Review: Dungeon Alchemist

James Refelian
-
0
Review: Dungeon Alchemist

Dungeon Masters, rejoice! Dungeon Alchemist, the brainchild of Briganti, is an absolute game-changer for crafting stunning and immersive maps for your tabletop RPG campaigns. While still in Early Access, this AI-powered map maker boasts a remarkable feature set that streamlines the map creation process, allowing you to unleash your creativity and breathe life into your fantastical worlds.

Effortless Map Creation with AI Assistance

Gone are the days of painstakingly drawing grids and meticulously placing dungeon tiles. Dungeon Alchemist empowers you to construct intricate maps with incredible ease.  You begin by selecting the desired terrain type, from classic dungeons and sprawling forests to bustling taverns and majestic castles. The AI then generates a base layout that you can further customise.

The real magic lies in the room creation tools. Draw the desired room shape, and the AI instantly populates it with a thematically appropriate interior. The variety is impressive, from grand throne rooms to damp, cobweb-filled crypts.  This eliminates the tedious task of manually furnishing each room, allowing you to focus on the finer details.

Customisation Galore in Dungeon Alchemist

But Dungeon Alchemist isn’t just about pre-made layouts.  The customisation options are extensive. You can tweak individual furniture pieces, rotate walls, and adjust lighting to create the perfect atmosphere.  For those who crave complete control, importing custom assets further expands your creative horizons.

Don’t underestimate the power of details.  Dungeon Alchemist allows you to add flourishes like bloodstains, cobwebs, and magical effects, imbuing your maps with a sense of history and peril.  These details go a long way in immersing your players in the adventure.

From Simple Encounters to Sprawling Cities

Dungeon Alchemist’s versatility extends far beyond basic dungeon layouts. You can craft sprawling cityscapes, bustling marketplaces, and even peaceful villages.  The ability to create multi-level structures adds a whole new dimension to your maps, allowing you to design intricate lairs and hidden passages.

The program also excels at generating outdoor environments.  Whether you need a sun-drenched meadow or a treacherous mountain pass, Dungeon Alchemist provides the tools to bring your vision to life.  The diverse terrain options and dynamic weather effects ensure that no two maps will ever look the same.

A Promising Future Filled with Potential for Dungeon Alchemist

While Dungeon Alchemist is already a fantastic tool, it’s important to remember that it’s still under development. The developers at Briganti are actively engaged with the community, constantly adding new features and content based on player feedback.  A vibrant Steam Workshop community provides a constant stream of user-created assets, further expanding the program’s capabilities.

The roadmap for future updates is ambitious, with promises of additional terrain types, more intricate building options, and even the ability to populate maps with dynamic creatures.  These planned additions solidify Dungeon Alchemist’s position as a powerful and ever-evolving tool for any DM seeking to elevate their campaigns.

Final Thoughts on Dungeon Alchemist

Dungeon Alchemist is a revolutionary tool that streamlines the map creation process without sacrificing creative freedom.  The AI-powered features make it easy to generate stunning maps, while the extensive customisation options allow you to tailor every detail to your specific needs.  Whether you’re a seasoned DM or just starting out, Dungeon Alchemist is an invaluable asset that will transform how you create worlds for your tabletop RPG adventures.  With its ongoing development and a passionate community, the future of Dungeon Alchemist is incredibly bright.

Review: Neptunia Game Maker R:Evolution

Dawid Wisniewski
-
0
Review: Neptunia Game Maker R:Evolution

In “Neptunia Game Maker,” you step into the shoes of a dimension-traversing bug catcher ‘Neptunia’ who finds herself in a bizarre realm where game developers clash over territories to sell their creations. The premise sounds promising, offering a blend of action, strategy, and a meta-narrative ripe for exploration. Unfortunately, the game’s story, art, and mechanics fail to live up to this intriguing setup, leaving players with a disjointed experience that misses more marks than it hits.

New to the series, and I’m not sold.

Quick disclaimer, I have not played or even heard about this series before and I am aware there is an extended universe. My opinions are purely on this game alone and not the series as a whole.

The narrative, while initially engaging, quickly unravels into a chaotic mess. The idea of developers battling for market supremacy could have provided a unique and engaging story. However, “Neptunia Game Maker” never fully develops this concept, resulting in a plot that feels fragmented and incoherent. The characters, while visually appealing, lack depth, making it hard to care about their journeys or motivations. The game’s potential for a compelling storyline is squandered, leaving players lost and disengaged.

The most difficult battle was traversal

Visually, “Neptunia Game Maker” adopts an art style reminiscent of a story-driven RPG. Characters receive the most attention in terms of design, showcasing detailed and expressive models. However, this focus on character art doesn’t extend any farther. The environments are bland and uninspired, with enemy designs that feel recycled and generic. The levels themselves are labyrinthine and monotonous, providing little visual or structural variety. The game’s world is so dull that I found myself staring at the minimap more than the actual game, simply to navigate the uninspired mazes.

Combat in “Neptunia Game Maker” is another area where the game falls short. Players control a party of four characters in instanced battles, with each character having customizable combos. The core combat mechanic involves switching characters to extend combos, but this quickly devolves into button mashing with occasional character swaps. The lack of impactful combat is exacerbated by the game’s low difficulty. Fights are so easy that the brief transition into and out of battle often takes longer than the battles themselves. This lack of challenge makes combat feel like a chore rather than a thrilling aspect of the game. The repetitive battle music, which plays at the start of every encounter, soon became so grating that I ended up turning off the music entirely.

So many mechanics, so little depth.

One of the more perplexing mechanics in “Neptunia Game Maker” is the inclusion of a bike for faster travel through dungeons. While the idea of a bike sounds exciting, it is poorly implemented. Most dungeon terrains are not designed for bike travel, making it more of a hindrance than a help. This feature feels like an afterthought, added without proper integration into the game’s level design. There are however some dungeons or ‘levels’ that do utilize the bike in races and time travels so it’s not completely useless.

Outside of dungeons, players engage in game development, taking over territories with specific interests to expand their base and develop different genres and styles of games. Assigning top developers to projects can yield higher ratings and profits, and the games produced can be equipped on characters for stat boosts and bonuses. However, given the game’s overall ease, optimizing these mechanics feels unnecessary. The lack of challenge means there’s little incentive to invest time in maximizing team performance.

In summary, “Neptunia Game Maker” is a game that had a lot of potential but fails to deliver on almost every front. The story is disjointed and quite difficult to follow with how many characters get introduced every second. The design is uninspired which doesn’t utilise the art style and the combat is lacklustre. Features like the bike and game development mechanics feel half-baked and add little to the overall experience. I cannot recommend this game to anyone as even to experience the story the player would be forced to drag themselves through the combat encounters. In my opinion “Neptunia Game Maker” should have taken some tips form its own game making mechanics.

Game is available on Playstation 4/5 , Nintendo switch and xbox series x/s from 24th May 2024.

Review: Wild West Dynasty

James Refelian
-
0
Review: Wild West Dynasty

Moon Punch Studio’s Wild West Dynasty attempts to capture the romantic allure of carving a homestead from the untamed wilderness of the Wild West. It places you in the dusty boots of a pioneer, tasking you with building a life and a legacy. Does it succeed in weaving a Wild West saga, or is it a wagon train headed for disappointment?

A Promising Premise with Rocky Execution

Wild West Dynasty stands out with its unique blend of survival, town-building simulation, and dynasty management. As a lone settler, you start by gathering resources, crafting basic tools, and establishing a foothold in the unforgiving frontier. Progressing further, you can attract other settlers, forming a fledgling community. This community can then evolve into a bustling town, complete with production facilities, trade routes, and even a sheriff to maintain order.

The concept of Wild West Dynasty is undeniably captivating. The idea of transforming a desolate landscape into a thriving frontier town holds immense potential. However, the execution falls short in several crucial areas.

Technical Stumbles on the Trail

Wild West Dynasty launched in Early Access with a concerning number of technical issues. Despite playing on a high-end PC, I experienced stuttering frame rates and unpolished textures. While some updates have addressed these problems, optimisation remains a concern, especially for players with less powerful machines. These technical stumbles can detract from the overall gaming experience.

Another hurdle is the game’s visual presentation. While it boasts a vast open world, the environments often feel bland and repetitive. Character animations also leave much to be desired, further diminishing the immersion factor.

A Sparse Frontier with Shallow Mechanics

The vast expanse of the Wild West can feel strangely empty in Wild West Dynasty. While the world is technically large, there’s a distinct lack of points of interest or engaging activities scattered throughout. Town-building mechanics are present, but they lack depth. Constructing buildings feels repetitive, and managing your fledgling settlement can become a chore.

Similarly, the survival aspects feel tacked on rather than integrated. The need for food and water is present, but they never feel truly threatening. Combat, when it happens, is clunky and unsatisfying.

A Glimmer of Hope: Potential for Redemption

Despite its shortcomings, Wild West Dynasty has redeeming qualities. The core concept of building a Wild West town holds promise, and the developers seem committed to improvement. Updates have addressed some of the initial technical issues, and the roadmap suggests focusing on adding more content and refining existing mechanics. I think this is a case of releasing the game too soon, even if it was early access.

The game also boasts a certain charm. The soundtrack evokes the dusty grandeur of the Wild West, and there’s a sense of satisfaction in watching your small settlement slowly grow. Wild West Dynasty might hold some appeal for players with a high tolerance for Early Access titles and a love for the Wild West setting.

Should You Mosey On Over to Wild West Dynasty?

Whether Wild West Dynasty is worth your time depends on your expectations and risk tolerance. If you want a polished, feature-rich experience, you’re best off waiting for further development. However, suppose you’re an Early Access enthusiast intrigued by the prospect of carving your own path in the Wild West, and you’re willing to overlook technical shortcomings and shallow mechanics. In that case, you might find some enjoyment here.

Final Thoughts on Wild West Dynasty: A Buggy Diamond in the Rough

This is a game with undeniable potential. The core concept of building a Wild West town is exciting, and there’s a certain charm to be found in its vast landscapes and dusty atmosphere. The developers have made a good start, and I hope future updates fix the issues because technical issues, repetitive gameplay, and a lack of depth hold it back from greatness. If the developers can address these shortcomings and continue adding meaningful content, Wild West Dynasty could eventually become a compelling simulation experience. However, right now, it’s a hesitant recommendation for Early Access enthusiasts only.

Five ways to display your favourite memorabilia

Andrew Edney
-
0
Five ways to display your favourite memorabilia

Displaying memorabilia is a powerful way to transform ordinary spaces into reflections of individual journeys and passions. 

From sports shirts to childhood toys and family portraits, memorabilia holds a special place in our hearts. Don’t shut it away and instead learn how to showcase it in style. 

This article explores five innovative methods to display your treasured items, ensuring they become a meaningful part of your home décor.

Creating a feature wall

A feature wall can become the heart of your home. This method allows you to highlight a collection in a focused and impactful manner. Plus, they’re on trend in 2024. 

You can arrange the likes of photos, travel souvenirs and mementoes from special occasions using floating shelves, shadow boxes and custom frames. A well-planned feature draws attention and tells a story at a glance.

To create a visually appealing display, balance different sizes and shapes, and consider a cohesive colour scheme that ties everything together. 

Utilising bookcases

Bookcases are versatile and functional pieces of furniture that can double as exhibit units for your memorabilia. Integrating books with personal items creates a dynamic and engaging visual narrative. 

Place objects at varying heights and depths to add dimension and interest. Use decorative boxes and bookends to build sections and maintain order. If you want to get the most out of your space then you could install bespoke fitted bookshelves that have the exact measurements you need to display your items.   

Incorporating memorabilia into everyday décor 

Integrating memorabilia into everyday décor allows you to enjoy your cherished items daily. Vintage crockery can be exhibited and used in the kitchen, heirloom textiles can be transformed into cushion covers and sports possessions can find a place in a game room. 

This approach can personalise your space and make your memorabilia functional. Ensure possessions are protected from wear and tear by placing them in areas where they can be appreciated without being damaged.

Creating a gallery space

Hallways, staircases and other transitional areas can be transformed into gallery spaces dedicated to your memorabilia. Use a mix of frames, shadow boxes and cases for a cohesive look. 

Plan the layout with both symmetrical and asymmetrical designs and consider a common theme or colour palette to unify it all. Spotlights or picture lights can add drama and highlight key pieces, making your gallery space a dynamic and engaging part of your home.

Using display cabinets 

Glass-fronted cabinets offer elegance and protection for your cherished items. Choose cabinets that match your room’s style whether that’s modern, traditional or eclectic. 

Use risers and stands to create levels and showcase possessions more effectively. Group similar items together for a curated look, ensuring that each piece stands out. 

Regular cleaning and dusting are essential to keep it looking pristine and inviting.

Presenting your favourite memorabilia is a wonderful way to personalise your home and celebrate your unique experiences and passions. Plus, it can reduce clutter, which can improve your mental health. Start your display project today and transform your living space.

Review: Everspace 2

James Refelian
-
0
Review: Everspace 2

Everspace 2, the follow-up to ROCKFISH Games’ well-received space shooter, blasts off with a satisfying blend of frenetic dogfights, deep exploration, and RPG-style loot progression. While it ditches the roguelike elements of its predecessor, Everspace 2 carves its own path as a captivating spacefaring adventure game. The question is whether it’s a worthy successor to its rogue roots.

A Universe of Opportunity: Exploration Takes Centre Stage

Everspace 2 throws you into a vast and beautifully rendered open world.  Unlike its predecessor’s linear progression, you’re free to chart your own course, uncovering derelict spacecraft, asteroid fields teeming with resources, and hidden jump gates leading to new star systems. This freedom of exploration is a highlight. You can chase story missions, delve into procedurally generated side quests, or simply get lost in the beauty of the cosmos, all while amassing valuable loot and upgrades.

The diverse environments are stunning. Lush planetary atmospheres, asteroid belts glittering under nebulae, and the imposing wrecks of colossal spaceships all come to life with stunning detail. The sense of scale is impressive, making you feel like a small but agile fighter pilot amidst the vastness of space.

Thrilling Dogfights Keep the Adrenaline Pumping in Everspace 2

The core strength of Everspace 2 lies in its exhilarating combat. Dogfights are a frantic ballet of dodging, weaving, and unleashing devastating firepower. The controls are responsive and precise, allowing for tight manoeuvring and hair-raising escapes. Mastering the different weapon types and customising your ship with looted modules adds a satisfying layer of depth. Taking down a giant capital ship feels like a true accomplishment, especially when achieved through clever tactics and well-timed dodges.

However, while initially thrilling, combat encounters can become repetitive after a while. While enemy variety exists, the core gameplay loop of dogfighting against waves of enemies can feel predictable at times. Though visually impressive, Boss encounters don’t offer a significant strategic challenge compared to the standard skirmishes.

Building Your Spacefaring Arsenal: The Looter Shooter Formula with a Twist

Everspace 2 embraces the looter shooter formula, showering you with loot and upgrade options after every encounter.  Weapons, shields, engines, and various modules can be salvaged from defeated enemies and explored wrecks. Experimenting with different combinations allows you to tailor your ship’s performance to your play style.

The loot system has its limitations. While the variety is decent, some drops can feel underwhelming, especially in the game’s later stages. Additionally, the upgrade system can sometimes be overwhelming, with many stats and options to consider. It’s definitely a steep learning curve, and the explanations could have been improved.

A Story with Potential, Hampered by Pacing

The narrative in Everspace 2 follows Adam, a pilot seeking a cure for his mysterious illness. The story has intriguing elements, delving into themes of corporate greed, space exploration ethics, and the search for a second chance. However, the pacing suffers due to the open-world nature of the game.  Story missions can feel far apart, especially if you focus on exploration and side quests.

Despite this, the voice acting is top-notch, and the characters you encounter throughout your journey are memorable, even if their backstories remain relatively shallow.

Final thoughts on Everspace 2

So, is Everspace 2 worth it? It’s a lot of fun. It’s basically an homage to classics like Freelancer or Diablo. A good story, exciting ships and great space combat with action-RPG elements make it a solid experience. But, if you’re looking for something totally new, you won’t find it in Everspace 2. You know what? That’s ok. Sometimes, we need to settle back into a solid 30 hours of nostalgia.

Review: Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name

James Refelian
-
0
Review: Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name brings back the legendary Kazuma Kiryu, though this time under the alias of Joryu. This Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio spin-off takes place during the events of the 2020 game, Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Veterans will be greeted with a satisfying dose of familiar beat-em-up action. At the same time, newcomers can experience the series’ signature blend of brawling, heart, and humour for the first time.

Back to the Streets: Brutal Brawls with a Modern Twist

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name sheds the turn-based combat of Like a Dragon, returning to the series’ roots with a refined and brutal beat-em-up system. Kiryu’s repertoire of punches, kicks, and environmental object throws feels familiar yet satisfying. Combat encounters, while not overly complex, provide a thrilling dose of action, especially with the addition of new gadgets like a taser and a drone that can unleash electric shocks in the ‘Agent’ combat style. Dodging, parrying, and unleashing combos on unsuspecting thugs remains as cathartic as ever.

However, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name isn’t just a nostalgia trip.  Gadgets add a fresh layer to the combat, allowing for more strategic approaches to brawls. Switching between the classic Yakuza brawling style and the more stylistic and gadget-driven Agent style is great fun. Stealth mechanics are also introduced, letting you take down enemies silently or distract them with strategically placed objects. While these stealth sections are a welcome change, they feel underdeveloped compared to the core combat.

Bridging the Gap: A Character-Driven Story in Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name

The story bridges the series’ two eras. While it lacks the epic scope of some mainline entries, it delves into Kiryu’s emotional state following the events of Yakuza 6. We see him grapple with his past, his unwavering sense of justice, and the burden of his legacy. The supporting cast, while not as fleshed out as some previous entries, offers a compelling mix of allies and adversaries. Returning familiar faces like Majima adds a layer of fan service for longtime players.

Yokohama’s Charm: A Familiar Playground with a Few Shortcomings

The world of Yokohama feels smaller than the sprawling environments of previous games, but it’s still packed with detail and character. Familiar minigames like karaoke and gambling return, offering a welcome distraction from the main story. However, while often amusing, the side quests can sometimes feel repetitive.

Final Thoughts on Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a solid entry in the Like a Dragon series. It offers fans a satisfying dose of nostalgia, reintroducing the classic beat-em-up gameplay with a few modern twists. While not groundbreaking, the story provides a compelling chapter in Kiryu’s ongoing saga. While the experience may feel slightly shorter and less expansive than mainline entries, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name serves its purpose well, bridging the gap between two eras and reminding us why we fell in love with Kiryu and the world of Like a Dragon in the first place. You can check out the Sega Website for more information about the game.

Review: Backfirewall_

James Refelian
-
0
Review: Backfirewall_

From indie studio Naraven Games comes the puzzle adventure game Backfirewall_, which is set inside a mobile phone. Sounds random? It is, and it’s hilarious.

Backfirewall_ Gameplay

Don’t be fooled by Backfirewall_’s seemingly mundane premise: a puzzle game set inside a smartphone. This quirky creation by Naraven Games transcends its digital landscape, offering a surprisingly poignant and humorous adventure. Stepping into the Update Assistant’s shoes (or rather, code), you find yourself tasked with upgrading a phone to the latest OS. However, a glitch in the system throws a wrench into the plan, and a motley crew of apps convinces you to help them resist the update. Described as a tragicomedy Backfirewall_ lives up to that descriptor. Backfirewall_ is hilarious, but you feel sorry for the personified software of the phone as you make your way through each area.

Backfirewall_’s brilliance lies in its unique world-building. The phone’s operating system becomes a sprawling digital metropolis, with each app representing a distinct district. Photos is represented as a vibrant gallery, while Social Media is a bustling town square. Each area pulsates with its own personality, reflected in the quirky app characters. The sassy Photos boast artistic merit, while the insecure Social Media frets about follower count. These interactions are peppered with clever tech puns and witty dialogue, creating a world that feels both whimsical and oddly relatable.

Puzzling but Thought Provoking

The puzzles themselves are a delightful mix of logic and environmental manipulation. You’ll manipulate firewalls, create bugs to exploit glitches, and even dabble in binary tree trimming. While not earth-shatteringly difficult, the puzzles offer a satisfying challenge that requires creative thinking and a good grasp of the game’s internal logic. The inclusion of cheat codes adds another layer of depth, allowing you to bend the rules and experiment with the environment in unexpected ways.

But Backfirewall_ is more than just a collection of puzzles. Woven into the gameplay are hidden emails that gradually reveal a parallel story unfolding outside the phone. These snippets paint a picture of the phone’s owner, their anxieties, and their relationship with technology. This subtle storytelling adds an emotional layer to the experience, prompting you to contemplate the human connection we forge with our devices.

As you delve deeper into the phone’s digital world, you begin to question the purpose of the update. Is it truly for the betterment of the phone, or is there a more sinister motive at play? The game masterfully navigates between light-hearted humour and moments of genuine pathos. This forces you to confront the potential consequences of technological advancements. The whole thing has a wonderfully charming Pixar-vibe about it.

Some Minor Flaws

Backfirewall_ isn’t without its flaws. The narrative, while engaging, remains relatively simple. The environmental puzzles, though varied, can become repetitive after a while. However, the game’s charm and ingenuity easily overshadow these minor shortcomings.

Final thoughts on Backfirewall_

Ultimately, Backfirewall_ is a delightful surprise. It’s a puzzle game and adventure platformer with a heart. A witty satire on our dependence on technology and a surprisingly heartwarming story about the connections we maintain in a digital age. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and charming experience, Backfirewall_ is a must-play. It’s a game that will leave you chuckling, pondering, and perhaps a little hesitant to hit that “update” button!

Review: Tram Simulator: Urban Transit

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: Tram Simulator: Urban Transit

Tram Simulator: Urban Transit ticks that heavy machinery itch. If you are obsessed with Train Sim World but want a slightly different experience, then this could be the game for you. Furthermore, if you’ve played Bus Simulator, the fictional US city will feel familiar. Accordingly, you’ll jump into your tram, select your route, and allow the rails to guide you.

This transport simulation title was developed by stillalive studios and published by astragon Entertainment. Moreover, it can be enjoyed alone or online with others. I’ve never tried the latter option, but I can imagine it’ll be a testing but relaxing endeavour. During the single-player experience, gamers enjoy a sandbox option, career mode, story mode, or a driving school. I suggest you swallow your pride and get some training. If you don’t, you’ll struggle to understand the fundamentals.

Tram Simulator: Urban Transit tries to add some depth. 

Though sim aficionados dislike a story-rich game, I like the sense of belonging and the ability to build relationships. Consequently, I think Tram Simulator: Urban Transit has hit a sweet spot. The action has a loose narrative that is well-paced and interesting to listen to. Moreover, the missions are fascinating, and building your company from scratch is extremely rewarding. 

If you pick the driving school mode, you are talked through the basics and allowed to get hands-on with a tram. Alternatively, if you test your ability and skills in either the story or career paths, you’ll be free to waste hours as you explore and expand the large fictional city. It was this freedom that was truly rewarding. I loved the ability to earn cash and to make my business flourish. Moreover, there is a small selection of trams to buy and each has specific characteristics. 

A fine balancing act. 

The developer has done a great job of making this challenging but not overbearing. Handling each tram is child’s play, and creating routes was a straightforward experience. However, keeping to the speed limit and staying on the right side of the law wasn’t so easy. Consequently, you must pay attention to your speedometer if you wish to be a professional driver. 

Increasing your fleet requires money and plenty of patience. Luckily, money is easy to come by as every tram stop is packed with paying punters. As you complete your task, you earn XP to expand your stopping options. What’s more, the money can be invested wisely as you purchase vintage vehicles or the latest model. Either way, you’ll have a great time familiarising yourself with each motor vehicle. 

A relaxing time. 

Bus Simulator was great, but I found it quite stressful keeping on top of every detail. Luckily, Tram Simulator: Urban Transit is much more relaxing. After all, you don’t have to steer and this makes it less demanding. Alongside this, as long as you abide by the law and pick up passengers, nothing can go wrong. Subsequently, you’ll sit back, relax, and take in the vibrant and colourful world. 

Tram Simulator: Urban Transit is pleasant to look at. 

Like its peers, Tram Simulator: Urban Transit cuts some corners. The character models are oddly alike, and some texture issues are somewhat unpolished. However, the trams look fantastic, and the city is alive with cars and people. This layer of vibrancy makes exploring the world an enjoyable endeavour. 

The audio was great to listen to. A combination of pleasant songs and realistic sound effects helps to keep things interesting. Furthermore, it isn’t overbearing and this helps when you endure lengthy gaming sessions. 

Excellent controls. 

Simulation games and consoles don’t normally mix. The vast array of inputs and a gamepad can be a messy experiment. However, the excellent UI and thorough tutorial help you to keep on top of things. What’s more, the inputs are responsive, and every layer is brilliantly straightforward. 

Investing your time in the career mode is where longevity and replay value are at the fore. Alternatively, if you want an objective-based approach, the story mode is for you. However, freedom and easy action can be found in the sandbox world. Either way, you’ll enjoy plenty of tram action and a vibrant city.

Tram Simulator: Urban Transit will appease sim fans. 

Simulation games can be hit-and-miss. When they are terrible, they are so disappointing. Yet, if they hit the mark, you’ll lose hours of your life. Luckily, Tram Simulator: Urban Transit does a great job. The story is balanced, and the action is enjoyable and challenging. Furthermore, the city is massive and great to explore. My only complaint is it can be challenging to understand the speed limits. However, this is minor and I recommend buying it here! Can you run a successful transport empire? Learn the basics, buy a tram, and get to work.

Review: Epomaker TH80 SE keyboard

Daniel Waite
-
0
Review: Epomaker TH80 SE keyboard

The Epomaker TH80 SE keyboard has been designed to be as unique as you are. Available in 2 colourways, this 75% form factor device is perfect for those who wish to stand out from the crowd. Furthermore, it has programmable RGB to add another wow factor. The north-facing LEDs are bright, but they will not distract you from your gaming session or work. Accordingly, they will wow your audience or your friends without undermining your productivity.

Alongside this, the keyboard is wonderfully versatile. It has 3 connectivity modes and can be used with a PC or Mac. First, you may use the included USB-C cable for a traditional approach. This option is reliable and stable, and it feels familiar. Alternatively, you may use the dongle and connect via a 2.4GHz connection for a clean and low-latency experience. Finally, the Epomaker TH80 SE keyboard has Bluetooth 5.0 technology. Therefore, you can connect this to any suitable device. Though this was not my go-to mode, I enjoyed a stable and strong connection with a low-power draw.

What’s in the box of the Epomaker TH80 SE keyboard?

  • The clean packaging will catch your eye. Though it isn’t vibrant, it looks professional. Moreover, it is easy to recycle. 
  • The Epomaker TH80 SE keyboard is extremely well-built. The dark case is complemented by the purple keycaps. Additionally, the north-facing LEDs add a vibrant edge. Underneath, you’ll find the handy connectivity switches. Furthermore, the USB dongle is safely housed within the case. 
  • The USB-C cable is robust. What’s more, it has a decent length to ensure suitability with many desktops. 
  • The USB dongle is compact and hard-wearing. 
  • Pull the keycaps with the keycaps puller. 
  • A spare space bar can be used to alter the finish. 
  • Learn the fundamentals with the user manual. 

Technical aspects. 

The Epomaker TH80 SE keyboard is a remarkably straightforward device. However, it is jam-packed with modern elements. Subsequently, if you love to customise your keyboard, look no further. The hot-swappable switches allow gamers to maximise their potential. I opted for Epomaker’s tactile switch and I enjoyed responsive inputs. Furthermore, the travel distance between actuations was minimal. Accordingly, this is the perfect choice if you love to game or work. However, as the switches can be swapped with ease, you can create the perfect keyboard for you.

The connectivity options were impressive. I adore the ability to connect this device to my tablet and mobile phone. Moreover, it worked perfectly with my PC and my laptop. Though Bluetooth 5.0 isn’t the most modern version, this mattered not. The connection was stable and I experienced no latency problems. On top of this, the low-power draw enabled me to use my tablet and the keyboard for hours without requiring a charge.

The other choices were the USB dongle or connecting via the included USB-C cable. Either option worked extremely well. However, I liked the clean workspace when the cable was removed. If you wish to use this keyboard wirelessly, you will need to charge it. Yet, this doesn’t take long, and you can play games or type with it plugged in. 

Build quality. 

The Epomaker TH80 SE keyboard is well-built. The hardened case has 3 adjustable positions and this increases versatility. Furthermore, the Cherry profile keycaps are comfortable to use no matter the height you select. If you have a smaller workstation, you’ll adore the 75% form factor. This compact device looks great, and the reduced size allows gamers the real estate for larger swooping mouse movement. 

The colourful keycaps use a double-shot PBT finish. This is the ideal choice if you wish every legend to resist your gaming and typing action. Additionally, the colours stay true to their original form for longer. Each of the ports and switches was placed in handy locations. If you wish to change connectivity modes, you must flip the keyboard over. Though this may not seem convenient, I liked the streamlined finish.

Finally, the north-facing LEDs offer a subtle hue that doesn’t detract from the overall quality. Moreover, you can alter the brightness, pattern, and colour using the handy built-in software. Combining the Fn key and other shortcuts creates the perfect lighting finish.

Is the Epomaker TH80 SE keyboard worth it?

Epomaker has an arsenal of exceptional keyboards in its ranks. However, the second edition TH80 keyboard is something else. The 75% form factor and the Cherry profile keycaps are comfortable. Furthermore, the ability to hot-swap the switches was spectacular. If you then consider the vibrant PBT finish and the user-friendly RGB, you’re on to a winner. Accordingly, I love this keyboard and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on Epomaker can be found here!)

(Full disclosure! Epomaker provided a sample for an unbiased and free review!)

News GUNNAR 30% off sale

Daniel Waite
-
0
News GUNNAR 30% off sale

The GUNNAR 30% off sale focuses on prescription eyewear! This leading blue light-blocking manufacturer rarely discounts its prescription lenses. Accordingly, this is the opportunity to make huge savings. Additionally, you can increase your eye health with a pair of their stylish gaming glasses.

If you suffer from dry or itchy eyes, you may be feeling the negative effects of harsh blue light. Furthermore, your reactions will be lowered, and your productivity will be impacted. However, if you invest in one of GUNNAR’s amazing products, you’ll feel the benefit. The patented technology helps to retain eye moisture. The result is fresher feeling eyes for longer. Moreover, you can stare at a monitor or TV screen without fatigue. Therefore, you may work harder and enjoy marathon gaming sessions.

What’s available during the GUNNAR 30% off sale?

Overwatch Ultimate Prescription. 

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. Channel your inner Grandmaster with GUNNAR’s advanced Amber tint (blocks 65% of blue light) or Clear (blocks 35%). Officially licenced exclusively by GUNNAR…GG everyone else.

(RRP starting at $215. GUNNAR 30% off sale price $150.50)

Overwatch D.Va Tokki Edition Prescription. 

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. Emblazoned with her corporate sponsors on the temples, the frame offers flexible spring hinges and advanced lens technology with exclusive collector accessories including a case, pouch and a cleaning cloth. 

(RRP starting at $275. GUNNAR 30% off sale price $192.50)

Tokidoki Cotton Candy Carnival Prescription. 

Surrounded by fun, friends and starfetti galore, Tokidoki x GUNNAR invite you to the Cotton Candy Carnival. These soft lavender frames sport a modified round shape to fit a wide range of faces. With Stellina’s star on the front and the iconic Tokidoki logo on the temple, you’ll enjoy a little fun along with fashion and function. Flexible spring hinges, adjustable titanium nose pads, and G-Shield® Plus lens coatings deliver GUNNAR technology at an Epic Performance level. An exclusive microfibre cleaning cloth, pouch and case features your favourite Tokidoki characters. It’s the sweetest ticket in town!

(RRP starting at $239. GUNNAR 30% off sale price $167.30)

The glasses keep coming. 

Call of Duty Alpha Edition Prescription. 

Follow the steps of GUNNAR and Task Force 141 and embark on a mission to protect all eyes. Equipped with a quality precision-engineered polymer frame material, sturdy multi-barrel hinges and fixed nose bridge, wearing the Call of Duty Alpha Edition is the perfect load out.

(RRP starting at $209. GUNNAR 30% off sale price $146.30)

Humboldt Prescription. 

Inspired by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, these glasses blend nature and sophistication flawlessly. The aviator-style ebony wood material frame features a carbon fibre layer to improve firmness, tensile and compressive strength. Thinner, lighter and more durable, this frame sports flexible spring hinges, and advanced lens technology to best represent the pinnacle of the ARBOR Collection from GUNNAR Optiks.

(RRP starting at $269. GUNNAR 30% off sale price $188.30)

Plenty more to pick from. 

The GUNNAR 30% off sale offers massive savings this July. The discount is available between July 1st and July 17th. Subsequently, you’ll have to be quick if you do not wish to miss out. I’ve covered 5 possible frames. Yet, GUNNAR has plenty more colourful and stylish frames on offer. Accordingly, there is something for every budget and style.

(More information on GUNNAR can be found here!)

1...159160161...2,261Page 160 of 2,261