Review: Schildmaid MX

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Schildmaid MX

Schildmaid MX is an original Shoot ’em up that took me by surprise. Unlike its peers, this side-scrolling, retro game asks you to absorb bullets to increase your score. I’ve never known anything like it, and it took a serious mindset shift to maximise my potential and get on board with the madness.

This old-school Shmup was developed by HitP Studio B.V. and published by Eastasiasoft Limited. It is a single-player, 60+ FPS experience that will make your eyes water. Moreover, there is mind-bending action as the world, bosses, and alien spaceships are out to get you. Accordingly, you have to bring your A game if you wish to complete this hectic title.

Schildmaid MX tells a heroic tale.

Being outnumbered and outgunned is enough to make anyone quit. After all, why bother fighting your way out of a losing position? Thankfully, there is one hero who doesn’t believe in failure! Instead, this pilot will use the enemy’s weapons against them as they fly head-on into the hellish wave of projectiles. Determined to survive, the pilot absorbs bullets and unleashes hell on anything they face.

If you were to remove the bullet-absorbing mechanics, Schildmaid MX is your atypical shoot ’em up. Enemies approach you from all sides. Moreover, there are bosses, waves of projectiles, and plenty of destruction. Additionally, it is incredibly loud, as the vibrant colours, non-stop audio, and bloodthirsty aliens keep you on your toes.

3 ships and risk vs reward.

I love it when this genre adds in some tactical nuance. Schildmaid MX achieves this with three unique spaceships. Each vessel has special stats and a powerful ability to adjust the way you fight. Additionally, there are various game modes to up the ante and test your skills. If you are fresh to the genre, try the Jaeger mode. Alternatively, if you love to test yourself, the Krieger mode will break your resolve pretty quickly.

This genre is all about high scores and progressing as far as you can. However, you have to risk it all if you wish to get the highest score. Absorbing bullets to get to the ultimate golden projectile setting is no mean feat. Yet, if you can hold your bottle and push yourself all of the way, you’ll maximise your score and fly through the levels.

Schildmaid MX looks so retro.

I love how the developer has incorporated such a great retro approach. Schildmaid MX has vibrant colours, dated pixel art, and wonderfully smooth animation. Additionally, there is so much variety that you will not become bored. Alongside this, I was amazed at how well it ran. 60+ FPS and no stuttering, bugs, or glitches was an impressive feat for an indie studio.

The audio will hurt your ears. The never-ending noises and the up-tempo soundtrack were enough to drive you to distraction. However, this approach works perfectly, and it is exactly what fans of the genre have come to expect.

Trial and error.

I usually frown at trial and error. However, this is a key element of Schildmaid MX. As you play with your tactics, you must experiment with each of the ships at your disposal. Furthermore, mastering the reasonably simple controls was an easy and enjoyable experience.

If you love to hold the high score and keep moving forward, this is the game for you. The arcade edge is hard to ignore, and this keeps you coming back for more. Additionally, the unlockable game modes, in-game art, and other elements ensure that there is plenty of replay value and longevity.

Schildmaid MX is a refreshing indie title.

I’ve played many games in this genre. In fact, I recently reviewed R-Type Delta: HD Boosted. I have to say, Schildmaid MX has broken the mould with its unusual mechanics and brilliantly smooth gameplay. Moreover, it is unbelievably addictive and fun to play. Accordingly, it is great, and you should buy it here! Can you absorb the bullets and top the leaderboard? Pick your ship, plan your approach, and hope that luck and the projectiles are on your side.

Review: CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank

The CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank takes things to a whole new level. I know what you are thinking, “How can someone get excited about a power bank?” Well, it is easy when you use them every time you hike, camp, or commute and game with your Steam Deck. This power bank is an absolute game-changer. Not only is it ridiculously powerful, but it is aviation safe, and it can be recharged in next to no time.

This results in a power bank that kicks its competitors into the dirt. Moreover, its compact design hides its almighty charging prowess. Accordingly, this device will not draw unwanted attention from security staff. Additionally, it can slide into your bag or pocket without looking out of place.

What’s in the box of the CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank?

  • The packaging is heavy, sleek, and attractive. Furthermore, it can be recycled.
  • The CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank is a compact but reasonably chunky device. Although it is small, you can feel its quality from the outset. It has 2 USB-C ports and one USB-A port. Alongside this, it has a helpful display screen to highlight key information.
  • Power the device with the supplied USB-C cable.
  • Keep things safe with the travel bag.
  • Learn the basics with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

The CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank is a future-proof device thanks to its high-powered PD3.1 port. This is fast enough to charge a Laptop, MacBook Pro, or any modern phone. Furthermore, this power bank offers a maximum 165W total output or 145 watts via the PD3.1 port. You may charge 3 devices simultaneously to save time and effort. With 20,000 mAh capacity, this PB is the ideal size to charge your phones multiple times or to keep your Steam Deck and other portable gaming consoles going.

On top of this, there is a Beast mode to recharge the power bank in no time at all. If you have 2 compatible cables, you can recharge this device to approximately 70% in around 20 minutes. Therefore, there is no waiting around to get back in the game. Instead, you could have this charged by the time you’ve ordered a drink, read the paper, and left your local public house. This product is compatible with plenty of fast-charging protocols. PD3.1, PPS, QC, FCP, SCP, and MiPPS (Xiaomi 120W Max) ensure that this device is versatile with many modern tech products.

Build quality.

I own several CUKTECH products, and they do not disappoint. These hard-wearing devices are perfect to chuck in your bag, and they’ll be perfectly safe. Moreover, the lightweight bag is nicely designed to store your cables and the power bank. This prevents the metal casing from unnecessary bumps and scratches.

The ports are conveniently placed at the top of the device. Subsequently, you can stand this up or lay it on its side while charging any devices. Each port is snug and secure, and I had no issues with the cable coming loose. This was reassuring as I could charge items in my bag while I was hiking or walking to work.

Finally, the smart TFT display is a vibrant and helpful tool. This well-built extra makes the CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank stand out from the crowd. It displays temperature, current wattage, amperage, voltage, and battery level. This comprehensive list of stats ensures that you are in full control of what you are doing.

Is the CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank worth it?

In short, this is one of the best power banks I’ve used. The 145W charging is impressive. Moreover, getting around 70% power in around 20 minutes is a game-changer if you are out and about. On top of this, it is incredibly well-built, and I didn’t realise how much I’d need a data screen until I had one. Accordingly, this is a spectacular product, and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on CUKTECH can be found here!)

The CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: Surviving Mars: Relaunched

Cody Monfredi
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0
Review: Surviving Mars: Relaunched

Back in 2018, Haemimont Games released a city building colony sim game, Surviving Mars. Set entirely on Mars, players build thriving ecosystems and bustling colonies. The game received generally positive reviews at the time and also had several DLCs to bolster the gameplay. The developers released the last DLC in 2022. Though the game’s big updates ended there, Survival Mars left it’s impact on the city simulation genre. Though I personally have not played, my partner remembers spending hours on end watching his colonies grow.

Surviving Mars: Relaunched is a relaunched version of this classic game. Developed by the same company, Haemimont Games and also published by the same company, Paradox Interactive, the game was released on November 10th, 2025. This relaunched version comes with all the previous DLCs, improved visuals and UI, a new political system and various quality of life updates. Surviving Mars: Relaunched offers five tutorials to learn the basics, a standard campaign mode, a creative mode with some creative limitations and 33 challenges to attempt. Though city building games aren’t my go-to genre, I found quite a lot to appreciate in Surviving Mars: Relaunched! The developers did decent job at walking through but not hand-holding players into the gameplay aspects. Though I wouldn’t say my colonies ever reached the point of “thriving”, I still had an enjoyable time managing them. So, gather your drones, its time to discuss Surviving Mars: Relaunched!

The Pre-Game Aspects: Tutorials and Pre-customization

The five tutorials in this game cover a variety of the basic functions. This includes things like camera control, placing items on the map, the machinery such as drones and rovers, domes and colonists and research. Each tutorial goes into some depth for their relative topics. It took me an hour or two just to complete these alone. Once completed, players then have the option to try out a standard campaign mode, creative mode or one of the 33 challenge campaigns to play. Campaigns seem like the original gameplay—a race against other colonies to see who can complete the most objectives to earn points. These objectives are milestones for colonies, such as discovering water, having an increasing number of colonists and improving the environment on mars.

Creative mode follows along this same gameplay, but makes things a lot easier for the player. It provides additional funding, near unlimited resources and makes other elements such as rockets and research faster. It is a good way to test things out and see if your creations would work, without having to go through a standard campaign. Achievements are disabled in this mode, so keep that in mind.

Before jumping into a standard or creative campaign, you are allowed to change various mission set up options. This can include things like the mission sponsor, which determines starting funding and other money factors, your commander profile, which provides some passive skills for your colony, and various game rules to add a challenge or make this easier. You can also edit your initial cargo rocket and your landing location. What I really appreciated during this was the changing challenge percent. This will increase or decrease as you select different options. If you want a beginner-friendly experience, choosing a difficulty between 100% and 120% is your best bet. However, if you wanted a super challenge to test your skills, I’ve seen percentages go up and beyond 300%. I can certainly appreciate a game that allows the player to decide how difficult it will be.

The Gameplay Part 1: First Steps on Mars

As mentioned before, the developers set up the game in a way that introduces players to basic concepts, but still has more to discover as you play. As I started my first game, I had a general understanding of what I needed to do, but could already see on the HUD much more I was unfamiliar with. I want to quickly add that one thing I really do appreciate is the inclusion of not only the encyclopedia, which explains various gameplay elements in simple sentences, but also the fact that hovering over almost everything gave you some information about the item. There are also optional gameplay hints, but these are kind of rehashes of what was already explained in the tutorials. Still, with all my existing knowledge and some I was unsure about, I took my first steps onto Mars.

Or should I say, my drones and rovers drove out onto Mars. Typically, drones and rovers will begin your colony and serve as its backbone. Drones are ever helpful machines that harvest resources such as metal, unload rockets and carry resources around and also perform maintenance and construction. It was enjoyable in the beginning to watch them stroll about, carrying out the various tasks I assigned to them. Rovers are a bit different in that different types of rovers will perform different duties. Explorers will examine anomalies which provide benefits such as research points. Commanders control small groups of drones and can transport them to new areas. I will say that most of the time, at least in the beginning, the rovers would perform a task here and there before sitting idly in my colony with not much to do, while my drones did all the manual labor.

The first steps you’ll probably want to do are gather nearby resources and start setting up various systems such as power and water. Commonly, the first resources you will encounter are metal and concrete, which can be gathered and/or mined from ground. Icons are always visible for where a deposit is, which is nice when it comes to planning the layout. If you can see a nearby concrete to the left of your rocket, it might be a good idea to start setting up power on the left as well. Power lines and water/oxygen pipes will need to placed down as well, so it is important to take this into consideration as you begin your layout of the land.

Once you’ve gathered a decent amount of resources, it might be time to consider placing down your first dome. All domes require power, water, oxygen and eventually food in order to keep your colonists alive and well. When placing your first dome, it might be best to place it close to the initial rocket’s landing location. Drones are not the fastest and though you can speed time up, I found myself waiting half a sol just for them to finish. Domes require buildings within to keep your colonists happy. This includes things like living accommodations, a grocery or some sort of food source, recreational facilities and decorations to keep them happy, and it’s probably a good idea to put a few productive things like research or medical facilities as well. Ideally, a decent bit of this should be pre-build before you land your first colonists, or aka, your founders.

The Gameplay Part 2: Second Steps on Mars

When your dome is built and your life needs are flowing, it is time to order the first passenger ship. This ship will serve as your founders ship, which will be your first colonists on Mars. This is important because once they have landed, the founder stage begins. During this stage, no additional colonists can be sent to your colony until the end of the stage in 10 sols, or if a child is born. It is super important that you keep your founders alive as it will determine if your colony is livable. If all of your founders die during this stage, it is considered a game over and your mission will end. However, if you’ve done proper planning and resource management, it would be more difficult to have a death than to keep them alive and well.

When you order a passenger ship, you decide who will be invited to live on the Red Planet. Applicants have differing aspects such as specializations, perks, flaws and quirks. I believe the first set of colonists should have a decent split in specializations, though future ones can focus more so in one area or another. In my gameplay, I was aiming to make Mars greener and more inhabitable. So, I went with more scientists and botanists later on. Applicants can have perks, flaws, and quirks that appear as randomized traits. These include things like being religious, sexy, a gamer, vegan, or composed, among many other possibilities. Colonists can have up to three traits. Invite only those you deem qualified, since space is limited on the ship and in your colony’s early stages.

Another important initial aspect to consider is research. You gain research passively each sol, and you can boost it in several ways. Research is the main way to unlock new technologies and or great passive buffs to your colony. It is divided into seven different categories. These include engineering, robotics, physics, biotech, social, recon & expansion, terraforming and also a rare breakthrough category as well. Each category has many different research potentials which will unlock as you complete previous ones. There are some researches that are essential, but after a while you can begin to dive deep into specific areas. It is important to always be researching something to keep your colony and technologies up to date.

The Gameplay Part 3: Third Steps & Beyond

Another important gameplay aspects to consider are sector discovering and the newly added politics factor. The game begins in a single sector, and you must discover outside sectors to expand. Like research, you can queue sectors for discovery, which then progress passively over time. Exploring new sectors reveals additional resources and anomalies, while building sensor towers boosts the speed of discovery.

New to Surviving Mars: Relaunched, politics will also play a factor early on as well. In standard and creative campaigns, you compete against computer-controlled colonies racing to complete milestones. Maintaining good standing within the group is essential. Every two sols, the council will meet and vote on laws and regulations that all factions must follow. These include things like society regulations, better sponsor relations or even the ability to skip the founder stage. This also gives you a slight hint at how the competition is doing.

Since I haven’t played the first Surviving Mars, I’m unsure whether politics significantly shaped its core gameplay mechanics. I’m leaning more towards them being a slight boon, or small factor. I tended to forget about which laws were in place after leaving the politics screen. Beyond the skipping founder stage, the boons they provide are nice, but nothing that will determine how well a colony thrives in the long run. I guess overall, it’s a nice little addition for the launch, without the feeling that it takes over gameplay completely.

Beyond all that I just listed, there’s still so much more that exists within Surviving Mars: Relaunched. Eventually, things like wonder building and terraforming will play key roles as you expand your colonies. A milestone such as 1000 colonists is achievable and the number of people living in your colony will continue to grow as Martian-born children, or children born on Mars, will make up future generations. Different weather effects can occur which will require players to act quickly to preserve their colony’s life. Again, I appreciate the inclusion of gameplay hints and the encyclopedia to explain these aspects to me, but trying to take a crash course all at once might be a bit much. It is probably better to discover different aspects as they occur over time, as you and your colonies discover Mars in the process.

Once you’ve had your fill of the standard and creative campaigns, don’t forget about the 33 challenges available. These challenges start you off in pre-existing campaigns with a limited time in order to achieve specific goals. The difficulty on these range from varying challenge percentages as the pre-determined factors will play a heavy hand in how you are to accomplish the goals.

The Graphics & Audio: Life on the Red Planet

Just wanted to take a quick moment to discuss the graphics and audio. To start with, despite the surface of Mars probably not being the most pleasing to look at in real life (red, rocky, and rather bland), I found this game to be visually pleasing. Once you get your colony growing and expanding, it ends up being a space-mechanic wonder. I’ve already mentioned before enjoying the scene of my drones performing tasks, but the other mechanical objects were pleasing and felt realistic as well. Nothing felt too “out of this world” that made me think that the game was diving headfirst into sci-fi, despite the game being about building a colony on Mars. The graphics are also not too intense that you would need a computer from NASA in order to play. For what it is, it’s super pleasing to me.

The sounds in this game also fall along the same positive outlook for me. I really enjoyed the different sound effects in the game. I especially enjoyed zooming in and out of the map and how this changed what you heard. For example, my own headset vibrated with the intensity of the rockets as they landed. Sounds of life activity played whenever I zoomed the camera inside of a dome. I enjoy these details in sound and that it isn’t just the same music playing over and over again. Of course, there is background music, which isn’t bad at all! However, it’s the type that might get a bit stale over time, despite the radio function to change it, and I would probably end up listening to my own tunes. Regardless, both graphics and audio receive a A from me.

The Concerns: A Few Bugs, Hopefully Squashed with Updates

Currently, Surviving Mars: Relaunched sports a Mixed review rating on Steam. A decent bit of the reviews claim that this relaunched version is sadly just the exact same as the original. This includes some existing bugs. In my gameplay, I did run into two issues, one minor bug and one potentially bigger bug.

The first one is small. After reloading my save, I saw that my colonies name and logo—Eatin’ Greens with the brussel spout icon—was changed to some generic thing. This was was probably one of the random potential initial names when starting a new game. Again, it’s not a major issue and I was able to edit it back to what I set it as, but it is a bug nonetheless.

The bigger bug I may have came across occurred while I was trying to build a dome. As a disclaimer, this could just be user error and if it is, please let me know in the comments! When ordering some of my drones to work on a dome I was building, it kept popping up with an error saying “can’t find the required resources.” I believe this resource was concrete, which was located not too far from where my dome placement was.

Even after I manually went in and ordered these drones to pick up the concrete and then deliver it to the dome, they would deliver one piece before going back to mining metal. Other drones were able to deliver concrete just fine, so I wasn’t sure why only a few seemingly had this problem. Again, could just be user error, but if it is a bug, it’s a pretty important one that affects gameplay.

With the relaunched version, I expect future updates to patch the bugs the game will receive. In 2026, the DLCs Feeding the Future and Machine Utopia will add major updates to the game. Much like us players with our colonies, the developers will need to continue working on the game in order to expand its fanbase and longevity.

The Conclusion: Life on Mars, Is It Possible?

Overall, I had a fun time trying to make my colonies thrive on Mars. Despite my shortcomings and failed attempts, it was enjoyable to test out new ideas and settings. A full standard campaign will probably take a few hours to complete, even on the highest in-game speed setting. The many different campaign options, along with the 33 challenges, provides longevity. Players may spend many weeks on end, if not longer, to complete everything. Surviving Mars: Relaunched packs in a wide range of gameplay elements. It demands a certain level of strategy that makes even the easiest settings (maybe not creative mode) an enjoyable challenge.

I believe the developers at Haemimont Games made a great decision in relaunching the original Surviving Mars. Many reviews claim that the game is too similar to the original. However, I think this should be obvious given that it is a “relaunch.” The game isn’t designed as a sequel to the original. Instead, it serves to bring the game more up-to date with modern gaming, running on more advanced engines. It is a relaunching on the game’s life and for that, I think it is doing it’s job well. Plus, with future DLCs, the game will hopefully continue to be worked on and improved. I can see a bright future ahead of Surviving Mars: Relaunched, and a bright future for life on Mars!

Thank you for reading and best of luck to your colonies!

Review: Escape Simulator 2

Saim Khurshid
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3
Review: Escape Simulator 2

I’ve tried more than a few at-home escape room experiences over the years, some fun, some forgettable, some best left sealed in their envelopes forever. Still, Escape Simulator 2 is the first that genuinely captures the buzz of stepping into a physical escape room. 

That little thrill when the door shuts behind you and suddenly every book, every lever, and every misplaced candle feels like a clue? This game bottles that feeling beautifully.

Developed by and published by Pine Studio, Escape Simulator 2 is a sequel to the best-selling escape room game, bringing a fresh take on first-person puzzles with a variety of new rooms to explore solo or with friends.

Where many puzzle games spend far too long warming up, Escape Simulator 2 wastes no time. You spawn directly into the room, look around, and immediately start thinking, 

“Okay… what here is going to betray a secret?” 

There are no story-heavy intros, no tutorial fluff… Just you, a room full of mysteries, and three wonderfully distinct themes: the gothic shadows of Dracula’s Castle, the sleek sci-fi tech of Starship EOS, and the ramshackle charm of The Cursed Treasure.

An Escape You Can Actually Touch

Despite the lack of cutscenes, the rooms flow into one another with surprising cohesion, almost like you’re progressing through themed chapters. It’s subtle, but it works.

One of the greatest strengths of Escape Simulator 2 is how tactile everything feels. You can pick up piles of objects, spin them around, drag furniture, examine scraps of paper, and hoard tools like a goblin.

It all adds up to a sense of being physically present in the space. Important items stand out just enough to feel fair while still encouraging you to scour ceilings and corners for stray clues.

The game is constantly nudging you to poke around, to overthink things, to try something silly “just in case.” In other words, it nails the spirit of escape rooms.

Up to eight people can play together, although I agree that the rooms feel most balanced with two to four players. Still, the fact that the game supports that many without devolving into total madness (well… too much madness) is impressive.

A Fresh Coat of Paint… Mostly

Escape Simulator 1 was stylishly cartoony, but the sequel pushes into darker, more detailed territory. Dracula’s Castle is atmospheric, Starship EOS looks convincingly futuristic, and the pirate caves feel like set pieces you’d expect to see at a theme park.

That said, the game isn’t without quirks. Clipping into teammates’ bald heads, sudden perspective shifts, and missing animations occasionally snap you out of the moment. It’s minor, but noticeable.

Still, if slightly janky animations are the price we pay for fully co-op 3D rooms with this level of interactivity, I consider it an acceptable trade.

Hints, Glitches, and Growing Pains

The hint system is clever in concept, creating shareable clue notes, but sometimes refuses to participate, especially in puzzles that really should offer guidance. There were moments where we needed a nudge, and the hint system simply shrugged its shoulders.

But honestly? This feels fitting. Real escape rooms have their own brand of jank. A stiff lock, a missing clue sheet, a puzzle that feels like it was added last minute. Here, the occasional hiccup feels almost… authentic.

And with DLC already planned and a massively expanded Room Editor (the first game spawned over 4,000 custom rooms), the future of this community is bright.

Escape Artists Wanted

Escape Simulator 2 doesn’t reinvent the escape room genre. It perfects the formula its predecessor started. 

The puzzles are satisfying, the environments are imaginative, the co-op is joyous chaos, and the potential for community creations is practically limitless.

Sure, there are rough edges. But the core is strong, polished, and packed with charm.

Escape Simulator 2 is easily one of the most enjoyable puzzle games of the year, and a near-essential experience for escape room fans… digital or otherwise.

Review: Vlad Circus: Curse of Asmodeus

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Vlad Circus: Curse of Asmodeus

Vlad Circus: Curse of Asmodeus does a great job of prequeling and sequeling its predecessor. This may be a confusing statement, but this title plays with multiple timescales and a healthy dose of amnesia. Accordingly, it can pretty much do what it wants. Furthermore, it has some wonderfully grim moments as the story unfolds.

This puzzle adventure game was developed by Indisruption and published by Blowfish Studios. It is a single-player, side-scrolling affair. Moreover, it has plenty of fetch quests and old-school puzzle elements to appeal to an older generation. However, at its core is a great story and some sinister moments.

Vlad Circus: Curse of Asmodeus is a family affair. 

If you’ve played the previous Vlad game, you’ll recognise many of the key players. However, if this is your first jaunt into this seedy world, it matters not. You are not penalised for a lack of knowledge or understanding. Instead, you can piece together the story with blissful ignorance. 

You play the part of Josef Petrescu. He is the brother of Vlad and has awoken in a “hospital” with terrible injuries. His disfigured form disgusts him, but it is the gentle reminders of his previous life that haunt him more. Asmodeus is portrayed as a parasite that infects humans. The only way to remove it is through fire and torture. Accordingly, there are plenty of victims who may or may not survive.

A combination of 2 worlds. 

The grim story unfolds horribly. As the truth is revealed, you’ll be repulsed. The hero stomachs every snippet of information as they live through 2 unique worlds. The past is blurry, unfair, and often surreal. Clues, friendships, and explanations must be found as you explore your surroundings. 

Modern-day living isn’t much better. Josef is an outcast from his brother’s circus. However, he needs help if he is to move on and come to peace with his existence. This leads the protagonist down a dark path of realisation. 

If you can handle the twisted and uncomfortable imagery and gameplay, you’ll enjoy classic puzzle mechanics. Grabbing items, combining them, and unlocking new paths are essential elements. Furthermore, you’ll need to be aware of your surroundings as rats, gas, and other obstacles will cause you irreversible damage. 

Vlad Circus: Curse of Asmodeus is a pixelated masterpiece. 

People say that pixel games are lazy. However, I totally disagree. Vlad Circus: Curse of Asmodeus blends horrific colours with daunting images. Furthermore, the claustrophobic spaces, unique areas, and interesting puzzles create a tough-to-stomach game. 

The audio enhances the horror edge. Atmospheric music drives home the horrible story. Additionally, uncomfortable ambient sounds and strange noises fill the silence. The result is a game that never lets you take a breath. 

Excellent controls. 

Though the action is relatively refined and easy to follow, finding items and reading information could have been terrible. Thankfully, the excellent controls and simple UI make Vlad Circus: Curse of Asmodeus a joy to play. 

Where this falls short is longevity. Around 7 hours will get you everything completed. This was a little light for my liking, and I wanted much, much more. However, the dark imagery and sinister story can be oppressive, so maybe less exposure is a good thing. 

Vlad Circus: Curse of Asmodeus is wonderfully grim. 

If you loved the original, you’ll adore this awfully cruel sequel. The story is grim, and the visuals are uncomfortable. Furthermore, solving every problem is rewarding. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here! Can you piece together the clues and restore your memory? Explore the world, understand your mind, and maintain your sanity.

News: SteelSeries Sale

Daniel Waite
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0
News: SteelSeries Sale

Black Friday is well and truly underway. However, we have not covered the monster brand that is SteelSeries. I love this gaming behemoth and enjoy covering its exceptional products. As such, when they discount their products, I have to shout about it. Accordingly, we’ve put together this SteelSeries Sale article.

Whether it is a keyboard, mouse, headphones, speakers, or accessories, this brand has you covered. Some of the greatest gamers around love this gaming brand. Consequently, if you invest, you know you’ll improve your game.

Black Friday.

Headphones
Keyboards
Mice
Mics
Speakers
Accessories

Cyber Monday.

Headphones
Keyboards
Mice
Mics
Speakers
Accessories

What’s included in the SteelSeries sale?

Headphones.

Arctis Nova Pro Wireless – Black – A premium, multi-system gaming headset with 7.1 spatial audio, active noise-cancelling mic, and a dual hot-swappable battery system for unlimited play. The sleek base station features an OLED screen for EQ and audio profile control, while USB, Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity keep you versatile and fully immersed.

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $379.99, now $289.99 until December 1st.)

Arctis Nova Pro X – A high-fidelity gaming headset with 360° spatial sound powered by the Hi-Res GameDAC Gen2. It features a retractable ClearCast Gen2 mic, steel-infused ComfortMAX headband, and an EVA-designed build for durability. Compatible across PC, Xbox, Switch, and mobile, it delivers balanced, immersive audio. 

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $249.99, now $149.99 until December 1st.)

Arctis GameBuds – Compact, low-latency gaming earbuds with 360° spatial audio, hybrid ANC, and transparency mode. Seamlessly switch between 2.4 GHz (via USB-C dongle) and Bluetooth with a triple tap. Up to 40 hours of total use via the Qi-charging case. Rugged IP55 water-resistant build. 

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $199.99, now $149.99 until December 1st.)

Arctis Nova 5 – A lightweight, multi-platform gaming headset offering high-fidelity 40 mm neodymium drivers, 100+ game-specific audio presets, and up to 60-hour battery life. It features seamless Quick-Switch between 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.3, plus a retractable ClearCast 2. X mic for crystal-clear voice chat. 

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $149.99, now $109.99 until December 1st.)

Keyboards.

Apex Pro TKL (Gen 3) – White – A compact, high-speed competitive keyboard featuring OmniPoint 3.0 Hall-effect switches with per-key actuation (0.1-4.0 mm), Rapid Trigger & Rapid Tap, and Protection Mode. It boasts a sleek white build, PBT keycaps, triple-layer dampening foam, and an OLED smart display for on-the-fly control.

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $239.99, now $189.99 until December 1st.)

Apex Pro Mini (Gen 3) – A compact 60% gaming keyboard featuring ultra-responsive OmniPoint 3.0 Hall effect switches with 40 levels of adjustable actuation (0.1–4 mm). Offers Rapid Trigger, Rapid Tap, and Protection Mode via SteelSeries GG software. Built with factory-lubed stabilisers, dampening foam, and per-key RGB lighting.

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $219.99, now $189.99 until December 1st.)

More tech to come.

Mice.

Aerox 3 Wireless – A featherlight 66 g gaming mouse with a custom TrueMove Air 18,000 CPI sensor, dual Quantum 2.0 wireless (2.4 GHz + Bluetooth), and IP54 AquaBarrier protection. It delivers up to 200-hour Bluetooth battery life, fast USB-C charging, PTFE skates, and vibrant 3-zone RGB lighting.

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $119.99, now $69.99 until December 1st.)

Aerox 5 – A super-light, high-precision mouse weighing just 66 g, powered by the TrueMove Air sensor with 18,000 CPI, 400 IPS and 40 G acceleration. It features IP54-rated AquaBarrier protection, 9 programmable buttons, and smooth PTFE skates for fast, reliable control. 

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $99.99, now $59.99 until December 1st.)

Aerox 9 Wireless – An ultra-light 89 g MMO gaming mouse with 18 programmable buttons (including a 12-key side panel), TrueMove Air 18,000 CPI sensor, and IP54 AquaBarrier protection. Connect via lag-free Quantum 2.0 wireless (2.4 GHz or Bluetooth 5.0), and enjoy up to 180-hour battery life.

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $189.99, now $119.99 until December 1st.)

Mics.

Alias – A premium USB gaming mic with a massive 1″ condenser capsule (3× larger than usual) for rich, broadcast-quality voice. It uses a cardioid pattern to reduce background noise, features a 5‑stage LED level meter, tap-to-mute, and RGB lighting, all powered by SteelSeries Sonar AI‑enhanced software. 

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $199.99, now $139.99 until December 1st.)

Never-ending tech.

Speakers.

Arena 7 – A powerful 2.1 gaming speaker system featuring two-way satellite drivers and a 6.5″ down-firing subwoofer for rich, deep bass. Offers multiple inputs—USB-C, optical, 3.5mm, and Bluetooth—plus dynamic 4-zone RGB lighting that reacts to in-game audio, all customisable in SteelSeries Sonar.

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $399.99, now $239.99 until December 1st.)

Arena 9 – A premium 5.1 surround‑sound gaming system featuring two front speakers, a centre channel, wireless rear satellites, and a 6.5″ down‑firing subwoofer. Lights up with reactive 16.8M‑colour RGB, offers custom EQ via Sonar software, and connects easily via USB, Bluetooth, optical or 3.5 mm.

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $679.99, now $499.99 until December 1st.)

Accessories.

QcK XXL – A huge, desk‑sized cloth pad (900 × 400 mm) with a soft micro‑woven surface for consistent tracking and precision. Backed by a non-slip rubber base, it delivers stability even under full keyboard and mouse use. Durable, washable, and built for serious gaming.

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $29.99, now $17.99 until December 1st.)

Qck Performance – A premium e‑sports‑grade surface with a high‑density 3.5 mm neoprene base for consistent, stable tracking. Available in Speed, Balance, and Control variants to suit playstyle — from ultra-slick glide to precise aim. Low-profile stitched edges enhance durability.

(SteelSeries sale Black Friday, was $39.99, now $27.99 until December 1st.)

Cyber Monday!

Headphones.

Arctis Nova Pro – A high-end gaming headset featuring dual hot-swappable batteries for continuous play, 40 mm hi‑res drivers, and simultaneous 2.4 GHz + Bluetooth connectivity. Includes reusable DAC/base station with EQ control, 360° spatial audio via Sonar, and a retractable ClearCast Gen 2 mic. 

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $279.99, now $209.99, December 1st only.)

Arctis Nova 5 – White – A sleek white over‑ear gaming headset that combines 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.3 for flexible connectivity. Sporting 40 mm neodymium drivers, a retractable ClearCast Gen 2 mic, and up to 60‑hour battery life, all enhanced by 100+ game‑specific EQ presets through the Nova companion app.

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $279.99, now $104.99, December 1st only.)

Arctis Nova 3X Wireless – Lavender – A stylish lavender gaming headset built for marathons, weighing just 260 g. It offers low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.3 quick‑switching, and up to 40 hours of battery life. Equipped with 40 mm neodymium drivers, a detachable ClearCast mic, and mobile-app EQ presets. 

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $109.99, now $89.99, December 1st only.)

Keyboards.

Apex Pro TKL (Gen 3) Wireless – A pro-tier, tenkeyless gaming keyboard featuring OmniPoint 3.0 Hall‑effect switches with adjustable actuation (0.1–4 mm), Rapid Trigger, Rapid Tap, and 2‑in‑1 action keys. Offers lag-free Quantum 2.0 2.4 GHz or Bluetooth 5.0, OLED display, double-shot PBT keys, and 45‑hour battery life.

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $239.99, now $234.99, December 1st only.)

Apex Pro TKL (Gen 3) – A high-speed, tenkeyless gaming keyboard equipped with OmniPoint 3.0 Hall-effect switches, offering fully adjustable actuation (0.1–4.0 mm), Rapid Trigger and Rapid Tap. Features an OLED smart display, GG QuickSet presets, double-shot PBT keycaps, and a detachable USB‑C cable.

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $239.99, now $189.99, December 1st only.)

Apex 9 TKL – A lightning-fast, tenkeyless keyboard outfitted with custom OptiPoint optical switches offering 0.2 ms response. Switch between 1 mm gaming actuation and 1.5 mm precision, hot-swap switches freely, enjoy durable double-shot PBT keycaps, and a rugged aerospace aluminium top plate for pro-level performance.

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $149.99, now $109.99, December 1st only.)

We’re not done yet!

Mice.

Aerox 5 Wireless – A feather‑light, 74 g gaming mouse with 9 programmable buttons and a high-precision TrueMove Air sensor (up to 18,000 CPI, 400 IPS, 40G). It features lag-free Quantum 2.0 wireless (2.4 GHz + Bluetooth 5.0), IP54 AquaBarrier protection, radiant 3‑zone RGB, and up to 180-hour battery life.

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $169.99, now $109.99, December 1st only.)

Rival 5 – A versatile 85 g wired mouse built for any game genre, with a TrueMove Air sensor (18,000 CPI) and 9 fully programmable buttons. It features durable IP54-rated Golden Micro switches, a Super Mesh cable for low drag, and 10-zone PrismSync RGB lighting.

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $69.99, now $49.99, December 1st only.)

Mics.

Alias Pro – A pro-grade XLR condenser mic with a 25 mm capsule that captures crystal-clear, broadcast-quality 24-bit/48 kHz audio. It comes with a dedicated Stream Mixer for gain control, mute, RGB lighting, and dual-PC streaming. Built‑in shock‑mount and Sonar software support complete the stellar setup.

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $369.99, now $259.99, December 1st only.)

Speakers.

Arena 3 – A powerful 2.0 desktop speaker system featuring 4″ organic-fibre full‑range drivers for rich highs and vibrant mids. Offers wired (3.5 mm) and Bluetooth (v4.2) connectivity, front-facing bass ports, a tilt-adjustable stand, and intuitive volume, mute, and EQ controls.

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $179.99, now $129.99, December 1st only.)

Accessories.

Qck Performance – XL – A massive 900×400 mm gaming surface with three tailored textures (Speed, Balance, Control) to fit your playstyle. Built on a dense 3.5 mm neoprene base for stability and consistent sensor tracking. Stitched low-profile edges prevent fraying during intense battles.

(SteelSeries sale Cyber Monday, was $49.99, now $34.99, December 1st only.)

The SteelSeries sale is epic.

Whether it is Black Friday or Cyber Monday, the SteelSeries sale is epic. There are some amazing products, and I haven’t covered them all. Accordingly, I recommend heading over to their website for all of the deals!

(Full disclosure! This article was written for free for SteelSeries!)

Review: DM40 Condenser Microphone

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: DM40 Condenser Microphone

I’ve recently looked at the PD200W Hybrid Microphone from Maono, and I was impressed. Accordingly, when I was given the chance to look at the DM40 Condenser Microphone (Pro), I couldn’t resist. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “How many microphones does one man need?”. You’re not wrong, but it’s always good to have something slightly different in your locker, just in case.

This microphone is the ideal option if you hate cables. Alternatively, maybe you have a tiny workstation but need a high-end mic. Either way, the DM40 Condenser Microphone is ideal. This compact option has a desktop mount, or it can be used with a boom arm. Moreover, it has a built-in pop filter, and I love the vibrant RGB. As such, it is ideal for content creators, streamers, and gamers. 

What’s in the box of the DM40 Condenser Microphone?

  • The packaging is attractive, interesting, and robust. Additionally, it can be recycled. 
  • The DM40 Condenser Microphone is a wonderful desktop or boom arm-mounted peripheral. It has simple switches and can be used by experts or newcomers. 
  • USB dongles are provided for wireless connectivity. 
  • Charge the microphone with the USB cable. 
  • Learn the basics with the user manual. 

Technical aspects. 

The DM40 Condenser Microphone is designed with fun, gaming, and content creation in mind. As such, the use of the free-to-download Maono link app is advised. This app has a built-in EQ, limiter, and compressor adjustment to deliver exceptional voice recordings.

Unlike other microphones, this one is extremely versatile. Thanks to the USB dongle, this device is compatible with PC, PlayStation, and mobile phones. Furthermore, it can be used with an array of social media platforms. Consequently, this is the ideal tool if you are expanding your set-up or starting from scratch.

A wireless tool is great unless the battery is useless. Thankfully, the 2,600 mAh capacity battery delivers over 70 hours from one charge. This is perfect and more than enough for many gamers’ needs.

Sound recording. 

My YouTube channel delivers reasonably straight-laced content of the games I’ve been reviewing. Subsequently, I need crisp and clean pick up, without awful popping of harsh sounds. Luckily, the DM40 Condenser Microphone has this covered. The built-in pop filter removes that concern while keeping your audio sounding great. 

If you wish to change your voice, you can use the 10 AI voice settings to deliver amusing and weird elements to your recordings. Although I’m never likely to use these options, I was impressed with how easy it was to use. Moreover, each voice has a unique edge that will add energy to any recording.

Build quality. 

I use a boom arm with my SteelSeries microphone. Therefore, it was easy for me to test this out. The DM40 Condenser Microphone was easy to handle and simple to connect to the standard connector. Additionally, adjusting the microphone was a cinch. 

If you select the desktop option, you’ll be impressed by the sturdy and well-balanced base. I pushed and wobbled the mic, and it never fell over. Moreover, the large pop filter ensures that your recordings are clean, regardless of the recording angle. 

Built-in RGB makes this device pop. Furthermore, the tactile switches and knobs ensure that this is easy to use. Finally, this is an incredibly durable peripheral. The stand, capsule, and pop filter are built to last. My sample was knocked and shoved, and it withstood everything I threw at it.

Is the DM40 Condenser Microphone worth it?

This desktop or boom arm microphone is the perfect user-friendly option. Not only is it durable and great to look at, but it is easy to use as well. The 16 mm capsule captures amazing audio, and the AI elements are fun and surprising. Finally, the lack of wires is ideal if you are a cable management freak. Accordingly, it is superb and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on Maono can be found here!)

The DM40 Condenser Microphone has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold award.

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

Review: Painkiller

Patrick Sullivan
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Review: Painkiller

What do you get when you mix Doom with Warhammer: Darktide? You get Painkiller, a reboot of the original game from 2004. Now, you may be thinking that this means we have a masterpiece on our hands. Killing hordes of demons while listening to a kick-ass soundtrack. It’s a co-op game also so you can kill with friends or the AI if you have no friends to play with. Lot of fun, right? Unfortunately, this is not the case when it comes to my time in Purgatory with Painkiller.

We Have DOOM At Home

The plot of Painkiller is simple and honestly, forgettable. You play as one of four souls who are stuck in Purgatory and must complete raids to defeat the demon, Azazel. Metatron, an angel tasks you with killing Azazel and his demons. That is it. Some MCU level dialogue from your characters and you quickly realise that yes, this story doesn’t matter. Just turn off your brain and kill demons. Which is disappointing because this premise is interesting. And the playable characters, while not the best written characters of all time, can have some interesting conversations about their backstories. But this falls apart when they randomly stop talking because of all the action that is going on.

Like I previously mentioned, Painkiller is similar to the DOOM games with its fast-paced gunplay and the fact that you spend your time blowing demons to bloody bits. The design of levels, or raids as they are called, and even some of the boss and enemy designs scream inspiration from DOOM. It even has a good little rock soundtrack when fighting the demon hordes. Shooting guns and obliterating demons doesn’t hit like it should. I felt like the massive guns didn’t really pack a punch like DOOM. Lot of enemies are mostly harmless and there is execution option like DOOM where you can just rip them to shreds. The game feels toned down in the gore department despite blood being everywhere.

Painkiller PS5 Gaemplay

The Spikegun is fun to use to pin enemies and even shoot explosive grenades that you stuck to enemies. Secondary options on the guns include grenade launchers or electricity that can zap stronger enemies and stun them allowing you to finish them off with your chainsaw pretty much, which is called the Painkiller. But Painkiller‘s cracks begin to show. The gameplay, while decent, does get pretty boring after a while. It also doesn’t help that the game’s levels look the same making them repetitive. And it doesn’t stop there.

Didn’t We Already Do This?

Repetitive is the best way to describe Painkiller. One of the main mission objectives that you spend most of your time doing is filling barrels with demon blood. It felt like the developers discovered this mission type and never wanted to stray from it. Throw the barrel at a group of enemies, kill them, fill barrel, insert barrel and do it a few more times to advance. Rinse, repeat. I was shocked when there were times (rare by the way) when it gave me different tasks.

Upon completion of a raid, you can use the points you earned to unlock Tarot cards which give you perks in the next raid. These range from extra damage or reduced damage from enemies. They’re fine, nothing major but can help in making raids easier.

This is made easier as you can play up to three players online or play with two bots. The bots were surprisingly good and actually helped kill enemies are were excellent when it came to revives. Playing with bots isn’t a bad thing, so props given there. Each playable character has its own strengths but there isn’t much there. One starts with more health, or receives less damage. Nothing major. They are all practically the same. One positive I can give is the boss fights. While not amazing, they are fine and visually memorable. Painkiller is only about 4 to 5 hours long with 9 raids and even the roguelike game mode offers very little in terms of replayability. The roguelike mode throws you into the same levels but you start from the bottom in terms of weapons and kill demons. Not much else to say about it really. This game is lacking in content, the same problem a lot of live-service co-op games run into.

Verdict

Painkiller isn’t bad but it isn’t good either. It is another co-op shooter that has little content in it and doesn’t stand out from the other competition. Boss fights are fine, and the gunplay is decent. Unfortunately, they get old fast and the game just isn’t fun to put hours upon hours into. Honestly, just play Warhammer: Darktide or DOOM. They are more fun and worth your time.

Review: Skopje ’83

Jordy Matias
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Review: Skopje ’83

Set in a post-apocalyptic version of Skopje, Macedonia, Skopje ‘83 is a first-person survival game where you must fight your way through mutated abominations and unravel the mysteries of this desolated city. As well as being a survival game, the game also features many roguelite elements such as randomized loot and random upgrades upon level up. Try to stay alive by watching your health, hunger, thirst, and sleep meter along with protecting yourself from the mutated abominations.

Gameplay

As the game starts, your player character wakes up and leaves their green test tube chamber. From there on you go through the game’s tutorial and then thrusted into the city. Much of what I understood of the game’s design of the bat was that it doesn’t really show you where to go for a majority of the game. In the beginning, you are only shown a location on your map with a tower to destroy (one of the main objectives of the game). After that, you are left on your own to explore and strengthen your character for the harshness of the city.

The game features both ranged and melee combat. Usually weapons are either found or able to be crafted with the right materials. Your starting weapon is a simple pistol, but the more you explore, the better weapons and materials you will find to add to your arsenal. One of the most important features of the game is your very own bus. Otherwise known as DOM, it acts as your own personal rest site that you can drive around the city with. Within DOM, not only are you protected from enemies, but you are able to craft tools, upgrades, and other commodities to improve DOM. One of the most important items I got right away for DOM was a storage unit. That way if I were to die, all my stored items would remain when I would respawn.

Visual Design

One of the biggest praises I could give this game is its vibrant art style. I wouldn’t use the word “vibrant” to describe the overall tone of the game, but it ends up working out in the final product. The game features a cel-shaded art style making it look similar to a colorful comic book. And despite the game’s somber and darker tone, I think the overall design of the world and enemies clashes well with the popping colors. This is also improved by the harsher black outlines.

Confusing Downsides

From my playtime of the game, I was able to understand a majority of the game’s mechanics and systems. Unfortunately, I had a very difficult time trying to figure out what I was supposed to be doing. I know that sounds redundant in that I mentioned that there are towers to search and destroy, as well as fighting bosses. The problem I faced was knowing where to go in the city. I understand that, by design, this game does not want to hold the player’s hand. It is liberating knowing that once you’re past the tutorial, you can go almost anywhere you want. But there’s also a problem in that some locations don’t convey the idea that they’re important and that the player should check it out. This doesn’t apply to everything as there is a major part of the city that is walled off and you have to progress the game to find a way in. Most of my playthrough involved going into buildings and taking loot. There have been some areas where I needed to turn back from and return with better upgrades and equipment. But when I did, it was just more of the same. Slightly better loot but overall, nothing too drastic of changes compared to the regular buildings. 

Depending on who you ask, you may or may not enjoy the game’s in-game countdown timer. From the getgo, I could understand what the timer was there for. Explore, loot, and craft as much as you can before the timer hits zero. The problem lies in not knowing where to go or what to do. As mentioned before, the game does not hold your hand, but it would be nice to find things like hints in the game’s world or in your journal. There is a character who communicates with you throughout the game and even tells where you can go for that objective. Unfortunately, if you missed on that dialogue while you were fighting an enemy, you can review it again. There’s nothing in the journal nor are there any indicators on the map.

Conclusion

Depending on how you play and enjoy games, Skopje ‘83 is very divisive in that regard. Some people may like a game where it doesn’t hold your hand and you’re allowed to explore wherever. There is enjoyment in finding things out on your own, but even that has its limits when you end up repeating the same moments with very little change. This is a hard game to recommend to most people and it feels like one where you would need a guide to help you through it. The gameplay and art style carry this quite well, but the lack of direction is one of the main proponents knocking it down in terms of enjoyability.

Battlefield 6: How It Became 2025’s Top Shooter

Christopher John
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0
Battlefield 6: How It Became 2025’s Top Shooter

With its October release, Battlefield 6 has become a game-changer for first-person shooters, achieving massive global sales success. The combination of nostalgic map design and next-gen mechanics has brought millions of players back to the franchise. While the competitive scene is thriving, casual players often seek ways to keep up with the meta. As a result, solutions like cheap BF6 bot lobbies have become a popular method to get attachments and practice recoil management in a predictable environment before entering demanding multiplayer matches.

A Return to Total Destruction

One of the primary reasons Battlefield 6 has conquered the market is its renewed focus on environmental interaction. Unlike recent competitors that have moved toward static maps, the developers at DICE doubled down on the dynamism that made the series famous. The new Levolution 2.0 engine allows for micro-destruction on a scale never seen before.

Players are no longer just blowing up walls, but reshaping the terrain to create cover or deny enemy routes. This technical achievement appeals heavily to the tech-savvy audience who appreciate the rendering capabilities of modern GPUs and consoles. The physics engine calculates debris in real-time, ensuring that no two matches play out exactly the same way. This dynamic element has set a new benchmark for immersion in the genre.

Mastering the Gameplay Loop

Though the graphics are breathtaking, the lasting appeal is built upon its polished gameplay systems. The whole gameplay has been refined to balance tactical team play with individual skill.

The Refined Class System

The controversial specialist system from previous entries has been overhauled. The game returned to the traditional four-class structure: Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon. However, it was modernized with deeper customization trees. This change forced players to rely on squad composition rather than lone-wolf tactics. It successfully bridged the gap between experienced players who wanted tradition and new players who wanted flexibility.

Gunplay and Movement

Weapon handling feels weightier and more impactful than in previous years. The introduction of a new recoil pattern system requires players to actually learn their weapons rather than simply holding down the trigger. Furthermore, the movement system has been smoothed out. Vaulting, sliding, and corner-peeking feel responsive without being overly arcade-like.

A Live Service That Actually Delivers

In the modern gaming era, a launch is only as good as the support that follows. Battlefield 6 has excelled where others failed by providing a robust roadmap that the developers have actually adhered to.

  • Regular Content Drops: The California Resistance season brought three new maps and five new weapons within the first month, keeping the player base engaged.
  • Community Feedback Loops: Rapid patches addressing weapon balance and server stability showed the community that their voice matters.
  • Cross-Platform Stability: The technical team managed to ensure seamless cross-play between PC and consoles without the massive desync issues that plagued other titles in 2025.

This level of support has fostered a positive community sentiment that is rare in the current triple-A market. Players feel confident investing their time and money into the ecosystem because the studio is visibly invested in the game’s longevity.

A Formula for Supremacy

Instead of chasing industry trends, Battlefield 6 forged its own path by refining the franchise’s identity. By combining cutting-edge destruction technology with a disciplined return to class-based gameplay, it captured the hearts of both old fans and newcomers. The robust post-launch support ensures that it will likely remain the preeminent shooter well into 2026. It stands as a prime example of how listening to the community and pushing technical boundaries can result in a market-leading product.

The Most Innovative Portable Tech

Christopher John
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The Most Innovative Portable Tech

Portable tech used to feel like a scaled-down version of proper hardware, something you carried only because you had to rather than because you wanted to. That idea has been flipped on its head. Phones, laptops, handheld gaming systems, and wearables now offer enough power, comfort, and reliability to act as main devices rather than travel companions.

Why People Need Reliable Portable Tech Today

A major reason portable devices have become so essential is the constant movement in modern life. People switch between home, work, travel, and small pockets of free time, and a device that fits comfortably into all of those moments is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity. Portable tech has to handle tasks that are far more varied than before, from joining video calls in a car park to watching long-form content on a train or managing personal finance apps while waiting in a queue.

Another reason reliable portable tech matters is the wide range of digital experiences people explore each day. Not everything is tied to emails or messaging. Some use their devices for casual gaming, some for learning new skills, and others for browsing updates on trends like digital payments, crypto, or online entertainment. Over the last few years, mobile casino gaming has risen to the forefront of digital entertainment. The top Solana casinos according to CryptoNews are popular because they offer low-cost blockchain transactions, which makes them a popular choice for platforms that rely on quick deposits and withdrawals. 

Foldable and Hybrid Devices Come of Age

The first foldable phones felt like prototypes that somehow escaped the lab. Screens creased too easily, hinges were stiff, and the software did not always know what to do with the extra space. Fast forward a few generations, and the story has changed. Modern foldables feel smoother, sturdier, and much more thoughtful in how they switch between compact and tablet-sized layouts, which is why they’re quickly becoming more popular.

The appeal is simple to understand. Fold a device down, and it slips into a pocket like a regular phone. Open it up and suddenly there is room to run two apps side by side, review a document without constant zooming, or sketch on a digital canvas that actually feels usable. For people who spend a lot of time on trains, planes, or in waiting rooms, that extra space can remove the need to carry a separate tablet or laptop.

Hybrid laptops have taken a similar journey. Two-in-one devices now bend, spin, or detach to match how people actually work. You might write emails with a traditional keyboard at a desk, then flip the screen back to show a presentation to a client over coffee. Later in the day, you could use the same machine as a tablet on the sofa while streaming or doodling ideas.

Handheld Gaming Steps Into the Spotlight

Portable gaming used to mean short sessions and simple graphics. A handheld console was what you reached for when the television was busy. Modern handhelds and compact gaming PCs have turned that idea on its head. They run big-budget titles that once belonged firmly on living room systems, and they do it with surprising ease.

A lot of this is down to clever hardware design and more efficient chips, but the way people get their games has changed as well. Digital libraries and cloud streaming have broken the link between gaming and a fixed machine in one place. Someone can start a game at home, pause it when a friend texts, then pick up the same adventure later on a portable device while sitting on a train. Saves sync quietly in the background. Online services log in automatically. The experience feels continuous even though the hardware has moved.

Lighter Laptops With Serious Power

There was a time when a portable laptop meant sluggish performance and a fan that never seemed to rest. Now it is common to see machines that weigh very little, last a full working day on a single charge, and still handle demanding tasks. That is a huge jump in a short period of time.

The most important change has been the move to processors designed with efficiency in mind. Instead of simply chasing the highest possible clock speeds, chip makers have focused on balancing power with battery use. Many modern laptops wake instantly, run cool under typical workloads, and only spin up their fans during short bursts of heavy activity. This makes them much more pleasant to use in shared spaces like trains, offices, and cafés.

Portable Cameras and Creation Tools

The creative side of portable tech has exploded as well. High-quality content used to demand bulky cameras and a suitcase full of lenses. While dedicated gear still has a place, compact cameras and phones now deliver results that satisfy both casual users and many professionals.

Small mirrorless cameras and advanced compacts offer large sensors, rapid autofocus, and impressive stabilisation in bodies that slip into a small bag. Video creators can shoot cinematic footage while walking through a city, explore slow-motion shots of waves, or capture low-light scenes that would have been impossible with older sensors. The portability encourages experimentation because the gear is always close at hand.

Review: RT82 keyboard

Daniel Waite
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Review: RT82 keyboard

The RT82 keyboard from Epomaker is the latest addition to the RT series. My main keyboard is the RT100, and I absolutely love it. Thankfully, this keyboard uses that blueprint to deliver an exceptional device that is versatile, attractive, unusual, and great to use.

This tri-mode keyboard is perfect for gamers, workers, and content creators. It is lightweight, easy to handle, and has adjustable feet. Therefore, it is ideal if you work for hours or enjoy marathon gaming sessions. The Cherry profile PBT keycaps are familiar and comfortable, and it has an impressive scan and polling rate. As such, this is the ideal device if you wish to become a professional gamer. 

What’s in the box of the RT82 keyboard?

  • The packaging is compact and attractive. Furthermore, it is durable and recyclable. 
  • The RT82 keyboard is a funky-looking product. I love the pastel colours, the unusual keycaps, and the included data screen. 
  • A data screen connects via Pogo pins to the keyboard. 
  • The USB-C charges and connects the device. 
  • Switches, spare keycaps, and a puller are provided. 
  • Learn the basics with the user manual. 

Technical aspects. 

A gaming device has to be responsive and easy to use. Furthermore, it gets bonus points if it is versatile. Luckily, the RT82 keyboard ticks each of these boxes. The scan rate of 1000 Hz combines brilliantly with the up to 1000 Hz polling rate. This creates a rapid and responsive option that is lightning fast during energetic and competitive games. 

The tri-mode approach delivers impressive results. If you play using a wired or 2.4 GHz connection, you’ll enjoy 1000 Hz polling. Alternatively, if you use the Bluetooth functionality, you’ll experience 125 Hz. Accordingly, I recommend the latter for office-based tasks. 

If you are a wireless-only gamer, you’ll be worried about battery life. Thankfully, the 4000 mAh battery lasts for the longest of gaming sessions. However, if you do run out of juice, this has a quick charging facility. Alternatively, you can play wired only while the battery recharges. 

The mini data screen is ideal if you want to observe your PC settings. Key temperature, the date, time, and even a GIF, picture, or animation can be included. Though it is a bit of a novelty, I love the unusual edge and how clean it looks. 

Build quality. 

The RT82 keyboard is built to last. The case is built from ABS material, and the internal foam components create a delightful soundscape while typing. The creamy audio matches the slightly softer typing profile. This less aggressive design will appeal to a large audience. Moreover, the generous actuation distance can be altered using VIA. Consequently, you can customise this keyboard with ease.

The double-shot PBT keycaps and case are durable. The keycaps resist greasy marks and unfortunate shine. Moreover, the case is strong and resists light knocks and bumps. Changing the switches is easy thanks to the hot-swappable design. I liked the included switches, but if you prefer something more aggressive, you can swap them over with no soldering required.

Usability. 

The RT82 keyboard is as complex or as simple as you like. If you want a plug-and-play keyboard, this ticks that box. Alternatively, if you want to play with macros, actuation, lighting, and more, you can download the software from the Epomaker site and create the device of your dreams. Either way, this keyboard is perfect for newcomers and veteran PC gamers. 

Is the RT82 keyboard worth it?

I absolutely adore Epomaker and the RT series. I love the style, the build quality, and the versatile approach. Additionally, the RT82 keyboard is great to use during marathon sessions. I experienced no fatigue or strain on my fingers or wrists. Additionally, the little data screen is unusual and a bit of a conversation starter. Accordingly, it is fantastic and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on Epomaker can be found here!)

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

News: OpenRock Black Friday

Daniel Waite
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News: OpenRock Black Friday

The OpenRock Black Friday sale runs from November 20th 2025, to December 1st 2025. The savings are substantial, and keen-eyed individuals can enjoy up to 50% off select items. Moreover, there is 20% off on every pair of headphones. Accordingly, this is one audio sale that you cannot afford to miss.

The key items are the OpenRock S2, the OpenRock Pro, and the OpenRock S. The S2 model saves you $29, the Pro is 40% off, and the S model is 50% off. However, remember that if these premium headphones don’t take your fancy, you can get 20% off the full range.

More information on the OpenRock Black Friday products.

OpenRock S2 – The OpenRock S2 is a 7-gram, open-ear hook-clip sports earbud designed to deliver rich sound while keeping you aware of your surroundings. Featuring high-res LDAC support, BassDirect™ bass enhancement, IPX5 sweat and rain resistance, and up to 32 hours total battery life.

“The OpenRock S2 earbuds impressed me. Though they aren’t in the same league as Shokz’s latest products, they were great nonetheless. Available for under £80, they are incredible value for money. The audio is clean and pleasant, and the build quality and battery life ensure that they will last the test of time. Accordingly, they are perfect for audio-loving, budget-conscious athletes.”

The OpenRock Pro – The OpenRock Pro earbuds deliver an open-ear design with 16.2 mm drivers and aptX support for rich sound, while the TubeBass™ tech boosts low frequencies. Enjoy up to 19 hours on a single charge and 46 hours with the case. With Bluetooth 5.2 and an IPX5 rating, they’re built for active use.

OpenRock S – The OpenRock S earbuds deliver open-ear freedom with adjustable silicone ear-hooks, letting you stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying music. Featuring 16.2 mm drivers, TubeBass™ technology and Bluetooth 5.3, they provide sport-ready comfort and up to 60 hours of total playtime with IPX5 sweat resistance.

OpenRock X Earbuds – The OpenRock X Earbuds deliver an open-ear air-conduction design with 14.2 mm drivers, BassDirect™ tech, Bluetooth 5.3, and IPX5 sweat protection. Tailored for workouts with adjustable hooks, three sound modes (Rock, Relax, Boom) and ultra-long battery (12 h alone, 48 h with case).

“I have tested some great open-ear tech products, and these are up there with the best of them. The build and audio quality are amazing, and the unusual design will have tongues wagging. Alongside this, they are jam-packed with modern tech, and the battery life is great. Therefore, it is easy for me to recommend that you buy them”

What else are OpenRock offering?

The OpenRock Black Friday sale keeps getting better! Not only are there massive savings across the site, but they are also giving away a free pair of headphones with orders over $200. The OpenRock S earbuds are worth over £70 and are perfect for music lovers, hikers, and athletes. If you wish to make savings this Black Friday, you must use the code BF20!

(More information on OpenRock can be found here!)

Review: R-Type Delta: HD Boosted

Daniel Waite
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Review: R-Type Delta: HD Boosted

R-Type Delta: HD Boosted hits the shelves approximately 27 years after the original wowed audiences. Accordingly, many fans of shmups will be revelling in this news. The original broke many barriers and set high standards for a much-loved genre. Furthermore, it was the first title in the series to use 3D polygon graphics instead of the traditional 2D approach.

This shoot ’em up was developed by CITY CONNECTION and TAKExOFF and published by Clear River Games AB. It is a single-player experience that is fast-paced, cruel, and great to look at. Furthermore, this polished release features new music to add to the intense atmosphere. This may disappoint purists, but I adore the new soundtrack and the wonderful sci-fi edge.

R-Type Delta: HD Boosted tells a devastating tale.

Epic battles and a risk to humanity go hand-in-hand. If you then add in lightning-fast spaceships, aliens, projectiles, and huge bosses, you get an epic tale. This is exactly what happens in R-Type Delta: HD Boosted! The year is 2163, and a spaceship returns to Earth after it destroys the Bydo Empire. A year passes, and strange objects begin to fall from the sky. Additionally, the Moritz-G falls from the sky. This unstoppable behemoth destroys a city and requires a prototype ship to resolve the matter.

The story shouldn’t matter, but it’s wonderfully told during each chapter. Although it isn’t always obvious, minimalist layers and an ever-changing environment create a fantasy, dark atmosphere that is tough to ignore. The subtle elements are not easy to spot, and much of the fast-paced madness makes it tough to focus on the little things.

Familiar action.

If you’ve played the original, R-Type Delta: HD Boosted will be familiar. You may select 3 unique vessels to complete your mission. Each ship has special skills and abilities that must be mastered. Moreover, the action is quite cruel, as you must have lightning-fast reactions, a photographic memory, and plenty of patience as you try to tackle every stage.

As you ramp up the difficulty, things really get out of hand. Consequently, I chickened out and kept things simple. However, if you mastered the original or you are a veteran of the genre, you will want to make things harder to keep everything challenging and fun.

R-Type Delta: HD Boosted looks amazing.

The 1998 version looked amazing at the time. As such, R-Type Delta: HD Boosted delivers a brilliant visual spectacle. The sharp imagery, simple backdrops, and wonderful colour palette are great to look at. Additionally, it runs with no issues. I didn’t check the frame rate, but I had witnessed no latency or lagging. Additionally, it had no bugs or screen tears.

The audio is truly spectacular! The crazy soundtrack is filled with drama and darkness. Moreover, it is so high energy that you’ll struggle to stay calm when you are surrounded by death and madness. The sound effects are great, and the sci-fi noises work perfectly with the futuristic action.

Brilliant controls.

This genre kicks my ass repeatedly. As such, if the controls are terrible, I’m instantly turned off. Thankfully, R-Type Delta: HD Boosted has exceptional and responsive controls. Mastering your special weapons and moving across each side-scrolling stage was a joy. Moreover, a little trial and error goes a long way as you begin each lengthy playthrough.

This is a nostalgic and well-polished shmup that’ll keep you playing repeatedly. Its action is a perfect reminder of what makes this genre so good. Moreover, it is easy to pick up, but tough to defeat. Therefore, it drives you mad but pushes you to keep coming back for more.

R-Type Delta: HD Boosted is a well-polished and addictive game.

R-Type Delta: HD Boosted is unbelievably addictive. Testing your skills and flying each ship was challenging. Additionally, getting to the last stage and surviving is no mean feat! I remember the original like it was yesterday. Subsequently, this was a phenomenal trip down memory lane. Not only does it look and sound great, but it is a joy to play. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here! Can you become a hero and save the day? Pick your ship, memorise each stage, and pray for a little luck.

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