Review: ZOE Begone

Daniel Waite
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Review: ZOE Begone

ZOE Begone is a game that broke my balls on multiple occasions. Its cruel ways, tough and repetitive action, and somewhat wayward controls were enough to make me scream. However, there is something desirable and interesting about a game that is morally unjust. After all, the hero simply wants to relax and her creator won’t let this happen.

This bullet hell shoot em up was published by PM-Studios, Inc. It is a single-player game that is often unforgiving but amazingly rewarding. When I got things right, I laughed, smiled, and gave myself a pat on the back. However, this rarely happened as failure was always just around the corner.

ZOE Begone tells a tale of revenge.

ZOE Begone isn’t your typical bullet hell endeavour. There isn’t a huge arena filled with enemies and projectiles to avoid. No, you have an old-school reel of film that must be explored and manipulated to your advantage. If you can somehow overcome the arcade action, you’ll face a tough boss and things continue.

This gameplay loop was created by the harsh and cruel animator. Zoe wishes to rest, but the animator has work to do. Consequently, she must battle her way across 3 different game modes and upgrade her abilities if she wants to survive.

Simple ideas.

Though the action is hectic, the ideas are remarkably simple. The hero must destroy everything in sight, ground smashing any apples and using them to upgrade her skills whenever the shop appears. This is easier said than done as the controls are somewhat wayward and this causes unwanted issues.

If you can master the accuracy and hitboxes, you’ll enjoy the retro style and the interesting aesthetic. Moreover, the challenging action is enough to test the best gamers around. I found the learning curve and difficulty to be the most off-putting element of ZOE Begone. No matter how much I tried, I found things to be just too tough. Frustration was often the overwhelming feeling and the odd smattering of success didn’t make up for the shortcomings.

ZOE Begone looks incredible.

The developer has done an stunning job with the animation and retro imagery. The old-school reels, strange creatures, and smooth animation make this a pleasure to play and observe. Though it is often tough to keep on top of things, I laughed and admired the madness even when it was kicking my ass.

The audio is a joy to listen to. The piano music has a distinctive 1930s edge that matches the dated film reels. Furthermore, the sound effects are loud and oddly modern. These juxtaposing ideas somehow work and I liked the drama and high energy finish.

Wayward controls.

ZOE Begone was frustrating to play. Death came far too quickly, and the wayward controls were not my friend. Missing your target or failing to collect health supplies or apples was always annoying. Though you can forgive the madness and learn to master the shortcomings, it took the polish off an otherwise interesting and fun game.

If you love to have your ass kicked, ZOE Begone will be the game for you. I’m not a massive fan of failing, dying, and failing again. However, I know some gamers adore this sadomasochistic gameplay. If this is your thing, you’ll keep playing until your eyes water. Additionally, there are 3 unique game modes to test your skills and keep you interested.

ZOE Begone wasn’t the game for me.

I’m usually a big fan of this genre, but I couldn’t get into ZOE Begone. Its tough ways were often too cruel for my liking. Moreover, it was a little repetitive and that’s a shame. I’m not sure the developers got the balance right and I fear that this will put many people off. Though it wasn’t for me, it will appeal to a niche audience, and I recommend they buy it here! Can you stop the animator and get some rest? Avoid the projectiles, complete ever real, and take out those big, bad bosses.

Review: Jelly Troops 

Saim Khurshid
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Review: Jelly Troops 

It takes a good idea to be fun, and Jelly Troops was exactly that… I mean both things here, fun and a good idea. Not trying to be a stick-in-the-mud here… You genuinely enjoy the time spent with Jelly Troops. Although match-making could have been better.

Developed by Nukenin and published by Phoenixx Inc., Jelly Troops is a unique take on PVP capture the flag multiplayer gameplay by throwing the concept of minions into the mix.

Normally, the number of people playing a game and the fame, or lack thereof, should not affect how the game feels, but the situation is a little different for Jelly Troops. Being a multiplayer-focused game with an interesting gameplay mechanic, it was disappointing to spend most of my time searching for people to play the game with.

Jelly Slavery

Jelly Troops sounds simple as a game, but it gets very intense as you progress.

You play as a magician who can summon little Jelly minions by absorbing certain crystals. Your opponent, another magician with the same power, spawns on the other side of the map.

The goal is to collect three mini flags from the map or one large flag from your opponent’s spawn point.

How is it done? Well, that is where the game gets fun.

As you play, you do a few things: you summon your jelly slaves and order them to go and collect orbs… They must grab the orb and bring it back home. Once they reach home, the orbs transform into more slaves… You can then order them to go and collect more orbs…

While the size of the orb varies, the number of slaves sent increases the speed of extraction. But that is not all, as the Jelly Troops manage to create some obstacles and a chance of strategy to spice up the game.

Obstacles at Play

There are a few things to take note of as you play:

Giant Rock Monsters

Depending on the size and shape of the map, there are large rock creatures littered around that will attack your slaves and kill them if they come near. These monsters chase you around the map constantly and force you to outwit them many times.

The only way to avoid getting chased is to not run near them, forcing you to slow down the speed of your success and rethink your entire route every few seconds under pressure.

Great Wall of Jelly

At every corner and every turn of the map, you are given the option to spend your Jelly slaves to build walls that could block both the path of the Rock monster and hold off your opponent.

Creating these walls costs a certain number of jelly slaves, so you have to be smart about when creating a wall is worth the loss.

Combining all these different aspects of Jelly Troop and using your own mind for strategy makes this game pop out much more than it should.

Good Jelly, Bad Jelly

You can see the thought behind it, the little systems feed into each other, and that’s what makes it sting that it’s mostly empty lobbies right now.

This is one of those games that makes you wish more people were playing it. It’s clever, weirdly intense, and surprisingly easy to lose time in once a match finally starts.

It’s got brains, it’s got personality, and it definitely has enough jelly to go around..

Not perfect, but I’d still recommend it. Jelly Troops has a good idea, a good loop, and just enough charm to make the wait times worth it.

Review: Orbi 370 Series WiFi 7 Dual-Band Mesh System

Andrew Edney
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Review: Orbi 370 Series WiFi 7 Dual-Band Mesh System

Here is our review of the new Orbi 370 Series WiFi 7 Dual-Band Mesh System.

Specifically designed for today’s connected homes, the Orbi 370 Series makes cutting-edge WiFi 7 performance accessible to more households than ever before, combining ultra-fast internet, expansive coverage, and built-in security at NETGEAR’s most affordable price point yet.

The Orbi 370 Series empowers households to unlock the full potential of their connected devices. With ultra-fast speeds up to 5 Gbps in the US and 3.6 Gbps in Europe, Orbi ensures smooth video calls, buffer-free streaming, responsive gaming, and reliable smart home automation. Households can easily expand coverage by adding additional satellites, ensuring their network grows and adapts seamlessly to their changing needs and lifestyles. 

Powered by the latest WiFi 7 technology, the Orbi 370 Series features Multi-Link Operation (MLO), combining 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands to improve speed, reduce latency, and enhance performance across every connected device, over up to 4,500 sq ft. The 2.5Gbps internet and Ethernet ports support multi-gig internet plans, while flexible wired or wireless connections accommodate high-demand devices such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, and PCs.

Orbi 370 Series comes equipped with state-of-the-art firewall protection, automatic firmware updates, VPN support, WPA3 security, access controls, and guest network options. A 30-day trial of NETGEAR Armor™ Powered by Bitdefender adds advanced threat protection and VPN capabilities across all connected devices. NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls™ are also included to help families manage online activity and screen time, with optional premium features available via subscription.

Specifications

  • WiFi 7 Technology – Next-gen wireless standard delivers higher speed, lower latency, and backward compatibility with WiFi 4/5/6/6E.
  • Multi-link Operation – Combines two WiFi bands at once, for both backhaul (shared 2.4GHz & 5GHz) and fronthaul (2.4GHz & 5GHz) to improve network reliability, reduce latency, and ensure data is delivered at reliable speeds.
  • Multi-Gig Speeds with 2.5 Gig Internet Port – Use the 2.5 Gig internet port for multi-gig cable and fibre plans. Compatible with any internet service provider.
  • Multi-gig Wired ports on Router and Satellites – Plug in wired devices to improve performance or set up a multi-gig wired connection between the router and satellites via the 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports.
  • Do It All with the Orbi App – Easily manage your network from anywhere, including pausing the internet, running internet speed tests, tracking your Internet data usage, setting up separate guest networks, and more.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the router and satellites, power cables, ethernet cables and instructions.

A Closer Look

Placing the Orbi Satellites

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you are looking for the fastest and easiest way to setup and use WiFi 7 Mesh system for your home (or office) then look no further than the Orbi 370 Series, it’s fantastic!

The Orbi 370 Series WiFi 7 Dual-Band Mesh System is available now priced around £299.99 for the RBE363 Router and 2 Satellites, £209.99 for the RBE372 Router and 1 Satellite and £99.99 for each add-on Satellite.

You can learn more from the Netgear website.

A Closer Look at the Free League Alien RPG Core Rules Evolved Edition

Andrew Edney
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A Closer Look at the Free League Alien RPG Core Rules Evolved Edition

Here we take a look at the Free League Alien RPG Core Rules Evolved Edition book.

Built upon feedback from thousands of players over five years of adventures, ALIEN: The Roleplaying Game Evolved Edition delivers an updated and streamlined version of the ALIEN RPG fans know and love. The updated core rules include new artwork, new content, and a variety of new tools for players and Game Masters alike, all fully compatible with previous releases and game material.

Features:
• A bold new look and feel, with all new page layouts by Johan Nohr, new interior maps and artwork, and a stunning new core book cover by renowned artist Colm Geoghegan.
• Last survivor, a robust solo mode designed by masters of the solo trade, Shawn Tomkin and Matt Click.
• Revised and expanded core and combat rules for talents, stress, ammo, skirmishes, and more!

The Free League Alien RPG Core Rules Evolved Edition book is due for publication on November 25th 2025 and will retail for around £42.99.

If you are fan of role playing games and Alien then this is a must for your collection, or give it to someone for Christmas.

You can learn more about this and other titles from Free League Publishing here.

Review: GXT 872 Xyra TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Andrew Edney
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Review: GXT 872 Xyra TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Here we review the GXT 872 Xyra TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.

Hot swappable, padded TKL mechanical gaming keyboard for ultimate customisation.

Features

Gasket-mounted mechanical gaming keyboard for dampened sound and soft-feel keystrokes

Fully equipped with hot swappable 5-pin Leobog linear 60M switches, and hot port also compatible with 5-pin switches

N-key rollover anti-ghosting functionality registers an unlimited number of keystrokes at the same time

TKL layout offers more room for mouse movement and extra desk space

2 mix colour design keycaps and full RGB with 16.8 million colour combinations allows you to play in style

Included detachable coiled USB-A-C cable and 2-in-1 key and switch puller to fully personalise this keyboard to your preferences

12 Fn keys; keys to keep your media, gaming and office functions under control –

Included software to program keys and lighting to fit your gaming style

What’s in the box?

The box contains the keyboard, a Key and switch puller, Coiled USB-A-C Cable and a User Guide.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The GXT 872 Xyra TKL keyboard is a compact mechanical keyboard offering a smaller footprint, making it ideal for those who want a more efficient workspace or gamers who need the extra mouse space for fast, precise movements.

The keyboard has a sleek, minimalist design with a solid plastic frame that feels durable but not overly heavy. The matte finish helps reduce fingerprints, giving the keyboard a clean and professional look. The absence of a numpad (hence the TKL design) makes it more compact, but the layout still feels full enough for general use.

The keycaps are made of high-quality ABS plastic, and while they’re not the most premium material (compared to PBT), they still feel decent under the fingers. The keyboard features customisable RGB lighting that can be adjusted through keyboard shortcuts or via software, adding a nice touch of personality without being overly flashy.

The keys are responsive and provide a satisfying feel when typing or gaming, with a nice balance of actuation force. They are very enjoyable to use for both gaming and typing.

The RGB lighting on the keyboard is one of its standout features. It’s bright, vibrant, and customizable through the onboard controls or software. There are multiple preset lighting effects, from breathing modes to wave patterns, allowing you to personalise the look of your setup. The keyboard can also be adjusted on-the-fly with different brightness and effect levels, which is a nice touch.

In terms of gaming performance, the keyboard does not disappoint. It offers fast response times, anti-ghosting, and key rollover, which are all important features for gamers. Whether you’re playing fast-paced FPS games or more casual titles, the keyboard feels responsive and precise. The key actuation is smooth, and there’s minimal wobble on the keycaps, so it maintains a satisfying feel during long gaming sessions.

The software that comes with the keyboard is relatively simple but functional. You can customize key bindings, adjust RGB lighting profiles, and configure macros for different games or applications. While the software isn’t as polished or feature-packed as some of the higher-end options, it’s more than adequate for most users.

If you want a reliable mechanical keyboard with RGB lighting and solid gaming performance you should check this out.

The GXT 872 Xyra TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is available now priced around £80.

You can learn more from the GXTrust website. And you can order from Amazon now.

A Closer Look at Press Start by Erwan Cario

Andrew Edney
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A Closer Look at Press Start by Erwan Cario

With Christmas only a few months away, we take a closer look at Press Start by Erwan Cario.

Pac-Man, Mario, Tomb Raider, The Sims, GTA, Minecraft, Fortnite… Video games are now one of the pillars of popular culture. This comprehensive, visually rich book chronicles the history of video games from their earliest roots in 1958 up to the present day, from simple pixels to the stunningly realistic visuals of modern blockbusters.

Explore the evolution of the industry through the iconic artworks, stories, and characters that have defined gaming across generations. Rediscover the classics titles from Nintendo Switch’s Animal Crossing and Zelda: Breath of the Wild, to Elden Ring and God of War on the Sony PlayStation 5, as well as a multitude of independent gems and record-breaking franchises.

This newly updated edition highlights the standout games and key milestones over more than 50 years, diving into the creative and technological lore that have made video games what they are today. Filled with nostalgia, insights, and rich artwork, this book is a must-have for any video game fan, offering a captivating journey through the vibrant history of gaming and the titles that have captivated millions worldwide.

Press Start by Erwan Cario is available now priced around £30 and contains over 280 pages packed full of gaming knowledge and history. This is a must for any gamer!

You can learn more from the Ilex Press website.

Review: Turtle Beach Airlite Fit Switch 2 Headset

Andrew Edney
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Review: Turtle Beach Airlite Fit Switch 2 Headset

Here we review the Turtle Beach Airlite Fit Switch 2 Headset.

Experience superior gaming and comfort with the Turtle Beach Airlite Fit Wired Gaming Headset, officially licensed by Nintendo for Nintendo Switch 2. This headset also works with Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch – OLED Model. Designed by our in-house engineers, this headset delivers finely tuned audio with high-quality 40mm speakers, offering an immersive experience for both casual and competitive gamers. The elevated over-ear Jersey knit cushions block noise while providing crisp highs and powerful lows. The sleek, noise-canceling mic ensures you’re always heard clearly, and when you need to go off comms, simply flip the mic up to mute it. This headset is built for fun across gamers of all ages and levels.

Specifications

Whats in the box?

The box contains the headset and instructions.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The Turtle Beach Airlite Fit Switch 2 Headset is lightweight and comfortable to use, even for long periods of time.

There is a built in microphone and the quality is very good. If you don’t want to use the mic or you just want to mute it, all you need to do is flip it up and its automatically muted.

The sound quality is great, utilising high quality 40mm speakers. 

As it’s a wired headset, all you need to do is plug it in and it’s ready to use. There is a volume control on the headset which is easy to access and use, even in the middle of a game.

If you are looking for a good quality, reasonably priced headset for your Nintendo Switch 2 (or other Switches) then look no further, Turtle Beach have done it again.

The Turtle Beach Airlite Fit Switch 2 Headset is available now priced around £19.99 and is available in either Charcoal Black or White and Black.

You can learn more from the Turtle Beach website.

A Closer Look at Titanium Magic Stand Pro Phone Case for iPhone 17 Pro Max

Andrew Edney
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A Closer Look at Titanium Magic Stand Pro Phone Case for iPhone 17 Pro Max

Here we take a closer look at the Titanium Magic Stand Pro Phone Case for iPhone 17 Pro Max from Casekoo.

The Titanium Magic Stand Pro Phone Case has 3.0 U-SHOCK airbags which increases the shock-resistance by 8 times.

There is a D-Cover lens shield on the back to protect the cameras, extending the anti-scratch structure too.

There is a 1.5mm bezel that protects the screen.

Using N58 Magnets + MagPrime Tech means that you can use wireless charging with ease.

There is a ring stand attached to the back of the case so that you use it stand up your phone in either horizontal or vertical modes giving you up to a 170 degree angle. It’s really easy to use and doesn’t get in the way when it’s not being used. You can also use it as a camera grip too!

Overall this is a really great case that also can be used as a stand, all while protecting your precious phone.

The Titanium Magic Stand Pro Phone Case for iPhone 17 Pro Max from Casekoo is available now priced around $88.99 (but at the time of writing this review it was on sale for $44.99. It is available in Orange, Navy, Rose Gold, Purple and Light Blue.

You can learn more from the Casekoo website here.

Review: Altruva headphones

Daniel Waite
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Review: Altruva headphones

The Altruva headphones from Kiwi Ears offer professional-level audio at a fraction of the cost. Furthermore, they are unbelievably comfortable even when worn for marathon sessions. On top of this, they look fantastic. I was sent the WoodBrown version, but an all black option is available for something more discreet.

This open-back 50mm driver headset is perfect for audiophiles. The Altruva headphones deliver studio-grade audio that creates an immersive and mind-blowing soundscape. The easy-to-identify tones generate a warm and welcoming audio platform, no matter your entertainment field.

Though these headphones are larger than many of their peers, I liked the big ear cups and the quality materials. The result is a high-end product that sits comfortably around your ears. This creates an immersive experience without the claustrophobic downside.

What’s in the box of the Altruva headphones?

  • The packaging is large but interesting. Furthermore, it is robust and can be recycled.
  • The Altruva headphones are easy on the eye. Though they are large, I like the design and the wooden effect earcups. 
  • An audio cable with multiple connection methods is provided.
  • Spare earpads can be used if necessary.
  • Learn the basics with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

These wired-only headphones use passive charging to bring them to life. The result is a lighter product that doesn’t need charging. Though wired-only designs are often frowned upon, Kiwi Ears champions this approach. The removable cables can be replaced with ease if they become damaged. However, the provided cables are good and will suit many users’ needs.

The 50mm custom-built drivers pack an almighty punch, but the open-back design helps to mellow things out. This design choice generates a spacious and more realistic soundstage, no matter the genre. Though I will focus on audio quality momentarily, I want to start by saying these headphones deliver an incredible range of tones and bass.

Audio quality.

No matter the Kiwi Ears product, they always get things right. However, the Altruva headphones are something else! The delightful blend of highs, mid, and low tones is wonderful to experience. I picked songs from various genres, and these headphones didn’t miss a beat. Moreover, even when things are cranked up, the 50mm drivers didn’t falter. 

I know what you are thinking, you reckon the bass lets it down. Well, I hate to disappoint, but the bass is warm, rich, and brilliantly balanced. I picked some bass-heavy songs to test things out, and no layer was washed out. The result was a brilliant audio platform that is a joy to listen to.

Build quality.

I’ve mentioned the slightly larger nature of these headphones, but this shouldn’t be of concern. The larger earcups feel great against your skin. Additionally, the open-back design creates a breathable and comfortable listening experience.

I love it when a support headband is incorporated into the design. This minor touch makes a huge difference. No longer do you get pressure headaches or incredibly flat hair. Instead, the band sits gently upon your skull and you hardly feel any pressure at all.

The headphones are created using high-end materials. The stainless steel elements are PVD-coated for enhanced durability and longevity. Additionally, the combination of real wood accents and vegan-friendly leather creates a professional and high-end finish.

Are the Altruva headphones worth it?

The Altruva headphones will not break the bank. They are available for under $70 and pack an almighty punch for that impressive price point. The custom-built drivers offer a professional-grade soundscape. Furthermore, the balanced tones ensure every song, cinematic, and game sound amazing. Alongside this, they feel great to wear, and the design is a real head turner. Accordingly, I love them and recommend buying them here!

(More information on Kiwi Ears can be found here!)

The Altruva headphones have been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

A Closer Look at Marble Maze

Andrew Edney
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0
A Closer Look at Marble Maze

With Christmas only a few months away, we take a closer look at Marble Maze from Build Your Own Kits.

The Marble Maze isn’t just a puzzle—it’s the ultimate challenge cube. Build the Maze from 100+ interlocking pieces, then guide your marble through a brain-bending 3D labyrinth.

Perfect for logic puzzle lovers and problem-solving enthusiasts, it’s made for minds that love to think, tinker, and triumph. And it’s seriously addictive!

Build Your Own’s Marble Maze is made up of intricately designed slot-together cardboard parts. Whether you’re flying solo or teaming up with a mate, the step-by-step instructions are spread across 3 booklets so that sections can be built independently or collaboratively.

First, construct the 8 separate maze cubes, then interlock them to create your 3D puzzle masterpiece. Assembling the Marble Maze is a creative journey like no other, but the real challenge begins after you’ve built it.

Drop in your sleek ceramic marble and you’re off! The 8 unique challenge zones will put your skills to the test as you carefully manoeuvre the marble through twists, turns, and tricky traps. If your marble falls out, then it’s back to the start and try again.

Once mastered, the Marble Maze makes a stunning display piece resting in its own stand – a brilliant conversation starter that’ll add a touch of playful genius to any shelf or coffee table.

Ready to conquer the cube?

  • Age 14+ (adult supervision recommended)
  • Screen-free entertainment
  • Mess-free, slot together cardboard construction
  • 4 hours build time
  • 108 press-out parts
  • Contains 3 ceramic marbles
  • Cube dimensions: 23 cm x 23 cm x 23 cm. (36cm tall when sat in display stand)
  • Made from high-quality sustainable cardboard; both kit and packaging are fully recyclable
  • Easy to follow instructions included – 3 booklets
  • Designed in the UK

This is really a lot of fun for everyone and would make a great Christmas present.

Marble Maze from Build Your Own Kits is available now priced around £24.99.

You can learn more from the Build Your Own Kits website.

Review: CARIMARA: Beneath the forlorn limbs

Josh Blackburn
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Review: CARIMARA: Beneath the forlorn limbs

CARIMARA is an odd one. It’s one of those games that has an achievement for beating it in four minutes. So you know you’re in for a quick experience, and there’s always a danger that it’ll slip right out of your head as soon as it goes in. Not so with CARIMARA. I think it’ll stick with me. Part of that is the short, sharp emotional ending. Part of it is to do with how mad everything looks and feels. A third, bigger, part is that CARIMARA is stuffed with secrets.

It’s a tricky game to write about, without just blandly describing all the interesting bits. It’s also a tricky game to recommend, because the actual gameplay is mainly spent bumbling around clicking on things. I do like the central gameplay mechanic but, if I had to pick nits, I’d say that CARIMARA is too short to let it evolve. Still, it’s definitely worth a look. For the price of a sandwich, you can have an experience that’s pleasantly unpleasant.

Carimara

Dealing Questions

I approached CARIMARA like it was a horror game, but I don’t think that’s quite right. Certainly there are horror elements, but it’s more like a vague unsettling feeling. Like you’re at a party and suddenly realise that you don’t want to be there, so you’re constantly looking for the exit. In this case, though, we’re here to talk to the dead. We’re a Carimara, a little goblin fella called in to exorcise the ghost living in an old lady’s cellar. As you might expect, it’s not quite as simple as that.

For one thing, our little fella cannot speak. Instead, he has a set of cards with different pictures on them. When he wants to ask a question, he holds up the card. Interacting with the environment generates new cards, which you can then slot into conversations to get more information. To finally exorcise the ghost, you need to figure out who it was, and how it died. That means poking all the way around the environment and piecing together the clues, which range from vague to screamingly obvious.

Carimara

Spooky Secrets

The main plot of CARIMARA isn’t too complex. Certain parts of the solution are impossible to miss. However, it’s made better by the secrets that run throughout. For one thing, you can sleep, which changes the time of day, and there certain secrets that only unlock when the moon is in the right place. Hell, there’s an entirely different ending hidden away in CARIMARA, where we basically cause the end of the world. The achievement is called ‘Oops’, which sums the whole ending up nicely, really.

It’s difficult to really criticise something that’s such a small, complete package as CARIMARA. Though if I took a step back and looked at it overall, I’d say that CARIMARA‘s short length doesn’t give its gameplay time to breathe. The card system isn’t much different from a standard point’n’click interface. I’d have liked a way to combine cards to ask more searching questions, for instance. Like combining a character with garden tools, to learn a bit more about the garden before it all went to hell. As it is, the card system feels a little underused.

Carimara

CARIMARA – Short & Spooky

The last thing to mention is that CARIMARA has a surprisingly heartfelt ending for such a short game. I think that’s because a lot of the legwork of the story is pieced together by us. We begin to figure out the circumstances that led to the ghost, and all of the characters we meet have an air of suspicion about them. Only for you to find the real ending and it hammers home how fragile life is, and concludes with a bittersweet punch to the gut.

Notably, CARIMARA ends with a note from the developer indicating that further episodes in the same style may be on the way. I think that’s a very good idea. CARIMARA certainly feels like a single piece of a larger game that needs a bit more time to breathe. Still, it almost perfectly sets out to achieve want it wanted to. A creepy short story, with lovely, creepy art and a story that unfolds at the same pace as the player. In the end, all that I wanted was a larger helping, which can only be a good sign.

(CARIMARA‘s Steam Page)

Review: Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes

Daniel Waite
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Review: Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes

There is nothing better than enjoying a Christmas game before Halloween. This is exactly where I am as I’m reviewing Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes! This vibrant game is focused on a young audience. Although there is some finesse and accuracy required, it is perfectly safe and extremely forgiving. Accordingly, gamers of all ages can enjoy the simple action.

This single-player side-scrolling platformer was developed by Casual Brothers Limited and published by Outright Games. It has a lovely, colourful approach, and the audio is upbeat and magical. Subsequently, it’ll get you in the Christmas spirit even if we have months before the big day. None of the key mechanics is original or challenging. Moreover, the levels are reasonably repetitive and simple to navigate.

Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes asks you to believe in the Christmas spirit.

Santa is a busy man. However, he is pretty demanding as well. Sadly, his problems are a global issue! Whenever the festive season looks to be troubled, he rarely gets off his big red bottom. Instead, he gets his elves, pixies, and other magical creatures to do his bidding.

This is where the famous Elf on the Shelf comes to the fore. This hero, be it male or female, must explore the world and collect the Christmas spirit. As you undertake your important mission, you must remember to act as Santa’s festive snitch as you observe your chosen family from a high-up shelf.

Simple mechanics.

The story has very little impact on the action. Effectively, every stage is a basic platforming affair. Move from point A to B while collecting your Christmas spirit. Additionally, you’ll have to avoid festive foes as you leap chasms, climb platforms, and find magical doors.

Each stage has 3 magical doors with a mini game behind each one. Completing them is completely unnecessary, but the basic objectives were fun to test your skills. Moreover, they are perfectly balanced for younger players. Your enemies are easy to defeat or avoid. Sprinting and jumping are your main weapons. Alternatively, you can push a Christmas ball and hope to knock robots, nutcrackers, and other enemies out of the way.

Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes has a pleasant finish.

Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes uses many tried and tested ideas. Additionally, it doesn’t push the envelope with its stage design. This doesn’t matter, though, because it has a pleasant and vibrant finish. Sadly, there are a few bugs, and the game crashed on me a handful of times. This may just need a patch, but it was frustrating, nonetheless.

The audio is as upbeat as you’d expect. The music is full of energy and has a magical and mischievous edge. Furthermore, the sound effects are basic but fun. As such, it won’t blow you away, but it was nice to have a safe and pleasant audio experience.

Simple controls.

Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes goes a little overboard on the tutorials. Every new element is explained by Santa, and this does become tedious. However, it is perfect for young children and little guidance is required for them to succeed.

Replay value is limited. Collecting every ounce of the Christmas spirit is not essential. Moreover, you can avoid every mini-game if you wish. Though there were 20+ stages to complete, you will fly through them in no time. My kids kept going back for more, but more advanced or older players may not get as much enjoyment.

Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes is a good, festive experience.

This is a simple platform title that adds some Christmas flair to the mix. Although this won’t appeal to everyone, the theme, characters, and safe gameplay are perfect for its intended audience. I question its release date, but maybe a bit of festive cheer will make the world a more magical place. Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes is a good festive experience, and I recommend buying it here! Can you help Santa and save the day? Overcome the obstacles, complete the mini games, and save Christmas!

Review: Gloomy Eyes

Daniel Waite
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Review: Gloomy Eyes

Gloomy Eyes is a heartwarming but strange self-coop title. Its plot, gameplay, and visuals are attractive and captivating. Furthermore, I adore the narrative, puzzles, and the growing friendship between two forces that should never meet.

This puzzle adventure experience was developed by Fishing Cactus and published by Untold Tales. It’s a single-player affair where problem-solving is at the heart of everything. On top of this, there is a brilliant, blooming friendship that will melt the iciest of hearts.

Gloomy Eyes tells a strange but comforting story. 

I love it when a story twists familiar tropes. Additionally, chuck in some pleasant gameplay mechanics, and you have yourself a winner. Although this isn’t the longest game, it balances things perfectly. Additionally, none of the puzzles overstayed their welcome, and I stayed focused on each chapter with little effort.

You control 2 protagonists. Gloomy and Nena are only young, but their naughty and outlandish ways lead them astray. Gloomy is a zombie boy who is chased and hunted because of his ghoulish ways. Nena is a human girl who cannot be controlled. When the team pair up to bring back daylight, they prove that friendship and fun can cross every barrier.

Brilliant puzzles. 

Gloomy Eyes delivers fascinating puzzles and excellent level design. Although the pathways are relatively linear, the 3D worlds are a joy to explore. Moreover, finding the solution to each problem can be tricky. Consequently, you enjoy rewarding moments throughout.

Where this excels is the incredible storytelling. The pace is fantastic, and the ye olde vibes are wonderful to experience. Furthermore, the relationship between the protagonists blossoms and evolves as each utilises their skills and natural abilities to overcome challenges. 

Gloomy Eyes has a melancholy but wholesome tone. 

Each level is a wonderful maze of intricate problems and obstacles. Moreover, the basic stealth elements work exceptionally well. However, it is the blend of colours and lighting that makes Gloomy Eyes pop. There is a fairy tale edge that delivers magical moments.

The audio is both sombre and upbeat. Though there is plenty of silence, the incredible narration adds a melancholy but wholesome tone. The sound effects are simple but effective. I wasn’t blown away by each noise, but the total package was impressive, regardless. 

Tight controls. 

A self-coop title could be messy, and flitting between characters could be a headache. Luckily, Gloomy Eyes is easy to play. The simple layout ensures that you move between characters with the touch of a button. Moreover, on-screen icons highlight useful items and anything that helps you progress. This straightforward design makes it a versatile title for gamers.

Replay value and longevity are in question. If you are not an achievement hunter, you’ll fly through this in no time. However, if you have to find every secret and collect every achievement, you’ll lose hours of your life. 

Gloomy Eyes is a great indie title. 

Puzzle games can be a little dry. Luckily, Gloomy Eyes is a joy to play. The puzzles, setting, and protagonists are wonderful. Additionally, the story and narration are memorable and stand out from the crowd. Accordingly, I think it’s great and I recommend buying it here! Can you help the pair find daylight? Overcome every obstacle, stay hidden, and complete your mission.

From Hold’em to Omaha: How the Smart Players Are Levelling Up

Christopher John
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From Hold’em to Omaha: How the Smart Players Are Levelling Up

Omaha poker isn’t here to make friends. It plays faster, hits harder, and rewards the kind of sharp thinking that only shows up after you’ve lost a few ugly hands. With four hole cards and wild swings, the game demands more than just confidence. It needs discipline, timing, and a decent sense of humour when the river ruins your night. This article breaks down why Omaha is blowing up online, how to play it without embarrassing yourself, and why it’s quietly becoming the smartest, most addictive card game in the digital world. You ready? Good. Let’s deal.

It’s not that Hold’em got boring. It’s just that Omaha showed up with louder music, more drinks, and a bigger pot. There’s a reason players who’ve spent time around the felt eventually drift toward it. Four hole cards means four chances to get it right — or four chances to make the kind of mistake that still haunts you at 2am. Whether you’re playing for fun or climbing leaderboards, Omaha poker doesn’t play gently. And that’s exactly why it’s worth learning.

Know Your Hands Or Get Wrecked

Look, you can’t bluff your way through Omaha if you don’t know what beats what. And no, it’s not the same as Hold’em. Omaha’s got its own rhythm, and it starts with understanding the basic structure of hand strength. The poker hands chartis your first line of defense. Keep it open. Burn it into your brain.

The trick with Omaha is you get four cards in your hand but you’re only allowed to use two — and then match them with exactly three from the board. This messes with people. You’ll think you’ve got a flush, but it turns out you don’t have the right combo. Meanwhile the guy across the table is slow-playing a boat like he’s reading bedtime stories. It’s brutal. But that’s the game.

If you’re learning, start online. It gives you the volume you need to screw up quietly. Reps matter more than confidence. And once you’ve folded a nut straight because you didn’t see the paired board, you’ll start to take that chart seriously.

Online Poker And The Evolution Of Digital Games

There’s something happening with games in general. The lines between “just for fun” and “dead serious” keep getting fuzzier. Competitive chess is now a Twitch category. Streamers are teaching blackjack like it’s a lifestyle. And poker? It’s riding shotgun with the rest of them.

The rise of skill-based, decision-heavy digital games isn’t a coincidence. Players are craving more control, deeper tactics, and real stakes — even if it’s just bragging rights. Just look at the gaming sector’s recent pivot toward strategy titles with actual consequences. Poker slides right into that space.

Even blockchain games are tapping into the same mindset. They reward timing, insight, and guts. The exact things poker’s been about since long before crypto had a logo. The platforms may change, but the instinct is the same: beat the other guy with your brain, not your wallet.

Poker’s Growth Curve Is No Bluff

If you’re wondering whether poker’s still relevant in a Fortnite world, the numbers will shut that down fast.

The global online poker market was worth USD 3.86 billion in 2024, and it’s projected to hit USD 6.90 billion by 2030. That’s a compound annual growth rate of 10.2%. Not exactly hobbyist territory.

It’s not just the big-money tournament scenes keeping it alive. Casual platforms are exploding too. People want something between Candy Crush and baccarat. A game that feels smart, competitive, but still fits into an evening after work. Omaha fills that gap better than most, because it scales. You can play tight, wild, strategic, stupid. All of it still feels earned!

There’s something inherently sticky about it. Once someone learns the difference between wrap draws and trap folds, it’s hard to walk away. You start seeing patterns. You crave redemption from that one hand you misread. The growth isn’t random. It’s emotional.

Learning Omaha Is A Lifestyle Choice

The thing about poker is that it teaches you stuff. And Omaha teaches faster. You learn patience, because overplaying garbage will ruin you. You learn timing, because the right hand played badly is still a disaster. And most importantly, you learn to shut up and watch, because half the game happens when you’re not even in the hand.

Good Omaha players get that. They don’t chase every pot. They don’t talk unless it’s a story you’ll remember. They sit in the game like it’s a long meal, not a fast snack. You want to be that player. You want to get there before someone shows you how far off you really are.

Start small. Low blinds. No ego. Make your mistakes in rooms that won’t charge you for them. And when you finally start stringing wins together, you’ll know you earned them.

There are games you play once, then forget. This isn’t that kind of game. Omaha isn’t interested in entertaining you. It wants to teach you something. The hard way, usually. And it wants you to come back smarter. If you’re going to sit down at the table, bring your focus. And maybe pour a drink. It’s going to be a long, beautiful night.

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