ITER-8

Cody Monfredi
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ITER-8

ITER-8 is a roguelite, mining/tower defense game. Developed by fluckyMachine and published by Fireshine Games, ITER-8 was released on March 9th, 2026. Employed by ITER Corporation, players will need to mine upwards in the Pillar in search for essential resources. Various skills and the ever trusty laser help you mine. It is a relatively easy job if it wasn’t for the horrors down below on the surface. Every few minutes, players will need to race down the Pillar to defend the base. Various creatures attack the protective dome surrounding the base and eventually the base itself.

Although mining and tower defense are the main two core features of ITER-8, there’s more gameplay elements to be aware of. There are buildings that can be placed to help defend the base. There’s tech trees that upgrade various aspects. Small light puzzles can be solved, taking the game in a different perspective. And of course, there’s tidbits of story through satellites. Many reviews I’ve seen compare ITER-8 to a game released back in 2022, Dome Keeper. Though I can certainly see the similarities, I don’t think ITER-8 should be passed off as some cheap copy. I had a pretty good time playing this one and could definitely see myself continuing to play. The overall content is a bit limited, but the basics are in place for something quite fun. So, get ready to mine a whole lot of voxels, because its time to discuss ITER-8!

The Pillar & Resources

Before we get into the scary stuff down on the surface, let’s focus on the main job duty— mining the Pillar. The Pillars are large, seemingly floating towers that exist in this universe. ITER Corporation hires you to mine the Pillar for valuable resources, but the game keeps the true nature of those materials deliberately vague. No matter, as a good little worker, players mine upwards into the Pillar breaking a plethora of blocks called voxels which will earn you credits. Credit isn’t too important initially and will come more into play with the roguelite elements that I will discuss later.

Another resource—the orange material scattered around—is uranite. Uranite offers far more value to players. Unlike credits, which the game collects automatically, you must haul uranite back to your base using the drillship’s magnetic field. You’ll spend this resource on upgrades in the tech tree, which I’ll cover a bit later.

As you travel up the Pillar, blue lights can be found. When uncovered, they will shoot a powerful laser down towards the previous light. These are path nodes, and the drill ship can actually travel along them to help speed up the process. When you pass over one, you can even further speed up the process by giving the ship a small boost. This can be done three times before it starts to cooldown. You can carry resources as you fast travel as well. However, make sure to keep a close hold of your resources. They can wedge themselves against walls when too many try to squeeze through a narrow passage. Sometimes they snap back into place after a moment, but other times they fall behind and force you to make a second trip.

Another resource that will need transported back to base are relics, the black cubes with gold lines. Every so often, players can come across gold lights connected by a dotted line on the surface of the Pillar. Players need to uncover all the lights and then are rewarded with a relic. Once delivered back to base, it will reward the player with a selection of a new defensive building to place. Again, this is something I will discuss later.

The last resource to discover are actually in the Pillar’s exterior. As you travel upwards, hallways of light appear leading to the outside. Once outside, the camera shifts to a closer perspective. The little miner gets out of the ship and can mine bricks with a hand-drill. A light blinks on their heads when they’re close to a data cube. You use these to unlock stronger upgrades in the tech trees. You can also solve a small light‑based puzzle on this platform. By guiding the beam of light towards a small structure, players can light it up, shooting a beam of light towards the sky. Players are then rewarded with a selection of a new upgrade. These include drill ship skills, extra resources or passive effects. Players will need to solve two of these puzzles in order to proceed to the next area of the Pillar.

The light puzzles are never insanely difficult, but they can get trickier. Different blocks can be rotated, moved, or hit in order to reveal a new path. The last thing to discover on some platforms are the surveillance dishes. These pick up the texts of other, or previous, employees. These help give a bit more to the lore of the game, though in my experience so far, nothing said is all that ground-breaking or mystery solving. I’d like to think that’s there’s a deeper a story, but I’m not sure if it’s fully fleshed out yet. What I do love is how this looks visually. You can really get a sense of the sheer monstrosity the size of the Pillar is, and seeing ones in the back really makes me wonder about the lore.

Though I love the idea of these outside platforms, I do think they feel somewhat like an after-thought. There’s a tech tree just for this section, but I’m not too sure why. In my first run, I made it to the final boss without buying a single upgrade in this tech tree. This might change with increased difficulty levels, but even then, it’s probably the last thing I would upgrade. I do like that players need to solve two of the light puzzles once they reach the height of an area in the Pillar, but this also makes it feel more like a chore rather than a fun little thing I’d want to do for a reward. In fact, I probably wouldn’t do them at all if it wasn’t for the rewards, as they are pretty beneficial during runs. I suppose, in the end, that’s the point.

Heading back inside the Pillar, after you solve the two light puzzles, the next area will unlock. Shortly after unlocking this area however, a boss battle will take place down on the surface. I’ll also discuss these in the next section, but for now, assuming you made it out alive, players can then freely explore the new biome. The Pillar can have a few different biomes, such as an ice-maze or a magma ‘explosive blocks’ type. Though the biomes change, the overall goals stay the same. It is important to note that the Pillar does not stretch to infinity and there is indeed a final boss.

Overall, besides the outside platform areas, I don’t really have much to critique when it comes to mining the Pillar. I think it’s a pretty easy to understand concept that works well. It’s a rinse and repeat idea of travelling up and down the Pillar, delivering uranite to the base and mining upwards. Admittedly, I’d probably even like this alone without the tower defense as a sort of tycoon game, but I do think the two work well together. Speaking of which, when the path nodes start flashing orange, that’s your signal that enemies are approaching the base. At this point, its probably a good idea to start heading back soon to defend.

Defending the Base

In the base, there are three main areas—tech trees, main weapon, and defense building. Arming the main weapon gives a wide view of outside the Pillar. Once the wave of enemies start, a dome barrier covers the base for protection and a thin red line can be seen. The main weapon is almost like a rifle or a rattling gun. It doesn’t need reloaded, but you have decreased accuracy the longer you fire. Short bursts are recommended to make all of your shots count, and they will probably need to initially as the weapon isn’t the most powerful. Different creatures come toward the base on the left or right side. They’re all black shadows with red eyes or appendages, but how they look isn’t all that important. What’s important is of course defending the base from their various attacks.

Some enemies walk towards you and shoot, some stay in the back and launch underground missiles. Some even fly and drop bombs or land directly on the dome. The white line on the ground indicates the dome’s health, with the same being true for the green line on the base (and I believe the red circle in the corner but honestly it was easier to use the green). I do wish the game offered a guidebook that explained what each enemy type does—and maybe fleshed out the lore—because there’s a surprising amount of variety. After you clear a wave, the red lights fade back to blue, and a sense of calm settles over the Pillar again.

To help you defend the base are various types of buildings. Again, these are mainly gained by finding relics in the Pillar. Defense buildings have various functions. Different turrets can target either ground or flying enemies, lasers can heat targets to make other attacks hit harder, and barriers can block incoming projectiles. You can upgrade all of these structures with uranite to boost their strength and effectiveness.

Another important aspect to consider for buildings and base defense is the weather. With a new biome, a new weather effect will occur. Players can see what this effect is before the weather actually occurs, so it will be useful to plan ahead. In the image above, a blizzard was occurring. This meant that any building that had movement (the turrets) froze and were inoperable. This also slows the enemies down, which makes it easier for me to shoot them myself. This idea of a negative for defense buildings and positive for hindering enemies seems to be pretty consistent across the weather types. I also really loved how the weathers looked in this game visually.

The last thing to help defend your base are the various upgrades to purchase in the tech trees. The tech trees can upgrade your main weapon’s fire power, speed and accuracy, while the shield tech tree improves the dome barrier’s strength. The drill ship tech tree improves the drill ship’s speed, laser power, and magnetic field size. Last but least (intentionally ‘not least’), the Operator tech tree improves the outside mining capabilities, such as higher sensor for data or stronger drill. These are the four tech trees that players start with. They require more uranite than they do data, but I was still able to max out a decent bit of upgrades in a playthrough. More tech trees are added with the roguelite purchases made between runs.

The last thing to discuss with defending the base are the boss battles. After unlocking a new area, the next wave you face will be a boss battle. On the initial difficulty, they’re pretty easy to take down. However, as the difficulty ramps up, they prove to be a tougher challenge. It is helpful to remember which attacks they will throw at you so that you can be prepared.

Overall, I thought that the tower defense aspects were fine. It’s perhaps not the most varied or stimulating of combats, as its mostly just moving your gun around and shooting, but the roguelite purchases help make things more interesting, whether this be with new base weapons or increased difficulties. I think strategic planning takes more of a focus with placing down defensive structures rather than all-out combat. Since enemies can’t destroy them, they stay reliable in most encounters outside of weather events. I still prefer the mining over the tower‑defense sections, but the defensive side isn’t poorly executed. If the game focused solely on tower defense, I probably wouldn’t stick with it; thankfully, the two systems complement each other well.

New Employee Roguelite

If you do perish while defending the base, ITER Corporation readily replaces you with a new employee at a new Pillar. As the new employee, your onboarding bonus is in the form of the previous employee’s credits. The credits are where the actual roguelite elements come into play. Players can spend credits to purchase upgrades across four different classes of operators—explorer, miner, technician, and trooper. Starting as an explorer, players will need to purchase up to a certain point on the other classes in order to unlock them. This will also unlock a new difficulty setting which increases the health of enemies.

Players can change their loadout as well. In this section, players are able to change their operator class, change the difficulty, and also change their secondary weapon and base device. I haven’t mentioned it yet, but during gameplay you’ll see two objectives listed in the top‑left corner. Completing them rewards you with a secondary weapon or a new base device. You can fire the secondary weapon alongside your main one, and each comes with its own unique effects. Base devices give powerful passive effects to your runs. You can only equip one secondary weapon and two base devices and will need to complete objectives in order to unlock more.

The last thing you can purchase here are simple decorations to style out your base and lobby area. These will require you to complete a certain number of runs first before you can purchase them. After you’ve made all your purchases, its time to head back out there and repeat the process once more.

Personally, I prefer a roguelite over a roguelike so I am glad that they went with this route. My second playthrough felt different than the first thanks to the things I’ve purchased in the lobby. I like that each new class introduces a new difficulty setting, and I appreciate that the game never forces you to change either one. You can play however you prefer, but it does leave me wondering what the larger purpose is. After you’ve made a few purchases, cleared some objectives, and completed a handful of successful runs, does an overarching goal finally reveal itself? I don’t want to harp on the game’s lore again, but if a bigger narrative exists, I imagine it has to tie into that larger goal somehow. One negative Steam review claims that the game ends in 6 hours but I’m still not sure what this “end” looks like.

Conclusion

Overall, I liked it. I had a fun time and can definitely see myself coming back to this one every so often. One full run took me around 2 hours to complete. For me, I probably won’t ever spend all day playing, but a run or two here and there certainly. Gameplay elements are simple and easy to understand, and therefore easy to pick-up and play any time. ITER-8 isn’t without flaws and could use with some more polishing and content, but I think what is here is pretty good. I’d happily recommend it to fans of the genre, especially to those who have played Dome Keeper before.

Speaking of Dome Keeper, as mentioned, a lot of the Steam reviews claim that this is basically the same game with small additions. I haven’t played Dome Keeper myself, but even if the two games share similarities, that shouldn’t push players away or count as a negative—and thankfully, not all the reviews that mention it treat it that way. I would encourage you to not just pass this off as a copy and instead try to view the game on its own. Watch a gameplay video to see how things are. Read more reviews like this beyond what’s on Steam. At the very least, maybe add this one to the Wishlist and watch out for content updates. I’m hoping that fluckyMachine continues to make improvements and builds on what already is a pretty decent game.

Thank you for reading my ITER Corporation announcement!

Review: Civilian 20L Backpack

Daniel Waite
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Review: Civilian 20L Backpack

The Civilian 20L Backpack from UAG mixes stunning style with incredible usability. Moreover, this spacious backpack is remarkably versatile. With mountains of pockets and a durable design, it is built to be functional, rugged, and great to look at.

Everything about this backpack is fantastic. The stitching and zips feel strong and built to last. Furthermore, the zips are incredibly easy to handle. Forget those cheap, flimsy things that catch the internal material. Instead, this backpack opens and closes with ease. 

Alongside this, if you pack for an apocalyptic event, this bag will suffice. It has so many compartments, you’ll not know what to do with them all. In short, this packs a huge punch for a 20L capacity bag. 

Technical aspects of the Civilian 20L Backpack. 

I’m based in the UK, so many of our low-cost airlines are extremely strict about hand luggage sizing. However, if you have more generous providers, this would be an exceptional option as a carry-on. The quick access pockets and hidden compartments are ideal for commuting and aviation. Furthermore, the ability to safely transport an up to 16″ laptop reduces luggage.

I’m a little forgetful, and I’ve been known to misplace my bag many times. This is an unfortunate security risk, and losing my belongings is somewhat jarring. Thankfully, the Civilian 20L Backpack is AirTag ready. This makes this the perfect option for wayward individuals or parents who wish to track their children’s belongings.

If you want a lightweight bag for your daily commute, this stylish backpack is the ideal option. It weighs under 1kg. Additionally, it is only 18.9″ long. Consequently, you won’t look like a turtle with a huge shell on your back.

Build quality. 

Commuters and outdoors types will adore the build quality. The Civilian 20L Backpack comes in 3 colours. I’m reviewing the midnight camo, but there is a black with burnt orange accent, and a green alternative. The midnight camo blends deep blacks with greys for an authentic camouflage finish. This isn’t too in your face, so it’ll appeal to those who love to be discreet.

This bag is extremely comfortable to wear and handle. The padded straps cushion the bag whilst carrying it. Furthermore, the lightweight mesh helps to keep sweat away from your back. This reduces moisture from impacting your clothing and the backpack.

The YKK zippers are a trusted and exceptional product. Every zip uses one of these zippers, and it makes the pockets a joy to use. Even when I packed the bag full, the zipper worked with ease. This was unbelievably reassuring, and I felt confident that the bag wouldn’t fail me.

Is the Civilian 20L Backpack worth it?

Buying the right backpack is a very personal experience. It has to be the right weight, size, and look. Moreover, it has to be right for the job at hand. The Civilian 20L Backpack is extremely versatile. It isn’t heavy, and the choice of pockets was impressive. Alongside this, every aspect is built to last. Therefore, I think it’s an incredible product, and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on UAG can be found here!)

The Civilian 20L Backpack has been awarded a Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: Civilian Shock Laptop Sleeve

Daniel Waite
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Review: Civilian Shock Laptop Sleeve

It’s rare when you can combine eye-catching build quality with reliable and useful tech. UAG delivers this approach every day. Their incredible products are designed to keep your high-end tech safe. Whether it’s a VR headset, a laptop, a tablet, or your work gear, their products are some of the best available. Today, I’m looking at the Civilian Shock Laptop Sleeve. It is durable, comfortable to use, and spacious.

This fantastic laptop sleeve is designed for up to 16″ laptops. There is an internal pocket to store cables or a notepad. Furthermore, there is a rugged handle to help you carry your device safely. In short, this stunning case is exactly what your laptop deserves. 

Technical aspects of the Civilian Shock Laptop Sleeve. 

Are you a little clumsy and inadvertently drop your tech all day, every day? If the answer is yes, you’ll be fed up with damaging your expensive products when you are at work or commuting between places. Thankfully, the Civilian Shock Laptop Sleeve is designed to withstand some huge impacts.

This laptop sleeve uses wear-resistant materials that meet military-grade protection! This is mind-blowing for the everyday person. Military-grade protection for those who work in an office or in the transport industry. This is a game-changer, as you know, your tech will bounce when it is in the case.

I didn’t want to push my luck, but I tested the strength with an old laptop. I got to around 3.5 metres, and the laptop remained unscathed. Yes, the case had a few scratch marks, but it held up remarkably well. 

Build quality. 

This up to 16″ laptop sleeve is deceptively spacious. I placed my 16″ laptop inside, and there was still ample room. You may be concerned about your device moving. However, you shouldn’t. The sleeve holds your laptop in place to reduce unwanted movement. 

There is an internal pocket to store your charging cable and any other slim items. If you have a dated charging cable, you may need to store it separately. I found the internal pocket to be durable and extremely useful. Moreover, as long as you don’t overload it, the Civilian Shock Laptop Sleeve comfortably retains its shape. 

The zip and handle are chunky, strong, and easy to use. Whether you hold it by the body or the handle, you won’t be disappointed. The padded handle feels comfortable, and it will not rub your hands. Furthermore, the heat-moulded EVA material is durable and pleasant to hold.

Is the Civilian Shock Laptop Sleeve worth it?

Anything that keeps your tech safe is a valuable investment. The Civilian Shock Laptop Sleeve takes things to the next level! The rugged design is perfect if you are clumsy. Moreover, the grey colourway and defined style are perfect if you want a headturner. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here!

(More information on UAG can be found here!)

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

Review: TRIBIT PocketGo

Daniel Waite
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Review: TRIBIT PocketGo

The TRIBIT PocketGo is a device that defies its compact size. I’ve tried and tested many Bluetooth speakers, and I haven’t seen one that is this small, but impressively mighty. The 7W output delivers a hearty range of tones that does not disappoint. Moreover, it has a pleasant bass for a rounded audio experience.

On top of the decent audio profile is an easy-to-use app to adjust your settings. Furthermore, it has Bluetooth 6.0, a 20-hour battery life, and it can be synced with another TRIBIT PocketGo for stereo sound. If this isn’t enough, it can float in water and resist dust and beach sand. Consequently, it sounds great, and it is one tough cookie!

What’s in the box of the TRIBIT PocketGo?

  • The packaging is tiny and colourful. Additionally, it highlights every technical aspect, and it can be recycled.
  • The TRIBIT PocketGo is brilliantly compact. It is available in several colours, and I opted for the professional black option. There is a handy carrying loop, rubberised buttons, and a rubber cover to protect the charging and TF-Card input slot.
  • Charge the speaker with the USB-C cable.
  • Learn the basics with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

If you want to bring energy to any party, you need the music to be jumping. This can be achieved easily if you have a massive and stupidly expensive sound system. However, this isn’t a reasonable solution for most people. Therefore, a compact and affordable device like the TRIBIT PocketGo is more realistic. This tiny device packs an almighty punch with its stable and strong Bluetooth 6.0 connection. The speaker can be connected to another speaker before connecting it to any compatible device. This offers true stereo audio without breaking the bank.

Alongside this, the battery life is a few hours short of a day’s usage. This was fantastic, as most people can’t party for that long. Subsequently, this offers enough juice to keep you going. If you do run out of power, the quick charging facility has you back in the game in no time.

If you wish to use a memory card for convenience, this can be done with ease. The device accepts up to 512 GB cards for all of your music needs. If you decide that you want to use Bluetooth as well, you can switch between settings in less than a second.

I’m not one for playing with settings, but if you love to boost your bass or change things up, the free-to-download app has 6 preset EQ modes. Alternatively, you can push custom settings to match the song or your needs. 

Audio quality.

The TRIBIT PocketGo doesn’t offer the power of some other Bluetooth speakers. However, it is much smaller and easier to handle. Therefore, it gets some leeway for its convenient and robust design.

The sound quality was impressive when you consider the price point and compact size. Additionally, the 7W speaker was great when linked with another device. However, I mainly used this as a standalone device, and I wasn’t disappointed. The audio was never tinny, and each tonal range and bass line could be identified with ease. I never experienced any crackling or failings, no matter how hard I pushed the volume levels. Therefore, it is the perfect party option when you want to travel light.

Finally, if you have your phone connected to the speaker, you can take phone calls. Now, this wasn’t something I needed, but in testing, it worked pretty well. I was told that the audio was clear and there were no echoed voices or broken words. 

Build quality.

I love the design of the TRIBIT PocketGo. The combination of rubber edges and coarse textile materials was fantastic. The textile loop is handy if you wish to attach it to your bag or swing it on your fingers. Either way, it makes it easy to keep it safe.

If you were to drop the speaker, you need not worry. It is designed to be rugged for those who love the great outdoors. The IP68 rating highlights this mindset as the device is waterproof, and it floats on water. Therefore, it is ideal if you are camping or you are at a festival.

4 rubber feet keep the speaker from jumping and moving on hard and smooth surfaces. If you love bass-heavy tracks, you may worry that it’ll walk itself off your table and onto the floor. Thankfully, this won’t happen thanks to the friction-inducing feet.

Is the TRIBIT PocketGo worth it?

Getting a compact Bluetooth speaker that doesn’t compromise build and audio quality isn’t that common. Thankfully, the TRIBIT PocketGo is stylish, robust, and easy to use. Moreover, it is impressively affordable and versatile. Do you need a speaker that can take phone calls? If the answer is yes, this’ll tick that box. Do you want something that’ll survive a swimming pool accident? Again, if the answer is yes, it is time to invest. Either way, this Bluetooth speaker is great, and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on TRIBIT can be found here!)

The TRIBIT PocketGo has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Reivew: Fallout Cable Guys Phone Stands

Daniel Waite
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Reivew: Fallout Cable Guys Phone Stands

EXG and Cable Guys make some of the best gaming accessories around. I have looked at many of their products and enjoyed my time reviewing Flash the Sloth recently. Accordingly, when I was offered not 1, but 2 of their Fallout Cable Guys Phone Stands, I couldn’t resist. These compact little fellas are great to look at. Moreover, they embody the video game’s wit while adding some colour to your bedside table or workstation.

I have the Toughness Vault Boy and Big Leagues Vault Boy phone stands to compare. These small, mobile-only options are going to bring a smile to your face. Furthermore, they are perfect if you adore the TV series or the computer game. I love both, so both will take pride of place within my gaming area. Despite my kids having never seen or played Fallout, they desperately wanted to get their hands on either character. Being the mature adult, I told them where to go and kept them for myself. After all, that’s what being a grown-up is all about.

Technical aspects of the Fallout Cable Guys Phone Stand.

The Fallout Cable Guys Phone Stands are approximately 4 inches tall. This may not sound all that big, but they comfortably hold your phone, earbuds, or any small gadgets. Additionally, the large base helps to keep the stand upright. This was perfect as no one wants their expensive phone or upmarket earbuds ruined.

I don’t need my accessories to be an official product, but it’s nice when it happens. This item is officially licensed by Bethesda. Therefore, you know that it is going to be top quality. Both figurines are designed to replicate each Vault Boy from Fallout. The likeness is uncanny, and I love the attention to detail. If you are not familiar with the franchise, you can still enjoy the vibrant design. Yet, I feel that lovers of the game will fall over themselves to get a mini Cable Guys phone holder on their desk.

Build quality.

The build quality of the Fallout Cable Guys Phone Stand is fantastic! The hardened plastic withstands many knocks and bumps. Although it isn’t bomb proof, it can be played with, and the colours will not fade. Furthermore, the little details, such as the baseball bat and the superhero cape, are a nod to the gaming franchise.

Each figurine has a pleasant weight, and the balance is just right. The large base is sturdy, and there is no risk that the feet and the base will become detached. My phone is reasonably heavy, and I had no issues when using the phone stand. Therefore, you could place your mobile device on the stand and take a video call or enjoy streaming videos without concern.

Are the Fallout Cable Guys Phone Stands worth it?

Whenever anything is officially licensed, you expect the price to go through the roof. Luckily, each of these mini stands is available for under £15. This is extremely good value when you consider the vibrant colours, fun design, and durable approach. Moreover, the smile-inducing ideas will bring you joy whenever you play games or work at your desk. Consequently, I think they are a great investment, and you should buy yours here!

(More information on Cable Guys can be found here!)

The Fallout Cable Guys Phone Stands have been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Preview: Fallen Tear: The Ascension

Josh Blackburn
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Preview: Fallen Tear: The Ascension

Fallen Tear: The Ascension, Winter Crew Studios’ new Early Access magnum opus, feels like a Metroidvania greatest hits album. I generally consider it bad form to talk about a game by comparing it to another, but I’m struggling in this case. When I look at the visuals and listen to the soundtrack, I get echoes of the Ori games. When I complete a tough platforming section and get rewarded with a useful collectible, I’m mentally back with Hollow Knight. I don’t mean this as a negative, either. Quite the opposite in fact.

After bouncing straight off of Silksong, and its strange way of handling exploration, I was ready for a game that encouraged me to poke around in the corners. That’s not to say that Fallen Tear lacks an identity of its own though. Even in the small fragment of the game available on Early Access, it’s clear it has its own ideas. That said, this is undoubtedly an early build. There’s some roughness, and a few songs on the album that feel far weaker than others.

Fallen Tear: The Ascension

Hunter Gatherer

Fallen Tear‘s opening plot runs along familiar lines. A once peaceful world is getting ravaged by the ‘Corruption’, which is threatening to tear it apart. Meanwhile, a young lad called Hira is on his first quest to become a full fledged hunter. He defeats a big beastie, then meets up with his brother. His brother tells him that he’ll always have his back, seconds before demons start flying in from off screen. It’s perfectly comically timed. Hira’s village is destroyed, he blacks out and when he wakes up, everyone is giving him the side-eye. It’s a generic plot, but I’ll harp on that more later.

Instead, let’s look at what would undoubtedly be the opening track: the graphics. Fallen Tear is very proud of its hand-drawn look and it bloody well should be. It’s stunning. Everything is bright and colourful, different biomes feel very different and there are bespoke animations everywhere. Enemy variety is nice too. I only noticed a couple of small palette swaps. It’s to the point that having basic enemies be woodland creatures feels almost kind of cruel. Like we’re slicing our way through the cast of Animals of Farthing Wood. Either way, it’s fantastic at pulling you in from first glance.

Gameplay is good, too. Movement feels very tight, so jumping puzzles feel fair. Melee combat is quick and responsive. Blows feel a little light, but there are guard break and weak spot mechanics that feel nice. Exploration is great, too. The map is wonderfully big, even in Early Access, and exploring its corners is rewarded well. Whenever I was stuck, I reliably had three other routes still to explore. Boss fights are generally a highlight too. Especially the big sewage snake (or Leviatron if you want to be fancy).

Fallen Tear: The Ascension

The B-Sides

Fallen Tear introduces a couple of new mechanics into the formula. Stat progression is very non-linear, for example. You do have basic stat advances from finding secrets, but new skills are learned by taking on hunt contracts and killing mini-bosses. It’s a great way to reward your fighting prowess. You also have ‘fated bonds’, which are NPCs that you meet in the world. After doing a short quest, they join you. They give you access to new active skills, as well as giving you passive buffs. They also join your home base, allowing you to upgrade health and so on.

It’s a nice touch, feeling very natural and allowing you to swap out your build as you go. The characters in the EA version are nicely rounded, but feel a little underexplored so far. The writing in general needs a stronger presence I feel. The bare bones and fairly generic plot means we need to focus on the characters. But they rarely chat beyond a few lines. Hira himself feels very bland at the moment, with his lines being pretty flat. We need an excuse to gather folks around a campfire and have a proper chat. Otherwise, we’re just going to be staying at the level of co-workers.

I’ve a few other nitpicks that are undoubtedly down to the early build. Here’s a quick list. There’s an overlong boating animation that you can’t skip, and serves no purpose. Sometimes there are platforms in the background that look like they are in the foreground, making platforming a little odd at times. Hira will sometimes stop dead because the terrain rises a tiny bit, most egregiously when you’re trying to step on buttons when escaping a bandit HQ. Lastly, there were a few visual bugs. Hira decided he wanted to stand at a forty-five degree angle for a while, which was impressive.

Fallen Tear: The Ascension

Fallen Tear: The Ascension – Very Promising

There might also be a balance issue, but it’s hard to tell in Early Access. Everything was fine until I hit the water area and met shielded guys and spear throwers, who could take off my health with a couple of swings. Fallen Tear doesn’t let you heal much, unless you can absorb healing blobs from dead enemies, so a big swing can ruin your day. I didn’t finish all the EA content, because one of the last bosses kept slicing me up in three hits. I’d normally go off to other areas, but I’d explored ’em all.

Still, that definitely leaves me wanting to listen to the full album once Fallen Tear is out. It’s reminiscent of a lot of the big boys in the genre but, crucially, never feels like a hollow re-tread. It brings in enough mechanics, and dedicates itself to non-linearity enough, that it’s already standing on its own two feet. It just needs to iron out some of its issues and, with any luck, put in a bit more character focus. If you treat the EA as a fairly chunky demo, then you’ll have fun with it. I’ll certainly be back once it’s out for good.

(Fallen Tear: The Ascension‘s Steam Page)

Please note: a Steam key was provided for this preview.

Review: MindsEye

Daniel Waite
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Review: MindsEye

Boy, oh boy, am I glad I missed MindsEye in 2025. It got hammered for its issues, lack of focus, and many other core elements. In short, it fell way short of its triple-A dreams. However, now the dust has settled, and the developer has had a chance to reflect on their errors, is this a game that should be tackled? Alternatively, is it destined to be chucked on the rubbish heap forevermore? I’m thinking option A, as there are lofty plans for DLC later this year. Therefore, the player base must be keen for more depth, a bigger world, and new ideas.

This action-adventure title was developed by Build a Rocket Boy and published by IOI Partners A/S. It is a single-player third-person game that utilises cinematic cutscenes and “360-era” over-the-shoulder shooting mechanics. In short, it blends much-loved and dated mechanics with a modern element and a cyberpunk edge. Accordingly, it packs a lot in, and I can see why many people were hyped about its potential.

MindsEye delivers a compelling but short plot.

You play the role of Jacob Diaz. This former elite soldier is suffering from amnesia. Sadly, his implant doesn’t seem to be functioning correctly, and his fractured memories are enough to drive him to distraction. On top of this, Redrock is a dangerous desert city that is filled with rogue AI, corporate greed, and a cold and callous robot police force. Subsequently, the odds are against the hero as he searches for Hunter Morrison to expose a deep and troubling conspiracy.

The storytelling, cinematic, and central plot are fantastic. With incredible acting, well-balanced missions, and a clear purpose to move you from one element to another, you will enjoy the progress and the many twists and turns. Like Mafia, the large city acts as an inviting but cruel backdrop to many of the missions. Additionally, the reworked AI creates a sense of realism as you freely move from each location.

An array of interesting mechanics.

MindsEye has an array of fun and interesting core concepts to appeal to a large audience. Hacking, drones, and your implant work in harmony with the Mindseye implant. Here you can use your drone to highlight threats and overcome security risks. This is taken one step further when combat support is a must. Your robot companion can stun enemies or hack robots to create a deadly partner. Finally, there is an upgrade system that allows you to focus your pathway and improve your technical prowess.

If you are more hands-on, you’ll enjoy a large arsenal of vehicles to drive, chases to complete, and the option to freely roam the oppressive city. The developer describes these encounters as high octane, and I can’t disagree. The driving element is fun and full of surprises. Moreover, once you unlock the free roam option, it is an essential tool to explore the never-ending streets.

Combat is a key element as you take down an array of goons. This focuses on cover and shoot, rather than run and gun. The over-the-shoulder shooting mechanics were somewhat dated, but they are nicely balanced and perfect for a more tactical mindset. Mindseye delivers a large arsenal of weapons to play with. You get to enjoy the normal pistols, machine guns, and sniper rifles, but it is the exotic and laser-powered weapons that win you over.

MindsEye is a game of beauty and the beast.

MindsEye is a stunning game with incredible cinematic and a beautiful city to explore. However, I cannot ignore the glitches, bugs, and frame rate drops. Despite the patches and the hard work from the developer, it suffers from an array of unfortunate issues. I believe that these problems will be ironed out as this version of the game is a million times better than the 2025 release.

The audio is divine! I love the acting, the soundtrack, and the brilliant sound effects. Furthermore, the ambient sounds work perfectly, and the city feels alive and vibrant. Yes, there are a few wayward sounds to match the odd visual glitch, but it is mostly a flawless performance with some incredible cinematic.

Tight controls.

I have to applaud the team for their exceptional driving mechanics. The vehicles handle beautifully, and I adored the free roam mode much more as a consequence. Despite the old-school shooting mechanics, the combat is smooth, and I like how the drone tech and fighting elements go hand-in-hand.

If you are an Xbox player, you will not have access to the level editor. This is understandable as PC power is needed for the assets and to create every custom-made stage. However, console players can tackle community-made missions and an array of additional content every month. This is fantastic as it’ll keep people coming back for more.

MindsEye is a vast improvement.

2025 MindsEye deserved the hammering it received. In short, it was terrible. However, the 2026 Phoenix-from-the-ashes revamp is much better. Yes, it still has its problems, but many large and exciting games sit in the same boat. The difference with this IP is the hardworking developers who wish to rectify their mistakes. Accordingly, I think it is good, and I recommend buying it here! Can you piece together your fractured mind? Master your drone, pick your weapon and your vehicle, and smash that conspiracy theory into the dirt.

Review: Cubic Figures

Daniel Waite
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Review: Cubic Figures

Cubic Figures is a change of tone for developer DillyFrameGames. I’ve played every game in their Bunny Series, and I’ve enjoyed the cartoonish, amusing nature of each one. However, this latest problem-solving experience takes a more stylish and refined approach. This will appeal to lovers of clean visuals and casual gaming. Yet, if you are expecting larger-than-life characters, you will be disappointed.

DelustiGames published this minimalist puzzle game. It is a single-player experience that reminded me of Tetris. The familiar elements have little to do with gameplay, but more with the shapes you have to manipulate to complete each level. Subsequently, you’ll need good spatial awareness and problem-solving skills to make it through every stage.

Cubic Figures wants the puzzles to do the talking. 

I’d have been amazed if Cubic Figures somehow created a story to complement the action. It would have been an unnecessary and impressive feat. Instead, gamers are left without a plot as they work through every shape-twisting problem. 

The core ideas are pretty simple to follow. There is an array of easy, medium, and hard puzzles to overcome. First, you must work your way through the easy stuff until you get to the larger and more complex stages. Here, you’ll be pushed to your limits as the challenging puzzle and seemingly never-ending puzzle pieces test your resolve. 

I found some of the levels ridiculously easy, but on the flip side, my brain couldn’t compute the solution to other stages. Thankfully, this wasn’t a problem with the handy hint system. If you get stuck, and you will, you can pull up the solution and forget you were ever stuck. This may seem like cheating, but who cares? The hint system keeps things balanced while preventing you from quitting when the going gets tough. 

Cubic Figures is a neon-infused blast. 

I adore clean visuals and RGB. Therefore, I was always going to be a fan of Cubic Figures’ neon-infused madness. The clean lines, easy-to-follow shapes, and simple puzzle outlines help you to visualise and work through every step. 

The audio has a ghostly, futuristic edge that is neither exciting nor sombre. Its nondescript design works perfectly with the industrial and symmetrical approach. Although the audio isn’t memorable, I enjoyed it regardless. 

Mastered in minutes. 

I wasn’t surprised by the basic control system. Picking up and twisting shapes will not test your gaming prowess. However, it could have been messy had the controls been awful. Therefore, the developer has done a great job. 

Replay value is limited to those who wish to complete every puzzle. If you are a completionist, you’ll have to overcome 100 problems before you can tick this off. Consequently, it will consume your day if you wish to finish it. 

Cubic Figures is good, but it won’t blow you away. 

Cubic Figures is a fine and fun puzzle experience. However, it doesn’t rewrite the script. Although I enjoyed many elements, it lacks originality. This isn’t a problem if you want a casual title that guarantees that you test your brain. Yet, if you want something new, you may be left wanting. Accordingly, I enjoyed it despite its familiar ways, and I recommend buying it here! Do you have the ability to finish every puzzle? Grab the pieces, think steps ahead, and bring every image to life. 

Review: Nova Drift

Natosha M
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Review: Nova Drift

If you’ve ever wanted to pilot a spaceship that feels less like a clunky machine and more like a graceful deep-sea creature, you’re in for a treat. Nova Drift is a vibrant, neon-soaked journey that turns the void of space into a playground for your imagination. It’s the kind of game that doesn’t just ask you to shoot at things, but it invites you to evolve, experiment, and eventually become a cosmic force of nature.

Here is why this game has captured the hearts of so many players and even myself, who is always looking for a bit of magic in their gaming sessions.

The Art of the Drift

The first thing you’ll notice is how the game feels. Unlike most shooters where you move rigidly, your ship here has weight and momentum. You apply thrust and then you drift. It’s a rhythmic, flowing style of movement that feels like skating on glass.

At first, you might find yourself wobbling through asteroid fields, but once it “clicks,” it is incredibly satisfying. You aren’t just dodging projectiles; you’re weaving through them with an elegance that makes every narrow escape feel like a choreographed dance. It turns the challenge of survival into something truly joyful.

A Sandbox of Endless Evolution

The real star of the show is the upgrade system. Nova Drift doesn’t just give you a bigger gun; it lets you rewrite the DNA of your ship. Every time you level up, you’re presented with a handful of “mods” that can completely change how you play.

Because there are thousands of potential combinations, you never truly play the same game twice. You might start a session thinking you’ll be a sturdy tank, only to find a mod that lets you grow a long, segmented tail like a mechanical serpent. Suddenly, you’re circling enemies and crushing them with your body instead of firing a single shot.

You can become:

  • A Drone Commander: Sitting back while a loyal fleet of tiny robots does the heavy lifting.
  • A Solar Flare: Turning your own shield into a burning sun that scorches anything that gets too close.
  • A Teleporting Ghost: Vanishing in a puff of smoke only to reappear behind your foes.

The game encourages “happy accidents.” You might pick an upgrade on a whim and discover a synergy that turns your ship into a beautiful, screen-clearing firework display.

The Beauty of the Challenge

The universe of Nova Drift is alive with strange, bio-mechanical enemies that grow more complex as you do. You’ll encounter massive boss ships that require you to think on your feet and adapt your build mid-run.

What makes the challenge so enjoyable is that it never feels mean-spirited. When a run ends, you aren’t frustrated; you’re inspired. You’ll find yourself thinking, “Oh! If I combine that lightning mod with those homing missiles next time, I bet I could go even further!” It turns every “game over” into a “let’s try something new.”

A Symphony for the Senses

It’s impossible to talk about this game without mentioning the vibes. The visuals are a stunning mix of minimalist geometry and explosive neon colors. When the action reaches its peak, the screen becomes a glowing tapestry of light that is genuinely pretty to look at.

Accompanying your flight is a pulsing soundtrack that perfectly matches the flow of combat. It builds as the intensity rises, making you feel completely immersed in your journey across the stars.

Final Thoughts: The Highs and Lows

To give you a fully honest look at the experience, it’s worth noting that even the most beautiful galaxy has a few rough patches.

The High Points: The sheer creativity is unmatched. It feels wonderful to discover a “Super Mod” that transforms your ship in a way you didn’t think was possible. Because the runs are relatively short (usually around 20 minutes), it’s easy to jump in for a quick session without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a game that truly rewards “going with the flow” and seeing where the upgrades take you. And once you’ve got a few runs under your belt, you’ll unlock extra challenging modes that keep the gameplay even more entertaining.

The Challenges: On the flip side, that signature “drift” can be a double-sided coin. For some, the floaty controls are a bit of a hurdle and can lead to some accidental bumps into asteroids. Additionally, once you reach the very late stages of a run (where things get truly chaotic), the difficulty can spike quite sharply. You might feel like you’ve hit a “wall” where enemies become much faster than your ship can keep up with.

The Verdict: Ultimately, Nova Drift is a rare find. It’s a “premium” experience with no distracting ads or hidden “energy bars.” It respects your curiosity and rewards you for asking, “I wonder what happens if I try this?” Whether you have five minutes to spare or an entire afternoon, it offers a peaceful yet thrilling escape into a galaxy where you are the architect of your own destiny.

Review: S1 Ultra dual dash cam

Daniel Waite
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Review: S1 Ultra dual dash cam

Miofive produces some of the best dash cams for the global market. Their technology has protected millions of cars globally. Accordingly, it is always a pleasure to review their products. I’ve looked at many of their market-leading products, but today, I get to tackle their flagship model. The S1 Ultra dual dash cam is the epitome of car protection tech.

This awesome device offers 2 4K cameras, 24-hour parking protection (with a separate piece of hardware), Crystal clear footage, night vision, and much, much more. In short, if you love your car or van, and you want to protect yourself from false claims, this is the camera to buy.

What’s in the box of the S1 Ultra dual dash cam?

  • The packaging is remarkably compact. Furthermore, it has a professional appearance, it is robust and can be recycled. 
  • The S1 Ultra dual dash cam is an impressive package. The 2 cameras are durable and easy to handle. Furthermore, despite the high-end tech, they are easy to use. 
  • Mounts, wires, and a prying tool are provided. 
  • Learn the basics with the user guide. 

Technical aspects. 

The S1 Ultra dual dash cam has plenty of impressive tech to talk about. However, I’m going to start with the easiest element. The camera includes a 64 GB microSD card in the box. This will store your day-to-day footage or any elements you have clipped from your journey. If you don’t think this is enough, you can purchase a 512 GB card. I’d highly recommend a high-speed card to cope with the frame rate and 4k recording.

Both front and back cameras offer 3840×2160 true 4k resolution. This is unbelievably impressive and a game-changer when you are watching footage back. The wide viewing angle ensures that more of your vehicle is covered in one shot. This reduces blind spots while enhancing your protection.

This camera offers AI functionality for driver fatigue, hazardous driving, and speed cameras. I’m not one to speed, and I like to think I’m pretty alert, but mistakes happen, and this was an incredibly handy, but occasionally intrusive element.

Miofive app. 

If you’re a bit of a technophobe, a high-end camera may seem a bit overwhelming. Luckily, QR codes, a simple-to-use app, and 5GHz Wi-Fi deliver user-friendly results that are a joy to experience. Setting the camera and the app up takes a little bit of time, but the step-by-step guide takes away the guesswork.

The app is a wonderful mixture of editing, maintenance, and adjustable settings. Furthermore, once you are in range of the camera, you’ll be alerted to anything you have missed. This is the perfect opportunity to identify if there have been any incidents while away from your vehicle.

Night vision. 

Miofive’s super night vision is mind-blowing. The wide f/1.8 aperture allows more light in during low-light scenarios. This improves the clarity of recordings while handling headlight glare with ease. When paired with the impressive 8MP Sony sensor, you’ll pick out reg plates and facial details with ease.

In testing, the S1 Ultra dual dash cam lived up to the hype. I looked at footage from rainy evenings and foggy mornings. Furthermore, there were full beams, high-powered lights, and everything in between. No matter what was thrown at it, I could capture enough detail to positively identify any passing vehicle or person.

Build quality. 

In many ways, durability isn’t a key feature that many look at. After all, the dash cam is housed within your car. Yet, the S1 Ultra dual dash cam defies this mindset. Both cameras are extremely well built, and mounting them was a breeze. The tactile parts are robust, and handling them was a walk in the park. Moreover, the cable management was simple, but keeping things tidy took a little effort.

The camera lenses are well protected, and the rear screen resists harsh prodding and poking. The responsive displays are vibrant, and the camera is designed to withstand some knocks and bumps. I admit I dropped the camera several times, and it survived unscathed. I wouldn’t recommend trying this, but I was impressed by the build quality.

Is the S1 Ultra dual dash cam worth it?

We all know that driving is a tricky and dangerous business. People break the law, and accidents happen regularly. Therefore, being a step ahead of the game is a must. This camera offers market leading 4k recording and exceptional low-light performance. Moreover, it is easy to install and a cinch to use. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here!

(More information on Miofive can be found here!)

The S1 Ultra dual dash cam from Miofive has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Top Features to Look for in Modern Pool Cleaning Tools

Christopher John
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Top Features to Look for in Modern Pool Cleaning Tools

Owning a swimming pool is the ultimate backyard dream for most people, but let’s be honest: the maintenance can quickly turn that dream into a massive headache. If you don’t have the right equipment, you spend more time skimming and scrubbing than you do actually swimming. Luckily, the technology we use to keep water crystal clear has made some huge leaps lately. We’ve moved far beyond those clunky old suction hoses and toward truly intelligent, autonomous systems.

When you’re shopping for a new solution today, it’s not just about finding something that sucks up leaves. You want a tool that uses smart navigation, advanced filtration, and independent power to keep your pool spotless with almost zero work from you. Understanding these next-generation features will help you pick a system that actually saves you time and protects your investment for years to come.

1.Intelligent Navigation and Precision Mapping

The biggest change in modern pool care is the move away from “random” cleaning. Older models used to wander the pool floor aimlessly, which meant they often missed huge patches of dirt and wasted energy cleaning the same spot twice. Today’s high-end systems use onboard sensors—like gyroscopes and accelerometers—to actually map out the shape and size of your pool.

This allows the machine to figure out the most efficient path possible. It ensures that every square inch of the floor, the walls, and even the waterline gets hit in a single cycle. Some of the best models even use sonar or lasers to spot obstacles like ladders and drains so they don’t get stuck. This level of precision is what really defines the best pool cleaner on the market right now. It’s no longer just a vacuum; it’s a smart partner that knows your pool better than you do.

2.Comprehensive Multi-Surface Cleaning Capabilities

A pool is a lot more than just its floor. Silt and dirt love to settle in the corners, while oils and sunscreen tend to build up right at the waterline, leaving behind those ugly “scum lines.” When you’re looking at new tools, you need to make sure they can handle the whole pool. This means the machine needs to be able to climb vertical walls and scrub the tiles at the top.

To do this effectively, the equipment needs serious traction and suction power. Look for specialized treads or high-grip wheels that let the machine stay stuck to the wall even when it’s partially out of the water. Active scrubbing brushes—the kind that spin faster than the device actually moves—are also a must. They lift up stubborn algae and grime that a simple vacuum would just roll over. A tool that only cleans the floor only does half the work, so prioritizing full-surface coverage is key if you want a truly low-maintenance life.

3.Sophisticated Multi-Layer Filtration Systems

At the end of the day, a cleaner is only as good as its filter. A lot of entry-level models use a basic mesh bag that catches leaves but lets fine sand, silt, and algae spores pass right back into the water. If you want that “bottled water” level of clarity, you need a system with multi-layer filtration. This usually means having a coarse filter for the big stuff and an ultra-fine filter for the microscopic particles.

Some of the newest systems even offer filters that can “polish” the water to a high shine. I’d also suggest looking for top-loading filter baskets. They are much easier to pull out and rinse than those old bottom-loading bags that require you to flip the whole machine over. By catching the fine debris before it ever gets to your main pool filter, these devices actually help your expensive plumbing equipment last much longer.

4.The Choice Between Corded and Cordless Portability

There’s a big debate right now in pool care: do you go with a corded or a cordless model? Corded cleaners give you continuous power, which is great if you have a massive pool or if you need to do a deep, multi-hour cleaning session. Modern versions usually come with swivel cables to stop them from tangling, which used to be a huge frustration.

However, cordless, battery-powered models have exploded in popularity because they are just so easy to use. Without a tether, these machines can reach every corner of a weirdly shaped pool without getting stuck. Battery technology has come a long way, and most of these units can clean a standard backyard pool several times on a single charge. For a lot of people, the simple convenience of dropping a cordless unit into the water and walking away is the ultimate time-saver.

5.Smart Connectivity and Remote Management

In 2026, we expect to be able to check on everything from our phones, and pool cleaners are no different. Many advanced models now feature Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Through an app, you can start a cleaning cycle while you’re at the office, set a weekly schedule, or get a notification when the filter basket is full and needs a rinse.

Some systems even let you use your phone like a remote control to guide the cleaner to a specific spot that needs extra attention. This kind of connectivity ensures your pool is always “guest-ready,” even if you’ve had a crazy busy week and haven’t looked at the yard once. Plus, getting historical reports on your pool’s health and water temperature is a nice bonus for keeping things running smoothly.

6.Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Operation

With utility costs going up, energy efficiency is more than just a buzzword. Modern robotic cleaners are great because they run on low voltage and are completely independent of your pool’s main pump. This means you don’t have to run your big, energy-hungry filtration pump just to get the floor clean. In fact, using an autonomous cleaner can cut the energy used for pool maintenance by up to ninety percent compared to those old pressure-side systems.

This focus on efficiency really should extend to the rest of your yard, too. For instance, a well-managed irrigation systemcan save you a ton of water and electricity by using weather data to adjust your watering cycles. When your pool care and your garden are both running efficiently, you’re building a sustainable backyard that is much easier on your wallet.

7.Durable Construction and Long-Term Reliability

Finally, don’t overlook the build quality. A pool is a pretty harsh environment. Your equipment is constantly being hit by UV rays and strong chemicals like chlorine or salt. You want a tool made from high-grade, UV-resistant plastics and stainless steel parts. A solid warranty is usually a good sign that the manufacturer trusts their product to last. Small features like “quick-drain” systems, which let water dump out fast as you lift the unit, are also great—they prevent strain on the motors and save your back from lifting a heavy, water-logged machine.

8.Conclusion

Investing in modern pool cleaning tech is about more than just clear water; it’s about getting your free time back. By looking for features like smart mapping, waterline scrubbing, and top-tier filtration, you can find a solution that actually works for your specific yard. As the line between home automation and outdoor care keeps blurring, these smart tools are becoming essential for anyone who wants a professional-looking pool without the professional effort.

Virtual Reality Revolutionizes the Film Industry

Christopher John
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Virtual Reality Revolutionizes the Film Industry

The film industry has always grown by pushing creative boundaries. From the introduction of synchronized sound in the late 1920s to the digital revolution of the 2000s, each technological leap reshaped how stories reach audiences. Now, virtual reality, which has rapidly moved from a niche curiosity to a widely recognized creative medium, stands firmly at the center of yet another major shift in the way films are conceived, produced, and experienced by audiences around the world. Filmmakers, studios, and independent creators are thoroughly rethinking every stage of production, which spans from the initial concept and creative development all the way through to final distribution and audience delivery. Audiences now experience stories beyond flat screens. They step inside the story, look around, and engage with narrative elements that traditional cinema never permitted. VR’s influence on cinema is certain as headsets and production tools become widely accessible. Virtual reality has already begun to reshape the cinema experience in meaningful ways, which means the debate about whether it will have an influence is now firmly settled. The real debate concerns VR’s depth of influence on storytelling.

How Virtual Reality Is Reshaping the Filmmaking Process From Pre-Production to Post

Virtual Scouting and Set Design

Pre-production has always demanded significant time and resources. Directors and production designers traditionally traveled to dozens of locations before settling on the right backdrop for a scene. VR changes this dynamic entirely. Using photogrammetry and 360-degree scanning, teams now build digital twins of real-world locations. Directors can walk through a virtual version of a Moroccan village or a Tokyo alley without leaving their office. This approach slashes travel budgets and speeds up decision-making. Studios working on large-scale projects rely on reliable server infrastructure to handle massive scene files and collaborative rendering tasks. Many production teams turn to vps hosting solutions that provide the dedicated computing resources needed to run virtual scouting platforms without lag or downtime. The ability to share these virtual environments with remote collaborators across different continents makes the entire pre-production phase faster and more precise.

Real-Time Editing and On-Set Visualization

VR-powered tools enable directors to preview composite shots in real time during principal photography. By relying on game engine technology from platforms like Unreal Engine 5, cinematographers are able to observe exactly how digital effects blend with live-action footage well before a single frame ever reaches the post-production stage. This eliminates much of the uncertainty that once troubled films relying heavily on visual effects. Editors also benefit from immersive review sessions where they can examine a scene from every angle, catching continuity errors or framing issues that flat monitors might conceal. Several mid-budget films from early 2026 attributed VR on-set tools with cutting their post-production schedules by almost thirty percent.

Immersive Storytelling Techniques That VR Brings to Modern Cinema

Audience Agency and Branching Narratives

Traditional film places the viewer in a passive role. The camera dictates what you see, when you see it, and from which angle. VR disrupts this formula by granting the audience spatial freedom. Directors working in immersive formats must design scenes that function from multiple vantage points simultaneously. Some filmmakers have embraced branching narratives where a viewer’s gaze direction triggers different story paths. This approach demands a new kind of screenwriting – one that accounts for viewer behavior rather than simply scripting linear dialogue. Science fiction has proven particularly fertile ground for these experiments. Fans who enjoy speculative world-building often appreciate the most acclaimed sci-fi films of the past decade precisely because they invite audiences to imagine inhabiting those fictional universes. VR makes that invitation literal.

Spatial Audio and Sensory Depth

Sound design takes on entirely new dimensions in VR filmmaking. In a headset, audio must respond dynamically to the viewer’s head position and movement. A whisper from behind should feel genuinely directional, and ambient noise must shift naturally as you turn. This level of spatial audio design requires specialized expertise. Understanding the different categories of sound effects used in media becomes even more important when every auditory element must behave convincingly in three-dimensional space. Foley artists and sound engineers working on VR projects often describe the process as building an acoustic architecture rather than simply mixing tracks on a timeline. The result, when executed well, creates an emotional intensity that flat-screen cinema struggles to replicate.

Three Pioneering VR Film Projects That Changed Audience Expectations

Several key projects have shaped thinking about immersive cinema. These productions are notable for their artistic ambition and remarkable technical achievement:

1. “The Severance Experiment” (2025) – This award-winning forty-minute VR thriller proved immersive storytelling succeeds through emotional depth, not spectacle.

2. “Gondwana” (2024) – Environmental VR documentary letting audiences freely explore a rainforest canopy, conveying unprecedented scale and fragility.

3. “Chorus” (2026) – A collaborative VR opera where audiences shared virtual theater space, each following different performers for unique narrative experiences.

These projects demonstrate that immersive filmmaking is far more than a mere gimmick. It represents a distinct artistic medium that, unlike any other form of visual storytelling, possesses its own unique grammar, its own particular strengths, and its own wide-ranging creative possibilities that are only beginning to be fully explored by filmmakers.

The Server Infrastructure Behind Rendering and Streaming VR Film Content

Creating VR content is only half the challenge. Delivering it to audiences demands serious backend power. A single minute of high-resolution stereoscopic 360-degree video can occupy several gigabytes of storage. Streaming that content without buffering or quality degradation requires carefully configured server setups with high bandwidth and low latency. Cloud rendering farms have become a standard part of the production workflow, allowing smaller studios to access computational muscle that would otherwise require prohibitively expensive hardware investments. Content delivery networks optimized for volumetric video are still maturing, but 2026 has seen notable improvements in adaptive bitrate streaming specifically designed for headset displays. For a deeper understanding of the underlying principles driving these experiences, a thorough exploration of virtual reality concepts and design frameworks provides valuable context for both technologists and creatives working in this space. The interplay between creative vision and technical infrastructure determines whether an immersive film feels magical or merely frustrating.

What Filmmakers Should Consider Before Investing in Virtual Reality Production

Rushing into VR filmmaking without thorough and careful planning ahead of time can easily lead to costly mistakes that consume valuable resources and undermine the overall quality of the final project. The VR medium generously rewards thorough preparation and a genuine willingness to rethink long-established filmmaking habits, since those who approach it with fresh perspectives tend to achieve far better creative results. Before committing resources, filmmakers should evaluate several key factors. First, the suitability of the story is enormously important to consider. Some stories do not work well in an immersive format. Intimate character studies and dialogue-driven scripts often feel awkward in VR, whereas stories relying on environment and spatial relationships thrive. Second, the question of whether audiences can actually access and experience VR content remains a genuine and pressing concern that filmmakers must seriously take into account. Headset ownership is increasing but still lags well behind smartphone or television adoption. Filmmakers should seriously consider adopting hybrid distribution strategies that thoughtfully offer audiences both a fully immersive VR version and a traditional flat-screen adaptation to maximize their potential reach.

Budget planning for VR productions demands a fundamentally different approach than traditional projects. VR productions typically require greater investment in sound design and environment creation while spending less on traditional cinematography gear. Early audience testing during development avoids costly fixes at later stages. Motion sickness testing should be included in every production’s quality assurance, since poorly designed camera movements can cause viewer discomfort. Hiring experienced immersive media specialists greatly improves final product quality.

Where Immersive Cinema Goes From Here

Virtual reality is now a serious creative tool, not just a novelty. VR now belongs in every filmmaker’s creative toolkit. The technology behind headsets continues to improve, with lighter form factors and higher-resolution displays arriving on the market throughout 2026. Distribution channels are expanding, and audiences increasingly accept the idea of experiencing stories from within rather than watching from outside. For directors and producers who are willing to dedicate themselves to learning a new visual language, VR offers vast creative territory that, despite the medium’s growing popularity, remains largely unexplored and full of untapped potential. Filmmakers who learn VR today will define how future audiences experience storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hosting infrastructure do VR film studios need for processing massive 360-degree scene files?

VR filmmaking generates enormous computational demands that require dedicated server resources for real-time rendering and seamless collaboration. Studios processing massive 360-degree scene files need robust vps hosting solutions that can handle intensive workloads without performance bottlenecks. IONOS provides the reliable infrastructure foundation that enables production teams to collaborate on virtual environments across continents while maintaining smooth workflow efficiency.

How is virtual reality changing the pre-production process in filmmaking?

VR revolutionizes pre-production through virtual scouting and digital set design. Directors can now explore photogrammetric recreations of real locations without traveling, significantly reducing costs and speeding up decision-making. Production teams build digital twins of environments, allowing directors to walk through virtual Moroccan villages or Tokyo alleys from their office.

How does VR technology help independent filmmakers compete with major studios?

VR democratizes high-end production capabilities by reducing location costs and enabling sophisticated virtual environments on smaller budgets. Independent creators can build immersive worlds without expensive physical sets or extensive travel. The technology levels the playing field by making advanced visualization and collaborative tools accessible to productions of all sizes.

What are the biggest advantages of VR filmmaking over traditional cinema?

VR filmmaking transforms passive viewers into active participants who can step inside stories and interact with narrative elements. Unlike traditional flat-screen cinema, VR allows audiences to look around environments and experience immersive storytelling. This technology enables filmmakers to create unprecedented audience engagement through 360-degree visual experiences.

Which film production stages benefit most from virtual reality implementation?

Pre-production sees the most dramatic improvements through VR integration, particularly in location scouting and set design phases. Virtual environments enable faster creative decisions and remote collaboration between global production teams. The technology streamlines traditional workflows that previously required extensive travel and physical mockups for visualization.

Review: iRacing Arcade

Saim Khurshid
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Review: iRacing Arcade

I don’t talk about it often, but I really enjoy a good arcade racer, especially the kind that promises a taste of something bigger like iRacing Arcade… You know the type. Fast, accessible, maybe even a little chaotic, but with just enough depth to keep you coming back.

Which brings us to iRacing Arcade. Now that the expectation-setting intro is out of the way, let’s hit the track.

Developed by Original Fire Games and carrying the weight of the iRacing name, iRacing Arcade is exactly what it sounds like, and also not quite what you’d expect.

From the very first race, one thing becomes clear. This is not about precision. This is about momentum. It’s a bright, approachable racer that leans heavily into accessibility, but quietly leaves some of its potential sitting in the pit lane.

Start Your Engines

There’s something inherently satisfying about arcade racing. The quick bursts of speed, the tight corners taken just a bit too aggressively, the constant push to shave milliseconds off a lap time, it’s simple, but it works.

iRacing Arcade taps into that feeling immediately.

You begin with a lightweight license test, barely a hurdle, really, before being dropped into Career Mode, the core of the experience. From there, it’s a steady climb: races, rewards, upgrades, repeat.

But unlike its sim racing namesake, this isn’t about mastering every nuance of a car.

It’s about getting in, getting fast, and getting out.

Tiny Cars, Big Arcade

The presentation is where iRacing Arcade shines brightest.

The tracks are compact, colourful, and instantly readable. Real-world circuits are reimagined in a stylised, almost toy-like form, and while they lack complexity, they’re undeniably charming. Cars follow the same philosophy, recognisable, but simplified.

Everything feels clean, polished, safe.

And that’s both a compliment and a criticism.

Because while the visuals are easy on the eyes, the content behind them feels a little thin. Fourteen tracks, eight cars, and limited variation mean you’ll start seeing everything the game has to offer sooner than you might like.

Driving in iRacing Arcade is about as forgiving as it gets.

You won’t wrestle with oversteer. You won’t fight for traction. You won’t even think too hard about braking points. The cars stick, turn, and go, almost effortlessly.

On one hand, this makes the game incredibly accessible. Anyone can pick it up and feel competent within minutes. On the other hand, it removes a layer of satisfaction.

There’s no real struggle. No real learning curve. Just refinement. And while that works in short bursts, it starts to wear thin over time.

Good Enough to Race?

If you strip away the expectations, iRacing Arcade is a solid, polished arcade racer. It’s easy to pick up, pleasant to look at, and perfect for short play sessions.

But that name carries weight. And with it comes expectation.

The lack of content, the shallow progression, and the absence of a robust multiplayer experience make it feel like something that could have been more. A stepping stone, perhaps. Or even a gateway into deeper racing games.

Instead, it settles into being good.

Not great. Not groundbreaking.

Just good.

However, Career Mode adds a surprising twist with its team management system.

Between races, you build up your “Campus”, a customizable hub where you place buildings, unlock upgrades, and manage progression. It’s a neat idea, giving the game a sense of structure beyond just racing.

Final Arcade Lap

iRacing Arcade understands the appeal of arcade racing. It delivers quick, accessible fun with a layer of structure that keeps things moving. 

But it never quite pushes beyond that comfort zone.

It’s not about mastering racing. It’s about enjoying it, briefly.

And while that’s enough for some, others may find themselves wanting just a little more before the finish line.

Review: Dragon Ruins II

Daniel Waite
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Review: Dragon Ruins II

Dragon Ruins II was a pleasant trip down memory lane. Although it was relatively simple, it offers enough action to keep you entertained. Moreover, it is aimed towards people who don’t want a complex experience. Instead, automatic combat, simple party management, and basic upgrades are the glue that hold this together.

This dungeon crawler was developed by Graverobber Foundation and published by KEMCO. It is a single-player, first-person title that has a grainy and grim aesthetic. Furthermore, the quests are refined, the characters are underwhelming, and navigating each dank dungeon was a straightforward affair.

Dragon Ruins II asks you to deal with that pesky dragon.

Dragons are a pain in the arse! They are huge, scaly, and pretty bloody angry. Consequently, when you have one on your doorstep, you’re going to want to have it dealt with asap. Thankfully, the heroes in Dragon Ruins II are up to the task. Whether it is a tank, mage, ranger, or thief, the 4-person party will work their way through every random monster they encounter.

Unlike other dungeon crawlers, this one uses automatic combat. I admit that this took some getting used to, but once I understood what was happening, I adored the simplicity. Without worrying about turn-based combat or tactics, I could focus on weapons, armour, and gathering as much gold as possible.

There are 15 dungeons to explore and 21 characters to choose from. Additionally, there is a blacksmith to upgrade your gear and a guild to improve your level. Each of these elements is self-explanatory, and the only thing that holds you back is greed and death.

Know when to quit.

As you explore each dungeon, the map will self-fill. This was great as you never wasted time traversing across explored corridors. However, danger still lurks around the corner. Whether it is a trap or a group of monsters, you must know when to run and when to fight.

If you lose a party member, they can be recovered with an array of items. However, if everyone falls, there is a penalty. This is such a waste of resources that you must know when to quit. If your party dies, you’ll lose valuable gold, and you will not be able to upgrade your gear. It is this balancing act that makes Dragon Ruins II particularly enjoyable.

Dragon Ruins II is dated.

If you hate retro gaming and a dated pixelated style, then Dragon Ruins II won’t be for you. I’m old enough to remember Atari and Commodore gaming, and this tugs at my heartstrings. The grey walls, the poor lighting, and the simple character portraits are basic, but perfect.

The audio is just as simple. There is a refined soundtrack that adds drama to the mix. Furthermore, the sound effects are brilliantly dated, even if they are somewhat confusing at times. Although the audio could have been more accurate, it works well with the material on offer.

You’ll master it immediately.

Once you understand the auto combat mechanics, you’ll master Dragon Ruins II immediately. The balancing act between running and fighting will push you, but I enjoyed the challenge and the change of pace. Other than this, the control system is basic, and it can be enjoyed by newcomers and veterans.

This was surprisingly addictive, and it kept me coming back for more. The core concept is rudimentary, but picking your party, exploring each unique dungeon, and upgrading your gear is pleasurable. Therefore, it offers plenty of replay value and longevity.

Dragon Ruins II is a great retro experience.

I was impressed by Dragon Ruins II. It has a dated brilliance that’ll appeal to anyone who is 40 years plus. Moreover, it is easy to understand, simple to master, and pretty addictive. On top of this, the lack of complexity makes it fun to play after a busy day. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here! Can you sort out the dragon problem? Choose your party, pick your quest, and try to survive.

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