The Mister Peeks Controller Holder and Phone Stand is eerie, weird, and brilliant for fans of COD. This eye-catching piece is designed by Cable Guys and can be found on EGXpro.com. It is the perfect gift for gamers who love a creepy accessory or die-hard fans of the Call of Duty franchise.
This controller holder is capable of housing modern controllers. Furthermore, you can store your remote or mobile phone safely. This makes this decorative piece a versatile addition to any workspace or gaming corner. Additionally, it adds a splash of colour and drama.
The Mister Peeks Controller Holder and Phone Stand is a perfect Halloween addition.
We’re not far off that spooky time of year. Consequently, no one will bat an eye at an eerie decorative item. Though you may think that this is restrictive, it isn’t. I plan on using the Mister Peeks Controller Holder and Phone Stand all year round. However, EGX Pro offer other fancy and detailed items if you want to change with the seasons. Andrew recently looked at the Monkey Bomb holder, and he loved its style, build quality, and striking appearance.
If you love COD, you’ll be familiar with the protagonist from the Zombies game mode. This Mystery Box Bunny causes mayhem whenever you see him. However, thankfully, this statue is nothing but useful. The balanced arms, angle of body, and 8.5″ height ensure that your stored items are safe. Additionally, it won’t block your TV or monitor as it isn’t too wide or tall.
Build quality.
The Mister Peeks Controller Holder and Phone Stand is impressively built. The holder has a pleasant weight, and the balance is perfect. A rounded base prevents the statue from toppling, and I never worried about my controller or mobile phone.
Though EGX Pro haven’t highlighted the core materials, I believe they use a hardened plastic for durability. Moreover, there are no open elements to worry about. Subsequently, this solid item will endure the test of time.
Its rich colours and attention to detail are great. I adore the creepy and uncomfortable combination of colours. Furthermore, the model brilliantly replicates the COD protagonist, and this will appeal to zombie-loving fans.
Is the Mister Peeks Controller Holder and Phone Stand worth it?
This product won’t appeal to everyone. Kids may find it too scary, and professionals may not like the persona it emanates. However, lovers of COD will adore the creepy imagery, rich colours, and brilliant build quality. Moreover, it is a fantastic talking point. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here!
Here is our review of the Serafim S3 Cloud Gaming Controller.
Specifications
What’s in the box?
The box contains the Serafim S3 Controller, 4 Swappable Grips (two are already attached), a Quick Start Guide and a User Manual.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
Charging the controller is via a USB-C port and you can use the controller whilst it’s charging.
The controller is comfortable to use, even for extended periods. The hall effect joysticks and triggers feel very natural and responsive to use. There are even extra grips in the box that you can swap out if you want to.
All the usual controls are available, including a dedicated Serafim button that launches the Serafim Console app. The app enables to you perform various functions, including taking screenshots and recording gaming footage if thats your thing. You can even livestream with you are paying. You can also test that everything is working correctly. There is also a subscription option for playing more games too.
You can also connect a headset to the controller via a 3.5mm jack.
Fitting your phone in is very simple and the controller holds it in place firmly – just pull the controller apart and place your phone in it. I tried it with both a case on my phone and without the case. The choice is yours, and I guess it will depend on how big your phone case is.
The Serafim S3 Cloud Gaming Controller is available now priced around $99.99. It can only be ordered directly from the Serafim website though.
If you like gaming on the go, and on your mobile phone, then a controller like this is a must have!
Discounty is one of those Stardew Valley, Harvest Moon types of games that will either shine or fail. If you love the genre, you will adore the slow action and the daily grind. Furthermore, there are some nice villagers to interact with, and a gentle learning curve and progression window. However, if this isn’t your thing, you’ll find it super tedious, and you’ll probably uninstall it in minutes. Though it could be considered Marmite, I think more people will love it than loathe it.
This shop/life simulation was developed by Crinkle Cut Games and published by PQube Limited. It is a single-player, top-down affair that is set in a sleepy little town. The main draw is the shopkeeping moments. However, there is a small sense of automation as new tech is unlocked and your shop expands. This is where it truly thrives, as the sense of achievement far outweighs the sense of grind.
Discounty tells a familiar tale.
A family business in trouble, your help is needed, and getting trapped in a backwards village are familiar tropes for this genre. Though it is well trodden, I like how the developer incorporated it into the simple story. Additionally, the main gameplay loop rarely becomes tiresome as you are kept busy.
You are a young, energetic and helpful person who answers the call of your Aunt Tellar. She is a cranky individual who wants her franchise store “Discounty” to thrive. Unfortunately, the village of Blomkest is dead, and the neighbouring villages are thriving. Consequently, Aunt Tellar needs your help to bring energy and a cheap employee to her rescue. As you are left to your own devices, you must appease the villagers, expand the store, and complete an array of tasks.
A simple gameplay loop.
At first, the store is small, understated, and a little grubby. However, with some hard work, you soon get things up and running. New shelves, coolers, items, stock, and customers ensure that each day is different. On top of this, some nice quests help to increase your reputation and relationships with the locals.
Unlike other games in this genre, Discounty hasn’t focused heavily on the out-of-hours experience. Subsequently, once the shop closes, there is little to do. This was somewhat disappointing as romance doesn’t blossom, and friendships are a little stale. Had the team expanded this element, it would be more appealing and more suited to the life simulation genre.
Despite this shortcoming, the store mechanics are fun. Your maths is tested as items fling along your conveyor belt. Alternatively, new tech takes out the hard work, and you serve as many people as possible. Alongside this, you must order stock, replenish shelves, and keep on top of your advertising. It is tough work building an empire, but someone has to do it.
Discounty has a pleasant finish.
Soft colours, gentle pixelated graphics, and a small, cosy town create a wholesome and pleasant finish. Though Discounty won’t win awards for beauty, I like the simple approach and the easy-on-the-eye colour palette. Furthermore, each character has a unique appearance, and this helps you pick out key protagonists from the ordinary punters.
The gentle audio creates a relaxed atmosphere. This isn’t always in keeping with the hectic action, but it matches the slow and lazy small-town charm. The sound effects are basic, but they work to great effect. This isn’t a game that breaks the mould, but it does everything nicely.
The controls are a little clumsy.
Navigating the world, interacting with the locals, picking up rubbish and recycling stuff was a walk in the park. However, things aren’t as rosy as they first appear. The controls are occasionally clumsy, and I made numerous errors when calculating my customers’ bills. This impacts their experience and is unnecessarily frustrating. Though it doesn’t ruin things too much, it could have been better polished.
It didn’t take me too long to complete quests and expand my store. Furthermore, once you invest in some tech, you start to bring in the big bucks. This, coupled with the lack of out-of-hours encounters, holds Discounty back and prevents replay value from truly shining.
Discounty is good, but not the best.
I enjoyed many elements of this game, but I don’t think the balance is quite right. Though the shopkeeping is enjoyable and the limited relationships are captivating, it falls short of its peers. Lovers of the major players in this genre will be left wanting. However, if you want something a little more relaxed and, dare I say it, shallow, this could be the game for you. Accordingly, I like it and recommend buying it here! Can you help the store thrive? Learn the ropes, appease the locals, and put the village back on the map.
Visual novels are one of my favourite subgenres of games, purely because of their compelling storytelling, interesting and enjoyable characters, along with amazing soundtracks. I think I’m drawn to them a lot because of how simply made yet amazing they can truly be, it’s essentially a book in the form of a video game which I really like.
Whilst Sips and Sonnets isn’t a visual novel I’d usually choose to play, but it was a good one nonetheless. I say not choose to play because most of the visual novels I’ve played have been horror ones such as Doki Doki Literature Club and The Letter, so going from playing my usual types which consist of many horror themes to one about an old woman running a tea shop in the British countryside was a surprising, yet nice change.
You play as Miss Meadows, a retired journalist and tea enthusiast, who decided to open up and run a tea shop in the countryside. She is preparing for a visit from her oldest friend Esmee, who she hasn’t caught up with in a while. As she awaits her arrival she meets a few customers, one being a regular whilst the others having entered the tea shop for the first time. As she interacts with them more she uses their conversations as an inspiration for her latest poem.
The voice acting was simply amazingand made for an immersive experience
I’ve always acknowledged the importance of voice acting in video games. I believe that despite how insignificant it may be compared to the story or the gameplay, it actually matters more than a lot of people think. Good voice actors not only improve the game overall, but they can also make it more immersive which is exactly what this game did.
All voice actors did a great job, but I was especially drawn to Miss Meadows who was voiced by Bethan Dixon Bate, known for her many roles such as Vlaakith in Baldur’s Gates 3. I thought she did an excellent job at portraying her and really nailed the caring, kind and gentle tone, which probably describes most of our grandparents perfectly.
I’ve played visual novels both with and without voice actors, and honestly I’m not sure what I prefer. On one hand having voice actors brings a lot more weight and emotions to words which in turn makes for a more immersive and emotional experience, but on the other hand ones without voice actors makes you focus more on the text and feels more like a book. At the end of the day it comes down to individual preferences, though I thoroughly enjoy both.
The characters whilst not having fleshed-out backstories, were still interesting and had nice conclusions
There weren’t many characters in Sips and Sonnets but the four characters (excluding Miss Meadows) which we interacted with often each had their own simple yet impactful stories/problems, which I think a lot of us could relate to at a certain point in our lives. Despite how short the game was, the characters were interesting and had a big impact on the story, each of them touching on different topics and feelings.
Emotions such as nostalgia, regret and self-doubt were all present at some point in the game, something which a lot of us have felt or are still feeling to this day. When we first met the characters we learnt bits about who they are along with what they do, the more we interacted with them the more we learnt about their dilemmas. One of the characters didn’t know if their current job was the correct path despite loving it, wondering if they would look back years later and regret what they did, while another character suffered from self-doubt, questioning if all of their hard work was worth it.
One of the other main emotions shown throughout the game was nostalgia, coming from Miss Meadows most of the time. She would often think about the first poem she wrote when waiting for Esmee in the park, her journalism career and her whole life in general. There’s a specific part in the game when she looks into the mirror and is frightened at what she saw, even though it was just a reflection of her current old self. She didn’t recognize the person looking back at her, which I imagine is something that the elderly go through at some point, expecting to see a younger version of themselves but being met with a face full of wrinkles.
I actually related to that part not because I’m old, but because growing old is a fear of mine as I’m sure is the same case for others, the thought of looking in the mirror and not seeing my younger self is frightening to say the least, alas we can’t stay young forever. Nostalgia was just one of the many emotions depicted throughout the game, it made for a simple yet touching story.
After the characters interacted with Miss Meadows more she eventually gave them small yet life-changing advice which they applied to their current situation, giving them nice conclusions to their stories. They came in for tea but after talking with Miss Meadows they left as a different person in a sense, even if the change and advice given was small.
The Story was simple and short, yet sweet and impactful
A game about running a tea shop isn’t exactly the most compelling and exciting story there’s no denying that, but the thing is a game doesn’t need to have a complex and amazing story to be good, the same goes for movies and series. Sometimes other aspects of the game overshadow the story, which in Sips and Sonnets case it was the characters and the topics touched on, along with how much of a heartwarming game it was in general.
It also had a great way with words, the game was full of insightful quotes, my favourite being “We have legs not roots” which is a very important lesson. Those five words hold a lot of meaning behind them, reminding us that we can take control of our lives or stay stagnant, watching the world go by and not living in the present. Something we shouldn’t allow of course, otherwise soon enough we would look back and only feel a heavy sense of regret knowing what we could have been.
The ending whilst I didn’t expect it was sad to say the least. It turned out that Esmee was dead all along, but Miss Meadows tried her best to forget about losing a dear friend, expecting her to walk through the door any minute. She was mentioned a lot throughout the game so it was evident that she was excited to catch up with such an old friend, only to be revealed that the two would never have a conversation again. It was a sad yet simple reminder that people closest to us do die and we have to make the most out of the time left we have with them.
Those things I thought overshadowed the story and made for a touching experience.
Here we take a closer look at the Photo Creator Instant Print Camera 2.0 from Canal Toys.
The innovative and trendy Photo Creator Instant Print Camera 2.0 is bursting with creativity and colour. With its front and selfie lens, snap the perfect 48MP photo or record a video in HD, then view it all on the 3” touchscreen.
Automatic exposure takes care of the settings, while the built-in flash and LED light ring helps every shot shine. Print over 100 high-quality photos out of the box with 4 colour print options. Personalise each photo with the included stickers and markers for added flair.
A 4GB Micro SD card is included, and memory can be expanded—so you can keep capturing, creating, and printing without limits!
Features
KIDS INSTANT PRINT CAMERA: Snap photos, shoot videos, and print instantly – all with one device!
PHOTO & VIDEO CAPTURE: Use the front or selfie lens to take XMP photos or HD videos, then preview on the 3” HD screen.
PRINT IN 4 COLOURS – Instantly print over 100 high-quality glossy photos with 4 colour options straight out of the box.
CUSTOMISE YOUR WAY: Decorate your prints with included stickers and markers for creative flair.
EXPANDABLE MEMORY: Comes with a 4GB Micro SD card and expandable memory to store even more memories.
What’s in the box?
The box contains the camera, a USB Cable, 100 Pictures to print, 4 Markers, a 4GB Micro SD Card, a Wrist Strap, a Sticker Sheet and a manual.
From birthday parties and school days to holiday snaps and everyday memories, the Instant Print Camera 2.0 makes it easier than ever for kids to preserve and personalise their world.
Never before has a kids’ camera combined this level of photo quality, video capability and instant colour printing, all in one device.
Whether they’re crafting a scrapbook, documenting a day out, or designing prints to share with friends, kids will love the hands-on creativity and independence the Photo Creator Instant Print Camera 2.0 offers.
The Photo Creator Instant Print Camera 2.0 from Canal Toys is available now priced around £69.99 from Smyths Toys, Argos and Amazon and it would make a great Christmas present!
I am a huge fan of reMarkable! This company care about its users and delivers quality products that’ll appeal to creative individuals, workers, and those who love to read. The reMarkable Paper Pro Move tablet is their latest device. I have reviewed the reMarkable 2 and the reMarkable Paper Pro. Both tablets were impressive, and I noted the huge jump in technology between the 2 and the Pro.
The latest edition leans heavily on the Paper Pro’s blueprint. However, it is its compact design and durable accessories that make it stand out from the crowd. I won’t say anything negative about its predecessors, but I am impressed by the compact and lightweight design of the reMarkable Paper Pro Move tablet. Though a smaller screen won’t work for everyone, I appreciated the versatility when compared to the other tablets.
What’s in the box of the reMarkable Paper Pro Move tablet?
The packaging has a traditional and premium appeal. Furthermore, it can be recycled.
The reMarkable Paper Pro Move tablet is sleek, attractive, and pleasant to handle. There are limited buttons and a magnetic area for your Marker Plus pen to be stored.
I was given the burgundy folio case. It has a magnetic rear portion and a security flap to keep your pen safe.
Write on the tablet with the Marker Plus Pen.
A USB-C cable is provided.
Spare nibs keep you writing for longer.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
This compact device is loaded with impressive tech! The 7.3″ Canvas Colour display offers pleasant colour contrast for your PDFs and writing. The result is easy-to-handle documents that retain their original impact. Moreover, you can highlight any errors before you send any documents to your colleagues or cast them on nearby devices.
The casting option is as simple as logging into a compatible device. Once this connection is established, you can share your screen with others to view. Effectively, this makes the reMarkable Paper Pro Move tablet an interactive whiteboard. I found this feature was particularly useful when crunching ideas or working through numbers. If you don’t have a screen to work from, you can email the work directly from the device.
The reMarkable Paper Pro Move tablet is a high-end eReader. Accordingly, you experience occasional screen lag and ghosting. I like this system, and the slowdown was almost negligible. Consequently, it has no impact on your work, reading, or creative edge.
Usability.
This device has approximately 2 weeks of battery life! The 2,334 mAh rechargeable battery never runs hot, and charging it is quick and painless. The long-life power is perfect if you need to work on long commutes or you need to cast your screen for extended periods. Thankfully, the clear icon highlights your battery life, and you are never caught short.
I’ve set up 3 devices and didn’t struggle. The tutorial and startup talk you through the steps, and if you have an existing account, your files and data sync without any stress or effort. This is great as you can shift the workload from one device to another without concern.
Working on a laptop, PC, or your phone is commonplace. However, the constant connection to the internet is distracting. Messages pinging on your screen and your phone vibrating are enough to drive you mad. Luckily, the reMarkable Paper Pro Move tablet removes those stresses. There are no push notifications or messaging systems. Subsequently, when you work with this tablet, it is you, your work, your thoughts, and nothing else!
If you are making notes that need to be in a typed form, this device can do that for you. As long as you are connected to the Wi-Fi, it’ll take the heavy lifting and convert everything for you. In fact, that is how I am writing this article. Every word has been jotted on the device, and I’m testing its accuracy throughout. I have to say it is impressive, as my writing is terrible, and the reMarkable Paper Pro Move tablet rarely gets things wrong.
Build quality.
If you follow my reviews, you know I hate blue light. I often wear gaming glasses from GUNNAR to reduce fatigue, headaches, and other side effects. Thankfully, reMarkable has tackled this issue. This E-Ink device emits low levels of light radiance for a more comfortable user experience. On top of this, there is an adjustable reading light to improve the experience further. The outcome is reduced blue light and increased comfort.
The display is reMarkable’s ace card. However, I was blown away by the sleek case, well-positioned ports, and impressive folio case. Every element of the product is superbly built and designed for a premium experience. Additionally, the Marker Plus Pen is a joy to use. The nib and screen combine to imitate a pencil-on-paper writing style. Furthermore, there is an audible scratching that adds to the realism.
It is the size and lightweight nature of the reMarkable Paper Pro Move tablet that will appeal to many writers, journalists, and creative types. Sliding this tablet into your pocket or bag makes it much more versatile than its bigger brother. Though I love the large screen of the Paper Pro, this device is going to be perfect for interviews and meetings. Additionally, when I have plenty to carry, this will reduce my load.
Is the reMarkable Paper Pro Move tablet worth it?
Is the reMarkable Paper Pro Move tablet worth it? Of course it is! This device is perfect if you do not need a large screen. Moreover, it does everything that the Paper Pro does, but it is more convenient, and I love the design of the folio case. Furthermore, the lack of distractions and buttery smooth writing make it ideal for a peaceful and stress-free working environment. As such, it is a no-brainer, and I recommend buying it here!
(More information on reMarkable can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
I know we take our retro very seriously in these parts, but Beyond Sunset took it a little too far. The retro aspects are on point, and the melee combat system is fire, but the game plays like eye torture.
Developed by Metacorp/ Vaporware and published by Movie Games S.A., Beyond Sunset is a retro-inspired Boomer Shooter with a heavy focus on close combat.
No ifs or buts about it, Beyond Sunset gets a lot right, but makes it very hard, actually, to enjoy the game. Whether with a controller or Keyboard/Mouse, the game has a horrendous HUD and interface. But… beyond the mud, there is a real game.
Sunset on Combat
Boomer shooter through and through. The 2D on 3D aesthetic is strong with this one, but it is designed nicely enough not to cause any discomfort while playing.
Beyond Sunset has you jumping and shooting across many different maps.
Most enemies don’t take much damage before dying, so you only see attack sprites and death sprites. Even the enemies which take a while to die only seem to react once they are dead. Not an issue, I actually found it aesthetically pleasing.
That, however, is just the tip of the iceberg. The real enjoyment that can be extracted from this game is from the close combat. Beyond Sunset has a heavy focus on the main character’s Katana. One slice kills all and makes shooting moot.
I spent the majority of my time with Beyond Sunset parkouring to high perches and slicing the life out of these long-range bullies.
It was, in simple words, fun!
My issues with UI+more
The very first expression of Beyond Sunset comes from the HUD, and it nearly turned me off the whole game.
Static- style, overbearing and very hard to see when at full speed, the text on screen, combined with the pixel graphics, and constant prompts made me pukey on more than one occasion and even made me quit the game out of anger.
Another thing that annoyed me was the settings. Whether graphics, controller sensitivity, or just plain audio, the settings were filled with sliders and buttons with confusing descriptions and, for the most part, did absolutely nothing.
This may not sound like much, but when you spend ten whole minutes trying to figure out how to adjust sensitivity and nothing seems to work… It can frustrate you for the wrong reasons before the right reasons get the chance.
Final Sunset
Beyond Sunset is one of those games that leaves you conflicted. On one hand, it nails the retro boomer shooter DNA with tight levels, crunchy weapons, and a katana slash that never gets old. The parkour mixed with melee combat feels like the best version of an arcade daydream. It has the bones of something special.
But on the other hand, it drags itself down with design choices that make you question how much the devs want you to actually play it.
The HUD is a mess, the menus fight you every step of the way, and basic options feel broken or unfinished. For a game focused flow, being stopped dead in frustration by the UI is the real enemy here.
Alas, if you can stomach the eye strain and accept that half the systems work against you, a fun and frantic core is waiting to be discovered.
Beyond Sunset is proof that style and mechanics can shine through technical grime, but it’s also a reminder that first impressions matter. And hey… Maybe a few patches down the line will fix these little nibbles.
For now, it’s a game that deserves your curiosity but not your patience. A cult gem in the making that is just not quite ready for the spotlight.
DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party is the perfect game for young children. Adults, teenagers, and anyone in between will not like this game. It is vibrant, loud, simple, and stupidly repetitive, but this matters not. My 7-year-old adored every game and basic platform moment. Moreover, she loved helping her favourite characters.
This platform adventure game was developed by Infinigon Games and published by Outright Games. It is a single-player and 2-player couch cooperative experience. We didn’t try the couch coop as my youngest is super stubborn. Instead, I watched her tackle every quest and unlock every mini-game on offer. There were moments where I had to help, but these we few and far between. Instead, she marched on, giggling as the lively and safe world unfolded before her.
DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party has a limited plot.
The plot of DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party is limited at best. The dollhouse is throwing a party and everyone is invited. However, they are missing some key components. This is where Gabby and her friends come to the fore. They must travel to magical worlds and complete an array of tasks. Steal a crown, earn a sceptre, create some music, and so forth. It is all rudimentary, but wow, is it vibrant!
As you explore each world, you will find boxes and simple tasks. Moving shapes to complete puzzles, overcoming basic platforming moves, and throwing switches are par for the course. Additionally, there are numerous mini-games to purchase and unlock. The in-game currency of cat coins can be found everywhere. Subsequently, there is no grind, and your kids can unlock everything with ease.
Mini-games.
Each of the mini-games is scored out of 3 stars. If you fail to get the maximum score, it doesn’t matter. Either move on or try again. You are rewarded with some cat coins or a costume if you achieve the top score. The games consist of a range of basic skill-based tasks. Hoopla, button bashing, bowling, driving, flying, and so on can be enjoyed.
As you unlock each game, you may return to it as many times as you wish. My daughter loved the painting and returned repeatedly to make new and fun images. The balance of adventure, platform, and mini-game elements was just right. Moreover, the difficulty setting is perfect for younger players.
DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party is unbelievably vibrant.
Though DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party can not be considered next-gen, it is pleasant to look at. The level design is interesting, and I loved the vibrant colour palette. Additionally, the cinematic is smooth and pleasant to the eye. Though there were some minor texture issues, this doesn’t impact the gameplay.
The audio is as loud as the game is colourful. The characters all sound familiar, and the acting is of a good standard. Furthermore, most of the exploration and mini-games are accompanied by an upbeat soundtrack. This was a great choice as it prevented the game from feeling flat.
Simple controls.
DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party is ridiculously simple to play. Helpful tutorials tell you what to do, and you are rarely left guessing. The exploration elements were straightforward, and arrows and cutscenes help to guide the way.
Replay value is good if you love the franchise and simple tasks. Though you can return to play each mini-game as much as you wish, the exploration and platforming elements do not change. However, my daughter hasn’t put it down yet, so longevity seems to be a key factor for its intended audience.
DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party is great for younger children.
This will not appeal to a large audience. Yet, younger children will cherish the colourful worlds, fun characters, and enjoyable mini-games. Furthermore, there is a sense of freedom as they tackle every job by themselves. Accordingly, it is great for younger children, and I recommend buying it here! Can you make the party go with a bang? Visit every world, find every item, and make the dollhouse come to life!
That’s really the big question. And, frankly, nobody really knows the answer.
However, we’re here to have a punt at it and see what might be dropping the prices so much.
Carrier Promotions
One of the reasons is simply carrier promotions. A lot of the big brands advertise their cheapest plans as a way to support their branding and become known as the best brands in the space.
This tactic means that the headline figures can be incredible. A lot of people are paying less for their phones than they did fifteen years ago, despite all the inflation that’s happened since then.
What’s more, the amount of minutes and texts that are available on a lot of these plans is unlimited. That means that most people can use their phones all the time, except for the internet.
Many of the cheapest prepaid phone plans also exist because they are being run by virtual networks, which have a fundamentally different business model. They don’t own their own cell towers and infrastructure. Instead, they piggyback on what’s already out there, adding their own brand name when it suits them.
This approach also leads to lower mobile phone costs. That’s because there is intense competition to see who can lower their prices the most and negotiate the best terms with the underlying carriers.
This process began in earnest a few years ago and has continued ever since. A lot of brands simply accepted it because it became so popular.
Forever Plans
Also, the rise of forever plans has also led to lower costs. These simply continue indefinitely and aren’t connected to any physical device. Usually, that’s bought separately.
For example, if you’re on one of these forever plans, you commit to paying the carrier indefinitely. In return, you get far better terms of service and lower pricing.
Another trend related to this last one is the shift toward prepaid and flexible pricing models. The idea is to boost annual turnover by allowing individual consumers to dip in and out of contracts, as and when they need them.
What’s nice about these approaches is that there aren’t any legal restrictions in the background, and users who don’t pay won’t ruin their credit score. Usually, it’s just a matter of paying a small upfront fee and then you can cancel at any point after that, a bit like Netflix.
Sometimes, the very cheapest options have limited data. But that’s soon corrected by opting for the next tier up.
Fewer Perks
Lastly, the cheapest flexible plans usually come with fewer perks. For example, you might not get a streaming service bundle, which is something you get with a lot of standard phone contracts.
You might also have to put up with limited customer service.
Rebellion, the world-famous independent multimedia studio, is pleased to announce the soundtrack to acclaimed survival action game, Atomfall, is releasing on vinyl for the first time in collaboration with SPACELAB9, the collector-centric vinyl imprint revered for transforming cult media into tangible art. Experience the chilling aftermath of the Windscale nuclear disaster with the Atomfall: Original Game Soundtrack LP.
Pre-orders are now open for the limited-edition vinyl at SPACELAB9.com and select retail partners.
Exclusive colored vinyl variants are also coming soon to the Rebellion Shop—strictly limited, once they’re gone, they’re quarantined for good.
Packaged in a gatefold sleeve featuring bespoke game art, this limited-edition vinyl album brings the thrills of Atomfall to your turntable, capturing the sonic paranoia of Britain’s post-nuclear landscape in a format built for those who crave immersion beyond the screen.
Collector Highlights:
Exclusive colored vinyl variants, each curated for visual impact and thematic resonance
Housed in a gatefold sleeve featuring bespoke propaganda art and in-game iconography
Includes a printed insert with liner notes featuring behind-the-scenes commentary from Ben Fisher, Head of Design at Rebellion
Created by composer Graham Gatheral, Audio Director at Rebellion, each track pulses with electronic textures and unsettling rhythms to evoke the essence of abandoned villages, overgrown woods and hidden bunkers that litter Britain’s ravaged rural landscape. Blending sci-fi intensity with folk-horror suspense and Cold War paranoia, Gatheral’s pulse-pounding soundtrack takes you on a perilous journey through the Quarantine Zone. From the eerie stillness of “The Wyndham Way” to the chaotic urgency of “Containment Breach,” each track evokes a world where survival is uncertain, and silence is never safe.
Graham Gatheral, Audio Director at Rebellion Games, comments: “We’re so excited to bring theAtomfall original game soundtrack to vinyl. Drawing inspiration from classic BBC sci-fi and the shadow of 50s paranoia, this album captures the essence of Atomfall to create a soundscape that is eerily familiar yet completely alien. The music drifts from disquieting pastoral tones into a world fractured by autocratic automatons, unexplained possession and the pull of unearthly forces.”
Atomfall marks the first of several upcoming collaborations between SPACELAB9 and Rebellion. As part of SPACELAB9’s ongoing commitment to preserving iconic game scores on vinyl, Atomfall joins a catalog that includes Fallout®, Skyrim®, and The Witcher 3®. Each release is crafted with collectors in mind—from archival-quality audio to immersive packaging that extends the game’s universe beyond the screen.
Having surpassed an impressive 2.5 million players since its release on Marcy 27, 2025, Atomfall has received critical acclaim. The game earned Best Innovation at the 2025 NYX Game Awards and Best In‑Game Accessibility at Develop: Star Awards 2025.
As someone who’s been around Pandora and beyond since Borderlands 2 (which, let’s be honest, still wears the crown), I went back to the first Borderlands and played every entry in the series on release. Borderlands 4 feels like a breath of fresh air, it’s both a continuation and what I’d call a soft reboot, and it nails the balance between old-school charm and modern refinements.
The new cast of Vault Hunters
The four new Vault Hunters are one of the strongest rosters in the series. Each feels unique, versatile, and worth investing in. To be honest this time round I had the hardest time to decide on my starting Vault Hunter.
Vex – The Siren – Hybrid DPS / summoner: good at both solo (since you have minions helping) and co-op. The element switching + minions give room to adapt. If you like being somewhat versatile and not just a straight damage-dealer, Vex is strong. She is the least experienced Siren in the series and it shows with the sense of exploring her powers with her.
Rafa – The Exo-Soldier– Rafa is fast, versatile. Good for run-and-gun, switching between ranged & melee depending on situation. Probably the most straightforward for players who like aggression, speed, and switching modes. But easily my least favourite in terms of writing, Rafa’s dialog can become quite unbearable.
Amon – The ForgeKnight – Tank / front-liner, good in melee, durable. Lots of options to switch between doing damage and absorbing / mitigating it. Best for players who like being in the thick of fight, controlling space via shields / melee, protecting allies or forcing enemies to come to you. Potentially my favourite writing, his calming, strong voice really contradicts his completely out of pocket comments.
Harlow – The Gravitar – Crowd control specialist. She seems designed for dealing with groups, positioning, manipulating the battlefield, and supporting co-op allies (overshields, etc.). Probably less “brute force” than Amon, more about finesse, controlling space, and leveraging status effects / entanglement. Harlow is my starting Vault Hunter and I enjoyed every aspect of her arsenal and writing. wacky nerdy comments and abilities decimate the battlefield made me very happy with my choice.
The Writing
One of the biggest improvements with Borderlands 4 is just how much better the writing is. Where Borderlands 3 struggled with pacing and often leaned too hard into forced humor, this entry dials things back with a story that’s more serious, focused, and easy to follow. That doesn’t mean it’s humourless, there are still plenty of absurd characters, sharp one-liners, and wild scenarios. But the comedy now feels like seasoning rather than the whole dish.
That said, Borderlands 4 truly shines in its side quests. These aren’t throwaway errands or simple fetch missions; they’re often multi-part arcs with their own twists, memorable characters, and emotional payoffs. Some are laugh-out-loud funny, others surprisingly heartfelt, and a few even dip into darker tones. What’s great is how naturally these quests weave into the world, they don’t feel like distractions, they feel like essential pieces of the Kairos.
The character writing for NPCs and Vault Hunters alike has also improved. Each of the four Vault Hunters has a distinct personality and voice that come through in dialogue, making them feel more alive than ever with NPC’s actually reacting wiht unique dialog depending on who you’re playing with. Banter during missions, callbacks to series history, and interactions with quest-givers all help flesh out who they are beyond their skill trees.
The Gunplay
The gunplay continues to get better and better through out the series with weapons feeling punchy and impactful. Loot drops are far more rewarding this time around. Legendaries are harder to come by, which makes finally getting one feel meaningful again. Grinding bosses with friends actually feels like hunting for treasure instead of picking through piles of throwaway gear.
My favorite new addition is the gun parts mechanic. Each manufacturer’s parts can slot into weapons, creating absurdly fun combos. My personal highlight? A Jacobs base weapon rolling ricocheting explosive Torgue bullets that also apply Maliwan status effects. Builds like that keep the loot grind fresh and addicting. It also means that perfect blue SMG can be far better than a Legendary one.
I played mostly solo but jumped into co-op with friends on PC, and crossplay was smooth overall. Frame drops happened when we all went full “Michael Bay” with explosion-heavy builds, but it never became unplayable. A few crashes popped up, though in fairness, some of that felt like the game struggling to keep up with us pushing it to extremes.
My Conclusion
Borderlands 4 isn’t just a return to form, it feels like the natural evolution of the series. A solid story, best-in-class side quests, rewarding loot, and some of the most creative Vault Hunter designs yet make this entry stand tall. It manages to respect the chaotic fun that defined the earlier games while laying down a stronger, more focused foundation for the future.
For long time fans like me, this is the Borderlands we’ve been waiting for since 2.
Hasbro Pulse is celebrating Transformers Day with a powerful lineup of Studio Seriesreveals that bring together icons from across the Transformers movie universe and the Transformers One animated film. From classic G1 nostalgia to modern cinematic showdowns, these new launches are ready to roll out into fan collections worldwide.
Here we take a closer look at Transformers Age of the Primes Titan Class The Thirteen Star Optimus Prime.
Unite your favourite characters from across the world of Transformers robots into your collection with the Transformers Age of the Primes Titan Class Star Optimus Prime action figure!
This 38 cm The Thirteen Star Optimus Prime action figure features 3-in-1 conversion between robot, truck, and battle station modes.
Includes Micromaster Autobot Hot Rod figure, MT-13 Microtrailer, tread unit, cannon blaster, shoulder blasters, ammo clip, swivel turret that becomes a blaster, Zodiac orb, and blast effects accessories.
The Thirteen Star Optimus Prime figure is inspired by the Transformers universe and features articulated head, arms, and legs for awesome action poses. Transformers: Age of the Primes opens up the world of the Primes, the very first bots in Transformers mythology, a pantheon of Thirteen beings, each with a unique ability and personality. Collect different characters to create your ideal Age of the Primes lineup.
Transformers Age of the Primes Titan Class The Thirteen Star Optimus Prime is available now priced around £159.99 and much more is available now on Hasbro Pulse. These would make awesome Christmas presents for the Transformers fan in your family!
Hasbro Pulse have created a song around this year’s theme of “Activate your Alt Mode” which you can listen to on Spotify or iTunes.
Hasbro Pulse is celebrating Transformers Day with a powerful lineup of Studio Seriesreveals that bring together icons from across the Transformers movie universe and the Transformers One animated film. From classic G1 nostalgia to modern cinematic showdowns, these new launches are ready to roll out into fan collections worldwide.
Here we take a closer look at Transformers Age of the Primes Deluxe Class The Thirteen Alchemist Prime.
Unite your favourite characters from across the world of Transformers robots into your collection with the Transformers Age of the Primes Deluxe Class The Thirteen Alchemist Prime action figure!
This 5.5-inch The Thirteen Alchemist Prime action figure converts between robot and Cybertronian armored car modes in 17 steps. Includes a 2-piece Lenses Artifact accessory.
The Thirteen Alchemist Prime figure is inspired by the character from the Transformers universe and features articulated head, arms, and legs for awesome action poses. Transformers: Age of the Primes opens up the world of the Primes, the very first bots in Transformers mythology, a pantheon of Thirteen beings, each with a unique ability and personality.
Every battle, every bot, and every power in the Transformers universe can be traced back to one of The Thirteen. Collect and combine different characters to create your ideal Age of the Primes lineup.
Transformers Age of the Primes Deluxe Class The Thirteen Alchemist Prime is available now priced around £24.99 and much more is available now on Hasbro Pulse. These would make awesome Christmas presents for the Transformers fan in your family!
Hasbro Pulse have created a song around this year’s theme of “Activate your Alt Mode” which you can listen to on Spotify or iTunes.
Hasbro Pulse is celebrating Transformers Day with a powerful lineup of Studio Seriesreveals that bring together icons from across the Transformers movie universe and the Transformers One animated film. From classic G1 nostalgia to modern cinematic showdowns, these new launches are ready to roll out into fan collections worldwide.
Here we take a closer look at Transformers Age of the Primes Voyager Class The Thirteen Prima Prime.
Unite your favourite characters from across the world of Transformers robots into your collection with the Transformers Age of the Primes Voyager Class The Thirteen Prima Prime action figure!
This 17.5 cm The Thirteen Prima Prime action figure converts between robot and Cybertronian truck modes in 20 steps. Includes Star Saber Sword and Matrix of Leadership accessories.
The Thirteen Prima Prime figure is inspired by the character from the Transformers universe and features articulated head, arms, and legs for awesome action poses. Transformers: Age of the Primes opens up the world of the Primes, the very first bots in T
ransformers mythology, a pantheon of Thirteen beings, each with a unique ability and personality. Every battle, every bot, and every power in the Transformers universe can be traced back to one of The Thirteen. Collect and combine different characters to create your ideal Age of the Primes lineup.
Transformers Age of the Primes Voyager Class The Thirteen Prima Prime is available now priced around £34.99 and much more is available now on Hasbro Pulse. These would make awesome Christmas presents for the Transformers fan in your family!
Hasbro Pulse have created a song around this year’s theme of “Activate your Alt Mode” which you can listen to on Spotify or iTunes.
