option. It is an officially licensed Xbox product for Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One. Accordingly, you know that the usability, versatility, and build quality are second to none. On top of this, it offers plenty of exceptional design options to enhance your gaming experience.
Although this is a wired-only option, this didn’t worry me. Instead, I kept it as a backup for when my wireless controllers inevitably ran out of juice. Alternatively, I used it regularly when I was playing on my PC. I know, I know, I should master a mouse and keyboard, but I like to use a gamepad, and this one is just as nice as its more expensive counterparts.
This controller also offers some impressive gaming benefits. With hall effect joysticks, adjustable twist analogue sticks, rear adjustable buttons, and exceptional actuation distance, this is the ideal option if you want a competitive edge without breaking the bank.
What’s in the box of the Advantage Plus Wired controller?
The packaging is attractive and easy to look at. I like the clear Xbox certified status and the ability to recycle the box.
The Advantage Plus Wired controller has a lovely colourway. The black and pink are complemented by a dark palm tree image. Alternatively, you can purchase the striking sea blue beach-themed controller. Either way, you’ll be impressed by the eye-catching design.
A large 10-foot USB-C cable is provided. This is a durable cable that will resist some roughhousing.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
The Advantage Plus Wired controller is jam-packed with useful and modern technology. However, it is remarkably easy to use! I was impressed by the plug-and-play design and the complexity of the rear mappable buttons. Although I rarely used them, they were great whenever I tackled COD. This controller is complemented by the LS10 wired headphones. If you love the best quality audio without destroying your bank account, you should think about investing in both.
The rear mappable buttons can be adjusted on the fly. This makes them particularly useful if you like to flit between different genres. I play a host of games whenever I’m reviewing. Therefore, it was important for me to maximise my time without having to load up different software to adjust my settings.
I’ve played with many elite controllers, and I love the adjustable thumbsticks. However, taking apart my controller for each different game is a pain in the backside. Luckily, the Advantage Plus Wired controller offers a delightful alternative. The twist to adjust the analogue sticks allows you to change the height without taking your controller apart. This was such a quirky design, but it was one that simply worked. This will be a massive plus point for gamers who want things to work without the hassle.
Finally, the hall effect modules are a game-changer. No one likes stick drift and inaccuracies. Consequently, it was a fantastic addition to this controller that makes a huge difference. The smooth sticks make playing every game a joy!
Build quality.
I’ve used some awful unofficial controllers that feel cheap and uncomfortable. Thankfully, PowerA only delivers impressive peripherals. The Advantage Plus Wired controller is designed with durability and comfort in mind. Furthermore, the choice of 2 different colourways was fantastic.
The ergonomic design feels great. No matter how you hold it, it has a lovely balance that reduces fatigue. Moreover, the rear buttons are perfectly positioned, and the textured grips reduce the risk of accidentally dropping the gamepad. Each standard button has a comfortable actuation distance, and I was impressed by the button accuracy and layout.
If you adore immersive gaming, you’ll cherish the dual rumble motors and the impulse triggers. Each option delivers real-time feedback that changes your gaming experience. Every shot, bump, and jump can be felt through your controller. This is something that delivers a unique edge and something that must be experienced to be believed.
Is the Advantage Plus Wired controller worth it?
I’m a sucker for impressive-looking controllers, and the Advantage Plus Wired controller didn’t disappoint. The striking colourway, excellent ergonomic design, and additional rear buttons make this an elite pad without breaking the bank. Moreover, the hall effect modules, adjustable thumb sticks, and comfortable etched case make this the perfect gaming peripheral. Accordingly, I think it’s amazing, and I recommend buying it here!
The LS10 headphones from PowerA are a fantastic entry-level product. Not only do they look great, but the ultra-lightweight frame makes them extremely comfortable to wear during epic gaming sessions. On top of this, they come in 2 new vibrant colourways, Beach Vibes or Moonlit Palms. I was sent the latter, and I love the combination of eye-catching pinks and striking blacks. Alternatively, you can opt for a sea blue if that is your thing.
This incredible headset is the ideal option if you don’t wish to break the bank. Available for under $30, this entry-level device offers fantastic audio and durable build quality. Accordingly, it is perfect for younger gamers or someone who wants a decent headset without having to take out a loan.
What’s in the box of the LS10 headphones?
The packaging is great to look at. Furthermore, it is recyclable.
The LS10 headphones are an officially licensed Xbox product. There is a unique earcup dial for ultimate control, and flexible, swivel earcups.
Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
The LS10 headphones are a wired-only product. This may disappoint you, but the lack of battery power ensures that the headset is as light as can be. Furthermore, this makes them versatile for other devices. I tested them with my Steam Deck and other 3.5mm jack products, and they worked perfectly. Consequently, they make for a great multi-platform option.
The 50mm custom-tuned drivers deliver powerful and accurate audio. Additionally, they enhance positional awareness, so you capture every footstep. Compatible with spatial sound technologies, the LS10 headphones offer many more tech layers than many of their peers. This spatial sound tech is usually reserved for much more expensive headphones. Subsequently, you get a lot of bang for your buck.
The earcup volume control was a little unusual. This unique design helps you to game with minimal interruptions. Unlike other products with earcup tactile switches or an inline volume control, this headset is different. The simple-to-use dial adjusts your volume with ease.
Finally, the flip-to-mute mic is a must if you wish to retain some privacy. Simply pull the mic down, and your friends will hear you talking. Alternatively, if you keep the mic within the headset body, the mute mode will be activated, and your conversation will be kept private.
Audio quality.
These headphones won’t compete with their all-powerful bigger brothers. Therefore, I’m not going to compare it to premium devices. Instead, I’ll look at the entry-level market from companies such as Turtle Beach. The LS10 headphones are head and shoulders above the Turtle Beach 50X and the JBL Quantum.
The impressive spatial sound and custom-tuned 50mm drivers offer a rich soundscape that is nicely balanced. The bass isn’t too overpowering, and you can identify each of the tonal ranges. I tested this headset on a range of volumes using different games, and it never faltered. During my time with COD, every booming sound effect sounded amazing. Additionally, the spatial awareness element added depth and accuracy.
Another key element was the crisp microphone. My teammates never complained about poor audio or echo in chats. They insisted that the audio was as clear as some of my more expensive headphones. This was impressive when you consider the price point.
Build quality.
I wear GUNNAR gaming glasses whenever I use my PC or console. Therefore, the headphones I wear must be compatible with glasses. Thankfully, the LS10 headphones are glasses-certified for the most comfortable experience. The soft, large earcups felt pleasant against my head. Furthermore, the lack of pressure meant that I could wear them for hours.
The breathable earpads and swivel earcups ensure the headphones fit the shape of your head. Additionally, they never overheated, no matter how much I played. Finally, the headband was strong but flexible. This reduces pressure while delivering a reassuringly snug fit. As such, these are ideal if you move around a lot while you play your favourite video game.
Are the LS10 headphones worth it?
I love PowerA products. They are always affordable and are the perfect option if you have heavy-handed youngsters in your household. Alternatively, maybe you want a unique design and an Xbox-certified product without breaking the bank? Either way, you will not be disappointed if you invest.
These headphones deliver fantastic audio and microphone quality. Additionally, the build quality is impressive. I like the choice of colours and how easy they were to use. Accordingly, I think they are fantastic, and I recommend buying a pair here!
I have been very fortunate to review some exceptional gaming peripherals, but I have waited an awful long time to get my hands on this one. The MU01 keyboard from Akko is a thing of beauty. Housed in a fully wooden case, this keyboard is simply divine. I love the styling, the clean lines, and the wonderful complementary tones. It is a real head turner and something that has to be seen to be truly appreciated.
Not only does this keyboard look amazing, but it is packed with modern tech as well. The tri-mode connectivity makes it unbelievably versatile. Suitable for Windows or Apple products, this doesn’t ignore any key user. Furthermore, it has an impressive 4000 mAh battery for extended wireless usage. If that isn’t enough, the battery has fast charging capabilities, and the inputs are exceptionally accurate and responsive thanks to the low-latency connectivity.
On top of this, the 65% form factor makes it the perfect option if you love to commute or you have a small workstation. Alternatively, maybe you just want a small keyboard for your gaming needs. Either way, this compact design is easy to use and ideal if you want to pop it in your bag when you head to work.
What’s in the box of the MU01 keyboard?
The packaging is sleek, attractive, and robust. Moreover, it can be recycled.
The MU01 keyboard is a streamlined device with no external switches or buttons. If you want to change modes, you must lift the “Caps” key and flip a switch. This was slightly inconvenient, but not a major concern as I used the wired option.
Use the USB-C cable to connect or charge the keyboard.
Switches and pulling tools are provided.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
This is a beautiful device. However, it is the tech-packed underbelly that makes the MU01 keyboard pop. With glorious south-facing RGB and macro shortcuts to change your lighting profile, you will find the correct lighting array for you. If you are not a fan of RGB, you can turn it off to improve your battery life.
Talking of battery life, the 4000 mAh battery offers over a week of gaming from one charge. This will change if you use the maximum RGB light setting. Accordingly, you must decide whether a fancy and lit keyboard is more important than a full day’s battery life. Either way, the quick charging or using it wired removes this issue.
Wired connectivity is how I went with this device. However, you can use the wireless dongle or the 3-profile Bluetooth connectivity for a cleaner look. If you go for option 1 or 2, you’ll enjoy up to 1000 Hz polling for extremely low-latency inputs. This was ideal when competing with others online. Alternatively, you can use 1 of 3 Bluetooth profiles and connect to 3 different devices. This comes at a cost as the polling drops considerably to 125 Hz. Therefore, this mode is suitable for slow-paced games or office work.
Build quality.
The build quality of the MU01 keyboard was exceptional. The exquisite walnut finish delivers an eye-catching case that is durable and built to last. This is complemented by the subtle and attractive MOA Asian-inspired keycaps. These durable double-shot PBT keys are designed to withstand grease and unsightly marks. Moreover, the font will last longer, no matter how hard you treat it.
If you love a particular type of switch, you can hot-swap the 5-pin ones provided. I found them to be accurate, responsive, and comfortable to use. It didn’t matter if I was gaming or working; they felt nice, and there was no unwanted fatigue. If you do wish to swap them out, the keycap puller and switch removal tool make the task exceptionally easy.
Audio profiling is as important as build quality. Thankfully, the MU01 keyboard offers a delightful typing soundscape that doesn’t sound hollow or overbearing. Thanks to the acoustic foam layers and the plate-mounted stabilisers, the keys sound creamy, and the actuation is comfortable and smooth.
Is the MU01 keyboard worth it?
I absolutely love this keyboard. It is a head turner, a conversation starter, and a thing of beauty. The wooden finish is gorgeous, and the keycaps are absolutely stunning. When combined with the RGB, it pops! On top of this, the low-latency and stable inputs are comfortable, and I love the small form factor. Accordingly, I adore it, and I recommend buying it here!
The Phantom 81 Lite keyboard from KiiBOOM is a gamer girl and boys’ dream peripheral! Available in an array of colourways, it appeals to many tastes. I was sent the pink option, and all I can say is it is cute as hell. This will not appeal to macho gamers who want a more industrial look, but if you like soft colours, cats, and making a statement, this pink keyboard will be right for you.
This 75% form factor device is ideal if you have a small workspace or like a compact device. Furthermore, it has a strong ABS moulding and a UV-finished case. This increases durability without undermining the visual impact. The keycaps have an unusual cat theme, and this makes things a little busier than normal. This could be confusing if you cannot touch type. I can’t see it being a deal breaker, but there may be a minor learning curve if you are new to PC gaming.
This tri-mode device is extremely versatile. With low-latency inputs, multi-profile Bluetooth connectivity, and an impressive 4000 mAh battery capacity, this peripheral is perfect if you love to commute or you have a handful of different platforms to game from.
What’s in the box of the Phantom 81 Lite keyboard?
The packaging is as outlandish as the keyboard. Furthermore, it can be recycled.
The Phantom 81 Lite keyboard is relatively heavy. This doesn’t affect portability, but it will be noticeable in your bag. The case is streamlined, and I liked the clean look.
A USB-C cable can be used to charge or connect the device.
Spare switches and a pulling tool are provided.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
Tri-mode devices are commonplace, and KiiBOOM offer some amazing products. The Phantom 81 Lite keyboard delivers stable connectivity and an impressive battery life at an affordable price. The battery will last you over a week if you turn off the RGB. However, if you cannot be without your lighting, you’ll need to charge it around every 24 hours. Alternatively, you could leave it plugged in and get the best of all worlds.
If you use this keyboard wirelessly via the dongle or with the USB-C cable, you can expect polling rates of up to 1000 Hz. If you prefer the flexibility of 3 Bluetooth profiles, this rate drops considerably. 125 Hz can be expected if you opt for Bluetooth functionality.
Customising your device may be essential to your chosen game or to match your personality. Thankfully, this device can be customised in a few ways. If you dislike the Mochi switches, these can be hot-swapped with other 5-pin compatible options. Furthermore, you can pull the MOA profile keycaps and swap them with something more suitable. If you wish to adjust any lighting or inputs, this device is both QMK/VIA programmable.
Build quality.
It doesn’t surprise me that the Phantom 81 Lite keyboard is exceptionally well built. The hardwearing case is designed to withstand some mishandling. Whether you accidentally drop it or you are heavy-handed when you are being beaten, this keyboard will resist the damage. The ABS moulded and UV-finished design retains its vibrant colours and resists scratching. Consequently, it’ll retain its striking design for longer.
The durable keycaps have the MOA profile. This isn’t my go-to option, but I found them to be comfortable, unique, and ridiculously cute. The cat design is a little niche, but cat lovers and gamer girls will adore the outlandish finish. If you pick another colourway, the keycaps are striking and a little closer to a standard design.
If you love that creamy gasket audio profile, you’ll adore what the Phantom 81 Lite keyboard offers. The special foam layers deliver a warm and familiar mechanical sound. However, unlike other devices, the constant noise isn’t overbearing. Additionally, the gasket-mounted structure offers impressive accuracy when typing or gaming.
Is the Phantom 81 Lite keyboard worth it?
I know the pink style won’t be for everyone, but the choice of colourways ensures that KiiBOOM’s latest product will appeal to a varied audience. I found the unique cat keycaps and the stunning pink livery to be wonderful to look at. My girls went crazy for it, and they were amused by the cute keys.
If you put the style to one side, this device offers some fantastic game-changing tech. The battery is impressive, and I like the tri-mode connectivity. Its low-latency inputs were great for office workers and gamers. Furthermore, it is easy to change between wireless and Bluetooth profiles. Finally, if you love to customise your peripherals, this offers some fine options. Accordingly, I think it is great, and I recommend buying it here!
Here is our review of the Edifier R20BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers.
Fill your room with rich, warm sound with the Edifier R20BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers, designed for music lovers who want great audio without the clutter of cables. Enjoy versatile connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0, optical, coaxial, and dual RCA inputs, all powered by a 2.0 stereo setup that delivers a satisfying, room-filling listening experience.
Keep things simple with intuitive controls that let you adjust volume and switch inputs without fuss. The built-in DSP and Dynamic Range Control work together to ensure the sound stays clean and balanced no matter how loud you push it.
With a compact, classic wood-finish design and a remote control included in the box, the R20BT slots neatly into your home setup – whether that’s on a desk, a bookshelf, or alongside your TV.
Features
2.5W+2.5W RMS total output power with quality sound
2.75″ full-range drivers with flared bass reflex ports
Attached USB cable for power supply and audio streaming
Bluetooth 6.0 audio receiver supporting multipoint connection
AUX input and headphone jack
Built-in ambient lighting system
Customizable sound effects
Works with EDIFIER ConneX mobile app and EDIFIER TempoHub computer app
Final Thoughts
The R20BT speakers are a great size and fit comfortably on a desk or bookshelf without dominating the space around them. They look smart and feel solidly put together.
Setting them up is really quick and easy. Bluetooth pairing is fast and reliable, and switching between the various inputs – optical, coaxial, and RCA – is simple and hassle-free. If you want to connect your TV, turntable, and phone all at once, the R20BT makes that straightforward.
The sound quality is really impressive for a speaker at this price point. Music comes through with a warmth and clarity that is genuinely enjoyable, and the stereo separation gives everything a nice sense of space. Bass is present without being overblown, and the highs are crisp without ever becoming harsh. Whether you are listening to classical, rock, or something in between, the R20BT handles it all really well.
The R20BT speakers are nicely built and have a classic bookshelf speaker look about them. The wood-finish cabinet gives them a premium feel that belies their price point, and they wouldn’t look out of place in a living room, a home office, or a bedroom setup. The controls on the right speaker are easy to reach and straightforward to use, and the addition of a remote control is a very welcome touch.
You can use the Edifier ConneX App to customise control settings, explore rich and practical functions and discover more music possibilities – definitely take a look at it as it can really personalise the experience for you.
The Edifier R20BT Speakers are available now priced around £109.99 and are available in either black or white and are a brilliant choice for anyone looking to upgrade their listening setup without spending a fortune.
Chainstaff is tough as nails, but I loved its brutal ways. Everything about this unfair adventure reminded me of a bygone era. The pixelated visuals, hard-hitting audio, and B-movie plot were brilliantly dated. However, its retro style and often challenging controls will not appeal to everyone. Accordingly, this is a little niche.
Mommy’s Best Games published and developed this side-scrolling, gruesome, platform title. It is a single-player affair where a minute arsenal of weapons matters not. Instead, it is a telepathic connection to an alien parasite that offers out-of-this-world weaponry. The living alien tool adapts to its surroundings to ensure that you move forward and complete your mission.
Chainstaff tells an odd story.
I’m a lover of an odd story. I don’t care that it’s a bit cheesy or outlandish. All I care about is the flow of the plot, the characters, and the action that unfolds. In this case, Chainstaff ticks many boxes, even if it is reminiscent of an awful B-movie.
You control Sgt. Jesse Varlette. A heroic fighter and the sole survivor of a horrific incident. This brave soldier survived because a parasitic alien has latched onto his brain. This is as grim as it sounds, but this alien turns out to be a fantastic ally. With 10 biomes to explore and a host of bug-like enemies, Jesse must use the alien as a weapon if he wishes to battle the horde and save humanity.
Tough action.
Like many traditional side-scrolling platformers, you’ll experience many familiar tropes. There are obstacles to avoid, secrets to find, and loads of platforms to traverse. However, it is the exploration method that makes Chainstaff stand out from the crowd. The alien weapon acts as both an attack and a defence tool. Alongside this, it can be used to create new pathways when there is no other option.
This multifaceted design was interesting, but it takes some getting used to. When accuracy and often fast thinking are key, you don’t want to have to contemplate what weapon to use. Instead, you just want to move from point A to point B. Talking of moving, as you explore, you’ll encounter an array of fallen soldiers. This offers a disgusting moral dilemma. Do you save each injured person and gain tech boosts, or do you let the alien take over and eat them for temporary gains and more health?
On top of this, your interactions with the soldiers have a direct impact on what ending you’ll witness. Effectively, if you devour everything in sight, you’re likely to witness a darker and more sinister end. Alternatively, if you are a saint, expect to see something lighter and more heroic. Either way, it was interesting trying to find each of the 6 different finales.
Bosses!
The bosses are a cruel highlight of Chainstaff. Their sinister and larger-than-life form takes some getting used to. Not only do they fill your screen in a stomach-churning way, but they also demand an eye for detail, a methodical approach, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
You must identify movement patterns and weak spots if you are to defeat every foe. This isn’t just a battle of life or death, but a test of your patience, skill, and resolve. Each boss encounter pushed me to my limits. The pinpoint accuracy, when matched with the challenging controls, made things much tougher than they needed to be. Consequently, they could be the breaking point for many gamers.
Chainstaff looks fantastic.
I’m a massive fan of retro gaming, and Chainstaff instantly piqued my interest. I love the pixelated and sinister world. Moreover, the retro colour palette and earthy tones were great to look at. The hand-drawn visuals reminded me of the Atari era, and I adore how dark and creepy everything looked.
The soundtrack is phenomenal. The ear-shattering rock music is pure adrenaline through and through. It is aggressive, uncomfortable, and perfect for the horrific sights you will witness. This is matched by loud and often weird sound effects.
Clumsy controls.
I loved many aspects of this game, but the controls were a bit of an annoyance. Things can often be very challenging when the heat is turned up. Consequently, it was too easy to fail when the going got tough. I know many hardcore gamers will tell me to suck it up, but most gamers will find this obnoxiously difficult and possibly off-putting.
It took me around 7 hours to complete my first playthrough. I felt that this was a great return for the price point. This playtime excludes me from finding everything and witnessing every ending. Subsequently, if you wish to complete everything, you’ll need between 20 and 25 hours.
Chainstaff is a fantastic, albeit tough game.
Chainstaff offers a remarkably retro gaming experience. The gameplay is unusual and tough, and the enemies push you just a bit harder. Moreover, it has a bit of a grim aesthetic that is brilliantly retro. Although I didn’t like the controls, I think it is an amazing game, and I recommend buying it here! Can you save humanity and yourself? Work with the alien, master your new weapon, and choose whether to be human or one with the alien.
The Pro X is the next evolution in their wireless earbud lineup.
They maintained the celebrated hybrid triple driver acoustic system of the Between 3ANC and Between Pro, with some notable improvements: An enlarged 12mm dynamic driver, supported by two Balanced Armature drivers manufactured by Knowles, a leading producer of these precision-crafted specialty drivers.
They added high-resolution LDAC codec support, alongside a High Res Wireless Audio certification from the Japan Audio Society.
Additionally, they’ve “future-proofed” the Pro X with Bluetooth LE Audio support, enabling the LC3 codec and Auracast protocol.
But it’s not just sound quality where the Pro X takes a massive leap forward.
The Pro X are substantially smaller and ergonomically optimized, so they wear slimmer and sleeker in your ears, while maintaining a comfortable and secure fit.
Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency (Ambient Aware) Modes are radically improved, as is the companion app (available on iOS and Android), which allows full EQ customization, re-mapping of controls, GPS tracking for lost earbuds, and numerous other features to optimize your listening experience.
Massive R&D resources were dedicated to a key feature for wireless earbuds: call quality. They introduced Voiceloom AI Speech Enhancement, which leverages deep neural net training to filter out background noise during voice communications.
Inside and out, the Pro X are in a class of their own.
Features
Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Block out distractions with over 52db of powerful noise reduction.
Optical Wearing Sensor Auto-detects when they’re in your ears.
Voiceloom AI Speech Enhancement Clear calls, even in noisy environments.
Six Beam-Forming Microphones Radically improved ANC, Transparency Mode, and Call Quality.
Bluetooth 5.3 with Advanced Codecs SBC, AAC, and LDAC — delivering 24-bit/96 kHz audio at bitrates up to 990 kbps.
Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast Support Future-proofed for the next generation of Bluetooth, with LC3 codec support.
Transparency Mode Let in ambient sound with a click. Stay aware, stay connected.
IP55 Water & Dust Resistance Handles sweat, splashes, and dirt.
Long-Lasting Battery Life 8 hours per charge, 24 hours total with the included charging case.
Status Hub App Fine-tune your sound, manage your earbuds, and more in the Status Hub app for iOS & Android.
Superior Connectivity Multipoint Connectivity. Android Fast Pair. Microsoft Swift Pair.
Wireless Charging The Pro X support Qi Wireless Charging.
Sidetone Feature External mics amplify your own voice during phone calls, so you don’t have to yell.
Find Lost Earbuds GPS Tracking of lost earbuds with sound notifications.
What’s in the box?
The box contains the Earbuds, Charging Case, USB-C Charging Cable, three sets of silicone ear tips (S/M/L) and a Quick Start Guide.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The Status Pro X earbuds are comfortable to wear and the secure-fit design means they stay put no matter what you’re doing. They are suitable for everything from a casual listening session to a fairly intense workout, and the IPX5 rating gives you confidence that a bit of sweat or rain isn’t going to cause any problems.
The touch controls are responsive and easy to get used to, and the fit is secure without feeling uncomfortable even after a couple of hours of use. The charging case is compact and easily slips into your pocket, with a magnetic snap when you place the earbuds inside. Build quality feels solid throughout too which is great.
Sound quality is excellent. The graphene drivers deliver a well-balanced audio profile – bass is punchy without being overwhelming, mids are clear, and the highs are crisp. Whether you’re listening to podcasts, music or watching a movie, everything comes through really well.
The ANC works really well too and does a great job of cutting out background noise. Transparency Mode is equally impressive and sounds very natural, which is not always the case with other earbuds.
Switching between your connected devices is simple and quick thanks to multipoint connectivity, and pairing in the first place is quick and easy.
Battery life is excellent with each full charge lasting around 8 hours and 24 hours of charge when the charging case is fully charged too.
The Status Hub app lets you fine-tune the EQ and remap the touch controls to suit your preferences – it can make a real difference to the overall experience – have a play around with the various settings to find what’s best for you.
The Status Pro X Earbuds are available now priced around £229.99 and come in Black Alloy or Moonbeam.
Of all the ‘Star’ franchises, Battlestar Galactica is the one I know the least about. When I was growing up, it was a fierce battle between Wars and Trek. I never cared much for either, being a Stargate SG-1 fan. I just sat in the corner with my DVD Boxsets. But Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes was my first introduction to that series. I went into it with a lot of trepidation, the same way I would if handed a Star Trek game. To my surprise, I quite enjoyed the little snippets of lore. It was enough to spark an interest in the series itself, which is something I never expected.
It’s a story very much about humanity. I didn’t encounter any mysterious aliens in my time with Scattered Hopes. Just scared people trying to survive. Keeping the focus on the people at the heart of it, and their paranoia and fear, made it speak to me a lot. I don’t know if the series is anything like that, but I’m definitely interested if it is. But a focus on survival in a video game causes it to split into two halves: when you’re fighting for your life, and when you’re not. Scattered Hopes does alright on the former, but in the latter everything starts to spin in circles.
Hopping Through Space
A little backstory is needed before delving too deeply into Scattered Hopes. The key figures in Battlestar Galactica are the Cylons, a robotic race originally created by humans. At some point, they turned against their creators and began wiping them off the galactic map. When Scattered Hopes opens, things are going very badly for the humans. One of their key planets, Caprica, is in flames. Captains of military ships gather civilians to them, and undergo an emergency FTL jump. Their end goal is to reach the Battlestar Galactica, which is the last bastion of hope. Unfortunately, there are a whole lot of Cylons on the way and they’re not happy about their prey escaping.
And that’s the foundation of the game. We start at the ruins of human civilisation and end at the Galactica. To get there, we need to make the choice to warp to one of two locations. Warp enough times and we reach a boss. Keep pressing on and we win. I’ll touch on the combat in a mo, but the other half of the game is about fleet management. On the surface, it’s about keeping our ships in tact. Our Gunstar, and the civvie ships, get damaged in combat. This may create critical events, which require resources to fix. Ignore them and you’ll suffer hull damage or a hit to fleet health. If our Gunstar explodes, or fleet health gets too low, we lose. Key resources are scarce, so keeping things running becomes quite tense.
On a deeper level, there are heroes and factions. Both play an important part in the plethora of choices you make in Scattered Hopes. Heroes are key figures that can intervene in crises, as well as bolstering units in combat. They have morale and their own health bars, however, so you need to be careful how you treat them. They are invaluable and worth scooping up at every opportunity. We also have factions. These ships are clogged with people, all banding together into different groups. Pleasing a faction will net you quests, but it’s often at the expense of another. Annoy a faction too much and they’ll launch a crisis, which often means shouldering a negative effect. These crises occur without the factions too. Surviving in space, it turns out, is a pretty tricky thing.
The Tricky Choices
To ominously hint at my final opinion, I’d say this management phase works well at first. You have about ten turns to do things before combat hits, and it can be genuinely stressful (in a good way). Upgrades and repairs all use ‘scrap’, whereas most choices use ‘supplies’. Scrounging for these things uses fuel. So it’s a constant balancing act, and a crisis at the exact wrong time can cause everything to unravel. In my last run I had both the Workers and the Military grumpy at me and was constantly fending off crises. This is on easy difficulty, mind you, as my tactical skills fell apart completely in normal. It was entertaining though. Trying to figure out who to butter up and where to spend the scrap were enjoyable choices.
The combat, too, is great. Spiritually, it shares a lot with tower defence games. Combat starts with an enemy ship warping in, which sparks off waves of smaller ships all coming for your Gunstar and civvies. A timer begins ticking down, at the end of which you can warp to the next sector. Your goal then is simple: survive. You can deploy your ships from your hanger and position them around the battlefield. There’s a decent range of ships, with different ranges and abilities. You generally want artillery to take down threats from a distance, and a speedy number to hunt down anything bigger. If all else fails, deploy the nukes. Combat is a game of constant multi-tasking and it’s really fun when you get into it. It errs on the side of overwhelming for me at times, but that fits the theme well.
But now it’s time to unravel that ‘at first‘ that I dropped up there. The core problem with Scattered Hopes is that everything pulls from a very shallow pool, despite incorporating multiple runs into its plot. We fight the same three bosses in the exact same way each time. Even the interval combat sections start to feel like they’re repeating themselves. In the fleet management, there’s a remarkably small pool of events. They repeat every run, with the most egregious being the hero questlines. Finishing a run and starting a new one, only to have a new hero say the exact same thing as the hero you just left: it takes you out of things a little bit.
Scattered Hopes – Greatness Running In Cycles
There are sparks of genius in Scattered Hopes. I really like the recurring hidden Cylon event, where you have to sniff out the spy among your heroes. It does dissolve down into just pumping supplies into it until you find the right one, but the energy is there. Scattered Hopes also looks lovely, with beautiful pixel art. It does fall back on flat text boxes a lot though, so there is an aura of coldness about it. Yet the repetition drags down everything else. I was just clicking the skip dialogue button by the end. It needs a bigger pool of quests, and more variation in the beginning. There are only four Gunstar types, which need to be unlocked, and the starting ships are the same every time. So it takes a while for each run to differentiate itself.
I hope that Alt Shift don’t give up on Scattered Hopes because they’ve laid a solid groundwork. But as I keep saying, roguelikes live and die on their ability to deal with repetition. It’s a tricky thing, but the main path to success is to make every run different from the word go. Scattered Hopes really struggles with this, as every run starts to feel the same. Given that a run could last a couple of hours, it becomes a lot harder to justify a new run after one falls apart. Still, it works as a nice intro to the TV show. Unfortunately, with the rate at which I watch TV shows, the robots will have long destroyed the Earth before I get to it.
Experience the future of personal audio with the Viaim OpenNote Earbuds, designed for professionals and everyday users who want their earbuds to do more than just play music. Featuring an open-ear air-conduction design reinforced with aerospace-grade memory titanium, the OpenNote delivers a secure, fatigue-free fit alongside a powerful suite of AI-driven tools that make note-taking, transcription, and translation genuinely effortless.
Features
FlashRecord: Instant recording from earbuds directly.
AI Transcription: Real-time transcribe in 78 languages.
Instant Summaries: Generate notes, key takeaways, tasks, and deep insights automatically.
Certified Secure: Built with ISO 27001, ISO 27701, SOC 2 Type II, HIPAA, and EN 18031 compliance.
Immersive Audio: Hi-Res sound with Active Noise Cancellation for work and everyday listening.
All-Day Comfort: 53-hour battery life & open-ear design.
600 Minutes Included: Start with 600 mins/month of AI transcription, upgrade when needed.
What’s in the box?
The box contains the Earbuds, Charging Case, USB-C Charging Cable, and user guide.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The open-ear design of the OpenNote earbuds means nothing is stuffed into your ear canal, and the titanium wire keeps everything secure without clamping down on your head. You can wear these through a full workday and barely notice they are there.
The OpenNote earbuds sit just outside the ear canal using a hook-style open-ear design, with a flexible titanium memory wire that wraps neatly behind the ear. Each bud weighs 10.5g and are comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time.
The battery life is impressive. Up to 19 hours on a single charge and the 53-hour total with the case means you are unlikely to find yourself searching for a cable very often. If you are desperate, 10 minutes of charging gets you another 3 hours, which is really good.
Pairing is quick and straightforward, and the dual-device support via Bluetooth 5.3 means you can easily switch between your laptop and your phone without any effort.
The AI features are where the OpenNote really makes a difference. FlashRecord is brilliant — a simple pinch of the earbud starts capturing audio immediately with no app required an no Bluetooth needed. Once you reconnect, everything syncs to the Viaim app, which then transcribes your recording, summarises the key points, and even generates action items. It also translates across 78 languages, which is genuinely useful whether you are in a meeting or travelling abroad. It is not a gimmick — it works, and it works well, I was very happy with the results.
Do keep in mind that the open-ear design means you will always hear some of what is going on around you though. For most people that is a feature rather than a drawback, especially during commutes or workouts, but if you are looking for deep sonic isolation then bear this in mind.
The Viaim OpenNote Earbuds are available now priced around $169.99 and come in either black or white.
Discover a world of vibrant creativity with myFirst Sketch Pro Neo! This premium color sketchpad is perfect for kids aged 4 to 13, letting them explore the magic of colors, draw, and doodle like never before. With a durable design, anti-glare screen, and a smooth “pen on paper” feel, it’s the ideal companion for your child’s artistic journey. Plus, it’s incredibly portable, so they can take it anywhere, and we’re even including a free anti-friction leather case for style and protection.
Let your child’s creativity shine with our drawing pad – where every sketch is a colourful adventure!
Features
Vibrant 10-inch colour LCD screen for a rich, immersive drawing experience.
Pressure-sensitive stylus delivers varying line thickness for expressive creativity.
Anti-glare, natural light source screen with no blue light to protect young eyes.
Rounded rubberised corners built tough for active, on-the-go kids.
One-key erase button with a lock switch to prevent accidental clearing.
Long battery life of up to one year (CR2032 lithium battery included).
Comes with a premium anti-friction leather case included in the box.
What’s in the box?
The box contains the myFirst Sketch Pro Neo sketch pad, a pressure-sensitive stylus, and a premium anti-friction leather case.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The myFirst Sketch Pro Neo is a lightweight and very well-designed little device that kids will genuinely enjoy using. The screen is bright and responsive, and the pressure-sensitive stylus makes drawing feel surprisingly natural — there is a real pen-on-paper quality to it that children take to very quickly.
The battery life is excellent. Running on a standard CR2032 lithium battery, you can expect anywhere from a few months up to around a year of use depending on how often your child is drawing, and replacement batteries are easy to come by. The one-key erase function works perfectly and the lock switch is a really sensible addition to stop artwork disappearing by accident.
The Sketch Pro Neo feels solid and well put together. The rounded rubberised corners give it a reassuringly sturdy feel, and it is clear that a lot of thought has gone into making this durable enough to survive in the hands of younger children. The device itself is lightweight and easy for kids to carry around, and the included leather case adds a welcome extra layer of protection without adding much bulk at all.
The 10-inch screen is a generous size and gives children plenty of room to sketch, doodle, write notes, or play simple games like noughts and crosses. The anti-glare coating works really well and the display is noticeably clear and easy to look at even in brighter conditions. The bundled leather case is a nice touch and feels like a genuinely useful accessory rather than an afterthought.
If you are looking for a mess-free, screen-time-free creative outlet for a child aged 3 to 12, the myFirst Sketch Pro Neo is a fantastic option. It is simple to use straight out of the box with no setup required, which is a real bonus for parents, and children will love the colourful, expressive drawing experience it offers.
The myFirst Sketch Pro Neo is available now priced around £34.99 and comes in a choice of colours including Blue and Pink.
The Carbonis mouse from Epomaker is a right-handed option for lovers of lightweight and elite gaming peripherals. This full carbon shelled option comes in 2 unique colourways. I opted for the black version. However, if you want a slight splash of colour, you can pick up a black and purple version. Both have a pleasant design incorporated into the shell, with a pleasant eye for detail.
This rapid gaming mouse delivers up to 8K polling rates and a mind-blowing 30k DPI. Both were much faster than I needed, but elite gamers will drool at the idea of lightning-fast accuracy and the chance to deliver match-winning speeds. Alongside this, there is a built-in LCD screen to highlight your settings. This wasn’t necessary, but in a world where every second counts, this was a nice way to keep on top of your settings.
Finally, this gaming mouse is extremely comfortable to use. I was impressed by the exceptional shell, the pleasant curvature, and the firm but rapid actuation distance. Each of the tactile buttons is well-positioned, and the central wheel was accurate and easy to use. Accordingly, this is a great product for elite gamers, office workers, or anyone who wishes to improve their gaming setup.
What’s in the box of the Carbonis mouse?
The packaging is compact and easy to look at. Moreover, it is recyclable and durable.
The Carbonis mouse is great-looking. I appreciated the subtle markings and the professional black edge. Furthermore, the LCD screen was a nice touch.
A wireless dongle is provided.
Use the USB cable to connect and charge the mouse.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
I’m a huge fan of wired gaming. However, when it comes to my gaming mice, I want them to be wireless. I know this may seem a bit strange, but I like large swooping movements, and a wire simply gets in the way. Thankfully, the Carbonis mouse offers tri-mode connectivity. If you want the best connection, you’ll need to use the wireless dongle or the USB-C cable. If you plan to use Bluetooth, the polling rates drop considerably. Therefore, I suggest either a wireless dongle approach or keep the mouse charged and play using the USB-C cable.
Rapid and accurate connectivity is a must if you have a gaming peripheral. This mouse offers both with its market-leading performance. Up to 30k DPI is insane! Thankfully, the settings change in 6 handy increments, so you can get the right one for you. 30k was far too fast for my needs, and I couldn’t cope with its rapid nature. However, when I slowed things down, it matched my muscle memory comfortably. The DPI functionality is complemented by the impressive 8k polling rates. This delivers extremely low-latency gaming for your favourite FPS and MOBA games.
If you love programmable buttons, this mouse has 5 that can be adjusted using the web-based software. I’m more of a plug-and-play gamer, but I tested this option for this review. I found the software to be intuitive, and the customisable buttons were easy to master. If this isn’t your thing, you can ignore this option and use the mouse like any other standard peripheral.
A strong and reliable battery is a must for any wireless product. Luckily, the 300 mAh battery offers hours of uninterrupted gaming. However, if you happen to run out of charge, a 1-hour quick charging session fills the battery, and you are back in the game.
Build quality.
Epomaker delivers some of the best and most affordable gaming peripherals available! The Carbonis mouse is one of their flagship models for 2026. Not only does it look amazing, but the build quality is second to none. The carbon design delivers rigidity and superior durability. Moreover, it offers a leading weight-to-size ratio. This is going to appeal to fans of exceptionally light peripherals. If you like something heavier, you’ll probably find it quite a shift from your normal gaming options.
The comfortable design has been created for right-handed gamers only! This may be disappointing for left-handers, but Epomaker designs some nice alternatives. The smooth design feels incredible, no matter if you are gaming or working. Moreover, the ergonomic shell is wonderful, no matter how long you work or play. Each of the buttons has a pleasant actuation distance and a clear audible profile. This soundscape complements the clacky sound of any of this company’s mechanical keyboards.
Finally, the accessories are fantastic! The USB-C cable is flexible and hard-wearing. Moreover, the USB dongle is durable and will take some unwanted knocks and bumps. If you were to break the cable, it can be replaced by any suitable alternative. Therefore, if you have an accident, you are not looking at an expensive bill.
Is the Carbonis mouse worth it?
I love gaming-specific peripherals. They change the way you play without an uncomfortable learning curve. Furthermore, this mouse offers incremental speed changes to match your muscle memory. If that isn’t enough, the battery life is fantastic, the web-based software is intuitive, and the mouse looks amazing. Accordingly, it is a phenomenal option, and I recommend buying it here!
Six years after the release of the now legendary first game, Hades returns to consoles with Hades 2. Is the underworld as good as its first iteration? Or are you left longing for memories of old?
Back To The Underworld
I can recall as clear as day the first time I fell in love with a roguelite game. My friend had waxed lyrical about Hades and when it finally arrived on console, it blew me away. Supergiant Games classic wowed me with an awe inspiring and emotionally complex story, telling the tale of Zagreus. Coupled with an addictive gameplay, the original Hades is now amongst my all time favourite games. Therefore, you can imagine my excitement at the announcement of a sequel, Hades 2. However, I also feared that Supergiant might tarnish their legacy with a weak follow up. Thank the gods, I was mistaken. Hades 2 is one of the greatest games ever created; it firmly cements this development team as true masters of their craft.
This time you assume the role of Melinoë, another child of the Lord of the Underworld, Hades and Zagreus’s sister. Chronos, the fabled Titan of time has broken out of his prison created by the gods, seeking revenge on them. As a young child, Melinoë is taken away by Hecate as Chronos enslaves and captures Zagreus and the rest of her family. Having been raised above the Underworld, Melinoë sets out to save her family and restore what is rightfully theirs. Thus the story of the game is set in motion.
Invest In The Series
First, it’s important to mention that playing through the original narrative will vastly enrich your experience in Hades 2. If you are jumping into this title blind, the connected stories and threads from the first game may go over your head. It also helps if you have a basic knowledge of Greek mythology. However, this isn’t vital as Supergiant have done a superb job in enriching new players and reminding returning players of the narrative threads and overlapping stories on show in Hades 2.
For Family
Sometimes in roguelite games, the narrative can take a backseat in order for the gameplay to shine. Not so in Hades 2; Supergiant Games have perfected their storytelling craft. Every run you partake in has the opportunity to grant you narrative threads and knowledge. These further develop the character of Melinoë and the story itself. As for Melinoë, she is a superbly written protagonist, as are all the characters that you converse with throughout your journey. I relished every chance to talk and interact with the many gods and characters in the game and learn more about them. This is just as the first game did brilliantly.
The original Hades had a consistent theme of trying to love and understand those who consistently hurt and disappoint. Hades 2 takes a different route showing how Melinoë continues to live when all else around her has failed. She has, quite literally, lost everything. However, with her courage and determination, she is much like the players in a roguelite game; they just keep going. I am astounded at the level of complexity and nuance in the narrative. This is a title that most people might play simply for the gameplay, but I felt rewarded with rich lore every time I played. Supergiant games are the real gods.
Polished Perfection
I couldn’t fathom how difficult the task of improving a perfect gameplay loop might be. Nevertheless, Supergiant have achieved the impossible. Once again you play from a fixed isometric view in each area of the Underworld; above you traverse. Combat is fast, brutal, difficult, yet extremely rewarding when you get your head around it. Speed is your ultimate ally in this game and the fact the input delay is a complete non factor is a wonderful joy. Dashing around the different environments felt magnificent. It made me feel like I truly was a god with Melinoë’s different abilities and weapons to play with. The sheer amount of enemy variety is utterly staggering; content is in abundance in Hades 2.
The boon system once again plays a major role in combat and gameplay. Whilst going into different rooms and arenas, you are rewarded with different abilities that you must choose from different gods. Each of the gods has their own unique powers and stats. The developers have clearly made a real effort to make each boon feel useful. This gave me the chance to constantly experiment and tweak what I thought to be my ultimate build. The RNG involved in boon selection is always a thought provoking experience, making you really plot your next choice as if your life depended on it. The boons have been upgraded with a new system known as the Gifts Of The Moon; they act as an ultimate ability for that specific run and are great in their variety and effectiveness. Rest assured, gameplay remains king in Hades 2.
The Rewards Of Persistence
If you are unfamiliar with the first Hades, the crux of the gameplay loop is designed as a rogue lite experience. This means whenever you die, you go right back to the home base or hub and the start of the adventure. Every time you die in Hades 2 feels like a true lesson. This time, the hub takes the form of the Crossroads. This area allows Melinoë to upgrade items, speak to different characters and accept quests. These can be completed during each run you take in your effort to stop Chronos. It’s a wonderful area, filled with interesting and unforgettable moments, where the chaos takes a backseat in order for the narrative to shine.
Speaking of upgrades, the first Hades is notoriously hard and was frustrating for some players with its unforgivable style. This time, the developers have attempted to make some minor changes to help struggling players. Upgradeable boons return from the first game, but now, a new feature called Arcana cards accompany them. There are only a certain amount of these cards which you can activate but they can give you huge boosts to your weapons and abilities. There is also the introduction of Animal Familiars which give you more powerful buffs in your quest through the Underworld. Make no mistake though, this is still a vastly difficult adventure that will have you dying many, many times. If you can harness your frustation and continue the journey, the rewards of a wonderful narrative and addictive gameplay await you. Superb!
An Explosion Of Colour
Let’s cut to the chase: Hades 2 is one of the most aesthetically astounding games of all time in visual presentation. Every single area of the Underworld and above is dripping in glorious animated complexity. Every area feels like a beautiful collage of pure art. The different colours and explosions during combat mesmerised me. Melinoë and the other characters look equally as impressive; each hand drawn character is as beautiful as the next. It felt like I was gliding through a collection of magnificent mosaics. The performance of the game is also incredible; during all the madness not a single time did I experience frame rate issues. Animations look sleek and flow perfectly with all the action and combat that takes place. This is a masterpiece in visual presentation.
Similarly, the sound design is at the top of its game. Each hack and slash sounds deliciously violent, whilst abilities sound powerful and monstrous. Everything in sound design only elevates the combat and complements it perfectly. The same can be said for the excellent voice acting on display from a wonderful diverse cast. Special mention must go to Judy Alice Lee as Melinoë; the emotions in her voice perfectly encapsulate the characters’ plight and her desperation to save her family. Finally, an excellent soundtrack awaits you from Audio Director Darren Korb. This epic score stays peaceful and calm during exploration areas yet roars magnificently into a Greek rock ballad when combat begins. A colossal effort in presentation.
Verdict
To try and put into words what Supergiant Games have achieved with Hades 2 is no easy matter. This is an astonishing sequel which continues the wonderful narrative from the first game with an equally explosive and emotional tale. Improving and polishing an already perfect combat roguelite system is something I thought impossible. Gorgeous visuals and a thrilling soundtrack round this off as a truly legendary game. This is the quintessential roguelite experience in video games! It’s about time Supergiant Games are called what they are, gods of the video gaming space. Bravo!
Gladiator II hit theatres a couple of years ago, but it was only one film in a long list that have drawn from ancient civilizations. Roman and Greek cultures and myths have survived in part because they deal with themes people still connect with: power, revenge, loyalty, fate, ambition; and in part because of the larger than life characters and adventurous imagery. In film video games, and online casinos, Greek and Roman mythology offers the colourful, dramatic settings that translate perfectly into movies and games.
Ancient myths
Centuries before cinemas and games consoles existed, myths stories were passed down generations through theatre, poetry, and oral stories. Characters like Zeus, Hades, Athena, and Achilles are all prevalent in today’s fiction; audiences don’t need half an hour of exposition to understand the stakes when gods interfere in human lives or heroes face seemingly impossible odds. We know gods are powerful; we recognise many of the images; and many of us have seen characters like Hercules and Zeus in films for as long as we can remember – whether from films of the ‘50s, ’60s, or a ‘90s Disney update. Or we’ve seen characters inspired by ancient mythology without realising it – Beauty and the Beast was largely inspired by the Greek myth of Eros and Psyche.
These myths carry strong visuals: the ancient temples, giant creatures, gladiator arenas, and weapons create settings perfect for action.
Film
Clash of the Titans (1981) featured giant scorpions, Medusa, and Pegasus with practical effects that were memorable for fantasy fans (the film has been called “goofy” in retrospect, but Ray Harryhausen’s stop-motion techniques are now considered “charmingly archaic”). The 2010 remake used more modern CGI to create a larger scale version of the same mythological story.
Immortals (2011) was based on the ancient Greek Twelve Olympians myth, and took a darker and more stylised approach, using the conflict between gods and humans to create a visually striking film – but one that had mixed success. The critic Roger Elbert summed up the positives and negatives by saying it was undoubtedly “the best-looking awful movie you will ever see”. The film changed parts of the original myths, but it kept the themes of destiny, vengeance, and divine power.
Troy (2004) focused more on war and human conflict than supernatural themes, using the emotional weight of Homer’s legendary story. Achilles is one of mythology’s most enduring heroes because his story combined success (he slayed the prince Hector during the Trojan War) with vulnerability. His story has survived in part due to the expression “Achilles’ heel”, which refers to a weakness (in Achilles’ case, it was his actual heel – the only part of his body not dipped in the magic river Styx).
Roman influence is of course seen in the Gladiator and Gladiator II movies; these draw from the spectacle and brutality associated with ancient Rome. Russell Crowe and the producers reportedly extensively researched beliefs about the afterlife for the sequel. It has been noted that the films’ portrayal of gladiators being branded, or marked, is a common myth (and not in the ancient sense): gladiators were not, in actual fact, marked to signify they were fighters; that only happened to slaves trying to flee their masters. Even without many references to gods or monsters, the Gladiator films use the same themes found in classical myths, including honour, revenge, corruption, and the fight for legacy.
PlayStation and Xbox games
Video games are suited to mythological storytelling because myths naturally revolve around quests, battles, and powerful enemies. The God of War series mixes adventure and hack-and-slack action with an emotional story based on ancient gods and prophecy. Earlier games focused on Greek mythology, with Kratos battling Zeus, Ares, and Poseidon. The original (2005) was one of the most critically acclaimed PlayStation 2 games.
Hades (2020), in which players control Zagreus (son of Hades), showed how mythology can be applied in more character-driven games. Its version of the Greek underworld introduced players to familiar gods through sharp writing (courtesy of Greg Kasavin, previously executive editor at GameSpot), and combat. The game worked partly because it treated ancient characters as real personalities rather than vague legends.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (2019) recreated Ancient Greece on a huge scale, and featured the statue of Zeus at Olympia, Lesbos, the Agora of Athens, and characters like Sokrates.
Mythology in iGaming
Ancient mythology has become one of the most recognisable themes in online casino gaming for its dramatic imagery. Gods like Zeus are easy to market because players already associate them with larger-than-life personalities.
Many slot players will be familiar with Gates of Olympus, developed by Pragmatic Play, one of the biggest iGaming providers. The Gates of Olympus slot at 10bet shows the game’s widespread popularity – it’s on a South African site while also being hugely popular in Europe and the States. The game uses familiar Greek imagery, including Zeus, temples, and glowing symbols, to create an ancient and cinematic atmosphere.
Its popularity reflects a trend in slots, where Roman and Greek themes are some of the most widely seen, along with adventure themes, jungle themes, film and TV-inspired slots, and the classic fruit symbols (among a long list of others).
Roman and Greek mythology continues to inspire. There’s heartbreak, struggle, redemption, and power – and whether in a movie or on a games console, these ancient legends still offer the entertainment they did centuries ago.
Reptilian Rising is a retro turn-based strategy RPG where figures throughout history face off against a rising reptilian race. Developed by a team of three different studios—Gregarious Games, Robot Circus, and Hyper Luminal Games—and published by Numskull Games, Reptilian Rising was released on April 23rd, 2026. As a retro themed tactical tabletop game, players must use a squad of well-known figures to defend against a reptilian race. Capturing time gates in each mission serves as your main objective, but of course there will be tactical combat and plenty of strategy along the way. Perks, classes, and hero powers are some of the tools that make each hero feel unique. A touch of roguelite elements for permanent progression also exists as the shop opens between eras, allowing you to upgrade perks and purchase powerful passive effects.
Upon first glance, Reptile Rising looks a little rough. With slightly cheap comedy and lacking top-notch visuals, my initial impressions were not very positive. However, though some things could be improved, it is still a decent tactical strategy game. I felt that the actual gameplay elements, though somewhat simple in execution, are well done. The roguelite aspect of the game helps make the game feel not as narrow in scope, though still could use some widening of possibilities. The poor visuals are intentional as they fit with the retro action figure theme the game has and became a part of the game’s charm. Overall, Reptilian Rising is somewhere between okay and good, and leaning slightly towards the good side in my opinion. So, get your action figures ready, because its time to discuss Reptilian Rising!
Heroes throughout History vs a Reptilian Cult
The gist of the story is that a reptilian cult made up of dinosaurs (not reptiles), reptile creatures, dragons (maybe not reptiles?) and occasional hybrids which are actually just robots (hybrid between reptile and robot?) is trying to take over the world throughout time. The game spans multiple eras—like the Crusade era and the Atomic era—and in each one, your squad of heroes has to fight off the reptiles. These heroes come from across history, time travelling to help out in the fight. A squad could be made up of Cleopatra, Albert Einstein, Robin Hood and Spartacus, with a roster of 30 different heroes in total.
Both heroes and reptiles take on the form of old action figurines—the retro kind in a hollow plastic square with a cardboard back. These still exist now I’m sure, but the quality of how they look is more reminiscent of something from an older time. The figures sit on a tabletop board where all the tactical and strategy gameplay unfolds. The game certainly has a nostalgic theme, complete with a tape player for music and somewhat low quality graphics. It feels like I’m a young child again, playing a boardgame with friends. This may also be the reason why the story outside of the gist above gets a little nonsensical. You can collect cards during missions that expand the story, but I wouldn’t expect the overall lore to feel crisp or clean.
In each mission, your main objective stays the same—take over the three time gates scattered across the board. These crystals are portals for both heroes and reptiles to come through, allowing for more units on either side. After taking over a time gate, you are then able to summon more heroes from your collection at the cost of time energy. Time energy is perhaps the most important resource in the game. Time energy has multiple uses, and you can earn it through various actions. Defeating enemies and capturing time gates are some of the main ways. The reptiles also have a form of time energy, though theirs works a bit differently. They passively gain the energy from purple dies on the board, and once full, it will summon the overlord, a difficult boss enemy. These dies can be destroyed.
There are two phases in each round—a hero phase and a reptile phase. Each character on the board can perform one move and one action. Common actions are of course attacking and defending, but other interactions also count, such as claiming a time gate. Your squad of heroes earns XP together, which levels up the whole team. After gaining a level, each hero can acquire a perk. Perks are passive effects that increase that heroes power, such as adding poison to their attacks or increasing their backstab damage. The perk selection is random, but some are specific for a certain class. On levels 2 and 4, the heroes will learn a hero power. These are powerful abilities and are unique for that hero. Performing hero powers costs time energy. Players will need to be strategic with their time energy usage.
Heroes have a limited number of lives. If defeated in combat, players can resummon heroes at a time gate, though they will be missing a life from then on. Once they use up all their lives, they’re no longer available to summon. Though this wouldn’t matter too much in a single mission, heroes lives and HP persists into following missions. Heroes low on HP can retreat at time gates to regain health. This is probably a better solution than letting them lose a life. This will also refund some of the time energy used to summon them, which may let you summon a different hero in their spot.
There are four different classes—scout, warrior, elite and heavy. Each class has their own traits, such as scouts having more movement capabilities and heavy units having increased HP. Heroes can be melee or ranged, with ranged heroes being slightly different depending on which era they come from. You can add new heroes to your collection during missions. There is a portal on the board that allows you to recruit a new hero out of a selection of three. You can activate a hero synergy by fielding multiple heroes who share a trait, such as coming from the same era or belonging to the same class. This will provide a passive effect during that mission, such as Crusade heroes having resistance to fire attacks.
After taking a time gate, reptile reinforcements will pop out of tunnels. Blocking tunnels prevents this from happening. It might be useful to strategically place your units to be able to block tunnels before claiming a time gate. Once you take all three time gates, the objective then becomes to defeat the remaining units. Once this is completed, victory is yours and you are rewarded gold and obsidian. I’ll discuss their use in the next section. You can also complete a side objective to earn increased gold and obsidian. These side objectives include things like collecting insignias from defeated enemies or destroying eggs before they hatch. If you are able to, it might be worth while to complete them.
Overall, the tactical and strategic gameplay of Reptile Rising is well done. It sounds more complicated in writing, but is quite simple once you have an understanding. The game lets you set your own difficulty during missions, so players are free to choose the level of challenge they want. Personally, I’m not too good with strategy and tactics, so it was nice to have a challenge and still feel like I was mowing down reptiles at different times during my play through. This was especially apparent during overlord battles, as they can be a little tricky no matter what difficulty you set. Reptilian Rising has a decent set up for their gameplay and its hard to argue against it. Sure, it might not be on the levels of Into the Breach or XCOM, but it is still an enjoyable experience nontheless.
Outside on the Tabletop
When not in a mission, there are a few things that players can view on the table, including the roguelite elements that I will discuss in this section. First though is the mission selection screen. Reptilian Rising has 15 total missions and 5 overlord battles across 5 eras, culminating to the final battle. Players need to jump from era to era, starting in the Crusade era, and complete its 4 missions, including the overlord battle. You get a checkpoint save as soon as you begin a new era. If defeated at any point during that era, your progress will reset back to the checkpoint. However, any unlocked perks, time tech, upgrades and collectibles will stay. What is learned is earned. This is where the roguelite elements come into play.
The shop opens when starting a new era or returning to a previous checkpoint. As noted earlier, missions reward you with both gold and obsidian. You can spend gold to upgrade perks, boosting their effects from one to three stars. For example, the reptile lethality perk gives a 5% increase to damage against reptiles. After upgrading with gold though, the damage increase goes up to 20%. Keep in mind though that perks can be class specific and also not guaranteed when leveling up. It might not be the best idea to spend all your gold to fully upgrade specific perks and instead spread out the funding. You can also view locked perks and see what you need to unlock them, along with a tidy list of your collected hero classes.
Obsidian, the other currency, lets you purchase time tech. Time techs are powerful passive effects that modify many parameters in the game and improve your chances. Obsidian is a rarer resource than gold, so you need to spend it wisely. These effects can be an increased number of lives for your heroes, increased number of initial hero summons, and increase time energy storage capacity. Just like perks, they upgrade from one to three stars, though many effects remain locked at first. You open them up by clearing eras or completing enough missions.
Upgrading perks and time techs bring in the roguelite elements that I like. If I feel like I could do better during a run, I may let my heroes die, resetting my progress but keeping the gold and obsidian gained. I like the idea and generally don’t have too many complaints. I do think the game could improve a few things. The biggest issue for me is that the new recruitable heroes during missions are fixed. Before starting a mission, you can see what choices you will have for new recruits. Instead, I wish it was a randomized selection of heroes. Each run would stand out since you never know which squad you’ll get. Sure, you can pick a different hero of the selection of three, but already knowing what you can get is kind of boring.
On the flip side, I can see why they did the hero selection like this. Some heroes simply feel more powerful than others. The idea is to introduce the more powerful heroes later on, that way your squad feels ready for the final battle. However—and I admit this might be my own bias—I’d personally prefer a more RNG‑driven approach with better hero balancing. Sure, some heroes will inevitably still be more powerful than others. If you’re lucky enough to pull it as an option, then of course you’ll end up taking it. As long as no hero feels like a “requirement” to have on your squad, I think it would be more enjoyable.
Another wish I have is to not have most upgrades locked behind progression. Again, it feels like it falls in line with the more powerful ones being unlocked later on. I’d much rather have slightly more balanced perks and time techs, allowing for more unique runs. I suppose what I am probably wanting is more in the way of a roguelite, which Reptilian Rising is not trying to be. Yes, it has roguelite elements, but at the end of the day, it is not a roguelite. I suppose I’m just wishing it is something its not, but it did hinder my overall enjoyment of the game. I wanted a blend of both game genres, but instead only got a dash of the one. It feels too narrow in its current state, as if my playthrough will mirror everyone else’s because of what’s available and what’s still locked.
Retro Visuals and Corny Comedy
Before concluding, I want to discuss the visuals and “comedy”. As mentioned, the game has a retro theme. The aesthetics from the low quality action figures to the music are reminiscent of an older time. Visually, the game looks rough around the edges, and I believe that this is intentional. I like how the game’s setting is entirely on a table that stays visible even during a mission. I like that the low quality action figures feel reminiscent of a collection I might have as a child. For me, these added to the game’s charm. Though janky at first, I quickly just got used to the visuals. However, this certainly won’t appeal to everyone. If you want your games to have a polish to them, then perhaps this one might not be for you.
Now, the “comedy” on the other hand is as you’d might expect. This usually comes in the form of the little quips and voice lines the heroes say, and they say them quite often. I quickly got tired of hearing Sir George brag about delivering royal butt‑kickings, Charles de Gaulle claiming his attacks were, how you say, fragged, and Spartacus dropping a full Cardi B okurrr. It’s corny, cringey and simply too much. I’m not really sure who this comedy is for, but it is not for me. It feels ironic to critique the game about its comedy given the context of the rest of the story, but I think it might just be a slight issue with the writing overall. Sure, I can be fine with a nonsensical story, but I would have loved a bit more polish in this regard. At least reduce the character voice lines!
Overall though, Reptilian Rising isn’t the worst game out there. I’d argue it has more positives than negatives and receives a decent score in my books. Sure, it may not compare to the popular tactical strategy turn based games out there. I’m aware of this even as generally not the biggest fan of the genre. Improvements can be made. I’m not a fan of the comedy, but outside of that, I think the game has a charm to it. It almost feels like a hidden gem. In fact, at the time of writing, there are less than 10 reviews on its Steam page. At the very least, I hope Reptilian Rising gets more recognition. Reviews are probably the best way for developers to hear from their player base and improve their games. With more reviews, the developers can have a better idea of what is and is not working here.
Thank you for reading, now go fight some reptiles!
