Review: Party Animals

Daniel Waite
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Review: Party Animals

Party Animals is a fun-filled multiplayer game that is silly to play. Thanks to the short, sharp levels and the physics-based shenanigans, you’ll fly through the action as you curse your luck while vying to be the number one player. Alternatively, you can work with others to be crowned the best team around. Either way, the action is hectic, and you are bound to scream and laugh repeatedly.

This online competitive multiplayer title was developed by Recreate Games and published by Source Technology. Moreover, it is included in the Game Pass subscription service. Accordingly, you don’t need to waste any money to try your hand at this title. Furthermore, you can convince your friends to join you as you punch, jump, and battle your way to victory.

Grab some coal and fuel the train.
Get the train moving.

Party Animals is mindless fun.

If you’ve played Gang Beasts, you’ll be familiar with many of the mechanics on offer. However, if you are new to this genre, I’ll give you a quick insight. The gameplay loop revolves around a group of fluffy animals that must battle. The winner or winners are the individual or teams that outlast their opponents. Additionally, pretty much anything goes, as you can use weapons or your limbs to knock out your enemies or throw them into chasms. 

Your main concern is surviving for as long as possible whilst occasionally completing a minor objective to be awarded some points. Yet, though these goals are fun, the action normally devolves into a messy fistfight that is guaranteed to make you chuckle. Consequently, Party Animals has no plot and even if there was one, most people would ignore it anyway.

A duck, fox, and croc carry a safe full of cash.
Quack, quack! Get the money.

Basic content.

The gameplay focuses on 3 game modes and 20 maps. Moreover, you can create a custom lobby if you wish to set the rules. However, if you stick to the standard set-up, you will enjoy Team Score, Arcade mode, or Last Stand. The latter option asks you to work by yourself whilst eliminating every foe. Team score, on the other hand, divides 8 players into teams of 4. The winning team is the one that completes the objective. Finally, Arcade mode demands that each team must destroy their opponents.

During every match, you can select your character, customise their appearance, and show off your skills. Yet, the fundamentals rarely change as you flip and flop across each stage. Sadly, the physics-based approach generates oodles of annoying moments and this will make you scream. However, when things work, you’ll laugh as you smash a kitten or a puppy in the face with a giant mallet. 

Party Animals is nicely polished.

I was pleasantly surprised by the level of detail and the variety of stages. Additionally, though the physics-based mechanics drove me mad, the animation was impressive. Subsequently, it is much more polished than its peers. Alongside this, though I didn’t appreciate the “paywall” cosmetics, I did enjoy the depth and customisation on offer.

The audio was as loud and as insane as you’d expect. Moreover, the sound effects were obnoxious, annoying, and wonderfully annoying. Accordingly, Party Animals is brash, irritating, and unbelievably immature. Consequently, though it got on my nerves, I enjoyed it regardless.

Best try and hold on.
Hold on!

Excellent controls.

Bashing into your opponents or missing them altogether is part and parcel of the action. What’s more, running around in circles as you try to land a monster haymaker is a familiar site. Yet, the developers have done a great job with the control layout and the tutorial. Therefore, though you will become frustrated, this has a gentle and easy-to-understand learning curve.

Party Animals is a title that will divide its audience. If you want a serious and deep game that tests you, then this won’t float your boat. However, if you want some silly and maddening fun with your friends, you’ll adore every insane moment. As such, though it lacks an offline mode, it has plenty of replay value and longevity.

Party Animals gets things right.

Though Party Animals is mindless and casual, it gets things right. Its silly gameplay and colourful characters will resonate with younger gamers. The short, sharp rounds make this an ideal choice between triple-A titles. However, its in-game purchases and “paywall” gameplay will disappoint. As such, though it gets many ingredients right, I wasn’t on board with those ideas. Yet, I enjoyed playing this and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you become the king/queen of the party? Pick your animal, play it smart, and win every round.

Review: Call of Duty UAV Edition glasses

Daniel Waite
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Review: Call of Duty UAV Edition glasses

The Call of Duty UAV Edition glasses from GUNNAR are spectacular. These “EPIC” level glasses are a game-changer. Not only do they use ultra-durable hybrid materials, but they also utilise the “G-Shield Plus” coating for enhanced reflective properties. Accordingly, not only do they look great, but they are hard-wearing as well.

Alongside this, they are an officially licenced Call of Duty product. As such, if you love the franchise, you will adore this product. Emblazoned with the MWIII logo and a camouflage livery, they set the scene and look the part. Alongside this, they block harmful blue light and 100% UV light. Consequently, you’ll reduce migraines, eyestrain, fatigue, and lens dryness if you invest in these glasses.

What’s in the box of the Call of Duty UAV Edition glasses?

  • The packaging is simple but attractive. Moreover, it is robust and can be recycled.
  • The Call of Duty UAV Edition glasses look fantastic. They use an aluminium-magnesium forged frame with flexible spring hinges and adjustable nose pads. As such, they are attractive and comfortable.
  • A matching hard case prevents the glasses from becoming scratched.
  • A microfibre pouch can be used as an alternative.
  • Keep the glasses clean with the COD-themed cloth.

Technical aspects.

I’ve covered plenty of GUNNAR products, and I love them all. However, the “EPIC” level products have a special place in my heart. Not only do they tick all the health-related boxes, but they are extremely durable, and they look easy to the eye. The Call of Duty UAV Edition glasses use GUNNAR’s patented lens technology to reduce eye dryness. Alongside this, the amber-tinted lenses block 65% blue light and 100% UV light. Accordingly, you’ll feel the benefits immediately.

On top of this, you’ll reduce the harsh contrast of juxtaposing colours. Therefore, you can work or play to your heart’s content and your eyes won’t take the strain. Additionally, you must consider the G-Shield protection! This “EPIC” level enhances anti-reflective properties as well as oleophobic (smudge resistance). Subsequently, they are easy to maintain and look fantastic if you are a streamer.

Prescription lenses.

Wearing glasses is a way of life for many. Accordingly, balancing the benefits of gaming glasses with your prescription lenses can be tough. However, GUNNAR doesn’t want you to compromise. Therefore, if you wear prescription lenses, you can incorporate them into your Call of Duty UAV Edition glasses.

Build quality.

I was blown away by the high-quality materials. The aluminium-magnesium forged frames are eye-catching. Moreover, they have the MWIII logo etched into both arms. Alongside this, the stylish camouflage livery looks great and is in keeping with the theme. The hard and soft cases and the cleaning cloth use the COD theme as well. As such, GUNNAR has done a great job with these high-end glasses.

The discreet spring hinges are smooth and robust and feel built to last. Additionally, they can take some roughhousing if you become enraged when playing your games. Furthermore, the adjustable nose pads enhance the levels of comfort. As such, these are ideal if you enjoy marathon gaming sessions. 

Are the Call of Duty UAV Edition glasses worth it?

Keeping your eyes protected whilst gaming or working is important. However, looking great as well is just as good. Thankfully, the Call of Duty UAV Edition glasses ticks both of these boxes. On top of this, they are made from premium materials, and they embody the COD theme perfectly. Therefore, I love them and I recommend that you buy them here!

(More information on GUNNAR can be found here!)

The Call of Duty UAV Edition glasses have been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

Review: Tinker 65 keyboard

Daniel Waite
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Review: Tinker 65 keyboard

The Tinker 65 keyboard from ProjectD exceeded my expectations. Not only is this device affordable, but it is built with a high-quality experience in mind. Additionally, I was blown away by its customisation, durable build quality, and its vivid RGB light display. On top of this, you know that it’ll impress you as ProjectD is a Ducky brand. Accordingly, you are assured of the best customer service and a high-end product.

This 65% form factor keyboard is perfect for gamers or people with compact workstations. Moreover, its low-latency connection reduces input lag and this will impress elite gamers. However, where it excels is its barebones approach. This amazing keyboard can be customised without the worry of soldering. Consequently, you can create the keyboard of your dreams without investing too much time.

What’s in the box of the Tinker 65 keyboard?

  • The compact packaging is sleek and easy to look at. Additionally, it is robust and can be recycled.
  • The Tinker 65 keyboard is a slender and lightweight peripheral. Moreover, it has a detachable USB cable for easy storage.
  • The braided USB cable is long enough for most desktop setups.
  • A keycap puller allows you to remove the OEM keycaps.
  • The switch puller lets you remove the Cherry MX mechanical switches.
  • A basic user guide gets you started.

Technical aspects.

The Tinker 65 keyboard is built with high-end gaming in mind. Thanks to the 1000 Hz polling rate, you will be on top of your game. Alongside this, it utilises QMK/VIA multifunction software. Subsequently, you can map the keyboard to your heart’s content. This is an essential tool for anyone who wishes to get that match-winning edge. Thankfully, it wasn’t complicated to use and the online user manual talks you through the opening steps.

If this isn’t enough, you can customise the keycaps and switches. I was happy with the standard OEM keycaps and the Cherry MX mechanical switches. Yet, if you want something different, this keyboard is 5-pin hot-swappable. As such, you can pick from brown, blue, red, or speed silver switches. With no requirement to solder, the switching process is straightforward. This user-friendly approach makes the Tinker 65 keyboard the ideal option for inexperienced gamers.

Usability.

I’ve touched upon its gaming prowess. Yet, it excels as a typing keyboard as well. Thanks to the OEM keycaps, you enjoy a comfortable and familiar typing experience. Moreover, the wonderful clunky mechanical switches deliver a retro-clacky sound. Alongside this, the 65% form factor allows for greater mouse movements. As such, if you are animated whenever you use your mouse, you won’t run out of desktop space. 

Now, the lack of a numpad takes some getting used to. However, the QMK/VIA multifunction software tackles this issue. Alternatively, the Tinker 65 keyboard comes preprogrammed with key input functionality. Subsequently, if you don’t feel comfortable creating your input mapping, ProjectD has you covered.

Build quality.

Keyboards are fantastic until their keycaps start to fade or shine. When this happens, it can make it difficult to type and the peripheral appears messy and unloved. Thankfully, though, the Tinker 65 keyboard doesn’t suffer from this issue. The PBT double-shot keycaps are finished with a frosted surface. Accordingly, they are shine and stain-resistant. Additionally, the legends resist fading even when used for years.

The hard-wearing case combines CNC aluminium and a plastic shell to create a robust and sleek finish. As such, this is built to last despite its lightweight nature. On top of this, it has a wonderful RGB edge that isn’t too exuberant. The south-facing PCB with customisable RGB lighting lets you be as bright or as dull as you wish.

Alongside this, the gasket mount, PCB layer, and 2-step keyboard feet ensure that this is comfortable to use. Furthermore, the ability to select your favourite switches and alter the keycap profile is a game-changer.

Is the Tinker 65 keyboard worth it?

Getting the right keyboard isn’t easy! However, I think ProjectD have done a great job with the Tinker 65 keyboard. Thanks to the fully customisable approach, this peripheral is versatility personified. Moreover, it is user-friendly and will impress the greatest of technophobes. Additionally, its high polling rate and impressive build quality are ideal if you are a competitive gamer. Consequently, I love this keyboard and I recommend that you buy it here!

(More information on Ducky can be found here!)

The Tinker 65 keyboard from ProjectD has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

Movies that Explore Autism

Andrew Edney
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Movies that Explore Autism

Autism is a complex neurological condition, and has been the subject of many films over the years. These movies offer an opportunity to explore and gain insight into the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While each person’s experience with autism is unique, these films aim to shed light on the challenges and strengths of those living with ASD. Here, we’ll take a look at some notable movies that delve into the world of autism.

Rain Man (1988)

Directed by Barry Levinson and famously starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, “Rain Man” is perhaps one of the most famous films featuring a character with autism. Hoffman’s portrayal of Raymond Babbitt, an autistic savant, earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. The film explores the relationship between Raymond and his brother Charlie and provides valuable insights into autism’s intricacies.

Temple Grandin (2010)

Claire Danes delivers an exceptional performance as Temple Grandin, an accomplished autistic woman who revolutionized the livestock industry with her innovations in animal handling systems. The film offers a glimpse into Temple’s life, her challenges, and her remarkable contributions to science and animal welfare. Films can often resonate with people in their own lives – you can get a free autism test online from Autism 360 if you feel this might explain aspects of your lifestyle and character. You can also find this as an app featured on androidpolice.com, which might help. 

Mozart and the Whale (2005)

Based on the real-life story of two individuals with autism, “Mozart and the Whale” explores the romantic relationship between Donald (Josh Hartnett) and Isabelle (Radha Mitchell). The film showcases their challenges, unique abilities, and bond strength.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)

In this emotional drama, young Oskar Schell (Thomas Horn) navigates the streets of New York City on a quest to solve a mystery left behind by his father, who perished in the 9/11 attacks. Oskar’s character exhibits traits consistent with ASD, adding depth to his journey of healing and discovery.

Adam (2009)

Starring Hugh Dancy as the titular character, “Adam” portrays the life of a young man with Asperger’s syndrome who embarks on a relationship with his neighbor, Beth (Rose Byrne). The film sensitively explores the challenges and triumphs of love and connection for individuals with ASD.

A Brilliant Young Mind (also known as X+Y, 2014)

Inspired by the real-life experiences of British mathematician Daniel Lightwing, this film tells the story of a young math prodigy with autism, Nathan (Asa Butterfield). Nathan’s journey to compete in the International Mathematical Olympiad is a testament to his mathematical prowess and a tale of personal growth and self-discovery.

Life, Animated (2016)

This documentary film tells the incredible story of Owen Suskind, a young man with autism who found a unique means of communication and connection through Disney animated films. The documentary showcases how Owen’s family used his love for Disney to help him navigate the world and communicate with others.

The Accountant (2016)

In this action-thriller, Ben Affleck portrays Christian Wolff, an autistic forensic accountant who uncooks the books for criminal organizations. While the film focuses on Wolff’s skills in mathematics and combat, it also provides a nuanced representation of an autistic character with exceptional abilities.

Hors les murs (Beyond the Walls, 2012)

This French film centers on Paulo, a young man with autism, and his journey toward independence. “Hors les murs” offers a heartfelt exploration of the challenges faced by individuals with autism as they strive for autonomy and personal growth.

Movies that explore autism contribute to greater understanding, empathy, and awareness of the diversity within the autism spectrum. While these films may not capture every aspect of the autistic experience, they provide valuable insights and stories that resonate with audiences, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Review: Spellforce: Conquest of Eo

Daniel Waite
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Review: Spellforce: Conquest of Eo

Spellforce: Conquest of Eo has clearly missed an age-old memo. The saying, “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it”, has been ignored. As such, this latest iteration moves away from the much-loved RTS foundations and plumps for a turn-based alternative. Now, don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the twist in the action. However, fans of the franchise may not be so forgiving.

This turn-based fantasy title was developed by Owned by Gravity and published by THQ Nordic. Moreover, it has some incredible RPG-style quests and some impressive unit customisation. Additionally, it twists many much-loved mechanics to create a unique and unusual gameplay experience.

Spellforce: Conquest of Eo tells a familiar tale.

If you love the fantasy genre, you’ll be familiar with every clichéd moment and over-the-top storyline. Yet, no matter how many times you hear them, you don’t care! It is the unbelievable madness and the weird and wonderful characters that make this genre work. What’s more, a heavy dose of magic and a cruel and unforgiving antagonist help to get your juices flowing.

You are an apprentice mage who must complete his Master’s work. The other powerful wizards wish to dominate the world of Eo, but you cannot let that happen. Instead, you have a tough decision to make. Will you develop your mage tower and destroy the mages of the Circle, or will you align the powers to create a unified force? Either way, it is a hell of a journey.

A battle with some enormous foes.
How will you take them down?

Who will you be?

Spellforce: Conquest of Eo has 3 predesigned mages to pick from. Alternatively, you can create your own if you desire. Necromancer, Alchemist, or Artificer are your main choices. Unsurprisingly, each utilises a contrasting playstyle and this ensures that no playthrough is ever the same. Moreover, you must create and customise an army that complements each leader. Consequently, there is a high degree of tactical nuance if you wish to get things right.

Though each mage type is different, some similarities ease the learning curve. No matter who you choose, you are expected to search for resources and blend ingredients to craft items and improve your units. What’s more, unlike other 4X titles, Spellforce: Conquest of Eo makes you move your base/tower to different locations. This was an unusual mechanic that would take veterans by surprise.

Exploring the world.

Moving your tower was a bizarre idea that worked extremely well. Instead of building a base and expanding your empire, your empire moved with you. This twist on familiar tropes complements the new vision for the franchise. Additionally, it made it easier when harvesting resources or moving to key locations. 

Alongside this, you are expected to traverse the map to complete any quests or explore any adventure sites. Subsequently, you will need to be thorough and methodical if you wish to expand and thwart the never-ending threat of the Circle.

Mix the ingredients and craft some goods.
What will you craft?

Battles.

Depending on which protagonist you select, your approach to combat will change dramatically. Moreover, the basic structure of your army will be vastly different and this creates many layers of tactical nuance. Furthermore, as you uncover powerful relics and discover immense items, you can turn the tide of any fight in your favour.

Though each short, sharp battle is enjoyable, there is a steepish learning curve that takes some getting used to. Yet, after a few hours of trial and error, things settle down and you can start to destroy anything that crosses your path.

Spellforce: Conquest of Eo is distinctly old-school.

I loved the grim and earthy aesthetics. Moreover, the UI was impressive, and the large map was interesting to explore. Alongside this, the combat limitations are easy to understand and this makes it simple to play on console. On top of this, I adored the character models and the exquisite details. As such, though this doesn’t break the mould, I loved its old-school graphics and its straightforward approach.

The atmospheric audio will divide opinions. Unfortunately, it was somewhat repetitive and this was jarring/annoying when playing for extended periods. Moreover, the sound effects lacked variety and this compounded the issue. Yet, in short bursts, the audio was great. Sadly, this isn’t a casual experience, and the issues will get under your skin.

Time for another battle.
This looks messy.

Excellent controls.

Though Spellforce: Conquest of Eo has a steep learning curve, the controls were excellent. An easy-to-understand tutorial talks you through the fundamentals. Additionally, a simple control layout is easy to follow. Accordingly, it works extremely well when using a gamepad.

This isn’t your standard 4X title. As such, it won’t get under your skin like its peers. Instead, the strengths and weaknesses of each protagonist and the varied troops ensure that you will want to play this more than once.

Spellforce: Conquest of Eo will divide opinions.

I wasn’t sure about the move from RTS to turn-based action. However, I think it works particularly well. Furthermore, I loved the exploration mechanics, the challenging combat, and the customisation options. Alongside this, the RPG quests were interesting and the action felt balanced and fair. Yet, the audio wasn’t great and the twists in familiar gameplay tropes will annoy some gamers. Consequently, it may not be for everyone, but I love it. As such, I recommend that you buy it here! Can you complete your Master’s work? Pick your power, develop your army, and unleash the greatest spell the world has ever seen.

Review: Universe for Sale

Xavier Berry
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Review: Universe for Sale

Video games can provide countless hours of  entertainment in a wide variety of ways, ranging from engaging stories that keep us on the edge of our seats to giving us a multitude of tasks to complete throughout our day. Indie games are capable of providing a similar experience on a much smaller scale and more often than not, the minds behind these games are filled with wonderful ideas. Universe for Sale is a wonderful example of what happens when a creative idea is allowed to run free when paired with a beautiful art style and simplistic gameplay.

Universe for sale is a comfy visual novel that tells a wonderful story that starts off with a series of events that feel slightly unconnected. We see a child being told a bedtime story that doesn’t really seem fit for children. Once the story gets started, however, we find ourselves in a whole different world-literally. Jupiter is the backdrop of our story and we are introduced to an interesting character right away as we take control of a skeletal being that is left out in the rain. After wandering into a local tea-shop, we find ourselves sitting with a woman named Lila. 

The two seem to have an odd-relationship that is built upon and explored over the course of the game.While the story telling seemed to be disconnected and full of holes, it managed to keep me engaged over the course of my time spent with the game. The questions you will find yourself asking come naturally and aren’t a product of ill-pacing and deliberate misdirection and the answers are always just around the corner. Every time I found myself finally asking a certain question, I was treated to an answer within a timely manner. This made gameplay feel like it was going somewhere and I was being given little rewards here and there for sticking it out. While this might not seem like something that is for everyone, Fans of the Visual Novel genre are definitely in for a treat here. 

Over the course of the game we will learn more about the mysterious character we control known as “Master” as well as the inhabitants of this world. Master is a follower of one of the games’ many religions that focuses heavily on detachment in order to obtain tranquility. The last step in this process is the detachment of one’s name and this information is given to us in an appropriate setting without throwing a wall of text explaining this to us. When we aren’t in control of the Master, we are walking the streets as Lila. She is a merchant in this small town and the product she sells is one of a kind. Lila is capable of creating mini-universes utilizing different kinds of components. She expresses that by using different materials, she is able to bring all kinds of universes to life.

During the course of the story, we will guide both characters across the screen with stereotypical point-and-click style controls. I played through this on the Steam Deck and found no issues with the controller settings so this is a perfect game to enjoy while kicking back on the couch after a long day. As we interact with the world around us, we are occasionally given the option to explore different dialogue options. Selecting different options will take you down different conversational paths while revealing new information along the way. Thankfully, you can gauge which option will progress the story and which ones will provide more context to the world around you so there is no major concern about missing out on anything as long as you are interacting with everyone. 

When we are not speaking with the residence of the town,we will be completing a series of mini-games in order to progress the story. While some of these are very simple and self explanatory, it is possible to miss the instructions and leave you feeling lost without an idea as to what to do next. For instance, there is.a moment where we are tasked with re-routing the power back to a shop in order to get an item we need. I opted to say that this felt wrong and that we should find a different way to obtain the battery but after some dialogue, Lila said that redirecting the power was our best option. The game did not explain how to redirect the power or what I was exactly looking for and I ended up spending 15 minutes just wandering between screens with no solution. After giving up and returning to the merchant we were helping, I found that the other dialogue option would give you the steps needed to solve this puzzle. This information could have been worked into the other dialogue option as well and just felt like an unnecessary extra step.

Along with some strange puzzle solutions, Universe for Sale will often direct you to go someplace with no real direction or indication as to what needs to be done next. Early in the game, I was informed that I had to find Lika after a brief conversation but there was no indication as to where she wandered off to. I searched all the areas  multiple times and eventually found that there was a spot on the screen that I had not moved the cursor to. This caused minor frustrations because I had lost interest in the current moment and wanted to walk away from the game. Thankfully, things got back on track and my frustrations were set on the cub for a little while longer.

One thing that I really want to bring attention to here is the game’s use of a beautiful color palette. Universe for sale has an interesting art style and the vibrant colors are fitting with the character designs. The world feels alive as you navigate through the streets and hear the background chatter of people in the market. Each character has a unique design to them and doesn’t blend into the background. I found myself just admiring the art and taking all kinds of screenshots just to use as a background on my desktop. Watching Lila mix components together to create colorful universes never grew tiresome and I was always eager to find out what beautiful scene lay in wait for me to uncover. 

Overall, Universe for sale is a cute little narrative game that does a wonderful job of bringing you alongside its simple story, even if there are a few frustrations here and there. 

Review: Cupertino glasses.

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Cupertino glasses.

The Cupertino glasses are the latest range from GUNNAR. They are versatile, comfortable, and designed for every occasion. Additionally, they look fantastic and they are hard-wearing. As such, they are ideal if you want something for working from home or being out and about.

GUNNAR are renowned for their exceptional products. The amber-tinted lenses prevent eyestrain, fatigue, headaches and dry eyes. Moreover, they help with productivity, and they keep you on top of your game for longer. Alongside this, they block blue light and 100% UV light. Therefore, not only are they stylish, but they help to keep you healthy as well.

What’s in the box of the Cupertino glasses?

  • The outer packaging is simple but easy to look at. This product is supplied in 2 boxes, one for the additional lenses and one for the main product. Both packages are robust, and the contents are well protected.
  • The Cupertino glasses have a thick darkened frame and robust hinges. Moreover, they use a premium acetate frame material for longevity and comfort.
  • This product has 4 unique lens types. You are supplied with the signature amber-tinted 65% blue light (BL) lenses, 35% BL clear lenses, 90% BL sun lenses, and 98% BL amber max lenses. Each bundle is magnetic and has a protective fabric holder.
  • Protect the glasses with a hard and soft case and a lint-free cleaning cloth.

Technical aspects.

TVs, monitors, tablets, and mobile phones dominate our lifestyles. However, we forget the impact that this has on our health. Fatigue, headaches, eyestrain, and other health issues undermine many people’s lives. Yet, this can easily be avoided with the right set of glasses. Thankfully, the Cupertino glasses are the perfect option if you want to look great and maintain your eye health.

Thanks to versatile and easy-to-use lenses, you are prepared for every situation. Accordingly, if you drive at all hours of the day, or you want to keep your gaming glasses on when you walk your dog, then you can switch the lenses and away you go. Alternatively, maybe you wish to hit the slopes and have the right lenses for changing conditions. Well, this product ticks that box as well.

Versatility to one side, you are assured of optimum eye protection because of the high-level blue light filter. Moreover, the ability to block UV and blue light whilst reducing the impact of harsh sunlight was a real bonus.

Usability.

I’ve used interchangeable lenses with other products, and I wasn’t impressed. The process of altering the glasses was messy and it became a tedious task. Thankfully, though, the Cupertino glasses are a cinch to use. Thanks to the magnetic connections, you can pop out each lens and insert a new one without concern. Furthermore, the simple hook system holds each piece securely. Alongside this, the spare lenses are stored in helpful magnetic cases that can be slipped inside the soft case or within a bag for safekeeping. This makes it an ideal choice if you are worried about differing light or ever-changing conditions.

Prescription glass wearers aren’t excluded either. If you wear -5 to +5 lenses, you can ask GUNNAR to incorporate them into your order. Word of warning, though, there is a small surcharge as they will need to provide you with 4 prescription lenses.

Build quality.

I’m always impressed with GUNNAR’s build quality. The Call of Duty covert edition glasses were exceptional. Thankfully, the Cupertino glasses do not buck this trend! Thanks to the premium acetate frame material, they are lightweight, hard-wearing, and great to look at. The chunky dark frame is complemented by golden accents. 

On top of this, the slightly oversized frames increase your protection without looking ridiculous. I was also impressed with the magnetic system and the simple but secure lens catch. Consequently, you wouldn’t know that the lenses can be changed unless told. Finally, the hard case is stylish and understated and prevents scratches or damage to your glasses.

Are the Cupertino glasses worth it?

The Cupertino glasses blew me away! Moreover, they look and feel great, and the blue light protection is a game-changer. Furthermore, if you have to use a monitor for work, or you love to game, you will be suffering from eye fatigue. As such, these glasses remove that uncomfortable edge and let you get on with your day. Additionally, the ability to change the lenses for different conditions makes these stand out from the crowd. Therefore, I adore them and I recommend that you buy them here!

(More information on GUNNAR can be found here!)

The Cupertino glasses from GUNNAR have been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

News: GUNNAR

Daniel Waite
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0
News: GUNNAR

GUNNAR blew me away last year! The selection of gaming glasses and impressive themes ensure that gamers and graphics designers were spoilt for choice. Accordingly, when I was invited to take a sneak peek at this year’s range of eyewear, I couldn’t resist. Not only have they upped their game, but the excellent collaborations and high-quality materials will impress the toughest of critics.

Alongside this, they have shown that they have listened to their users as they’ve created some highly anticipated lenses. Consequently, GUNNAR has surpassed expectations and fans of this brand will love what is on offer. So, let’s not wait any longer, as we have a quick look at what’s on offer.

GUNNAR in 2024.

New lens material.

If you want the best optical performance, then you need the best materials available. Luckily, this year you will be able to select mineral glass as your high-end lens of choice. This amazing product is usually reserved for premium cameras and telescopes. Well, now, you can enjoy the benefits of this amazing product as you work, surf the internet, or game to your heart’s content.

New tint.

Blocking blue light is essential if you wish to reduce eye stress and fatigue. Moreover, it helps to keep you alert whilst enhancing your reactions and productivity. Yet, if you are a graphic designer, tinted lenses can be problematic. Thankfully, GUNNAR has tackled this issue with its 20% blue filter lens. The Clear Pro option gives your eyes the blue light protection they need without impacting the colours on your screen. Accordingly, it is a win-win situation.

GUNNAR – new styles.

Cupertino.

These incredibly versatile glasses impressed me. With 4 removable lenses, you are covered for every occasion. What’s more, the chunky frames and robust hinges are perfect for heavy-handed individuals. Why not click here for my comprehensive review?

Plaid.

A stylish and refined set of unisex glasses will be available at the end of January.

Strata collection.

A unique range of glasses that are available in 3 different styles. The striking design will be a hit with streamers, influencers, and graphic designers. Furthermore, you can get yours mid February.

Arbor collection.

2 chunky framed glasses that have a strong masculine vibe. If you want a domineering style, then you must invest in either of these products. Available 19/03/2024.

Marvel collaboration.

2024 sees a continuation of GUNNAR’s collaboration with Marvel. However, this year they go one better with their exquisite wooden framed glasses. Furthermore, you can look badass with the Wolverine-themed eyewear, or show your support for Deadpool.

tokidoki x.

This isn’t a brand I’m familiar with, but I love the interesting style and the vibrant colours. Though this range won’t be for everyone, if you want something unusual that stands out from the crowd, then I suggest you look no further.

Blizzard x.

Finally, we have the Blizzard x range. This is another vivid option that will divide opinions. However, I love the chunky frame and the rigid design of the masculine option.

GUNNAR is in for a busy year.

I’ve been a long-time admirer of GUNNAR’s products. 2023 saw me cover their Call of Duty glasses, Black Panther, Spider-Man kids, Spider-Man teens, and Spider-Man adults versions. As such, I cannot wait to get my hands on some of this year’s key products. If their Cupertino glasses are anything to go by, this company is in for a hectic and impressive 2024.

(More information on GUNNAR can be found here!)

News: SteelSeries Dragon Arctis Nova 7

Daniel Waite
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News: SteelSeries Dragon Arctis Nova 7

SteelSeries loves to wow its fanbase. Accordingly, they deliver market-leading tech that improves the way you work and play. Additionally, their comfortable products are built to last, and they are wonderful for marathon gaming sessions. Yet, I was surprised when I was told about their latest endeavour. The SteelSeries Dragon Arctis Nova 7 headset commemorates the 2024 Lunar New Year.

This stunning headset centres around a dragon (Lóng), one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals (Zhōngguó shí’èr shēngxiào dòngwù). The design utilises a softer and more modern dragon image. However, it stays true to the original format and this combination of a classic design and modern finish works extremely well.

SteelSeries Dragon Arctis Nova 7 features.

Venture past the mundane into Almighty Audio with the Arctis Nova 7. Furthermore, listen to two audio streams at once with simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. Additionally, it has a 38-hour battery and a fast charge function, bringing 6 hours of use after just a 15-minute charge. Players will experience noise-free communications as AI algorithms guide the ClearCast Gen 2 mic to clean up both incoming and outgoing audio in team chat. Moreover, the ComfortMax System delivers 4 points of adjustability and breathable AirWeave Memory Foam cushions for marathon sessions on any platform. Finally, the special-edition Dragon Arctis Nova 7 series headset comes with an extra set of red X gold speaker plates. The original SteelSeries Arctis 7 was the most-awarded headset of all time… Welcome to the future of gaming audio.

Pre-order now.

Pre-orders for the SteelSeries Dragon Arctis Nova 7 headset went live yesterday. Consequently, you can reserve your device from the SteelSeries website and select global retailers. However, if you wish to wait to see this in the flesh, stores will stock it from January 22nd 2024. RRP US $199.99, EMEA €219.99, APAC $219.99, UK £189.99.

(More information on SteelSeries can be found here!)

Shokz to launch NEW OpenSwim Pro

Andrew Edney
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Shokz to launch NEW OpenSwim Pro

Leading consumer electronics brand Shokz, renowned for its open ear headphones with patented bone conduction technology, has today announced the upcoming launch of OpenSwim Pro, the brand’s first Bluetooth and MP3 compatible sports headphone made with bone conduction technology. OpenSwim Pro has an open ear design and an ultra-lightweight frame making it the ultimate multisport headphone, allowing users to listen to their favourite music in any environment, whether that’s swimming, running or cycling, while still maintaining situational awareness.

The OpenSwim Pro headphones have a flexible Nickel-Titanium alloy frame, combining a soft silicone material and a biofit design that does not obstruct other garments such as a swimming cap or goggles. Its versatility extends beyond swimming; perfect for interacting with friends, colleagues and family while also keeping you aware of your surroundings and motivated during your workouts. With a simple press of a button, or via the Shokz app, you can easily switch modes between Bluetooth streaming and MP3 listening.

Vincent Xiong, Chief Executive Officer at Shokz said, “We know that swimmers love our existing OpenSwim headphones, but our most requested feature was the ability to utilize Bluetooth out of the water as well.

“We’re incredibly proud to launch the OpenSwim Pro, in what is our most versatile headphone to date. With both Bluetooth and MP3 capabilities, OpenSwim Pro unlocks an athlete’s full potential and is built to be comfortable, safe and secure in any situation.”

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

OpenSwim Pro has an IP68 rating allowing users to use their headphones for up to two hours submerged in two meters of water. Users can also expect up to nine hours of battery life, combined with quick charging. It transitions seamlessly between devices, thanks to its multipoint pairing and the use of Bluetooth v5.3 providing a quick and stable connection.

The exact release date for OpenSwim Pro will be confirmed in the coming weeks and for those interested in learning more and receiving updates they can sign up here. 

Review: Hand In Hand

Josh Blackburn
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Review: Hand In Hand

Hand in Hand cut my brain in half, horizontally. Normally when a game touts itself as co-op focused, it doesn’t have much time for singleplayers. Likewise, singleplayer games usually have co-op as an unsatisfying side-dish. Looking at you, Mario Odyssey. Hand in Hand is a bit of a rarity in that respect. It clearly focuses on co-op players, having a split-screen and everything, but it accomodates lonely players too.

It does this by letting you control each character independently, hence the splitting of the brain. This almost completely changes things, handing the singleplayer a whole new set of puzzles. It’s a nice idea. Unfortunately, ideas only get credit in the execution. Hand in Hand is a gorgeous experience but its puzzles are a little unbalanced and, fatally, much too simple.

The Power of Love

Let’s focus on that gorgeous comment for a tick. Loading up Hand in Hand is like looking at a painting. Everything is in deep, muted colours and it just looks like a calm, if slightly creepy, place to be. Part is that is the nice, detailed backgrounds that are full of little details. There’s also good lighting work throughout. It’s underscored by a fairly reserved, but nice, soundtrack that makes Hand in Hand a very relaxing experience. Probably fitting that most of the giant, evil monsters are just dark shapes. They’re the antithesis of the entire world.

That brings me to the story, which is… a little vague. From various clips that play throughout, its clear that the world is undergoing a bit of an evil takeover. A meteor crashes down and darkness and death spread across the land. This happens while our two heroes, a stocky bloke and a blue-haired girl, are in a tower together. They’re clearly lovers, but once the evil hits they need to split up to deal with it. It’s not the best at communicating things, though. I thought the story was they’d broken up, for one, at least at the start.

It made sense to me. A significant part of the gameplay is how they solve puzzles by working together. I thought it was a metaphor for how they need each other. I just couldn’t fit the giant slug into the metaphor. Not in any comfortable way anyway. But let’s focus on those puzzles. As I said earlier, the game is played in split screen and each character has their own skill. The bloke can slash, breaking rocks, and the girl can turn invisible, avoiding hazards and revealing hidden objects.

Rock Boy And Invisible Girl

A lot of the puzzles are platformer in nature but they all share a common thread: affecting each other’s worlds. The guy pulling a lever lowers a platform for the girl, for instance, and her invisible power hides hazards in his world. The different abilities challenge reactions and creative thinking. Reactions are where the platforming comes in. Hazards are constant, so the girl needs to be on her toes to hide them, while the guy generally has the harder jumps. Creative thinking comes in when you need to manipulate the world in the right way, such as bending lasers into targets. It’s a good idea.

It comes into its own when both characters need to move at once. That requires teamwork in co-op, and chameleon eyes in singleplayer. The execution throughout is a little wobbly though. The mapping of the controls in singleplayer is awkward on controller, for one, with no option to rebind. Splitting the controller in half for each character is fine, I just don’t want jumping to be the shoulder buttons. If you solve that by going co-op, you’ll find that the player with the girl is infinitely more useful than the guy. Her power is the only one that affects both screens, so she does the most heavy lifting. He’s just along for the ride.

The end result is a puzzle game that feels much too simple. Most puzzles are simply obstacles, with a large chunk of them being solved by just going invisible. I would often get an achievement pop up for solving a puzzle that I didn’t even realise was a puzzle. Hand in Hand also has a habit of introducting promising ideas then immediately dropping them. At one point it brought in the concept of platforms that appear for the girl when the guy steps on them. I think it’s used precisely once, before being dropped. No new mechanics have enough time to really breathe and most are solved without any real thought.

Hand in Hand: Nice Ideas, Not So Nice Execution

Hand in Hand seems unsure whether it wants to lean on puzzle or platformer, as evidenced by the boss fights. These are also a kick to the co-op players, as it focuses in on one character only. They are entirely platforming focused and the designs are great, I will admit. They aren’t great to play though. The movement isn’t bad but not quite fast enough to justify dodging fireballs and doing precise jumps. The final boss fight in particular is frustrating, being little more than memorising a series of jumps, which stretch on for far too long.

There is a really good idea for an indepth, co-op puzzle game in here. I admire how Hand in Hand took up that idea and even made it accessible to singleplayers, in a way that changed things up. Unfortunately, it was pulled between platformer and puzzle and the end result is a good example of neither. Its good looks and charm keep it afloat but its failure to dig deeper with the puzzle element ultimately hold it back.

(Hand in Hand’s Steam Page)

Review: Gangs of Sherwood

Daniel Waite
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Review: Gangs of Sherwood

Gangs of Sherwood should have got my juices flowing. However, the more I studied the details, the less I wanted to play the game. Yet, once the code landed on my desk, I hoped that my initial concerns would fade to insignificance. Sadly, though, much of its action left me wanting, and some bizarre gameplay mechanics don’t make sense. Consequently, it was tough to get into and even harder to keep playing.

This third-person action-adventure title was developed by Appeal Studio and published by Nacon. Moreover, it can be played alone or with up to 3 other gamers. As such, you can laugh, plan, and fight with like-minded individuals. This is where Gangs of Sherwood excels. Though the gameplay doesn’t evolve, smashing through swathes of enemies with your mates was an enjoyable endeavour.

Use ranged weapons to stay safe.
Destroy them from a distance.

Gangs of Sherwood twists the narrative.

The tale of Robin Hood is much-loved. Yet, it rarely gets exposure in the gaming world. This surprises me as there is plenty of scope to create an immense open world that combines interesting characters, amazing quests, and a healthy dose of creative licence. Disappointingly, Gangs of Sherwood doesn’t fulfil its potential as it plays it safe and is often guilty of repetitive moments.

The plot revolves around Robin Hood, Marian, Little John, and Friar Tuck. This badass, moralistic fighting team must work together to stop the Sheriff of Nottingham. This insane villain uses the power of the Philosopher’s Stone to strengthen his army and oppress his citizens. Yet, Robin and his men will not allow this to happen! Instead, they will grab their weapons, learn new skills, and destroy every foe they encounter.

Though this plot seems straightforward, there is a strange twist that adjusts the familiar narrative. Instead of enjoying a medieval world, the Sheriff has somehow managed to bring forward the industrial revolution. Accordingly, this Steampunk-infused world is full of burly soldiers and crazy magic.

The gang are working together to kill every foe.
Work together to take them down!

A simple gameplay loop.

Whether you tackle this alone or with others, you’ll face a straightforward and repetitive gameplay loop. Effectively, each mission begins in a hub world. Here, you can explore, buy abilities, or undertake some training. Once you’ve had enough of this, you must choose a mission to complete and decide whether you want to play alone or with others. 

As the mission unfolds, you’ll encounter special areas that specific characters can access. Additionally, there are waves of enemies to kill and minor bosses to overcome. On top of this, there is loot to collect and a main boss to defeat at the end of each act. 

This is the core loop in a nutshell. However, there are minor differences depending on the character you select. Each playable hero has a unique approach that alters your playstyle. Subsequently, the action improves vastly when you have a larger team. As you upgrade each character, there is more variety beyond the atypical light and heavy combat moves.

Gangs of Sherwood is strangely old-school.

Though Gangs of Sherwood has a modern polish, it has a strange old-school appearance. Furthermore, it was reminiscent of Fable because of its whimsy and magical ways. Alongside this, the earthy colour palette complemented the Robin Hood theme. Yet, each arena wasn’t expansive enough for my liking and the action was too linear. Where this excels, however, is its smooth animation. Though you’ll encounter plenty of enemies, the game never falters. This was impressive as plenty was going on especially when you teamed up with friends.

The audio occasionally missed the mark. The never-ending cheesy one-liners became tedious and unwanted. Yet, when the acting worked, it was interesting and well-delivered. Moreover, the sound effects were loud and aggressive, and the soundtrack complemented the strange Steampunk theme.

A massive beast stands in your way.
The bigger they are, the harder they fall!

Responsive controls.

The gameplay relies heavily on a hack-and-slash approach. The controls needed to be responsive, accurate, and easy to understand. Thankfully, the developers got this element right. Additionally, the tutorial was simple to follow, and I rarely struggled even when things got out of hand.

If you have a great group of friends, you are likely to enjoy every mission. However, if you play this alone, you will soon tire of what you see. Subsequently, this approach will restrict longevity and replay value and will make it less appealing. 

Gangs of Sherwood wasn’t good enough.

Gangs of Sherwood has some fleeting moments of success. Sadly, though, there isn’t enough to keep you playing. Alongside this, the odd gameplay mechanics and repetitive action undermine each small positive element. Accordingly, though you may find chinks of happiness in this title, I cannot recommend it. Yet, more information can be found here! Will Robin Hood and his men save the day? Pick your hero, destroy every foe, and thwart the wicked Sheriff.

Review: NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router – RS700

Andrew Edney
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Review: NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router – RS700

We review the brand new NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router, the RS700.

Spearheading the WiFi 7 revolution with cutting-edge technology and unimaginable power, the Nighthawk RS700S harnesses the power of WiFi 7 to unleash speeds up to 19Gbps, 2.4x faster than WiFi 6. With 320MHz channels and multi-link operation, you now experience lower latency and dramatically enhanced WiFi performance. Leveraging NETGEAR’s 25 years of WiFi expertise, the RS700S features a sleek new body, 3D antenna design, and a significantly smaller footprint. And, a 10 Gig internet port unlocks the fastest speeds of today and tomorrow. Experience the very best of next-gen gaming, AR/VR and 8K video – all streaming flawlessly in your home.

Features

  • Unlock the next generation of highly interactive gaming, 4K/8K streaming, UHD video conferencing and AR/VR entertainment with blazing fast WiFi 7 speeds up to 19Gbps and lower latency for real-time responsiveness.
  • Supports the new WiFi 7 standard – 2.4x faster than WiFi 6. Fully backward compatible with older WiFi devices.
  • Sleek new body and high performance antenna design leverages over 25 years of NETGEAR engineering expertise for a significantly smaller footprint and up to 3,000 sq. ft. of 360-degree WiFi coverage.
  • 10 Gig internet port unleashes the fastest download speeds of today & tomorrow. Connect to the latest cable or fiber internet service plan up to 10Gbps.
  • One 10 Gig and four 1 Gig LAN ports designed for ultra-fast wired connections.
  • Powered by Broadcom’s powerful BCM6726/3 WiFi 7 chips to deliver enhanced performance and groundbreaking speeds across all your devices.
  • NETGEAR Armor provides an automatic shield of security for your WiFi and connected devices (PC, phone, camera, TV, baby monitor, etc.) for real-time protection against hackers and added privacy with VPN. 1-year subscription included.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the RS700, power supply, Ethernet cable and quick start guide.

A Closer Look

Setting up the RS700

Setting up the RS700 was really easy – just install the Nighthawk app and follow the steps. The initial setup took about 10 minutes, but that included doing a firmware update!

Any devices connecting to the RS700 are scanned for vulnerabilities via NETGEAR Armor.

You can also see specific information about the devices, including the connection speed. In this case, my Mac Mini, via WiFi was connecting at 2215 Mbps.

This was a speed test of my Internet connection via the RS700.

You can also control and configure the RS700 from it’s webpage.

Final Thoughts

The RS700 looks very good – it can sit in the corner of your room and could be mistaken for an expensive piece of audio equipment.

Setting up the router is relatively straightforward and fairly quick – just follow each of the steps and you should be up and running in no time.

There are a lot of different configuration settings you can make – so do take the time to go through them all before you start connecting your devices as the web front end provides a lot of useful information as well.

There are a number of ports on the back of the RS700, including Ethernet ports that can be used in aggregation mode if you have wired devices that support that facility.

Having a year’s worth of NETGEAR Armor thrown in is very useful too and gives you that added layer of protection.

The RS700 is by far the fastest router I have ever tested – I can’t wait until I have more devices that support WiFi 7 so I can get even faster speeds. It can support up to 200 separate devices connecting to it – now I have a lot of devices at home, but I don’t have anything near that, so its good to know I have plenty of spare capacity.

If you want a router that is blazingly fast, easy to set up and configure, covers a large area and has the very latest technology available today, then the RS700 is the one for you – you won’t be disappointed!

The Netgear Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router, the RS700 is available now priced around £799.99.

You can learn more from the Netgear website.

Review: SteamWorld Build

Daniel Waite
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Review: SteamWorld Build

SteamWorld Build is a fun and cutesy Wild West-inspired title. However, it twists the narrative with its steam-powered robots and its familiar franchise branding. Moreover, its short, sharp playtime ensures that this can be enjoyed casually. Consequently, unlike some of its heavy-hitting peers, you won’t worry about a complex time sink or a brutal learning curve.

This town building simulation title was developed by Thunderful Development and published by Thunderful Publishing. Additionally, if you are an Xbox gamer, it is included in the Game Pass subscription service. Accordingly, you can try this without investing any of your hard-earned cash. Yet, if you are subscription-free but love the genre, this might be one city builder that piques your interest.

Can you thrive in the cold?
Brrrrr!

SteamWorld Build tells a tale of evolution and decay.

I love this franchise. As such, when this was announced, I couldn’t wait to get started. Furthermore, I was impressed when it was confirmed as a key title for Microsoft’s flagship subscription service. Additionally, if you consider the gentle learning curve, fun characters, and interesting multi-terrain gameplay, this has many strings to its bow. However, it doesn’t break the mould and fans of this genre will notice some well-trodden gameplay mechanics.

SteamWorld Build asks you to create a self-sufficient city that flourishes above and below ground. On top of this, you must evolve your robot citizens whilst managing resources, dealing with outsiders, and fighting bugs, monsters, and jealous rivals. If you can somehow spin these plates at once, you must build a rocket and escape your hellish prison. Every element requires an eye for detail and the skill to stay calm. If you have these traits, you’ll adore every futuristic moment that you face.

Familiar tropes.

A game that relies on familiar genre tropes can become tedious and lack originality. However, this isn’t the case with this title. Instead, I loved the fun story, the whacky characters, and the logical gameplay loop. Moreover, the progressive layers unfold at a comfortable pace. As such, you never feel out of your depth and this makes it accessible for newcomers.

Alongside this, the developers have balanced the obstacles and problems perfectly. Accordingly, though the monsters and the raiders are a nuisance, they prevent you from hitting each goal too quickly. Whether you are evolving your residential area or your industrial sector, or you are searching for ore, oil, or old tech, there is a logical linear path to take. Consequently, the timely hurdles prevent you from galloping ahead and this keeps things interesting.

Get underground and mine those resources.
Time to mine those resources.

Basic upgrades.

Unlike its peers, SteamWorld Build doesn’t offer complex upgrades or a massive development tree. Instead, it allows outside traders to improve your town with otherwise unobtainable goods. This was an enjoyable twist to the action that kept you looking for visitors while improving various layers of the action.

On top of this, each building has upgrade slots that improve your workers or productivity. This was a fine choice that tweaked the gameplay without changing the base mechanics. What’s more, there was a nice trading system to remove excess resources to make some extra cash or buy much-needed supplies.

SteamWorld Build is well-polished.

Though much of the action is familiar, the visuals will impress. I loved the vibrant graphics and the isometric viewpoint. Additionally, the excellent free-moving camera and stripped-back UI keep things clean and straightforward. Alongside this, the assets were easy to identify, and the character models were great to look at. Moreover, the variety of maps ensured that the action remained fresh even if the gameplay followed the same path.

This franchise has some memorable audio. Thankfully, the latest addition didn’t break this trend. Accordingly, the characters sound fantastic and their distinctive accents bring a smile to your face. Furthermore, the soundtrack is upbeat, and the sound effects are varied whilst adding drama and energy to the gameplay.

Make those robots work in the sun.
Bask in the glorious sunshine.

Exceptional controls.

This genre is better with a mouse and keyboard. However, the developers have done a great job with their controller inputs. Subsequently, the controls are exceptional and easy to understand. Alongside this, the thorough tutorial was straightforward, and you’ll have the basics mastered in no time.

Though the action revolves around a core gameplay loop, there are 5 unique maps to explore. Furthermore, the completion of a level unlocks permanent upgrades that improve the productivity and other elements of that stage. Though this doesn’t mix things up too much, it makes replaying each level more bearable.

SteamWorld Build is good but not exceptional.

There is a lot to like about SteamWorld Build. However, its lack of genre evolution and its reliance on a safe gameplay model will disappoint veterans. Yet, its user-friendly approach and the ability to play it on Game Pass will appeal to many people. On top of this, it is fun, and it works well when playing on Xbox. As such, I love it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you build a rocket and escape? Plan your town, repel your enemies, and dig for valuable resources.

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