Gaming is a universal hobby, bringing people together from all walks of life into virtual worlds and digital realms. For decades, online gaming has captivated and inspired us, but there’s still plenty more to come from this space.
Mobiles continue to be the most popular device used for gaming in the UK, but how has it reached that accolade with all the other options including consoles and PCs? Let’s take a look.
Mobile gaming origins
The first mobile game to capture the hearts and minds of gamers all around the world was ‘Snake’, which began life as an arcade game before being adapted for phones in 1997. From there, the technology has developed and so have the games being played on mobile devices. People wouldn’t believe the things you can do on a mobile phone now back then.
Mobile capabilities and habits
As the technology of mobile phones has developed, so have people’s phone habits. Modern devices are entertainment hubs available at your fingertips and at any time, anywhere. This freedom has made the activity more accessible and encouraged people to see mobile gaming as a viable way to pass the time, even for people not as gaming-oriented.
Continued improvements in connectivity and graphics have meant mobile games provide an experience more similar to console and PC gaming than ever before. Larger screens, better displays and faster data and Wi-Fi connections have inevitably accelerated the evolution and adoption of mobile gaming for so many.
Social gaming
Far more people own a mobile phone than a games console or capable PC. This opportunity for shared experiences is something that has transformed mobile gaming into a communal activity more than anything. Multiplayer and social gaming features such as chat rooms and lobbies foster a sense of community and competition which creates a more dynamic and engaging gaming experience.
The wide variety of games and genres now gives players seemingly endless choices when it comes to gaming alone, with friends or against others around the world. From the exciting world of mobile slots to the multiplayer mayhem of battle royales, finding something everyone can play together has never been easier.
Pop culture
The rise of mobile gaming is intrinsically linked to pop culture and other forms of entertainment. As the player base grows, more game producers are taking inspiration from and collaborating with popular TV shows and movie franchises.
These crossovers boost awareness and ultimately draw more people into playing games associated with franchises they watch or movies they adore. This has been one of the great successes of mobile games in recent years.
Re.Surs is a futuristic title that has a distinct old-school aesthetic. Moreover, its retro mechanics are all too familiar. Yet, this doesn’t mean that the plot lacks originality or the gameplay is boring. No, instead, I found this to be a lore-drenched experience that is captivating, witty, and damn enjoyable.
This side-scrolling shooter was developed by VidyGames and published by Sumustai LTD. Additionally, it has some puzzle elements that require a quick and methodical mindset. However, the gameplay focuses heavily on shooting, fighting, and the choice of 3 unique protagonists. This blend of slow-paced ideas and hectic shooting holds your attention from beginning to end.
Re.Surs tells a fascinating story.
Though the plot of Re.Surs will not win any awards, I loved it nevertheless. The neon-infused world is filled with danger and unusual characters. Moreover, the strange plot and heinous creatures create a hearty mix of danger and intrigue. Accordingly, once you get your head around what is going on, you won’t want to put it down.
The opening moments focus on a paranormal detective called Jessie Sullivan. This badass cop lives in Modern City, a seedy and crime-ridden hellhole that gets worse and worse. Unfortunately, a criminal mastermind has released an army of demons to wreak havoc on the unexpecting citizens. However, with the help of Detective Sullivan, Basil B, and Helga Hoft, these demonic beings will be destroyed once and for all.
A simple gameplay loop.
Though the action is infused with a deep and interesting lore-rich story, the gameplay loop is undeniably simple. Effectively, you are asked to follow a linear path that is punctuated by puzzles, fights, and minor obstacles. To overcome each of these hurdles, you must use your skills, special powers, and weapons to progress. En route, you’ll encounter various cruel creatures and massive bosses. However, you must not let them defeat you as Modern City needs a hero.
Thankfully, if you die, and you probably will, you will respawn at a nearby checkpoint. Luckily, the developer was generous and failure was a minor inconvenience. Once you respawn, you must dust yourself down and rethink your strategy. Furthermore, the more you rotate your roster of characters, the easier things become. If you find yourself low on health, you select a teammate or throw out a shield to protect yourself. Alternatively, maybe you’ll teleport, run, or slide to safety.
A fun arsenal of weapons.
The cast of antagonists and monsters is vast and interesting. Consequently, you must consider your approach if you wish to be successful. Combining an array of weapons with your special powers is the key to success. This fluid tactic was fascinating to watch as you dodged long-range weapons whilst avoiding the grubby hands of every monster. On top of this, there were obstacles to avoid as you made your way through every stage.
This old-school approach is reminiscent of early console titles. As such, if you love retro gaming, Re.Surs will be right up your street. Alongside this, if you enjoy a strange sci-fi title that is dripping with lore, then this will tick that box as well.
Re.Surs is wonderfully pixelated.
Re.Surs lacks a modern edge. However, I adored the pixelated art style and the neon-infused world. Additionally, the monsters were horrific, and the basic animation worked with the linear approach. Though the backdrops weren’t as varied as I’d have liked, there was enough to keep me entertained.
The hard-hitting audio isn’t that memorable. Yet, I loved every loud and crass note. On top of this, the basic sound effects did enough to add drama and energy to every level. The oppressive nature of the story was captured wonderfully in the claustrophobic and sinister aesthetic. As such, though it was rudimentary, I enjoyed every cruel and uncomfortable moment.
Simple controls.
Re.Surs was unsurprisingly straightforward to play. The excellent tutorial lays the path for an impressively fluid shooting experience. Furthermore, the clean UI and simple button layout ensure that this can be enjoyed by players of all skills and ages.
Though I was impressed with many aspects of this title, the replay value and longevity are sadly lacking. The repetitive gameplay loop is fun, but it could do with a shake-up on occasion. Furthermore, the short playtime will leave you wanting. However, thankfully, the interesting lore offers enough depth to mitigate the shortcomings.
Re.Surs is a pleasant indie title.
The monsters and sinister environment were grim to experience. Yet, the excellent story and core mechanics ensure that Re.Surs is a pleasant indie title. Yes, it doesn’t break the mould, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Accordingly, I recommend buying it here! Can you save the citizens of Modern City? Choose your hero, select a gun, and annihilate everything in your path.
The Jurassic Park movie franchise is arguably one of the most iconic around the world. Whether it has been watched or not, almost everyone will know about it or will have at least heard about it.
The dinosaur-themed creation by Steven Spielberg has become a multi-billion-dollar franchise, with it estimated that more than $6 billion has been generated. The first release of the franchise managed to generate more than $1 billion on its own.
When was each Jurassic Film released?
With a number of different film titles to have been released since its first inception in 1993, it can be difficult to know which movie was released when. None of the films (bar Jurassic Park III) follow a numbered pattern, which can make it harder for those unfamiliar with the series to know which to watch if they are looking to do it in chronological order (which is highly recommended).
The first three films are part of the ‘Jurassic Park’ trilogy, with these having been released between the 1990s and early 2000s. The first two of these were directed by Spielberg and based on a novel written by Michael Crichton, however the remainder were directed by others and released following the films and stories that were made previously. The ‘Jurassic World’ franchise was not released until the mid-2010s and has continued to feature new releases, with more planned for the future.
Release Dates:
Jurassic Park – June 11, 1993
The Lost World: Jurassic Park – May 23, 1997
Jurassic Park III – July 18, 2001
Jurassic World – June 12, 2015
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom – June 22, 2018
Battle at Big Rock (Short Film) – September 15, 2019
Jurassic World Dominion — June 10, 2022
How big is the Jurassic franchise?
As mentioned, the Jurassic franchise has already managed to generate more than $6 billion in revenue at the box office across the film series. Still, it would not be a surprise if that were not all of the money that had been accumulated.
The franchise has been licensed out in a variety of ways by the holders, due to its global reputation and brand. There have been TV spin-offs, comics and books, as well as games. The video game market has enjoyed a number of releases, as has the iGaming industry.
Players who enjoy the dinosaur themes and like to play gambling games have been able to find online slot games that are based on the box office hits released, with Jurassic Park Gold, Jurassic World, and Jurassic World: Raptor Riches all available to play.
The franchise is only likely to get bigger in the future, though, as it has been announced that there will be a Jurassic World 4 film. This has been scheduled for release in 2025. It will be directed by David Leitch and will not feature any of the original characters, though, so it will be interesting to see how well-received it will be when it is at the box office.
Which Jurassic film is considered the best?
While it is always worth watching all of them to get the complete experience, it is only natural to want to know which one is the best (and worst). Of course, this is something that can be very opinionated and subjective, but there is a general consensus among many critics about what they believe is the best.
Unsurprisingly, many believe the very first film – Jurassic Park – is the best. The scene of the T-Rex eating the lawyer hiding in the toilet is one of the most memorable in cinema for a generation, while the use of animatronics and special effects arguably revolutionized Hollywood and the cinematic experience that viewers have been able to obtain.Questions are posed about the future 2025 release due to the fact that many had left critical reviews about the latest release – Jurassic World Dominion (2022). Nonetheless, it still managed to generate more than $1 billion at the box office, which is perhaps why the new director will go down a new route and look to instill a level of freshness and new life into the iconic franchise. Otherwise, the prospect of extinction might be realized, thus replicating the same outcome that these prehistoric creatures suffered about
Project Downfall is a game that gets better as you play. Not only does it take a while for things to “click”, but you need to find your rhythm as well. Yet, once you understand what is required from you, you will fall for this title’s dark and seedy charms. Additionally, there are plenty of endings to discover as well as some gruesome ass-kicking action to enjoy.
This action-adventure title was developed by MGP Studios and published by RedDeerGames. Moreover, it has a distinct Matrix/John Wick feel to the action. Consequently, you will feel indestructible as you annihilate everyone that stands in your path. On top of this, you are free to explore as you wish. Accordingly, you may ride your car and get on with each mission or use your feet to walk or kick your way to success.
Project Downfall delivers a confusing tale.
I enjoy a game that goes off on a tangent. However, Project Downfall rarely sticks to the reservation. This semi-linear title gives you the freedom to do as you wish. Furthermore, you can spare innocent bystanders their lives or smash them in the face with an iron bar. Either way, make sure to complete each task in style as it impacts your end score otherwise.
Crimson Tide is a city filled with crime and gangsters. Moreover, it is a grim neon-infused world where danger hides in every corner. Yet, this doesn’t fill you with dread, as you are a badass individual who can hold his own. Subsequently, whenever you begin a mission, you simply use your fists or some mind-altering drugs to get the party started.
Short, sharp levels.
Where Project Downfall excels is its short-sharp levels. Each mission is broken down into minute objectives that must be completed as you see fit. En route, you are free to explore every nook and cranny to find hidden collectables. Furthermore, depending on your course of action, you will impact your score and take deviating branches of each plot. As such, you must be careful what you say and do as you hunt down every bad guy.
On top of this, there is a fine arsenal of weapons to handle and the aforementioned mind-altering drugs to swallow. If you find yourself without a weapon, fear not! Just pop a pill and watch the world pass in super slow motion. Additionally, these pills have the wonderful side effect of making you stronger than the Incredible Hulk. Accordingly, you can one-kick your opponents into oblivion. Alternatively, if you have run out of drugs, simply aim for their balls or their faces and this will offer maximum damage.
Mindless action with a tactical edge.
My next statement is a massive contradiction. However, bear with me whilst I explain my madness. Project Downfall utilises mindless action that has an odd tactical edge. Now, what I mean is that you can kick down doors, throw pipes, punch and kick, or shoot anyone you wish. This aggressive approach is as straightforward as it could be. However, if you wish to improve your final stage score, you must be stylish and tactical with your thought process.
During each level, there are a set number of goons to kill. If you can eliminate your foes in the most attractive way possible, you’ll improve your multiplier and score the maximum points. Alternatively, you can throw caution to the wind and freestyle every level. Either way, there is carnage and destruction that lies in your wake.
Project Downfall is a grim experience.
The neon-infused action is juxtaposed by the grim and grisly city streets. Additionally, the pixelated art style and basic level design won’t be to everyone’s taste. Yet, if you love the oppressive nature of the claustrophobic world and the simple but effective character models, you will adore every layer of Project Downfall. The stylish death of every foe and the incredible slow-motion action will make you smile. Accordingly, though it doesn’t have a modern edge, I think it looks amazing.
The synth audio adds a sinister layer to the action. This is then complemented by the obnoxious sound of every weapon you wield. Moreover, the crunch of every door and the clunk of hand or foot on face and balls will bring a wry smile to your face. In short, no matter how many times you kill an opponent, you will not get bored by what you hear.
Excellent controls.
Project Downfall was confusing at first. Yet, the controls are well explained, and the tutorial is simple to follow. Additionally, the excellent button layout and the responsive inputs make this a cinch to play. Once you get to grips with the scoring system, you’ll adore smashing your opponent’s face whilst sliding on your knees.
Though each chapter is relatively short, there are plenty of unique endings to experience. On top of this, there are loads of collectables to find and each playthrough differs ever so slightly. Consequently, you never know what to expect each time you step out onto the streets.
Project Downfall is a stylish indie title.
Though the idea of smashing goons is nothing new, I loved the art style and the interesting story. On top of this, the stylish combat and the ever-changing gameplay are interesting whilst keeping you on your toes. Accordingly, I recommend that you buy this brutal, tactical first-person action-adventure title here! Can you rid Crimson Tide of its unwanted criminals? Choose your weapon, plan your approach, and kick some ass.
Speed Crew allows you to call on your inner car mechanic. Moreover, it borrows elements from much-loved titles such as Overcooked, Tools Up, and Moving Out. As such, if you love these games, you’ll adore every manic moment.
This fast-paced simulation title was published and developed by Wild Fields. What’s more, it can be enjoyed solo or cooperatively with up to 3 other players. Consequently, it requires teamwork, planning, and a hefty dose of patience if you wish to succeed. Additionally, you are guaranteed to fall out with friends and family as the pressure ramps up.
Speed Crew tells a tale of rags to riches.
I love a story that focuses on a group of underdogs. Thankfully, Speed Crew does that in its rags-to-riches plot. Though the story adds little to the action, I enjoyed the fun cinematic and the silly one-liners. Moreover, the colourful characters and the evolving eras help to keep things fresh.
You are the lead mechanic of a professional pit crew. This underwhelming group of individuals is considered a lowly and pitiful operation. Yet, you are determined to prove them wrong. Dominion Torrento challenges you to a competition across the ages. Subsequently, if you can beat your rivals and outdo Torrento’s mechanics, you’ll be considered the best in the business. Yet, this is easier said than done as the high-octane action keeps you on your toes.
Deceptively straightforward.
Where Speed Crew excels is its deceptively straightforward action. Like its peers, this title drip-feeds new elements as you progress. Accordingly, the relatively easy-to-understand opening levels develop into madness-inducing action. Additionally, obstacles and tricky-to-navigate environments make matters worse.
The gameplay loop is simple to understand. You are tasked with highlighting any problems with your race cars. Once an issue is discovered, you must grab the correct tools and rectify the problem. However, this basic concept quickly gets out of hand. You are expected to recycle old tyres, avoid pools of lava, and weave between moving platforms. On top of this, you must avoid other race cars and work with your teammates to keep things going.
As you repair each car, you are awarded X number of laps. This score is multiplied depending on your speed and the number of cars you repair. The winner of each event is the pit team that has repaired the most cars in the quickest time possible. Consequently, if you are accurate and make no errors, your team will top the podium, and you will proceed to the next stage.
Better with friends.
This gameplay loop forms the backbone of Speed Crew. Yet, there are some exceptions thanks to the multiplayer mode. Moreover, there are sponsorship races that test your resolve. Though this element isn’t essential, it was nice to experience some unusual races that didn’t impact the progress of the game.
My biggest gripe with Speed Crew is the imbalance of the action. Unlike its peers, this is much easier when played with other people. Unfortunately, it is pretty stressful when you play by yourself, and this problem becomes worse during the latter stages. Though you can play this alone, I had a much more enjoyable time when I played it online or with friends on one TV.
If the developers had considered an accessibility option to balance the gameplay, then it would have been much better. Now, I’m not saying you can’t complete this as a solo gamer, but you will be pushing your skills and ability to the limits. Furthermore, there is a genuine risk that you may scream or rage quit as the action gets out of hand.
Speed Crew looks fantastic.
Unlike Moving Out or Overcooked, Speed Crew has a realistic edge. Moreover, the sultry colour palette gives off a retro vibe. Consequently, this has a sense of nostalgia that works perfectly with the 70s and 80s levels. On top of this, the isometric perspective was a great choice. Thanks to the clean UI, and fixed-screen perspective, you could plan every move you need to make. What’s more, though it was hectic to play, it never got messy, even when you teamed up with friends on one screen.
The audio captures the excitement of the pit lane. The high-energy soundtrack and the loud sound effects add a layer of danger to the proceedings. Furthermore, you’ll chuckle as your teammates get hit by a car or scream as they fall to their death. Though it shouldn’t make you laugh, the complementary sound effects will make you smile as all hell is breaking loose.
Exceptional controls.
Speed Crew should have been a nightmare to play. With so much going on, it had the potential to be a messy experience. Luckily, though, the developer got their control layout just right. The responsive and easy-to-learn inputs ensure that this can be played by adults and children alike. Moreover, it matters not if you are a veteran or a newbie, as this game is wonderfully easy to master.
Unsurprisingly, this oozes replay value and longevity. With 48 levels of action and planned DLC, this offers plenty of bang for your buck. On top of this, the multiplayer madness will keep you coming back for more. If you are a completionist, you will need to sink hours of your time into it as the achievement list is challenging to complete.
Speed Crew is a must-play, high-octane title.
I love this genre, but I didn’t expect too much from this game. Poor imitations of the leading titles are commonplace. Consequently, I expected Speed Crew to be a lame replica. Thankfully, though, every aspect of this game is fun, enjoyable, and challenging. Yes, I wish the solo gameplay was more balanced, but this can’t be helped. However, if you are playing this with friends, you will have a phenomenal time. Accordingly, it is a must-play, high-octane title and I recommend buying it here! Can you become a pit lane master? Choose your character, overcome every obstacle, and win every race.
Kebab Chefs Restaurant Simulator is a fun-filled Early Access title. This interesting and hectic game can be enjoyed alone or with others online. As such, you can unleash your inner Gordan Ramsay as you cook a variety of interesting meals for impatient customers. Alternatively, maybe you wish to impress the world’s leading chefs. Either way, you will have a great time as you slice, fry, bake, and season your way to the top.
This simulation title was published and developed by Biotech Gameworks. Moreover, it has a business edge as you manage resources and your AI workforce. On top of this, there are pub games to enjoy and unlimited alcoholic drinks to consume. Accordingly, if you get bored with cooking, you can head to the pub and waste hours of your life playing darts or blackjack.
Kebab Chefs Restaurant Simulator tells a familiar tale.
Simulation games rarely break the storytelling mould. As such, though I like something original, I’m not too disappointed with a familiar and well-trodden plot. Unsurprisingly, Kebab Chefs Restaurant Simulator is no different! You are the offspring of a well-known chef. Unfortunately, the business failed and you have to follow in their footsteps. However, unlike your father, you are determined to get things right.
Like its peers, the opening hour of gameplay sets the scene whilst delivering an easy-to-follow tutorial. This tongue-in-cheek opening is informative, straightforward, and enjoyable to experience. Moreover, the gentle learning curve sets you up for some of the more challenging elements of the gameplay. Subsequently, I have to applaud the developers for their softly-softly approach.
Creative licence.
First, your menu and restaurant are both basic and uninspiring. However, as the game unfolds, you will buy new machines and workstations to use. Furthermore, you’ll unlock fresh ingredients and a large selection of dishes to create. Yet, you are not expected to serve every recipe you know. Instead, you may choose up to 5 recipes to cook each day. This was a phenomenal decision, allowing you to purchase the right ingredients. Additionally, you can prep everything you need to keep stress to a minimum.
Yet, no matter how prepared you are, you will still feel the heat of the kitchen. Your customers have minimal patience and if you cook a dish incorrectly, or you take too long, they get unbelievably pissed off. This impacts your profits for the day and wastes food unnecessarily. Consequently, you must keep a cool head as you navigate each cooker or kebab machine.
Gourmets and a team of chefs.
To be considered the best in the business, you must impress the leading stars. However, this is easier said than done. As such, you must complete a challenging array of criteria before the gourmet chefs will award you with some game-changing prizes. If you somehow do enough to impress these world-renowned foodies, you will prove that your restaurant and your abilities deserve to be globally recognised.
Where Kebab Chefs Restaurant Simulator excels is its multiplayer action. There is nothing better than shouting at your friends as they ruin another fine dining experience. Alternatively, maybe you wish to control the pass, and they allow the dirty plates to pile up. Either way, if you work together, you can run a successful and booming restaurant.
This genre isn’t renowned for its beauty. However, Kebab Chefs Restaurant Simulator looks surprisingly good. The colour palette is vivid and pleasant to the eye. Moreover, the character models look great. On top of this, the animation is well-considered, and I only stumbled upon a few visual glitches. Consequently, I was impressed by the polished finish.
The audio was equally good. The upbeat music was complemented by the realistic sound effects. Additionally, the ambient sounds enhanced the realism. My only complaint is the noise each customer makes. The repetitive sound bites could do with some work. In its current build, they will make you chuckle and drive you insane in equal measure.
Responsive controls.
The controls were surprisingly responsive. Consequently, it is easy to play, no matter if you use a mouse and keyboard or gamepad. What’s more, the excellent tutorial ensures that this is a straightforward title to pick up and play. However, mastering each recipe is no mean feat and this takes patience and practice.
Though the premise is pretty repetitive, there is still plenty of replay value and longevity. The inclusion of multiplayer action and the silly shenanigans of the pub help to break up the cooking element. Additionally, there are plenty of recipes to unlock and a never-ending stream of customers to impress.
Kebab Chefs Restaurant Simulator is a great indie title.
I love it when an Early Access game impresses me. Kebab Chefs Restaurant Simulator is a fun and interesting game that will keep getting better. Moreover, the developers are community-focused and this keeps the ideas flowing. Accordingly, if you want a cooking title with a twist, I recommend buying this here! Can you better your father? Clean up the restaurant, impress the gourmet chefs, and run the best food outlet in town.
Here is our review of the X-central Foldable Dual Monitor Stand.
X-Central computer monitor stand contains 1 big stand and 1 small stand. Each stand is equipped with functional phone/ tablet holder and storage drawer. USB 3.0 hub on the big stand concentrates up to 4 devices simultaneously. RGB light strips on both sides brings 6 adjustable lighting modes.
Specifications
What’s in the box?
The box contains the two stands, a data cable and a charging cable, along with a user manual.
A Closer Look
Final Thought
There are two stands included in the box – referred to as the big stand and the small stand. You can set them up and use them however you need to – whether it’s on top of one and other, or next to each other, the choice is yours. The legs are foldable and you can adjust the width to fit as needed.
The big stand has the ability to charge devices using USB 3.0 and USB-C ports, and comes with a charging cable as well a data cable to use. You can use your own cables too.
Each stand also has storage drawers and device holders for your phone and tablets. This is a nice addition.
The small stand also has a laptop stand which can be adjusted to multiple angles.
There are RGB light strips on both sides of the big stand. Choose from 6 adjustable lighting modes to create an atmosphere that celebrates your gaming nights and adds excitement to your workspace.
All in all this is a very useful addition to your desk set up and will make it easier for you to work!
The X-central Foldable Dual Monitor Stand is available now priced around $99.99.
The C7 Air Ergonomic Chair from FlexiSpot ticks many boxes! This stunning piece of office furniture looks fantastic and feels robust. Moreover, it is stylish, comfortable, and versatile. Alongside this, the breathable material is perfect if you work in a hot or stuffy office. From the moment you sit on it, your body feels relaxed. Furthermore, each supportive element allows you to work for extended periods without straining your neck, back, or shoulders.
On top of this, this chair wouldn’t look out of place in a high-end office or a streamer’s workspace. As such, this is the ideal option for anyone who works from home. Alternatively, maybe you would like to mix business with pleasure and sneak in the odd game of COD between Zoom calls. Either way, if you invest in this chair, your body will thank you.
What’s in the box of the C7 Air Ergonomic Chair?
The packaging is large and heavy. Consequently, it is advised to have 2 people lift the chair. Thankfully, FlexiSpot is environmentally conscious as the packaging can be recycled.
The C7 Air Ergonomic Chair comes in several parts. As such, you need a decent amount of room to construct the chair.
An Allen key and screws are provided to build the item.
The user manual highlights the fundamentals.
Building the chair.
I’ve constructed many FlexiSpot products. Subsequently, I knew that this wouldn’t be a complicated process. However, I didn’t expect the parts to be as heavy as they were. Accordingly, this build is much easier if you have a second person to help. If this isn’t an option, you can complete this project alone, but it could take much longer.
Piecing the C7 Air Ergonomic Chair together is a piece of cake. Thanks to the simple-to-read instructions and the well-labelled parts, you cannot go wrong. Additionally, many steps require no DIY skills and just a little common sense. As such, this shouldn’t be a problem, no matter your skill level.
Technical aspects.
Every aspect of this chair is designed with comfort and productivity in mind. Furthermore, the headrest, lumber support, seat base, gas strut, and armrests can be adjusted. Consequently, this is the perfect option for fussy office workers. Alongside this, you can recline the back if you wish to relax or take a snooze between emails or live streams. The 4D adjustable armrests and the up to 128-degree reclining backrest ensure that you experience the ultimate levels of comfort.
However, the piece de resistance has to be the lumber support and the headrest. With the flick of a switch, the lumber support can be moved to prevent poor posture. Furthermore, the headrest prevented unnecessary neck strain. Subsequently, you reduce pressure on your neck whilst decreasing headaches and other fatigue-related symptoms.
Build quality.
The C7 Air Ergonomic Chair is a high-end and professional piece of furniture. The sturdy 360-degree caster wheels are strong and smooth. Moreover, the gas-powered strut supports up to 130 kg of weight. Considering the adjustable height and deep seating position, this chair is designed for people of all shapes and sizes.
The strong mesh material feels great against your body. Moreover, the breathable fabric allows your skin and clothing to breathe even when the room is clammy and hot. I was also impressed by the sturdy switches and the easy-to-clean armrests and base. Every moving element glides into place and I never experienced any uncomfortable noises or resistance. Alongside this, the hinged elements are strong, and they remain where positioned even if you fidget or move the chair.
Unlike its peers, I wouldn’t be concerned if I had to take this apart and rebuild it. Thanks to the strong screws and the easy-to-construct design, I wasn’t worried about damaged parts or unsightly scratches or marks.
Is the C7 Air Ergonomic Chair worth it?
Buying the right office chair isn’t an easy task. You must consider its build quality, price, design, and usability. Thankfully, the C7 Air Ergonomic Chair ticks each of these boxes. This spectacular chair looks amazing while delivering exceptional levels of comfort. Alongside this, it looks fantastic and can be adjusted to support different body shapes and sizes. Moreover, its ergonomic design helps to improve your posture and productivity. Accordingly, I love it and I recommend that you buy it here! Alternatively, you can make massive savings thanks to the Valentine’s Day Sale from Flexispot.
(More information on FlexiSpot can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! FlexiSpot provided a sample for this review)
Immortal Life has helped me define something when it comes to life simulators. It’s a moment during playing that I’ve taken to calling the ‘Palms-Up Point’. It’s that moment when all your crops are growing, your quests are just ticking over and you’ve given all the gifts you can. So you just throw your palms up and say, “what am I supposed to do now?” Some games get to this point faster than others. Worryingly, Immortal Life got there after just a few hours.
It speaks, I think, to how disjointed everything feels. I’m not a man motivated by profit (when it comes to growing virtual crops at least), I need an overarching goal. I was struggling to see that here. The result is a game that feels like a pile of bits. They aren’t bad bits, mind. There are even some strokes of genius in Immortal Life – things I wouldn’t mind seeing in others in the genre. It just didn’t feel like a cohesive whole to me – but let’s examine these bits and see what we’ve got. We’ll start with the farming.
Farming Forever
The usual way I farm crops in these sorts of games is to have one giant field with a mish-mash of crops all growing together. I’m happy to say Immortal Life made this tendency of mine stay exactly the same. I want to lead with farming, though, because this is where Immortal Life brings in its best idea: spells. As we all know, the worst part of farming is having to go over every crop with a watering can. In Immortal Life, we can spend a bit of mana to summon a raincloud and water a batch of crops. We can also plant crops this way and harvest them rapidly with dual scythes.
Why haven’t other games done this? The less time with the watering can the better. But anyway, let’s take a step back and examine why we’re here. Immortal Life opens with a plea to come to Misty Valley, which is a spiritual hotspot but needs a bit of sprucing up. We turn up and make contact with the Guiyun Sect and its prospective members, who are all talking about taking an entrance exam. Then the skies cloud over and meteors rain down, destroying the main hall and surrounding buildings. Where was that during school? Either way, we’re tasked with repairing things.
Problem is, from that point the plot takes a back seat. Instead, it unleashes an avalanche of quests. It wasn’t long until I was completely lost. There’s one thread about a Sect member who’s injured, but I’ve shoved about fifteen ginger roots down his throat at this point and he’s still in bed. The rest of the quests are simple fetch quests that just feel like roadblocks. Every time we start getting somewhere, it’s held up by a need to get ten bell peppers for a poorly justified reason. The question ‘What’s the bloody point’ kept popping up in my head. The slightly wonky translation didn’t help either.
Opening The Toybox
I guess the obvious answer to the question of what to do is to explore the other mechanics on offer. To Immortal Life‘s credit, I really like the cooking. You can learn recipes just by growing vegetables and handing them to Mu Xia at the Inn. Then you rent the kitchen, choose your ingredients and a timer begins. You’ve got to chop, mix and cook the right ingredients in the right order, then serve them at the end. It’s quite fun and reminiscient of games like Overcooked – though it makes me far less angry. For the cooking, Immortal Life gets a gold star.
Talking to the other townsfolk is more of a mixed experience, however. The slightly wonky translation does make it feel a little awkward, but the various characters are generally nice to talk to – continuous, annoying side-quests aside. It has the usual issue where making friends with characters boils down to just giving them gifts every day, but I warmed to some of the characters. I certainly warmed to that aspect more than the dungeon-delving, which is just slightly… weird. It essentially turns things into a twin-stick shooter (even though we’re armed with a sword), but with enemies that run straight at you but give up as soon as you walk two paces.
This strange twin-stick, dungeon-delving experience is a symptom of a larger issue. Immortal Life just feels rough around all of its edges. There’s no one big issue – just a cluster of quality of life issues. Controller support is rubbish, for one – any game that has B as an accept button is doing it wrong. Quests also track on the side, but not your progress. Then there’s the inventory – dear God, the inventory. Crops come in different rarities, which all take up a seperate stack. So harvesting your crops will rapidly swamp your inventory, resulting in either constant trips to the shop or playing the fox, chicken and grain puzzle with all your storage containers.
Immortal Life – Mortal Potential
I’m giving Immortal Life a solid kicking but I’m doing it with a sad face, because there’s oodles of potential here. I’ve already spoken about the genius farming ideas, but it’s more than that. The world – and general theme – has a lot of promise. There’s a lot of talk about cultivating spirituality and overcoming your difficulties by focusing on yourself while working together with your fellow people. That’s an interesting premise to centre a game like this around – it’s what kept me playing for the twenty-five hours I managed to sink into it.
Unfortunately, a lot of hours were tinged with frustration over the many quality of life issues. The biggest is the inventory – certainly not unique to Immortal Life, but exacerbated by the crop quality system. Ultimately, what killed it for me was the general lack of knowing what I was working towards. The goal of rebuilding the sect seemed to be lost under a tidal wave of basic fetch quests. So it ends up with a mediocre showing, but I wasn’t joking about those farming spells. Listen up developers, if you’re making a farming game, then I beg of you – let me conjure a darned rainstorm!
All three of the new Nexode Pro Fast Chargers are great! They are all small, lightweight, and are easy to use.
Just plug them into a power socket then connect up your devices into the relevant port on the charger.
There is a Thermal Guard built into each of the devices to ensure improved heat dissipation efficient, effectively extending the overall life of the charger.
If you are charging mulitiple devices at the same time, the charger used UGREEN SmartCharge, which provides intelligent power distributions to multiple devices for safer charging.
You can ever use these chargers on tablets, phones and laptops. They are capable of charging a 13″ MacBook Air to 70% within 60 minutes (the 65W and the 100W version) and a 16″ MacBook Pro to 70% within 60 minutes. This means you can take one of these with you instead of taking along your other chargers!
All in all these are must have devices – just check the specification of what you need and you won’t regret it!
Persona 5 Tactica is a wonderful spin-off that captures the essence of the main franchise. Though the artistry may take a sideways step, the characters, world and lore are familiar. On top of this, there is plenty of depth even if the action is broken down into bite-sized chunks. Accordingly, this is a fresh take on a much-loved JRPG series.
This turn-based strategy title was developed by ATLUS and published by Sega. Moreover, it reignites your love of the Persona 5 Royal characters. As such, if you adore the franchise, you’ll cherish another opportunity to explore the colourful and strange world.
Persona 5 Tactica twists the narrative.
The Phantom Thieves are sucked into an odd and oppressive realm. Doing what they do best, the team of heroes attempts to save the day. However, they are horribly outnumbered. Just as all hope is lost, a revolutionary named Erina helps them. Yet, this intervention comes at a cost. Subsequently, the band of heroes must undertake an action-packed adventure in a strange new world.
Though the story is new, it sits nicely between the 2nd and 3rd chapters of Persona 5 Royal. Accordingly, if you are new to the franchise, you are going to be super confused from the off. Unfortunately, this new endeavour assumes that you are a fan, and delivers little to no background of each character or the surrounding world. Consequently, newbies will be lost in a story-dense and character-driven environment.
Strategy and combat.
Persona 5 Tactica is an atypical example of the genre. Subsequently, its story is punctuated by short, sharp grid-based battles. Furthermore, there are unique kingdoms to explore and monstrous bosses to overcome. Additionally, there is a nice layer of character and gun progression. Alongside this, teamwork and fusible personas are key to your success.
The action demands that you utilise cover whilst drawing out your opponents. From here, you are expected to shoot, hit, and shove your foes across the board. The ultimate goal is to manipulate the situation to combine each hero’s strengths. This intriguing prospect creates a mouthwatering version of chess.
Though the gameplay loop is repetitive, there are objectives to mix things up. Whether you take no damage or bum-rush a level, it forces you to think differently.
Boss battles.
Though I enjoyed each boss fight, something was lacking. The Persona franchise usually tests your patience, skills, and nerves. However, Persona 5 Tactica rarely stretched me. This was disappointing, as I wanted my tactical abilities to be pushed to the limit. Instead, it felt like I was sleepwalking through these crescendo moments.
Persona 5 Tactica takes a unique approach.
The Chibi-esque visuals take some getting used to. Moreover, the bright and breezy colour palette felt at odds with the rest of the franchise. Yet, once you get used to it, your concerns will melt away. What was left was a wonderful combination of vibrant grid-based levels and clean and crisp cutscenes.
The jazzy and often upbeat audio juxtaposed the sense of doom and despair. However, it was wonderfully complemented by loud and often obnoxious sound bites. Moreover, the OTT sound effects capture the JRPG roots and tie this title in with the rest of the franchise.
Excellent controls.
The tactics genre is often tough to crack. If you then consider a gamepad for every input, it only makes matters worse. Thankfully, though, Persona 5 Tactica was undeniably easy to play. The clean UI and spectacular tutorial help to keep you on track and set you up. Alongside this, it was easy to understand each hero’s strengths and how they impacted every battle.
If you love this genre, you’ll enjoy this tactics game. Thanks to the interesting lore and blend of heroes, there is plenty to get your teeth into. On top of this, if you love Persona, there is so much depth, that you’ll adore every moment. Consequently, this has plenty of replay value and longevity.
Persona 5 Tactica was a pleasant experience.
Though this won’t be for everyone, I enjoyed it. The fantastic audio and vivid graphics complement the Persona experience. Moreover, the layers of tactical nuance and the interesting story kept me focused throughout. My only complaint is the boss battles. I wish the developer had upped the ante to test veterans of the genre. Despite this complaint, I loved it and I recommend that you buy it here! Will the Phantom Thieves complete their mission? Choose your team, work together, and destroy everything in your path.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a delightful hybrid title that is distinctively old-school. Furthermore, its variety of characters and interesting boss battles will keep you coming back for more. However, it is pretty shallow and the action is somewhat repetitive. Yet, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this nostalgia-fueled beat ’em up.
This side-scrolling beat ’em up title was developed by Secret Base and published by Maximum Entertainment. Moreover, it has some fine rogue-lite elements and a glorious sense of early 90s bravado. As such, if you want a trip down memory lane or a simple but fun fighting game, then you need look no further. Yet, if you want a deep and fulfilling plot, you will be left wanting.
Double Dragon Gaiden is mindless and violent.
Though I’m not one for inane, mindless violence, I couldn’t help but enjoy the non-stop arcade approach. Accordingly, Double Dragon Gaiden demands that you fight alone or with a friend as you try to rid the streets of scummy criminals. What’s more, if you play this alone, you must master a range of combos and simple combat. On top of this, you are expected to tag team every enemy with your partner in crime.
This interesting approach adds a slender layer of tactics to an otherwise straightforward affair. Additionally, there are plenty of characters to unlock. Each of these heroes has unique strengths and weaknesses that must be exposed and manipulated to overcome every obstacle. Yet, you can simply choose your favourite protagonist and beat the snot out of every goon or boss you face.
The plot focuses on the young Double Dragon brothers. These determined lads will stop at nothing as they try to overcome every criminal they face. Yet, occasionally, they must step aside and allow other fighters or heroes to complete the missions that they may fail.
An excellent difficulty curve.
Unlike some of its peers, Double Dragon Gaiden has a fantastic difficulty curve. At the start of every playthrough, you must select your fighters and the mission you wish to take. Each quest has set objectives and the missions gradually become harder and longer as the game progresses. Moreover, the bonuses for success improve, but so does the difficulty of every enemy you face.
What you must consider as well is the special skills of each hero. You can lift barrels or your foes with certain individuals. Alternatively, you may prefer a huge fighter that can annihilate every enemy they face. Either way, you’ll cruise through each level collecting money and finding food to eat. As you near the end of each stage, you will face a sarcastic and overbearing boss. If you somehow identify their weaknesses, you may be able to defeat them and earn a considerable cash reward.
This money is important as it allows you to improve the skills of each hero. Additionally, it can be used to purchase tokens to unlock new characters. This was a fine move as you must return to unlock every unique hero.
Double Dragon Gaiden is wonderfully old-school.
I’m old enough to remember the original title. Consequently, I was impressed that Double Dragon Gaiden captures the retro essence of its predecessor. Moreover, though it has a pixelated and garish finish, it has a modern edge as well. As such, this will appeal to a varied audience. On top of this, the interesting level design and varied character models prevent it from becoming mundane.
The audio is loud, crass, and uncomfortable. However, it suits the genre perfectly and it has that thrilling arcade edge we all love. The distinct synth approach complements the ear-splitting noise of every kick and punch. Additionally, the crashing of every piece of furniture and the thump of your special attack will bring a wry smile to your face.
Excellent controls.
The developer has done a great job with the control layout. Thanks to the rudimentary approach, it takes no time at all to master the controls. Moreover, the responsive inputs help unleash hell on each of your foes.
Mindless beat ’em up games can become tedious very quickly. Thankfully, Double Dragon Gaiden doesn’t suffer from this issue. The combination of rogue-lite elements and the ability to select from a large roster of characters helps to keep things fresh. What’s more, each of the protagonists has an array of special moves and abilities to be mastered. Consequently, you must adjust your playstyle to get the best out of each hero.
Double Dragon Gaiden is a blast from the past.
Though I love to experience original ideas, I adore a heart-warming blast from the past. Double Dragon Gaiden brilliantly blends nostalgia with a modern edge. Additionally, it can be played alone or with a friend cooperatively. Therefore, this is the perfect opportunity to scratch that retro itch. If you love mindless violence, and you want to kick the crap out of everything you see, this is the ideal game for you. Accordingly, I enjoyed it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you take out every scumbag? Choose your heroes and unleash hell on everyone you see.
SteelSeries loves limited edition products. Furthermore, their gaming peripherals are some of the best you can get your hands on. As such, whenever they announce a new limited-run product, their fan base goes crazy. Consequently, I’m happy to announce the creation of the APEX Pro Mini Limited Edition Keyboard.
This spectacular keyboard has a 60% form factor. Additionally, it has the world’s fastest and most adjustable switches. As such, this is the perfect device for competitive gamers. On top of this, there are only 250 units available. Subsequently, when they are sold, they are sold! This extremely limited run will make gamers salivate. Therefore, you must be quick if you wish to get your hands on this keyboard.
Features of the Apex Pro Mini Limited Edition.
A compact 60% design frees up desk space and allows for larger mouse movements, along with improved aesthetics, and more ergonomic positioning. Furthermore, double-shot PBT keycaps are engineered with a unique textured finish. Consequently, you feel every keystroke for better accuracy, while a premium, double-sleeved braided Coiled Cable is made for stability and minimalistic aesthetics.
When you have a switch guaranteed to 100M keystrokes, gamers need keycaps to match. SteelSeries’ PBT keycaps offer unparalleled durability to ensure they last from keystroke 1, to keystroke 100,000,000. Secondary functions are printed on the side of the keycaps, providing the functionality of a full-size keyboard, in a smaller form factor. With SteelSeries’ innovative modifier key, full keyboard functionality is maintained in a smaller mini form factor – making the Apex Pro Mini keyboard the perfect size to fit within a backpack for on-the-go, Esports tournaments, LAN parties, and those headed to their first dorm room or already enrolled in college.
More SteelSeries news.
SteelSeries wishes to add some colour to your gaming setup. Accordingly, they have created colour-matched coiled cables, PBT keycaps, QcK mousepads, and Arctis Nova booster packs. Each of these incredible items will colour-code your workstation. Subsequently, your friends and your audience will adore your eye-catching setup. Moreover, you are guaranteed exceptional build quality.
Whether you wish to invest in the APEX Pro Mini Limited EditionKeyboard or some delightful colour-coded accessories, you will need to be quick. With only 250 units available, you may be left disappointed. However, you can fill your boots with the new colour-coded accessories. Therefore, I suggest clicking this link to jump to the SteelSeries website.
The Arctis Nova 7X Wireless headphones from SteelSeries are designed to impress. Sitting somewhere between a budget-friendly option and a behemoth premium device, these headphones are spectacular. Not only are they affordable, but they come with some amazing leading tech.
Alongside this, they have a spectacular 38-hour battery life and a quick charge facility. Furthermore, they can be used wirelessly on Xbox, PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation. Additionally, you can simultaneously connect to a mobile phone using Bluetooth. Accordingly, this device is versatility personified. What’s more, you can not ignore the pleasant audio, amazing microphone quality, and exceptionally comfortable earcups and headband. As such, this is a headset that delivers on many fronts.
What’s in the box of the Arctis Nova 7X Wireless headphones?
The slender packaging is lightweight but robust. Furthermore, the imagery is attractive and informative.
The Arctis Nova 7X Wireless headphones are available in white and black. Moreover, they have earcup controls, a retractable microphone, and a comfortable headband.
The wireless dongle is small and compatible with many devices.
3 cables are provided to charge the device, power the dongle, and play wired with the 3.5mm cable.
Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
I love it when a headset is jam-packed with features. However, it is frustrating when it is arduous and confusing to use. Thankfully, the Arctis Nova 7X Wireless headphones are a cinch to master. This plug-and-play device can be set up in moments. Yet, if you wish to customise your audio, you can with the free-to-download software.
Alongside this, the 2.4 GHz connection ensures that you enjoy low-latency audio. Consequently, you’ll be one step ahead of your opponent. Thanks to the fast charging facility, you can boost your battery life by 6 hours in around 15 minutes. Subsequently, these headphones are perfect for marathon gaming sessions. Additionally, the ability to connect to your phone whilst playing games was an impressive feature.
Audio quality.
The audio quality is phenomenal. The hearty range of tones and rich bass create an immersive soundscape. However, where it excels is its mid-range tones. Other headphones dilute this element of the audio profile. Yet, SteelSeries creates a fuller and more rounded audio performance.
If you are not happy, you may adjust the EQ to your liking. However, I adored the generous mid-tone qualities. Alongside this, 360° Spatial Audio sucks you into any gaming environment. Accordingly, this gives you a game-winning edge during FPS titles.
The microphone was equally impressive. Thanks to the ClearCast AI algorithm, you enjoy pinpoint accurate comms. Moreover, it blocks out up to 25 dB of unwanted background noise.
Build quality.
Gaming peripherals have to be bomb-proof! Luckily, the Arctis Nova 7X Wireless headphones will take a battering. Thanks to the metal frame and plush over-ear cups, they are robust and comfortable to wear. Moreover, the upper metallic headband flexes and the lower fabric band stretches to reduce rigidity.
Alongside this, the earcups do not pinch or squeeze your temples. Therefore, these are great if you wear prescription or GUNNAR gaming glasses. Additionally, I loved the retractable nature of the microphone and the placement of the buttons and dials. The intuitive button placement is easy to master. Consequently, you can focus on every game you play.
Are the Arctis Nova 7X Wireless headphones worth it?
Though the Arctis Nova 7X Wireless headphones sit in an uncomfortable price bracket, I believe they are worth every penny. These phenomenal headphones deliver on every key aspect. Additionally, the exceptional audio and microphone quality will put you ahead of your peers. Subsequently, I loved them and I recommend that you buy them here! Also, SteelSeries is celebrating the Year of the Dragon with the recently released special edition Nova 7. Accordingly, you can enjoy high-end tech with an eye-catching design.
(More information on SteelSeries can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for this review.)
