Review: Train Sim World 4

Daniel Waite
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Review: Train Sim World 4
https://youtu.be/40Mb5s4SsX0?si=MhCPOc4niTFuWF1R

Train Sim World 4 is the perfect title for train enthusiasts. This realistic experience manages to improve on last year’s iteration. Consequently, if you are a fan of the franchise, you’ll adore every aspect of this new endeavour.

This ultra-realistic simulation title was published and developed by Dovetail Games. Moreover, it has some incredible customisation options and a lively and enthusiastic community. Accordingly, there are some weird and whacky liveries available in the CREATORS CLUB.

A picture of a freight, a steam, and an EMU train.
Mix the new with the old.

What edition of Train Sim World 4 to buy?

Available as a standard or deluxe edition, Train Sim World 4 treats those fans who invest in the latter option. Though the standard edition is fantastic, you miss out on the excitement of driving the Flying Scotsman. This iconic train is the key reason to buy the deluxe edition! Furthermore, there are some bits and pieces that sweeten the deal. Subsequently, if you love trains, I suggest the deluxe edition.

Though there is no story to talk about, there are plenty of things to see and do. Furthermore, you are free to drive any route with any train you like. However, I would have loved an in-depth story that paralleled a driver’s career. Now, I’m not talking about “Strike Day” simulator. Instead, it would have been pleasant to see a progression from branch lines to mainline or from freight to passenger service. Additionally, a focus on the everyday risks and challenges a driver faces would have created a rounded experience. 

Follow the scenarios or go it alone. 

If you’ve never driven a train, or you haven’t played its predecessors, you may worry about a steep learning curve. Thankfully, this isn’t the case. The developer has done an incredible job with its tutorial and accessibility options. Moreover, the bite-sized scenarios hold your interest without overcomplicating the matter. As such, you’ll become an expert in driving an array of trains in no time.

On top of this, the game does a great job of explaining trackside fundamentals and how the infrastructure works. Accordingly, you’ll familiarise yourself with the line side signage and signalling equipment you encounter. 

The pièce de résistance has to be the free roam mode. The ability to choose any train and any available route was incredible. Alongside this, you are free to set the route as you like. As such, you are in complete control of every journey you take. This freedom isn’t exclusive to just mainline driving. Instead, you can enjoy the slow and serene life of a depot driver. With miles of track to play with and oodles of point work to pull, you are free to shunt, couple and uncouple as much as you like.

Relax whilst driving under the wires.
Time to drive under the wires.

Custom liveries, scenario planner, and character progression. 

Train enthusiasts love a unique livery. Consequently, though this simple feature is almost meaningless, it lets your creative juices flow. Designing a unique livery or a classic look from a bygone era never got old. Sadly, though, I can’t say the same for the character progression mechanics. For reasons unknown, your protagonist gains XP and levels up. Furthermore, the trains you drive will level up as well. Yet, this makes no difference to the gameplay, and there is no skill tree. Consequently, it is a pointless mechanic that shouldn’t be present. 

On the other hand, the scenario planner was an excellent tool. This wonderful option enables you to create unusual events and one-off situations. Additionally, there is a sense of role play, as you can create a meaningful scenario. On top of this, you can make the drive as easy or as challenging as you like. As such, you can take a steam train on a charter journey or endure the pain of a stopper service with a rundown DMU.

Train Sim World 4 is impressive to look at. 

A simulation game has to be realistic. However, visually, they are normally rough. Luckily, Train Sim World 4 doesn’t suffer this fate! The developers have worked hard to create an ultra-realistic space that reflects a real-life railway. On top of this, the weather fronts, animation, and feel of the game are mind-blowing. Train Sim World 3 was incredible. However, this takes it to a whole new level. The gauges, movement of the wheels, the plumes of smoke and the cabs are simply outstanding. Alongside this, I loved how the weather reduces visibility and the claustrophobic nature of the driving cab.

The realism continues with the incredible audio. The amazing soundscape is awe-inspiringly brilliant. Every bell, buzzer, and warning sound is accurate. Furthermore, the clatter of your wheels on the rails, the toot of your horn, or the howl of the wind were perfect. As such, this is an atmospheric title that is as close to the real thing as you’ll ever get. 

A freight train approaching point work at dusk.
Stay awake whilst driving late in the day.

Surprisingly easy to play. 

With so many trains on offer, you’d expect this to be a nightmare to play. However, the incredible tutorials and bite-sized scenarios ensure this is simple to play. Yet, mastering the art of driving is no easy task. Consequently, it’ll take hours of cab time to perfect every stop and learn every route.

Train Sim World 4 oozes replay value and longevity. The roster of trains and routes at your disposal was impressive. Moreover, the ability to create scenarios and liveries will appease its many fans. However, this is still a niche title and this will restrict its appeal. 

Train Sim World 4 is the best train-driving game yet. 

Dovetail Games has done an amazing job with this latest instalment. They have listened to their community and addressed several minor complaints. What’s more, the improved weather fronts and rendering distances add to the realism. Though this won’t be for everyone, if you adore trains, you’ll love every second. Accordingly, I enjoyed it and I recommend that you buy it here! Grab your master key, get in the hot seat, and drive the world-famous Flying Scotsman. 

Lies of P: Review

James Refelian
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Lies of P: Review

Have you ever thought that fairytales make the perfect dark and twisted setting for a soulslike experience? Well, with Lies of P, wonder no more.

Gameplay

Taking the classic story and elements  Carlo Collodi’s novel The Adventures of Pinocchio, Lies of P sees the player take on the role of Pinocchio. Viewed from a third-person perspective, and must save the city of Krat, and Geppetto, from rampant Puppets and monsters alike. One of the unique story elements is the iconic Pinocchio trait of lying. This is used in cutscenes and various conversations. Initially, these feel very underwhelming and don’t seem to have much of a genuine impact. The overall outcome is a greater mystery that’s enjoyable to figure out.

The level design is linear with little straying off the path to find bosses as you expect in Souls games, but it is visually striking to look at and explore the little details of this fallen city. It’s not hard to imagine how beautiful Krat looked in its prime. Being drawn into the world is important as you could easily find the concept of a dark fairytale world absurd. The classic story is expertly woven into this soulslike action-adventure title, and there are plenty of nods to the source material.

One of my favourite aspects is that you have a mechanical arm which serves as a utility weapon but can also be upgraded with a variety of different extras. This idea of customisation carries over into the weapons and is possibly the game’s most distinctive feature.

Weapons can be crafted to combine virtually any pairing of blade and hilt to make interesting and powerful combinations that provide different stats and gameplay styles.

Lies of P does have plenty of quality-of-life features like notification when you can level up.

Music in Lies of P is phenomenal and in a year of amazing game soundtracks, this one is up there. Thankfully, you can collect these as records in the game and play them in your base.

Combat in Lies of P

As you would expect with any soulslike game, combat is a large feature. Lies of P is no different, as you must battle your way through Puppets, animal-masked puppet hunters and various bosses in between. As well as your crafted main weapon, which has both primary and secondary attacks with limited blocking capability – it is the utility arm that offers some fun options – want a cannon? You can. Want to use puppet string to grapple enemies? You can do that too.

Combat is inconsistent, and you may find the ordinary mobs are straightforward, with the bosses becoming nearly impossible, especially during their second phases. Death is a constant, and unfortunately, that does mean much repetition. The other issue is the sluggishness in combat to perform dodge actions, and the further inconsistency with the parry windows makes for a frustrating challenge at times. This is especially true when enemies use powerful attacks that can only be countered with a well-timed parry.

Despite this, combat is fun. From rapier-like fencing to hack-and-slash combat. The weapons are varied, and when combined with utility it leads to some satisfying encounters. There is a large disparity in the character archetypes and how difficult things will be – so choose wisely.

Lie or Die

When you die, it is a relief you do not lose all your Ergo. Instead, you must return to the scene and reclaim your power. You will suffer some losses if you take damage en route to this location, though.

Is Lies of P Worth It?

Lies of P is a fantastic soulslike game with strong homages to Bloodborne. The combat is fun, with the upgradability of the weapon feeling unique in how it impacts gameplay more than simply increasing damage. Resource management can be challenging, and if you can endure the inconsistency in combat, it is worth checking out. Lies of P feels familiar, yet distinctly unique, with a wonderful story and a dark aesthetic.

Review: Netgear Orbi Tri-band WiFi 6 Mesh System (RBK763S)

Andrew Edney
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Review: Netgear Orbi Tri-band WiFi 6 Mesh System (RBK763S)

Here is our review of the Netgear Orbi Tri-band WiFi 6 Mesh System (RBK763S).

Upgrade to blazing-fast 5.4Gbps of WiFi 6 on up to 75 devices simultaneously across more space: 7 rooms or up to 6,000 sq. ft. The RBK763S includes a dedicated connection for instant router-satellite communication so WiFi speed stays fast as more devices connected, and 7 Gigabit ports to give your most demanding tech products their own wired connection. Keep your family and your connected devices safe from online threats with 1 year of NETGEAR Armor all-in-one internet security.

Features

  • Ultimate Performance Whole Home Mesh WiFi System–Covers large homes up to 6,000 sq. ft with fast WiFi. System includes a WiFi router and two satellites.
  • Powerful AX Mesh WiFi System– Keeps all your connections strong in every room, all the time. Enjoy 4K/8K UHD streaming and online gaming to multiple screens simultaneously without interruption.
  • WiFi 6 Brings Capacity Beyond Belief – Latest generation WiFi 6 technology is faster than ever, with 4X increased capacity compared to a WiFi 5 (802.11ac) system. From 1 to 75 devices, WiFi 6 supports your devices’ connections for today and tomorrow.
  • Seamless and Consistent Mesh WiFi Coverage- From front door to backyard and in every corner of your home. A dedicated quad-stream WiFi 6 backhaul allows up to four data streams on each band.
  • Built for the Gigabit Internet Speeds Everywhere – Innovative Tri-band WiFi helps maximise the internet speeds available in your home to every device.
  • Multi-Gigabit Internet Speeds Ready – 2.5Gbps Ethernet port support multigigabit Internet speeds available from service providers. Or use port aggregation to combine two Gigabit Ethernet (LAN and WAN) ports for multi-Gigabit speeds.
  • NETGEAR Armor – Best-in-class anti-virus and data theft protection for all of your smartphones and computers. Protects your connected home from internet threats.
  • Easy to Set Up and Use – Simple setup and WiFi management with the Orbi app. Create a guest network, view connected devices, and perform speed tests.
  • Connect More Wired Devices – 2 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports on each satellite, and 3 on the router, support home offices or home entertainment areas.
  • Works with Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant so you can use voice commands to control your home WiFi network.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the Orbi router (RBR760), 2 satellites (RBS760), power supplies, and Ethernet cable and a quick start guide.

A Closer Look

Placing the Orbi Satellites

Once you have your Orbi router and network configured just how you want it the next step is to place your satellite, or satellites where you want them. Once you have them physically located where you want them it’s just a case of clicking on Add Orbi Satellite from the menu and following the on-screen instructions.

Once the process is complete you will be able to see them listed on the Attached Devices page.

Then all you need to do is connect up your devices to your Orbi network and away you go.

Final Thoughts

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.

One of the steps during the setup is a firmware check – make sure that you upgrade to the latest version of the firmware otherwise you might run into some problems. 

You can choose to have your satellite or satellites connect to the router, or each other via WiFi – which depending on your walls and room layouts might work perfectly well, or if you have a wired connection near where you want the satellites you should connect the satellites to it. This then connects each satellite to the router using the Ethernet backhaul process which ensures you get the maximum possible speed from each satellite otherwise you will be limited to whatever speed the satellites will get when connecting either to the router or to each other. I noticed a significant speed and reliability increase when connecting the satellites to the router via Ethernet.

Then all you have to do is make any configuration settings you want and have your devices connect to the Orbi network and that’s it. Each satellite, along with the router also has Ethernet ports on the back so if you have devices that need a wired connection you can easily utilise those.

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.

The overall coverage you get with the Orbi is really great – and walking around where you do have coverage with your device provides a seamless constant connection. Speed wise I found the connection to be excellent when the satellites were connected to the router via Ethernet, and between very good and good when connected via Wi-Fi, although to be fair the was because of my particular setup, so make sure you do your own testing, but if you can use Ethernet for the satellite to router connections you won’t be disappointed.

If you are looking for the fastest and easiest way to setup and use WiFi 6 Mesh system for your home (or office) then look no further than the Orbi Tri-band Mesh WiFi 6, it’s fantastic!

The Netgear Orbi Tri-band WiFi 6 Mesh System (RBK763S) is available now priced around £599.99 (at the time of writing this review it was available for £479.99. Additional satellites can be purchased and added to your system as you need them.

You can learn more from the Netgear website.

A Closer Look at the Connetix 120 Piece Pastel Creative Pack

Andrew Edney
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0
A Closer Look at the Connetix 120 Piece Pastel Creative Pack

We take a closer look at the Connetix 120 Piece Pastel Creative Pack.

Featuring 8 unique earthly pastel colours, the 120 Piece Pastel Creative Pack will bring imaginations to live and encourage open-ended play!

Designed to encourage hours of limitless creativity, fun and learning through PLAY, the Pastel Creative Pack features a variety of shapes in 8 pastel colours. It is a great starter option for family play, building bigger Connetix creations and expanding the range of colours your children recognise!

Whether playing independently or with friends and family, the 120 piece Pastel Creative Pack encourages STEAM learning and the development of fine and gross motor skills. Watch as children create bigger castles and rockets, towers, coin drops, bridges and mandalas, explore patterns and shapes, create colour sorting boxes, plus so much more. Our Pastel Creative Pack will also support the development of perseverance and resilience as children design larger scale builds, testing the limits of their imagination.

As an open-ended quality toy, Connetix will grow with your child as they learn and their play becomes more complex. 

The Connetix 120 Piece Pastel Creative Pack is available now priced around £115.00 and is aimed at ages 3 and up, and will make a great Christmas present for any child who loves being creative – this will bring hours of fun and the possibilities are endless.

A Closer Look at The Christmas Express Game

Andrew Edney
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A Closer Look at The Christmas Express Game

As we are now on the run up to Christmas, we take a closer look at The Christmas Express Game from Cheatwell.

Christmas Express is the great family board game for those who believe in Santa, and those that wish they still did! Jump aboard our festive loco and race to be the first to reach the North Pole. Avoid the pitfalls on the way and you might just find out whether you’ve been naughty or nice!

Climb aboard the Christmas Express and join this jolly journey through a winter wonderland as you race to be the first to get to the North Pole.

The aim of the game is to be the first player to travel along the train track from the Home Station to the North Pole Station.

You’ll have to avoid the Hustle Bustle, the Reindeer Crossings, the Snow Storms and maybe the naughty elf, but keep an eye out for Santa’s sleigh as he could help you on your way. 

Land at a Station and you can move again, or land on a bridge and take a shortcut. Or play 3 of a kind and move directly to the next station… there are many ways to be first to the North Pole Station. 

Christmas Express is the great family board game for those that believe in Santa, and those that wish they still did.

The box contains a large colourful playing board, 8 player tokens, 4 stands, 51 numbered cards, 14 speciality cards and a full set of rules

This is a really fun game to play and all the family will have a great time! You may even play it when its not Christmas, it’s that much fun!

The Christmas Express Game from Cheatwell is available now priced around £25, and is aimed at ages 6 and up and is designed for 2 to 4 players.

A Closer Look at Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win Card Game

Andrew Edney
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A Closer Look at Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win Card Game

As we are now on the run up to Christmas, we take a closer look at Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win Card Game from Gingerfox.

The stakes are higher than they have ever been, but how high will you dare to climb? 

In this cooperative game, you must work together to answer trivia questions and see how far you can climb up the limitless money ladder. 

Answer the trivia questions to move up the ladder, but is it an exact answer?

Just Like The TV Show, But In Your Own Home
Now you can play the popular ITV gameshow at home. Based on the hit tv quiz show hosted by the nation’s favourite double act, Ant and Dec, you must work together to answer the trivia questions and move up the ladder. 

A Fun Family Card Game For Ages 8+ Years 
This travel-sized trivia quiz card game is great fun for families with children aged 8 years and over. It’s the perfect way to keep the kids entertained and spend quality family time together, learning as you do.

Answer General Knowledge Trivia Questions
To win, you must answer your way through 10 question cards by giving either the exact answer or a number below the exact answer and bank as much money as you can. Answer higher, and you’ll lose!

Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win from Gingerfox is available now priced around £7.99. It’s aimed at ages 8 and up and a single game takes between 20 and 30 minutes to play.

A Closer Look at Yum Yuck Picnic Game

Andrew Edney
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A Closer Look at Yum Yuck Picnic Game

As we are now on the run up to Christmas, we take a closer look at Yum Yuck Picnic Game from Kikkerland.

Who doesn’t love a picnic? Race to complete your picnic, while avoiding those yucky bugs along the way!

The box contains 4 picnic blanket boards along with 30 cards (20 are yummy, but 10 are yucky!).

Yum Yuck Picnic Game is aimed at ages 3 and up and or 2 to 4 players, and is available now priced around €13.00.

A Closer Look at Tic Tac Twist

Andrew Edney
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A Closer Look at Tic Tac Twist

As we are now on the run up to Christmas, we take a closer look at Tic Tac Twist from Kikkerland.

Dont forget to stretch! Have fun and get your body moving. Use your whole body for tic tac toe How to use: place the colored bands on your wrists and ankles. Criss cross the black bands to make 3×3 grid. With two players play tic tac toe using your arms and legs. Upon landing on a spot, player must stay in place. Reach up, down and diagonal, try not to fall.

The box contains 4 Sky Blue Bands, 4 Orange Bands and 4 Black Strips to make the board.

This game is a lot of fun and can be played pretty much anywhere you have some free space thanks to the board being made using the black strips.

Tic Tac Twist is aimed at ages 6 and above – just make sure you stretch first!

Tic Tac Twist is available now priced around €20.00.

A Closer Look at Catch a Bug Wooden Fishing Game

Andrew Edney
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0
A Closer Look at Catch a Bug Wooden Fishing Game

As we are now on the run up to Christmas, we take a closer look at the Catch a Bug Wooden Fishing Game from Kidoki.

A fun wooden fishing game that encourages children to learn color recognition and hand-eye coordination.  Each set includes 11 colorful magnetic bugs and plants.  How many can you catch?  

This game is a lot of fun for your young child – they will love trying to catch all the different bugs! The bugs are really well made and beautifully coloured.

Catch a Bug Wooden Fishing Game is aimed at ages 3 and up, and is available now priced around €25.00.

A Closer Look at Peek-A-Zoo Bingo Game

Andrew Edney
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0
A Closer Look at Peek-A-Zoo Bingo Game

As we are now on the run up to Christmas, we take a closer look at the Peek-A-Zoo Bingo Game from Kidoki.

Peek-A-Zoo is a fast and fun game that will test your attention and reflex skills. While keeping a close eye on the zoo keeper and the Peek cards, race to identify which animal is behind the peek hole.

With two ways to play, who will be the first to shout Peek-A-Zoo.

The game is a lot of fun for all ages, and the box contains 4 playing boards, 3 peek cards and 64 animal cards.

Peek-A-Zoo is aimed at ages 5 and up and is designed for 3-5 players.

Peek-A-Zoo from Kidoki is available now priced around €13.00.

News: Amazon Big Deal Days

Daniel Waite
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News: Amazon Big Deal Days

Amazon Big Deal Days are back for another year. Consequently, it would be rude of me not to highlight some of the brands that I love! These incredible tech companies offer something to everyone. As such, if you want a new projector, headphones, hoover, keyboard, or dash cam, then these deals will be right up your street.

There are plenty of great offers on the table. However, I’ll give you a quick overview of what’s coming. After that, I will give you a snippet of each product so you know what to expect. Word of warning, though, these deals won’t hang around forever. As such, you’ll want to be quick if you want to save some serious money.

What brands do I suggest for Amazon Big Deal Days?

  • 1MORE audio – up to 15% off.
  • Remoska – Portable cookers, ideal for camping – up to £35 off.
  • BLUETTI – up to £600 discount on portable power stations.
  • DANGBEI – range of officially licensed Netflix projectors – Up to 26% off.
  • VACTIDY – up to 47% discount on vacuum cleaners.
  • JLab – up to 20% off on audio devices and wireless desktops.
  • Trust – Up to a 38% discount.
  • MIOFIVE – save 30% on dash cams.

A closer look at what’s on offer.

1MORE.

1MORE SonoFlow SE Active Noise Cancelling Headphones. 

Immersive Sound Performance: Embrace remarkable sound clarity and enhanced bass with the 1MORE cutting-edge 40mm diamond-like-carbon DLC dynamic driver, delivering immersive audio that sets new standards for premium sound quality.

SAVE 15% – RRP £54.99 – NOW £46.74 from Amazon UK.

1MORE Fit SE S30 Open-Ear True Wireless Bluetooth Headphones. 

Dynamic Sound & Deep Beats: Unparalleled power and intensity with the 1MORE Fit SE S30 sports headphones enlarged 14.2mm DLC dynamic driver and DBB bass enhancement algorithm. Powerful sound, feel the deep beats and conquer workouts like never before.

SAVE 15% – RRP £69.99 – NOW £59.49 from Amazon UK.

1MORE Fit Open Earbuds S50. 

Sound in Motion: 1MORE Fir Open Earbuds S50 elevate athletic performance combined with ultimate comfort. Stay connected to your surroundings while enjoying music and ambient sound simultaneously without needing to remove the earbuds for communication. Embrace a seamless outdoor experience like never before.

SAVE 15% – RRP £149.99 – NOW £127.49 from Amazon UK.

Remoska.

Remoska Prima Portable Oven  – Available in a smaller 2L (400W) version and a larger 4L (580W)

Designed to take the cooking world by storm, the Prima is multi-purpose and can bake, roast and grill food whilst also energy saving. A versatile and compact kitchen appliance, the compact portable oven provides an innovative and convenient approach to cooking and is available in a 2L size or 4L. Its unique design allows heat to circulate evenly and it can enhance flavours and keep food succulent.

Prima 2L – RRP £169.99 – now £144.99 (10th – 11th October) from Amazon UK.

Prima 4L – RRP £189.99 – now £154.99 (10th – 11th October) from Amazon UK.

BLUETTI

AC60+B80 

BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC60 and B80 External Battery Module, 1209Wh LiFePO4 Battery Backup w/ 2 600W AC Outlets, IP65 Water-Resistant Solar Generator for Outdoor Camping, Power Outage.

AC60+B80 – RRP £1,398.00 – now £998.00 (10th – 11th October) from Amazon UK.

AC500+B300S 

BLUETTI Power Station AC500 & B300S Expansion Battery, 3072Wh LiFePO4 Battery Backup w/ 7 5000W AC Outlets (10KW Peak), Works with Alexa, Modular Power System for Home Backup, Vanlife, Emergency.

AC500+B300S – RRP £4,499.00 – now £3,999.00 (10th – 11th October) from Amazon UK.

AC180

BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC180, 1152Wh LiFePO4 Battery Backup w/ 2 1800W (2700W peak) AC Outlets, 0-80% in 45Min., Solar Generator for Camping, Off-grid, Power Outage.

AC180 – RRP £1,099.00 – now £849.00 (10th – 11th October) from Amazon UK.

AC200P

BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC200P, 2000Wh LiFePO4 Battery Backup w/ 2 2000W AC Outlets (4800W Peak), Solar Generator for Outdoor Camping, RV Travel, Home Use (Solar Panel Not Included).

AC200P – RRP £1,399.00 – now £1,099.00 (10th – 11th October) from Amazon UK.

AC200MAX+B230

BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC200MAX and B230 Expansion Battery, 4096Wh Expandable Power Station w/ 4 2200W AC Outlets (4800W Peak), LiFePO4 Battery Pack for Home Use, Power Outage, Road Trip.

AC200MAX+B230 – RRP £2,998.00 – now £2,398.00 (10th – 11th October) from Amazon UK.

DANGBEI

Dangbei Mars

Experience private theatre at home with the Dangbei Mars. Packing 2100 lumens of laser power, this sleek device projects native 1080p full HD images up to a massive 180 inches on any wall. HDR10 and HLG support allow for rich, cinematic colours and contrast, while built-in AI adaptive brightness tuning optimizes the image for any environment. The built-in Netflix provides instant access to thousands of movies and shows without the need for additional devices. Dual 10W Dolby Audio™ speakers ensure every detail is heard with crystal clarity. Big-screen thrills are easy with the Dangbei Mars – just dim the lights and enjoy cinema-quality entertainment with the touch of a button.

Dangbei Mars – RRP £999 – Now £849 from Amazon UK.

Dangbei Mars Pro

The Dangbei Mars Pro represents an upgrade over the already impressive Dangbei Mars model. It takes the home viewing experience to new heights with 4K UHD resolution and the AI Realistic Pro image engine for unparalleled picture quality. MEMC technology enables smoother motion, while Dolby Audio™ and DTS HD audio provide immersive sound. Gamers will appreciate the dedicated game mode, and TÜV Low Blue Light certification ensures eye protection. The inclusion of these enhancements makes the Dangbei Mars Pro a perfect choice for home entertainment enthusiasts seeking state-of-the-art visuals and audio.

Dangbei Mars Pro – RRP £1499 – Now £1199 from Amazon UK.

Emotn N1

As the first home projector officially licensed by Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube under Dangbei’s sub-brand Emotn, the Emotn N1 provides hassle-free access to popular streaming content. This compact projector offers native 1080p resolution, ensuring crystal-clear visuals wherever it’s placed. HDR10 support brings vibrant displays with high contrast for bright whites and deep blacks. The slim, rectangular design fits in one hand for portability and takes up little space at home. Featuring a built-in stand on the bottom for adjusting the projection angle by up to 12 degrees, the N1 eliminates the need for a tripod. Combined with an easy 3-second setup, including ToF autofocus and auto keystone correction, the N1 allows users to start enjoying content right away. With these streaming capabilities and portability features, the Emotn N1 represents excellent value for money.

Emotn N1 – RRP £349 – Now £259 from Amazon UK.

Dangbei Neo

The Dangbei Neo is Dangbei’s most travel-friendly projector yet. At just 3.94 inches thick and weighing only 3.13 pounds, it’s the lightest projector from Dangbei so far. Despite its compact size, it can deliver an expansive 120″ image with vivid colours – ideal for on-the-go entertainment. It also features built-in Netflix support, enabling easy streaming of preferred shows and movies anywhere. The Dangbei Neo uniquely combines convenience and performance, making it simple to enjoy big-screen entertainment.

Dangbei Neo – RRP £599 – Now £499 from Amazon UK.

VACTIDY

Vactidy Blitz V8 cordless vacuum with motorized roller brush.

With its motorised roller brush and powerful suction, the Blitz V8 delivers a great cleaning performance on most floors, carpets, furniture, curtains and upholsteries. The roller brush disturbs any dirt and debris that is present whilst the high-spinning V8 motor generates a strong suction to remove them effectively.

32% OFF – RRP £120 – NOW £81.02 – from Amazon UK.

Vactidy Blitz V9 cordless vacuum with motorized roller brush.

Boasting a powerful brushless motor, the Blitz V9 delivers up to 30KPa of suction power, instantly capturing dust, debris and pet hairs. It also offers 2 suction modes to deep clean hard floors, carpets, tiles and wooden floors.

47% OFF – RRP £199 – NOW £105.78 – from Amazon UK.

Vactidy Nimble T6 Robot Vacuum Cleaner, 2000Pa Strong Suction, Automatic Self-Charging Robotic Vacuum.

Powerful Suction with Ease – With up to 2000Pa strong suction in max mode, the Vactidy T6 robot vacuum can pick up dust, debris and pet hairs from hard floors and low-piled carpets with ease, bringing you a high-efficiency clean. 3 levels of suction power adaptable for all cleaning demands.

15% OFF – RRP £109 – NOW £92.64 – from Amazon UK.

JLab

JLab Go Air Pop Wireless Earbuds.

JLab’s GO Air Pop provides a class-leading 32+ hours of playtime, dual connect technology so each earbud can be used independently for calls or audio, as well as touch controls compatible with both Android and Apple devices.

20% OFF – RRP £24.99 – NOW £19.95 from Amazon UK.

JLab GO Air Sport true wireless earbuds.

Power through your hardest or easiest workout. With 32+ hours of total playtime and our smallest sport fit ever, the GO Air Sport are mighty (and fun). Auto-connect to your device to walk, run, HIIT or talk on the GO. The ergonomic ear hook fits even the smallest ears and stays securely and comfortably in place.

17% OFF – RRP £29.99 – NOW £24.95 from Amazon UK.

JLab GO Work Headset.

Meet the GO Work wireless on-ear headset, perfect for everyday office life. Enjoy clear calls and video calls and never forget to un-mute with the mute indicator light at the end of the boom mic.

RRP £49.99 – NOW £36.99 from Amazon UK.

JLab Go Bundle Bluetooth & Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Set.

The GO Wireless Keyboard and Mouse set is compatible with three simultaneous device connections. You can pair with nearly any type of device using Bluetooth 5.0 or the USB Wireless Dongle (2.4 GHz). Easily switch between saved devices like your iPad, computer, android tablet, phone etc. from your keyboard.

RRP £29.99 – NOW £19.99 from Amazon UK.

JLab GO Air TONES true wireless earbuds.

The JLab GO Air TONES build off the GO Air POP framework and feature the brand’s most unobtrusive fit to date. Designed to change how people look at true wireless earbuds, the product features a series of neutral colours created to complement the user.

RRP £24.99 – SAVE £10 – NOW £14.99 from Amazon UK.

JLab Epic Air Sport ANC True Wireless Earbuds.

The Jlab Epic Air ANC True Wireless Earbuds offer 48+ hours of playtime (12+ hours of Bluetooth playtime in each earbud and 36+ additional hours from the charging case). Touch controls for easy operation. Six interchangeable ear tips and it has an IP55 water resistance rating.

RRP £99.99 – SAVE £25 – NOW £74.99 from Amazon UK.

JLab JBuddies Play Kids Gaming Headset.

JLab JBuddies Play Kids Gaming Headset, Wireless Headphones Kids, 22+ Hour Bluetooth Playtime on Mobile, Volume Safe, Cable for Gaming PC, Console, Retractable Mic, Quick Mute – Kids Gaming Headphones.

RRP £29.99 – NOW £22.99 from Amazon UK.

JLab GO Work Pop Headset.

JLab Go Work Pop Wireless Headsets with Microphone – 50+ Playtime Bluetooth PC Headset, Multipoint Connect to Computer & Mobile – On-Ear Wireless Office Laptop Headphones with Microphone, Black.

RRP £39.99 – SAVE £10 – NOW £29.99 on Amazon UK.

TRUST

Trust Forta Wired for PS5.

Following in the footsteps of the Forze headset, which was the #1 best-sold gaming headset* along with receiving an average of 4.4-star reviews; the Forta is an exciting new addition to Trust Gaming’s portfolio. Specifically designed to work with PS5™ consoles, the headset not only matches gamers’ favourite consoles in style but has unique features for their best gaming experience yet.

28% OFF – RRP £39.99 – NOW £28.99 from  Amazon UK.

Trust GXT 253 Emita Microphone Arm.

The Trust GXT 253 Emita Microphone Arm is 360-degree rotatable, providing easy full rotation and adjustment of the 35x40cm arm to get the best recordings. Versatile and compatible with all commonly used microphones up to 900 grams, users can attach their preferred mic via the 5/8″ screw adapter quickly and simply.

38% OFF – RRP £39.99 – NOW £24.99 from Amazon UK.

Trust GXT 924 Ybar+ Gaming Mouse.

Featuring a high-performance 25k sensor, 50G acceleration, a polling rate of up to 1000Hz and a tracking speed of 400 IPS, the Ybar+ provides gamers with all the tools they need to win.

22% OFF – RRP £44.99 – NOW £34.99 from Amazon UK.

Trust GXT 833 Thado TKL Keyboard.

The Trust GXT 833 Thado is a compact and efficient keyboard – leaving extra room for a mouse during gaming battles! A Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard – meaning no Numpad – Furthermore, it has a strong metal top plate that is built for battle. With anti-ghosting, it can improve the game experience.

35% OFF – RRP £22.99 – NOW £14.99 from Amazon UK.

Trust GXT 415 Zirox Gaming Headsets.

The GXT 415 Zirox Gaming Headsets from Trust introduce a new niche in the market for affordable gaming headsets. With four bold colours – Booster Black, Winning White, Brilliant Blue, and Powerful Pink – the Zirox headsets enable gamers to win in style. 

17% OFF – RRP £17.99 – NOW £14.99 from Amazon UK.

Trust GXT110 Felox Wireless Mouse.

For those seeking wireless freedom, the GXT 110 Felox Wireless Gaming Mouse offers a seamless experience. Connectable via a single USB receiver that can be conveniently stored inside the mouse when not in use, the Felox Wireless Gaming Mouse ensures a hassle-free setup. 

17% OFF – RRP £17.99 – NOW £14.99 from  Amazon UK.

MIOFIVE

MIOFIVE AI-enabled smartest 5G Wi-Fi 4K UHD dash cam.

Equipped with a Sony IMX 415 sensor that captures footage at a 4K Ultra-High-Definition resolution (4K 3840 x 2160P@30fps), the MIOFIVE dash cam can capture four times more details than traditional driving recorders. Boasting seven sets of high-transmittance lenses and an F1.8 aperture, the drive recordings are captured in high definition with a large filming angle of FOV 140°.

30% OFF – RRP £149.99 – NOW £104.99 from Amazon UK.

Miofive Front and Rear 4K + 2K Dual Dash Cam.

Miofive Front and Rear Dash Camera, 4K + 2K Dual Dash Cam with 5G Wi-Fi, GPS, Speed, 3840 UHD Recorder, Built-In 128G eMMC Storage, Night Vision, Motion Detection, G Sensor Powered by Super Capacitor.

30% OFF – RRP £249.99 – NOW £174.99 from Amazon UK.

Plenty on offer for Amazon Big Deal Days.

There are plenty of great offers for Amazon Big Deal Days. Consequently, why not treat yourself to some new tech this October? Whether you want something for your home, your PC, or your workouts, this gift guide has you covered.

(More information on Amazon can be found here!)

Review: My Little Universe

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: My Little Universe
https://youtu.be/QWoG-dRWlLI?si=1ScdaoWo21gNMl_u

My Little Universe is a fun-filled adventure title that focuses on exploration and resource gathering. Additionally, this semi-linear affair is cute, easy to understand, and rather addictive. As such, this brilliantly casual game is a bit of a mindless time-sink.

This sandbox exploration experience was developed by Estoty and published by SayGames. What’s more, it can be enjoyed alone or cooperatively with 3 others. As such, you can kill monsters, fell trees, and have a laugh with your mates as you lose track of time.

My Little Universe is filled with portals to switch between worlds.
Use the portal to switch worlds.

My Little Universe asks you to rebuild your surroundings.

My Little Universe lacks a deep and fulfilling story. Instead, much of the gameplay is shrouded in mystery. The hero or heroes have been abandoned on a barren moon. Their ship has no fuel, and they have limited tools to their name. Furthermore, the pathway is hidden unless resources are gathered. Accordingly, you must work together or alone to collect as many logs, stones, crystals, and so forth.

When you have collected enough resources, you may unlock new paths. However, what hides beyond them is often a mystery. Consequently, by rebuilding your surroundings, you’ll piece together each cryptic part of the puzzle. Moreover, you may even find a way to get yourself home. 

Simple mechanics. 

Though My Little Universe relies heavily on grinding mechanics, I never found it to be tiresome. Instead, I enjoyed the balanced gameplay and the variety of resources. Furthermore, the limited but interesting character progression helps to keep things fresh. 

As you kill monsters or collect items, your hero earns XP. This allows you to level up your character while choosing from 3 unique abilities. As such, you can focus on combat, resource gathering, health, speed, and much more. Whatever you decide, you are limited to 10 levels. Subsequently, you’re somewhat restricted in your choices and this keeps things perfectly balanced.

Keep away from the lava.
Is it getting hot in here?

Death and dungeons and improved tools. 

Though much of the action follows a familiar pattern, there is some variety along the way. The developer incorporated some interesting dungeons and ghastly bosses to overcome. Each of these hideous entities needed to be defeated if you wished to progress. Accordingly, you needed to be prepared or death was all but assured.

Dying was annoying, but this isn’t a Souls-Like experience. Instead, death simply resets your character’s progress and you must start again. This was annoying and frustrating, but also oddly enjoyable. As such, to prevent this from happening, you can improve your tools. By collecting resources and gathering gold, you can upgrade your axe, pickaxe, and sword. As you improve your equipment, your foes will fall at your feet. Accordingly, this was the best way to overcome your enemies without dying en route.

My Little Universe is simple but vivid to look at. 

My Little Universe has an understated art style that is cute to look at. Additionally, its vivid colour palette enhances the sci-fi nature of the story. On top of this, the isometric viewpoint and simple animation ensure that this is pleasant to the eye. You must then consider the varied level design that helps to keep things interesting. Though the action rarely changes course, you never tire of what you see.

The audio adds a sense of fun thanks to the lighthearted folksy tunes. Alongside this, the simple but effective sound effects are dramatic and loud. Consequently, they are slightly unrealistic and a little obnoxious, but I loved them nonetheless. 

The hero goes head to head with a gingerbread man.
Are you a friendly gingerbread man?

Brilliant controls. 

If you have a Steam Deck, you’ll want a copy of My Little Universe! This works perfectly on SD as well as on PC or laptop. Thanks to the excellent button mapping and responsive controls, every task is achievable. Alongside this, the straightforward UI helps to organise your life. As such, this reduces confusion while keeping you on track.

This addictive title will keep you busy for hours. Though it is extremely simple, there is plenty of depth to discover. Whether you are tackling monsters, upgrading your gear, or harvesting resources, you are kept busy for hours. 

My Little Universe is a gem of an indie title. 

Finding a hidden gem isn’t as easy as it seems. The indie marketplace is saturated, and every developer wants your attention. However, My Little Universe quickly proves to be a gem of an indie title. Accordingly, I loved it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you uncover the mystery of your surroundings? Harvest resources, kill monsters, and restore each strange world. 

News: Revolution 5 Pro controller

Daniel Waite
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0
News: Revolution 5 Pro controller

The Revolution 5 Pro controller from Nacon has a new trailer. I broke the news of this controller recently, and I can’t wait until it is released. I have reviewed the Xbox version of this pad. As such, I have high hopes for this PlayStation accessory.

I won’t tread over old ground, but I feel obliged to cover the key points. Consequently, bear with me as I paint a picture of a must-have controller.

The features of the Revolution 5 Pro controller.

  • Asymmetrical sticks: optimal handling and distinct ergonomics. 
  • Play in wired mode with a detachable 3m cable, or wireless with optimised latency thanks to RF technology.
  • Over 10-hour battery life for long gaming sessions without the need to recharge. 
  • Enhanced precision and durability for joysticks and triggers thanks to Hall Effect technology, reducing “joystick drift” (compared with previous Revolution controllers). 
  • Trigger Blocker: adapt to any in-game situation by customising the trigger amplitude. 
  • Customisation app (for PC/Mac, coming soon to mobiles): offering more freedom to make your controller unique and adapted to the way you play. 
  • Comprehensive customisation: 4 customisable profiles per platform, 3 sets of weights, 3 stick sizes, 3 sets of stick heads, and no fewer than 60 customisation options. 
  • Ergonomic shortcuts: choose the action assignment using the buttons on the back of the controller. 
  • Dual Wireless: connect your controller to your console and instantly switch between the console sound and your Bluetooth® audio peripheral. 
  • Premium materials for improved comfort and handling.

Pre-order today. 

The Revolution 5 Pro controller will change the way you play! Thanks to its long list of features and amazing build quality, this will give you an elite edge. Subsequently, why not click here to pre-order yours today? However, if this article wasn’t enough, take a look at the newly released trailer.

(More information on Nacon can be found here!)

Review: Mystic Gate

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Mystic Gate

Mystic Gate is a cruel and fast-paced title that will test the best players around. However, it is this testing nature that makes it a tough game to put down. Whether you are new to the genre or you are a veteran of rogue-lite games, this will chew you up and spit you out. As such, it takes a fair amount of resolve to get through each of the challenging chapters.

This top-down twin-stick adventure was developed by ZOO Corporation and Eastasiasoft Limited and published by the latter. What’s more, it has delightful rogue-lite mechanics and an array of cruel bosses to overcome. Furthermore, there are plenty of perks, weapons, and abilities to keep things fresh. Subsequently, no playthrough is the same, and this keeps you coming back for more.

Visit the village and unlock new gear.
Collect your gems and unlock new gear.

Mystic Gate tells a teasing tale.

Would you risk your life for one life-changing wish? Well, this is exactly what happens in Mystic Gate! The gods have placed a strange portal within the human realm. Accordingly, every brave adventurer flocks to it to prove their worth. Rumour has it that if you can defeat every monster, you will be granted a life-changing wish. However, failure is all but assured. Furthermore, all of your progress will be wiped out. As such, you have to be brave or foolish to undertake this adventure.

One wanderer wishes to prove their worth as they tackle the challenge with their robotic sidekick. Additionally, with the help of the locals, this loner can earn gems and gold as they improve their skills and abilities. Yet, they’ll still need a lot of luck if they are to defeat every monster and gargantuan boss.

The hero must tackle a gigantic robot
Avoid the projectiles and destroy that robot.

Bullet hell madness.

Bullet hell mechanics usually drive me insane. However, Mystic Gate blends this idea into its intelligent-level design to create a manageable and fun experience. Furthermore, the ability to dash through projectiles and change your arsenal of weapons was fascinating. On top of this, I loved the additional abilities and skills that change the way you approach every playthrough.

The action revolves around the hero and their journey through a deadly world. Each level comprises many rooms and mountains of foes. As such, you have your work cut out for you if you wish to get to the boss. As you explore each arena, you must kill every monster before you can proceed. These creatures drop keys, gold, and health potions. The gold can be invested in new weapons or abilities at the dungeon shop. On the other hand, the keys will open the gate to the boss’s lair. If you successfully slay the beast, you will move on to the next level and relive the hell again.

As you progress through the game, your enemies become faster, stronger, and more aggressive. As such, you must improve your skills and your weapons to survive. When you die, you are kicked out of the dungeon and you can visit the NPCs to be awarded gems and buy new skills. This gameplay loop continues until you rage quit or you reach the final portal.

Mystic Gate takes you on a pixelated adventure.

Mystic Gate is rough, colourful, and wonderfully pixelated. Furthermore, its animation is basic and the projectiles belong to weapons from the 80s. However, I loved it because of this old-school and rudimentary approach. Additionally, the labyrinthine world and the claustrophobic arenas were great to explore.

The fast-paced nature of the game is enhanced by the aggressive and repetitive soundtrack. On top of this, the OTT sound effects were rough but exciting. I adored the loud bangs and the uncomfortable crashes. What’s more, the upbeat music drives you forward even when you know that death is guaranteed.

Another deadly boss.
Can you destroy the dragon?

Don’t go it alone.

Though I was often beaten by the ridiculous pace and the harsh monsters, I adored the control setup. The easy-to-understand inputs were impressive and simple to master. Moreover, you didn’t need a convoluted tutorial to understand what was required. As such, you can jump into the action with no experience of the genre.

My favourite element of Mystic Gate was the couch co-op mode. This cruel game is made a little easier when you team up with a friend or loved one. However, it is still challenging, so don’t think of this as a get-out-of-jail-free card. Alongside the cooperative action, you’ll return to try out each new ability and the large arsenal of weapons. Consequently, this oozes replay value and longevity.

Mystic Gate is a fun indie title.

Mystic Gate kicked my ass repeatedly. However, I couldn’t put it down. I adored the mindless gameplay and the element of luck. What’s more, there are plenty of secrets to discover as you explore the dank catacombs. As such, this is a fun indie title that shouldn’t be missed. Subsequently, I loved it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you earn your life-changing wish? Jump into the portal, kill every monster, and slay every boss you face.

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