Events

News: Black Friday

Daniel Waite

-

Nov 25, 2024

Though Christmas is just around the corner, we have one major sales event to focus our attention on. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are a great opportunity to pick up some incredible items at a fraction of the cost.

This guide will highlight some fantastic offers from companies that we have worked with. Alongside this, I’ll present some special items from interesting market-leading brands. Accordingly, sit back, relax, and take in the massive savings you could make.

Movies Games and Tech Black Friday guide.

GUNNAR

BlendJet

Shokz

SK Hynix

NZXT

PNY

PITAKA

IMOU

Cuktech

DOOGEE

NEAKASA

GameSir

Manba

Boulies

GUNNAR.

They are offering a massive up to 30% off their nonprescription orders. You can enjoy their Overwatch range or something a little understated. Some examples are below.

Overwatch Ultimate – Queue up for comp with a pair of Overwatch Ultimate glasses protecting your eyes. These precision-engineered polymer frames offer low-profile temples that fit perfectly under headsets. Sturdy multi-barrel hinges, a rectangle shape and a fixed nose bridge provide long-lasting comfort and durability regardless of your role.

Overwatch D.Va Tokki edition – Time to save the world? Game on! The limited edition Overwatch D.Va Tokki Edition represents the perfect fusion of GUNNAR technology and Blizzard Entertainment’s Overwatch pro gamer/hero D.Va. These legendary performance glasses feature her classic Tokki spark crystal colours in an acetate cat eye frame.

Vault 33 Glasses – Please stand by. Equip your Pip-Boy and return to the post-apocalyptic ’40s-flavored world of Fallout with the exclusive Amazon Studios’ Fallout Vault 33 glasses. This retro-futuristic square frame style features a stainless steel and nylon front finished with olive metal temples.

_{Black Friday sale 25% off RRP. Amazon.}

BlendJet.

BlendJet 2 Bundle – BlendJet 2 serves up big blender power on the go. They created the BlendJet 2 portable blender so you can make anything you want, anywhere in the world — from a mountaintop to your kitchen countertop. It’s easy and convenient to use at home, at work, outdoors, at the gym, in the car, at the beach, on vacation or wherever the day takes you.

_{Black Friday sale price $47.50 – $57.50 BlendJet.}

Shokz.

OpenRun Pro – The OpenRun Pro is their most premium headphones ever. Accordingly, they pack enhanced bass, a 10-hour battery life, and a quick-charge feature. They also have the newest 9^th-generation bone conduction technology(Shokz TurboPitchTM technology) and a refined design. All this is combined with their signature situational awareness and comfortable fit you know and love. Music is meant to make you move, and OpenRun Pro makes that happen.

_{Black Friday sale price £109 Shokz.}

OpenFit – OpenFit continues the Shokz open-ear concept to let users enjoy all-day comfort and hear their own soundtrack while staying open to the world around them. OpenFit offers an ultra-lightweight, open-ear construction to listen to every sound around you with crystal clarity!

_{Black Friday sale price £125 Shokz.}

OpenSwim Pro – Thanks to OpenSwim Pro’s durable IP68 waterproof rating, submerge your OpenSwim Pro up to 2 meters for 2 hours, seamlessly playing your tunes with perfection. Furthermore, switch between Bluetooth and MP3 mode for uninterrupted music with the button or in the Shokz App. OpenSwim Pro is tailored waterproof, and versatile while fitting safely and securely for your workout routine — in the water or on the land.

_{Black Friday sale price £135 Shokz.}

SK Hynix.

Tube T31 – Though it isn’t as attractive as its counterparts, it performs perfectly. With fast read and write speeds and excellent thermal qualities, this drive is ideal for small and large file transfers. Moreover, its versatility for console and PC tasks is incredible.

_{Black Friday sale price $49.99 512 GB Newegg. Amazon 1 TB $59.99}

Beetle X31 – Though the Beetle X31 SSD is restricted to 1 TB, this shouldn’t put you off. This fashionable SSD is robust, lightweight, and perfect for commuters. Moreover, its read and write speed is impressive and I believe the 3-year warranty is more than adequate.

_{Black Friday sale price $62.99 Amazon.}

P41 SSD – If you wish to have a lightning-fast drive that delivers market-fast speeds, this is the device for you. Furthermore, it has an impressive warranty and its lifetime write capacity is more than sufficient for many uses. Its only shortcoming is the lack of a heat sink. This may be a sticking point for some people, but a small investment in a thin but effective heat sink will reduce the risk of thermal throttling for hardcore gamers.

_{Black Friday sale price 1 TB $75.99 Amazon. 2 TB $134.99 Amazon.}

Haechi H02 – Named after the Mythical Korean beast that safeguards against fire, the Haechi H02 effectively prevents system overheating, especially when paired with the Platinum P41 SSD.

_{Black Friday sale price $9.99 Amazon.}

NZXT.

H6 Flow – The H6 Flow has wraparound glass panels with a seamless edge that provides an unobstructed view of the inside to highlight key components. Moreover, it includes three pre-installed 120mm RGB fans positioned at an ideal angle for optimal out-of-the-box cooling and vibrant RGB lighting.

_{Black Friday sale price £89.99 Amazon.}

H9 Flow – The H9 Flow has seamless glass across the front and side panels giving your build’s components the undivided attention they deserve. Additionally, the spacious interior with intuitive cable management, a dedicated SSD wall panel, and removable top and side mounting brackets enhance usability.

_{Black Friday sale price £118.69 Amazon.}

Kraken Elite 360 RGB – The Kraken Elite 360 RGB lets users display a favourite animated GIF or static image, monitor real-time PC performance metrics, see music that’s currently playing, integrate web content and more with NZXT CAM software.

_{Black Friday sale price £209.99 Amazon.}

Relay Wired Headset – The Relay Wired Headset has an expanded frequency range and heightened detail for gaming and music with Hi-Res Audio—certified by Japan Audio Society for high-quality sound. Moreover, it offers precise 3D spatial audio and a realistic sound experience to locate in-game sound cues like explosions, footsteps, and distant conversations.

_{Black Friday sale price £37.95 Amazon.}

NZXT Function 2 full-size keyboard – The NZXT Function 2 full-size keyboard uses NZXT Swift Optical Switches to have a linear, lightweight feel with a 0.2 ms response time, 100-million key press guarantee, and 1 mm or 1.5 mm adjustable actuation. What’s more, the dual-layer of sound-dampening foam and tape-enhanced PCB improve acoustics by absorbing unwanted pinging noises.

_{Black Friday sale price £99.00 Amazon.}

Capsule Streaming Microphone – The Capsule Streaming Microphone is designed for single sound-source gaming and streaming use, the Capsule delivers high-resolution voice pickup while suppressing unwanted background noise.

_{Black Friday sale price £39.00 Amazon.}

PNY.

PNY 256GB EliteX-PRO60 UHS-II SDXC Memory Card – Extreme performance for professional photographers and videographers. Additionally, this awesome card has read speeds of up to 280MB/s & write speeds of up to 180MB/s for seamless content capture.

_{Black Friday sale price $36.99 Amazon.}

PNY 32GB Elite Class 10 U1 microSDHC Flash Memory Card – Perfect for everyday performance with a read speed of up to 100MB/s. Furthermore, class 10, U1 performance allows for fast and smooth continuous HD video recording and HD photography.

_{Black Friday sale price $17.99 Amazon.}

PITAKA.

PITAKA 600D Black/Grey Ultra-Slim Case for iPhone 16 Series – This case is woven from aramid fibre. Consequently, it’s a strong yet light military-grade material. The iPhone 16 Pro case provides exceptional strength, lightness, and resistance to scratch, corrosion, and discolouration. Unlike carbon fibre, it will not interfere with the signal and it is non-conductive, offering long-lasting protection for your phone.

_{Black Friday sale price £39.99 Amazon.}

PITAKA PinButton for Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – This case is made from rare 1500D aramid fibre. It is widely used in aerospace and military applications. Furthermore, unlike carbon fibre, this Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra phone case will not interfere with the signal and it is non-conducting. Subsequently, it offers long-lasting protection for your phone, preventing colour fading and daily scratches.

_{Black Friday sale price £59.99 Amazon.}

IMOU.

IMOU DB60 outdoor battery doorbell – The wireless DB60 doorbell delivers high-quality images thanks to its 5-megapixel resolution. Moreover, it easily captures all details with the wide 164-degree fish eye lens. The DB60 features two-way talk and quick response, ensuring you can see and answer visitors from anywhere at any time in a practical way. The battery can last up to 6 months under normal conditions and it is also IP65 certified to withstand any weather condition.

_{Black Friday sale price £79.99 Robert Dyas.}

IMOU Cue 2 2MP Indoor Smart Wi-Fi Plug-In Security Camera – With 1080P Full HD live monitoring and two-way audio, Cue 2 lets you stay in touch with your family. Human Detection quickly finds human targets in images and immediately sends a notification to your smartphone, allowing you to monitor what matters without receiving annoying false alerts.

_{Black Friday sale price £19.99 Robert Dyas.}

More deals!

CukTech.

CUKTECH 20 Laptop PowerBank 140W, 25,000mAh Power Bank – This marketplace is saturated. Consequently, finding the right device for your needs is easier said than done. However, I think that Cuktech has hit the sweet spot. Not only does this product look amazing, but it offers high-powered charging. Furthermore, you can charge 3 devices at once and the handy display keeps you on top of your stats. Then you must consider the excellent 25k mAh capacity. This whopping battery can charge your iPhone 4 times before it needs charging! This was impressive especially when you consider the rapid charging facility.

_{Black Friday sale price £80.58 Amazon.}

CUKTECH 10 Power Bank, 100W Portable Charger Fast Charging with 2 Ports – The ultimate high-power charging solution! With a single-port output of 100W for laptops, up to 27W for iPhones, and 45W for Samsung Galaxy devices, this power bank ensures maximum charging speed. Charge your iPad Pro up to 55% in 30 minutes with the CUKTECH 10’s 150W Max output.

_{Black Friday sale price £33.99 Amazon.}

DOOGEE.

DOOGEE U9 2024 Newest Android 14 10″ Tablet – the latest version of Android 14 carried by the DOOGEE U9 WiFi tablet has greatly improved privacy and security, and added more sophisticated rights management and data protection functions. The 10-inch tablet is equipped with the most stable quad-core processor, which improves program execution speed and web browsing mobility, allowing you to enjoy stable and ultra-fast network connections anytime and anywhere.

_{Black Friday sale price £56.98 Amazon.}

DOOGEE T40 11 Inch Tablet – The DOOGEE T40 tablet 11 inch uses the latest Android 14 OS and is equipped with a Helio G99, the most powerful chip for 4G tablets, two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores with a clock frequency of up to 2.2GHz, and six Cortex-A55 cores with a frequency of 2.0GHz, ensuring the tablet’s stability and efficiency when processing high-load tasks.

_{Black Friday sale price £199.99 Amazon.}

DOOGEE T10W 4G Tablet with SIM Card Slots, 10.1-inch Tablets – DOOGEE T10W adopts the Android 14 operating system, significantly enhancing privacy protection, including control over app permissions. Additionally, coupled with the octa-core processor, this tablet can smoothly run large games, multitask with multiple apps, engage in split-screen chatting, and watch videos. It supports dual-band 2.4G/5G WIFI, dual Nano-SIM cards or nano sim + TF card, automatic network switching, and smooth connection.

_{Black Friday sale price £89.99 Amazon.}

DOOGEE VMAX PLUS Rugged Phone 5G – DOOGEE VMAX Plus 5G rugged phone features the Dimensity 7050 Octa-core 6nm processor and up to 36GB of RAM (including 20GB of extended RAM), ensuring fast performance and smooth multitasking. It offers up to 512GB of internal storage for high-resolution videos and photos, and you can expand this by adding up to 2TB with a microSD card.

_{Black Friday sale price £429.99 Amazon.}

NEAKASA.

_{Neakasa M1 Open-Top Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box} – Traditional cat litter boxes and side-opening self-cleaning options available in the market often have many common problems. These include overpowering and unpleasant odours and safety concerns. The M1’s open-top design provides a spacious and stress-free area, encouraging natural behaviour and easy adaptation for cats of all sizes. It’s designed with your cat’s instincts and safety in mind, offering an open and welcoming space for their comfort.

_{Black Friday sale price £449.99 Amazon.}

Neakasa P2 Pro Dog Cat Grooming Brush – The Neakasa P2 Pro dog grooming kit is equipped with a unique suction function of 15000 PA. During grooming or cutting, fallen hair is suctioned into a large 2L dustbin. Once grooming is finished, simply open the lid and empty the container in seconds. This prevents the spread of pet hair in your home and keeps your home healthy and hygienic for you and your furry friend.

_{Black Friday sale price £93.49 Amazon.}

More gaming tech!

GameSir.

GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller – This is a versatile controller that has accurate and responsive inputs. Moreover, it can be used on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One. This plug-and-play device has 2 rear buttons and a pleasant build quality.

_{Black Friday sale price £35.99 Amazon.}

GameSir Tarantula Pro Wireless Controller – The Tarantula Pro controller features seamless adaptive switching between Xbox and Switch ABXY button layouts. Additionally, it is accompanied by immersive sound effects, and the lighting dynamically adjusts with each key rotation, creating an exhilarating sense of readiness and power.

_{Black Friday sale price £63.99 Amazon.}

Manba.

FIEHDUW NO DRIFT ManbaOne Interactive Screen Gaming Controller – This versatile controller is perfect for multi-platform gamers. Moreover, it has a magnetic charging station, anti-drift sticks and a handy information screen. Consequently, it is the perfect gaming companion.

_{Black Friday sale price £60.79 Amazon.}

Boulies.

Master Series – Black & Red (Ultraflex PU) & Charcoal Grey (water-repellent fabric). Code ES80 to save £80. Ash Grey (water-repellent fabric) & Blue (Ultraflex PU). Code ES75 to save £75. This series flaunts multiple adjustable features, opulent materials, and a sleek minimalist design. Whether you’re engaged in a demanding work sprint, a focused study regime, or a thrilling gaming journey, this provides unparalleled comfort.

_{Black Friday sale prices are found on the Boulies website.}

Plenty of deals this Black Friday.

The Movies Games and Tech Black Friday guide has highlighted some amazing items and some big savings. There will be more items added before the sales go live so be sure to check back in. An honourary mention to FlexiSpot and Epomaker as these companies offer some amazing savings during Black Friday.

Best Cheap CS:GO and CS2 Gloves

News

Andrew Edney

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Nov 25, 2024

0

Gloves are a highly sought-after cosmetic item in CS:GO and CS2, but their hefty price tags can make them seem out of reach for many players. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that still look great and can elevate your loadout without emptying your wallet. Here’s a guide to some of the cheapest of all CS:GO gloves skins, perfect for players who want style on a budget.

Why Buy Budget Gloves?

While premium gloves like Sport Gloves | Vice or Driver Gloves | King Snake are undoubtedly attractive, budget gloves offer excellent value for players looking to enhance their style without overspending. They’re especially appealing for newer players or those who prefer to allocate their funds toward other in-game items.

1. Hand Wraps | Duct Tape

A rugged, survivalist-inspired design, the Hand Wraps | Duct Tape stand out for their raw, utilitarian appearance. Crafted from worn fabric and held together by makeshift strips of duct tape, these gloves are perfect for players who embrace a scrappy, post-apocalyptic aesthetic.

Best For: Players who enjoy a rough and ready vibe. They pair well with similarly minimalistic or weathered weapon skins like the AK-47 | Safari Mesh or the AWP | Snakebite.
Price Range: From $80, making them perfect for budget-conscious players.
Why They’re Great: The raw, patched-together design makes these gloves unique in their category and an excellent fit for earthy, grounded loadouts.

2. Driver Gloves | Lunar Weave

The Driver Gloves | Lunar Weave exude understated sophistication with their combination of black fabric and dark stitched leather. The weave pattern provides a textured finish, making them both practical and stylish without being over-the-top.

Best For: Players who favor a clean, professional aesthetic. These gloves pair beautifully with sleek weapon skins like the M4A1-S | Decimator or the USP-S | Cyrex.
Price Range: From $100. Affordable and versatile, they offer a stylish look for a reasonable price.
Why They’re Great: Their neutral tones allow them to fit seamlessly into almost any inventory, making them an excellent entry-level glove for new collectors.

3. Specialist Gloves | Forest DDPAT

Built for the tactician, the Specialist Gloves | Forest DDPAT feature a classic military camo pattern in green and brown tones. Their durable design complements battle-hardened loadouts, and the camouflage makes them ideal for players who like to blend into the environment.

Best For: Fans of tactical and combat-ready aesthetics. These gloves look particularly impressive when paired with skins like the AWP | Safari Mesh or the Desert Eagle | Mudder.
Price Range: From $95. Slightly higher than some other budget gloves, but still a cost-effective option for tactical enthusiasts.
Why They’re Great: Their iconic camo design is timeless and perfect for players seeking a cohesive, military-inspired look.

Where to Buy Affordable Gloves

If you’re looking to add these gloves to your collection, platforms like Skin.Land are the perfect place to shop. This site offer a secure and fast way to buy or sell cheap gloves and skins. Whether you’re upgrading your collection or cashing out, Skin.Land provides:

Competitive Prices: Fair market rates for all gloves and skins.
Fast Payments: Instant transactions with multiple payment methods, including crypto.
Wide Selection: Access to rare and popular items, all at your fingertips.

4. Moto Gloves | Eclipse

The Moto Gloves | Eclipse combine sleek black leather with subtle stitching, offering a premium look without the premium price. Inspired by racing gloves, they bring a polished and refined style to any loadout.

Best For: Players who enjoy a modern, minimalist vibe. These gloves work well with high-contrast skins like the AK-47 | Redline or the AWP | Graphite.
Price Range: From $100. Affordable within the Moto Gloves category, making them a great value for their design.
Why They’re Great: Their versatile black design ensures they pair well with a variety of knives and weapon skins, making them a go-to choice for style-conscious players.

5. Sport Gloves | Arid

The Sport Gloves | Arid feature a tan and brown color scheme, ideal for desert-themed or neutral-toned loadouts. The sporty design balances functionality with a rugged outdoor look, making them appealing to players who prefer subtle but stylish gloves.

Best For: Players with a love for natural tones and desert aesthetics. They pair excellently with skins like the Galil AR | Sandstorm or the P90 | Desert Warfare.
Price Range: From $200. Among the lower-priced Sport Gloves, offering excellent value for their distinctive design.
Why They’re Great: These gloves blend a sporty theme with earthy tones, making them a versatile and affordable choice for many loadouts.

You don’t need a massive budget to rock a stylish pair of gloves in CS:GO or CS2. Options like the Driver Gloves | Lunar Weave and Hand Wraps | Duct Tape prove that affordable gloves can still make a statement. Pair them with your favorite weapon skins for a complete, personalized loadout.

For the best deals on gloves, visit Skin.Land and find the perfect pair to elevate your game without draining your wallet!

Review: Mindcop

Dawid Wisniewski

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Nov 25, 2024

0

Mindcop is a gripping detective game that places players in the shoes of a sleuth investigating a murder at Merrilyn Crater Camp. Developed by Andre Gareis and published by Dear Villagers. The game offers a unique combination of investigative gameplay and time management within a heavy narrative framework.

Necessary contribution to the genre

Set over five in-game days, players must balance their actions as every decision consumes precious time. Whether questioning suspects, exploring locations, or using the game’s standout “Mindsurfing” mechanic to delve into the thoughts of others, every choice is critical. Mindsurfing, a match-3 puzzle minigame, unlocks fragments of truth, lies, or uncertainties about suspects. Not only conceptually intriguing, this mechanic is used often enough to let the player get comfortable with it. Combine that with certain people having higher difficulty mindsurfing and you have a game changing minigame.

The game’s noir-inspired setting is immersive, painting a vivid picture of the camp and its struggling residents. The narrative does not shy away from heavy themes, adding depth to its characters and making the investigation feel personal and engaging. However, Mindcop’s rigid time mechanics can be a double-edged sword. Repeating actions, such as re-entering locations or revisiting conversations, costs as much time as the initial attempt. Which can feel unnecessarily punishing when pursuing overlooked clues.

Time is not on your side

Despite these challenges, the game excels in creating an authentic detective experience. Investigations are detailed, requiring players to gather evidence, use forensic tools, and secure search warrants to uncover the truth. The time pressure and narrative depth make solving the case a rewarding accomplishment. Even if the journey is fraught with missteps and the occasional frustration.

The game’s presentation blends a retro-inspired art style with a heavy atmosphere that aligns well with its serious tone. While some might find the gameplay elements like the Mindsurfing puzzles repetitive or overly simple, the mechanics fit seamlessly into the game’s world and narrative.

Fantastic addition to any crime-solving fans library

Ultimately, Mindcop is a game for players who enjoy cerebral challenges and a compelling story. Its mix of strategic decision-making, narrative depth, and investigative freedom sets it apart from traditional point-and-click adventures. While not without its flaws, the experience of piecing together the mystery is satisfying for those willing to embrace its complexity.

For fans of detective games looking for a fresh twist, Mindcop is a must-try. It does however require patience to fully appreciate. Its compelling storytelling and innovative gameplay make it a standout addition to the genre

Review: Planet Coaster 2

Matt Cooper

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Nov 25, 2024

0

It’s been 8 years since Planet Coaster launched and now it’s back for a second helping with Planet Coaster 2! Is there enough to fill your interest and excitement meters? Or are you left wanting to get off the ride?

Imagination Amplified

Theme parks have been intrinsically tied to me since the very first time I visited Walt Disney World. When I think of my childhood and the games I played for countless hours on end, I think of Theme Park World. I spent days constructing my ultimate theme park and adored every single minute. Whilst my passion for theme parks has never dimmed, the choice of quality games in this space has been far too few. However, that has changed in recent memory with the releases of both the original Planet Coaster and the superb Park Beyond. These two games managed to capture the pure joy of building coasters and parks whilst balancing it with the perils of managing a business. Now, Frontier Developments are back with a sequel and boy, have they delivered! Planet Coaster 2 is both a celebration and an evolution of the original title. Like the previous game, the content is split into three main modes: career, sandbox and franchise.

Career mode is once again an absolute blast. Structured across five chapters, including the prologue, the career mode takes you on a journey to becoming the ultimate theme park mastermind. The prologue is once again a superb introduction for both newcomers and veterans of simulation games. Like Planet Zoo and the original Planet Coaster, Frontier have become for me the industry standard for how to create tutorials that are both engaging and informative. From here, the game takes you across different biomes and different theme parks, whilst tasking you with some truly unique conundrums to solve. Each sub mission in the chapter feels varied and kept me engaged through the whole journey, with the final chapter a true test of everything I had learnt along the way. Also, with the introduction of water parks in this game, there is so much more to achieve. It’s not for the faint hearted though; you can earn bronze, silver, gold and platinum medals for completing specific tasks on each level and some of these can be incredibly difficult to achieve.

Like theme park construction in real life, these medals require patience and dedication to earn and I truly felt rewarded upon earning them. Coupled with these wonderful missions, is a superb and diverse cast of characters. They lead you on your way to theme park supremacy and like previous Frontier games, these characters made me laugh, yet always made sure I was fully informed on the current issue. A wonderful and deep career mode that I cannot wait to go back and earn every medal in!

Sandbox is once again a superb way of allowing your creative juices to flow. Pick a biome, tinker with parameters and sliders to create ultimate freedom or ultimate challenge; the choice is completely yours. I can already tell you I will be spending countless more hours tinkering and creating my ultimate theme park.

The final mode on offer is the franchise mode. Acting as the games online mode, franchise allows you to create parks and publish them to friends and leader boards which adds incentives to become the best at making these wonderful parks. The added ability to view friends’ and others’ parks in a first person FOV, is superb and really made me feel as if I was walking through these parks myself. But the biggest addition is the ability to build and manage a park with a friend, as now you can share your save for another to work on whilst you are away. This is a great addition although it does make me want to be able to play with a friend and build cooperatively at the same time. Fingers crossed for the third title. This is the pinnacle of theme park simulation and that is even more evident in gameplay.

The Tools To Create And Innovate

Creating and designing has never been as easy as it is in Planet Coaster 2. If you have played the first title or Planet Zoo, gameplay follows that same structure with its brilliant UI. Each section of the tool bar is clearly labelled and easy for you to access, whether it’s looking for a flat ride, coaster or shops and amenities – building a theme park has never been easier. Controls are responsive and inputs are slick, making finding what you desire so simple and easy. Creating rollercoasters is detailed and so finitely accurate, allowing you to create the ultimate thrill ride. The addition of water rides and pools to this game only expands your creativity, as you can morph terrain to your will and create out of this world slides and pools for hours on end. The level of detail in the creative tools is something to behold, as you can change virtually anything you want in terms of presentation of the ride with a vast amount of colour tools, scenery tools and even music options for each ride. The return of the excellent Frontier workshop allows you to upload and download other users’ creations which is such a great tool to gain ideas and inspiration. This truly is a dream for theme park enthusiasts like myself as the sheer amount of rides and coasters is superb.

New additions to the formula help create new replay ability and allow the player to tinker to a whole new level. Updated systems such as guest preferences are now so detailed it’s impossible for you to not know your guests’ desires, with even how much sunburn they are accumulating now a metric. Like Disney and Universal Studios, you can now sell priority tickets to customers and add lanes to rides to gain extra money, along with pool passes and flume ride tickets. Charge too much and you’ll hear the dissatisfaction of the guests as the response system for the guests is fantastic and realistic. Staff management has also been streamlined from the first game, allowing you to choose three pre set pay levels for wages instead of having to adjust each colleague like the first game. This is a welcome change.

This is the most in-depth, immersive theme park sim yet with how fluid and easy gameplay feels, but it’s not without some minor flaws. For example, the ride break down system appears to be flawed at this moment, with rides constantly breaking down for no apparent reason. This is frustrating trying to run a massive park and takes away from the overall enjoyment. Also inexplicably excluded from this game is the archetype theme system from the first game, such as pirate, alien or western themes that allowed you to morph a park to a specific setting. There are still options like Viking, aquatic and tropical but these feel watered down compared to the original. These are minor issues though as gameplay is still a wonderfully immersive and innovative experience.

The Wonders Of Architecture

Like the original title, this game looks superb as you hover over your theme park. Rides look daunting and vibrant with the colours of the track striking the eye from any distance. Water effects look superb and rightly so; so much emphasis is on the addition of water parks it’s important they don’t look out of place. Lighting is once again near flawless as the sun beams down on rides or sets after a hectic day. I could sit and watch that all day long. Everything you can create and select looks and feels authentic and this is only heightened in franchise mode visiting other parks. Wandering through the entrance in first person truly captured that feeling of wonder and excitement I get when I arrive at a theme park. Performance is also vastly improved from the original and stayed mostly at a brilliant 60fps during my time playing, even during times I was creating ridiculously long coasters and flumes. A wonderful effort in visual presentation; you truly feel like the king looking down at their creations.

Similarly, sound design and soundtrack are stellar. Placing each individual item has a distinct sound attached to it, such as when each type of path is being laid. Hearing the guests scream on the rides whilst the coaster roars along the steel or wooden track is truly something to behold. As mentioned before, the voice cast is excellent and really helps to inform and encourage you to tap into your creative side. The music of Planet Coaster 2 is one of my favourite aspects of the whole game. It sounds and feels so serene and calming. I could sit and listen to this soundtrack all day long and it really compliments the simulation gameplay as it softly plays in the background. It’s soothing and comforting and just makes me smile when I think of it. It never outstays its welcome but is never too far from the mind and that is how a soundtrack should play in a game like this. Wonderful.

Verdict

Planet Coaster 2 is the pinnacle of theme park simulation. The sheer amount of control on offer is astounding with a brilliant UI and responsive controls, making you feel like the true architect of the park. Creating rollercoasters has never been as detailed and the addition of water parks only adds to the vast content available. The three core modes create lasting replay ability and strong visual and audio presentation help propel this game to new heights. It takes everything wonderful about the original title and expands on it, to superb results. I adore every aspect of theme parks and I truly feel like this game was designed for me. Now I’m to ride the rollercoasters!

Review: Instant Pocket Printer

Daniel Waite

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Nov 24, 2024

0

The Instant Pocket Printer is a fantastic device that offers a clean and modern solution for your printing needs. Furthermore, it is the ideal tool if your children love to be creative. Its plug-and-play nature helps adults and children print photos with the touch of a button. The free-to-download app is intuitive and user-friendly. As such, little guidance or technical know-how is needed to master this compact printer.

I recently looked at another Canal Toys product, the Instant Retro Camera. This item was great because it was free from mobile phones and could be used as a standalone device. However, the Instant Pocket Printer allows mobile phone users to print their greatest photos. Additionally, you can use the app for AI-generated imagery and other special effects. Consequently, this tiny device packs an almighty punch.

What’s in the box of the Instant Pocket Printer?

The packaging is vibrant and tough. Accordingly, it is interesting to look at and the contents are well protected.
The Instant Pocket Printer has a pleasant teal colour. Moreover, it has one tactile power button and a charging port.
3 thermal rolls and 1 thermal adhesive roll are provided for your photographic needs.
2 pens and a sheet of stickers allow you to get creative.
Charge the device with the USB cable.
Learn the basics with the user guide.

Technical aspects.

The Instant Pocket Printer makes messy ink a thing of the past! This thermal printer is a refreshing change from ink cartridges and expensive bills. The 200 Dpi delivers phenomenal results that are great to look at. The depth of tone and sharp imagery will not disappoint. Furthermore, the fun customisation and excellent AI tools will get your creative juices flowing.

Each inexpensive thermal roll delivers 70 fun-filled photos. Consequently, you can snap and print to your heart’s content. The adhesive paper lets your kids create their own stickers to highlight their flair and personality. I was impressed by the seamless Bluetooth connectivity. No matter what phone or tablet I used, I never had an issue. Additionally, the app was superb, and I rarely struggled.

Build quality.

We used the Instant Pocket Printer on days out and at home. The robust and compact nature ensures that it is easy to transport. Furthermore, the hardened shell took some accidental drops. Though I wouldn’t like to put it through its paces, it seemed to bounce and resist a fair bit of rough and tumble. This was great as my kids are somewhat clumsy and I’d hate for their new toy to smash.

The simple design has one power button and a port for the charging cable. On top of this, there is a hatch that can be released for the thermal paper. This strong compartment is easy to access and the paper can be inserted with ease. Once the door is shut, it will not open in error. This was perfect as it prevented the paper from becoming dislodged.

Usability.

The straightforward nature of the Instant Pocket Printer impressed me. Connecting it was a cinch and keeping it charged was a simple task. Furthermore, the handy LED highlights when it is switched on and this prevents you from wasting your battery. Once you have the printer set up, you simply use the intuitive app to print off photos or AI designs. The speed at which the data transfers was impressive and I loved the tangible nature of each image.

Is the Instant Pocket Printer worth it?

The Instant Pocket Printer is the ideal gift this Christmas. Canal Toys are renowned for their exceptional products and this one doesn’t break the mould. Moreover, their customer service is second to none. Consequently, you are guaranteed a high-quality product and amazing support. Alongside this, the amazing app makes this device shine. Accordingly, this printer was a hit and I recommend buying it here!

The Instant Pocket Printer has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: Pets Hotel

Daniel Waite

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Nov 23, 2024

0

Pets Hotel is a marmite game. Consequently, you’ll either love it or hate it. If you enjoy relaxed gameplay and animals, this will appeal to you. However, this will be a turn-off if you want structure and challenging action. Furthermore, if clunky controls and a sluggish UI enrage you, you’ll probably want to give this a wide berth.

Ultimate Games developed and published this simulation title. Furthermore, it is a single-player first-person experience. The gameplay revolves around a smattering of small chapters and a sandbox mode. As such, you get some replay value and creative freedom. Yet, most of the action follows a set path, which was reassuring and frustrating in equal measures.

Pets Hotel tells a limited story.

Simulation games don’t require a story. However, I like something to get my teeth into. Pets Hotel has a light plot that has limited depth and a basic storyline. Effectively, you are the nephew or niece of a Pet hotel business owner. They are handing you the keys and you must learn the ropes before expanding the business.

The story isn’t original, but it is suitable for the genre. Sadly, other than the family connection, there are no other key protagonists. This was understandable, but I was left wanting. As the game evolves, you interact with countless customers. However, there is no backstory and the relationship goes no further than the pet they leave in your care.

Simple gameplay.

The reconstructed hotels demand that you complete set goals as the chapter unfolds. Furthermore, you must care for every animal you register. Whether they are a cat, fish, dog, or small pet, your hotel must look after them all. This was relatively easy as the clear stats help you understand each animal’s needs. Whether it is food or water, entertainment, or a toilet break, you must keep each guest happy. Alongside this, pet grooming and other complementary treatments are available to wow your customers.

On top of this, you can develop your hotel by adding rooms and changing the decor. This was great as you felt in charge of every aspect of your business. Though this rarely made a difference to the gameplay, I liked letting my creative juices flow. Additionally, it added a business management layer to enhance the core concept. Though it wasn’t as complicated or in-depth as other sim games, I appreciated the extra elements.

Pets Hotel is pleasant to look at.

Pets Hotel will not win an award for beauty. The finish has some texture issues and a few of the character models were amusing rather than cute. However, the animation is pretty good and taking each guest for a walk or grooming them was pleasant to watch. Though this can’t be considered a next-gen game, it is attractive and polished enough for a modern audience.

The audio can only be described as a “hotel lobby soundtrack”. The music is calm and fun, but easily forgettable. Moreover, the sound effects are suitable but lack any great energy or wow factor. Subsequently, though it works, it doesn’t stand out from its peers.

Sluggish controls.

Disappointingly, there are some bugs and issues to contend with. Moreover, the sluggish controls make this a challenging game to play. Had I tackled this with a mouse and keyboard, I think I’d have had a better experience. Yet, the controller layout didn’t feel intuitive and navigating menus and using items was a frustrating endeavour.

The sandbox mode enhances the replay value. If you fall for its charms, you can create the hotel of your dreams. However, the core story is limited and this may disappoint hardcore sim fans.

Pets Hotel is simple and cute, but sadly lacking.

I enjoyed my time with Pets Hotel. I took the gameplay with a pinch of salt and I enjoyed the random animals I cared for. Additionally, I liked the basic management elements and the building mechanics. Yet, it doesn’t have enough depth for my liking and that was unfortunate. Despite the shortcomings, I think it’s a good game and I recommend buying it here! Can you run the family pet business? Learn the basics, care for the guests, and become the best hotel around.

Review: Rogue Flight

Daniel Waite

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Nov 22, 2024

0

Rogue Flight is a gloriously old-school title that reinvents the space shooter genre! This incredible game caught my eye at EGX 2024. Its fast-paced nature and wonderful retro aesthetic were pleasing and instantly captivating. However, it was the slick gameplay and brilliant anime edge that won me over. I’ve always enjoyed linear space shooters and this didn’t disappoint. There are various upgrades to unlock and plenty of game modes to complete. Accordingly, this has plenty of replay value and mountains of depth.

This hectic space shooter was developed by Truant Pixel and published by PERP GAMES. Furthermore, it is a single-player experience that will get under your skin. Though I class myself as a genre veteran, I found the action to be tough and occasionally unforgiving. Yet, once I got to grips with the unique mechanics and put the effort in, I could tackle every wave of enemies and boss with professional ease. This almost eureka moment was rewarding and I believe many gamers will enjoy the balance of difficulty vs reward.

Rogue Flight’s story plays second fiddle.

Rogue Flight has a captivating story that is told through amazing cinematic and simple cutscenes. However, the story plays second fiddle to the unbelievably fast-paced gameplay. This isn’t a complaint as I adored every hellish stage. Moreover, the risk of losing it all and having to start again kept me frosty throughout. I’m sure many people will find this almost rogue-lite element annoying, but I enjoyed the sense of failure and the euphoria once I completed the game.

The story focuses on an underground Earth-based rebellion that wishes to take down ARGUS. This Solar Defense Force annihilated Earth and anything in its path. It was cruel, cold, and calculated in its approach. Yet, it didn’t account for humanity’s desire to stay alive and this was its downfall. The resistance fighters must tackle hordes of enemies as they try and destroy ARGUS and restore peace to the Sol System.

Incredible action.

Space shooters tend to get tied up in knots. The lore and gameplay become horribly convoluted and it gets messy as a consequence. Fortunately, Rogue Flight doesn’t fall into this trap. The wonderful cutscenes set you up for the drama ahead. Additionally, once the chapter begins, you rarely hear from any of your teammates until the job is done. This was great as it allowed you to focus on the job at hand and little else.

Each stage comprises a monstrous number of enemies to destroy. Whether you are facing spaceships, giant robots, helicopters, or huge bosses, it will test your reactions, patience, and skills. As you take down each foe, you may use your machine gun or any other primary weapon you have unlocked. Alongside this, there are missiles to fire and a special tail whip attack to decimate everything in sight. The animation of the special attack was superb! The world slows to a crawl as your ship spins and slides its way through every robotic enemy.

Alongside the waves of ships, you will have to avoid obstacles and deal with other environmental problems. Fire and fog are a real pain and navigating these levels is challenging at the best of times. However, it was this blend of straightforward space shooting and exceptional level design that kept this fresh.

Rogue Flight looks amazing.

This is an aesthetically pleasing game that rarely falters. The hellish action punishes you throughout and the bullet-hell projectiles demand quick reactions and the ability to think ahead. Rogue Flight has taken inspiration from the best games of the 80s and 90s. The beautifully polished graphics are juxtaposed with the simple reticle and basic projectiles. Furthermore, each enemy has a boxy appearance that enhances the dated appeal. These elements combine to deliver a nostalgic game with modern appeal.

The audio is crass, loud, and practically perfect. The combination of upbeat music and never-ending noise was superb. Though the sound of your gun should get annoying, it rarely does. I adored the constant drone of my lasers firing or the explosion of each mighty missile. What’s more, the brilliant acting sets the scene as each mission or fork in the road is brilliantly explained.

Incredible controls.

With so much going on, this could have been horrible. Luckily, the incredible controls and well-considered layout ensure that this is a pleasure to play. Once you get to grips with the core mechanics and the rogue-lite gameplay, you adjust your playstyle accordingly. Furthermore, the detailed tutorial ensures that you are up and running in no time at all.

There are 9 unique worlds to explore and plenty of game modes to test out. Furthermore, there are branching pathways to enjoy and different endings to witness. Subsequently, there is plenty to keep you busy. Alongside this, the risk of failure is high and this keeps you on the edge of your seat. Though this was somewhat cruel, it enhances the replay value and demands that you come back for more.

Rogue Flight is a spectacular indie game.

My short experience at EGX got me excited. However, I didn’t know how great this would be until I unlocked the full game. Every aspect of this excellent space shooter made me smile. The graphics and audio are wonderful and the controls are responsive and well laid out. The cinematic is also striking, and I love the story and fast-paced action flow.

If I were to be critical, I’d say the difficulty setting is slightly skewed and this can cause initial frustrations. However, as long as you are willing to work hard, you will enjoy a rewarding experience. Consequently, I adore this game and I recommend buying it here! Can you fight back and destroy ARGUS? Master your ship, tackle each foe, and keep humanity alive.

A Closer Look at the Piranha Gel Blaster

Andrew Edney

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Nov 22, 2024

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A Closer Look at the Piranha Gel Blaster

With Christmas just around the corner, we take a look at the Piranha from Gel Blaster.

Looking for a gel blaster built for thrilling summer skirmishes? The Gel Blaster Piranha is your ultimate companion. With a sleek, high-performance design, this blaster delivers intense speed at 175 FPS, reaching up to 100 feet per shot to keep you ahead in every battle. Its durably sealed and water-resistant build makes it perfect for splash-friendly action, allowing you to dominate outdoor games without concern, even in rain or light water without disrupting play. Crafted to elevate gameplay, the Piranha Gel Blaster is ideal for both beginners and seasoned players alike.

This blaster isn’t just about speed; it’s built for lasting power and adaptability. With automatic firing at over 8 Gellets per second and a single-shot option for precise targeting, the Piranha suits any strategy. Weighing just 0.45 lbs, it’s easy to handle and keeps you agile in intense matches.

The Piranha kit comes fully stocked with 10,000 Gellets and an additional container of 800 pre-hydrated Gellets for instant action. Powered by six AA batteries, it offers up to 4 hours of continuous play without needing a recharge. Made from durable materials like Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Polyoxymethylene, and Polyethylene Terephthalate, the Piranha handles rugged conditions with ease, even near water.

In the box, you’ll find everything you need for immediate fun with the Gel Blaster Piranha. The package includes one Gel Blaster Piranha, one pair of protective eye goggles, a 10,000-gellet pack, and a USB-C charger. Additionally, you’ll receive a low-velocity barrel as an add-on, ensuring you have all the essentials to get started and enjoy your gel blasting experience right away.

With a spacious 800-Gellet magazine, easy battery installation, and a design that requires no safety switch, the Piranha is both user-friendly and powerful, welcoming players of all levels. Suitable for ages 14 and up, it boasts an ergonomic build, compact dimensions (9.5 inches long, 1.75 inches wide, 7.5 inches high), and impressive accuracy (150 mm at 5 metres, 500 mm at 15 metres), ensuring every shot is precise and comfortable.

Covered by a 2-year warranty, the Gel Blaster Piranha promises an action-packed, mess-free experience. Prepare to take on every battle with the reliability, durability, and power of the Gel Blaster Piranha in your hands.

The Gel Blaster Piranha is available now for £39.99 and is aimed at children aged 14+. You can learn more and buy one from Gel blaster.co.uk.

Review: CyberCorp

Saim Khurshid

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Nov 22, 2024

0

Developed and published by Megame LLC, CyberCorp is a co-op top-down twin-stick Shooter with a cyberpunk setting.

Beauty is subjective yet an attractive sight can influence the approach. However, most things look beautiful from afar but up close, they are hugely disappointing. CyberCorp joins these ranks with flying colours.

A disappointing start

From the get-go, I knew the fun was not on the agenda. With a menu screen that might as well have been a triple gacha wallet extractor, It takes one too many steps to get the game started. Here you are thrown into the gameplay.

Heck, I did not know that this game had co-op till I read the Steam description.

Picture a top-down shooter that feels like it’s straight out of a beginner’s kit for game developers. The kind of game that’s basic, almost too simple, to the point that it’s reminiscent of something you would give to someone who has never played games before.

As for the controls, they are as basic as they come. You use your mouse to aim and the keyboard to move around, which is fine, I guess. If you’re using a gamepad, you’ll probably know what to expect in terms of controls, but even then, there’s nothing about the gameplay that feels new or exciting. It’s all very familiar and, frankly, a little boring.

This cyberpunk twin stick shooter does offer you some abilities to upgrade or change over time, but these don’t do much to spice up the experience. We’re talking about simple things like a dash move, a special attack, and other basic, beginner-level upgrades that you’ve seen in countless other games. None of them bring anything innovative to the table, and they don’t do enough to make the gameplay feel fresh or engaging. It’s all very much by the numbers and doesn’t push any boundaries.

There is a plot, I think.

The story that connects this game was seemingly so low down on the priority list that I barely remember a thing. Allow me to put an eye on the Steam page and maybe turn the game back on to dig up what I can find.

“You are a CyberCorp fighter. In your hands lies a unique and dangerous technology – the Synth, a remotely controlled combat shell.”

Yeah, so that does not cover it but you get the point. It sits in the back and fails to garner any true meaning to the slug which is the gameplay. Rather stale and not worth the bother, is what I am trying to say.

Still works though

What I will say though, is that for the things it tries to do, even if it is nothing new or innovative, it does them well. The gameplay functions, the map is easy to navigate and explore and the quality of audio is often nice to listen to.

This cyberpunk game even avoids making the text too small to read which is a recurring sin in recent indie games.

Another thing I will say is that if you have nothing else to play, this is not the worst thing to pass your time with.

Another week, another game

CyberCorp is a mixed bag. While it doesn’t bring anything new to the table, it still manages to provide a functional experience with decent gameplay and an accessible interface. However, the lack of depth and weak story hold it back from being truly memorable.

If you’re desperate for something to play or just looking to kill some time, it’s not the worst option out there. But for those who crave more innovation or a deeper connection to the world they’re playing in, this cyberpunk game might not be the right fit.

News: Christmas Gaming Guide

Daniel Waite

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Nov 21, 2024

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Christmas is a time for family and friends. However, it is also a time for gaming! There are some amazing titles available this Christmas and I know this guide will highlight some things that may have slipped your radar.

Currently, I will focus on Nintendo Switch and Sega games. Yet, I plan to add a wide variety of other titles as the days go by. So I suggest you sit back and enjoy this Christmas gaming guide.

What’s in the Christmas gaming guide?

Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – Save the kingdom of Hyrule – this time with the wisdom of Princess Zelda – in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom for Nintendo Switch. The people of Hyrule are being stolen away by strange rifts that have appeared, and with a certain swordsman among those missing, it’s up to Princess Zelda to save her kingdom.

_{Christmas Gaming Guide RRP £49.99.}

Nintendo Switch Lite Hyrule Edition – This special The Legend of Zelda-themed Nintendo Switch Lite console arrived September 26^th. Enjoy access to a range of classic The Legend of Zelda titles with the included 12-month Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Individual membership!

_{Christmas Gaming Guide RRP £209.99.}

Mario time!

Mario & Luigi Brothership – The brothers return for a brand new adventure on the high seas! Set sail with Mario and Luigi on Shipshape Island (part ship, part island) and journey through the vast world of Concordia. Launch out of Shipshape’s cannon to visit, explore, and quest your way through islands that range from tropical rainforests to bustling cities. Meet new friends along the way, like Connie and Snoutlet (who’s definitely not a pig), and encounter familiar faces from the Mushroom Kingdom like Peach and Bowser, who may help you on your journey!

You’ll have to rely on Mario and Luigi’s brotherly bond to succeed. Use Bros. Moves to get past obstacles while you explore, and powerful Bros. Attacks in a dynamic twist on turn-based combat. You’ll need every edge this ‘brothership’ will give you to save the day!

_{Christmas Gaming Guide RRP £44.99.}

Super Mario Party Jamboree – Get ready for the biggest party yet in Super Mario Party Jamboree. From running through merry-go-rounds to motion-control minigolf, this jamboree is jam-packed with over 110 minigames – the most of any Mario Party game to date!

_{Christmas Gaming Guide RRP} _£44.99.

More gaming to come.

Princess Peach: Showtime! – Princess Peach and friends arrive at the Sparkle Theater to see a show when the wicked Grape and the Sour Bunch suddenly make their grand entrance and take centre stage. The perfect performance has become a terrible tragedy and it’s up to Peach to save the play – and the day!

_{Christmas Gaming Guide RRP} _£49.99.

Nintendo Switch – OLED Model Consoles – Nintendo Switch – OLED Model is the newest addition to the Nintendo Switch family of consoles. It includes a 7-inch vibrant OLED screen, a wide adjustable stand for tabletop mode, a new dock with a wired LAN port for use in TV mode, 64 GB of internal storage, and enhanced audio for handheld and tabletop play. Just like Nintendo Switch, play on a TV, share the detachable Joy-Con controllers for multiplayer fun, or take the console on the go to enjoy its play-anywhere versatility.

_{Christmas Gaming Guide RRP} _£399.99.

SEGA.

Metaphor: ReFantazio – Metaphor: ReFantazio tells a mysterious and exciting story. It is set in a unique world where the king has been assassinated and the next monarch is due to be elected. Accordingly, this kicks off a fight for the throne that will take gamers on a captivating 100-hour adventure.

There’s no better way to escape the cold, dark winter nights than by jumping into ATLUS’ latest masterpiece. Explore its expansive, immersive world and discover its faraway lands, exhilarating quests and challenging dungeons. Moreover, there is a gripping turn-based combat system to master.

_{Christmas Gaming Guide RRP} _£49.95.

SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS – SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS introduces a brand-new Shadow story campaign. His old nemesis, Black Doom, returns and threatens to take over the world. Fans can play as Shadow and dive into his dark past to unlock his inner powers. Moreover, explore his backstory, and confront familiar foes to save the world!

That’s not all though: it also includes a full remaster of the original Sonic Generations. This combines nostalgia from the iconic 2D era of Sonic with the blistering excitement of modern 3D Sonic gameplay. The story centres around Sonic and Friends as their universe is thrown into chaos. Players can experience this adventure again with upgraded visuals, new challenges, and more bonus content.

_{Christmas Gaming Guide RRP} _£44.99.