Review: Backbone One: Xbox Edition

Daniel Waite
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Review: Backbone One: Xbox Edition

I love my Backbone controllers. I have tested practically every device in their range, and I’ve admired the build quality, usability, and portability. Consequently, when they announced the new Backbone One: Xbox Edition, I was a little excited, to say the least. I broke this news recently but kept my powder dry. After all, I didn’t know if the latest controller would live up to its previous standards. Spoiler alert: It does, and it excels in many areas.

This retro green controller has a translucent aesthetic. The glorious green shell is reminiscent of the early Xbox era. Moreover, the ability to see the internal components will fascinate many gamers. On top of this, it is designed with Xbox players in mind. The Xbox button lets you select gamers from your library or shortcut to video recording. This is perfect if you love to capture footage and show off to your friends.

This compact device is designed with marathon sessions in mind. It is lightweight and comfortable to use. Additionally, it has pass-through charging to ensure that you never run out of juice. Unlike some of its peers, you can use non-Bluetooth headphones via a 3.5mm jack. This increases versatility and reduces the draw on your mobile phone battery.

What’s in the box of the Backbone One: Xbox Edition?

  • The compact packaging is similar to other Backbone products. Furthermore, it is pleasant to look at and can be recycled.
  • The Backbone One: Xbox Edition is a fantastic gaming tool. Moreover, it is small enough to fit in your coat pocket or bag. As such, you needn’t worry about a bulky controller weighing you down.
  • Spare grips allow you to connect your phone in its case.
  • Download the Backbone app with the handy QR code.

Technical aspects.

The Backbone One: Xbox Edition is a USB-C 2nd-generation device. Accordingly, it is compatible with modern Android and Apple devices. This was a great move as gamers tend to roll with up-to-date phones, and Backbone is following this trend. Furthermore, the USB-C port is stronger and more reliable than the Lightning alternative. As such, durability is improved, and I experienced no connectivity issues.

Unlike other Cloud gaming controllers, this device has no battery. This may seem strange, but your mobile phone does all of the work. With minimal power draw and pass-through charging, gamers will not struggle during long sessions. 

Backbone App.

Purchasing yearly subscriptions for different gaming packages isn’t alien territory. However, many gamers may struggle to see the benefit of the Backbone service. I trialed the product and was impressed with the UI and the seamless transition between games. Additionally, it was easy to use, and it made the controller a more complete package.

If you don’t feel like investing around £40 for this service, you don’t have to. This approach was great and something that should be applauded. You are not penalised for circumnavigating the optional software. Instead, you are free to cloud game directly from Xbox or stream from your console if you are on the same network.

Build quality.

Where the Backbone One: Xbox Edition excels is its incredible build quality. The spring-loaded sliders expand the controller from 176.2mm to 257.6mm. This is large enough to fit in most modern phones without placing pressure on the USB-C male connection. If you haven’t used a Backbone product, you will need a little trial and error to connect your phone. However, once you are familiar with the quirks, you will execute the process in no time.

Each of the buttons feels like a smaller version of the official Xbox controller. The compact analogue sticks take some getting used to, but once you understand the range of movement and the lower stick height, you’ll play your Cloud games like a pro. Actuation distance is vitally important when playing fast-paced games. Thankfully, the Backbone One: Xbox Edition is ultra-responsive, and the actuation distance is comfortable. Furthermore, you do not need to jab the buttons to execute any action.

Finally, the old-school green translucent livery is incredible! This device screams Xbox and Halo, and I loved it as a consequence. As you hold it, you feel like you have a piece of gaming history. 

Is the Backbone One: Xbox Edition worth it?

Cloud gaming is coming on in leaps and bounds. Furthermore, fibre internet is making its way into more homes, and 5G connectivity is improving daily. Subsequently, the ability to stream and game on the move is improving. This huge movement requires tech and peripherals to support it. Thankfully, Backbone is at the fore, and gamers will improve their experience if they invest. The Backbone One: Xbox Edition is an amazing device designed with Cloud Gaming in mind. If you want the best product when you are out and about, I recommend buying it here!

(More information on Backbone can be found here!)

The Backbone One: Xbox Edition has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: Aerox 3 Wireless mouse

Daniel Waite
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Review: Aerox 3 Wireless mouse

The Aerox 3 Wireless mouse (Snow 2022) from SteelSeries is a stylish and lightweight gaming mouse. However, you may be wondering why I’m covering a mouse that has been out for nearly 3 years. Well, I’ve recently looked at the QCK Performance mouse pads, and I thought it was a match made in heaven.

With or without the SteelSeries mouse pads, the Aerox 3 Wireless mouse is an incredible gaming peripheral. It only weighs 68g, and this makes it one of the lightest gaming mice available. Alongside this, the shell has a low profile that is comfortable for marathon gaming sessions. If you love to play for hours, the battery life will make you gawp! 200 hours is the maximum wireless performance from this product. Accordingly, that battery life is incredible, and I was blown away.

If that isn’t enough, it has a 3-zone prism RGB and a clean, white, honeycombed shell. This design allows the lighting to pop and your setup to stand out from the crowd. Though the aforementioned mouse pads have no RGB, this mouse makes up for that shortcoming.

What’s in the box of the Aerox 3 Wireless mouse?

  • The compact packaging is eye-catching. Key selling points adorn the box, and the contents are well packaged.
  • The Aerox 3 Wireless mouse has a white honeycombed shell and 6 usable buttons. There is a female USB-C port on the front and a connectivity switch near the underside optical sensor.
  • A braided USB-C cable is provided to charge the device.
  • Play wirelessly with the USB-C dongle.
  • Learn the fundamentals with the user guide.

Technical aspects.

A gaming mouse has to be comfortable, durable, accurate, and responsive. Thankfully, the Aerox 3 Wireless mouse ticks every box and much more. The helpful DPI switch allows users to adjust the speed of the mouse with the touch of a button. Unique profiles can be selected up to 18k DPI. Moreover, a maximum speed of 400 IPS and 40 G of maximum acceleration can be enjoyed. This may be too quick for some gamers, so dial back the speeds and tap that DPI button until you find what works for you. The TrueMove air sensor is a 1-to-1 tracking sensor specifically designed for wireless gaming. Accordingly, you get a best-in-class product and some mind-bending speeds.

The 1000 Hz/1 ms polling rate via wired or USB-C dongle is perfect for elite gamers. Consequently, this fast response rate keeps you ahead of your competition. This blistering speed is why SteelSeries is adored by the eSports community. I couldn’t believe the difference the Aerox 3 Wireless mouse made when combined with the “Speed” QCK Performance mouse pad. The pace was off the charts, and I wiped the floor with anyone I came across. As such, if you love FPS or any sports titles, this combination must be on your radar.

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Build quality.

I’ve mentioned durability, and my word, is this mouse built to last! The Aerox 3 Wireless mouse has a switch rating of up to 80 million clicks. 80 million clicks is absolutely incredible! Alongside this, the next-gen golden micro IP54 switches are upgraded for dust and water resistance. Consequently, not only are they 3 times more durable than other switches, but you reduce the risk of double clicking.

The hardened honeycomb shell and stunning white livery allow the 3-zone prism RBG to pop. Moreover, the 100% virgin grade PTFE mouse skates reduce friction and increase comfort. The modern USB-C accessories were a welcome move away from dated tech. What’s more, each of the buttons and the ergonomic design reduce fatigue when attempting marathon gaming sessions.

Is the Aerox 3 Wireless mouse worth it?

PC Gamer awarded the Aerox 3 Wireless mouse the Best Lightweight Mouse award. I cannot dispute this award, as this mouse is unbelievably good. It is comfortable, and the build quality will ensure it lasts a lifetime. The RGB is vibrant, and I adore the responsive TrueMove air sensor. If you want a gaming mouse that gives you a match-winning edge, I recommend buying it here!

(More information on SteelSeries can be found here!)

The Aerox 3 Wireless mouse has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: Atomfall

Matt Cooper
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Review: Atomfall

Atomfall releases to mystery and much intrigue. Is this worth your time or are you left wandering the countryside thinking what could’ve been?

The Countryside Is Your Oyster

When I began the story, sitting in a bunker not knowing how or why I was there, I couldn’t help but think of Fallout. Whilst at first I thought this was another game trying to capture the magic of Fallout, I was so wonderfully wrong. Atomfall is truly its own living, breathing post apocalyptic wonder. Developed and published by veteran British team Rebellion, Atomfall is inspired by a real nuclear disaster; the Windscale disaster of 1957. The story takes place five years after the disaster in the Lake District where a fictionalised quarantine zone has been established, walled off and surrounded by a mysterious nuclear site and accompanying woodland and village areas. Thanks to the zone being cut off from the rest of the country, gangs and groups have formed outside the zone, making everywhere dangerous and violent places. As previously mentioned, you take on the role of a unnamed survivor who is suffering from amnesia. The amnesia trope has often been used in survival games but Atomfall succeeds wonderfully with this narrative, thanks to the game’s overall narrative structure.

Rebellion have crafted and structured the story to allow the player to create their own unique tale. From the very beginning, the emphasis is on you and your choices. Your first interaction is with a scientist, but how you interact is up to you: kill him and take his key card, communicate and gain his trust or ignore him altogether, it’s truly entirely up to you. Everything in this wonderful world is for you to discover and unravel, from a mysterious phone caller pestering you with riddles, to meeting traders and NPCs in villages; there is so so much to discover and understand in Atomfall. It’s unequivocally British, with its humour and dialogue. It’s a wonderful sight to see how Rebellion have blended the British countryside with a post-apocalyptic sci-fi horror environment.

This is the best example of environmental storytelling I have come across since Elden Ring; every room and building can unlock more pieces to the puzzle. It’s a truly fantastic story that has countless endings, dependent on which route you choose. It ultimately boils down to your choice and how you decide to escape the area but there is so much replay ability on offer and so much to discover through audio logs, documents and conversations with the superb cast of characters. It is staggering! The story is one of self-discovery, true mystery and intrigue from minute one until the credits roll, as it blends horror with sci-fi along with a hefty dose of alternate reality wonder. It is truly best experienced with as little knowledge of the game as possible. This is a story and exploration for the ages.

Craft, Attack, Dig, Survive

Gameplay is another brilliantly crafted experience in Atomfall. Played from a first person perspective and set in a semi open world environment, gameplay, like the story, is yours to mould and craft. The main gameplay consists of scavenging for items to craft equipment from recipes found throughout the world, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Crafting is essential to survival as you band together every day items like glass bottles and cloths to create medicine and weapons. The use of a metal detector to uncover hidden stashes and treasures is a great addition that helps keep you engaged in exploring, as there is so much to uncover and find. The game actively encourages you to spend hours on end scavenging and this leads to great interactions with random NPC’s or enemies that often have very British humour attached to them. Everything in Atomfall is designed to be methodical and deliberate and nowhere is it more evident than in combat and stealth.

The opening of the game makes clear you are a novice in this apocalypse and this is shown superbly through melee and ranged combat. Every swing of an axe or hatchet feels deliberately laboured and desperate, making you feel like you are truly fighting for your life. Whether it’s hulking robots standing eight feet tall, bandits and druids who seek to hunt you down or the mysterious feral infected creatures, this game has a fantastic range of enemy types. Each encounter feels different and with the nature of the games non linear story, I truly felt I was altering the story with each swing or shot. Speaking of ranged combat, this is also deliberately methodical. It’s both thrilling and frustrating watching your character slowly load a bullet into the rusted chamber of a rifle or shotgun.

The gameplay is not without its minor flaws, however. The lack of a fast travel system can make exploring and traversing the countryside somewhat frustrating and tedious at times. The game’s perk system is very basic and underdeveloped as I felt most of the perks didn’t alter or propel my experience positively. Stealth can be wildly inconsistent and often I gave up on that aspect as enemies would spot me from miles away, with little to no sight of me. Thankfully, the main core gameplay loop in Atomfall is more than enough to see past these flaws.

Lake District Delight

The Lake District in Atomfall looks simply stunning. Lush green fields beam across the screen upon first exiting the bunker, letting you know you’re in for a beautiful adventure. Every building and environment is rich and dripping in detail; it truly looks like they have plucked buildings straight from the countryside. Rebellion have crafted a gorgeous game, so much so that you can’t help but stop and admire it. Lighting is superb in the daunting darkly lit areas inside abandoned facilities and labs. The art style and character design are similarly stunning. Characters look realistic and react uniquely to your character. Robots look mighty and powerful from afar, whilst feral creatures look nightmarish. This is a truly wonderful effort across the board in visual presentation.

Next, sound design and musical score yield mixed results. The sound design is solid and does enough not to stand out poorly, with the metal detector pinging loudly and emphatically to let you know when a stash or lunchbox is around. Robots clang and stomp their way across the countryside, violently letting you know the threat they pose. I found the sound design of the ranged combat inconsistent as guns just sound non existent at times and nowhere near as powerful as they should. However, one aspect of sound design that cannot be debated is the superb voice acting. Every character feels alive, thanks to the wonderful cast who create unique British voices, leading to hilarious moments and emotional ones too. On the other hand, the musical score in Atomfall disappointed me. It never makes enough of an impact to warrant memorable moments. Only in combat does it truly take precedent and it’s a damn shame the game didn’t utilize the music more in the exploration and story.

Verdict

Atomfall is a brilliant and fresh take on post-apocalyptic survival. It is a beautiful mix of Fallout and souls-like games, with wonderful exploration and mysteries to discover at every turn. Not many games have made me really feel like I am the master of the story and I craft it to how I see fit but this one does! The wonderful recreation of the beautiful Lake District, accompanied with a sci-fi horror twist, makes this game one of the best additions to the genre in recent memory. I implore anyone to go in with as little knowledge as possible to be wowed at each twist and turn of this thought-provoking narrative. Some minor flaws dampen the spirit slightly but this is still Rebellion’s finest work to date. Now I’m hankering for a Cornish pasty!

How to Set Up a Proxy on Your Router: A Step-by-Step Guide for Enhanced Network Control

Andrew Edney
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How to Set Up a Proxy on Your Router: A Step-by-Step Guide for Enhanced Network Control

Ever feel like your entire home network could benefit from a little more control, speed, or anonymity? That’s where configuring a proxy server directly on your router comes into play. Instead of setting it up on every single device—phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs—you can apply the settings once and instantly improve the browsing experience for your entire household or office.

Picture it like installing a filter at the mouth of a river. Everything downstream (in this case, your devices) flows through that filter (the proxy), giving you consistent performance, centralised management, and more efficient traffic routing.

How Router-Level Proxy Setup Works

Unlike installing a proxy on a single device where only that gadget’s traffic is affected, a router-based proxy intercepts and reroutes all internet traffic passing through the router. This means any device connected to your Wi-Fi automatically uses the proxy settings. Pretty convenient, right?

You’re essentially programming your router to act as a traffic director, rerouting every request through a selected proxy server before it reaches the wider internet. It’s a smart move for businesses, shared households, and tech-savvy users who crave full-spectrum control.

Preparing for the Setup: What You Need Before You Begin

Before jumping into the configuration, there are a few things you’ll need in place:

  • A compatible router: Not all routers support proxy configurations directly through their interface. Routers with firmware like DD-WRT, OpenWRT, or Tomato tend to provide the most flexible proxy support.
  • Proxy server details: You’ll need the IP address and port number of the proxy server you want to use.
  • Router access: Make sure you have the admin login credentials for your router interface. Without these, no settings can be adjusted.
  • Stable internet connection: Always a must before poking around in the digital guts of your router.

Think of this as assembling your toolkit before fixing a car—each tool has a role, and missing just one can throw off the entire job.

Configuring the Proxy on a DD-WRT Router

DD-WRT is one of the most popular third-party router firmware options out there, largely due to its flexibility. If your router supports DD-WRT, the steps to configure a proxy are as follows:

  1. Login to your router’s admin panel via your browser (typically at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
  2. Navigate to the Administration tab, then go to the Commands section.

Paste the proxy setup script that redirects traffic through your proxy server. This usually looks like:


iptables -t nat -A PREROUTING -i br0 -p tcp –dport 80 -j DNAT –to-destination PROXY_IP:PORT

  2. Replace PROXY_IP and PORT with the actual IP address and port of your proxy.
  3. Click Save Startup, then reboot your router.

If all goes well, your connected devices will now access the internet through the proxy—no manual configuration required on individual gadgets.

Troubleshooting Common Proxy-Router Issues

If your internet suddenly stops working after setup, don’t panic. Most issues boil down to:

  • Incorrect proxy IP or port.
  • Proxy server being down or overloaded.
  • Conflicts with firewall or DNS settings.
  • Router firmware limitations.

Try double-checking the details you entered or testing the proxy on a separate device first to make sure it’s active. If that doesn’t solve it, revert your router to default settings and try again step-by-step. Sometimes tech setup feels like building IKEA furniture—you just need to follow each instruction carefully, and yes, sometimes redo it.

Why Using a Proxy Through Your Router Is a Game-Changer

Setting up a proxy on your router isn’t just a neat trick for techies—it’s a serious performance and control boost. Whether you’re managing access for children, distributing load across networked devices, or simply fine-tuning your browsing experience, the benefits are hard to ignore.

You get one-point control over your entire network, reduce redundancy from per-device configurations, and make sure everything from gaming consoles to IoT devices routes traffic the smart way. It’s like upgrading your entire internet ecosystem without buying a single new gadget.

If you’re looking for high-quality, fast, and reliable proxy services to use with your router, you can click here to explore a wide selection tailored for every kind of user—whether you’re a casual browser or a professional power user.

Final Thoughts: Take Charge of Your Network Like a Pro

When it comes to digital infrastructure, small tweaks can make a big impact. Configuring a proxy on your router might sound intimidating at first, but with the right tools and guidance, it’s a smooth ride that opens the door to smarter, more efficient networking.

No more per-device setup nightmares. No more wondering if a specific gadget is routing traffic correctly. Just centralised, seamless control—and who wouldn’t want that?

Review: Accolade Sports Collection (QUByte Classics)

Cody May
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Review: Accolade Sports Collection (QUByte Classics)

Play ball! Accolade Sports Collection (QUByte Classics) is a collection of sports titles originally released in the late 80’s and early 90’s. These titles include: Hardball!, Hardball 2!, Hoops Shut Up and Jam!, Winter Challenge, and Summer Challenge.

Thanks to QUByte Interactive & Atari these games were re-released for modern consoles on 01/30/2025.

Batter Up!

Nostalgia affects us all. I love re-visiting games from my childhood, or games I never played that released when I was a kid. Many gamers who grew up in the late 80’s and early 90’s will probably be interested in this collection for that reason.

Whether you played these games growing up or just want to remember what it was like playing sports games that released back then, these collections will always have a market.

But, nostalgia can also have a flip side, where that thing you loved growing up, isn’t as good as you remember. As a baseball and basketball fan, I was eager to jump into this collection and see what they had to offer. Sadly, these games have not aged well. In fact, they are quite bad.

Take Me Away From The Ballgame.

As a huge Dodgers & baseball fan, Hardball was naturally the first game I jumped into. Games from this era can sometimes have a barrier to entry, but I immediately had no idea what I was doing. Nothing is explained to you on screen.

After reading 14 pages of the manual (which you can access in the menus) I finally understood how to play. It was… okay. Pitches all looked the same, swing timing was weird, it all just felt off.

Hardball 2 was somehow worse. Moving onto the other sports titles proved to be the same. Hoops Shut Up and Jam was the one I had the most fun with, but I think mostly because it’s the simplest. Even it wasn’t much fun and I got bored after about 20 minutes.

There also isn’t a great variety of games in the collection. I understand you can only re-release what games were developed, but I find it hard to believe that a football, hockey, or soccer game was never produced.

This obviously limits those interested in this collection, as if you want any of these sports, they aren’t here. Two baseball games, a 2v2 street basketball game, and summer and winter games doesn’t exactly scream variety.

Conclusion

Accolade Sports Collection (QUByte Classics) was unfortunately a lackluster experience. I appreciate QUByte Interactive and Atari for keeping games like this alive. For people who grew up playing them, I’m sure it’s nice getting to walk down memory lane.

Obviously reviews are subjective, and I didn’t grow up when these games were being released. Other gamers could have a completely different experience with this collection.

Sadly, I just don’t feel the games hold up, nor are they fun to play.

Review: The Renovator: Origins

Daniel Waite
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Review: The Renovator: Origins

The Renovator: Origins is an occasionally cliched experience filled with chilling moments and a twisted approach. The first-person perspective drags you into a scary and claustrophobic world. Moreover, the authentic Russian dialogue enhances the atmosphere. Though it isn’t the most polished title, and progress can be confusing, it gets most aspects right, and it is a joy to play.

This indie horror game was developed by Peace Studio and published by Axyos Games. It is a single-player horror title with plenty of puzzles to solve. The dark is a scary place, and the developer has delivered the right blend of jump scares and genuinely scary moments.

The Renovator: Origins leaves you guessing.

The Renovator: Origins uses some tried and tested mechanics to create a familiar horror foundation. However, many of the puzzles leave you guessing, and you must search each small location for clues and a way to proceed. Though this slow, methodical approach may annoy some gamers, fans of the genre will love piecing together the information and solving the problems they face. 

You play the role of a museum restorers son. His passing is sudden, and the protagonist needs to visit his father’s estate to come to peace with his loss. As he begins his journey, things take a turn for the worse. The art becomes his new realm, and paranormal activities are his new norm.

Slow burner.

This psychological horror plays with your mind and pushes you into dark places. The use of shadow, light, and blind corners keeps you guessing throughout. Moreover, ghostly figures and sudden changes to already navigated arenas make you jump and gasp.

Searching each location for valuable items such as matches and kerosene is key. The darkness is not your friend, and candles and your handy lamp will keep you in the light. Alongside the sinister ambience are plenty of handwritten clues. These give you an insight into your father’s mindset and help you to understand the key elements of this strange plot.

The puzzles are less abstract, however. Most of the challenges involve you finding or moving a specific item. Thankfully, this is padded out nicely with some interesting cutscenes and plenty of jump scares along the way.

The Renovator: Origins looks great.

The Renovator: Origins is creepy. The earthy colour palette enhances the oppressive nature of the Eastern European setting. The grey buildings and muted colours work perfectly with the uncomfortable plot and weird goings-on. Alongside this, each small location is a joy to explore. Each of the classic horror moments was well-executed, and the seamless transition from creepy to normal was a pleasure to witness.

The audio blends calm music with a chilling vibe. These juxtaposing ideas create a sense of normality amongst the paranormal elements. Furthermore, the excellent ambient sounds show that life goes on outside the protagonist’s plight. This incredible soundscape delivers a truly atmospheric indie gaming experience.

Clumsy controls.

I’m not a fan of clumsy controls. They hold a game back and create unnecessary frustration. Unfortunately, The Renovator: Origins is guilty as charged. Though the navigation elements are good, using items to solve problems is annoying. I became stuck multiple times because the game doesn’t automatically use the item you have in your backpack. This makes you explore unnecessarily and wastes so much time.

This is a linear experience. As such, once you’ve completed every stage, there will be limited reasons to return. Thankfully, the 6-8-hour playtime was good, and though it lacks replay value and longevity, I think it is great value for money.

The Renovator: Origins is good despite my complaints.

The Renovator: Origins is a good indie horror game. Yes, it is occasionally cliched, and there are some controller issues, but these do not hold it back. The story is great, and the puzzles are a joy to solve. What’s more, the atmosphere is horrible, and the jump scares are well-timed. Accordingly, this is a good game, and I recommend buying it here! Can you break away from your father’s work? Explore every room, solve every puzzle, and stay away from the dark.

Review: Under Defeat

Cody May
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Review: Under Defeat

Under Defeat is a shoot-em-up on rails game which was originally released in Japan arcades in 2005. It would then go on to be released for the Sega Dreamcast, PS3, Xbox 360, and so forth. It was developed by G.rev.

Now, in 2025 thanks to publisher Clear River Games and Developer City Connection, Under Defeat was released on modern consoles 02/06/2025!

War Never Changes

Under Defeat takes place in an alternate history world war 2 where two factions, the empire and the union are clashing. A simple premise that doesn’t get elaborated on too much. After all, war never changes; fight for your side and try to come out victorious.

Story isn’t the focal point in Under Defeat. It’s drip fed through a brief intro cinematic and snippets of dialogue in the middle of gameplay.

In a game like this, it’s all about the gameplay, so if you are expecting story with Under Defeat just remember, it was originally an arcade game. The goal isn’t to entice you with a deep story that makes you question your humanity. The goal instead is to make a game that is both fun and challenging so you keep putting money into the machine to get to the end.

Under Distress

The gameplay in Under Defeat is both fun and chaotic. If you’ve played on rails vertical shooters like this then you’ll already know what to expect. Simple controls, keep moving forward, and fire at everything you see.

Not complex, but engaging. I was a bit shocked when I found myself having as much fun as I did. I’ve played many games like Under Defeat before. Some of them good, most of them not.

It’s hard to get a game like this right. The player doesn’t have much freedom. You don’t control where you go, your choices while surrounded by enemies are slim, but yet when it’s done well as it is here, it’s just so enjoyable.

Gameplay, Continued

Three things this game nails that makes it so fun; challenge, soundtrack, aesthetic. This game is hard, and sure, I’m not great at these types of games anyway so maybe it’s just me, but I struggled a lot. I’ll even admit that I had to crank the difficulty down to easy and give myself extra lives just to complete it (don’t laugh).

While I’m suffering with the challenge, the soundtrack and aesthetic fills me with so much joy. The look of the game gives me so much nostalgia back to how games looked when I was growing up. It also gives me a lot of Metal Gear Solid 3 vibes in the way it looks. A nostalgic sign of the times.


Graphics combined with the stellar soundtrack really bump this game up. You can listen to the original soundtrack composed by Shinji Hosoe, or listen to the new soundtrack which is included in this HD version composed by Yousuke Yasui. Both are fantastic and I highly recommend listening to each.

Conclusion

Under Defeat is a game I immediately fell in love with. It’s simple but challenging gameplay combined with amazing soundtrack and graphics come together perfectly like peanut butter & jelly.

At a very reasonable price point you get the above plus a lot of replay value. You can go for high scores, play the original arcade version or the new version which widens the screen to today’s standards. There’s many other gameplay options as well, like changing which soundtrack plays, difficulty options, how many lives you get.

This is a true hidden gem, and it’s a game I can’t recommend enough.

Five Clever Games That Can Help You Improve Your Vocabulary

Andrew Edney
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Five Clever Games That Can Help You Improve Your Vocabulary

Speaking eloquently and with authority is an eclectic mix of many different skills, but at the core is a great vocabulary. 

The vocabulary often forms the basis of a truly great orator and communicator, and today, there’s a great deal you can do to improve – and not just by using flashcards and spelling books. 

In this article, you’ll learn about five clever games you can use to take your speaking and writing skills to the next level!

Image Credit: Pexels

1. Wordle

Wordle has become incredibly popular over the last few years, mostly owing to its addictive simplicity. The game offers players six chances to guess a five-letter word, and each time you make a guess, you get a small color-coded hint to let you know how close you were. 

It’s a truly addictive gameplay loop: it doesn’t take long to play, and you’ll learn a ton of new words in the process.

2. Ba Ba Dum

It might have a silly name, but Ba Ba Dum is actually incredibly clever. The platform comprises five separate mini-games that train the players’ visual and audio processing to learn new words. 

The games are simple matching challenges, but you’d be surprised at just how effective they are at getting new vocab to stick. 

3. Scrabble GO

Scrabble GO is essentially a more streamlined version of the original game. The goal is still to build the most interesting words with the letters you’re given, but this version provides the addition of special power-ups that can significantly alter the gameplay. 

It’s a faster game overall, and truly tests your vocabulary by having you think quickly on the spot. 

4. Typeshift

Typeshift blends many different types of puzzles into one game, mostly by combining the best elements of crosswords, word searches, and anagrams. You’re given a selection of letters that you must then arrange to make the best words possible in the center row by shifting lateral columns.

It taxes your ability to think about words in a more multidimensional way and requires a wider plethora of skills overall than Scrabble does – perfect if you’re looking for something a little different!

5. Knoword 

And finally, there’s Knoword, which is particularly unique in that the game gives you the definition first, and you have to then come up with the word. It’s a great way of challenging your mind to process vocabulary differently. 

It also goes pretty deep: you’ve got several different categories that cover a wide range of topics, each with its own library of words for you to learn from. Knoword has become a firm favorite with students for its ability to help them articulate themselves better. For those who want to take this a step further and apply their growing vocabulary to real-world context, the Nibble app is a fantastic companion. While word games help you find the right terms, Nibble’s 10-minute interactive lessons provide the background knowledge in art, science, and history to make sure you truly understand the subjects you’re discussing. 

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, this list has inspired you to start working on your vocabulary and improve your speaking and writing skills. It won’t happen overnight, but with consistent practice and the right methods, anyone can learn to speak with confidence. 

Try to practice just a little bit every day, perhaps 10 to 15 minutes or so, and you’re sure to see some great progress. Good luck!

Review: KARMA: The Dark World

Dawid Wisniewski
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Review: KARMA: The Dark World

What is KARMA

The game introduces players to Daniel McGovern, a ROAM agent assigned to infiltrate and uncover the secrets of suspects’ memories. This mechanic serves as the backbone of the gameplay, allowing for an introspective and layered storytelling approach. What begins as a seemingly straightforward mission soon spirals into a complex web of deceit, conspiracies, and existential horror.

From the moment players step into this world, the heavy influence of Orwellian themes is evident. Surveillance cameras loom over every street, posters of Leviathan’s slogans decorate the buildings, and the people move with an eerie sense of submission. The presence of Bluebottle, a performance-enhancing yet mind-altering drug, adds an unsettling dimension to the story, questioning the morality of control and freedom.

A great story, that relies on the player to uncover it

At the heart of KARMA: The Dark World is its masterfully woven narrative. The game follows Daniel as he begins his mission by investigating a missing researcher, only to uncover hidden truths about his own past and the nature of the society he serves. The storytelling is non-linear, and much of the lore is delivered through environmental storytelling, hidden documents, and cryptic dialogue with NPCs.

One of the most compelling aspects of the game is the way it manipulates reality. As Daniel dives into memories, players are constantly forced to question what is real and what is merely a projection of the mind. This theme is reminiscent of works like Inception and Silent Hill, where perception is unreliable, and every revelation only adds layers to the mystery.

Dialogues are well-written and carry a weight that makes every interaction meaningful. Unlike many games that simply use dialogue as a means to push the plot forward, KARMA uses conversations to deepen its world-building, giving insight into the struggles of those living under Leviathan’s rule.

Not just a walking sim

While the game is primarily a narrative-driven thriller, its gameplay mechanics play a significant role in immersion. Players engage in exploration, puzzle-solving, stealth, and light combat elements. However, it is not a fast-paced action game—every movement and decision feels deliberate, contributing to the tension.

Exploration is a key part of KARMA. The world is beautifully crafted using Unreal Engine 5, providing photorealistic environments that add to the oppressive atmosphere. The game encourages players to investigate every detail, as hidden clues and documents can drastically change the understanding of events.

The design of Leviathan’s headquarters and the surrounding city is filled with intricate details that make the world feel alive. Posters with propaganda, citizens whispering in fear, and small acts of defiance hint at the underlying resistance to the system.

stand-out mechanics

One of the standout gameplay features is the ability to enter and manipulate memories. As a ROAM agent, Daniel can extract and relive past events from suspects’ minds, often uncovering disturbing truths. These sequences are where the game fully embraces its psychological horror elements—distorted reality, shifting landscapes, and terrifying manifestations of suppressed guilt and trauma.

Memories are not static; players can interact with them, change perspectives, and even alter events to uncover deeper truths. This mechanic makes KARMA unique compared to other games in the genre, as it gives players a hands-on approach to detective work.

The game places heavy emphasis on puzzle-solving. Instead of simple fetch-quests or obvious solutions, KARMA demands players think critically. Clues are often hidden in dialogue, environmental details, or previous memory sequences, requiring players to connect pieces of the story themselves.

Incredible atmosphere

The game’s atmosphere is arguably one of its strongest aspects. The blend of realistic visuals, an unsettling soundtrack, and deeply unsettling set pieces makes every moment feel impactful.

Using Unreal Engine 5, the game boasts incredibly detailed environments. The lighting is particularly impressive, often shifting in unnatural ways to reflect Daniel’s mental state. The city is bleak and oppressive, filled with dark alleyways and towering corporate buildings that emphasize the weight of Leviathan’s control.

Memory sequences contrast sharply with reality, using surreal and dreamlike aesthetics to create a sense of unease. Shattered architecture, floating objects, and impossible geography all contribute to the horror elements of the game.

The soundtrack, composed by a mix of ambient and orchestral music, sets the tone perfectly. Quiet, eerie soundscapes punctuated by sudden distortions make even seemingly safe moments feel tense. Sound cues play a major role in stealth sections, forcing players to listen carefully to their surroundings.

Voice acting is also a highlight, with performances that convey the fear, exhaustion, and desperation of those living under Leviathan’s rule.

Final Verdict

KARMA: The Dark World is a bold and thought-provoking experience that excels in storytelling, atmosphere, and immersive world-building. While it may not appeal to those looking for fast-paced action, it is a must-play for fans of psychological thrillers and dystopian narratives.

Review: My Little Universe

Daniel Waite
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Review: My Little Universe

My Little Universe is a fun and simple resource-gathering adventure experience. However, it is also a grind-fest, and if you hate that sort of thing, you will want to give it a miss. With 9 mythical worlds to explore and over 65 dungeons to test you, there is plenty to see and do. Yet, the repetitive gameplay may put some people off.

This cute and fun adventure title was developed by Estoty and published by SayGames. It is a single and multiplayer experience that blends mythical ideas with outlandish sci-fi elements. This combination shouldn’t work, but it does. You don’t have to worry about what tools you use or smashing the action button on the controller. Thankfully, there is automation to take the heavy load. However, you can select your weapons and manually activate them if you so wish.

My Little Universe focuses on exploration.

My Little Universe doesn’t rely on a story to keep you hooked. Instead, it is the desire to rebuild each of the 9 worlds that makes you come back for more. As you waltz over each tile, you can smash rocks, cut down trees, and mine for valuable resources. This is essential if you wish to rebuild the world and move on to the next planet.

As you expand each level, you unlock vendors and areas to improve your axe, pick, and sword. Moreover, there are pieces of armour to increase your chances of survival. Each of these pieces of equipment must be improved with a host of unique resources. Accordingly, you must mine, cut, and smash each node like a man or woman possessed. This resource-heavy approach generates a whole world of grind. Consequently, I suggest grabbing some friends to share the workload.

A giant octopus attacks the hero in My Little Universe.

Exploration and fighting.

Expanding the world is the aim of the game. Yet, it is the never-ending fighting and the bosses of My Little Universe that test you. Skeletons, sharks, ghouls, ghosts, and more threaten to kill you at every turn. If you die, and you will, you needn’t worry. You respawn and lose one of your 10 bonus cards.

The bonus cards give you permanent buffs as long as you have them in your pocket. The moment you die, the game picks a random one, and you lose that perk. Subsequently, you’ll need to dodge, weave, and understand your enemies’ weaknesses if you wish to live.

As you annihilate each boss, you will discover stars, keys, and orbs for each portal. These items are essential if you wish to unlock every costume and escape each planet. Though most of these elements are easy to find, some tricky bits will make you pull your hair out. As such, you will need to keep your eyes peeled if you wish to complete every stage.

My Little Universe is a vivid affair.

A tile-based game shouldn’t look this good. Each world has a unique style that is vibrant and great to look at. Whether it is molten lava, desert, or an underwater cave, it is interesting and varied. Additionally, each of the monster were well-designed, and I liked the simple but effective animation.

The audio takes a relaxed approach. The chilled vibes don’t always match the danger that you face, but this wasn’t a problem. I loved the upbeat but mellow songs and the occasionally loud sound effects.

Avoid the lava in My Little Universe.

Excellent controls.

My Little Universe is ridiculously easy to play. I used the automated approach as I love to be lazy, but if you choose to manually use your weapons or execute your special boost power, you will not have an issue. This simple design is ideal for lazy gamers or those who wish to have a straightforward time.

This excels when you play it with at least 1 friend. The grindy action doesn’t feel so bad, and you can blame them when things go wrong. Additionally, the difficulty isn’t ramped up, so it is a win-win. If you want to complete it, you will need to invest plenty of hours to find every star and unlock every tile. Therefore, there is plenty of replay value if you enjoy mindless gameplay.

My Little Universe is a wonderful, relaxing indie game.

Though My Little Universe is repetitive, I liked its relaxing ways. You can waste hours collecting resources or trying to 100% a level. Furthermore, it is great when you tackle it with friends. The simplicity makes this a perfect title if you have young gamers who don’t want to stress about missions or controls. Accordingly, it is a wonderful indie game, and I recommend buying it here! Will you rebuild every planet? Grab your tools, collect some resources, and expand every tile.

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