Review: Deathless. The Hero Quest

Matt Cooper
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Review: Deathless. The Hero Quest

After its successful PC release, Deathless. The Hero Quest launches on console, to much anticipation. In an era of vastly populated roguelites, can this card game stake a claim? Or should this hero have been laid to rest?

A Roguelite With Some Heart

This generation of gaming has become inundated with the roguelite genre. Many developers have tried to capture the addiction, replay value and uniqueness of this genre, to varying results. With so many games now populating this genre, I had my doubts upon seeing the reveal for Deathless. Thankfully, my doubts were mistaken. Without doubt, Deathless is a fantastic roguelite that has a brilliant narrative with unexpected depth and heart, and also a unique twist.

It is set in the land of Belosvet, which lives in constant fear and terror, thanks to the rule of witch Koschey, the Deathless. You play each run as one of four characters based on Slavic folklore: Varvara the Fair, Vasilisa the Wise, Dobrynya and Alyosha. These four characters are the land’s only hope in stopping Koschey and restoring peace and balance to this once beautiful land. What struck me instantly about this tale, is how it employs the From Software approach to storytelling.

In order to fully grasp the story, it takes multiple playthroughs of this relatively short game to piece together every narrative thread. I felt so rewarded discovering more and more of the story by obtaining lore texts and completing my runs. Each character has their own story beats and threads. I found this to be fantastic in uncovering their motivations and desires. Like many roguelites, the story isn’t the main focus of the game but I would argue it is just as important as it hooked me and made me want to complete further runs to uncover the full story. This is a fantasy tale with heart, humour and depth if you want to find it. It really feels like it’s an age old fantasy tale being told around a fire.

Rouguelite deck building card game.

A Deck Building Card Playing Blast!

Nowadays, the roguelite genre is in its most lucrative era, as it sits at the forefront of many gamers’ preferences, thanks to hits like Hades and Slay The Spire. You know the drill – death is a way of progression and improvement. Try, fail, learn, succeed. It’s the rewarding gameplay loop, which, when it connects, I simply cannot get enough of. Deathless is no different. This is a roguelite deck builder; in each new run you gain new cards for your deck to use in battle. Everything you expect from a card game appears here; action points control which cards you can use in battle. Stats, buffs and debuffs appear for each character and enemy, along with varying modifiers, depending on the enemy.

Another positive feature is that each of the four playable characters has distinct abilities and playstyles. Therefore, it’s up to you to experiment with each one and find your sweet spot. There isn’t anything particularly new or unique to the gameplay of Deathless, but the gameplay succeeds in what it sets out to do. Each fight feels desperate and intense as you pick and choose the best card for each battle. Fights can reward you with gold, relics (semi-permanent perks) or the chance to meet a merchant to buy new gear. Every fight is your typical back and forth encounter. I particularly love how, after each fight, the game shows you options to choose your path in the style of beautifully rendered choices which look like they come from an old fantasy book.

Some Minor Flaws

One of the biggest draws to deck building roguelites is the ability to build your deck and mould it to your will. Deathless succeeds although, at times, it can feel slightly shallow. The brilliance of Slay The Spire and Balatro is the ability to morph cards to your will and mould the deck into a true powerhouse. Unfortunately, Deathless decided to limit the player’s ability to change the cards and their stats, much to my disappointment. However, the option of two difficulty choices is at least a nice touch. Overall, this is a very satisfying gameplay loop that any card game fan will be able to pick up and enjoy.

A Mixed Bag

Whilst for the most part I adore the visual presentation, one issue sticks in my mind. For the most part this game is breath-taking in its beautifully illustrated characters, enemies and environments. At times I truly felt like I had been transported into a mysterious fantasy world. Menus and UI are beautifully rendered and designed. The console versions have been wonderfully optimised and run extremely smoothly. However, the one issue I have is the game’s animations. These can be ugly and look extremely basic at times and really take you out of the moment in some intense fights. Still, this is a brilliant achievement in presentation by developers 1C Game Studios.

Thankfully, I only have a very small issue with the audio presentation and none whatsoever with the musical score. Audio sounds crisp and powerful during each fight, thus heightening the desperation as each run goes deeper and deeper. The only issue I have is that the lack of voice acting for the characters hurts the delivery of the story. As mentioned, the musical score is absolutely fantastic, as the developers have crafted a wonderful eerie orchestral soundtrack which perfectly encapsulates the fantasy setting. This is a brilliant effort overall for an indie studio in the presentation department.

Verdict

Deathless. The Hero Quest is a fantastic addition to the roguelite genre with an intriguing narrative, strong gameplay loop and gorgeous visuals. Whilst the level of depth in relation to the deck building may not satisfy some hardcore fans of the genre, it’s still a great experience. Sadly, some animations can affect your enjoyment of the game, but for the most part, this is an absolute blast in a great fantasy setting! I am amazed how the roguelite genre continues to grow! Check out the page yourself: Deathless. The Hero Quest

Futuristic Cyberpunk Aesthetics Are Shifting Toward Moodier Atmospheres

Christopher John
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Futuristic Cyberpunk Aesthetics Are Shifting Toward Moodier Atmospheres

As visual trends change, players looking at a guide to online casinos observe shifts in the digital entertainment space. They’re taking a peek at the latest outputs from Steam, witnessing a break from old, clutter-rich, futuristic designs. The days of blinding neon lights and aggressive holographic light overlays are fading into the background of the digital world.

Designers are now focusing on atmospheric density, dense shadows, and massive negative space to create a sense of scale. This creates a sense of isolation within the design that’s more grounded in reality. This evolution corresponds to a general cultural weariness with the hyper-stimulation that characterised the preceding decade of science fiction media.

The target audience in 2026 needs to discover places that are inhabited, material, dreamy, yet not utilitarian or strongly dystopian. The style is no longer the loud, chaotic tradition of cyberpunk. It’s rather a pensive, melancholy-inspired one. It enables the viewer to project their emotions onto the screen.

The Reality Warp Trend Embraces Imperfection

Modern design forecasts show a significant increase in what is being called “reality warp” aesthetics. This unique visual style is biased towards the surreal, glassy, and slightly wrong. It’s favoured over the high-resolution perfection that once dominated the tech space.

Search interest in liminal and uncanny visual themes has seen a significant rise leading into the current year. Designers are leaning into adding grain and distortion into their work to humanise future settings. The future isn’t shiny and perfect; it’s a little off-kilter and strange.

Freepik

Game Worlds Are Becoming Oppressive and Gritty

The influence of big genre titles still lingers and continues to shape how developers approach environmental storytelling. Art direction has shifted to half-constructed skyscrapers, brutalist concrete structures, and settings. These borrowed life from open daylight rather than artificial neon sources.

This is intended to create an impression of oppression and a sense of history in the game world. Earlier titles adopted a high-tech, low-life gloss of the pioneer cyberpunk fiction. The more recent works, however, dwell upon the dismalness of war zones and deserted architecture. 

They narrate the story of collapse and survival in a society without writing a single line of dialogue. They don’t use a single special object, but rather the air their colouring arrangements express.

Cosmic Dreamscapes Offer a Relaxing Alternative

There’s a sub-genre called “Chill Sci-Fi” that lets the imagination play with deep purple, soft nebulae, and enormous, comical voids. This aesthetic isn’t heart-stomping; instead, it’s a state of meditation. Some users seek to experience a time when they aren’t in contact with the world. Those avoiding the buzzing of the real world will surely like it. 

The aesthetic of the language is the floating geometry and the smooth gradients that imply a lack of weight. It’s a kinder face of futurism, though, where technology is the solution to bringing peace, not war. The trend is prevalent in light and simulation games, where the main experience is exploration and fun in space.

Digital Platforms Prioritise Immersive High Fidelity

The dark and moody theme also carries over into other digital entertainment destinations and user interfaces. Players are seeing entertainment platforms shift away from blinking lights and clutter. Spaces will feature upscale graphics engines that are on par with current consoles. 

Gamers are also seeing designs that completely immerse them in the space. Subtle transparency will allow users to focus on what’s important and beautiful without being bombarded by flashing lights.

Sophistication and stability will be expressed through this clean, atmospheric design. Users will seamlessly traverse these digital ecosystems, with emphasis on items that use lighting rather than louder notifications.

Ray Tracing Transforms Light into a Narrative Tool

Driving this change toward darker, moodier feels depends on current hardware advancements that enable ray tracing and global illumination effects. This allows lighting artists and developers to make the hero’s shadow rather than a necessary evil.

Darkness created by a single distant light source can produce realistic occluded shadows that hide information from the player and build suspense. Technically, this lighting style has also become a way to show off how powerful hardware is these days. The contrast between light and dark creates an immersion that a plain baked light would struggle to produce.

The Future Is Dimmed, Not Dark

Cyberpunk is growing up. It’s becoming quieter, more tactile, more unknowable, more human. There’s no longer a need to scream at the player or watcher with blinding light and saturation just because it’s futuristic. It can use shadows and edge-hanging, and weird little organic flaws to make players feel invested in the world it creates.

Stay tuned for how this softer, moodier style of sci-fi will dominate the next wave of games and film. Silence is powerful. 

Review: ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN

Daniel Waite
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Review: ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN

ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN is one of the most insane, fast-paced, and captivating games I’ve played in a while. It made me laugh, shocked me with its gore, and impressed me with its insane story, amazing artwork, and brilliant hack-and-slash mechanics. In short, it is absolutely brilliant! I’m not one for discussing GOTY, but I’m sure this will be in that category. 

This third-person action adventure title was developed and published by GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURER INC. It is a single-player game where the chocolates decide your difficulty. Think wisely when you pick your confectionery, as your difficulty setting cannot be changed. I picked the middle ground, and I wasn’t disappointed. The action was challenging, and the bosses tested me. However, very experienced gamers may want to up the ante and test their resolve with the harshest and most bitter chocolate on offer.

ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN tells a weird story.

I’m used to strange stories, but ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN takes the biscuit. Your grandad is a talking logo on your jacket, but he also appears from another dimension in the FBI spaceship. A talking cat, interdimensional time shift, and plenty of other sci-fi elements blow your mind. It is the blend of ridiculous moments that brings this to life. Furthermore, the crazy bosses, zombie Rotters, and your homegrown zombie “Bastards” add a sprinkle of insanity to the mix.

You play the role of Romeo Stargazer. He is a man saved from the brink of death by a time paradox. Armed with the Dead Gear, he becomes a key asset for the FBI Space-Time Division. This team work tirelessly to track down the baddies and close the dimensional portals. However, it is Romeo’s girlfriend, Juliet, who drives the hero forward. Can he find her? Can he save her? Or, will she want him once she sees what he has become?

Super smooth hack n slash.

At its core, ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN is a hack-and-slash adventure that blends melee combat with impressive ranged weaponry. The seamless transition between each weapon was incredible. Moreover, the dodge mechanics and drip-fed skills keep you adjusting your approach during every fight. Alongside this, the hero is armed with the skill of Bloody Summer. This devastating move decapitates and demolishes your foe in one fell swoop. Additionally, it looks bloody incredible!

Mindless combat isn’t at the centre of this fantastic game. Instead, there are tactical moments to consider. You must use your homegrown Bastards to change the course of each battle. These beasts offer an array of skills and can be used together to distract, attack, or blow up your enemies. Furthermore, you can merge them to create rare and hybrid creatures that put your foes on the back foot.

If this isn’t enough of a game-changing element, you can use a skill improvement mini-game to increase your health, strength, blood collection, ammo, and much more. However, this comes at a cost. Do you buy new items to support you immediately, or upgrade yourself permanently? The choice is yours, and yours alone.

Dungeon crawling.

Alongside the core story is the ability to grind out resources. The dungeon element is slowly unlocked, and new difficulties offer greater rewards. However, if you fail, you will lose it all and have to start the dungeon again. Consequently, biting off more than you can chew is a risk you must be willing to take.

Each story mode is composed of the real world and a strange, alternative dimension. Here, you must transport from area to area using TVs. Additionally, you’ll have to handle orbs to create new pathways, unlock doors, and collect portions of a key to access the boss for that stage. Thankfully, the game pushes you in the right direction, so much of ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN is easy to follow.

ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN is incredible to witness.

It doesn’t matter if it is the stunning story mode, the 16-bit pixel art hub world, or the rotoscoped cutscenes; ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN is incredible to witness. This 60+FPS game runs extremely well on the Xbox Series X. I witnessed no bugs, glitches, or frame rate drops. Moreover, the blend of colours, the amazing animation, and the awesome bosses were a joy to look at.

The audio is unbelievably aggressive. The soundtrack is captivating, dramatic, and full of energy. However, it is the use of quiet that makes the soundtrack excel. There are key moments where stealth is a must. Here, ambient sounds are the priority. This well-considered audio approach works exceptionally well.

Brilliant controls.

ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN could have been messy to play. There is a lot going on and plenty to get your head around. However, the developer has incorporated a pleasant learning curve and easy-to-follow controls. Moreover, the upgrade system is straightforward, and the use of mini-games is interesting, fun, and as insane as the rest of the action.

There is plenty to get your teeth into. With some Soulslike-lite elements, the gameplay can be pretty unforgiving. Additionally, you can dungeon dive as much as you wish, and the bosses will kick your ass repeatedly. Therefore, it’ll take practice, patience, and some luck to get yourself through this in one piece.

ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN is incredible.

I’ve loved every second of this utterly mad title. The characters are fantastic, the story is ridiculous, but brilliant, and the aesthetics are off the charts. Additionally, the combat is smooth, gory, and a joy to experience repeatedly. Accordingly, it is a special game, and you must buy a copy here! Can you find Juliet and save the day? Listen to your grandad, master your weapons, and let the Bastards have the final say.

Review: POPUCOM

Daniel Waite
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Review: POPUCOM

POPUCOM is an interesting idea that leans heavily on the Splatoon shooting mechanics. Moreover, it has some fun mini-games, interesting puzzling elements, and match-3 mechanics. However, it is the co-op-only approach that took me by surprise. I know this was well-advertised, but it makes it a little restrictive if you have limited access to a second player. Despite this complaint, it is a lively and enjoyable affair.

Developed by Hypergryph and published by GRYPHLINE, this co-op-only adventure was as colourful as a rainbow. Additionally, the 3D world is a joy to witness as everything is larger than life, well-considered, and fun to look at. Alongside this, the blend of new elements, fighting, and puzzles was extremely well-balanced. Therefore, nothing feels too overwhelming, and I think the developer got things just right.

POPUCOM has a limited story.

The world may be colourful and a joy to witness, but the story is paper-thin. This isn’t a complaint, as I don’t think it matters. Furthermore, it does a nice job of setting up the match-3 mechanics. However, a little more depth would appeal to older gamers. 

A giant inky beast has taken over the moon and is spitting a stream of Pomus creatures onto the planet. This is unacceptable, and the heroes must work together to overcome these problems, clear up the mess, and save the little robots known as Goodiebots. If the robots can be saved, you’ll build a giant rocket that can be used to destroy the beast and save the day. As you can see, the story isn’t the most enthralling. However, it does a nice job of tying together every core element. 

Easy to follow mechanics and an array of puzzles.

POPUCOM revolves around its colour matching, match-3 mechanics, shooting, and interesting puzzle elements. This creates a vibrant and ever-moving title that stimulates your mind and reflexes. From the off, players are asked to test their accuracy as jelly blobs move towards them. Additionally, small gaming areas create a sense of jeopardy as you use your rainbow gun to match the correct colours and destroy your foes.

It is this colour match mindset that demands teamwork. Whether you are creating new pathways, combining colours to destroy enemies, or using your rolling, teleporting, and lifting skills, you will have to think outside the box to complete many objectives. Although things can become hectic, the learning curve is nicely balanced and retains its child-friendly design. My oldest thrived in this environment once she mastered the core demands.

POPUCOM looks amazing!

I don’t know how Nintendo system-based games do it, but they tend to look amazing. The eye-watering colours, fun and simple characters, and well-considered level design make this a joy to look at. Furthermore, POPUCOM runs extremely well on the handheld screen or a large TV. I had no issues with frame rates, nor were there any bugs. Therefore, it is an extremely smooth gaming experience.

The audio is as lively, enjoyable, and light-hearted as you’d expect. The soundtrack generates energy that matches the fast-paced action and the vibrant visuals. Moreover, the sound effects are crazy, shrill, and wonderfully hectic. Consequently, it delivers an explosive soundscape to add drama to every puzzle.

Simple controls.

Mastering the controls was a walk in the park. However, if you do not have 2 sets of Joy-Cons, you’d better have a spare controller. Sadly, you cannot split the Joy-Cons, and this could cause some tension. Thankfully, I have plenty of Turtle Beach Switch accessories, so this wasn’t a headache I experienced.

There are plenty of arcade games, costumes, and other elements to play with alongside the core puzzle mechanics. Therefore, if you want to take a break, you are kept busy. My daughter loved the mini-games and will return just to test her skills.

POPUCOM is a great co-op experience.

Whether you are playing POPUCOM on one screen or cooperatively online, it is a great co-op experience. The difficulty is well-balanced, and I like the gentle learning curve. Moreover, the level design is interesting, the colour palette is blinding, and the puzzles are designed to incorporate the family theme. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here! Can you send that beast back to space? Match the colours, solve the puzzles, and save the Goodiebots!

News: Xanathar Cable Guy Crowdfunding Campaign

Daniel Waite
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News: Xanathar Cable Guy Crowdfunding Campaign

The Xanathar Cable Guy Crowdfunding Campaign is a new prospect from EXG Pro. Therefore, this exciting idea will appeal to gamers, collectors, and people who love eye-catching items on their desk and workstation. Moreover, it is an officially licensed product where the quality will be amazing.

The crowdfunding started today. It captures the likeness of one of Dungeons & Dragons’ most villainous characters. Accordingly, it’ll make a statement while turning many heads. This approach from EXG Pro shifts from their normal retail model. Therefore, fans of the brand may be a little unsure. Yet, I like the crowdfunding model, and I believe this collectable will be extremely well-received.

The eye for detail and the exceptionally vibrant imagery will make fans of D&D drool. Subsequently, I believe this will be a hot item. Furthermore, if you don’t join the campagain, I believe regret will set in. Therefore, if you love a conversation starter or you adore evil monsters, this is a campaign you don’t want to miss!

Each tier ups the ante with its incredible collectables. Phone stands, unique items, and authentic D&D gear await anyone who invests. Consequently, it doesn’t matter if you select the lowest or highest tier, you’ll get an amazing investment.

More information on the Xanathar Cable Guy Crowdfunding Campaign.

Available in 3 tiers, the Xanathar Cable Guy Crowdfunding Campaign has an option for everyone. Ranging from £80 to £150, you get what you pay for. Moreover, with no retail backing, this product has an air of exclusivity and will make it a desirable collectable.

Tier 1: Guild Members | £80.

This tier includes the Xanathar Cable Guy Device Holder, Certificate of Authenticity, Dungeons & Dragons Digiplate, and Digiplate Phone Stand. Therefore, the lowest option is guaranteed to impress.

Tier 2: Sylgar’s Favourite | £120.

This includes everything in the Guild Members tier, plus Sylgar Sticker Pack, Beholder Sticker Pack, Beeholder Digiplate, Dice Set, and Dice Pouch. Accordingly, a small increase in your investment offers a fantastic return.

Tier 3: Eleven Eyes of Xanathar | £150.

Finally, tier 3 includes all items from Sylgar’s Favourite, plus an Exclusive Sylgar Digiplate, Xanathar Mini Cable Guy, and Wall Art Poster.

Where can I get this incredible product?

The Xanathar Cable Guy Crowdfunding Campaign can be found on Gamefound and is an opportunity for the team to work directly with its fans. Consequently, this sense of collaboration and collective being proves that creativity and collectables shouldn’t be confined to the retail world! If you want to take part, click here for more information.

(Full disclosure! This article was written for free for EXG Pro!)

Review: Bogos Binted?

Josh Blackburn
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Review: Bogos Binted?

You might be sitting there wondering what Bogos Binted means. Trust me, so are we. There comes a time when inventing your own alien language begins to work against you. At least Uno is just in Spanish. So, I was initially wary of Bogos Binted. I played a couple of solo matches and began to warm to it. Then I gathered together my friend group, played a game where my laser gun backfired and blew my head off, and I began to fall in love.

It’s an extremely simple game, through and through, but in the same way that Uno is simple. You can learn the rules of each game in about five minutes, but it feels fresh and new each time because there’s so much randomness involved. That said, Uno comes with a nice instruction manual, and Bogos Binted‘s biggest problem is how bad it is at explaining things. Alien nonsense notwithstanding. It raises the question of whether Bogos Binted is truly great, or if it’s just the company of my friends that I was enjoying.

Bogos Binted

Extra-terrestrial Card Sharks

The simplest way for me to describe Bogos Binted is to go through its five game types. First up is Zogblorp. Yes, they’re all named like that. In this one you need to lay down number cards, but without going over the number in the centre. If you’re the one that goes over, you have to inflate your head, which has a chance of killing you. Special cards can force other players to lay, or mess with the total. I very much enjoyed this one. It’s like playing blackjack while everyone holds a gun to the head of the player on the right.

We didn’t gel as much with Zinky Zoogle, where everyone has to lay a higher card than the last one. It’s alright, but all the special cards are just for wiping out previous cards and it wasn’t tremendously exciting. Beeple Meep is better, where you’re given a ‘rank’ of card to match. They range from Knight to King, with a set number in the deck. Therefore, you often need to bluff. If you think someone is bluffing, you can slam the button and challenge them. If you’re right, they inflate their head, if you’re wrong, then you inflate. It’s essentially the card game cheat (or its less PG name), and I enjoyed it.

Bogos Binted

Alien Dentistry

Next up in Bogos Binted‘s library is Vorp, a social deduction game. Basically, you have to write a clue that points towards a word in front of you, but there’s an impostor who can only see the general category. Everyone votes on who they think is the imposter. Didn’t gel as much with this one, as there are plenty of more dedicated social deduction games that we could be playing. By far and away the best game, though, is Zoggy. Essentially it’s that crocodile game where you press down the teeth, only the crocodile is a gross alien that will bite your head off if you get it wrong.

I’d say, in general, most of the games are hits. Some hit harder than others, but they were reliably fun. Still though, I’d recommend playing with friends before dipping a toe into online, as Bogos Binted is pretty bad at explaining the rules. Zogblorp is the only game with solo play, for example, which is baffling. This would be a great place to learn the rules, so you can clue your friends in. Otherwise you get a few pages of text, which in Vorp’s case didn’t really help. Also, not to harp on, but the alien names make things needlessly confusing. I did a rundown of the games after our session, and nearly every game name was met with ‘which one was that again’?

Bogos Binted

Bogos Binted? – Stupid Good Fun

There are other bits outside of the games though. For one, interacting with other players is good fun. You have a range of emotes, including flipping the bird. By far the most used one was the spit emote, which led to the odd moment where I spat on my wife’s corpse. Best not dwell on that. There are also things on the table that you can fiddle with, which helps to pass the time if someone’s pondering over which card to lay. It’s hard to be bored while playing Bogos Binted.

And it’s that which makes me think that Bogos Binted is actually great. The card games are kept remarkably simple, so you can fall into a game quickly, and it gives you just enough toys that you keep generating wonderful moments. Like that whole ‘laser gun backfiring’ thing. It also adds a little bit of darkness with the head exploding, while keeping a lightness of tone elsewhere. It’s something that will probably slot easily into game night, as it kept us laughing for hours.

Oh, and I Googled it. ‘Bogos Binted’ is a reference to a meme. Thanks for making me feel old, guys.

(Bogos Binted?’s Steam Page)

Review: Bubble Trouble

Daniel Waite
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Review: Bubble Trouble

Bubble Trouble is one of those franchises that is simple to pick up but tough to master. Accordingly, when I was given every game in the series to review, I thought, why not? The wonderful thing about this series is its basic approach and child-friendly mindset. However, don’t let that trick you. This series will break your soul as you fail repeatedly and curse your luck!

Published by No Gravity Games, this title can be enjoyed alone or cooperatively with another. It uses a refined visual style that is vibrant and wonderfully nostalgic. Consequently, it’ll appeal to an array of gamers. Yet, it is the quick-to-understand gameplay that has you hooked from the off.

Bubble Trouble doesn’t tell a story. 

No story = no problem in the Bubble Trouble series. Despite the lack of a plot, you’ll focus on the ball bouncing and deadly madness on offer. This arcade mindset takes you back to a bygone era. Therefore, younger players can appreciate the significant evolution of the industry. 

You play the role of Mr D. This colourful, tiny character is armed with a harpoon and a desire to burst every bubble they encounter. This sounds easy, but the bubbles bounce, move, and squash anything in sight. Subsequently, you must be accurate, fast, and lucky if you are to clear each of the 22 levels.

Simplicity rules the roost. 

The gameplay becomes much tougher to master as the action unfolds. Yet, it is the simplicity that rules the roost! Ever-changing balls, challenging levels, and testing moments will push you all the way.

This challenging action is what makes the Bubble Trouble franchise what it is! Additionally, the refined but fine level design keeps you guessing throughout. Whether it’s the 1st instalment or the last one, you’ll be kept on your toes.

Each of the games offers similar gameplay with minimal changes to the action. This may seem lazy from the developer, but if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it! The harpoon action, misbehaving balls, and deadly ideas were fantastic, and every aspect is ideal for the portable handheld market.

Bubble Trouble is eye-catching. 

If you want modern graphics and ultra-realistic visuals, Bubble Trouble won’t be for you. Instead, it has dated but clean imagery and a vibrant colour palette. Moreover, the animation, basic characters, and interesting stage design are perfect for a smaller screen.

The audio is simple but effective. Shrill sound effects punctuate the lovely soundtrack. Although this could be annoying, it works well with the dated visuals and the old-school mindset.

 

Simple controls. 

I’m glad the control system was easy to understand. The smaller Joy-Cons can be troublesome to use if you have bigger hands. Luckily, the minimalist design made understanding the fundamentals a breeze.

If you fall for its charms, you’ll adore every minute of Bubble Trouble. The addictive action, tough but fair gameplay, and easy-to-understand mechanics make this super addictive. 

Bubble Trouble is a great series of games. 

I enjoyed this series of games. Despite its simple approach and lack of new mechanics, this trilogy of games works extremely well. I adore the dated visuals, the tough action, and the addictive gameplay. Accordingly, it is fun, and I recommend buying it here! Can you pop every ball? Grab your harpoon, plan your approach, and pray for a little luck. 

Review: ShiftCam LensUltra 240mm Tele/Macro Kit

Andrew Edney
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Review: ShiftCam LensUltra 240mm Tele/Macro Kit

Here is our review of the ShiftCam LensUltra 240mm Tele/Macro Kit.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the 240mm Super Zoom Tele Lens, 4x Macro Converters, VND Filter (Hard/Soft), CPL Filter and 240mm Full Kit Carry Pouch.

A Closer Look

S.Mount Case

The S.Mount Case is required to both hold your phone but also lock the lenses into place. The S.Mount Case does not come with the kit, you have to buy it separately. The case is very sturdy and works really well.

Final Thoughts

If you ever want to take better pictures with your phone and felt you were missing out on having a physical lens like you have on your DSLR, then the ShiftCam LensUltra 240mm Tele/Macro Kit will fill that hole.

The lenses come in a really useful carry case which not only keeps them protected, but makes it really easy to carry and have them easily accessible for when you need them. There is even a clip on the side of the case so that you can easily clip it to your bag.

Even with all the lenses in the case, the case is surprisingly light and weighs about the same as a phone.

Using the lenses is really easy – just make sure your phone is the case and then attach the lens. You can add any filters or the macro converters on depending on what you want to shoot.

The built-in camera app on the phone doesn’t work with the lenses as you cant select which camera you want to use. ShiftCam recommend a few different apps, including the one I tried out, Blackmagic Cam. When you have installed it, you can easily select which camera lens to use so that you are using the ShiftCam lens. The quality of the images are fantastic – so much better than the software based zoom on most phones.

The ShiftCam LensUltra 240mm Tele/Macro Kit is a must have addition if you like taking photos and miss the lenses on your DSLR.

The ShiftCam LensUltra 240mm Tele/Macro Kit is available now priced around £374 but was on sale for £299 at the time of writing this review. The S.Mount Case is an additional £37.

You can learn more from the ShiftCam website.

Review: Shure MV88 USB-C Stereo Microphone

Andrew Edney
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Review: Shure MV88 USB-C Stereo Microphone

Here is our review of the Shure MV88 USB-C Stereo Microphone.

Designed for creators looking for the quickest and easiest audio upgrade for their phone, the MV88 connects directly to your device via the USB-C port and is ready for you to hit record instantly. This microphone for iPhone and Android delivers professional-grade audio without hassle, and includes Shure’s renowned Auto Level Mode, Real-time Denoiser, and selectable polar patterns to ensure you capture pro sound in any situation. A microphone that does it all – and captures it all.

Features

  • Get recording fast with 5 fully customisable presets: speech, singing, flat, acoustic, loud.
  • Select from four polar patterns: stereo (adjustable from 60° to 135°), mono cardioid, mono bi-directional or raw mid-side for pro sound in various situations.
  • Auto Level Mode controls microphone gain in real time for consistent audio at all times. Your audio will no longer be too loud or too quiet.
  • Real-time Denoiser removes background noise to avoid unwanted interruptions in your sound.
  • Further refine your sound in Shure MOTIV apps (mobile and desktop) by manually adjusting mic gain, compression, 5-band EQ, high-pass filter and more.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the MV88 USB-C Stereo Microphone, a Foam windscreen and a Protective carry case.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The Shure MV88 is small and lightweight – it comes in a small carry case which will protect it from damage and is small enough to fit in your pocket or your bag.

When you are ready to use it, just take it out and plug it in!

Download the MOTIV app, make whatever settings changes you want and start recording. There are settings and options that can be tweaked and configured, so much sure you spend a little bit of time getting it just how you want it.

There are separate polar patterns to choose from – just pick the one you want to use and thats it!

There is an auto level mode that ensures your levels are consistent throughout the recording.

The quality of the mic is excellent – the real-time denoiser does a really good job of removing any unwanted background noise. This really is an upgrade from the built in microphone on your phone.

If you need a high quality portable microphone for your phone then look no further as the MV88 is a game changer!

The Shure MV88 USB-C Stereo Microphone is available now priced around £145.

You can learn more from the Shure website.

Review: Ultimate Sheep Raccoon

Dawid Wisniewski
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Review: Ultimate Sheep Raccoon

When I first heard about Ultimate Sheep Raccoon, the promise was irresistible: a party-racing game where you and other players build a course that will get out of hand real quick. Think Ultimate Chicken Horse (the first game) meets Trials with goofy bikes, traps, and power-ups.

But after spending some quality hours with it, what I found was a game full of potential, moments of hilarity, and an experience that’s equal parts fun and flawed.

We don’t have enough party games

At its best, Ultimate Sheep Raccoon is a hilarious multiplayer party game. Grab up to 8 friends locally or online, lay down obstacles together, then race through the chaos you created. Rails, ramps, buzzsaws, sofas — everything can become part of either your fastest path or a trap for your rivals. Just remember the course is the same for everyone.

The novelty of planning your own mayhem, then trying to survive it, is genuinely fun. The power-ups like jetpacks or parachutes can create clutch escapes, and the level editor hints at endless creativity once the community gets rolling.

A sequel that falls short

I must say a huge fan of the first Ultimate Chicken Horse, that the sequel falls short at launch. To pre face this, me and my partner spent hundreds of hours competing against each other in the 2016 original. This second title almost a decade later has no where near the amount of content and more importantly the options. Controls are different for sure for better or for worse but we got used to them. But the lack of settings and modifiers are what’s making us go back to the original. Being able to change basics like point modifiers, round time, post mortem interactions was key for the longevity of the original. One can only hope that this time round we get as many updates as the predeccesor.

In addition some obstacles don’t feel as clever or satisfying to use. There simply isn’t as many traps that ‘work together’ or choice which causes the game to feel far more repetitive than it should. Luckily there are some very talented players out there making use of the level editor.

My Conclusion

Ultimate Sheep Raccoon doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does put a fun spin on it. When it works, it really works: chaotic courses, driving rivals into madness and genuine “just one more race” vibes. But there are still rough edges: controls that can feel off, traps that lack depth, and a sense that the full creative promise is just beginning.

If you’re into chaotic multiplayer fun and you’ve got friends ready to dive in, this is worth giving a shot — especially as the community builds its levels and ideas. But if you’re after a more polished, full of content perfect sequel, you might want to wait until more updates arrive. Or play the original Ultimate Chicken Horse.

Review: Rematch Super Mario Wireless Controller

Daniel Waite
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Review: Rematch Super Mario Wireless Controller

The Rematch Super Mario Wireless Controller from Turtle Beach is a little bit special. This colourful, officially licensed Nintendo Switch 2 pad will appeal to fans of Super Mario and lovers of all things Nintendo. Moreover, it is a great alternative to the more expensive Nintendo official products. I love the motion control sensor, mappable rear buttons, and the familiar button layout.

The striking design was fantastic. Mario proudly stands out on the front of the gamepad. Additionally, there are matching red elements to complement the protagonist’s colourful attire. This was a great choice as the black background allows the vibrant colourway to shine.

What’s in the box of the Rematch Super Mario Wireless Controller?

  • The packaging is surprisingly compact. However, it is robust, attractive, and recyclable.
  • The Rematch Super Mario Wireless Controller feels fantastic to hold. It has a balanced weight, laser-etched handles, and comfortable and accurate buttons.
  • A USB-C cable is provided to charge the gamepad.
  • Learn the basics with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

If you haven’t moved over to the Switch 2, you may not think that this controller is compatible with the original Switch. Thankfully, that isn’t the case as this controller can be used with every Switch model. This is fantastic news, as you can purchase this now and use it when you upgrade your machine.

When you play wirelessly, battery life, low-latency gaming, and a strong connection are a must. Luckily, the Rematch Super Mario Wireless Controller ticks each of these boxes. It has a rechargeable battery that has around 40 hours of playtime per charge. Moreover, there is a quick charging facility to get you back in the game quickly.

I sit around 12 feet from my TV, but if you have a bigger gaming area, this is the controller for you! It offers 30 feet of low-latency connectivity before things go south. This is amazing as it allows you to walk around your gaming area and your connection will not be interrupted.

Finally, unlike other gamepads, the Rematch Super Mario Wireless Controller offers motion controls and 2 rear mappable buttons. The motion controls are a great way to immerse yourself in the action. The mappable buttons, on the other hand, give you an elite edge to top every leaderboard. Customising them can be done on the fly, and changing the layout was a breeze.

Build quality.

If your kids are like mine, or you are heavy-handed, you want a controller that is durable and built to last. Moreover, you do not want the design to fade, get damaged, or have that awful, greasy shine after hours of gaming. Thankfully, the Rematch Super Mario Wireless Controller is built to last a lifetime. The hardwearing buttons resist stains, and the colourful Mario design will stay vibrant no matter how much you use the pad.

The rear buttons are nicely placed, and the actuation distance is comfortable and responsive. This controller has an ergonomic design, and the etched grip reduces the risk of dropping your peripheral. Each of these items creates a more comfortable gaming experience that allows you to focus on your gaming while enjoying less fatigue during epic gaming sessions.

Is the Rematch Super Mario Wireless Controller worth it?

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and I know your gaming-loving partner will adore this as a present. It is eye-catching, comfortable, and responsive. Additionally, it has all of the features of the official controller. Furthermore, the design is fantastic, and it is built to last. Accordingly, I think it’s great, and I recommend buying it here!

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

The Rematch Super Mario Wireless Controller from Turtle Beach has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: Planck Creator SSD

Andrew Edney
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Review: Planck Creator SSD

Here is our review of the Planck Creator SSD.

This ultra-portable SSD offers blazing-fast transfers, massive storage, and seamless phone-to-anywhere compatibility. All in a size smaller than your AirPods case.

Features

Lightning-Fast Transfers:

Move large files in seconds. Ideal for 4K video, RAW photos, and fast-paced workflows.

Built for Phones, Compatible Everywhere:

Plug & play with your smartphone. Works flawlessly with laptops, tablets, and more.

Massive Storage: 

Keep all your content in one place without worrying about space limits.

Pocket-Sized Power:

Smaller than an AirPods case. Take it everywhere, create anywhere.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the Creator SSD, keychain, bumper, USB-C adapter and some labels.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The Planck Creator SSD is small and lightweight – you can slip it in your pocket and you wont even notice it’s there. Included in the box is a keychain and a bumper so you can protect it and not lose it! They have also included a USB-C adapter in case you need to extend the USB port to be able to plug in the Creator SSD.

The Creator SSD works with a variety of devices, including phones, cameras, Nintendo Switch and obviously laptops and computers. Just plug in and you are ready to use it.

Transfer speeds are excellent – blink and your files will have been transferred.

The Planck Creator SSD is a must have device if you need fast reliable storage on the go thats comparable with a variety of devices.

The Planck Creator SSD is available now priced around $349 for the 2TB version (it was on sale for $296.95 at the time of writing). There is also a 1TB version available.

You can learn more from the Planck website.

Review: JOYROOM PODIX 140W 5-Port Desktop GaN Charger

Andrew Edney
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Review: JOYROOM PODIX 140W 5-Port Desktop GaN Charger

Here is our review of the JOYROOM PODIX 140W 5-Port Desktop GaN Charger.

PODIX is a 140W 5-in-1 Desktop GaN Charging Station—a complete upgrade for your power, your space, and your peace of mind. With dual auto-retract cables, a tri-magnet base, and smooth 180° rotation, it brings seamless order to your setup. Five ports and 140W of high-speed output deliver efficient charging for all your devices, while smart recognition and intelligent thermal control keep every charge safe and effortless. The ultra-clear display shows real-time output, per-port status, and expressive UI emojis, making charging feel intuitive, even joyful.

By simplifying your charging routine, PODIX declutters your desk, your space, and your mind—helping you stay focused, calm, and in control. From home to office, it’s your all-in-one desktop power hub.

Specifications

Name: JOYROOM PODIX 140W 5-Port Desktop GaN Charger

Model: JR-TRD01

Charger Size: 75.00 × 75.50 × 82.50 mm (2.95 × 2.97 × 3.25 in)

Charger Net Weight: 466 g

Retractable Cable Length: Max 80 cm (31.50 in)

Magnetic Silicone Pad Size: Φ110 mm (4.33 in)

Screen Type: LCD

Input: 100–240V~ 50/60Hz 3.5A (Max)

Output: See Charging Guide on the next page

Output Types: 1 × USB-C port; 2 × USB-C retractable cables; 2 × USB-A portsSupported Charging Protocols: PD3.1, PPS, QC3.0, AFC, UFCS, SCP, FCP, Apple 2.4A

What’s in the box?

The box contains the charger, power cable, instructions and anti-slip magnetic mat.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The PODIX is fairly small but contains a lot of different ports including two retractable cables for charging devices.

You can charge up to 5 devices simultaneously with a maximum output of 140W – just plug in what you need and sit back.

The PODIX can be rotated 180° in order to use the ports and connect to other devices without having to move them closer. There are magnets built into the base and sides of the PODIX in order to hold them securely in position on the pad. If you triple-tap the touch control the screen will rotate too!

Tapping the touch control will change the display to show different options, including total output, or if you prefer some cool emojis!

The PODIX also contains Intelligent temperature control technology which means it automatically starts cooling when high temperatures are detected.

The PODIX is a really great addition to any desktop – all you need is this one device to power and charge everything else!

The JOYROOM PODIX 140W 5-Port Desktop GaN Charger is available now priced around $159.99 but is also on sale at the time of writing for $109.99.

You can learn more from the Joyroom website.

Review: Don’t Stop GirlyPop!

Dawid Wisniewski
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Review: Don’t Stop GirlyPop!

Some games ask you to master complicated systems. Some games tell incredible stories. Don’t Stop, GirlyPop! asks you one simple thing, never stop moving. And then it screams that request at you in hot-pink chrome, butterfly stickers, and hyperpop bass drops while robot enemies explode into showers of “The Love.”

This is an indie FPS that knows exactly what it is and commits to the bit so hard it becomes kind of infectious.

Gameplay reminiscent of CS:GO ‘surfing’ techniques

At its core, Don’t Stop, GirlyPop! is a momentum shooter. Standing still isn’t just discouraged, it’s actively punished. Your health drains if you hesitate, while speed keeps you alive, boosts your damage, and turns combat into a high-speed flow state. I mean it is in the name of the game, Don’t Stop.

Players will be chaining wave hops, dashes, double jumps, and ground slams in arenas that feel like playgrounds built specifically to reward recklessness. When things click, you’re not really aiming so much as surfing, skimming across walls, ricocheting through enemy fire, and trusting your instincts more than your crosshair.

It’s chaotic, but deliberately so. The game wants you to feel slightly out of control, always on the edge of wiping out, because that’s where the adrenaline lives.

Fast and not so furiouse

Weapons are punchy and immediately readable, each with primary and alt-fire modes that encourage experimentation. Players won’t be mid maxing damage or saving their most powerful ammo for bosses. Infinite ammo in every weapon with very few downsides allows players to stick to the weapons they like the feel of.

Enemies drop “The Love” when defeated, a glowing resource that heals you as well as adding speed, damage and flow. There’s something very satisfying about blasting through a room on fumes, scooping up The Love at the last second, and catapulting yourself straight into the next wave without stopping to breathe. The game thrives on those razor-thin recoveries.

It’s not a tactical shooter. It’s closer to a rhythm game disguised as an FPS.

Unique aesthetic that mostly works

Visually, Don’t Stop, Girlypop! is loud. Aggressively loud.

The Y2K-inspired aesthetic, pink plastics, chrome textures, butterflies, stickers, denim vibes all feel like it was ripped straight from a hyperpop album cover and duct-taped onto a boomer shooter. And somehow, it works.

The customization options are limited but let you decorate your arms and weapons with patterns, colours and small accessories, reinforcing the idea that style is substance here. This isn’t satire at a distance; it’s sincere, playful, and unapologetically feminine in a genre that usually leans grimdark or macho.

I have to say however that the visual overload can be exhausting, especially during longer sessions. If you’re sensitive to bright colours and constant motion, the game can feel overwhelming. Unfortunately the same goes for the music. It all fits very well but sometimes a level can go on for a second too long which make the visuals draining and music repetitive. But I suppose there a simple fix, go faster.

My Conlcusion

Don’t Stop, GirlyPop! is a game with zero interest in being subtle. It’s fast, flashy, and fully committed to its aesthetic and mechanical identity. When it works, it delivers moments of pure kinetic joy, those rare stretches where your brain shuts off and your hands just know what to do.

It won’t convert everyone. But if you love movement shooters, experimental vibes, or games that dare to be loud and weird and joyful, this one’s absolutely worth your time.

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