With Christmas less than 2 months away, we take a look at Baked by Steph, a company that produces yummy products.
This is what Baked by Steph posts on their website:
“Hi, I’m Steph and I officially started Baked by Steph back in Jan 2019.
After years of working in fashion and web design I was itching for a new way to use my creative skills. Enter baking.
It all started out as an after-work hobby back in 2018 which quickly turned into an obsession with all things baked. I spent my days working at a web design agency while honing my baking and decorating skills by night (along with developing a pretty serious coffee addiction!). Everything I saw had to be turned into a cookie. Why, you ask? I honestly have no idea! But it became my absolute passion.
SIDE HUSTLE TO MAIN HUSTLE
What began as treats for friends soon became treats for friends of friends, until finally, what had started as a hobby snowballed into a full-time job. At the end of 2018 I finally bit the bullet and officially traded in websites and project management for kitchen scales and cookie dough. And thus Baked by Steph was born!
HANDMADE IN EAST LONDON
In the beginning it was just little old me baking up a storm (and creating a total mess) from my tiny Camden flat with an oven that could fit a maximum of 20 cookies at a time. Soon I outgrew my tiny home kitchen, put on my big girl pants and found myself a totally grown-up commercial bakery in East London.
Two years, one pandemic and one move later, East London remains our home. Along the way I’ve welcomed 15 baking, creative and digital superstars on board my team to help make my dream of delivering joy to doorsteps across the UK a reality.”
We were lucky enough to receive two different offerings from Baked by Steph – spoiler, neither offering lasted very long!
PERSONALISED BLUE BAUBLE LETTERBOX COOKIE
Pre-threaded with a luxury satin ribbon, this beautiful gift will be the tastiest decoration on their tree, that is if they can resist eating it right away! Add a message up to 20 characters to make it extra personal.
Priced at £11.95.
PERSONALISED FIRESIDE CHRISTMAS LETTERBOX COOKIES
’Twas the night before Christmas and all the cosy fireside vibes were being felt! Feel warm and bright with our Fireside Christmas cookies. Add their name to the bauble cookie for an extra personal touch!
Priced at £28.50.
They not only looked amazing, they tasted amazing too. They really didn’t last very long! There are lots of different offering to choose from, not just Christmas ones!
If you sign up to their newsletter you will also get 15% off your first order.
Here is our review of the Nano Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox Series X and S.
Smaller, lighter and easier to navigate, the Nano Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S is built for players who refuse to let bulky standard-sized controllers interfere with their game.
Features
Smaller and more portable than standard Xbox controllers
Two mappable Advanced Gaming Buttons
Features superior ergonomics and intuitive button layout
Immersive dual rumble motors
Standard 3.5mm stereo headset jack for in-game audio
Share Button to capture and share screenshots and clips
Officially licensed by Xbox for Xbox Series X|S and compatible with Xbox One and Windows 10/11
What’s in the box?
The box contains the Nano controller, cable, manual, and a month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The Nano is smaller than a standard Xbox controller – but that’s the point. But it’s not too small that its either uncomfortable to use or feels too small in your hands.
The controller feels comfortable to use and has a diamond textured grip so even if you hands start to get a little sweaty you should still be able to keep hold of the controller. There are dual rumble motors within the controller too.
It’s a wired controller, so you need to plug it into your Xbox. Don’t worry though as there’s a decent length cable in the box, so for most people it should be fine.
There’s a 3.5mm audio jack on the controller so you can plug in your headset too.
There are two advanced gaming buttons which are mappable should you need to use them.
You can also use the Nano for PC gaming too.
Overall this is a great little controller and one worth taking a look at.
The Nano Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox Series X and S is available now priced around £29.99 and is available in either Black or Lilac.
Here is our Two Minute Review of the iPhone 14 Pro Max Leather Case from Mujjo.
– Vegetable-tanned Ecco leather ages beautifully, rated Gold for environmental standards. – MagSafe for quick and easy wireless charging, compatible with MagSafe accessories. – Machined metal buttons for extra clickiness and responsiveness. – 1mm raised leather bezel protects screen from abrasive surfaces. – Neatly covers the base, without obstructing speakers or charging port. – Raised rear-camera bump protects the lenses. – Lined with luxurious Japanese microfibre with a satin-like finish. – Over time, the leather acquires a patina unique to your use. – Super-slim profile: fully wrapped with premium-quality leather. – Fits 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
If you own an iPhone 14 Pro Max then you will want to keep it protected, after all it’s a very expensive piece of kit. You don’t just want to protect it, you also want to keep it looking good.
That’s where the iPhone 14 Pro Max Leather Case from Mujjo comes in. Not only does it protect your iPhone, it looks good too! Made of full-grain vegetable-tanned ecco leather, it’s lightweight and doesn’t add much to the size of the phone.
Add to the fact it’s also MagSafe compatible and you’ve got yourself a great case!
The iPhone 14 Pro Max Leather Case from Mujjo is available now priced around £54 and comes in either Black, Tan or Monaco Blue.
Theft is often viewed as a victimless crime. However, how would you feel if you were the target? Whenever this happens, you’ll feel a range of emotions. Fear, anxiety, shock, and anger are, to name but a few. Yet, it matters not what you first experience, as they all manifest into a fiery ball of rage and revenge. This is exactly what happens in Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef. It is a lighthearted Warhammer 40k title that is also gory, violent, and undeniably addictive.
Developed and published by Rogueside, this is an adventure action platformer. What’s more, it can be enjoyed solo or with up to 3 friends and has masses of gore and guns. On top of this, it retains much of the franchise’s lore, even if it is told in a dark and humorous manner. Consequently, you’ll wince, laugh, and be challenged from the beginning to end.
Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef is absurd.
Whenever the words Warhammer 40k are muttered, I have visions of epic tales, fantasy settings, and grim creatures. However, what I don’t expect is a silly story about theft, revenge, and a hair squig. Yep, you read that right; the plot revolves around an Orcish toupee. Subsequently, you kinda understand immediately that the developers don’t take themselves too seriously. Moreover, they want their title to be easy to pick up and simple to understand.
Thankfully, Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef delivers this vision in abundance. You control a warrior orc who loves to hunt humans, shoot guns, and look fashionable at the same time. However, your warlord is a bit of a selfish prick, and he likes to steal what doesn’t belong to him. Accordingly, while you are mowing down humans, your boss decides to steal your hair squig. Moreover, to rub salt into the wound, he betrays you as he kicks you out of a moving plane.
I know what you are thinking. That warlord is a bit of a dick. Well, revenge is a dish best served cold, and you have plenty of time to kick his ass. Yet, you cannot let your feelings get in the way of your core mission. As such, you must continue your frenzied invasion as you carve a path through the humans. If you are fortunate, you’ll amass an army of orcs to help you to complete your goals, defeat your old warlord, and get back what is rightfully yours.
Mmmmm, that looks delicious.
A combination of genres.
Normally, I’m not a fan of hybrid titles. Often, they are messy, poorly executed, and leave you wanting. Yet, Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef does a great job of combining platforming tropes with fast-paced twin-stick shooting elements. The result is a tough but rewarding blood bath that pushes you at every stage.
The gameplay follows a repetitive loop of arena combat, gargantuan bosses, and purchasing new equipment. Now, this may sound tedious, but it isn’t. The developers incorporated a fine balance of grunts, snipers, tanks, and other difficult orcs to overcome. What’s more, you must scour each stage to collect Dakka (money) to purchase new weapons. On top of this, there are some basic platforming mechanics to add depth and challenge to the action.
Once you get to the finale of each world, it culminates in an epic boss battle. These encounters are bloody tough and demand the best equipment you can buy. Furthermore, there are some moments of tactical nuance, luck, and plenty of frustration. Consequently, it is the perfect blend of elements to ensure you keep playing.
The setting for Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef is grim and grisly. The surrounding landscape is cold, industrial, and lacking in life. Moreover, there are signs of destruction and death around every corner. Subsequently, it works brilliantly with the silly characters and the overarching story. Furthermore, the comic book style, clean lines, and earthy colour palette complement the Warhammer setting.
This aside, you’ll adore the brutal explosions, the flying limbs, and the horrendous decapitations. On top of this, the guns look incredible; the animation is smooth, and your foes are varied. In short, it looks amazing without relying on ultra-realistic graphics,
The audio is equally good. With screaming orcs, thunderous weapons, and ear-splitting music, it is uber-aggressive and totally overwhelming. Now, normally, this would be horrific, but not in this instance. Instead, the cacophony of noises is uncomfortably brilliant. What’s more, they add drama and tension to an otherwise silly endeavour.
This looks like a fair fight.
Accurate controls.
The combination of genres demands an incredibly responsive and accurate control setup. Fortunately, Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef didn’t disappoint. Every element worked well thanks to the excellent UI and brilliant button layout. Alongside this, a simple tutorial outlines the fundamentals without testing your resolve.
What was particularly great was the ability to play this with friends. After all, everyone should be able to join in an orc invasion, right? Well, this excellent choice from the developers enhances both replay value and longevity. Moreover, the vast selection of weapons and the challenging boss battles will keep you coming back for more.
Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef is brilliantly absurd.
Combining these genres with this setting could have been disastrous. Instead, Rogueside got the balance just right. Consequently, the end result is something that is both brilliant and absurd. Yes, its action will make you scream with rage. However, you’ll laugh repeatedly, and want to return for more. As such, I can easily recommend that you buy it here! Theft is never acceptable. Therefore, get revenge the only way you know how. Grab your gun, kill everything in sight, and become the new warlord.
If you are into any sort of simulation game, you’ll want the most realistic experience possible. Consequently, whenever a special controller is designed, fans will leap at the chance to buy it. If you love flying games, specifically Microsoft Flight Simulator, then news of the Alpha Flight Controls XPC device will make your heart sing.
This advanced tool ensures that the user will have the most realistic experience possible. What’s more, this incredible controller is extremely well-built and is compatible with Xbox and PC. Furthermore, it has been designed alongside pilots and flight engineers and this ensures the most realistic flying experience to date.
What makes the Alpha Flight Controls XPC stand out?
There are plenty of fantastic flight sim controllers. As such, what makes the Alpha Flight Controls XPC stand out from its peers? It features a NEW front grill design, a full 180° yoke rotation with upgraded hall effect sensors to provide smooth precision with no centre detent. The base includes a switch panel with master, alternator, avionics, and light switches as well as a spring-loaded 5-position ignition switch. The left and right handles feature 13 programmable buttons and switches for fully customisable flight.
Key features.
The left handle features one 8-way hat switch, two Vertical 2-way rocker switches, a button and a Push to Talk Button.
Right handle features two Horizontal 2-Way rocker switches, one large & one small button.
Solid steel yoke shaft with dual linear ball bearings.
180° Yoke rotation.
5-Position spring-loaded ignition switch.
Switch panel with a total of 9 switches.
Universal Panel-Mounting System.
Adjustable cockpit backlighting.
Smooth matte finish on the panel and on the main yoke.
Easy conversion between Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
New high-end 12-Bit Hall Effect Sensors with 400% increased resolution.
What are you waiting for?
If you love your flying games, then this is a no-brainer. This exquisite device will be a conversation starter and an amazing way to enhance your time in the air. Furthermore, its versatility makes it even more desirable. With excellent build quality, quality features, and an affordable price point, this will make every aviation fan extremely pleased. Consequently, why not check it out here?
(More information on Flyhoneycomb can be found here!)
Halloween has come and gone, so that can only mean one thing….Christmas is just around the corner. As we all know, the festive period is a time for sharing and giving. Therefore, why not treat the gamer in your life to something truly special this December the 25th? SteelSeries is renowned for its excellent products, so why not allow me to shorten the list for you?
Thankfully, SteelSeries have something for all budgets. Whether you are buying for a pro gamer, a casual player, or looking to stuff those stockings with simple items, you need to look no further. What’s more, whatever product you invest in, you are assured of market-leading build quality and enviable technology.
Gifts for serious gamers.
The pro gamer in your life will want the best that money can get. Whether it is a stunning keyboard, an accurate and responsive mouse, booming speakers, or immersive headphones, only the best will do. Luckily, SteelSeries has your back thanks to the Apex keyboards, the Arena speakers, Arctisheadsets and the wireless pro mice.
The Apex keyboards are a wonderful addition to every setup. With stunning RGB, ultra-responsive inputs, and an array of sizes on offer, these keyboards are bound to impress. Alongside this, the Prime Mini Mouse is the perfect accompaniment. Its small ergonomic shape fits nicely into your hands, what’s more, at 73g it reduces fatigue whenever you endure lengthy gaming sessions. Alongside this, it is durable, has a non-slip grip, and its prestige OM switches deliver consistent crispy clicks.
If audio is what you are after, then you have to consider the phenomenal Arctis headphones. The Arctis Nova 7, Pro, or Pro Wireless will bowl over anyone that opens them on Christmas day. This award-winning range of headphones delivers incredible sound quality as well as comfort and amazing build quality. On top of this, the microphones deliver crystal clear and competitive level voice pickup. The Pro versions are super immersive thanks to the Sonar Audio Software Suite. Finally, each device can be used on multiple platforms and this makes them desirable and versatile.
So, headphones aren’t your thing. How about considering any of the Arena speakers on offer? Arena 3, 7, and 9 are all available to impress that special person in your life. Each set of speakers delivers unrivalled sound quality at an affordable price. Whether you want a crisp, powerful, but simple setup or you want to go the whole hog and create a cinematic experience, the choice is yours.
SteelSeries focuses on casual gamers.
If you are a casual gamer, you still want an amazing setup. Fortunately, SteelSeries has some great products to cater for your needs. Like the serious gamers category, there are some wonderful headphones, incredible keyboards, awesome speakers, and vivid mice to choose from.
Audio.
The Arctis Nova headphones are the perfect choice for a more relaxed player. You can select the Arctis Nova 7, 3, or 1 depending on your budget, or your needs. Accordingly, each device delivers the same amazing quality sound, but some features are missing as your budget decreases. However, the recipient will still adore whichever gift he/she is given. Like the Pro versions, these headphones look great, are built to last, and deliver excellent and immersive sound. On top of this, the microphones are great; they are built for multi-platform use, and they stand out from the crowd.
The Arena 3 speakers cross the boundaries between pro and casual gaming. Why? Because they deliver incredible sound without overcomplicating the matter. Moreover, they are available at an excellent price point and are easy to set up. The Bluetooth and wired connection work in conjunction with the simple and intuitive controls to enhance the gaming experience further still. Alongside this, the speakers deliver a stunning range of tones as well as deep and rich bass, no matter what you are playing.
Peripherals.
How about an amazing keyboard instead? Well, the Apex 3 TKL is a compact and streamlined tenkeyless keyboard that outshines the competition. Thanks to its vivid RGB lighting display, IP32 water and dust resistance, dedicated media controls, and three-way cable routing, it fulfils every gamer’s needs. However, if a TKL version doesn’t take your fancy, there is a full-sized version that packs in the same features without breaking the bank.
Finally, we have the Aerox 3 wireless mouse. This beautiful mouse is backlit with a stunning RGB light rig and protected by a translucent honeycomb shell. Alongside that, it weighs only 68g, has ultra-responsive trigger inputs, and moves smoothly thanks to the PTFE sliders. Moreover, it has a whopping 200-hour battery life and is compatible with fast charging. However, if you dislike a wireless device, a wired version is also available.
Cloud Gaming.
Cloud gaming is the future. As such, SteelSeries doesn’t want to get left behind. Subsequently, they have three fantastic products if you play on the move. The Arctis Prime and Nova 7 headphones will change your mobile gaming experience forevermore. Alongside this, the Stratus+ controller delivers responsive inputs, comfortable build quality, and a high-powered battery to keep you gaming for hours.
The Arctis Prime headphones have been developed alongside the industry’s brightest stars. As such, they are lightweight, comfortable, versatile, offer incredible sound, and have a noise-cancelling mic. On top of this, the leatherette ear-cups are cool and help to reduce unwanted background noises. Consequently, they are the perfect gift for a competitive gamer who loves mobile gaming.
Alternatively, the Nova 7 headphones may pique your interest. With a 38-hour battery life, excellent connectivity via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz audio streams, and a customisable listening experience via the Sonar Audio Software Suite, these deliver next level sound. Furthermore, you can select between PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, thanks to the USB-C connection. However, there is an Xbox-specific model if you enjoy Cloud and console gaming.
Finally, the Stratus+controller is a game-changer. This extremely well-built and comfortable controller looks amazing and feels great. Thanks to its ergonomic design, responsive triggers and buttons, and tactile feel, it’ll vastly improve your gaming experience. What’s more, it’s an incredible 90+ hour battery life. Therefore, you won’t run out of juice mid-session. Alongside this, it is certified for Chromebook and is a recommended controller for GeForce NOW.
SteelSeries has Christmas wrapped up.
This guide is just the tip of the iceberg, and SteelSeries have plenty of phenomenal devices on offer this festive period. Whether you are a PC, Mac, Console, or Cloud gamer, there is something for everyone. Furthermore, every budget has been accounted for. Accordingly, why not take a look at what they offer and treat that special person in your life?
(More information on SteelSeries can be found here!)
We’ve all been there! You go to a new city and suddenly hunger pangs strike. However, you have no idea where to eat, or what restaurant is good. Furthermore, you don’t want to disrupt your travel plans, so what are you going to do? Well, you could use Google, Bing, or another much-loved search engine. Yet, this won’t give you all the information you desire in one helpful place. So, what’s the solution? Mamakoo hopes to provide the answer with its helpful app and website.
This highly-rated service is receiving stellar reviews on both Android and iOS stores. Why? Well, it is intuitive, convenient, and full of handy information for many key locations. What’s more, it highlights key tourist attractions, has a built-in map, and allows its user base to recommend each restaurant. Consequently, you feel confident in your choices and can inform others of your experiences.
Mamakoo is a great travelling companion.
What particularly impressed me was the vast selection of locations on offer. Europe, Asia Pacific, the Americas, Canada, and the Middle East are represented. Yes, there are limited locales for each continent at the moment, but it shows the potential. Furthermore, Mamakoo easily allows you to flick from place to place. However, there is one major drawback, and that is the cost! At $19.99 per city, it is far too expensive to justify the outlay. I, like many, would expect a one-off price that covers a continent, or the entire catalogue of information. In its current build, there are few people who’d value its resources, especially as the aforementioned search engines are free to use.
Alongside this, the core tabs for each city are missing some padding and depth. The app highlights favourite and renowned dishes with a minor description of each one. But it gives no history or reason behind its origins. Moreover, the tourist landmark section offers no insight into key information or even minor facts. Instead, it details restaurants or eateries in the vicinity. Now, I liked the details of each locale, but a bit more meat on the bone would have been incredible.
On top of this, I found the filter system to be user-friendly and easy to understand. Changing the price was straightforward, and this pinpoints your search perfectly. Furthermore, the map allows you to select specific locations via name or postcode. From here, you are given a thorough list of options to select from. So, finding the perfect restaurant is only one click away.
Is it worth it?
Usually, I can concisely conclude a review. In this case, however, it isn’t so simple. This app has some incredible uses and an awful lot of potential. Yet, its user base will demand a high-end product that is slick and straightforward, while incorporating that “wow” factor. In its current build, you can see these elements coming together. But, it needs some more depth before it reaches those heights.
On top of this, the price point is off-putting. If Mamakoo included a vast history of each place and plenty more depth to its tabs, then it may be worth the investment. However, at the moment, it doesn’t justify such a large outlay. Instead, I believe all the resources should be consolidated into a one-off purchase.
If the developers can iron out the creases, and add depth to their product, then it will be fantastic. What’s more, foodies and travellers will love this companion app as it saves time, hassle, and energy. Though I have my complaints, I loved it nonetheless. As such, I recommend you try it here for Android, or here for iOS!
A new electronic device is a guilty pleasure for many. However, what often gets overlooked is your power supply. This incredibly important component can be the difference between a disappointing performance and a reassuringly great time. As such, when I was offered the Belkin 4-way Power Strip, I didn’t hesitate.
This intelligent and well-built accessory is robust, has a built-in surge protector, and has 2 USB-A ports as standard. What’s more, the sockets are child resistant, it has an independent switch, and it has a whopping £20,000 connected equipment warranty. Subsequently, I felt extremely confident when plugging in my expensive tech.
What’s in the box of the Belkin 4-way Power Strip?
The rectangular packaging safely houses the contents. Furthermore, it is fully recyclable, and that’s fantastic. Visually, it is striking with a simple but effective colour palette.
The Belkin 4-way Power Strip is a commanding size. What’s more, it is robust and easy to use, and the surge protector has a clear indicator. At the bottom are two USB ports to increase usability.
Warranty card. A useful document in case anything goes wrong.
Eye-catching packaging. The warranty card. The complete package. Belkin 4-way Power Strip.
Technical aspects.
If you work from home or have a large family, socket space is at a premium. Therefore, expanding your options without an electrician’s help is a must. Accordingly, this power strip is a convenient and safe way to power more devices at once.
With its 13A-rated socket and power surge protection, it is easy to use, while preventing your goods from unwanted damage. The protection system prevents power surges, lightning strikes and AC contamination from damaging your home electronics. However, if this goes awry, you are protected by the incredible £20,000 warranty.
Another key aspect that impressed me was the child resistant sockets. If you have little ones in your life, you’ll know all about socket covers. Accordingly, these handy little tools prevent little fingers from getting electrocuted. Thankfully, the Belkin 4-way Power Strip is designed to resist such intrusions. However, it is not infallible, so some common sense is still a must.
Is the Belkin 4-way Power Strip worth it?
Somehow, Belkin has managed to make a boring aspect of your setup a little more interesting. Thanks to its incredible design and flexible approach, it is the perfect tool for most households. What’s more, it looks great and has a reassuring protection warranty.
Alongside this, you get a 1-year user warranty as standard, built-in surge protection, and 2 handy USB ports. In short, it’s an unsung hero that’ll improve your setup immediately. Unsurprisingly, I was impressed, and I recommend you buy it here!
Charging solutions are often mind-boggling and confusing. Do you run cabling here, there, and everywhere? Or do you research a simpler method? The first option is convenient, but my goodness, how unsightly! The latter choice is exactly what you want, but who has time to go through every device known to mankind? Accordingly, why don’t I help you out by discussing the excellent Belkin Desktop charger?
This 108W power delivery GaN is a user-friendly and intelligent way to tidy up your workspace or kitchen worktop. This mains-powered device incorporates 2 USB-A ports and 2 USB-C ports for simultaneous charging. Furthermore, its sleek design and high-power output ensure it delivers optimum charging at all times.
What’s in the box of the Belkin Desktop charger?
The compact and robust box is striking to look at. With a fresh colour palette and simple imagery, it is pleasant for the eyes. What’s more, it is emblazoned with key selling points.
The Belkin Desktop charger is an eye-catching device. Presented in brilliant white and comprising a smooth finish, it screams high end. Alongside this, it is noticeably heavy, and the ports are robust, well-labelled, and easy to access.
Power adapter. The AC adapter is white and feels well-made.
Warranty card. Key information in case anything goes wrong.
The Belkin Desktop charger. AC adapter. The compact packaging.Warranty card. The complete package.
Technical aspects.
Modern life is fast-paced and demanding. Subsequently, you want your devices charged yesterday. As such, the demand for fast-charging compatibility is on the rise. Fortunately, the Belkin Desktop charger uses its GaN technology to deliver optimum performance. Therefore, you’ll be blown away by how incredible this accessory is.
The USB-C port can draw a massive 96W of power to fast charge a MacBook Pro from 0 to 50% in under 40 minutes. Now, this may seem a minor thing, but to deliver that much juice in such a short space of time is incredible. Moreover, this is happening via the desktop charger and your USB cable. Consequently, you’ve removed the unsightly chargers without compromising your charging prowess.
Alongside this, the 108W power supply enjoys intelligent power sharing when 4 devices are plugged in. Accordingly, you experience high-voltage charging that is evenly distributed across each device. Therefore, not only is this perfect for your office, but it is also great for busy families. Instead of searching for an array of chargers, simply plug in your tablets, eReaders, phones and more, and get on with your day.
Because of its GaN technology, the Belkin Desktop charger is compatible with many high-end brands. Samsung, Nokia, Apple, Google, and more are verified for this product. This is incredibly reassuring as no one wants to damage their expensive technology.
Is the Belkin Desktop charger worth it?
I, like most people, hate running out of power. Moreover, I detest poor cable management, and I think it’s unsightly. On top of this, it can be extremely inconvenient to find the correct USB adapters. Therefore, to save time, frustration, and effort, the Belkin Desktop charger is an efficient and stylish device way to get the job done.
Alongside this, the handy fast charging facility via the GaN technology is incredible. I was amazed by how easy it was to use, and its efficient approach. Consequently, now I’ve started using this charger, I don’t want to return to conventional methods. I loved it for the aforementioned reasons, and I easily recommend you buy it here!
In 2020 an award-winning British survival horror game dropped, Maid of Sker, that was re-released in 2021 on current-gen systems. Now, in 2022 we get the spiritual successor, Sker Ritual. But can this new entry live up to the name?
Gameplay
While some monsters may feel familiar, the game is nothing like Maid of Sker. Sker Ritual is very much a co-op survival game. Think Call of Duty: Zombies, but much more enjoyable! With that in mind, you can play either solo or with up to four others via online play. The game will scale the difficulty to the number of players – but be warned; this game is challenging!
The game starts with you being dragged to a coffin and awakened in a church courtyard with only a pistol and some money. Money is essential in this game as you need it to buy new weapons, respawn, ammo, and even unlock new areas. How do you get the money you might ask? Well, by killing monsters! Money management is crucial to survival, as buying ammo will be a regular occurrence. It’s also important to remember where the ammo stations are because you don’t want to get caught short. In terms of available weapons, there’s a decent selection of machine guns, shotguns, and more.
While the aim of the game is to survive increasingly difficult wave after wave of monster attacks, there are objectives to complete as well. This is loosely the story of the game. The first part sees you trying to deactivate generators. It took a while to realise there was a more extensive area to explore than the first church courtyard; it wasn’t until I found you could pay to open the door did I realise the vast wilderness beyond.
Monsters come in waves with a chime to signify a new wave incoming. They scale in difficulty and volume as you progress through the different rounds. The variety was good – both in terms of design and attacks. Ranged, quick, tanks, the game provides it all to face.
If you die, one of two things happens. With a respawn, you can ghost-walk to a coffin and revive yourself and carry on from where you left off. If you don’t, or if you’ve used it up, it’s game over.
In addition, you can get abilities that can help along the way, like poison or fire spells on your bullets. You also have a very useful lightning ability that helps when things are getting a bit much, and you need some AOE damage!
Visuals and Audio
Visually, Sker Ritual is beautiful. Terrifying and creepy but beautiful, nonetheless. The game looks great and gives a nice dark ambiance as you travel around. The effects also look great when you kill the monsters. As this game relies heavily on wave-based combat, the monsters themselves must be diverse enough to keep things interesting. From fast runners to beefy slow movers, from fire spitters to giant bosses with bowler hats… the variety is there.
When it comes to music and sound effects, it fits well with the overall atmosphere of the game. The fighting waves get intense with monster noises and gunfire and I can only imagine how epic it would look with a full roster of 4 players in co-op mode.
Game Structure
Sker Ritual is honestly a bargain. At the time of writing, the base price is £11.39/$14.99 on Steam which gives you access currently to the first level. The development team plan to add more chapters and other additional DLC in the form of cosmetics. From the press release, it appears that only cosmetics will require additional purchases. I’m not overly fond of in-game purchases, but with a price that low for the actual game (assuming there are no additional costs for chapters), I can’t blame them. It’s astonishingly good value!
Is Sker Ritual Good?
Sker Ritual is a fantastic survival horror game. While there’s not a whole lot of story, there is a fun challenge to try and survive wave after wave of attacking monsters. It’s creepy; you’ll jump when you get rushed from nowhere, and you’ll frantically try and find ammo to survive a little longer!
Sequels rarely get the juices flowing. As such, many expect them to rehash ideas, lack evolution, and effectively be a cash cow. Now, I admit that this is normally my thought process. However, occasionally, a franchise is so good that a new announcement has me salivating. One such series is COD! Consequently, when Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 came to light, I couldn’t wait to get it installed.
Developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision, this is a tactical shooter. What’s more, it has a rich and fulfilling campaign, a challenging co-op mode, and a delightful multiplayer experience. Furthermore, it’ll hook up with Warzone 2.0, and has all the bells and whistles of a high-budget triple-A game. Accordingly, its cinematic, soundscape, gunplay, missions, and delivery are all top-notch. Therefore, if you are a fan of the franchise, or you’ve never played one before, you are in for an unforgettable time.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is a blockbuster experience.
Many fans of the COD franchise overlook the campaign mode. Subsequently, this is one of the greatest mysteries bestowed on mankind. However, those gamers who invest their time and energy will enjoy a blockbuster experience. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has some eye-opening cinematic, beautifully intense missions, and some of the best and most detailed graphics I’ve ever seen. What’s more, the acting is fantastic, and the sound effects are mind-blowing. In short, it delivers much more than I could ever hope for.
Disappointingly, though, the disjointed missions lack a logical path. Consequently, the flow of the story is fragmented, and most of the missions feel unrealistic or just absurd. However, though it was a little crazy, it is still enjoyable, tough, and enthralling. This latest instalment sees the return of some much-loved characters from Task Force 141. This top-secret unit is loaded to the teeth with modern technology and gritty, badass soldiers. Accordingly, there isn’t a situation they fear, nor is there a mission they won’t undertake.
Alongside the campaign mode is an incredible co-op endeavour. This tactical experience will push you and a friend to your limits. Moreover, it evolves nicely from its predecessor while adding a slower layer to proceedings. On top of this, there is the excellent multiplayer action, and the highly anticipated Warzone 2.0.
Slick gunplay.
Unsurprisingly, a high-budget title like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is as slick as they come. With ultra-realistic weaponry, incredible explosives, and awe-inspiring tactical support, you are spoilt for choice. Alongside this, there is the usual run-and-gun approach, stealthy night-time missions, and amazing long-distance warfare. In short, it blends every layer of gorilla combat and lays it out bare for its player base.
What is also amazing is the intensity of each mission. Consequently, you must consider your team, your surroundings, and the weapons in your arsenal. Furthermore, each minor objective progresses the action perfectly. Although the plot is occasionally silly, the action flows seamlessly, nevertheless. This was brilliant, as it creates a high-energy and nonstop experience that was brilliantly punctuated with jaw-dropping cinematic.
Multiplayer, multiplayer, multiplayer.
The multiplayer mode is arguably Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s bread and butter. Now, the campaign and co-op options will entertain you, but the online action is where it’s at. Subsequently, the developers had to get this 100% right, and I think they did. The reports of hacking and game-breaking cheats from previous titles undermine this franchise. Yet, I was fortunate in having a trouble-free time. Instead, I enjoyed the normal array of testing game modes, custom options, and classes to unlock.
The normal prestige system and levelling up remain the key focus. Alongside this, there will be a battle pass, challenges and other bits and bobs. However, the key changes focus on the detailed custom options and weapon ranking mechanics. Gone is the undesirable grind for attachments. Instead, you gain XP for each gun you use. Accordingly, levelling up is a gradual and more organic endeavour that rewards experimentation. Alternatively, scavenging equipment on the fly and killing your opponents is a great way to boost your ranks.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is breathtaking.
No matter how you look at it, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is unbelievably breathtaking. Every element of its visuals is incredibly polished and scream triple-A game. Moreover, the level of detail and smooth animation add to the realism. On top of this, the stage design is intelligent, varied, and looks amazing. Consequently, each map benefits an array of gameplay styles, and this helps to keep things balanced.
In the campaign mode, the cinematic and character modelling is so realistic, you could be watching a film. With incredible explosives and a wonderful blend of environments to explore, you won’t get bored.
The visuals are complemented by the earth-shattering audio. The rich sound effects, excellent acting, and incredible soundtrack create a memorable experience. With the correct peripherals on hand, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is a mind-blowing and immersive title. What’s more, the soundscape is detailed and intelligent and brings each mission to life. With 3D sound, it was tough not to love every ricocheted bullet or quiet footstep that you heard.
Familiar setup.
Fans of the franchise can jump straight into the action because of its familiar setup. However, if you are new to the series, an in-depth tutorial and fully customisable layout await you. At first, this can seem overwhelming. Yet, once the fundamentals are nailed, you’ll love the responsive and accurate controls.
Replay value and COD go hand-in-hand! Subsequently, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is no different. Thanks to the 50+ weapons on offer, incredible campaign and co-op modes, and both Warzone 2.0 and the multiplayer option, you’ll be kept busy. Furthermore, there are challenges to complete, a prestige system to focus on, and of course, a battle pass. All in all, it has masses of longevity and is great value for money.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 doesn’t disappoint.
When there is so much hype, you can be left deflated. Luckily, though, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 doesn’t disappoint. Every playable mode is challenging, enjoyable, and captivating. The online options are perfectly balanced and are fair to every skill set. Yes, going forward there could be issues with hackers and cheats, but the developers need to be proactive. If they are, this could be the best modern FPS of this generation. Accordingly, I can easily recommend you to buy it here! Play solo, cooperatively, or online as you hone your shooting skills.
Whenever the month of October rolls around, everyone goes horror crazy. Subsequently, books, TV, films, and computer games eat up this cliched and often well-trodden genre. However, no matter how many times I end up jumping out of my skin, I can’t get enough. As such, when I was offered Charon’s Staircase, I couldn’t resist.
Developed by Indigo Studios and published by SOEDESCO, this is a horror title with a puzzling twist. What’s more, it has a sinister plot, a creepy setting, and plenty of jump scares to get your blood pumping. Sadly, though, its reliance on a handful of classic mechanics soon wears thin. Subsequently, you’ll want the game to evolve past its primary, yet eerie, approach.
Charon’s Staircase has a thriller edge.
Though Charon’s Staircase is coined as a horror title, it has a distinct thriller edge to its core concept. With mysterious goings on, plenty of mysteries to uncover, and some supernatural moments, this game tests your inquisitive mindset. Furthermore, its repetitive and often hard-to-decipher puzzles have you running around each claustrophobic and labyrinthine world. You’ll search for keys, collect nuggets of information, and observe many ghastly apparitions.
The story focuses on a special agent who is codenamed ‘Desmond’. This man must infiltrate the Oack Grove estate to retrieve top-secret documents for The Ministry. Accordingly, this mission should be a piece of cake. However, things take a turn for the worse as the horrors of the past begin to haunt you. Consequently, the special agent reveals the unpleasant and gruesome result of Project Alpha. What’s more, unless he can solve the problems he faces, he’ll never leave the torturous mansion.
So many religious images.
Follow the clues.
Solving puzzles and finding clues isn’t that challenging. Yet, Charon’s Staircase decides to up the ante. With oddly worded clues and often cryptic solutions, making progress is usually harder than it should be. But this shouldn’t put you off. Instead, the added difficulty enhances the sense of reward, even if the gameplay is slow and arduous as a consequence.
Many of the solutions require a keen eye for details and a hearty portion of cheesy jump scares. With slamming doors, creaking floorboards, and ghastly apparitions galore, it lacks originality. However, this shouldn’t put you off. Why not? Well, the execution, atmosphere, and environment work well to create an uncomfortable experience.
The gameplay loop follows a familiar pattern. You’ll enter a room and search it from top to bottom. Usually, you’ll discover some essential information, a few notes that enhance the lore and story, and finally, there will be a key or clue to open a combination lock. Luckily, there is the occasional exception to the rule, but mostly, it follows a comfortable, albeit scary course that rarely wavers.
There is nothing unusual about this office.
Charon’s Staircase is too dark.
Now, I adore a moody and sinister world. In fact, the darker and more broody the atmosphere, the better it is. Disappointingly, though, the developers didn’t get the balance quite right. Annoyingly, at its lowest setting, the brightness makes the game almost impossible to play. However, altering it highlights the rough edges of your surroundings while destroying the lighting effects and the creepy ambience. Consequently, it wasn’t the easiest game to play, and I had to adjust the settings repeatedly throughout. Alongside this, the animations are wooden and dated, and the final product lacks a polished edge. This was unfortunate, and the plot and core ideas were let down by the underwhelming visuals.
What was also difficult to comprehend was the subtitled audio. Originally designed as a Spanish title, this is the default option. Accordingly, my first playthrough was more challenging than it should have been. Furthermore, I missed key moments in the dialogue as I focused on the action rather than the narrative. Yet, it was extremely captivating when played this way, and the game didn’t feel right when the English alternative was selected. What was also fantastic was the eerie sound effects and the rich music. Though it was borderline cliched, I enjoyed the uncomfortable atmosphere and the almost predictable jump scares.
What is that?
Excellent controls.
With slow gameplay and little danger, Charon’s Staircase was easy to pick up and play. Effectively, it uses a point-and-click approach alongside its puzzling mechanics. Moreover, the first-person viewpoint and simple cursor system allow you to select each usable object. Furthermore, the stripped-back UI and basic inventory system keep things user-friendly.
Where this falls short is its replay value and longevity. With around 8-12 hours of gameplay, you may feel a little cheated. However, the lore-rich articles, collectables, and moderate achievement list should persuade you to return for more. Disappointingly, there’s no way to incorporate an NG+ mode, nor can I see a way to add DLC to pad things out further. As such, its limited timescale may put some gamers off.
Charon’s Staircase blows hot and cold.
I experienced genuine moments of fear and enjoyment as I played Charon’s Staircase. I loved the Spanish acting and the excellent atmospheric audio. Furthermore, the lore-filled documents and the creepy atmosphere were fantastic. Moreover, the puzzles were interesting and will challenge less experienced players. Yet, the lack of replay value, cliched gameplay, and familiar gameplay loop will frustrate some. Consequently, it won’t impress everyone, but I enjoyed it enough to recommend that you buy it here! Can you complete your mission and escape your newfound hell? Solve the puzzles, find the documents, and get to Charon’s Staircase.
With Christmas less than 2 months away, we take a closer look at Disney Mickey’s Christmas Carol Game.
Work together to tell the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge! Draw puzzle pieces from the bag and put together scenes from Disney’s holiday classic. But draw too many and the clock may strike! Hurry to finish all the pictures before Scrooge wakes up!
Interesting Gameplay Features
• Includes six beautiful puzzle scenes that tell the Christmas Carol story.
• Cooperative gameplay lets kids and parents work together to win!
• A perfect fit for your family—it’s a snap to adjust the difficulty.
• Every turn is a surprise as you draw pieces from the bag!
• Gold foil box is festive for the holiday and eye-catching on the shelf.
Disney Mickey’s Christmas Carol Game is available now priced around £15 and is aimed at ages 4 and up.
With less than 2 months to Christmas, we take a closer look at Ticket to Ride: Ghost Train.
Ticket to Ride: Ghost Train takes the gameplay of the Ticket to Ride series and scales it down for a younger audience.
In general, players collect parade float cards, claim routes on the map, and try to connect locations such as the Mad Scientist’s Lab, the Gingerbread House, and the Lonely Barn that are shown on their tickets. In more detail, the game board shows a map of a city with certain locations being connected by colored paths. Each player starts with four colored parade float cards in hand and two tickets; each ticket shows two locations, and you’re trying to connect those two locations with a contiguous path of your trains in order to complete the ticket.
On a turn, you either draw two parade float cards from the deck or discard parade float cards to claim a route between two locations by placing your ghost trains on it; for this latter option, you must discard cards matching the color and number of spaces on that route (e.g., two yellow cards for a yellow route that’s two spaces long). If you connect the two locations shown on a ticket with a path of your trains, reveal the ticket, place it face up in front of you, then draw a new ticket. (If you can’t connect locations on either ticket because the paths are blocked, you can take your entire turn to discard those tickets and draw two new ones.)
Ticket to Ride: Ghost Train is available now priced around £29.99 is aimed at ages 6 and up.
