Here is our review of the Echo Aviation Controller from Honeycomb Aeronautical.
Fully compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulatoron PC, as well as other flight simulation software, the Echo Aviation Controller is no mere regular gamepad, offering an astonishing range of nuanced controls in a controller footprint, which allows for quick, effortless flight wherever you choose to take to the skies.
Combining pitch, roll, yaw, throttle, trim and core aircraft systems, the Echo Aviation Controller offers total control with no separate hardware required! The precision analog Thumbstick for pitch and roll provides smooth responsive movement, delivering full elevator and aileron input, while the integrated four Throttle Levers and Trim Wheel are all independently assignable, accommodating both single and multi-engine aircraft.
Featuring a specialised Rudder Paddle System, the Echo Aviation Controller features rear paddles which move in opposition to accurately simulate rudder input, providing exceptionally realistic control with no need for external pedals.
All essential flight controls sit at the users’ fingertips during flight. Physical controls for landing gear, flaps and parking brake streamline the flight experience, eliminating the need for complex keyboard mapping and finally allowing ‘no compromise’ control in a single compact controller.
Features
Complete Flight Control in One Device Echo combines pitch, roll, yaw, throttle, trim, and core aircraft systems into a single, streamlined PC controller — no separate peripherals required.
Precision Analog Stick for Pitch & Roll Smooth, responsive Thumbstick delivers full elevator and aileron input for total aircraft control.
Four Throttle Levers & Trim Wheel Independently Assignable Throttle Levers accommodate single and multi-engine aircraft. The integrated Trim Wheel provides continuous in-flight adjustment.
Rudder Paddle System Rear paddles move in opposition to simulate rudder input — providing realistic yaw control without external pedals.
Essential Systems at Your Fingertips Physical controls for landing gear, flaps, and parking brake streamline your flight experience and reduce reliance on keyboard mapping.
Compact, Desk-Friendly Design TheEcho Aviation Controllerdelivers full control in a clean, minimal footprint — ideal for simmers with limited space or those building a portable setup.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The Honeycomb Aeronautical Echo Aviation Controller is one of the most intriguing flight simulator accessories to arrive in years, blurring the line between a compact gamepad and a full-featured cockpit. Designed for PC flight simulation enthusiasts—especially those who don’t have the space or inclination for a full yoke, throttle, and pedal setup—the Echo manages to combine serious capability with accessible portability.
At first glance, the controller looks familiar but distinct. Its general shape evokes a modern console gamepad, though its right side tells a very different story. Instead of a second thumbstick, the Echo features four analog sliders that can act as throttle, prop, mixture, and speed brake controls. Each slider is smooth, responsive, and comes with interchangeable caps, letting you switch between general aviation, Boeing, or Airbus-style configurations. This focus on modularity is smart: you can quickly tailor the device to match the aircraft you’re flying.
Ergonomically, the controller feels excellent. The rubberized grips and balanced weight make it comfortable for long sessions, and none of the 28 buttons feel flimsy or cheap. Behind the device is one of its most impressive engineering touches—a mechanically linked rudder assembly that gives true yaw control without external pedals. It’s a small innovation that works beautifully in practice, offering nuance and realism, especially during takeoff and crosswind landings.
In terms of build quality and materials, Honeycomb’s pedigree shines through. Every switch, toggle, and lever has a positive click or consistent resistance, giving tactile reassurance that’s hard to find in standard controllers. The landing gear switch, flap toggle, and trim wheel reinforce the aviation theme without sacrificing functionality.
Setup is straightforward, though not quite plug-and-play. Microsoft Flight Simulator recognises the Echo immediately, but detailed mappings and advanced profiles must be downloaded from Honeycomb’s site or community libraries. Fortunately, the controller is highly configurable, allowing users to fine-tune every axis, detent, and button. Newcomers might face a short learning curve, but seasoned simmers will appreciate the customization depth.
Performance-wise, the Hall effect sensors in both the main thumbstick and rudder provide outstanding precision with zero drift. Inputs are accurate and immediate, whether connected wirelessly via the included dongle or through USB-C. Latency is effectively nonexistent even when flying complex aircraft in Flight Simulator. The 1200 mAh battery holds up well too, providing roughly 12–15 hours of playtime—enough for an intercontinental route or several shorter flights.
The only real criticisms lie in small usability quirks. The hat switch placement on the left is odd, limiting in-flight camera control while maneuvering, and the lack of a detailed manual or on-screen battery indicator can frustrate first-time setup. But once airborne, those issues fade quickly. The tactile immersion the Echo provides—using your fingers to set flaps, trim, and throttle—adds a layer of realism that standard controllers can’t match.
The Honeycomb Echo Aviation Controller hits a compelling balance between price, functionality, and innovation. It won’t replace a full HOTAS or yoke for hardcore sim pilots, but it offers something arguably more valuable: freedom. It’s a mobile flight deck you can toss in a bag and use anywhere. For anyone seeking serious immersion without surrendering their desk to a cockpit, the Echo is a standout success.
The Echo Aviation Controller from Honeycomb Aeronautical is available now priced around £129.99.
Here is our review of the viaim RecDot AI Recording True Wireless Earbuds.
Features
FlashRecord: Instant one-tap recording from case & earbuds
Real-time Translation: Live transcribe in 78 languages
Smart Assistant: Your AI note taker turns moments into notes & next steps
Start Free: 600 mins/month transcription included, upgrade when needed
Certified Secure: ISO 27001, ISO 27701, SOC 2 Type II, HIPAA & EN 18031 compliant
Immersive Audio Experience: Hi-Res + Active Noise Cancellation
Built for Real Life: 36-hour battery life & feather-light at 4.8g per earbud
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The box contains the earbuds, case, charging cable and a quick start guide.
Charging the earbuds and case was quick and easy – when fully charged the earbuds last around 9 hours and the case gives an additional 27 hours so thats 4 full charges of the earbuds. You can charge them with the cable or if you have a wireless charger you can use that.
The earbuds are really light – weighing around 4.8g each and the case weighs around 52g so you won’t really even notice you are carry it! They are also comfortable to wear for long periods of time and fit really well in your ears (well in mine).
You can control the earbuds using touch or voice – both work very well.
The sound quality is excellent – and the active noise cancellation works particularly well. There are also 18 sound presets to choose from too!
What sets these earbuds apart from others is the AI recording, yes the earbuds are great but it’s the AI recording functions that make these worth buying.
The earbuds can start recording when you are wearing them or when they are in the charging case and you press the record button. When you have finished the record is analysed using the viaim app and both a transcript and a summary is displayed. I found that for the most part it worked really well, although there were a few minor issues, but I put that down to the environment and other external factors. Even with the minor issues it was still very useful! I really liked the ability to create to-do-lists as I like that sort of thing. You even get the ability to translate your transcriptions into other languages.
Each month you get 600 minutes of transcriptions for free (referred to as Basic) – for more that would be plenty. If you did need more you can subscribe to either a Pro plan (you get 1800 minutes a month for $9.99) or the Ultra plan (you get unlimited minutes a month for $19.99 a month) which gives you more – plus if you go for an annual subscription you can also save a little extra too!
The viaim app is really easy to use too – you can change settings, review transcripts and more!
The viaim RecDot AI Recording True Wireless Earbuds are available now priced around $199.99 and are available in either Black or Silver. If you want a great pair of earbuds with a long battery life and built in transcription functionality then take these out for a spin.
Nine Sols is one of those games that mixes beauty with heartbreak. Its challenging gameplay, stunning lore-filled story, and exceptional block-and-parry system test you from the start. However, it is the exceptional backdrop that makes you sit up and take notice. It is one of those games that is fantastic to play on a handheld device, and I’m glad I get to test it on the Nintendo Switch.
This Metroidvania, Sekiro-like experience was developed and published by Red Candle Games. It is a single-player title where exploration, upgrades, and trying your luck are essential. Furthermore, an eye for detail and pinpoint precision help you to defeat every foe and overcome each of the 9 huge bosses.
Betrayal and revenge bring Nine Sols to life.
Yi has been beaten, betrayed, and left for dead. This vengeful hero wants nothing more than to get revenge on those who pained him. However, this is easier said than done. 500 years have passed, and Yi has awoken in a futuristic realm. Refreshed and angry, the hero must venture into the wilderness and hunt down the Nine Sols. These monsters are the powerful rulers of a forsaken city. Yet, their fame and position do not put you off.
The story is brilliantly told, and the spectacular lore merges every element. There is a decline of a wealthy and advanced race. No matter the advantages they hold, they can not run from fate. Instead, they turn to science in an attempt to achieve immortality. Each key element is told through exceptional cutscenes. I adored the break from the platforming madness, but if you like to skip cutscenes, you’ll be upset. The developer forces you to watch everything, and this could impact replay value.
Typical Metroidvania.
Nine Sols is your typical Metroidvania game. There is a huge interconnected map that requires plenty of back and forth to completely open. Additionally, new abilities must be unlocked and mastered if you are to find every secret and tackle every boss. Double jumping, air dashing, and grappling help you to explore the huge world. As you unlock new areas, you have the chance to improve your Jade system.
The Jade system is similar to Hollow Night’s charm design. The microchips grant passive buffs and modify combat abilities to support you on your journey. These must be used in conjunction with the parry and Qi system to progress in every combat scenario.
The fighting is slick, impressive, and reliant on perfection. If you cannot master the fighting, you’ll struggle against each mechanically unique boss. Effectively, Nine Sols demands platforming precision and near-perfect timing to work your way across each stunning location.
Nine Sols looks incredible.
I’ve played some amazing-looking games, but this indie title has to be considered one of the best. Nine Sols doesn’t rely on realism, but the smooth action, colourful backdrops, and unique locations bring this game to life. Moreover, the animation is clean and great to look at. If you adore high-end cutscenes, you will cherish every aspect of the impressive story.
I loved the sense of authenticity. This Eastern-inspired title uses flutes, strings, and the Shamisen to deliver an exceptional musical score. Furthermore, human voice is used to create weird and surreal soundscapes throughout. This is complemented by high-octane and intense boss battles. Here, rhythmic music helps you to move systematically to take down every foe.
Grab a physical copy today.
Accuracy is key.
When accuracy is essential, you need a reliable control system. Thankfully, new elements are gradually added, and everything is well explained. Furthermore, each input is responsive, and mastering the controls was relatively straightforward. However, less able gamers will struggle with the demands.
I invested around 25 hours to complete Nine Sols. I’m no completionist, so I left many corners unturned. However, I’d need to invest another 10 hours or so to find everything. My major concern, though, is the non-skippable cutscenes. This will impact replay value and will prevent people from returning.
Nine Sols is an exceptional indie game.
Nine Sols isn’t perfect, but it is exceptionally good. The story, lore, and setting make it stand out from the crowd. Moreover, the familiar Metroidvania action will appeal to lovers of this genre. Accordingly, I recommend buying it here! Alternatively, if you love a physical copy, this is now available to buy from all major retailers!
(Full disclosure! A physical sample was provided for Nintendo Switch.)
(Collectors can purchase a physical copy from all major retailers.)
OPUS: Prism Peak is a narrative adventure game with photography in a spirit realm. Developed by SIGONO INC. and published by SHUEISHA GAMES, OPUS: Prism Peak was released on April 16th, 2026. Players play as Eugene, a weary 40 year old ex-photojournalist who’s had a rough go of things. While driving to his grandpa’s funeral—the same man who taught him photography—he crashes into a strange statue and is transported to a different world. He runs into a kid—later named Ren—who seems to have lost her memory. Suddenly, a large black and red creature called Shade chases them further into the spirit realm. After getting a camera from a deer, the two venture off, heading towards the mountain peak. It’s a bit of an odd set up, but trust me, it sounds stranger in writing than it does in game.
Players will need to explore each area, taking photos of objects and helping many spirits along the way. Though not necessarily required, much of the game involves exploring the lore of the world and the spirits that live within. The idea of being able to fully see someone, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually, is repeated like a mantra throughout. Players can work towards filling out the many pages in the field journal. Through photography, conversations and a little bit of trust in each other, Eugene and Ren’s story is heartful and emotional. The writers really took the time to nail an impactful story for players that made me want to explore. Sure, players could just zoom straight towards the objectives as they are usually made obvious. However, the game and its narrative encourages you to take your time and explore.
OPUS: Prism Peak is rich with narrative and discovery. My review contains light spoilers, but nothing that’s completely ground-breaking. Most screengrabs are from early on as well. However, as usual, I don’t blame you if you’d like to go in as spoiler-free as possible. The TLDR of it is that this one is pretty good and highly recommendable. The story is heartfelt and well-written. The anime graphics are beautifully done both in characters and setting. Even the gameplay elements are quite enjoyable, snapping pictures and filling out the field journal. In fact, there isn’t much for me to consider a ‘real’ negative. The only things I found were of a personal preference. I gladly recommend picking this one up or at the very least, checking out its steam page and its currently very positive reviews. So, get your Prisma cameras ready, because it’s time to discuss OPUS: Prism Peak!
Eugene & Ren
As mentioned, Eugene and Ren are the main two characters travelling through the spirit realm known as the Dusklands. The deer that gifts Eugene the Prisma camera asks him to take a photo to see if Eugene can really look. However, when Ren tries to get in the picture too, she doesn’t show up. This is not because she is a vampire (though this was my first thought), but instead because she is a “Walker”.
A “Walker” is someone who is fading, carrying the scent of Shade with them—a scent of dark and loneliness. This also explains why she does not remember anything. In order to fix this, we later learn that we need to bring her back home as well as meeting the Seer. The Seer’s story is continuous throughout the game, as most spirits are in some way connected to them. A giant ox is mad at the Seer for leaving and wants him to go back home. A dog feels abandoned by the Seer at the train station. Apparently, the Seer is able to take a good look at spirits, healing them if they’re disappearing. The main goal then becomes to find the Seer in order to heal Ren.
I particularly liked Eugene as a character. As mentioned, his past hasn’t been kind—leaving him with a steady deadpan for most of the journey. In many dialogues, players can choose one of two options to respond to play Eugene as they would like. Maybe you’ll take a more hopeful/helpful route choosing the more positive option. Maybe you think this guy deserves to be a bit bitter and want to see how a more negative route will go. I believe this game has multiple endings and obviously how you play Eugene, interacting with Ren and the spirits, is important. I also enjoy that outside of cutscenes, Eugene typically has a frown and unimpressed look. Though I usually prefer a more animated character when playing in 3rd person, I thought it lead to quite a few funny moments. Eugene seems not impressed at all that he stumbled into a spirit realm.
I also want to take a brief moment to mention again how beautiful the graphics and anime style are in this game. The spirits take on animal forms and it was nice to see how they come to life and get personified in each area. The different areas you play through have interesting settings that make me want to explore, almost wishing the game was open-world but understanding why it is not. When the game shifts away from its usual calm, such as during the Shade’s encounters with Eugene and Ren, the tone never becomes outright frightening, yet it still builds a tense, subtly spooky atmosphere. I think the developers did an amazing job at making this game simply look good and for a game about photography, it probably should.
Photography, Firebowls, & the Field Journal
Speaking of photography, let’s discuss the actual gameplay mechanics. There’s a decent bit going on simultaneously so I may not cover them all. Instead, I’ll focus on some of the bigger mechanics.
In each area, there will be lots of objects to interact with. Interacting with them directly will tell you a bit more about it and reward you with a seed, one of the game’s ‘currency’. It is beneficial if you snap a picture of the object as well. Both of these come into play at Firebowls. These magical bowls appear in most areas. Eugene can ask these bowls a question and a riddle will appear in the flames. If players show the fire the correct photo, it gives you an item—usually something you need to progress the story.
There are also “side riddles” you can solve by watching the fire with different totem animals—the same ones represented by the spirits you meet. The answer to these riddles will be one or more of the various objects you can interact with. The game gives players essentially unlimited chances to offer photos to the fire, and it rewards you with ash each time—even when the picture is wrong. Ash serves as the game’s second currency, which you can spend in the field journal to solve certain puzzles. I’ll get into that more shortly. The rewards for solving these side puzzles include spirit-specific ash and various spirit-backpacks for Ren to wear (like the ox one in the image earlier). Solving these “side riddles” isn’t required to progress, but they do give you a clearer picture of the story—and they’re genuinely fun to complete.
Another thing you can do at Firebowls is drop some seeds to receive upgrades for your camera. This includes objects like lens wipes to clean your camera or more storage. I’m not entirely sure how necessary these are to progress, but its probably better to purchase them anyways. Most objects need just one or two seeds, though the game makes you place each seed individually. This did lead to a slight initial confusion at first for me. For example, the extra storage seems to require two seeds instead of just one like the lens wipes. After getting the storage though, I wasn’t sure if I would keep getting extra storage or if I would get lens wipes again. I think a more standard shop approach would have been easier, but this is just a personal preference.
Filling out the field journal is where you’ll piece together most of the story. There’s multiple pages to fill out and a few different styles of mystery. Pretty much everything you do in the field journal requires a small amount of ash. Many spirits have their own page with their story as you discover it. At times, players will need to complete the story by choosing the correct word or phrase. It is important to actually listen to what the spirits say when conversing with them in order to select the correct one. It is no problem if you don’t choose the right one as you are able to try again at the cost of the ash of course. A similar thing can occasionally be done in the ‘Me’ section which tells Eugene’s story as you progress.
Scattered throughout the areas are murals. These murals tell an overarching history of the Seer and the spirit realm. To uncover more of the narrative, you must match each mural photo with the sentence it belongs to. This I found to be somewhat tricky as not every mural will so obviously line up with one of the sentences. In fact, I think I placed a photo in at least five different spaces before guessing the correct one. Another small gripe I have though is that the photo stayed in each incorrect area. I wish it wouldn’t stick or there was a way to remove them, but again, a personal preference.
The last major mystery and my personal favorite is decoding the language. Many words, most commonly the names of the spirits, are in strange symbols. One section of the field journal focuses on decoding, where you align the correct symbol with the alphabet and the numbers 1–9. Scattered throughout the spirit realm are stones that tell you a few of the alignments. Stones aren’t always easily discoverable though so its important to keep your eyes open for them. It probably isn’t the most exciting of puzzles, but as a fan of linguistics and languages, its something I particularly enjoy.
Solving these things in the field journal are again, not required to progress in the story. However, by solving them, you will have a better understanding of the spirits and the realm they live in. I would imagine that solving everything leads to the best ending. The game knows you won’t catch everything, and it embraces that uncertainty. It gives you two ways to play: with Comfort Mode on or off. Disable it, and the game lets you wander without guidance, fully aware that you might overlook a few discoveries. Turning comfort mode on assists in capturing important photos. It is up to you as the player to decide how you’d like to play.
The last thing I’d like to mention is that the game relies solely on autosaves. Once you progress the story, usually leading to a different area, you are not able to go back. I wish players could manual save or select the chapter/area on the home screen. I’m the type of player that wants to see everything and tries to fully explore an area before progressing. Though the game does usually make the way to progress obvious, it might not be obvious for everyone. There is no indicator that pops up saying something along the lines of “Doing this will progress the story. Are you sure you want to move from this area?” Even outside of this, if I felt like I chose dialogue option in the story progressing part, I’d like to go back and change my selection. Regardless, a small negative (for me) among a sea of positives.
OPUS: Prism Peak, Perhaps the Peak of the OPUS Games
OPUS: Prism Peak isn’t SIGONO INC.’s first game—it’s their fourth. The studio released earlier OPUS titles in 2016, 2018, and 2021. I haven’t played those entries myself, but from what I’ve gathered, each game stands on its own and doesn’t require knowledge of the others. Still, after experiencing how strong OPUS: Prism Peak is, I’m definitely tempted to dive into the rest of the series. It seems clear to me that SIGONO INC. has taken the time to develop and hone their craft. They put passion into this game as seen in its narrative, design and gameplay. Not many games I review ever get touched again once I finish writing. This one is certainly not going to fall in that category.
If your a gamer that must have action or combat in your games to have fun, then sure, this one might not be for you. However, for anyone else, especially those like myself who love narrative based games, then I can happily recommend this one. I really enjoyed the game’s narrative and the story building it does with its spirit realm setting. The characters are thoughtfully crafted, both narratively and in their in‑game presentation. I could easily see this game having a film adaptation. Gameplay mechanics are also quite enjoyable. It was fun to explore each area, snapping photos and learning more of the lore. I enjoyed solving the puzzles in the field journal as I pieced it together. Overall, it’s a remarkable game, and it earns every moment of attention you give it.
The Viscer eSports glasses from GUNNAR are a niche product. However, those who need these glasses in their life will appreciate every health benefit and game-changing edge. I liken them to something I’d wear when on my pushbike, but I’m not sure GUNNAR would have the same opinion. These glasses are designed to maximise your field of view and protection from harmful UV and blue light.
Alongside this, they ensure that you maintain peak performance. Dry eyes, fatigue, and headaches become a thing of the past. Moreover, your productivity increases because you no longer feel that tired edge. Instead, you’ll be more focused at work or on those headshots during each FPS tournament. Either way, your eyes will appreciate the care and attention that these glasses afford.
What’s in the box of the Viscer eSports glasses?
The packaging is refined and easy to look at. Moreover, it is durable and recyclable.
The Viscer eSports glasses offer a large single toric lens for high coverage and easy maintenance.
A cleaning cloth and a puffy pouch are provided to keep the lenses clean and your glasses safe.
Technical aspects.
The Viscer eSports glasses are part of the Pro e-Sports range. GUNNAR plans to expand its product line, and this offering is a great place to start. Available in one lens type, users will enjoy the 65% blue light and 100% UV light amber lens. This highly engineered single toric lens offers a wide field of coverage. Although this takes a little getting used to, it is amazing if minor details matter. You no longer have an annoying visual block in the middle of your glasses. Instead, the full lens offers 100% coverage.
This will make a difference when you are tackling high-paced and challenging gaming experiences. Furthermore, the amber tint reduces those sharp contrasting colours. The result is a slightly chilled version of what you see every day. This makes it more comfortable for your eyes while reducing eye strain and other horrible side effects. Furthermore, if your eyes are working less, you can focus for longer. Consequently, wearing these glasses is a win-win situation.
The GUNNAR patented technology is designed to reduce dryness by protecting your eyes. The outcome is a reduction in itchy eyeballs and that horrible scratchy feeling. Additionally, headaches and a lack of concentration are a thing of the past. Therefore, if you have to stare at a monitor every day, you’d benefit from GUNNAR’s incredible patented lenses.
Build quality.
I’m still on the fence with the design. I’m not an e-Sports player, so I don’t need this full-face coverage. However, I appreciate how it would improve your life. The ability to see everything on the screen is going to be advantageous. Furthermore, it’ll be easier for your eyes to adjust to any minor detail.
We all know that gamers can be heavy-handed, and when the pressure is on, you can throw your toys out of the pram extremely quickly. This knee-jerk reaction can cause damage to your gaming accessories and peripherals. Thankfully, the Viscer eSports glasses are designed to withstand roughhousing. The frame is a single lens engineered polymer that is flexible and strong.
On top of this, the sturdy multi-barrel hinge supports the large and chunky arms. The flat design hugs your face without placing unwanted pressure on your temples. This is a great choice, especially if you must wear headphones to maximise your gaming chances. I wore these glasses with several “glass-friendly” headphones, and I felt no pressure or discomfort. Consequently, I’d happily wear these while chatting to friends or immersing myself in a game.
Are the Viscer eSports glasses worth it?
I opened with the statement that this product is niche. I stand by these words, but I think they will appeal to a larger audience than previously anticipated. You don’t need to be an e-Sports player to reap the benefits. Instead, anyone who works from home or games for hours will appreciate everything on offer. You’ll reduce headaches while jumping up every leaderboard. Moreover, if you love the design, you’ll look extremely cool while trying. Accordingly, I think they are great, and I recommend buying them here!
I wonder if other people will have the same reaction I did to The Day I Became A Bird. ‘Ah, young love’, said faintly wistfully. The ‘young’ part of young love is something I never experienced. I met my wife when I was twenty-three – not old, but not quite the story that children’s books are written about. Still, birds as a theme is one that resonated. We both adore birdwatching, but it’s more than that. We’ve done all sorts of grand, romantic gestures but nothing makes me feel in love more than lying side-by-side in bed listening to the birdsong through the window.
It’s those sort of warm, comforting feelings that The Day I Became A Bird elicits. Fully to be expected, given this is an adaptation of a short film, which in turn is an adaptation of a children’s book. The general story is taken from Ingrid Chabbert and Raúl Nieto Guridi’s book. The art style and stitching together of set pieces is taken from Andrew Ruhemann’s short film. The question, then, is what has been added in the transformation to video game?
Taking Flight
The Day I Became A Bird tells the story of a young boy, reluctantly waking up in order to go to school. On his way there, he sees a young girl, Sylvia, singing to the birds. He becomes completely smitten. As he learns more about her, he realises she has a fascination with birds, to the point of drawing them all over the playground. He takes on that fascination and brings it to quite the end point: creating a giant bird costume and wearing it to school. Somewhat of a spoiler alert: it goes about as well as you’d expect.
It’s a sweet story, through and through. A tale of infatuation taking us to crazy places, when the simplest thing to do would be to walk over and say hello. Interestingly, the short film that served as inspiration is included with the game. It allows for some comparison. I’d say the game characterises the protagonist a bit more through the gameplay (like sword fighting with a ruler), but the short film gives Sylvia an almost angelic quality which furthers the themes of young love. I’d recommend watching the film after you finish the game. It adds a rather poignant bookmark to things.
Winging It
On the gameplay side of things, Hyper Luminal Games have taken something of a scattershot approach to adapting The Day I Became A Bird. The core gameplay is a light puzzle game, where you walk around interacting with things, via button holds or quick time events, to complete simple objectives. These sections are split up by various gameplay interludes. I wasn’t too overgone on the ones that had you riding bikes through hoops, as it felt like you could just plop the controller down with little punishment. The sections where we cut out pieces for the bird suit, however, were delightful.
I’d say the gameplay is serviceable, if a touch unimaginative. Here I tuck away my inner child to become my grumpy thirty-something outer self. The same button presses are used for pretty much everything, which gets a bit stale. I did like that there are a few bits where we can encourage our kiddo to mess with the set dressing, but these seemed a bit sparse. The joy of adapting a film is allowing the player to immerse themselves in the world. I wished this adaptation allowed that more – especially when we were in the bird suit.
The Day I Became A Bird – A Worthy Adaptation
Still, I’d say that The Day I Became A Bird is an excellent way to introduce a lovely book (and film) to a new audience. People are embracing video games as an artistic medium more and more, after all, so it makes sense as a platform for children’s stories. I could bang on about the gameplay all I want, but at the end of the day it is engaging, with a pleasant story, which is most of what you need. I’m not sure it would’ve stuck in my head as a game when I was a kid, but I think the story would’ve made me smile.
What’s more, there were strokes of what I wanted here. The section where you go around gathering materials for the big bird costume, and then the sequence where you put it together, are my favourite parts. They are, I think, stronger than the sections in the film. You really get a sense of the determination of this kid. Bundling the film with the game really highlights the strengths of both mediums, but whichever version you click with most, you’ll end up with a big grin on your face by the end.
G’AIM’E is engineered to self-calibrate by intelligently detecting your screen, offering unparalleled accuracy and ease of use. It works from various angles and distances, supports all kind of common screen sizes and can be tilted to shoot, designed with the casual gamer in mind, this really is a product you must have!
Re-live the excitement of being Richard Miller, the secret agent whose unmatched speed and marksmanship make him an unstoppable one-man army. TIME CRISIS returns, unchanged at the core – it’s exactly as you remember it, except now it works on modern displays and projectors, powered by our immersive and electrifying G‘AIM’E Gun.
Celebrating 30 years since its explosive debut, TIME CRISIS is back – faithful to the original, just as you remember it. The core gameplay remains unchanged, but now it’s fully compatible with modern displays.
What’s in the box?
The Ultimate Pack includes:
G‘AIM’E Lightgun (4m Cable) (x2)
Mini-Console with TIME CRISIS, POINT BLANK, STEEL GUNNER 1&2 built-in.
Pedal (4m Cable)
Limited Edition Pin Badge
Limited Edition Diorama Stand
Power Cable 1m (Type-C)
Type-C Multi-Region Power Adapter
HD Cable 1m
Quick Start Guide
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The Ultimate Pack includes everything you need to enjoy the full TIME CRISIS 1 – player experience, including the exclusively designed G‘AIM’E Foot Pedal.
Want to play a friend on POINT BLANK, STEEL GUNNER 1 & 2?, then connect the extra G‘AIM’E gun included in the pack and see who is best!
The new G‘AIM’E guns are officially licensed by Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc and make you feel like you are back in the arcade.
Setting up G‘AIM’E console was really simple – plug it in hold the power button (not pressing it – hold it) and follow the steps on the screen, including the all important calibration steps – make sure you take the time to do this properly or you won’t hit a thing! You also need to take note of where to stand depending on the size of your TV – if you don’t then you are likely to miss quite a few shots! It took a few goes to get this set up but when I did it was fine, but it was a little frustrating to get it working properly.
When I received the review sample, I was told there was a firmware update that was needed. To do the firmware you just download it from the website, connect up the G‘AIM’E console to your PC and follow the steps. G‘AIM’E say you need to use a Windows 10 machine as there are security issues with Windows 11 and there is no Mac version. I did eventually get this firmware to update but it took several tries and given we are in 2026 it’s a little surprising you need Windows 10 to do it unless you are happy to turn off various security functions on your Windows 11 machine. If you have a Mac then you are just out of luck – you can’t update the firmware! G‘AIM’E really need to fix this.
I had so much fun playing with the G‘AIM’E – I even introduced it to my trusty 9 year old helper who didn’t want to put it down. Yes the graphics and gameplay are dated – obviously, but that doesn’t take away from the sheer fun you get from playing!
Whilst the G‘AIM’E was a lot of fun, the frustrations around accuracy and firmware updates might put some people off, especially when paying up to £199.99 for the privilege.
There are three versions available – Basic, Premium and Ultimate. It is worth noting that if you buy the Basic version you just get Time Crisis – there is no way in the future to add the other games so bear that in mind. Cost wise, the Basic edition is £99.99, the Premium edition is £149.99 and the Ultimate edition (reviewed here) is £199.99. Depending on which version you buy, you can purchase an extra gun and the pedal separately or get everything in the Ultimate edition.
The Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 mouse is the latest product from SteelSeries. I reviewed the Aerox 3 Wireless mouse last year, and I adored everything about it. Accordingly, I knew that this would be a fantastic addition to their product line. It comes in 3 unique colours. I have the Shadow version (black). Alternatively, you can opt for a white or pink colourway if that takes your fancy.
The mouse has glorious RGB lighting, responsive mechanical switches, and impressively accurate optic sensors. Moreover, it is ridiculously lightweight, and the honeycomb design feels pleasant against your hand. In short, it’s an amazing gaming peripheral that will improve any setup.
If you need accuracy and rapid reactions, this 4K polling beast is the peripheral for you. Additionally, the Truemove 26k sensor delivers precision and speed that’ll keep up with the best global gamers.
What’s in the box of the Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 mouse?
The packaging is compact, robust, and decorated with typical gaming imagery. Furthermore, it is recyclable.
The Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 mouse is great to look at. The ergonomic design and interesting shell catch your eye. Moreover, the lighting is vivid and a statement piece.
A USB-C dongle is provided.
Charge the device with the super mesh data/charging cable.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
The Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 mouse is the ultimate gaming peripheral. It delivers market-leading speeds and accuracy. Additionally, it offers an exceptional battery life alongside amazing build quality. Subsequently, it is the go-to product if you wish to stand out from the crowd and challenge in every match.
The 4K wireless polling offers greater precision during intense battles. Although this may not matter to everyone, wireless polling and minuscule latency issues are essential during heated affairs. This is complemented by the amazing 26K DPI precision, 400 IPS speed, and 40G acceleration for the ultimate gaming experience. The Truemove sensor offers pinpoint accuracy with no compromises. The outcome is more headshots, cleaner movement, and a jump up every leaderboard.
Finally, battery life matters when you are gaming wirelessly. The Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 mouse offers up to 200 hours of Bluetooth gaming. Alternatively, if you push this to the limit, you’ll enjoy 35 hours of 4K wireless action. Therefore, no matter how much you test it, you’ll get enough juice for marathon sessions.
Build quality.
The build quality is exceptionally good. The mechanical switches offer over 80 million clicks of crisp and smooth actuation. This is much higher than many of its competitors. Alongside this, the smooth PTFE feet deliver smooth movement no matter how wild you are. The sensor picks up every movement, and I was impressed by its flawless performance.
If you love to drink and you are a little clumsy, you may be fearful that your tech will become damaged. Luckily, the Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 mouse is waterproof! It offers an IP54 rating for water and dust protection. I wouldn’t recommend submerging it in water, but SteelSeries tested it, and the mouse survived. This was a nice touch as I don’t want my expensive tech getting ruined by dirt or the odd spilt drink.
The ergonomic design is great if you love to play for hours. The honeycomb shell delivers 68 grams of gaming heaven. Furthermore, it is extremely durable if you are heavy-handed. The mechanical switches are tested up to 80 million clicks. This is much higher than its peers and will last the test of time.
Is the Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 mouse worth it?
The gaming peripheral market is saturated. Subsequently, there are many brands vying for your attention. However, if you wish to excel at any game and enjoy every moment, I urge you to look at SteelSeries. Its products are market-leading, and the Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 mouse is no different. This awesome mouse uses its predecessor’s blueprint and improves every aspect.
With pinpoint-accurate sensors, low-latency inputs, durable and lightweight build quality, and vibrant RGB, this is the ideal tool if you are an elite or casual gamer. Moreover, the battery life is exceptional, and the multi-mode connectivity makes this a user-friendly experience. Accordingly, I love it, and I recommend buying it here!
(More information on SteelSeries can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
I’m not an artist or a graphic designer; therefore, you may be wondering why I’m looking at the GAOMON PD1161 Pen Display. In short, I love the freedom of creativity, especially when it comes at an affordable price point. This creative tablet can be picked up for under $150! Additionally, the chance to let my creative juices flow while maintaining a technical approach is hard to resist.
This art tablet is compatible with Windows and Mac devices. This was versatile enough for me, but Android-only users will feel left out. This was a shame as it isolates a large chunk of people. If you can overlook this shortcoming, you’ll adore the lightweight pen, the functional design, and the no-nonsense design.
There are a few cons alongside the lack of Android access. GAOMON haven’t provided a stand in the box. Instead, this is available to buy from their store. This wasn’t an issue for me, but you may wish to add one at checkout if you fancy the complete package. Additionally, the 3-in-1 cable is a little bulky. I’m never worried about cable management, but this may make some people uncomfortable.
What’s in the box of the GAOMON PD1161 Pen Display?
The packaging is durable and vibrant. Furthermore, it has a professional edge, and it can be recycled.
The GAOMON PD1161 Pen Display is a good size, and the functional buttons have a nice tactile feel. Moreover, the UI is easy to manage, and it is relatively straightforward to handle.
A chunky 3-in-1 cable requires an HDMI and USB port.
The battery-free pen is lightweight and requires no charging.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
The GAOMON PD1161 Pen Display isn’t a standalone product. Therefore, artists, students, and hobbyists will need a Mac, a laptop, or a PC to complement this device. This isn’t unusual for this type of product, and would-be investors shouldn’t be worried or surprised about this demand.
The screen supports ±60° tilt for a comfortable and easy-to-manage working platform. It can be used for an array of tasks, but it thrives when focusing on its key role as an artistic drawing pad. With 8192 levels of pen pressure, you can hover the AP50 stylus approximately 10 mm from the display. This was weird at first, but once you get the hang of it, it creates a smooth, easy-to-handle drawing feel.
Connecting the tablet to your PC or laptop was a walk in the park. You can download the relevant drivers with ease, and installing them was a cinch. Once installed, the software is intuitive. Changing the customisable buttons and pen sensitivity was as easy as drawing on the screen. This was perfect, as it made it a wonderful, user-friendly, entry-point-focused device. Those with little technical know-how will not feel out of their depth as they play with every aspect.
Usability.
The GAOMON PD1161 Pen Display doesn’t have a laminated screen, and this impacts the feel of the AP50 stylus. Unlike more expensive devices, you don’t get that pen-on-paper experience. Instead, you must almost hover the pen over the tablet for the best results.
This wasn’t a problem as such, but it does take some minor adjustments to get the best out of the device. Additionally, there isn’t that audible scratching of a pen on paper. This isn’t a deal breaker as much as an aesthetic observation.
If you’ve used other branded art tablets, you may have experienced input lag. Thankfully, this one has little to no noticeable lag between the stylus and the screen. This is perfect as a slow responding screen can interrupt creative thoughts and make one feel unduly alienated.
Finally, the 1920 x 1080 (FHD) resolution and aspect ratio 16:9 offer a crisp and clean display for you to work with. I found the screen to be bright, and the settings can be adjusted if you want something intense.
Build quality.
I would be lying if I said this wasn’t a plastic overload. The GAOMON PD1161 Pen Display is a fully hardened plastic device with a strong and deep black livery. There isn’t a feeling of upmarket metal premium, nor does it feel cheap and flimsy. Instead, it sits comfortably in the middle ground. The lightweight design is perfect if you need to transport it, and the strong case resists some minor dropping issues.
Alongside this, the buttons have a pleasant actuation distance and a noticeable click. This may not be for everyone, but I like the definitive movement. Although the cabling is necessary, I found it to be a little too chunky for me. This makes your setup unnecessarily bulky and tougher to carry around.
Is the GAOMON PD1161 Pen Display worth it?
If you are after an advanced art tablet for a professional application, the GAOMON PD1161 Pen Display may not be for you. Instead, this is perfect for anyone who is testing the water or needs an art tablet for their studies. It excels as an entry-level product, and you will not be disappointed by many of its core aspects. The pen is comfortable to use, and I like the responsiveness. Moreover, the software is intuitive and user-friendly. Accordingly, I think it is fantastic, and I recommend buying it here! Or use Amazonhere!
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!
