With Christmas only a few months away, we take a closer look at the Star Trek Universe – The Original Series U.S.S. ENTERPRISE.
The USS Enterprise NCC-1701 is the most iconic Star Trek ship in the franchise. Captained by James T. Kirk and crewed by Spock, McCoy, Scotty and the rest, the adventures of this Star Trek ship set the standard for all of the TV series and films that followed after. As both a battleship and a home, the Enterprise models an explorative spirit for the future of humanity in which we reach out to the stars in peace. You can boldly go and search out new life with this excellent Star Trek toy.
This 18-inch Star Trek ship model emits authentic lights, sounds and catch phrases from the famous Captain Kirk. Coming with its own adjustable display stand it is the perfect Star Trek model for adults or children, fans of all ages will love this USS Enterprise toy. Whether this is the beginning of a collection or the latest new addition, this collectable USS Enterprise toy will look fantastic wherever it is displayed.
Fans of the original Star Trek series will love this excellent replica of the original Enterprise, complete with sounds!
The Star Trek Universe – The Original Series U.S.S. ENTERPRISE is available now priced around £49.99 and is aimed at ages 4 and up.
Disclosure: This product was provided free of charge in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
In celebration of the 60th anniversaryof the James Bond cinematic franchise,Decca Records presents Bond25, an orchestrated album featuring all 25 of the iconic films’ themes expertly reimagined and newly-recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
The album, recorded at Abbey Road Studios, includes new arrangements of the title themes including Diamonds Are Forever, GoldenEye and Skyfall, tracklisted chronologically from 1962’s Dr. No, to 2020’s UK No.1 single No Time To Die (see below for full tracklisting).
To mark the occasion, the iconic James Bond Theme from the 1962 film Dr. No, performed by theRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra, has just been released as a single.
Bond 25 followsthe recent success of Hans Zimmer’s soundtrack for the 25th James Bond film No Time To Die, which became the UK’s highest-charting soundtrack from the 007 franchise to date, peaking at No.7 in the Official UK Album Charts. Billie Eilish’s title track, co-written with Hans Zimmer and FINNEAS, topped the Official UK Singles Chart in its first week of release. Eilish, at 18 years old on release, is the youngest artist, and first female, to take a Bond theme to the top of the Official UK Singles Chart.
‘Bond 25’ Tracklist
1. James Bond Theme – ‘Dr. No’
2. From Russia With Love – ‘From Russia With Love’
3. Goldfinger – ‘Goldfinger’
4. Thunderball – ‘Thunderball’
5. You Only Live Twice – ‘You Only Live Twice’
6. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service – ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’
7. Diamonds Are Forever – ‘Diamonds Are Forever’
8. Live And Let Die – ‘Live And Let Die’
9. The Man With The Golden Gun – ‘The Man With The Golden Gun’
10. Nobody Does It Better – ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’
11. Moonraker – ‘Moonraker’
12. For Your Eyes Only – ‘For Your Eyes Only’
13. All Time High – ‘Octopussy’
14. A View To Kill – ‘A View To Kill’
15. Living Daylights – ‘The Living Daylights’
16. Licence To Kill – ‘Licence To Kill’
17. GoldenEye – ‘GoldenEye’
18. Tomorrow Never Dies – ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’
19. The World Is Not Enough – ‘The World Is Not Enough’
20. Die Another Day – ‘Die Another Day’
21. You Know My Name – ‘Casino Royale’
22. Another Way To Die – ‘Quantum Of Solace’
23. Skyfall – ‘Skyfall’
24. Writing’s On The Wall – ‘Spectre’
25. Theme – ‘No Time To Die’
Bond 25 is available now viaDecca Records, priced around £23.99, and can be orderedhereand is a must for any Bond fan.
With Christmas only a few months away, we take a closer look at Rumble in the Jungle Game.
Rumble in the Jungle is back from Tomy Games, the craziest action game that’s full of unknown dangers. Line up your explorer playing pieces on the game board, ready for the off. When you land on a Crank space, spin the giant Wheel of Doom – someone’s going to make a “boulder” ball-bearing drop, setting off a giant chain reaction!
Watch the ball-bearing roll over the palm tree, knock a monkey off its perch onto the seesaw below, drive on down the bamboo chute, trip the giraffe’s tail causing it to head-butt anyone on the track, wake the snake in the snake pit, on over the shaky bridge hitting another explorer off the loose plank, into the elephant’s trunk ready to be scooped up again on another player’s turn!
Stopping on the spaces will send explorers this way and that, cranking the wheel and setting off more chaos that will stop others in their tracks and send them back to the start. Reach the steps to the treehouse and you’re almost home. First to send the Golden monkey statue through its roof wins the game!
Suitable for 2-4 players and aimed at ages 5 and up.
Rumble in the Jungle Game is available now priced around £17.99.
Disclosure: This product was provided free of charge in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
With Christmas only a few months away, we take a closer look at Sonic the Hedgehog Club Mocchi Mocchi Mega Plush.
Help is on the way from your new best buddy – Sonic from Club Mocchi Mocchi! Designed in Japan, Mocchi Mocchi is super soft and huggable! Unlike other ordinary plush toys, it has a unique squishy texture and is super soft to touch.
Dimensions: 30.5L x 14W x 43H cm.
The Sonic the Hedgehog Club Mocchi Mocchi Mega Plush is available now priced around £29.99.
Disclosure: This product was provided free of charge in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
Hell is a special place reserved for the most heinous of people. Accordingly, if you’ve been good, or simply haven’t been an asshole, you shouldn’t expect to come face-to-face with a demon! However, Vampire Survivors challenges this logic in its cruel and often unfair action.
Developed and published by poncle, this is a rogue-lite, bullet hell, casual title. Furthermore, it has wonderfully dated pixel graphics, an incredibly aggressive soundtrack, and the easiest controls known to mankind. Yet, somehow, it is still annoyingly difficult. Subsequently, it’ll drive you mad, but you won’t be able to put it down. This indie sensation has taken the gaming world by storm, and I can see why. I thought it would be a casual game that I could play on my break, but hours later, I still wanted more. So, I decided to drag myself away from my Steam Deck to write this review for you.
Vampire Survivors has little to no story.
With no story at its core, Vampire Survivors had to do something special to grab my attention. Fortunately, it did just that with its awesome gameplay, the addictive action, and straightforward approach. You control a hero who is destined to be killed. However, it is your job to survive for as long as possible, and take down as many monsters as you can. For reasons unknown, the demons have left hell, and they now roam Earth. Armed with a weapon, the hero must annihilate everything that moves, collect XP, gold, and food, and progress through the stages. Upon death, you’ll lose your progress but retain your gold. Consequently, this can be spent on upgrades before jumping back into the action.
So you can see, the idea isn’t that original, nor is it complex. Yet, it’s undeniably moreish, and it gets under your skin. What’s more, unlike many titles, this one has no demand for real-life money. Instead, every upgrade and improvement is earned and unlocked through your skills and determination. Subsequently, the more gold you earn, and the longer you survive, the better gear you buy and the more likely you’ll progress further. This makes Vampire Survivors particularly rewarding, and this added to its addictive nature.
It is magic time.
Many minor elements.
What was equally great about Vampire Survivors was the minor elements at play. With an array of weapons to pick from, magic to use, and skills to improve, each playthrough was unique. Moreover, the permanent upgrades and character skills added extra layers to keep things interesting. You can select a burly warrior, a nimble rogue, a weak but intelligent mage, and so forth. Each character has strengths and weaknesses, and as you complete each level, you pick a new skill to improve your chances.
Do you add more firepower, magic, or strength to your attacks? Alternatively, will you focus on magic and projectiles to keep a distance from your foes? Or will you increase your speed, armour, and shield? Whatever you choose will dramatically alter the way you play. Understandably, you’ll find your favourites and these will be your go-to options. But occasionally, a little trial and error go a long way.
Alongside this, if you combine certain elements, you’ll create special weapons that will heal you or decimate your opponents. This was a key component and one that forces you into experimenting. I adored this idea as it ensures players come out of their comfort zone and try new and unusual approaches. Furthermore, it was important to have the most powerful equipment possible as the swarms of enemies are never-ending.
Look at all of those weapons.
Why won’t it stop?
Why won’t it stop? This is the question you’ll ask yourself around wave 20. The unrelenting, hellish creatures just keep coming. Moreover, they get bigger, tougher, and more aggressive. As such, tackling them becomes a challenge, especially when they surround you menacingly. When this happens, you must carve a path through your foes and run for safety. Yet, you can’t forget to collect the all-important gems that help you to progress. What’s more, special enemies drop food, power-ups, and treasure chests for you to gather.
These additional items are paramount to your survival, and without them, you are destined to die pretty quickly. However, if you survive for long enough and you complete an array of challenges, you’ll unlock a new dungeon that has its quirks and unique moments. This was a wonderful twist from the developer, as it kept the action fresh.
Vampire Survivors is a dated but fascinating pixel affair.
Triple-A games have many plaudits for their stunning graphics. Accordingly, players lose themselves in these incredible worlds. Yet, I grew up playing pixelated Atari games on tiny monitors. Therefore, I have a soft spot for old-school games, and Vampire Survivors is as pixelated as they come. With vivid colours, basic sprites, and simple stage designs, it couldn’t be more stripped back. What’s more, the animations are rudimentary, and the spells look ghastly. But this matters not! Its rough style and garish colours enhance the gameplay and the sparse style stopped it from becoming too overwhelming.
What was also amazing was the aggressive soundtrack. Just like the monsters, the music never stops. On top of this, the shrill sound effects rip through your brain. Accordingly, it seems like it should be annoying, but somehow it isn’t. Instead, it adds to the dated style and complements the madness on screen.
Time to destroy the horde.
Just keep moving.
The simplicity of Vampire Survivors was, at first, disconcerting. You are chucked into the action with no explanation of what is happening, or what to do. Consequently, you’ll smash the buttons, nothing will happen, and you get frustrated. Yet, once you understand that the combat mechanics are automated, it’s a cinch to play. As such, you’ll focus on moving, gathering items, and surviving.
Where this title excels is its longevity and straightforward approach. With many characters to unlock, upgrades to buy, and dungeons to visit, it’ll keep you busy. Alongside this, there are hundreds of item combinations to master, hordes of enemies to destroy, and countless treasures to find.
Vampire Survivors shouldn’t have been this good.
What makes Vampire Survivors so good is the fact that it shouldn’t be this good. Its straightforward approach and stripped-back ideas get under your skin. Subsequently, you’ll not be able to stop playing it. Furthermore, if you own a Steam Deck, or subscribe to PC Game Pass, you can play this on those platforms. Unsurprisingly, I loved this title and I recommend you buy it here! Can you survive the hellish hordes? Run, attack, and scavenge for as long as you can.
We have three copies of the book Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me by Ralph Macchio to give away.
Since The Karate Kid first crane-kicked its way into the pop culture stratosphere in June 1984, there hasn’t been a week Ralph Macchio hasn’t heard friendly shouts of “Wax on, wax off” or “Sweep the leg!” Now, with Macchio reprising his role as Daniel LaRusso in the #1 ranked Netflix show Cobra Kai, he is finally ready to look back at this classic movie and give the fans something they’ve long craved.
The book will be Ralph Macchio’s celebratory reflection on the legacy of The Karate Kid in film, pop culture, and his own life. It will be a comprehensive look at a film that shaped him as much as it influenced the world. Macchio will share an insider’s perspective of the untold story behind his starring role—the innocence of the early days, the audition process, and the filmmaking experience–as well as take readers through the birth of some of the film’s most iconic moments.
Ultimately, the book centers on the film itself, focusing on the reason that the characters and themes have endured in such a powerful way and how these personal experiences have impacted Macchio’s life. It will bring readers back to the day they met Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi for the first time, but will also provide a fascinating lens into how our pasts shape all of us and how the past can come back to enrich one’s life in surprising and wonderful ways.
How to enter to win
We have three copies of the book Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me by Ralph Macchio to give away, enter below:
Music and outdoor life are synonymous with one another. If you walk, cycle, run, or relax, you often have a pair of headphones in your ears. However, this can create a disjointed feeling in the surrounding world. Subsequently, you are no longer fully aware of the dangers, and this is a big problem. So, am I saying don’t listen to music while doing these things? Of course not. Instead, why not look at a different way of listening to your favourite songs? Accordingly, the alternative I’m proposing is the Lemuna Myth 1.
These stunning glasses come with 2 lens types, can be ordered for prescription use, and have Bluetooth audio built-in for your convenience. What’s more, perceptual sound technology allows you to listen to your favourite songs while being aware of any impending danger. Consequently, it’s a win, win situation, and they look incredible as well. So, what’s the drawback? Well, this premium device has a price tag to match. Yet, this shouldn’t put you off. After all, your safety and comfort should take priority at all times.
What’s in the box of the Lemuna Myth 1?
The incredibly stylish packing is adorned with striking imagery and neon lettering. It is undeniably upmarket and immediately has that wow factor.
The Lemuna Myth 1 is beautifully packaged and comes with 2 distinct lenses. You can pick from polarised sunglasses known as Theia frames, or an anti-blue light lens called Soter. Both are interchangeable with the temples and are incredibly well built.
A cleaning cloth. No one likes dirty or scratched lenses, so clean them with this specially designed-cloth.
Foldable carry case. Keeping your eyewear safe is essential. As such, this handy carry case will protect them from unnecessary damage.
User manual. The sunglasses are easy to set up, but a quick read of this guide is still advisable.
Professional outer packaging.The inner packaging.Theia frames.Soter lenses.Keep the glasses protected with this case.The charging cable.A handy user guide.The complete package.
Technical aspects.
This type of product is pretty unique. Therefore, its customer base is going to have niche requirements. Unlike those who buy high-end headphones, the expectation for phenomenal sound is a little lower. Furthermore, the hybrid nature of the frames also diluted my expectations regarding lens quality and comfort. However, this doesn’t mean the end product is poor because it isn’t. Even when hurtling along a road at 40 mph, I could hear every note of every song, and this was phenomenal. What’s more, the strong winter sun was blocked nicely by the polarising sunglasses. As such, it did what it should, but smashed my expectations out of the park.
Alongside this, the built-in microphone was unbelievably clear. No matter the weather, my phone calls were not affected. Thanks to the 4-mic balance dynamic algorithm, you experience crystal clear sound at all times. This technology extracts the unwanted noises of wind and cars to deliver accurate and comfortable tones. This aspect of the frames was a pleasant and unexpected surprise. I’ve experienced Bluetooth headphones that excel with music, but their wireless communication elements are woeful. Fortunately, the Lemuna Myth 1 delivered admirably across both categories.
Connectivity.
If you are into your sports, the last thing you want to do is mess around with your headphones. Accordingly, once you start cycling, walking, or running, you just want to get on with it. Thankfully, the Lemuna Myth 1 allows you to do just that. Using Bluetooth 5.0 technology, the glasses instantly connect to your phone, watch, or tablet. Alongside this, you get a healthy 10-metre range and it can be used on Android or iOS. By unfolding the arms, the glasses connect to your chosen device. From there, all you must do is start your music and away you go.
However, you may be worried about taking phone calls, skipping tracks, or pausing music. Well, fear not as the simple control system on either arm makes this extremely straightforward to achieve. The built-in microphone picks up voice commands and the touch-sensitive control area allows you to pause, rewind, or fast-forward any music you like. Unfortunately, though, there is no volume control or separate power-off option. Therefore, if you wear the glasses, they will always be connected to your phone or selected device. This may seem like a minor issue, but at times, you may not wish to converse via Bluetooth. When this happens, you must either remove the glasses or fiddle with your phone.
Build quality.
As a premium product, I expected the Lemuna Myth 1 to have a high-end finish. Fortunately, I wasn’t disappointed. The sleek black frames and slender arms hide the mountains of tech within. What’s more, they are surprisingly lightweight and unbelievably comfortable to wear. The arch along the arms is curved enough to sit nicely above your ears, and there is enough flex to fit most head sizes. However, the Theia lenses were a little on the large side for my liking, so maybe an alternative option would be a good move. The alternative Soter frame was perfect, looked great, and was understated.
If I was to look at improvements, I’d highlight the extremely smooth surface of the arms and the nose support. Unlike specific sports frames, these offer no resistance to sweat or movement. As such, I was worried that at high speed they could fall from my head and become damaged. If a darkened rubberised material was incorporated into the design, I believe this would eliminate this issue without undermining the finish.
Changing the lenses.
When I was advised that the lenses were interchangeable, I was worried. A heavy hand and expensive glasses rarely go well together. Thankfully, though, the simple twist-and-pull system works wonders. Consequently, changing the style for night and day was an easy task.
What would be a pleasant idea, is if the manufacturer was to create more vibrant lenses. If you consider brands such as Oakley, Melon, and SunGod, their glasses are eye-catching. However, the Lemuna Myth 1 has a more professional image that doesn’t stand out at first glance. For me, this isn’t a problem. However, many sports lovers enjoy vibrant gear and this may be a deal breaker.
Are the Lemuna Myth 1 glasses worth it?
When it comes to tech, the question normally focuses on desire and necessity. As such, is there a gap in the market for these slightly niche glasses? I’d have to say yes. Why? Well, the world is a busy place and everyone is in a rush. Accordingly, being able to hear your surroundings is essential. The Lemuna Myth 1 glasses do that without compromising your audio experience. What’s more, they look great. Yes, a few tweaks to the design wouldn’t hurt, but I’m really digging deep and finding minor flaws.
Technically, they are a fantastic piece of kit. With an IPX4 rating for sweat and water ingress, a 10-12 hour battery life (at 60% audio volume), and easy-to-charge batteries, they are built to last. Moreover, they deliver excellent sound quality and surprisingly clear microphone pickup. Accordingly, I easily recommend you buy these glasses here!
When someone bets something of value or money on the outcome of an event hoping for a reward, they are gambling. As a controversial activity, gambling is still subject to legal restrictions in the United States. Even though the popularity of gambling in 2022 is not to be questioned. Gamblers can gamble in person at brick-and-mortar establishments, such as casinos and sportsbooks, where they can enjoy casino welcome bonuses participate in live games. Among the many new ways to wager, online gambling has gained popularity in recent years. Users can wager through apps and websites.
Today’s Legal Gambling Situation
The North American casinos generate around $29 billion in revenue every year, with more than 1000 brands operating. So many online casino brands that accept American players and require little investment are attracting so many companies and enthusiasts. Most of the earliest Internet gambling sites were found in the Caribbean around the middle of the 1990s. Online casinos with online bonuses exploded in the next five years. Already in 2008, Internet gambling online revenues exceeded profits at land-based venues, and nowadays they are even more significant.
It is not all rosy: sometimes, the government tries to stop American players from playing. A law passed in 2006 prohibited credit card companies and banks from processing payments made to gambling sites. Many state officials are beginning to recognize the importance of gambling for Americans and are working to legalize it. Therefore, online casinos with bonuses become more accessible and offer all the necessary licenses to ensure the safety of the games.
Making Legal Gambling a Reality
Researchers have discovered that people from China, Egypt, Greece, and Japan have played chance games since 2000 BC. Over the years, thousands of loaded dice have been found in tombs between North and South America and East Asia. All of that has changed in the early to the mid-19th century. The 1960s were one of the most challenging years for games of chance.
Thanks to privatization, it was discovered 20 years later that millions of people are extremely interested in games like blackjack, roulette, and video slots. This led to the emergence of legalized gambling. In 1934, Puerto Rico hosted the first official US lottery, and only 30 years later was the second one launched. Nowadays, there are 44 US states and the District of Columbia offering lottery services. It is no surprise that real money lottery games are a popular form of gambling.
Cultural and Social Impact
The social and cultural impact of the whole gambling industry on society has been immense. Starting with it being present in everyday lives through pop culture. For example, how many movies do you know about casinos and gambling? Tons of them, right. Titles like Vegas Vacation, Ocean’s Eleven, Molly’s Game, and others were probably on most people’s watchlists.
Moreover, it doesn’t stop with the movies, you can clearly see the influence of the casino industry on every day like via books like The Biggest Bluff, Soccernomics, or The Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told. And there are also tons of music videos shot under the flashing lights of casinos in Las Vegas. Some of them are “24K Magic” By Bruno Mars, “Waking Up in Vegas” By Katy Perry, “Money On My Mind” By Sam Smith, and “The Man” by the Killers.
The American Culture of Gambling
Every aspect of our lives is filled with risk, from childhood through old age. Unfortunately, gambling, one of the most common ways to take risks, can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. So why is it that Americans are so fascinated by chance games? It could be for a variety of reasons: the desire to escape reality, a desire to get bigger earnings, or simply to meet new people. Regardless of why you gamble, you are not alone: Many Americans have made it a part of their routine, and if done responsibly, gambling can be just as fun as playing the slots.
Wrapping Up
Morality is a controversial issue and has been a major roadblock to the regulation of online gambling in the USA. Some regard it as a hobby or entertainment, while others see it as a threat to their social and economic well-being. Nonetheless, most sites promote fair and responsible gaming, which means players can set loss limits and opt-out if they want. Regulations ensure that organizations that provide such services are regulated by reputable bodies, which address any misconduct and make the endeavor secure.
Tax revenues and jobs are also generated by these platforms. Despite the lack of regulation surrounding digital gaming, residents of states can play at off-shore websites, and indeed many do. Therefore, politicians across the nation ought to consider legislation that stops tax revenue from flowing outside the US.
Driving in unknown terrain is a big responsibility. You should focus only on the road and not worry about whether you are accidentally breaking a rule. To make sure you are aware, remember these rules for Ibiza driving:
• You as a driver and passengers of the rental car in Ibiza must use seat belts.
• Children under 14 years old may only ride in the back seat of the car, and children under 12 years old and up to 135 cm tall may only ride in a car seat.
• If you are interested in a scooter rental in Ibiza, both you and the passenger must ride in a safety helmet.
• Use a Warning triangle and Reflective jackets when you get out of the car to the side of the road.
Basic driving rules in Ibiza
It is necessary to understand the driving rules on the roads of Ibiza. If you are approaching an intersection, give way to cars that are moving on the right. Also on a roundabout, those cars that are already on the traffic circle have priority over those approaching the traffic circle. You must let emergency vehicles and vehicles on the rails pass, and if you are driving on a secondary road, let those on the main road pass.
Overtaking is common for driving in Ibiza, but there are exceptions. If you are driving on a populated road or traffic is very heavy, do not overtake the car in front. Take care of your safety.
Speed limits & fines
The driving rules in Ibiza with the maximum allowed speed are similar to other countries: it is mostly 90 km/h on the highways and 50 km/h in built-up areas. If you exceed the speed limit, you will have to pay a fine of 100 to 500 euros, and if you exceed the allowable speed of 60 km/h, you can be deprived of a driver’s license for 4 years. Drivers are advised to pay their fines at once because there is a 50% discount on the amount of the fine during the first 20 days.
Do not hope that your speeding will not be noticed. There are cameras at every step on the island, recording your speed and informing your car hiring service in Ibiza about the offenses.
Parking
During the peak season, parking in Ibiza becomes a big problem. Free parking in Ibiza is very difficult to find, but there is blue zone parking on the island – you can leave your car in the overground parking in Ibiza town and pay a certain number of hours at a parking meter. Usually, an hour of staying there costs 2-3 euros.
On this island there are no problems with fuel: at every gas station, you can find gasoline 95 and 98 brands, as well as diesel fuel. The only drawback is the price of gasoline. Over the past two months, fuel prices in Spain have increased, reaching an average value of 1.78 Euro. And in Ibiza, fuel prices are even higher than in mainland Spain: 1.9-2.1 Euro.
Toll roads
When you rent a car in Ibiza, ask the rental service where you can pay to drive on the roads of the island near you. Most highways on the island have the prefix “AP”. It means that they are toll roads (“autopistas de peaje”). You have a chance to choose the free route to your destination as an alternative but be prepared for a lot of traffic. But if you have enough time and want to save money, use the free autovías that have the prefix A to enjoy Ibiza driving.
Insurance
Insurance, at least third-party insurance, is necessary to rent a vehicle in Ibiza. It should reimburse all damages and costs for damage to the auto if you are driving at the time. If you rent a car on the island without insurance, you will be forced to pay a fine of up to 3000 euros or may even be imprisoned
4 main prohibitions on the Ibiza road
• You may not drink alcohol before driving a car (the maximum rate of alcohol in the blood is 0.05%, and if you have less than 2 years of experience, your maximum rate is 0.03%).
• You are not allowed to use your phone while driving (if you don’t want to pay a fine).
• You may not use horns in cities or villages (use flashing lights as a warning).
• It is forbidden to use safety camera warning in Spain (or you will pay fines of up to 6000 euros)
Anime/Manga is an unusual but well-loved genre/art form. Its OTT nature and crazy characters are adored the world over. However, I’m not the biggest fan, and I admit that I don’t always understand the finer points of each franchise. As such, when I was given JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R to review, I didn’t know much about it. I understand the original was released in 2014 and this iteration adjusts the gameplay tempo while incorporating Part 6 Anime voice actors. As such, fans of the original and the Anime series will love what they see while being familiar with the action.
Developed by CyberConnect2 Co., Ltd and published by Bandai Namco, this is a fast-paced fighting title. Like many of its peers, the gameplay crosses many modes and allows for competitive tournaments with friends and random players. What’s more, there are a vast amount of characters to select, many powerful moves to perform, and the artwork is distinctive, colourful, and unbelievably striking. Sadly, though, I can’t say how close it is to its TV series counterpart, or indeed how much it has moved on from its predecessor. As such, I will review it solely on this experience and the action that unfolds.
Focus as there is plenty to take in.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R confused the hell out of me.
I guess one major downside of being unfamiliar with each franchise is how easy it is to lose yourself in the crazy action. Consequently, I spent much of my time scratching my head while randomly selecting which character I liked the look of most. Subsequently, I’m not entirely sure I got the best out of each mode, nor am I sure which fighter is the greatest. But I had fun nonetheless.
With many options to choose from, you are truly spoilt for choice. The main area of focus is the All-Star Battle Mode. Here you can fight new characters with the roster from the original game. This gives you a whopping 50 characters to choose from, and the developers have done their best to incorporate every JoJo arc. What’s more, you can enjoy seeing different characters from each story fighting in each universe.
Furthermore, the All-Star Battle mode spices things up with a range of special conditions and various settings to enjoy. Accordingly, fans of the original will experience a fresh approach to this updated title. As a newbie to the series, I loved the challenge that this posed. Instead of being a simple fighting game, you had to focus on different methods if you wished to win.
Which battle will you choose?
Challenging fights and online fun
The All-Star battles push you much harder than many of its peers. Not only are you awarded gold for your victory, but there are special missions to complete, special rules such as continuous health refills, and an array of difficulty settings to overcome. If you can somehow get through all of that, you will complete each panel and eventually, you will fight a boss battle. With 8 parts to overcome and unique themes for each one, you won’t tire of what you see.
However, this is only one part of the game. Alongside this, you’ll enjoy an arcade mode, online mode, versus, practice, and a gallery. Each of these options incorporates slick and tough fighting at its core. You’ll love dodging, blocking, and attacking your opponents as you fill your power bar and unleash almighty special attacks. The blend of “standard” combat and unusual magical powers was interesting to experience. Consequently, veterans of the genre will enjoy the devastating combination of each approach as they vie to be considered the best JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R player.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R looks incredible.
Even if you don’t follow the franchise, you’ll love how fantastic JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R looks. The character models, backdrops, and animations are unbelievably striking. I was amazed by how great the game looked and how flawless the action was. Furthermore, though I rarely comprehended what was going on, I couldn’t help but admire the brilliant artistry. If you are a fan of this Anime series, you will adore every battle and the detailed backdrops that you experience.
On top of this, the wonderful audio is in keeping with the theme and the art style. With original voice acting and no dubbed scenes, this is as authentic as it gets. Moreover, the Asian-inspired soundtrack adds to the energy and authenticity. I loved the eccentric character’s screams, the loud and obnoxious sound effects, and the impossible-to-understand voice overs. Subsequently, it added to the confusing nature of the game, but it didn’t matter. I adored the madness as the gameplay benefited considerably.
Stunning graphics.
Practice makes perfect.
Thanks to a fantastic tutorial and the inclusion of a practice mode, you’ll have the fundamentals mastered in moments. Furthermore, the well-laid-out setup and responsive controls make this an absolute pleasure to play. Yes, there is a distinct element of button bashing, but I cared not. It was fantastic to lace together ungodly combos, even if I barely knew what I was doing. I can imagine veterans will adore the levels of complexities that were otherwise lost on this relatively inexperienced player.
With 50 characters to pick from, plenty of modes to select from, and a massive All-Star Battle option, this will keep you busy. The main mode alone has 100+ battles of varying styles and difficulties. What’s more, the online mode is fantastic if not a little brutal. The community is passionate about both the genre and the theme and consequently, they love to kick your ass. Therefore, if you love to be tested, then this is the game for you.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R is an excellent but unusual experience.
You could argue that a veteran of the genre should have reviewed this. However, my unique viewpoint will align with many gamers. Though I love the genre, my lack of understanding of the JoJo series will be shared by many. Fortunately, though, if you can accept the madness of the story, you’ll enjoy a loud and unusual title that will tick many boxes. It is for these reasons that I recommend you buy it here! Will you be able to defeat every fighter you encounter? Pick your champion, fight your opponent, and complete every special task demanded of you.
With Christmas only a few months away, we take a closer look at Super Mario Adventure Game DX.
Exciting action maze designed and inspired by the world of Super Mario! Carefully deliver your playing marble using the 3 buttons and 2 revolving wheels going through the 7 tricky zones to reach the goal! Lots of gimicks and movements without battery operated. Great choice for birthday and holiday gifts!
For 1 player at a time. You can upgrade the play value by simply switching the character plate to any of the figures from LINK SYSTEM games (sold separately)!
Super Mario Adventure Game DX is available now priced around £29.99 and is suitable for ages 5 and up.
Disclosure: This product was provided free of charge in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
With Christmas only a few months away, we take a closer look at Legends of Akedo Powerstorm Triple Strike Tag Team Arena.
Enter the Legends of Akedo Powerstorm Triple Strike Tag Team Arena and build your Ultimate Akedo Warrior Team! This is Next Level Elemental Battling Action! These special Triple Tag Controllers allows you to switch Warriors mid battle. Tag in and out of the fight and beat your opponents! If you think your fighting a losing battle, Tag In your next warrior and snatch victory from Defeat!
Challenge your friends in this action packed Arena which comes with 2 Exclusive Warriors. As you fight it out, hear over 40 real battle Sound Effects blast out! When you hit a Split Strike, press your Split Strike button and see the Scoreboard light up to record your win! Defeat all three warriors on the opposing team & you’ll achieve the Ultimate Split Strike! The Triple Strike Tag Team Arena works with all Akedo Warriors so you can put on your very own Akedo tournament! Will your Warriors be on the winning team and deliver the Ultimate Split Strike? It’s time to triple the action! Ready! Fight! Split Strike!
Legends of Akedo Powerstorm Triple Strike Tag Team Arena is available now priced around £49.99.
Disclosure: This product was provided free of charge in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
With Christmas only a few months away, we take a closer look at the Smart Ball Skills Training Football.
This Skills Ball is all you need to help improve your football skills. These training footballs feature six key training and exercise drills that improve key football skills. You’ll learn ball control and how to move with the ball! The Smart Ball Skills is easy to use! Simply press the sensor in the ball for three seconds until you hear ‘Let’s begin Training!’ and away you go on your first drill. If you want to skip to your favourite training drill, this is easy! Just press the sensor for five seconds and you will skip to the next exercise. It also includes a counter sensor so it can count your kick ups.
The Smart Ball Skills football includes six training drill. 1. Dribbling – Use the cones to create a dribbling course and then dribble the ball through the cones and back again. But with 30 seconds on the clock, how many times can you dribble around the cones? 2. Kick Ups – You have a set time to do 10 kick ups as quickly as you can! Don’t worry about keeping count, as this football will keep count, every time you kick the ball. 3. Inside Feet – Pass the ball from one foot to the other 30 times. Sounds easy? You only have 15 seconds! 4. Toe Taps – Tap the top of the ball with alternative feet 60 times in 15 seconds. This football training exercise helps improve your feet speed. 5. Sprint – Set up your Skill cones in a perimeter. Complete the circuit in 10 seconds – from when the sensor says Go! As you get quicker, increase the size of the perimeter to make the challenge that much harder. 6. Passing – Key to any good footballer is passing! This drill helps you improve your passing accuracy by setting up two cones one side of your training area. Pass the training football through these two cones and back again for 30 seconds.
The Smart Ball Skills Training Football is available now exclusively from Smyths Toys and is priced around £29.99.
Disclosure: This product was provided free of charge in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
There have been some amazing open-world franchises, and each one leaves an indelible mark on your life. As such, whenever you start a new game that has these core principles, you can’t help but judge it. Whether it is No Man’s Sky, Saints Row, GTA, Red Dead Redemption, or Elden Ring, you’ll always compare your new experiences to these much-loved ones. Therefore, when I was given the Xbox Series X/S enhanced Biomutant game to review, I fell into this trap. However, I put on my reviewing cap, wiped my mind of any preconceived ideas, and got to work.
Developed by Experiment 101 and published by THQ Nordic, this is an open-world adventure title. What’s more, it is story-rich, has a vivid and beautiful world, and there are plenty of things to do. Alongside this, there is an array of biomes to experience, weird mounts to ride, a skill tree to focus on, and much, much more. Consequently, it packs a lot of ideas and unusual moments into its moralistic plot.
Biomutant tells a familiar tale of self-destruction.
Mankind is its own worst enemy. However, if we wipe ourselves off this planet due to our stupidity, then that’s our lookout. Yet, you can’t help but feel horrified for the creatures that share our habitats. Our poor and mindless choices have deep-seated ramifications for these beasts, and this forms the core ideals of Biomutant. Humanity has poisoned the world, and each of these unusual animals lives with the consequences. Harmless entities become mutated by the toxic radioactive waste and their DNA is permanently altered. Subsequently, this causes an imbalance in the ecosystem, and all hell breaks loose.
The protagonist’s mother and father lose their lives as an enormous monster called Lupa Lupin kills them in a frenzied attack. Scarred by this encounter, the young hero leaves and tries to survive in the wild. However, destiny calls him back to his homeland as the tribes are killing one another and the “Tree of Life” is dying. Without your intervention, the world will end and the mutated creatures will win. By helping out the locals, merging the tribes, and defeating the World Eaters and Lupa Lupin, you’ll heal the damage, and save the “Tree of Life”. So, no pressure there, then!
Though this story focuses your approach, you are free to do as you wish. Once you pass the linear tutorial, the expansive and daunting world unfurls before you. With masses of side quests to experience, plenty of ruins to explore, and a mind-blowing overarching story to witness, it’s a treat for all the senses.
How the heck are you going to take that down?
It is all about the missions.
Biomutant has a phenomenal story that twists and turns many times. On top of this, the eclectic blend of characters and unusual language choices adds to the wonderful madness. This is then enhanced further by a warm and rich automaton follower who acts as a translator and narrator. This excellent decision by the developers gave the gameplay a solid structure and unravelled some of the more confusing moments. With many tribes and countless quests to complete, it could have been overwhelming. Fortunately, though, even the most complex situations are manageable thanks to the excellent, albeit strange, guide.
The deep central quest line branches off with multiple subplots and convoluted jobs to complete. Alongside this, there are many side quests to tackle and plenty of areas to explore. As such, players can easily become distracted from the task at hand. I adored this freedom, even if at times I yearned for more structure. Accordingly, I repeatedly went off on a tangent when attempting to complete the most basic of objectives. Therefore, I recommend setting aside plenty of time if you decide to tackle this monstrously big game.
Smooth combat and an amazing crafting system.
When character progression, looting, and fighting are at the centre of everything you do, you want an in-depth and rewarding combat and crafting system. Fortunately, Biomutant has just that, and I loved every minute of it. With your normal XP and levelling elements included, you can focus on improving a range of game-changing stats. Whether you improve strength, health, speed, or more will depend on your gameplay style. As you create your hero, you can decide whether you’ll be melee obsessed, a ranged warrior, or a bit of both. This was fantastic as it allows you to tackle the action however you wish.
This is then complemented by the awesome unlockable abilities and the great Wung Fu combos. Furthermore, by obtaining PSI powers, you can tie together standard attacking tropes with some awesome magical skills. On top of this, as you enhance the mutation tree, you’ll unlock different skills that’ll create deadly and seamless attacking moves.
This is all tied together nicely by the incredible crafting system. This is one key area that makes Biomutant stand out from its peers. As you loot the surrounding world and level up, you can enhance your gear or create entirely unique weapons. This was phenomenal, as you can design weapons that’ll take down specific enemies, or clothing that’ll increase resistance in each of the biomes. I adored how this simple idea worked perfectly with the complex environment and the vast roster of monsters you encounter.
Biomutant’s world is beautiful.
Biomes, Karma, and puzzles.
Though fighting and quests are a big portion of Biomutant’s rich tapestry, it has plenty of other charms, as well. With a delightfully cruel level of poisonous, evil, and deadly biomes to explore, you’ll need to master the crafting and levelling system pretty quickly. Subsequently, with the right approach, your hero can become resistant to each revolting and debilitating obstacle that stands in your way.
On top of this, the looting and exploration elements are often mixed with some fun and challenging puzzles to complete. With an array of oddly named human technology littering the landscape, you must complete logic-based puzzles to open doors, crack safes, and earn rewards. Consequently, this was a nice distraction from the almost endless combat encounters and the faster-paced moments.
Finally, similar to Fable, Biomutant uses a Karma system. During conversations, you are free to answer as you wish. However, your choices impact whether you are perceived as “Light” or “Dark”. Moreover, this impacts the choices that are available and will skew the relationships you have. Accordingly, you must live with your choices no matter what the consequences are.
Biomutant looks incredible.
When it was released for “Last-Gen” machines, people complained about the graphics, frame rate, and bugs. Fortunately, though, I didn’t touch it until this review. Subsequently, I missed all the rough points and instead, I enjoyed a beautiful and polished title. With a variety of biomes to explore, stunning characters to encounter, smooth combat to witness, and some excellent cinematic, this is a great game to play. On top of this, the world is mind-blowingly massive and great to explore.
This incredible world would be nothing if it wasn’t for the atmospheric audio. With a rich and powerful soundtrack, you’ll become lost in the enthralling story. Alongside this, the character’s strange voices and the excellent narration add to the mystery and drama. Furthermore, the excellent sound effects are great! With bone-crunching noises and whimsical OTT sounds, they both add to the ensuing madness.
Let me hear you roar!
Excellent controls and a brilliant UI.
There is so much to do in Biomutant that it could have been a pig to play. With hectic battles, loads of special abilities, and rapid combos to master, there is a lot going on. However, thanks to the responsive controls and brilliant UI, you’ll master the fundamentals in no time. What’s more, the excellent tutorial gets you up to speed without being complicated or boring.
Like other open-world games, this one is full of longevity and replay value. If you wish, you can rush through the main story and forget the exciting side quests. Yet, I wouldn’t recommend that. With many interesting places to explore and some amazing jobs to complete, you’ll want to invest your time wisely. Alongside this, the progression tree, crafting system, character role, PSI powers, and mutations ensure that no playthrough is ever the same.
Biomutant is fantastic.
I’ve always enjoyed open-world games, but I find them to be overwhelming and this puts me off. However, Biomutant was different! I could happily invest hours without becoming bored or feeling out of my depth. Furthermore, the blend of different approaches and the excellent plot was both interesting and captivating. It is for these reasons that I recommend you buy it here! Can you save the “Tree of Life”? Destroy the World Eaters, hunt Lupa Lupin, and get your revenge.
