How Nature Can Inspire Heartfelt Remembrance

Christopher John
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How Nature Can Inspire Heartfelt Remembrance

Life is a tapestry of moments, memories, and connections. When we lose someone we love, finding ways to honor and remember them can feel both comforting and overwhelming. One of the most profound sources of solace and inspiration comes from the natural world. From the quiet rustle of leaves to the gentle flow of a river, nature offers a space for reflection, remembrance, and healing.

The Healing Power of Nature

Spending time in natural surroundings has long been recognized for its therapeutic benefits. The sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors can calm the mind and ease emotional pain. Walking through a forest, listening to birdsong, or sitting by a lake encourages mindfulness and creates a gentle space to process grief. The cyclical patterns of nature—growth, decay, and renewal—serve as a poignant reminder of life’s impermanence and the ongoing connection between all living things.

For many, memorial rituals conducted in natural settings feel more personal and meaningful than traditional ceremonies. The rustling of trees or the quiet hum of a garden can provide a sense of continuity, as if the presence of a loved one is woven into the fabric of the natural world.

Creating a Nature-Based Memorial

In recent years, more people have turned to nature-based ways to honor their loved ones. A nature-based memorial tribute allows for a remembrance that grows, evolves, and lives on. Whether it’s planting a tree, creating a wildflower garden, or establishing a small memorial in a local park, these gestures offer a living connection to someone who has passed. Unlike traditional monuments, which are fixed in stone, natural tributes change with the seasons, providing a dynamic reminder of life’s beauty and resilience.

Such memorials also encourage family and friends to engage actively with the remembrance. Each visit, each new bloom, becomes a moment to reflect, share stories, and celebrate the life of the person being remembered. For those seeking a tangible way to honor a loved one while embracing the restorative qualities of nature, a nature-based memorial tribute offers a thoughtful and lasting option.

Symbolism in Natural Elements

Different elements of nature carry rich symbolic meanings, making them powerful choices for memorials. Trees, for example, symbolize strength, endurance, and growth. Planting a tree in someone’s honor can represent the continuation of their legacy, with roots that anchor memories and branches that reach toward the future. Flowers, on the other hand, convey beauty, fragility, and the ephemeral nature of life. Selecting specific blooms based on their colors or symbolism can add layers of meaning to a memorial space.

Water is another potent symbol often used in remembrance. A river, pond, or fountain can reflect the flow of life and the passage of time, offering a serene backdrop for contemplation. Even the smallest natural touches, like a stone arrangement or a bird feeder, can create a sense of presence and connection.

Nature as a Reflection of Emotional Cycles

Grief is not linear, and neither is the natural world. Seasons change, storms pass, and new life emerges from decay. Engaging with nature reminds us that loss, while painful, is part of a larger cycle of renewal. The first buds of spring after a harsh winter, the gentle rainfall after a dry spell, or the steady growth of a memorial tree can all mirror the journey through mourning toward acceptance and peace.

Nature encourages us to slow down, observe, and participate in this rhythm. By creating spaces for remembrance outdoors, we invite the possibility of ongoing healing, where memories are not frozen in time but continue to grow and inspire.

Embracing a Living Connection

Honoring loved ones through nature allows for a heartfelt, enduring connection that goes beyond traditional memorial practices. It reminds us that life continues in new forms and that memories, like seeds, can flourish with care. Whether it’s a quiet walk in a memorial garden, planting a tree, or simply sitting in reflection amid natural beauty, these experiences offer solace, inspiration, and a tangible way to keep loved ones close.

Through the lens of nature, remembrance becomes not only an act of mourning but also a celebration of life, continuity, and the enduring power of connection.

From Manual Bookings to Intelligent Shipping Systems

Christopher John
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From Manual Bookings to Intelligent Shipping Systems

In today’s fast-paced marketplace, businesses and individuals alike are demanding faster, more reliable, and more transparent shipping solutions. Traditional manual booking methods that once served small businesses and individual shippers are now being replaced by intelligent shipping systems that harness data, automation, and connectivity. This transformation is not simply about convenience; it’s about efficiency, scalability, and the capacity to thrive in a competitive global economy.

The Limitations of Manual Shipping Bookings

For decades, manual shipping bookings were the norm. Whether a business was sending pallets across the country or an individual needed a hand with a large item, the process typically involved contacting multiple carriers, comparing quotes, filling out paperwork by hand, and hoping there were no hidden costs or delays.

Manual bookings offered familiarity, but they also came with significant drawbacks:

  • Time-Consuming Processes: Collecting quotes and managing paperwork could take hours or even days.
  • Limited Visibility: Once a shipment was booked, tracking it often required phone calls or logging into multiple carrier websites.
  • Human Error: Manual data entry left room for mistakes that could delay shipments or incur extra charges.
  • Inconsistent Pricing: Without real-time comparison tools, it was easy to overpay for services without knowing better options existed.

As e-commerce and global trade grew more complex, these limitations became less tolerable. Businesses needed smarter ways to handle logistics, ways that didn’t drain valuable time or resources.

Enter Intelligent Shipping Systems

Intelligent shipping systems represent a major leap forward. Powered by modern technology like machine learning, real-time data analytics, and cloud connectivity, these platforms optimize every aspect of the shipping process.

Instead of calling around for quotes, businesses can input shipment details once and receive instant comparisons from multiple carriers. Intelligent systems evaluate route efficiency, delivery speed, and cost, helping users make better decisions quickly.

This shift is more than just digital; it’s strategic. Intelligent systems reduce manual workload and unlock insights that weren’t accessible before. They help businesses anticipate challenges, adapt pricing strategies, and improve customer satisfaction through more reliable delivery experiences.

How Intelligent Shipping Works

At the heart of intelligent shipping systems are data and automation. Here’s a breakdown of how these systems elevate the shipping experience:

1. Smart Quote Generation

Rather than relying on quotes from a single carrier, modern platforms aggregate offers from multiple providers. Users can compare prices, delivery times, and services in one dashboard. For example, platforms like Shiply.com allow customers to submit shipment details once and receive multiple competitive bids, eliminating the need to reach out to each carrier individually.

2. Real-Time Tracking

Intelligent systems integrate directly with carrier networks, offering real-time tracking updates. Instead of checking various carrier portals, shippers monitor all active shipments in one place. This visibility enhances communication with customers and allows businesses to proactively address delays or issues.

3. Automated Documentation

Shipping often requires extensive paperwork: bills of lading, customs forms, insurance documentation, and more. Intelligent systems automate this paperwork, pre-filling details and ensuring compliance with local and international regulations. This not only saves time but also dramatically reduces the risk of costly errors or fines.

4. Predictive Analytics

One of the most powerful aspects of intelligent shipping systems is their ability to predict potential disruptions. By analyzing historical data and current conditions, like weather, traffic patterns, and carrier performance, these platforms can forecast delays and suggest alternative plans.

Benefits for Businesses of All Sizes

Whether a multinational enterprise or a local retailer, intelligent shipping systems offer benefits that scale:

  • Cost Savings: Automated comparison tools and optimized routing help businesses find the most cost-effective shipping options.
  • Improved Efficiency: By streamlining booking, tracking, and documentation, businesses reduce administrative burden and free up staff to focus on core operations.
  • Greater Transparency: Real-time updates and centralized dashboards build trust with customers, who can see exactly where their shipments are and when they’ll arrive.
  • Scalability: As orders grow, intelligent systems adapt without overwhelming internal teams. This scalability is particularly valuable for businesses experiencing rapid growth or seasonal spikes.

The Future of Shipping

The evolution from manual bookings to intelligent shipping systems marks a pivotal shift in logistics. What once required extensive human effort can now be optimized with sophisticated software that saves time, reduces cost, and increases reliability.

In an age where customer expectations are higher than ever, companies that adopt intelligent shipping technologies are better positioned to compete. They can offer faster delivery, transparent pricing, and proactive communication, features that are no longer optional in a world shaped by instant gratification and global trade.

Ultimately, intelligent shipping systems are not just tools; they are strategic assets. By embracing automation and data-driven decision-making, businesses can transform their operations and deliver excellence at every stage of the customer journey.

Review: Escape from Duckov

Daniel Waite
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Review: Escape from Duckov

Escape from Duckov was covered by Codi back in October. However, I missed the boat, and I’m finally up to speed with this big-selling indie title. Sadly, it has currently taken a big hit on Steam due to a modding community complaint. I’m not here to get into that, but I think the negative reviews don’t reflect the game, but a political battle. Accordingly, I recommend testing this before you look at the Steam user reviews.

Developed by Team Soda and published by bilibili, this is a single-player extraction shooter. It is a parody of Escape from Tarkov, but thankfully, it isn’t as difficult, and the learning curve is much shallower. Additionally, although it is a grind, the colourful ducks, interesting quests, and array of weaponry keep you interested throughout.

Build a spaceship and Escape from Duckov.

The story isn’t complex or compelling. Instead, it is a bit tongue-in-cheek as it rarely takes itself seriously. As you work through the silly moments, you realise that your duck prisoner is in trouble. He/she/they are stuck on a planet that is going to explode. Consequently, they must find resources, fight marauding ducks, and build a spaceship to get the heck out of dodge. This is easier said than done, as death and a large map stand in your way.

It isn’t just the guarantee of death that holds you back. There are survival mechanics, inventory management, duck upgrades, and an array of weapons to change your tactical approach. If this isn’t enough, you must complete a long list of quests if you are to find the toughest of items and raise much-needed funds. Subsequently, there are plenty of balls to juggle as you work through each area.

Improvements.

At first, your duck is relatively weak and is likely to fail repeatedly. I admit that this was frustrating, and I was desperate to get out of this early game loop. This grindy approach needed a multiplayer option to reduce stress and repetition. However, this wasn’t to be, and gamers must work through the grind to make it to the interesting moments.

New weapons, improved base elements, and better skills await anyone who is patient enough to keep working. The large list of weapons and increasingly tough duck foes was enough to keep me focused. Moreover, the list of resources and interesting quests kept me waddling along and killing and looting anything in sight.

Escape from Duckov looks great.

Escape from Duckov is a dark and sombre game that will make your heart sink. Yet, visually, it is colourful, interesting, and a joy to look at. Each marauding duck is a joy to encounter, and I love the cone of vision viewpoint. This adds suspense and danger to every expedition. Although your bunker doesn’t start as much, it quickly becomes the hub of your world, and the new areas and workspaces make exploration much more enjoyable.

The audio is fantastic. The ambient sounds add drama to the cruel atmosphere. The sound of weapons firing and the noise of unseen enemies keep you on your toes. It is this continuous soundscape that haunts you as you crawl through bushes, raid buildings, and avoid detection.

No controller support.

Now, this may be controversial, but there is no support for a gamepad. I know I should be better with a mouse and keyboard, but I’m not. Consequently, the learning curve was a little steep. However, if you are familiar with a mouse and keyboard, you’ll love the incredible UI and the responsive inputs.

Replay value is a bit hit and miss. The grind and almost certain death will put some people off. Additionally, it takes a while to hit the mid to end game point. The lack of multiplayer options compounds this. Had Escape from Duckov had this option, it would have been much more appealing.

Escape from Duckov is a great indie title.

I have pointed out some minor complaints throughout this review, but they are very small issues. Escape from Duckov is a great indie extraction shooter that will go from strength to strength. I loved the quests, the balanced survival mechanics, and the arsenal of weapons. Additionally, it is easy to lose time as you search for resources or go on a duck-killing spree. Accordingly, I recommend buying it here. Can you build a spaceship and escape? Loot resources, complete every quest, and escape from Duckov!

Review: Confidential Killings

Josh Blackburn
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Review: Confidential Killings

Confidential Killings makes me realise I probably wouldn’t make a good detective. Not just because I’d probably put my foot through the first clue I come across. But because as soon as my first guess is wrong, it all starts falling apart. Wait, this wasn’t the killer? Time to accuse the waiter, or the victim, or a random pot plant until someone tells me I’m right. Police reports probably don’t get accepted when they’re covered in a thick layer of tipp-ex.

Still, Confidential Killings does a lot to make detective work straightforward. I probably would be a good detective if everyone was happy to reduce key clues down to single words. It’s an appealing gameplay mechanic but one that comes with a sizeable flaw. We’ll get to that, but my lasting impression of Confidential Killings is that it’s a short, snacky game. It’s entertaining, but it whizzes past a bit too quick.

Confidential Killings

Wordy Gumshoe

Set during the late seventies, Confidential Killings opens with us investigating a car crash. It quickly becomes apparent that there’s more at work than an unfortunate DUI, and we began tugging at a thread. This thread leads us through a story filled with drugs, dirty politicians and an empire built on top of it all. It’s a great central story for a detective game, and each case feeds into the next one. Characters you meet early on keep returning, and you begin to realise just how tied into the underworld everyone really is.

Gameplay-wise, Confidential Killings has you gathering clues and then assembling them into the right order. It’s a standard point’n’click interface. There are a set of rooms and various objects that light up in red. Interacting with them causes our detective to give a description, which you can pick key words (ranging from people’s names to key verbs) out of to act as clues. Once you’ve interacted with enough things, you reconstruct the crime by putting all the words in the right order. It’s a system with a lot of potential, as you theoretically need a good idea of what happened to complete the case. Otherwise it’s just a jumble of words.

Confidential Killings

Comic Copper

There are a few extra elements throughout, like re-arranging sequences into the right order. It’s an appealing mechanic, but it does have flaws. For one, it’s a bit disconcerting that our detective can’t remember people’s names between cases. We keep having to find them again before we can slot them in. But the biggest flaw is how easy it is to brute force. I didn’t even fully get some of the cases, but solved them just through simple word association. In some cases, just the wording of the reconstruction element guides you into solving things. It’s just a touch too easy.

As a result, cases whizz past very fast. The ending came after about three hours. Still, Confidential Killings is well presented. The art style is straight out of a comic book, with each character being immediately recognisable. It’s great. Writing is generally good too, with a fair amount of extra detail to round out the characters. Still, the characters themselves are fairly flat. They don’t really say much, and most clues we get are from rifling through their pockets. Given that it’s a character driven story, I was hoping for a little more.

Confidential Killings

Confidential Killings – Pint-Sized Detection

The art style and simplistic point’n’click interface dredged up old memories of flash games from back in the day. If we had to escape a room at some point, then the feeling would be complete. I’m not knocking it for that, mind you. Confidential Killings is as complicated as it needs to be. It’s a short story, with a decent over-arching plot and cases that all bleed into each other. The only real problem with it is that the gameplay is a bit too easy to brute force.

I suppose some part of that blame must be on the player, but when I was solving cases through sentence structure alone? Something’s not right there. Confidential Killings just needs to test the brain more. If they ever make a sequel – which I would be delighted by – then some deeper investigation mechanics would be good. Make us work to get those words. Throw in some red herrings. As it is, while Confidential Killings’ story is nice, the inherent simplicity in the gameplay causes it to whizz by so fast that it struggles to stick in the mind.

(Confidential Killings‘ Steam Page)

Review: Amanda the Adventurer 3

Saim Khurshid
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Review: Amanda the Adventurer 3

If Amanda the Adventurer started as a cursed Saturday morning cartoon you should not have touched, then Amanda the Adventurer 3 is the moment you stop watching out of curiosity and start watching out of obligation. You have come too far to turn the tape off now.

Developed by MANGLEDmaw Games and published by DreadXP, Amanda the Adventurer 3 is the final entry in the trilogy. It does not attempt to shock you with reinvention. Instead, it tightens the screws, answers the questions that matter, and leaves just enough unease behind to remind you why this series worked in the first place.

Amanda the Adventurer 3 drops you straight into the belly of the beast. Riley is trapped inside Hameln Entertainment’s facility, the source of the cursed tapes and the disappearances that have haunted the series since the beginning. There is no warm-up and no comfort zone. You are here to uncover the truth, whether you are ready for it or not.

The familiar VHS format returns immediately. Twisted episodes play out on screen while puzzles bleed into the real world around you. It is the same formula fans already know, but context changes everything. This time, you are not just uncovering clues. You are closing a case.

The Cold Open Adventure

The puzzles in Amanda the Adventurer 3 are the strongest the series has seen so far.

Earlier entries sometimes leaned too far in either direction, being either overly simple or frustratingly vague. This finale finds a better balance. Puzzles are tied directly to the tapes, reward close observation, and rarely punish you for missing something small. When you get stuck, the game gently nudges rather than shoves.

The escape-room structure remains intact. You rewind tapes, unlock new areas, revisit old spaces, and slowly piece everything together. It is familiar, but it works. The loop is clean, focused, and respectful of your time, which matters in a game built around tension.

Completionists will also find plenty to chew on. Secret tapes, alternate outcomes, and hidden details reward curiosity and replaying, making the world feel deeper than it first appears.

Static Interference

That refinement does not mean the game is flawless.

There are moments where progression feels unclear, especially when the game expects you to interact with a tape at a very specific time. Miss it, and you may find yourself repeating scenes while trying to work out what changed. Unskippable sequences make this more noticeable than it should be.

These moments are frustrating, but brief. They never fully derail the experience, though they do interrupt the otherwise smooth pacing.

Analogue Horror Forever

Visually, Amanda the Adventurer 3 sticks to the same low-budget analogue horror style that defined the series. Environments are simple, character models are awkward, and polish is minimal, but that ugliness is part of the charm.

This entry leans darker and more overt in its imagery than before. While the new setting is not quite as memorable as earlier locations, it still feels oppressive and unsettling. The world looks wrong in the right ways, and that consistency helps sell the horror.

Sometimes, clarity is scarier than suggestion.

Final Adventure

Amanda the Adventurer 3 succeeds because it knows exactly what it is.

It is not the most shocking entry in the trilogy, and it does not reinvent its mechanics. What it does instead is refine everything that came before. The puzzles are better, the pacing is tighter, and the story finally delivers answers that feel earned.

For long-time fans, this is a satisfying conclusion. For newcomers, it is a reminder that horror does not need excess to be effective. Sometimes all it needs is a broken cartoon, a flickering screen, and the feeling that you should not be watching this.

The tape ends.

The static does not.

Review: Netherworld Covenant

Luke Hedingham
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Review: Netherworld Covenant

Netherworld Covenant is exactly like your classic roguelite, multiple different characters to choose from each with their own unique abilities, progression resets when dying, addictive combat, and of course the inevitable feeling of boredom and frustration when you die to the same boss for the seventh time in the span of a couple of hours.

One thing it doesn’t have though is much of a story, but with most within the genre the narrative is less of a priority compared to the actual gameplay, mechanics, and combat system, so it’s not really a surprise.

You play as the sole survivor of a devastating disaster, with the forbidden artifact the Nether Lantern in your possession which acts as a bridge between the mortal realm and the netherland. You forge pacts with the souls of your deceased allies as you venture into the chaos infested labyrinths, to overcome corrupt heroes and demonic lords.

I’ll admit, roguelites usually aren’t a subgenre I play often or rather am extremely invested in with my single reason being rather simple. They get very boring very quickly, which is why I was initially skeptical upon launching Netherworld Covenant. Was it boring after a while? Yes it was at certain points, particularly when I felt like I was making no progress or unlocking new things for a few runs, however it was a type of boring where I could actually continue playing without zoning out mid-attack, even though I admit that did happen a few times.

Despite that though, I did find the combat to be quite fun which slightly made it less boring to play through, the different characters, main and secondary weapons, and ghost skills which I think were the best attacks, allowed for various different combinations which made each run different than the last. It’s vital that roguelites are able to achieve this and add lots of variety otherwise the game just completely falls flat.

It truly can be their downfall but luckily Netherworld Covenant managed to achieve it pretty well, and was the main reason why I actually managed to enjoy it as much as I did. 

Nothing really made it stand out in its subgenre, it was just like most other roguelite/roguelikes really, lacking something to truly make it unique.

Now I wouldn’t say I’m a veteran at roguelite games, if anything I’m somewhat new to the genre but that doesn’t mean I’ve never played any of their titles. This was the first one I’ve picked up in the last months or so and I initially was skeptical upon booting it up, it didn’t showcase anything which particularly appealed to me but I still went into it with an open mind.

And I’m glad I did, otherwise I might not have played it for as long as I had. Maybe I’m making it sound like it was an awful game when it really wasn’t, it was just…okay. You see, a lot of roguelites are very similar, from the combat to the graphics most of them are alike in that aspect and many more, meaning that a lot lack unique features that entices players into giving them a go.

Something it lacked and completely missed was a strong atmosphere, now I don’t think it’s a deal breaker compared to horror games which heavily rely on it, but it’s still important nonetheless. It lacked voice acting and the music only appeared during battles, so a lot of times it felt very empty and non-existent, which only strengthened the dull aspects of the game.

Because of those particular reasons, Netherworld Covenant ended up being a repetitive and rather average experience, with the combat and boss fights being its saving grace making it a game which actually kept me engaged enough to play it for as long as I did.

How easy is too easy?

RPGs and roguelites are notoriously known for their grueling and unforgivable difficulty, often leaving players having no choice but to put many hours into the game before they can even dream of beating it. Now Netherworld Covenant completely strays from that tiring and frustrating experience, and instead offers players a much more simple, less stressful route which overall makes the game a lot easier to complete.

You needn’t look any further for proof of this, as someone who has only played a few roguelites managed to beat it in only nine hours, (yes I’m talking about myself). I was surprised at the fact that I beat it in such a short time and also that I beat it back-to-back on normal and hard mode. Whilst it was mostly thanks to the many upgrades, new weapons, and skills I obtained overtime, it was still not much of a challenge to beat. Clearing the normal enemies as one would expect was simple, and most of the bosses weren’t too difficult either except from the last two which even after going up against them having significantly strengthened my character in several areas, I still only managed to beat them narrowly escaping death.

It wasn’t completely down to my skill so I shouldn’t get too ahead of myself, okay maybe a little bit was down to it, but it was mostly thanks to being able to purchase new items and upgrade abilities after each run. Main weapons and secondary weapons which were called the lantern skill were blueprints which enemies dropped when defeating them, naturally the more you played the more enemies you killed, resulting in unlocking more upgrades. From swords, to axes, and bows, each one allowed for different playstyles and synergies.

Personally I found a sword and an arrow in my loadout to be the most effective, that way I could engage in close and long ranged combat, adapting to certain battles.

This is definitely a perfect game for new players curious about the genre as I think it’s very beginner friendly. The controls and combat aren’t complex at all, you’ll be able to upgrade the protagonist in no time making runs easier, and most importantly healing potions aren’t scarce at all, having guaranteed heals at the end of each area and sometimes finding them at shops is extremely convenient and makes all the difference in the long-run.

Review: Drywall Eating Simulator

Cody Monfredi
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Review: Drywall Eating Simulator

Are you angry? Are you frustrated with the over-dependance of AI, cryptocurrency and crypto-bros, the entitlement of customers, and kids saying 67? Does life have you seeing red and makes you want to just break-down some drywall and start eating the pieces? If you answered yes, then Drywall Eating Simulator might be the perfect game for you!

Drywall Eating Simulator is a comedic adventure game with a simple objective of completing tasks and eating drywall out of frustration. Developed and published by Peripheral Playbox, Drywall Eating Simulator was full released on December 11, 2025. Players work through four scenarios, each with its own set of objectives. Players must manipulate their stress level in order to complete these tasks. Sometimes, a peaceful outlook in order to talk to NPCs is necessary. In other situations, only raw anger lets you break through more walls. Drywall Eating Simulator knows the type of game it is and delivers it in a simple and straightforward way. By the end however, I was still questioning who this game was actually for, and it ultimately felt like it was here just for the gags. So, get your appetite ready for some drywall, because it’s time to discuss Drywall Eating Simulator!

Eat Drywall to Solve Life’s Annoyances

The game begins by dropping players into an empty room with nothing but a telephone. After picking up the phone, you learn that you are in an Earth simulation and have been for quite some time. Well, kind of—it isn’t the same “you”. Later on, it is revealed that different iterations of “you” have repeated this simulation, performing different actions, such as a previous “you” who peed on the walls. Regardless, you are told by the mysterious person to not think too much about things and to start the simulation by going through the first door.

There are four scenarios that players can explore, such as in an apartment complex or in an office building. When it comes to the story, I think the purpose is just an experiment to see how we react in each scenario. For gameplay, the main objective is to get to the exit, which may require completing tasks first. The overarching story takes a back seat as the game prioritizes gameplay and satire.

There is one main gameplay mechanic that players need to be mindful of—your stress level. As you explore scenarios and interact with NPCs, you will get annoyed. There is a lot that NPCs say that will trigger and annoy you. These increase your stress level, making you get angrier until its visible all over your person and NPCs will no longer talk to you until you’ve calmed down. To calm down, what better way than to smash your head into some drywall and start eating the pieces? As your stress level rises, you will be able to see more walls glowing red. You can break down and eat these walls, opening new passages or areas you need to progress. It’s simple, straightforward, and almost like a puzzle.

A Satire on the Present

Drywall Eating Simulator claims to be a comedic adventure and I can certainly get behind this description. Many of the comments that NPCs make are very relatable to the present. NPCs come in a few varieties, such as kids shouting 67 and other nonsense, and many of them discussing AI and cryptocurrency. I can see why players might be able to relate to these annoyances. There’s even a whole stage taking place in retail which I can personally relate to from my time working in retail many years ago. I definitely found moments to be comedic and had a good chuckle here and there at the absurdity.

The game’s comedic timing works. Despite there not being much to the bigger story, I enjoyed the writing that did exist within the game. I could see a future where more scenarios get added, delving into different areas that can be just as frustrating. Somewhere super crowded comes to mind. Maybe as a security guard at a mall during Black Friday, dealing with the chaos and plenty of teenagers? Perhaps a server at a restaurant, dealing with customers who complain about the food not being “instagramable” or a chef whose under the influence? These are not personal experiences I’ve had and I’m sure there are plenty of other scenarios that could take place. However, an expansion is something I could see for this game’s future—especially if the game wants to have a future.

Who is Eating Drywall?

Despite the bits of comedy, I have a few concerns when it comes to Drywall Eating Simulator. To start, the game is rather short. Players can reasonably expect to complete the game within five hours and there isn’t really any replayability factor. The description calls it “bite‑sized (literally)”, yet the experience could use a bigger bite. An example could be what I previously discussed with added scenarios as DLC.

My other concern returns to the question I raised at the start of this review: who is this game actually made for? Perhaps its just me, but I’m having a hard time finding a reason to recommend playing this one. The game seems catered to having video game content creators in mind. Someone who does Let’s Plays on Youtube or streams on Twitch might play this as a fun little indie game for their already existing fanbase suggesting it to them, especially if that creator is someone who gets angry themselves. The game’s attention grabbing title and simplistic gameplay might be good for a stream or two, but then dropped and moved on from. And if I watched someone else playing this game during a stream, I probably wouldn’t be too eager to purchase a copy for myself.

This of course is not a bad thing if this was the game’s purpose. I can certainly picture some bigger content creators picking this up and sharing with their fans. However, it does make me concerned about the game’s longevity without a player-base of its own. As a player who is just me and not streaming or sharing my gameplay with anyone but occasionally my partner, then the game doesn’t feel worth it in the end. Unfortunately, I don’t think I can recommend this one in its current state.

Maybe I’ll Eat My Own Words…Along with Some Drywall

However, the developers at Peripheral Playbox do seem responsive and willing to make improvements. Many initial reviews claimed the game was full of bugs and the developers have released many updates to fix them. Other reviews complained about the static, red filter (see in images above) that occurs when your stress rises. This is not the easiest on the eyes. The developers released an option in the settings to turn this off thankfully. I’m hopeful that they will add more scenarios in the future, but am aware that this may take time.

I do think it’s important to acknowledge Peripheral Playbox as an up-and-coming small team of people. Drywall Eating Simulator is not the absolute worst game I’ve played and there are some positives that exist here! Despite my feeling of not being able to recommend playing, I still think it could be a good game for streamers and content creators and can see it going somewhere in that regard. I can applaud the developers for the time and effort they put in. I guess really, I just want more to the game, which I believe says something to the work they have already done.

Thank you for reading and please don’t eat drywall in real life!

Review: TH99 Pro keyboard

Daniel Waite
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Review: TH99 Pro keyboard

The TH99 Pro keyboard from Epomaker is their latest product. This peripheral comes in two colourways, and it has all the bells and whistles that you’ve come to expect from this impressive gaming company. Tri-mode connectivity, a fantastic battery, a data screen, a media knob, a gasket-mounted design, and durable build quality.

If this isn’t enough, the 96% form factor offers a numpad alongside the 106 keys. This is great if you cannot be without those side-mounted numbers. Alongside this, the layers of acoustic material create a creamy soundscape that every gamer loves. As such, this ticks many boxes.

What’s in the box of the TH99 Pro keyboard?

  • The packaging is large, robust, and eye-catching. Additionally, it can be recycled.
  • The TH99 Pro keyboard is a great-looking device. I reviewed the white and blue version. However, there is a grey and black alternative. The media knob and data screen are useful if you like shortcuts, but they can be ignored.
  • A USB dongle and cable are provided.
  • Spare keycaps, switches, and a pulling tool can be found in the box.
  • Learn the basics with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

The TH99 Pro keyboard offers an 8000 mAh battery for marathon gaming sessions. If you use the RGB lighting, you’ll get around a day out of the battery. However, if you turn the lighting off, you’ll enjoy around 200 hours of gaming before it needs to be charged. This didn’t concern me as I used the USB cable for the best results.

Wired gaming is my go-to choice, as I prefer higher response rates and can forget about the battery. If you like a cleaner workspace, you’ll be glad to know that wired and wireless connectivity delivers 1000 Hz polling. Alternatively, if you use Bluetooth, this reduces to 125 Hz. This is a big drop, but the Bluetooth function is suitable for work tasks and ideal if you want to transition between compatible workstations seamlessly.

This is a plug-and-play peripheral. However, if you use the Epomaker software, you can play with the settings. I didn’t test this theory with this product, but I have used the software before. It is easy to use, and working through each stage is a cinch. This device has preinstalled FN macros for RGB settings and other key features. Consequently, you can streamline usability with the touch of a few buttons.

Build quality.

This impressive peripheral has all the key gaming and work features, but does it have the build quality to match? Of course it does! The hardened plastic case has a clean white finish that is complemented by the soft blue keycaps. Moreover, the south-facing RGB and underside lighting help to create an impressive light display. The well-positioned media knob and screen are ideal if you want to observe stats, customise an animation, or adjust your settings.

The media knob is ideal if you love to listen to music or watch your favourite TV show. It allows users to pause the action of their song. Moreover, you can rewind to a previous track or skip forward. On top of this, you can adjust the volume or mute the sound.

The keycaps are double-shot PBT to ensure the fonts don’t fade, and you avoid that horrible shiny look. If you love to remove your switches, this is a hot-swappable option. I like the provided switches, but if you are particular about the ones you use, you can switch them with ease. Finally, the TH99 Pro keyboard has 5 layers of sound-dampening material. This creates a pleasant audio experience that retains a familiar mechanical edge without being loud or obnoxious.

Is the TH99 Pro keyboard worth it?

Mechanical keyboards are pretty commonplace. However, getting a great one that ticks every box is easier said than done. Luckily, this affordable choice will appeal to many gamers. The polling rate is impressive, and the typing position is comfortable. Additionally, it is durable, and it looks amazing. Accordingly, I think it is great, and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on Epomaker can be found here!)

The TH99 Pro keyboard has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)

Review: CloverPit

Daniel Waite
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Review: CloverPit

CloverPit is the sort of game that enjoys riding on the success of other experiences. If you’ve played Balatro, you’ll get a unique but familiar sense of deja vu. Now, this isn’t a complaint, but I appreciate originality as much as the next person.

This roguelike gambling title was developed by Panik Arcade and published by Future Friends Games. It is a single-player affair that limits its hand-holding. This should have been annoying, but I enjoyed the semi-puzzle-like impact. Furthermore, it enhanced the gambling mindset as you push for risk vs reward.

CloverPit has a sense of purgatory. 

Being trapped in a room with little understanding of your crimes isn’t my idea of fun. However, this is the main concept behind CloverPit. Players awaken to see an array of images, a slot machine, and other key items. With minimal instruction, players must gamble to earn money and avoid the drop into the unknown. 

The action follows a repetitive cycle that may annoy. However, once you get to grips with the unique quips and gameplay elements, you can work much of the action to your advantage. This trial and error won’t appeal to everyone. Yet, I enjoyed the sense of despair and the guarantee that failure is around the corner. 

Take in the clues. 

Although CloverPit offers little guidance, there are plenty of clues if you open your eyes. Furthermore, there are perks to unlock as you gather tokens. This is where you must balance your approach. Do you push for loads of coins to guarantee you make each deadline, or do you aim for tokens to gain permanent buffs to assist you in the latter stages?

As the game unfolds, you’ll be offered buffs from a mysterious person. The phone rings, and you must make a choice. Sometimes this can be a blessing, and other times a curse. Either way, picking up the phone can be the difference between winning and losing.

It is this element of trepidation that makes this enjoyable. But, less adventurous gamers will find this annoying and tedious. The constant unknown can wreak havoc with organised gamers. 

CloverPit has a grim but polished aesthetic. 

If you don’t like seedy and claustrophobic games, this won’t be for you. The dark gambling den is uncomfortably tight. Moreover, the lighting is sinister, and the grainy world is unpleasant to the eye. However, this deliberate approach is perfect for the uncomfortable atmosphere. 

The audio does a perfect job of complementing this mindset. Awful ambient sounds juxtapose the fun of each turn on the slot machine. Furthermore, the shrill noise of the telephone and the clunk of the grate were enough to make you jump and shudder. 

Simple controls. 

CloverPit is remarkably easy to play. You control the machine while looking around the room. This is the extent of the control system, and it can be mastered easily. 

Replay value and longevity vary depending on your love of the genre. If roguelike games are not for you, you’ll uninstall them immediately. However, if you love to gamble and test your luck, this Game Pass title will keep you going for ages. 

CloverPit is no Balatro, but I enjoyed it regardless. 

CloverPit doesn’t live up to the dizzy heights of Balatro. Although I enjoyed it, it doesn’t grab you in the same way. Instead, it felt more casual and a little less powerful. Accordingly, despite my slight reservations, I enjoyed it and recommend buying it here! Can you escape it your cell? Choose your wager, hit the jackpot, and meet the deadline.

From Paper to Pixels: A New Way to Remember

Christopher John
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From Paper to Pixels: A New Way to Remember

In an age dominated by technology, even our most cherished memories are finding new forms. The classic paper yearbook, once a staple of school life, has started to evolve into digital formats, giving us innovative ways to preserve and relive our past. This shift from paper to pixels is not just about convenience. It’s about enhancing the ways we connect with memories and the people behind them.

The Nostalgia of Traditional Yearbooks

For decades, yearbooks have been more than just collections of photographs. They’ve captured the essence of school years, from candid snapshots and sports team photos to heartfelt messages from classmates. Flipping through the glossy pages, one could relive milestones, friendships, and the laughter of simpler times.

However, traditional yearbooks come with limitations. They’re physical objects that can be misplaced, damaged, or forgotten in an attic. While they hold sentimental value, accessing specific memories can be challenging. A yearbook might tell a story, but it can’t search or instantly connect you with the people who made those memories special.

Digital Transformation: Memories at Your Fingertips

Enter the era of digital yearbooks and online archives. Technology has made it possible to preserve these memories in formats that are more interactive, accessible, and shareable. Digital platforms allow users to store, organize, and retrieve photographs and notes with ease. Unlike paper yearbooks, digital memories can be searched by name, event, or year, making it simple to reconnect with friends from decades ago.

Online platforms have also expanded what a yearbook can be. No longer limited to static images, digital archives can include videos, audio messages, and interactive timelines. This multimedia approach allows memories to come alive in ways that paper never could. Hearing a classmate’s voice or seeing a short clip from a school play adds layers of emotion and context that enhance the experience of remembering.

Connecting Across Generations

One of the most significant advantages of digitizing memories is the ability to share them effortlessly across generations. Parents can show their children what school was like years ago, and alumni can reconnect with old classmates with just a few clicks. This digital bridge keeps communities alive and nurtures connections that might have faded with time.

For those looking to explore past memories, resources like Find yearbooks on Classmates make it simple to locate and revisit old school yearbooks. These platforms provide access to a wealth of historical content, helping people trace their own stories and rediscover the faces that shaped their early years.

Preserving Memories for the Future

Digitization also ensures that memories are preserved for the long term. Paper deteriorates, and ink fades. By contrast, digital archives can be backed up, shared, and updated continuously. This ensures that memories remain intact, safe from the hazards of physical storage, and available to future generations.

Moreover, digital platforms encourage creative ways of commemorating experiences. Alumni can create personalized digital scrapbooks, share memories on social feeds, or compile anniversary albums for reunions. This flexibility transforms remembrance from a static act into an ongoing, interactive celebration of life and friendship.

Embracing the New Way to Remember

While the nostalgia of paper yearbooks will always hold a special place in our hearts, the shift to digital offers exciting possibilities. From enhanced accessibility to multimedia storytelling, the move from paper to pixels is redefining how we connect with the past.

In a world where technology is seamlessly integrated into daily life, remembering has never been easier or richer. By embracing these new tools, we can keep memories alive in ways that honor the past while inspiring future connections. Whether you’re reliving your own school days or discovering the stories of generations before you, digital platforms ensure that no memory is ever lost.

Review: Silly Polly Beast

Daniel Waite
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Review: Silly Polly Beast

Silly Polly Beast is an indie game that stands out from a sea of mundane and repetitive experiences. Furthermore, it has a pleasant old-school edge that reminded me of Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Alone in the Dark. However, it has a nice modern edge that glues every element together to create a reasonably polished title.

This eerie and grim horror adventure was developed by Andrei Chernyshov and published by Top Hat Studios. It is a single-player game that uses a variety of perspectives to great effect. This artistic style adds flair and suspense. Additionally, it prevents the action from becoming predictable. It is this lack of predictability that leads to frustration, however. Not always knowing what you were to face and not being prepared for inevitable failure will make the average person scream with rage.

Silly Polly Beast sends you to hell and back.

I love an underdog story! Silly Polly Beast has this in abundance. A mute protagonist, a demonic being, and a missing friend make up the key ingredients for this sinister title. You play the role of Polly, an orphan who decides that her life will be better if she runs away. However, she is not doing this alone, as she wants to team up with her best friend Alice. Unfortunately, this plan failed as Alice failed to turn up. This leads Polly down a rabbit hole and on the road to purgatory. If she wishes to redeem herself and escape her dark fate, she must help a demon break his shackles. 

The story is ridiculous but fascinating. Each cruel element has some minor twists and turns as dialogue choices help to guide the plot. Though these decisions have a minimal impact, you occasionally make a deadly choice. Thankfully, this matters not as the quick save facility spawns you back in and you live to fight another day.

Exploration and deadly fog.

Silly Polly Beast is all about exploration, fighting, and a wall of deadly fog. The fog keeps you on a reasonably linear path. Moreover, circular routes and simple dungeons guide you to your next location. This may seem a little basic, but it works exceptionally well alongside the brutal combat elements.

As you explore each area, you must tackle countless creatures. Eerie shadows, grotesque exploding monsters, and wolves line up to take you down. This isn’t a problem for Polly as she is armed with a magical pistol. Whenever she moves near light, her pistol reloads. This gives the hero enough ammo to tackle most tasks. Yet, it isn’t quite that straightforward, sadly. Ammo is still relatively tough to find, as light is scarce and fires can be extinguished far too easily.

On top of this, the dodge mechanics are very tight, and the skateboard melee weapon is linked with Polly’s minuscule stamina bar. Accordingly, you have to plan wisely before you unleash a skateboard on a monster’s chops. Another challenge is the lack of special items. Grenades and healing items are limited. As such, you can be in a bit of a bind as you become inundated with hordes of foes.

A brilliant story, but plenty of bugs.

I’m a huge fan of how Silly Polly Beast unfolds. The plot is great, and the storytelling is wonderfully paced. Although I found much of the action to be tough and frustrating, it is very rewarding when you get things right. Additionally, a little practice goes an awfully long way.

Despite the agonisingly tough moments, it was the bugs that frustrated me the most. The game would hang and crash for no reason whatsoever. This was super annoying, especially when it reverted your gameplay to an earlier save point. This issue repeatedly reared its ugly head, driving me crazy! The problems need to be ironed out if this is to reach its full potential.

Silly Polly Beast has a stunning edge.

I’ve mentioned the old-school appeal. However, visually, Silly Polly Beast has a delightful modern edge. The action is wonderfully dark and sinister. Furthermore, the sharp, comic book imagery delivers a punchy and dramatic undertone that cannot be avoided. The combination of different perspectives and styles should have been confusing, but everything flows nicely. Consequently, this is an attractive and eye-catching game.

The audio helps to create a daunting and sinister atmosphere that is spine-tingling. A lack of spoken dialogue should have been off-putting, but it wasn’t. Instead, the silence creates a horrible energy that matches the demonic theme and sense of impending doom.

Tight but challenging controls.

There are plenty of weapons to master and some tight combat to enjoy. However, timing your dodging mechanic can be a little tough. When navigating the world is challenging, this can lead to frustration. Furthermore, avoiding waves of enemies is almost impossible. Subsequently, it enhances the difficulty to an eye-watering level.

Although this has a linear design, there is plenty of replay value and longevity. The difficulty ensures that you cannot rush through it. Moreover, numerous achievements require plenty of luck and an inquisitive mind. Therefore, completionists will need to invest hours if they wish to complete Silly Polly Beast.

Silly Polly Beast is an excellent indie game.

I found this to be particularly challenging to play. Additionally, the bugs added to the madness. Though it almost broke me, this is an excellent indie game. Aesthetically, it sets a sinister tone that cannot be ignored. Moreover, the story is outlandish yet fascinating. Accordingly, it is a must-play game, and I recommend buying it here! Can you break those chains and save your friend? Enter the underworld, avoid trouble, and become the hero you are destined to be!

Review: Xenopurge

Josh Blackburn
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Review: Xenopurge

Xenopurge doesn’t sell itself very well, in my view. Firstly, that title rather rebounded off my brain the first time I saw it. Sounds like a cleaning agent for when your pet alien widdles on the carpet. Secondly, I flinched when I saw the word ‘Auto-battler’. I’ve had bad experiences with that. It conjures up images of big flashy effects and listlessly moving between hordes of enemies. It’s just not my kind of genre. Xenopurge isn’t that at all.

Let me demonstrate what Xenopurge is with a quick story. I was on a mission to collect a package. My three squaddies were Morse, Hicks and Ripley. Ripley grabbed the package and made a break for the exit, with Hicks covering. Ripley evac’d and Hicks held ground with his rifle while Morse dashed for the exit. Except he never made it. He was blindsided by two aliens. Hicks tried to help, shooting from a distance, but was ordered to evac. Hicks was forced to escape to the sound of Morse being torn apart. So yes, this is an auto-battler, but it’s a special mutation.

Xenopurge

The Perfect Organism

What’s remarkable about this Xenopurge story is that it’s almost exclusively told through little dots. The idea is that we’re a faceless, voiceless commander with their face pressed up against a computer screen. We order our soldiers in to secure packages, fight aliens or collect intel and then, if we’re lucky, get them out alive again. Save for blurry pictures of our soldiers’ faces, and a few panicked yells, we’re completely removed from the experience. All we see are dots. Picture the famous scene in Alien where they use the motion detector.

What’s more, our control over these soldiers is limited to a handful of generic commands. The basic mission structure is a fairly straightforward one. We start by picking where to deploy our squaddies, then we let them loose to explore the map. Each mission has a set objective, usually to collect something, with a secondary objective of escaping. We can issue generic commands, such as ordering members to group up or hold ground, but exploring and fighting is done solely by the AI. Hence the ‘auto-battler’ bit, I suppose. I actually really like this gameplay concept.

It works to create a rather magnificent amount of tension. The limited control means you can often see failure coming, but have no real way to deal with it. When a door opens and your blue dot is suddenly surrounded by red dots, with no help in sight, all you do is watch and despair. Enemies spawn in waves, with a big old counter on top, and the music ratchets up right as it gets close to zero. Watching your guys frantically run to the exit and realising, much too late, that they aren’t going to make it is a wonderful kind of horror.

Xenopurge

Game Over, Man

Crucially though, you do still have some say in how Xenopurge’s battles go. You have to pick the best moment to escape or heal up, and when to group up your lads or keep them exploring. It also follows the set roguelike pattern of picking which missions to take, buying upgrades, changing unit logic, and recruiting more soldiers. There’s a decent amount of things to unlock too, from weapons to different squad loadouts. So your choices do have an effect, even if the grunt work is done by the AI. Doing well on missions earns you more coins too, and losing soldiers means paying the cost of printing more clones.

Oh yeah, all of our soldiers are clones. That feeds into the general storyline of humanity throwing everything at an unspecified race of aliens. Xenopurge keeps its story largely separate from the gameplay, though. The gist is that we’re in an old facility that was doing human testing, and there’s an alien artifact exhibiting strange behaviour. It’s mainly told through rambling emails and slightly unsettling first-person sections. It’s not a bad story, just awkwardly told and the ending gets bizarre in a way that feels out of place, and not really justified.

Still, the actual meat and potatoes of the gameplay is great. Not to say I don’t have gripes, however. Perhaps the biggest issue is that our limited agency means runs on the higher difficulties are incredibly dependent on luck. If we find our objective early, then we’re golden. But Xeno waves get harder as time goes on, so poor luck means an exponentially harder mission. I also feel like there was scope for more mission types. There’re only four types, with tough missions just incorporating multiple objectives. That makes runs feel a little samey, especially as the levels are quite cramped.

Xenopurge

Xenopurge – Hands-off Tension

Lastly, I’m a little undecided on whether or not I’d like our squaddies to be more characterised. On the one hand, the cloning mechanic means we’re with the same people from start to finish. Even without characterisation, I was getting attached. Learning a bit more about them might help that element. On the other hand, there’s a definite push towards us being completely removed from proceedings. It’s a cold, hard existence for a clone and the story leans into that. So maybe greater characterisation would be counter to the message that Xenopurge wants to push.

Either way, I enjoyed my time with it. It’s heartening to see a genre that I’ve struggled with change itself around to be something appealing. Xenopurge is an auto-battler, after a fashion, but one that has an engaging core gameplay loop and uses it to create some truly palpable tension. There’s a lot to unlock, too, so you can go through plenty of runs with it. The story side wasn’t implemented perfectly, but you should never underestimate the thrill of seeing a group of red dots get closer and closer to a blue one.

(Xenopurge‘s Steam Page)

Review: Studio Max 1 Wireless DJ Headphones

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Studio Max 1 Wireless DJ Headphones

I’ve tried many fantastic studio headphones. However, the Studio Max 1 Wireless DJ Headphones from OneOdio blow everything I’ve seen out of the water. This wireless device offers incredible audio quality, mind-blowing low-latency performance, and next-level battery life and quick charging. Therefore, they are perfect if you are a professional or an audiophile.

They are jam-packed with modern tech to deliver a crisp range of tones and bass. Alongside this, they are versatile and offer 4 different connectivity options. Furthermore, they’re designed with 180° rotatable ear cups for single-ear monitoring and a foldable finish to enhance portability. In short, they are amazing if you are listening to music or you are producing the next big thing!

What’s in the box of the Studio Max 1 Wireless DJ Headphones?

  • The packaging is large but interesting. The sleek black finish has a professional edge, and the contents can be recycled.
  • The Studio Max 1 Wireless DJ Headphones have a pleasant over-ear design. The black finish is clean, and they wouldn’t look out of place on a big stage or behind the decks at a music studio.
  • A 1/4 to 1/8 screw-in adapter is provided.
  • An M1 transmitter offers low-latency connectivity.
  • Keep everything safe with the travel pouch.
  • Learn the basics with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

The Studio Max 1 Wireless DJ Headphones are a spectacular audio device. Not only do they offer incredible sound (more on that later), but the battery life is phenomenal, and it has low-latency performance. If you love long-lasting battery life and impressively fast charging, this device has you covered. You can enjoy up to 120 hours of battery life off one charge. Additionally, if you run low on juice, a 5-minute charge gives you a whopping 5 hours of use. Therefore, you are never out of the game for long.

Low latency is essential if you want to compete with the best. The professional M1 transmitter delivers 0.02 seconds of ultra-low latency for the ultimate audio experience. When creativity and work collide, you need a headset that can keep up. Luckily, this headset doesn’t falter, and I found nothing to complain about.

Audio quality.

These closed-back headphones are designed specifically for DJs and a studio setting. However, I was blown away by the incredible audio profile when playing my favourite tracks. The 50mm Japanese PET drivers offer awesome 20 Hz deep bass and an expansive soundstage. Additionally, there is an EQ bass mode if you wish to mix things up. I rarely used this option, but I like the freedom it offers.

The Sony LDAC transmits 3 times the data throughput of SBC to create an awesome soundscape of crisp highs, impressive mids, and amazing low tones. The result is an audio experience unlike any other. Moreover, if mistakes and poor mixing are the difference between success and failure, these headphones guarantee awesome results every time.

Build quality.

The Studio Max 1 Wireless DJ Headphones deliver impressive build quality alongside the high-end audio quality and phenomenal market-leading tech. The soft protein leather earpads create a pressure-free experience for marathon music production sessions. The lightweight design is reassuringly strong without placing pressure on your skull. Additionally, the headband is soft but strong and will resist wear and tear and damage.

The hinged points move with ease and are durable. Whether you are listening with one ear, folding them away, or carrying them in the soft travel pouch, every layer is built to last. The accessories are as good as the headphones. The adaptors and cables are flexible and robust. Moreover, the M1 transmitter is small enough to hide in the travel pouch. 

Are the Studio Max 1 Wireless DJ Headphones worth it?

If you are looking for an entry-level or mid-point headset, this won’t be on your radar. The Studio Max 1 Wireless DJ Headphones are available for around £159, and this prices them as a high-end product. This shouldn’t put you off, as every element of this device is exceptional. The audio quality, build quality, and tech blow away every competitor. Accordingly, if you want an impressive DJ or studio headset, you must buy it here!

(More information on OneOdio can be found here!)

The Studio Max 1 Wireless DJ Headphones have been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold award.

(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)

Review: Arcane Trigger

Jordy Matias
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0
Review: Arcane Trigger

With the unlikeliness of combining magic and guns, Arcane Trigger turns these two unlikely subjects into a fun auto-battler, roguelite. This game and its charming sprite-based visuals is an easy to digest roguelite to pick up and play. Runs don’t last very long and there are a variety of ways to build your characters. I’m here to give you a run down on how Arcane Trigger works and what to expect.

Gameplay Basics

Just like roguelites, every run will be vastly different based on the character and bullets you find. Each bullet is assigned an element and has their own unique effects. As mentioned prior, the game is an auto-battler, meaning you must prepare your bullets in a certain order. Every fight your bullets are randomized in terms of what position they’ll be in. Upon starting a fight, the bullets will fire from left to right at the enemy waves. Positioning your bullets will matter greatly based on the synergy of what bullets you have chosen. For example: Say you have a bullet that does more damage to enemies who are frozen. The bullet that you would use to freeze them is better off placed higher in the bullet order.

Understanding Bullets

Along with understanding the general flow of the game, it is also important to know that every bullet is assigned a specific element. The elements being Fire, Ice, Rock, Wind, Lightning, and Light. Of these six elements, certain characters that you chose before a run only have access to only four elements. The starting character, Magician Lilia, only has access to Fire, Ice, Rock, and Wind bullets. The next character you would unlock, Archmage Henry, only has access to Lightning, Wind, Rock, and Fire. There’s some overlap with the characters, but by doing so they each have their unique bullets to choose from. Even characters who share the same elements get unique bullets specific to them.

Upgrades

A common aspect of roguelites is that even if you may have lost all progression in a run, you are still rewarded by having means of improving later runs. After a run is finished, whether win or lose, you are rewarded with Magic Crystals. Magic Crystals can be spent on either Runes or Carpets. Runes are your permanent buffs throughout runs. They progressively get more and more expensive the further you go down the skill tree. These can range from higher chances in seeing rarer bullets in the shop to increases in resources. Carpets are the other upgrades you can spend your Magic Crystals on. Carpets are similar to the runes in that they get more expensive the more you buy and that they provide buffs for your runs. However, Carpets have to be equipped and you may only have one active at a time.

Conclusion

I would say I had a fun time playing through Arcane Trigger. The game is very easy to get into and runs generally don’t take very long. Although that sentiment changes based on what difficulty you’re on. There are a variety of ways to create builds via focusing on one element or splitting focus on two or more. The success of your runs will greatly depend on what bullets you choose and how you position them. Arcane Trigger is available on Steam for $8.99 USD.

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