The debut survival game Forever Skies by Polish developers Far From Home has finally arrived to the PS5 after being released in early access. This game gave me Subnautica and No Man’s Sky vibes while playing it. And fortunately this wasn’t a bad thing. But this game does enough to separate itself from other games in the genre.
Is It A Bird? Is It A Plane?
The main story of Forever Skies follows the playable character as they search for a cure for a virus that is ravaging humanity. Players will travel by air to random outposts scattered around the map to find what happened to other human beings who were attempting to do the same. Datapads from other survivors who died are the main meat of the lore and story throughout the game. The plot is interesting but also weak as you end up not caring about it after a few hours of playing. For me anyway this was the case.
But the main thing about this game is the gameplay. Your main mode of transport is flying a big ballon airship. That is correct. Your airship is the main mode of transport as you fly around the map completing missions, side objectives and scavenging materials to survive and expand your airship. The survival aspect of this game I think is well-done and highly addicting. You use a an extractor tool to extract materials like metal and use them to craft other objects that will help you survive. Players have a hunger, thirst and sleep icons in the bottom left of their screen which they need to take care of if you want to survive. Dying results in losing some of your inventory.
Water purifiers and cookers are some of the things you can craft. Collecting dirty water and placing it in your purifier makes it safe to drink while collecting dust mites and cooking them makes it safer to eat. Basic stuff similar to the likes of Minecraft. But it is an engaging mechanic. Every step you take is dangerous and it is important to be stocked up on these basic essentials.
Forever Skies PS5 Gameplay
Your Airship Is Your Home
The airship is your main headquarters. Everything is stored in here. At the start of the game, it will become more cluttered. As you progress you can expand it with new rooms which allows more movement and places to store more things you craft. You can even find decorations to personalise your airship even more. I loved decorating my airship and expanding it. The airship really does become more like a home the more you play. Engines can be attached to the airship to make it faster and these need to be repaired when taking damage when taking damage while flying around. Fuel needs to be scavenged or else you will be stuck in the air while travelling. I felt a connection to the airship as I played and I feel like the mechanic of looking after it was Forever Skies strongest aspect.
Upgrades can be made to make it faster or make it float higher than ever. It was the best part of the game. However, despite being a big map and beautiful to look at, there wasn’t much variation of the locations while exploring. Most areas looked the same and it became repetitive after a while. Exploration is rewarded when finding new materials and the scanner is handy when finding new items and discovering what they are and can do. But it doesn’t stop it from becoming boring. Even the combat is weak. Fighting alien enemies with a knife and crossbow isn’t all that entertaining, but this is a game more interested in the exploration and survival side of things.
Verdict
There isn’t much else to say about Forever Skies. I do think it is a solid game, a fine entry into the survival genre. The airship mechanic is fun. Gathering supplies to survive is engaging and customising your airship is great. There is even a co-op mode for friends to play with. But a weak combat system and exploration being repetitive does bring it down.
One of the most underrated aspects of video games is their ability to place us within other people, even being referred to by some as “empathy machines”. Sure, most mainstream games cast you as dudebro soldiers, adventurers, and superheroes, but indie titles have never shied away from exploring normal people and their intimate human emotions.
Hymer 2000 places you in the role of Frank, a recycling specialist who must dismantle the titular Hymer computer of Hope Residence. You’ll interact with its charming 90s-style interface, learning more about those who used to populate the area, before ultimately uncovering their fate.
After beginning the game, you’ll be greeted by a computer menu which grants you access to a small handful of applications. The Action program will let you navigate the remains of Hope Residence, learning about its inhabitants and their adventures along the way. However, you’ll encounter areas that you cannot progress through due to data corruption.
In order to recover this data, you’ll need to navigate to the Search program. Here, you enter keywords such as character names, objects, and events in order to retrieve the lost files and open more places to explore within the Action program. Each file also treats you to a transcribed interaction between characters, helping you learn more about their interpersonal dynamics and filling you in on aspects of the story.
This creates a pretty engaging gameplay loop. You’ll explore Hope Residence and other locations, examining objects that were left behind, then take those clues to try and guess new keywords. This will in turn open up new areas with new objects, allowing you to repeat the process. I found that guessing relevant words wasn’t too difficult, though you will certainly need to pay attention to the information you’re given.
I did have a few moments toward the end of the game where I kept putting new words into the search bar, hoping they would reveal story beats, only to be met with no results. It was frustrating, but this was likely due to the fact that I had found the vast majority of the files already. There are 80 to recover, though thankfully you do not need to unlock all of them to finish the game.
The gameplay is certainly simplistic, but that’s so the narrative can take center stage. Without going into spoilers, I found myself very touched by what the story had to say. There are questions raised about AI, personal fulfillment, and how society often finds a way to “other” those that are perceived to be different. As the more dystopian elements of the plot revealed themselves, I found myself grappling with what I would do if I were put in similar situations. It’s a credit to the writing that I found myself so invested in these characters, as I had been shown their triumphs, failures, and relationships over the few hours it took me to roll credits.
Character development and visuals aren’t the only way developer doBell immerses you into the experience; I found the sound design to be excellent as well. There’s a variety of ambient music that plays as you perform your tasks. It’s tonally ambiguous, oscillating between hopeful and melancholic in equal measure. At key moments it will fade out, replaced with the soundscape of a particular story beat. It’s this small attention to detail that further accents emotional scenes and draws the player deeper into the game’s strange world.
I’m not going to say that Hymer 2000 is a game for everyone. Most people are looking for experiences that are filled with spectacle, excitement, and high levels of interactivity. In spite of this, those looking to be lost in other people’s heads (and willing to do a bit of detective work) may hail this as one of the more fascinating indie experiments of 2025.
The Obsidian Glass Mousepad from QPAD isn’t like any mousepad I’ve ever used. In fact, I didn’t know I needed a glass mousepad in my life until I tested this product. The smooth surface, solid base, and striking colourway are impressive. Additionally, the tempered glass delivers a durable finish that will last the test of time.
This large mousepad is ideal if you have a decent-sized desk or lap table, if you game from the sofa. However, if you have a micro desk or limited space, the 420 by 420 mm product may be a little too big. Accordingly, I plead with QPAD to make a smaller version of this peripheral to appeal to gamers with smaller working environments.
The Obsidian Glass Mousepad.
The Obsidian Glass Mousepad is the ideal option if you want a statement piece. Unlike conventional mousepads, this solid item stands out from the crowd. Although it doesn’t have built-in RGB, this doesn’t matter. Instead, it relies on its incredible monochromatic pattern to catch your eye.
Additionally, the secure no-slip base is ideal if you are a little crazy with your mouse movements. Luckily, this solid design prevents the mousepad from moving. The result is increased accuracy and a reliable surface on which to game.
Build quality.
I have mentioned the 420 mm by 420 mm working space. This was a little big for me, and that was a shame. Had the item come in at around 300 mm, it would have been ideal for my smaller desktop. However, if you have the space to accommodate this impressive peripheral, you will not regret it. The tempered glass lets you move your mouse with ease. It supports most sensors and balances control with sleek movement.
The Obsidian Glass Mousepad is heavier than many of its peers. This reassuring weight highlights the impressive materials and market-leading build quality. The tempered glass can withstand knocks and bumps, but like all products of this nature, you have to be careful with stress points. However, if it is handled correctly, this mousepad will last a lifetime. The non-slip base is extremely impressive. I pushed and probed, and the mousepad didn’t shift at all. This is great if you love to play frantic and crazy games.
Is the Obsidian Glass Mousepad worth it?
This is one impressive peripheral! I love the striking design and that amazing build quality. Moreover, using it is an absolute dream. My mouse moved with no friction and no problems. As such, my accuracy and response times were improved. Alongside this, the larger surface area allowed me to move like crazy without any issues. Despite this praise, I’d have loved to see a small and medium version of this product. This will overcome the one minor shortcoming while improving its appeal. Accordingly, it is amazing, even if it is big, and I recommend buying it here!
The Edge Mousepad from QPAD is a beautiful creation. The monochromatic design, smooth material, and exceptionally stable underside ensure that gamers can excel. Additionally, it is sold in 4 different sizes.
This versatility allows users to match the mousepad to their workstation. I was sent the medium size, and I couldn’t be happier. Although I like a larger mousepad, I appreciated the compact finish and impressive real estate on offer.
The smooth material is perfect, no matter your mouse. This mousepad complements any sensor, and gamers and office workers can enjoy low-friction and high-accuracy performance.
The Edge Mousepad.
I’ve recently tested mousepads from SteelSeries, and I couldn’t be happier. As such, when the Edge Mousepad landed on my desk, it had to go some way to oust my go-to option. I have to say, QPAD has done an amazing job, and this fresh-to-the-market option is a real contender.
Everything about this mousepad is perfect for gaming. The anti-slip base and smooth, frictionless material work together for the ultimate gaming experience. Additionally, the glassy finish reduces fatigue while allowing your mouse to swoop and glide with ease.
Build quality.
The Edge Mousepad delivers high-end quality at a fraction of the cost. Furthermore, the eye-catching design is impressive. The monochromatic swirls are a conversation starter. Additionally, the lack of RGB gives it an alluring and stealthy edge.
The seamless edge stitching reduces unwanted rubbing and fraying. Unlike its peers, the item will age with grace. Moreover, you won’t have to endure scratchy and horrible irritations on your hands or wrists.
Finally, the combination of a hard-wearing rubberised base and durable fabric surface was a great approach. Users can place this mousepad on most surfaces and enjoy risk-free, precise gaming.
Is the Edge Mousepad worth it?
The Edge Mousepad is an affordable option that delivers impressive results. The material is durable and great to look at. Furthermore, the rubberised base allows you to go crazy without it slipping. Finally, the stealthy colourway is attractive without being obnoxious. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here!
The Flux 65 Model 5 from QPAD is a compact beast whose size doesn’t match its performance! This incredibly vibrant, accurate, and comfortable keyboard leaves its competitors in the dirt. Additionally, it won’t break the bank if you want to compete with elite gamers.
Designed with magnetic hall effect switches, this device is ridiculously responsive. On top of this, you can adjust the actuation distance to enhance your gaming experience. If that isn’t enough, it offers 8k polling, vibrant RGB, and a host of keystroke tricks for the FPS genre.
What’s in the box of the Flux 65 Model 5?
The packaging is simple, attractive, and strong. Furthermore, it is recyclable.
The Flux 65 Model 5 is a 65% form factor keyboard. It is a wired-only device, and this could deter some users.
A detachable USB-C cable is provided.
Learn the basics with he user manual.
Technical aspects.
This keyboard is packed full of high-end tech. Magnetic hall effect switches deliver mind-blowing accuracy and rapid actuation. This took some getting used to, but I loved how in tune this keyboard was with my play style.
Adjusting the settings was easy, and gamers can fine-tune every layer of this product. Whether it is the RGB, lighting effects, or programmable keys, this device lets you play with it all.
If you love fast-paced gaming, 8k polling is a must. Every keystroke moves like lightning as you navigate the gaming world. Moreover, this is complemented by anti-ghosting and rapid trigger. AG increases accuracy while reducing frustration. Whereas rapid trigger allows you to reset inputs with the lightest of touches. When combined, gamers enjoy impressive results almost immediately.
Build quality.
I’ve tried and tested many great keyboards. Thankfully, the Flux 65 Model 5 competes with the best of them. The sturdy ABS frame has an anodised aluminium switch plate for accurate keystrokes and enhanced precision.
Alongside this, the sound-dampening material enhances the acoustic performance. Users will enjoy a rich thocky soundscape as they type and navigate every fantasy world.
No one likes faded keycaps. Fortunately, the double-shot PBT keycaps are built to last. No longer will you endure greasy or shiny keys. Instead, they will remain clean and bright for longer.
Is the Flux 65 Model 5 worth it?
You may not be familiar with QPAD, but this impressive brand creates incredible products. Exclusive to Currys in the UK, this tech company is pushing the major brands all the way.
The Flux 65 Model 5 offers impressive polling rates and accurate and responsive keystrokes. Furthermore, it is great to look at, and it is built to last. Accordingly, if you want a compact peripheral that improves your gaming experience, I recommend buying it here!
I’m sad to say that Ayasa: Shadows of Silence represents the second time in as many weeks that I’ve had to stop and review a game before the end, because it was too broken to continue. In this case, I was exploring some subterranean bunker full of piles of food, coins and whatever else. On the way back out, the ceiling suddenly disappeared and the whole world seemed to shift down. The lighting messed up and the doors vanished. Even reloading from a checkpoint didn’t fix it. It was well and truly broken.
My only recourse left was to restart the entire game from scratch. Maybe if I was a consummate professional, I would attempt that. But the thought filled me with depression. The preceding hours had been filled with frustration, you see. Because, while Ayasa might have moments of nice atmosphere, it’s also full of an inexcusable amount of bugs, and the bits that aren’t bugged needed a bit more thought put into them.
Teeny-Tiny Bad Dreams
Ayasa: Shadows of Silence has one of those plots where it prefers to show you an assortment of things and help you piece the themes together along the way. In this case, one of the first things it shows you is a big old nuke going off in the middle of a city. Bit of a conversation stopper, that one. Shortly after this, our protagonist wakes up in the middle of a forest and proceeds to start running to the right. She quickly finds that the world has gone very wrong. For one, everything and everyone wants to kill her.
This is a story that is firmly dedicated to show don’t tell, which is admirable. Though critiquing Ayasa‘s story is difficult. Partly because I couldn’t finish it, but also because I was never sure I quite got the story. There’s a lot of striking imagery at play, with grotesquely deformed monsters and big sad statue heads everywhere. The metaphors do get a lot less subtle in the back half, though. I’d wager money on Ayasa‘s final message being about the connection between war and greed. That’s based on the big artillery guns constantly firing and the literal giant pig eating a bowl of money.
Anyway, regardless of subtlety, one thing that Ayasa gets right is the atmosphere. The woods feel appropriately haunted, any buildings you come across seem moments from falling down, and all the people you see behave very strangely. Then as the game progresses, everything gets more and more grotesque. Sound design is generally okay too, with some nice mechanical noises. Though all the enemies make the gurgling noise from The Grudge, which is a bit weird. Maybe the long hair is coming in a future patch.
Unfortunate Infestations
Visuals and atmosphere can only get you so far, however. Now we need to talk about Ayasa‘s gameplay, which is where things go off the rail a bit. I have issues with it on multiple fronts. Ayasa is, at its core, a puzzle-platformer. It’s done in that ‘almost but not quite 3D’ style, where you can move up and down as well as side-to-side but the camera is fixed. The platforming itself is incredibly floaty, and with this 3D-esque style, it makes landing basic jumps a challenge. Hell, even walking along a log becomes challenging, especially given the camera’s tendency to whip around to the least useful angle.
As for the puzzles? To be glib, I’d welcome some. The majority of Ayasa‘s puzzles are solved in seconds, like pushing blocks onto matching tiles, or just aren’t puzzles at all. A prolonged section has us just going up and down underground lifts, as we turn off poisonous gas. It does nothing but stretch out the time. The rest of the gameplay comprises of stealth sections, where you have to creep past the Grudge monsters. This is the source of most of the frustration, as being stealthy only works about ten percent of the time.
That’s probably a bug. No matter if I crouched, or even went invisible, I was spotted immediately. I had to beat these sections by jogging around in circles, waiting for them to get stuck on the scenery. It joins the large ranks of other bugs. Frankly, I’m hard pressed to think of a time there wasn’t at least one bug. I was constantly falling through the floor, and quite often respawned in the same floor. The worst ones came at the end of long platforming sections, or in the middle of stealth sections. Even the monsters would bug out, rapidly vibrating and moving unpredictably. The best ones were when I’d walk through a door and the camera wouldn’t follow me. Exit Ayasa, stage left.
Ayasa: Shadows of Silence – Broken Beyond Belief
And so it came to an anticlimactic end, with Ayasa standing in a completely bare room. No exit, nothing to do. Just existing. I don’t know the ending, so maybe that fits. Still, I was a little sad that it ended like this. Ayasa‘s contemporaries are games like LIMBO, INSIDE and, of course, Little Nightmares. Explorations through bizarre worlds. But these games were very tightly designed. LIMBO has clever puzzles, and INSIDE blends its world with its gameplay much better. And, crucially, Little Nightmares has predictability in its monster chase set pieces.
Ayasa: Shadows of Silence feels like it’s barely holding itself together. Even aside from the bugs, it’s difficult at times just to figure out where we’re meant to go. Even when we do, it feels odd. Like a clock puzzle where we have to adjust clock hands to drop safely off a cliff. Except I frequently bounced off the hand and died anyway, so I was never sure that I was doing the right thing. The bugs do drag Ayasa down, but there’s a lot of old-fashioned poor design on display here too. For all the atmosphere of its world and visuals, Ayasa needed a lot more playtesting and fine tuning before it was ready to step out into the real world.
If you’ve ever settled down to watch The Holiday or Love Actually, you’ve probably found yourself captivated by the homes where the magic happens. From grand estates to quaint cottages, these locations set the tone for the festive cheer and warmth that define these Christmas classics. But have you ever wondered what it would cost to live in these picture-perfect homes? Let’s look at how much some of the most iconic Christmas movie homes would cost in real life, and how they reflect the charm of the season.
Home Alone
In Home Alone, the McCallister family’s house in Chicago has become synonymous with Christmas mischief. This spacious five-bedroom home, with its red-brick exterior and large windows, would be worth around £4,144,000 today. Nestled in a desirable suburban area, it offers plenty of space for a large family and all the holiday gatherings you could imagine. Its expansive lawn and welcoming front porch make it the kind of house that’s perfect for a Christmas celebration – though you might want to invest in some extra security if you’re worried about burglars!
The Holiday
The two homes at the heart of The Holiday provide stark contrasts in both size and price. Amanda’s modern mansion in Los Angeles is worth a whopping £10 million. With sleek interiors, a home cinema, and large gardens, it’s the epitome of luxury.
On the other hand, Iris’s English countryside cottage is far more affordable at £765,000. Though it’s smaller, the charm of this cosy retreat makes it a desirable festive escape. The rustic features, such as wooden beams and quaint decor, evoke a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to picture yourself spending Christmas there. You could even replicate the look with custom interiors from fitted furniture experts like Hammonds to bring the countryside vibe into your own home.
Love Actually
In Love Actually, two homes stand out. Jamie’s home on 27 St. Luke Mews in Notting Hill is worth around £2.3 million in today’s economy. This charming London home offers a blend of quaint appeal and elegant living, making it a perfect romantic setting. Natalie’s family home, by contrast, is on the more affordable side at £665,000. This suburban gem nestled in Wandsworth gives off a cosy, family-friendly vibe, providing a perfect backdrop for the film’s heartwarming moments.
Other Iconic Christmas Film Locations
In Elf, Walter Hobbs’s penthouse in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York, would be valued at £2.4 million, adding a touch of glamour to the holiday cheer. Meanwhile, also in New York, in Miracle on 34th Street, Susan’s dream home, set in a picturesque Port Washington area, is also worth around £2.4 million. Both homes capture the magic of Christmas in ways that feel both aspirational and deeply nostalgic.
The Price of Festive Magic
While the homes featured in Christmas movies often feel like perfect retreats from reality, the truth is that their prices can be as eye-popping as their beauty. These homes represent the ideals of comfort and joy that we all hope to experience during the festive season. Even if the price tags might be out of reach, the essence of these homes reminds us that Christmas isn’t about the house you live in, but the love and memories you create there. So, while you may not be able to move into a £10 million mansion, you can still make your home feel just as magical this Christmas with a little creativity and plenty of heart.
Having been born in the late 90s, much of my childhood growing up included many things from that era that were passed down by my older sister and parents. I still remember fat-back televisions and VHS cassettes, SNES and the original PlayStation, and computers with disk drives. It isn’t a time I personally look back on, yearning for ‘the good ole days’, but it is a time I am thankful to have experienced. Video games were all physical with no microtransactions or paid DLCs. Animations took time due to many being hand-drawn, with no usage of things like AI generative tools. Cartoons had much more freedom in their jokes without the fear of offending anyone. These are things that I believe Captain Wayne – Vacation Desperation took to heart and this is something I can appreciate.
Captain Wayne – Vacation Desperation is an intense, retro shooter with great 90s appeal. Developed by Ciaran Games LLC and published by Silver Lining Interactive, the game was released on November 25th, 2025. The game’s star, Captain Wayne, is a pirate sporting a flashy pink jacket and a shotgun for an arm. As Captain Wayne, we must travel through eight expansive stages, mowing through groups of enemies. An endless mode, Riptide Rampage, is where players can collect trophies and beat high scores. The game is certainly packed full of intense combat with little time to rest—a perfect ‘vacation’ for someone like Captain Wayne. Through the course of the game, players can find new weapons, take on bosses and maybe even discover some secrets. So, grab your beer and buckets of chum, because it’s time to discuss Captain Wayne – Vacation Desperation!
The Story: A Free Vacation on Orca Isle
The story begins with Captain Wayne winning a free vacation to Orca Isle, home of the legendary Orca Stone. Captain Wayne jumps at the promise of a vacation and treasure, but players sense trouble as two goons listen in. Before Wayne can depart for the isle, detective Stanley Steel Press appears on his boat. He is investigating Captain Wayne for previous pilferies, which Wayne answers with a giant fist to his face, punching him off of his boat. Detective Stanley is hit with the same paper about the free vacation and vows to try and stop Wayne from stealing the Orca Stone.
Thus begins the adventure and serves as a premise for the game’s story. Later Wayne encounters other characters, such as King, a robot king who had his crown stolen (by Wayne who pawned it) and a mysterious voice, Davy Jones, who gifts Wayne a Skull of Power. Most of the enemies belong to the Killer Whales, a mercenary group, and take on fish/whale/humanoid appearances. The story stays simple, and the cutscenes drive it forward. I enjoyed that, for the most part, where we began a stage is where the previous cutscene ended. This helped create a reasonable flow of events and I never had the thought of ‘wait, how did we get here?’
Captain Wayne’s story is like an episode of a cartoon from the 90s. The game leans into absurdity, delivers humor, and refuses to take itself too seriously. The voice acting channels a retro charm—unpolished, with the kind of stereotypical tones you’d expect from its characters, such as a pirate or a detective. Ciaran Games LLC clearly had a vision they were going for. They wanted to write a story that feels like a 90s cartoon and I think they did a great job at doing so. I could easily see future Captain Wayne games playing like new episodes to the story. Seeing the overall very positive reviews on Steam, I can definitely see Captain Wayne’s saga continuing.
The Gameplay: Bullets, Booze & Blood
Captain Wayne – Vacation Desperation is a whole lot of action. For campaign, there is no central hub for you to pause and purchase upgrades. The action is non-stop and in abundance. Speaking of non-stop, constantly being on the move is important. Though Captain Wayne can pick up some booze to fill up his Gusto (his armor),enemies can easily take you down if you stand still. Most enemies are equipped with guns and the ones that do get up close pack a punch—literally. Wayne has a kick that not only knocks enemies down, but also serves as a quick movement ability. If you kick during a jump, you can cover a long distance quickly, allowing you to reposition. I thought it took some time getting used to, especially mid combat, but thankfully respawns take place at checkpoints rather than at the beginning of the stage.
Captain Wayne can get a small arsenal of weapons of his own. Starting off with a shotgun—he has a shotgun arm afterall—players will eventually come across other weapons such as a chain-gun for rapid fire or bottles of boom brew to light them up. The weapons are always available to you as long as you have the ammo. Of course, you can always resort to kicking and punching as well. Designers keep weapons simple and straightforward. Again, I think this feels reminiscent of early FPS boomer shooters. It’s relies more so on the action and violence rather than the fancy guns. Blood splatters from enemies will fill the map. The quick pace helps intensify the action. Even the seagulls want to get in on the action as they literally dive bomb you. The developers knew what they were doing and did it well.
The campaign stages have decent lengths, not too short and not too long. I also thought there was a nice flow to the stages and was never unsure of where to go next. Outside of eight campaign stages, there is also an endless mode called Riptide Rampage. With six different maps, this mode allows players to collect trophies and beat their high scores. I was never a high score chaser so this game mode isn’t for me, but I can certainly see the enjoyment in it. In all stages, both campaign and riptide, there are many secrets to discover as well. As is the case in other boomer shooters, some secrets are better or more hidden than others, but all are enjoyable to keep your eye out for.
The Graphics & Audio: A 90s Cartoon
I’ve already touched on most of what there is to say in this section so I’ll keep my thoughts short. As mentioned, the hand drawn cartoon art style is familiar to that of a cartoon from the 90s. This style mixed with the action and violence is super satisfying to look at. If you want over-the-top, high quality graphics, then this probably isn’t the game for you. Normally I might take a few points off for graphics, but because it’s intentional, I think it does it’s job effectively. I felt transported back to a 90s cartoon with flashy Captain Wayne as its star. I could see myself as a child watching an episode of Captain Wayne on a fatback TV, eating cereal on a Saturday morning.
Audio is decent as well. Outside of the voice acting which I talked about earlier, the music and other audio elements are what you expect. Explosions are loud and intense. Music ties in with the game’s action. Captain Wayne’s little comments during stages made me chuckle. Again, it feels similar to that of a 90s cartoon and is effective with that in mind. I did think the music was a bit too loud at first, but that’s an easy fix. I also really like the remixed pirate shanty tune when launching the game. If you know where I could find this, please let me know!
The Conclusion: Captain Wayne, A Pirate Legend
Overall, there’s not a whole lot to discuss when it comes to this game. Its short, simple and effective. On the flip side, there’s also not a whole lot to criticize either. Captain Wayne – Vacation Desperation knows what it wants to be. Ciaran Games LLC had a clear vision in mind when developing this game and I think they executed it well. I think for the right player, this could be a greatly enjoyable, albeit slightly short, experience. I can’t find a post-release roadmap from the developers, though it doesn’t feel like this game needs much. The game does well it’s supposed to do and isn’t horrendous in what could be improved. Would more stages or weapons be nice? Sure, but I don’t feel like this game needs it.
Captain Wayne probably won’t appeal to everyone and won’t have the longevity with just this one game, and I think that’s okay. For Ciaran Games LLC’s first game on Steam, the game does its job and has a clear image of what it wants to do. The developers could focus on making new Captain Wayne games, each one playing like a new episode in the series. I could see a future where there’s an “Ultimate Captain Wayne” bundle with five Captain Wayne games together at a cheaper price than buying them individually. Personally, I’m not sure I will be tuning in, as its not my genre of game. However, I’m still hopeful that this is just the beginning for Captain Wayne.
TOZO, a leading innovator in smart audio technology proudly announces the global debut of its NC20 Series True Wireless Earbuds, featuring the TOZO NC20 and the flagship TOZO NC20 Pro. The new lineup blends cutting-edge audio innovation with smart AI integration, redefining the standard for immersive, intelligent wireless listening.
Main Features:
Smart Touchscreen Charging Case – Exclusive to TOZO NC20 Pro
The NC20 Pro also debuts a Smart Charging Case with Touch Control, allowing users to check battery levels, switch modes, and manage functions directly from the case-bringing effortless control and a futuristic aesthetic to the everyday listening routine.
AI Assistance at Your Command – A New Way to Control Audio
Leading the series, the TOZO NC20 Pro introduces AI Assistance at Your Command, an intelligent companion that enhances daily convenience and productivity. From real-time translation and voice-based interaction to instant access to smart controls, the NC20 Pro transforms the listening experience into an intelligent, connected journey.
Studio-Grade Sound with LDAC & Hi-Res Audio Wireless
Both the NC20 and NC20 Pro earbuds are equipped with LDAC codec and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification, delivering up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution for studio-quality audio performance. Whether it’s crisp treble, rich mids, or powerful bass, every detail is faithfully reproduced for high-fidelity listening.
Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation up to -52dB
Engineered with Adaptive Hybrid ANC, the NC20 Series effectively suppresses ambient sound by up to -52dB, providing a serene, distraction-free environment ideal for travel, work, or relaxation.
Exclusive SDLC Patented Acoustic Technology
Featuring 12mm dynamic drivers with TOZO’s Super Diamond-Like Carbon (SDLC) diaphragm, the NC20 Series achieves remarkable sonic precision-delivering extended frequency response from 12Hz to 44.1kHz and ultra-deep bass that resonates with realism.
Immersive Spatial Audio and AI-Enhanced Calls
The Immersive Spatial Audio feature creates a captivating 3D sound field, enveloping listeners in lifelike acoustics. Meanwhile, a six-mic system with AI-powered noise reduction ensures crystal-clear voice clarity, even in noisy environments.
Ultra-Low Latency, Seamless Connection, and Smart Adaptation
Powered by Bluetooth 5.4 and optimized for 50ms ultra-low latency, the NC20 Series guarantees smooth, lag-free audio for gaming and streaming. With smart in-ear detection and EarTune Sound Compensation, the earbuds adapt intuitively to user behaviour and hearing preferences.
With the TOZO NC20 Series, TOZO continues to lead the evolution of wireless sound-merging high-fidelity audio, advanced noise control, and intelligent AI-driven innovation into a sleek, modern design.
The TOZO NC20 Series is now available through TOZO’s official website and major online retail platforms worldwide including Amazon.
Price & Availability:
The NC20 Pro are available from Amazon. Available in Titanium Champagne at £84.99 or Titanium Black at £99.99
Have you ever wondered what kind of journey your driver goes on when delivering your pizza?
Well now you can find out…kind of.
A Pizza Delivery puts you in the shoes of B, a pizza delivery rider on her final order of the day. But this isn’t just any order, it’s a peculiar one which will have her ride through a surreal world, where there are beautiful yet eerie locations and some rather interesting people, each dealing with their own pain and regrets.
As she journeys through this liminal realm to deliver the pizza, she’ll connect with its inhabitants and uncover the secrets shrouded by the mysterious world.
A short narrative experience which tells a heartwarming and interesting story
I’m a big fan of short games which impact you in some way, whether it’s a character/the story you can relate to, or simply because it had a certain aspect to it which just made it memorable. A Pizza Delivery was the latter for me, its artwork and liminal landscapes were really something and unlike nothing I’ve quite come across before.
There weren’t many different locations but there didn’t need to be, they were all full of so many different emotions and feelings which reflected each of the respective characters inner turmoil that resided there. Each of them had a different feel to them but at the same time they were all created for the same reason, which made even the most quiet and eerie location beautiful in a way.
There wasn’t an option to run so you were almost forced to take in the surroundings around you without rushing to move on, which meant that most of the game was a walking simulator. There were also some segments where you could ride your bike through the locations, so it was part driving simulator too. It was a nice blend of the two, even though it leaned completely towards one more than both, it made for an effective experience and really allowed you to take in the inhabitants feelings and struggles.
Puzzles were also present in the game, none of them were difficult enough to have you looking for help on the internet so you could figure them out with ease, but they broke up the walking and driving segments of the game well enough that it doesn’t make us sick of the repetitive gameplay.
The story whilst being pretty straightforward was touching in a way and no doubt had some players relating to some of the character’s stories. I don’t think it quite reached the emotional heights that the developer intended it to, but you definitely couldn’t help but feel some empathy towards them all in a way. From someone struggling with sleep, to one navigating the hardships that come with a relationship ending, they all had a story which perfectly complimented the liminal spaces they inhabited alone.
I do however feel like the story could have been delved into more and was missing something, don’t get me wrong, I thought the narrative was clear and fairly strong but there was no doubt room for it to be tapped into more. I think a few more characters to interact with more and a better conclusion could have made up for it, alas it was still good enough that it stood out more than other aspects.
You wake up in a city with a hazy memory. All you can remember is your time in the war. The only thing that stays in your mind is seeing nothing but your dead comrades and being piled in a trunk with their corpses. Waking up in this city, you’re alone, cold, and hungry. Your only goal is to survive the harshness of the city and reality of being a war survivor. This is the world of Duskpunk, a story-driven RPG with time management and harrowing dice rolling. As you maneuver through this city, you will need allies, money, and a means to avoid the draft.
Gameplay
From the start of the game, you get to create your character with one of four different backgrounds. You can either start as a writer, veteran, criminal, or an engineer. For my playthrough of this review, I’ve played two different runs with the engineer and criminal. Depending on which background you chose, you will have different stats that fit thematically with that background. Criminals start with higher sneak while engineers start with a higher engineering stat. From the getgo, you are meant to play with your character’s strengths and weaknesses.
One of the first and most important aspects of this game is that it heavily emphasizes time management. Every action you take at a location will move one of your four trackers to the right. This is the same for both day and night. If you go to the factory to work, your tracker will move one space. This game uses a dice rolling system for a majority of actions in the game. Most of them require a specific stat for the check. If you want to use your materials to build an item, the roll would be based on your Engineering stat. You can either fail checks, succeed them, or partially succeed. A percentage chance will show the probability that you will perform on a check. Some checks will warn you about the negative effects of failing them, so choose wisely and be prepared.
With how you progress the game, a majority of your progress is based on the quests you complete and the locations you find. Characters in the city will assist you if you complete their requests. Some of them want you to bring them materials, others require you to make multiple checks at a single location. With helping more allies, more locations in the city will start appearing. Just from what I was able to play in the demo, there was a decent number of locations to go to. The only thing I was locked out of were the other sides of the city.
Another important point about this game is its Wanted system. At a certain point in the game, your character will be met up with officers who are forcibly enlisting people in the draft for the war. After refusing to go back, the game puts a wanted level on you that increases everyday. There are ways to bring your wanted level down, but that has to be balanced with keeping your other stats in check and helping your allies.
Choosing Your Story
In the city, you can invest your time with certain story lines that can change the courses of how you go through the game. In my engineer playthrough, I spent a lot of time working at the factory to earn money and materials. After performing checks there a certain number of times, events will occur at the factory with the characters you’ve met there. In the case of the factory, you can involve yourself in workers’ strikes and be a part of their union. That’s just one of many storylines you can experience. The game encourages multiple playthroughs just to experience these different scenarios.
Conclusion
Duskpunk provides an engaging experience for those who enjoy decision-based story games. Strategy is still an important factor on how you play this game, but it’s all worth it to experience this game’s rich story. Take this with a grain of salt as I had been reviewing the demo of Duskpunk, so I am unaware of what’s to come after a certain point. The full game is available on Steam for $19.99 USD and there is a free demo to try out if you’re curious about the game.
Let’s Sing 2026 is a great addition to the franchise! My family has loved playing this game for years. However, it has previously been criticised for not having enough depth. Well, roll on to this year’s version, and I cannot make that statement. Instead, this has a huge repertoire of songs, a new career mode, and a wonderful party edge.
This singing game was developed by Voxler SAS and published by PLAION GmbH. It is a single-player, local cooperative, or online competitive title. Furthermore, it is ridiculously easy to understand. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Why would I play this if I’m tone deaf?” Well, it is a fair concern, but the simple to follow tone lines make it easy, even if you don’t have the greatest voice.
Let’s Sing 2026 adds depth.
Let’s Sing 2026 adds a fun and fulfilling career mode to its roster of modes. Although this is relatively simple when compared to other games, we loved the chance to visit new venues, meet different characters, and sparkle on new stages. Alongside this, we enjoyed personalising our characters and losing ourselves in a wonderfully colourful singing world.
The action remains the same, but the “The Tube” tutorial system helps inexperienced, nervous, or tone deaf players understand where they are going wrong. This simple tool allows gamers to perform at their best while understanding the core fundamentals. This option should help people overcome their nerves and produce their best karaoke moments.
VIP pass.
Let’s Sing 2026 has a small base song list. This may disappoint some, but if you are familiar with the franchise, this won’t be a surprise. Instead, gamers are encouraged to opt for the VIP pass. If you have either of the more expensive digital games, you’ll enjoy 3 months or 12 months of VIP service included. PLAION GmbH kindly provided me with a 12-month pass, and my kids couldn’t be happier.
If you purchase any digital version, you’ll get a trial month to enjoy over 180 songs. This list is updated regularly, which helps keep things fresh. Recently, the service experienced an outage, which was frustrating. The publisher and developer worked diligently to resolve this issue, and the service was restored to full functionality within under four days.
Let’s Sing 2026 has an Asian vibe.
We all know that the Land of the Rising Sun loves karaoke. Therefore, I wasn’t surprised that Let’s Sing 2026 has a distinct Asian vibe. The vibrant colours, OTT character models, and general upbeat nature of the visuals are appealing. Additionally, kids will love the simplicity and easy-to-follow on-screen instructions.
The audio is as good as you’d expect and hope for. Each song plays note perfectly, and I had no issues with anything the game threw at me. Moreover, your audio experience will vary depending on the quality of your headphones, microphone, and speakers.
Excellent controls.
This allows multiple users to download the Let’s Sing app and play without the use of a high-end or expensive microphone. This is fantastic as it will enable more people to play without requiring microphones, additional controllers, and other unnecessary peripherals. If you are playing this alone, you’ll enjoy excellent and easy-to-follow controls. The tonal range for each song is clearly displayed, and if you are flat or off-key, the guide helps you get back on course.
This is the most in-depth addition to the franchise to date. The career mode adds a little extra sparkle to an otherwise enjoyable experience. Furthermore, there is the LS Fest mode (online action), Classic, and Feats (duets). Consequently, there is plenty to see and do as you sing your favourite songs.
Let’s Sing 2026 is a brilliantly loud and vibrant game.
This won’t be for everyone. However, if your family loves gaming nights and something silly and enjoyable, this is the game for you. Moreover, the free-to-download app ensures that playing this is a breeze. Accordingly, I think it is brilliant, and I recommend buying it here! Can you make your party nights sparkle? Pick your character, warm up your voice, and show the world you mean business.
Here is our review of the Hecate G1000 II Gaming Speakers.
Tri-Mode Connection For Daily Use: USB connection, Bluetooth/wired free switching.
Upgrade Design With RGB Lighting: Transparent panel with cool RGB lighting.
Better Sound Quality To Meet Your Need: 2.5-inch full-range unit, sound quality meets different needs.
Sound Option Rich Your Choice: Professional EQ tuning, 3 kinds of sound options.
Best Design As Table Decoration: Rich color scheme, best table decoration.
Easy Control: APP control available
Final Thoughts
The G1000 II is small — each speaker is only about 9.2 cm wide — so it’s a good fit for modest desks or compact PC setups.
It uses 2.5″ full-range drivers (with a 16-core magnetic circuit), which deliver a surprisingly balanced sound for the size. Mids and highs come through clearly and treble gets enough definition for gaming, movies, or music.
The speakers support Bluetooth, USB-A/USB-C, and AUX, so you can connect them to a PC, laptop, console, or mobile device with ease.
The G1000 II offers multiple audio profiles (e.g. “Gaming,” “Music,” “Movie”), allowing you to tailor the sound to what you’re doing. This can make sound effects in games more punchy, or music more balanced.
If you like a bit of style, the G1000 II has dynamic RGB lighting with several modes, and a futuristic, gaming-oriented aesthetic that looks good on a rig or desktop setup.
These speakers are fine for a small room or sitting close to your PC, but they aren’t powerful enough to fill a large living space with rich sound, especially if you want loud music or immersive surround-like audio.
If you mostly play games at your desk (on PC or console) and want clear sound effects and decent positional cues without using headphones, these are a good, budget-friendly option.
The HECATE G1000 II is a good pair of gaming speakers: compact, versatile, easy to use, and visually appealing. They don’t deliver deep bass or “room-shaking” volume, but that’s to be expected from such a small, affordable system. For someone upgrading from built-in monitor speakers — or building a small, clean gaming PC setup — they’re very hard to beat at their price point.
The Hecate G1000 II Gaming Speakers are available now priced around £69.99 and are available in Black, White or Pink.
Online gaming is brutal these days. It is not about quick reflexes anymore, although they help. The complexity is insane now. Everyone is hunting for that edge. It does not matter if you are grinding through a 200-hour MMORPG or sitting at online poker tables until 3 AM — winning takes real work. These are not your typical “git gud” tips, but strategies that actually work when the pressure is on.
Tip 1: Adapt or Get Crushed
Online gaming will chew you up if you cannot roll with the punches. Remember when Fortnite completely changed their map? My buddy Jake had spent months perfecting his drop spots, but suddenly everything was different. He spent two weeks getting demolished because he could not let go of old strategies.
The players who thrived embraced the chaos by trying new routes and experimenting with different loadouts instead of complaining on Reddit. I jump into beta tests whenever I can. They are buggy messes half the time, but that is where you learn to think on your feet. When the “real” updates drop, you are already three steps ahead of everyone else.
Tip 2: Your Setup Actually Matters (More Than You Think)
Casual players always say “it’s not about the gear,” but they are wrong. Your mouse sensitivity in CS:GO is critical, and graphics settings that give you 144fps instead of 60 are game-changing. I spent two years playing on a terrible setup and wondered why I could not improve past a certain point.
I eventually upgraded, and it was a night and day difference. Even in online poker, where your gaming mouse does not matter much, knowing every hotkey and timing setting gives you an edge. While other players fumble around clicking buttons, you are already three moves ahead. Test everything, write down your settings, and stick with what works until it becomes automatic.
Tip 3: Communication Separates Winners from Losers
I have seen amazing individual players lose constantly because they cannot work with a team. Meanwhile, mediocre players with great communication dominate lobbies. If you watch any Overwatch match, the team calling out enemy positions and coordinating ults will beat mechanically superior players almost every time.
Use your mic, even if you think your voice sounds weird. Assign roles before matches start and call out everything — enemy locations, your cooldowns, and when you are rotating. My squad has a rule where if you see something important and do not call it out, you buy coffee for everyone next time we meet. It sounds silly, but our win rate jumped 30% after implementing it.
Tip 4: Study Your Mistakes (And Your Wins)
Analyzing gameplay separates good players from great ones. Recording gameplay feels weird at first, but the insights are incredible. I review every major loss to see what went wrong, if I could have positioned better, or if I missed obvious tells from opponents.
In games like online poker especially, these reviews are everything because you start seeing patterns in betting behavior that you would never catch in real-time. Find a coach or experienced player who will review footage with you because fresh eyes catch things you will miss every time. My improvement accelerated dramatically once I started doing weekly review sessions with better players.
Final Thoughts
Natural talent only gets you so far. I have watched incredibly gifted players plateau because they thought skill alone was enough. The players who keep improving adapt constantly, master their equipment, communicate clearly, and analyze everything.
These fundamentals work whether you are chasing leaderboard spots or just want to stop getting steamrolled in ranked matches. The digital battlefield keeps evolving, but these principles stay solid. Ready to level up? Start with one tip and master it completely before moving to the next.
