Next week, Target Darts will unveil its vision for the future of the sport at IFA, introducing Target Live to a global audience for the first time.
Image Credit: Target Darts
The groundbreaking connected platform is set to transform how players, fans and professionals play, compete and interact. For the first time, users will be able to step onto the oche and play alongside World Champion and current world number one Luke Littler, from anywhere in the world.
This October, Target Live and Target Arcade will launch to the public. Ahead of that, Target will unveil both platforms at IFA in Berlin (4th-8th September), where attendees will be able to experience the technology powering the next era of darts.
At this year’s IFA, Target will showcase the full Target ecoystem; including Target Live, Target Arcade, Target Dartzone and OMNI, giving visitors an opportunity to try live connected play, explore new game formats and see how professional-level interaction works in real time.
Target Live is Target’s new interactive entertainment platform. The concept challenges a fundamental limitation that exists across almost every other major sport.
You can watch Lionel Messi. You can follow him on social media. You can buy his shirt.
But you cannot play against him.
Target Live changes that.
Fans will be able to compete directly against stars such as Luke Littler and Beau Greaves, join global challenges, and take part in new entertainment formats featuring professional players, celebrities and creators.
Supplementing the success of DartCounter’s online matchplay, Target Live introduces a new, complementary format for darts entertainment, with planned regular live sessions featuring professional players, celebrities, coaches and emerging darts personalities. Players will be able to join these experiences, compete alongside their favourite names and take part in live moments that bring fans closer to the sport’s biggest personalities.
And unlike a simulation or video game, every dart thrown is real.
Alongside Target Live, Target will launch Target Arcade, a new gaming platform built specifically for connected play.
Some experiences are designed for families and friends looking for pure fun, while others are built for serious players looking to sharpen their skills.
Target Arcade will debut with seven games, including Board is Lava, Battlesplash and Alien Invasion, with new titles added every month thereafter.
Powering both Target Live and Target Arcade is OMNI, Target’s patented connected technology platform.
By combining proprietary dart-recognition algorithms with real-time cloud connectivity, OMNI transforms a traditional dartboard into a connected device capable of supporting live competition, interactive entertainment and gaming experiences at global scale.
More than an auto scoring system, OMNI provides the technology layer that underpins Target’s vision for a connected future of darts.
Target has already connected tens of thousands of players through OMNI and DartCounter and believes connected experiences will play an increasingly important role in driving participation over the next decade.
James Tattersall, CEO of Target Darts, said: “For more than fifty years, Target has focused on pushing the sport forward through innovation.
“Today, we’re taking another step towards what we believe the future of darts can become.
“We want a future where fans don’t just watch the sport – they become part of it. Where geography is no barrier to competition. Where playing against the world’s best players is possible from your own home. Where gaming, entertainment and sport come together to create entirely new experiences. And where new audiences discover darts through the personalities, stories and moments that make the sport so special.
“Target Live and Target Arcade are important milestones on that journey, but the ambition is much bigger.”
Through its investment in connected technology, Target is expanding beyond equipment to create the infrastructure for the future of darts, redefining how the sport is played, experienced and shared around the world.
Target Live, Target Arcade and DartCounter will be available to customers as part of a subscription model, as well as being available at Target Dartzones.
Back in 2019, the original The Sinking City was released as a tribute to the Lovecraftian theme from H.P. Lovecraft. The game was met with mixed but generally favorable reviews, including here on Movies, Games and Tech. Players took on the role of a detective as they solved puzzles and mysteries, explored the game’s semi-open world, and “enjoyed” clunky combat from time to time. The game received a remastered release last year after legal disputes halted the original version. I never actually played The Sinking City, even though it lingered on my wishlist for ages. Eventually, I watched a YouTube breakdown of its story and decided that was enough closure.
Now The Sinking City is back with its second installment in the series. Developed and published by Frogwares, a Ukrainian company who is currently facing the horrors of war, The Sinking City 2 was miraculously released on August 18th, 2026. Frogwares took to heart the reviews of their original game and decided to revamp the gameplay entirely. This time, instead of a detective game with clunky combat, it is a survival horror with smooth combat. The game even takes place in an entirely different location with a brand new cast of characters. Arguably, this sequel is a lot better than the original, as there is a whole lot here that is executed well. Visuals are stunning, both in the game’s beauty and in its horror. Combat is smooth with a choice of fight or flight in most encounters. Gameplay is more streamlined and more effective because of it.
Honestly, there’s a lot here that I really enjoy and appreciate about the game. I’ll try to focus on the bigger, more impactful things for me as a player. And of course, I will discuss the very few downsides about the game, though they feel more like personal preferences. Despite these, The Sinking City 2 is a game that I can easily and gladly recommend to fans of survival horrors, the Lovecraftian theme, and those who played the original, regardless if they thought that one was good or bad. Frogwares really hit the mark with this one and there’s quite a bit to discuss, so lets get into it.
Calvin Rafferty – A Man Trying to Save his Love
Players take on the role of Calvin Rafferty, a man interested in the occult in the 1920s. The story begins with Calvin meeting with his catatonic lover, Faye Bennet, in a bar. The two discuss performing a ritual from the Book of Dreaming to contact a god. Their intentions are not made clear right away though as thugs come into the bar looking for Calvin. Just when you think you’re about to fight some thugs, the environment changes. A zombified Faye stares back at you with the thugs saying that Calvin killed her and its all his fault. Calvin wakes up from this nightmare of guilt shortly after.
However Faye is still sleeping. In fact she’s been in a coma-like state ever since they’ve attempted the ritual. Calvin looks after her, placing a strange mask called Night Shade over her face every night. Calvin learns of another ritual—The Call—that can bring a spirit back to its body. He hopes that this will revive Faye so that the two can escape the city together. The city of Arkham is all but lost. It is quite literally already in the process of sinking as a massive flood drowns the roads and various locations. Residents are abandoning their homes, fleeing on overcrowded boats. Buildings sit in disrepair, and a blaring siren warns that the final evacuations are approaching—no more supplies or rescue for anyone left behind. Strangest of all, weird worm like things came with the flood, writhing around in clumps throughout the city.
These are called the Slither. Calvin sees a group of them as he travels by boat to the library to find the book for The Call. A closed off floodgate blocks his path so he must dock and try to find a way to open it. He travels through abandoned apartments, coming across a room that oddly contains some of his and Faye’s belongings. These are called Safe rooms. In here, players can manually save the game, access their storage, and eventually use a talent table that I will discuss a bit later. After exiting the safe room, all seems fine despite the state of the building. He gets into a store, finds some electrical fuses. Suddenly, the Slither squirm underneath, heading towards a body on the floor. It takes control of it, reanimating the corpse back to life. The horror has now begun.
This is just the start of the game. From here, the story unfolds in ways unexpected. The writing has passion—a story of Calvin and Faye in a Lovecraftian world. Flashbacks help give a better picture of their relationship, sparked by a mutual interest in the occult. I was able to fully get behind wanting to save Faye instead of thinking Calvin should leave her behind. His love and interest in the occult was enough to explain why he was risking his life out there in Arkham. Various notes found throughout the city are not only clues for various puzzles, but also help tell the Lovecraftian story. Notes of people experiencing madness, of letters to loved ones, or even a woman asking for someone to take care of her cat, help explain the history of the city, its people, and the Flood.
Visually, the game is stunning both in aesthetics and in horror. Yes, buildings may be in disarray, but the game’s graphics still hold up wonderfully even when playing in performance mode. Using the slightly dim but realistic flashlight as I walk around dark corridors helps build the tension and suspense, making the game much more horrifying. And speaking of horror, the creature designs are amazing. There are multiple different kinds of enemies Calvin comes across. I want to mention one moment of a chef’s kiss visual for creatures. I shot an explosive next to a zombie to try and kill it. It did not die. Instead, all of its skin ripped off, leaving it with exposed flesh that continued to pursue me. It was grotesque, horrifying, and visually amazing.
Continuing with the horror elements, I also want to highlight how well the game executes them. If you’ve read any of my other reviews on horror games, you know of my love/hate relationship with the genre. I love listening and watching other people discuss/play them because I love the creativity that goes into the genre. I hate playing them myself because I scare way too easily. The Sinking City 2 did scare me at times, but it never felt unearned, such as using excessive cheap jumpscares. There are a few jumpscares, like when enemies jump out at you, but it is not constant. The horror comes from the game’s atmosphere—in the tension it builds up as you wander. Yes I was scared, but I was also able to breathe at times. Or maybe I just spent too much time in the Safe rooms.
Surviving In Arkham
Now that the general story and horror discussions are out of the way, lets talk about the actual gameplay. As mentioned, Frogwares went in a completely new direction for the gameplay. Instead, they did survival horror rather than a detective game. As a survival horror, The Sinking City 2 contains all you might expect and doesn’t try to change the formula. This includes things like occasional puzzle solving, inventory management, and crafting with limited resources. I’ve seen other reviews stating that the gameplay is similar to that of a Resident Evil game.
Calvin is by no means a combat expert. He starts off with a pistol and can unlock new guns later in the story. Different enemies have different ways of being killed. For example, the zombies, the most common enemy, grow these large pus growths on their bodies. These are weak spots that you can shoot to do extra damage and save yourself some bullets. You can also go for the legs which Calvin can follow up with a stomp or try to dodge and punch them to death. Resources are limited, including bullets, so sometimes fighting isn’t the best choice. Calvin is pretty good at dodging most attacks so there were times where I just dodge spammed my way through an area if there were too many enemies. Oh, and if a creature grabs you, be prepared to tap your way to escaping.
Your health appears as a heart icon in the bottom‑right corner. The more spliced the heart gets, the lower your health. Eventually in the story you can find Night Ore. These can charge the Night Shade mask, which will revive you should you meet your demise. The mask icon above the heart makes your remaining revives obvious at a glance. The combat keeps things simple, yet it still plays smoothly and feels reliably effective. Clunky combat was one of biggest negatives in the original game. I think of all things, Frogwares greatly improved on this aspect the most.
If combat is or isn’t your thing, there’s a surprising amount of flexibility when it comes to the game’s overall difficulty. There are four difficulty settings—sweet dreams being the easiest and sleep demon being the most difficult. The difficulty affects the amount of resources and the challenge of enemies. For those who don’t want combat at all, the easiest setting has the option to turn on immortality or invulnerability. For those who want some assistance, aim assist is optional, including a scale for how effective you want it to be. Puzzle solving even has its own difficulties, Breezy and Brainy, depending on how much assistance you want in this regard. I personally played with normal difficulty (restless slumber), aim assist at 35, and brainy. This was perfect for my preferences, but play the game as you wish.
Instead of an open world like its predecessor, The Sinking City 2 is more streamlined. Some sections of the map are somewhat expansive though, so it isn’t like strictly linear in its approach. Players can use the map to help guide them around each section. Outlines of the area show if there’s still more to discover. Optional puzzles, such as opening emergency relief crates, offer valuable resources like extra inventory space. It is important to note that many times areas can be inaccessible if you progress too far past them. If you leave behind an option puzzle thinking you will just solve it later, you may not be able to travel back. I would recommend trying to do or discover as much as you can before completing the main goals of that area just in case.
You’ll discover many different resources as you explore. These include things like chemicals or scrap metal which can be used for crafting. With limited and occasionally shared resources, players will sometimes need to decide whether more ammo or healing is more important. Most times, I went with the dolorocide pills to heal myself and hoped that I would find ammo elsewhere, as this feels more likely than it does to find healing items. Inventory management will also play a big factor as well, but I’ll discuss this a bit more in the next section.
Another thing you’ll find as you explore are the various notes that give more story but also clues to solving puzzles. Players gather clues and slot them into the Investigations tab. It’s a much smaller, lighter detective element than in the first game. Brainy difficulty lets you link clues and draw conclusions, but the game doesn’t force you to engage with that system. This is more so to help the player piece the clues together for their own sake, a feature I didn’t use too much. Puzzles are a decent challenge of being not too easy but not too difficult. A handful did stump me, but after I learned about the solution, I could see how the clues were in place for me to solve it. There’s also not too many required puzzles so even if puzzle solving isn’t your thing, it shouldn’t bog down your experience completely.
Eventually, you come across dream essence and the talent table. Calvin can spend Dream Essence to unlock passive perks at the talent table, making survival a bit easier. Perks include ones that give Calvin resistance against specific enemy types or more damage under certain circumstances, like not having the flashlight on. Perks also have different levels, from basic to advanced, with the better ones requiring you to unlock a certain number from the previous tier. Calvin can carry up to four perks, though the game only opens the first two slots initially. The perks are a nice addition to the game that might not make the biggest impact initially, but having good ones prove beneficial later on.
Frogwares is not trying to reinvent the wheel but instead uses it to its advantage in an effective way. The game plays like what one might expect from a survival horror and I can’t find any fault in that. Combat is smooth and I appreciate the flexibility in difficulty. Crafting and the talent table made sense and I had a good feeling about what I needed at any given point. The things discussed in this section are for me all positives where I have nothing negative say.
My Opinion on NG+ and Other Wishes
There are two and half things I want to cover in this final section and unfortunately these are, in my opinion, the downsides. They all feel more like personal preference though, so your own opinions may differ.
The first thing is inventory management. Look, I know who I am and how I play video games. I am the type that likes to hoard items, even if they won’t be of any use to me. When a strict system is in place that limits me, I probably won’t be the biggest fan. Personally, I felt the inventory space was too restrictive, especially since it has to hold your guns and key items as well. Healing items, such as the dolorocide pills, don’t stack. There were times where I would find a resource only to run back to the nearest safe room and place it in storage. This doesn’t make for the most fun gameplay. Sometimes I felt like I needed to put a better gun into storage so that I could have space and then run into lots of ammo for that gun.
Before I have a small rant on NG+, another thing I was not a big fan of is the day one paid DLC. Paid DLC for extra starting resources is one thing, but when there’s DLC for an extra side mission that has a few hours of content, I can’t help but feel a bit disappointed. According to steam reviews, the DLC is only around two hours of content that is good yes, but doesn’t feel worth the high asking price (12.99 €). I particularly liked this quote – “It’s also a clear example of content cut from the main game, that should’ve just been included instead of held hostage behind a paywall. It’s certainly NOT worth it’s storefront asking price, this is ridiculous.” and even without playing it, couldn’t help feeling like I’d agree.
Lastly, I want to discuss Eldritch Feats. Eldritch Feats are basically an achievement list for you to complete. Some challenges complete automatically as you progress through the story, while others require specific actions. When you complete them, you earn Eldritch points. Players can spend these points on gameplay perks, outfits for Calvin and Faye, different flashlight colors, and concept art. However, in order to purchase the gameplay perks and visuals, it requires you to complete the base game first.
Now on one hand, I can get why some of the gameplay perks might be locked. Being able to purchase unlimited bullets would probably feel a bit unreasonable. However, I can’t help but feel like its just pandering to NG+, a feature that so many modern games have picked up. This may be an unpopular opinion, but I never play NG+ for any game, no matter how much I’ve enjoyed it. When I complete a game, I usually want to move on to something else. Why would I want to restart the game feeling overpowered from having previously completed it? Some people it it, especially if you want to replay at a stronger difficulty, but personally, it’s just not my thing.
With that in mind, I feel a bit left out when the things I want to use are locked behind a full playthrough, especially when some of them are just alternate guns or unique perks. Why couldn’t I use a perk that allows me to deal more damage but receive more damage if I wanted to the first time around? Why not allow me to purchase a cool new weapon once I’ve saved up enough Eldritch points (again, simply by progression or performing specific tasks) the first time around instead of needing to wait until I decide to play the whole game again? Again, just a personal opinion, but a negative for me as a player.
Calling All you Eldritch Fans
Overall, The Sinking City 2 is a fantastic game that deserves a very positive score. The negatives here are my own preferences for what I enjoy and probably differ from what many other think. Without even playing the first game, I could tell that this sequel is a massive improvement. I think the survival horror genre is the right direction to go towards for the series, but wouldn’t mind if the detective bit came back to some extent in future installments. The Sinking City 2 isn’t a very long game—one could reasonably complete it in around 10-15 hours—but its a game that showcases Frogwares passion for the Lovecraftian genre. I am personally excited for my favorite horror game Youtubers to do deep dives of the lore from this game and its predeccesor.
I’d gladly recommend this game to survival horror fans, Lovecraftian fans, and those who played the first game or its remaster. It may not change up the survival horror genre, but it executes its core features well. Visually this game is amazing and the horror is done with passion and attention to details. I hope that everyone at Frogwares stays safe, happy and healthy given the situation in the Ukraine and am excited to see where the team might do next for any future installments they wish to develop.
Thank you for reading and don’t forget to stomp on the Slither!
The U3000 Pro dash cam from THINKWARE is the latest car protection device that I have the honour of covering. This impressive, tech-filled behemoth is one of the best cameras I’ve come across. Not only is it easy to use, but it has the latest Starvis 2 sensor. Accordingly, you are guaranteed the best picture that modern technology has to offer. On top of this, you get everything you need in the box to get you started.
I’ve tested a handful of dash cams, and they all have something that holds them back. This one is different! You get a high-end microSD, the hardwire kit for parking protection, sturdy accessories, a lens filter, and all the mounts you need. Additionally, it is reasonably easy to fit. Therefore, you can make a tidy job of installing it with little to no experience.
What’s in the box of the U3000 Pro dash cam?
The packaging has a professional edge. Moreover, it can be recycled.
The U3000 Pro dash cam has a front-facing and rear-facing unit. There are limited buttons, and the cameras are small enough to reduce distractions when driving.
Wiring and mounting kits are provided.
Save the data with the included microSD memory card.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
The included 64 GB memory card offers around 2 hours of continuous recording capability at 4K. This was not an issue for me, and the auto-locking feature during an incident ensures that your relevant information is always protected. I liked this secure and low-fuss design. With the continual recording loop happening in the background, I didn’t have to think about checking information. Instead, I knew that the device was working while parked and when I was driving.
The camera has a built-in GPS for accurate location recording, speed detection, and a built-in warning system. The database is always updating, and the camera highlights the positions of average speed and fixed speed cameras. Furthermore, you’ll be warned if the set of traffic lights has a revenue-collecting camera linked to it. Yes, I know we can all drive to the law and not worry about it, but in reality, mistakes happen. The warning system gives you plenty of time to come back into the room and focus on the issues ahead.
More tech.
A dash cam is only as good as its recording ability. Luckily, the U3000 Pro dash cam delivers 4K clarity at 30 FPS or 60 FPS for 2K recording. The rear camera is only capable of 2K recording, but both cameras deliver crystal-clear and stable footage at both resolutions. This is complemented by the impressive Starvis 2 sensor (more on this later).
The built-in radar is a fantastic piece of kit. No one wants their car to be damaged while it’s parked. Sadly, you can’t prevent this from happening, but you can catch the culprits in the act. The radar system detects any movement near the front and rear of the car. If it detects an impact, it’ll automatically record 20 seconds of footage. This is then locked into a separate folder, and you can present this information to your insurance company. You will need to hardwire the camera if you want to make the most of this feature. Luckily, the wiring kit is included in the box.
Recording quality.
The U3000 Pro dash cam offers incredibly sharp and clear footage regardless of the time of day or night. The Super Night Vision 4.0 function combined with the Starvis 2 sensor generates some of the best recording capabilities amongst its peers. Not only do you get defined and easy-to-observe imagery, but you can also see every registration plate with ease. I stuck to 2K recording for the increased frame rates and consistency, and I didn’t regret my choices.
This dash cam has exceptional 30 FPS 4K recording, but I’m stuck in my ways. The 2K recording delivered exceptional definition even when the weather was poor. The one wet day I tested it, the camera didn’t falter. It dealt with horrible reflections, headlight glare, and everything that was thrown its way. The night recording is another element to consider. I was blown away by the exceptional quality. The camera dealt with harsh lighting and poor visibility with ease. The rain was pouring, and the camera didn’t falter. Every registration plate was captured, and I could tell the make and model of each car with ease.
The footage can not be seen on a mini display screen like many of its peers. Instead, you must download the free app and work from your phone, laptop, or tablet. This wasn’t an issue as the built-in Wi-Fi made this a simple task. Additionally, it meant that any important information was stored on my phone if I needed to present it to the police or my insurance company.
Build quality.
The hardened plastic guarantees that this front-facing and rear-facing camera is built to withstand knocks and drops. Thankfully, the mounting kit should prevent that from happening, but if an accident were to occur, the U3000 Pro dash cam would survive with ease. The smaller rear camera can be mounted on an array of different window shapes or sizes. The compact design helps to reduce the impact on your rear visibility. Moreover, the easy-to-hide cabling can be tucked into your door trims to create a professional finish.
Each of the mounts and the wiring withstands extreme temperature changes. The UK is renowned for its odd weather patterns, and this camera resists the weird extreme heat and consistent rain that has become the new norm. The ultra-sticky and durable glue mounts will stay in place until you want them removed. This can be done easily with the prying tool and a little gentle persuasion. Consequently, if you sell your car, you can remove the camera and cause no damage.
Is the U3000 Pro dash cam worth it?
THINKWARE produce some of the best dash cameras available. The tech is incredible, and you know they will not fail you. However, they come with a price point to match. Subsequently, they are not an entry-level product, and you must be prepared to spend a little extra to get the best products available. I don’t think this is a deal breaker when you consider the exceptional recording quality, the easy-to-use app, the included hardwire kit, and the durable and professional design. Accordingly, I think it’s great, and I recommend buying it here!
(More information on THINKWARE can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
The A5 4000A Supersafe Jump Starter from GOOLOO is a fantastic piece of kit. We’ve all been there when we need a specific tool. Whether it is an emergency light, tyre inflator, power bank, or worst of all, a jump start. However, sadly, we don’t have the right equipment, and there is no one to help. Thankfully, this amazing piece of kit sorts out these issues with its compact design and useful multifunctional approach.
Designed with versatility and usability in mind, this powerful device lets you clean up your car’s boot and stay prepared for anything. I know from experience that a low battery in winter is a dangerous and frustrating thing. You can’t get to work, or your battery runs flat when you’ve parked it for a while. Luckily, this impressive jump starter gets you underway in a matter of minutes. It also has a helpful LED display to keep you informed, save time, and prevent mistakes.
What’s in the box of the A5 4000A Supersafe Jump Starter?
The packaging is large, durable, and informative. Moreover, it can be recycled.
The A5 4000A Supersafe Jump Starter is a compact and surprisingly lightweight product. It has tactile buttons and a USB-C cable. USB ports and covered ports for the jump-start element.
A jump-start cable and tyre inflation cable are provided. Furthermore, there are connectors for different tasks.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
As the A5 4000A Supersafe Jump Starter is a multifunctional device, it has to offer an impressive technical layer. It offers a fine and high-end spec list to cope with many tasks. The first element I’ll cover is the battery capacity. The 20,000 mAh battery offers up to 50 minutes of tyre inflation. Alternatively, the 45W output via the USB-C cable can charge many modern phones several times. This is fantastic as you needn’t worry about a low phone battery or deflated tyres.
The emergency light has a low power draw, and you can keep it running for hours off the high-capacity battery. This is great if you are camping or you have broken down. No one wishes to sit in the dark, and this emergency light delivers several light modes to cover a range of difficult or regular scenarios.
You are provided with several different connectors for an array of vehicles. There is one for race and road bikes, footballs, and your car tyres. These are easy to fit, and they are perfectly designed for the global market. Alongside this, you are provided with 5 unique profiles to charge the most popular items. This prevents you from selecting the wrong PSI/BAR and reduces risk/damage.
Another element to be aware of is the peak current. This device offers 4000A peak current and is compatible with 12V petrol engines and up to 10L diesel engines. This is important to know, as you don’t want to damage your vehicle or get an unsuitable device. In short, the peak current helps to get your battery up and running, but it isn’t the consistent output for this device. Consequently, there is no definitive figure for jump times as real-world conditions and battery conditions vary.
Build quality.
Although the A5 4000A Supersafe Jump Starter is an emergency piece of kit, it still needs to be built to last. After all, if you are panicking, you are likely to make mistakes and drop your tools. Luckily, this has a durable case that is built to last. Furthermore, the tactile buttons have a rubberised finish to reduce mistakes and enhance durability. The LED screen clearly shows every key piece of information, and moving between the profiles was a breeze.
We all know that cars, bikes, and other vehicles can become dirty and greasy. This can cause your equipment to become grimy and horrible to use. Well, you don’t need to worry about that, as this jump starter can be cleaned easily. Additionally, the main ports are protected by rubberised seals. This prevents water and dirt from entering key elements of the device and reduces damage while increasing the product’s longevity.
Finally, the connectors and the pipes are made from hard-wearing material. This is perfect if you are a little heavy-handed, as no one wants their items to be damaged when you are rushing to solve an issue. The pipes are easy to connect, and the connectors can only fit in one way. This is also ideal as it prevents you from accidentally making an error and damaging the product.
Is the A5 4000A Supersafe Jump Starter worth it?
If you have never needed a jump start, you won’t know the frustration of being out of juice. It happens at the most inopportune moments, and you will be stressed up to your eyeballs. Subsequently, the A5 4000A Supersafe Jump Starter is a great way to mitigate that risk. Its versatile design ensures that it won’t sit in your boot gathering dust. You can use it as a temporary power bank, a camping light, or keep on top of tyre maintenance with the inflator. Furthermore, it is perfectly safe to use to jump-start your vehicle. Accordingly, it is fantastic, and I recommend buying it here!
The Relic: First Guardian arrives as an ambitious Dark Fantasy RPG chasing the same soulslike space that is heavily contested by contenders like Lies of P and Khazan. Instead of competing and making its space in the genre, the game falls flat on its face. There are some clear and crisp elements like satisfying parries, well-designed bosses, and a build system with room for exploration. Unfortunately, the game is currently buried under a ton of technical issues, questionable AI usage, lackluster story, boring quests, and structural problems.
A Combat System Worth Salvaging
Buried under all the issues is a combat system that is satisfying and compelling. The combat foundation is strong and is complemented by the variety in buildcrafting. Parrying in particular stands out as surprisingly crisp, especially given how janky the surrounding controls can feel. It is genuinely one of the only elements of the game that is carrying the experience. Boss designs are also well-designed and thought out. Several encounters are genuinely good, creative fights that reward learning the boss’s moveset to punish them through parrying. A couple of specific boss fights can be annoying, but being honest, every soulslike has a few of them.
Build variety is another genuine bright spot for The Relic: First Guardian. There’s a meaningful range of playstyles on offer, and switching weapons noticeably changes how combat feels, giving the game real replayability for players willing to experiment with different loadouts across a 40-plus hour playthrough. For a game this early in its life, that kind of foundational combat and build depth is a promising sign. However, seeing how the game is littered with issues, you have to ask: how many players will be even willing to buildcraft in the game?
A Rough Presentation, Made Worse by AI
The most glaring issue that presents itself before a player experiences any technical issue is the visual quality. The Relic: First Guardian runs into serious problems from a presentation aspect. The game often feels blurry, muddy, and lacks meaningful graphic settings to fix it. It will not be far-fetched to compare the visuals to 480p video and decade-old console visuals. There are also some optimization issues with the game, which are again highlighted by a near-total absence of options to adjust resolution scaling or upscaling. The game also features blatant use of AI without proper disclosure. There is a clear use of AI-generated visual assets and voice acting. This can be a jarring experience and is one of the reason why the story and narrative feels so lackluster. The dialogue frequently fails to sync with character mouth movements. Narrative delivery comes across as flat or distracting rather than immersive.
Systems That Need More Time In The Oven
The Relic: First Guardian in its current state, there is no way around it, is incomplete. Beyond the visuals, structural issues are dragging the experience down further. The most damaging is the save system: the game relies on a single automatic save similar to Souls-style checkpointing, but multiple players report being rolled back hours after defeating bosses, completing quests, or even finishing an entire area, with no manual save option available as a safety net.
For a game built around lengthy exploration and tough boss fights, losing that much progress to an unreliable save system is a significant strike against it. Quest design and levelling are also extremely repetitive and lack any real depth. Some elements of the combat are well designed, but they are overshadowed by a clunky lock-on system and uncooperative camera angles. Audio issues, sound mixing problems, and translation errors round out a list of technical complaints that, while individually minor, add up to a game that feels unfinished in its current state.
Final Verdict
The Relic: First Guardian has the foundation to become a good soulslike thanks to its crisp parrying and well-designed bosses. However, it is currently let down by a rough and AI-compromised presentation. Structural and technical issues that waste tons of time and overall experience of the game. This makes the game hard to recommend in its current state, as it is clearly incomplete. There’s clearly a good game trying to get out from underneath these issues, and if the developers continue patching at their current pace, this could be worth a second look in a few months. Right now, though, most players are right to wait.
Brutal 50v50 realistic battles return with Hell Let Loose: Vietnam. Can this new time period and location bring in more players to this hardcore shooter? Or are you left longing for battles of old?
War Is Hell
Hell Let Loose captured my attention immediately when it launched back in 2021. Its blend of intense ultra realistic warfare, set across real life battlefields, was like no other game. Cover 6 Studios and Expression Games crafted a brutal war simulation that did not hold your hand and made you suffer. It developed a loyal fan base but I longed for more. I have been fascinated by the Vietnam War for many years now; the location, the tactics, the warfare and history are like no other. Needless to say, my excitement was palpable when the developers at Expression Games announced Hell Let Loose: Vietnam. Thankfully, my enthusiasm has been rewarded, though not without some major issues.
If you are unfamiliar with these games, Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is an online first person shooter. There is no story, other than the time period in which you participate in these battles. Set between the events of 1965 and 1973, you play as either the American army or the North Vietnamese Army. It’s that simple. You are here for online massive multiplayer battles; those looking for any resemblance of story are playing the wrong game. However, whilst there is no narrative, Expression Games have crafted a fiercely loyal and historically accurate version of the devastating war.
A Fine Line
Multiplayer games live and die on balance and this game is no different. Arguably, in an ultra realistic first person shooter like this, the stakes of balance are even higher. Hell Let Loose: Vietnam takes its first stumble here. Perhaps it’s a deliberate and accurate portrayal of the war itself, as in many of the games I played, the NVA seemed to be unstoppable. Granted, the maps are designed and tailored to their favour, with vast jungles and tunnels at their disposal but it makes playing as the USA tedious and frustrating. Balancing can be ironed out post launch but for now it’s increasingly becoming a problem for many players.
Thankfully, when it comes to gameplay it’s an absolute blast. Gunplay feels incredible and so impactful as you fire off each round in these wonderfully accurate renditions of weapons. Every bullet you fire can quite literally take an enemy’s life. New traversal mechanics, such as climbing and swimming, add variety. This makes gameplay so tense and pulsating as you are in constant fear of your surroundings. However, this may also be where players are put off. Like its predecessor, this is not for the faint hearted; expect to die over and over. The importance of a good squad remains from the original, if you have a poor squad leader, be prepared to walk for miles to arrive at the battlefield, only for your head to be immediately blown off. Patience is rewarded in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam.
Shallow Waters
When you have a successful title like Hell Let Loose, it’s important that the follow up is full of existing and new content to entice players. Here lies another stumble for Hell Let Loose: Vietnam. At launch, the game has only six large scale maps for players to fight on and a handful of gameplay modes. The new modes, Conquest and Domination, don’t differentiate enough to add variety. I understand the notion of ‘Don’t fix what isn’t broken’, but players need more than what is on offer to capture their imagination. One area that does deserve praise is the brilliant and in depth tutorials. These are superb in helping new players get to grips with this realistic style of gameplay.
Thankfully, the new additions to weapons and vehicles fare better. The new boats and helicopters are a blast to operate. Sure, it can be a steep learning curve to undertake, but once you grasp it, it’s a whole different game. Nineteen different classes are available to choose from at launch but I think Medic deserves the most attention. Dragging screaming allies away from fire and chaos feels so rewarding and cinematic. The new weapons and their subsequent handling, feel much stronger than the previous game. The new building additions, such as the infamous NVA tunnels, alter gameplay, allowing flanking and pincer movements. A real chess match on the battlefield.
Run Through The Jungle
Over my years of gaming, I have longed for a game to capture both the horrors and beauty of the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, Hell Let Loose: Vietnam really struggles in its presentation. When the game is firing on all cylinders, the battlefields are gorgeous, with vibrant jungles, haunting tunnels and bunkers and sun soaked beaches, dripping with blood. Sadly, there are far too many visual bugs and poor performance interrupting these moments. Too many texture pop ins and blurry and blocky environments disrupted my time. When gameplay is so precise and brutal, the performance needs to match. I hope this is a priority for the development team post launch.
Thankfully, I have no issues with audio design and soundtrack. Everything sounds so authentic and accurate; it’s wonderful. Footsteps so heavy and impactful and bullets fired, sound positively sickening. Screams of both allies and enemies haunt me still. Communication is once again superb. In a game that demands teamwork, it’s a seamless and easy system for players to converse with each other. The soundtrack is a solid and atmospheric attempt at capturing war through song. Sadly, due to royalties and licensing issues, no Creedence Clearwater Revival is available.
Verdict
For many years I have dreamed and waited patiently for a game that could match my fascination with the horrors and complexity of the Vietnam War. Whilst there are issues with balancing, content and visual presentation, Hell Let Loose: Vietnam has all the tools to become that game. Ferocious brutal gunplay, authentic maps, weapons and vehicles will have me returning for battles for many months to come. Excellent map design and audio make this game truly terrifying at times. With a strong post launch support from the development team, this game can reach its full potential. Back to the tunnels!
ACRODRIFT: FPV Drone Simulator is currently in early access and is avaliable to buy on steam. The full release has not been revelead yet but it is due to arrive on Playstation and Xbox later in the year. It features gorgeous graphics and an intricate flight system with customizable presets to tailor your drone to your liking. It does however suffer some frame rate and loading issues in some of the larger maps and would benefit from a tutorial.
Flying is Fun
Dueking studio have perfected the flying mechanics in this game. The drones do take a little bit of learning to fly for a beginner like me but once you get the hang of it the drones are very fun to fly. Each of the drones feel different with some having more power and others being lighter. You can feel the speed and power of each of them as you fly through various different maps. I didn’t realize how sensitive the controls would be until I started flying for the first time. This taught me that precision and control was more important in this game than raw power making it similar to real life.
However, it is not beginner friendly at the moment as there are no tutorials on how to fly or how to setup your own drone. There are some presets you can start with and beginner friendly controls to make it easier for new players. But I think a tutorial that explains how to control the angle and steering would help to make it easier for new players to jump into the game.
From a Mountain Pass to the Streets of Rome
There are currently 6 different maps to choose from: Container Port, Mountain Pass, Airbase, North Island, Rome Streets and Exclusion Zone. Each of them offer unique challenges and obstacles to overcome. Rome Streets is very narrow and easy to crash so it is not for beginner players. Mountain Pass features lots of elevation changes and is somewhat difficult but not too hard for amateur players. North Island is the biggest map of them all but isn’t too difficult as there is so much space it’s easy to avoid crashing.
The Graphics look amazing and each map is very detailed. The game is built on unreal engine 5 and makes excellent use of the modern graphics engine. North Island has a lighthouse and some houses on the island. Rome streets is arguably the best looking map with historical buildings, fountains and restaurants. The Airbase has control towers and several satellite dishes amongst a beautiful mountain backdrop.
Free Flight and Challenges
There are two modes currently in the game. Free Flight mode lets you explore each of the maps and learn the controls with no pressure. Challenges feature time trial races and a balloon popping time trial. These put the player under pressure to complete them as quickly as possible. They are fun thanks to the excellent flying mechanics and each trial is different from the last. But I think there should be a race mode where you compete against Ai controlled drones to make it more interesting. There is no progression system in the game either, and nothing new to unlock. This player doesn’t have an incentive to complete them as there is no reward for beating them quickly. I would add a gold, silver and bronze time to beat for the player and depending on the result they could unlock upgrades to their drone or new maps to explore.
There are some weather settings that can change gameplay a lot and make it harder for more experienced players. You can add dense fog or change the time of day to night making to change the environment. I think the developers have done a good job with the weather although for the Rome streets map they should add more lights in the city to improve visibility at night.
Camera Options
Finally, there are several camera settings that can dramatically change gameplay. Third person is the default camera setting and most friendly for the player. Dynamic zoom makes you feel like your flying the drone from further away but is very hard to control the drone rom that angle. First person is more difficult but fun to use and rear mount is like a rear mounted camera is on the back of your drone. The best camera option in my opinion is third person as it makes it easier to control the drone but players should choose which one they prefer.
Summary
Overall, ACRODRIFT: FPV Drone Simulator has amazing graphics and flight mechanics but needs a reward system in it’s challenge mode and a tutorial for novice players. It’s avaliable on steam at £13.49 which i think is a reasonable price for this game. If you are into flying drones or have never done it in real life but want to give it a go I’d recommend this game.
I’ve recently had the joy of playing a workable demo of Lawn Mowing Simulator 2. Now, I don’t normally test demo games, and I steer clear of EA experiences, but I couldn’t resist this calm, comfortable, and relaxing gardening sim. Furthermore, the developer has incorporated some nice new elements for a substantial upgrade on its predecessor.
Skyhook Games are the masterminds behind this excellent sim game. It is booked to be a single-player and multiplayer title. However, it will be lacking the multiplayer functionality at launch. This may disappoint, but it is something they are working towards. Another key element is the ability to play it on Steam Deck. This will be fantastic as it will make every commute or flight an absolute joy.
What’s new in Lawn Mowing Simulator 2?
Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 plans to add a host of licensed products to the roster of lawn mowers and bush whacking tools. Alongside this, you’ll have weeds to deal with, much more realistic grass to cut, and a leaf blower and rake system to keep things tidy. Accordingly, there will be plenty of tasks to keep you busy.
The developer has promised to make career mode longer, more challenging, and much more interesting. This is fantastic as I love a realistic simulation game and something to focus on. Each contract has set goals, and you can keep on top of things using the helpful UI and the tools at your disposal.
How did it handle?
Visually, Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 looks tidy. The grass has a realistic edge, and the mixture of heights and thickness makes it more challenging to cut. Moreover, the machinery is detailed, and the developer has included multiple viewpoints to increase immersion and make it more comfortable to play. The audio adds to the realism with the nice ambient sound effects and the loud petrol engines. There are unique sound effects for each surface, and this was a nice touch.
The control system pushes you towards a gamepad, and this was a plus. Purists can use a mouse and keyboard, and this was intuitive as well. The UI is clean, and understanding the tasks at hand was easy. The short demo let me play with a lawnmower, strimmer, rake, petrol blower, and tarp. Each was easy to handle, and this is a good sign of things to come.
Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 looks promising.
A short demo makes it tough to form an opinion, but Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 looks promising. I like the new tools, the easy-to-follow UI, and the promise of multiplayer and verified Steam Deck status. You can wishlist it here if you fancy getting in on the action!
I’ve previously looked at the Xbox version of the Stealth 500 headset in 2025. However, I cannot resist a new product, especially one that is designed for a modern console. Accordingly, when Turtle Beach offered me the Stealth 500 headset for Nintendo Switch 2, I was never going to say no!
This recently released headset has been designed with the Switch 2 in mind. However, it is also compatible with any Bluetooth device. Therefore, you can use it as your day-to-day commuting headset or with your Steam Deck or other mobile gaming consoles. It is worth noting that this has a USB-C transmitter for the best gaming experience. Subsequently, Switch 2 gamers are going to appreciate the design quality, comfort, and responsive audio outputs for their FPS and other gaming needs.
What’s in the box of the Stealth 500 headset?
The packaging is vibrant, informative, and easy on the eye. Moreover, it can be recycled.
The Stealth 500 headset has a flip-to-mute microphone and a refined design. There are audio controls on the earphones, and the large earcups are glasses-friendly.
A USB-C cable is provided to charge the headset.
Connect wirelessly with the USB transmitter.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
If you love wireless gaming, you’ll adore the Stealth 500 headset. This headset offers extremely low-latency audio pickup for the most extreme gaming situations. Think COD Modern Warfare, and you know what to expect. The USB-C transmitter is the best way to enjoy this experience, but if you wish to move to Bluetooth mode, this can be done with the click of a button. This versatile approach is fantastic if you want seamless connectivity between compatible devices.
Wireless gaming has many advantages, but charging your devices can be a nightmare. Luckily, this headset offers up to 40 hours of battery life when the volume is set to around 70%. Additionally, it has a quick charging facility to get you back in the game with limited interruptions.
High-quality headsets are judged on their audio quality (more on this in a moment) and microphone technology. The latter was extremely good. The omnidirectional microphone has pinpoint accuracy, and your team communication benefits from the crystal-clear voice pickup. Furthermore, it has a flip-to-mute mode to keep your private conversations private. The 40mm drivers are complemented by Turtle Beach’s preinstalled EQ profiles and superhuman hearing. These sound boosts are great to get the best out of the headset and to give you a match-winning edge in adrenaline-pumping games.
Finally, you can download the Swarm II app free of charge to alter any of the settings for your headset. This was easy to use, and the UI was intuitive. Although I stuck with the preset profiles, I appreciated the opportunity to customise things to my needs.
Audio quality.
The Stealth 500 headset is available for around £80, and this price point normally leads to some give and take when it comes to build or audio quality. Thankfully, this isn’t the case, as this headset delivers a nicely rounded soundscape for gaming, music, and TV and film. No matter how much I pushed the volume, the headset never faltered. There was no echo, crackling, or poor audio quality. Additionally, it was easy to identify each key tonal range.
If you are not happy with the plug-and-play design, you can adjust your settings in the Swarm II app. However, I liked the strong bass and the crisp range of tones. The low, mid, and high elements were easy to pick out, and none of them felt shallow or lacking in power. Moreover, everything is nicely balanced, and the addition of superhuman hearing makes playing FPS games an immersive experience.
Build quality.
Audio quality is one thing, but comfort while gaming for hours is something altogether different. If your headset squeezes your head, adds pressure to your skull, or is unsuitable for glasses, it is a nightmare. The Stealth 500 headset suffers from none of these things! The headband has a nice support arch to reduce that horrible top-heavy feeling. Moreover, the large earcups are made from plush, memory foam cushions to deliver perfect pressure consistently. If you wear glasses, you won’t feel temple pressure. The earcups are designed to reduce pressure and are ideal for glasses wearers.
The earcups are also designed with simplicity in mind. The tactile buttons are easy to locate, and adjusting your settings on the fly is easy. This makes it a superb headset if you want to play with things during heated gaming moments.
If you are a gamer who is a little heavy-handed, you may worry about damaging your accessories. Thankfully, the hardened case and moving parts are built to last. This makes it the perfect option for younger gamers who lack awareness or those who are guilty of rage quitting.
Is the Stealth 500 headset worth it?
Turtle Beach are renowned for exceptional gaming peripherals. Unsurprisingly, this affordable mid-point headset doesn’t disappoint. The audio is powerful and well considered. The microphone also delivers strong voice pickup for clear communication. If you then consider the free-to-download app, the durable build quality, and the low-latency audio for Nintendo Switch 2 via the transmitter, you get a lot of bang for your buck. Accordingly, it is an incredible gaming peripheral, and I recommend buying one here!
(More information on Turtle Beach can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
Developed by Italian developer Demon Girl, Drag’N Dungeon is a grid-free tactical auto-battler. It tasks players with dropping and dragging a rotating cast of up to 40 heroes. Players fight through a colorful voxel dungeon through fast-paced and puzzle-like skirmishes. It is a small and focused package that delivers on its promise through a unique visual identity and combat system. It is still finding its footing in a few areas, but it trades twitch reflexes for careful planning. The foundation here is extremely charming, with a combat style that appreciates strategic
A Style All Its Own
The most standout thing about Drag’N Dungeon is how confidently it blends its visual influences and does it successfully. Low-poly voxel environments, chunky voxel characters, and a pixel-art UI shouldn’t work on paper, but the combination works really well in the game. This allows the game to have a distinct and cohesive look that feels more considered and elegant than a typical genre mashup. That care is also extended to small touches like the light spirits players encounter early on. They have their own little charm while having minimal role in the game. The lack of a bloated main menu is another point in the game’s favor. The players are dropped straight into the action rather than sitting through setup screens. This suits a game that is focused on quick, replayable runs.
Puzzle-Paced Combat
Drag’N Dungeon’s biggest change from traditional auto-battlers is how it changes the pacing of such games in the genre. The game does not focus on split-second reflexes and decision-making. Instead, the idea of positioning your team and reacting to threats feels more similar to solving a puzzle. There is a slower and more deliberate rhythm compared to the fast-twitch battles. This allows players to focus more on strategy and thinking rather than on fast reflexes. Choosing which units to commit to a fight and dragging them into position carries real weight. This is helped along by a tier system that makes risking a stronger, harder-to-replace unit feel like a genuine decision rather than an obvious choice. There is also a roster that climbs as high as 40 heroes, each bringing distinct abilities and synergies. There’s clearly room for players to experiment with team composition well beyond their first few runs.
Small Cracks In A Solid Shell
Drag’N Dungeon shows a few rough edges despite its tightly designed core loop. The UI is annoying at times, specifically the challenge menu, which can obscure the units of players stacked behind it. It makes the battlefield harder to read at a glance. There is also an issue with audio identity, as most heroes are distinct visually and not sonically. Making these quality-of-life changes and improving the visual identity of the game can go a long way in improving the overall feel of the game. The onboarding experience of the game can also be tuned to make it more welcoming and intuitive. Several commands of Drag’N Dungeon do not immediately stick, and the tutorial does not always do enough to soften the learning curve for new players. The game and its units are mostly represented through logos and icons with little to no explanatory text.
Final Verdict
Drag’N Dungeon is an easy game to like from the outset thanks to its distinctive art style and a combat system that rewards thoughtful strategic gameplay instead of fast reflexes. The moment-to-moment gameplay is compelling enough that a person can keep on playing it after ignoring the early hiccups and rough edges. The roster is also deep enough to keep team-building interesting well past the opening hours. Its rough edges, mainly some UI clutter and a tutorial that could use a gentler touch, are the kind of issues that tend to get smoothed out post-launch rather than lingering indefinitely. For strategy fans looking for something that slows the auto-battler formula down without sacrificing depth, Drag’N Dungeon is well worth dragging your first hero into the fray.
