Shokz Brings Bluetooth Versatility with OpenSwim Pro Waterproof Open-Ear Headphones

Andrew Edney
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0
Shokz Brings Bluetooth Versatility with OpenSwim Pro Waterproof Open-Ear Headphones

Leading consumer electronics brand Shokz, renowned for its open ear headphones with patented bone conduction technology, today announces the upcoming launch of OpenSwim Pro, the brand’s first Bluetooth and MP3 compatible sports headphone made with bone-conduction technology. 

OpenSwim Pro has an open ear design and ultra-lightweight frame making it the ultimate multi-sport headphone. OpenSwim Pro allows users to maintain situational awareness, while listening to their favourite music in any environment, whether that’s swimming, running, or cycling. Its versatility extends beyond sport; perfect for interacting with friends, colleagues, and family.

The OpenSwim Pro headphones have a flexible Nickel-Titanium alloy frame, combining a soft silicone material and a biofit design that does not obstruct other garments such as a swimming cap or goggles. With a simple press of a button, or via the Shokz app, users can easily switch modes between Bluetooth streaming and MP3 listening.

Vincent Xiong, Chief Executive Officer at Shokz says:

“We know that swimmers love our existing OpenSwim headphones, but our most requested feature was the ability to utilize Bluetooth out of the water as well. We’re incredibly proud to launch the OpenSwim Pro, in what is our most versatile headphone to date. With both Bluetooth and MP3 capabilities, OpenSwim Pro unlocks an athlete’s full potential and is built to be comfortable, safe, and secure in any situation.”

Designed with Shokz’ PremiumPitchTM 2.0+ technology, the headphones produce clear sound, powerful volume, and a rich bass. Maintaining sound quality in every environment, the OpenSwim Pro headphones have two EQ modes – a standard mode and vocal mode. Ensuring the audio quality is also sustained and clear, OpenSwim Pro also works for phone calls, designed with four in-built microphones, and is enabled with echo cancellation. It has 32GB of MP3 memory, allowing users to store up to 8,000 of their favourite songs.

OpenSwim Pro has an IP68 rating, allowing users to use their headphones for up to two hours submerged in two meters of water. Users can also expect up to nine hours of battery life, combined with quick charging. It transitions seamlessly between devices, thanks to its multipoint pairing and the use of Bluetooth v5.4 providing a quick and stable connection.

OpenSwim Pro Features:

  • IP68 waterproof rating provides swimmers up to two hours of use under two meters of water
  • Bluetooth & MP3 capability allows fitness enthusiasts to use OpenSwim Pro anytime, anywhere 
  • Shokz’s signature open-ear design enhances situational awareness and connection in all environments 
  • An ergonomic build ensures all-day comfort and a secure fit that remains in place during strenuous exercise 
  • Equipped with PremiumPitchTM 2.0+, that allows for clear sound, powerful volume, and a rich bass
  • A nine hour battery life and quick charge feature ensure users never have to endure a workout without their music
  • The playlist opportunities are endless thanks to 32GB of MP3 memory, allowing users to store up to 8,000 songs 
  • Four mics that allow the use of noise and echo cancellation providing clear calls 
  • Listeners can get a more personalised listening experience by using the Shokz App to select your favorite EQ setting, including standard mode, vocal mode

OpenSwim Pro: Specs

Materials: Nickel-Titanium Alloy frame with Soft Silicone 

Speaker Type: Bone conduction transducer

Frequency Response: 20 Hz~20 KHz

Audio: PremiumPitch™ 2.0+ 

Speaker: 105 ± 3 dB

Microphone Sensitivity: -38 dB ± 1 dB

Bluetooth® version: Bluetooth® V5.4

MP3 storage: 32GB

MP3 music formats: MP3, WMA, FLAC, WAV, AAC, M4A, APE

Wireless range: Up to 33 ft (10 m) 

Battery type:  Li-Polymer Battery 

Battery capacity: 160 mAh（Min）

Continuous play time: Bluetooth mode: 9 Hours/ MP3 mode: 6 Hours

Charger type: Magnetic induction

Quick charge: A 10-minute charge gives 3 hours of battery life (music)

Weight: 27.3g

IP rating: IP68 Waterproof and Sweat-Resistant

Frequency band: 2,402 MHz~2,480 MHz

Warranty: 2 years 

OpenSwim Pro is available for order today for £169 GBP on https://uk.shokz.com/.

About Shokz 

Shokz audio products deliver premium stereo sound and the safety and comfort of an open-ear design to consumers worldwide. Shokz offers their patented open-ear technology to improve situational awareness and keep users connected to their surroundings. Since 2011, Shokz has used its proprietary technologies and signature open-ear design for endurance, lifestyle, and communication audio products, priced for everyday use. Learn more about the brand that inspires users to #beopen at uk.shokz.com.

Review: Karcher eco!Booster JET 130 (K4)

Andrew Edney
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0
Review: Karcher eco!Booster JET 130 (K4)

With Fathers Day just around the corner, we review the Karcher eco!Booster JET 130 (K4).

Cleaning delicate surfaces efficiently and thoroughly has never been so easy, quick or economical. With 50 percent higher cleaning performance and the same resource consumption, the eco!Booster offers 50 percent higher water and energy efficiency compared to a flat jet nozzle.

This makes cleaning very thorough and quick, while also saving time, water and energy. Thanks to the very even removal, dirt is removed really effectively and even delicate materials such as painted surfaces or wood can be cleaned without worry.

With the attachment removed from the spray lance, stubborn dirt can be tackled from a shorter distance.

The eco!Booster 130 is suitable for all Kärcher K 4 class pressure washers.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the JET 130 and some instructions.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

If you already have a jet washer, you have probably noticed it uses a lot of water, depending on what you are washing. What if you increase the cleaning performance, the water efficiency and the energy efficiency all by 50%? Well you can with the Karcher eco!Booster JET 130.

Setting up the JET 130 for use is really simple – just click the two parts together the connect that up to your Karcher K4 washer.

When you need to clean it you can just simply take it apart.

It really is as simple as that – buying this is simply a no-brainer if you want better performance with better efficiency too!

The Karcher eco!Booster JET 130 (K4) is available now priced around £44.99 (and don’t forget you need the Karcher K4 washer to connect to). There are other JETs available for different Karcher washers.

You can learn more from the Karcher website.

Review: Criminal Expert

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Criminal Expert

Criminal Expert is a title that has ambition and drive. However, this slightly out-of-the-box thinking can be tough to swallow. Moreover, the harsh nature of the gameplay and the repetitive action were somewhat tiresome. Yet, the excellent story, impressive setting, and wonderful FMV gameplay balance things out. Accordingly, if you wish to jump in the shoes of a detective, this may be the game for you.

This FMV experience was developed by Storm Trident and published by Forever Entertainment. Furthermore, it has some basic puzzle elements and some logical moments to overcome. However, the limited gaming arenas and the slow but pressurised action get under your skin. No matter how hard you try, time keeps ticking away. The inevitable time constraint makes this experience almost unbearable but fascinating in equal measure.

Criminal Expert tells a harrowing tale. 

Fear and criminality are the foundations for a harrowing tale. These ingredients combine perfectly to create an uncomfortable yet moreish story that is tough to put down. Criminal Expert blends its methodical mechanics with its excellent FMV. The result is a well-paced, captivating story that is more engrossing than the genre suggests. 

You play the role of a gruff and impatient detective. This hero has a second sense and can pick up on the smallest of clues. However, no matter how good he is, he must abide by the rules and prove who committed the crime without a shadow of a doubt. Thankfully, when a horrific crime is committed, the detective gets to work. A terrified woman and a mystery won’t prevent him from finding the truth and arresting the culprit.

A blend of mechanics.

Unlike other FMV titles, Criminal Expert doesn’t rely on simple choices. Instead, it incorporates some exploration and puzzle elements alongside the video clips. This blend of mechanics adds a sense of dynamic energy to an otherwise slow affair. Other than the continually ticking clock, you are free to piece together clues and evidence at your own pace. Moreover, you can interrogate suspects, question victims, and look at clues from the comfort of your police station. 

Where things are mixed up is the use of mini-games. This was an interesting concept that sadly fell flat. If you haven’t gathered enough evidence, or you simply miss the point, you are up shit creek without a paddle. This brutally unfair idea put my nose out of joint. There was nothing worse than losing out because the game wanted you to. Additionally, if you wish to repeat the mini-game, you have to restart the story from the beginning. This was infuriating and made any enjoyment somewhat fade away. 

Criminal Expert has a Beauty and the Beast complex. 

The cinematic is fantastic. The high-quality cutscenes are smooth and captivating. Moreover, the seamless transition from questions to answers was impressive. Sadly, the rest of the action was pretty ugly. Though it captures the stereotypical Polish industrial edge, the textures weren’t great. Moreover, I occasionally struggled with the text and the subtitles weren’t always clear. When a game relies on subtitles to communicate its authentic language, then this is slightly problematic.

The acting and the audio combine to create an amazing atmospheric story. The cinematic is hard to watch, but you cannot avert your gaze. I admired the mixture of emotions and the well-paced line of questioning. The acting is supported by a varied soundtrack and some realistic sound effects. The result is a captivating story that is gruesome and tough to swallow.

Simple controls. 

Navigating a small gaming arena wasn’t challenging. The police station has a few interactive objects. Furthermore, it was simple to select each item and progress the story. However, a word of warning, if you rush ahead and make a mistake, it could be catastrophic. Consequently, I suggest taking your time to prevent unnecessary frustration.

As Criminal Expert has a diverging storyline, there are reasons to return. However, much of the action revisits old ground and this can feel repetitive. As such, though there is replay value, I’m not sure that I want to explore every avenue. 

Criminal Expert is ambitious and interesting. 

Though it isn’t perfect, I admire Criminal Expert’s ambition. Furthermore, the Polish language and reliance on subtitles add an interesting layer. I didn’t like the mini-games as they were unfair and often confusing. However, the cinematic is spectacular, and the acting is excellent. Subsequently, I like it and I recommend buying it here! Can you solve the crime? Investigate each area, piece together the clues, and find the criminal.

Review: Edifier G2000 Gaming Speakers

Andrew Edney
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Review: Edifier G2000 Gaming Speakers

Here is our review of the Edifier G2000 Gaming Speakers.

Gaming is all about sight and sound, that’s why the G2000 from Edifier are the ultimate addition to your desktop. Hear every footstep, feel every explosion. Get performance enhancing sound from a stylish desktop speaker system with LED backlighting.

Features

  • Column-shaped cabinet with backward mega bass port
  • 12 light effects enhance the gaming experience
  • Mechanical shift lever easy to control volume
  • Music, Game, and Movie sound modes supported
  • Bluetooth/USB sound card/AUX input available
  • Music Sources: Bluetooth
  • Inputs: 3.5mm AUX, USB
  • Power Handling : 16 Ws
  • Driver Size : 2.75″
  • Sensitivity : 98 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Warranty: 2 Years

What’s in the box?

The box contains 2 Satellite Speakers, a USB Cable, a 3.5mm Audio Cable and a Power Adapter, along with a manual.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The Edifier G2000 Gaming Speakers are quite small, but they pack a punch.

Connection wise you can use the 3.5mm port, the USB port or use Bluetooth – the choice is yours. All of the options are easy to use and work very well.

All the controls are on the side of the speaker and are easy to use.

Once you have plugged in the G2000 when you switch them on, there is a loud revving sound (which I wasn’t expecting!) and when you power off there is another sound, just not as loud!

Sound quality wise, the G2000 is really good. USB mode sounds better than using the 3.5mm port because USB mode uses a built-in sound card, but thats not to say using the 3.5mm isn’t good!

The G2000 also has 12 different light effects, if that’s your thing. You can use them to enhance your gaming experience or just have them on when listening to music. There is a button on the side of the speaker that allows you to change the colours and the modes, or turn off this feature all together.

If you are on the lookout for a great sounding set of gaming speakers, then look, and listen no further!

The Edifier G2000 Gaming Speakers are available now in Pink, White, Black and Red and sell for around £64.99.

You can learn more from the Edifier website.

Review: Read Only Memories: Neurodiver

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Read Only Memories: Neurodiver

Read Only Memories: Neurodiver is the sequel to an equally neon-infused, cyberpunk experience. This almost visual novel title delivers a whimsy story full of bizarre characters and strange plot twists. Moreover, the unusual plot keeps you on your toes as there are plenty of dividing moments and an army of interesting and familiar characters to encounter.

This point-and-click adventure title was developed by MidBoss LLC and published by Chorus Worldwide Games. Furthermore, there are wonderful visual novel elements and a smattering of puzzles to overcome. As such, there is plenty to keep you entertained as you explore a vivid and often garish world.

Read Only Memories: Neurodiver hides no secrets.

Visual novels aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, I love their causal nature and relaxing gameplay. Accordingly, when you add some point-and-click and puzzle moments, it undermines this straightforward approach. Yet, I loved the complexity and the often upbeat characters. Additionally, there is a sense of fun and romance hidden between the OTT elements and the futuristic edge.

You play the role of ES88. She is a psychic detective who works with a biological being known as Neurodiver. This team of futuristic detectives must dive into the memories of their willing victims as they search for the Golden Butterfly. En route, this pair experience some strange and interesting moments. Furthermore, puzzles and problems often prevent their job from being as simple as it should be.

Powerful characters. 

Though the basic puzzles and point-and-click elements didn’t wow me. I adored the range of subjects and the characters on display. The blend of protagonists and antagonists helps the plot flow at a generous pace. Moreover, the strong characters ensure that your attention rarely wanes. I adored the stereotypical roles and the teasing of the love interest. This fun blend of strength and sexual chemistry distracts you from the web of deceit and lies.

If you enjoyed 2064: Read Only Memories, you’ll encounter some familiar characters. Additionally, the subject matter navigates a well-trodden path. Consequently, the developers had to be careful not to regurgitate ideas. Luckily, the new plot and fresh team behind Read Only Memories: Neurodiver has done an amazing job. Furthermore, if you haven’t experienced its predecessor, you will not feel out of your depth.

Read Only Memories: Neurodiver is neon-infused madness. 

The wonderful animation and unique character models add energy and a sense of drama to the proceedings. Furthermore, the change of scenery and interesting environments keeps you guessing throughout. I loved the futuristic edge and the garish but attractive neon hue. Read Only Memories: Neurodiver does everything in its power to capture every sci-fi cliché. This may seem like a complaint, but it isn’t! Instead, I adored the eye-watering colours and the zany and often OTT expressions.

The audio was just as good. The synth music complements the classic sci-fi imagery and the voice work was spectacular. Yes, there is a sense of a wooden English hero, but this was quickly forgiven. I cherished the tongue-in-cheek moments and the silly quips and funny one-liners. Furthermore, the pace was ideal as I never sensed any low points. 

Sluggish controls. 

Visual novels rarely test my patience. However, the sluggish point-and-click controls were frustrating. This made the puzzles annoying even though they were simple enough. Had I played this using a mouse and keyboard, I wouldn’t have noticed. Sadly, though, the gamepad wasn’t great and this undermines the otherwise polished finish.

Read Only Memories: Neurodiver delivers some layers of replay value. But I’m not sure I’d want to return for more. Though I enjoyed each “dive”, I’m not sure the sense of surprise and wonderment would be the same. Consequently, there is limited replay value and longevity. 

Read Only Memories: Neurodiver is a great visual novel. 

The strong foundation sets this title up perfectly. However, with a new team behind the scenes, it had the potential to fall short. Luckily, the writing was strong and I adore the varied characters. Moreover, the visuals capture a sci-fi edge that is magical and zany. Accordingly, though it isn’t perfect, I recommend buying it here! Can you master your skills and become a hero? Relax, read each mind, and piece together the truth.

Review: The Smurfs Village Party

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: The Smurfs Village Party

The Smurfs Village Party expands the Smurfs gaming franchise. I’ve covered The Smurfs: Mission Vileaf and Smurfs 2 – The Prisoner of the Green Stone and enjoyed every moment. However, this latest endeavour focuses on a blend of genres. Accordingly, this could muddy the water and dilute the experience. Yet, I was confident the developer would get things right.

This adventure title was developed by Balio Studio and published by Microids. Furthermore, it has many mini-games to entertain and thrill its audience. The adventure portion is a solo experience that explores a 3D open-world perspective. The multiplayer action, on the other hand, can be enjoyed by 1–4 players in a fixed-screen arena.

The Smurfs Village Party treads old ground. 

Upbeat and moralistic stories beat at the heart of every Smurf plot. Consequently, this latest romp into the blue people’s world treads old ground. Though this isn’t original, it matters not! The Smurfy language, simple tasks, and mountains of collectables make it a straightforward but fun title.

Pupa Smurf has organised a village party. This massive event is filled with music, food, and games. Subsequently, he requests the assistance of every available Smurf. Your task is to explore the large kingdom and help every Smurf complete their job. Sadly, Gargamel hates festivals and fun and will try to stop you at all costs.

Straightforward ideas. 

As an adventure title, The Smurfs Village Party rarely breaks the mould. Essentially, you are asked to gather resources, find collectables, and help every Smurf you see. Alongside this, there is treasure to discover, costumes to make, and mini-games and races to compete in. 

The mini-games are relatively simple and have Mario Party vibes. Moreover, there is a hearty blend of sports, memory, and skill activities to test you. During the adventure mode, these games are played against the computer. However, once you complete the adventure, you are free to play the party mode. Alternatively, you can try each activity against your friends on one TV screen.

The Smurfs Village Party isn’t perfect. 

Though I enjoyed the basic exploration, the fun mini-games, and the straightforward quests, visually, it was a bit of a mess. The textures are all over the place and the camera is sadly woeful. Furthermore, some assets are solid and others can be ghosted through. This hit-and-miss quality wasn’t expected as it left an unpolished finish. 

However, the mini-games all looked fantastic. The fixed-screen perspective was great, and I loved the crisp graphics and interesting settings. Accordingly, it feels as if the developers focused on the mini-games and the adventure element suffered as a consequence.

The audio is a mixed bag as well. The music was fun, upbeat, and energetic. The result was a fulfilling soundtrack that added a jovial layer to the game. Additionally, the sound effects are silly and enjoyable to listen to. Yet, the repetition was like a dentist’s drill going off in my head! The soulless one-lines are tedious, loud, and annoying. If I hear the words “A Smurf in a Smurf’s shoe”, or the marching Smurf quote one more time, I think I’ll scream!

Janky controls. 

During the mini-games, the control system is exceptional. The responsive inputs are well-considered, and every task is well-explained. Subsequently, the mini-games are suitable for gamers of all ages. Disappointingly, though, the adventure element falls short again. You’ll clip the scenery, crash into walls, and struggle to complete tasks. The camera system affects the controls more than it should. Sadly, it is not varied enough and I struggled to navigate the vast world. Had this been improved, The Smurfs Village Party would benefit. 

The adventure option is filled with collectables, tasks, and other enjoyable layers. However, its simplicity creates a feeling of tedium. Unfortunately, like Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed, too much of a good thing can become overwhelming. Therefore, had this been reduced and the difficulty increased, the gameplay would have been better balanced. 

The Smurfs Village Party is a Jekyll and Hyde game.

There are so many reasons to play and enjoy The Smurfs Village Party. The multiplayer action is great, especially if you have kids. Furthermore, the open world is colourful and interesting. What’s more, if you love simple tasks and collectables, then this will float your boat. However, the adventure mode feels like an afterthought and it is rough around the edges. Despite these shortcomings, I enjoyed it and I recommend buying it here! Can you fulfil Pupa Smurf’s wishes? Help the Smurfs, avoid Gargamel and enjoy the festivities.

Review: Coloree

Saim Khurshid
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0
Review: Coloree

Sceptical was I when I first launched the colour-based puzzle game, Coloree but you can COLOUR me surprised, when I found myself hooked to the colour-coded tasks that awaited me.

Trailer of Coloree

Level by level, puzzle by puzzle, I was enthralled by the often frustrating yet always striking gameplay. No story here, just some good old-fashioned mind testing.

Colour me silly

The goal is to match shapes using colour, a picture provided with a scene-vanilla. In simple terms, the game followed a simple yet hardened play…… Okay, I’ll stop… for now!

Your goal is to change the colours of the boxes to match each other. To do this, pick a box with colour A and drag a selection bar to a box with colour B. This changes the colour of box B to match colour A. But there’s a catch: you can’t lose any colours. If a colour disappears completely, meaning no boxes have that colour anymore, you lose the game. The selection bar can only move in straight lines, which makes it tricky to keep all the colours while finishing the level. That’s the main idea—figure out the rest on your own!

Now for the plot…

The Colour Story

Yeah, there is none but I have a word count to reach so let’s try and examine to see if we can get something out of the structuring of Coloree. 

That game first begins with a simple abstract art. This is mostly for the tutorial section but these leave you thinking. Why does abstract art, the most complex and hard-to-understand of all art forms, be used as a tutorial? Are we to believe that it is the abstract nature of us humans that is our way of finding ourselves in this world? Simply put; are the things we don’t understand that give us meaning?

The second collection of art is random pictures of household objects and rooms. Stuff that you would find in the average home in the last 100 years or so. This speaks to me of the simple and peaceful parts of life acting as a symbol of easy time and tasks.

The third collection is of people and animals. So friends, families and pets. What more do I need to say? This shows us the true hardship of life; having to keep up an appearance for the world around us. To fit in with those we love and those who love us.

What a fitting way to symbolise difficulty!

These are just some of the artistic collections this game has on offer. But I will not go into detail. That is something one should explore themselves. This game held me down for the entire time I played it. Never has something with no dialogue ever gripped me so. (Well, that might be pushing it a bit too much but you get the point)

Regardless, this was truly an experience to remember.

Okay… that should be enough padding. Let me get to the outro so I can call it in.

Wrapping up a nice game

Coloree is an unexpectedly engaging puzzle game. Its simple mechanics are balanced by clever design and interesting challenges. Matching the colours of boxes while ensuring no colour is lost makes each level a thoughtful and strategic experience.

The game’s ability to keep you hooked is impressive. It shows that sometimes, simple ideas can be impactful. Coloree proves that a game doesn’t need complex stories or dialogue to be captivating.

So I tell you, as a gamer and a possible future friend to give it a chance. Maybe, just maybe, it will make you find something in your life that may help you find yourself.

News: National Eyewear Day

Daniel Waite
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0
News: National Eyewear Day

National Eyewear Day is upon us. This important day reminds us to keep on top of our eye health. Accordingly, you may wish to invest in a pair of gaming glasses from GUNNAR Optik. This fantastic company has invested time and effort into its market-leading and patented lens technology. Furthermore, they are trendsetters with their incredible frames and varied lenses.

I’m a massive fan of their products, and I’ve been lucky enough to test many of their modern styles. Whether it is Call of Duty, Assassin’s Creed, Tokidoki, or Marvel, this amazing company has a pair of glasses to reflect the theme. Alongside the fashionable styles is a guaranteed robust and environmentally friendly build quality. Moreover, if you suffer from fatigue, eye strain, headaches, or itchy eyes, the patented blue light and UV protection lenses will be a game changer.

GUNNAR recommends these glasses this National Eyewear Day.

Call of Duty Alpha Edition.

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.

KEY FEATURES.

  • Precision-engineered polymer frame material.
  • Sturdy multi-barrel hinges.
  • GUNNAR patented lens technology.
  • G-Shield™ lens coating: anti-reflective, smudge-resistant & oleophobic.
  • Blocks harmful blue light and 100% UV.
  • Official Call of Duty licenced glasses.
  • Prescription is also available.

Price: $59.00.

Call of Duty UAV Edition.

Follow the steps of GUNNAR and Task Force 141 and embark on a mission to protect all eyes. With an aluminium-magnesium forged frame, discreet spring hinges and adjustable nose pads, wearing the Call of Duty UAV Edition is the perfect load out.

KEY FEATURES.

  • Aluminum-magnesium forged frame material.
  • Flexible spring hinges.
  • GUNNAR patented lens technology.
  • G-Shield™ lens coating: anti-reflective, smudge-resistant & oleophobic.
  • Blocks harmful blue light and 100% UV.
  • Official Call of Duty licenced glasses.
  • Prescriptions are also available.

Price: $99.00.

Cupertino.

Adapt to dominate your digital life. Featuring a premium acetate frame material, Cupertino is equipped with lens technology and magnetised lens inserts that can be easily interchanged. With four tints available, you’ll be equipped to sharpen your focus in any scenario.

KEY FEATURES.

  • Premium acetate frame material.
  • Flexible spring hinges.
  • GUNNAR patented lens technology.
  • G-Shield™ Premium lens coating suite.
  • Legendary tier lens material.
  • Low-bridge fit compatible.
  • Blocks harmful blue light and 100% UV.
  • Interchangeable magnetic lens inserts: 4 tints available.

Price: $150.00.

Fallout Vault 33.

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. Equipped with durable hinges and a comfortable fit, the built-in side shields offer protection from light noise. GUNNAR’s advanced lens technology prevents digital eye strain whether playing Fallout or watching the latest episode on Amazon Prime.

KEY FEATURES.

  • Retro-futuristic square style stainless steel and nylon frame material.
  • GUNNAR patented lens technology.
  • G-Shield® lens coating: anti-reflective & smudge resistant.
  • Blocks harmful blue light and 100% UV.
  • Officially licenced Amazon Studios® Fallout® glasses.

Price: $99.00.

The glasses keep coming this National Eyewear Day.

Humboldt.

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.

KEY FEATURES.

  • Aviator-style ebony wood material with a carbon fibre inner layer.
  • Flexible spring hinges for customisable fit.
  • GUNNAR patented lens technology.
  • G-Shield® lens coating: anti-reflective & smudge resistant.
  • Proprietary polyamide lens material provides crisp optics with ultra durability.
  • Blocks harmful blue light and 100% UV.

Price: $119.00.

Muir.

Discover the beauty of nature with Muir, a key style in our innovative ARBOR Collection. Inspired by the Primeval forest, Muir Woods, these glasses combine elegance and essence. Featuring genuine ebony wood reinforced with an internal carbon fibre layer, this frame delivers firmness, tensile and compressive strength in a lightweight, ultra-durable configuration. Flexible spring hinges add comfort for a long-wearing fit. Advanced lens technology provides the best viewing experience available in GUNNAR’s line of premium blue-blocking eyewear.

KEY FEATURES.

  • Sustainably harvested ebony wood exterior with carbon fibre inner layer.
  • Flexible spring hinges for customisable fit.
  • GUNNAR patented lens technology.
  • G-Shield® lens coating: anti-reflective & smudge resistant.
  • Proprietary polyamide lens material provides crisp optics with ultra durability.
  • Blocks harmful blue light and 100% UV.

Price: $119.00.

Intercept, Assassin’s Creed: Mirage Edition.

Enhance your visual experience and protect your eyes with GUNNAR. Explore the immersive world of ninth-century Baghdad as you step into the robes of Basim Ibn Ishaq as he grows from amateur thief to master Assassin.

KEY FEATURES.

  • Precision-engineered polymer frame material.
  • Sturdy multi-barrel hinges.
  • GUNNAR patented lens technology.
  • G-Shield™ lens coating: anti-reflective, smudge-resistant & oleophobic.
  • Blocks harmful blue light and 100% UV.
  • Official Assassin’s Creed® licenced glasses.
  • Prescription is also available.

Price: $84.99.

Tallac.

It features a mountaineer-style look with an acetate frame and premium leather side shields. The removable side shields block peripheral light for total coverage and maximum protection from light noise in any environment. With high-quality spring hinges, experience unparalleled visual clarity and reduced eye strain, thanks to precision-engineered blue light filtering technology. With the Tallac, protect your eyes in style and conquer every digital nomad adventure with confidence.

KEY FEATURES.

  • Premium acetate frame material.
  • Leather side shields block peripheral light for total coverage and maximum protection from light noise.
  • High-quality spring hinges.
  • GUNNAR patented lens technology.
  • Blocks harmful blue light and 100% UV.
  • Dual-sided anti-reflective lens coating.
  • Also available in prescription.

Price: $150.00.

Improve your eye health.

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(More information on GUNNAR can be found here!)

News: Deadlink

Daniel Waite
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News: Deadlink

Deadlink was a game that I covered in October 2022. I scored it a 7/10, and I summarised my thoughts accordingly. “Overall, Deadlink is an incredible title. It’s tough, enjoyable, addictive and wonderfully casual as well. However, the performance issues undermine all this potential. Consequently, it needs some refining to get the best out of it. Yet, as it is, I love it and I recommend you buy it! Can you pilot the combat shell and master each situation? Upgrade your equipment, know your foes, and survive for as long as possible.“

Since my review, 2.6K+ very positive reviews have been logged on Steam. Accordingly, I am proud to announce that Crunching Koalas are bringing this excellent game to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, on July 30th 2024. The PS5 version will support DualSense and both versions will have 4K resolution and a steady 60 fps. Furthermore, there is a new game mode to enhance replay value and longevity.

Get ready to put a sizeable dent in the profits of megacorporations in Deadlink, a guns-blazing cyberpunk FPS with rogue-lite elements. Your mission is to conduct covert ops while piloting a humanoid combat shell. And no, “covert” doesn’t mean “quiet.”

ABOUT THIS GAME.

Deadlink is a cyberpunk FPS with rogue-lite elements. You’re an elite operative recruited to the experimental Deadlink project. Pilot an autonomous combat shell, fighting your way through cramped slums, twisted labs, grimy warehouses, and sleek office buildings on a mission to thwart the schemes of the most powerful corporations in the world. Wield a deadly arsenal, upgrade your skills and tech, devastate destructible environments, and slash corporate profit margins — all at the same time.

You are the Corporate Security Agency’s greatest weapon, and it’s your job to make sure the corporations and their shady deals are anything but secure. With the team at HQ backing you up, you’re tossed head-first into the fray, where a military operation with plausible deniability can fix things for a fraction of the cost of a hopeless court case. Every randomised run will be different, but one thing never changes: you will be outnumbered. Get ready to think on your feet as you dash, jump, and use the environment to your advantage. You can’t still, not even for a second.

MATURE CONTENT DESCRIPTION.

The developers describe the content like this:

“This game may contain content not appropriate for all ages, or may not be appropriate for viewing at work: General Mature Content.”

Not long to wait.

Patience is a virtue, but thankfully, you will not have to wait for long to get your hands on this game. This fantastic cyberpunk experience is fast-paced, cruel, and challenging. Additionally, its random nature will keep you coming back for more. Subsequently, why not head here for some more information?

(More information on Crunching Koalas can be found here!)

Review: Night of the Dead

Dawid Wisniewski
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Review: Night of the Dead

“Night of the Dead” is a confused open world zombie survival game. Empty world, forced generic story, every night, a relentless wave of zombies assaults your base. While the base defence mechanic adds a thrilling aspect to the game, it also exposes several significant flaws that hinder the overall experience.

The core gameplay loop is familiar to fans of the genre: collect resources, craft gear, and venture further into the world. However, most resources end up being thrown into base building rather than upgrading equipment. On that note, the best gear is usually found by looting zombies and exploring structures rather than crafting.

Base defence is the only part of the game that stands out and it delivers a genuinely tense experience. Of course many games have done a similar premise, the likes of 7 days to die comes to mind, “Night of the dead” switches it up a little. Each night brings a new challenge, and without proper fortifications and strategies, your base can be quickly overrun. This nightly onslaught can be overwhelming but is also the most engaging aspect of the game. You can really delve into creating intricate corridors of traps to fight against an oncoming horde of the undead. The day night cycle is longer than I have experienced in any game and for the first day it definitely dragged as I was not aware just how bad the night gets but after my initial wave I realised I made a grave mistake by not taking the base defence seriously and spent half the next day collecting resources, the second half rectifying my mistake.

Unfortunately, the first half of day 2 was not very exciting as the game’s world is bland and uninspired. The environment consists mostly of ruined buildings in remote areas or small cities, with little variation or standout locations. Buildings often feature repetitive, copy-paste interiors, of oversized props which makes exploration feel monotonous. The world design lacks the care and creativity needed to make it truly immersive, relying heavily on generic asset store items that are poorly integrated. With that in mind , the game is heavily ‘inspired’ by other games in the zombie survival genre. the character creator is a typical MMO screen with body sliders and the likes but then you into picking traits and flaws. sound familiar?

When this screen popped up I felt a bit sad because to so blatantly take the idea from project Zomboid that made creating every character a mini puzzles to figure out which flaws are bearable and worth the risk of taking to accommodate for the traits you deem necessary. in “Night of the Dead” this mechanic is butchered as there is no weight behind it. My character has 5 high level traits without the need of a single flaw. I had a look through and realised, the traits I have is all I need so why would a bother with picking a flaw? And so i began my adventure.

The play wakes up in a lab stasis pod of sorts and is greeted with a quick tutorial. basic movement, attacks and a couple interactions with containers later you are let out into the world. While there is a story that guides you from location to location, it is very much secondary to the gameplay. The narrative feels more like an afterthought, providing minimal context and motivation for your actions. If you’re looking for a deep, engaging story, you’ll be disappointed. It doesn’t help that the game is poorly translated, for example, where the word ‘confirm’ should be is instead replaced with ‘decision’. I personally don’t have an issue with that and it does add some charm to the whole ordeal but for a story that’s already so neglected I would rather not waste my time and skip the dialog all-together which renders the ‘main quest’ an annoying text box telling you which direction to head.

Now I mentioned the base defence with crazy traps but what about the overall open world encounters with zombies, blowing heads off the undead is why we’re here after all. well the combat in “Night of the Dead” is a major let down. The animations for swinging weapons and tools feel awkward and unnatural, breaking immersion. Zombie reactions to hits are inconsistent; they either get stun-locked or completely ignore your attacks as if you’re wielding a toy. The game also introduces a companion early on, which adds another layer of frustration. Companion-friendly fire means that her kicks can stagger you, leaving you vulnerable to zombie attacks and making it difficult to protect her. Later on I decided it would be a good idea to give ‘Anna’ a shield . Imagine my surprise when sprinted to save her from being overrun, I leaped in and swung my fiery axe from hell at the zombie horde, and ‘Anna’ parried my attack, leaving me staggered and almost dead. It sure gave me a chuckle but when it happened multiple times in tight corridors I decided she’s better off with just a machete.

Before I get into my final thoughts I have to bring up the monetisation, has been in early access for 4 years. Now in full release being more expensive most 10/1 indie titles that have been popping up. And yet “night of the Dead” has a costume DLC that is almost the same price as the game. I think the price should be reflective of the product itself and when a your final product is only slightly more expensive than a cosmetic DLC it tells you a lot about the final product.

“Night of the Dead” had potential, especially with its base defence mechanics and the nightly zombie waves that keep you on your toes. However, after 4 years it’s still hampered by un inspired world design, poor combat mechanics, and a weak story. The game might be enjoyable with a few friends if you can get it at a steep discount, but at its current price, it’s hard to recommend.

In summary, if you’re a die-hard fan of zombie survival games and can overlook significant flaws for the thrill of defending your base night after night, you might find some enjoyment here. For everyone else, just play 7 days to die.

“Night of the Dead” had a full release on 31st May on Steam.

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