Review: Gamesir G7

Daniel Waite
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Review: Gamesir G7

For some gamers, the traditional and official controllers are enough to appease them. However, for many players, these excellent but standard accessories simply won’t do. Sadly, they lack a competitive edge, and there are no programmable buttons. Accordingly, this is where the elite peripheral market shines. With some whacky designs, mountains of custom options, and excellent build quality, you’ll struggle to pick from the vast number of controllers on offer. Yet, this review of the Gamesir G7 should help clear things up.

This amazing wired controller gives you the build quality and competitive edge of its peers but at a fraction of the cost. What’s more, the wired approach ensures that latency is reduced and that battery power is no longer a concern. On top of this, it has interchangeable faceplates, an app to adjust the settings, and there are mappable buttons to the rear for that elite edge. Moreover, the build quality is fantastic and the tactile grips and ergonomic design ensure it is comfortable for extended gaming sessions.

The Gamesir G7 is a rapid and responsive gaming controller.
A rapid controller that is ideal for FPS.

What’s in the box of the Gamesir G7?

  • The simple but striking box highlights every key selling point. Furthermore, the contents are well-packaged and nicely presented. On top of this, every element can be recycled, and this was fantastic.
  • The Gamesir G7 controller looks similar to many controllers. To the rear, you’ll find two customisable buttons, and on the front, there is the addition of an M button for additional functionality. The pad has a comfortable weight and rubberised grips for comfort. Moreover, the triggers and bumpers have a textured finish, like the Microsoft official controller.
  • Spare faceplate. With the option of a magnetised black or white faceplate, you can customise the controller to your liking.
  • USB-C cable. A 10-foot braided cable enables you to play comfortably on both your Xbox and PC.
  • User guide. With customisable buttons and an app to download, you’ll need to read the guide to get the best from this controller.
  • 1-month Game Pass. A free 1-month subscription for new users.

Technical aspects.

Whenever I look at a new controller, it must be an improvement on the one I’m already using. Thankfully, the Gamesir G7 does that across every single aspect. Not only is it comfortable to use, but the mechanical triggers have a low and responsive actuation. Subsequently, a 0.6mm actuation distance gives you a competitive edge. On top of this, you can activate a hair trigger mode whenever you are playing FPS titles. This minor adjustment ensures that you are split seconds ahead of your opponents, and this gives you a winning edge.

On top of this, the Gamesir G7 comes with a polling rate of 265Hz and a low latency response time of <0.044s. Now, this may sound complicated, but it isn’t. Effectively, this controller will help you to dominate every game while delivering a buttery smooth experience. This is helped further by the market-leading precision-tuned tech. The Hall Effect reacts to the slightest movement compared to standard controllers. Consequently, you’ll get precise liner control during every gaming session.

The Gamesir Nexus App.

We know that the Gamesir G7 is responsive and feels great. However, what about its usability? Well, thanks to the free-to-download Gamesir Nexus App, you are in complete control. This excellent piece of software allows you to adjust every element of the controller on the fly. You can alter the mapping, the deadzone for the analogue sticks, the vibration and the trigger actuation points.

Now, you may worry that this is complicated, but it really isn’t. The simple-to-use app talks you through every step and your saved profile is transferred seamlessly to your controller. Furthermore, adjustments can be made when gaming with or without the use of the software. As such, you are in complete control of your settings.

The Gamesir Nexus app is easy to use.
An easy to use app.

Is the Gamesir G7 worth it?

With a vast selection of controllers on the market, you may wonder if this is worth your time and money. Well, for the price, you can’t get any better. Its nearest rival has to be PowerA, and though their controllers have a unique appearance, the Gamesir G7 has a better build quality and more features. Furthermore, I couldn’t fault the excellent app and the responsive buttons. Moreover, the comfortable textured grips and triggers give it a professional edge.

If I was to find fault, it would be that there isn’t a wireless option. However, third-party pads are rarely wireless, so I wasn’t too bothered. What’s more, the wired approach makes it versatile for both PC and console gaming. When I look at the pros and cons, the Gamesir G7 has many more positives than negatives. As such, if you are in the market for an inexpensive but feature-packed controller, I recommend that you buy it here!

(More information on Gamesir can be found here!)

The Gamesir G7 has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold award.

Review: Firefighter Simulator – The Squad

Daniel Waite
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Review: Firefighter Simulator – The Squad

Many of my family and friends serve in the emergency services. As such, I hear the banter and how harsh they are to each other. Firefighters are normally the butt of all jokes and apparently, they spend most of their time sleeping. However, I’m not so sure about that and I certainly wouldn’t want to run into a burning building. Now, saving a cat from a tree is definitely more of my thing. Yet, I’m not sure they’ll hire me just for that role. Consequently, when Firefighter Simulator – The Squad came to my attention, I thought, now is my time to shine.

Developed by Chronos Unterhaltungssoftware UG and published by Astragon Entertainment, this is a hard-hitting simulation title. What’s more, it can be enjoyed solo or with up to three friends. Therefore, you can tackle fires, rescue people, and save buildings from the safety of your own chair.

Each fire will test your resolve.
Can you quench that fire?

Firefighter Simulator – The Squad is dramatic and challenging. 

Unlike some simulation titles, Firefighter Simulator – The Squad has no story. Instead, each mission has multiple objectives, and the only form of progression is a basic levelling system. Now, this may seem dull and stripped back. However, the action is anything but. Instead, what I experienced was a dramatic and challenging game that keeps you entertained throughout.

The action begins with an in-depth and fun tutorial. Here, you’ll learn the fundamentals and the best way to tackle each blaze. You’ll be instructed on ways to smash windows and doors, how to set up the truck, and the best way to use the extendable ladder. Furthermore, you’ll understand how to rescue people, the risk of smoke and blowback, and other dangers. But this isn’t entirely necessary, as the developers have dumbed down the action. Subsequently, every task is relatively easy to complete and your only stress is the time it takes to finish each job. Normally, you’ll be asked to switch off the electricity, save injured or trapped individuals, and quench each fire. This is the crux of the gameplay loop and it’s oddly addictive, even if it is straightforward. 

Firefighter Simulator - The Squad has 6 trucks to unlock.
Which truck will you use?

Choose your firetruck and mission, and get to work. 

The levelling system allows you to unlock bigger and better vehicles. With 6 on offer, you’ll upgrade from a rudimentary truck to a massive vehicle with loads of tools and an extendable ladder. However, no matter which one you choose, they are all suitable for each job. As the mission begins, you can choose to play solo or online. After that, you pick whether to drive to the scene or start at the source of the blaze. If you choose to drive, you’ll be scored on how long it takes to arrive. Sadly, the driving wasn’t as fun as it should have been, as the AI simply moves out of your way. Furthermore, there are no penalties for crashing, so you keep going no matter the danger. 

Once you arrive on the scene, you must assess the situation and plan a quick course of action. If you are a solo gamer, you’ll command your squad mates. On the other hand, if you are playing online, you must connect supply hoses and work together to complete each mission. The online mode is where this excels as the AI is bloody awful. What’s more, they rarely listen to commands and they’ll stand in the fire for no reason at all.

This is a problem that needs to be addressed by the developers. When the solo gameplay worked, it was fascinating, enjoyable, and dramatic. Moreover, issuing commands and getting your tactics right was rewarding. However, when your teammates simply stand around while engulfed in fire, it isn’t realistic, and it’s bloody annoying.

Firefighter Simulator – The Squad looks great. 

The simulation genre isn’t the prettiest one around. Normally, the developers focus on gameplay rather than graphics. As such, the finished product is normally rough and full of bugs. Luckily, Firefighter Simulator – The Squad looks great, mostly. There is the occasional issue with clipping the scenery or vehicles disappearing, but it matters not. Instead, I was impressed by the character animation, the movement of the water, and the oppressive nature of each fire. Moreover, the smoke mechanic was amazing as each room darkened and your visibility was reduced. On top of this, the excellent targeting system was easy to look at and simple to understand.

Another amazing element of this game is the audio. The high-energy music sets the scene, whereas the crackling of the fire, the rush of water, and the crashing of buildings are enthralling and captivating. However, the soundbites were annoying, especially when the AI couldn’t complete a task. Like a toddler, your squad repeats the same phrase until you instruct them otherwise. Alongside this, the bizarre screaming whenever you walk into a fire was unrealistic and repetitive. 

Firefighter Simulator - The Squad demands that you use the right tool for the job.
Grab the right tool and break in.

The radial controls weren’t great. 

The usual PC-to-console porting issues are experienced within this title. Disappointingly, the radial menus are clumsy and this impacts the ability to control your AI squad. Instead of simply completing tasks as requested, your teammates run towards you, then complain about a lack of equipment, and finally decided to help out. Maybe I missed the point, or the tutorial wasn’t clear, but I failed to get to grips with issuing orders, and that was frustrating.

With mountains of missions to complete, an array of obstacles to overcome, firetrucks to unlock, and a grading system for each job, there is plenty to do. On top of this, there is the fun multiplayer action that keeps you playing for hours. Accordingly, it has both longevity and replay value.

Firefighter Simulator – The Squad is good, but issues hold it back. 

I knew I’d like Firefighter Simulator – The Squad as I adore the genre. Yet, its minor issues annoyed me. I couldn’t get past the poor AI and the frustrating command system. If these problems were solved, the solo gameplay would be vastly improved. However, as a multiplayer game, it is phenomenal. If you have a great bunch of friends, you’ll love arguing and quenching every blaze you see. Consequently, I can happily recommend that you buy it here! Being a real-life firefighter is tough, dangerous, and not for me. Instead, sit back, turn on your console, and become a virtual firefighting hero. 

7 Mobile Games That Will Put You In A Festive Mood

Christopher John
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7 Mobile Games That Will Put You In A Festive Mood

It’s almost the festive season, and it’s time to get in the mood for some holiday fun. The holiday season is a great time to play games, and we’ve found seven that are ideal for getting you into the holiday spirit. Whether you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the season, need a bit of light entertainment, or want to win cash with online slots UK, players are spoiled for choice!

Here are seven festive mobile games sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

1. Christmas Sweeper 3

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-playing-candy-crush-on-nokia-smartphone-228963/

Matching three games with a Christmas theme is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and have some fun. These games involve matching three or more of the same type of object in a row or column to clear them from the board.

In this game, shapes include bells, snowflakes, Christmas trees, gingerbread men, and more. The object of the game is to clear the board before time runs out or all the pieces are used up. Different levels and difficulties are available to make the game more challenging.

2. Christmas Carol Megaways

Christmas Carol Megaways is an online slot game that brings holiday cheer to players all year round. The game features six reels and over 200,000 ways to win. It has a festive holiday theme and is packed with exciting features that make it an exciting and rewarding game. The game has cascading reels, mystery symbols, free spins, and multipliers. Players can also look forward to the chance to win one of the enormous jackpots.

The game’s visuals and sound are designed to evoke the atmosphere of the holiday season and provide the perfect backdrop for a fun and rewarding online slot game. It has high-quality graphics based on snowy 19th-century London, just like the classic Christmas movie.

3. Christmas Mahjong: Holiday Fun

This classic game is a great way to pass the time during the holidays. With its festive music, snow-covered boards, and holiday-themed tiles, it’s sure to put you in a festive mood. Mahjong is a fun, strategic game perfect for anyone looking to unwind. The goal is simple: clear all the tiles from the board by matching them up. You can play online or offline and unlock new levels as you go.

4. Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/men-sitting-on-the-couch-using-their-phones-8763231/

Test your wits and get into the festive spirit with this holiday-themed puzzle game. You can choose from 9-1600 pieces in your virtual puzzle, so it’s suitable for players of all ages and ability levels.

The puzzles are designed with bright, colorful images of festive scenes such as snowmen, Santa Claus, and Christmas trees. With the jigsaw app, users can choose from different sizes and difficulty levels, allowing for a challenge even the most experienced puzzler can enjoy. The app also includes background music for a more immersive experience, helping users truly get into the spirit of the holidays. With the Christmas-themed jigsaw app, the holidays can be enjoyed from the comfort of anywhere.

5. Christmas Spirits

Christmas Spirit is an online slot game that will bring out your Christmas spirit! The game features five reels and up to 50 paylines, and the symbols in the game include presents, stars, and a turkey for the wild symbol.

If you reveal three or more present symbols, you’ll enter a bonus round to (hopefully!) increase your winnings. The wilds add a fun element to the game and help you to create winning combinations. The scatters can trigger the bonus game, where you pick from a selection of presents to reveal your prizes.

6. Christmas Wonderland 4

You can play this game for free, but it does have an in-app purchase system, like most of the best free games. Plenty of minigames, puzzles, and hidden surprises are waiting for you to discover.

Christmas Wonderland 4 has beautiful graphics and seasonal music, making it feel like you’re really playing inside a Christmas scene.

7. Santa’s Delivery

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-black-crew-neck-t-shirt-playing-mobile-game-7915288/

Put your coordination skills to the test as you help Santa deliver presents! In this game, you’ll have to collect gifts and carry a huge stack of them from one location to another, enjoying the lovely snowy landscapes as you do so.

With its festive graphics and holiday music, this game is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Conclusion

These games are fun, easy to play, and perfect for a break from work. They’re also free for the most part. So there’s no excuse not to download one of them on your phone next time you want to put yourself in a festive mood!

Whether you’re a fan of classic games or prefer something more festive, there’s a mobile game out there that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit. So, grab your phone and get into the festive mood with one of these seven mobile games!

In addition, you can visit betting websites uae if you are inspired not only by games but also by sports betting.

Review: Animal Shelter Simulator

Daniel Waite
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Review: Animal Shelter Simulator

Having a pet in your life can be a game-changer. Their warmth, love, and loyalty are guaranteed to cheer you up and put a smile on your face. However, what happens when you can no longer care for your animal? Well, sadly, your mini-beasts will have to be placed in a shelter before being rehomed. Accordingly, this is exactly what happens in Animal Shelter Simulator. This cute and simple management sim allows you to heal, feed, and nurture every stray and abandoned pet you come across.

Developed by Games Incubator and published by Ultimate Games S.A, this is a simulation title. What’s more, there are elements of construction, some business management, and a plethora of adorable pets to care for. Therefore, it is guaranteed to make you say “Awwww” as you clean, stroke, and help injured cats and dogs find new homes. Like every other simulation game, there is an array of tasks to complete, as well as the normal cash flow issues to consider. However, this game is a little more lighthearted and can be enjoyed casually.

Animal Shelter Simulator has many cute pets.
Ah, who is a good boy?

Animal Shelter Simulator will tug at your heartstrings.

No matter how cold-hearted you are, you’ll be cooing and smiling during every interaction. You are expected to feed, water, and care for every dog and cat that your shelter takes in. Consequently, you will build housing, clean up messes, heal wounds, and play games with your furry residents. Furthermore, you must get to know their personalities and rehome them with the right owner. As such, there is more depth to the action than first meets the eye.

The game opens in a rudimentary shelter with basic amenities. As the game wears on, you’ll take in more animals, build better facilities, and expand your services. As this happens, you’ll get to tackle bigger and harder problems as you expand your operation and increase your reputation. This is the crux of Animal Shelter Simulator, and within an hour of playing, you’ll have the fundamentals nailed as you go about your day-to-day tasks.

in Animal Shelter Simulator, your supplies are delivered by drone.
Order your supplies via a drone service.

Stats, personalities, and new homes.

Every animal you encounter has specific needs and desires. As such, you must get to know them as you nurse them back to health. Accordingly, things can be as simple as feeding, cleaning, and socialising with each animal. However, at times, it can be much harder, especially when they are sick. When this happens, you’ll need to clean them, apply bandages, check blood, and so much more. Yet, once this harrowing experience is over, you can enjoy the fruits of your labour as you sit back and watch them flourish.

If you make each creature happy, you’ll understand their traits and personalities. Now, this may not seem important, but if you wish to get paid, you’ll need to match them with the perfect foster home. Consequently, the only way that this can happen is if you invest time in your residents and check out every potential party. Some new owners will have kids, pets, small gardens, or no spare time. Alternatively, they could hate fussy, loud, or greedy pets. Therefore, you must carefully place each cat or dog with the right applicant. If you do this, you’ll receive a nice bonus, and you will improve the shelter’s reputation.

Animal Shelter Simulator has a few bugs.

Animal Shelter Simulator looks very similar to many of its peers. Subsequently, it is a little rough around the edges, and there are a few hilarious bugs. I experienced hovering dogs, a cat that was stuck in a wall, and a canine that shook like jelly. However, none of these problems were game-breaking or terrible. Instead, they made me chuckle repeatedly. What was an issue, though, was the lack of animal models. At times, you’d see the same cat or dog over and over again. Now, with hundreds of breeds to choose from, this appeared a little lazy. Furthermore, the compact shelter was a little drab and understated. Even when decorative objects were added, it felt bland.

Thankfully, the upbeat audio and cute pet noises made things much better. I adored the sound of barking, meowing, and the flap of a waggy tail. On top of this, it was amusing to listen to each pet interacting with the other. Moreover, there was a nice blend of environmental sound effects that added to the realism.

Cleaning the dogs is one of the key tasks in Animal Shelter Simulator.
Clean that mucky pup.

Easy controls.

Surprisingly, Animal Shelter Simulator played extremely well on console. Thanks to the excellent UI and responsive controls, it was easy to play. Alongside this, the phenomenal tutorial and helpful hints kept you on track and helped you to master the basics.

Where I was disappointed, however, was the lack of depth. Once you unlock the key rooms and enhance your reputation, there is little more to experience. As such, after a while, the game loses its desirability, and the core mechanics feel repetitive. Yet, this could easily be overcome if the developers incorporated more animals or different shelters.

Animal Shelter Simulator is cute and fun but lacks oomph.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Animal Shelter Simulator. Stroking each animal and nursing them back to full health was cute, enjoyable, and rewarding. But a lack of oomph and content ensures this never excels. However, if some minor tweaks are made, the action will be moreish, and the gameplay will be improved. Despite its shortcomings, I still recommend that you buy it! Can you help every injured cat and dog? Improve your shelter, care for each pet, and find them a forever home.

Review: Them’s Fightin’ Herds

Alex Chessun
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Review: Them’s Fightin’ Herds

When a metaphorical GOAT meets an actual goat, what do you get? Well, a 2D fighting game that also combines an ingenious and humorous 2D pun-filled adventure with an Undertale-styled presentation, that’s what.

Developed as a spiritual successor to animated TV show My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Them’s Fightin’ Herds originally had altogether different plans, but following a cease-and-desist order from Hasbro, became something a whole lot more original through crowdfunding channels, and potentially a lot more interesting.

As a non-brony I cannot admit to a shared love of the colorful hooved ones or a knowledge of their legendary friendships, but I can, however, certainly appreciate a decent effort to what ultimately is quite an original and enjoyable video game.

Multiple enemies await with bated breath in the background…

A fighter with a 4-legged twist is not even halfway to explaining a game which uses the action aspect as the mane, but not the entire offering. In fact, it would behoove you to go further and prance into the story which has the champeen of the lands start on an adventure of a lifetime and jump into some difficult boss battles and interesting gameplay additions.

Perhaps ‘interesting’ is the wrong way to put it. Intriguing, might perhaps be a better adjective as some of these additions land sturdily on four legs, while others are like a newly-born giraffe attempting to gain its composure.

2D isometric adventuring provides a platform for interesting maps and hilarious gags and the 2D platforming is both a detractor and a contributor to the overall product as it both provides innovative boss battle mechanics as well as poor platforming sections that had me mashing away on my controller hoping that lady luck would let me show jump over the inane jumping inputs to the enjoyable fights with crisply designed 2D models and decent combo action. 

While the arcade and local/online modes boast a simple round-based action with varied characters and attacks, the story mode has you face-off against all included characters, as well as the many ‘shadow’ enemies that have escaped their confinement and threaten the entire world of ungulates, and is where the game is at its best.

Entering conversations abound, no opportunity is wasted to give the game personality.

Yes, this is more or less a fighting game with a story mode attached to it, but it’s all the better for it, simply because of the silly – but hilarious – jokes that it pulls off, such as the amusing prejudices between species and how some homeowners are expecting something very different from the bovine protagonist and whose ignorance of which feeds into the outrageous predicament.

The design of the 2D adventuring and fighting models are smooth and appealing, both cute and endearing, and it ensures that the My Little Pony crowd is catered to, but it also makes a case as a competent fighter from a gameplay standpoint with smooth animation and quick, adaptable combos with striking attacks and gameplay that – for a lack of a better description – is like Street Fighter on more legs, with similar head-on and follow through attacks that aim to trip and launch enemies into the air with a simple but effective moveset for each character. 

The one drag on the story mode is the platforming sections, which haven’t been ported to console so brilliantly.

While I haven’t been able to confirm the performance of the fighter online, the smoothness of the action locally and the rollback netcode should allow the game to flourish if given the chance.

For a game that had to be entirely re-designed and re-dressaged, Them’s Fightin’ Herds is an impressive barn stormer that comes out swinging, with an effective mix of the 2D adventure genre and fighting formula that appeals to both the offline and online crowds.

Review: Racket: Nx

James Refelian
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Review: Racket: Nx

What would you get if you combined pinball with something like squash? Well, Racket: Nx, obviously. It’s a fast-paced, action-packed racket-based game that is likely to leave you breathless and addicted.

I’ve loved the PICO 4 since opening the box (if you haven’t checked out my review, you can do so here) and Racket: Nx is a must-have game for the device.

Gameplay

I’m not the sportiest person in the world, and anyone who knows me knows that my hand-eye coordination can sometimes be lacking. But Racket: Nx sucks you in and makes you feel like a sporting superstar of the future.

Set inside a giant globe, your job is to hit the ball to turn off the lights on panels. As you progress, you will need to charge your energy so you can keep playing by hitting other highlighted markers. Depending on how hard you hit, can change the angles, speed, and more and aim is key. Honestly, it feels like playing a sci-fi game of Squash.

You remain stationary while playing, as the game doesn’t really require much stepping around, which is great for play areas that are limited in size. Just be wary of where your arms will inevitably be flailing! Also, if you’re prone to dizziness, this may not be the game for you, as with the 360-degree arena, you do find yourself needing to turn on the spot quite a lot.

The physics feels very natural in the game but is unlikely to remind you of anything from the real world. The ball is constantly in motion, and your job is to speed it up for bonuses and direct it. As the player, you also have a magnetic recall option, but use this tactically as it costs power you will need to replenish.

The game has both a solo mode and a multiplayer element to it.

How Racket: Nx Feels in VR

Racket: Nx is designed from the ground up to be played in virtual reality. The game features an arena and requires you to be able to turn around and swing your arm like a bat to hit the ball. This can get intense and very fast-paced. The graphics look good, enhanced by the great lens quality of the PICO 4.

I know why straps are recommended, though… on one occasion, I was so involved in the match, so transported to the Tron-like arena that I may have accidentally let go of my ‘racket’ and immediately winced as the controller fell to the floor. Thankfully no PICO 4 controllers were harmed in the making of this review (they’re very well-built!) If I’m honest, though, that’s what I want from a VR game. Even a casual one like Racket: Nx, total immersion. It delivered.

Final Thoughts on Racket: Nx

Racket: Nx is exactly the sort of game you want to be playing in VR. It has a 360-degree arena and requires physical movement with the controllers to bat the ball, as well as some skill to be successful at it. Just don’t let go like I did, and you’ll be fine!

For more information on Racket: Nx, head to the developer’s website. For information on the PICO 4, check out their site here.

Review: The Darkest Tales

James Refelian
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Review: The Darkest Tales

In The Darkest Tales by Trinity Team, you take on the role of Teddy, a cute (not-so-cute) teddy bear belonging to Alicia and long forgotten in the toy box. While this sounds like the start of a Toy Story sequel, it’s far from Disney! You’re quickly awoken by a spirit and sent on a quest into the girl’s nightmares to free her from a demon.

But is this 2.5D platformer a dream come true or a nightmare itself?

Gameplay

The Darkest Tales is a platformer at its heart. With various levels that offer environmental puzzles and challenges to solve to progress. Overlayed over this is a dark and moving story as you attempt to free your owner from the nightmare.

As Teddy progresses on his epic quest, he acquires new items and weapons to make things easier. How the nightmare world blends natural objects with fantasy is the perfect example of a child’s imagination. For example, on finding a pair of scissors, he breaks them in half to create dual-wield swords. (No one should do this, mind you!) As you progress, axes, bows, and more become available, and some enemies can only be defeated by using certain weapons. This gives combat a lot more versatility and interest.

In terms of powers and abilities, these, along with your weapons, can be upgraded via spending points in the skill tree. These advanced mechanics almost give the game action-adventure vibes despite the game being a platformer.

Visually, I love the graphics style of The Darkest Tales. With its watercolour art style and exceptional detail, you get this twisted blend of gory horror and children’s fairy tale. The gore is present, as are the often-disgusting elements that give the world its dark and decaying edge. The different levels are all loosely based on well-known children’s fairy tales and are recognisable as a result while feeling different. The cutscenes are just as fantastic and become quite the spectacle as the game progresses. This is a platformer like nothing I’ve experienced.

The game has great audio, too, with funny dialogue that’s well-acted.

In terms of controls, the game benefits from using a controller; I found keyboard controls a little too challenging to work with. It all felt natural as soon as I plugged in the controller. I reviewed the PC version, so this game should perform well on all consoles. All is not perfect when it comes to the controls, though.

Minor Issues

It’s tough to find fault in The Darkest Tales. The game’s immersion was only broken with one mechanic, double jumping. To say it’s temperamental is an understatement, and I hope it’s something that gets fixed in a patch. It’s incredibly unreliable, and I couldn’t determine what I was doing to make it work when it chose to. What I did learn, though, is that it never works when pressing the jump button twice… as you would expect it to! Much like the game, double jumping is dark and twisted!

When it comes to combat, for the most part, a thoroughly enjoyable experience, there are some shocking difficulty spikes, particularly with the bosses. The jump up in difficulty felt awkward and not a natural progression throughout. This is a minor niggle, but still worth pointing out for those who get frustrated by repeating stages.

Final Thoughts on The Darkest Tales

Despite those minor issues, I cannot praise The Darkest Tales enough. From its dark take on well-known fairy tales to the exciting combat and variety of foes and platforming challenges, it’s near perfect. Throw in a charming and engaging story and stunning watercolour-style graphics; you’re left with a solid experience and a joy to play.

To find out more, head to the developer’s website.  

Review: Asterigos: Curse of the Stars

Daniel Waite
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Review: Asterigos: Curse of the Stars

If I utter the words Soulsborne, do you groan, or does it force a wry smile? Well, whatever your reaction, you’ll be glad to know that Asterigos: Curse of the Stars is more of a Souls-lite title. Accordingly, it has similar traits to that of The Last Oricru. As such, this Greek and Roman-inspired title will test your mettle without breaking your mind.

Developed by Acme gamestudio and published by tinyBuild, this is an action-adventure RPG. Furthermore, it has a rich story, and its Souls mechanics add a layer of difficulty that is tough and rewarding. Yet, it is the fantasy elements of this game that make it stand out from its peers. Its wonderful blend of ancient architecture and its large roster of strange enemies will capture your attention and keep you playing.

Asterigos: Curse of the Stars tells a classic tale.

The story within Asterigos: Curse of the Stars is a classic and well-trodden tale. However, I loved how it evolved and the strange and amusing characters you encounter. The heroine is a young Northwind Region warrior called Hilda. She undertakes a dangerous adventure as she tries to find her father in the beautiful city of Aphes. Yet, unsurprisingly, things take a turn for the worse, and Hilda was called upon to help the locals in their plight. Consequently, to discover her father’s whereabouts, she must complete many quests and side hustles to gain their trust and gather relevant information.

As you can tell, this isn’t the most original tale you’ll ever discover. Yet, this matters not. Instead, you are swept along as the game moves at a generous pace. Moreover, there are plenty of fights, hidden paths, and bosses to defeat. What’s more, there are 6 unique weapon classes, a large and detailed skill tree, and magical elements to consider. On top of this, you must remember the Soulsborne mechanics, the risk of death, and a basic stat system that must be managed.

With nodes that replace the traditional bonfires, Stardust instead of souls, and various potions to refill your stamina and health bars, it feels familiar. Alongside this, the combat elements utilise the normal block, roll, and heavy/light attacks. However, the introduction of a primary and secondary weapon gives you more freedom. Accordingly, fans of Soulsborne games will feel right at home, even if the difficulty and danger are a little less daunting than normal.

The female protagonist is strong, agile, and clever.
A proud and strong female protagonist.

A linear adventure with plenty of choices en route.

Normally, if I hear the words linear adventure, I sigh with disbelief. Why? Well, I want the freedom to explore my surroundings and uncover hidden areas and secrets. Though Asterigos: Curse of the Stars sticks to quite a rigid path, it still has some variety. Thanks to the selection of weapons, and the mind-blowing skill tree, you can tailor Hilda to your game style. With a sword and shield for a balanced approach, a hammer for destructive blows, or a magic staff to dish out magical attacks, you are in complete control.

Alongside this, you are free to level your hero as you wish. By killing your foes, you’ll gain XP and this will increase your level. Here, you can enhance your strength, health, or agility. Alongside this, you can choose from a range of skills and talents to improve your chances during your adventure. Subsequently, the sheer volume of choices was mind-boggling, and picking the perfect combination was no mean feat.

On top of these options, you are then given elemental powers to contend with. Fire, ice, and lightning must be used to overcome strengths and manipulate weaknesses. I adored this minor extra as it gave the action a degree of tactical nuance while enhancing the fantasy theme.

Which weapon will you master?
Wield those daggers and kill your foes.

Asterigos: Curse of the Stars looks great.

If you’ve played or seen Immortals Fenyx Rising, then Asterigos: Curse of the Stars looks familiar. Consequently, you will recognise the beautiful architecture, the vast spaces, and the larger-than-life character models. Alongside this, I enjoyed the magic, the interesting use of echoes and the smooth combat. What wasn’t so great, however, was the camera angle when fighting. Though the developers have incorporated a lock-on system, it isn’t that accurate, and getting things right can be frustrating. Accordingly, this leads to problems and undermines the otherwise excellent combat elements.

Another aspect I liked was the atmospheric audio. The rich soundtrack complimented the Greek/Roman-inspired landscape while adding drama to the story. Alongside this, the acting was fantastic and energetic, while the captivating echoes broke up the continuous fighting and exploration elements. Then you must consider the loud sounds of your weapons and every spell you cast. Consequently, the cacophony of sound can be uncomfortable, but it works perfectly, nevertheless.

Remain calm and takedown every foe.
Focus and annihilate every foe.

The controls were a little confusing.

Though Asterigos: Curse of the Stars does its best to explain its fundamentals, it was quite confusing to get to grips with. Because of its submenus, its range of weapons, and the elemental options, it can be tough to master. However, once you nail the basics, you’ll enjoy the responsive controls and excellent combat mechanics.

Normally, a linear game has little to no replay value. Fortunately, Asterigos: Curse of the Stars is different. With around 15 – 20 hours of gameplay, you get a lot of bang for your buck. Yet, the developers weren’t finished there as they incorporated an NG+ mode to chuck you back into the action. On top of this, there are 100 collectables to find as you explore the city of Aphes.

Asterigos: Curse of the Stars is an enjoyable adventure title.

The developers have done an amazing job of creating a story-rich adventure title that has distinct Soulsborne elements. Moreover, it doesn’t have that ball-breaking difficulty normally associated with the genre, and that was great. Instead, there is a focus on the heroine and her development throughout her journey. What’s more, each of the 22 bosses will test your skills, patience, and approach. Therefore, it is both rewarding and challenging in equal measure. I enjoyed its concept and I recommend you buy it here! Can you find your father and save the day? Help the locals, complete each quest, and become stronger, faster, and healthier than ever before.

Review: zens Dual+Watch Aluminium Wireless Charger

Andrew Edney
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Review: zens Dual+Watch Aluminium Wireless Charger

Here is our review of the zens Dual+Watch Aluminium Wireless Charger.

The Dual+Watch Aluminium Wireless Charger has an ultra-thin design that is made out of one piece high-grade aluminium and is designed to (fast-)charge two devices and an Apple Watch simultaneously. The charger supports Apple and Samsung Fast Charge and has a 20W output to support triple device charging.

The non-slip finish ensures perfect placement and the ultra-thin design seamlessly fits in any home or office. It is the ideal wireless charger for at home if you have multiple wirelessly rechargeable devices or to share with your loved ones.

The charger works with all Apple Watches (series 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, SE, 7); even an Apple Watch with a closed metal band can seamlessly be charged on the MFi certified watch module.

Features

  • 20W (2 x 10W) output
  • Supports Apple and Samsung Fast Charge
  • Charges two devices and an Apple Watch simultaneously
  • Ultra-thin (8 mm) design
  • Made out of one piece high-grade aluminium
  • Power adapter included
  • MFi certified
  • Qi certified

What’s in the box?

The box contains the wireless charger, instructions and power supply (with different plugs).

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

If you have more than one device (such as a personal phone and a work phone), plus an Apple Watch, having to plug them all in separately to charge can be a real pain.

This is where a wireless charger comes in. As long as your device supports wireless charging, all you have to do is place the device on the charger and it will start charging. In the case of this one, it can charge two phones and a watch at the same time! When a device is charging, there is a small light to indicate the charge, however its quite small and is hard to see, but your phone will show its charging.

Charging was quick – the majority of use was overnight, but when I did need to charge in the day it did the job well.

The charger itself looks really good and wont look out of place on a desk – its made of high-grade aluminium and it doesn’t take up much room.

There are multiple plug ends included in the box too if you need to take it away from home to charge.

The zens Dual+Watch Aluminium Wireless Charger is available now priced around £109.99.

You can learn more from the zens website.

News: MG-X Pro Made For iPhone

Daniel Waite
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News: MG-X Pro Made For iPhone

For many years, Apple and Xbox didn’t see eye to eye. Consequently, when Game Pass and Cloud gaming were invented, only Android users got a look in. Understandably, this was a big risk, as mobile gaming is now a huge market. Accordingly, the hostile walls have dropped, and manufacturers are now accommodating the latest iPhone models in their plans. As such, Nacon has released an updated version of its MG-X Pro controller. Now, Apple users can purchase the MG-X Pro Made For iPhone.

I reviewed the Android version of this wonderful device and loved everything about it. Its ergonomic design is comfortable for extended gaming sessions, and it has a battery life to match. Furthermore, the responsive inputs and excellent analogue design ensure that you’ll easily keep up with your competition. However, word of warning, it has no pass-through charging, nor does it have an audio jack. Consequently, you’ll need a charged phone and wireless headphones to get the most out of this device.

Technical aspects for the MG-X Pro Made For iPhone.

  • The Xbox experience wherever you are: Designed for Xbox and Made For iPhone® – ideal for playing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate™ games and other compatible games in the Apple Store.
  • Ergonomic handles: ergonomically designed, and a textured surface for optimal comfort.
  • Fully secure: the adjustable holder holds the smartphone securely and ensures maximum stability.
  • Wireless connection: easy to pair an iPhone® with the MG-X Pro Made For iPhone® via Bluetooth®.
  • 20 hours battery life*: powerful rechargeable battery for long gaming sessions, charges via the included USB-C cable. LED indicator shows the battery level.
  • Universal compatibility: compatible with all iPhone® models from the 6S to recent models running iOS 14.

* Xbox Game Pass Ultimate not included.
Battery life will vary according to the game being played.

A great Christmas idea.

With Christmas fast approaching, maybe you are stuck for ideas. Well, if you have a gamer in your life, or you simply want to treat yourself, then look no further. This excellent mobile gaming peripheral is well worth the investment as it will change your Xbox experience. My time with the MG-X Pro Made For Android has been incredible. Subsequently, the MG-X Pro Made For iPhone will be just as good. As such, I’d recommend you buy it here!

(More information on Nacon can be found here!)

Review: The Last Oricru

Daniel Waite
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Review: The Last Oricru

Love them or loathe them, Soulsborne games are here to stay. Consequently, it highlights gamers’ desires for a tough and often sadomasochistic approach to life. As such, Elden Ring has taken the world by storm, but can The Last Oricru do the same?

Developed by Goldknights and published by Prime Matter, this is an RPG with Soulsborne mechanics. Moreover, it is story-rich, has an excellent roster of characters, and will impress you with its meaningful dialogue choices. Moreover, it also has some familiar Souls-like tropes for veteran gamers. Unfortunately, though, it isn’t perfect as its combat is somewhat lacking, its acting is hilariously bad, and the graphics are a little wayward at times.

The Last Oricru is a story of conflict, death, and rebirth.

You control Silver, a human that has been held in suspended animation. When awakened, he is confronted by two strange races. The Naboru are reminiscent of the aliens in Prometheus, and Ratkins are giant rats. Each of these beings despises the other, and an almighty war is unfolding. Subsequently, you are forced to pick a side as the story unfolds.

Set in an odd medieval/sci-fi world, you’ll explore a range of small but exciting locations. Along the way, you’ll make many decisions that influence your reputation with each species. This interesting mechanic creates many missions as well as oodles of replay value. On top of this, there is a fantastic and deep skill tree, a large inventory of weapons and a mixture of trinkets and gadgets to improve your attributes.

Though this may seem familiar, the well-balanced approach ensures that the protagonist is suited to each zone. Therefore, no situation is too easy, and the amount of “grind” is comfortably reduced.

What could this image depict?

A magic belt with a Souls-lite touch. 

Soulsborne games are all about challenge and reward. Thankfully, The Last Oricru has this in abundance. Thanks to the never-ending combat encounters, death is almost guaranteed. However, this is irrelevant, as your magic belt ensures you are immortal. Therefore, if you die, and you will, you simply respawn at the last terminal and try again (think Dark Souls Bonfires and you know what to expect). However, this also respawns every foe, and there is only one terminal per zone. Consequently, it means there is a lot of back and forth if you die too many times.

The Soulsborne mechanics don’t end there. No, both the combat and character levelling are familiar. Dive, roll, block, heavy/light attack, and so on and so forth. To increase your level, you must kill every monster and creature in sight. Accordingly, this will award you with “essence” from any fallen foe. It is then used to improve your stats and allows you to select different weapons. This was great, as there is a sense of progression and reward as you move up the ranks. Furthermore, you can tailor your character to your approach. 

Word of warning!

Shockingly, there is no way to reset your skills. Therefore, what you pick is what you are stuck with. This was ridiculous, as it is annoyingly restrictive and prevents you from experimenting. Subsequently, this was a big mistake from Goldknights as the only way to test out different builds was to restart the game. 

The Last Oricru has some stunning locations.
This looks daunting.

The Last Oricru performs well. 

One area where The Last Oricru excels is its presentation. Thanks to its blend of sci-fi and medieval settings, and strange aliens, it was nice to explore. Furthermore, the 60 FPS made the action smooth, and the game performed extremely well. Yet, there were issues with lip-syncing, poor lighting, awful haircuts, and the camera angle during combat was woeful. It was a shame, as it undermines many of the good points while leaving you with a sour taste in your mouth.

Another underwhelming element was the audio. Silver tries to be a burly, carefree hero. However, in reality, he’s a bit of an OTT dick with an odd camp voice. Alongside this, the repetitive one-liners, overused sound effects, and flat music create a dull and insipid atmosphere. As such, it doesn’t take long to become sick and tired of the repetitive soundbites and annoying dialogue.

The combat elements in The Last Oricru will leave you wanting.
Dodge, roll and smite your foe.

Serviceable controls. 

The prologue is a lengthy beast that is a bit of a jack of all trades. Therefore, you get to know the lie of the land while experiencing a full-on tutorial. Consequently, you’ll be comfortable with every minor point before you are allowed to roam freely. When this happens, you’ll enjoy the responsive and serviceable controls as you complete each fight and search every location. Moreover, if you are comfortable with the genre, then you’ll experience no curveballs or unique mechanics.

Though there are some lacklustre moments, the inclusion of local and online competitive action spices things up. This is one of the outstanding elements of The Last Oricru. Other than this, it has some longevity and replay value thanks to the dialogue choices and the Souls-like mechanics. 

The Last Oricru is a mixed bag. 

There is an awful lot to like about The Last Oricru. Sadly, though, there is a lot to dislike as well. Accordingly, it is a bit of a mixed bag and will definitely not dethrone Elden Ring. Even though I enjoyed the cooperative action, many elements prevent it from excelling. As such, I won’t recommend that you buy it. However, more information can be found here! Immortality comes at a price, and it’s a heavy burden to bear. Can you use this power for good? Pick a side, stop the war, and try to understand what has happened. 

Review: Scalextric Back to the Future vs Knight Rider Race Set

Andrew Edney
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Review: Scalextric Back to the Future vs Knight Rider Race Set

With Christmas only a few weeks away, we review the Scalextric Back to the Future vs Knight Rider Race Set.

Get ready for the ultimate Scalextric battle with the new Back to the Future vs Knight Rider Race Set. Buckle up as the iconic Michael Knight racing K.I.T.T or imagine travelling in the Back to the Future Time Machine as Doc or Marty McFly. Combining retro Scalextric branding with the high detailed and functional film inspired vehicles, as well as everything you need to begin your Scalextric journey in one box.

Two of the most iconic film cars ever go head-to-head in this brand-new set from Scalextric! Will you be Michael Knight in K.I.T.T.? Or Doc or Marty McFly in the Back to the Future Time Machine? Whether you are doing 88MPH or chasing down bad guys, red LED lights flashing on either car is a guaranteed winner on the big screen, small screen or Scalextric track! This set contains everything you need to race Scalextric, including two cars, power, over 5.3 metres of track including a crossover, side swipe and 2 easy speed limiting hand controllers.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the Back to the Future Delorean Car, KITT car, 2 hand controllers, a transformer, a powerbase, 20 Track pieces and a braid pack.

Final Thoughts

This new set brings together two of the 1980s most iconic vehicles, K.I.T.T. and the Delorean.

The attention to detail on both K.I.T.T. and the Delorean is amazing – K.I.T.T. is being driven by Michael Knight and the Delorean is being driven by Marty McFly (just as they both should be). K.I.T.T. has a working red strobe light and the Delorean has front and rear lights, including a working Flux Capacitor.

Putting together the track was simple and fun, and the anticipation of getting to race these two vehicles was high, to say the least. There are instructions that give you some ideas of the track layout, or you can just make your own track too!

This set utilises Scalextric Magnatraction, which basically means it helps keep the cars on the track. There is nothing worse than racing and the cars just keep coming off! That said, there are a few parts of the track that if you time it just right you can knock the other car off – now that is fun!

There is also a dual-lane crossover part of the track which gives you the opportunity to literally knock the other car flying!

The Scalextric Back to the Future vs Knight Rider Race Set is available now priced around £159.99 and it would make a fantastic Christmas present for any fan of the 80s! I’m off to play with it again!

You can learn more from the Scalextric website.

3 Free Canadian Games Worth Taking a Look at in 2023

Christopher John
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3 Free Canadian Games Worth Taking a Look at in 2023

Gaming is a popular pastime, and this rings no truer than in Canada, where research and studies have shown that the Great White North is one of the biggest markets for this type of gaming.

However, while Canadians are enjoying a number of different types of gaming experiences, it is impossible to ignore the free-to-play market, with this niche type of gaming only expected to expand further in 2023.

Why has the free-to-play market started to expand in Canada?

Naturally, there are a number of reasons that can help to explain why the Canadian market has seen an exponential amount of growth in regard to the free-to-play gaming sector, although when delving into the reasons why this is the case, it perhaps does not come as a real surprise.

For instance, much of the country’s population are turning to these games because of the opportunities that they provide them with when it comes to getting the most satisfaction out of one of their most popular pastimes. This is because they are free to play, and with the continued increase in the cost of living been felt by many throughout the nation’s provinces, these types of gaming titles have come as a welcomed breath of fresh air.

Another reason this particular type of gaming market has started to take off in Canada is perhaps because there is a vast portion of players who would perhaps consider themselves to be casual gamers. These individuals are not necessarily looking to invest a significant amount of money into the gaming market, but still want to enjoy the gaming experience. They may feel that they do not want to play the game enough and get their money’s worth, while they may simply only want to play it once every now and again.

Of course, with that said, the fact that there is a market for free-to-play games in Canada has perhaps provided some new and interesting opportunities for those that make the games. Indeed, there are developers out there that may feel that they have had the door opened to them that now allows them to be able to create and share some of the most interesting and innovative titles possible.

Canada’s gaming market is clearly shifting

When taking a look at the reasons highlighted above, it is perhaps clear to see that the Canadian gaming market is now starting to look a little different from how it once was, with many of the attitudes and behaviors held by players starting to change with the times.

Indeed, we have seen this happen in the past, with certain markets undergoing changes that result in new and innovative titles being made available. While certain genres and types of games tend to remain popular in Canada, it is important to note that other styles are also starting to make their presence felt within the industry.

One instance where this has clearly happened in recent memory in the Great White North is in the online gambling industry. Canada’s online casinos and slots offer a vast variety of free spins that are among the many bonuses that can now be available to obtain, and with the regulations in places such as Ontario have since changed, they are more accessible than ever before.

Admittedly, gambling games such as slots have always been a popular pastime for many Canadians, however with the shift in the landscape, and the possibility to enjoy a regulated experience with the opportunity to use some incredible bonuses, it would not be a surprise if we were to see more and more gamers look to utilize these options and incorporate them into their gaming sessions in the future.

Free-to-play games to check out in 2023

As mentioned already, there are a number of different reasons why these types of games have grown in popularity across Canada in recent years.

The free-to-play market is something that can be spotted in the online iGaming market, as it is a popular playing method for many as it gives them the chance to test the title out before committing to spending real money on it.

However, it is also possible to find a number of Canadian gaming developers now looking to incorporate this method of playing into the titles that they have created. As there are many that are now starting to appear, it is perhaps worth taking the time to see which three are perhaps the best worth checking out in 2023:

1.   Goldfish Go-Karts

This is a free-to-play game developed by Canadian game studio Sarbakan, and it involves playing as one of four fish that are all competing against each other in karting races. It features a number of different tracks, environments, and powerups to keep the action exciting. The game is playable on Android devices and features a number of ways in which players are able to get battle their opponents in order to win the races that they compete in.

2.   Super Hit Baseball

This free-to-play title, developed by Vancouver-based game studio Hothead Games, is a great option for those looking to take part in some baseball action. It features plenty of different modes, customization options, and a fully featured career mode with player growth potential. It is a game that is available to download on both the App Store and Google Play, thus giving fans of baseball the opportunity to enjoy a free gaming session!

3.   Mighty Battles

Developed by Hothead Games and based on their popular Might & Magic series, Mighty Battles sees players competing in strategic battles with others. Players can collect an array of different characters to use in battle, as well as access a number of different upgrades to increase the power of their team considerably.

Expect more in the future!

As you can see from these titles alone, free-to-play games are becoming more popular for Canadian gamers to enjoy. With the variety of titles available, there is something for everyone, which shows that the gaming market in Canada is certainly looking up right now and it could well be worth keeping an eye on what new and innovative titles might become available in the future!

Review: Seagate FireCuda God of War Ragnarök External Hard Drive

Andrew Edney
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Review: Seagate FireCuda God of War Ragnarök External Hard Drive

Here is our review of the new Seagate FireCuda God of War Ragnarök External Hard Drive.

Confront the end of days with God of War Ragnarök Limited Edition Game Drive for PlayStation consoles. Featuring an ice-cold design, this HDD stores your PS5 (or PS4) games, then transfer them to the console when it’s time to play. Plus, with a 2 TB capacity, you have enough space to wield all your favourite games.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the God of War Ragnarök FireCuda hard drive, USB cable, quick start guide and some cool stickers.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

External hard drives are always useful, whether for backing up your files, storing games and saves, or anything else really. Why not have a drive that looks good and not just performs well. In this case, the drive is used to expand the storage on your PS5 or PS4 and really looks good!

Just plug the drive into your PS5 or PS4 and follow the onscreen steps to set it up – it really is as simple as that.

The drive itself is very lightweight and can easily be carried in a pocket or a bag if you need to take it places with you.

Add the God of War Ragnarök drive to your PS5 or PS4 today – you won’t be disappointed.

The Seagate FireCuda God of War Ragnarök Hard Drive is available now priced around $109.99 .

You can learn more from the Seagate website.

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