Review: Ghosts and Apples

Natosha M
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Review: Ghosts and Apples

Puzzles are always a fun and fantastic way to verify how great our brains really are. Especially, putting our minds to the test and trying to solve as many as we can, in a short amount of time. Even better when you can invite a friend to play against and see who will come out as the top winner!

That is exactly what you get when playing the game Ghosts and Apples. It’s a really fast-paced game that takes puzzling to a whole new quirky and interesting level. There is no slowing down especially while playing, as the time will end and if the level isn’t cleared, it won’t end up good! However, if you push forward and learn the four main buttons to use to place the bright and neon-glowing ghosts on each side, you’ll be able to get to the next level. Oh and with over 150 levels to play, it will keep your brain busy for a while!

I feel that the cute character design and grim appearance may fool the player into believing the game is not super tricky or difficult to play. However, the truth is, that the game doesn’t stay simple or easy to accomplish as you move forward. That’s okay, cause that is what makes the game even more engaging and keeps one playing for hours. So do you have what it takes to solve all 150 or more puzzles, even beating a friend in the game Ghosts and Apples? If so, then you must try this game!

Graphics and Sound 🍎👻

The dark visual appearance in this game is perfect for the theme, but not too gory or spooky to cause anyone to avoid playing if they can’t tolerate something scary. Its artwork of the characters and background is cuter and has a cartoony style in design. Even with a dark background, each important feature is lit up with a neon and bright color. Making it simple to detect what is useable and what is not.

Therefore, the game is very easy on the eyes and simple enough to know what will be rising from the ground next, to play the puzzles correctly. The speed to move the ghost quickly is required to clear the level, so I’m grateful that the graphics were done in a way that it’s easy to notice. Even the color bind option, also helps those playing to enjoy the game just as well.

There is a big issue that occurs not often but does occur. When a game is completed or so much is going on at a time. The game may end uploading to a black screen, which won’t turn back on. I feel this may be due to the game overworking or processing too much at the same time. This can be heartbreaking, especially if you’ve accomplished a level fully and it took forever, just to see the screen go black. Luckily the game saves automatically and saves after each game, so you won’t lose too much progress made during the rest of the game.

The music in the background is perfect for this puzzling-style game and the entire dark atmosphere of the game. I don’t think it’s anything but adorable, less spooky, and more of an ideal fit. That also goes for the sound effects! Everything in this game just works together perfectly, with smooth graphics and excellent sound.

Final Thoughts 🍏👻

Ghosts and Apples is a game that reminds me of Simons Says, not cause it plays like the game, but it uses just 4 buttons you need to press on the controller to direct each colorful ghost to the right location. The faster it goes, just makes it harder to recall which button to press next. This will cause the game to get confusing and it’s easy to make a mistake and lose the chance to earn that golden apple. Not to say you can’t win the level with just a few red apples, and earn a red apple, but the gold is the most difficult to earn and so worth achieving.

Primarily, the game is easy to play, just match 3 or more ghosts together. Yet, it’s not always the same at each level, some are already with ghosts placed and others are empty. No matter how the game is designed, each is a bit challenging and includes plenty of collectible items to achieve. These additional challenges in the many different levels of the game really keep it interesting and fun to continue to play. Even with the many different trophies and collectible items during each level or stage of the game, it’s something to marvel at and feel great to achieve as well!

One minor issue that I came upon while playing the game is that either too much loads at the same time or the processing is too much, leading to a black screen. I don’t think the beautiful artwork and graphics really have much to do with it, but it could be just too much for the game to load correctly. At least, after restarting the game, it plays fine again. It just might be a disappointment if anyone is finally able to accomplish a level and the game doesn’t respond. Yet, if it saves time, at least it won’t ruin the person’s progress or require the entire room to be done over again.

Finally, this game is very fun with plenty of different levels and is fast-paced gameplay. It is something I can see playing any time of the day, for a short amount of time or for a large amount. Each game provides its own difficulties, challenging the mind and working on building better concentration, focusing, and quick thinking skills while playing. Ghosts and Apples is a game so worth trying!

Two Minute Review: Braided USB-C to Lightning Charge and Sync Cable from Scosche

Andrew Edney
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Two Minute Review: Braided USB-C to Lightning Charge and Sync Cable from Scosche

Here is our Two Minute Review of the Braided USB-C to Lightning Charge and Sync Cable from Scosche.

With a premium aluminum housing and a braided design this charge & sync cable is built to last! The braided cable is tangle-free which means no more messing with your cable when pulling it out of your travel pack.

Specification

• Premium Aluminum Housing
• Braided Design for Tangle-Free Use
• Handles up to 15W for Rapid Charge

What’s in the box?

The box contains the cable.

Final Thoughts

I don’t know about you but I am always needing a charging cable, whether it’s for my phone, my iPad, my laptop, or something else!

It’s very lightweight, but is very strong and tough and is 4ft (1.2m) long!

It handles up to 15W to deliver a faster charge to you device meaning that it will be less time charging. And you could even combine it with the USB-C Power Delivery Mini Car Charger if you need to charge your devices in your car.

If you need to a new USB-C to Lightning charging cable then look no further!

The Braided USB-C to Lightning Charge and Sync Cable from Scosche is available now priced around $19.99.

You can learn more about it from the Scosche website.

Two Minute Review: USB-C Power Delivery Mini Car Charger from Scosche

Andrew Edney
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0
Two Minute Review: USB-C Power Delivery Mini Car Charger from Scosche

Here is our Two Minute Review of the USB-C Power Delivery Mini Car Charger from Scosche.

Powerful compact convenient and will power your smartphone tablet and more up to 80% capacity in 50 minutes through the single 30W output. Its optimized charging circuitry will not cause harm to less powerful devices.

PowerVolt 30 Certified USB Fast Car Charger Power Delivery 3.0 is the ultimate solution for charging today’s USB Type-C devices which means less time tethered to your charger and more mobility for you.

Specifications

LED Power Indicator light
30W USB-C PD charges phones 4X as fast as a standard 5W charger.
Blue LED indicator lets you know the charger is receiving power to charge device from your vehicles 12V power outlet. 
Smart circuitry communicates with your devices to achieve the safest and fastest charge rate.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the mini charger.

Final Thoughts

The USB-C Power Delivery Mini Car Charger is tiny – just take a look at the picture at the start of this review sitting in the palm of my hand!

When plugged into the 12V socket in your car it virtually disappears by sitting almost flush – thankfully there is a little pull tag that you can use if you do need to remove it!

There is an LED power light to show when its in use – just plug a USB-C cable into the charger and the other end into your device and that’s it.

Because the charger proves 30W of power delivery, your device (in my case an iPhone 13) charges a lot faster than using a standard charger. This means that you get your device charged quicker than before and that is never a bad thing.

If you want a small and fast USB-C charger for your car then look no further than this great little device.

The USB-C Power Delivery Mini Car Charger from Scosche is available now priced around $24.99.

You can learn more about it from the Scosche website.

Review: Dandy and Randy DX

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Dandy and Randy DX

You can’t blame people for wanting to improve their lives. When you are up to your eyeballs in debt, you feel like you have nowhere to turn. Consequently, when an offer that is too good to be true lands on your lap, you throw caution to the wind. This is exactly what happens in Dandy and Randy DX. It’s a retro-inspired title that will fill you with nostalgia.

Developed by Asteristic Game Studio and published by Ratalaika Games, this is an action-adventure puzzler. It uses repetitive and simple mechanics, and won’t test experienced gamers. However, it is fun, straightforward, and great if you are a completionist. What’s more, it’s vivid, has a great synth soundtrack, and can be played couch cooperatively.

Dandy and Randy DX is a tale of desperation. 

The titular characters Dandy Duck and Randy Rabbit are two heavily indebted archaeologists. Their aspirations to find secret treasure have made them stone-cold broke! Therefore, they are desperate for their luck to turn. Fortunately for the pair, a leaflet plops onto their laps that tells of a magic gem. If anyone can find this diamond, they will be rich beyond their wildest dreams. With nothing to lose, the pair drop their tools and begin their adventure.

This simple but fantastical story takes place for 6 unique worlds. Each location has specific monsters and obstacles that must be overcome. Furthermore, each chapter of the tale has a special ability that must be unlocked. You’ll find a boomerang to hit switches, a hammer to bash blocks, a spade to dig, a hook shot to avoid pits and running shoes to sprint. Each special power is key to your progress and adds a layer of difficulty to the gameplay.

Dandy and Randy DX is full of simple puzzles.
So many puzzles to overcome.

It’s far too easy. 

You can adjust the difficulty to your liking. However, I recommend playing on the toughest setting as the game is too easy otherwise. Sadly, the lack of a challenge undermines the retro approach and the humour of the story. I found myself drifting from the action, as it never tested me. This was even true of the boss fights. Learning their weaknesses took seconds, and the battles lasted a few minutes at most. Consequently, I was frustrated and nothing ever tested me. This was made worse in cooperative mode as you simply steamrollered your opponents.

Talking of foes, Dandy and Randy DX is filled with them. They’ll jump at you, run towards you, or spin fireballs in your direction. It all sounds hectic and tough to deal with. However, it wasn’t. Most enemies were defeated by throwing plants, pots, or rubbish on their heads! Subsequently, it was mind-numbingly easy and took zero effort.

What also took no effort was solving the puzzles. These minor logical tests can be completed by a child. The majority of the puzzles ask you to activate switches or run through timed gates. Every task was easily completed, and this added to the game’s lack of challenge.

Dandy and Randy DX is full of monsters and gold.
It’s so hot in here.

Dandy and Randy DX is brilliantly retro.

The lack of difficulty did disappoint. Yet, I fell for its charms immediately. Its vivid style and dated sprites were great to look at. Moreover, the level designs were interesting, unique, and filled with obstacles. The labyrinthine dungeons resembled a Metroidvania game, and this was fantastic. I loved its late 80s/early 90s appeal and the cutesy art style.

I was also keen on the synth-wave audio. The upbeat soundtrack represents Dandy and Randy’s adventurous spirits. Sadly, though, it lacked originality, but this mattered not. Its basic tones were fun whilst adding energy to the action. Furthermore, it was wonderfully retro, and this matched the theme.

Use your hook shot to avoid the swamps.
Use your hook shot and avoid the swamps.

Basic game = basic controls. 

Dandy and Randy DX is as simple as they come. Consequently, it uses basic controls to get the job done. This was just as great as it was infuriating! On one hand, it was easy to master. However, on the other, it was annoying having to scroll through each special ability. If the developers had used a radial menu instead, it would have been much better.

If you are a completionist, this will be a dream title. Achievements drop like confetti and the game is completed in around an hour. Subsequently, there is limited longevity and minimal replay value. Luckily, the cooperative mode adds some depth to the otherwise shallow gameplay.

Dandy and Randy DX misses the mark.

I love retro gaming, yet I played Dandy and Randy DX with a heavy heart. It had all the ingredients to be great, but its simplicity undermined it. However, this doesn’t mean it’s terrible because it’s not. It has many positives, but it should have been much better. All things considered, I can’t recommend you buy it! No one wants to be in debt. Break those shackles by going on an adventure and finding the priceless treasure. 

Review: WIMAXIT 14 Inch Portable Monitor

James Refelian
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Review: WIMAXIT 14 Inch Portable Monitor

Here is our review of the WIMAXIT 14 Inch Portable Monitor.

Product purchased at retail.  

Very few known monitor brands make small, light portable monitors. ASUS is really the only brand I know of that has entered this space. I picked up this small monitor from WIMAXIT with some trepidation inspired by good reviews. Thankfully, it lives up to expectations.

What’s in the box?

  • 14” 1080p touchscreen monitor
  • Magnetic case/stand
  • 1x USB-C to USB-C cable
  • 1x USB-A to USB-C cable
  • 1x HDMI to mini-HDMI cable
  • 1x USB 5V 2A Power Adapter
  • Cleaning cloth
  • Literature

Setting it up

Setting up the WIMAXIT 14 Inch Portable Monitor is surprisingly incredibly simple. Plug it in. It works. Seriously, that’s it. There’s no need for installing any software or drivers; it just works out of the box.

Features and thoughts about the WIMAXIT 14 Inch Portable Monitor

The slab is just 0.9mm thick with squared edges and a flat back. The body of the screen is metal and feels sturdy, which is nice, especially for something that is designed to be portable. The folio case magnetically attaches, protecting the screen in transit and doubling as a slightly adjustable stand when opened. It isn’t the best at holding the position, and I knocked it on more than one occasion. It does the job though.  

The screen itself is a 14-inch, touchscreen IPS panel with a 300-nit brightness and 60 Hz refresh rate. The panel represents colour well with nice dark shadows and a good vibrancy from multiple angles as you would expect from an IPS panel. The literature boasts a 98% sRGB colour gamut. 1080p at this size is perfect in terms of size and sharpness. The touchscreen is responsive and seems to work out of the box with all the devices I tried. The screen literature states that the touch function will not work on Mac OS. The screen has the following viewing angles:

  • 85 ° / 85 ° (L / R )
  • 85 ° / 85 ° (U / D)

The IO for the screen is nicely varied. There are two USB-C ports, a micro-HDMI, and a 3.5mm jack. In addition, the side of the screen has a rocker control and power button. The menu is easily selected with mode options like ‘Game’ and ‘Movie’ which sets the brightness and contrast profiles as you would expect. You also use this system to control things like screen brightness and volume. I found myself setting it to ‘game’ mode and leaving it on that for the most pleasing image quality.

The WIMAXIT 14 Inch Portable Monitor is designed to work with a multitude of devices and in my testing, it paired well with both my laptop and phone. In the case of the phone, it will mirror screen orientation as well as resize appropriately.

Check out reviews on the WIMAXIT 14 Inch Portable Monitor
About to read the review on Syberia on the portable monitor from my phone!

Specification

Screen Size14 Inch
Screen TypeIPS
Resolution1980 x 1080p
TouchscreenYes
Brightness300 Nits
Voltage5V 2A
Contrast Ratio1500:1
Weight655g
Size321*191*9mm
Ports2x USB-C, Mini-HDMI, 3.5mm Jack, OTG,

Summary of the WIMAXIT 14 Inch Portable Monitor

WIMAXIT 14 Inch Portable Monitor displaying a phone screen

The WIMAXIT 14 Inch Portable Monitor is surprisingly good. It’s well-built with a premium metal finish with a multitude of connectivity options. It’s truly portable as it will work with just one cable which, when using the magnetic case as a stand is fantastic. A bonus is that the monitor can be VESA mounted making it the perfect addition to a multiple-monitor setup. The IPS screen is fantastically calibrated, and while I don’t have the equipment to verify the sRGB rating the colours were vibrant and seemed to match with my other screens. All-in-all, for an unknown brand, this is a fantastic choice if you’re in the market for a portable monitor.

The is available now on Amazon for £219.99 at the time of writing.

Review: Parkasauras

Natosha M
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0
Review: Parkasauras

I’m sure many of us imagined how much fun it would be to work at a zoo, especially when we were young. Getting to take care of some unique, original, and amazing animals of all types daily. Still, there is so much work required to maintain a zoo, like keeping it clean, paying employees on time, affording new attractions and supplies, and of course, catering to the animals. So even if it looks like fun do you think you have what it takes to be in charge and keep your zoo thriving? How about if that zoo was a park full of something other than animals, like prehistoric creatures?

If your answer to those questions were yes, then you might fall in love with Parkasauras, just like I have! It’s exactly as the title sounds, a dinosaur park that requires you to be the owner and build a park any way you feel fit. Though you must make sure to pay attention to the needs of the dinosaurs you’ve added to the park. Also, the needs of the guests entering and the workers. Since everything inside the park requires you to keep things thriving and functioning as they should.

Oh and don’t be fooled! This game might appear easy cause it’s so cute, but it is challenging as well. Especially, it’s a game that is educational, takes focus and concentration, requires being a bit swift at times, and is entertaining. Everyone will love the freedom to build the park as you feel fit, but also keep in mind that funds are needed to keep things growing and functioning correctly. Other than that, it’s one of those games that fully satisfying to play.

Graphics and Sound 🦖

The appearance of the game is mostly designed with plenty of colors. The entire background, objects, and character design are more on the cartoonish side, rather than realistic. It’s quite cute and gives the game an adorable look. Also, this means there is no need to worry about any frightful dinos to fear or be worried that they will devour your visitors. All in all, the visual appearance is just inviting for all who play the game and pleasant to look at, especially if the player is a big fan of cartoony-style games.

Additionally, every choice while building the park is easy to operate with the 3D design. It’s easy to accurately change, add or adjust a feature on the screen. Since the ground is designed as a grid, it’s easy to add a pathway, build large fences, and even fill in the exhibits with greenery, plants, water, and other terrain styles related to the dinosaur. It’s very easy to move around the screen, similar to a mouse rolling across a computer screen. The rotation of the camera and zooming far to close is a piece of cake as well.

Furthermore, the game plays quite smoothly including the movements of the dinosaurs and people in the park. They do look a little funny when it’s going through a fast-forward selection of speed in the game, but with the cartoon-style design, it sort of is cute. I did notice that there is a tad bit of colliding with the people fully walking through objects or slightly. I don’t know if it’s part of the cartoon appeal, but it is just a small issue that doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the game.

Now for the background music and sound effects, they are perfect! Its musit tune is light and the sound effects provide a realistic effect to the noises that a crowd of people, dinosaurs, and other objects inside the park would make. Hence, the sounds in the game are a perfect fit and as bright and welcoming as the graphics appear.

Final Thoughts 🦕

This is an excellent game with such a delightful appearance! There are plenty of quests to enjoy, even a quick tutorial stage that really makes it easy to understand the game. What features I really found to be nice are the ability to speed up the day through fast-forwarding, the game tells you when the day is over, the ability to zoom in and out or rotate with a single button, and that everything is labeled. It all aids in making this game so much simpler to play and do things required at a faster rate. Also, when the game allows you to play freely; sandbox-mode, it is just awesome! You can continue to play and build a park as many times as you like, filling each exhibit with so many different types of dinosaurs.

Plus, Parkasaurus is a bit more forgiving than many tycoon games I’ve played. There is some time to get things together and not end up failing so easily. The only problem may be accurately placing workers at their buildings, but other than that, the game is very easy to organize and complete quests being requested in the campaign mode. The only challenging part of the game I can point out is when the park is larger and so much more is required from you, it gets difficult to keep up with the requests. However, with money always coming in, like in many tycoon games, everything will go so much easier. Especially when you can pay for more employees to help you take care of everything.

Just know, when you play don’t think about slowing down, the park will need you on your feet often. That is one key to success in this game. Yet, if you do need a break, just put everything on pause. On the other hand, if you get some free time, you can learn more about the dinosaurs in the game through the Dinopedia; a dino book. It’s a great way to learn more about what it takes to own and care for certain types.

Finally, I’d like to say that for a colorful, cartoon-style dinosaur park, this isn’t a bad game, not at all! It’s one of those tycoon games I’d play often, as it really is a great way to occupy one’s time and allow one to become a creative capitalist. It entertains the idea of making a fortune by constructing a dino park with pure freedom, plenty of fun quests, and dinosaurs to oversee. So if dinosaurs are your thing and you want to learn more about them, love being a leader in your own park, and enjoy making tons of money to spend, then Parkasaurus is the game to play.

Review: Bigbig Won Rainbow controller

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Bigbig Won Rainbow controller

Finding the right controller is never easy! Do you opt for the official but limited-use merchandise, or do you try a third-party option? The latter choice can often be better value for money while also being more versatile and unique. I’ve tried many gamepads and have noted many positives and negatives. PowerA is fantastic, colourful, and great value for money. Whereas, Gamesir attracts an audience that desires a multi-faceted approach. Therefore, where does Bigbig Won stand amongst their peers? Let’s unbox the Bigbig Won Rainbow controller and have a look!

The transparent case leaves nothing to the imagination. Your morbid curiosity is well and truly cured, as you see every part working without dissecting your accessory. Now, I found this to be fascinating and slightly distracting. However, you soon get used to the oddities, and it is no longer shocking. Yet, what never becomes old or tiresome is the vivid, in-built RGB light array. 

This stunning light show illuminates your hands and looks fantastic next to your gaming machine. Talking of machines, the Bigbig Won Rainbow controller can be used with PC, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation (with an adaptor). Consequently, this is the perfect accessory for Microsoft Game Pass players or console gamers who love a traditional controller.

The Bigbig Won Rainbow controller has a wide range of RGB colours.
Oh so bright!

What’s in the box of the Bigbig Won Rainbow controller?

  • The striking and robust packaging fails to capture the vivid nature of this controller. Subsequently, its understated design isn’t OTT and is easy on the eyes. Disappointingly, the manufacturer has relied on both plastic and cardboard for their packaging. This reduces the ability to recycle it and was disappointing to see.
  • The Bigbig Won Rainbow controller. This clear transparent pad looks and feels similar to the official Microsoft accessory. Alongside this, there are mappable switches at the rear, as well as a function/turbo button.
  • 3m micro USB cable. The cable is a good length and the quality is excellent. The long cable is especially useful when using it for Nintendo Switch or PlayStation.
  • A comprehensive user manual. This isn’t the easiest controller to set up, therefore this comprehensive guide is invaluable.
The Bigbig Won Rainbow controller.
Simple and understated packaging.
Micro USB 3m charging cable.
The comprehensive guide.
The full package.

Technical aspect. 

Model:Rainbow
Package size:174*174*67mm
Package weight:465g
Product size:174*67mm
Product weight:226g
Charging method:Micro USB
Working platform:PC, Switch, PlayStation 4/5 with R90 adapter

Customise the Bigbig Won Rainbow controller to your liking. Moreover, if you use the Aurora app, you can alter the colour effects and this makes the unusual controller unique to you. It is simple to do and you can rock any colour under the rainbow. Simply connect using Bluetooth and adjust each segment as you wish. It was an extremely user-friendly app that can be used by the greatest technophobes.

You won’t want to invest in new headphones because of a new controller. Luckily, the Bigbig Won Rainbow controller has a standard 3.5mm audio jack.

You can game like a pro thanks to the four customisable buttons, capture button, and turbo option. This controller allows you to map additional buttons, and they are placed conveniently on the underside of the pad. The soft rubberised switches are easily accessible and comfortable to use. By simply following the comprehensive user guide, you’ll set up your controller how you wish. Furthermore, the capture button was phenomenal when playing on PC! Capture any images and share them straight from your hard drive.

Thanks to the exclusive M3 Cpu Chip, the Bigbig Won Rainbow controller is as responsive as using a mouse. It has accurate motion control and adjusts sensitivity depending on the genre you are playing. Consequently, this helps to immerse you in each game. Thanks to the GYROCON + accelerometer you experience accurate motion control assistance. This handy feature takes your FPS and racing games to the next level.

You won't lose this controller in a hurry.
It’s so pretty.

Is the Bigbig Won Rainbow controller worth it?

The Bigbig Won Rainbow controller isn’t the cheapest accessory on the market, nor is it the most expensive. However, it is jam-packed with features! Furthermore, it is easy to use after the initial set-up, and vivid as hell. What’s more, it feels nice in your hands, is accurate, and it’s multi-faceted as well. However, I was disappointed it couldn’t be used on Xbox.

For the money, you get an awesome controller that looks amazing in any gaming setup. Watching the internal parts move and operate was intriguing and the RGB lighting is unbelievably bright. Alongside this, the app is the perfect companion to customise your controller on the fly. With a 12 month warranty and excellent build quality, this is an easy to recommend accessory.

Summary. 

The Bigbig Won Rainbow controller proves that third-party accessories are worthy of your money. I loved its versatility, comfortable and well-built shell, and vivid RGB lighting. Furthermore, you get pro gaming features for a fraction of the price.

( click here for more information!) 

The Bigbig Won Rainbow controller receives the Movie Games and Tech gold award.

Review: Syberia

James Refelian
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0
Review: Syberia

Syberia is the first in a series of graphic adventure games created by Benoît Sokal in 2002. Twenty years later I picked up the PC digital copy to see just how good this critically acclaimed, award-winning game really is. The game was originally released on PC, PlayStation 2, and Xbox although it recently received a Switch port.

The Story

Syberia has a long, slowly-paced story that encompasses both art nouveau and clockpunk features. At its heart, it’s an adventure centred on our heroine, Kate Walker. Kate is a lawyer, sent to Valadilène to ensure the proper transfer of an automaton toy factory following the owner’s death. This seems like a very uninteresting game story, and I will agree the first section is a little sluggish, but if you stick with it what transpires is a beautiful story full of heart. Kate discovers there is an heir, albeit one who has vanished and gone in search of Mammoths. In pursuit, Kate follows in the path of the heir to try and find him.

During her quest, she must learn more about the factory’s creations, help a university and a washed-up opera singer and escape a crazed mining complex boss. The story is woven very well throughout the different chapters of the game. Each chapter correlates to a new location. Throughout the game, you can see why it received such high scores in reviews and critical acclaim.

Gameplay

Syberia is a point-and-click adventure that stands up to some of the best of its era. Each scene is beautifully created, and all movement and interactions are done predominantly with the mouse. You can walk and run to navigate the area. Your cursor will light up when you can move to a new area. Each area feels very different and expansive. Within each area, there will be several things to investigate, open and use. Items you collect along the way will prove useful later and pamphlets and letters will give clues.

Solving puzzles is one of the main aspects of the games and these all seem varied and fun, not only that but they make sense for the story. It does sometimes involve traipsing back to an early location in the chapter which can be a little tedious. Solving each puzzle is immensely satisfying though!

Visuals and Music

For its age, the visuals in Syberia are wonderful. Each destination is charming, each scene detailed and well crafted. There is a certain old-world charm about it all. Sure, it doesn’t live up to modern graphics and expectations, but it doesn’t need to. The music is what sets this game apart from other games of the era. The melancholy strings, the quickening of pace during tense moments, and the scores that underpin the music boxes. All suit the game world perfectly and are all masterpieces.

Syberia isn’t perfect

There is one issue I have with Syberia. Especially the modern digital version from platforms like Steam and GOG. Simply, it will not run in modern resolutions. The game crashes. Every. Single. Time. Frustrating is quite frankly an understatement. The only way I could get this game to work was to manually change the resolution to 800×600 before loading it up. I can forgive original copies of the game for doing this, but I would have thought modern platforms would have done something about it prior to publishing. Especially when they have with other games from a similar period.

Is Syberia a good game?

Syberia is the first in a four-part series of point-and-click, adventure/puzzle games. It has a lot of charm in the artwork, the story, and the characters. The music is beautiful, and, on PC, I recommend any fan of the genre, or story-driven games, take a look. Benoît Sokal created a timeless masterpiece with Syberia. A truly genre-defining game.

Review: eSYNiC Foldable Wireless Keyboard

James Refelian
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0
Review: eSYNiC Foldable Wireless Keyboard

Here is our review of the eSYNiC Foldable Wireless Keyboard.

Product purchased at retail.  

The eSYNiC Foldable Wireless Keyboard is one of those gadgets I didn’t know I needed until I started using it. It’s a small, lightweight portable keyboard that connects via Bluetooth to phones, tablets, and really anything with a Bluetooth receiver. Not all features work on every device. In my testing, I didn’t notice anything that didn’t work with my paired Android phone (Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra).

When taking it out of the box I was genuinely surprised by how well built it felt in my hand and how small and light it was. When folded up it was virtually the same size as my phone and weighed a lot less.

What’s in the box?

  • The keyboard, folded up and in protective wrappings
  • A Micro-USB cable for charging
  • A user manual
  • Sticky feet

Setting it up

The eSYNiC Foldable Wireless Keyboard is astonishingly easy to set up. Once you get it out of the packaging, plug in the micro-USB cable and charge it for a couple of hours first. Once charged, press FN and ‘C’ (the Bluetooth pairing function), and on your device connect to it. That’s it. So simple and worked flawlessly.

Features and thoughts about the eSYNiC Foldable Wireless Keyboard

The eSYNiC Foldable Wireless Keyboard has a tri-fold design that when closed protects the keys from damage. I haven’t needed a separate case so far and I’ve slung it into my bag on more than one occasion. I think, however, I’ll be looking out for one to ensure dust and debris are kept out of the mechanisms.

One feature I particularly love is that once the first pairing is complete, and so long as the device is powered and in range, it will automatically connect when opened. This is slick and very quick, so I never feel like I’m waiting.

Top down view of closed eSYNiC Foldable Wireless Keyboard

The spring-loaded hinges feel robust, even if they are plastic in construction. They have only a minimal amount of flex beyond the fully open stage. I haven’t noticed this to be an issue when typing on a flat surface. Also included are some plastic sticky feet to minimise this issue and protect the bottom of the keyboard from scratches.

The body of the keyboard is aluminium which gives it both a premium and durable feel. While the keyboard surface is plastic, it doesn’t feel cheap or like it will pop out of the housing any time soon.

eSYNiC Foldable Wireless Keyboard closed side view
Side profile of the eSYNiC Foldable Wireless Keyboard when closed

The keys are well designed and well-spaced in this small unit with reasonable travel from the scissor-switch design. It has all the secondary characters I wanted and offers a full QWERTY experience. Although some keys (like the backspace) aren’t where you’d expect, I appreciate the design ensuring as many characters as possible which are often missing on these small, portable keyboards.

The keyboard itself feels solid and good to type with. After about thirty minutes with it I felt comfortable and was almost at my usual typing speed with few mistakes or miss-presses. There’s not a lot of space between the keys, so for those with bigger fingers, it might not be an ideal option if you want to touch type.

The only feature I would really say is missing is backlighting. This, to be fair, is expected given the price point and portable, thin design. Adding LEDs to all the keys could impede battery longevity and bump the price. Typically, I am using this keyboard on a train, so I haven’t needed backlighting as the keys are labelled with bold, white lettering. Still, it would be good to have.

The response time is better than I expected. Typing into a word document on my phone I didn’t notice any input lag from when my finger hit the key to when the letter appeared on the screen.

The unit sits flat so if you’re used to the slight rake of a desktop keyboard you may struggle, but if you’ve used a laptop, it’s similar.

eSYNiC Foldable Wireless Keyboard fully open
eSYNiC Foldable Wireless Keyboard fully opened

Specifications

Dimensions146×89.6×16.8mm (folded) | 251.7×89.6×7.9mm (unfolded)
Weight184.5g
BatteryRechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (claims 85 hours use/90 days standby)
ConnectionsMicro-USB charging cable, Bluetooth 3.0
Operating Distance10m
IndicatorsLEDs to show power on, Bluetooth pairing, and battery low
eSYNiC Foldable Wireless Keyboard Page 1
eSYNiC Foldable Wireless Keyboard Leaflet Page 2

Summary of the eSYNiC Foldable Wireless Keyboard

I wanted a portable keyboard for writing on the go. Specifically, writing on a busy train on the go. eSYNiC Foldable Wireless Keyboard has proven to be ideal. It’s small and compact meaning I don’t really notice it in my bag. It’s also well-built so I never worry about it being damaged during use. Responsive and comfortable, and it paired well with my phone giving me a perfect on-the-go writing setup when a laptop isn’t suitable. I needed something more tactile than a touch keyboard which I’ve never found suitable for long writing sessions and this is it.

The eSYNiC Foldable Wireless Keyboard is available now for £31.95.

Two Minute Review: RUGD Rhino Power USB-C Charging Cable

Andrew Edney
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Two Minute Review: RUGD Rhino Power USB-C Charging Cable

Here is our Two Minute Review of the RUGD Rhino Power USB-C Charging Cable.

This cable is the strongest and fastest charging cable on the planet. Built with industry-leading technology to fast charge the latest Apple iPhones and iPads, these cables are also made from indestructible materials that can withstand a minimum of 100KG tension and 100,000 bends.

Specifications

– Super Fast Charging – 3A, 60W PD

– Super Durable – 100KG Pull Tested

– Super Strong – 100,000 Bend Tested

– Apple MFi Certified

– MFi Lightning to USB-C, 1M

What’s in the Box?

The box contains the USB-C to USB-C cable.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

I don’t know about you but I am always needing a charging cable, whether it’s for my phone, my iPad, my laptop, or something else! More often than not those cables get easily damaged, but not the RUGD Rhino Power cable.

It’s very lightweight, but is very strong and tough! You can bend it and it wont break!

It’s also a fast cable – using it meant that my devices charged faster which is always welcome.

If you need to a new USB-C to USB-C charging cable then look no further!

The RUGD Rhino Power USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable 60W/3A is available more priced around £19.99.

You can learn more from the RUGD website here.

Review: ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro

Daniel Waite
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Review: ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro

Whatever keyboard you choose, you want it to be stylish, well built, and unbelievably responsive. How it looks is a preference, but how well it performs is essential. There are masses of choices available, but I’m here to discuss the phenomenal ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro keyboard.

This exceptionally vivid, stylish, and compact peripheral is perfect for pro or would-be gamers. It is tenkeyless, so it’s ideal for smaller desks and compact setups. Moreover, its smaller design leaves room for bigger gaming mice and larger controllers.

It is a reimagining of ROCCAT’s most popular keyboards and comes with their modern technology. Thanks to the inclusion of Titan switch optical, every keystroke is mind-bogglingly fast. Consequently, you won’t experience any lag and this is essential when buying a gaming accessory.

Compact but wonderfully vivid.

What’s in the box of the ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro?

  • The compact packaging is robust and sturdy. It safely holds the content without being overbearing or obnoxious. The box has the expected key information as well as the company logo.
  • ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro keyboard. This stunning looking keyboard is small, stylish, and heavy. It screams high quality and begs to be plugged in and used immediately. 
  • USB-C cable. The large rubberised cable is sturdy and long enough for most gaming setups.
  • User guide. A straightforward and matter-of-fact manual.
Look at it glow.
USB-C charging cable.
The user manual.
The ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro.
Simple but robust packaging.

Technical aspects. 

ROCCAT® Titan Switch Optical (1.4mm actuation, linear)
100 million keystroke life-cycle
Compact TKL form factor
Integrated settings memory
ROCCAT® Easy-Shift[+]™ technology
32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 based processor
1000Hz polling rate
ROCCAT® Swarm software suite
Height: 3.40cm
Width: 36.00cm
Length: 13.33cm
Weight: 660g

Everyone knows that keyboards take a battering! Subsequently, you want something sturdy and built to last. Luckily, the ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro has this covered. When your accessory is covered with aircraft-grade aluminium, you know it’s strong and durable. What’s more, the switch durability is guaranteed to last for 100 million keystrokes. Yes, you read that right, a massive 100 million! It’s fair to say that ROCCAT has made this keyboard to last.

Talking of switches, let’s discuss the Titan switch optical technology. This advanced light speed tech offers precision inputs with zero lag. Alongside this, you’ll experience that familiar mechanical type keyboard without the usual delays. This is the key element that makes this peripheral stand out. Using this keyboard won’t feel alien or unusual. No, instead, you’ll be amazed by how quick and comfortable it is.

The AIMO intelligent lighting engine is integrated into this accessory. If you use AIMO products, you can create mind-blowing aesthetics without configuration. Furthermore, the clear transparent switch housing enhances the RGB lighting effects. If this is your first AIMO product, you can control the pattern, intensity, and colours with shortcut keys and the well-placed dial. With little effort, you’ll master the settings and find your perfect program.

A TKL keyboard is a little new to me. Usually, I game with a full-sized setup and I take advantage of the number pad at every opportunity. However, the ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro enabled me to game more naturally and comfortably. Moreover, I enjoyed the additional space I had for my ROCCAT Burst Pro Air mouse.

The ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro is unbelievably vivid.
It looks so pretty.

Is the ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro worth it?

The adage, you get what you pay for is true! When buying gaming peripherals, you want the best bang for your buck. Fortunately, ROCCAT delivers just this with their market-leading accessories at reasonable prices. Yes, there are cheaper alternatives, but they simply won’t compete. Furthermore, they won’t be as robust, nor will they have the best technology.

The ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro is so responsive that you’ll be left speechless. What’s more, its mechanical feel is instantly comfortable and reassuringly noisy. On top of this, you have the 100 million keystroke guarantee, the AIMO lighting engine, and easy-to-use shortcuts. Its compact design and TKL approach are perfect for compact desks or those who desire more mouse room. Furthermore, its robust design is reassuring while highlighting its elite status as a market leader. Consequently, I loved it and recommend you buy it here!

Summary.

The ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro is a fantastic gaming accessory. It’s rapid, stylish, vivid, and built to last. It uses the groundwork from other much-loved ROCCAT peripherals and produces a guaranteed fan favourite.

(More information on ROCCAT can be found here!) 

The ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro has been awarded the Movies Game and Tech gold award.

Review: Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX

Incredible audio is a must whenever you are watching a film or playing video games. Consequently, Turtle Beach is a household name that is associated with high quality and advanced technology. I’ve been lucky enough to try an array of top-end products from other manufacturers, but Turtle Beach is my go-to headphones. Fortunately, I’ve been able to test out the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX headphones, and I was amazed by the quality.

With true wireless connectivity, 5.1 Bluetooth, excellent sound quality, a retractable microphone, comfortable ear cups, robust design, and excellent battery life, this is an incredible headset for gaming. What’s more, it can be used with ease on Xbox, PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. Therefore, it is great value for money and extremely user-friendly.

The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen MAX headphones are stylish.
The midnight red headphones in all their glory.

What’s in the box of the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX?

  • The headphones are supplied in a sturdy cardboard box that is emblazoned with the company logo and key selling points. The majority of the packaging is recyclable and well built for transit. Consequently, you are assured that the accessory will be delivered in perfect condition.
  • Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX headphones. Available in an array of designs, I trialled the midnight red version. This striking look is colourful, fashionable, and stands out from the crowd. Alongside this, the headphones are lightweight and snug around your ears. There is also a retractable Omni-directional mic and easy-to-use controls. 
  • USB transmitter. This small but easy-to-use device enables you to connect with ease. Simply plug it into a console or PC, adjust the switch on the side, and hear the audio play.
  • USB-C charging cable. A small but robust cable that enables you to charge the headphones. 
  • Quick start guide. A straightforward manual that explains the fundamentals.
  • Turtle Beach Sticker. Show your love of Turtle Beach with this small sticker.
Clean and strong packaging.
A simple user manual.
The USB transmitter for Xbox or USB connection.
USB-C Charing cable.
The headphones in their snug packaging.
Everything you could ever need.

Technical aspects.

LicensingOfficial by Microsoft for Xbox.
BatteryRechargeable Lithium Polymer.
Battery life48+ hours.
Earcup DesignOver-ear with foam cushioning.
Drivers50mm with Neodymium magnets.
ConnectivityUSB wireless transmitter and 5.1 Bluetooth.
CompatibilityXbox, PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.

If you are budgeting for headphones above £100, you want exceptional sound quality and versatility. Luckily, these headphones give you both with no compromise. Thanks to the 50mm speaker drivers, you experience game-changing audio. Alongside this, you are treated to immersive surround sound! The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX is enabled for Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone: X and Sony 3D audio for PS5. However, be aware that Dolby Atmos and DTS:X may require additional subscriptions.

No one likes to shout and getting the balance just right can be a tough ask. Fortunately, this is a thing of the past thanks to the built-in mic-monitoring. Furthermore, the USB mode allows you to dial in the sound even more. On top of this, four prebuilt modes can be changed on the fly. Bass boost, signature sound, treble boost, and vocal mode help to enhance the experience further.

Sound levels are adjusted further still because of the well-placed dials. No longer will you need to change the console settings, simply adjust the volume directly on your headphones to ensure the perfect experience. These small but useful tools alongside the surround sound make these stand out from the crowd.

Do you want to rock camouflage headphones?
I can’t see any headphones.

Built to last.

When investing in tech, you want it to last. Not only do you expect it to be well built, but you demand a long-lasting battery. You are in luck again as the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX has both.

Headphones are renowned for breaking at the weakest point and this is usually the hinges and headband. Turtle Beach doesn’t want this to happen with their latest tech, so their modern accessories are hard wearing and robust. They blend comfort and reliability perfectly and should survive the most heavy-handed users.

Where this headset excels, however, is the massive 48+ hour battery life. This is incredible from a peripheral that offers crystal clear sound and booming audio. I was amazed by its “never-ending” battery life and this makes it phenomenal for long gaming sessions.

Another feature that I think is key for many gamers is its glasses-friendly ear pads. Now, this was of no concern to me, but I know this can be uncomfortable and a sticking point for many players. Fear not, however, as Turtle Beach has this covered. The over-ear design works perfectly for glasses without compromising use or audio quality.

Is the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX worth it?

With many fantastic headphones available, it is hard to make an informed decision. I’ve experienced the excellence of Razer, the value of Lucidsound, and the brilliance of the latest Turtle Beach accessory. Therefore, I can comfortably say that the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX headphones are phenomenal and will enhance your gaming experience. Consequently, I can’t help but recommend you to buy them here!

Summary. 

With 50mm speaker drivers, 5.1 Bluetooth connectivity, robust build quality, 48+ hours battery life, easy-to-use controls, and surround sound, these are a game-changer. What’s more, they are stylish, come in a choice of three designs, and have a crystal clear microphone. Therefore, if you are serious about audio, these are a must-have accessory.

(More information on Turtle Beach can be found here!)

The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen MAX headphones receive the Movies Games and Tech gold award.

Review: Moon Knight Episode 5

James Refelian
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0
Review: Moon Knight Episode 5

Spoiler Free Review Moon Knight Episode 5

Although this is a spoiler-free review of Moon Knight Episode 5 all images used have been taken from the episode.

Moon Knight Episode 5 takes us away from the usual superhero fare you’d expect with an MCU television show and gives us something totally different. Totally better. Following on immediately from Episode 4, we see Marc and Steven come face to face with Egyptian gods, question their past, and try and find balance in a broken psyche.

Oscar Isaac is incredible

Oscar Isaac deserves awards. There, I said it. His performance as Marc and Steven during this episode is taken to new levels of amazing. There’s one scene, the origin of the trauma, that is so well acted between Isaac and himself that you really do believe he’s acting opposite a clone. He captures the nuances of a traumatised mind, a questioning mind, someone who is upset, angry, and on the edge. Honestly, the range displayed here is stunningly good. Moon Knight has always been a character study and this episode really shows you why.

Steven comes into his own in this episode too. He develops and gets a far greater understanding of what’s really going on, what his role is, and what he can really do when pushed. There’s one scene where Steven is fending off attackers and we see the ultra-violence attributed to the Mr. Knight character.

What makes this episode stand out in the overall franchise is that not once does Marc (or Steven) suit up as Moon Knight/Mr. Knight. This is the most un-superhero show and it’s needed. It’s welcome. It’s perfect.

What else is great about Moon Knight Episode 5?

This episode also achieved one of the most important things we needed from Moon Knight. His Jewish heritage. We aren’t presented with the typical stereotypes either. There are actual rituals going on in his memories without any detailed explanation. This presentation of other cultures as normal and routine is wonderfully enriching and I’m glad it was included.

Moon Knight Episode 5 touches on dark themes, distressing themes, concepts of death and life, and the ability to reconcile with your own demons. It’s the deepest thing Marvel has ever attempted and has propelled the MCU to new levels of maturity.

Overlaying all this depth, we get a relatively basic plotline, more allusions to the third alter, and a veneer of ancient Egyptian mythology. A nice touch was the reveal of Moon Knight’s origin as the alter ego of Marc and Steven.

Conclusion

Moon Knight Episode 5 is the best episode yet for really showing us the most complex Marvel character we’ve been introduced to. With one episode left, there’s a lot to reconcile and I don’t want it to end… but it’s been the best MCU series so far.

Review: RogueBook

Natosha M
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0
Review: RogueBook

Do you have what it takes to be a team of just two, trying to survive the menacing enemies through a strategic card-based attack game? Well, if the answer is yes, then you should try the game, RogueBook. It provides similar gameplay to that of Magic: The Gathering and even Faeria, where the adventure continues to change after each win. Leaving the player with plenty of difficult opponents to come up against and new heroic experiences to witness.

When you can discover new craftable gems and unique relics while using plenty of action-packed cards to bring down the rivals, you really won’t find yourself losing interest in this game that easily. The decisions on who makes up the two team members, where you want to go next, or how you want to attack with the deck of cards are all up to you. Leaving you with all the power to decide on how the game will play out and what the overall outcome will be, by your every move!

So there really is just plenty to enjoy, and as mentioned before, it never ends once you win the first time playing. It won’t let you down, as this game isn’t easy to beat! It’s difficult just at the start, so don’t worry about not feeling challenged, you will be! Everything about this game is requiring you to use your mind to plot and plan a better move each time your up to attack or where to go next on the gameboard; world map.

Graphics and Sound ⚔

The visual appearance is magnificent! It’s engaging with the dim but full of color background scenes that are illuminated on the screen as you play. Each attack and fight that occurred during the game, is action-packed and smooth with no difficulty making out each movement used with the card chosen. There are no signs of slowing down, blurred visuals or effects, struggles, or irregular movements when a card is chosen and the requested performance begins to play on the screen. It’s just perfect for each portion of the game, like that of the battle and board movement portion.

There was one problem that I came upon that is not something too drastic, but could be an issue when playing the game. Especially cause it’s the way of choosing from a selection of an item. There seems to be a very light blue color to indicate the choice being highlighted. The concern I have is that it’s too light to see what is being chosen. Players who have difficulty seeing or practically any player, like myself, may become a bit stumped for a few seconds because the color isn’t as obvious as everything else in the game. Thankfully, it doesn’t interfere with the gameplay.

Additionally, the music in the background is just what this heroic game needs! It plays at a perfect volume when turned up high and is completely well-fitted. The melody is powerful, but in no way irritating when listening for hours during gameplay. Honestly, it just works! Plus, with each action provoked during the game, the sound effects are very nicely initiated as well. Giving a true experience of the sound would be when something is being attacked, used with magic, being defeated, and many other actions performed. All in all, from the sounds to the graphics, this game will hook the player making it hard to pull one’s eyes away from the screen.

Final Thoughts ⚔

After playing a few games and playing some more, I find RogueBook to be astounding! It’s got so much that one can enjoy, from the action, planning, and even discoveries of unusual and unique relics, gems, original heroes or rivals, and the many different areas to travel to. On top of that, the game just never ends, each time the book is opened; the game is played. The cards are nearly never-ending as there are so many combinations and plenty to choose from.

I love when a game has a variety of things going on and continues to change each time it’s played. It is literally a game that continues to be different and full of new surprises. Especially, when the cards in one’s deck are never the same. Plus, the two heroes that the player is allowed to choose to create their own team makes it even more interesting to see what the outcome will end up being. Nevertheless, it’s still based on the planning of which cards to use and when it’s the right time to use them.

Lastly, I must say that RogueBook is one of those strategic action-packed games, with an adventurous journey and plenty of detailed graphics and entertaining scenes when moves are being made that I just love! Always working my brain and taking me away from reality into a world where I’m in charge, deciding my team’s fate. So I’m nothing but pleased with this game and love every single part!

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