The Novato glasses are a unisex and bold pair of gaming glasses from GUNNAR. Furthermore, they are part of their legendary range, so they offer a few extra elements that will impress. First, there are exotic materials, customisable hinges, and a sense of perfect balance. Additionally, there is a premium G-Shield coating and a longer warranty, not that you should need it.
These glasses are bold and ultra-lightweight. Moreover, they are a real head turner with their sharp and uncompromising style. Subsequently, if you love to make a fashion statement while protecting your eye health, these gaming specs must be on your radar.
If you sit at a desk all day and have to stare at a monitor, I bet your eyes feel dry, tired, and uncomfortable. Fortunately, these glasses will reduce those issues with the GUNNAR patented lens technology. Your eyes retain moisture, and you’ll no longer struggle with itchy lenses. Instead, the reduction in sharp contrasting colours and exposure to blue light and UV light make this product a game-changer.
What’s in the box of the Novato glasses?
The packaging is simple but robust. Moreover, it can be recycled.
The Novato glasses are remarkably flexible and lightweight. The titanium frame is strong, and the angular aviator style is unusual, but pleasant to look at.
A hard and soft case keeps your glasses safe.
Clean the lenses with the microfibre cloth.
Technical aspects.
The Novato glasses can be purchased with the amber or amber sun-shift lenses. Alternatively, if you need a prescription, you can order -5 to +5 at checkout. I was supplied with the amber version, and I couldn’t be happier. This offers 65% blue light protection and 100% UV protection. Therefore, your eyes will feel better the first time you wear these glasses.
GUNNAR offers its G-Shield premium coating with the legendary range. This anti-reflective and smudge-resistant layer is perfect if you do live streaming. Alternatively, the lack of smudging delivers a professional appearance if you wear these to work or a Zoom/Teams call.
Build quality.
The build quality is where the Novato glasses shine. We’ve all had glasses where they are too tight on your temples or the nose pads are uncomfortable. Thankfully, the flexible hinges make sure that these are suitable for different sizes and shapes of heads. Moreover, the nose pads can be adjusted for maximum comfort.
The frame is crafted from ultra-lightweight titanium. This makes these the perfect option if you love to game for hours. I wore them while playing games and working from my laptop, and I forgot I was wearing them. With large lenses, your eyes will be protected from harmful blue and UV light. This makes them ideal if you struggle with fatigue or if your eyes feel heavy and uncomfortable during work.
Not every pair of GUNNAR glasses comes with a hard case, but these do. The case is strong, simple, and professional. If this doesn’t take your fancy, you can slip the soft case in your pocket and keep your glasses close to hand. Either way, the cases and the microfibre cloth are quality additions.
Are the Novato glasses worth it?
The striking angular design won’t be for everyone, but I like the modern take on a classic approach. Furthermore, the lightweight design and extremely strong frame are a winner if you work for hours and you’re a bit clumsy. The Novato glasses are striking, interesting, and a real head turner. Therefore, I like them, and I recommend buying them here!
The Cyberpunk 2077 DEX glasses from GUNNAR highlight the company’s forward-thinking approach. The aggressive full coverage lens and sharp edges generate a useful and futuristic design. Although it won’t appeal to everyone, I think designers, gamers, and those who wish to make a statement will adore these glasses.
If you struggle with headaches, dry eyes, or glare from your mobile phone, TV, or monitor, these glasses will help to reduce or resolve many of those issues. I’ve been using GUNNAR glasses for years, and I can comfortably work for hours without eye strain or fatigue. Furthermore, that itchy and gritty feeling of dry eyes is a thing of the past.
Built with quality in mind, every GUNNAR product is backed by a guarantee. They are so confident that the legendary range comes with an extended warranty. More information can be found on the GUNNARwebsite.
What’s in the box of the Cyberpunk 2077 DEX glasses?
The packaging is refined, durable, and easy to recycle.
The Cyberpunk 2077 DEX glasses are eye-catching. The larger frames are a head turner, and the stunning frame material is built to last.
The soft case is unusual, but it will keep your glasses protected.
There is a microfiber cloth to clean your lenses.
Technical aspects.
The Cyberpunk 2077 DEX glasses offer 2 lens types. I was sent the 65% blue light protection amber lens. Alternatively, you can opt for the darker 98% GUNNAR focus. The latter is more suitable for those who work in outdoor spaces. Whichever lens you select, you’ll enjoy 100% UV protection as well.
The blue light filter and GUNNAR patented technology help to keep your eyes moist while gaming, working, or relaxing with your tech. This is what reduces that uncomfortable, itchy and dry feeling. Additionally, the lack of glare and softer contrasting colours eliminates headaches and other fatigue-related issues.
The Cyberpunk 2077 DEX glasses are part of the legendary range. Consequently, you enjoy unique frame materials, stronger hinges, and an impressive case. However, it is the blended polyamide lens and G-Shield protection that make this stand out from the crowd. There is a reduction in glare, and your glasses are easy to maintain.
Build quality.
The oversized quadrate shield-lens frame is inspired by Cyberpunk 2077’s Dexter DeShawn. If you are not a fan of the game, you can still enjoy the larger-than-life design and its striking features. The frame has a brushed nickel construction that complements the futuristic cyberpunk design. This product is officially licensed by CD Projekt Red, and this guarantees quality.
Durability is a key consideration when buying a gaming peripheral or accessory. Thankfully, the Cyberpunk 2077 DEX glasses are built to last. The strong hinges are flexible and hard-wearing. The movement is smooth, and it will last the test of time. The chunky arms feel amazing against your face, and these glasses are comfortable to wear. I wore them for an epic gaming session, and I felt no pressure on my ears or temples. Furthermore, I tested them with various “glass-friendly” gaming headphones, and I observed no negative effects.
Are the Cyberpunk 2077 DEX glasses worth it?
The Cyberpunk 2077 DEX glasses are a standout product in a sea of gaming glasses. They look fantastic, and they make a fashion statement. Moreover, they are built to last, and I cannot rave about the health benefits enough. Fatigue was reduced, and I didn’t suffer from headaches or dry, itchy eyes. Accordingly, they are worth every penny, and I recommend buying them here!
Here we take a closer look at TRIDO The Style – a magnetic construction set.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
TRIDO has launched The Style on Kickstarter, a magnetic design object created not for play, but for focus.
Positioned as an executive desk piece rather than a traditional construction set, The Style blends geometric precision with bold, art-led aesthetics inspired by Piet Mondrian. The result is a modular system that feels close to a piece of modern sculpture.
Built from magnetic geometric forms, each element connects seamlessly, allowing users to build and rebuild structures intuitively – no instructions, no prescribed outcomes. Instead, it offers a tactile, hands-on way to reset thinking, work through creative blocks, or simply create moments of quiet concentration during the working day.
Where most desk objects are passive, The Style is deliberately interactive.
Its clean lines and primary colour palette echo the balance and structure of Mondrian’s work, encouraging users to explore symmetry, contrast and composition in real time. Whether assembled into a striking display piece or continuously reconfigured throughout the day, it functions as both a visual statement and a mental tool.
The Kickstarter launch marks TRIDO’s latest step in evolving beyond traditional construction products, positioning its system as a creative medium for adults, one that sits at the intersection of design, mindfulness and productivity.
TRIDO Style is available in different tiers, these include:
The Style 14 – Early Bird £47
The Style 28 – Early Bird £79
The Style 28 + Style 14 – Super Early Bird £110, available for the first 48 hours only.
Sintopia has bespoke punishments for the seven deadly sins, and it has me thinking about which one I’d end up with. Probably not Sloth, as ever since turning thirty, I struggle to sit in one place for too long without my spine complaining. I don’t consider myself very envious, lustful, prideful or wrathful. Nor am I particularly greedy. ‘What could it be?’ I wonder, as I reach over to dunk my seventh custard cream into my cup of tea.
Anyway, my eternal damnation aside, Sintopia gives us a look into the super secret tenth circle of Hell: bureaucracy. Death comes with a lot of paperwork, it seems. As a result, Sintopia splits itself in half. Human chaos and self-destruction on the surface, neat and tidy rubber-stamped damnation in the underworld. A game splitting itself in two is a risky move, as it becomes all about balance. Sintopia connects its two halves very well, but the balance does get a little wonky, and neither side feels like its bringing its full A game.
As Above, So Below
Let’s take each of Sintopia‘s halves in turn. The surface is something like a diet God Game, not dissimilar to something like Black And White. A bunch of people, called ‘Humus’, scurry around on the surface, living their daily lives as dictated by the type of ruler in place. Our only real interaction with them is a set of spells. If we show off enough, they join our cult and we can influence what they do at night. We can also butcher the ruler if we don’t like their focus. The goal is to keep their main temple in one piece, as it constantly gets raided by giant lizards and plagues of zombies. As they go about their lives, these Humus gather a quantity of the seven deadly sins, before dying.
Once they die, their soul is scooped up by Steve, the reaper, and sent to Hell. In Hell, their sins are purged for petty cash and then they’re sent back up, smelling all fresh and clean. Hell plays like a management sim where humus constantly move forward. You need to build roads carefully to prevent queues building up. If humus accumulate too much of a sin they become deviants, which needs a special building to cure depending on sin type. So by the late game, you have a system of roads and logic gates all splitting up your humus sending them where they need to go. It’s smart and strangely mesmerising.
Sintopia‘s biggest strength is the interconnected nature of these two worlds. You need cash to pay your employees and deal with the growing population, so your humus need sins and they need to die. Similarly, the humus are the main line of defence for the temple so you can’t kill too many. But they also can’t live for too long, as too much sin will cause them to explode into demons. So a lot of the playtime is spent filling your graveyard with souls, then trying to milk them for cash so you don’t get too genocidal. It’s a very clever balancing act of a mechanic.
Abandon Hope
So the connections between Sintopia‘s worlds are great. It’s when we start focusing down on one or the other that I find some nits to pick. Again, let’s take each half in turn. For the overworld, I think we might have too little control. We can cast spells, but this requires mana which can be slow to build up. Even when fully upgraded, we can only pick away at the giant lizards. We have some control over cultists, but building up a cult also takes mana (and a lot of time) and only operate at night. Meanwhile the soldier AI isn’t flawless, and will frequently ignore the giant demons and lizards to battle a slightly perturbed frog in the next town over.
That means that when things start going wrong in the overworld, it’s very difficult to pull it back. I had to drop the campaign difficulty down to easy in the end, as most goals were combat focused. Meanwhile, we have a bit too much control down in Hell. It’s fairly easy to stamp out a standard road template once you’ve got a basic cash flow, then knock off for lunch. All you need to do then is watch out for queues, and ensure you’ve got a good flow of souls to shake down for pennies. A lot of my time with Sintopia was spent on fast forward, and I’m not so sure that’s a good thing. Ideally, the overworld needed some sort of panic button that allows you to step in, and Hell needed some random element to shake it up.
Still, something kept me coming back after the frustration. A large part of that is down to the presentation. It feels like I’ve been catapulted back to the heyday of something like Bullfrog. The Humus all look silly, and the bespoke punishment animations are great. The writing metronomes between amusing and excruciating in the campaign, but this is more of a visual comedy game. The desperate run that humus do when they’re next in line for the throne will never not be funny.
Sintopia – A Solid Cycle
It’s best not to approach Sintopia like a city builder (at least not at first). It’s better to approach it like a game of mousetrap. You set up all the pieces of your worlds, but inevitably the cage will fall and it’ll all go horribly wrong. The more skilled you get, the longer it’ll be before the cage falls but it inevitably will. I think Sintopia understands that, as its strongest modes are the Campaign and Challenge modes. These give you set goals to aim for, which give you an endpoint. The sandbox feels more like watching someone get kicked in the crotch in super slow motion.
At the end of the day, Sintopia‘s current state is one of an excellent foundation. It’s plagued with minor frustrations. Like the fact that you can barely zoom out, so finding anything is a right pain. But the core is solid. The linking of Hell and the overworld is very clever and it naturally means you can’t spend too much time focused on each one, but the gameplay is simple enough to not get overwhelming. It just needs to balance itself a bit more. Hell needs to be more hellish, and we need a way to take the gloves off in the overworld. At least then I might be a bit less terrible at it.
The Rosalina Rematch Wireless controller from Turtle Beach is a fantastic addition to their Mario range. It is designed for the Nintendo Switch 2, but it can be used with any of the Switch systems. This makes it incredibly versatile while allowing lovers of the original Switch the chance to brighten up their set-up.
This vibrant controller has multiple RGB zones. This complements the sharp imagery and pleasant pastel tones. Alongside this, it is packed with leading tech to improve your gaming experience. There is a chat button and rear mappable buttons for an elite edge. If this isn’t enough, the ergonomic design is comfortable for extended gaming sessions.
What’s in the box of the Rosalina Rematch Wireless controller?
The packaging is vibrant and durable. It shows off key information and can be recycled.
The Rosalina Rematch Wireless controller feels like the official gamepad. The buttons have a pleasant actuation distance, and the inputs are responsive.
A USB-C cable is provided to charge the controller.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
I was thoroughly impressed with the technical aspect of this gamepad. Unlike other 3rd party devices, this is officially licensed by Nintendo. Accordingly, you know it is going to be tested within an inch of its life.
The Rosalina Rematch Wireless controller offers up to 30 feet of low-latency wireless gaming. This is fantastic, as we all know gaming and wires can be an accident waiting to happen. Furthermore, if your cable is trailing across your living room floor, your kids or pets could trip and fall. Therefore, removing this issue is always going to have a positive outcome.
There is always a concern with battery life with wireless products. Thankfully, this offers up to 40 hours of playtime without RGB and 12 hours with the vibrant RGB switched on. The latter was suitable for my needs as I don’t game for more than 4 to 5 hours. However, if you need more juice, you can plug this in and continue gaming.
Motion controls are a must for many people. Thankfully, this controller has them to create a truly immersive experience. You’ll be glad to know that this is a plug-and-play setting, so no technical know-how is necessary.
Build quality.
I loved the technical aspects of this gamepad, but it is the excellent design that blew me away. The Rosalina Rematch Wireless controller looks fantastic, and the RGB design was amazing. With 4 RGB lighting modes, this controller feels unique to your personality.
The shell has a pleasant turquoise livery and an image of Rosalina toward the left analogue stick. Although it is loud, it is great to look at. Additionally, it matches the other controllers in this range.
Durability is key whenever you buy a gamepad. Fortunately, this is built to last. The hardened plastic will resist rough and tumble. Additionally, the colours and character imagery are designed to withstand stains and scratches. There is an etched design on each handle to increase friction and reduce the risk of accidents.
The controller has a balanced weight, and the design is like the official gamepad. This will appeal to lovers of the official product, as there is no learning curve or adjustment required when swapping to this peripheral. Finally, the TMR thumbsticks are unbelievably accurate while reducing the dreaded stick drift.
Is the Rosalina Rematch Wireless controller worth it?
Turtle Beach offers an impressive range of gaming peripherals. Thankfully, the Rosalina Rematch Wireless controller doesn’t buck this trend. Not only does it look amazing, but the inputs are responsive, and the wireless connection offers low-latency performance. Additionally, the battery life is good, and the RGB is unbelievably vibrant. Accordingly, I love it, and I recommend buying it here!
(More information on Turtle Beach can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
Here we take a closer look at the Build Your Own Marble Maze.
The Marble Maze isn’t just a puzzle—it’s the ultimate challenge cube. Build the Maze from 100+ interlocking pieces, then guide your marble through a brain-bending 3D labyrinth.
Perfect for logic puzzle lovers and problem-solving enthusiasts, it’s made for minds that love to think, tinker, and triumph. And it’s seriously addictive!
Build Your Own’s Marble Maze is made up of intricately designed slot-together cardboard parts. Whether you’re flying solo or teaming up with a mate, the step-by-step instructions are spread across 3 booklets so that sections can be built independently or collaboratively.
First, construct the 8 separate maze cubes, then interlock them to create your 3D puzzle masterpiece. Assembling the Marble Maze is a creative journey like no other, but the real challenge begins after you’ve built it.
Drop in your sleek ceramic marble and you’re off! The 8 unique challenge zones will put your skills to the test as you carefully manoeuvre the marble through twists, turns, and tricky traps. If your marble falls out, then it’s back to the start and try again.
Once mastered, the Marble Maze makes a stunning display piece resting in its own stand – a brilliant conversation starter that’ll add a touch of playful genius to any shelf or coffee table.
Ready to conquer the cube?
Age 14+ (adult supervision recommended)
Screen-free entertainment
Mess-free, slot together cardboard construction
4 hours build time
108 press-out parts
Contains 3 ceramic marbles
Cube dimensions: 23 cm x 23 cm x 23 cm. (36cm tall when sat in display stand)
Made from high-quality sustainable cardboard; both kit and packaging are fully recyclable
Easy to follow instructions included – 3 booklets
Designed in the UK
The Build Your Own Marble Maze is available now priced around £24.99.
Here we take a closer look at the Build Your Own Pinball Machine.
A planet-friendly take on the traditional arcade game, this super cool tabletop Pinball Machine provides hours of entertainment. Play alone or challenge your friends and family, who will win?
Load your swirly glass marbles into the spring-loaded launcher and let the game begin! Will your marbles whizz along the top ramp or spin around the vortex cone? Use the elastic-band powered flippers to keep your marbles in play for as long as possible and get the highest score! There are five targets to aim for in this fast-paced action-packed game.
Easy to assemble using slot together techniques – there’s no glue, no mess, no fuss. Everything you need is provided in the kit – simply follow the instructions: press out the pre-cut parts, build and you’re ready to go!
A colourful bold and striking design, this innovative Pinball Machine looks smart on display too.
Our Pinball Machine is suitable for children 8 years+ but is best enjoyed as a family experience. You’ll have great fun building your Pinball Machine as a shared activity, then enjoy challenging each other to see who can score the most points.
Made using sustainable cardboard, Build Your Own’s Pinball Machine is not only fun and engaging to play with, but also eco-friendly. Warning – this Pinball Machine is addictive!
Mess-free, slot together cardboard construction
60-minute build
Skill level rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
61 press-out parts (plus 5 x swirly glass marble and 2 x elastic bands)
Challenge friends and family – who is the best Pinball wizard?
Helps develop dexterity and reflex skills
High-quality sustainable cardboard
Full instructions included
Designed in the UK
Fun, educational and supports STEM
Age 8+ (adult supervision recommended)
The Build Your Own Pinball Machine is available now priced around £22.99.
Here we take a closer look at the Build Your Own Plane Launcher.
Get inspired with our Build Your Own Cardboard Plane Launcher. The 47-piece kit contains everything you need to slot together and build this incredible launcher. Follow the detailed instructions, press out the pre-cut parts, attach the elastic bands and you’re ready to fly your planes!
Experiment with the 10 different fold ‘n’ fly paper planes. Follow the simple instructions to create your bespoke planes, then see how their performance can be affected by combining the integrated power scale and changes to the plane’s flight dynamics. Which one will fly the furthest? How can adjusting the wings change how it flies or loops? Who can land the closest to one of the 4 scoring targets?
Made using sustainable cardboards and no plastics, we have tried our best to create a product that is not only fun and engaging to use, but also environmentally responsible.
Slot together mess free construction – No glue needed
Perfect family time activity
47 press-out parts
10 different fold‘n’fly paper planes
4 scoring targets
2 elastic bands (2 spares included)
Fun to construct
Challenge friends and family – Who’s the best pilot?!
Integrated power scale
Pull-back and launch system
Strong and sturdy cardboard construction
Unique launcher design to hold paper planes
High quality sustainable cardboard
Full instructions
Includes paper plane flying tips
Designed in the UK
Supports STEAM
Age 8+
The Build Your Own Plane Launcher is available now priced around £22.99.
Here is our review of the Edifier WH950NB Headphones.
Immerse yourself in studio-quality sound with the Edifier WH950NB Headphones, designed for audiophiles who demand precision and comfort. Enjoy Hi-Res Audio and LDAC-certified playback with a frequency response up to 40kHz, powered by a 40mm titanium-coated dynamic driver for crystal-clear, balanced sound.
Stay focused with dual Active Noise Cancellation modes and Ambient Sound control that adapt to your environment. Experience crystal-clear calls with four built-in noise-cancelling microphones and wind-noise suppression for flawless communication anywhere.
With 55 hours of battery life (34 hours with ANC on) and fast-charging that gives you 7 hours of playback in just 10 minutes, the WH950NB keeps up with your day. Enjoy premium comfort with soft ear cushions, foldable design, multipoint connectivity, Edifier Connect App control, and Google Fast Pair for effortless setup.
Features
Hybrid noise cancellation with 4-mic blocks ambient and wind noise.
LDAC support and Hi-Res Audio certified for near-lossless quality.
Clear calls with 4-mic voice pickup and noise reduction.
Up to 80 hours playtime, 13 hours from 15-minute fast charge.
Supports Google Fast Pair for Android users.
Choose preset or custom EQ in EDIFIER ConneX app.
What’s in the box?
The box contains the Headphones, Carrying Case, 3.5mm Audio Cable, Type-c USB Charging Cable and an Airplane Headphones Adapter.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The WH950NB headphones are fairly lightweight and feel very comfortable to wear even for extended periods of time.
When fully charged (a full charge takes about 90 minutes), the headphones can give you up to 80 hours of usage (without ANC) and around 45 hours with ANC. In a pinch you can charge for about 15 minutes and get around 13 hours of listening time. Don’t worry, if the battery runs out you can use the supplied audio cable to plug in and carry on.
Pairing the WH950NB with whatever device you want to use is really simple and quick and they also support Google Fast Pair.
Using Bluetooth 5.4 you can easily switch between listening to music on one device and answering a telephone call on another device.
The headphones support both Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio wireless with LDAC certification and the sound quality is fantastic, with music coming through very clearly no matter what type of music you are listening to. The ANC works really well and enables you to focus on what you want to listen to rather than all the noises around you.
There are three distinct modes you can choose from – Music, Game and Spatial Sound – they all work really well and they are easy to select.
You can also use the Edifier ConneX App to customise control settings, explore rich and practical functions and discover more music possibilities – definitely take a look at it as it can really personalise the experience for you.
The Edifier WH950NB Headphones are available now priced around £149.95 and are available in either Ivory or Black.
In a sea of Lovecraftian horror games, up steps newcomer Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss. Can this mystery horror game entice the dedicated fans of the genre? Or should this title be buried deep under the sea?
A Cosmic Mystery
Lovecraftian games have always intrigued me, but none have quite had that real hook to keep me gripped. That was until Cthulu: The Cosmic Abyss arrived. Developed by French developers Big Bad Wolf, this horror mystery is a real treat – that is if you can withstand a few of its glaring issues. Set in 2053, you play as Noah, an occult investigator. He works for company Ancile, a business which specialises in investigating everything weird and unnatural. Noah’s task is to find the missing CEO of a mining station, along with all the crew, who have mysteriously disappeared. Eventually, all this leads Noah to discover, and subsequently enter, (for the first time in video games) the sunken city of R’lyeh.
At its heart, this is a detective mystery, imploring the player to explore and discover as much as possible. It is a tale of deception, mystery, loss and personal struggle. Accompanying Noah is his AI companion, Key. She is augmented into Noah’s brain, to help him track and uncover the mysteries of the missing crew and its wealthy backer. For me, the real highlight was the interaction between Noah and Key and the conversations they have along the way.
I think it’s best to avoid spoilers but if you sink your teeth into the game, you’re rewarded with a horror mystery which is intrinsically tied to Lovecraft and his twisted creations. It’s thought provoking and eerie; it really had me questioning whether the action was all in Noah’s mind. Coupled with the multiple endings on offer, and the different paths you can take on each chapter, you have a tightly woven narrative. It continues to become more otherworldly the further you dive. The blending of sci-fi and Lovecraftian horror works superbly, as Noah descends further and further into the madness.
Lovecraftian Detective Extravaganza
It is important to get your expectations right when it comes to this game. At its core, Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss is a first person puzzle game; it will test your intellect and patience equally. Throughout the game, your goal as Noah is to progress deeper and deeper. There is no combat but the complexity of the puzzles definitely makes up for it. Noah’s investigation skills are some of the most refined and polished I have come across in a video game. You can scan with your sonar ability, pick up virtually everything in the game and much more. If the puzzles become too complex for you, you can gain hints from Key for help. The game does not hold your hand; I felt I had really accomplished a feat when I had beaten some of the tougher puzzles towards the end of the game.
Most of the chapters in the game allow two distinct paths to be taken; one of these will increase your corruption level. Taking the corrupt path is often the easier choice, but at a cost. Your corruption level can directly affect the ending, along with other consequences. Throughout the game you can acquire perks and upgrades to your detective skills but the corruption level, if high enough, can destroy some of these. I love this mechanic as it really made me weigh up my options; I had to think carefully, no matter how much I really wanted to take the easier path. Along with Nobody Wants To Die, I think this is the best and most ambitious detective game ever created.
A Sinking Feeling
Whilst I love most of the gameplay in this game, it is not without some flaws. The interaction system works for the most part, but during certain chapters it can become really annoying and frustrating. Some puzzles require you to manipulate objects. Unfortunately, this is where the frustration rises; it becomes so finnicky you will be aimlessly spinning an object around, trying to find the sweet spot. The energy resource system is also too simple. However, these are minor issues.
My major issue with the gameplay is the autosave system. This system is terrible. I would often complete a puzzle and take a break from the game, only to load my save back up and find myself having to complete the puzzle again! This made some areas feel really tedious and monotonous. A stronger system is needed as I fear this might put some players off. On a final positive note about gameplay, it should be stated that the accessibility options are superb; they can really allow a player to tailor the experience to how they see fit.
Beauty In The Madness
When it comes to visuals and presentation in Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss, they are beautiful – but at a cost. Everywhere you visit and explore in this story is stunning and dripping in Lovecraftian lore and flair. Environments look haunting and spectacular under the water. Lighting is top notch, as it needs to be, in a game with many dark corridors and areas. Character models and animations are strong; they help to keep the themes and the narrative at the forefront of the player’s mind. The blend of sci-fi and Lovecraft horror has been brought to life, with gorgeous results; this is an atmospheric tour de force.
Sadly, the cost of these visuals is to the detriment of the performance. Unfortunately, during my time, I encountered numerous bugs and crashes which hindered my experience. Combine a crash alongside the poor autosave system and you have a recipe for a lot of frustration. The game launches with a performance and a quality mode but it’s the former that takes a nosedive. When pinging sonar on performance, the frame rate takes a spectacular dive and this really affects the fluidity of the gameplay. Thus, there are many technical issues on launch but my hope is these can be swiftly ironed out!
The Sound Of The Underground
Thankfully, I have no issues when it comes to sound design and score. The sound design is stellar as Noah descends further and further into the unknown. This is superbly bolstered by a stellar voice acting performance from the cast. Anchored by Jua Amir as Noah, I really felt the fear and tension from his voice every time he conversed with Key. Sound design is also perfectly crafted to amp up the tension for the player; at times I felt genuinely unnerved as to what awaited me around the corner.
Similarly, the musical score is hauntingly beautiful. Composer Nicolas Garcia stated that he wanted the music not to simply play in the background but to act as a theme which engulfs the game world and its lore. He has achieved this magnificently with a haunting orchestral soundtrack that could not be more perfect for the themes and narrative in The Cosmic Abyss. It propels the game’s narrative and intrigue to further heights and it should be talked about for years to come. It is eerie and unnerving, yet tranquil and powerful.
Verdict
To sum up, Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss has deepened my love and appreciation for Lovecraft and the genre as a whole. A brilliant mysterious story, gorgeous visuals and soundtrack, along with some of the best detective gameplay in games to date, help make this a must play for fans of the genre. Unfortunately, the game stumbles in places, with poor optimisation and performance issues, along with some tedious gameplay design. Still, there is a wonderful game to enjoy if you can get past the choppy waves! Check it out here- Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss – Nacon
Narin: The Orange Room is a third-person adventure horror game. Developed by RedSensationGames and published by Urnique Studio & Rising Tide, Narin: The Orange Room was published on April 7th, 2026. Players play as Narin, a grade school girl. Narin’s sister has mysteriously disappeared in a strange, scary world called the Twilight Dimension at her school. Players will need to solve puzzles—lots of puzzles—as well as hiding and running from the horrors that exist in this dimension. Along the way, players will learn more about the Twilight Dimension and the ones that lurk within, both monsters and other children.
I said this in every horror game I’ve reviewed, but I have a love/hate relationship with indie horrors. I love the stories and creativity that comes from indie horror. However, this love comes from a backseat as I watch others play because I hate being in the driving seat myself. I scare way too easily. After playing, I am unfortunately left with mixed feelings over the game’s horror and story elements. Though I can find plenty of positives throughout the game (and will be sure to mention them), I can’t help but feel somewhat underwhelmed. In fact, I was able to play through much of the game without really feeling scared. For me, that’s saying something.
I’ve decided to break this review down into three parts. I will first start with the positives and the things I thought were done well. Then for the next two sections, I will discuss the horror and the story. These two sections will contain some spoilers, but nothing that I would deem a major spoiler. As usual, any image I include will be spoiler-free. However, I understand if you’d like to go in completely blind without spoilers. The TLDR of it is that, honestly, I’m not sure if I can recommend this one. I think its nice as an “entry level” horror adventure though I’m not sure if this is what the developers intended. More experienced indie horror fans might not enjoy this one as much. So, with that in mind and with a black cat at your side, let’s discuss Narin: The Orange Room!
Anime Girl in a Horror World
Starting with the positives, the first thing that jumps out to me are the visuals. I love the choice to have the game in third-person rather than first. I know this has been done in plenty of horror games before but personally this is what I prefer. Something about it helps me feel not as alone in my fear. Narin: The Orange Room has an anime-style approach for its characters, complete with large eyes, fun accessories, and nicely drawn character heads during dialogues.
Another thing I love is that during scary moments, Narin’s character model shows fear. She will hunch over and rub her hands nervously, her eyes narrowing. It may seem like an obvious choice to have her appearance change, but its one that I certainly appreciate. It would have been a lot worse if she was just sort of unemotionally, idling through the entire game.
The Twisted Dimension takes place entirely in a school. One major positive that the developers did was give the school depth. Classrooms feel huge and dark hallways stretch on. Remember, Narin is just a child. The developers did a great job at making the school feel bigger than it realistically would be, and making Narin feel age-appropriately small. I do think at times its taken a bit too much to the extreme. Sometimes a small obstacle calls for Narin to figure out a new path or solution, though she could reasonably just climb on top of the furniture. She is a child sure, but I don’t believe a pile of furniture would completely block her path.
Back to the positives, though I mentioned earlier that I was underwhelmed by the horror and story elements, I do think there are good things in both. The school’s depth and generally dark setting as an orange twilight shines through every window creates an ominous tone. There were times where I nervously trudged along a dark hallway, not too sure what may lurk ahead. I really like the design of one of the monsters in this game, but I will discuss this more in the next section. It may sound a bit crass, but I also do like that the game has a story. In fact, there’s more than just one story being told. The small tidbits of lore scattered throughout help tell the two ‘main’ stories, as well as more about the Twilight Dimension. Again, this is something I will discuss a bit more later on.
Just as a brief synopsis of the Twilight Dimension, its a phenomena that has recently started occurring at Narin’s school. Anyone who stays at the school past 4:59 PM is magically teleported into the Twilight Dimension and stuck there unless a way out is revealed to them. Children have gone missing and any after school activities have been postponed. Narin finds herself in this dimension one day after falling asleep in class. While she’s looking for a way out, she comes across objects that remind her of her missing sister. Narin comes to the conclusion that this must be where sister is and decides to continue coming back to search for her. It’s a super interesting concept that I really enjoyed and wanted more of.
I also must mention the many puzzles in this game. Many of them were enjoyable to figure out and solve. I never felt completely stumped for a solution. Puzzles like hitting light switches to clear up bloody eye-ball flowers blocking the path or correctly returning books in the library were some of my favorites. There is no combat in this game. Narin is after all, a child. This helped make the chase moments way more intense. Getting caught or stepping on a flower is an instant death. I don’t mind combat in indie horror, but I do prefer when they don’t have it. A helpless character makes things feel a bit more spooky and intense than one who’s ready to fight back.
Last but certainly not least are the characters. Alongside Narin, there are three other main characters. Aki is a mischievous girl in the Twilight Dimension who may or may not be helping Narin find her sister. Maemi is another girl in the Twilight Dimension who gives us advice but is more interested in finding a certain book. And there’s also a little black cat who speaks to Narin and asks her for helping finding a way to escape the Twilight Dimension, guiding Narin along much of the way. All three were well written and I enjoyed their inclusion in Narin’s adventure.
Three Main Monsters among a Horde of Puzzles
Let’s discuss the horror. As mentioned earlier, I do feel like the game does a great job at having a tense and ominous tone. The setting plays a big role in this, as well as the mystery of what happened to Narin’s sister and the many clues provided along the way. The game takes place over the course of three days. Each day has its own main monster, and its day one’s monster(s) that I really like. The black cat calls them ghosts. They are bloody, fleshy husks with one eye that twitch as they lurch around the room. The first stealth moment of the game is with one and it really had me on edge.
The next two monsters however are just not as scary. The Janitor, a large, hulking being with multiple eyes and Scissors Girl,…a girl with scissors, simply don’t match up with the horror of the ghosts. In fact, I’d even say that it gets progressively less scary, as I really didn’t find Scissors Girl scary—like at all. Her character model is way too bright amongst a rather dark setting, with everything shown beforehand matching this tone. The intensity of the stealth and chase moments still exists on some level but when you look at what it is you’re actually running or hiding from, it loses some of the actual horror.
I also felt that these stealth and chase moments are way too far and few between. Though I did like some of the puzzles, I do think they take up a lot of space. The developers love the ‘rule-of-threes’ design as many moments require you to do three separate puzzles in order to proceed. This would normally be fine, but I’d argue that most of these puzzles don’t really feature any horror. They could just as easily exist in a game outside the horror, like if the Twilight Dimension didn’t exist and we were just playing a narrative-based game with puzzles.
There are a handful of jumpscares that did catch me by surprise. I am glad that they didn’t go with a cheap jumpscare route to provide the horror. However, as it currently stands, though it initially starts as being scary, it quickly loses this the more you progress. I would say about a third of the way through is when the horror felt mostly lost for me as a player, and it never really picked back up either.
Story, Story, and More Story
Another thing that could have hindered some of the horror is the game’s narrative itself. There is a lot of story and a heavy focus on telling the multiple stories. And hey, I love a good narrative and again, love that the game wants to pay attention to the details. However, I do think that there’s a limit. Players can reasonably expect to spend around six hours playing, but a lot of this time will simply just be going through the dialogues and the story. In fact, you will probably spend the last 45 minutes to an hour of the game in one massively long story dump. I also felt that the ending left me with unanswered questions, especially about the Twilight Dimension. Things wrapped up way too nicely, but I won’t spoil it completely.
I felt that they could have done a lot more with the Twilight Dimension. Yes, there are bits and pieces that help put together the lore of the Twilight Dimension. By the end though, it feels mostly forgotten as the narrative shifts focus towards the other two stories. It makes the Twilight Dimension feel somewhat underdeveloped as an idea. The monsters lurking within are just there to serve as stand-ins rather than something having to do with the plot of the other two main stories. To the best of my knowledge, there are no deeper meanings or metaphors. If you believe otherwise, please let me know.
Simply put, the story heavily outweighs the horror. It feels like a narrative puzzle adventure game with a side of horror. That’s not to say that this isn’t okay, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with this, but the proportions feel off. I think with a more concise narrative, an uptick in the horror, and perhaps a few puzzles less, the game could have been much better.
A Bit Lacking, but Maybe Good for NewPlayers
I’m a little on the fence about recommending this one. I think it depends on if you are an experienced indie horror fan or a new player of the genre. And please note that by ‘new players’, I don’t mean young—there are some adult topics discussed here that might not be the best for a young audience. However, I do think that non-experienced indie horror gamers, perhaps ones that do prefer a narrative puzzle adventure, could enjoy this one. The horror is there to some capacity, especially in the beginning, but it isn’t anything that made me take a break from playing. I do like the focus on narrative, despite its lengthiness, and I think some of the puzzles are enjoyable to solve.
However, if you’re familiar with indie horrors and have played many before, then this one is probably not for you. The game’s proportions of narrative and horror are heavily skewed towards the narrative with non-scary puzzle solving seated alongside it. I can see the many positives with Narin: The Orange Room and think that overall, it does deserve the positive reviews it currently has on Steam. It certainly is not the worst game I’ve played. On the flip side, it certainly is not the best either. Unfortunately, I think that’s just how things will stay too.
Be sure to follow the black cat and thank you for reading!
SJCAM today unveiled the SJ30, a powerful 8K dual-lens action camera built to bring high-quality recording into everyday life. Designed around the idea of a true “daily recording camera,” the SJ30 prioritises what users actually need—exceptional image quality, clear audio, reliable battery life, strong low-light performance, and effortless usability.
Packed with practical innovation, the SJ30 delivers stunning 8K video, seamless lossless vertical shooting for social content, and an upgraded dual-lens system for greater creative flexibility. Despite its advanced capabilities, both the camera and its companion app are engineered for simplicity—so users can start shooting straight out of the box without hassle.
While many action cameras focus on extreme sports and come with steep learning curves, the SJ30 is purpose-built for real life—from commutes and travel to family moments and everyday content creation. Its true plug-and-play design removes friction, letting users capture moments instantly. By combining strong core performance with an accessible price point, the SJ30 opens the door for more people to create and share high-quality content every day.
From Daylight to Night Time: Dual-Lens Imaging
At the heart of the SJ30 is an advanced dual-lens imaging system which combines a 1/2.0-inch daylight sensor with a 1/1.8-inch starlight sensor. This intelligent design enables the camera to capture consistently clear, detailed footage across a wide range of lighting conditions—delivering markedly improved performance in low light, where traditional action cameras often fall short.
Supporting up to 8K at 20fps and 4K at 60fps, the SJCAM SJ30 produces high-resolution video with exceptional clarity and detail, whether capturing vibrant city scenes at night or expansive landscapes in daylight.
Built for Solo Creators and Travellers
The SJ30 is designed with solo creators in mind, featuring a 2.51-inch flip touchscreen that rotates up to 180 degrees for easy self-framing. Paired with intuitive voice control, it enables true hands-free operation—ideal for travellers, riders, and independent content creators capturing moments on their own.
With support for native vertical video up to 5K, the SJ30 makes it easy to create content optimized for social platforms—without the need for cropping or compromising image quality.
Stable Footage for Any Journey
Engineered for smooth performance in motion, the SJ30 features SteadyMotion 2.0 stabilization powered by a six-axis gyroscope. The system effectively minimizes shake and motion blur, delivering steady, professional-looking footage across a range of activities.
A built-in 45-degree horizon lock further enhances stability by keeping footage level—even when riding, cycling, or navigating uneven terrain.
Designed for Long Recording
Built to keep up with extended journeys, the SJ30 is equipped with a 2000mAh internal battery and supports an optional power handle for added endurance. Together, they deliver up to seven hours of continuous recording at 4K, making the camera ideal for long rides, travel days, and uninterrupted capture.
Clear Audio and Simple Operation
For improved sound quality, the SJ30 includes a detachable wind guard and supports the SJCAM M4 wireless microphone resulting in clearer voice recordings in outdoor or high-motion environments.
A magnetic quick-release mounting system further enhances usability, enabling fast attachment and removal irrespective of the activity.
A Camera Built for Real Life
The SJ30 is built around a simple idea: most users don’t need complex camera systems—they need a reliable, high-quality camera that fits seamlessly into everyday life. Whether capturing a weekend ride, a family trip, or a personal vlog, the SJ30 is designed to make recording those moments effortless.
Built to handle a wide range of environments, the SJ30 features an IPX8 waterproof rating and is waterproof up to 16 ft (5 m) right out of the box, making it ready for rain, splashes, and shallow water shooting. With the optional waterproof case, it supports dives of up to 98 ft (30 m) for underwater exploration. Designed for durability in extreme conditions, the camera operates reliably across a temperature range of -20°C to 60°C.
With its combination of high-resolution imaging, enhanced low-light performance, extended battery life, and user-friendly design, the SJ30 is designed to redefine the action camera category—not just as a tool for extreme sports, but as a versatile camera for capturing everyday life.
Lil Gator: In the Dark DLC is a wonderful addition to a much-loved base game. This no-pressure colourful adventure addition enhances your game time by around 5 hours. This may not seem like much, but I think it is perfect if you are short on time or cannot pay attention to bigger, more complex games. Furthermore, it adds some nice elements to the tried-and-tested core mechanics.
This quirky experience was developed by MegaWobble and published by Playtonic Friends. It is a single-player third-person title that can be purchased separately or as part of the complete edition. Either way, you’ll need the base game to experience this cave diving game.
Lil Gator: In the Dark DLC has a wholesome plot.
If you are not into wholesome games, you’ll probably miss the subtle plot of Lil Gator: In the Dark DLC. This doesn’t matter, as you can take it on face value. However, if you’re mentally deeper than a puddle, you’ll appreciate its “learning to understand others” mindset. This evolves from the base game’s ideals of “wanting to be understood”. The natural transition doesn’t feel forced, and I like the flow of the story.
If you remember the base plot, you’ll know that Lil Gator has built a cardboard town as part of the imaginary game. Well, this DLC threatens to destroy their playground as an annoying kid who calls himself the “Darklord” goes into berserker mode. The team chase him into the caves beneath the island, and this is where the adventure begins.
What’s new?
If you haven’t played the base game, I suggest investing in the complete edition and tackling that first. This will set you up nicely for the impressive underworld exploration. For this review, I’m going to assume you have played this, and I’ll discuss what is new.
Weapon charms have been introduced to grant new abilities. These traversal tools add depth and scope to the protagonist’s ability to navigate the bioluminescent caves. With double jumping, dashing, spin attacks, and a hover ability, the young hero becomes a powerhouse. These familiar mechanics won’t surprise veteran gamers, and they work exceptionally well with the new environment.
Lil Gator: In the Dark DLC offers a larger arena to test your parkour skills. The vertical level design may be less forgiving than the original, but I enjoyed the platforming elements and the extra exploration opportunities. This can be found within the “Mega Quests” as well.
Finally, the base experience felt a little aimless. Although this was a huge positive, those who like something to work towards will appreciate the slightly focused antagonist approach. This gives more meaning to the gameplay without removing the charm and witty dialogue.
Lil Gator: In the Dark DLC is dark, perhaps, too dark.
The new setting is great, and I enjoyed the stage design and the scale of platforming elements. However, the low lighting makes navigating the world much harder than the original world. Additionally, focusing on higher platforms does add a layer of difficulty that younger players may not like. On top of this, there is no map to help you to move around. In a world of hand-holding, this was a bit of a surprise.
The audio retains a wholesome and friendly edge that is upbeat and charming. Furthermore, there are musical cues that complement each of the characters’ personality traits. This was great as it reinforces the story while bringing each of the heroes to life. If I were to be harsh, I’d say there were moments where it was repetitive. If you spend a while in a specific area, the music can play on a loop. This is minor, but definitely noticeable.
Great controls.
This is a game that is designed for all ages. Therefore, the controls had to be simple and easy to handle. Luckily, the layout works perfectly, and the inputs are responsive. Yet, if you wish to remap the buttons, you cannot. This was strange as it reduces usability considerably.
The “Mega Quests” offer a layer of replay value if you wish to revisit any moment. However, the slight adjustments to the gameplay won’t enthral hardcore gamers or those who love a fresh challenge.
Lil Gator: In the Dark DLC is a great addition.
The short playtime may seem a little underwhelming, but I think it is great value. The story is fun, and it addresses some concerns about the base game. Additionally, the vertical nature of the underworld system was fantastic. I think the developer has added enough to improve the original and keep people interested. Accordingly, it is great, and I recommend buying it here! Can you break down walls and understand your foe? Hit the caves, traverse the gaps, and get to know the “Darklord”.
UFOPHILIA has a creepy and sinister edge that keeps you on your toes. However, there is also a tough learning curve as you are thrown into a tutorial mission and expected to run. This causes it to be a little overwhelming, even though it does well to explain its core mechanics. Furthermore, if you have tackled Phasmophobia, you’ll know what to expect. Instead of phantoms, you get various types of little green men.
This action-adventure sim was developed by K148 Game Studio and published by Jandusoft. It is a first-person single-player game that plays with your mind while making you feel extremely uncomfortable. As you explore each eerie location, you must investigate clues, piece together information, and ultimately take 4 clear photos of the extraterrestrial. This isn’t always that easy, but trying to get to the bottom of each investigation is half the battle.
UFOPHILIA lets each mission tell a story.
UFOPHILIA doesn’t tell a large and dramatic story. Instead, it lets each micro mission paint a picture. Each quest takes you across 7 distinct locations. Moreover, each endeavour is procedurally generated to keep you on your toes and guessing throughout. This was great as you never knew what you were up against or where to find the clues.
This continually shifting experience generates an almost endless stream of tales and unplanned moments. Furthermore, the use of darkness and shadow adds suspense as you search for clues and work towards the conclusion. As the game progresses and things become tougher, you have to take greater risks. This in itself was thrilling as no one wishes to be abducted. Thankfully, I remained unprobed, but I can’t say the same for my virtual hero.
Piecing together the clues.
Had the tutorial offered more depth, UFOPHILIA would have been less trial and error. As it is, you’ll struggle at first and wonder why you are putting yourself through it. Yet, I urge you to push through, because once you get over the tough learning curve, the action is worth the effort. Each mission offers an array of different equipment to try to identify the alien in your midst. This was great, as when you got it right, it was genuinely rewarding.
As the evidence comes to the fore, you must be in “PHASE 4” and try to capture 4 pictures of your out-of-this-world friend. This is where the danger piques. You must get close to your target without pissing them off. This isn’t always easy, and the aggressive ones don’t like their picture being taken. Therefore, you can do all the hard work just to have it undone by a sneaky and unwelcoming ET.
UFOPHILIA is rough but dark.
If you adore dark and sinister games, then UFOPHILIA will be right up your street. As you explore each of the 7 unique locations, you’ll be edgy and a little worried. Who wouldn’t, when a little green man is hiding in the shadows? Although this doesn’t present perfect visuals and it’s a little rough, I enjoyed it regardless. The atmosphere is great, and I liked how the specialist equipment added depth to each location.
The use of directional 3D audio creates tension while helping you to pinpoint your target. This was exceptional as it worked perfectly with your specialist gear. A prime example of this is the alien communication device. This odd tool picks up on the noises of your foe. It is AI-generated if that bothers you, but in this instance, it works well. The random sounds add to the Sci-Fi theme without undermining the atmosphere.
Clunky controls.
The control system could have been much better. Unfortunately, it’s a little clunky, and the lacklustre tutorial doesn’t help matters. Furthermore, the UI feels thrown together and that compounds the issue further. Although everything is manageable, it wasn’t as pleasant to play as it could have been.
Theoretically, UFOPHILIA offers limitless replay value. After all, every mission is procedurally generated. However, after a while, things become a little repetitive. Even when you upgrade your gear, there isn’t enough depth to keep you coming back forever. Had they made this a multiplayer experience, this would have been a different story.
UFOPHILIA is good, but limited.
I like this genre, and I love the theme. However, I wasn’t impressed with the learning curve and the lack of multiplayer action. Furthermore, it is a little repetitive. However, if you play it casually and you take your time, there is enough on offer to keep you entertained. Accordingly, I recommend you buy it here! Can you prove that aliens exist? Explore each location, grab your equipment, and don’t get probed.
