I’ve recently looked at the Plyo case from UAG, and I was thoroughly impressed! Now, I get to look at the Scout Case for Meta Quest 3/S. You may be thinking, how many cases does one man need? Well, you wouldn’t be wrong, but each one offers slightly different pros and cons as well as a unique visual edge.
If you want an extremely robust case, the Plyo will be a go-to option. Alternatively, if you want a featherlight design with a bold IML hex finish, the Scout Case for Meta Quest 3/S should be on your radar. This impressive case adds some flair and a high degree of protection to your VR headset. Additionally, it is a Meta-certified product. Therefore, you are guaranteed quality as well as high-end performance.
Usability of the Scout Case for Meta Quest 3/S.
I was impressed by the plug-and-play design of this awesome accessory. Unlike other cases, the Scout Case for Meta Quest 3/S can be clipped on with little fuss. This makes it perfect for children and adults. Moreover, there is no way you can get it wrong, so this reduces the risk of damage to your VR headset.
This case offers optimal heat management for gamers who love to play for short or extended periods. This is ideal as it increases comfort while keeping the headset in the optimum temperature range. Furthermore, if you wish to remove the case for any reason, you can do so with ease. Simply slide your finger around the edges, and it pops off with a firm push.
Build quality.
A VR headset isn’t a cheap investment. Therefore, keeping it in optimal condition is a must. Luckily, the Scout Case for Meta Quest 3/S is drop-tested to meet military standards. Consequently, it should withstand any rough and tumble you can throw at it. We all know that the lenses are the heart and soul of a VR product. As such, it would be madness not to protect them. Thankfully, this product does that with ease.
The raised bezel finish shields the lenses while preventing them from becoming scratched or damaged. Moreover, the impact-resistant PC material offers a premium level of protection for your device. I love the simple hex design. The clear frame retains that clean, white finish we all know and love. However, the hex design creates a fine detail that is eye-catching. The result is a modern finish that isn’t too vivid or overstated.
Is the Scout Case for Meta Quest 3/S worth it?
If you own a Meta Quest 3 or 3S, you will want to protect it. Luckily, UAG has you covered with their impressive range of cases. The Scout Case for Meta Quest 3/S is an affordable option that focuses on durability and comfortable gaming. I adore the design, the sleek finish, and the robust nature of the case. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here!
The Plyo case for Meta Quest 3/S is a must-have if you want to keep your Meta Quest out of harm’s way. UAG have designed this incredible product to add durability and style to a sleek and clean gaming platform. Furthermore, you can do this without breaking the bank.
This makes this the ideal option for those who love marathon gaming sessions and younger, clumsy gamers. We all know that VR gaming is immersive. Therefore, the odd accident is bound to happen. However, breaking your VR headset or damaging it is not the name of the game. Accordingly, adding some simple protection is a must.
Technical aspects.
When you look at the simple design, you wouldn’t expect it to be packed full of reassuring tech. Well, I was wrong as the Plyo case for Meta Quest 3/S is remarkably advanced. This co-moulded case has been drop tested from 15 feet! It survived unscathed, and the Meta Quest fared pretty well as well. This isn’t likely to happen to you, but the reassurance that a 3-4 ft drop is all but covered lets you play without concern.
Alongside this, it has sensor-safe cutouts to optimise performance without compromise. No one wants their product to malfunction with a third-party accessory, and UAG has prevented that from happening. Despite its third-party status, the Plyo case for Meta Quest 3/S is Meta-certified. Consequently, its compatibility and performance are assured.
Build quality.
I was amazed by the incredible build quality. The Plyo case for Meta Quest 3/S is available in the Ash grey colour or clear. I’m glad I was sent the coloured option as it adds a layer of detail to the clean white headset. On top of this, it utilises raised bezels that prevent the lenses from becoming damaged or scratched. This is essential as damage to either core component will render the headset useless.
The 2x dual material should make this a hefty and cumbersome case. Thankfully, the clip-on design ensures that a child can mount it without instruction. Additionally, the lightweight design prevents the headset from becoming heavier and more uncomfortable. Subsequently, you get the best protection without ruining your gaming experience.
Is the Plyo case for Meta Quest 3/S worth it?
Keeping your expensive gaming products safe is a must! However, picking the right product isn’t that easy. Thankfully, theUAG Plyo case for Meta Quest 3/Smakes that decision a breeze. Not only does it look great, but it is tested within an inch of its life. Accordingly, it is a must-have accessory, and I recommend buying it here!
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond The Horizon, we need to talk about your names. And not just because I need a tea break and a lie down in the middle of saying your full title. For starters, one of your characters is called ‘Dingo Brad’. I was astounded to learn that they didn’t wear a hat with corks on strings. You’ve got a magical priest called Kevin, whose name sounds more at home in my local pub. The less said about the extremely unfortunately named ‘Professor Epstein’, the better.
But enough ranting about names, I need to make a declaration: I have not finished Trails Beyond The Horizon at time of writing. I’ve given it a good go, mind. I’m fifty hours into the thing. That’s the price you pay with JRPGs, I suppose. I try to get these out in a week or so and, well, I need sleep. Still, those fifty hours have taught me all I need to know. It’s a bright, imaginative RPG that’s paced like super slow-mo footage of someone pouring out a jar of treacle.
Blasting Off
Trails Beyond The Horizon has a lot of plot threads, but they all revolve around one thing: a space launch. The world is prophesised to end and, as a last ditch effort to avert that, the Calvard Republic launches a satellite, with plans for a manned mission soon after. Meanwhile, on the ground, three groups are picking at the related threads. I tried to write down all their names but quickly ran out of paper. The principal players are Van, a sort-of bounty hunter type chap; Rean, a military instructor; and Kevin, a priest who was formerly tasked with hunting down heretics.
While definitely an interesting plot overall, the amount of threads gets a little ridiculous. At various points, you’re battling new mechas, fighting a cult, investigating a rise in special monsters, and so on and so forth. It all contributes to the bizarre pacing, where we start pulling on a thread then instantly stop. Part of that is down to this being the 13th game in a series, I think. We’re constantly (and I mean constantly) introduced to recurring characters, where we get a little snippet of their previous involvement. Their introduction is so laboured that it feels like we’re permanently trapped in a sitcom clip show at times, full of screams and whoops at every new character.
The writing is also fairly standard for the genre. By that I mean, mostly twee with a lot of screechy, annoying characters. Still, it is above average. It rarely labours the same point over and over, though it has a tendency to rely on its invented terminology. But then again, this is a big series. I do struggle with the character writing at times, though. There’s very little tension in the dialogue, or anything but happy acceptance, bar a smidgen in Kevin’s route. It feels like a Scouts group outing. It’s charming in its own way, and I did like some characters, but they don’t feel like they grew over the course of those fifty hours.
Hack And, Eventually, Slash
Part of the ‘stop and start’ feeling to Trails Beyond The Horizon is down to how it parcels out its gameplay. The start of every new act features the group in question running around town, chatting to the recurring characters of the hour, and bumbling about the shops. It’s a pace killer to see Van sitting around talking about sweets, when five minutes earlier we learned about a giant invisible monster. The plot doesn’t seem terribly well integrated with the core gameplay, so the pace keeps screeching to a halt when gameplay resumes. Downtime is essential, of course, but I don’t particularly care about the composition of a local dessert right now.
Combat is largely separated out too, but thankfully I rather enjoyed it. Out in the field, it’s split into two parts. You start as a real-time hack’n’slash affair. Fairly basic stuff, light attacks and a charge move. The actual blows don’t feel that great, but the key is at any time you can switch to the regular turn-based mode. So the real-time stuff gives you an opportunity to get rid of the smaller creatures, and if you can stun the big boys then you get a free hit when switching to turn-based. It’s a really clever idea and made grinding quite fun.
It helps that the visuals are very over-the-top, so landing super moves feels great. It’s not all show, either. The turn-based combat has some moves I like. ‘Shard Boosts’ are one. This is a little meter that fills when you hit the enemy, and you can use a charge of it to power up, or use two to act twice on one turn. You can even use one to perform a super move at any time. So it becomes another stat to manage, alongside the usual health and flavours of MP. It was just enough of a twist to keep the boss fights interesting, alongside the wonderful style that drips off of the whole experience.
Trails Beyond The Horizon – Charmingly Frustrating
I will say though, if Trails Beyond The Horizon does click with you, then it’ll stay with you for days. It’s absolutely stuffed to the gills with side-content. There are the usual side-quests, but there’s also a mini-RPG tacked on called the Grim Garten, complete with its own plotline. There’s also fishing and cooking, and a whole suite of stats to fiddle around with. Even hacking into locks has its own bespoke minigame. There are even direct gameplay benefits to interacting with them. Cooking and eating food gives gourmet points, for example, which give stat boosts.
Then there’s the general style to things. Voice acting isn’t bad, mercifully. The music is top notch, with battle music getting regularly lodged in my head. Graphics are nice too. There’s an emphasis on bright colours, which I like. Monster design is varied, ranging from sassy skeleton birds to one level where everything had a cat face. Character design is fairly varied too, if a little tropey at times. I think it’s a law that a burly, hand-to-hand fighter must be included. I’m not in love with the actual character art style though, which makes everyone looks like Barbie dolls. But there’s no denying the sheer volume of creativity on display.
Lastly, if you’ve not already guessed, I’ve not played any of the previous ones in the series. This is probably not the best entry point, so take my opinions with grains of salt. But even if I had, I don’t think I’d enjoy pacing this bad. The firm separation of plot and gameplay, and the constant flat dialogue with recurring characters, brings everything to a grinding halt. Every time I’m getting into it, it pulls me back out. I found myself growing fond of the characters but by the end of fifty hours, I was really hoping we could get a damn move on.
There is a common misconception that all gamers are overweight, lazy, and lacking in motivation. I’m living proof that gamers love every sport, and they use tech to enhance their experiences. I’ve proved this with the Wahoo Core Kickr, the Salomon Thundercross shoes, and the Wahoo cycling computers. These are sports accessories that deliver technology to improve your training. Accordingly, when I was offered the TriBOXKING home system, I couldn’t resist.
This 3-bag training system is aimed towards kickboxers. However, anyone can use it to improve their accuracy, speed, and fitness. I’m not a huge martial arts fan, but my kids are working their way through their Karate and Taekwondo belts. Therefore, they’ll use this to improve their strikes, and I’ll use it to burn fat and improve my stamina.
What’s in the box of the TriBOXKING home system?
The packaging is understated and robust. Furthermore, it can be recycled.
The TriBOXKING home system comprises 3 inflatable punchbags and a specially designed door clamp system. Moreover, there is a bag that can be weighted to improve stability.
A door clamping system allows you to mount the punchbags from any secure location.
Usability.
When I unpackaged the TriBOXKING home system, I was a little dubious. There appeared to be loads of parts, and I didn’t know where to start. Yet, had I simply unboxed things correctly, I would not have needed to panic. Once everything is laid out before you, there is nothing to worry about. Each of the punchbags can be inflated with ease, and the clamping system is a cinch to put together.
Alongside this, adjusting the bags for different people was a breeze. You can move the clamp with the twist of a bolt or change the position of each bag by altering the carabiner. This makes the TriBOXKING home system the perfect option if your family enjoy exercising, but you don’t want to fork out for expensive gym memberships. Alternatively, maybe you have youngsters who are studying different martial arts. This home system lets them practice their kicks and punches without interruption.
I’m no longer flexible enough to enjoy high kicking, but I focused my efforts on hitting hard and fast. Luckily, the weighted bag ensures that the punchbags return to their intended spot. Additionally, inflating each bag to your preferred pressure was a straightforward task.
Build quality.
If you are unloading full power into a punching bag, you want it to last the test of time. After all, if it explodes like a grape between your fingers, it isn’t much use. Thankfully, the TriBOXKING home system is built to last! The microfibre leather is strong, breathable, and easy to clean. Furthermore, it doesn’t become deformed if you hit it repeatedly. The rope and the clamp system withstand the usual vibrations and movement associated with kicks and punches. Subsequently, you won’t endure stress fractures and unwanted tears.
The clamping system is impressive. The adjustable points are strong, and the heavy-duty bolts ensure that it won’t move once you’ve set it up. I used rocks in my weighted bag, but you could use sand or any other dense material to prevent the bag from swaying.
It is the freedom to set this product up anywhere that sets it apart from the crowd. Although the clamp is designed for doors, I tested it on a goal post and in the local park when no one was around. The adjustable clamping system allows you to connect this product to an array of bars, making it ideal for training at home or completing a HIIT workout while you are on the move.
Is the TriBOXKING home system worth it?
If you don’t like throwing punches or kicks, the TriBOXKING home system won’t be for you. Despite its versatility, it’ll only appeal to those who wish to train for speed, stamina, and power, and those who love martial arts. This not-so-niche market will adore the compact design, the exceptional build quality, and the usability. My kids adored the chance to train at home, and I love winding down with some late-night training sessions. Accordingly, I think it’s amazing, and I recommend buying it here!
Cakey’s Twisted Bakery is a trial-and-error nightmare that wants to kick your ass repeatedly. This lack of hand-holding drove me to distraction. Furthermore, the cruel nature of the monster and the weird world added to the misery. Yet, once you got to grips with the mechanics and you chipped away at what was required, it became a tough but fun horror experience.
This strange horror title was developed by TinyMindz and published by Ultimate Games SA. It is a single-player game that’ll test your resolve. Additionally, it has classic jump scare mechanics as you hide under tables, explore dark rooms, and avoid a giant killer monster.
Cakey’s Twisted Bakery tells a sinister tale.
Having a sweet tooth can annoy your dentist, but Cakey’s Twisted Bakery takes things to the next level. You play the role of a child who is locked inside a deranged bakery where sweet-toothed mascot monsters hunt you for fun. Doors are locked, and the only way out is to bake. Yet, this is easier said than done, as each monster has a weakness, and baking that specific item requires a trip around the hideous bakery floor.
If you can match the item to each monster’s weakness, you have the chance to forge new paths and escape your baking prison. However, if you are caught by the sinister and hulking monster, you will instantly perish, and the madness starts again. Therefore, there is plenty of risk as you try to escape the cruel and colourful world.
Picking the ingredients.
Cakey’s Twisted Bakery is a stealth survival experience where gathering the correct ingredients is a must. Moreover, hiding underneath tables or within crates becomes the new norm. As you gather the ingredients, you must mix and bake them to make the perfect explosive pie. Fire, Acid, Ice, and so forth must match the weakness of the monster.
This can be challenging to work out as the developer gives you no guidance. Subsequently, I spent much of my time making the wrong thing until I realised that I was screwing things up. Yet, once you get through this rather obvious problem, you quickly progress towards the end goal.
The lack of content or depth makes it more of a creative concept rather than a fully-fledged game. Although I enjoyed the sinister game of hide and seek, I wanted more focus, depth and a greater reason to want to find every ingredient. Additionally, once you understand what is going on, Cakey’s Twisted Bakery doesn’t have the same impact.
Cakey’s Twisted Bakery is dark, colourful, and horribly sinister.
Cakey’s Twisted Bakery is one of those dark and horrible to look at titles that makes you jump repeatedly. Hiding in ridiculous places as a romping monster floats past is mentally tiring. Furthermore, trying to find key ingredients as you are looking over your shoulder makes this a horribly uncomfortable experience.
This generates a chilling atmosphere as you hear industrial sounds, horrible ambient noises, and the repetitive sound of each monster. I’d say that the odd moments of silence are welcome, but they only serve to put you on edge further.
Simple controls.
Exploring the large bakery is an easy task despite the lack of guidance. Moreover, gathering the required ingredients and going toe-to-toe with a monster was relatively straightforward. However, the lack of hand-holding is a sticking point, and it will put off many people.
Replay value is almost non-existent. There are 2 different endings and a hard mode if you want to test your skills, but that’s about it. Moreover, it only takes around 3 hours to complete everything. Consequently, it is a game that won’t have you coming back for more.
Cakey’s Twisted Bakery is a fun concept.
I’m not against creative concepts, but releasing it as a full-blown game is a little deceptive. Thankfully, Cakey’s Twisted Bakery is inexpensive, and the experiment works once you understand the fundamentals. Furthermore, it is pretty dark, and it made me jump repeatedly. Accordingly, I like it, and I recommend buying it here! Can you defeat every cruel monster? Gather your ingredients, mix them, and don’t get caught.
The Bench is an adventure puzzle game where you use pigeons to help you escape from a retirement home. No, that isn’t a joke, that actually is the basis for this adventure. Developed by Voxel Studios and published by Noovola, The Bench was released on October 24th, 2025. Playing as the grumpiest old man, players must use their flock of pigeons to solve puzzles, cause mischief and mayhem, and maybe even remember who you used to be along the way. With an interesting movement mechanic, multiple mini-games, and a whole lot of pigeons, The Bench is simple, comedic, and charming.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Bench. I like how they tell the game’s story and the moments of absurdity. I really like solving the puzzles and found them to be varied and an appropriate level of challenge. The Bench isn’t a very long game, but there are achievements, or stamps, to collect, small side quests to complete, and a few secrets to discover along the way that help prolong the gameplay. I must admit, at the time of writing, I did notice a few bugs during my gameplay. It isn’t anything game-breaking, but obviously I would have had a slightly more enjoyable experience if some of these bugs were fixed. So, get your slices of bread ready, because it’s time to discuss The Bench!
Escaping the Retirement Home
The Bench begins with players feeding a pigeon some bread outside of a retirement home. You toss the bread to the bird just before a nurse comes out, asking you to come inside soon to take your ‘sleeping pills’. Suddenly, after she goes inside, the pigeon speaks and teleports you to a strange world filled with floating benches. Then it walks behind a post and transforms into a mysterious figure wearing a hat and trench coat.
To say I was taken aback in this moment is an understatement. The entity encourages players to escape from the retirement home and gifts players their first golden egg. Upon breaking the egg open, you receive your first loyal pigeon follower. From there, the game walks you through some basic gameplay, and it really is quite simple. You grab a pigeon. You throw it to where you want it to go. Stuff happens. Done.
The ‘stuff’ that can happen varies. Pigeons can be thrown at sparkling trees or into dumpsters, and they may drop items like marbles—the game’s currency—or golden eggs that let you recruit more pigeons. You can also equip pigeons with different tools, including bricks, scissors, keys, and paint buckets, which gives each one a clear purpose in how you use them. A flock of pigeons can move things, such as heavy boxes blocking a bench or doorways needed to proceed. I did feel a bit bad about throwing pigeons around, but thankfully they don’t seem to be in any pain as they stand cooing around you.
You can also hit some things yourself with the cane, but it has to be in reach of the bench you are sitting on. Movement is done entirely by traveling from bench to bench. You can move to any bench that is in vision with a screen wipe of pigeons to expedite the process. I found this really appealing, mainly because for me it felt like a unique movement mechanic I haven’t seen done in many games. Sometimes the puzzle itself was trying to get the next bench in view, so it wasn’t always a streamlined obvious way to go about things.
As you travel, you come across envelopes that are brief noir style flashbacks of your life before you retired. I actually found these to be quite endearing. In a conversation, a woman asks you to promise not to be a grumpy, bitter old man. His response is that he won’t because he has his friends to watch over him and it cuts to some pigeons standing around. So touching, but also kind of absurd! For me, this moment somewhat created a feeling of comfort from my flock of pigeons. I love that they follow you from bench to bench, always vigilant, protective and forever loyal.
And I really do mean a flock of pigeons. At any bench, they will all surround you, standing in groups around you or on top of trees and posts. Pigeons with tools always move to the front where you can easily grab them, which is convenient, but I love how the developers committed to the feeling of being surrounded by pigeons, all eagerly waiting for you to toss them a slice of bread. I grew up near a city, so I am very familiar. I also love that the developers did not shy away from the number of pigeons you can acquire. Many puzzles award you golden eggs, and you can find plenty more scattered throughout the world. The game rewards you for exploring your surroundings, so go ahead and toss those pigeons at anything and everything to see what shakes loose. You may just find something.
Plethora of Puzzles
Speaking of puzzles, The Bench is filled with fun mini-games. One big area for mini-games is in the newspaper. The newspaper acts as your guide with a fast travel map of all the benches you’ve sat on and keeping track of your objectives, both for the story and also for the many puzzles and achievements. One page is dedicated to the photo objectives, a side puzzle that players can complete to earn extra marbles. Early on, you receive a vintage camera. Many NPCs across the five different areas will ask you take take pictures of specific things, such as chess pieces or graffiti spots.
Another page is for the stamps, or achievements, that you can collect. These require doing certain things or completing specific objectives. Some stamps are quite straightforward, such as growing your flock. Other stamps however are a bit more complicated. You are able to spend one marble at shops to get a random stamp’s picture and name as a ‘hint’. However, I found that I still struggled quite a bit in figuring out what I needed to do. I believe a developer said somewhere that they kept it somewhat vague to encourage exploration and trying things out. I can support that and this isn’t necessarily a critique on the stamps, but I would be lying if after a while, I gave up and looked up a guide.
There are many obtainable pages for Fillpoint, a mini-game where you must fill every dot in a cluster, without going back to previous sections. These progressively get more complicated as new colors are introduced and clusters get larger, but again, the ones in the newspaper are just side puzzles for extra rewards. I personally was a fan of trying to complete all of the newspaper puzzles, but I can certainly see them not being everyone’s cup of tea.
There are plenty of puzzles outside of the newspaper. Safes appear throughout the world and require specific number combinations to open. The game scatters various mini‑games around the map, including fishing and drawing on a statue. A full day–night cycle runs in the background, and you can skip time by snoozing on a bench. Certain secrets or puzzle solutions only reveal themselves at particular times of day. Overall, I enjoyed the puzzles. I thought there was a good balance of pretty easy to a little tricky. Some may have taken longer to figure out, but I was still able to solve them. I’m certainly not the sharpest crayon in the box. For the stamps that were really difficult, I wouldn’t mind a bit more of a hint, but overall I think the developers at Voxel Studios did a great job at creating puzzles.
Pigeon Customization and Twitch Integration
An extra layer of fun comes in the form of pigeon customization. You can come across kiosks where you can spend your hard-earned marbles. Outside of stamp hints, all purchasable items are for customization. You can buy different colored pencils and different ‘canes’ for you to use. You can buy various plumages for your pigeons, little hats for them to wear, and change their name, height and weight as well. I really enjoy when developers add customization in their games. I loved editing my pigeons, giving each one a name to match the eventual plumage pattern they would have. Some prices are a bit expensive when considering the amount of marbles you might reasonably come across, but it wasn’t too big of a concern.
However, I did notice quite a few bugs in this area alone. I should be able to cycle through my pigeons while in the kiosk menus, but the next pigeon wouldn’t show. I would need to exit the shop menu and then go back in to reset things. A workaround was to grab the pigeon you wanted to edit and then open the kiosk with it in hand. Editing the weight never seemed to stick either and would default as soon as you performed any other action. I also noticed a few moments where hats I have not purchased would quickly appear on a pigeon for a second before going away, even if I was no where near a kiosk.
Outside of the kiosk, there are a few other bugs. One time I hit an NPC and he flew into the sky and ended up stuck somewhere else on the map, even though they normally just ragdoll onto the floor and reset. When I relaunched the game, I noticed that some marbles reappeared, and while I won’t complain about the extra marbles, it doesn’t feel intentional. Like I said earlier, none of these bugs are game breaking. They are minor issues at worst, and sometimes they may even be beneficial or humorous. I hope that the developers are listening to bug reports and working on patches. At the time of writing, it’s been a few months since the game had an update. Maybe something big is in the works?
Another extra layer of fun comes from the twitch integration. If you’re a streamer, viewers/moderators can customize your pigeons. They can also spawn racoons that you need to beat away or they’ll eat your pigeons. However, I am not a streamer, so I’m a little on the fence about this. On one hand, it looks like a lot of fun! I watched a video of someone streaming and the pigeons will edit in real time, and spawning racoons seems like complete chaos. I think having twitch integration is a great way to appeal to streamers, which could lead to many positive outcomes for the game.
However, for all of us who are not streamers, I can’t help but feel like we’re missing out. I have to purchase all of the customizable options and there are no hungry racoons. They also seem to have customization options that are exclusive to the twitch integration, but don’t quote me on that. Both features could fit naturally into non‑streaming gameplay. You could unlock all customizations—or make them far cheaper—and add a randomize button so you don’t have to edit every pigeon individually. Raccoons could spawn unpredictably and attack the pigeons, or appear as fixed encounters when you sit on certain benches.
The Bench is Flockfull of Fun
Overall, I really enjoy The Bench and had a lot of fun playing this one. It’s a simple and cozy puzzle adventure that had me eating bread and cooing along with my flock. I liked the story and all it’s absurdities that I didn’t even touch on. Remember that meme conspiracy where birds aren’t real and are actually government controlled surveillance? The Bench remembers. The puzzles were fun and had a decent balance of challenges. The pigeons are, of course cute and despite the bugs, still super fun to dress up in different outfits and feathers. It is simple entertainment that I will certainly keep my eye on for future updates or future games.
In my opinion, the positives heavily outweigh the negatives. It may not have the action or excitement that every gamer is looking for. However, for those of you who enjoy simple fun, a good puzzle, and a cozy time, I can happily recommend this one. I could easily imagine this game releasing in VR, because the movement system and the grabbing and throwing mechanics would work naturally in that format. I can also imagine future games continuing or expanding the story, or even exploring the same idea with entirely different animals. Regardless of what they decide to do, I think Voxel Studios deserves an applause for this one.
Inspired by the anti-gravity titans of the late 90s (like F-Zero), the ones that turned neon skylines and impossible corkscrews into religion, Millennium Runners arrives with a very clear mission statement.
Nothing new, just a reminder of why it kicks ass!
Developed by Commodore Industries and published by Over The Game, Millennium Runners is a high-speed anti-gravity racer built around one simple philosophy… Go faster than feels responsible!
Some racers want realism. Some want spectacle. Millennium Runners wants your reflexes. This is a game designed around velocity as an emotional experience. From the moment the countdown ends, acceleration feels aggressive. Corners appear without warning. The soundtrack pounds like it is measuring your heartbeat.
Millennium Mach 10 or Bust
At its core, Millennium Runners is a test of control at impossible speeds. You guide anti-gravity ships through twisting tracks that defy physics and basic common sense.
This is not racing on flat circuits. You are spiralling through vertical loops. Corkscrewing above cities. Clinging to walls that seem held together by optimism alone.
There is a rhythm to the handling. When you find it, your brain switches off and instinct takes over. It becomes less about thinking and more about reacting.
It is arcade racing in its purest form.
Fast. Loud. Unapologetic.
Teams, Rivalries, and Identity
Instead of handing you a generic vehicle, the game leans into team identity. Each faction has its own visual style, handling philosophy, and subtle personality.
Some ships feel heavy and aggressive. Others are nimble but demand surgical precision. The differences are noticeable enough to encourage experimentation without overwhelming you.
It adds something important: context.
You start recognising opponents. You start remembering who knocked you into a barrier at 800 miles per hour. The rivalries feel earned rather than random.
It elevates the experience beyond a simple time-trial simulator.
Arcade Spirit, Arcade Shelf Life
Classic Races. Time Attack. Grand Prix. Unlockable teams. Leaderboard chasing. The essentials are all present. What is not present is depth beyond that core loop.
Once you have mastered the tracks and unlocked the factions, the experience begins to feel thin. There are no sprawling progression systems or evolving live-service layers to keep things fresh, nor are there meaningful side activities to encourage long-term engagement beyond chasing faster lap times. What remains is enjoyable, but increasingly familiar with each return session.
It captures the energy of classic arcade racers perfectly.
Including their relatively short lifespan, where excitement burns bright at first before gradually fading once the novelty of speed and spectacle begins to wear off.
The Millennium Blur
Visually, Millennium Runners has strong art direction. Neon reflections shimmer across metallic surfaces. Futuristic skylines stretch endlessly beneath the track.
But there is one persistent issue… A heavy blur.
A heavy blur effect designed to emphasise speed frequently muddies the action.
At these velocities, clarity is king. You need to see corners long before you reach them. You need clean visual information. Instead, there are moments where the game feels slightly out of focus, like racing without your glasses on.
It does not ruin the experience…. It just undercuts it.
Final Lap
Millennium Runners is a game of soaring highs and frustrating limitations. When it works, it is electric. The sensation of speed is outstanding. The tracks are imaginative. The soundtrack drives the adrenaline even higher.
But the persistent blur and limited content keep it from true pole position.
There is heart. It has the horsepower. It just is not quite the finished champion it wants to be.
If you crave neon, speed, and anti-gravity chaos, Millennium Runners will absolutely deliver that rush.
Just do not expect it to stay on the podium forever.
The Scott Pilgrim series started as a graphic novel, written and illustrated by Bryan Lee O’Malley. These volumes follow the escapades of Scott Pilgrim, a 23 year old bass guitarist in the garage band, “Sex Bob-Omb” who falls for new to the neighborhood, Ramona Flowers. He learns that he must defeat her seven evil exes, each with supernatural abilities.
The franchise has branched out to other forms of media, such as in film, animation and of course, video games. The first video game is Scott Pilgrim vs the World: The Game. It is a side scrolling beat ’em up, loosely following the story of the graphic novels. The game was originally released back 2010 and received generally favorable reviews. There was a complete edition re-release later in 2021. An anime, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, was released in 2023 as both a continuation and retelling of the original story.
This is all to lead us to today’s game review: Scott Pilgrim EX, an upcoming action-adventure, side scrolling beat ’em up. Developed and published by Tribute Games Inc., Scott Pilgrim EX has an anticipated release date of March 3rd, 2026. The story takes place after the events of Scott Pilgrim Takes Off and delivers the same wacky, slightly absurd tone you’d expect. Players travel through time and space to rescue the Sex Bob‑Omb band members after Metal Scott kidnaps them. The game features seven playable characters, multiplayer of up to 4 people both local and online, and melee mayhem mixed with weapons galore.
My preview of Scott Pilgrim EX was admittedly a lot of fun. I enjoyed that they took the side scrolling beat ’em up genre and filled it full of mayhem with the inclusion of multiplayer and a surplus of weaponry and combat skills. The game manages to be both linear and not, and I ended up appreciating that far more than I expected. My only gripe was more so on a personal level in that there feels like something more is missing when playing single player, but it isn’t so much so that one can not play alone. I’ll discuss all of these in the review of course, but overall I really enjoyed Scott Pilgrim EX and can happily recommend picking this one up when it comes out!
Though I myself am not too familiar with the Scott Pilgrim world, I do want to believe that this game continues the franchise in a positive way. I hope that the fans get as much enjoyment as I did, reveling in the mayhem of it all. So, get ready to steal life from your friends, because it’s time to discuss Scott Pilgrim EX!
Just a quick disclaimer: I usually feature my own screengrabs for games that I review. I find it helps makes my reviews more personal, something that I find important when I read reviews myself. However, since Scott Pilgrim EX isn’t released yet at the time of writing, I didn’t feel comfortable using my own images. Some of these images showcase two players, but please note that my experience was fully single player, which I will discuss later in this review.
A Journey Through Space, Time and Toronto
Scott Pilgrim EX takes place in Toronto, 20XX. Toronto has been taken over by three rival gangs—the Vegans, the Robots, and the Demons. One day, during Sex Bob-Omb’s practice session, Metal Scott appears and kidnaps your band members, leaving Scott beat up. Who is behind this? Why did they steal the band members? Later, when Ramona Flowers finds Scott, she calls up some allies to help. With a team of seven, it is up to players to travel through space, time and Toronto to rescue the band members and take down members of the rival gangs along the way.
The city is quite expansive. Areas lead in multiple directions for the most part, leading to a slight exploration aspect with secrets, hidden areas, and the occasional side quest. Though it might be better to follow the “Go” signs in order to know where to go next, I do think it’s worth while to explore some of what Toronto has to offer. Enemies will respawn when you re-enter areas though, so make sure you don’t travel too far if you don’t think you can run or fight your way through.
Certain sections of the map serve as shopping districts. Defeated enemies and various objects will drop coins, allowing you to make purchases at these shops. Players can purchase items such as healing items, to-go snacks that revive you, various belts and accessories to raise stats, trinkets that give you passive power-ups, and the occasional cosmetic item. Take advantage of the open-map aspect and go earn some coin from the respawning enemies and make valuable purchases.
Scattered across the map are portals. You unlock portals mostly by playing musical riffs you learn after rescuing band members. These portals are where the time and space truly come into play as they transport you to…well, different times and spaces. Many boss battles take place inside these portals, so make sure you’re prepared for whatever waits on the other side.
Seven Playable Characters to Beat ‘Em Up
Scott Pilgrim EX features seven playable characters— Scott Pilgrim, Ramona Flowers, Matthew Patel, Lucas Lee, Roxie Richter, Gideon Graves, and Robot-01. Each character has different move sets and beginning stats that they start with, up to 16 points. These stats are the vitality (increases HP, overall health), willpower (increases GP, a resource for super attacks, assists and regaining health when HP is zero), strength (strengthens attacks and throws, including velocity) and agility (faster movement and critical hit chance). Players can change their character at certain areas on the map. It might be worthwhile trying different characters to see which one you like best. Personally, I wanted someone who could pack a punch, so I went with Lucas Lee, who starts full Strength with a value of 13.
There are a few different combat abilities on the table for players. The game starts you off with a brief tutorial of the basics. They do feel pretty standard for what you might expect in a side scrolling beat ’em up game. There are light attacks, heavy attacks, jump attacks, the ability to throw stuff and of course the super attacks that require GP. You can also use GP to call upon other non-playable characters to provide an assist, such as passive buffs like resistance from damage or healing. Again, it might be worthwhile trying the different characters to see what works best for your playstyle. I did think that at times the combat felt a bit clunky, but it wasn’t anything that majorly impeded on my gameplay.
Another important aspect to the combat are the various weapons that you can pick up. The game lets you use all kinds of weapons—hammers, rocks, volleyballs, bombs, and more—against foes, but they can just as easily be used against you. They certainly don’t skimp on the amount either. I know in some other side scrolling beat ’em up, there may be a weapon or two per encounter. Here, the floor can be practically littered with various weaponry to use! Things become quite chaotic as things start bumping into each other and flying everywhere. The mayhem that was promised many times on the Steam page holds up. I had a blast just trying to dodge the chaos that one thrown shell caused.
Scott Pilgrim EX has four levels of difficulty—Very Easy, Easy, Normal, Hard. When playing video games, I typically go with the standard experience rather than making things easier or harder. Playing on normal difficulty felt like the perfect balance of challenge for me as a player. I had an easy enough time that I never felt like I was struggling, but the game still pushed me when enemies swarmed me or during boss fights. I know this isn’t the most interesting thing to discuss, but I wanted to quickly applaud the developers for this.
Multiplayer Mayhem
Up to four players can take part in this adventure. Players can join up locally or online with easy drop-in/drop-out co-op. There is even the option to quick play, pairing you up with random players that have open sessions. I did try to join a random session through quick play and had my own open for a while. Sadly, there was no one. This was expected of course since the game hasn’t been released yet. I can only imagine that my experience would have been enhanced had it been in multiplayer.
I do wonder quite a bit about some of the multiplayer aspects. From what I can tell, the team shares money. However, I’m not sure whether purchased items are shared or if each player has to buy their own. Does the number of enemies increase as more players join the game? I’m assuming yes, but is there friendly fire? If a player dies, they come back as a ghost and siphon HP from others to revive. However, I still don’t know how much they drain or if it can actually kill someone. I wish I could have tested all of these in multiplayer, but I’ll have to wait until March 3rd.
Despite being in single player, overall I had a great time playing. However, I do think that multiplayer is more so the way to go for this game. I felt like I was missing out on something by playing single player, but couldn’t quite place my finger on what it was. Yes, there was mayhem, but there could have been so much more with three other players by my side. I could beat the boss by myself, but having teammates alongside me would have made a huge difference. To me, the game did feel a bit more inclined towards a multiplayer experience rather than single player. However, even then, this is just a personal opinion. I am sure there are plenty of players out there that will stick with single player and have just as much fun.
A Win for Scott Pilgrim Fans I Hope!
Before I wrap things up, I’d like to mention two more things I liked—the music and the references. For a game involving rescuing band members, I’d expect a decent soundtrack to go along with this premise. Thankfully, Scott Pilgrim EX delivers. I really liked the catchy beats that played throughout the areas of the map and during boss battles. If there was a version of this game available to purchase that included the soundtrack, I might actually consider it.
I also loved all the references made throughout this game. The shells and turnips looked like they were from Mario. Metal Scott is most likely referencing Metal Sonic. I don’t know whether this is standard for the series, but I still found it enjoyable.
Overall, I really enjoyed Scott Pilgrim EX and think that Tribute Games Inc. did an amazing job! It may not be the same team that developed the first game, but I hope that fans of the franchise enjoy it nonetheless. There’s mayhem, multiplayer, and a whole lot of enemies to brawl. I don’t have much to complain about, and the game genuinely surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. Typically, I don’t go for side scrolling beat ’em ups. This one takes that genre and does so much more with it. I can happily recommend picking this one up when it comes out on March 3rd! Please feel free to try out the demo available now!
Thank you for reading and have fun stealing HP from your friends as a ghost!
Alex the Rabbit will not set the world alight. However, I enjoyed its simple ways, its chiptune audio, and the basic pixelated graphics. Furthermore, if you are a completionist, you’ll fly through the achievements in no time. Accordingly, if you want a basic game that will not test you, this could be the ideal option.
This indie platformer was developed by Well Andrade and published by Well Game Studio. It is a single-player retro experience that is easy to pick up and easier to complete. This isn’t a complaint, as I enjoyed wasting an hour or so. Alternatively, you can let your kids give it a go as they take on 20 levels and 4 huge bosses.
Alex the Rabbit is on a carrot-collecting mission.
Rabbits and carrots go together like peanut butter and jelly and Batman and Robin. Therefore, it didn’t surprise me that Alex the Rabbit is all about collecting every carrot you face. Quite why the rabbit hero is on his mission is a mystery, but it didn’t matter. Instead, I fell for its mindless charms as I explored every side-scrolling, 2D world.
The core principles are refined. Effectively, you must move from beginning to end while collecting every carrot on offer. En route, there is an array of monsters to kill. Overcoming these creatures will not stretch you, as a simple hit from your feet is often enough to take them down. Additionally, there is a lack of variety, and this prevents your foes from being anything other than a minor inconvenience.
This will disappoint gamers who wish for a challenge. However, if you want something easy and mindless, the repetitive and easy-to-identify movement makes killing every foe a walk in the park. Sadly, this shortcoming infects the end-level boss. No matter which one I faced, they were unbelievably easy to overcome. I’m not asking for a Soulsborne experience, but something a little harder would have been appreciated.
Alex the Rabbit is wonderfully dated.
Despite the lack of difficulty, Alex the Rabbit is wonderfully dated. The vivid colours, rudimentary backdrops, and pixelated visuals reminded me of a bygone era. Moreover, the simple 2D world was fun to explore. Although there were limited branching paths, I rarely tired of what I saw. The basic animations and understated levels worked well with the theme and the art style.
The audio is shrill and repetitive. The chiptune audio plays on a short loop, and it will drive you mad. The music evolves as you move between each world. Sadly, this ensures that you endure the same tune for at least 20 minutes at a time. This will drive players mad, and the developer should have added more variety.
Basic controls.
The basic control system works perfectly with each large chasm and the generous hitboxes of your opponents. Although the developer has incorporated plenty of traditional mechanics, you’ll pick up the fundamentals in no time. Consequently,most gamers can master Alex the Rabbit.
There is a serious lack of replay value and longevity. I completed the achievements in around 20 minutes and the whole game in under 1 hour and 30 minutes. This isn’t bad for the price, but I’d have liked a speedrun mode or a difficulty slider to make me come back for more. Alternatively, maybe some secret areas would have been a nice twist.
Alex the Rabbit is good but a little too refined.
Alex the Rabbit has a great core concept, but it is a little too refined. If you want something to challenge you, this will not scratch that itch. Moreover, if you want something to get your teeth into, this won’t appeal. However, if you want a basic but fun platformer that is suitable for all ages, this will tick that box. Accordingly, I like it, and I recommend you buy it here! Can you collect every carrot? Avoid the creatures, leap every chasm, and take home every vegetable.
Achieving emotional balance has become more essential than ever. Traditional approaches to mental health, such as talk therapy and medication, continue to play a vital role. However, a growing number of people are seeking alternative methods that address not just the mind, but the body as well. This shift reflects a broader understanding that emotional well-being is deeply connected to physical and sensory experiences.
The Connection Between Mind and Body
Emotional experiences are not confined to your thoughts; they are also felt in your bodies. Stress, anxiety, and unresolved trauma can manifest physically, leading to tension, chronic pain, or even digestive issues. Recognizing this mind-body connection has led to an increased interest in practices that help individuals process emotions through physical awareness. Techniques such as somatic exercises, mindfulness-based movement, and breathwork are becoming central to modern approaches to emotional balance.
By paying attention to the body, people can often uncover emotional patterns that were previously inaccessible through traditional talk therapy alone. This holistic perspective empowers individuals to engage with their feelings in a more integrated and embodied way.
The Rise of Somatic Practices
One of the most significant trends in alternative emotional wellness is somatic therapy. This practice encourages individuals to tune into bodily sensations as a gateway to understanding and releasing emotional tension. Rather than focusing exclusively on cognition, somatic approaches help people reconnect with their bodies and process experiences stored physically.
The appeal of somatic therapy lies in its gentle yet powerful approach. It can help clients identify where trauma or stress resides in the body and develop strategies for releasing it safely. Because of this, somatic practices are increasingly recommended for individuals who have struggled with traditional therapy or who are seeking a more comprehensive approach to well-being. For those interested, searching for somatic healing near me can help locate specialised practitioners who guide this process with care and expertise.
Mindfulness and Movement
Another reason people are exploring new paths to emotional balance is the integration of mindfulness with movement. Activities such as yoga, tai chi, and qigong are not just physical exercises, they are practices designed to cultivate awareness and presence. By combining gentle movement with intentional breathing, individuals learn to manage stress, regulate emotions, and foster a deeper sense of inner calm.
These practices also encourage a reconnection with the present moment, which is particularly valuable in a society often dominated by distractions and overthinking. By grounding themselves physically, people can create the conditions for emotional healing and resilience.
Personalised Approaches to Emotional Wellness
As awareness of mind-body connections grows, more individuals are seeking personalised approaches rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. Emotional balance is not universal; each person’s experiences, sensitivities, and needs differ. Modern therapeutic approaches are increasingly tailored, offering hybrid programs that blend somatic therapy, mindfulness, movement, and traditional talk therapy.
This personalised care model acknowledges the complexity of human emotions and offers multiple entry points for healing. Whether someone prefers a movement-based approach, guided meditation, or a combination of therapies, there is now a wider variety of accessible options to explore.
Moving Forward with Intention
The journey to emotional balance is deeply personal, and the growing interest in holistic, body-centered practices reflects a broader cultural shift. People are recognising that well-being is not just about managing symptoms, it’s about cultivating a sense of harmony between mind and body. By exploring innovative and integrated approaches, individuals can build resilience, release stored tension, and foster lasting emotional health.
The rising popularity of these practices signals a shift in how society understands emotional wellness. By valuing the body as a partner in mental health, people can access deeper levels of healing and live with greater balance and clarity.
