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Review: Hirogami

Patrick Sullivan

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Sep 9, 2025

Hirogami is such a sight to behold. Seriously, it is one of the most visually beautiful games that I’ve played this year. The Japanese art style and the folding origami figures are fantastic and the world is easy to get lost in with all its beauty. Hirogami is truly a wonder to look at. But there are some areas it stumbles. The 3D action platformer by Kakehashi Games has areas where it shines but also where it becomes frustrating. Is Hirogami worth your time? Let’s dive in!

Saving The World One Paper At A Time

In Hirogami, you play as Hiro. Hiro is tasked with saving his land and people from the evil Blight. The Blight is looking to corrupt the world and its inhabitants. Hiro and the other characters in the game are origami pieces of paper. In the story, Hiro loses his shapeshifting powers and must restore them before The Blight can destroy everything. Players will travel this world from swamps to lava mountains. Each world is beautifully detailed. There is also a Hub world, where Hiro can craft upgrades like giving himself extra health. Hiro must clear the shrines in these areas to clear The Blight’s corruption.

Hirogami’s story is simple and can be forgettable overall. Hiro is a good character. He is self-conscious and doesn’t believe in himself. A very human thing to do, not believing in oneself. But his dialogue becomes very repetitive. Most of his lines are just him saying he isn’t good enough for the task. It gets annoying as it seems to be his only lines. Most of the other characters are also forgettable, none of them are particularly strong or memorable which is a shame. At the end of the day, Hirogami’s story is just a forgettable mess.

Shapeshifting Paper

Hiro’s main ability is his shapeshifting power. Players can change into other animals like armadillos and gorillas. Each animal shape has its own abilities, pros and cons. The gorilla shape can climb up vines to access other areas, and his melee is very powerful against enemies. As you progress, his punch can take out multiple enemies, a very useful power as enemies spawn in waves. The armadillo can roll around at a very fast speed, making traversal less tedious but he can’t walk fast or even jump that high. He can also kill enemies by rolling into them. These changes happen seamlessly. You can change into any of them whenever you want and it is instant. A great mechanic.

The enemies in Hirogami are called Glitchers and they are simple to take down. You can take them down in Hiro’s normal form using his fan which is just a basic melee attack or switch into the other animal shapes at your disposal. The most difficult enemies are other animal figures that can only be taken down when switching to your animal forms. The gorilla enemies are by far the toughest as they can deal heavy damage. This makes the combat feel a bit fresh at times as the animals have different abilities to use in combat. The armadillo is my personal favourite as you can quickly wipe out enemies by rolling around an area and cutting them down in seconds.

This Paper Is Easy To Rip Up

Hirogami isn’t really that difficult. The combat is simple and you can easily defeat enemies but it can become tougher in later levels when the game spawns in a lot of enemies at once. Can be chaotic but overall, it isn’t Dark Souls levels of hard. The combat can be clunky at times and frustrating. The camera angle feels like its fighting you as well. Sometimes it hides what enemies are around the corner or if you are coming in fast with your armadillo form you can’t anticipate what is coming up which can lead to death which is very annoying.

The platforming in the game is probably the most difficult. You need to swap sometimes to your animal forms like the frog form where you can jump very high to get to other areas and make it long distances before the rocks fall and you with them. You need to be fast in swapping forms so you don’t die in these tense situations. At least the platforming will keep you on your toes and can make the time challenges in the game where you need to clear a level in a certain amount of time more fun to take on.

There are also some sections where you turn into a paper bird and fly through obstacles and enemies to reach the end. You must shoot enemy Glitchers to get through some areas before crashing into them. Players can also collect boosts to pick up more speed. These sections are fine overall, and I do find the controls for them tight and responsive. They aren’t anything amazing but are a welcome addition. I wish there were more levels to play as the bird but they only randomly pop up during these moments where you need to get across a large area.

Boss Fights

There are four main boss fights. Beating these bosses also unlocks more abilities for Hiro and his animal paper forms. These boss fights are unlocked by gathering origami pieces from the levels you completed. You complete the levels by restoring the shrines at the end of each level. There are ten chapters in the game with some of the chapters having two to three levels each.

The boss fights get their own chapter like the final boss being unlocked at chapter ten and is the only level in that chapter. All the levels have their own challenges to unlock origami pieces. You unlock three origami pieces in each chapter. One is unlocked for just completing the level, the other two are earned by completing the level in a certain amount of time or finishing the level with a certain amount of health remaining. These seem optional but they really aren’t. As you progress through the game, you need to have a certain amount of origami pieces to unlock the boss fights. This does increase replayability but it feels like a way to increase your playtime and can be annoying for some players. The time challenges can be difficult but it personal preference. If you don’t mind replaying levels its all good but making objectives seem optional but later revealing they aren’t can be frustrating.

The boss fights themselves aren’t that amazing either. They are easy. Like shockingly easy. There isn’t really a challenge with them. The final boss fight was the most disappointing and went on for a really long time. Dialogue boxes would come up during it too. It was frustrating playing against him when I had to skip these boxes while the boss fight was going on in the background and he was doing damage against me. These boss fights are disappointing but they can look visually appealing.

Verdict

Hirogami can be a fun game at times but it can be disappointing in other areas. It is a visually stunning game. The paper changing mechanic where you can transform into other animals is a great mechanic and can keep combat fresh sometimes and offer different ways to play and fight. But a frustrating camera angle which causes more harm than good, disappointing boss fights and story, and some bugs like falling through the map really bring the game down. Hirogami ends up just being fine as a game, which is a shame. The game teases a sequel at the end so hopefully the sequel can build on this.

Review: Noctuary

Rhys Speight

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Sep 8, 2025

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Let me start by prefacing; my only experience with anime visual novels is Doki Doki Literature Club, a game that aims to subvert the medium by turning it into analog horror. I know, it’s like if you tried to get into comics by starting with Watchmen or Dark Knight Returns; you can understand what they’re saying, but you’re not gonna appreciate it nearly as much. So Chengdu-based Gratesca Studio’s Noctuary is my first proper foray into this genre, splicing together a traditional visual novel experience with occasional arena hack and slash gameplay. Did it make a good first impression? Well…

Fancia Dream and Alina Nightsong are young girls who live in the land of Inlixaland, a beautiful utopian world made up of gorgeous valleys and countryside. They are Illuminators, an all female species whose bodies are made of hard light (not too dissimilar from the Crystal Gems in Steven Universe) and they have cutesy names that align with their occupations (Guardia Heart, Classica Wine). It’s as if the Smurf’s village was stuck in a blender with My Little Pony. Their dream? To become Arborangers, a class of elite warriors that act as a mixture of knights, cops and borderline fascist enforcers. Illuminators’ natural enemy is darkness itself, which manifests itself physically as Darkritters, purple creatures with no sign of sentience and apparently attack without thinking.

It’s all very tropey, which I don’t inherently mind, but it’s in the presentation that I take issue with. Noctuary is 80% visual novel and 20% gameplay, and the visual novel stuff is just too dry for me, and a large part of that comes down to the localisation. What I’m playing here is actually the second translation made for the game’s launch on consoles. and from what I can gather is a genuine improvement over the one that launched on PC back in 2023. Now, it’s no Backstroke of the West but it does remind me of the Star Wars Prequels in that characters speak in a very formal, objective manner, largely owing to what is I assume a very direct translation of the game’s original Canto. This leads to clunky lines such as

“Well maybe I can take the role of ‘The Bird’. Her singing parts contain strong rhythms and are suitable for drumming”

and

“Cast your light upon it so that you can see its internal structure. It’ll appear fibrous or cotton-like if you find the right one. Alternatively, you can use cleavage characteristics to make your judgment as well.”

You could put this down to the main characters being part of the more aristocratic class of this society, but that second line is spoken by Guardia Heart, a working class dingy dock woman who spends her life fixing boats. There’s no dialect or slang, characters speak to each other in cutesy pleasantries where there’s no immediate conflict and the game’s narrator will often describe things that are obvious through subtext. To top it all off, they’ll do that thing where they’ll repeat what a character has just said back to them, posed as a question.

“I think it was the Darkritter Tide.”

“Darkritter Tide?”

“Yes the Darkritter Tide”

This is all the more apparent in the game’s opening chapter, a crucial time when a game must set a standard for the rest of its experience, which is largely an incredibly slow slice of life. What’s more, we are forced to spend time with a character who we, the audience, know from the prologue is secretly evil, and who isn’t revealed until far later on, a trope that makes our heroes seem like clueless idiots. We are also bombarded with heavy lore, mostly told through a notebook system that requires pausing the game and skimming through documents. It grinds the pacing to a halt, and makes skimming through the unvoiced dialogue sections a chore. However, the biggest disappointment for me was the lack of dialogue choices, a staple we come to expect of text heavy games. There’s a few here and there, but for the most part you are pressing A to move to the next predicated interaction. But if you’re after active engagement, this game does have you (slightly) covered in that department.

Occasionally, the game will give you control of the characters in combat, swapping to a 3D isometric arena view. It’s essentially a hack and slash in a League of Legends perspective. And it’s fine, just fine. Fancia uses magic based attacks and Alina carries a giant sword; you can swap between them on the fly and they each have three different attack styles. It feels punchy, combos can be pretty satisfying and you’re occasionally granted the privilege of a team up attack that nukes the screen.

The reason I have so little to say is that it takes up so little of the game in comparision. There were sections where, after reading reams of text, I was shocked by the switch to 3D and felt like I had to learn to play again. There’s no cohesion here, the story isn’t being told or enhanced by these gameplay sections, that mainly amount to you killing mindless purple creatures cos they’re Evil. Rather they sit like an undeveloped extremity on the body of the rest of the game, a blending of genres that doesn’t quite work. And it’s a real shame, because there is something here.

The true highlight of Noctuary, and probably where most of its appeal lies, is in its presentation. The illustration work is gorgeous, its large cast of pretty girls all have intricate unique designs and the backgrounds they hover in front of are stunning. It makes me sad that this game isn’t fully in 3D, as I want to jump into this world and explore its nooks and crannies. The game now has voice acting in some sections, available in Canto by default with Mandarin and Japanese options. Tragically, my Hong Kongian flatmate (who speaks Canto) is currently out of the country, so I can’t comment on the quality of the performances, but it is nice to see a game that prioritises Traditional Chinese.

The music is serviceable; twinkly, atmospheric and dreamlike but never intrusive. Its menus, the main point of interaction between it and the player, are stellar and the most cohesive part of its experience. My only gripes would be a) the scaling of the HUD during gameplay, which seems to be better suited for monitors rather than a TV and b) the frame rate on Series X during gameplay seems to target 60fps, but rarely actually holds it.

So that’s it, my first foray into an anime visual novel. I’m not familiar enough with the genre to compare its quality in the grand scheme of things. I found its pacing and localisation wonky, but perhaps these are things that VN connoisseurs actually enjoy about the genre, and to each their own. My hottest take is that I honestly would’ve preferred if they ditched the ARPG elements and invested more into the interactive driving the novel sections. I love narratives and choices, and would have liked to feel like a participant in the events of this world.

But then there’s also things in the world building that I found barebones, it’s discussion of wealth and class was minimal and there were parts with weirdly fascist undertones (Illuminators who don’t work/are lazy will die of natural causes and one ranger exclaiming “Arborangers are requested to protect Illuminators, even if it’s against their will sometimes”). At 30 hours and £30, it’s neither too long nor very expensive, and its Steam page has good reviews (though I’m gonna be honest, some of its top reviews read like they were written by ChatGPT). But at the end of the day, I just wasn’t personally engaged.

Review: Gomatic Laptop Bag

News

Andrew Edney

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Sep 8, 2025

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Here is our review of the Gomatic Laptop Bag.

The ultimate solution for working professionals, the Gomatic Laptop Bag merges the best features of a messenger bag and tech case into a perfectly balanced design. It’s more than a bag—it’s a daily essential crafted for productivity, convenience, and style.

Versatile, sleek, and packed with smart organisation and expansion when needed, this briefcase is ready to handle everything from boardroom meetings to international travel. It’s the cargo pants of briefcases.

Features

• Expandable Design: Grows from 11L to 13.5L to handle more when you need it
• Laptop & Tech Storage: Padded compartments for a 16″ laptop and tablet, plus smart tech organisation for chargers, cables, and accessories
• Internal Organisation: Includes mesh pockets, zip compartments, and pen storage to keep everything in place
• Travel Ready: Luggage pass-through, RFID-lined pocket, hidden magnetic passport pocket, and lockable zippers for added security
• Quick-Access Essentials: Fleece-lined pocket up top and a zip-out water bottle pocket on the side
• Flexible Carry: Detachable shoulder strap and padded top handle for versatile comfort

Specification

Materials:
• Exterior: Water-Resistant 80% Nylon / 20% Polyester
• Interior: Polyester + PU Foam
• Coated YKK zippers protect against the elements

Dimensions:
• Weight: 0.9 kg
• Capacity: 11L (Expands to 13.5L)
• External: 29 cm H x 39 cm W x 12 cm D
• Expanded: 29 cm H x 39 cm W x 13.5 cm D
• Laptop Compartment: Fits all 16″ laptops/tablet

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The Gomatic Laptop Bag looks smart, is very lightweight, and is very practical!

With plenty of pockets, including an expandable area for different size laptops, you can fit everything you want into the laptop bag, and more! There is even a water bottle pocket, plus plenty of room for chargers and cables.

From a security perspective, the laptop bag has lockable zippers, a special passport holder and also provides RFID protection too!

You can either carry it by the padded handles, or attach the comfortable strap and carry it that way, the choice is yours.

One of the really cool things about the laptop bag is the Gomatic Lifetime Warranty. If you have a problem with either Broken Zippers, a Torn Zipper Track, Broken Buttons or Seal & Seam Defects, Gomatic will replace it! Just like that! I can’t tell you the number of laptop bags I have replaced over the last 30 years because of broken zips!

The Gomatic Laptop Bag is available now priced around £160, and whilst that might seem like a lot of money for a laptop bag, you get a lot for your money!

You can learn more from the Gomatic website.

Review: Raining City: Millions Recollections

Josh Blackburn

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Sep 8, 2025

0

Review: Raining City: Millions Recollections

It doesn’t take Raining City: Millions Recollections long to go off the rails. Assuming that title isn’t ‘off the rails’ enough for you. The Raining City bit is easy enough, but Millions Recollections? Is it lots of people’s memories, or just one person thinking about those little sugar balls in a tube? Anyway, it opens with a lovely scene of a cruise ship. All nice and relaxing. Then, BAM. Our main character is covered in blood, she’s got a weird hole in her hand, and she’s being attacked by a spindly tree monster.

Not that I’m criticising it for that. Quite the opposite, in fact. The standard visual novel playbook is to focus in on asinine, day-in-the-life nonsense for long enough for my brain to atrophy, then backload the intrigue in the second half. Raining City: Millions Recollections doesn’t do that. It keeps the pace high, and introduces heavy doses of horror to keep things interesting. Much like Orca Layout’s previous title, The Chrono Jotter, I find myself intrigued by the plot and the world, though the poor localisation damages both.

I Can See Clearly Now

Let me flesh out that opening a little. Raining City: Millions Recollections begins with our protagonist, Lyu Xuan, waking up in her apartment. She’s covered in blood, despite no visible wound, and there’s a weird black hole in her palm. Numbers float around it. Turns out she’s been given ten million of some weird, otherworldly currency. Unfortunately for Lyu Xuan, everyone wants a piece of that wealth, hence the spindly tree man. Said monster is promptly eaten by a human-like creature named Paleon, who ends up clinging to Lyu Xuan throughout.

It’s a nice set up for a plot and it remains interesting throughout. Lyu Xuan meets up with a range of different characters, all of whom are drawn to her in some way and have their own share of mysteries. Take Su Lingxi, for example. A young girl that’s grown up in relative decadence in a big, golden tower. Oh, and her arms are made of weird gel wrapped around a skeleton. Or there’s Lu Wenshu, a chain-smoking scientist who seems to be connected with the whole ‘covered in blood’ thing.

Each of these characters feel nicely varied, and go through satisfying arcs as the story evolves. The actual plot does get a little loopy, though. It’s an occupational hazard when dealing with other realities and supernatural occurrences, but it gets a little confusing towards the end. Not helped by a big issue, that we’ll get to in a moment. Raining City also goes through a dramatic plot twist right at the very end, which it doesn’t really earn, and so the last section feels a bit dragged out. Still, the emphasis on horror – especially body horror – kept me very much engaged. Big, betentacled eye monsters parasitizing people? Definitely up my street.

Money, Money, Money

Gameplay-wise, Raining City tries to diversify the standard visual novel template. Alongside the main plot there are sidequests, for instance, which dig a bit further into the side characters. There are also little mini-stories that you can select from a world map, which give the setting more flavour. The main plot also branches somewhat, and a key mechanic is how much ‘money’ is left in your palm. This amount can affect the ending and is spent at key points, encouraging you to either splurge out or hold back. Though, truth be told, most expenditure seemed to be out of my control.

It’s a shame, because it ties into the feeling that Raining City‘s gameplay is a little unengaging. There’s a nice range of monsters, but Lyu Xuan fights them off without any input from us. There was scope for more choices. Cobbling together solutions for escaping monsters – and losing coins for poor thinking – would have been good. Still, the monster designs are great. The big mushroom creature, for instance. Art in general is pretty top shelf stuff. It’s certainly a pretty game, even when it’s being horrific. Voice acting isn’t bad either, though there are strange audio quality issues. Some lines feel like the mic is inside the actor’s mouth, or that they’re recording inside a bathtub.

The gameplay’s not a deal breaker. I was certainly more absorbed than others in the genre. Orca Layout have a knack for hooking me with interesting stories and characters. Still, after The Chrono Jotter, I was hoping they’d get better at localisation. No such luck. There are constant awkward sentences, for one. One character, Jasper, had her name randomly changed to Roselene for no reason. Character genders randomly flip. Several lines are still in Chinese. It makes picking up on what’s going on quite difficult at times. It doesn’t ruin things, but there are times when it pulled me out of the scene. I have to wonder if it’s mechanically translated. Certainly, a proof-reader is needed.

Raining City – Intriguing, Yet Rough

Hey, if they want a hand with the proofreading, I’ve got the time. After all, Orca Layout are two-for-two with me. Visual novels aren’t usually a genre I click with, but this might be the right formula. An intriguing plot and a big, heaping helping of body horror. What’s more, despite the shaky localisation, I like the way that Raining City is written. It doesn’t write itself in too many circles, like lots in the genre. It’s not grossly overwritten. We’re always moving forward to the next plot point.

Designs are on form, too. While I would have liked to have a bit more control during the monster sections, it was still great. It feels like a selection of folk stories and creepypastas all stitched together. It’s great, and I hate that I will not be able to properly recommend it. It’s hard to recommend something that’s so poorly localised. It gives it the feel of something thrown hastily together, when it clearly isn’t. So if you can look past a collection of wonky sentences, and have a penchant for body horror, then Raining City is definitely worth a chance.

(Raining City: Millions Recollections‘ Store Page)

Review: M75 Keyboard

Daniel Waite

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Sep 7, 2025

0

The M75 Keyboard from Mechlands may not be on your radar. First, it is surprisingly affordable, and this may make you suspicious. Second, its wired-only approach may be frowned upon. Neither of these put me off, as I adore the striking livery, the exceptional magnetic switches, and the customisable settings.

On top of this, a wired-only device lowers weight and reduces distraction. Instead, I can focus on my gaming, low-latency inputs, and vibrant RGB that’ll get my friends and followers chatting. Alongside this, the 8k polling rate and 0.128 low latency are mind-boggling. The results are lightning-fast inputs that put its more expensive peers to shame.

What’s in the box of the M75 Keyboard?

The packaging is strong, attractive, and laced with key selling points. Moreover, it can be recycled.
The M75 Keyboard has a 75% form factor design. Additionally, the USB-C port is well located, and it has adjustable feet.
Spare switches, a keycap, and tools are provided.
The braided USB-C cable is used to power the device.
Learn the basics with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

An affordable keyboard shouldn’t be so technologically advanced. However, the M75 Keyboard breaks the mould. It offers full customisation for key gaming features such as DKS, MT, TGL, and SOCD. Each of these elements delivers a game-winning edge that’ll propel you up the leaderboard. Though it takes some trial and error, you’ll find the perfect setting that works for each genre.

On top of this, you can customise every ounce of RGB. The result is a vibrant or gentle hue that’ll make your gaming and workstation sparkle.

Though custom settings are nice, low latency and rapid polling rates are a must. This keyboard delivers razor-fast speeds that complement any cruel genre. FPS, racing games, and speed running events can be mastered with this incredible gaming keyboard.

Build quality.

The M75 Keyboard has a durable plastic case. The ABS plastic is robust and resistant to greasy marks and stains. The Cherry profile keycaps are familiar, and they can be removed with ease. Underneath there is an aluminium plate and magnetic switches for a near-silent and ultra-responsive typing experience.

The magnetic switches can be hot-swapped for any like-for-like alternative. I found the actuation distance, keycap profile, and usability to be comfortable for gaming and office work. Consequently, I wouldn’t recommend removing the provided switches.

A wired keyboard with a plastic shell is a great lightweight option. Moreover, the 75% form factor and 80-key design are perfect for smaller workstations. Though it is compact, it offers full functionality. Subsequently, you are not undermining usability or juggling desk real estate.

Is the M75 Keyboard worth it?

Mechlands continues to impress me with its affordable but high-end products. Furthermore, the eye-catching designs, impressive switches, and durable quality are perfect for gamers and office workers. Additionally, low-latency inputs and customisable settings are ideal for competitive individuals who wish to top each leaderboard. Accordingly, I love this keyboard and I recommend buying it here!

_{(More information on Mechlands can be found here!)}

The M75 Keyboard from Mechlands has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: The Knightling

Matt Cooper

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Sep 7, 2025

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Following up from their first title Pine, developers Twirlbound return with The Knightling; a third person open world action adventure. Is this indie title worth your time? Or are you left dreaming of tales of old?

A Knight’s Tale

In today’s gaming ecosystem, we are overwhelmed with options in every genre, making some games slip by the wayside. The Knightling attempts to break that mould, to varying success. Set in the fictional medieval fantasy world of Clesseia, you play as The Knightling. As an aspiring knight, you begin the game following the orders of your mentor Sir Lionstone – a legendary knight known all across the lands. When, at the start of the game, Sir Lionstone goes missing, you are thrust into the role of saving the lands from unforeseen threats, whilst solving the mystery of Lionstone’s disappearance. This is the main crux of the story and whilst you may think at first it’s a basic tale, it packs a lot of heart and intrigue.

The tale of The Knightling isn’t overly long or complex but it did keep me entertained throughout its 15-20 hour story. As the Knightling character is only 13 years old, it’s very much a coming of age tale as you help townsfolk through various main and side quests, whilst trying to find your mentor. What separates this game from other fantasy titles is its charm and humour. Bar the occasional animated cutscenes, most of the game’s dialogue is told through muffled voices akin to Kenny in South Park. This is absolutely hilarious for the most part and really adds wholesome charm to the narrative. The real star of the show is Magnustego, the trusted fabled shield of Sir Lionstone that was left in your possession. This shield is fully voiced and fleshes out the world of Clesseia during traversal sections which helped to keep me engaged during the quieter moments in the story. It reminds me quite a lot of Immortals: Fenyx Rising, another whimsical take on fantasy worlds. Overall, this is a simple, yet highly endearing tale, with mystery and intrigue blended in with a lot of laughs and a surprising amount of heart.

The Sword And The Clunkiness

Gameplay in The Knightling is truly the definition of a ‘mixed bag’. As an open world action adventure title, you can expect a plethora of combat, puzzles and platforming to quench your thirst. Combat is a huge aspect of this game but sadly fails to deliver in the majority of its aspects. A lot of the combat feels like a button-mashing slog as you take out enemy camps and creatures in the open world. The only weapon available to you is the shield which gives the game a truly unique fighting style; it’s just a shame this wasn’t fleshed out more with additional moves and abilities for this weapon. There is an upgrade tree for combat with some abilities but these are so bog standard and pointless, you still end up button-mashing away. In the far too few boss battles that take place, there are some cool combat design ideas implemented, such as the armour systems on the enemies. This requires you to destroy their armour through quick time events which make these fights feel particularly different and varied. Sadly, combat overall just feels far too clunky and boring alongside middling boss and enemy design, making it a true disappointment.

Thankfully, the traversal, platforming and puzzles deliver, for the most part. The movement of The Knightling is absolutely fantastic and such a breath of fresh air. Not only is the shield the main focus of combat, it’s also the focal point of the traversal. You have a number of abilities connected to movement to unlock throughout the game, but the one I am blown away by is the shield sliding. The design of the open world clearly has been catered to this ability as the world is full of slopes and cliffs along with boost pads and ramps aplenty. It is so much fun sliding your way around the world at a brisk pace. Later on in the game you’ll unlock a glider and other upgrades to sprinting and jumping, making this a truly wonderful experience, allowing the player to have such a vast amount of options in how they want to approach traversal.

Unfortunately, it’s not all positive as during some of the precision platforming sections, it’s highly imbalanced, making these sections feel very frustrating as you think you have made the landing, only for the knight to unexpectedly fall. Regarding the puzzles, they are just fine. They are not difficult or particularly bad; they are just forgettable for the most part. The majority of the puzzles boil down to moving a box to cover a pressure pad to open a gate…. yeah, not that intuitive.

A Flawed, Yet Charming World

The world developers Twirlbound have created a visual delight that only is let down by its damning performance issues. Everywhere in the land of Clesseia looks vibrant and colourful, full of this charming art style that borders on being dangerously close to a Breath Of The Wild imitation. It is clear they have taken inspiration from that title, but luckily it does enough to feel like its own concoction. It’s like Zelda, Banjo and Sly Cooper had a baby! Character models look complex and detailed and the animations crafted for the knight are particularly impressive during traversal. It’s just a damn shame the performance issues have soured my views. Too many frame rate drops, screen tearing and texture pop ins ruin the look and feel of this wonderful land.

Conversely, the sound design and score deliver strongly. The clangs and the bangs from the shield against enemies’ armour sounds wonderful, yet brutal, whilst the grunts and the exertions from the knight during platforming make for tense moments. As previously mentioned, the muffled dialogue is voiced to perfection, making most conversations downright hilarious to hear. This game would not be the same without it. Finally, the peaceful and tranquil orchestral soundtrack is superb and really helps reinforce the fantasy theme and setting. Outstanding job across the board in these departments.

Verdict

In an era of an overwhelming amount of fantasy open world games, The Knightling tries its best to stand out with its solid story, charming visuals, unique dialogue and musical score. In a world of far too many bloated open worlds, it’s refreshing to see a compact and brisk story, set in a vast world. Whilst combat can become far too repetitive and platforming can be tedious, I truly admire the developers’ attempts to think outside the box with some of their design philosophies. Sadly, performance issues may sour your experience but overall, this is a tale worth being told!

Review: Chip ‘N Clawz vs. The Brainioids

Dawid Wisniewski

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Sep 7, 2025

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Review: Chip ‘N Clawz vs. The Brainioids

When I first booted up Chip ‘N Clawz vs. The Brainioids, I was ready to roll my eyes. The colorful art, wisecracking human hero, robotic feline sidekick, and alien invaders screamed Ratchet & Clank knockoff. I expected a standard beat-’em-up platformer where I’d mash through waves of silly enemies and hop between glowing platforms. But within minutes, I realized I was completely wrong.

This isn’t just another action-platformer. It’s a real-time strategy game hiding under a Saturday morning cartoon shell. And honestly? That twist is what makes it special.

The most accessible RTS out there

The stars of the show are Chip, a brash human engineer who thinks on his feet, and Clawz, his robotic cat companion who doubles as both sarcastic sidekick and full-fledged playable character. Chip wields traditional weapons and gadgets, while Clawz brings a totally different toolkit, repairing capabilities, enemy controlling grenades, and some slick traversal options. Playing as Chip feels steady and direct: he’s the main character, enhancing buildings and friendly troops. The traversal options and unlockable weapons/gadgets turn the two playable characters into very different playstyles the more the game progresses.

The real surprise here is how Chip ‘N Clawz redefines expectations. At first glance, the environments bright colours, collectibles floating on cliffsides, jungle ruins, all look designed for platforming. But instead of jumping from platform to platform, you’re dropping mining posts to harvest Brainium, the bright crystal resource that powers everything you do.

It’s a clever mix of direct control and strategic oversight. You’re not just a commander clicking from above, you’re also in the fight, deciding whether to lead your troops from the front or let them do the heavy lifting while you chase side objectives.

Gameplay loop

The story unfolds across mission-based maps, each with unique objectives. Sometimes it’s as simple as clearing Brainioid outposts, other times you’re defending a certain core buildings across multiple waves. Each mission also has challenges that reward stars like completing objectives under a time limit, keeping your casualties low, or mining out all the resources.

And speaking of side objectives: each map has a handful of collectibles and blueprints tucked away, often off the beaten path or behind optional skirmishes. These aren’t just throwaway trinkets. They unlock upgraded troops and upgrades for your loadout. Before heading into the next mission, you can customize your build, maybe swap in a stronger defensive turret, or prioritize better ranged weapons. It adds that extra incentive to explore the brightly coloured levels.

Viable for Single player, really shines in co-op

Playing solo, the game feels surprisingly balanced. The enemies come slower and resources are more abundant than in co-op to compensate for not being able to be in two places at once. You’re given enough breathing room to focus on both micromanaging troops and handling combat yourself.

The campaign does a good job of layering complexity without overwhelming. Early missions teach you the basics of mining and unit spawning, while later ones force you to juggle multiple fronts, experiment with vehicles, and adapt to map-specific quirks. It scratches that strategy itch while keeping the action personal.

Co-op is where Chip ‘N Clawz shines brightest. With two players, Chip and Clawz split responsibilities naturally. One can focus on laying down infrastructure and troop control, while the other dives into the thick of combat or hunts for blueprints. Communication becomes key, you’ll constantly find yourself shouting for resources to be sent over as you are frantically budling a last line defence, while your ‘Iron Man’ suited up cat is peacefully looking for collectible posters. The game rewards this coordination with smoother runs, and the chaos is the good kind, the kind that makes you laugh when your careful base setup gets swarmed because you both completely missed the enemy flank.

There is also a local or online versus mode. Instead of building together, you’re competing against each other in smaller arenas, racing to harvest Brainium, set up structures, and overwhelm the other side. Matches are quite lengthy, scrappy, and often hilarious. Problem is I could not actually find an online game to test out my single player practice.

My Conclusion

Chip ‘N Clawz vs. The Brainioids could have easily been dismissed as a Ratchet & Clank knockoff at first glance, but it manages to carve out its own identity by blending action-platformer aesthetics with surprisingly deep real-time strategy mechanics. It’s accessible without dumbing things down, letting players enjoy both the direct control of a cartoon hero and the broader satisfaction of building, managing, and commanding troops.

Solo players get a well-paced campaign that gradually ramps up complexity, but it’s in co-op that the game becomes something special, equal parts tactical and chaotic, often hilarious, and always rewarding when you and your partner finally sync up. The versus mode feels more like a bonus than a centrepiece, but it adds extra replay value with friends or strangers.

A Closer Loot at the So Bomb DIY Hand Spa Salon

Andrew Edney

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Sep 7, 2025

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A Closer Loot at the So Bomb DIY Hand Spa Salon

We take a closer look at the So Bomb DIY Hand Spa Salon from Canal Toys.

Relax and unwind with the ultimate fizzing hand spa experience! Create 16 scented bath bombs with this So Bomb Hand Spa & Nail Salon kit, then drop them in the hand spa for a tingly, fizzing effect. With mini manicure accessories, create your own DIY nail salon for pampering self-care fun!

Mix, mould and create 16 colourful mini spa bombs, with 4 vibrant colours and 3 soothing scents. With the included mould, creating your custom bath bombs is simple! Drop your bath bombs into the hand spa for a tingly, fizzing effect, with a bubbling waterfall feature for soothing sensations.

Complete your home salon experience with manicure magic! Pamper yourself with a nail file, 2 vibrant nail polishes shades, and nail stickers to finish every look. With easy crafting and stylish results, the So Bomb Hand Spa & Nail Salon includes everything you need for the perfect at home spa experience!

Features

Treat yourself to the ultimate DIY nail salon, and make scented bath bombs for fizzing hand spa fun!

Relax and unwind with 16 bath bombs to mix and mould, in 4 fun colours with 3 soothing scents

Drop your bath bombs into the spa for a tingly, fizzing effect with a bubbling waterfall feature

Complete your experience with manicure magic, using the nail file and 2 nail polish colours

With stylish nail stickers, you can explore salon fun at home for pampering rainy-day play

Dimensions: 34L x 10W x 31H cm

Batteries: 3x AA Batteries, required

The KB-W01 Wireless Keyboard is your invitation into the world of effortless typing where tangled cables are no longer a reason for worrying. Designed for those who value both functionality and simplicity, this classic full-size keyboard provides a truly seamless typing experience that’s perfect for work, play, and everything in between. With 104 keys, it has all the buttons you need and none of the ones you don’t. Worried about coffee spills during your morning hustle? Don’t sweat it! The spill-resistant design makes sure that your keyboard survives minor accidents; because let’s face it, caffeine and keyboards often go hand in hand. The 2.4G wireless connection provides a reliable, lag-free typing experience, so you can move freely without being attached to your desk. Compatible with both Windows and MacOS, it’s the perfect tool for anyone who can’t decide between a PC or a Mac (or needs both). Built to endure, the KB-W01 hsa an impressive 10 million clicks lifespan. You may be typing out reports, working on your novel, or firing off emails like a pro – this keyboard is built to keep up with your rhythm for years to come. Compact yet spacious, wireless yet dependable, the KB-W01 Wireless Keyboard will definitely elevate your typing game. And it’ll even forgive you for that one embarrassing typo – it’s just that kind of keyboard.

Typing on the KB-W01 feels as smooth as a freshly paved highway. With a classic full-size layout and precise keystrokes, it’s meant to keep up with your pace, whatever your task is. No missed keystrokes, no awkward key spacing, just effortless flow.

Why settle for cramped keys or awkward layouts? The KB-W01’s 104-key design provides a comfortable, familiar setup, where your hands can glide naturally over the keys. From typing lengthy documents to navigating shortcuts, every press will feel satisfying and intuitive. It’s like your hands finally found their home.

Don’t want to be tied down? The 2.4 GHz wireless connection provides a lag-free experience with a stable and speedy connection. Just plug in the USB dongle, and you’re ready to type from your desk, couch, or anywhere inspiration catches you. No tangled cables or interruptions can interfere with pure productivity from up to 10 meters away.

The KB-W01’s spill-resistant design can handle the minor mishaps without breaking a sweat (unlike most of us when it first happens). So go ahead, sip your coffee and type away; this is a keyboard that won’t flinch in the face of a few drops.

Features

Classic Full Size Wireless Keyboard
Spill-Resistant
2.4G Connection
Win/MacOS Compatible
10 Million Clicks
Button Number: 104

Specifications

The Canyon Wireless Keyboard KB-W01 is available now priced around £29.99.

You can learn more from the Canyon website.

A Closer Look at the Canyon Wireless Mouse MW-04

Andrew Edney

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Sep 7, 2025

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Here we take a closer look at the Canyon Wireless Mouse MW-04.

The MW-04 mouse from Canyon is the universal remedy for all your needs. Thanks to its Bluetooth 5.0 capabilities, it can be effortlessly connected to a wide variety of devices. What else is there to see? A 1200 DPI optical sensor is combined with a smart power saving system. Meaning that just a single AA battery serves as long as it could get.

There are 3 minimalistic buttons that can surely withstand 3 million clicks. Canyon MW-04 is lightweight and compact, so put it in your bag and take it on adventure. If you’re left-handed, worry not: this mouse is ambidextrous and suitable for both left- and right-handed people. In fact, you can buy two of them and use both of your hands! Think about it and get at least one today.

Features

Bluetooth 5.0 connection
Optical sensor, up to 1200 DPI
Smart power saving
Ambidextrous – suits both hands
Three buttons
Lifespan of 3 million clicks
Anti-slip plastic body
Powered with one AA battery

Specifications

The Canyon Wireless Mouse MW-04 is available priced around £5.99 and is available in either White or Black.

You can learn more from the Canyon website.

Dobble: Quest for the One Ring

Andrew Edney

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Sep 6, 2025

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Here we take a closer look at Dobble: Quest for the One Ring.

This is the latest magical addition to the already beloved Dobble Family, with names like Dobble Super Mario, Lilo & Stitch, Star Wars Mandolorian, Disney Princess, Pixar, Marvel and many more!

Perfect for Hobbits, Elves, Trolls, and humans alike, this special edition of Dobble takes the universally loved game of speed and observation and combines it with the fantastical world of The Lord of the Rings.

Featuring iconic symbols, objects and characters from Tolkien’s iconic universe, fans will immedietly recognise Wargs, The Tower of Mordor, The One Ring and characters like Gandalf and Aragorn. Each round is a race to find the matching image and claim victory in the blink of an eye.

Like all Dobble games, the rules are simple yet addictive: any two cards share exactly one symbol, and the first player to spot the match wins the round. But in Dobble: Quest for The One Ring, every match is a little piece of fantasy lore – perfect for casual gamers, longtime fans, and epic storytellers looking to test their speed and knowledge.

The handy tin makes it a portable game to keep secret and keep safe! Whether you’re hosting a wholesome game night in The Shire or battling on the slopes of Mount Doom, Dobble: Quest for The One Ring delivers a thrilling experience that travels well and offers hours of fun.

Fast, portable, and packed with magic, Dobble: Quest for The One Ring provides the legendary fun of Dobble with a fantasy twist. Gather The Shire and bring Middle-earth right to your table.

Dobble: Quest for the One Ring is for 2-8 players aged 6 and up and each game lasts around 15 minutes.

Dobble: Quest for the One Ring is available now priced around £16.99.

You can learn more from the Asmodee website.

Review: WX5+ Wireless RGB Controller Switch 2 Doodle

Andrew Edney

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Sep 6, 2025

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Review: WX5+ Wireless RGB Controller Switch 2 Doodle

Here is our review of the WX5+ Wireless RGB Controller Switch 2 Doodle.

Designed for gamers who demand performance and style, the WX5+ delivers next-gen control with customisable RGB lighting and advanced features built for both casual solo play and intense multiplayer action. Fully compatible with the new Switch 2 and the original Nintendo Switch.

Features

Wireless Connectivity: Enjoy lag-free, cable-free gaming with responsive wireless performance for total freedom.
Hall Effect Sticks & Triggers: Magnetic precision for ultra-smooth, drift-free control and consistent trigger responsiveness.
Motion & Vibration Support: Immerse yourself with precise motion control and responsive vibration feedback.
Rechargeable Battery: Stay in the game longer with a built-in rechargeable battery—no disposables required.
3.5mm Audio Jack in Wired Mode: Plug in your gaming headset directly for immersive audio and real-time chat.
Shortcut to GameChat: Instantly connect with your squad— just one press to access the chat menu.
Switch & Switch 2 Compatible: One controller, two generations—built to work seamlessly with both systems.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the controller, a QuickStart guide and a charging cable.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The WX5+ Doodle is a great looking controller, with its unique colourful appearance.

Out of the box the controller had some charge, but it would be worth fully charging it before using. Just plug in using the supplied charging cable.

Pairing the controller was really simple – I tested it with my Switch 2 and it only took a few moments to find and pair it.

Holding the controller is very comfortable, especially if you have smaller hands (like my trusty 8 year old assistant). The thumb sticks , triggers and buttons were really responsive, and the back buttons are programmable too.

The controller also supports motion and vibration so you won’t miss out on those features in gamings

There is also RGB lighting on the controller which is pretty cool (according to my trusty 8 year old assistant).

There is also a 3.5mm jack built into the controller so you can plug in your headphones directly if you want.

The WX5+ Wireless RGB Controller Switch 2 Doodle is available now priced around £24.99 and is a must have if you are looking for a second controller for your Switch 2 (or original Switch).

You can learn more from the Gioteck website.

A Closer Look at Doodle Copy Draw & Print Set

Andrew Edney

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Sep 6, 2025

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A Closer Look at Doodle Copy Draw & Print Set

Here new take a closer look at the Doodle Copy Draw & Print Set from Canal Toys.

Draw, copy, print and colour with this Doodle Copy Draw & Print Set! This is the first creative doodle pad where kids can easily design their own art and watch it print out. Enjoy easy, mess-free fun that’s perfect for screen-free play at home or on the go.

Use the unique drawing board with colourful carbon paper and 50 reusable stencils to bring creative ideas to life. Then press the button to print your creation and give it that finishing touch with the included crayons.

Magically print your art with the Doodle Copy Draw & Print Set!

Draw your design, then press a button to print it out

Bring your ideas to life with colourful carbon paper and 50 reusable stencils

Add your personal touch with the included crayons and stickers

Perfect for fun at home and on-the-go!

Contents: 1x Doodle Copy Pad, 4x crayons, 10x whites pages, 6x colour pages, 4x stencil sheets and 1x sticker sheet

Batteries required: 4x AAA batteries (not included)

The Doodle Copy Draw & Print Set from Canal Toys is available now priced around £22.99 and is aimed at ages 4 and up, you can buy it from Smyths Toys.

Review: A Dream about Parking Lots

Daniel Waite

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Sep 6, 2025

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A Dream about Parking Lots is a surreal and unusual experience. Furthermore, very little happens as you float from car to car. This lack of action may concern you, but the interesting dialogue and layers of metaphors balance things out.

This walking simulator was developed and published by Take It Studio!. It is a single-player first-person adventure that is deliberately slow. Furthermore, it is short, and I completed my only run through in less than 90 minutes. Consequently, this is perfect if you love to add to your achievement collection.

A Dream about Parking Lots is trippy.

The plot delivers plenty of broken and isolated subjects. However, the information is connected thanks to each therapy session. As the game unfolds, you hear the protagonist and a therapist talk. Each subject is deliberate, and the imagery complements the dreamy and bizarre script.

Gamers are encouraged to pick an array of answers for each question. Though this doesn’t impact the flow of the story, the responses were interesting. Moreover, they distract you from the repetitive and arduous search for your car.

Paint drying would be quicker.

Though I liked the surreal moments and the settings, the game flows at a snail’s pace. Moving between cars and blipping your key fob was painfully slow. This approach works with the floaty dream-like state, but it is pretty darn tedious.

The lack of goals and objectives will be another sticking point. Though the dialogue is interesting, there is little else to do. Moving from one parking lot to another isn’t the most fascinating deal, and gamers will tire of this approach.

A Dream about Parking Lots looks rough.

I’ve played some rough-looking games, but A Dream about Parking Lots is up there with the worst. The developer has leaned heavily on the surreal edge, and this undermines the textures, finish, and quality. Low render distances, repetitive imagery, and simple stage design add to the complaints. Though it doesn’t affect the action, it is painful to look at.

The music is soft, comfortable, and settling. I liked the classical vibes and the gentle atmosphere. This airy approach matches the theme and works extremely well.

Straightforward controls.

Moving, pressing your key fob, and getting into your car are all that is required. Furthermore, the slow movement makes it easy to navigate each strange parking lot. This approach makes A Dream about Parking Lots an easy game to master.

I completed this in no time. Subsequently, longevity is nonexistent. Furthermore, once you complete the limited levels, you’ll have no reason to return. This isn’t a problem, as I wouldn’t want to play it more than once.

A Dream about Parking Lots isn’t the best.

Indie games have the freedom to play with bizarre subject matter. This occasionally works, but when it doesn’t, it is a mess. Unfortunately, A Dream about Parking Lots sits in the latter camp. Unless you want an easy completion, this game should probably be avoided. However, more information can be found here! Can you get to the bottom of your dreams? Explore the car park, press the button on your key fob, and proceed to your car.